Aerosol-generating method and aerosol-generating device for performing same

Abstract

According to an embodiment, the method may comprise the following actions: generating a magnetic field having a target frequency when an aerosol-generating article is inserted into an aerosol-generating device; determining a target color of a target area of the aerosol-generating article; determining a target type corresponding to the target color from a plurality of types; and heating the aerosol-generating article with a target temperature profile corresponding to the target type.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The following embodiments relate to a technology for controlling an aerosol generating device, and more particularly, to a technology for controlling an aerosol generating device to heat an aerosol generating article based on a type of the aerosol generating article identified. BACKGROUND

[0002] In recent years, the demand for electronic cigarette devices has been increasing. In addition, the continuous development of functions related to electronic cigarette devices has accelerated as the demand for electronic cigarette devices has been increasing. In particular, functions related to the type and characteristics of electronic cigarette devices are being continuously developed.

[0003] In order to satisfy different tastes of smokers, various types of cigarettes with different tastes and flavors have emerged. The optimal heating temperature and heating time of different types of cigarettes can differ to achieve the optimal taste and flavor. SUMMARY

[0004] Technical problem to be solved

[0005] In an embodiment, an aerosol generating device can be provided that determines a type of an aerosol generating article inserted into the aerosol generating device among a plurality of types.

[0006] Technical method for solving the problem

[0007] An aerosol generating method according to an embodiment can include the following acts: generating a magnetic field having a target frequency when an aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device; determining a target color of a target region of the aerosol generating article; determining a target type corresponding to the target color among a plurality of types; and heating the aerosol generating article using a target temperature profile corresponding to the target type.

[0008] An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment can include a coil generating an alternating magnetic field based on an actuation signal, and a control portion controlling the aerosol generating device, wherein the control portion can be configured to perform the following acts: generating a magnetic field having a target frequency when an aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device; determining a target color of a target region of the aerosol generating article; determining a target type corresponding to the target color among a plurality of types; and heating the aerosol generating article using a target temperature profile corresponding to the target type.

[0009] An aerosol generating article according to an embodiment can include a tobacco rod including an aerosol generating material, a filter rod, at least one wrapper wrapping the tobacco rod and the filter rod, and an identification tag located on the wrapper and changing color by a magnetic field.

[0010] Effects of Invention

[0011] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device can be provided, which generates an aerosol based on a type of an aerosol generating article determined based on a color changed by a magnetic field. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0012] Figures la to Id FIG. 1 is a view illustrating an example of an aerosol generating article according to various embodiments.

[0013] Figure 2 and Figure 3 FIG. 2 is a view illustrating an example of an aerosol generating article according to various embodiments.

[0014] Figure 4 FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to various embodiments.

[0015] Figure 5 FIG. 4 is a view illustrating an identification tag including a magnetic color change pigment, the color of which changes according to the strength of a magnetic field, according to various embodiments.

[0016] Figure 6 FIG. 5 is a view illustrating an example of an aerosol generating article including an identification tag according to various embodiments.

[0017] Figure 7 FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an aerosol generating method according to various embodiments.

[0018] Figure 8 FIG. 7 is a view illustrating an example of inserting an aerosol generating article including an identification tag into an aerosol generating device according to various embodiments.

[0019] Figure 9 FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method of determining a target type corresponding to a target color among a plurality of types according to various embodiments.

[0020] Figure 10 FIG. 9 is a view illustrating an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 11 FIG. 10 is a view illustrating an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 12 FIG. 11 is a front perspective view illustrating an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 13 FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view illustrating an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The specific configuration or functional description of the disclosed embodiments is for illustrative purposes only, and various modifications can be made to the embodiments. Therefore, the embodiments are not limited or restricted by the specific disclosed form, and all modifications, equivalents, or alternatives of the embodiments are included within the scope of the present specification.

[0025] In addition, in the description of various components, the first or second term can be used, and the terms are used only to distinguish the constituent elements from another constituent element. For example, the first component can be referred to as the second component, and similarly, the second component can also be referred to as the first component.

[0026] When a constituent element is described as "connected" to another constituent element, it is understood that the constituent element can be directly connected or attached to the other constituent element, and it is also understood that the other constituent element is "connected" between the constituent elements.

[0027] In the content, the singular expression includes the plural meaning. In the present specification, the term "including" or "having" or the like is used to express the presence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, constituent elements, accessories, or combinations described in the specification, and does not exclude the presence of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, constituent elements, accessories, or combinations, or additional functions.

[0028] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. Terms commonly used and having the same meaning as the dictionary definition should be understood as having a meaning consistent with the general content of the relevant art, and cannot be over-idealized or interpreted as formal meanings unless explicitly stated in the present application.

[0029] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Also, in the process of describing with reference to the drawings, the same constituent elements are given the same reference numerals regardless of the reference numerals, and repeated description thereof will be omitted.

[0030] Figures la to Id FIGS. 1 to 6 are views illustrating an example of inserting an aerosol generating article into an aerosol generating device according to various embodiments.

[0031] Referring to Figure la , the aerosol generating device 1 includes a battery 11, a control portion 12, and a heater 13. Referring to Figure lb and Figure lc , the aerosol generating device 1 further includes a vaporizer 14. Referring to Figure Id , the aerosol generating device 1 includes a battery 11, a control portion 12, a coil 13a, and a susceptor 13b. Also, the cigarette 2 can be inserted into the inner space of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0032] Figures la to 4 The aerosol-generating device 1 shown in FIG. 1 illustrates constituent elements related to the present embodiment. Thus, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the aerosol-generating device 1 can include other general constituent elements in addition to those shown in FIG. 1. Figures la to 4

[0033] Also, although Figure lb Figure lc The aerosol-generating device 1 is shown as including the heater 13, but the heater 13 can be omitted as needed. For example, the aerosol-generating device 1 that does not include the heater 13 can generate an aerosol through the vaporizer 14.

[0034] Figure la The battery 11, the control portion 12, and the heater 13 are shown as being arranged in a line. Also, Figure lb The battery 11, the control portion 12, the vaporizer 14, and the heater 13 are shown as being arranged in a line. Also, Figure lc The vaporizer 14 and the heater 13 are shown as being arranged side by side. However, the internal structure of the aerosol-generating device 1 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 1. In other words, the arrangement of the battery 11, the control portion 12, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14 can be changed according to the design of the aerosol-generating device 1. Figures la to lc

[0035] When the cigarette 2 is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1, the aerosol-generating device 1 can activate the heater 13 and / or the vaporizer 14 to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated based on the heater 13 and / or the vaporizer 14 is delivered to a user through the cigarette 2.

[0036] As needed, the aerosol-generating device 1 can also control the heater 13 to heat when the cigarette 2 is not inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1.

[0037] The battery 11 provides power required for the operation of the aerosol-generating device 1. For example, the battery 11 can provide power for the heater 13 or the vaporizer 14 to heat, and can provide power required for the operation of the control portion 12. Also, the battery 11 can provide power required for the operation of a display, a sensor, a motor, etc. provided in the aerosol-generating device 1.

[0038] The control portion 12 overall controls the operation of the aerosol-generating device 1. Specifically, the control portion 12 can control not only the battery 11, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14, but also the actions of other components in the aerosol-generating device 1. Also, the control portion 12 can determine whether the aerosol-generating device 1 is in an operable state by confirming the state of each component of the aerosol-generating device 1.

[0039] ​​​The control portion 12 includes at least one processor. The processor can be implemented as a plurality of logic gate arrays, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable by the microprocessor is stored. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present application pertains that the control portion can be in other forms of hardware.

[0040] The heater 13 can be heated by power supplied from the battery 11. For example, when the cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, the heater 13 can be located outside the cigarette. Thereby, the heated heater 13 can increase the temperature of the aerosol generating material inside the cigarette.

[0041] The heater 13 can be an electric resistance heater. For example, the heater 13 includes an electrically conductive track, and is heated as an electric current flows on the electrically conductive track. However, the heater 13 is not limited to the above example, as long as it can be heated to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature can be set in advance in the aerosol generating device 1, or can be set by a user.

[0042] In addition, for example, the heater 13 can be an induction heater including a coil 13a and a susceptor 13b, as shown in FIG. 1B. Accordingly, any repetitive description of the heater will be omitted. Figure Id

[0043] Specifically, the heater 13 can include an electrically conductive coil 13a that heats the cigarette 2 by induction heating, and include a susceptor 13b that can be heated by the induction heater. Although not shown in FIG. 1A, the susceptor 13b can be contained in the cigarette 2, rather than in the aerosol generating device 1. Figure Id

[0044] For example, the heater 13 can include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and can heat the inside or outside of the cigarette 2 according to the shape of the heating element.

[0045] Also, a plurality of heaters 13 can be provided in the aerosol generating device 1. In this case, the plurality of heaters 13 can be configured to be inserted into the inside of the cigarette 2, or can be configured outside the cigarette 2. Alternatively, some of the plurality of heaters 13 can be configured to be inserted into the inside of the cigarette 2, and the rest can be configured outside the cigarette 2. The shape of the heater 13 is not limited to the shape in FIG. 1A, but can be made in various shapes. Figures la to lc

[0046] ​​​The vaporizer 14 can generate an aerosol by heating the liquid composition, and the generated aerosol can be delivered to a user through the cigarette 2. In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 can move through the airflow passage of the aerosol generating device 1, and the airflow passage can be configured such that the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 can be delivered to the user through the cigarette.

[0047] For example, the vaporizer 14 can include a liquid storage, a liquid delivery means, and a heating element, but is not limited thereto. For example, the liquid storage, the liquid delivery means, and the heating element can be provided as independent modules in the aerosol generating device 1.

[0048] The liquid storage can store the liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition can be a liquid including a tobacco-containing substance containing a volatile tobacco aromatic component, or a liquid including a non-tobacco substance. The liquid storage can be detachable from the vaporizer 14, or can be integrated with the vaporizer 14.

[0049] For example, the liquid composition can include water, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, a flavoring, a flavoring agent, or a vitamin mixture. The flavoring can include menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, various fruit flavor components, etc., but is not limited thereto. The flavoring agent can include components that provide different flavors or tastes to a user. The vitamin mixture can mix at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E, but is not limited thereto. Also, the liquid composition can include glycerin and propylene glycol, etc., as an aerosol forming agent.

[0050] The liquid delivery means can deliver the liquid composition of the liquid storage to the heating element. For example, non-limiting examples of the liquid delivery means include a cotton wick, a ceramic wick, a glass wick, a porous ceramic wick, etc.

[0051] The heating element heats the liquid composition delivered by the liquid delivery means. For example, the heating element can be a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, a ceramic heater, etc., but is not limited thereto. Also, the heating element can be composed of a conductive wire such as a nichrome wire, and can be configured to be wound around the structure of the liquid delivery means. The heating element can be heated by supplying an electric current, and thus heat can be transferred to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element to heat the liquid composition. Finally, an aerosol can be generated.

[0052] For example, the vaporizer 14 can also be referred to as a cartomizer (atomizer), but is not limited thereto.

[0053] In addition, the aerosol-generating device 1 can include other general components in addition to the battery 11, the control portion 12, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14. For example, the aerosol-generating device 1 can further include a display that outputs visual information and / or a motor that outputs tactile information. In addition, the aerosol-generating device 1 can include at least one sensor (e.g., a puffing sensor, a temperature detection sensor, a cigarette insertion detection sensor). Also, the aerosol-generating device 1 can be manufactured in a structure that can introduce external air or discharge internal gas even when the cigarette 2 is inserted.

[0054] Although Figures la to Id Although

[0055] Referring to Figure Id , the aerosol-generating device 1 includes the battery 11, the control portion 12, the coil 13a, the susceptor 13b, and the cavity 13c.

[0056] The cigarette 2 can be inserted into the cavity 13c of the aerosol-generating device 1, and the coil 13a can be located around the cavity 13c. In Figure Id , the coil 13a is illustrated as being disposed around the cavity 13c, but is not limited thereto.

[0057] The aerosol-generating device 1 can generate an aerosol by heating the cigarette 2 using an induction heating method. The induction heating method refers to a method of generating heat from a magnetic body by applying an alternating magnetic field.

[0058] When an alternating magnetic field is applied to a magnetic body, energy loss can occur in the magnetic body due to eddy current loss and hysteresis loss. The lost energy can be released from the magnetic body as heat energy. The greater the amplitude or frequency of the alternating magnetic field, the more heat energy is released from the magnetic body. The magnetic body that generates heat under the action of an external magnetic field can be a susceptor.

[0059] The aerosol-generating device 1 can include a susceptor 13b that heats by an external magnetic field. The aerosol-generating device 1 can heat the cigarette 2 by applying an alternating magnetic field to the susceptor 13b.

[0060] The susceptor 13b can include a metal or carbon. The susceptor 13b can include at least one of ferrite, a ferromagnetic alloy, stainless steel, and aluminum (Al).

[0061] In addition, the susceptor 13b can include at least one of a ceramic (e.g., graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, niobium, nickel alloy, metal film, zirconia, etc.), a transition metal (e.g., nickel (Ni) or cobalt (Co)), a metalloid (e.g., boron (B) or phosphorus (P)).

[0062] The aerosol generating device 1 can include a cavity 13c to accommodate the cigarette 2. The cavity 13c can include an opening that is open outside the cavity 13c to accommodate the cigarette 2 in the aerosol generating device 1.

[0063] The aerosol generating device 1 can include a coil 13a to apply an alternating magnetic field to the susceptor 13b. The coil 13a can be wound along the side of the cavity 13. The coil 13a can be disposed adjacent to the susceptor 13b.

[0064] The coil 13a can receive a power supply from the battery 10. When the power supply is supplied to the coil 13a, a magnetic field can be formed inside the coil 13a. When alternating current is applied to the coil 13a, the magnetic field formed inside the coil 13a can periodically change direction. When the susceptor 13b is exposed to the alternating magnetic field formed by the coil 13a, the susceptor 13b can generate heat, thereby heating the cigarette 2 accommodated in the aerosol generating device 1.

[0065] The temperature of the susceptor 13b that heats the cigarette 2 can vary with a change in the magnitude or frequency of the alternating magnetic field formed by the coil 13a. The control portion 12 can control the power supplied to the coil 13a to adjust the magnitude or frequency of the alternating magnetic field formed by the coil 13a, thereby controlling the temperature of the susceptor 13b.

[0066] As an example, the coil 13a can be implemented as a solenoid. The coil 13a can be a solenoid wound along the side of the cavity 13c. The cigarette 2 can be accommodated in the internal space of the solenoid. The solenoid can include, but is not limited to, copper (Cu).

[0067] To allow a large current to flow by low resistivity, the solenoid can contain an alloy of any one or at least one of silver (Ag), gold (Au), aluminum (Al), tungsten (W), zinc (Zn), and nickel (Ni).

[0068] The cigarette 2 can be similar to a general combustible cigarette. For example, the cigarette 2 can be divided into a first portion including an aerosol-generating material and a second portion including a filter or the like. Also, the second portion of the cigarette 2 can include the aerosol-generating material. For example, the aerosol-generating material made into a granule or a capsule shape can also be inserted into the second portion.

[0069] Also, the entire first portion can be inserted into the inside of the aerosol-generating device 1, and the second portion can be exposed to the outside. Or, a part of the first portion can be inserted into the inside of the aerosol-generating device 1, and the entire first portion and a part of the second portion can be inserted into the inside of the aerosol-generating device 1. The user can inhale the aerosol in a state of biting the second portion with the mouth. At this time, as the external air flows through the first portion to generate the aerosol, the generated aerosol flows through the second portion to be delivered to the user's mouth.

[0070] For example, the external air can flow in through at least one air passage formed in the aerosol-generating device 1. For example, the user can adjust the opening and closing of the air passage and / or the size of the air passage formed in the aerosol-generating device 1. Thereby, the user can adjust the atomization amount, the smoking feeling, etc. For another example, the external air can also flow into the inside of the cigarette 2 through at least one hole formed in the surface of the cigarette 2.

[0071] Hereinafter, examples of the cigarette 2 will be described with reference to Figure 2 and Figure 3

[0072] Figure 2 and Figure 3 to show examples of the cigarette.

[0073] Referring to Figure 2 , the cigarette 2 includes a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22. Referring to Figures la to Id , the first portion described above includes the tobacco rod 21, and the second portion includes the filter rod 22.

[0074] Figure 2 The filter rod 22 shown in the drawing has only one segment, but is not limited thereto. In other words, the filter rod 22 can also be configured to have a plurality of segments. For example, the filter rod 22 can include a segment for cooling the aerosol and a segment for filtering a predetermined component contained in the aerosol. In addition, the filter rod 22 can also include at least one segment for performing other functions, as needed.

[0075] ​The cigarette 2 can have a diameter ranging from 5 mm to 9 mm and a length of about 48 mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can have a length of about 12 mm, the first segment of the filter rod 22 can have a length of about 10 mm, the second segment of the filter rod 22 can have a length of about 14 mm, and the third segment of the filter rod 22 can have a length of about 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0076] The cigarette 2 can be packaged by at least one wrapper 24. At least one hole for inflow of external air or outflow of internal gas can be formed in the wrapper 24. For example, the cigarette 2 can be packaged by one wrapper 24. For another example, the cigarette 2 can be packaged by two or more wrappers 24 stacked. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be packaged by a first wrapper 241, and the filter rod 22 can be packaged by wrappers 242, 243, and 244. Then, the entire cigarette 2 can be packaged again by a single wrapper 245. If the filter rod 22 is composed of a plurality of segments, each segment can be packaged by a wrapper 242, 243, or 244.

[0077] The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 can be made of general filter paper. For example, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 can be porous filter paper or non-porous filter paper. Also, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 can be oil-resistant paper and / or aluminum composite paper wrappers.

[0078] The third wrapper 243 can be made of hard paper. For example, the third wrapper 243 can have a basis weight ranging from 88 g / m 2 to 96 g / m 2 , preferably from 90 g / m 2 to 94 g / m 2 . Also, the third wrapper 243 can have a thickness ranging from 120 μm to 130 μm, preferably 125 μm.

[0079] The fourth wrapper 244 can be made of oil-resistant hard paper. For example, the fourth wrapper 244 can have a basis weight ranging from 88 g / m 2 to 96 g / m 2 , preferably from 90 g / m 2 to 94 g / m 2 . Also, the fourth wrapper 244 can have a thickness ranging from 120 μm to 130 μm, preferably 125 μm.

[0080] The fifth wrapper 245 can be made of a sterilized paper (MFW). Here, the sterilized paper (MFW) is a paper specially manufactured to be superior to ordinary paper in tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 can be included in a range of 57 g / m 2 to 63 g / m 2 , and preferably can be 60 g / m 2 . Also, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 can be included in a range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and preferably can be 67 μm.

[0081] A predetermined material can be added to the fifth wrapper 245. Here, a non-limiting example of the predetermined material is silicon. For example, silicon has heat resistance that is less affected by temperature, oxidation resistance that is not easily oxidized, resistance to various chemicals, water resistance, electrical insulation, etc. But silicon can not be used, and any material having the above-mentioned properties can be added (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 245 without limitation.

[0082] The fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the cigarette 2 from burning. For example, the cigarette 2 can burn when the tobacco rod 210 is heated by the heater 13. Specifically, the cigarette 2 can burn when the temperature rises above the ignition point of any of the materials in the tobacco rod 310. Even if this occurs, since the fifth wrapper 245 includes a non-combustible material, the cigarette 2 can be prevented from burning.

[0083] In addition, the fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the mouthpiece from being contaminated by substances generated in the cigarette 2. Liquid substances can be generated in the cigarette 2 when a user inhales. For example, as an aerosol generated by the cigarette 2 is cooled by external air, liquid substances (e.g., moisture, etc.) can be generated. By wrapping the cigarette 2 with the fifth wrapper 245, the liquid substances generated in the cigarette 2 can be prevented from leaking outside the cigarette 2.

[0084] The tobacco rod 21 includes an aerosol generating material. For example, the aerosol generating material can include at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol, but is not limited thereto. Also, the tobacco rod 21 can further include other additives such as a flavoring agent, a wetting agent, and / or an organic acid, etc. Also, a flavoring agent such as menthol or a moisturizer, etc. can be sprayed on the tobacco rod 21 to be added to the tobacco rod 21.

[0085] The tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured in various forms. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured from a sheet, or from a strand. Alternatively, the tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured from tobacco shreds after cutting a tobacco sheet. The tobacco rod 21 can be wrapped with a heat-conductive material. For example, a non-limiting example of the heat-conductive material is a metal foil such as an aluminum foil. For example, the heat-conductive material wrapping the tobacco rod 21 can uniformly disperse heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21, thereby increasing the heat conductivity applied to the tobacco rod and improving the taste of the cigarette. In addition, the heat-conductive material wrapping the tobacco rod 21 can be used as a susceptor heated by the induction heater. At this time, although not shown, the tobacco rod 21 can include an additional susceptor in addition to the heat-conductive material wrapping the outside.

[0086] The filter rod 22 can be an acetate cellulose filter rod. In an aspect, the shape of the filter rod 22 is not limited. For example, the filter rod 22 can be a cylindrical rod, or a tubular rod having an inner hollow. Alternatively, the filter rod 22 can be a grooved rod. If the filter rod 22 is formed in a plurality of segments, at least one of the plurality of segments can be of another shape.

[0087] The first segment of the filter rod 22 can be an acetate cellulose filter rod. For example, the first segment can be a tubular structure having an inner hollow. Through the first segment, it is possible to prevent the inner material of the tobacco rod 21 from being pushed to the rear when the heater 13 is inserted, and to achieve an aerosol cooling effect. The hollow diameter in the first segment can be in the range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0088] The length of the first segment can be in the range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the length of the first segment can be 10 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0089] The hardness of the first segment can be adjusted by adjusting the content of a plasticizer in the manufacturing process of the first segment. Also, the inner portion (e.g., hollow) of the first segment can be inserted into a film or a tube structure of the same or different material.

[0090] The second segment of the filter rod 22 cools the aerosol generated by the heater 13 heating the tobacco rod 21. Thereby, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to an appropriate temperature.

[0091] The length or diameter of the second segment can be determined according to the shape of the cigarette 2. For example, the length of the second segment can be in the range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the length of the second segment can be about 14 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0092] The second section can be made of braided polymer fibers. At this time, the flavoring agent can be applied to the fibers made of the polymer. Alternatively, the second section can be made by braiding the separate fibers coated with the flavoring agent and the fibers made of the polymer together. Alternatively, the second section can be made of a crimped polymer sheet.

[0093] For example, the polymer can be made of a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose acetate (CA), and aluminum foil.

[0094] Since the second section is made of braided polymer fibers or a crimped polymer sheet, the second section can include one or more longitudinally extending channels. Here, the channel refers to a passage through which a gas (e.g., air or aerosol) flows.

[0095] For example, the second section made by crimping the polymer sheet can be made of a material having a thickness of between about 5 μm and about 300 μm, for example, between about 10 μm and about 250 μm. Also, the total surface area of the second section can be between about 300 mm 2 / mm and about 1000 mm 2 / mm. The aerosol cooling element can be made of a material having a specific surface area of between about 10 mm 2 / mg and about 100 mm 2 / mg.

[0096] In addition, the second section can include a thread containing a volatile flavoring ingredient. Here, the volatile flavoring ingredient can be menthol, but is not limited thereto. For example, the thread can be filled with enough menthol to provide at least 1.5 mg of menthol to the second section.

[0097] The third section of the filter rod 22 can be a cellulose acetate filter rod. The length of the third section can range from 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third section can be about 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0098] In preparing the third section, a flavor can be generated by spraying a flavoring agent on the third section. Alternatively, separate fibers coated with a flavoring agent can be inserted into the inside of the third section. The aerosol generated in the tobacco rod 21 is cooled by passing through the second section of the filter rod 22, and the cooled aerosol is delivered to the user through the third section. Accordingly, when the flavoring agent is added to the third section, the persistence of the flavor delivered to the user can be improved.

[0099] In addition, the filter rod 22 can include at least one capsule 23. Here, the capsule 23 can function to generate a flavor or to generate an aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 can be a structure in which a flavor liquid is wrapped with a film. The capsule 23 can be spherical or cylindrical, but is not limited thereto.

[0100] Referring to Figure 3 , the cigarette 3 can further include a front plug 33. The front plug 33 is located on the opposite side of the filter rod 32 with respect to the tobacco rod 31. The front plug 33 can prevent the tobacco rod 31 from being separated to the outside, and can also prevent the liquid aerosol in the tobacco rod 31 from flowing into the inside of the aerosol-generating device during smoking (for example, Figures la to Id ).

[0101] The filter rod 32 can include a first segment 321 and a second segment 322. Here, the first segment 321 can correspond to the first segment of the filter rod 22 of Figure 2 , and the second segment 322 can correspond to the third segment of the filter rod 22 of Figure 2 .

[0102] The diameter and the overall length of the cigarette 3 can correspond to the diameter and the overall length of the cigarette 2 of Figure 2 . As a non-limiting example, the length of the front plug 33 can be about 7 mm, the length of the tobacco rod 31 can be about 15 mm, the length of the first segment 321 can be about 12 mm, and the length of the second segment 322 can be about 14 mm.

[0103] The cigarette 3 can be packaged with at least one wrapper 35. At least one hole for the inflow of external air or the outflow of internal gas can be formed in the wrapper 35. For example, the front plug 33 can be wrapped with a first wrapper 351, the tobacco rod 31 can be wrapped with a second wrapper 352, the first segment 321 can be wrapped with a third wrapper 353, and the second segment 322 can be wrapped with a fourth wrapper 354. The entire cigarette 3 can then be wrapped again with a fifth wrapper 355.

[0104] In addition, at least one through-hole 36 can be formed in the fifth wrapper 355. For example, the through-hole 36 can be formed in a region surrounding the tobacco rod 31, but is not limited thereto. The through-hole 36 can function to transfer heat generated by the heater 13 shown in Figure la and Figure Id to the inside of the tobacco rod 31.

[0105] Also, the second segment 322 can include at least one capsule 34. Here, the capsule 34 can function to generate a flavor or to generate an aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 can be a structure in which a flavor liquid is wrapped with a film. The capsule 34 can be spherical or cylindrical, but is not limited thereto.

[0106] The first wrapper 351 can be formed of a combination of a general filter wrapper and a metal foil such as an aluminum foil. For example, the overall thickness of the first wrapper 351 can range from 45 μm to 55 μm, and preferably can be 50.3 μm. Also, the thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 can range from 6 μm to 7 μm, and preferably can be 6.3 μm. Also, the basis weight of the first wrapper 351 can range from 50 g / m 2 to 55 g / m 2 , and preferably can be 53 g / m 2 .

[0107] The second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 can be formed of a general filter paper. For example, the second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 can be a porous paper or a non-porous paper.

[0108] For example, the porosity of the second wrapper 352 can be 35,000 CU, but is not limited thereto. Also, the thickness of the second wrapper 352 can range from 70 μm to 80 μm, and preferably can be 78 μm. Also, the basis weight of the second wrapper 352 can range from 20 g / m 2 to 25 g / m 2 , and preferably can be 23.5 g / m 2 .

[0109] For example, the porosity of the third wrapper 353 can be 24,000 CU, but is not limited thereto. Also, the thickness of the third wrapper 353 can range from 60 μm to 70 μm, and preferably can be 68 μm. Also, the basis weight of the third wrapper 353 can range from 20 g / m 2 to 25 g / m 2 , and preferably can be 21 g / m 2 .

[0110] The fourth wrapper 354 can be a PLA composite paper. Here, the PLA composite paper refers to a 3-layer paper composed of a paper layer, a PLA layer, and a paper layer. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 354 can range from 100 μm to 120 μm, and preferably can be 110 μm. Also, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 can range from 80 g / m 2 to 100 g / m 2 , and preferably can be 88 g / m 2 .

[0111] The fifth wrapper 355 can be a sterilized paper (MFW). Here, the sterilized paper (MFW) is a paper specially manufactured to be superior to a general paper in tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 can range from 57 g / m 2 to 63 g / m2 Within this range, 60g / m² is preferred. 2 Furthermore, the thickness of the fifth package 355 can range from 64 μm to 70 μm, preferably 67 μm.

[0112] The fifth package 355 may contain a predetermined material. A non-limiting example of such a material is silicon. For example, silicon possesses properties such as heat resistance minimally affected by temperature, oxidation resistance, resistance to various chemicals, water resistance, or electrical insulation. However, silicon may not be used; any material possessing the aforementioned properties may be added (or coated) to the fifth package 355 without restriction.

[0113] The front plug 33 can be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the front plug 33 can be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to the cellulose acetate tow. The mono denier of the filaments constituting the cellulose acetate tow can be in the range of 1.0 to 10.0, preferably in the range of 4.0 to 6.0. More preferably, the mono denier of the filaments constituting the front plug 33 can be 5.0. Furthermore, the cross-section of the filaments constituting the front plug 33 can be Y-shaped. The total denier of the front plug 33 can be in the range of 20,000 to 30,000, preferably in the range of 25,000 to 30,000. More preferably, the total denier of the front plug 33 can be 28,000.

[0114] Additionally, the front plug 33 may include at least one channel, and the cross-sectional shape of each channel may be different, depending on the need.

[0115] Tobacco stick 31 can correspond to reference Figure 2 The tobacco stick 21 is described below. Therefore, a detailed description of the tobacco stick 31 will be omitted below.

[0116] The first segment 321 can be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment can be a hollow tubular structure. The first segment 321 can be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to the cellulose acetate tow. For example, the denier of the first segment 321 can be the same as the denier of the first segment 321.

[0117] The second section 322 can be made of cellulose acetate. The monofilament denier of the filaments constituting the second section 322 can be included in the range of 1.0 to 10.0, preferably in the range of 8.0 to 10.0. More preferably, the monofilament denier of the filaments of the second section 322 can be 9.0. In addition, the cross section of the filaments of the second section 322 can be Y-shaped. The total denier of the second section 322 can be in the range of 20,000 to 30,000, preferably 25,000.

[0118] Figure 4 A block diagram of an aerosol-generating device 400 according to another embodiment.

[0119] According to an embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 400 (e.g., Figures la to Id The aerosol-generating device 1) can include a control portion 410, a sensing portion 420, an output portion 430, a battery 440, a heater 450, a user input portion 460, a storage 470, and a communication portion 480. However, the internal structure of the aerosol-generating device 400 is not limited to Figure 4 the structure shown. That is, those skilled in the art will appreciate that, depending on the design of the aerosol-generating device 400, some of the components shown Figure 4 may be omitted, or new components can be added.

[0120] The sensing portion 420 can sense the state of the aerosol-generating device 400 or the state of its surrounding environment and transmit the sensed information to the control portion 410. The control portion 410 can control the aerosol-generating device 400 based on the sensed information to cause it to perform various functions, such as controlling the operation of the heater 450, restricting smoking, determining whether an aerosol-generating article (e.g., a cigarette, a cartridge, etc.) is inserted, displaying a notification, etc.

[0121] The sensing portion 420 can include at least one of a temperature sensor 422, an insertion detection sensor 424, and a puff sensor 426, but is not limited thereto.

[0122] The temperature sensor 422 can sense the temperature at which the heater 450 (or the aerosol-generating material) is heated. The aerosol-generating device 400 can include a separate temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the heater 450, or the heater 450 itself can function as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 422 can be disposed around the battery 440 to monitor the temperature of the battery 440.

[0123] The insertion detection sensor 424 can detect whether the aerosol generating article is inserted and / or removed. The insertion detection sensor 424 can include, for example, at least one of a thin film sensor, a pressure sensor, a light sensor, a resistance sensor, a capacitance sensor, an inductance sensor, and an infrared sensor, which can sense a signal change by insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article.

[0124] The puffing sensor 426 can sense a puff from the user based on various physical changes in the airflow path or the airflow passage. For example, the puffing sensor 426 can sense a puff from the user based on any one of a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

[0125] In addition to the above-described sensors (422 to 426), the sensing part 420 can further include at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a location sensor (e.g., a global positioning system (GPS)), a proximity sensor, and a red, green, blue (RGB) sensor (an illuminance sensor). The function of the sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from the name of the sensor, and thus a more detailed description thereof will be omitted here. For example, the sensing part 420 can include a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor can be disposed in the space into which the cigarette (e.g., the cigarette 2 of Figure 2 or the cigarette 3 of Figure 3 is inserted near the aerosol generating device 400, and can sense an airflow change in the space. For example, the pressure sensor can sense a negative pressure and / or a positive pressure that occurs in the space in which the pressure sensor is disposed. The pressure sensor can constitute at least a part of the puffing sensor 426 or the atmospheric pressure sensor.

[0126] The output part 430 can output information on the state of the aerosol generating device 400 and provide it to the user. The output part 430 can include at least one of a display part 432, a haptic part 434, or a sound output part 436, but is not limited thereto. When the display part 432 and the touch panel are provided in a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display part 432 can function as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0127] The display 432 can visually provide information on the aerosol generating device 400 to the user. The information on the aerosol generating device 400 can include, for example, a charging / discharging state of the battery 440 of the aerosol generating device 400, a preheating state of the heater 450, an insertion / removal state of the aerosol generating article, or a limited use state of the aerosol generating device 400 (e.g., a detected abnormal article), and the like, and the display 432 can output the information to the outside. The display 432 can be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), or the like. In addition, the display 432 can also be in the form of a light emitting diode (LED) device.

[0128] The haptic portion 434 can provide information on the aerosol generating device 400 to the user in a tactile manner by converting an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus. The haptic portion 434 can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0129] The sound output portion 436 can provide information on the aerosol generating device 400 to the user in an audible manner. For example, the sound output portion 436 can convert an electrical signal into a sound signal and output the sound signal to the outside.

[0130] The battery 440 can provide power required for the aerosol generating device 400 to act. The battery 440 can provide power to heat the heater 450. In addition, the battery 440 can provide power required for the actions of other components (e.g., the sensing portion 420, the output portion 430, the user input portion 460, the storage 470, and the communication portion 480) provided in the aerosol generating device 400. The battery 440 can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. The battery 440 can be, for example, a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0131] The heater 450 can receive power from the battery 440 to heat the aerosol generating material. Although Figure 4 not shown in FIG. 4, the aerosol generating device 400 can further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts power from the battery 440 and supplies it to the heater 450. In addition, when the aerosol generating device 400 generates an aerosol in an inductive heating manner, the aerosol generating device 400 can further include a DC / AC converter that converts direct current power of the battery 440 into alternating current power.

[0132] The control portion 410, the sensing portion 420, the output portion 430, the user input portion 460, the storage 470, and the communication portion 480 can receive power from the battery 440 to perform functions. Although Figure 4Although not shown in FIG. 4, the aerosol-generating device 400 can further include a power conversion circuit, such as a low-dropout (LDO) circuit or a regulator circuit, which converts power from the battery 440 and provides it to each component.

[0133] In an embodiment, the heater 450 can be formed of any suitable resistive material. For example, the suitable resistive material can be a metal or a 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, nichrome, etc. In addition, the heater 450 can be implemented as a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate on which an electrically conductive track is disposed, a ceramic heating element, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0134] In an embodiment, the heater 450 can be a heater of an induction heating type. For example, the heater 450 can include a susceptor that generates heat by a magnetic field applied through a coil to heat an aerosol-generating material.

[0135] In an embodiment, the heater 450 can include a plurality of heaters. For example, the heater 450 can include a first heater for heating a cigarette and a second heater for heating a liquid.

[0136] The user input 460 can receive input information from a user and can output information to the user. For example, the user input 460 can include a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (e.g., a contact capacitive type, a pressure sensitive film type, an infrared sensing type, a surface acoustic wave conduction type, an integral tension measurement type, a piezoelectric effect method, etc.), a scroll wheel, a micro switch, etc., but is not limited thereto. In addition, although not shown in FIG. 4, the user input 460 can include a display unit, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), etc. Figure 6 Although not shown in FIG. 4, the aerosol-generating device 400 can further include a connection interface, such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and can be connected to another external device through the connection interface, such as a USB interface, to transmit and receive information or charge the battery 440.

[0137] The memory 470 is hardware that stores various data processed by the aerosol generating device 400, and can store data processed by the control portion 410 and data to be processed. The memory 470 is at least one storage medium of a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type (e.g., an 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 storage, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk. The memory 470 can store data related to a running time, a maximum number of puffs, a current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile (or heating profile), and a user smoking pattern of the aerosol generating device 400, etc.

[0138] The communication portion 480 can include at least one component for communication with another electronic device. For example, the communication portion 480 can include a short-range communication portion 482 and a wireless communication portion 484.

[0139] The short-range wireless communication unit 482 can include a Bluetooth communication portion, a BLE communication unit, a near field communication portion, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication portion, a ZigBee communication portion, an infrared data association (IrDA) communication portion, a Wi-Fi direct (WFD) communication portion, an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication portion, an Ant+ communication portion, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0140] The wireless communication portion 484 can include a cellular network communication portion, an Internet communication portion, a computer network (e.g., a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN)) communication portion, etc., but is not limited thereto. The wireless communication portion 484 can use subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) to identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 400 in a communication network.

[0141] The control portion 410 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 400. In an embodiment, the control portion 410 can include at least one processor. The processor can be an array of a plurality of logic gates, or can be a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which the microprocessor executable program is stored. In addition, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the processor can be implemented with other types of hardware.

[0142] The control portion 410 can control the temperature of the heater 450 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 440 to the heater 450. For example, the control portion 410 can control the supply of power by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery 440 and the heater 450. In another example, the direct heating circuit can control the supply of power to the heater 450 according to a control command from the control portion 410.

[0143] The control portion 410 can analyze the result sensed by the sensing portion 420 and control the process to be subsequently performed. For example, the control portion 410 can control the power supplied to the heater 450 based on the result sensed by the sensing portion 420, so that the operation of the heater 450 starts or ends. For another example, the control portion 410 can control the amount of power supplied to the heater 450 and the power supply time based on the result sensed by the sensing portion 420, so that the heater 450 can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature.

[0144] The control portion 410 can control the output portion 430 based on the result sensed by the sensing portion 420. For example, when the number of puffs counted by the puff sensor 426 reaches a preset number, the control portion 410 can notify the user that the aerosol generating device 400 is about to end through at least one of the display portion 432, the haptic portion 434, and the sound output portion 436.

[0145] In an embodiment, the control portion 410 can control the power supply time and / or the power amount of the heater 450 according to the state of the aerosol generating article sensed by the sensing portion 420. For example, when the aerosol generating article is in an over-wet state, the control portion 410 can control the power supply time of the inductor coil so that the preheating time can be increased compared to the case where the aerosol generating article is in a normal state.

[0146] One embodiment can also be implemented in the form of a recording medium including computer-executable instructions (e.g., program modules executed by a computer). The computer-readable medium can be any available medium accessible by a computer, including volatile media, non-volatile media, removable media, and non-removable media. Additionally, the computer-readable medium can include computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Communication media typically includes computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data in modulated data signals, and includes any information delivery medium.

[0147] According to an embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 400 can include at least one processor and a memory storing instructions, wherein, when the at least one processor executes the instructions alone or collectively, the instructions can cause the aerosol-generating device 400 to perform various actions. Hereinafter, the various actions will be described with reference to Figure 7 The various actions will be described in detail.

[0148] Figure 5 For the identification tag including the magnetic color-changing pigment according to various embodiments, the color of the pigment changes according to the intensity of a magnetic field.

[0149] The magnetic color-changing pigment is an ink based on photonic crystal technology, the color of which can be changed by the arrangement, pitch, or density of nanoparticles dispersed in a disperse medium, and by light reflection. The arrangement, pitch, or density of nanoparticles of the magnetic color-changing pigment can be controlled by a magnetic field.

[0150] According to an embodiment, the magnetic color-changing pigment can be a pigment in which the positions of first colored particles located in an upper portion and second colored particles located in a lower portion are switched with each other, and the upper color is reversely changed by applying a magnetic field.

[0151] According to an embodiment, the magnetic color-changing pigment can be a pigment in which the arrangement angle of nanoparticles is changed, and the upper transparency is also changed by the angle of applying a magnetic field.

[0152] According to an embodiment, the magnetic color-changing pigment can be a pigment in which the density of nanoparticles is changed in the direction of applying a magnetic field or the reverse direction according to the intensity of the applied magnetic field, thereby changing the saturation of the upper color.

[0153] For example, the nanoparticles in the magnetic color-changing pigment can be nanoparticles having the same color as each other.

[0154] For example, the nanoparticles in the magnetic color-changing pigment can include first nanoparticles that exhibit a first color and second nanoparticles that exhibit a second color. The first and second nanoparticles can respond differently to the same magnetic field strength. For example, the first nanoparticles can not respond to a magnetic field of a first strength, but the second nanoparticles can respond to the magnetic field of the first strength.

[0155] According to an embodiment, the magnetic color-changing pigment can include first nanoparticles 501, second nanoparticles 502, and third nanoparticles 503 that exhibit different colors, respectively. For example, the first nanoparticles 501 can exhibit a yellow color, the second nanoparticles 502 can exhibit a red color, and the third nanoparticles 503 can exhibit a black color. The first nanoparticles 501 can be nanoparticles that do not respond to a magnetic field, and the second nanoparticles 502 can be nanoparticles that respond even under a magnetic field of a relatively low strength than the third nanoparticles 503.

[0156] In a state 510 in which no magnetic field is applied, the nanoparticles of the magnetic color-changing pigment can be uniformly distributed. A color observed at an upper end of the magnetic color-changing pigment can be a mixed color of the first nanoparticles 501, the second nanoparticles 502, and the third nanoparticles 503. For example, when the number of the first nanoparticles 501 is relatively greater than the number of the second nanoparticles 502 and the number of the third nanoparticles 503, the color observed at the upper end of the magnetic color-changing pigment can be a dark yellow color.

[0157] In a state 520 in which a magnetic field of a first strength is applied, the second nanoparticles 502 among the nanoparticles of the magnetic color-changing pigment can move in a direction in which the magnetic field is applied. Due to the movement of the second nanoparticles 502, a color observed at an upper end of the magnetic color-changing pigment can be a red color, i.e., a color of the second nanoparticles 502.

[0158] In a state 530 in which a magnetic field of a second strength (greater than the first strength) is applied, the third nanoparticles 503 among the nanoparticles of the magnetic color-changing pigment can additionally move in the direction in which the magnetic field is applied. Due to the additional movement of the third nanoparticles 503, a color observed at an upper end of the magnetic color-changing pigment can be a mixed color of the second nanoparticles 502 and the third nanoparticles 503. For example, when the color of the third nanoparticles 503 is darker than the color of the second nanoparticles 502, the color observed at the upper end of the color-changing pigment can be darker (e.g., black) than the color of the state 520.

[0159] A magnetic color-changing pigment including nanoparticles exhibiting different colors is described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0160] However, by controlling the density of the nanoparticles contained in the magnetic color-changing pigment, various magnetic color-changing pigments exhibiting different colors can be generated even when the same magnetic field strength is applied. For example, when the nanoparticles are red, a magnetic color-changing pigment with a low nanoparticle density may appear pink, while a magnetic color-changing pigment with a high nanoparticle density may appear red.

[0161] Figure 6 The accompanying drawings are examples of aerosol-generated articles including identification tags according to various embodiments.

[0162] According to one embodiment, it can be based on a reference Figure 5 The magnetic color-changing pigment is used to provide identification tags 610 or 620. For example, identification tags 610 or 620 can be set on a reference... Figure 2 The cigarette 2 (for example, Figure 3 On the packaging of cigarette 2 (or aerosol-generating product). When a magnetic field is applied, identification label 610 or 620 can display a color indicating the type of cigarette 2. For example, when there are three types of cigarette 2, three types of identification labels can be manufactured to present different colors for the same intensity of magnetic field, and identification label 610 or 620 can be an identification label with a color corresponding to the target type among the three types.

[0163] According to one embodiment, identification tag 610 or 620 may be located at a reference Figure 2 On the second package 242, the third package 243 or the fourth package 244.

[0164] According to one embodiment, when cigarette 2 is inserted into an aerosol generating device (e.g., Figures la to Id aerosol generating device 1 or Figure 4 When the aerosol generating device 400 is in use, the identification tag 610 can be located on the packaging to correspond to the coil of the aerosol generating device (e.g., ...). Figure Id (coil 13a) or receptor (e.g., Figure Id The terminal portion of the receptor 13b).

[0165] According to one embodiment, when a cigarette is inserted into an aerosol generating device, an identification tag 620 may be located on the packaging to correspond to the cavity of the aerosol generating device for containing the aerosol generating article (e.g., Figure Id The end portion of the cavity 13c).

[0166] According to one embodiment, an aerosol-generating article (e.g., cigarette 2) may include: a tobacco rod comprising an aerosol-generating material (e.g., Figure 2 tobacco stick 21 or Figure 3 Tobacco rod 31); filter rod (e.g., Figure 2a filter rod 22 of FIG. 1 or Figure 3 a filter rod 32 of FIG. 3); at least one wrapper (for example, Figure 2 a wrapper 24 of FIG. 1 or Figure 3 a wrapper 35 of FIG. 3); and an identification tag 610 or 620 located on the wrapper and changing a color by a magnetic field.

[0167] According to an embodiment, the identification tag 610 or 620 can include a magnetic color-changing pigment.

[0168] Figure 7 A flowchart of an aerosol-generating method according to various embodiments.

[0169] The following actions 710 to 740 can be performed by an aerosol-generating device (for example, Figures la to Id an aerosol-generating device 1 of FIG. 1 or Figure 4 an aerosol-generating device 400 of FIG. 4). The aerosol-generating device can include a heater (for example, Figures la to Id a heater 13 of FIG. 1 or Figure 4 a heater 450 of FIG. 4) and a control portion (for example, Figures la to Id a control portion 12 of FIG. 1 or Figure 4 a control portion 410 of the aerosol-generating device 400 of FIG. 4). For example, the heater can include a coil (for example, Figure Id a coil 13a of FIG. 1) for inductive heating.

[0170] In action 710, when an aerosol-generating article (for example, Figure 2 a cigarette 2 of FIG. 1 or Figure 3 a cigarette 3 of FIG. 3) is inserted, the control portion of the aerosol-generating device can generate a magnetic field having a target frequency. For example, the generated magnetic field can have a target strength.

[0171] According to an embodiment, the control portion of the aerosol-generating device can generate a magnetic field using the coil 13a. The control portion can generate a magnetic field inside the coil 13a by applying an alternating current to the coil 13a.

[0172] According to an embodiment, before action 710 is performed, the control portion of the aerosol-generating device can determine whether an aerosol-generating article has been inserted into the aerosol-generating device using a sensor. For example, the control portion of the aerosol-generating device can determine whether an aerosol-generating article has been inserted using an inductive sensor. For example, the control portion of the aerosol-generating device can determine whether an aerosol-generating article has been inserted using a humidity sensor. For example, when a user input is received through a button as a sensor, the control portion of the aerosol-generating device can determine whether an aerosol-generating article has been inserted. For example, the control portion of the aerosol-generating device can determine whether an aerosol-generating article has been inserted using a Hall sensor located at an opening of the aerosol-generating device.

[0173] According to an embodiment, when it is determined that the aerosol generating article has been inserted, the control portion of the aerosol generating device can generate a magnetic field having a target frequency.

[0174] According to an embodiment, the control portion of the aerosol generating device can generate a magnetic field having a target frequency during preheating of the aerosol generating article. For example, the control portion of the aerosol generating device can alternately generate a magnetic field for induction heating and a magnetic field for identifying the type of the aerosol generating article. The frequency of alternating current of the magnetic field for induction heating can be different from the target frequency.

[0175] In action 720, the control portion of the aerosol generating device can determine a target color of a target region of the aerosol generating article. For example, the target region of the aerosol generating article can be a region corresponding to an identification tag (e.g., the identification tag 610 or 620 of FIG. 6) of the aerosol generating article. For example, the target region of the aerosol generating article can correspond to an end portion of a coil (e.g., the coil 13a of FIG. 13) or a susceptor (e.g., the susceptor 13b of FIG. 13) of the aerosol generating device. Figure 6 Figure Id Figure Id

[0176] The color of the magnetic color-changing pigment of the identification tag can be changed by a magnetic field. The colors of the identification tags provided in different types of aerosol generating articles can be different from each other. The magnetic field can change the color of the target region of the aerosol generating article to the target color.

[0177] According to an embodiment, the control portion of the aerosol generating device can determine the target color of the target region of the aerosol generating article using a color sensor. The control portion of the aerosol generating device can include the color sensor to determine the target color of the target region. For example, the color sensor can be an illuminance sensor or an RGB sensor.

[0178] For example, when the types of the aerosol generating article include a first type, a second type, and a third type, a first color corresponding to the first type, a second color corresponding to the second type, and a third color corresponding to the third type can be preset. The first color can be defined by a first color range, the second color can be defined by a second color range, and the third color can be defined by a third color range. The color range can be defined as a value of at least one channel (e.g., an R channel, a G channel, and a B channel) constituting a color. The method of determining the target color of the target region of the aerosol generating article will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9. Figure 9

[0179] In action 730, the control portion of the aerosol generating device can determine a target type corresponding to the target color from among a plurality of types. ​​​​

[0180] In action 740, the control portion of the aerosol generating device can heat the aerosol generating article using a target temperature profile corresponding to the target type. Depending on the type of the aerosol generating article, the optimal heating temperature and heating time for obtaining the optimal taste and / or flavor of the aerosol can differ. The target temperature profile can be preset to indicate the optimal heating temperature and heating time for generating the aerosol using the aerosol generating device having the target type. The control portion of the aerosol generating device can heat the aerosol generating article using the target temperature profile to generate the aerosol.

[0181] Figure 8 FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a method of determining a target type corresponding to a target color among a plurality of types according to various embodiments.

[0182] According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating article (e.g., a cigarette 2) can be inserted into the aerosol generating device 1 described above with reference to FIG. 1. For example, the target region 810 of the aerosol generating article can correspond to an end portion of the coil 13a or susceptor 13b of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the target region 810 of the aerosol generating article can correspond to an end portion of the cavity 13c of the aerosol generating device 1 for accommodating the aerosol generating article. The target region 810 or 820 can be located within a magnetic force range of the magnetic field generated by the coil 13a. Figure 2 Figure Id According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating article (e.g., a cigarette 2) can be inserted into the aerosol generating device 1 described above with reference to FIG. 1. For example, the target region 810 of the aerosol generating article can correspond to an end portion of the coil 13a or susceptor 13b of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the target region 810 of the aerosol generating article can correspond to an end portion of the cavity 13c of the aerosol generating device 1 for accommodating the aerosol generating article. The target region 810 or 820 can be located within a magnetic force range of the magnetic field generated by the coil 13a.

[0183] Figure 9 FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a method of determining a target type corresponding to a target color among a plurality of types according to various embodiments.

[0184] According to an embodiment, the action 720 described above with reference to FIG. 7 can include actions 910 to 930. The actions 910 to 930 can be performed by the aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device 1 or 400) described above with reference to FIG. 1 or 4. The aerosol generating device can include a control portion (e.g., the control portion 12 or 410). Figure 7 Figures la to Id Figure 4 Figures la to Id Figure 4 In action 910, the control portion of the aerosol generating device can determine an initial color of a target region of the aerosol generating article (e.g., the cigarette 2 or 3). For example, the control portion of the aerosol generating device can determine the initial color using a color sensor. The initial color can be determined as a sensed value of at least one channel (e.g., an R channel, a G channel, and a B channel).

[0185] In action 910, the control portion of the aerosol generating device can determine an initial color of a target region of the aerosol generating article (e.g., the cigarette 2 or 3). For example, the control portion of the aerosol generating device can determine the initial color using a color sensor. The initial color can be determined as a sensed value of at least one channel (e.g., an R channel, a G channel, and a B channel). Figure 2 Figure 3 In action 910, the control portion of the aerosol generating device can determine an initial color of a target region of the aerosol generating article (e.g., the cigarette 2 or 3). For example, the control portion of the aerosol generating device can determine the initial color using a color sensor. The initial color can be determined as a sensed value of at least one channel (e.g., an R channel, a G channel, and a B channel). ​​​​​​

[0186] In action 920, the control portion of the aerosol generating device can determine whether the at least one sensed value representing the initial color corresponds to any one of the color ranges corresponding to the plurality of types.

[0187] According to an embodiment, when the initial color does not correspond to any one of the color ranges, the control portion of the aerosol generating device can repeatedly perform action 920 for a preset period of time.

[0188] In action 930, when the initial color corresponds to any one of the color ranges, the control portion of the aerosol generating device can determine the initial color as the target color.

[0189] According to an embodiment, when the initial color does not correspond to any one of the color ranges, the control portion of the aerosol generating device can determine the initial color as a base color. For example, the base color can be a previously determined previous target color. For example, the base color can be a preset color. For example, even when the control portion of the aerosol generating device repeatedly performs action 920 for a preset period of time, the initial color can be determined as the base color when it is determined that the initial color does not correspond to any one of the color ranges.

[0190] According to an embodiment, after action 930 is performed, the following action 940 can also be performed.

[0191] In action 940, when the target color of the target region of the aerosol generating article has been determined, the control portion of the aerosol generating device can stop generating the magnetic field.

[0192] Figure 10 and Figure 11 To illustrate the aerosol generating device 1001 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0193] Referring to Figure 10 , the aerosol generating device 1001 (for example, Figures la to Id the aerosol generating device 1 of Figure 4 the aerosol generating device 400) can include a power source 1011 (for example, Figures la to Id the battery 11 of Figure 4 the battery 440), a control portion 1012 (for example, Figures la to Id the control portion 12 of Figure 4 the control portion 410), a sensor 1013 (for example, Figure 4 the sensing portion 420 of Figures la to Id the heater 13 of Figure 4at least one of the heater 450. At least one of the power supply 1011, the control portion 1012, the sensor 1013, and the heater 1018 can be disposed inside the main body 1010 of the aerosol generating device 1001. The main body 1010 can provide a space open to an upward side for insertion of the aerosol generating article, i.e., the stick S (for example, Figure 2 the cigarette 2, or Figure 3 the cigarette 3). The space open to the upward side can be referred to as an insertion space. The insertion space can be recessed by a predetermined depth into the inside of the main body 1010 for insertion of at least a portion of the stick S. The depth of the insertion space can correspond to the length of a region of the stick S including the aerosol generating material and / or the medium. The lower end of the stick S can be inserted into the inside of the main body 1010, and the upper end of the stick S can protrude outward from the main body 1010. The user can hold the upper end of the stick S exposed to the outside in the mouth and inhale air.

[0194] The heater 1018 can heat the stick S. The heater 1018 can extend upward around the space into which the stick S is inserted. For example, the heater 1018 can have a tubular shape including a hollow inside thereof. The heater 1018 can be disposed around the insertion space. The heater 1018 can be disposed to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The heater 1018 can heat the insertion space or the stick S inserted into the insertion space. The heater 1018 can include a resistance heater and / or an induction heater.

[0195] For example, with reference to Figure 10 the heater 1018 can be a resistance heater. For example, the heater 1018 can include an electrically conductive track, and the heater 1018 can be heated when an electric current flows through the electrically conductive track. The heater 1018 can be electrically connected to the power supply 1011. The heater 1018 can directly generate heat by receiving an electric current from the power supply 1011. As a hollow-shaped heater, the heater 1018 can be arranged to wrap at least a portion of the stick S inserted into the insertion space to heat the outside of the stick S, or as a needle-shaped heater, a stick-shaped heater, a tubular heater, etc., the heater 1018 can be inserted into the stick S inserted into the insertion space to heat the inside of the stick S.

[0196] For example, with reference to Figure 11 The aerosol generating device 1001 can include an induction coil 1181 around the heater 1018. The induction coil 1181 can heat the heater 1018. As a susceptor, the heater 1018 can be heated by a magnetic field generated by an alternating current flowing through the induction coil 1181. The magnetic field can penetrate through the heater 1018 and generate eddy currents in the heater 1018. The electric current can generate heat in the heater 1018.

[0197] In addition, the susceptor can be contained inside the stick S, and the susceptor inside the stick S can be heated by a magnetic field generated by alternating current flowing through the induction coil 1181.

[0198] The power supply 1011 can supply power to enable components of the aerosol generating device 1001 to act. The power supply 1011 can be referred to as a battery. The power supply 1011 can supply power to at least one of the control portion 1012, the sensor 1013, the heater 1018. When the aerosol generating device 1001 includes the induction coil 1181, the power supply 1011 can supply power to the induction coil 1181.

[0199] The control portion 1012 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1001. The control portion 1012 can be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The control portion 1012 can control the operation of at least one of the power supply 1011 or the sensor 1013. The control portion 1012 can control the operation of the induction coil 1181. The control portion 1012 can control the operation of a display, a motor, etc. mounted in the aerosol generating device 1001. The control portion 1012 can confirm the state of each component of the aerosol generating device 1001 to determine whether the aerosol generating device 1001 is in an operable state.

[0200] The control portion 1012 can analyze the sensing result of the sensor 1013 and control a process to be subsequently performed. For example, based on the sensing result obtained by the sensor 1013, the control portion 1012 can control the power supplied to the heater 1018 to start or terminate the operation of the heater 1018. For example, based on the sensing result obtained by the sensor 1013, the control portion 1012 can control the size of the power supplied to the heater 1018 and the power supply time so that the heater 1018 can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature.

[0201] The sensor 1013 can include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion detection sensor. For example, the sensor 1013 can sense at least one of the temperature of the heater 1018, the temperature of the power supply 1011, or the internal / external temperature of the main body 1010. For example, the sensor 1013 can sense a user's puff. For example, the sensor 1013 can sense whether the stick S is inserted into the insertion space.

[0202] Figure 12 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 13 FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0203] Referring to Figure 12According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the aerosol generating device 1001 can include at least one of a power supply 1011, a control portion 1012, and a sensor 1013. At least one of the power supply 1011, the control portion 1012, and the sensor 1013 can be disposed inside the main body 1010 of the aerosol generating device 1001. The features of the power supply 1011, the control portion 1012, and the sensor 1013 can be identically applied to the contents of the power supply 1011, the control portion 1012, and the sensor 1013 described above in Figure 10 and Figure 11 .

[0204] The main body 1010 constitutes the overall appearance of the aerosol generating device 1001 and can include an internal space in which components of the aerosol generating device 1011 are disposed. Although only an embodiment in which the cross section of the main body 1010 is semicircular is illustrated in the drawing, the shape of the main body 1010 is not limited thereto, and the overall shape of the main body 1010 can be cylindrical or polygonal.

[0205] The main body 1010 can include a first main body surface 1010A (e.g., a front surface of the main body), a second main body surface 1010B (e.g., a rear surface of the main body) opposite the first main body surface 1010A, and at least one third main body surface 1010C (e.g., a side surface of the main body) between the first main body surface 1010A and the second main body surface 1010B.

[0206] Referring to Figure 13 , an insertion space 1102 can be formed inside the main body 1010. The insertion space 1102 can be formed at an upper portion of the main body 1010. The insertion space 1102 can be open to an upper side. The insertion space 1102 can have a vertically elongated cylindrical shape. At least a portion of the stick S can be inserted into the inside of the main body 1010 through the opening 1101 at the upper side of the insertion space 1102. The depth of the insertion space 1102 can correspond to the length of the region of the stick S including the aerosol generating material or medium.

[0207] The heater 1240 (e.g., Figure 10 , Figure 11The heater 1240 can be disposed around at least a portion of the outside of the insertion space 1102. The heater 1240 can be vertically elongated along the insertion space 1102. For example, the heater 1240 can be a cylindrical resistance heater disposed around at least a portion of the insertion space 1102. For example, the heater 1240 can include a cylindrical susceptor disposed around at least a portion of the insertion space 1102 and an induction coil disposed around the susceptor. The heater 1240 can heat the outside of the stick S accommodated in the insertion space 1102. At least one region of the stick S accommodated in the insertion space 1102 can be heated by the heater 1240, and the aerosol particles generated by heating of the stick S can be mixed with the air introduced into the inside space of the main body 1010 through the opening 1101, and can generate an aerosol.

[0208] A display 1141 can be provided at one side of the main body 1010. At least a portion of the display 1141 can be exposed to the outside of the main body 1010.

[0209] The display 1141 can provide various visual information to the user. The display 1141 can include a display panel and / or a touch panel. The display 1141 can include a cover glass.

[0210] The cover glass can constitute the appearance of the aerosol generating device 1001 together with the main body 1010. The cover glass can be in contact with a portion of the user's body. The cover glass can protect the display panel and / or the touch panel from external impact.

[0211] The display panel can be disposed on the cover glass toward the inside of the main body 1010. The display panel can be disposed in parallel with the cover glass.

[0212] The touch panel can detect a touch corresponding to contact with an object. For example, the touch panel can detect a touch corresponding to contact with a portion of the user's body. The touch panel can receive a user input.

[0213] A lid 1104 can be placed on the upper side of the main body 1010. The lid 1104 can have a shape corresponding to the shape of the opening 1101 of the main body 1010. For example, the opening 1101 of the main body 1010 can be circular, and the lid 1104 can be circular with a diameter greater than that of the opening 1101.

[0214] The cover 1104 can be movably connected to a guide 1103 formed in the main body 1010. The cover 1104 can move along the guide 1103. For example, the guide 1103 can be a groove formed on one face of the main body 1010, and the cover 1104 can include a protrusion which can slide when the protrusion is inserted into the groove of the main body 1010. For example, the guide 1103 can be a protrusion protruding from one face of the main body 1010, and the cover 1104 can have a groove inserted into the protrusion and slide along the protrusion.

[0215] The cover 1104 can open and close the opening 1101 of the main body 1010 by moving along the guide 1103. For example, the cover 1104 can close the opening 1101 in a first position and open the opening 1101 in a second position. The cover 1104 can be manually moved by a user. Alternatively, the aerosol generating device 1001 can have a driving device, and the cover 1104 can be moved by the driving device.

[0216] The main body 1010 can include a connection terminal (not shown). The connection terminal can include a connector that allows the aerosol generating device 1001 to be physically connected to an external electronic device. For example, the connection terminal can include at least one of a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector), or a combination thereof.

[0217] The method according to an embodiment is embodied in the form of a program command executable by various computer means and recorded in a computer readable / writable medium. The computer readable / writable medium can include program commands, data files, data structures, etc., in a separate or combined form. The program instructions recorded in the medium can be instructions specially designed and configured for implementing the embodiments, or instructions that can be used by those skilled in the computer software field based on commonly known instructions. The computer readable / writable medium can include magnetic media such as a hard disk, a floppy disk, and a magnetic tape; optical media such as a CD-ROM, a DVD, etc.; magneto-optical media such as a floptical disk; and hardware devices specially configured for storing and executing program commands, such as a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a flash memory, etc. Examples of the program instructions include not only machine language codes generated by a compiler but also high-level language codes executable by a computer using an interpreter, etc. The above hardware devices can be configured to function as one or more software modules in order to perform the above-described actions of the embodiments, and vice versa.

[0218] The software can include a computer program, code, instructions, or a combination of one or more of them, which can cause the processing device to act in a desired manner, or individually or collectively instruct the processing device. To be interpreted by or provide commands or data to the processing device, the software and / or data can permanently or temporarily embody in any type of equipment, component, physical device, virtual equipment, computer storage medium or device, or transmitted signal wave. The software is distributed on computer systems connected by a network, which can be stored or executed in a distributed manner. The software and data can be stored in one or more computer readable and writable storage media.

[0219] In summary, the embodiments are described by limited drawings, and those of ordinary skill in the art can make various changes and modifications based on the description. For example, the described techniques are performed in a different order from the described method, and / or the described system, structure, device, circuit, etc. components are combined or combined in a different form from the described method, or replaced or replaced by other components or equivalents, and appropriate results can be obtained.

[0220] Therefore, other examples, other embodiments, and equivalents of the scope of the claims are within the scope of the claims of the present application.

Claims

1.An aerosol generating method, performed by an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating method comprising: generating a magnetic field having a target frequency when an aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device; determining a target color of a target region of the aerosol generating article; determining a target type corresponding to the target color from among a plurality of types; and heating the aerosol generating article using a target temperature profile corresponding to the target type. 2.The aerosol generating method of claim 1, wherein the determining of the target color of the target region of the aerosol generating article comprises: determining an initial color of the target region; determining whether at least one sensed value representing the initial color corresponds to any one of a plurality of colors corresponding to the plurality of types; and determining the initial color as the target color when the initial color corresponds to any one of the plurality of colors. 3.The aerosol generating method of claim 1, further comprising: stopping the generation of the magnetic field when the target color of the target region of the aerosol generating article has been determined. 4.The aerosol generating method of claim 1, further comprising: determining, using a sensor, whether the aerosol generating article has been inserted into the aerosol generating device. 5.The aerosol generating method of claim 1, wherein the generating of the magnetic field having the target frequency comprises: generating the magnetic field having the target frequency during preheating of the aerosol generating article. 6.The aerosol generating method of claim 1, wherein the target region corresponds to an end portion of a coil or susceptor of the aerosol generating device. 7.The aerosol generating method of claim 1, wherein the target region corresponds to an end portion of a cavity of the aerosol generating device for accommodating the aerosol generating article. 8.The aerosol generating method of claim 1, wherein a color of the target region is changed to the target color by the magnetic field. 9.A computer-readable recording medium storing a program for executing the aerosol generating method of claim 1. 10.An aerosol generating device comprising: a coil generating an alternating magnetic field based on an action signal, and a control portion controlling the aerosol generating device, the control portion being configured to perform: generating a magnetic field having a target frequency when an aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device; determining a target color of a target region of the aerosol generating article; determining a target type corresponding to the target color from among a plurality of types; and heating the aerosol generating article using a target temperature profile corresponding to the target type. 11.The aerosol generating device of claim 10, further comprising: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ a color sensor for determining a target color of the target area. 12.The aerosol generating device of claim 11, wherein the color sensor is arranged to correspond to an end portion of a coil or susceptor of the aerosol generating device. 13.The aerosol generating device of claim 11, wherein the color sensor is arranged at an end portion of a cavity of the aerosol generating device that accommodates the aerosol generating article. 14.An aerosol generating article, comprising: a tobacco rod including an aerosol generating material; a filter rod; at least one wrapper wrapping the tobacco rod and the filter rod; and an identification tag located on the wrapper and changing color by a magnetic field. 15.The aerosol generating article of claim 14, wherein the identification tag includes a magnetic color shifting pigment. ​

Images