CN118139551A

CN118139551A - Method and apparatus for processing user input during battery charging

Info

Publication number: CN118139551A
Application number: CN202280065564.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 金龙焕; 金东星; 林宪一; 张锡水
Original assignee: KT&G Corp
Current assignee: KT&G Corp
Priority date: 2021-11-18
Filing date: 2022-11-17
Publication date: 2024-06-04
Also published as: KR20230072661A; US20240148075A1; CA3217312A1; WO2023090882A1; JP2024522700A

Abstract

To process user input while the electronic device is charging, the electronic device receives user input from a user; the electronic device determines whether the user input is a heating command for heating the aerosol-generating substrate of the cigarette; when the user input is a heating command, the electronic device judges whether the electronic device is being charged or not; when the electronic device is charging, the electronic device invalidates the user input; and when the user input is not the heating command, the electronic device performs an operation corresponding to the user input.

Description

Method and apparatus for processing user input during battery charging

Technical Field

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

Background

Recently, there is an increasing demand for electronic cigarettes or electronic cigarettes. The increasing demand for electronic cigarettes has accelerated the continued development of various functions of electronic cigarettes.

Disclosure of Invention

Technical problem

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

Another aspect provides an electronic device that processes user input in different ways depending on a state of charge.

Solution to the problem

According to an aspect, there is provided a user input processing method performed by an electronic device, the method comprising: receiving user input; determining whether a user input is a heating command for heating an aerosol-generating substrate of a cigarette; determining whether the electronic device is being charged based on the user input being a heating command; invalidating the user input if the electronic device is charging; and performing an operation corresponding to the user input when the user input is not the heating command.

According to an example embodiment, the user input processing method may further include: in the case that the user input is a heating command while the electronic device is being charged, checking remaining power of a battery of the electronic device; and stopping charging and executing a heating command corresponding to the user input based on the remaining power of the battery being greater than or equal to the threshold.

According to an example embodiment, invalidating the user input may include displaying a guidance message indicating that: the heating command cannot be executed during charging.

According to example embodiments, the user input may be any one of a button input and a touch input.

According to example embodiments, in the event that the user input is not a heating command, performing an operation corresponding to the user input may include: the operations are performed by an application installed in the electronic device.

According to another aspect, there is provided an aerosol-generating device for performing a user input processing method, the aerosol-generating device comprising: a display configured to receive user input; an insert for receiving a cigarette; a heater configured to heat an aerosol-generating substrate of a cigarette inserted in the insert; and a controller configured to: receiving user input via the display; determining whether a user input is a heating command for heating an aerosol-generating substrate of a cigarette; determining whether the aerosol-generating device is being charged based on the user input being a heating command; invalidating the user input in the event that the aerosol-generating device is charging; and performing an operation corresponding to the user input in case the user input is not the heating command.

According to an example embodiment, the controller may be further configured to: checking the remaining power of the battery of the aerosol-generating device in case the user input is a heating command while the aerosol-generating device is being charged; and stopping charging and executing a heating command corresponding to the user input based on the remaining power of the battery being greater than or equal to the threshold.

According to an example embodiment, the controller may be further configured to: in the case that the user input is a heating command while the aerosol-generating device is charging, displaying a guidance message indicating that: the heating command cannot be executed during charging.

According to an example embodiment, the controller is further configured to: in case the user input is not a heating command, the operation is performed by an application installed in the aerosol-generating device.

Advantageous effects of the invention

According to example embodiments described herein, a user input processing method performed by an electronic device is provided.

According to example embodiments described herein, an electronic device is provided that processes user input in different ways depending on a state of charge.

According to an example embodiment described herein, there is provided an electronic device: the electronic device is capable of performing an operation corresponding to a user input other than a heating command even when charged.

Drawings

Fig. 1a to 1c are perspective views of an electronic device according to example embodiments.

Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of an electronic device according to an example embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a controller according to an example embodiment.

Fig. 4a and 4b are diagrams showing examples of screens displayed on an electronic device according to example embodiments.

Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a user input processing method according to an example embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a user input processing method performed when a heating command is input while charging according to an example embodiment.

Fig. 7 to 9 are diagrams showing examples of inserting cigarettes in an aerosol-generating device according to example embodiments.

Fig. 10 and 11 are perspective views showing examples of cigarettes according to example embodiments.

Fig. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an aerosol-generating device according to another example embodiment.

Detailed Description

The following detailed structural or functional description is provided by way of example only and various changes and modifications may be made to the examples. These examples should not be construed as limited to the examples described in the present disclosure, and should be construed as including all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure.

Terms such as "first," "second," and the like may be used herein to describe various components, but are not limited by these terms. These terms should be only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, within the scope of the claims in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure, a "first" component may be referred to as a "second" component, or similarly, a "second" component may be referred to as a "first" component.

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 between the element and the other element.

As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any one of the associated listed items and any combination of any two or more. As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," and "having" specify the presence of stated features, amounts, operations, elements, components, and/or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, amounts, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms including technical or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood after an understanding of this disclosure. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning that matches the meaning of the context in the relevant art and the present disclosure, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Hereinafter, example embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. When example embodiments are described with reference to the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts, and repetitive descriptions thereof will be omitted.

< Aerosol-generating device configured to handle user input >

Referring to fig. 1a and 1b, the electronic device 100 may include: a front housing 110, the front housing 110 including a display 120; an upper housing 130; a lower case 140; and a rear housing 150. The respective housings may be mechanically or magnetically connected, and the shape of the electronic device 100 and the method of connecting the respective housings may be implemented in various ways. The electronic device 100 may include circuitry in the housing for performing operations. For example, the circuitry for performing the operations may be implemented on a Printed Circuit Board (PCB), and the PCB may be disposed in the housing.

According to an example embodiment, the display 120 included in the front case 110 may display a screen and receive user input from a user. The user input may be any one of a button input and a touch input. The display 120 may include at least one of physical buttons or a touch panel to receive user input. Although the display 120 is shown attached to the outside of the front housing 110 in fig. 1a and 1b, examples are not limited to the example embodiments described herein. That is, the display 120 may be attached at any position of each housing.

Referring to fig. 1b, the upper housing 130 may include holes to insert cigarettes therein. The structure of the holes can be realized in various ways depending on the type of cigarette. According to an example embodiment, a sensor for sensing the type of cigarettes inserted through the holes may be attached to the upper housing 130.

According to example embodiments, the lower case 140 may further include a hole for connecting the power terminal to an external power source for supplying power. The electronic device 100 may receive power from an external power source connected to the power terminal. The power terminals may be implemented as Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports (e.g., USB type C), but are not limited to the example embodiments described herein, and the power terminals may be implemented in various forms. Such power terminal holes or power terminals of the lower case 140 may include a sensor that senses whether terminals of an external power source are connected to such power terminal holes or power terminals of the lower case 140.

According to an example embodiment, the electronic device 100 may be an electronic device for generating an aerosol. For example, the electronic device 100 may include a heater that receives power from a power source, such as a battery, and heats an aerosol-generating substrate of a cigarette inserted in the electronic device 100. The aerosol-generating substrate heated by the heater may generate an aerosol. A detailed configuration of the electronic device 100 will be described hereinafter with reference to fig. 2 and 3.

Referring to fig. 1c, the electronic device 100 may generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol-generating substrate in a cigarette 2 inserted in the electronic device 100. The user can then inhale the aerosol generated to smoke. The electronic device 100 may use various methods to heat the aerosol-generating substrate.

According to an example embodiment, the electronic device 100 may use a heating method in which the heater applies heat directly to the aerosol-generating substrate.

According to another example embodiment, the electronic device 100 may use an induction heating method that does not directly heat the aerosol-generating substrate. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may be heated based on an electromagnetic field generated at microwave resonance, as in a microwave oven.

Referring to fig. 1c, the cigarette 2 may be divided into a first portion comprising the aerosol-generating substrate and a second portion comprising a filter, etc. Alternatively, the second portion of the cigarette 2 may comprise an aerosol-generating substrate. The first portion may be fully inserted into the electronic device 100, and the second portion may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, the first portion may be only partially inserted into the electronic device 100. In another embodiment, the first portion may be fully inserted into the electronic device 100 and the second portion may be partially inserted into the electronic device 100. The user may inhale the aerosol through the second portion. In this case, an aerosol may be generated when external air passes through the first portion, and the generated aerosol may be carried into the mouth of the user through the second portion.

According to an example embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include a controller 210 (e.g., a processor), a display unit 220, a battery 230, a heater 240, and an insert 250 (e.g., a cavity). Although not shown, the electronic device 100 may also include general-purpose components. For example, the electronic device 100 may further include at least one sensor (e.g., a puff sensor, a temperature sensor, a cigarette insertion detection sensor, a power terminal detection sensor, etc.) and a motor for outputting tactile information. As described above with reference to fig. 1 a-1 c, the electronic device 100 may be manufactured to have the following structure: in this structure, outside air may be introduced or inside air may be discharged even when the cigarette 2 is inserted.

For example, the external air may be introduced through at least one air path formed in the electronic device 100. In this example, the opening or closing of the air path formed at the electronic device 100 and/or the size of the air path may be adjusted by a user. Thus, the amount of atomization, the feeling of smoking, etc. can be adjusted by the user. As another example, outside air may be introduced into the interior of cigarette 2 through at least one aperture formed on the surface of cigarette 2.

According to an example embodiment, although not shown, the electronic device 100 may form a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may be used to charge the battery 230 of the electronic device 100.

The controller 210 may control the operation of the electronic device 100. The controller 210 will be described in detail with reference to fig. 3.

The display unit 220 may output visual information through the display 120 described above with reference to fig. 1a to 1c and receive user input from a user. For example, the user input may be a button input or a touch input.

The battery 230 may supply power to the electronic device 100. The battery 230 may receive power from an external power source. For example, as described above with reference to fig. 1a to 1c, the lower case 140 may include a hole for a power terminal, through which power is received from an external power source, and thus the battery 230 may be charged.

The heater 240 may heat the aerosol-generating substrate of the cigarette disposed in the insert 250. As described above with reference to fig. 1c, the heater 240 may heat the aerosol-generating substrate in various ways.

According to an example embodiment, various types of cigarettes 2 may be inserted into the insert 250. The cigarette 2 may have: a cut filler type having a shape such as a full tobacco filler that is directly lit for smoking; a particle type comprising an aerosol-generating substance in the form of particles or capsules; or a liquid type including a liquid composition. A liquid type cigarette may be manufactured in the form of a rod, and may include: including liquids containing tobacco materials (e.g., volatile tobacco flavor components); or a liquid comprising a non-tobacco material in the rod.

According to an example embodiment, the cigarette 2 may be inserted such that the insert 250 surrounds at least a portion of the cigarette 2 (e.g., the aerosol-generating substrate), and the aerosol-generating substrate may be heated by the heater 240. For example, the cigarette 2 may be divided into a first portion comprising the aerosol-generating substrate and a second portion comprising the filter, etc. Alternatively, the second portion of the cigarette 2 may also comprise an aerosol-generating substrate.

According to example embodiments, the electronic device 100 may further include a communication module having a bluetooth chip or a Wi-Fi chip, and the controller 210 may use the communication module to communicate with an external device such as a server through a network. When a hub device, such as an Access Point (AP), is present around the electronic device 100, the controller 210 may use the hub device to communicate with a server.

According to an example embodiment, the controller 210 may include a communication unit 310, a processor 320, and a memory 330.

The communication unit 310 may be connected to the processor 320 and the memory 330 to transmit data to the processor 320 and the memory 330 and to receive data from the processor 320 and the memory 330. The communication unit 310 may be connected to another external device to transmit and receive data to and from the other external device. Hereinafter, transmitting and receiving "a" may refer to transmitting and receiving "information or data indicating a".

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

The processor 320 may process data received by the communication unit 310 and data stored in the memory 330. The processors described herein may be hardware-implemented processing devices with physically structured circuitry to perform desired operations. The desired operations may include, for example, code or instructions included in a program. Hardware-implemented data processing means may include, for example, microprocessors, central Processing Units (CPUs), processor cores, multi-core processors, multiprocessors, application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), and Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs).

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

The memory 330 may store therein data received by the communication unit 310 and data processed by the processor 320. For example, the memory 330 may store programs (or applications, or software) therein. The program to be stored may be a set of grammars (syntaxes) encoded by the processor 320 and executable by the processor 320 to control the electronic device 100.

Memory 330 may include, for example, at least one of volatile memory, non-volatile memory, random Access Memory (RAM), flash memory, a hard disk drive, and an optical disk drive.

Memory 330 may store a set of instructions (e.g., software) for causing controller 210 to operate. The set of instructions for causing the controller 210 to operate may be executed by the processor 320.

The communication unit 310, the processor 320 and the memory 330 will be described in detail with reference to fig. 4a to 6.

Fig. 4a shows a main screen displayed on the display 120 of the electronic device 100. On the home screen, it is possible to display: an icon 410 for starting smoking (initiating); an icon 420 for setting a communication state; and an icon 430 for checking battery information. On the home screen, time information 440 and weather information 460 may also be displayed.

According to an example embodiment, the processor 320 described above with reference to fig. 3 may receive user input through a touch, tap, drag, etc. performed on the display 120. When the user taps (or touches) the icon 430 for checking the battery information, a screen as shown in fig. 4b may be displayed.

According to an example embodiment, fig. 4a may be a diagram showing a screen displayed on the display 120 of the electronic device 100 when the electronic device 100 is being charged.

According to an example embodiment, the electronic device 100 may generate an aerosol for a user to smoke by heating the aerosol-generating substrate of the cigarette 2, as described above with reference to fig. 1a to 3, but the electronic device 100 may also provide other functions to the user. For example, the electronic device 100 may provide the time information 440 and the weather information 460, and the operation may be performed by an application installed in the electronic device 100.

According to an example embodiment, the processor 320 may determine whether a user input entered into the electronic device 100 is a heating command for heating the aerosol-generating substrate. For example, when user input is received through icon 410 for starting smoking, processor 320 may determine: the user input is a heating command for heating the aerosol-generating substrate of the cigarette 2 in the insert 250 by the heater 240. However, the configuration is not limited to the example embodiments described herein, and the processor 320 may determine whether the user input is a heating command according to the user input inputted to the various user interfaces.

According to an example embodiment, when the user input is a heating command, the processor 320 may determine whether the electronic device 100 is being charged. When power is supplied to the battery 230 from an external source, the processor 320 may determine that the electronic device 100 is being charged. According to another example embodiment, the power terminal hole or the power terminal of the lower case 140 of the electronic device 100 may include a sensor that senses whether a terminal of the external power source is connected to the power terminal hole or the power terminal, and the processor 320 may determine whether the electronic device 100 is being charged based on the sensor.

In the event that the electronic device 100 heats the aerosol-generating substrate of the cigarette 2 placed in the insert 250 by the heater 240 while being charged, this may lead to failure of the electronic device 100. Thus, in the event that the user input is a heating command while the electronic device 100 is charging, the processor 320 may deactivate the user command. For example, the processor 320 may not execute the heating command received by the electronic device 100. According to an example embodiment, the processor 320 may display a guide message 450 indicating that the heating command cannot be executed while charging is occurring. According to another example embodiment, the processor 320 may provide tactile (e.g., haptic) feedback through a motor included in the electronic device 100 for outputting tactile information. According to yet another example embodiment, the processor 320 may use the indicator to provide visual feedback that flashes red light. However, the configuration is not limited to the example embodiments described herein, and the processor 320 may notify the user in various ways: the heating command cannot be executed while charging is being performed.

According to an example embodiment, when the user input is not a heating command, the processor 320 may perform an operation corresponding to the user input. For example, when a user input 435 is received through the icon 430 for checking battery information during battery charging, the processor 320 may perform a corresponding operation without invalidating the user input. An example embodiment of performing an operation corresponding to a user input other than a heating command while charging will be described in detail with reference to fig. 4 b.

Fig. 4b shows a screen of the display 120 of the electronic device 100 displaying battery information. According to an example embodiment, the screen of fig. 4b may be displayed when the user input 435 is received through the icon 430 for checking battery information while the electronic device 100 is being charged.

As long as the user input is not a heating command, the processor 320 may perform an operation corresponding to the user input even if the user input is received while the electronic device 100 is being charged. For example, when a user input for checking the battery state is received during charging, battery information 480 as shown in fig. 4b may be displayed. According to an example embodiment, information 490 about the number of remaining uses according to the current battery state may also be displayed. In addition to displaying information related to the battery, time information 470 and the like may be displayed on the screen.

Although fig. 4b shows an example embodiment of checking battery information, this is not limited to the example embodiments described herein. The processor 320 may perform various operations corresponding to the user input as long as the user input is not a heating command. For example, various applications may be installed in the electronic device 100, and when a user input for an application is received while being charged, the processor 320 may perform an operation through the corresponding application. With this configuration, the user can use functions other than heating the aerosol-generating substrate even when the electronic device 100 is being charged.

According to an example embodiment, even when a user input is received as a heating command while charging is being performed, in the case where the remaining power of the battery 230 is greater than or equal to a threshold value, the processor 320 may stop charging and execute the heating command corresponding to the user input. For example, when the remaining power of the battery 230 is 50% or more and a heating command is received, the processor 320 may cut off the power supply from the external power source and execute the heating command. For example, the electronic device 100 may further include a circuit capable of cutting off the power supply, and the processor 320 may control the circuit cutting off the power supply even when an external source is connected to the electronic device 100.

According to an example embodiment, processor 320 may provide information such as "do you want to stop charging and heat? "and the like, and may stop charging and execute a heating command according to a user input such as a touch to a confirm button. As described above with reference to fig. 1 a-3, the processor 320 may heat the aerosol-generating substrate of the cigarette 2 in the insert 250 by the heater 240 and the user may inhale an aerosol generated by heating the aerosol-generating substrate of the cigarette 2.

< User input processing method >

Operations 510 to 540 described below may be performed by the processor 320 of the electronic device 100 described above with reference to fig. 1 to 4b, and duplicate descriptions may be omitted.

In operation 510, the processor 320 may receive user input from a user. For example, the processor 320 may receive user input through a touch panel or the like included in the display 120.

In operation 520, the processor 320 may determine whether the user input is a heating command for heating the aerosol-generating substrate of the cigarette 2. When the user input is not a heating command, the processor 320 may perform an operation corresponding to the user input in operation 550 described below.

In operation 530, when the user input is a heating command for heating the aerosol-generating substrate of the cigarette 2, the processor 320 may determine whether the electronic device 100 is being charged. When the electronic device 100 is not being charged, the processor 320 may perform an operation corresponding to the user input in operation 550. For example, when the user input is a heating command, the processor 320 may heat the aerosol-generating substrate of the cigarette 2 in the insert 250 through the heater 240. As another example, when the user input is a message application execution command, the processor 320 may execute the corresponding application.

In operation 540, in the event that the user input is a heating command while the electronic device 100 is being charged, the processor 320 may deactivate the user input. For example, the processor 320 may not execute the heating command received by the electronic device 100. As described above with reference to fig. 4a, the processor 320 may notify the user by various means: the heating command cannot be executed while charging is being performed.

According to an example embodiment, after the processor 320 invalidates the user input in operation 540, when the user input received again from the user (operation 510) is not a heating command (operation 520), the processor 320 may perform an operation corresponding to the user input in operation 550. With this configuration, the electronic apparatus 100 can perform an operation corresponding to a user input other than a heating command even when the electronic apparatus 100 is being charged.

Operations 610 and 620 described below may be performed by the processor 320 of the electronic device 100 described above with reference to fig. 1 to 5, and duplicate descriptions may be omitted. Operations 610 and 620 may be performed after performing operation 530 described above with reference to fig. 5.

According to an example embodiment, in case that the user input is a heating command while the electronic device 100 is being charged, the processor 320 may check the remaining power of the battery 230 in operation 610. When the remaining power of the battery 230 is greater than or equal to the threshold, the processor 320 may stop charging and execute the heating command in operation 620. For example, when the remaining power of the battery 230 is 50% or more, the processor 320 may cut off the power supply from the external power source and execute the heating command. As described above with reference to fig. 4b, the processor 320 may also display a message for user confirmation and execute a heating command based on the input of the user confirmation.

According to the example embodiment described with reference to fig. 6, even when a heating command is input while charging, in the event that the remaining power of the battery is greater than or equal to a threshold, the processor 320 may stop charging and heat the aerosol-generating substrate of the cigarette 2 in the insert 250 by the heater 240 so that the user may smoke, even when the charging terminal is connected to the electronic device 100.

In fig. 7 to 9 described below, the aerosol-generating device 1 may correspond to the electronic device 100 described above with reference to fig. 1a to 2. The battery 11 may correspond to the battery 230 described above with reference to fig. 2. The controller 12 may correspond to the controller 210 described above with reference to fig. 2. The vaporizer 14 or the heater 13 may correspond to the heater 240 described above with reference to fig. 2.

Referring to fig. 7, the aerosol-generating device 1 comprises a battery 11, a controller 12 and a heater 13. Referring to fig. 8 and 9, the aerosol-generating device 1 may further comprise a vaporiser 14. The cigarette 2 may be inserted into the interior space of the aerosol-generating device 1.

The aerosol-generating device 1 shown in fig. 7 to 9 may comprise components related to the example embodiments described herein. Accordingly, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains that the aerosol-generating device 1 may comprise other general-purpose components in addition to those shown in fig. 7 to 9.

In addition, although the heater 13 is shown to be included in the aerosol-generating device 1 in fig. 8 and 9, the heater 13 may be omitted as required.

Fig. 7 shows a linear arrangement (LINEAR ARRANGEMENT) of the battery 11, the controller 12 and the heater 13. Fig. 8 shows a linear arrangement of the battery 11, the controller 12, the vaporizer 14, and the heater 13. Fig. 9 shows a parallel arrangement of the vaporizer 14 and the heater 13. However, the internal structure of the aerosol-generating device 1 is not limited to that shown in fig. 7 to 9. That is, such an arrangement of the battery 11, the controller 12, the heater 13 and the vaporizer 14 may be changed according to the design of the aerosol-generating device 1.

When the cigarette 2 is inserted in the aerosol-generating device 1, the aerosol-generating device 1 may actuate the heater 13 and/or the vaporiser 14 to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated by the heater 13 and/or the vaporiser 14 may be conveyed to the user through the cigarette 2.

According to the embodiment, even when the cigarette 2 is not inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1, the aerosol-generating device 1 can heat the heater 13 as needed.

The battery 11 may supply electrical power for the operation of the aerosol-generating device 1. For example, the battery 11 may supply power to heat the heater 13 or the carburetor 14, and may supply power required for the operation of the controller 12. Further, the battery 11 may supply electric power required for operation of a display, a sensor, a motor, and the like mounted in the aerosol-generating device 1.

The controller 12 may control the overall operation of the aerosol-generating device 1. For example, the controller 12 may control the respective operations of the other components included in the aerosol-generating device 1 except for the battery 11, the heater 13 and the vaporizer 14. Furthermore, the controller 12 may verify the status of each of the components of the aerosol-generating device 1 to determine whether the aerosol-generating device 1 is in an operational state.

The controller 12 may include at least one processor. A processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or as a combination of a general purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program capable of being executed in the microprocessor. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the processor may be implemented in other types of hardware.

The heater 13 may be heated by electric power supplied from the battery 11. For example, when the cigarette 2 is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1, the heater 13 may be disposed outside the cigarette 2 such that the heated heater 13 increases the temperature of the aerosol-generating substance in the cigarette 2.

For example, the heater 13 may be a resistive heater. In this example, the heater 13 may include a conductive trace (track), and the heater 13 may be heated when a current flows through the conductive trace. However, the heater 13 is not limited to the above example, and other types of heating the heater 13 may be heated to a desired temperature without limitation. The desired temperature may be preset in the aerosol-generating device 1 or may be set by the user.

As another example, the heater 13 may be an induction heating type heater. In this example, the heater 13 may include a conductive coil for heating the cigarette 2 by induction heating, and the cigarette 2 may include an induction heating member to be heated by the induction heating type heater.

For example, the heater 13 may include a tubular heating element, a plate-like heating element, a needle-like heating element, or a rod-like heating element, and may heat the inside or outside of the cigarette 2 according to the shape of the heating element.

Further, the heater 13 may be provided as a plurality of heaters in the aerosol-generating device 1. In this case, the heater may be provided to be inserted into the cigarette 2, or may be provided outside the cigarette 2. Further, when the cigarette 2 is inserted in the aerosol-generating device 1, some of the heaters 13 may be inserted into the cigarette 2, and the remaining ones of the heaters may be disposed outside the cigarette 2. However, the shape of the heater 13 is not limited to the shape shown in fig. 7 to 9, but may be provided in various shapes.

The vaporizer 14 may heat the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol may be delivered to a user through the cigarette 2. In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporiser 14 may follow the airflow path of the aerosol-generating device 1, and the airflow path may be configured such that the aerosol generated by the vaporiser 14 is provided to the user through the cigarette 2.

For example, vaporizer 14 may include a liquid storage portion, a liquid delivery device, and a heating element, but is not limited thereto. For example, the liquid reservoir, the liquid delivery device and the heating element may be comprised in the aerosol-generating device 1 as separate modules.

The liquid storage unit may store the liquid composition. The liquid composition may be, for example, a liquid comprising tobacco-containing materials having volatile tobacco aroma components, or may be a liquid comprising non-tobacco materials. The liquid reservoir may be detachable from the carburetor 14, or the liquid reservoir may be manufactured integrally with the carburetor 14.

The liquid composition may comprise, for example, water, solvents, ethanol, plant extracts, fragrances, flavoring agents, or vitamin mixtures. The flavor may include, for example, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, various fruit flavor ingredients, and the like, but is not limited thereto. The flavoring agent may include ingredients that provide various flavors or tastes to the user. The vitamin mixture may be a mixture of at least one of vitamin a, vitamin B, vitamin C, or vitamin E, but is not limited thereto. The liquid composition may also include aerosol formers such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

The liquid delivery device may deliver the liquid composition in the liquid reservoir to the heating element. The liquid delivery device may be, for example, a core such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic, but is not limited thereto.

The heating element may be an element for heating the liquid composition delivered by the liquid delivery device. The heating element may be, for example, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, a ceramic heater, etc., but is not limited thereto. In addition, the heating element may comprise a conductive wire, such as nichrome wire, and may be wrapped around the liquid delivery device. The heating element may be heated when a current is applied and may transfer heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element and thereby may heat the liquid composition. Thus, an aerosol can be generated.

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

The aerosol-generating device 1 may further comprise general components other than the battery 11, the controller 12, the heater 13 and the vaporiser 14. For example, the aerosol-generating device 1 may comprise a display for outputting visual information and/or a motor for outputting tactile information. In addition, the aerosol-generating device 1 may comprise at least one sensor (e.g. a puff sensor, a temperature sensor, a cigarette insertion detection sensor, etc.). Furthermore, the aerosol-generating device 1 may be manufactured with the following structure: in this structure, external air may be introduced or internal gas may flow out, even in the case where the cigarette 2 is inserted.

Although not shown in fig. 7 to 9, the aerosol-generating device 1 may form a system with a separate carrier. For example, the cradle may be used to charge the battery 11 of the aerosol-generating device 1. Alternatively, the bracket may be used to heat the heater 13 when the aerosol-generating device 1 is coupled to the bracket.

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

The first part may be fully inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1 and the second part may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, the first part may be partially inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1 and the first part may be fully inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1 and the second part may be partially inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1. The user may then inhale the aerosol with the second portion in the user's mouth. In this case, the aerosol may be generated as the external air passes through the first portion, and the generated aerosol may pass through the second portion into the mouth of the user.

For example, external air may be introduced via at least one air path formed in the aerosol-generating device 1. For example, the opening and closing of the air path formed in the aerosol-generating device 1 and/or the size of the air path may be adjusted by the user. Thus, the amount of atomization, smoking sensation, etc. can be adjusted by the user. As another example, outside air may be introduced into the interior of cigarette 2 via at least one aperture formed on the surface of cigarette 2.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the cigarette 2 will be described with reference to fig. 10 and 11.

Fig. 10 and 11 are perspective views of an example of a cigarette according to example embodiments.

The cigarette 2 shown in fig. 10 and 11 may correspond to the cigarette 2 described above with reference to fig. 1 c.

Referring to fig. 10, cigarette 2 may include a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22. The first and second portions described above with reference to fig. 7-9 may include a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22, respectively.

Although the filter rod 22 is shown as having a single segment in fig. 10, embodiments are not so limited. That is, the filter rod 22 may include a plurality of segments. For example, the filter rod 22 may include a section that cools the aerosol and a section that filters out certain components contained in the aerosol. In addition, filter rod 22 may include at least one segment that performs other functions, as desired.

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

Cigarettes 2 may be wrapped with at least one wrapper 24. The package 24 may have at least one hole through which external air is introduced or through which internal gas is discharged to the outside. For example, cigarettes 2 may be wrapped with one wrapper 24. As another example, cigarettes 2 may be wrapped in an overlapping manner with two or more wrappers 24. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be wrapped with a first wrapper 24a and the filter rod 22 may be wrapped with wrappers 24b, 24c, and 24 d. In addition, cigarettes 2 may again be integrally wrapped with single wrapper 24 e. For example, when the filter rod 22 includes a plurality of segments, the segments may be wrapped with wrappers 24b, 24c, and 24d, respectively.

The first and second packages 24a, 24b may be formed of a common filter wrapper. For example, the first and second packages 24a, 24b may be porous or nonporous. Further, the first and second packages 24a, 24b may be formed of oil resistant paper and/or aluminum laminate packaging material.

The third wrapper 24c may be formed of a hard wrapper. For example, the basis weight of the third package 24c may be in the range of 88 grams per square meter (g/m ²) to 96g/m ², and desirably, the basis weight of the third package 24c may be in the range of 90g/m ² to 94g/m ². Further, the thickness of the third package 24c may be in the range of 120 millimeters (μm) to 130 μm, and desirably, the thickness of the third package 24c may be 125 μm.

The fourth wrapper 24d may be formed of an oil resistant hard wrap. For example, the basis weight of the fourth package 24d may be in the range of 88g/m ² to 96g/m ², and desirably, the basis weight of the fourth package 24d may be in the range of 90g/m ² to 94g/m ². Further, the thickness of the fourth package 24d may be in the range of 120 μm to 130 μm, and desirably, the thickness of the fourth package 24d may be 125 μm.

The fifth package 24e may be formed of a sterilized paper (e.g., MFW). Sterile paper (MFW) refers to paper specifically prepared such that tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. are enhanced compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth package 24e may be in the range of 57g/m ² to 63g/m ², and desirably, the basis weight of the fifth package 24e may be 60g/m ². Further, the thickness of the fifth package 24e may be in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and desirably, the thickness of the fifth package 24e may be 67 μm.

The fifth package 24e may have a predetermined material added to the interior of the fifth package 24 e. The material may be, for example, but is not limited to, silicon. Silicon may have various characteristics, such as, for example: heat resistance with less temperature change; oxidation resistance; resistance to various chemicals; waterproof property; or electrical insulation. However, silicon may not necessarily be used, but any material having these characteristics may be applied (or coated) on the fifth package 24e without limitation.

The fifth wrapper 24e may prevent the cigarettes 2 from burning. For example, when the tobacco rod 21 is heated by the heater 13, the cigarette 2 is likely to burn. For example, when the temperature rises above the ignition point of any of the materials included in the tobacco rod 21, the cigarette 2 may burn. Even in this case, the cigarettes 2 can be prevented from burning, since the fifth wrapper 24e comprises a non-combustible material.

Further, the fifth wrapper 24e can prevent the holder from being contaminated by substances generated in the cigarettes 2. For example, a liquid substance may be produced in the cigarette 2 by the user's puff. Such liquid substances (e.g., water, etc.) may be produced, for example, when aerosols generated in the cigarettes 2 are cooled by outside air. Therefore, the fifth package 24e is used to package the cigarettes 2, so that the liquid substances generated in the cigarettes 2 can be prevented from leaking out of the cigarettes 2.

The tobacco rod 21 may include an aerosol-generating substance. The aerosol-generating substance may include, for example, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol, but is not limited thereto. The tobacco rod 21 may also include other additives such as, for example, flavoring agents, humectants, and/or organic acids. In addition, the tobacco rod 21 may include a flavored liquid, such as menthol, or a humectant that is added when sprayed onto the tobacco rod 21.

The tobacco rod 21 may be manufactured in various forms. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be manufactured as a sheet (sheet) or a strand (strand). The tobacco rod 21 may also be formed with cut tobacco filler cut from finely cut tobacco sheets. In addition, the tobacco rod 21 may be wrapped with a thermally conductive material. The thermally conductive material may be, for example, a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto. For example, the thermally conductive material encasing the tobacco rod 21 may uniformly distribute heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21 to increase the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod, thereby improving the taste of the tobacco. In addition, the heat conductive material wrapping the tobacco rod 21 may be used as an induction heater (inductor) heated by an induction heater. In this case, although not shown, the tobacco rod 21 may include an additional induction heating member in addition to the heat conductive material wrapping the outside of the tobacco rod 21.

The filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. However, the shape of the filter rod 22 is not limited. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a cylindrical rod, or a tubular rod including a hollow portion therein. The filter rod 22 may also be a recessed rod. For example, when the filter rod 22 includes a plurality of segments, at least one of the segments may be manufactured in a different shape.

In this example, the first segment of filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first section may be a tubular structure including a hollow portion therein. In this example, when the heater 13 is inserted, the first segment may prevent the interior material of the tobacco rod 21 from being pushed rearward, and the first segment may create an aerosol cooling effect. The desired diameter of the hollow portion included in the first section may be employed in the range of 2mm to 4.5mm, but is not limited thereto.

The desired length of the first segment may be employed in the range of 4mm to 30mm, but is not limited thereto. Desirably, the length of the first section may be 10mm, but is not limited thereto.

The first section may have a hardness that is adjusted by adjusting the amount of plasticizer during the manufacture of the first section. Furthermore, structures such as membranes or tubes made of the same or different materials may be included in the first section.

The second section of the filter rod 22 may cool the aerosol generated when the heater 13 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 in various ways depending on the shape of the cigarette 2. For example, the desired length of the second segment may be employed in the range of 7mm to 20 mm. Desirably, the length of the second section may be about 14mm, but is not limited thereto.

The second segment may be manufactured by braiding the polymer fibers. In this case, the scented liquid may be applied to fibers formed from the polymer. Alternatively, the second segment may be manufactured by braiding together individual fibers applied with a scented liquid and fibers formed of a polymer. Alternatively, the second section may be formed from a curled polymeric sheet.

For example, the polymer may be prepared from a material selected from at least one of: polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose Acetate (CA) and aluminum foil.

Since the second section is formed from woven polymer fibers or crimped polymer sheets, the second section may include a single channel or multiple channels extending in the longitudinal direction. As used herein, a channel may refer to a path through which gas (e.g., air or aerosol) passes.

For example, the second segment formed with the crimped polymer sheet may be formed from a material having a thickness of between about 5 μm and about 300 μm, e.g., the second segment formed with the crimped polymer sheet may be formed from a material having a thickness of between about 10 μm and about 250 μm. Further, the total surface area of the second section may be between about 300mm ²/mm and about 1000mm ²/mm. Furthermore, the aerosol-cooling element may be formed from a material having a specific surface area of between about 10mm ²/mg and about 100mm ²/mg.

The second segment may include threads (threads) containing volatile fragrance components. Here, the volatile flavor component may be menthol, but is not limited thereto. For example, the wire may be filled with a sufficient amount of menthol to provide at least 1.5 milligrams (mg) of menthol to the second segment.

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

The third segment may be manufactured such that the fragrance is generated by spraying a fragrance liquid onto the third segment during the manufacturing of the third segment. Alternatively, individual fibers to which the scented liquid is applied may be inserted into the third section. The aerosol generated by the tobacco rod 21 may be cooled as the aerosol passes through the second section of the filter rod 22, and the cooled aerosol may be conveyed to the user through the third section. Thus, when the fragrance element is added to the third segment, the durability of the fragrance delivered to the user can be enhanced.

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

Referring to fig. 11, the cigarette 3 may further include a front end plug 33. The front end plug 33 may be provided on the opposite side of the tobacco rod 31 from the filter rod 32. The front end plug 33 can prevent the tobacco rod 31 from escaping to the outside, and can also prevent the aerosol liquefied from the tobacco rod 31 during smoking from flowing into an aerosol-generating device (e.g., the aerosol-generating device 1 of fig. 7-9).

The filter rod 32 may include a first segment 32a and a second segment 32b. The first segment 32a may correspond to the first segment of the filter rod 22 of fig. 10, and the second segment 32b may correspond to the third segment of the filter rod 22 of fig. 10.

The diameter and overall length of the cigarette 3 may correspond to the diameter and overall length of the cigarette 2 of fig. 10. 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 32a may be about 12mm in length, and the second segment 32b may be about 14mm in length. However, the example is not limited thereto.

The cigarettes 3 may be wrapped with at least one wrapper 35. The package 35 may have at least one hole through which external air flows into the inside or through which internal gas flows to the outside. For example, the front end plug 33 may be packaged with a first package 35a, the tobacco rod 31 may be packaged with a second package 35b, the first segment 32a may be packaged with a third package 35c, and the second segment 32b may be packaged with a fourth package 35 d. Further, cigarettes 3 may again be integrally wrapped with fifth wrapper 35 e.

Further, at least one perforation 36 may be formed on the fifth package 35 e. For example, perforations 36 may be formed in the area surrounding tobacco rod 31, but are not so limited. Perforations 36 may perform the function of transferring heat generated by heater 13 shown in fig. 8 and 9 to the interior of tobacco rod 31.

Further, the second section 32b may include at least one capsule 34. The capsule 34 may perform a flavor-generating function or an aerosol-generating function. For example, the capsule 34 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a fragrance is enclosed with a film. The capsule 34 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

The first wrapper 35a may be a combination of a general filter wrapper and a metal foil such as aluminum foil. For example, the total thickness of the first package 35a may be in the range of 45 μm to 55 μm, and desirably, the total thickness of the first package 35a may be 50.3 μm. Further, the thickness of the metal foil of the first package 35a may be in the range of 6 μm to 7 μm, and desirably, the thickness of the metal foil of the first package 35a may be 6.3 μm. Further, the basis weight of the first package 35a may be in the range of 50g/m ² to 55g/m ², and desirably, the basis weight of the first package 35a may be 53g/m ².

The second package 35b and the third package 35c may be formed of a general filter wrapper. The second package 35b and the third package 35c may each be, for example, a porous wrapper or a non-porous wrapper.

For example, the porosity of the second package 35b may be 35000CU, but is not limited thereto. Further, the thickness of the second package 35b may be in the range of 70 μm to 80 μm, and desirably, the thickness of the second package 35b may be 78 μm. Further, the basis weight of the second package 35b may be in the range of 20g/m ² to 25g/m ², and desirably, the basis weight of the second package 35b may be 23.5g/m ².

For example, the porosity of the third package 35c may be 24000CU, but is not limited thereto. Further, the thickness of the third package 35c may be in the range of 60 μm to 70 μm, and desirably, the thickness of the third package 35c may be 68 μm. Further, the basis weight of the third package 35c may be in the range of 20g/m ² to 25g/m ², and desirably, the basis weight of the third package 35c may be 21g/m ².

The fourth package 35d may be formed of polylactic acid (PLA) laminated paper. PLA laminated paper may refer to a three-ply paper comprising a paper ply, a PLA layer and a paper ply. For example, the thickness of the fourth package 35d may be in the range of 100 μm to 120 μm, and desirably, the thickness of the fourth package 35d may be 110 μm. Further, the basis weight of the fourth package 35d may be in the range of 80g/m ² to 100g/m ², and desirably, the basis weight of the fourth package 35d may be 88g/m ².

The fifth package 35e may be formed of a sterilized paper (e.g., MFW). Sterile paper (MFW) may refer to paper specifically prepared such that it has enhanced tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. as compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth package 35e may be in the range of 57g/m ² to 63g/m ², and desirably, the basis weight of the fifth package 35e may be 60g/m ². Further, the thickness of the fifth package 35e may be in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and desirably, the thickness of the fifth package 35e may be 67 μm.

The fifth package 35e may have a predetermined material added to the inside of the fifth package 35e. The material may be, for example, but is not limited to, silicon. Silicon has various characteristics, such as, for example: heat resistance with less temperature change; oxidation resistance; resistance to various chemicals; waterproof property; or electrical insulation. However, silicon may not necessarily be used, but any material having the above-described characteristics may be applied (or coated) to the fifth package 35e without limitation.

The front end plug 33 may be formed of cellulose acetate. For example, the front end plug 33 may be manufactured by adding a plasticizer (e.g., glyceryl triacetate) to a cellulose acetate tow. Shan Dan denier (mono denier) of filaments constituting the cellulose acetate tow may be in the range of 1.0 to 10.0, and desirably, mono denier of filaments constituting the cellulose acetate tow may be in the range of 4.0 to 6.0. More desirably, the filament of the front end plug 33 may have a single denier of 5.0. Further, the cross section of the filaments constituting the front end plug 33 may be Y-shaped. The total denier (total denier) of the front end plug 33 may be in the range of 20000 to 30000, and desirably, the total denier of the front end plug 33 may be in the range of 25000 to 30000. More desirably, the total denier of the front end plug 33 may be 28000.

Further, the front end plug 33 may include at least one channel as needed, and the cross-sectional shape of the channel may be provided in various ways.

The tobacco rod 31 may correspond to the tobacco rod 21 described above with reference to fig. 10. Therefore, a detailed description of the tobacco rod 31 will be omitted herein.

The first section 32a may be formed from cellulose acetate. For example, the first section may be a tubular structure including a hollow portion therein. The first segment 32a may be manufactured by adding a plasticizer (e.g., glyceryl triacetate) to the cellulose acetate tow. For example, the Shan Dan denier and the total denier of the first segment 32a may be the same as the Shan Dan denier and the total denier of the front end plug 33.

The second section 32b may be formed from cellulose acetate. The filaments comprising second segment 32b may have a single denier in the range of 1.0 to 10.0, and desirably, the filaments comprising second segment 32b may have a single denier in the range of 8.0 to 10.0. More desirably, the filaments of the second segment 32b may have a single denier of 9.0. Furthermore, the cross-section of the filaments of the second section 32b may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the second segment 32b may be in the range of 20000 to 30000, and desirably, the total denier of the second segment 32b may be 25000.

Fig. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an aerosol-generating device 9 according to another example embodiment.

In fig. 12, described below, the aerosol-generating device 9 may correspond to the electronic device 100 described above with reference to fig. 1a to 2. The display 93a or the user input unit 96 may correspond to the display unit 220 described above with reference to fig. 2 or the display 120 described above with reference to fig. 1a to 1 c. The battery 94 may correspond to the battery 230 described above with reference to fig. 2. The heater 95 may correspond to the heater 240 described above with reference to fig. 2.

According to an example embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 9 may comprise a controller 91, a sensing unit 92, an output unit 93, a battery 94, a heater 95, a user input unit 96, a memory 97 and a communication unit 98. However, the internal structure of the aerosol-generating device 9 is not limited to that shown in fig. 12. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains that depending on the design of the aerosol-generating device 9, some of the components shown in fig. 12 may be omitted or new components may be added.

The sensing unit 92 may sense a state of the aerosol-generating device 9 or a state of the surrounding environment of the aerosol-generating device 9 and transmit sensing information obtained by the sensing to the controller 91. Based on the sensed information, the controller 91 may control the aerosol-generating device 9 to control operation of the heater 95, limit smoking, determine whether an aerosol-generating article (e.g., cigarette, cartridge, etc.) is inserted, display a notification, and perform other functions.

The sensing unit 92 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 92a, an insertion detection sensor 92b, or a suction sensor 92c, but is not limited thereto.

The temperature sensor 92a may sense the temperature at which the heater 95 (or aerosol-generating substance) is heated. The aerosol-generating device 9 may comprise a separate temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the heater 95, or the heater 95 itself may perform the function as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, a temperature sensor 92a may be disposed around the battery 94 to monitor the temperature of the battery 94.

The insertion detection sensor 92b may sense whether the aerosol-generating article is inserted or removed. For example, the insertion detection sensor 92b may include at least one of, for example, a film sensor, a pressure sensor, a light sensor, a resistance sensor, a capacitance sensor, an inductance sensor, and an infrared sensor, which may sense a change in a signal due to insertion or removal of the aerosol-generating article.

Suction sensor 92c may sense the user's suction based on various physical changes in the airflow path or airflow channel. For example, the puff sensor 92c may sense the puff based on any one of a temperature change, a flow (flow) change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

In addition to including the above-described sensors 92a to 92c, the sensing unit 92 may include at least one of a temperature/humidity sensor, a barometric sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a position sensor (e.g., a Global Positioning System (GPS)), a proximity sensor, and a red, green, and blue (RGB) sensor (e.g., an illuminance sensor). The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred from its name by one of ordinary skill in the art, and thus a more detailed description of these sensors will be omitted herein.

The output unit 93 may output information about the state of the aerosol-generating device 9 and provide this information to the user. The output unit 93 may include at least one of a display 93a, a haptic 93b, or a sound output 93c, but is not limited thereto. When the display 93a and the touch panel are provided in a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display 93a can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

The display 93a may visually provide information about the aerosol-generating device 9 to the user. The information about the aerosol-generating device 9 may, for example, include a charge/discharge state of the battery 94 of the aerosol-generating device 9, a warm-up state of the heater 95, an insertion/removal state of the aerosol-generating article, a limited use state of the aerosol-generating device 9 (e.g., article in which abnormality is detected), and the like, and the display 93a may output the information to the outside. The display 93a may be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), or the like. The display 93a may also be in the form of a Light Emitting Diode (LED) device.

The haptic 93b may provide information about the aerosol-generating device 9 to the user in a tactile manner by converting an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus. The haptic 93b may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electro-stimulation device.

The sound output 93c may provide information to the user about the aerosol-generating device 9 in an audible manner. For example, the sound output 93c may convert an electric signal into a sound signal and output the sound signal to the outside.

The battery 94 may supply electrical power for operation of the aerosol-generating device 9. The battery 94 may supply power to heat the heater 95. Further, the battery 94 may supply power required for operation of other components included in the aerosol-generating device 9 (e.g., the sensing unit 92, the output unit 93, the user input unit 96, the memory 97, and the communication unit 98). The battery 94 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. The battery 94 may be, for example, a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

The heater 95 may receive power from the battery 94 to heat the aerosol-generating substance. Although not shown in fig. 12, the aerosol-generating device 9 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a Direct Current (DC) to DC (DC/DC) converter) that converts power of the battery 94 and supplies the power to the heater 95. In addition, when the aerosol-generating device 9 generates an aerosol by an induction heating method, the aerosol-generating device 9 may further comprise a Direct Current (DC) to Alternating Current (AC) converter that converts DC power of the battery 94 into AC power.

The controller 91, the sensing unit 92, the output unit 93, the user input unit 96, the memory 97, and the communication unit 98 may receive power from the battery 94 to perform functions. Although not shown in fig. 12, the aerosol-generating device 9 may further include a power conversion circuit that converts the power of the battery 94 and supplies the power to the respective components, such as a Low Dropout (LDO) circuit or a voltage regulation circuit.

According to an example embodiment, the heater 95 may be formed of a suitable resistive material. The resistive material may be a metal or metal alloy including, for example, but not limited to, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nickel chromium metal, and the like. In addition, the heater 95 may be implemented as a metal heating wire (wire), a metal heating plate on which conductive traces are arranged, a ceramic heating element, or the like, but is not limited thereto.

According to another example embodiment, the heater 95 may be an induction heating type heater. For example, the heater 95 may comprise an induction heating element that heats the aerosol-generating substance by generating heat by means of a magnetic field applied by a coil.

According to example embodiments, the heater 95 may include a plurality of heaters. For example, the heater 95 may include a first heater for heating cigarettes and a second heater for heating liquids.

The user input unit 96 may receive information input by a user or may output information to a user. For example, the user input unit 96 may include a keypad, a dome switch, a touch pad (e.g., a contact capacitive type, a pressure resistive type, an infrared sensing type, a surface ultrasonic conduction type, an integral tension measuring type, a piezoelectric effect method, etc.), a wheel switch, etc., but is not limited thereto. In addition, although not shown in fig. 12, the aerosol-generating device 9 may further include a connection interface, such as a USB interface, and the aerosol-generating device 9 may be connected to other external devices through the connection interface, such as the USB interface, to transmit and receive information or to charge the battery 94.

The memory 97, which is hardware for storing various pieces of data processed in the aerosol-generating device 9, may store data processed by the controller 91 and data to be processed by the controller 91. The memory 97 may include, for example, at least one storage medium of a flash memory type memory, a hard disk type memory, a multimedia card micro memory, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Static RAM (SRAM), a Read Only Memory (ROM), an Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM), a Programmable ROM (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The memory 97 may store the operating time of the aerosol-generating device 9, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, data associated with the user's smoking pattern, etc.

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

The short-range wireless communication unit 98a may include a bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication unit, a Near Field Communication (NFC) unit, a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) (or Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared data protocol (IrDA) communication unit, a Wi-Fi direct (WFD) communication unit, an Ultra Wideband (UWB) communication unit, an+ communication unit, and the like. However, the example of the short-range wireless communication unit 98a is not limited thereto.

The wireless communication unit 98b may include a cellular network communication unit, an internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a Local Area Network (LAN) or Wide Area Network (WAN)) communication unit, and the like. However, the example of the wireless communication unit 98b is not limited thereto. The wireless communication unit 98b may use subscription user information, such as an International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI), to identify and authenticate the aerosol-generating device 9 in the communication network.

The controller 91 may control the overall operation of the aerosol-generating device 9. According to an example embodiment, the controller 91 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates, or the at least one processor may be implemented as a combination of a general purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the controller may be implemented in other types of hardware.

The controller 91 may control the temperature of the heater 95 by controlling the supply of electric power from the battery 94 to the heater 95. For example, the controller 91 may control the supply of electric power by controlling the switching of the switching element between the battery 94 and the heater 95. As another example, the direct heating circuit may control the supply of electric power to the heater 95 according to a control command from the controller 91.

The controller 91 may analyze a sensing result obtained by the sensing of the sensing unit 92 and control a process to be performed thereafter. For example, the controller 91 may control the power supplied to the heater 95 based on the sensing result obtained by the sensing unit 92 to start or end the operation of the heater 95. In addition, based on the sensing result of the sensing unit 92, the controller 91 may control the amount of power supplied to the heater 95 and the time at which the power is supplied so that the heater 95 may be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at a desired temperature.

The controller 91 may control the output unit 93 based on the sensing result of the sensing unit 92. For example, when the number of puffs counted by the puff sensor 92c reaches a preset number, the controller 91 may inform the user that the aerosol-generating device 9 is about to terminate through at least one of the display 93a, the haptic 93b, or the sound output 93 c.

According to an example embodiment, the controller 91 may control the power supply time and/or the power supply amount for the heater 95 according to the state of the aerosol-generating article sensed by the sensing unit 92. For example, when the aerosol-generating article is in an excessively wet state, the controller 91 may control the power supply time for the induction coil such that the warm-up time is increased compared to the case where the aerosol-generating article is in a general state.

The methods according to example embodiments described herein may be recorded in a non-transitory computer-readable medium including program instructions for implementing various operations of the example embodiments. Media may also include data files, data structures, and the like, alone or in combination with program instructions. The program instructions recorded on the medium may be program instructions specially designed and configured for the purposes of the example embodiments, or the program instructions recorded on the medium may be of a type well known and available to those having skill in the computer software arts. Examples of non-transitory computer readable media include: magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tape; optical media such as CD-ROM discs, DVD and/or Blu-ray discs; magneto-optical media such as optical disks; and hardware devices that are specially configured to store and perform program instructions, such as read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), flash memory (e.g., USB flash drives, memory cards, memory sticks, etc.), and the like. Examples of program instructions include both machine code, such as produced by a compiler, and files containing higher level code that may be executed by the computer using an interpreter. The apparatus described above may be configured to function as one or more software modules in order to perform the operations of the example embodiments, or vice versa.

The software may include a computer program, a piece of code, instructions, or some combination thereof to individually or collectively instruct or configure the processing device to operate as needed. The software and data may be embodied permanently or temporarily in any type of machine, component, physical or virtual device, computer storage medium or apparatus, or in a propagated signal wave capable of providing instructions or data to, or being interpreted by, a processing apparatus. The software may also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the software is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. The software and data may be stored by one or more non-transitory computer readable recording media. The non-transitory computer readable recording medium may include any data storage device that can store data which can be thereafter read by a computer system or a processing device.

While this disclosure includes particular example embodiments, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims and their equivalents. The examples described herein should be considered as illustrative only and not for the purpose of limitation. The description of features or aspects in each example should be considered as applicable to similar features or aspects in other examples. Suitable results may be achieved where the techniques are performed in a different order and/or where components in the system, architecture, device, or circuit are combined in a different manner or replaced or supplemented by other components or their equivalents.

Thus, the scope of the disclosure is not to be limited by the specific embodiments, but by the claims and their equivalents, and all modifications within the scope of the claims and their equivalents should be construed as being included in the disclosure.

Claims

1. A user input processing method performed by an electronic device, the method comprising:

Receiving user input;

determining whether the user input is a heating command for heating an aerosol-generating substrate of a cigarette;

determining whether the electronic device is being charged based on the user input being the heating command;

invalidating the user input if the electronic device is charging; and

When the user input is not the heating command, an operation corresponding to the user input is performed.

2. The user input processing method of claim 1, further comprising:

checking remaining power of a battery of the electronic device in a case where the user input is the heating command while the electronic device is being charged; and

Based on the remaining power of the battery being greater than or equal to a threshold, charging is stopped and the heating command corresponding to the user input is executed.

3. The user input processing method of claim 1, wherein invalidating the user input comprises:

displaying a guidance message, the guidance message indicating: the heating command cannot be executed during charging.

4. The user input processing method according to claim 1, wherein the user input is any one of a button input and a touch input.

5. The user input processing method according to claim 1, wherein in a case where the user input is not the heating command, the operation corresponding to the user input is performed by an application program installed in the electronic device.

6. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing instructions executable by a processor to perform the user input processing method of claim 1.

7. An aerosol-generating device for performing a user input processing method, the aerosol-generating device comprising:

a display configured to receive user input;

an insert for receiving a cigarette;

A heater configured to heat an aerosol-generating substrate of the cigarette inserted in the insert; and

A controller configured to:

Receiving user input via the display;

determining whether the user input is a heating command for heating the aerosol-generating substrate of the cigarette;

Determining whether the aerosol-generating device is being charged based on the user input being the heating command;

invalidating the user input if the aerosol-generating device is charging; and

In the case where the user input is not the heating command, an operation corresponding to the user input is performed.

8. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 7, wherein the controller is further configured to:

Checking remaining power of a battery of the aerosol-generating device if the user input is the heating command while the aerosol-generating device is charging; and

9. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 7, wherein the controller is further configured to:

In the event that the user input is the heating command while the aerosol-generating device is charging, displaying a guidance message indicating that: the heating command cannot be executed during charging.

10. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 7, wherein the user input is any one of a button input and a touch input.

11. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 7, wherein the controller is further configured to: in case the user input is not the heating command, the operation is performed by an application installed in the aerosol-generating device.