Aerosol-generating system comprising aerosol-generating article and aerosol-generating device

Abstract

According to an embodiment, an aerosol-generating system includes an aerosol-generating article including an ink region in which an ink that changes color in response to a change in temperature or humidity is disposed, and an aerosol-generating device including a heater in which the ink region is disposed, the heater heats at least part of the aerosol-generating article; the ink supply apparatus includes a heater, a sensor that detects the ink region, and a processor configured to control power supply to the heater based on sensing information obtained from the ink region by the sensor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various embodiments according to the present disclosure are directed to an aerosol-generating system that detects a state of an aerosol-generating article. Background Art

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for methods of replacing the disadvantages of conventional cigarettes. For example, there has been an increasing demand for systems that generate aerosol by heating a cigarette or an aerosol generating substance using an aerosol generating device, rather than a method of generating aerosol by burning the cigarette.

[0003] The quality of a cigarette inserted into and used in an aerosol generating device may affect the quality of the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device. Recently, various methods of improving the quality of aerosol generated by an aerosol generating device have been studied in order to improve the smoking sensation of a user. Summary of the invention

[0004]

Technical issues

[0005] The moisture content of cigarettes exposed to a humid environment may increase, and when the cigarettes with increased moisture content are heated by an aerosol generating device, excessive high-temperature steam and aerosol may be generated. In addition, cigarettes exposed to a high-temperature environment may partially change the taste of cigarettes. In this regard, a cigarette that has been used should not be reused because it may not generate enough aerosol for smoking.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generating device which can control the power supply to a heater based on the state of a cigarette.

[0007] The technical objectives to be achieved by the present disclosure are not limited to the above objectives, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand other technical objectives not mentioned herein based on the description of the present disclosure.

[0008] [Technical solution to the problem]

[0009] According to an embodiment, an aerosol generating system includes an aerosol generating article and an aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generating article includes an ink area, in which ink that changes color in response to at least one of a change in temperature and a change in humidity is provided, and the aerosol generating device includes: a heater that heats at least a portion of the aerosol generating article; a sensor that detects the ink area; and a processor that is configured to control the power supply to the heater based on sensing information obtained from the ink area by the sensor.

[0010] According to an embodiment, an aerosol generating device includes: a heater that heats at least a portion of an aerosol generating product; a sensor that senses an ink area of ​​the aerosol generating product, and a processor configured to control power supply to the heater based on sensing information obtained from the ink area by the sensor.

[0011]

Beneficial Effects

[0012] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, cigarettes can be heated in different ways depending on the state of the cigarettes, thereby reducing the user's discomfort and reduction in smoking satisfaction caused by high-temperature aerosol from moist cigarettes or reused cigarettes.

[0013] However, the effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs can clearly understand other effects that are not described in the specification from the specification and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating system according to an embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 is a view for describing an example of components of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 is a flowchart for explaining control operations of an aerosol generating device based on sensed information about an aerosol generating article according to an embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of ink regions corresponding to states of an aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment.

[0018] Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of a temperature curve corresponding to a state of an aerosol-generating article of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6 is a view showing an example of a user interface (UI) screen of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment, corresponding to a state of an aerosol generating article.

[0020] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of ink regions corresponding to states of an aerosol-generating article according to another embodiment.

[0021] Figure 8 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] For the terms in each embodiment, considering the functions of the structural elements in each embodiment of the present disclosure, currently widely used general terms are selected. However, the meaning of the term can be changed according to the intention, judicial precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in some cases, the applicant can arbitrarily select terms in specific circumstances. In this case, the meaning of the term will be described in detail at the corresponding part in the description of the present disclosure. Therefore, the terms used in each embodiment of the present disclosure should be defined based on the meaning of the term and the description provided herein.

[0023] In addition, unless explicitly described to the contrary, the word “comprise” and variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” will be understood to imply the inclusion of stated elements but not the exclusion of any other elements. Additionally, unless explicitly described to the contrary, the word “comprise” and variations such as “including” or “comprising” will be understood to imply the inclusion of stated elements but not the exclusion of any other elements.

[0024] As used herein, when an expression such as "at least any one" precedes an arrayed element, it modifies all elements rather than each arrayed element. For example, the expressions "at least any one of a, b, and c" and "at least any one of a, b, and c" should be interpreted as including a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c.

[0025] In an embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates aerosol by electrically heating a cigarette contained in an internal space thereof.

[0026] The aerosol generating device may comprise a heater. In embodiments, the heater may be a resistive heater. For example, the heater may comprise an electrically conductive trace, and the heater may be heated when an electric current flows through the electrically conductive trace.

[0027] The heater may include a tubular heating element, a plate heating element, a needle heating element or a rod heating element, and may heat the inside or outside of the cigarette depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0028] The cigarette may include a tobacco rod and a filter rod. The tobacco rod may be formed by sheets, filaments and fine debris cut from tobacco sheets. In addition, the tobacco rod may be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material may be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as an aluminum foil.

[0029] The filter rod may include a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod may include at least one segment. For example, the filter rod may include a first segment configured to cool the aerosol and a second segment configured to filter specific components in the aerosol.

[0030] In other embodiments, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol by using a cartridge containing an aerosol generating substance.

[0031] The aerosol generating device may include a cartridge containing an aerosol generating substance and a main body supporting the cartridge. The cartridge may be detachably connected to the main body, but is not limited thereto. The cartridge may be integrally formed or assembled with the main body, and the cartridge may also be fixed to the main body so as not to be removed from the main body by the user. The cartridge may be mounted on the main body while accommodating the aerosol generating substance therein. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. When the cartridge is connected to the main body, the aerosol generating substance may also be injected into the cartridge.

[0032] The cartridge may contain an aerosol-generating substance in any of various states such as a liquid, solid, gaseous, gel, etc. The aerosol-generating substance may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid including a tobacco-containing substance having a volatile tobacco aroma component, or the liquid composition may be a liquid including a non-tobacco substance.

[0033] The cartridge can be operated by an electrical signal or a wireless signal transmitted from the main body to perform the function of generating an aerosol by converting the phase of the aerosol generating substance in the cartridge into a gas phase. Aerosol may refer to a gas in which vaporized particles generated by the aerosol generating substance are mixed with air.

[0034] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device can generate an aerosol by heating the liquid composition, and the generated aerosol can be delivered to the user through a cigarette. That is, the aerosol generated by the liquid composition can move along the airflow channel of the aerosol generating device, and the airflow channel can be configured to allow the aerosol to be delivered to the user by passing through the cigarette.

[0035] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates aerosol from an aerosol generating substance by using an ultrasonic vibration method. At this time, the ultrasonic vibration method may refer to a method of generating aerosol by converting an aerosol generating substance into an aerosol using ultrasonic vibration generated by a vibrator.

[0036] The aerosol generating device may include a vibrator, and generate short-period vibrations through the vibrator to convert the aerosol generating substance into an aerosol. The vibration generated by the vibrator may be an ultrasonic vibration, and the frequency band of the ultrasonic vibration may be in the frequency band of about 100kHz to about 3.5MHz, but is not limited thereto.

[0037] The aerosol generating device may further comprise a core that absorbs the aerosol generating substance.For example, the core may be arranged to surround at least one region of the vibrator, or may be arranged to contact at least one region of the vibrator.

[0038] When a voltage (e.g., an AC voltage) is applied to the vibrator, heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations may be generated from the vibrator, and the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator may be transmitted to the aerosol-generating substance absorbed in the core. The aerosol-generating substance absorbed in the core may be converted into a gas phase by the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations transmitted from the vibrator, and thus an aerosol may be generated.

[0039] For example, the viscosity of the aerosol generating substance absorbed in the core may be reduced by heat generated by the vibrator, and when the aerosol generating substance having the reduced viscosity is granulated by ultrasonic vibration generated from the vibrator, aerosol may be generated, but is not limited thereto.

[0040] In further embodiments, the aerosol generating device is a device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article contained in the aerosol generating device by induction heating.

[0041] The aerosol generating device may include a susceptor and a coil. In an embodiment, the coil may apply a magnetic field to the susceptor. When power is supplied from the aerosol generating device to the coil, a magnetic field may be formed inside the coil. In an embodiment, the susceptor may be a magnetic body that generates heat by an external magnetic field. When the susceptor is located inside the coil and a magnetic field is applied to the susceptor, the susceptor generates heat to heat the aerosol generating article. In addition, optionally, the susceptor may be positioned inside the aerosol generating article.

[0042] In further embodiments, the aerosol generating device may further comprise a bracket.

[0043] The aerosol generating device may form a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may charge a battery of the aerosol generating device. Alternatively, the heater may be heated when the cradle and the aerosol generating device are coupled to each other.

[0044] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown so that a person skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure. The present disclosure can be implemented in a form that can be implemented in the aerosol generating device of the various embodiments described above, or can be implemented in various different forms, and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0045] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating system according to an embodiment.

[0047] Reference Figure 1, the aerosol generating system 100 according to an embodiment may include an aerosol generating device 200 and an aerosol generating article 300, and the aerosol generating device 200 may include a housing 205 into which the aerosol generating article 300 may be inserted.

[0048] In an embodiment, the housing 205 may form the overall appearance of the aerosol generating device 200, and may include an internal space (or "arrangement space") in which the components of the aerosol generating device 200 may be arranged. Although the housing 205 is shown in the drawings as having a semicircular cross-section, the shape of the housing 205 is not limited thereto. According to an embodiment (not shown), the housing 205 may have an overall cylindrical shape, or be in the shape of a polygonal prism (e.g., a triangular prism or a rectangular prism).

[0049] In an embodiment, components for generating aerosol by heating the aerosol generating article 300 inserted into the housing 205 and components for outputting a screen showing the status of the aerosol generating device 200 on the display 210 may be arranged in the housing 205, and a detailed description is described below.

[0050] According to an embodiment, the housing 205 may include an opening 200h through which the aerosol generating article 300 may be inserted into the housing 205. At least a portion of the aerosol generating article 300 may be inserted into the housing 205 through the opening 200h or accommodated in the housing 205. For example, the aerosol generating article 300 may be inserted into the housing 205 through the opening 200h or accommodated in the housing 205 until the portion where the ink area 310 is disposed.

[0051] Aerosol may be generated when the aerosol generating article 300 inserted into the housing 205 or accommodated in the housing 205 is heated inside the housing 205. The generated aerosol may be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device 200 through the inserted aerosol generating article 300 and / or through the space between the aerosol generating article 300 and the opening 200h of the aerosol generating device 200, and the user may inhale the discharged aerosol.

[0052] The aerosol generating device 200 according to the embodiment may further include a display 210 that displays visual information.

[0053] In an embodiment, the display 210 may be arranged so that at least a partial area is exposed to the outside of the housing 205. For example, at least a partial area of ​​the display 210 may be exposed through a cover glass outside the housing 205.

[0054] The aerosol generating device 200 can provide various visual information to the user through the display 210. For example, the aerosol generating device 200 can display information about the state of the aerosol generating article 300, information about preheating and heating of the aerosol generating article 300, battery power information, time and date information, weather information, Bluetooth connection information, etc. through the display 210. The information displayed through the display 210 is an example and is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0055] Figure 2 is a view for describing an example of components of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0056] Reference Figure 2 , the aerosol generating device 200 may include a processor 210, a sensor 220, a heater, and a battery 240, and the heater may include an induction coil 230 and a susceptor 235. The components of the aerosol generating device 200 according to the embodiment are not limited thereto, and other components may be added or at least one component may be omitted according to the embodiment.

[0057] In an embodiment, the sensor 220 may sense the ink region 310 of the aerosol-generating article 300. The ink region 310 may be provided with ink that changes color in response to changes in temperature and / or humidity, and the sensor 220 may be an optical sensor (or "color sensor") that senses the color of the ink region 310.

[0058] For example, the sensor 220 may irradiate light having red, green, and blue (RGB) components onto the ink region 310 of the aerosol-generating article 300, and sense the color of the ink region 310 based on the color components of the light reflected from the ink region 310. When red ink is disposed in the ink region 310, the reflected light from the ink region 310 includes red, and thus the sensor 220 may sense that the red ink is disposed in the ink region 310. When black ink is disposed in the ink region 310, the reflected light from the ink region 310 does not include any color, and thus the sensor 220 may sense that the black ink is disposed in the ink region 310.

[0059] In an embodiment, the ink region 310 may include at least one of a temperature-sensitive color-changing ink that changes color in response to a change in temperature and a humidity-sensitive color-changing ink that changes color in response to a change in humidity. For example, the ink region 310 may include a first ink region in which the humidity-sensitive color-changing ink is arranged and a second ink region in which the temperature-sensitive color-changing ink is arranged. The first ink region and the second ink region may be spaced a certain distance (e.g., about 1 mm to about 10 mm) from each other.

[0060] For example, if an aerosol-generating article 300 including a temperature-sensitive color-changing ink that changes color at a temperature of 70°C is exposed to an ambient temperature of 70°C or higher and then the ambient temperature decreases to 25°C, the temperature-sensitive color-changing ink may maintain the changed color.

[0061] That is, once the aerosol generating article 300 is used, the temperature-sensitive color-changing ink still shows the color after the color change even when the ambient temperature decreases. Therefore, the aerosol generating article 300 can be prevented from being reused by the aerosol generating device 200.

[0062] The humidity-sensitive color-changing ink may be a reversible ink or an irreversible ink. For example, if the aerosol-generating article 300 including a humidity-sensitive color-changing ink that changes color at a relative humidity of 15% is exposed to an ambient humidity of 15% or higher, and then the ambient humidity is reduced to 8%, if the humidity-sensitive color-changing ink is a reversible ink, the ink may be restored to its original color before the color change. In addition, if the humidity-sensitive color-changing ink is an irreversible ink, the color after the color change may be maintained.

[0063] In an implementation, the processor 210 may control supply of power to the heater (or the induction coil 230 ) based on sensing information about the ink area 310 obtained through the sensor 220 .

[0064] For example, when the sensor 220 obtains sensing information corresponding to an increase in humidity from the ink region 310, the processor 210 may control the supply of power from the battery 240 to the heater based on a temperature curve corresponding to the increased humidity. In another example, when the sensor 220 obtains sensing information corresponding to an increase in temperature from the ink region 310, the processor 210 may output a notification corresponding to the increased temperature. Figures 3 to 6 A detailed description thereof is given.

[0065] Figure 3 is a flowchart for explaining control operations of an aerosol generating device based on sensed information about an aerosol generating article according to an embodiment.

[0066] Reference Figure 3 In operation 301, an aerosol generating device (e.g., Figure 2 The aerosol generating device 200 can be provided by a sensor (e.g., Figure 2 sensor 220) from an aerosol generating article (e.g., Figure 2 an ink region (e.g., Figure 2 The ink area 310) obtains sensing information.

[0067] In an embodiment, ink that changes color in response to changes in at least one of temperature and humidity may be arranged in the ink region 310. For example, the ink region 310 may include at least one of a temperature-sensitive color-changing ink that changes color when the ambient temperature reaches a set temperature and a humidity-sensitive color-changing ink that changes color when the ambient humidity reaches a set humidity. In this state, the first ink region arranged with the humidity-sensitive color-changing ink and the second ink region arranged with the temperature-sensitive color-changing ink may be spaced a certain distance from each other. Alternatively, the first ink region and the second ink region may be arranged to be substantially adjacent to each other.

[0068] According to an embodiment, in operation 303, the aerosol generating device 200 may detect whether first sensing information is obtained through the sensor 220. Here, the "first sensing information" may indicate that none of the inks arranged in the ink region 310 is discolored.

[0069] For example, when the aerosol-generating article 300 has not been previously exposed to an environment that satisfies a specific discoloration condition (e.g., a temperature of 50° C. or higher, or a humidity of 15% or higher), no ink in the ink region 310 of the aerosol-generating article 300 changes color. In this case, the aerosol-generating device 200 can obtain the first sensing information from the ink region 310 through the sensor 220.

[0070] However, when the aerosol generating device 200 detects, through the sensor 220 , that any one of the inks arranged in the ink area 310 changes color, the aerosol generating device 200 may proceed to operation 307 and perform subsequent operations.

[0071] In an embodiment, when the first sensing information is obtained by the sensor 220, the aerosol generating device 200 may supply power to the heater based on the first temperature curve in operation 305. The heater may include an induction coil (e.g., Figure 2 The induction coil 230) and the sensor (e.g., Figure 2 susceptor 235), and in this case, the aerosol generating device 200 can supply power to the induction coil 230 based on the first temperature curve.

[0072] In an embodiment, the "first temperature curve" may be a temperature curve preset to correspond to the first sensing information. The first temperature curve may be a heating temperature curve optimized for the aerosol generating article in a normal state. For example, the first temperature curve may include a first pre-heating section and a first heating section.

[0073] According to an embodiment, in operation 307, the aerosol generating device 200 may detect whether second sensing information is obtained through the sensor 220. In this state, the "second sensing information" may indicate that ink arranged in the ink area 310 has changed color according to a change in humidity.

[0074] For example, when the aerosol-generating article 300 is exposed to an environment that does not satisfy the color-changing temperature condition but satisfies the color-changing humidity condition, the humidity-sensitive color-changing ink in the ink region 310 of the aerosol-generating article 300 changes color. In this regard, the aerosol-generating device 200 can obtain sensing information from the color of the humidity-sensitive color-changing ink that changes color in the ink region 310 through the sensor 220.

[0075] However, if the color change of the ink arranged in the ink area 310 is not detected by the sensor 220 , the aerosol generating device 200 may proceed to operation 309 and perform subsequent operations.

[0076] In an embodiment, when the second sensing information is obtained by the sensor 220, the aerosol generating device 200 may supply power to the heater based on the second temperature profile in operation 309. The heater may include an induction coil 230 and a susceptor 235. In this case, the aerosol generating device 200 may supply power to the induction coil 230 based on the second temperature profile.

[0077] In an embodiment, the "second temperature profile" may be a temperature profile preset to correspond to the second sensing information. The second temperature profile may be a heating temperature profile optimized for an aerosol-generating article in an excessively humid state. For example, the second temperature profile may include a second pre-heating section and a second heating section.

[0078] In an embodiment, the preheating time of the first temperature curve and the second temperature curve may be different. For example, the second preheating section of the second temperature curve may be longer than the first preheating section of the first temperature curve.

[0079] When the first temperature profile of the aerosol-generating article in a normal state is applied to the aerosol-generating article in an excessively humid state, excessive amounts of high-temperature vapor and aerosol may be generated due to increased moisture content in the aerosol-generating article.

[0080] In this regard, by applying the second temperature profile including an increased preheating time compared to the first temperature profile to the aerosol-generating article in an overly humid state, the excess moisture of the aerosol-generating article can be partially dried during the increased preheating time. Therefore, the generation of excessive high-temperature vapor and aerosol can be prevented. Therefore, the attenuation of smoking satisfaction and the inconvenience of use caused by high-temperature aerosol can be reduced.

[0081] According to an embodiment, in operation 311, the aerosol generating device 200 may detect whether third sensing information is obtained through the sensor 220. Here, the "third sensing information" indicates that there is ink arranged in the ink area 310 that has changed color according to a change in temperature.

[0082] For example, when the aerosol-generating article 300 has been previously exposed to an environment that does not satisfy the color-changing humidity condition but satisfies the color-changing temperature condition, the temperature-sensitive color-changing ink in the ink region 310 of the aerosol-generating article 300 may change color. In this case, the aerosol-generating device 200 may obtain third sensing information from the color of the temperature-sensitive color-changing ink that has changed color in the ink region 310 through the sensor 220.

[0083] In an embodiment, when the third sensing information is obtained by the sensor 220, the aerosol generating device 200 may output a notification through the user interface in operation 313. Here, the notification may include a message indicating that the aerosol generating article inserted into the aerosol generating device 200 has been used, and / or a message indicating that heating of the aerosol generating article cannot be started.

[0084] The user interface may include a display (e.g., Figure 1 The aerosol generating device 200 may provide the user with a notification output from the display 210 as visual information. In another embodiment, the user interface may include a tactile module and / or a sound output module. For example, the aerosol generating device 200 may provide the user with a notification output from the tactile module with tactile information, and / or a notification output from the sound output module with auditory information.

[0085] However, although Figure 3 It is shown that operation 303 , operation 307 , and operation 311 are sequentially performed, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the order of operation 303 , operation 307 , and operation 311 may be changed, or operation 303 , operation 307 , and operation 311 may be performed in parallel.

[0086] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of ink regions corresponding to states of an aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment.

[0087] Reference Figure 4 , the aerosol generating article 300 may include an ink region 310 in which an ink that changes color in response to changes in temperature and / or humidity is disposed. For example, the ink region 310 may include a first ink region 400 in which a humidity-sensitive color-changing ink that changes color in response to changes in humidity is disposed, and a second ink region 410 in which a temperature-sensitive color-changing ink that changes color in response to changes in temperature is disposed.

[0088] In an embodiment, the humidity-sensitive color-changing ink arranged in the first ink area 400 may be a reversible ink. In this state, the humidity-sensitive color-changing ink arranged in the first ink area 400 may include constituent materials such as alcohol solvents, indicator materials, solutions, buffer solutions, moisturizers, and the indicator materials may display different colors based on changes in pH of the humidity-sensitive color-changing ink. For example, the indicator material may include at least any one of methyl red, methyl yellow, methyl orange, methyl violet, thymol blue, thymolphthalein, phenol red, phenolphthalein, anthocyanin, gold rod, alizarin red, indigo carmine, Congo red, cresol red, crystal violet, chlorophenol red, litmus, malachite green, naphtholphthalein, neutral red, or bromothymol blue (BTB), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0089] When the humidity-sensitive color-changing ink is dried after being applied to the first ink region 400, the moisture contained in the humidity-sensitive color-changing ink evaporates. Therefore, the pH of the humidity-sensitive color-changing ink decreases, and the indicator material contained in the humidity-sensitive color-changing ink can display a color corresponding to the decreased pH (e.g., light blue).

[0090] Then, if the aerosol-generating article 300 is exposed to a humid environment, the humidity-sensitive color-changing ink of the first ink region 400 reacts with moisture (H2O). Thus, the pH of the humidity-sensitive color-changing ink increases, and thus the indicator material contained in the humidity-sensitive color-changing ink may display a color corresponding to the increased pH (e.g., dark blue).

[0091] The humidity-sensitive color-changing ink may be a reversible ink that can display different colors in response to an increase and decrease in ambient humidity, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the humidity-sensitive color-changing ink may be an irreversible ink.

[0092] In an embodiment, the temperature-sensitive color-changing ink arranged in the second ink area 410 may be an irreversible ink. The temperature-sensitive color-changing ink arranged in the second ink area 410 may include a solvent and a thermochromic pigment. The thermochromic pigment may include a carrier that is permanently deformed when heated to a certain temperature or higher, thereby permanently displaying a different color. For example, the thermochromic pigment may include a colorless dye, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0093] In an embodiment, the first ink region 400 and the second ink region 410 are spaced apart from each other by a distance x, such as Figure 4 For example, the first ink region 400 and the second ink region 410 may be spaced apart from each other by about 1 mm to about 10 mm.

[0094] In an embodiment, if the aerosol-generating article 300 has been previously exposed to humidity conditions for color change, the first ink region 400 of the aerosol-generating article 300 may change color as described above. Figure 4For example, the humidity-sensitive color-changing ink arranged in the first ink region 400 may change color from one color (eg, light blue) to another color (eg, dark blue), from colored to colorless, or from colorless to colored.

[0095] In embodiments, if the aerosol-generating article 300 has been previously exposed to temperature conditions for color change (ie, if the aerosol-generating article 300 has been previously used), the second ink region 410 of the aerosol-generating article 300 may change color as described above. Figure 4 For example, the temperature-sensitive color-changing ink arranged in the second ink region 410 may change color from one color (eg, light red) to another color (eg, dark red), from colored to colorless, or from colorless to colored.

[0096] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a temperature profile of an aerosol generating device corresponding to a state of an aerosol generating article according to an embodiment.

[0097] Reference Figure 5 , aerosol generating devices (e.g., Figure 1 The aerosol generating device 200 may set a heating temperature curve of the aerosol generating article based on whether the aerosol generating article inserted into the aerosol generating device 200 is in a normal state or in an excessively humid state.

[0098] In an embodiment, if Figure 5 As shown in (a), if the aerosol generating article 500 in a normal state is inserted into the aerosol generating device 200, the aerosol generating device 200 may obtain first sensing information from the ink region 510. The "first sensing information" may indicate that the ink arranged in the ink region 510 has not changed color.

[0099] In an embodiment, the aerosol generating device 200 may heat the aerosol generating article 500 based on the obtained first sensing information. For example, the aerosol generating device 200 may heat the aerosol generating article 500 according to the first temperature curve 540 corresponding to the first sensing information. The first temperature curve 540 may include a first preheating section 550 and a first heating section (not shown), and the first preheating section 550 may refer to a preheating time for preheating the aerosol generating article 500 to a target preheating temperature (e.g., 300° C.).

[0100] In an embodiment, if Figure 5As shown in (b) of FIG. 2 , if the aerosol generating article 520 in an excessively humid state is inserted into the aerosol generating device 200, the aerosol generating device 200 may obtain second sensing information from the ink region 530. The “second sensing information” may indicate that one of the inks arranged in the ink region 530 (e.g., the ink arranged in the upper portion of the ink region) has changed color according to a change in humidity.

[0101] In an embodiment, the aerosol generating device 200 may heat the aerosol generating article 520 based on the obtained second sensing information. For example, the second temperature curve 560 corresponding to the second sensing information may include a second preheating section 570 and a second heating section (not shown). The second preheating section 570 may refer to a preheating time for preheating the aerosol generating article 520 to a target preheating temperature (e.g., 300° C.).

[0102] In an embodiment, the first temperature profile 540 and the second temperature profile 560 may have different preheating times. In other words, the second preheating section 570 of the second temperature profile 560 may include a longer preheating time than the first preheating section 550 of the first temperature profile 540. For example, the first preheating section 550 of the first temperature profile 540 may include a preheating time of about 35 seconds, while the second preheating section 570 of the second temperature profile 560 may include a preheating time of about 45 seconds.

[0103] Figure 6 is a view showing an example of a user interface (UI) screen of an aerosol generating device corresponding to a state of an aerosol generating article according to an embodiment.

[0104] Reference Figure 6 When the aerosol generating article inserted into the aerosol generating device 200 is a used article, the aerosol generating device 200 may output a notification UI screen through the display 210 .

[0105] In an embodiment, if an aerosol generating article 600 that has been previously used is inserted into the aerosol generating device 200, third sensing information may be obtained from the ink region 610. The “third sensing information” may indicate that one of the inks arranged in the ink region 610 (e.g., the ink arranged in the lower portion of the ink region) has changed color according to a change in temperature.

[0106] In an embodiment, the aerosol generating device 200 may output a notification UI screen through the display 210 based on the obtained third sensing information. For example, the notification UI screen output through the display 210 may include text “REUSED STICK DETECTED” and an icon indicating that heating cannot be started (e.g., “!”). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the notification UI screen may include various types of objects to implement a notification indicating that the inserted article has been previously used and / or a notification indicating that heating of the aerosol generating article cannot be started.

[0107] although Figure 6 Only an embodiment in which the notification is output through the display 210 is shown, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the notification may be output through a haptic module and / or a sound output module.

[0108] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of ink regions corresponding to states of an aerosol-generating article according to another embodiment.

[0109] Reference Figure 7 , the aerosol generating article 700 may include an ink region 710 in which a plurality of strips of ink that change color in response to changes in humidity are arranged. Each strip may include a different ink concentration, and thus, the threshold humidity for the color change may be different. In an embodiment, the aerosol generating device (e.g., Figure 1 The aerosol generating device 200 can be provided by a sensor (e.g., Figure 2 The sensor 220 ) senses the ink area 710 of the aerosol generating article 700 .

[0110] In an embodiment, the ink region 710 may include a plurality of bands arranged with different ink concentration values. These bands may each represent a specific level of moisture content in the aerosol-generating article 700. Figure 7 Four strip portions including a first strip portion 712 , a second strip portion 714 , a third strip portion 716 , and a fourth strip portion 718 are shown, but the number of strip portions is not limited thereto.

[0111] For example, the first strip 712 may have a first concentration value corresponding to a first moisture content (e.g., 9%) of the aerosol-generating article 700, the second strip 714 may have a second concentration value corresponding to a second moisture content (e.g., 12%) of the aerosol-generating article 700, the third strip 716 may have a third concentration value corresponding to a third moisture content (e.g., 15%) of the aerosol-generating article 700, and the fourth strip 718 may have a fourth concentration value corresponding to a fourth moisture content (e.g., 18%) of the aerosol-generating article 700. In this state, because the first concentration value, the second concentration value, the third concentration value, and the fourth concentration value of the strips may decrease in sequence, the sensitivity of the strips having different concentration values ​​to the moisture content may be different. For example, the sensitivity of the first strip 712 having the first concentration value to the moisture content may be higher than the sensitivity of the fourth strip 718 having the fourth concentration value to the moisture content.

[0112] In the above example, if the moisture content of the aerosol-generating article 700 is about 10%, only the first strip 712 of the four strips changes color. Therefore, a single line (i.e., a discolored strip) appears in the ink region 710, and the sensor 220 of the aerosol-generating device 200 can sense the single line indicating that the moisture content of the aerosol-generating article 700 is between 9% and 12%.

[0113] In this case, the aerosol generating device 200 may supply power to the heater based on a temperature curve corresponding to the moisture content of the aerosol generating article 700. For example, the aerosol generating device 200 may supply power to the heater based on a preset temperature curve optimized for an aerosol generating article in a normal state with a moisture content in the range of 9% to 12%.

[0114] If the moisture content of the aerosol-generating article 700 is about 16%, the first strip 712, the second strip 714, and the third strip 716 change color, and the fourth strip 718 maintains its original color. That is, the ink area 710 may display three lines (i.e., three color-changed strips), and the sensor 220 of the aerosol-generating device 200 may sense the three lines indicating that the moisture content of the aerosol-generating article 700 is in the range of 15% to 18%.

[0115] In this case, the aerosol generating device 200 may supply power to the heater based on a temperature curve corresponding to the moisture content of the aerosol generating article 700. For example, the aerosol generating device 200 may supply power to the heater based on a preset temperature curve optimized for an aerosol generating article in an over-humidified state with a moisture content in the range of 15% to 18%.

[0116] Figure 8is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device 800 according to another embodiment.

[0117] The aerosol generating device 800 may include a controller 810, a sensing unit 820, an output unit 830, a battery 840, a heater 850, a user input unit 860, a memory 870, and a communication unit 880. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 800 is not limited to Figure 8 That is, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 800, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the Figure 8 Some of the components are shown or new components may be added.

[0118] The sensing unit 820 can sense the state of the aerosol generating device 800 and the state around the aerosol generating device 800, and transmit the sensed information to the controller 810. Based on the sensed information, the controller 810 can control the aerosol generating device 800 to perform various functions, such as controlling the operation of the heater 850, restricting smoking, determining whether an aerosol generating article (e.g., a cigarette, a cartridge, etc.) is inserted, displaying a notification, etc.

[0119] The sensing unit 820 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 822, an insertion detection sensor, and a suction sensor 826, but is not limited thereto.

[0120] The temperature sensor 822 can sense the temperature at which the heater 850 (or the aerosol generating substance) is heated. The aerosol generating device 800 may include a separate temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the heater 850, or the heater 850 may be used as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 822 may also be arranged around the battery 840 to monitor the temperature of the battery 840.

[0121] The insertion detection sensor 824 may sense the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article. For example, the insertion detection sensor 824 may include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a resistance sensor, a capacitance sensor, an inductance sensor, and an infrared sensor, and may sense a signal change according to the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article.

[0122] The suction sensor 826 can sense the user's suction based on various physical changes in the airflow channel or airflow path. For example, the suction sensor 826 can sense the user's suction based on any one of temperature change, flow change, voltage change and pressure change.

[0123] The sensing unit 820 may further include at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a position sensor (e.g., a global positioning system (GPS)), a proximity sensor, and a red-green-blue (RGB) sensor (illuminance sensor) in addition to the above-mentioned temperature sensor 822, the insertion detection sensor 824, and the suction sensor 826. Since a person of ordinary skill in the art can intuitively infer the function of each sensor from the name of the sensor, its detailed description may be omitted.

[0124] The output unit 830 may output information about the state of the aerosol generating device 800 and provide the information to the user. The output unit 830 may include at least one of a display unit 832, a tactile unit 834, and a sound output unit 836, but is not limited thereto. When the display unit 832 and the touch pad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display unit 832 may be used as an input device in addition to being used as an output device.

[0125] The display unit 832 may visually provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 800. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device 800 may refer to various information, such as the charging / discharging state of the battery 840 of the aerosol generating device 800, the preheating state of the heater 850, the insertion / removal state of the aerosol generating article, or the state in which the use of the aerosol generating device 800 is restricted (e.g., sensing an abnormal object), etc., and the display unit 832 may output the information to the outside. The display unit 832 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display panel, etc. In addition, the display unit 832 may be in the form of a light emitting diode (LED) light emitting device.

[0126] The haptic unit 834 may provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 800 in a tactile manner by converting an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulation or an electrical stimulation. For example, the haptic unit 834 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0127] The sound output unit 836 may provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 800 in an auditory manner. For example, the sound output unit 836 may convert an electrical signal into a sound signal and output it to the outside.

[0128] The battery 840 may supply power for operating the aerosol generating device 800. The battery 840 may supply power so that the heater 850 may be heated. In addition, the battery 840 may supply power required for the operation of other components (e.g., the sensing unit 820, the output unit 830, the user input unit 860, the memory 870, and the communication unit 880) in the aerosol generating device 800. The battery 840 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 840 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0129] The heater 850 may receive power from the battery 840 to heat the aerosol generating material. Figure 8 Although not shown in the figure, the aerosol generating device 800 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a direct current (DC) / DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 840 and supplies it to the heater 850. In addition, when the aerosol generating device 800 generates aerosol by an induction heating method, the aerosol generating device 800 may further include a DC / alternating current (AC) that converts the DC power of the battery 840 into AC power.

[0130] The controller 810, the sensing unit 820, the output unit 830, the user input unit 860, the memory 870, and the communication unit 880 may all receive power from the battery 840 to perform functions. Figure 8 Although not shown in the figure, the aerosol generating device 800 may further include a power conversion circuit, such as a low dropout (LDO) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, which converts the power of the battery 840 to supply the power to the various components.

[0131] In an embodiment, the heater 850 may be formed of any suitable resistive material. For example, a suitable resistive material may be a metal or metal alloy, including, but not limited to, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nickel-chromium alloy, etc. In addition, the heater 850 may be implemented by a metal wire, a metal plate with an electrically conductive trace arranged thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc., but not limited thereto.

[0132] In other embodiments, the heater 850 may be an induction heating type heater. For example, the heater 850 may include a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol generating substance.

[0133] The user input unit 860 may receive information input from the user or may output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 860 may include a keyboard, a dome switch, a touch pad (contact capacitance method, piezoresistive film method, infrared sensing method, surface ultrasonic conduction method, overall tension measurement method, piezoelectric effect method, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc., but is not limited thereto. In addition, although Figure 8 Not shown in the figure, the aerosol generating device 800 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 the USB interface to transmit and receive information, or to charge the battery 840.

[0134] The memory 870 is a hardware component that stores various types of data processed in the aerosol generating device 800, and can store data processed by the controller 810 and data to be processed by it. The memory 870 may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro memory, a card type memory (e.g., a secure digital (SD) or extreme digital (XD) memory, etc.), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The memory 870 may store the operation time of the aerosol generating device 800, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature curve, data on the smoking pattern of the user, etc.

[0135] The communication unit 880 may include at least one component for communicating with another electronic device. For example, the communication unit 880 may include a short-range wireless communication unit 882 and a wireless communication unit 884.

[0136] The short-range wireless communication unit 882 may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) communication unit, a near field communication unit, a wireless LAN (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., but is not limited to these.

[0137] The wireless communication unit 884 may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN)) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit 884 may also identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 800 within the communication network by using subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)).

[0138] The controller 810 may control the general operation of the aerosol generating device 800. In an embodiment, the controller 810 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which programs executable by the microprocessor are stored. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the processor may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0139] The controller 810 can control the temperature of the heater 850 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 840 to the heater 850. For example, the controller 810 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of the switching element between the battery 840 and the heater 850. In another example, the direct heating circuit can also control the power supply to the heater 850 according to the control command of the controller 810.

[0140] The controller 810 may analyze the result sensed by the sensing unit 820 and control the subsequent process to be performed. For example, the controller 810 may control the power supplied to the heater 850 based on the result sensed by the sensing unit 820 to start or end the operation of the heater 850. As another example, the controller 810 may control the amount of power supplied to the heater 850 and the time of supplying the power based on the result sensed by the sensing unit 820, so that the heater 850 can be heated to a specific temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature.

[0141] The controller 810 may control the output unit 830 based on the result sensed by the sensing unit 820. For example, when the number of puffs counted by the puff sensor 826 reaches a preset number, the controller 810 may notify the user through at least one of the display unit 832, the tactile unit 834, and the sound output unit 836 that the aerosol generating device 800 is about to terminate.

[0142] An embodiment can also be implemented in the form of a computer-readable recording medium, which includes instructions that can be executed by a computer, such as a program module that can be executed by a computer. The computer-readable recording medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer and includes both volatile and non-volatile media and removable and non-removable media. In addition, the computer-readable recording medium can include both computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media include all volatile and non-volatile media and removable and non-removable media for storing information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data implemented by any method or technology. Communication media typically include computer-readable instructions, data structures, other data in modulated data signals such as program modules or other transmission mechanisms, and include any information transmission media.

[0143] The description of the above embodiments is only an example, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and equivalents may be made thereto. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure shall be defined by the appended claims, and all differences within the equivalent scope described in the claims shall be understood to be included in the protection scope defined by the claims.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating system comprising: an aerosol-generating article comprising an ink region in which is disposed an ink that changes color in response to at least one of a change in temperature and a change in humidity; as well as An aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device comprising: a heater configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article; a sensor configured to detect the ink region; and A processor is configured to control supply of power to the heater based on sensing information obtained from the ink area by the sensor.

2. An aerosol generating system according to claim 1, wherein: The processor is further configured to: supplying power to the heater based on a first temperature curve when first sensing information is obtained from the ink area by the sensor; and When second sensing information is obtained from the ink area by the sensor, power is supplied to the heater based on a second temperature profile different from the first temperature profile.

3. An aerosol generating system according to claim 2, wherein: The second temperature profile includes a preheating time that is longer than a preheating time of the first temperature profile.

4. An aerosol generating system according to claim 2, wherein: The first sensing information indicates that the ink has not changed color, and the second sensing information indicates that the ink has changed color according to a change in the humidity.

5. An aerosol generating system according to claim 1, wherein: The aerosol generating device also includes a user interface, and The processor is further configured to output a notification through the user interface when third sensing information is obtained from the ink area through the sensor.

6. An aerosol generating system according to claim 5, wherein: The third sensing information indicates that the ink changes color according to the change in the temperature.

7. An aerosol generating system according to claim 1, wherein: The ink area includes: a first ink region configured to change color in response to a change in the humidity; and A second ink region is configured to change color in response to the change in temperature and is disposed apart from the first ink region.

8. An aerosol generating system according to claim 1, wherein: The ink region includes a plurality of bands of the ink that change color in response to changes in the humidity.

9. An aerosol generating system according to claim 8, wherein: The plurality of strips include: a first strip-shaped portion, the ink having a first concentration value in the first strip-shaped portion such that the first strip-shaped portion changes color when the moisture content of the aerosol-generating article increases above the first moisture content; and a second strip-shaped portion in which the ink has a second concentration value such that the second strip-shaped portion changes color when the moisture content of the aerosol-generating article increases above a second moisture content, the second moisture content being greater than the first moisture content.

10. An aerosol generating system according to claim 9, wherein: The processor is further configured to: supplying power to the heater based on a temperature profile corresponding to the first moisture content of the aerosol-generating article when the sensed information indicates a change in color of the first strip; as well as When the sensed information indicates a change in color of the first and second strip portions, power is supplied to the heater based on a temperature profile corresponding to the second moisture content of the aerosol-generating article.

11. An aerosol generating device comprising: a heater configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article; a sensor configured to sense an ink region of the aerosol-generating article; as well as A processor is configured to control supply of power to the heater based on sensing information obtained from the ink area by the sensor.

12. The aerosol generating device according to claim 11, wherein: The processor is further configured to: supplying power to the heater based on a first temperature curve when first sensing information is obtained from the ink area by the sensor; and When second sensing information is obtained from the ink area by the sensor, power is supplied to the heater based on a second temperature profile different from the first temperature profile.

13. An aerosol generating device according to claim 11, further comprising a user interface, in, The processor is further configured to output a notification through the user interface when third sensing information is obtained from the ink area through the sensor.

14. The aerosol generating device according to claim 11, wherein: The processor is further configured to: supplying power to the heater based on a temperature profile corresponding to a first moisture content of the aerosol-generating article when the sensing information indicates that a first band is detected in the ink region; as well as When the sensing information indicates that the first and second band-shaped portions are detected in the ink region, power is supplied to the heater based on a temperature profile corresponding to a second moisture content of the aerosol-generating article.

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