AEROSOL-GENERATING DEVICE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119 (a), this application claims the benefit of earlier filing date and right of priority to Korean Patent Application Nos. 10-2023-0067280, filed on May 24, 2023 and 10-2023-0088335, filed on Jul. 7, 2023, the contents of which are all hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating device.

BACKGROUND ART

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

If a user drops an aerosol-generating device, the aerosol-generating device may break due to drop impact. Even if the aerosol-generating device does not break due to one drop, the aerosol-generating device may eventually break as large or small drop impact is repeatedly applied to the aerosol-generating device.

Conventionally, because an aerosol-generating device does not sense drop impact applied thereto or does not store a fall history therein, it is difficult to accurately analyze a cause of breakdown when the aerosol-generating device breaks due to being dropped.

DISCLOSURE
Technical Problem

It is an object of the present disclosure to solve the above and other problems.

It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device configured to store information about a fall history of a body therein.

It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device configured to notify a user of an alarm message associated with fall of a body.

Technical Solution

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, the above and other objects can be accomplished by the provision of an aerosol-generating device including a body, a heater disposed in the body and configured to heat an aerosol-generating substance, at least one sensor configured to output sensing data related to fall of the body, a memory configured to store fall history information of the body, a controller configured to acquire sensing data from the at least one sensor and to determine, based on the acquired sensing data, whether the body falls, and a power supply configured to supply power to at least one of the heater, the controller, the at least one sensor, or the memory, wherein, upon determining that the body has fallen, the controller may accumulate and store the fall history information in the memory.

Advantageous Effects

According to at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to accurately determine whether a body falls.

According to at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to stably detect fall of the body.

According to at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, since fall history information is accumulated and stored, it is possible to accurately analyze a cause of breakdown in the event of breakdown of an aerosol-generating device.

According to at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to facilitate maintenance of the device in the event of breakdown of the aerosol-generating device.

According to at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, an alarm indicating fall of the body may be provided to a user, thereby enabling the user to stably use the device and preventing serious damage to the device.

According to at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, in a situation in which there is concern about damage to the device due to falling, heating operation of the device may be interrupted, thereby preventing the occurrence of additional breakdown of the device.

Additional applications of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, because various changes and modifications will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific embodiments, such as preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, are merely given by way of example.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present disclosure will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1 to 7 are views showing an aerosol-generating device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a view showing an example in which the aerosol-generating device falls;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart related to operation of determining whether the aerosol-generating device falls according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a graph showing an example of atmospheric pressure data according to fall of the aerosol-generating device;

FIG. 12 is a graph showing an example of altitude data according to fall of the aerosol-generating device;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart related to operation of determining whether the aerosol-generating device falls according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a graph showing an example of impact amount data according to fall of the aerosol-generating device;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart related to operation of determining whether the aerosol-generating device falls according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 16 is a flowchart related to operation additionally performed when determining fall of the aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

MODE FOR INVENTION

Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and the same or similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals even though they are depicted in different drawings, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

In the following description, with respect to constituent elements used in the following description, the suffixes “module” and “unit” are used only in consideration of facilitation of description, and do not have mutually distinguished meanings or functions.

In addition, in the following description of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, a detailed description of known functions and configurations incorporated herein will be omitted when the same may make the subject matter of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification rather unclear. In addition, the accompanying drawings are provided only for a better understanding of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification and are not intended to limit the technical ideas disclosed in the present specification. Therefore, it should be understood that the accompanying drawings include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions within the scope and sprit of the present disclosure.

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

It will be understood that when a component is referred to as being “connected to” or “coupled to” another component, it may be directly connected to or coupled to another component, or intervening components may be present. On the other hand, when a component is referred to as being “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another component, there are no intervening components present.

As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

FIGS. 1 to 7 are views showing an aerosol-generating device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 1, an aerosol-generating device 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of a power supply 11, a controller 12, a sensor 13, or a heater 18. At least one of the power supply 11, the controller 12, the sensor 13, or the heater 18 may be disposed in a body 10 of the aerosol-generating device. The body 10 may define a space having an open top to allow a stick S, which is an aerosol-generating article, to be inserted thereinto. The space having an open top may be referred to as an insertion space 43. The insertion space 43 may be formed so as to be depressed to a predetermined depth toward the interior of the body 10 so that the stick S is inserted at least partway thereinto. The depth of the insertion space 43 may correspond to the length of the portion of the stick S that contains an aerosol-generating substance and/or medium. The lower end of the stick S may be inserted into the body 10, and the upper end of the stick S may protrude to the outside of the body 10. A user may inhale air in a state of holding the upper end of the stick S, which is exposed to the outside, in the mouth.

The heater 18 may heat the stick S. The heater 18 may be elongated upward in the space into which the stick S is inserted. For example, the heater 18 may include a tube-type heating element, a plate-type heating element, a needle-type heating element, or a rod-type heating element. The heater 18 may be inserted into a lower portion of the stick S. The heater 18 may include an electro-resistive heater and/or an induction heater.

For example, referring to FIG. 1, the heater 18 may be a resistive heater. For example, the heater 18 may include an electrically conductive track and may be heated as current flows through the electrically conductive track. The heater 18 may be electrically connected to the power supply 11. The heater 18 may directly generate heat using current received from the power supply 11.

For example, the heater 18 may include multiple heaters. The heater 18 may include a first heater 18A and a second heater 18B. The first and second heaters 18A and 18B may be disposed in series in a longitudinal direction. The first and second heaters 18A and 18B may be heated sequentially or simultaneously.

For example, referring to FIG. 2, the aerosol-generating device may include an induction coil 181 surrounding the heater 18. The induction coil 181 may cause the heater 18 to generate heat. The heater 18 as a susceptor may generate heat using a magnetic field generated by alternating current flowing through the induction coil 181. The magnetic field may pass through the heater 18 to generate an eddy current in the heater 18. The current may cause the heater 18 to generate heat.

For example, referring to FIG. 3, a susceptor SS may be included in the stick S, and the susceptor SS in the stick S may generate heat using a magnetic field generated by alternating current flowing through the induction coil 181. The susceptor SS may be disposed in the stick S and may not be electrically connected to the aerosol-generating device. The susceptor SS may be inserted into the insertion space 43 together with the stick S and may be removed from the insertion space 43 together with the stick S. The stick S may be heated by the susceptor SS in the stick S. In this case, the aerosol-generating device may not be provided with the heater 18.

The power supply 11 may supply power so that components of the aerosol-generating device operate. The power supply 11 may be referred to as a battery. The power supply 11 may supply power to at least one of the controller 12, the sensor 13, or the heater 18. The power supply 11 may supply power to the induction coil 181.

The controller 12 may control overall operation of the aerosol-generating device. The controller may be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The controller 12 may control operation of at least one of the power supply 11, the sensor 13, or the heater 18. The controller 12 may control operation of the induction coil 181. The controller 12 may control operation of a display, a motor, etc. mounted in the aerosol-generating device. The controller 12 may check the state of each of the components of the aerosol-generating device and may determine whether the aerosol-generating device is in an operable state.

The controller 12 may analyze a result of detection by the sensor 13 and may control subsequent processes. For example, the controller 12 may control, based on a result of detection by the sensor 13, power supplied to the heater 18 so that operation of the heater 18 commences or ends. For example, the controller 12 may control, based on a result of detection by the sensor 13, the amount of power supplied to the heater 18 and a power supply time so that the heater 18 is heated to a predetermined temperature or is maintained at an appropriate temperature.

The sensor 13 may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion detection sensor, or an acceleration sensor. For example, the sensor 13 may detect at least one of the temperature of the heater 18, the temperature of the power supply 11, or the internal/external temperature of the body 10. For example, the sensor 13 may detect a user puff. For example, the sensor 13 may detect whether the stick S is inserted into the insertion space 43. For example, the sensor 13 may detect movement of the aerosol-generating device.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, an aerosol-generating device 1 according to an embodiment may include at least one of a power supply 11, a controller 12, a sensor 13, a heater 18, or a cartridge 19. At least one of the power supply 11, the controller 12, the sensor 13, or the heater 18 may be disposed in a body 10 of the aerosol-generating device. A detailed description of the same configuration as that of the aerosol-generating device 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be omitted.

The heater 18 may heat a stick S. The heater 18 may be disposed around a space into which the stick S is inserted and may be elongated upward. For example, the heater 18 may be formed in a shape of a tube including a cavity formed therein. The heater 18 may be disposed around an insertion space 43. The heater 18 may be disposed so as to surround at least a portion of the insertion space 43. The heater 18 may heat the insertion space 43 or the stick S inserted into the insertion space 43. The heater 18 may include an electro-resistive heater and/or an induction heater.

The cartridge 19 may contain therein an aerosol-generating substance in a liquid state, a solid state, a gas state, or a gel state. The aerosol-generating substance may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid including a tobacco-containing material having a volatile tobacco flavor component or may be a liquid including a non-tobacco material.

The cartridge 19 may be integrally formed with the body 10 or may be detachably coupled to the body 10.

For example, referring to FIG. 4, the cartridge 19 may be integrally formed with the body 10 and may communicate with the insertion space through a gasflow channel CN.

For example, referring to FIG. 5, a space may be defined in one side of the body 10, and the cartridge 19 may be mounted in the body 10 in such a manner that at least a portion of the cartridge 19 is inserted into the space defined in one side of the body 10. The gasflow channel CN may be defined by a portion of the cartridge and/or a portion of the body 10, and the cartridge 19 may communicate with the insertion space 43 through the gasflow channel CN.

The body 10 may be formed in a structure that allows outside air to be introduced into the body 10 in a state in which the cartridge 19 is inserted thereinto. In this case, the outside air introduced into the body 10 may pass through the cartridge 19 to enter the user's mouth.

The cartridge 19 may include a storage portion CO containing an aerosol-generating substance and/or a heater 24 configured to heat the aerosol-generating substance in the storage portion CO. A liquid delivery element impregnated with (containing) the aerosol-generating substance may be disposed in the storage portion CO. Here, the liquid delivery element may include a wick, such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic. The electrically conductive track of the heater 24 may be formed in a coil-shaped structure that is wound around the liquid delivery element or a structure that is in contact with one side of the liquid delivery element. The heater 24 may be referred to as a cartridge heater 24.

The cartridge 19 may generate an aerosol. As the liquid delivery element is heated by the cartridge heater 24, an aerosol may be generated. An aerosol may be generated by heating the stick S using the heater 18. While the aerosol generated by the cartridge heater 24 and the heater 18 passes through the stick S, the aerosol may be mixed with a tobacco material, and the aerosol mixed with the tobacco material may be drawn into the user's mouth through one end of the stick S.

The aerosol-generating device 1 may be provided only with the cartridge heater 24, and the body 10 may not be provided with the heater 18. In this case, while the aerosol generated by the cartridge heater 24 passes through the stick S, the aerosol may be mixed with a tobacco material, and the aerosol mixed with the tobacco material may be drawn into the user's mouth.

The aerosol-generating device 1 may include a cap (not shown). The cap may be detachably coupled to the body 10 so as to cover at least a portion of the cartridge 19 coupled to the body 10. The stick S may be inserted into the body 10 through the cap.

The power supply 11 may supply power to at least one of the controller 12, the sensor 13, the cartridge heater 24, or the heater 18.

The controller 12 may control operation of at least one of the power supply 11, the sensor 13, the heater 18, or the cartridge 19. The controller 12 may analyze a result of detection by the sensor 13 and may control subsequent processes. For example, the controller 12 may control, based on a result of detection by the sensor 13, power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 so that operation of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 commences or ends. For example, the controller 12 may control, based on a result of detection by the sensor 13, the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 and a power supply time so that the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 is heated to a predetermined temperature or is maintained at an appropriate temperature.

The sensor 13 may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion detection sensor, a color sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, or a cap detection sensor. For example, the sensor 13 may detect at least one of the temperature of the heater 18, the temperature of the power supply 11, or the internal/external temperature of the body 10. For example, the sensor 13 may detect a user puff. For example, the sensor 13 may detect whether the stick S is inserted into the insertion space 43. For example, the sensor 13 may detect whether the cartridge is mounted. For example, the sensor 13 may detect whether the cap is mounted.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, an aerosol-generating device 1 according to an embodiment may include at least one of a power supply 11, a controller 12, a sensor 13, or a heater 18. At least one of the power supply 11, the controller 12, the sensor 13, or the heater 18 may be disposed in a body 10 of the aerosol-generating device. A detailed description of the same configuration as that of the aerosol-generating device 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 will be omitted.

For example, referring to FIG. 6, the heater 18 may be a resistive heater. For example, the heater 18 may include an electrically conductive track and may be heated as current flows through the electrically conductive track. The heater 18 may be electrically connected to the power supply 11. The heater 18 may directly generate heat using current received from the power supply 11.

For example, referring to FIG. 7, the aerosol-generating device may include an induction coil 181 surrounding the heater 18. The induction coil 181 may cause the heater 18 to generate heat. The heater 18 as a susceptor may generate heat using a magnetic field generated by alternating current flowing through the induction coil 181. The magnetic field may pass through the heater 18 to generate an eddy current in the heater 18. The current may cause the heater 18 to generate heat.

Meanwhile, a susceptor may be included in the stick S, and the susceptor in the stick S may generate heat using a magnetic field generated by alternating current flowing through the induction coil 181.

The power supply 11 may supply power to at least one of the controller 12, the sensor 13, or the heater 18. If the aerosol-generating device 1 includes the induction coil 181, the power supply 11 may supply power to the induction coil 181.

The controller 12 may control operation of at least one of the power supply 11 or the sensor 13. The controller 12 may analyze a result of detection by the sensor 13 and may control subsequent processes. For example, the controller 12 may control, based on a result of detection by the sensor 13, power supplied to the heater 18 so that operation of the heater 18 commences or ends. For example, the controller 12 may control, based on a result of detection by the sensor 13, the amount of power supplied to the heater 18 and a power supply time so that the heater 18 is heated to a predetermined temperature or is maintained at an appropriate temperature.

The sensor 13 may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, or an insertion detection sensor. For example, the sensor 13 may detect at least one of the temperature of the heater 18, the temperature of the power supply 11, or the internal/external temperature of the body 10. For example, the sensor 13 may detect a user puff. For example, the sensor 13 may detect whether the stick S is inserted into the insertion space 43.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an aerosol-generating device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The aerosol-generating device 1 may include a power supply 11, a controller 12, a sensor 13, an output unit 14, an input unit 15, a communication unit 16, a memory 17, and one or more heaters 18 and 24. However, the internal structure of the aerosol-generating device 1 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 8. That is, it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that some of the components shown in FIG. 8 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol-generating device 1.

The sensor 13 may detect the state of the aerosol-generating device 1 or the state of the surrounding of the aerosol-generating device 1 and may transmit information about the detected state to the controller 12. Based on the information about the detected state, the controller 12 may control the aerosol-generating device 1 to perform various functions, such as control of operation of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18, smoking restriction, determination as to whether the stick S and/or the cartridge 19 is inserted, and notification display.

The sensor 13 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 131, a puff sensor 132, an insertion detection sensor 133, a reuse detection sensor 134, a cartridge detection sensor 135, a cap detection sensor 136, a movement detection sensor 137, a first sensor 138, or a second sensor 139.

The temperature sensor 131 may detect temperature to which the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 is heated. The aerosol-generating device 1 may include a separate temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18, or the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 itself may serve as a temperature sensor.

The temperature sensor 131 may output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may include a resistive element that changes in resistance value according to a change in temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18. The temperature sensor may be implemented as a thermistor, which is an element characterized in that the resistance thereof changes with temperature. In this case, the temperature sensor 131 may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistive element as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be configured as a sensor configured to detect the resistance value of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18. In this case, the temperature sensor 131 may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18.

The temperature sensor 131 may be disposed around the power supply 11 to monitor the temperature of the power supply 11. The temperature sensor 131 may be disposed adjacent to the power supply 11. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be attached to one surface of the battery, which is the power supply 11. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be mounted on one surface of a printed circuit board.

The temperature sensor 131 may be disposed in the body 10 to detect the internal temperature of the body 10.

The puff sensor 132 may detect a user puff based on various physical changes in a gasflow path. The puff sensor 132 may output a signal corresponding to a puff. For example, the puff sensor 132 may be a pressure sensor. The puff sensor 132 may output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol-generating device. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol-generating device 1 may correspond to the pressure of the gasflow path through which gas flows. The puff sensor 132 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the gasflow path through which gas flows in the aerosol-generating device 1.

The insertion detection sensor 133 may detect insertion and/or removal of the stick S. The insertion detection sensor 133 may detect a signal change caused by insertion and/or removal of the stick S. The insertion detection sensor 133 may be mounted around the insertion space. The insertion detection sensor 133 may detect insertion and/or removal of the stick S according to a change in dielectric constant in the insertion space. For example, the insertion detection sensor 133 may be an inductive sensor and/or a capacitance sensor.

The inductive sensor may include at least one coil. The coil of the inductive sensor may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space. For example, if a magnetic field changes around a coil through which current flows, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may change according to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. Here, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may include a frequency of alternating current, a current value, a voltage value, an inductance value, an impedance value, and the like.

The inductive sensor may output a signal corresponding to the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil. For example, the inductive sensor may output a signal corresponding to the inductance value of the coil.

The capacitance sensor may include a conductive body. The conductive body of the capacitance sensor may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space. The capacitance sensor may output a signal corresponding to the electromagnetic characteristics of the surroundings, for example, the capacitance around the conductive body. For example, if the stick S including a metallic wrapper is inserted into the insertion space, the electromagnetic characteristics around the conductive body may change due to the wrapper of the stick S.

The reuse detection sensor 134 may detect whether the stick S is being reused. The reuse detection sensor 134 may be a color sensor. The color sensor may detect the color of the stick S. The color sensor may detect the color of a portion of the wrapper surrounding the outer side of the stick S. The color sensor may detect, based on light reflected from an object, a value for the optical characteristic corresponding to the color of the object. For example, the optical characteristic may be the wavelength of light. The color sensor may be implemented as a component integrated with a proximity sensor or may be implemented as a component provided separately from a proximity sensor.

At least a portion of the wrapper constituting the stick S may change in color due to an aerosol. The reuse detection sensor 134 may be disposed at a position corresponding to a position at which at least a portion of the wrapper, which changes in color due to an aerosol, is disposed when the stick S is inserted into the insertion space. For example, before the stick S is used by the user, the color of at least a portion of the wrapper may be a first color. In this case, while the aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating device 1 passes through the stick S, at least a portion of the wrapper may become wet due to the aerosol, and accordingly, the color of at least a portion of the wrapper may change to a second color. After changing from the first color to the second color, the color of at least a portion of the wrapper may be maintained in the second color.

The cartridge detection sensor 135 may detect mounting and/or removal of the cartridge 19. The cartridge detection sensor 135 may be implemented as an inductance-based sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistance sensor, a Hall sensor (or Hall IC) using the Hall effect, etc.

The cap detection sensor 136 may detect mounting and/or removal of the cap. When the cap is separated from the body 10, the cartridge 19 and the portion of the body 10 that have been covered by the cap may be exposed to the outside. The cap detection sensor 136 may be implemented as a contact sensor, a Hall sensor (or Hall IC), an optical sensor, etc.

The movement detection sensor 137 may detect movement of the aerosol-generating device. The movement detection sensor 137 may be implemented as at least one of an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor.

The first sensor 138 may detect atmospheric pressure around the aerosol-generating device. The first sensor 138 may be implemented as a barometric pressure sensor.

The second sensor 139 may detect the amount of impact. The second sensor 139 may be implemented as a piezo sensor.

In addition to the sensors 131 to 139 described above, the sensor 13 may further include at least one of a humidity sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (GPS), or a proximity sensor. The functions of the sensors could be intuitively deduced by those skilled in the art from the names thereof, and thus detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

The output unit 14 may output information about the state of the aerosol-generating device 1 and may provide the information to the user. The output unit 14 may include at least one of a display 141, a haptic unit 142, or a sound output unit 143. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. If the display 141 and a touchpad form a touchscreen together in a layered structure, the display 141 may be used as not only an output device but also an input device.

The display 141 may visually provide information about the aerosol-generating device 1 to the user. For example, the information about the aerosol-generating device 1 may include various pieces of information, such as a charging/discharging state of the power supply 11 of the aerosol-generating device 1, a preheating state of the heater 18, an insertion/removal state of the stick S and/or the cartridge 19, a mounting/removal state of the cap, and a use restriction state of the aerosol-generating device 1 (e.g., detection of an abnormal article), and the display 141 may output the information to the outside. For example, the display 141 may be in the form of a light-emitting diode (LED) device. For example, the display 141 may be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), or the like.

The haptic unit 142 may convert an electrical signal into mechanical stimulation or electrical stimulation to haptically provide the information about the aerosol-generating device 1 to the user. For example, if initial power is supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 for a predetermined amount of time, the haptic unit 142 may generate vibration corresponding to completion of initial preheating. The haptic unit 142 may include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

The sound output unit 143 may audibly provide information about the aerosol-generating device 1 to the user. For example, the sound output unit 143 may convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and may output the acoustic signal to the outside.

The power supply 11 may supply power used for operation of the aerosol-generating device 1. The power supply 11 may supply power so that the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 is heated. In addition, the power supply 11 may supply power necessary for operation of the other components provided in the aerosol-generating device 1, such as the sensor 13, the output unit 14, the input unit 15, the communication unit 16, and the memory 17. The power supply 11 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power supply 11 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

Although not shown in FIG. 8, the aerosol-generating device 1 may further include a power supply protection circuit. The power supply protection circuit may be electrically connected to the power supply 11 and may include a switching element.

The power supply protection circuit may block an electric path to the power supply 11 according to a predetermined condition. For example, the power supply protection circuit may block the electric path to the power supply 11 when the voltage level of the power supply 11 is equal to or higher than a first voltage corresponding to overcharge. For example, the power supply protection circuit may block the electric path to the power supply 11 when the voltage level of the power supply 11 is lower than a second voltage corresponding to overdischarge.

The heater 18 may receive power from the power supply 11 to heat the medium or the aerosol-generating substance in the stick S. Although not shown in FIG. 8, the aerosol-generating device 1 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., DC-to-DC converter) configured to convert the power of the power supply 11 and supply the converted power to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18. In addition, if the aerosol-generating device 1 generates an aerosol in an induction heating way, the aerosol-generating device 1 may further include a DC-to-AC converter configured to convert direct current power of the power supply 11 into alternating current power.

The controller 12, the sensor 13, the output unit 14, the input unit 15, the communication unit 16, and the memory 17 may perform functions using power received from the power supply 11. Although not shown in FIG. 8, the aerosol-generating device may further include a power conversion circuit configured to convert the power of the power supply 11 and supply the converted power to the respective components, for example, a low dropout (LDO) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit. In addition, although not shown in FIG. 8, a noise filter may be provided between the power supply 11 and the heater 18. The noise filter may be a low-pass filter. The low-pass filter may include at least one inductor and a capacitor. The cutoff frequency of the low-pass filter may correspond to the frequency of a high-frequency switching current applied from the power supply 11 to the heater 18. The low-pass filter may prevent high-frequency noise components from being applied to the sensor 13, for example, the insertion detection sensor 133.

In an embodiment, the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 may be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, the suitable electrically resistive material may be a metal or a metal alloy including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, or nichrome. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. In addition, the heater 18 may be implemented as a metal wire, a metal plate on which an electrically conductive track is disposed, or a ceramic heating element. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

In another embodiment, the heater 18 may be an induction heater. For example, the heater 18 may include a susceptor configured to generate heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil, thereby heating the aerosol-generating substance.

The input unit 15 may receive information input from the user or may output information to the user. For example, the input unit 15 may be a touch panel. The touch panel may include at least one touch sensor configured to detect touch. For example, the touch sensor may include a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, a surface acoustic wave touch sensor, an infrared touch sensor, etc. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

The display 141 and the touch panel may be implemented as an integrated panel. For example, the touch panel may be inserted into the display 141 (on-cell type touch panel or in-cell type touch panel). For example, the touch panel may be added onto the display 141 (add-on type touch panel).

Meanwhile, the input unit 15 may include a button, a keypad, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

The memory 17 may be hardware storing various pieces of data processed in the aerosol-generating device 1. The memory 17 may store data processed and to be processed by the controller 12. The memory 17 may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type memory, a hard disk type memory, a multimedia card micro type memory, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disc. The memory 17 may store data on an operation time of the aerosol-generating device 1, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

The communication unit 16 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 16 may include at least one of a short-range communication unit or a wireless communication unit.

The short-range communication unit may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) communication unit, a near-field communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared data association (IrDA) communication unit, a Wi-Fi direct (WFD) communication unit, an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

The wireless communication unit may include a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

Although not shown in FIG. 8, the aerosol-generating device 1 may further include a connection interface such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and may be connected to other external devices through the connection interface such as a USB interface to transmit and receive information or charge the power supply 11.

The controller 12 may control overall operation of the aerosol-generating device 1. In an embodiment, the controller 1 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable in the microprocessor is stored. Also, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the processor can be implemented in other forms of hardware.

The controller 12 may control the supply of power from the power supply 11 to the heater 18 to control the temperature of the heater 18. The controller 12 may control the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 detected by the temperature sensor 131. The controller 12 may control the power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18. For example, the controller 12 may determine a target temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

The aerosol-generating device 1 may include a power supply circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the power supply 11 between the power supply 11 and the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18. The power supply circuit may be electrically connected to the cartridge heater 24, the heater 18, or the induction coil 181. The power supply circuit may include at least one switching element. The switching element may be implemented as a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field effect transistor (FET), or the like. The controller 12 may control the power supply circuit.

The controller 12 may control switching of the switching element of the power supply circuit to control the supply of power. The power supply circuit may be an inverter configured to convert direct current power output from the power supply 11 into alternating current power. For example, the inverter may be composed of a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including a plurality of switching elements.

The controller 12 may turn on the switching element so that power is supplied from the power supply 11 to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18. The controller 12 may turn off the switching element so that the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 is interrupted. The controller 12 may control the frequency and/or the duty ratio of the current pulse input to the switching element to control the current supplied from the power supply 11.

The controller 12 may control switching of the switching element of the power supply circuit to control the voltage output from the power supply 11. The power conversion circuit may convert the voltage output from the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit may include a buck-converter configured to step down the voltage output from the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit may be implemented as a buck-boost converter, a Zener diode, or the like.

The controller 12 may control on/off operation of the switching element included in the power conversion circuit to control the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit. If the switching element is maintained in an on state, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit may correspond to the level of the voltage output from the power supply 11. The duty ratio for the on/off operation of the switching element may correspond to a ratio of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit to the voltage output from the power supply 11. As the duty ratio for the on/off operation of the switching element decreases, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit may decrease. The heater 18 may be heated based on the voltage output from the power conversion circuit.

The controller 12 may control the supply of power to the heater 18 using at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) scheme or a proportional-integral-differential (PID) scheme.

For example, the controller 12 may perform control using the PWM scheme such that a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and a predetermined duty ratio is supplied to the heater 18. The controller 12 may control the frequency and the duty ratio of the current pulse to control the power supplied to the heater 18.

For example, the controller 12 may determine, based on the temperature profile, a target temperature to be controlled. The controller 12 may control the power supplied to the heater 18 using the PID scheme, which is a feedback control scheme using a difference value between the temperature of the heater 18 and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference value with respect to time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference value with respect to time.

The controller 12 may prevent the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 from overheating. For example, the controller 12 may control operation of the power conversion circuit such that the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 is interrupted when the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 exceeds a predetermined limit temperature. For example, the controller 12 may reduce the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 by a predetermined ratio when the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 exceeds a predetermined limit temperature. For example, when the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds a limit temperature, the controller 12 may determine that the aerosol-generating substance contained in the cartridge 19 has been exhausted and may interrupt the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24.

The controller 12 may control charging/discharging of the power supply 11. The controller 12 may check the temperature of the power supply 11 based on an output signal from the temperature sensor 131.

If a power line is connected to a battery terminal of the aerosol-generating device 1, the controller 12 may determine whether the temperature of the power supply 11 is equal to or higher than a first limit temperature, which is a reference temperature at which charging of the power supply 11 is interrupted. When the temperature of the power supply 11 is lower than the first limit temperature, the controller 12 may perform control such that the power supply 11 is charged based on a predetermined charging current. When the temperature of the power supply 11 is equal to or higher than the first limit temperature, the controller 12 may interrupt charging of the power supply 11.

When the aerosol-generating device 1 is in an on state, the controller 12 may determine whether the temperature of the power supply 11 is equal to or higher than a second limit temperature, which is a reference temperature at which discharging of the power supply 11 is interrupted. When the temperature of the power supply 11 is lower than the second limit temperature, the controller 12 may perform control such that the power stored in the power supply 11 is used. When the temperature of the power supply 11 is equal to or higher than the second limit temperature, the controller 12 may interrupt use of the power stored in the power supply 11.

The controller 12 may calculate or determine the remaining amount of power stored in the power supply 11. For example, the controller 12 may calculate or determine the remaining capacity of the power supply 11 based on a voltage and/or current detection value of the power supply 11.

The controller 12 may determine whether the stick S is inserted into the insertion space using the insertion detection sensor 133. The controller 12 may determine that the stick S has been inserted based on an output signal from the insertion detection sensor 133. Upon determining that the stick S has been inserted into the insertion space, the controller 12 may perform control such that power is supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18. For example, the controller 12 may supply power to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

The controller 12 may determine whether the stick S is removed from the insertion space. For example, the controller 12 may determine whether the stick S is removed from the insertion space using the insertion detection sensor 133. For example, the controller 12 may determine that the stick S has been removed from the insertion space when the temperature of the heater 18 is equal to or higher than a limit temperature or when the temperature change slope of the heater 18 is equal to or greater than a predetermined slope. Upon determining that the stick S has been removed from the insertion space, the controller 12 may interrupt the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18.

The controller 12 may control a power supply time and/or the amount of power supplied to the heater 18 depending on the state of the stick S detected by the sensor 13. The controller 12 may check, based on a look-up table, a level range within which the level of a signal from the capacitance sensor is included. The controller 12 may determine the amount of moisture in the stick S based on the checked level range.

When the stick S is in a highly humid state, the controller 12 may control a time during which power is supplied to the heater 18 to increase a preheating time of the stick S compared to when the stick S is in a normal state.

The controller 12 may determine whether the stick S inserted into the insertion space is a reused stick using the reuse detection sensor 134. For example, the controller 12 may compare a sensing value of a signal from the reuse detection sensor with a first reference range within which the first color is included, and may determine that the stick S is not a reused stick when the sensing value is within the first reference range. For example, the controller 12 may compare a sensing value of a signal from the reuse detection sensor with a second reference range within which the second color is included, and may determine that the stick S is a reused stick when the sensing value is within the second reference range. Upon determining that the stick S is a reused stick, the controller 12 may interrupt the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18.

The controller 12 may determine whether the cartridge 19 is coupled and/or removed using the cartridge detection sensor 135. For example, the controller 12 may determine whether the cartridge 19 is coupled and/or removed based on a sensing value of a signal from the cartridge detection sensor.

The controller 12 may determine whether the aerosol-generating substance in the cartridge 19 is exhausted. For example, the controller 12 may apply power to preheat the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18, and may determine whether the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds a limit temperature in a preheating section. When the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds the limit temperature, the controller 12 may determine that the aerosol-generating substance in the cartridge 19 has been exhausted. Upon determining that the aerosol-generating substance in the cartridge 19 has been exhausted, the controller 12 may interrupt the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18.

The controller 12 may determine whether use of the cartridge 19 is possible. For example, upon determining, based on the data stored in the memory 17, that the current number of puffs is equal to or greater than the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge 19, the controller 12 may determine that use of the cartridge 19 is impossible. For example, when a total time period during which the cartridge heater 24 is heated is equal to or longer than a predetermined maximum time period or when the total amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 is equal to or greater than a predetermined maximum amount of power, the controller 12 may determine that use of the cartridge 19 is impossible.

The controller 12 may make a determination as to a user puff using the puff sensor 132. For example, the controller 12 may determine, based on a sensing value of a signal from the puff sensor, whether a puff occurs. For example, the controller 12 may determine the intensity of a puff based on a sensing value of a signal from the puff sensor 132. When the number of puffs reaches a predetermined maximum number of puffs or when no puff is detected for a predetermined time period or longer, the controller 12 may interrupt the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18.

The controller 12 may determine whether the cap is coupled and/or removed using the cap detection sensor 136. For example, the controller 12 may determine, based on a sensing value of a signal from the cap detection sensor, whether the cap is coupled and/or removed.

The controller 12 may control the output unit 14 based on a result of detection by the sensor 13. For example, when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor 132 reaches a predetermined number, the controller 12 may notify the user that operation of the aerosol-generating device 1 will end soon through at least one of the display 141, the haptic unit 142, or the sound output unit 143. For example, upon determining that the stick S is not present in the insertion space, the controller 12 may notify the user of the determination result through the output unit 14. For example, upon determining that the cartridge 19 and/or the cap has not been mounted, the controller 12 may notify the user of the determination result through the output unit 14. For example, the controller 12 may transmit information about the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 to the user through the output unit 14.

Upon determining that a predetermined event has occurred, the controller 12 may store a history of the corresponding event in the memory 17 and may update the history. The event may include events performed in the aerosol-generating device 1, such as detection of insertion of the stick S, commencement of heating of the stick S, detection of puff, termination of puff, detection of overheating of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18, detection of application of overvoltage to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18, termination of heating of the stick S, on/off operation of the aerosol-generating device 1, commencement of charging of the power supply 11, detection of overcharging of the power supply 11, and termination of charging of the power supply 11. The history of the event may include the occurrence date and time of the event and log data corresponding to the event. For example, when the predetermined event is detection of insertion of the stick S, the log data corresponding to the event may include data on a value detected by the insertion detection sensor 133. For example, when the predetermined event is detection of overheating of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18, the log data corresponding to the event may include data on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18, the voltage applied to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18, and the current flowing through the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18.

The controller 12 may perform control for formation of a communication link with an external device such as a user's mobile terminal. Upon receiving data on authentication from an external device via the communication link, the controller 12 may release restriction on use of at least one function of the aerosol-generating device 1. Here, the data on authentication may include data indicating completion of user authentication for the user corresponding to the external device. The user may perform user authentication through the external device. The external device may determine, based on the user's birthday or an identification number indicating the user, whether the user data is valid, and may receive data on the authority for use of the aerosol-generating device 1 from an external server. The external device may transmit data indicating completion of user authentication to the aerosol-generating device 1 based on the data on the use authority. When the user authentication is completed, the controller 12 may release restriction on use of at least one function of the aerosol-generating device 1. For example, when the user authentication is completed, the controller 12 may release restriction on use of a heating function for supplying power to the heater 18.

The controller 12 may transmit data on the state of the aerosol-generating device 1 to the external device through the communication link established with the external device. Based on the received state data, the external device may output the remaining capacity of the power supply 11 or the operation mode of the aerosol-generating device 1 through a display of the external device.

The external device may transmit a location search request to the aerosol-generating device 1 based on an input for commencement of search for the location of the aerosol-generating device 1. Upon receiving the location search request from the external device, the controller 12 may perform control, based on the received location search request, such that at least one of the output devices performs operation corresponding to location search. For example, the haptic unit 142 may generate vibration in response to the location search request. For example, the display 141 may output objects corresponding to location search and termination of search in response to the location search request.

Upon receiving firmware data from the external device, the controller 12 may perform control such that the firmware is updated. The external device may check the current version of the firmware of the aerosol-generating device 1 and may determine whether there is a new version of firmware. Upon receiving an input requesting firmware download, the external device may receive new version of firmware data and may transmit the new version of firmware data to the aerosol-generating device 1. Upon receiving the new version of firmware data, the controller 12 may perform control such that the firmware of the aerosol-generating device 1 is updated.

The controller 12 may transmit data on a value detected by the at least one sensor 13 to an external server (not shown) through the communication unit 16, and may receive, from the server, and store a learning model generated by learning the detected value through machine learning such as deep learning. The controller 12 may perform operation of determining the user's puff pattern and operation of generating the temperature profile using the learning model received from the server. The controller 12 may store data on the value detected by the at least one sensor 13 and data for training an artificial neural network (ANN) in the memory 17. For example, the memory 17 may store a database for each of the components provided in the aerosol-generating device 1 and weights and biases constituting the structure of the artificial neural network (ANN) in order to train the artificial neural network (ANN). The controller 12 may learn data on the value detected by the at least one sensor 13, the user's puff pattern, and the temperature profile, which are stored in the memory 17, and may generate at least one learning model used to determine the user's puff pattern and to generate the temperature profile.

FIG. 9 is a view showing an example in which the aerosol-generating device falls, FIG. 10 is a flowchart related to operation of determining whether the aerosol-generating device falls according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 11 is a graph showing an example of atmospheric pressure data according to fall of the aerosol-generating device, and FIG. 12 is a graph showing an example of altitude data according to fall of the aerosol-generating device.

Referring to FIG. 9, the aerosol-generating device 1 may fall 200 while the user is carrying or using the aerosol-generating device 1. For example, the aerosol-generating device 1 may freely fall 200 from a certain height to the ground 500. For example, the aerosol-generating device 1 may fall 200 with a certain acceleration to the ground 500 from a certain height due to the user's movement or the like. When the aerosol-generating device 1 falls 200, the aerosol-generating device 1 may collide 300 with the ground 500 or the like. The aerosol-generating device 1 may additionally bounce 400 after colliding 300 with the ground 500 or the like.

Referring to FIG. 9 together with FIGS. 1 to 8, the aerosol-generating device 1 may include a body 10, a power supply 11, a controller 12, at least one sensor 13, a memory 17, and a heater 18.

The body 10 may define the external appearance of the device 1. At least one of the power supply 11, the controller 12, the at least one sensor 13, the memory 17, or the heater 18 may be disposed in the body 10.

The power supply 11 may supply power to components provided in the body 10, including the controller 12, the at least one sensor 13, the memory 17, and the heater 18.

The heater 18 may receive power from the power supply 11 to heat the aerosol-generating substance.

The at least one sensor 13 of the aerosol-generating device 1 may output sensing data. The sensing data output from the at least one sensor 13 may reflect the state of the body 10. The sensing data may reflect the falling state of the body 10.

The controller 12 may acquire sensing data from the at least one sensor 13 and may determine, based on the acquired sensing data, whether the body 10 falls. Upon determining that the body 10 has fallen, the controller 12 may accumulate and store fall history information of the body 10 in the memory 17. Whenever the controller 12 determines that the body 10 has fallen, the controller 12 may store the fall history information of the body 10 in the memory 17.

The memory 17 may accumulate and store the fall history information of the body 10 under the control of the controller 12.

Referring to FIG. 10 together with FIG. 8, the at least one sensor 13 may include a first sensor 138. The first sensor 138 may detect atmospheric pressure around the aerosol-generating device. The first sensor 138 may be implemented as a barometric pressure sensor. The barometric pressure sensor 138 may output first sensing data. The barometric pressure sensor 138 may continuously output the first sensing data based on a predetermined sampling period. The first sensing data may include information about atmospheric pressure around the barometric pressure sensor 138 or the aerosol-generating device.

The controller 12 may be electrically connected to the barometric pressure sensor 138. The controller 12 may acquire the first sensing data output from the barometric pressure sensor 138 (S1010). The controller 12 may calculate or determine an altitude variation of the body 10 based on the first sensing data (S1020). As the altitude increases from the level of the sea, atmospheric pressure decreases. The controller 12 may continuously acquire a plurality of pieces of first sensing data from the barometric pressure sensor 138 and may calculate or determine a difference between the pieces of first sensing data based on the acquired pieces of first sensing data.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12 together with FIG. 10, the difference between the pieces of first sensing data may be an atmospheric pressure variation ΔP. The controller 12 may calculate or determine a difference between the pieces of first sensing data acquired at two different time points T1 and T2 to calculate or determine the atmospheric pressure variation ΔP. If the atmospheric pressure variation ΔP continues to increase over time, the controller 12 may calculate or determine the atmospheric pressure variation ΔP until the atmospheric pressure variation ΔP reaches maximum. The controller 12 may calculate or determine the altitude variation ΔH or the height variation of the body 10 based on the calculated or determined atmospheric pressure variation ΔP.

The memory 17 may store information about the altitude variation ΔH according to the atmospheric pressure variation ΔP. The information about the altitude variation ΔH according to the atmospheric pressure variation ΔP or the information about the altitude H corresponding to each atmospheric pressure P may be stored in the memory 17 in the form of a look-up table (LUT).

If the atmospheric pressure variation ΔP is less than 0, the controller 12 may not derive the altitude variation ΔH or the height variation. If the atmospheric pressure variation ΔP has a negative value, it means a state in which the altitude of the body 10 increases, and therefore, it is not necessary to determine whether the body falls.

The controller 12 may compare the derived altitude variation ΔH with a first reference value H1 (refer to FIG. 12) (S1030). If the altitude variation ΔH is greater than or equal to the first reference value H1, the controller 12 may determine that the body 10 has fallen. If the altitude variation ΔH is less than the first reference value H1, the controller 12 may determine that the body 10 has not fallen. Here, the first reference value H1 may be determined in advance through experiments or the like. The first reference value H1 may be determined to be a value that may cause a certain level of impact or greater to the body 10 when the body 10 freely falls from a height corresponding to the first reference value H1. That is, that the body 10 has not fallen may not mean that the body 10 has not actually fallen, but may mean that the body 10 has not fallen from a height that may cause a certain level of impact or greater to the body 10.

Upon determining that the body 10 has fallen, the controller 12 may store fall history information of the body 10 in the memory 17 (S1040). The fall history information may include at least one of a time point T1 at which fall occurred, a location at which fall occurred, a fall height ΔH, a fall duration (T2-T1), or the amount of impact generated after fall.

Upon determining that the body 10 has not fallen, the controller 12 may repeat the process of acquiring the first sensing data output from the barometric pressure sensor 138 (S1010).

As described above, since the fall history information is accumulated and stored, it is possible to accurately analyze a cause of breakdown and to facilitate maintenance of the aerosol-generating device in the event of breakdown of the aerosol-generating device.

In addition, the memory 17 may store altitude information H corresponding to each atmospheric pressure P. The altitude information H corresponding to each atmospheric pressure P may be stored in the memory 17 in the form of a look-up table (LUT). The controller 12 may compare each of two pieces of first sensing data acquired at two different time points T1 and T2 with the look-up table, may derive altitude information H corresponding to each atmospheric pressure P, and may derive an altitude variation ΔH or a height variation based on the derived altitude information H.

The controller 12 may calculate or determine a slope S of the altitude variation ΔH (refer to FIG. 12) taking into further consideration a time difference between the two different time points T1 and T2. The controller 12 may compare the magnitude of the slope S of the altitude variation ΔH with a third reference value S1. If the altitude variation ΔH is greater than or equal to the first reference value H1 and if the slope S of the altitude variation ΔH is less than the third reference value S1, the controller 12 may determine that the body 10 has not fallen. Although the body 10 falls from a high position to a low position, the falling speed thereof may not be high due to various kinds of friction generated during falling. In this case, a certain level of impact or greater may not be applied to the body 10. The controller 12 may accurately distinguish a fall that may cause a certain level of impact or greater to the body 10 taking into further consideration the slope S of the altitude variation ΔH.

The controller 12 may count the number of times at which the fall history is stored. The number of times at which the fall history is stored may be referred to as the number of fall occurrence determinations. Whenever the controller 12 determines that fall has occurred, the controller 12 may store, in the memory 17, information about the fall history and information about the number of times at which the fall history is stored.

As the number of times at which the fall history is stored increases, the controller 12 may change the first reference value H1. Upon determining that the number of times at which the fall history is stored is greater than or equal to a first set number, the controller 12 may change the first reference value H1 to a value reduced by a predetermined ratio. For example, the initial value of the first reference value H1 may be A, and the predetermined ratio may be 0.1. Upon determining that the number of times at which the fall history is stored is greater than or equal to the first set number, the controller 12 may change the first reference value H1 from A to 0.9 A.

Similarly, upon determining that the number of times at which the fall history is stored is greater than or equal to a second set number, which is greater than the first set number, the controller 12 may change the first reference value H1 in a manner of additionally reducing the first reference value H1 by the predetermined ratio. For example, upon determining that the number of times at which the fall history is stored is greater than or equal to the second set number, the controller 12 may change the first reference value H1 from 0.9 A to 0.81 A.

However, the first set number, the second set number, and the predetermined ratio, based on which the first reference value H1 is changed, are not limited thereto, and may be set to appropriate values through experiments.

As the number of falls increases, damage to the device may increase. Further, the device may be more greatly damaged even by the same amount of external impact. Therefore, the fall history may be more effectively managed by gradually reducing the first reference value H1, based on which a determination as to whether the body falls is made, in response to the number of falls.

Meanwhile, the first sensor 138 may be implemented as any of various types of pressure sensors, including a barometric pressure sensor.

Meanwhile, the first sensor 138 may be implemented as a 3-axis or 6-axis acceleration sensor or gyro sensor. In this case, the controller 12 may calculate or determine the magnitude, direction, and variation of the acceleration of the body 10 based on the first sensing data of the first sensor 138, and may determine whether the body 10 falls based on the calculated or determined magnitude, direction, and variation of the acceleration. For example, the controller 12 may derive the altitude variation ΔH or the height variation based on the magnitude, direction, and variation of the acceleration, and may determine whether the body 10 falls based thereon. For example, the controller 12 may compare the magnitude of the acceleration with a set acceleration value, and may determine whether the body 10 falls based thereon.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart related to operation of determining whether the aerosol-generating device falls according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 14 is a graph showing an example of impact amount data according to fall of the aerosol-generating device.

Referring to FIG. 13 together with FIG. 8, the at least one sensor 13 may include a second sensor 139. The second sensor 139 may detect impact. The second sensor 139 may be implemented as a piezo sensor. The piezo sensor 139 may output second sensing data. The piezo sensor 139 may continuously output the second sensing data based on a predetermined sampling period. The second sensing data may include information about impact applied to the body 10 of the aerosol-generating device.

The controller 12 may be electrically connected to the piezo sensor 139. The controller 12 may acquire the second sensing data output from the piezo sensor 139 (S1310). The controller 12 may calculate or determine the amount of impact applied to the body 10 based on the second sensing data (S1320). The controller 12 may continuously acquire a plurality of pieces of second sensing data from the piezo sensor 139 and may calculate or determine the amount of impact based on the acquired pieces of second sensing data.

Referring to FIG. 14 together with FIG. 13, the controller 12 may accumulate the pieces of second sensing data acquired at two different time points T2 and T3 to calculate or determine the amount of impact I. The controller 12 may calculate or determine each of the amounts of impact I corresponding to a series of impacts 1402, 1403, and 1404 occurring consecutively over time.

The memory 17 may store impact information or external force information. The impact information or the external force information corresponding to the second sensing data may be stored in the memory 17 in the form of a look-up table (LUT).

The controller 12 may compare the acquired second sensing data with the look-up table stored in the memory 17 and may derive impact information or external force information corresponding to each second sensing data. The controller 12 may accumulate the derived impact information or external force information over time to calculate or determine the amount of impact I. The controller 12 may calculate or determine each of the amounts of impact I corresponding to a series of impacts 1402, 1403, and 1404 occurring consecutively over time.

The controller 12 may compare the calculated or determined amount of impact I with a second reference value I1 (S1330). For example, the controller 12 may compare the amount of impact I corresponding to each of a series of impacts 1402, 1403, and 1404 occurring consecutively over time with the second reference value I1. For example, the controller 12 may compare the amount of impact I corresponding to the greatest impact among a series of impacts 1402, 1403, and 1404 occurring consecutively over time with the second reference value I1. For example, the controller 12 may sum all of the amounts of impact I corresponding to a series of impacts 1402, 1403, and 1404 occurring consecutively over time and may compare the summed value with the second reference value I1.

If the amount of impact I is greater than or equal to the second reference value I1, the controller 12 may determine that the body 10 has fallen. If the amount of impact I is less than the second reference value I1, the controller 12 may determine that the body 10 has not fallen. Here, the second reference value I1 may be determined in advance through experiments or the like. The second reference value I1 may be determined to be a value that may cause a certain level of impact or greater to the body 10. That is, that the body 10 has not fallen may not mean that the body 10 has not actually fallen, but may mean that the amount of impact applied to the body 10 does not exceed a predetermined level.

Upon determining that the body 10 has fallen, the controller 12 may store fall history information of the body 10 in the memory 17 (S1340). The fall history information may include at least one of a time point T2 at which fall occurred, a location at which fall occurred, or information about the amount of impact generated after fall. The information about the amount of impact generated after fall may include, for example, all of the amounts of impact I corresponding to a series of impacts 1402, 1403, and 1404 occurring consecutively over time. The information about the amount of impact generated after fall may include, for example, the amount of impact I greater than or equal to the second reference value I1, among the amounts of impact I corresponding to a series of impacts 1402, 1403, and 1404 occurring consecutively over time. The information about the amount of impact generated after fall may include, for example, a value obtained by summing all of the amounts of impact I corresponding to a series of impacts 1402, 1403, and 1404 occurring consecutively over time.

Upon determining that the body 10 has not fallen, the controller 12 may repeat the process of acquiring the second sensing data output from the piezo sensor 139 (S1310).

Whenever the controller 12 stores the fall history, the controller 12 may accumulate the amount of impact on the previously generated amount of impact and may store the accumulated amount of impact. Whenever the controller 12 determines that fall has occurred, the controller 12 may store information about the fall history and information about the accumulated amount of impact in the memory 17.

As the accumulated amount of impact increases, the controller 12 may change the second reference value I1. Upon determining that the accumulated amount of impact is greater than or equal to a first amount of impact, the controller 12 may change the second reference value I1 to a value reduced by a predetermined ratio. For example, the initial value of the second reference value I1 may be B, and the predetermined ratio may be 0.1. Upon determining that the accumulated amount of impact is greater than or equal to the first amount of impact, the controller 12 may change the second reference value I1 from B to 0.9B.

Similarly, upon determining that the accumulated amount of impact is greater than or equal to a second amount of impact, which is greater than the first amount of impact, the controller 12 may change the second reference value I1 in a manner of additionally reducing the second reference value I1 by the predetermined ratio. For example, upon determining that the accumulated amount of impact is greater than or equal to the second amount of impact, the controller 12 may change the second reference value I1 from 0.9 B to 0.81 B.

However, the first amount of impact, the second amount of impact, and the predetermined ratio, based on which the second reference value I1 is changed, are not limited thereto, and may be set to appropriate values through experiments.

As the number of falls increases, damage to the device may increase. Further, the device may be more greatly damaged even by the same amount of external impact. Therefore, the fall history may be more effectively managed by gradually reducing the second reference value I1, based on which a determination as to whether the body falls is made, in response to the accumulated amount of impact.

Meanwhile, the second sensor 139 may be implemented as any of various types of pressure sensors, including a piezo sensor.

Meanwhile, the second sensor 139 may be implemented as a 3-axis or 6-axis acceleration sensor or gyro sensor. In this case, the controller 12 may calculate or determine the magnitude, direction, and variation of the acceleration of the body 10 based on the second sensing data of the second sensor 139, and may determine whether the body 10 falls based on the calculated or determined magnitude, direction, and variation of the acceleration. For example, the controller 12 may derive the amount of impact based on the magnitude, direction, and variation of the acceleration, and may determine whether the body 10 falls based thereon.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart related to operation of determining whether the aerosol-generating device falls according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure. A detailed description of the same configuration as that of the aerosol-generating device 1 shown in FIGS. 10 to 14 will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 15 together with FIG. 8, the at least one sensor 13 may include a first sensor 138 and a second sensor 139. The first sensor 138 may be implemented as a barometric pressure sensor. The barometric pressure sensor 138 may output first sensing data. The first sensing data may include information about atmospheric pressure around the barometric pressure sensor 138 or the aerosol-generating device. The second sensor 139 may detect the amount of impact. The second sensor 139 may be implemented as a piezo sensor. The piezo sensor 139 may output second sensing data. The second sensing data may include information about impact applied to the body 10 of the aerosol-generating device.

The controller 12 may be electrically connected to the barometric pressure sensor 138 and the piezo sensor 139. The controller 12 may acquire the first sensing data output from the barometric pressure sensor 138 (S1510). The controller 12 may continuously acquire a plurality of pieces of first sensing data from the barometric pressure sensor 138 and may calculate or determine a difference between the pieces of first sensing data based on the acquired pieces of first sensing data.

Referring to FIG. 15 together with FIGS. 11 and 12, the controller 12 may calculate or determine a difference between the pieces of first sensing data acquired at two different time points T1 and T2 to calculate or determine the atmospheric pressure variation ΔP. The controller 12 may calculate or determine the altitude variation ΔH or the height variation of the body 10 based on the calculated or determined atmospheric pressure variation ΔP (S1520).

The controller 12 may compare the acquired information about the atmospheric pressure variation ΔP with the look-up table stored in the memory 17 and may derive the altitude variation ΔH or the height variation corresponding to the atmospheric pressure variation ΔP. If the atmospheric pressure variation ΔP is less than 0, the controller 12 may not derive the altitude variation ΔH or the height variation.

The controller 12 may compare the derived altitude variation ΔH with a first reference value H1 (S1530). If the altitude variation ΔH is greater than or equal to the first reference value H1, the controller 12 may acquire second sensing data output from the piezo sensor 139 (S1540). The controller 12 may calculate or determine the amount of impact applied to the body 10 based on the second sensing data (S1550). The controller 12 may continuously acquire a plurality of pieces of second sensing data from the piezo sensor 139 and may calculate or determine the amount of impact based on the acquired pieces of second sensing data.

Referring to FIG. 15 together with FIG. 13, the controller 12 may accumulate the pieces of second sensing data acquired at two different time points T2 and T3 to calculate or determine the amount of impact I. The controller 12 may calculate or determine each of the amounts of impact I corresponding to a series of impacts 1402, 1403, and 1404 occurring consecutively over time.

The controller 12 may compare the calculated or determined amount of impact I with a second reference value I1 (S1560). If the amount of impact I is greater than or equal to the second reference value I1, the controller 12 may determine that the body 10 has fallen. If the amount of impact I is less than the second reference value I1, the controller 12 may determine that the body 10 has not fallen.

Upon determining that the body 10 has fallen, the controller 12 may store fall history information of the body 10 in the memory 17 (S1570). The fall history information may include at least one of a time point T1 at which fall occurred, a location at which fall occurred, a fall height ΔH, a fall duration (T2-T1), or the amount of impact generated after fall.

Upon determining that the body 10 has not fallen, the controller 12 may repeat the process of acquiring the first sensing data output from the barometric pressure sensor 138 (S1510).

FIG. 16 is a flowchart related to operation additionally performed when determining fall of the aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 16, upon determining that the body 10 has fallen (S1610), the controller 12 may store the fall history information in the memory 17 (S1620). Process S1620 may be the same process as any one of processes S1040, S1340, and S1570 described above.

Upon determining that the body 10 has fallen, the controller 12 may control the heater 18 so that the heater 18 does not operate.

Upon determining that the body 10 has fallen, the controller 12 may determine whether the heater 18 is operating (S1630). For example, in order to determine whether the heater 18 is operating, the controller 12 may check whether power is supplied to the heater 18 by the power supply 11, may check whether power is supplied to the induction coil 181 configured to inductively heat the heater 18, or may check the temperature of the heater 18 detected by the temperature sensor 131.

Upon determining that the body 10 has fallen and that the heater 18 is operating, the controller 12 may control the power supply 11 to interrupt the supply of power to the heater 18 or the induction coil 181 (S1640).

Accordingly, in a situation in which there is concern about damage to the device due to falling, the heating operation of the device may be interrupted, thereby preventing the occurrence of additional breakdown of the device.

After storing the fall history information in the memory 17, the controller 12 may control the output unit 14 to output the information to the user.

The aerosol-generating device 1 may include the output unit 14. The output unit 14 may include at least one of a display 141 (refer to FIG. 8), a haptic unit 142 (refer to FIG. 8), or a sound output unit 143 (refer to FIG. 8).

Upon determining that the body 10 has fallen, the controller 12 may store fall history information in the memory 17 and may store information about the number of times at which the fall history is stored and information about the accumulated amount of impact in the memory 17. The information about the number of times at which the fall history is stored and the information about the accumulated amount of impact can be considered to be included in the fall history information.

Upon determining that the body 10 has fallen, the controller 12 may count the number of times at which the fall history is stored and may determine whether the number of times at which the fall history is stored is greater than or equal to a reference number (S1650). Upon determining that the number of times at which the fall history is stored is greater than or equal to the reference number, the controller 12 may control the output unit 14 to output information related to fall of the body 10 (S1640). The information related to fall may include warning about the possibility of breakdown of the device due to falling, guidance regarding safe use of the device, guidance regarding after-sales service of the device, and guidance regarding interruption of use of the device.

Upon determining that the body 10 has fallen, the controller 12 may accumulate and store information about the amount of impact. The controller 12 may determine whether the accumulated amount of impact is greater than or equal to a reference amount of impact (S1670). Upon determining that the accumulated amount of impact is greater than or equal to the reference amount of impact, the controller 12 may control the output unit 14 to output information related to fall of the body 10 (S1640).

Although the controller 12 is illustrated in FIG. 16 as performing operation S1670 after operation S1650, the controller 12 may perform operation S1650 after operation S1670, may perform only one of operations S1650 and S1670, or may perform operation S1650 and operation S1670 independently.

Accordingly, an alarm indicating fall of the body may be provided to the user, thereby enabling the user to stably use the device and preventing serious damage to the device.

Referring again to FIG. 8, the power supply 11 of the aerosol-generating device 1 may include a plurality of power supplies 111 and 112 provided independently of each other.

The power supply 11 may include a first power supply 111 and a second power supply 112. The first power supply 111 may supply power to at least one of the controller 12, the output unit 14, the memory 17, or the heater 18. The second power supply 112 may be a separate power supply provided independently of the first power supply 111. The second power supply 112 may supply power to the at least one sensor 13. The at least one sensor 13 may receive power from the second power supply 112, and all the components of the aerosol-generating device 1 except for the at least one sensor 13 may receive power from the first power supply 111.

The controller 12 may control the second power supply 112 so that power is always supplied to the at least one sensor 13 by the second power supply 112 in all operation modes of the aerosol-generating device 1, including a minimum power mode.

Alternatively, the second power supply 112 may supply power to the controller 12 and the at least one sensor 13, and the first power supply 111 may supply power to the remaining components of the aerosol-generating device 1.

As described above, since the second power supply 112, which is connected to the at least one sensor 13 for detection of fall of the body 10, is provided independently, the at least one sensor 13 may stably detect fall.

The memory 17 of the aerosol-generating device 1 may include a buffer memory 171. The buffer memory 171 may be a first-in first-out (FIFO) buffer and may sequentially store the first sensing data and/or the second sensing data output from the at least one sensor 13. The controller 12 may determine whether the body 10 falls based on the first sensing data and/or the second sensing data sequentially stored in the buffer memory 171. Although the buffer memory 171 is illustrated in FIG. 8 as being included in the memory 17, the buffer memory 171 may be included in the sensor 13 in some embodiments.

As described above, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to accurately determine whether the body falls.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to stably detect fall of the body.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, since fall history information is accumulated and stored, it is possible to accurately analyze a cause of breakdown in the event of breakdown of the aerosol-generating device.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to facilitate maintenance of the device in the event of breakdown of the aerosol-generating device.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an alarm indicating fall of the body may be provided to the user, thereby enabling the user to stably use the device and preventing serious damage to the device.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, in a situation in which there is concern about damage to the device due to falling, heating operation of the device may be interrupted, thereby preventing the occurrence of additional breakdown of the device.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 16, an aerosol-generating device 1 in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure may include a body 10, a heater 18 disposed in the body 10 and configured to heat an aerosol-generating substance, at least one sensor 13 configured to output sensing data related to fall of the body 10, a memory 17 configured to store fall history information of the body 10, a controller 12 configured to acquire sensing data from the at least one sensor 13 and to determine, based on the acquired sensing data, whether the body 10 falls, and a power supply 11 configured to supply power to at least one of the heater 18, the controller 12, the at least one sensor 13, or the memory 17, wherein, upon determining that the body 10 has fallen, the controller 12 may accumulate and store the fall history information in the memory 17.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one sensor 13 may include a barometric pressure sensor 138, and the controller 12 may acquire first sensing data output from the barometric pressure sensor 138 and may determine an altitude variation of the body 10 based on the first sensing data. Upon determining that the altitude variation is greater than or equal to a first reference value, the controller 12 may determine that the body 10 has fallen and may store the fall history information in the memory 17.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one sensor 13 may include a piezo sensor 139, and the controller 12 may acquire second sensing data output from the piezo sensor 139 and may determine an amount of impact of the body 10 based on the second sensing data. Upon determining that the amount of impact is greater than or equal to a second reference value, the controller 12 may determine that the body 10 has fallen and may store the fall history information in the memory 17.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one sensor 13 may include a barometric pressure sensor 138 and a piezo sensor 139, and the controller 12 may acquire first sensing data output from the barometric pressure sensor 138 and may determine an altitude variation of the body 10 based on the first sensing data. Upon determining that the altitude variation is greater than or equal to a first reference value, the controller 12 may acquire second sensing data output from the piezo sensor 139 and may determine an amount of impact of the body 10 based on the second sensing data. Upon determining that the amount of impact is greater than or equal to a second reference value, the controller 12 may determine that the body 10 has fallen and may store the fall history information in the memory 17.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may further include an output unit 14, and the controller 12 may accumulate and store the amount of impact. Upon determining that the accumulated amount of impact is greater than or equal to a reference amount of impact, the controller 12 may control the output unit 14 to output information about fall of the body 10.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may further include an output unit 14, and the controller 12 may count the number of times at which the fall history of the body 10 is stored. Upon determining that the number of times at which the fall history is stored is greater than or equal to a reference number, the controller 12 may control the output unit 14 to output information about fall of the body 10.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the fall history information may include at least one of a time at which fall occurred, a fall height, a fall duration, a location at which fall occurred, or the amount of impact.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the power supply 11 may include a first power supply 111 configured to supply power to at least one of the heater 18, the controller 12, or the memory 17 and a second power supply 112 configured to supply power to the at least one sensor 13.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may further include a buffer memory 171 configured to store the sensing data, and the buffer memory 171 may be a first-in first-out (FIFO) buffer and may sequentially store the sensing data.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, upon determining that the body 10 has fallen, the controller 12 may determine whether the heater 18 is operating, and upon determining that the heater 18 is operating, the controller 12 may control the power supply 11 to interrupt supply of power to the heater 18.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the body 10 may include an insertion space 43 having an open end, and the heater 18 may be disposed in the insertion space 43 and may protrude to the interior of the insertion space 43. The heater 18 may be a resistive heater or an induction heater.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may further include a cartridge 19 coupled to one side of the body 10 and provided with a container to store a liquid. The body 10 may include an insertion space 43 having an open end, and the heater 18 may be formed in a hollow shape to surround the periphery of the insertion space 43.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may further include an induction coil 181 surrounding at least a portion of the heater 18, the body 10 may include an insertion space 43 having an open end, and the heater 18 may be formed in a hollow shape to surround the periphery of the insertion space 43. The heater 18 may generate heat due to the induction coil 181.

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

For example, a configuration “A” described in one embodiment of the disclosure and the drawings and a configuration “B” described in another embodiment of the disclosure and the drawings may be combined with each other. Namely, although the combination between the configurations is not directly described, the combination is possible except in the case where it is described that the combination is impossible.

Although 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 particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the 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.

Number	Date	Country	Kind
10-2023-0067280	May 2023	KR	national
10-2023-0088335	Jul 2023	KR	national

AEROSOL-GENERATING DEVICE

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