Aerosol generating method and aerosol generating device for performing same method

Abstract

According to one embodiment, the present invention may comprise the operations of: generating a magnetic field having a target frequency if an aerosol generating article is inserted into an 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 by using a target temperature profile corresponding to the target type.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The embodiments below relate to technology for controlling an aerosol generating device, and more particularly, to technology for controlling an aerosol generating device that heats an aerosol generating article based on the type of identified aerosol generating article.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] The demand for electronic cigarette devices has recently been on the rise. The rising demand for electronic cigarette devices has accelerated the continued development of electronic cigarette device-related functions. The electronic cigarette device-related functions may include, in particular, functions according to the types and characteristics of electronic cigarette devices.

[0003] Cigarettes with various tastes and flavors are manufactured in consideration of various tastes of smokers. Each of the various types of cigarettes may have different optimal heating temperatures and heating times for optimal taste and flavor.DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION TECHNICAL GOALS

[0004] In an embodiment, an aerosol generating device, which determines, among a plurality of types, a type of aerosol generating article inserted into an aerosol generating device, may be provided.TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS

[0005] According to an embodiment, an aerosol generating method includes 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 area of the aerosol generating article, determining, among a plurality of types, a target type corresponding to the target color, and heating the aerosol generating article using a target temperature profile corresponding to the target type.

[0006] According to an embodiment, an aerosol generating device includes a coil configured to generate an alternating magnetic field based on an operation signal and a controller configured to control the aerosol generating device, in which the controller is 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 area of the aerosol generating article, determining, among a plurality of types, a target type corresponding to the target color, heating the aerosol generating article using a target temperature profile corresponding to the target type.

[0007] According to an embodiment, an aerosol generating article includes a tobacco rod including an aerosol generating material, a filter rod, at least one wrapper configured to wrap around the tobacco rod and the filter rod, and an identification label that is positioned on the wrapper and changes in color by a magnetic field.EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol based on a type of aerosol generating article determined through a color changed by a magnetic field may be provided.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] FIGS. 1a to 1d are diagrams illustrating examples of an aerosol generating article inserted into an aerosol generating device, according to various embodiments. FIGS. 2 and 3 are diagrams illustrating examples of an aerosol generating article, according to various embodiments. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to various embodiments. FIG. 5 illustrates an identification label including a magnetic color variable pigment that changes its color according to the intensity of a magnetic field, according to various embodiments. FIG. 6 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating article including an identification label, according to various embodiments. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an aerosol generating method according to various embodiments. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example in which an aerosol generating article including an identification label is inserted into an aerosol generating device, according to various embodiments. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method of determining, among a plurality of types, a target type corresponding to a target color, according to various embodiments. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0010] The following detailed structural or functional description is provided as an example only and various alterations and modifications may be made to the embodiments. Accordingly, the embodiments are not construed as limited to the disclosure and should be understood to include all changes, equivalents, and replacements within the idea and the technical scope of the disclosure.

[0011] Although terms, such as first, second, and the like are used to describe various components, the components are not limited to the terms. These terms should be used only to distinguish one component from another component. For example, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly the second component may also be referred to as the first component.

[0012] It should be noted that if one component is described as being "connected", "coupled", or "joined" to another component, a third component may be "connected", "coupled", and "joined" between the first and second components, although the first component may be directly connected, coupled, or joined to the second component.

[0013] The singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises / comprising" and / or "includes / including" when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof.

[0014] Unless otherwise defined, all terms, including technical and scientific terms, used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains. Terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be construed to have meanings matching with contextual meanings in the relevant art, and are not to be construed to have an ideal or excessively formal meaning unless otherwise defined herein.

[0015] Hereinafter, the embodiments are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. When describing the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, like reference numerals refer to like components and a repeated description related thereto will be omitted.

[0016] FIGS. 1a to 1d are diagrams illustrating examples of an aerosol generating article inserted into an aerosol generating device, according to various embodiments.

[0017] Referring to FIG. 1a, an aerosol generating device 1 may include a battery 11, a controller 12, and a heater 13. Referring to FIGS. 1b and 1c, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a vaporizer 14. Referring to FIG. 1d, the aerosol generating device 1 may include the battery 11, the controller 12, a coil 13a, and a susceptor 13b. Further, a cigarette 2 may be inserted into an inner space of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0018] The aerosol generating device 1 shown in FIGS. 1a to 4 may include components related to the embodiments described herein. Therefore, it is to be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains that the aerosol generating device 1 may further include other generally used components in addition to the ones shown in FIGS. 1a to 4.

[0019] In addition, although it is shown that the heater 13 is included in the aerosol generating device 1 in FIGS. 1b and 1c, the heater 13 may be omitted as necessary. For example, the aerosol generating device 1 that does not include the heater 13 may generate an aerosol through the vaporizer 14.

[0020] FIG. 1a illustrates a linear alignment of the battery 11, the controller 12, and the heater 13. In addition, FIG. 1b illustrates a linear alignment of the battery 11, the controller 12, the vaporizer 14, and the heater 13. In addition, FIG. 1c illustrates a parallel alignment of the vaporizer 14 and the heater 13. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1 is not limited to what is shown in FIGS. 1a to 1c. That is, such alignments of the battery 11, the controller 12, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14 may be changed depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0021] When the cigarette 2 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, the aerosol generating device 1 may actuate the heater 13 and / or the vaporizer 14 to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated by the heater 13 and / or the vaporizer 14 may pass through the cigarette 2 into the user.

[0022] Even when the cigarette 2 is not inserted in the aerosol generating device 1, the aerosol generating device 1 may heat the heater 13, as needed.

[0023] The battery 11 may supply power to be used to operate the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the battery 11 may supply power to heat the heater 13 or the vaporizer 14, and may supply power required for the controller 12 to operate. In addition, the battery 11 may supply power required to operate a display, a sensor, a motor, or the like installed in the aerosol generating device 1.

[0024] The controller 12 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the controller 12 may control respective operations of other components included in the aerosol generating device 1 in addition to the battery 11, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14. In addition, the controller 12 may verify a state of each of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 to determine whether the aerosol generating device 1 is in an operable state.

[0025] The controller 12 may include at least one processor. The at least one processor may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable by the microprocessor is stored. In addition, it is to be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosure pertains that the at least one processor may be implemented in other types of hardware.

[0026] The heater 13 may be heated by the power supplied by the battery 11. For example, when the cigarette is inserted in the aerosol generating device 1, the heater 13 may be disposed outside the cigarette. The heated heater 13 may thus raise the temperature of an aerosol generating material in the cigarette.

[0027] The heater 13 may be an electrically resistive heater. For example, the heater 13 may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater 13 may be heated as a current flows through the electrically conductive track. However, the heater 13 is not limited to the foregoing example, and any example of heating the heater 13 up to a desired temperature may be applicable without limitation. The desired temperature may be preset in the aerosol generating device 1 or may be set by the user.

[0028] Meanwhile, in another example, the heater 13 may be an induction heater including the coil 13a and the susceptor 13b as shown in FIG. 1d. Therefore, redundant descriptions of the heater are omitted.

[0029] Specifically, the aerosol generating device 1 may include the electrically conductive coil 13a for heating the cigarette 2 in an induction heating manner and the susceptor 13b to be heated by the induction heater. Although not shown in FIG. 1d, the susceptor 13b may be included in the cigarette 2 rather than in the aerosol generating device 1.

[0030] For example, the heater 13 may include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and may heat the inside or outside of the cigarette 2 according to the shape of a heating element.

[0031] In addition, the heater 13 may be provided as a plurality of heaters in the aerosol generating device 1. In this case, the plurality of heaters 13 may be disposed to be inserted into the cigarette 2 or may be disposed outside the cigarette 2. In addition, some of the heaters 13 may be disposed to be inserted into the cigarette 2, and the rest may be disposed outside the cigarette 2. In addition, the shape of the heater 13 is not limited to the shape shown in FIGS. 1a to 1d and may be manufactured in various shapes.

[0032] The vaporizer 14 may heat a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol may pass through the cigarette 2 into the user. That is, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 may travel along an airflow path of the aerosol generating device 1, and the airflow path may be configured such that the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 passes through the cigarette into the user.

[0033] For example, the vaporizer 14 may include a liquid storage, a liquid transfer means, and a heating element. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the liquid storage, the liquid transfer means, and the heating element may be included as independent modules in the aerosol generating device 1.

[0034] The liquid storage may store the liquid composition. The liquid composition may be, for example, a liquid including a tobacco-containing material that includes a volatile tobacco flavor component or a liquid including a non-tobacco material. The liquid storage may be manufactured to be detachable and attachable from and to the vaporizer 14, or may be manufactured in an integral form with the vaporizer 14.

[0035] The liquid composition may include, for example, water, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, a fragrance, a flavoring agent, or a vitamin mixture. The fragrance may include, for example, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, various fruit flavor ingredients, and the like. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. The flavoring agent may include ingredients that provide the user with a variety of flavors or scents. The vitamin mixture may be a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, or vitamin E. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. The liquid composition may also include an aerosol former such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0036] The liquid transfer means may transfer the liquid composition in the liquid storage to the heating element. The liquid transfer means may be, for example, a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic. However, embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0037] The heating element may be an element configured to heat the liquid composition transferred by the liquid transfer means. The heating element may be, for example, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, a ceramic heater, or the like. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. In addition, the heating element may include a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire and may be arranged in a structure wound around the liquid transfer means. The heating element may be heated as a current is supplied and may transfer heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, and may thereby heat the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol may be generated.

[0038] For example, the vaporizer 14 may also be referred to as a cartomizer or an atomizer. However, embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0039] The aerosol generating device 1 may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery 11, the controller 12, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14. For example, the aerosol generating device 1 may include a display capable of outputting visual information and / or a motor for outputting tactile information. In addition, the aerosol generating device 1 may include at least one sensor (e.g., a puff sensor, a temperature sensor, a cigarette insertion detection sensor, etc.). In addition, the aerosol generating device 1 may be manufactured to have a structure in which external air may be introduced or internal gas may flow out even with the cigarette 2 being inserted.

[0040] Although not shown in FIGS. 1a to 1d, the aerosol generating device 1 may also be configured as a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may be used to charge the battery 11 of the aerosol generating device 1. Alternatively, the cradle may be used to heat the heater 13, with the cradle and the aerosol generating device 1 coupled.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 1d, the aerosol generating device 1 may include the battery 11, the controller 12, the coil 13a, the susceptor 13b, and a cavity 13c.

[0042] The cigarette 2 may be inserted into the cavity 13c of the aerosol generating device 1, and the coil 13a may be positioned around the cavity 13c. In FIG. 1d, the coil 13a is illustrated as being arranged to surround the cavity 13c. However, embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0043] The aerosol generating device 1 may generate an aerosol by heating the cigarette 2 using an induction heating manner. The induction heating manner may be a manner of generating heat from a magnetic body by applying an alternating magnetic field.

[0044] When the alternating magnetic field is applied to the magnetic body, energy loss due to eddy current loss and hysteresis loss may occur in the magnetic body. The lost energy may be released from the magnetic body as heat energy. As an amplitude or frequency of the alternating magnetic field increases, an amount of heat energy released from the magnetic body may increase. The magnetic body that generates heat due to an external magnetic field may be a susceptor.

[0045] The aerosol generating device 1 may include the susceptor 13b that generates heat by the external magnetic field. The aerosol generating device 1 may heat the cigarette 2 by applying an alternating magnetic field to the susceptor 13b.

[0046] The susceptor 13b may include metal or carbon. The susceptor 13b may include at least one of ferrite, a ferromagnetic alloy, stainless steel, or aluminum (Al).

[0047] Additionally, the susceptor 13b may include at least one of a ceramic such as graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, niobium, a nickel alloy, a metal film, zirconia, a transition metal such as nickel (Ni) or cobalt (Co), or a metalloid such as boron (B) or phosphorus (P).

[0048] The aerosol generating device 1 may include the cavity 13c for accommodating the cigarette 2. The cavity 13c may include an opening that opens on the outside of the cavity 13c to receive the cigarette 2 into the aerosol generating device 1.

[0049] The aerosol generating device 1 may include the coil 13a that applies an alternating magnetic field to the susceptor 13b. The coil 13a may be wound along a side of the cavity 13c. The coil 13a may be arranged near the susceptor 13b.

[0050] The coil 13a may receive power from the battery 10. As power is supplied to the coil 13a, a magnetic field may be formed inside the coil 13a. When an alternating current is applied to the coil 13a, the magnetic field formed inside the coil 13a may change direction periodically. When the susceptor 13b is exposed to the alternating magnetic field formed by the coil 13a, the susceptor 13b may generate heat, thereby heating the cigarette 2 accommodated in the aerosol generating device 1.

[0051] The temperature of the susceptor 13b that heats the cigarette 2 may change as an amplitude or frequency of the alternating magnetic field formed by the coil 13a changes. The controller 12 may control the power supplied to the coil 13a to adjust the amplitude or frequency of the alternating magnetic field formed by the coil 13a, and accordingly, the temperature of the susceptor 13b may be controlled.

[0052] As an example, the coil 13a may be implemented as a solenoid. The coil 13a may be a solenoid wound along the side of the cavity 13c. The cigarette 2 may be accommodated in an inner space of the solenoid. The solenoid may include, but is not limited to, copper (Cu).

[0053] To allow high current to flow by having low resistivity, the solenoid may include one or an alloy including at least one of silver (Ag), gold (Au), aluminum (Al), tungsten (W), zinc (Zn), and nickel (Ni).

[0054] The cigarette 2 may be of a similar type to a general burning type. For example, the cigarette 2 may be divided into a first portion including an aerosol generating material and a second portion including a filter or the like. Alternatively, the second portion of the cigarette 2 may also include the aerosol generating material. For example, the aerosol generating material provided in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second portion.

[0055] The first portion may be entirely inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, and the second portion may be exposed outside. Alternatively, the first portion may be partially inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, and the first portion may be entirely inserted and the second portion may be partially inserted into the aerosol generating device 1. The user may then inhale an aerosol with the second portion in their mouth. In this case, an aerosol may be generated as external air passes through the first portion, and the generated aerosol may pass through the second portion into the mouth of the user.

[0056] For example, the external air may be introduced through at least one air path formed in the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the opening and / or closing of the air path formed in the aerosol generating device 1 and / or the size of the air path may be adjusted by the user. Accordingly, an amount of atomization, a sense of smoking, or the like may be adjusted by the user. In another example, the external air may be introduced into the inside of the cigarette 2 through at least one hole formed on a surface of the cigarette 2.

[0057] Hereinafter, examples of the cigarette 2 are described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0058] FIGS. 2 and 3 are diagrams illustrating examples of a cigarette.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 2, the cigarette 2 may include a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22. The first portion and the second portion described above with reference to FIGS. 1a to 1d may include the tobacco rod 21 and the filter rod 22, respectively.

[0060] The filter rod 22 is illustrated as having a single segment in FIG. 2. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. That is, the filter rod 22 may include a plurality of segments. For example, the filter rod 22 may include a segment that cools an aerosol and a segment that filters a predetermined ingredient contained in an aerosol. In addition, the filter rod 22 may further include at least one segment that performs another function, as needed.

[0061] The diameter of the cigarette 2 may be in a range of 5 millimeters (mm) to 9 mm, and the length thereof may be about 48 mm. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the length of the tobacco rod 21 may be about 12 mm, the length of a first segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 10 mm, the length of a second segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 14 mm, and the length of a third segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 12 mm. However, embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0062] The cigarette 2 may be wrapped with at least one wrapper 24. The wrapper 24 may have at least one hole through which external air is introduced or internal gas flows out. For example, the cigarette 2 may be wrapped with one wrapper 24. In another example, the cigarette 2 may be wrapped with two or more wrappers 24 in an overlapping manner. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be wrapped with a first wrapper 241, and the filter rod 22 may be wrapped with wrappers 242, 243, and 244. In addition, the cigarette 2 may be entirely wrapped again with a single wrapper 245. For example, when the filter rod 22 includes a plurality of segments, the plurality of segments may be wrapped with the wrappers 242, 243, and 244, respectively.

[0063] The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be formed of general filter wrapping paper. For example, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be porous wrapping paper or non-porous wrapping paper. In addition, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be formed of oilproof paper and / or an aluminum laminated wrapping material.

[0064] The third wrapper 243 may be formed of hard wrapping paper. For example, a basis weight of the third wrapper 243 may be in a range of 88 grams per square meter (g / m 2< ) to 96 g / m 2< , and desirably, may be in a range of 90 g / m 2< to 94 g / m 2< . Further, a thickness of the third wrapper 243 may be in a range of 120 micrometers (µm) to 130 µm, and desirably, may be 125 µm.

[0065] The fourth wrapper 244 may be formed of oilproof hard wrapping paper. For example, a basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 may be in a range of 88 g / m 2< to 96 g / m 2< , and desirably, may be in a range of 90 g / m 2< to 94 g / m 2< . Further, a thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 may be in a range of 120 µm to 130 µm, and desirably, may be 125 µm.

[0066] The fifth wrapper 245 may be formed of sterile paper (e.g., MFW). Here, the sterile paper (MFW) may refer to paper specially prepared such that it has enhanced tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, or the like, compared to general paper. For example, a basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 may be in a range of 57 g / m 2< to 63 g / m 2< , and desirably, may be 60 g / m 2< . Further, a thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be in a range of 64 µm to 70 µm, and desirably, may be 67 µm.

[0067] The fifth wrapper 245 may have a predetermined material internally added thereto. The material may be, for example, silicon. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. Silicon may have properties, such as, for example, heat resistance which is characterized by less change by temperature, oxidation resistance which refers to resistance to oxidation, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency against water, or electrical insulation. However, silicon may not necessarily be used, and any material having such properties described above may be applied to (or used to coat) the fifth wrapper 245 without limitation.

[0068] The fifth wrapper 245 may prevent the cigarette 2 from burning. For example, there may be a probability that the cigarette 2 burns when the tobacco rod 21 is heated by the heater 13. For example, when the temperature rises above an ignition point of any one of materials included in the tobacco rod 21, the cigarette 2 may burn. Even in this case, it may still be possible to prevent the cigarette 2 from burning because the fifth wrapper 245 includes a non-combustible material.

[0069] In addition, the fifth wrapper 245 may prevent a holder from being contaminated by substances produced in the cigarette 2. For example, liquid substances may be produced in the cigarette 2 by puffs from the user. For example, as an aerosol generated in the cigarette 2 is cooled by external air, liquid substances (e.g., water, etc.) may be produced. Thus, wrapping the cigarette 2 with the fifth wrapper 245 may prevent the liquid substances produced in the cigarette 2 from leaking out of the cigarette 2.

[0070] The tobacco rod 21 may include an aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating material may include, for example, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, or oleyl alcohol. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. The tobacco rod 21 may also include other additives such as, for example, a flavoring agent, a wetting agent, and / or an organic acid. In addition, the tobacco rod 21 may include a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a moisturizing agent that is added as being sprayed onto the tobacco rod 21.

[0071] The tobacco rod 21 may be manufactured in various forms. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be formed as a sheet or a strand. The tobacco rod 21 may also be formed with a cut tobacco filler from finely cut tobacco sheets. In addition, the tobacco rod 21 may be enveloped by a thermally conductive material. The thermally conductive material may be, for example, a metal foil such as aluminum foil. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the heat-conductive material enveloping the tobacco rod 21 may evenly distribute the heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21 to improve the thermal conductivity to be applied to the tobacco rod, thereby improving the taste of tobacco. In addition, the thermally conductive material enveloping the tobacco rod 21 may function as a susceptor heated by an induction heater. In this case, although not shown, the tobacco rod 21 may further include an additional susceptor in addition to the thermally conductive material enveloping the outside thereof.

[0072] The filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. However, there is no limit to the shape of the filter rod 22. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a cylindrical rod, or a tubular rod including a hollow therein. The filter rod 22 may also be a recess-type rod. For example, when the filter rod 22 includes a plurality of segments, at least one of the segments may be manufactured in a different shape.

[0073] A first segment of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment may be a tubular structure including a hollow therein. The first segment may prevent internal materials of the tobacco rod 21 from being pushed back when the heater 13 is inserted and generate an aerosol cooling effect. A desirable diameter of the hollow included in the first segment may be adopted from a range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm. However, embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0074] A desirable length of the first segment may be adopted from a range of 4 mm to 30 mm. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. Desirably, the length of the first segment may be 10 mm. However, embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0075] The first segment may have a hardness that is adjustable through an adjustment of the content of a plasticizer in a process of manufacturing the first segment. In addition, the first segment may be manufactured by inserting a structure such as a film or a tube of the same or different materials therein (e.g., in the hollow).

[0076] A second segment of the filter rod 22 may cool an aerosol generated as the heater 13 heats the tobacco rod 21. The user may thus inhale the aerosol cooled down to a suitable temperature.

[0077] The length or diameter of the second segment may be determined in various ways according to the shape of the cigarette 2. For example, a desirable length of the second segment may be adopted from a range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Desirably, the length of the second segment may be about 14 mm. However, embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0078] The second segment may be manufactured by weaving a polymer fiber. In this case, a flavoring liquid may be applied to a fiber formed of a polymer. Alternatively, the second segment may be manufactured by weaving a separate fiber to which a flavoring liquid is applied and the fiber formed of the polymer together. Alternatively, the second segment may be formed with a crimped polymer sheet.

[0079] For example, the polymer may be prepared with a material selected from a group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose acetate (CA), and aluminum foil.

[0080] As the second segment is formed with the woven polymer fiber or the crimped polymer sheet, the second segment may include a single channel or a plurality of channels extending in a longitudinal direction. A channel used herein may refer to a path through which a gas (e.g., air or aerosol) passes.

[0081] For example, the second segment formed with the crimped polymer sheet may be formed of a material having a thickness between about 5 µm and about 300 µm, for example, between about 10 µm and about 250 µm. In addition, a total surface area of the second segment may be between about 300 square millimeters per millimeter (mm 2< / mm) and about 1000 mm 2< / mm. Further, an aerosol cooling element may be formed from a material having a specific surface area between about 10 mm 2< / mg and about 100 mm 2< / mg.

[0082] Meanwhile, the second segment may include a thread containing a volatile flavor ingredient. The volatile flavor ingredient may be menthol. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the thread may be filled with an amount of menthol sufficient to provide at least 1.5 mg of menthol to the second segment.

[0083] A third segment of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. A desirable length of the third segment may be adopted from a range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third segment may be about 12 mm. However, embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0084] The third segment may be manufactured such that a flavor is generated by spraying a flavoring liquid onto the third segment in a process of manufacturing the third segment. Alternatively, a separate fiber to which the flavoring liquid is applied may be inserted into the third segment. An aerosol generated in the tobacco rod 21 may be cooled as it passes through the second segment of the filter rod 22, and the cooled aerosol may pass through the third segment into the user. Accordingly, when a flavoring element is added to the third segment, the durability of the flavor to be carried to the user may be enhanced.

[0085] In addition, the filter rod 22 may include at least one capsule 23. Here, the capsule 23 may perform a function of generating a flavor or a function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a fragrance is wrapped with a film. The capsule 23 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape. However, embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 3, a cigarette 3 may further include a front end plug 33. The front end plug 33 may be disposed on one side of a tobacco rod 31 opposite to a filter rod 32. The front end plug 33 may prevent the tobacco rod 31 from escaping to the outside and may also prevent an aerosol liquefied in the tobacco rod 31 during smoking from flowing into an aerosol generating device (e.g., FIGS. 1a to 1d).

[0087] The filter rod 32 may include a first segment 321 and a second segment 322. Here, the first segment 321 may correspond to a first segment of the filter rod 22 of FIG. 2, and the second segment 322 may correspond to a third segment of the filter rod 22 of FIG. 2.

[0088] A diameter and a total length of the cigarette 3 may correspond to the diameter and the total length of the cigarette 2 of FIG. 2. For example, a length of the front end plug 33 may be about 7 mm, a length of the tobacco rod 31 may be about 15 mm, a length of the first segment 321 may be about 12 mm, and a length of the second segment 322 may be about 14 mm. However, embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0089] The cigarette 3 may be wrapped with at least one wrapper 35. The wrapper 35 may have at least one hole through which external air flows inside or internal gas flows outside. For example, the front end plug 33 may be wrapped with a first wrapper 351, the tobacco rod 31 may be wrapped with a second wrapper 352, the first segment 321 may be wrapped with a third wrapper 353, and the second segment 322 may be wrapped with a fourth wrapper 354. In addition, the cigarette 3 may be entirely wrapped again with a fifth wrapper 355.

[0090] In addition, at least one perforation 36 may be formed in the fifth wrapper 355. For example, the perforation 36 may be formed in an area surrounding the tobacco rod 31. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. The perforation 36 may perform a function of transferring heat generated by the heater 13 shown in FIGS. 1a and 1d to the inside of the tobacco rod 31.

[0091] In addition, the second segment 322 may include at least one capsule 34. The capsule 34 may perform a function of generating a flavor or a function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a fragrance is wrapped with a film. The capsule 34 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape. However, embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0092] The first wrapper 351 may be a combination of general filter wrapping paper and a metal foil such as aluminum foil. For example, a total thickness of the first wrapper 351 may be in a range of 45 µm to 55 µm, and desirably, may be 50.3 µm. Further, a thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 may be in a range of 6 µm to 7 µm, and desirably, may be 6.3 µm. In addition, a basis weight of the first wrapper 351 may be in a range of 50 g / m 2< to 55 g / m 2< , and desirably, may be 53 g / m 2< .

[0093] The second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be formed with general filter wrapping paper. For example, the second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be porous wrapping paper or non-porous wrapping paper.

[0094] For example, the porosity of the second wrapper 352 may be 35000 CU. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. Further, a thickness of the second wrapper 352 may be in a range of 70 µm to 80 µm, and desirably, may be 78 µm. In addition, a basis weight of the second wrapper 352 may be in a range of 20 g / m 2< to 25 g / m 2< , and may be desirably 23.5 g / m 2< .

[0095] For example, the porosity of the third wrapper 353 may be 24000 CU. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. Further, a thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be in a range of 60 µm to 70 µm, and desirably, may be 68 µm. In addition, a basis weight of the third wrapper 353 may be in a range of 20 g / m 2< to 25 g / m 2< , and may be desirably 21 g / m 2< .

[0096] The fourth wrapper 354 may be formed with polylactic acid (PLA) laminated paper. The PLA laminated paper may refer to three-ply paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and a paper layer. For example, a thickness of the fourth wrapper 354 may be in a range of 100 µm to 120 µm, and desirably, may be 110 µm. In addition, a basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 may be in a range of 80 g / m 2< to 100 g / m 2< , and desirably, may be 88 g / m 2< .

[0097] The fifth wrapper 355 may be formed of sterile paper (e.g., MFW). Here, the sterile paper (MFW) may refer to paper specially prepared such that it has enhanced tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, or the like, compared to general paper. For example, a basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 may be in a range of 57 g / m 2< to 63 g / m 2< , and desirably, may be 60 g / m 2< . Further, a thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be in a range of 64 µm to 70 µm, and desirably, may be 67 µm.

[0098] The fifth wrapper 355 may have a predetermined material internally added thereto. The material may be, for example, silicon. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. Silicon may have properties, such as, for example, heat resistance which is characterized by less change by temperature, oxidation resistance which refers to resistance to oxidation, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency against water, or electrical insulation. However, silicon may not necessarily be used, and any material having such properties described above may be applied to (or used to coat) the fifth wrapper 355 without limitation.

[0099] The front end plug 33 may be formed of cellulose acetate. For example, the front end plug 33 may be manufactured by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. The mono denier of a filament of the cellulose acetate tow may be in a range of 1.0 to 10.0, and may be desirably in a range of 4.0 to 6.0. The mono denier of the filament of the front end plug 33 may be more desirably 5.0. In addition, a cross section of the filament constituting the front end plug 33 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the front end plug 33 may be in a range of 20000 to 30000, and may be desirably in a range of 25000 to 30000. The total denier of the front end plug 33 may be more desirably 28000.

[0100] In addition, as needed, the front end plug 33 may include at least one channel, and a cross section of the channel may be provided in various shapes.

[0101] The tobacco rod 31 may correspond to the tobacco rod 21 described above with reference to FIG. 2. Thus, a detailed description of the tobacco rod 31 will be omitted here.

[0102] The first segment 321 may be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment may be a tubular structure including a hollow therein. The first segment 321 may be manufactured by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. For example, a mono denier and a total denier of the first segment 321 may be the same as the mono denier and the total denier of the front end plug 33.

[0103] The second segment 322 may be made of cellulose acetate. A mono denier of a filament of the second segment 322 may be in a range of 1.0 to 10.0, and desirably, may be in a range of 8.0 to 10.0. The mono denier of the filament of the second segment 322 may be more desirably about 9.0. In addition, a cross section of the filament of the second segment 322 may be Y-shaped. A total denier of the second segment 322 may be in a range of 20000 to 30000, and desirably, may be 25000.

[0104] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device 400 according to another embodiment.

[0105] According to an embodiment, an aerosol generating device 400 (e.g., the aerosol generating device 1 of FIGS.1a to 1d) may include a controller 410, a sensing unit 420, an output unit 430, a battery 440, a heater 450, a user input unit 460, a memory 470, and a communication unit 480. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 400 is not limited to what is shown in FIG. 4. It is to be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosure pertains that some of the components shown in FIG. 4 may be omitted or new components may be added according to the design of the aerosol generating device 400.

[0106] The sensing unit 420 may sense a state of the aerosol generating device 400 or a state of an environment around the aerosol generating device 400, and transmit sensing information obtained through the sensing to the controller 410. Based on the sensing information, the controller 410 may control the aerosol generating device 400 to control operations of the heater 450, restrict smoking, determine whether an aerosol generating article (e.g., a cigarette, a cartridge, etc.) is inserted, display a notification, and perform other functions.

[0107] The sensing unit 420 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 422, an insertion detection sensor 424, or a puff sensor 426. However, embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0108] The temperature sensor 422 may sense a temperature at which the heater 450 (or an aerosol generating material) is heated. The aerosol generating device 400 may include a separate temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of the heater 450, or the heater 450 itself may perform a function as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 422 may be arranged around the battery 440 to monitor the temperature of the battery 440.

[0109] The insertion detection sensor 424 may sense whether the aerosol generating article is inserted or removed. The insertion detection sensor 424 may include, for example, at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, a light sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, or an infrared sensor, which may sense a signal change by the insertion or removal of the aerosol generating article.

[0110] The puff sensor 426 may sense a puff from a user based on various physical changes in an airflow path or airflow channel. For example, the puff sensor 426 may sense the puff of the user based on any one of a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

[0111] The sensing unit 420 may further include at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., a global positioning system (GPS)), a proximity sensor, or a red, green, blue (RGB) sensor (e.g., an illuminance sensor), in addition to the sensors 422 through 426 described above. A function of each sensor may be intuitively inferable from its name by one of ordinary skill in the art, and thus, a more detailed description thereof will be omitted here. For example, the sensing unit 420 may include a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may be disposed adjacent to a space where a cigarette (e.g., the cigarette 2 of FIG. 2 or the cigarette 3 of FIG. 3) is inserted into the aerosol generating device 400 and may sense a change in airflow in the space. For example, the pressure sensor may sense negative pressure and / or positive pressure appearing in the space where the pressure sensor is disposed. The pressure sensor may constitute at least a portion of the puff sensor 426 or the atmospheric pressure sensor.

[0112] The output unit 430 may output information about the state of the aerosol generating device 400 and provide the information to the user. The output unit 430 may include at least one of a display 432, a haptic portion 434, or a sound outputter 436 but is not limited thereto. When the display 432 and a touchpad are provided in a layered structure to form a touchscreen, the display 432 may be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0113] The display 432 may visually provide the information about the aerosol generating device 400 to the user. The information about the aerosol generating device 400 may 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, a limited usage state (e.g., an abnormal article detected) of the aerosol generating device 400, or the like, and the display 432 may externally output the information. The display 432 may be, for example, a liquid-crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), or the like. The display 432 may also be in the form of a light-emitting diode (LED) device.

[0114] The haptic portion 434 may provide the information about the aerosol generating device 400 to the user in a haptic way by converting an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus or an electrical stimulus. The haptic portion 434 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0115] The sound outputter 436 may provide the information about the aerosol generating device 400 to the user in an auditory way. For example, the sound outputter 436 may convert an electrical signal into a sound signal and externally output the sound signal.

[0116] The battery 440 may supply power to be used to operate the aerosol generating device 400. The battery 440 may supply power to heat the heater 450. In addition, the battery 440 may supply power required for operations of the other components (e.g., the sensing unit 420, the output unit 430, the user input unit 460, the memory 470, and the communication unit 480) included in the aerosol generating device 400. The battery 440 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. The battery 440 may be, for example, a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery. However, embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0117] The heater 450 may receive power from the battery 440 to heat the aerosol generating material. Although not shown in FIG. 4, the aerosol generating device 400 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a direct current (DC)-to-DC (DC / DC) converter) that converts power of the battery 440 and supplies the power to the heater 450. In addition, when the aerosol generating device 400 generates an aerosol in an induction heating manner, the aerosol generating device 400 may further include a DC-to-alternating current (AC) (DC / AC) converter that converts DC power of the battery 440 into AC power.

[0118] The controller 410, the sensing unit 420, the output unit 430, the user input unit 460, the memory 470, and the communication unit 480 may receive power from the battery 440 to perform functions. Although not shown in FIG. 4, the aerosol generating device 400 may further include a power conversion circuit, for example, a low dropout (LDO) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, which converts power of the battery 440 and supplies the power to respective components.

[0119] In an embodiment, the heater 450 may be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. The electrically resistive material may be a metal or a metal alloy including, for example, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, or the like. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. In addition, the heater 450 may be implemented as a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate on which an electrically conductive track is arranged, a ceramic heating element, or the like. However, embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0120] In another embodiment, the heater 450 may be an induction heater. For example, the heater 450 may include a susceptor that heats the aerosol generating material by generating heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil.

[0121] In an embodiment, the heater 450 may include a plurality of heaters. For example, the heater 450 may include a first heater for heating a cigarette and a second heater for heating a liquid.

[0122] The user input unit 460 may receive information input from the user or may output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 460 may include a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (e.g., a contact capacitive type, a pressure resistive film type, an infrared sensing type, a surface ultrasonic conduction type, an integral tension measurement type, a piezo effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, or the like but is not limited thereto. In addition, although not shown in FIG. 6, the aerosol generating device 400 may further include a connection interface such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and may be connected to another external device through the connection interface such as a USB interface to transmit and receive information or to charge the battery 440.

[0123] The memory 470, which is hardware for storing various pieces of data processed in the aerosol generating device 400, may store data processed by the controller 410 and data to be processed thereby. The memory 470 may include at least one type of storage medium of a flash memory type memory, a hard disk type memory, a multimedia card micro type memory, a card type memory (e.g., secure digital (SD) or extreme digital (XD) memory), a random-access memory (RAM), a static RAM (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), a programmable ROM (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk. The memory 470 may store an operating time of the aerosol generating device 400, a maximum number of puffs, a current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile (or heating profile), data associated with a smoking pattern of the user, or the like.

[0124] The communication unit 480 may include at least one component for communicating with another electronic device. For example, the communication unit 480 may include a short-range wireless communication unit 482 and a wireless communication unit 484.

[0125] The short-range wireless communication unit 482 may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE communication unit, a near field communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a ZigBee communication unit, an infrared data association (IrDA) communication unit, a Wi-Fi direct (WFD) communication unit, an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication unit, and an Ant+ communication unit. However, embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0126] The wireless communication unit 484 may include, for example, a cellular network communicator, an Internet communicator, a computer network (e.g., a local area network (LAN) or a wide-area network (WAN)) communicator, or the like. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. The wireless communication unit 484 may use subscriber information (e.g., international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) to identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 400 in a communication network.

[0127] The controller 410 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 400. In an embodiment, the controller 410 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable by the microprocessor is stored. In addition, it is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosure pertains that it may be implemented in other types of hardware.

[0128] The controller 410 may control the temperature of the heater 450 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 440 to the heater 450. For example, the controller 410 may control the supply of power by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery 440 and the heater 450. In another example, a direct heating circuit may control the supply of power to the heater 450 according to a control command from the controller 410.

[0129] The controller 410 may analyze a sensing result obtained by the sensing of the sensing unit 420 and control processes to be performed thereafter. For example, the controller 410 may control power to be supplied to the heater 450 to start or end an operation of the heater 450 based on the sensing result obtained by the sensing unit 420. In another example, the controller 410 may control an amount of power to be supplied to the heater 450 and a time for which the power is to be supplied, such that the heater 450 may be heated up to a predetermined temperature or maintained at a desired temperature, based on the sensing result obtained by the sensing unit 420.

[0130] The controller 410 may control the output unit 430 based on the sensing result obtained by the sensing unit 420. For example, when a number of puffs counted through the puff sensor 426 reaches a preset number, the controller 410 may inform the user that the aerosol generating device 400 is to be ended soon, through at least one of the display 432, the haptic portion 434, and the sound outputter 436.

[0131] According to an embodiment, the controller 410 may control a power supply time and / or a power supply amount for the heater 450 according to a state of the aerosol generating article sensed by the sensing unit 420. For example, when the aerosol generating article is in an over-humidified state, the controller 410 may control the power supply time for an inductive coil to increase a preheating time, compared to a case in which the aerosol generating article is in a general state.

[0132] One embodiment may also be implemented in the form of a recording medium including instructions executable by a computer, such as a program module executable by the computer. A computer-readable medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer and includes a volatile medium, a non-volatile medium, a removable medium, and a non-removable medium. In addition, the computer-readable medium may include both a computer storage medium and a communication medium. The computer storage medium includes all of a volatile medium, a non-volatile medium, a removable medium, and a non-removable medium implemented by any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. The communication medium typically includes computer-readable instructions, data structures, other data in modulated data signals such as program modules, or other transmission mechanisms, and includes any information transfer medium.

[0133] According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating device 400 may include at least one processor and a memory storing instructions, in which the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, may cause the aerosol generating device 400 to perform various operations. A description of the various operations is provided in detail below with reference to FIG. 7.

[0134] FIG. 5 illustrates an identification label including a magnetic color variable pigment that changes its color according to the intensity of a magnetic field, according to various embodiments.

[0135] The magnetic color variable pigment is an ink based on photonic crystal technology and may be an ink that changes its color due to the reflection of light by the arrangement, spacing, or density of nanoparticles dispersed in a dispersion medium. The arrangement, spacing, or density of the nanoparticles of the magnetic color variable pigment may be controlled by a magnetic field.

[0136] According to an embodiment, the magnetic color variable pigment may be a pigment that changes a color of an upper portion in reverse as positions of a first colored particle positioned in an upper portion and a second colored particle positioned in a lower portion are switched each other by the application of the magnetic field.

[0137] According to an embodiment, the magnetic color variable pigment may be a pigment that changes the transparency of the upper portion as an arrangement angle of the nanoparticles changes according to the angle of applying the magnetic field.

[0138] According to an embodiment, the magnetic color variable pigment may be a pigment that changes the saturation of a color of the upper portion as the density of the nanoparticles changes in a direction or opposite direction of the magnetic field that is applied according to the intensity of applying the magnetic field.

[0139] For example, the nanoparticles included in the magnetic color variable pigment may be nanoparticles having the same color as each other.

[0140] For example, the nanoparticles included in the magnetic color variable pigment may include first nanoparticles representing a first color and second nanoparticles representing a second color. The first nanoparticles and the second nanoparticles may respond differently to the intensity of the same magnetic field. For example, the first nanoparticles may not respond to first intensity of the magnetic field, but the second nanoparticles may respond to first intensity of the magnetic field.

[0141] According to an embodiment, the magnetic color variable pigment may include first nanoparticles 501, second nanoparticles 502, and third nanoparticles 503, which represent different colors. For example, the first nanoparticles 501 may represent yellow, the second nanoparticles 502 may represent red, and the third nanoparticles 503 may represent black. The first nanoparticles 501 may be nanoparticles that do not respond to a magnetic field, and the second nanoparticles 502 may be nanoparticles that respond even at relatively lower intensity of a magnetic field than the third nanoparticles 503.

[0142] In a state 510 in which a magnetic field is not applied, the nanoparticles of the magnetic color variable pigment may be evenly distributed. A color observed at an upper end of the magnetic color variable pigment may be a color of a mixture 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 variable pigment may be dark yellow.

[0143] In a state 520 in which a magnetic field is applied with the first intensity, the second nanoparticles 502 among the nanoparticles of the magnetic color variable pigment may move in a direction of the application of the magnetic field. The color observed at the upper end of the magnetic color variable pigment due to the movement of the second nanoparticles 502 may be red, which is the color of the second nanoparticles 502.

[0144] In a state 530 in which a magnetic field is applied with the second intensity that is stronger than the first intensity, the third nanoparticles 503 among the nanoparticles of the magnetic color variable pigment may additionally move in the direction of the application of the magnetic field. The color observed at the upper portion of the magnetic color variable pigment by the additional movement of the third nanoparticles 503 may 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 that of the second nanoparticles 502, the color observed at the upper portion of the variable pigment may be a darker color (e.g., black) than the color of the state 520.

[0145] The magnetic color variable pigment including the nanoparticles representing different colors is described with reference to the diagrams,

[0146] by controlling the density of the nanoparticles included in the magnetic color variable pigment, various magnetic color variable pigments may be generated to represent different colors even when magnetic fields of the same intensity is applied. For example, when the nanoparticles are red, pink may appear in a magnetic color variable pigment with low density of nanoparticles, and red may appear in a magnetic color variable pigment with high density of nanoparticles.

[0147] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating article including an identification label, according to various embodiments.

[0148] According to an embodiment, an identification label 610 or 620 may be provided based on the magnetic color variable pigment described above with reference to FIG. 5. For example, the identification label 610 or 620 may be provided on a wrapper of the cigarette 2 (e.g., the cigarette 3 of FIG. 3 or an aerosol generating article) described above with reference to FIG. 2. The identification label 610 or 620 may indicate a color indicating the type of the cigarette 2 when a magnetic field is applied. For example, when the type of the cigarette 2 is three, three types of identification labels may be manufactured to represent different colors for magnetic fields of the same intensity, and the identification label 610 or 620 may be an identification label having a color corresponding to a target type among the three types.

[0149] According to an embodiment, the identification label 610 or 620 may be positioned on the second wrapper 242, the third wrapper 243, or the fourth wrapper 244 described above with reference to FIG. 2.

[0150] According to an embodiment, when the cigarette 2 is inserted into an aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device 1 of FIGS. 1a to 1d or the aerosol generating device 400 of FIG. 4), the identification label 610 may be positioned on the wrapper to correspond to an end portion of a coil (e.g., the coil 13a of FIG. 1d) or a susceptor (e.g., the susceptor 13b of FIG. 1d) of the aerosol generating device.

[0151] According to an embodiment, the identification label 620 may be positioned on the wrapper to correspond to an end portion of a cavity (e.g., the cavity 13c of FIG. 1d) of the aerosol generating device to accommodate the aerosol generating article when the cigarette 2 is inserted into the aerosol generating device.

[0152] According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating article (e.g., the cigarette 2) may include a tobacco rod (e.g., the tobacco rod 21 of FIG. 2 or the tobacco rod 31 of FIG. 3) including an aerosol generating material, a filter rod (e.g., the filter rod 22 of FIG. 2 or the filter rod 32 of FIG. 3), at least one wrapper (e.g., the wrapper 24 of FIG. 2 or the wrapper 35 of FIG. 3) wrapping around the tobacco rod and the filter rod, and the identification label 610 or 620 that is positioned on the wrapper and changes in color by a magnetic field.

[0153] According to an embodiment, the identification label 610 or 620 may include the magnetic color variable pigment.

[0154] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an aerosol generating method according to various embodiments.

[0155] Operations 710 to 740 described below may be performed by an aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device 1 of FIGS. 1a to 1d or the aerosol generating device 400 of FIG. 4). The aerosol generating device may include a heater (e.g., the heater 13 of FIGS. 1a to 1d or the heater 450 of FIG. 4) and a controller (e.g., the controller 12 of FIGS. 1a to 1d or the controller 410 of the aerosol generating device 400 of FIG. 4). For example, the heater may include a coil (e.g., the coil 13a of FIG. 1d) for induction heating.

[0156] In operation 710, the controller of the aerosol generating device may generate a magnetic field having a target frequency when an aerosol generating article (e.g., the cigarette 2 of FIG. 2 or the cigarette 3 of FIG. 3) is inserted. For example, the generated magnetic field may have target intensity.

[0157] According to an embodiment, the controller of the aerosol generating device may generate the magnetic field using the coil 13a. The controller may generate the magnetic field inside the coil 13a by applying alternating current to the coil 13a.

[0158] According to an embodiment, before operation 710 is performed, the controller of the aerosol generating device may determine whether the aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device by using a sensor. For example, the controller of the aerosol generating device may determine whether the aerosol generating article is inserted by using an inductance sensor. For example, the controller of the aerosol generating device may determine whether the aerosol generating article is inserted by using a humidity sensor. For example, the controller of the aerosol generating device may determine whether the aerosol generating article is inserted when a user input is received through a button as a sensor. For example, the controller of the aerosol generating device may determine whether the aerosol generating article is inserted by using a Hall sensor positioned at an opening of the aerosol generating device.

[0159] According to an embodiment, the controller of the aerosol generating device may generate the magnetic field having the target frequency when it is determined that the aerosol generating article is inserted.

[0160] According to an embodiment, the controller of the aerosol generating device may generate the magnetic field having the target frequency while preheating the aerosol generating article is performed. For example, the controller of the aerosol generating device may alternately generate a magnetic field for induction heating and a magnetic field for identifying the type of aerosol generating article. The frequency of the alternating current for the magnetic field for induction heating may be different from the target frequency.

[0161] In operation 720, the controller of the aerosol generating device may determine a target color of a target area of the aerosol generating article. For example, the target area of the aerosol generating article may be an area corresponding to an identification label (e.g., the identification label 610 or 620 of FIG. 6) of the aerosol generating article. For example, the target area of the aerosol generating article may correspond to an end portion of a coil (e.g., the coil 13a of FIG. 1d) or a susceptor (e.g., the susceptor 13b of FIG. 1d) of the aerosol generating device.

[0162] The color of a magnetic color variable pigment of the identification label may be changed by a magnetic field. The colors of the identification labels provided in each of the different types of aerosol generating articles may be different from each other. The color of the target area of the aerosol generating article may be changed to the target color by the magnetic field.

[0163] According to an embodiment, the controller of the aerosol generating device may determine the target color of the target area of the aerosol generating article by using a color sensor. The controller of the aerosol generating device may include a color sensor to determine the target color of the target area. For example, the color sensor may be an illuminance sensor or an RGB sensor.

[0164] For example, when the types of aerosol generating articles 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 may be preset. The first color may be defined by a first color range, the second color may be defined by a second color range, and the third color may be defined by a third color range. The color range may 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. Hereinafter, a method of determining the target color of the target area of the aerosol generating article is described in detail with reference to FIG. 9.

[0165] In operation 730, the controller of the aerosol generating device may determine, among a plurality of types, a target type corresponding to the target color.

[0166] In operation 740, the controller of the aerosol generating device may heat the aerosol generating article using a target temperature profile corresponding to the target type. Depending on the type of aerosol generating article, an optimal heating temperature and heating time for optimal taste and / or flavor may vary. The target temperature profile may be preset to indicate an optimal heating temperature and heating time for generating an aerosol using the aerosol generating device having the target type. The controller of the aerosol generating device may generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol generating article using the target temperature profile.

[0167] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example in which an aerosol generating article including an identification label is inserted into an aerosol generating device, according to various embodiments.

[0168] According to an embodiment, an aerosol generating article (e.g., the cigarette 2 of FIG. 2) may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 1 described above with reference to FIG. 1d. For example, a target area 810 of the aerosol generating article may correspond to an end portion of the coil 13a or the susceptor 13b of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the target area 810 of the aerosol generating article may correspond to an end portion of the cavity 13c of the aerosol generating device 1 to accommodate the aerosol generating article. The target area 810 or 820 may be positioned in a range of the magnetic force of a magnetic field generated by the coil 13a.

[0169] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method of determining, among a plurality of types, a target type corresponding to a target color, according to various embodiments.

[0170] According to an embodiment, operation 720 described above with reference to FIG. 7 may include operations 910 to 930 to be described hereinafter. Operations 910 to 930 described below may be performed by an aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device 1 of FIGS. 1a to 1d or the aerosol generating device 400 of FIG. 4). The aerosol generating device may include a controller (e.g., the controller 12 of FIGS. 1a to 1d or the controller 410 of the aerosol generating device 400 of FIG. 4).

[0171] In operation 910, the controller of the aerosol generating device may determine an initial color of a target area of an aerosol generating article (e.g., the cigarette 2 of FIG. 2 or the cigarette 3 of FIG. 3). For example, the controller of the aerosol generating device may determine the initial color by using a color sensor. The initial color may be determined as a sensor value of at least one channel (e.g., an R channel, a G channel, and a B channel).

[0172] In operation 920, the controller of the aerosol generating device may determine whether at least one sensor value representing the initial color corresponds to any one of color ranges corresponding to the plurality of types.

[0173] According to an embodiment, the controller of the aerosol generating device may repeatedly perform operation 920 for a preset period of time when the initial color does not correspond to any of the color ranges.

[0174] In operation 930, the controller of the aerosol generating device may determine the initial color to be the target color when the initial color corresponds to any one of the color ranges.

[0175] According to an embodiment, the controller of the aerosol generating device may determine the initial color to be a default color when the initial color does not correspond to any of the color ranges. For example, the default color may be the most recently determined previous target color. For example, the default color may be a preset color. For example, the initial color may be determined to be the default color when it is determined that the initial color does not correspond to any of the color ranges, even though the controller of the aerosol generating repeatedly performs operation 920 for a preset period of time.

[0176] According to an embodiment, after operation 930 is performed, operation 940 may be further performed below.

[0177] In operation 940, the controller of the aerosol generating device may stop generating a magnetic field when the target color of the target area of the aerosol generating article is determined.

[0178] FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate an aerosol generating device 1001 according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0179] Referring to FIG. 10, the aerosol generating device 1001 (e.g., the aerosol generating device 1 of FIGS. 1a to 1d or the aerosol generating device 400 of FIG. 4) may include at least one of a power source 1011 (e.g., the battery 11 of FIGS. 1a to 1d or the battery 440 of FIG. 4), a controller 1012 (e.g., the controller 12 of FIGS. 1a to 1d or the controller 410 of FIG. 4), a sensor 1013 (e.g., the sensing unit 420 of FIG. 4), and a heater 1018 (e.g., the heater 13 of FIGS. 1a to 1d or the heater 450 of FIG. 4). At least one of the power source 1011, the controller 1012, the sensor 1013, and the heater 1018 may be disposed inside a body 1010 of the aerosol generating device 1001. The body 1010 may provide an upward-opening space into which an aerosol generating article, a stick S (e.g., the cigarette 2 of FIG. 2 or the cigarette 3 of FIG. 3), may be inserted. The upward-opening space may be referred to as an insertion space. The insertion space may be recessed by a predetermined depth toward the inside of the body 1010 such that at least a portion of the stick S may be inserted into the insertion space. The depth of the insertion space may correspond to a length of an area of the stick S in which an aerosol generating material and / or a medium is included. A lower end of the stick S may be inserted into the body 1010, and an upper end of the stick S may protrude outward from the body 1010. A user may hold the upper end of the stick S, which is exposed to the outside, in the mouth of the user and inhale air.

[0180] The heater 1018 may heat the stick S. The heater 1018 may be elongated upward around a space into which the stick S is inserted. For example, the heater 1018 may be in the form of a tube including a hollow therein. The heater 1018 may be disposed around the insertion space. The heater 1018 may be disposed to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The heater 1018 may heat the insertion space or the stick S inserted into the insertion space. The heater 1018 may include an electrically resistive heater and / or an induction heater.

[0181] For example, referring to FIG. 10, the heater 1018 may be a resistive heater. For example, the heater 1018 may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater 1018 may be heated up as a current flows through the electrically conductive track. The heater 1018 may be electrically connected to the power source 1011. The heater 1018 may directly generate heat by receiving a current from the power source 1011. As a hollow heater, the heater 1018 may be disposed to surround at least a portion of the stick S inserted into the insertion space to heat an outer portion of the stick S. Alternatively, as a needle-shaped heater, a rod-shaped heater, a tubular heater, or the like, the heater 1018 may be inserted into the stick S inserted into the insertion space to heat the inside of the stick S.

[0182] For example, referring to FIG. 11, the aerosol generating device 1001 may include an induction coil 1181 surrounding the heater 1018. The induction coil 1181 may heat the heater 1018. As a susceptor, the heater 1018 may be heated up by a magnetic field generated by the AC flowing through the induction coil 1181. The magnetic field may pass through the heater 1018 and generate eddy current in the heater 1018. The current may generate heat in the heater 1018.

[0183] In addition, the susceptor may be included inside the stick S. The susceptor inside the stick S may be heated by the magnetic field generated by the AC flowing through the induction coil 1181.

[0184] The power source 1011 may supply power to operate the components of the aerosol generating device 1001. The power source 1011 may be referred to as a battery. The power source 1011 may supply power to at least one of the controller 1012, the sensor 1013, or the heater 1018. When the aerosol generating device 1001 includes the induction coil 1181, the power source 1011 may supply power to the induction coil 1181.

[0185] The controller 1012 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1001. The controller 1012 may be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The controller 1012 may control the operation of at least one of the power source 1011 or the sensor 1013. The controller 1012 may control the operation of the induction coil 1181. The controller 1012 may control the operation of a display, a motor, and the like installed in the aerosol generating device 1001. The controller 1012 may verify a state of each of the components of the aerosol generating device 1001 to determine whether the aerosol generating device 1001 is in an operable state.

[0186] The controller 1012 may analyze a sensing result obtained by the sensing of the sensor 1013 and control processes to be performed thereafter. For example, based on the sensing result obtained by the sensor 1013, the controller 1012 may control the power supplied to the heater 1018 to initiate or terminate the operation of the heater 1018. For example, based on the sensing result obtained by the sensor 1013, the controller 1012 may control the amount of power supplied to the heater 1018 and a time for which the power is supplied, such that the heater 1018 may be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature.

[0187] The sensor 1013 may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, or an insertion detection sensor. For example, the sensor 1013 may sense at least one of the temperature of the heater 1018, the temperature of the power source 1011, or the temperature inside and outside the body 1010. For example, the sensor 1013 may sense a puff of the user. For example, the sensor 1013 may sense whether the stick S is inserted into the insertion space.

[0188] FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0189] Referring to FIG. 12, the aerosol generating device 1001 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of the power source 1011, the controller 1012, and the sensor 1013. At least one of the power source 1011, the controller 1012, and the sensor 1013 may be disposed inside the body 1010 of the aerosol generating device 1001. The description of the power source 1011, the controller 1012, and the sensor 1013 provided with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11 may apply to the description of the features of the power source 1011, the controller 1012, and the sensor 1013.

[0190] The body 1010 may form the overall exterior of the aerosol generating device 1001 and include an inner space in which the components of the aerosol generating device 1001 may be disposed. Although the diagram illustrates an embodiment in which the cross-section of the body 1010 has a semicircular shape overall, the shape of the body 1010 is not limited thereto. The body 1010 may have a cylindrical shape or a polygonal column shape overall.

[0191] The body 1010 may include a first body surface 1010A (e.g., a front surface of the body), a second body surface 1010B (e.g., a rear surface of the body) opposite to the first body surface 1010A, and at least one third body surface 1010C (e.g., a side surface of the body) between the first body surface 1010A and the second body surface 1010B.

[0192] Referring to FIG. 13, the body 1010 may have an insertion space 1102 formed therein. The insertion space 1102 may be formed in the upper portion of the body 1010. The insertion space 1102 may be open upward. The insertion space 1102 may have a vertically elongated cylindrical shape. At least a portion of the stick S may be inserted into the body 1010 through an opening 1101 on the upper side of the insertion space 1102. The depth of the insertion space 1102 may correspond to the length of an area of the stick S in which an aerosol generating material and / or a medium is included.

[0193] A heater 1240 (e.g., the heater 1018 of FIGS. 10 and 11) may surround at least a portion of an outer side of the insertion space 1102. The heater 1240 may be elongated vertically along the insertion space 1102. For example, the heater 1240 may be a cylindrical electrically resistive heater that surrounds at least a portion of the insertion space 1102. For example, the heater 1240 may include a cylindrical susceptor that surrounds at least a portion of the insertion space 1102 and an induction coil that surrounds the susceptor. The heater 1240 may heat the exterior of the stick S accommodated in the insertion space 1102. At least an area of the stick S accommodated in the insertion space 1102 may be heated by the heater 1240. An aerosol may be generated as a result of the mixture of a vaporized particle generated by the heating of the stick S and air entering the inner space of the body 1010 through the opening 1101.

[0194] A display 1141 may be disposed on one side of the body 1010. At least a partial area of the display 1141 may be exposed to the outside of the body 1010.

[0195] The display 1141 may provide a variety of visual information to a user. The display 1141 may include a display panel and / or a touch panel. The display 1141 may include a cover glass.

[0196] The cover glass, together with the body 1010, may form the exterior of the aerosol generating device 1001. The cover glass may be in contact with a part of the body of the user. The cover glass may protect the display panel and / or the touch panel from an external impact.

[0197] The display panel may be disposed on the cover glass in a direction toward the inside of the body 1010. The display panel may be disposed parallel to the cover glass.

[0198] The touch panel may detect a touch corresponding to contact with an object. For example, the touch panel may detect a touch corresponding to contact with a part of the body of the user. The touch panel may receive a user input.

[0199] A cover 1104 may be placed on the upper side of the body 1010. The cover 1104 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the opening 1101 of the body 1010. For example, the opening 1101 of the body 1010 may be circular, and the cover 1104 may be circular with a diameter greater than the diameter of the opening 1101.

[0200] The cover 1104 may be movably connected to a guide 1103 formed in the body 1010. The cover 1104 may move along the guide 1103. For example, the guide 1103 may be a groove formed in one surface of the body 1010, and the cover 1104 may include a protrusion that slides when inserted into the groove of the body 1010. For example, the guide 1103 may be a protrusion protruding from one surface of the body 1010, and the cover 1104 may have a groove inserted into the protrusion and slide along the protrusion.

[0201] The cover 1104 may open and close the opening 1101 of the body 1010 by moving along the guide 1103. For example, the cover 1104 may close the opening 1101 at a first position and open the opening 1101 at a second position. The cover 1104 may be manually moved by the user. Alternatively, the aerosol generating device 1001 may have a driving device, and the cover 1104 may be moved by the driving device.

[0202] The body 1010 may include a connecting terminal (not shown). The connecting terminal may include a connector that allows the aerosol generating device 1001 to be physically connected to an external electronic device. For example, the connecting terminal may 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 headphones connector), or a combination thereof.

[0203] The methods according to the above-described embodiments may be recorded in non-transitory computer-readable media including program instructions to implement various operations of the above-described embodiments. The media may also include, alone or in combination with the program instructions, data files, data structures, and the like. The program instructions recorded on the media may be those specially designed and constructed for the purposes of embodiments, or they may be of the kind well-known and available to those having skill in the computer software arts. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tape; optical media such as CD-ROM discs or DVDs; magneto-optical media such as optical discs; and hardware devices that are specially configured to store and perform program instructions, such as read-only memory (ROM), RAM, flash memory, and the like. Examples of program instructions include both machine code, such as produced by a compiler, and files containing higher-level code that may be executed by the computer using an interpreter. The above-described devices may be configured to act as one or more software modules in order to perform the operations of the above-described embodiments, or vice versa.

[0204] The software may include a computer program, a piece of code, an instruction, or some combination thereof, to independently or collectively instruct or configure the processing device to operate as desired. Software and / or data may be embodied permanently or temporarily in any type of machine, component, physical or virtual equipment, computer storage medium or device, or in a propagated signal wave capable of providing instructions or data to or being interpreted by the processing device. The software may also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the software is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. The software and data may be stored by one or more non-transitory computer-readable recording mediums.

[0205] While the embodiments are described with reference to drawings, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that various alterations and modifications in form and details may be made in these embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims and their equivalents. For example, suitable results may be achieved if the described techniques are performed in a different order, and / or if components in a described system, architecture, device, or circuit are combined in a different manner, and / or rearranged or supplemented by other components or their equivalents.

[0206] Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents to the claims are also within the scope of the following claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0010]The following detailed structural or functional description is provided as an example only and various alterations and modifications may be made to the embodiments. Accordingly, the embodiments are not construed as limited to the disclosure and should be understood to include all changes, equivalents, and replacements within the idea and the technical scope of the disclosure.

[0011]Although terms, such as first, second, and the like are used to describe various components, the components are not limited to the terms. These terms should be used only to distinguish one component from another component. For example, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly the second component may also be referred to as the first component.

[0012]It should be noted that if one component is described as being "connected", "coupled", or "joined" to another component, a third component may be "connected", "coupled", and "joined" between the first and second components,...

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The embodiments below relate to technology for controlling an aerosol generating device, and more particularly, to technology for controlling an aerosol generating device that heats an aerosol generating article based on the type of identified aerosol generating article.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] The demand for electronic cigarette devices has recently been on the rise. The rising demand for electronic cigarette devices has accelerated the continued development of electronic cigarette device-related functions. The electronic cigarette device-related functions may include, in particular, functions according to the types and characteristics of electronic cigarette devices.

[0003] Cigarettes with various tastes and flavors are manufactured in consideration of various tastes of smokers. Each of the various types of cigarettes may have different optimal heating temperatures and heating times for optimal taste and flavor.DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION TECHNICAL GOALS

[0004] In an embodiment, an aerosol generating device, which determines, among a plurality of types, a type of aerosol generating article inserted into an aerosol generating device, may be provided.TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS

[0005] According to an embodiment, an aerosol generating method includes 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 area of the aerosol generating article, determining, among a plurality of types, a target type corresponding to the target color, and heating the aerosol generating article using a target temperature profile corresponding to the target type.

[0006] According to an embodiment, an aerosol generating device includes a coil configured to generate an alternating magnetic field based on an operation signal and a controller configured to control the aerosol generating device, in which the controller is 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 area of the aerosol generating article, determining, among a plurality of types, a target type corresponding to the target color, heating the aerosol generating article using a target temperature profile corresponding to the target type.

[0007] According to an embodiment, an aerosol generating article includes a tobacco rod including an aerosol generating material, a filter rod, at least one wrapper configured to wrap around the tobacco rod and the filter rod, and an identification label that is positioned on the wrapper and changes in color by a magnetic field.EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol based on a type of aerosol generating article determined through a color changed by a magnetic field may be provided.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] FIGS. 1a to 1d are diagrams illustrating examples of an aerosol generating article inserted into an aerosol generating device, according to various embodiments. FIGS. 2 and 3 are diagrams illustrating examples of an aerosol generating article, according to various embodiments. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to various embodiments. FIG. 5 illustrates an identification label including a magnetic color variable pigment that changes its color according to the intensity of a magnetic field, according to various embodiments. FIG. 6 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating article including an identification label, according to various embodiments. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an aerosol generating method according to various embodiments. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example in which an aerosol generating article including an identification label is inserted into an aerosol generating device, according to various embodiments. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method of determining, among a plurality of types, a target type corresponding to a target color, according to various embodiments. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0010] The following detailed structural or functional description is provided as an example only and various alterations and modifications may be made to the embodiments. Accordingly, the embodiments are not construed as limited to the disclosure and should be understood to include all changes, equivalents, and replacements within the idea and the technical scope of the disclosure.

[0011] Although terms, such as first, second, and the like are used to describe various components, the components are not limited to the terms. These terms should be used only to distinguish one component from another component. For example, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly the second component may also be referred to as the first component.

[0012] It should be noted that if one component is described as being "connected", "coupled", or "joined" to another component, a third component may be "connected", "coupled", and "joined" between the first and second components, although the first component may be directly connected, coupled, or joined to the second component.

[0013] The singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises / comprising" and / or "includes / including" when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof.

[0014] Unless otherwise defined, all terms, including technical and scientific terms, used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains. Terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be construed to have meanings matching with contextual meanings in the relevant art, and are not to be construed to have an ideal or excessively formal meaning unless otherwise defined herein.

[0015] Hereinafter, the embodiments are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. When describing the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, like reference numerals refer to like components and a repeated description related thereto will be omitted.

[0016] FIGS. 1a to 1d are diagrams illustrating examples of an aerosol generating article inserted into an aerosol generating device, according to various embodiments.

[0017] Referring to FIG. 1a, an aerosol generating device 1 may include a battery 11, a controller 12, and a heater 13. Referring to FIGS. 1b and 1c, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a vaporizer 14. Referring to FIG. 1d, the aerosol generating device 1 may include the battery 11, the controller 12, a coil 13a, and a susceptor 13b. Further, a cigarette 2 may be inserted into an inner space of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0018] The aerosol generating device 1 shown in FIGS. 1a to 4 may include components related to the embodiments described herein. Therefore, it is to be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains that the aerosol generating device 1 may further include other generally used components in addition to the ones shown in FIGS. 1a to 4.

[0019] In addition, although it is shown that the heater 13 is included in the aerosol generating device 1 in FIGS. 1b and 1c, the heater 13 may be omitted as necessary. For example, the aerosol generating device 1 that does not include the heater 13 may generate an aerosol through the vaporizer 14.

[0020] FIG. 1a illustrates a linear alignment of the battery 11, the controller 12, and the heater 13. In addition, FIG. 1b illustrates a linear alignment of the battery 11, the controller 12, the vaporizer 14, and the heater 13. In addition, FIG. 1c illustrates a parallel alignment of the vaporizer 14 and the heater 13. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1 is not limited to what is shown in FIGS. 1a to 1c. That is, such alignments of the battery 11, the controller 12, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14 may be changed depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0021] When the cigarette 2 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, the aerosol generating device 1 may actuate the heater 13 and / or the vaporizer 14 to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated by the heater 13 and / or the vaporizer 14 may pass through the cigarette 2 into the user.

[0022] Even when the cigarette 2 is not inserted in the aerosol generating device 1, the aerosol generating device 1 may heat the heater 13, as needed.

[0023] The battery 11 may supply power to be used to operate the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the battery 11 may supply power to heat the heater 13 or the vaporizer 14, and may supply power required for the controller 12 to operate. In addition, the battery 11 may supply power required to operate a display, a sensor, a motor, or the like installed in the aerosol generating device 1.

[0024] The controller 12 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the controller 12 may control respective operations of other components included in the aerosol generating device 1 in addition to the battery 11, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14. In addition, the controller 12 may verify a state of each of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 to determine whether the aerosol generating device 1 is in an operable state.

[0025] The controller 12 may include at least one processor. The at least one processor may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable by the microprocessor is stored. In addition, it is to be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosure pertains that the at least one processor may be implemented in other types of hardware.

[0026] The heater 13 may be heated by the power supplied by the battery 11. For example, when the cigarette is inserted in the aerosol generating device 1, the heater 13 may be disposed outside the cigarette. The heated heater 13 may thus raise the temperature of an aerosol generating material in the cigarette.

[0027] The heater 13 may be an electrically resistive heater. For example, the heater 13 may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater 13 may be heated as a current flows through the electrically conductive track. However, the heater 13 is not limited to the foregoing example, and any example of heating the heater 13 up to a desired temperature may be applicable without limitation. The desired temperature may be preset in the aerosol generating device 1 or may be set by the user.

[0028] Meanwhile, in another example, the heater 13 may be an induction heater including the coil 13a and the susceptor 13b as shown in FIG. 1d. Therefore, redundant descriptions of the heater are omitted.

[0029] Specifically, the aerosol generating device 1 may include the electrically conductive coil 13a for heating the cigarette 2 in an induction heating manner and the susceptor 13b to be heated by the induction heater. Although not shown in FIG. 1d, the susceptor 13b may be included in the cigarette 2 rather than in the aerosol generating device 1.

[0030] For example, the heater 13 may include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and may heat the inside or outside of the cigarette 2 according to the shape of a heating element.

[0031] In addition, the heater 13 may be provided as a plurality of heaters in the aerosol generating device 1. In this case, the plurality of heaters 13 may be disposed to be inserted into the cigarette 2 or may be disposed outside the cigarette 2. In addition, some of the heaters 13 may be disposed to be inserted into the cigarette 2, and the rest may be disposed outside the cigarette 2. In addition, the shape of the heater 13 is not limited to the shape shown in FIGS. 1a to 1d and may be manufactured in various shapes.

[0032] The vaporizer 14 may heat a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol may pass through the cigarette 2 into the user. That is, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 may travel along an airflow path of the aerosol generating device 1, and the airflow path may be configured such that the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 passes through the cigarette into the user.

[0033] For example, the vaporizer 14 may include a liquid storage, a liquid transfer means, and a heating element. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the liquid storage, the liquid transfer means, and the heating element may be included as independent modules in the aerosol generating device 1.

[0034] The liquid storage may store the liquid composition. The liquid composition may be, for example, a liquid including a tobacco-containing material that includes a volatile tobacco flavor component or a liquid including a non-tobacco material. The liquid storage may be manufactured to be detachable and attachable from and to the vaporizer 14, or may be manufactured in an integral form with the vaporizer 14.

[0035] The liquid composition may include, for example, water, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, a fragrance, a flavoring agent, or a vitamin mixture. The fragrance may include, for example, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, various fruit flavor ingredients, and the like. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. The flavoring agent may include ingredients that provide the user with a variety of flavors or scents. The vitamin mixture may be a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, or vitamin E. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. The liquid composition may also include an aerosol former such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0036] The liquid transfer means may transfer the liquid composition in the liquid storage to the heating element. The liquid transfer means may be, for example, a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic. However, embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0037] The heating element may be an element configured to heat the liquid composition transferred by the liquid transfer means. The heating element may be, for example, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, a ceramic heater, or the like. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. In addition, the heating element may include a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire and may be arranged in a structure wound around the liquid transfer means. The heating element may be heated as a current is supplied and may transfer heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, and may thereby heat the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol may be generated.

[0038] For example, the vaporizer 14 may also be referred to as a cartomizer or an atomizer. However, embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0039] The aerosol generating device 1 may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery 11, the controller 12, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14. For example, the aerosol generating device 1 may include a display capable of outputting visual information and / or a motor for outputting tactile information. In addition, the aerosol generating device 1 may include at least one sensor (e.g., a puff sensor, a temperature sensor, a cigarette insertion detection sensor, etc.). In addition, the aerosol generating device 1 may be manufactured to have a structure in which external air may be introduced or internal gas may flow out even with the cigarette 2 being inserted.

[0040] Although not shown in FIGS. 1a to 1d, the aerosol generating device 1 may also be configured as a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may be used to charge the battery 11 of the aerosol generating device 1. Alternatively, the cradle may be used to heat the heater 13, with the cradle and the aerosol generating device 1 coupled.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 1d, the aerosol generating device 1 may include the battery 11, the controller 12, the coil 13a, the susceptor 13b, and a cavity 13c.

[0042] The cigarette 2 may be inserted into the cavity 13c of the aerosol generating device 1, and the coil 13a may be positioned around the cavity 13c. In FIG. 1d, the coil 13a is illustrated as being arranged to surround the cavity 13c. However, embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0043] The aerosol generating device 1 may generate an aerosol by heating the cigarette 2 using an induction heating manner. The induction heating manner may be a manner of generating heat from a magnetic body by applying an alternating magnetic field.

[0044] When the alternating magnetic field is applied to the magnetic body, energy loss due to eddy current loss and hysteresis loss may occur in the magnetic body. The lost energy may be released from the magnetic body as heat energy. As an amplitude or frequency of the alternating magnetic field increases, an amount of heat energy released from the magnetic body may increase. The magnetic body that generates heat due to an external magnetic field may be a susceptor.

[0045] The aerosol generating device 1 may include the susceptor 13b that generates heat by the external magnetic field. The aerosol generating device 1 may heat the cigarette 2 by applying an alternating magnetic field to the susceptor 13b.

[0046] The susceptor 13b may include metal or carbon. The susceptor 13b may include at least one of ferrite, a ferromagnetic alloy, stainless steel, or aluminum (Al).

[0047] Additionally, the susceptor 13b may include at least one of a ceramic such as graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, niobium, a nickel alloy, a metal film, zirconia, a transition metal such as nickel (Ni) or cobalt (Co), or a metalloid such as boron (B) or phosphorus (P).

[0048] The aerosol generating device 1 may include the cavity 13c for accommodating the cigarette 2. The cavity 13c may include an opening that opens on the outside of the cavity 13c to receive the cigarette 2 into the aerosol generating device 1.

[0049] The aerosol generating device 1 may include the coil 13a that applies an alternating magnetic field to the susceptor 13b. The coil 13a may be wound along a side of the cavity 13c. The coil 13a may be arranged near the susceptor 13b.

[0050] The coil 13a may receive power from the battery 10. As power is supplied to the coil 13a, a magnetic field may be formed inside the coil 13a. When an alternating current is applied to the coil 13a, the magnetic field formed inside the coil 13a may change direction periodically. When the susceptor 13b is exposed to the alternating magnetic field formed by the coil 13a, the susceptor 13b may generate heat, thereby heating the cigarette 2 accommodated in the aerosol generating device 1.

[0051] The temperature of the susceptor 13b that heats the cigarette 2 may change as an amplitude or frequency of the alternating magnetic field formed by the coil 13a changes. The controller 12 may control the power supplied to the coil 13a to adjust the amplitude or frequency of the alternating magnetic field formed by the coil 13a, and accordingly, the temperature of the susceptor 13b may be controlled.

[0052] As an example, the coil 13a may be implemented as a solenoid. The coil 13a may be a solenoid wound along the side of the cavity 13c. The cigarette 2 may be accommodated in an inner space of the solenoid. The solenoid may include, but is not limited to, copper (Cu).

[0053] To allow high current to flow by having low resistivity, the solenoid may include one or an alloy including at least one of silver (Ag), gold (Au), aluminum (Al), tungsten (W), zinc (Zn), and nickel (Ni).

[0054] The cigarette 2 may be of a similar type to a general burning type. For example, the cigarette 2 may be divided into a first portion including an aerosol generating material and a second portion including a filter or the like. Alternatively, the second portion of the cigarette 2 may also include the aerosol generating material. For example, the aerosol generating material provided in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second portion.

[0055] The first portion may be entirely inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, and the second portion may be exposed outside. Alternatively, the first portion may be partially inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, and the first portion may be entirely inserted and the second portion may be partially inserted into the aerosol generating device 1. The user may then inhale an aerosol with the second portion in their mouth. In this case, an aerosol may be generated as external air passes through the first portion, and the generated aerosol may pass through the second portion into the mouth of the user.

[0056] For example, the external air may be introduced through at least one air path formed in the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the opening and / or closing of the air path formed in the aerosol generating device 1 and / or the size of the air path may be adjusted by the user. Accordingly, an amount of atomization, a sense of smoking, or the like may be adjusted by the user. In another example, the external air may be introduced into the inside of the cigarette 2 through at least one hole formed on a surface of the cigarette 2.

[0057] Hereinafter, examples of the cigarette 2 are described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0058] FIGS. 2 and 3 are diagrams illustrating examples of a cigarette.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 2, the cigarette 2 may include a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22. The first portion and the second portion described above with reference to FIGS. 1a to 1d may include the tobacco rod 21 and the filter rod 22, respectively.

[0060] The filter rod 22 is illustrated as having a single segment in FIG. 2. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. That is, the filter rod 22 may include a plurality of segments. For example, the filter rod 22 may include a segment that cools an aerosol and a segment that filters a predetermined ingredient contained in an aerosol. In addition, the filter rod 22 may further include at least one segment that performs another function, as needed.

[0061] The diameter of the cigarette 2 may be in a range of 5 millimeters (mm) to 9 mm, and the length thereof may be about 48 mm. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the length of the tobacco rod 21 may be about 12 mm, the length of a first segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 10 mm, the length of a second segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 14 mm, and the length of a third segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 12 mm. However, embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0062] The cigarette 2 may be wrapped with at least one wrapper 24. The wrapper 24 may have at least one hole through which external air is introduced or internal gas flows out. For example, the cigarette 2 may be wrapped with one wrapper 24. In another example, the cigarette 2 may be wrapped with two or more wrappers 24 in an overlapping manner. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be wrapped with a first wrapper 241, and the filter rod 22 may be wrapped with wrappers 242, 243, and 244. In addition, the cigarette 2 may be entirely wrapped again with a single wrapper 245. For example, when the filter rod 22 includes a plurality of segments, the plurality of segments may be wrapped with the wrappers 242, 243, and 244, respectively.

[0063] The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be formed of general filter wrapping paper. For example, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be porous wrapping paper or non-porous wrapping paper. In addition, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be formed of oilproof paper and / or an aluminum laminated wrapping material.

[0064] The third wrapper 243 may be formed of hard wrapping paper. For example, a basis weight of the third wrapper 243 may be in a range of 88 grams per square meter (g / m 2< ) to 96 g / m 2< , and desirably, may be in a range of 90 g / m 2< to 94 g / m 2< . Further, a thickness of the third wrapper 243 may be in a range of 120 micrometers (µm) to 130 µm, and desirably, may be 125 µm.

[0065] The fourth wrapper 244 may be formed of oilproof hard wrapping paper. For example, a basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 may be in a range of 88 g / m 2< to 96 g / m 2< , and desirably, may be in a range of 90 g / m 2< to 94 g / m 2< . Further, a thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 may be in a range of 120 µm to 130 µm, and desirably, may be 125 µm.

[0066] The fifth wrapper 245 may be formed of sterile paper (e.g., MFW). Here, the sterile paper (MFW) may refer to paper specially prepared such that it has enhanced tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, or the like, compared to general paper. For example, a basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 may be in a range of 57 g / m 2< to 63 g / m 2< , and desirably, may be 60 g / m 2< . Further, a thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be in a range of 64 µm to 70 µm, and desirably, may be 67 µm.

[0067] The fifth wrapper 245 may have a predetermined material internally added thereto. The material may be, for example, silicon. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. Silicon may have properties, such as, for example, heat resistance which is characterized by less change by temperature, oxidation resistance which refers to resistance to oxidation, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency against water, or electrical insulation. However, silicon may not necessarily be used, and any material having such properties described above may be applied to (or used to coat) the fifth wrapper 245 without limitation.

[0068] The fifth wrapper 245 may prevent the cigarette 2 from burning. For example, there may be a probability that the cigarette 2 burns when the tobacco rod 21 is heated by the heater 13. For example, when the temperature rises above an ignition point of any one of materials included in the tobacco rod 21, the cigarette 2 may burn. Even in this case, it may still be possible to prevent the cigarette 2 from burning because the fifth wrapper 245 includes a non-combustible material.

[0069] In addition, the fifth wrapper 245 may prevent a holder from being contaminated by substances produced in the cigarette 2. For example, liquid substances may be produced in the cigarette 2 by puffs from the user. For example, as an aerosol generated in the cigarette 2 is cooled by external air, liquid substances (e.g., water, etc.) may be produced. Thus, wrapping the cigarette 2 with the fifth wrapper 245 may prevent the liquid substances produced in the cigarette 2 from leaking out of the cigarette 2.

[0070] The tobacco rod 21 may include an aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating material may include, for example, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, or oleyl alcohol. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. The tobacco rod 21 may also include other additives such as, for example, a flavoring agent, a wetting agent, and / or an organic acid. In addition, the tobacco rod 21 may include a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a moisturizing agent that is added as being sprayed onto the tobacco rod 21.

[0071] The tobacco rod 21 may be manufactured in various forms. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be formed as a sheet or a strand. The tobacco rod 21 may also be formed with a cut tobacco filler from finely cut tobacco sheets. In addition, the tobacco rod 21 may be enveloped by a thermally conductive material. The thermally conductive material may be, for example, a metal foil such as aluminum foil. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the heat-conductive material enveloping the tobacco rod 21 may evenly distribute the heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21 to improve the thermal conductivity to be applied to the tobacco rod, thereby improving the taste of tobacco. In addition, the thermally conductive material enveloping the tobacco rod 21 may function as a susceptor heated by an induction heater. In this case, although not shown, the tobacco rod 21 may further include an additional susceptor in addition to the thermally conductive material enveloping the outside thereof.

[0072] The filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. However, there is no limit to the shape of the filter rod 22. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a cylindrical rod, or a tubular rod including a hollow therein. The filter rod 22 may also be a recess-type rod. For example, when the filter rod 22 includes a plurality of segments, at least one of the segments may be manufactured in a different shape.

[0073] A first segment of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment may be a tubular structure including a hollow therein. The first segment may prevent internal materials of the tobacco rod 21 from being pushed back when the heater 13 is inserted and generate an aerosol cooling effect. A desirable diameter of the hollow included in the first segment may be adopted from a range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm. However, embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0074] A desirable length of the first segment may be adopted from a range of 4 mm to 30 mm. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. Desirably, the length of the first segment may be 10 mm. However, embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0075] The first segment may have a hardness that is adjustable through an adjustment of the content of a plasticizer in a process of manufacturing the first segment. In addition, the first segment may be manufactured by inserting a structure such as a film or a tube of the same or different materials therein (e.g., in the hollow).

[0076] A second segment of the filter rod 22 may cool an aerosol generated as the heater 13 heats the tobacco rod 21. The user may thus inhale the aerosol cooled down to a suitable temperature.

[0077] The length or diameter of the second segment may be determined in various ways according to the shape of the cigarette 2. For example, a desirable length of the second segment may be adopted from a range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Desirably, the length of the second segment may be about 14 mm. However, embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0078] The second segment may be manufactured by weaving a polymer fiber. In this case, a flavoring liquid may be applied to a fiber formed of a polymer. Alternatively, the second segment may be manufactured by weaving a separate fiber to which a flavoring liquid is applied and the fiber formed of the polymer together. Alternatively, the second segment may be formed with a crimped polymer sheet.

[0079] For example, the polymer may be prepared with a material selected from a group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose acetate (CA), and aluminum foil.

[0080] As the second segment is formed with the woven polymer fiber or the crimped polymer sheet, the second segment may include a single channel or a plurality of channels extending in a longitudinal direction. A channel used herein may refer to a path through which a gas (e.g., air or aerosol) passes.

[0081] For example, the second segment formed with the crimped polymer sheet may be formed of a material having a thickness between about 5 µm and about 300 µm, for example, between about 10 µm and about 250 µm. In addition, a total surface area of the second segment may be between about 300 square millimeters per millimeter (mm 2< / mm) and about 1000 mm 2< / mm. Further, an aerosol cooling element may be formed from a material having a specific surface area between about 10 mm 2< / mg and about 100 mm 2< / mg.

[0082] Meanwhile, the second segment may include a thread containing a volatile flavor ingredient. The volatile flavor ingredient may be menthol. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the thread may be filled with an amount of menthol sufficient to provide at least 1.5 mg of menthol to the second segment.

[0083] A third segment of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. A desirable length of the third segment may be adopted from a range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third segment may be about 12 mm. However, embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0084] The third segment may be manufactured such that a flavor is generated by spraying a flavoring liquid onto the third segment in a process of manufacturing the third segment. Alternatively, a separate fiber to which the flavoring liquid is applied may be inserted into the third segment. An aerosol generated in the tobacco rod 21 may be cooled as it passes through the second segment of the filter rod 22, and the cooled aerosol may pass through the third segment into the user. Accordingly, when a flavoring element is added to the third segment, the durability of the flavor to be carried to the user may be enhanced.

[0085] In addition, the filter rod 22 may include at least one capsule 23. Here, the capsule 23 may perform a function of generating a flavor or a function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a fragrance is wrapped with a film. The capsule 23 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape. However, embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 3, a cigarette 3 may further include a front end plug 33. The front end plug 33 may be disposed on one side of a tobacco rod 31 opposite to a filter rod 32. The front end plug 33 may prevent the tobacco rod 31 from escaping to the outside and may also prevent an aerosol liquefied in the tobacco rod 31 during smoking from flowing into an aerosol generating device (e.g., FIGS. 1a to 1d).

[0087] The filter rod 32 may include a first segment 321 and a second segment 322. Here, the first segment 321 may correspond to a first segment of the filter rod 22 of FIG. 2, and the second segment 322 may correspond to a third segment of the filter rod 22 of FIG. 2.

[0088] A diameter and a total length of the cigarette 3 may correspond to the diameter and the total length of the cigarette 2 of FIG. 2. For example, a length of the front end plug 33 may be about 7 mm, a length of the tobacco rod 31 may be about 15 mm, a length of the first segment 321 may be about 12 mm, and a length of the second segment 322 may be about 14 mm. However, embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0089] The cigarette 3 may be wrapped with at least one wrapper 35. The wrapper 35 may have at least one hole through which external air flows inside or internal gas flows outside. For example, the front end plug 33 may be wrapped with a first wrapper 351, the tobacco rod 31 may be wrapped with a second wrapper 352, the first segment 321 may be wrapped with a third wrapper 353, and the second segment 322 may be wrapped with a fourth wrapper 354. In addition, the cigarette 3 may be entirely wrapped again with a fifth wrapper 355.

[0090] In addition, at least one perforation 36 may be formed in the fifth wrapper 355. For example, the perforation 36 may be formed in an area surrounding the tobacco rod 31. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. The perforation 36 may perform a function of transferring heat generated by the heater 13 shown in FIGS. 1a and 1d to the inside of the tobacco rod 31.

[0091] In addition, the second segment 322 may include at least one capsule 34. The capsule 34 may perform a function of generating a flavor or a function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a fragrance is wrapped with a film. The capsule 34 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape. However, embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0092] The first wrapper 351 may be a combination of general filter wrapping paper and a metal foil such as aluminum foil. For example, a total thickness of the first wrapper 351 may be in a range of 45 µm to 55 µm, and desirably, may be 50.3 µm. Further, a thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 may be in a range of 6 µm to 7 µm, and desirably, may be 6.3 µm. In addition, a basis weight of the first wrapper 351 may be in a range of 50 g / m 2< to 55 g / m 2< , and desirably, may be 53 g / m 2< .

[0093] The second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be formed with general filter wrapping paper. For example, the second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be porous wrapping paper or non-porous wrapping paper.

[0094] For example, the porosity of the second wrapper 352 may be 35000 CU. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. Further, a thickness of the second wrapper 352 may be in a range of 70 µm to 80 µm, and desirably, may be 78 µm. In addition, a basis weight of the second wrapper 352 may be in a range of 20 g / m 2< to 25 g / m 2< , and may be desirably 23.5 g / m 2< .

[0095] For example, the porosity of the third wrapper 353 may be 24000 CU. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. Further, a thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be in a range of 60 µm to 70 µm, and desirably, may be 68 µm. In addition, a basis weight of the third wrapper 353 may be in a range of 20 g / m 2< to 25 g / m 2< , and may be desirably 21 g / m 2< .

[0096] The fourth wrapper 354 may be formed with polylactic acid (PLA) laminated paper. The PLA laminated paper may refer to three-ply paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and a paper layer. For example, a thickness of the fourth wrapper 354 may be in a range of 100 µm to 120 µm, and desirably, may be 110 µm. In addition, a basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 may be in a range of 80 g / m 2< to 100 g / m 2< , and desirably, may be 88 g / m 2< .

[0097] The fifth wrapper 355 may be formed of sterile paper (e.g., MFW). Here, the sterile paper (MFW) may refer to paper specially prepared such that it has enhanced tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, or the like, compared to general paper. For example, a basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 may be in a range of 57 g / m 2< to 63 g / m 2< , and desirably, may be 60 g / m 2< . Further, a thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be in a range of 64 µm to 70 µm, and desirably, may be 67 µm.

[0098] The fifth wrapper 355 may have a predetermined material internally added thereto. The material may be, for example, silicon. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. Silicon may have properties, such as, for example, heat resistance which is characterized by less change by temperature, oxidation resistance which refers to resistance to oxidation, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency against water, or electrical insulation. However, silicon may not necessarily be used, and any material having such properties described above may be applied to (or used to coat) the fifth wrapper 355 without limitation.

[0099] The front end plug 33 may be formed of cellulose acetate. For example, the front end plug 33 may be manufactured by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. The mono denier of a filament of the cellulose acetate tow may be in a range of 1.0 to 10.0, and may be desirably in a range of 4.0 to 6.0. The mono denier of the filament of the front end plug 33 may be more desirably 5.0. In addition, a cross section of the filament constituting the front end plug 33 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the front end plug 33 may be in a range of 20000 to 30000, and may be desirably in a range of 25000 to 30000. The total denier of the front end plug 33 may be more desirably 28000.

[0100] In addition, as needed, the front end plug 33 may include at least one channel, and a cross section of the channel may be provided in various shapes.

[0101] The tobacco rod 31 may correspond to the tobacco rod 21 described above with reference to FIG. 2. Thus, a detailed description of the tobacco rod 31 will be omitted here.

[0102] The first segment 321 may be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment may be a tubular structure including a hollow therein. The first segment 321 may be manufactured by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. For example, a mono denier and a total denier of the first segment 321 may be the same as the mono denier and the total denier of the front end plug 33.

[0103] The second segment 322 may be made of cellulose acetate. A mono denier of a filament of the second segment 322 may be in a range of 1.0 to 10.0, and desirably, may be in a range of 8.0 to 10.0. The mono denier of the filament of the second segment 322 may be more desirably about 9.0. In addition, a cross section of the filament of the second segment 322 may be Y-shaped. A total denier of the second segment 322 may be in a range of 20000 to 30000, and desirably, may be 25000.

[0104] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device 400 according to another embodiment.

[0105] According to an embodiment, an aerosol generating device 400 (e.g., the aerosol generating device 1 of FIGS.1a to 1d) may include a controller 410, a sensing unit 420, an output unit 430, a battery 440, a heater 450, a user input unit 460, a memory 470, and a communication unit 480. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 400 is not limited to what is shown in FIG. 4. It is to be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosure pertains that some of the components shown in FIG. 4 may be omitted or new components may be added according to the design of the aerosol generating device 400.

[0106] The sensing unit 420 may sense a state of the aerosol generating device 400 or a state of an environment around the aerosol generating device 400, and transmit sensing information obtained through the sensing to the controller 410. Based on the sensing information, the controller 410 may control the aerosol generating device 400 to control operations of the heater 450, restrict smoking, determine whether an aerosol generating article (e.g., a cigarette, a cartridge, etc.) is inserted, display a notification, and perform other functions.

[0107] The sensing unit 420 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 422, an insertion detection sensor 424, or a puff sensor 426. However, embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0108] The temperature sensor 422 may sense a temperature at which the heater 450 (or an aerosol generating material) is heated. The aerosol generating device 400 may include a separate temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of the heater 450, or the heater 450 itself may perform a function as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 422 may be arranged around the battery 440 to monitor the temperature of the battery 440.

[0109] The insertion detection sensor 424 may sense whether the aerosol generating article is inserted or removed. The insertion detection sensor 424 may include, for example, at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, a light sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, or an infrared sensor, which may sense a signal change by the insertion or removal of the aerosol generating article.

[0110] The puff sensor 426 may sense a puff from a user based on various physical changes in an airflow path or airflow channel. For example, the puff sensor 426 may sense the puff of the user based on any one of a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

[0111] The sensing unit 420 may further include at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., a global positioning system (GPS)), a proximity sensor, or a red, green, blue (RGB) sensor (e.g., an illuminance sensor), in addition to the sensors 422 through 426 described above. A function of each sensor may be intuitively inferable from its name by one of ordinary skill in the art, and thus, a more detailed description thereof will be omitted here. For example, the sensing unit 420 may include a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may be disposed adjacent to a space where a cigarette (e.g., the cigarette 2 of FIG. 2 or the cigarette 3 of FIG. 3) is inserted into the aerosol generating device 400 and may sense a change in airflow in the space. For example, the pressure sensor may sense negative pressure and / or positive pressure appearing in the space where the pressure sensor is disposed. The pressure sensor may constitute at least a portion of the puff sensor 426 or the atmospheric pressure sensor.

[0112] The output unit 430 may output information about the state of the aerosol generating device 400 and provide the information to the user. The output unit 430 may include at least one of a display 432, a haptic portion 434, or a sound outputter 436 but is not limited thereto. When the display 432 and a touchpad are provided in a layered structure to form a touchscreen, the display 432 may be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0113] The display 432 may visually provide the information about the aerosol generating device 400 to the user. The information about the aerosol generating device 400 may 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, a limited usage state (e.g., an abnormal article detected) of the aerosol generating device 400, or the like, and the display 432 may externally output the information. The display 432 may be, for example, a liquid-crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), or the like. The display 432 may also be in the form of a light-emitting diode (LED) device.

[0114] The haptic portion 434 may provide the information about the aerosol generating device 400 to the user in a haptic way by converting an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus or an electrical stimulus. The haptic portion 434 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0115] The sound outputter 436 may provide the information about the aerosol generating device 400 to the user in an auditory way. For example, the sound outputter 436 may convert an electrical signal into a sound signal and externally output the sound signal.

[0116] The battery 440 may supply power to be used to operate the aerosol generating device 400. The battery 440 may supply power to heat the heater 450. In addition, the battery 440 may supply power required for operations of the other components (e.g., the sensing unit 420, the output unit 430, the user input unit 460, the memory 470, and the communication unit 480) included in the aerosol generating device 400. The battery 440 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. The battery 440 may be, for example, a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery. However, embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0117] The heater 450 may receive power from the battery 440 to heat the aerosol generating material. Although not shown in FIG. 4, the aerosol generating device 400 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a direct current (DC)-to-DC (DC / DC) converter) that converts power of the battery 440 and supplies the power to the heater 450. In addition, when the aerosol generating device 400 generates an aerosol in an induction heating manner, the aerosol generating device 400 may further include a DC-to-alternating current (AC) (DC / AC) converter that converts DC power of the battery 440 into AC power.

[0118] The controller 410, the sensing unit 420, the output unit 430, the user input unit 460, the memory 470, and the communication unit 480 may receive power from the battery 440 to perform functions. Although not shown in FIG. 4, the aerosol generating device 400 may further include a power conversion circuit, for example, a low dropout (LDO) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, which converts power of the battery 440 and supplies the power to respective components.

[0119] In an embodiment, the heater 450 may be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. The electrically resistive material may be a metal or a metal alloy including, for example, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, or the like. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. In addition, the heater 450 may be implemented as a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate on which an electrically conductive track is arranged, a ceramic heating element, or the like. However, embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0120] In another embodiment, the heater 450 may be an induction heater. For example, the heater 450 may include a susceptor that heats the aerosol generating material by generating heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil.

[0121] In an embodiment, the heater 450 may include a plurality of heaters. For example, the heater 450 may include a first heater for heating a cigarette and a second heater for heating a liquid.

[0122] The user input unit 460 may receive information input from the user or may output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 460 may include a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (e.g., a contact capacitive type, a pressure resistive film type, an infrared sensing type, a surface ultrasonic conduction type, an integral tension measurement type, a piezo effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, or the like but is not limited thereto. In addition, although not shown in FIG. 6, the aerosol generating device 400 may further include a connection interface such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and may be connected to another external device through the connection interface such as a USB interface to transmit and receive information or to charge the battery 440.

[0123] The memory 470, which is hardware for storing various pieces of data processed in the aerosol generating device 400, may store data processed by the controller 410 and data to be processed thereby. The memory 470 may include at least one type of storage medium of a flash memory type memory, a hard disk type memory, a multimedia card micro type memory, a card type memory (e.g., secure digital (SD) or extreme digital (XD) memory), a random-access memory (RAM), a static RAM (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), a programmable ROM (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk. The memory 470 may store an operating time of the aerosol generating device 400, a maximum number of puffs, a current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile (or heating profile), data associated with a smoking pattern of the user, or the like.

[0124] The communication unit 480 may include at least one component for communicating with another electronic device. For example, the communication unit 480 may include a short-range wireless communication unit 482 and a wireless communication unit 484.

[0125] The short-range wireless communication unit 482 may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE communication unit, a near field communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a ZigBee communication unit, an infrared data association (IrDA) communication unit, a Wi-Fi direct (WFD) communication unit, an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication unit, and an Ant+ communication unit. However, embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0126] The wireless communication unit 484 may include, for example, a cellular network communicator, an Internet communicator, a computer network (e.g., a local area network (LAN) or a wide-area network (WAN)) communicator, or the like. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. The wireless communication unit 484 may use subscriber information (e.g., international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) to identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 400 in a communication network.

[0127] The controller 410 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 400. In an embodiment, the controller 410 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable by the microprocessor is stored. In addition, it is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosure pertains that it may be implemented in other types of hardware.

[0128] The controller 410 may control the temperature of the heater 450 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 440 to the heater 450. For example, the controller 410 may control the supply of power by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery 440 and the heater 450. In another example, a direct heating circuit may control the supply of power to the heater 450 according to a control command from the controller 410.

[0129] The controller 410 may analyze a sensing result obtained by the sensing of the sensing unit 420 and control processes to be performed thereafter. For example, the controller 410 may control power to be supplied to the heater 450 to start or end an operation of the heater 450 based on the sensing result obtained by the sensing unit 420. In another example, the controller 410 may control an amount of power to be supplied to the heater 450 and a time for which the power is to be supplied, such that the heater 450 may be heated up to a predetermined temperature or maintained at a desired temperature, based on the sensing result obtained by the sensing unit 420.

[0130] The controller 410 may control the output unit 430 based on the sensing result obtained by the sensing unit 420. For example, when a number of puffs counted through the puff sensor 426 reaches a preset number, the controller 410 may inform the user that the aerosol generating device 400 is to be ended soon, through at least one of the display 432, the haptic portion 434, and the sound outputter 436.

[0131] According to an embodiment, the controller 410 may control a power supply time and / or a power supply amount for the heater 450 according to a state of the aerosol generating article sensed by the sensing unit 420. For example, when the aerosol generating article is in an over-humidified state, the controller 410 may control the power supply time for an inductive coil to increase a preheating time, compared to a case in which the aerosol generating article is in a general state.

[0132] One embodiment may also be implemented in the form of a recording medium including instructions executable by a computer, such as a program module executable by the computer. A computer-readable medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer and includes a volatile medium, a non-volatile medium, a removable medium, and a non-removable medium. In addition, the computer-readable medium may include both a computer storage medium and a communication medium. The computer storage medium includes all of a volatile medium, a non-volatile medium, a removable medium, and a non-removable medium implemented by any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. The communication medium typically includes computer-readable instructions, data structures, other data in modulated data signals such as program modules, or other transmission mechanisms, and includes any information transfer medium.

[0133] According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating device 400 may include at least one processor and a memory storing instructions, in which the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, may cause the aerosol generating device 400 to perform various operations. A description of the various operations is provided in detail below with reference to FIG. 7.

[0134] FIG. 5 illustrates an identification label including a magnetic color variable pigment that changes its color according to the intensity of a magnetic field, according to various embodiments.

[0135] The magnetic color variable pigment is an ink based on photonic crystal technology and may be an ink that changes its color due to the reflection of light by the arrangement, spacing, or density of nanoparticles dispersed in a dispersion medium. The arrangement, spacing, or density of the nanoparticles of the magnetic color variable pigment may be controlled by a magnetic field.

[0136] According to an embodiment, the magnetic color variable pigment may be a pigment that changes a color of an upper portion in reverse as positions of a first colored particle positioned in an upper portion and a second colored particle positioned in a lower portion are switched each other by the application of the magnetic field.

[0137] According to an embodiment, the magnetic color variable pigment may be a pigment that changes the transparency of the upper portion as an arrangement angle of the nanoparticles changes according to the angle of applying the magnetic field.

[0138] According to an embodiment, the magnetic color variable pigment may be a pigment that changes the saturation of a color of the upper portion as the density of the nanoparticles changes in a direction or opposite direction of the magnetic field that is applied according to the intensity of applying the magnetic field.

[0139] For example, the nanoparticles included in the magnetic color variable pigment may be nanoparticles having the same color as each other.

[0140] For example, the nanoparticles included in the magnetic color variable pigment may include first nanoparticles representing a first color and second nanoparticles representing a second color. The first nanoparticles and the second nanoparticles may respond differently to the intensity of the same magnetic field. For example, the first nanoparticles may not respond to first intensity of the magnetic field, but the second nanoparticles may respond to first intensity of the magnetic field.

[0141] According to an embodiment, the magnetic color variable pigment may include first nanoparticles 501, second nanoparticles 502, and third nanoparticles 503, which represent different colors. For example, the first nanoparticles 501 may represent yellow, the second nanoparticles 502 may represent red, and the third nanoparticles 503 may represent black. The first nanoparticles 501 may be nanoparticles that do not respond to a magnetic field, and the second nanoparticles 502 may be nanoparticles that respond even at relatively lower intensity of a magnetic field than the third nanoparticles 503.

[0142] In a state 510 in which a magnetic field is not applied, the nanoparticles of the magnetic color variable pigment may be evenly distributed. A color observed at an upper end of the magnetic color variable pigment may be a color of a mixture 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 variable pigment may be dark yellow.

[0143] In a state 520 in which a magnetic field is applied with the first intensity, the second nanoparticles 502 among the nanoparticles of the magnetic color variable pigment may move in a direction of the application of the magnetic field. The color observed at the upper end of the magnetic color variable pigment due to the movement of the second nanoparticles 502 may be red, which is the color of the second nanoparticles 502.

[0144] In a state 530 in which a magnetic field is applied with the second intensity that is stronger than the first intensity, the third nanoparticles 503 among the nanoparticles of the magnetic color variable pigment may additionally move in the direction of the application of the magnetic field. The color observed at the upper portion of the magnetic color variable pigment by the additional movement of the third nanoparticles 503 may 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 that of the second nanoparticles 502, the color observed at the upper portion of the variable pigment may be a darker color (e.g., black) than the color of the state 520.

[0145] The magnetic color variable pigment including the nanoparticles representing different colors is described with reference to the diagrams,

[0146] by controlling the density of the nanoparticles included in the magnetic color variable pigment, various magnetic color variable pigments may be generated to represent different colors even when magnetic fields of the same intensity is applied. For example, when the nanoparticles are red, pink may appear in a magnetic color variable pigment with low density of nanoparticles, and red may appear in a magnetic color variable pigment with high density of nanoparticles.

[0147] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating article including an identification label, according to various embodiments.

[0148] According to an embodiment, an identification label 610 or 620 may be provided based on the magnetic color variable pigment described above with reference to FIG. 5. For example, the identification label 610 or 620 may be provided on a wrapper of the cigarette 2 (e.g., the cigarette 3 of FIG. 3 or an aerosol generating article) described above with reference to FIG. 2. The identification label 610 or 620 may indicate a color indicating the type of the cigarette 2 when a magnetic field is applied. For example, when the type of the cigarette 2 is three, three types of identification labels may be manufactured to represent different colors for magnetic fields of the same intensity, and the identification label 610 or 620 may be an identification label having a color corresponding to a target type among the three types.

[0149] According to an embodiment, the identification label 610 or 620 may be positioned on the second wrapper 242, the third wrapper 243, or the fourth wrapper 244 described above with reference to FIG. 2.

[0150] According to an embodiment, when the cigarette 2 is inserted into an aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device 1 of FIGS. 1a to 1d or the aerosol generating device 400 of FIG. 4), the identification label 610 may be positioned on the wrapper to correspond to an end portion of a coil (e.g., the coil 13a of FIG. 1d) or a susceptor (e.g., the susceptor 13b of FIG. 1d) of the aerosol generating device.

[0151] According to an embodiment, the identification label 620 may be positioned on the wrapper to correspond to an end portion of a cavity (e.g., the cavity 13c of FIG. 1d) of the aerosol generating device to accommodate the aerosol generating article when the cigarette 2 is inserted into the aerosol generating device.

[0152] According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating article (e.g., the cigarette 2) may include a tobacco rod (e.g., the tobacco rod 21 of FIG. 2 or the tobacco rod 31 of FIG. 3) including an aerosol generating material, a filter rod (e.g., the filter rod 22 of FIG. 2 or the filter rod 32 of FIG. 3), at least one wrapper (e.g., the wrapper 24 of FIG. 2 or the wrapper 35 of FIG. 3) wrapping around the tobacco rod and the filter rod, and the identification label 610 or 620 that is positioned on the wrapper and changes in color by a magnetic field.

[0153] According to an embodiment, the identification label 610 or 620 may include the magnetic color variable pigment.

[0154] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an aerosol generating method according to various embodiments.

[0155] Operations 710 to 740 described below may be performed by an aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device 1 of FIGS. 1a to 1d or the aerosol generating device 400 of FIG. 4). The aerosol generating device may include a heater (e.g., the heater 13 of FIGS. 1a to 1d or the heater 450 of FIG. 4) and a controller (e.g., the controller 12 of FIGS. 1a to 1d or the controller 410 of the aerosol generating device 400 of FIG. 4). For example, the heater may include a coil (e.g., the coil 13a of FIG. 1d) for induction heating.

[0156] In operation 710, the controller of the aerosol generating device may generate a magnetic field having a target frequency when an aerosol generating article (e.g., the cigarette 2 of FIG. 2 or the cigarette 3 of FIG. 3) is inserted. For example, the generated magnetic field may have target intensity.

[0157] According to an embodiment, the controller of the aerosol generating device may generate the magnetic field using the coil 13a. The controller may generate the magnetic field inside the coil 13a by applying alternating current to the coil 13a.

[0158] According to an embodiment, before operation 710 is performed, the controller of the aerosol generating device may determine whether the aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device by using a sensor. For example, the controller of the aerosol generating device may determine whether the aerosol generating article is inserted by using an inductance sensor. For example, the controller of the aerosol generating device may determine whether the aerosol generating article is inserted by using a humidity sensor. For example, the controller of the aerosol generating device may determine whether the aerosol generating article is inserted when a user input is received through a button as a sensor. For example, the controller of the aerosol generating device may determine whether the aerosol generating article is inserted by using a Hall sensor positioned at an opening of the aerosol generating device.

[0159] According to an embodiment, the controller of the aerosol generating device may generate the magnetic field having the target frequency when it is determined that the aerosol generating article is inserted.

[0160] According to an embodiment, the controller of the aerosol generating device may generate the magnetic field having the target frequency while preheating the aerosol generating article is performed. For example, the controller of the aerosol generating device may alternately generate a magnetic field for induction heating and a magnetic field for identifying the type of aerosol generating article. The frequency of the alternating current for the magnetic field for induction heating may be different from the target frequency.

[0161] In operation 720, the controller of the aerosol generating device may determine a target color of a target area of the aerosol generating article. For example, the target area of the aerosol generating article may be an area corresponding to an identification label (e.g., the identification label 610 or 620 of FIG. 6) of the aerosol generating article. For example, the target area of the aerosol generating article may correspond to an end portion of a coil (e.g., the coil 13a of FIG. 1d) or a susceptor (e.g., the susceptor 13b of FIG. 1d) of the aerosol generating device.

[0162] The color of a magnetic color variable pigment of the identification label may be changed by a magnetic field. The colors of the identification labels provided in each of the different types of aerosol generating articles may be different from each other. The color of the target area of the aerosol generating article may be changed to the target color by the magnetic field.

[0163] According to an embodiment, the controller of the aerosol generating device may determine the target color of the target area of the aerosol generating article by using a color sensor. The controller of the aerosol generating device may include a color sensor to determine the target color of the target area. For example, the color sensor may be an illuminance sensor or an RGB sensor.

[0164] For example, when the types of aerosol generating articles 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 may be preset. The first color may be defined by a first color range, the second color may be defined by a second color range, and the third color may be defined by a third color range. The color range may 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. Hereinafter, a method of determining the target color of the target area of the aerosol generating article is described in detail with reference to FIG. 9.

[0165] In operation 730, the controller of the aerosol generating device may determine, among a plurality of types, a target type corresponding to the target color.

[0166] In operation 740, the controller of the aerosol generating device may heat the aerosol generating article using a target temperature profile corresponding to the target type. Depending on the type of aerosol generating article, an optimal heating temperature and heating time for optimal taste and / or flavor may vary. The target temperature profile may be preset to indicate an optimal heating temperature and heating time for generating an aerosol using the aerosol generating device having the target type. The controller of the aerosol generating device may generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol generating article using the target temperature profile.

[0167] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example in which an aerosol generating article including an identification label is inserted into an aerosol generating device, according to various embodiments.

[0168] According to an embodiment, an aerosol generating article (e.g., the cigarette 2 of FIG. 2) may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 1 described above with reference to FIG. 1d. For example, a target area 810 of the aerosol generating article may correspond to an end portion of the coil 13a or the susceptor 13b of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the target area 810 of the aerosol generating article may correspond to an end portion of the cavity 13c of the aerosol generating device 1 to accommodate the aerosol generating article. The target area 810 or 820 may be positioned in a range of the magnetic force of a magnetic field generated by the coil 13a.

[0169] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method of determining, among a plurality of types, a target type corresponding to a target color, according to various embodiments.

[0170] According to an embodiment, operation 720 described above with reference to FIG. 7 may include operations 910 to 930 to be described hereinafter. Operations 910 to 930 described below may be performed by an aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device 1 of FIGS. 1a to 1d or the aerosol generating device 400 of FIG. 4). The aerosol generating device may include a controller (e.g., the controller 12 of FIGS. 1a to 1d or the controller 410 of the aerosol generating device 400 of FIG. 4).

[0171] In operation 910, the controller of the aerosol generating device may determine an initial color of a target area of an aerosol generating article (e.g., the cigarette 2 of FIG. 2 or the cigarette 3 of FIG. 3). For example, the controller of the aerosol generating device may determine the initial color by using a color sensor. The initial color may be determined as a sensor value of at least one channel (e.g., an R channel, a G channel, and a B channel).

[0172] In operation 920, the controller of the aerosol generating device may determine whether at least one sensor value representing the initial color corresponds to any one of color ranges corresponding to the plurality of types.

[0173] According to an embodiment, the controller of the aerosol generating device may repeatedly perform operation 920 for a preset period of time when the initial color does not correspond to any of the color ranges.

[0174] In operation 930, the controller of the aerosol generating device may determine the initial color to be the target color when the initial color corresponds to any one of the color ranges.

[0175] According to an embodiment, the controller of the aerosol generating device may determine the initial color to be a default color when the initial color does not correspond to any of the color ranges. For example, the default color may be the most recently determined previous target color. For example, the default color may be a preset color. For example, the initial color may be determined to be the default color when it is determined that the initial color does not correspond to any of the color ranges, even though the controller of the aerosol generating repeatedly performs operation 920 for a preset period of time.

[0176] According to an embodiment, after operation 930 is performed, operation 940 may be further performed below.

[0177] In operation 940, the controller of the aerosol generating device may stop generating a magnetic field when the target color of the target area of the aerosol generating article is determined.

[0178] FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate an aerosol generating device 1001 according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0179] Referring to FIG. 10, the aerosol generating device 1001 (e.g., the aerosol generating device 1 of FIGS. 1a to 1d or the aerosol generating device 400 of FIG. 4) may include at least one of a power source 1011 (e.g., the battery 11 of FIGS. 1a to 1d or the battery 440 of FIG. 4), a controller 1012 (e.g., the controller 12 of FIGS. 1a to 1d or the controller 410 of FIG. 4), a sensor 1013 (e.g., the sensing unit 420 of FIG. 4), and a heater 1018 (e.g., the heater 13 of FIGS. 1a to 1d or the heater 450 of FIG. 4). At least one of the power source 1011, the controller 1012, the sensor 1013, and the heater 1018 may be disposed inside a body 1010 of the aerosol generating device 1001. The body 1010 may provide an upward-opening space into which an aerosol generating article, a stick S (e.g., the cigarette 2 of FIG. 2 or the cigarette 3 of FIG. 3), may be inserted. The upward-opening space may be referred to as an insertion space. The insertion space may be recessed by a predetermined depth toward the inside of the body 1010 such that at least a portion of the stick S may be inserted into the insertion space. The depth of the insertion space may correspond to a length of an area of the stick S in which an aerosol generating material and / or a medium is included. A lower end of the stick S may be inserted into the body 1010, and an upper end of the stick S may protrude outward from the body 1010. A user may hold the upper end of the stick S, which is exposed to the outside, in the mouth of the user and inhale air.

[0180] The heater 1018 may heat the stick S. The heater 1018 may be elongated upward around a space into which the stick S is inserted. For example, the heater 1018 may be in the form of a tube including a hollow therein. The heater 1018 may be disposed around the insertion space. The heater 1018 may be disposed to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The heater 1018 may heat the insertion space or the stick S inserted into the insertion space. The heater 1018 may include an electrically resistive heater and / or an induction heater.

[0181] For example, referring to FIG. 10, the heater 1018 may be a resistive heater. For example, the heater 1018 may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater 1018 may be heated up as a current flows through the electrically conductive track. The heater 1018 may be electrically connected to the power source 1011. The heater 1018 may directly generate heat by receiving a current from the power source 1011. As a hollow heater, the heater 1018 may be disposed to surround at least a portion of the stick S inserted into the insertion space to heat an outer portion of the stick S. Alternatively, as a needle-shaped heater, a rod-shaped heater, a tubular heater, or the like, the heater 1018 may be inserted into the stick S inserted into the insertion space to heat the inside of the stick S.

[0182] For example, referring to FIG. 11, the aerosol generating device 1001 may include an induction coil 1181 surrounding the heater 1018. The induction coil 1181 may heat the heater 1018. As a susceptor, the heater 1018 may be heated up by a magnetic field generated by the AC flowing through the induction coil 1181. The magnetic field may pass through the heater 1018 and generate eddy current in the heater 1018. The current may generate heat in the heater 1018.

[0183] In addition, the susceptor may be included inside the stick S. The susceptor inside the stick S may be heated by the magnetic field generated by the AC flowing through the induction coil 1181.

[0184] The power source 1011 may supply power to operate the components of the aerosol generating device 1001. The power source 1011 may be referred to as a battery. The power source 1011 may supply power to at least one of the controller 1012, the sensor 1013, or the heater 1018. When the aerosol generating device 1001 includes the induction coil 1181, the power source 1011 may supply power to the induction coil 1181.

[0185] The controller 1012 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1001. The controller 1012 may be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The controller 1012 may control the operation of at least one of the power source 1011 or the sensor 1013. The controller 1012 may control the operation of the induction coil 1181. The controller 1012 may control the operation of a display, a motor, and the like installed in the aerosol generating device 1001. The controller 1012 may verify a state of each of the components of the aerosol generating device 1001 to determine whether the aerosol generating device 1001 is in an operable state.

[0186] The controller 1012 may analyze a sensing result obtained by the sensing of the sensor 1013 and control processes to be performed thereafter. For example, based on the sensing result obtained by the sensor 1013, the controller 1012 may control the power supplied to the heater 1018 to initiate or terminate the operation of the heater 1018. For example, based on the sensing result obtained by the sensor 1013, the controller 1012 may control the amount of power supplied to the heater 1018 and a time for which the power is supplied, such that the heater 1018 may be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature.

[0187] The sensor 1013 may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, or an insertion detection sensor. For example, the sensor 1013 may sense at least one of the temperature of the heater 1018, the temperature of the power source 1011, or the temperature inside and outside the body 1010. For example, the sensor 1013 may sense a puff of the user. For example, the sensor 1013 may sense whether the stick S is inserted into the insertion space.

[0188] FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0189] Referring to FIG. 12, the aerosol generating device 1001 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of the power source 1011, the controller 1012, and the sensor 1013. At least one of the power source 1011, the controller 1012, and the sensor 1013 may be disposed inside the body 1010 of the aerosol generating device 1001. The description of the power source 1011, the controller 1012, and the sensor 1013 provided with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11 may apply to the description of the features of the power source 1011, the controller 1012, and the sensor 1013.

[0190] The body 1010 may form the overall exterior of the aerosol generating device 1001 and include an inner space in which the components of the aerosol generating device 1001 may be disposed. Although the diagram illustrates an embodiment in which the cross-section of the body 1010 has a semicircular shape overall, the shape of the body 1010 is not limited thereto. The body 1010 may have a cylindrical shape or a polygonal column shape overall.

[0191] The body 1010 may include a first body surface 1010A (e.g., a front surface of the body), a second body surface 1010B (e.g., a rear surface of the body) opposite to the first body surface 1010A, and at least one third body surface 1010C (e.g., a side surface of the body) between the first body surface 1010A and the second body surface 1010B.

[0192] Referring to FIG. 13, the body 1010 may have an insertion space 1102 formed therein. The insertion space 1102 may be formed in the upper portion of the body 1010. The insertion space 1102 may be open upward. The insertion space 1102 may have a vertically elongated cylindrical shape. At least a portion of the stick S may be inserted into the body 1010 through an opening 1101 on the upper side of the insertion space 1102. The depth of the insertion space 1102 may correspond to the length of an area of the stick S in which an aerosol generating material and / or a medium is included.

[0193] A heater 1240 (e.g., the heater 1018 of FIGS. 10 and 11) may surround at least a portion of an outer side of the insertion space 1102. The heater 1240 may be elongated vertically along the insertion space 1102. For example, the heater 1240 may be a cylindrical electrically resistive heater that surrounds at least a portion of the insertion space 1102. For example, the heater 1240 may include a cylindrical susceptor that surrounds at least a portion of the insertion space 1102 and an induction coil that surrounds the susceptor. The heater 1240 may heat the exterior of the stick S accommodated in the insertion space 1102. At least an area of the stick S accommodated in the insertion space 1102 may be heated by the heater 1240. An aerosol may be generated as a result of the mixture of a vaporized particle generated by the heating of the stick S and air entering the inner space of the body 1010 through the opening 1101.

[0194] A display 1141 may be disposed on one side of the body 1010. At least a partial area of the display 1141 may be exposed to the outside of the body 1010.

[0195] The display 1141 may provide a variety of visual information to a user. The display 1141 may include a display panel and / or a touch panel. The display 1141 may include a cover glass.

[0196] The cover glass, together with the body 1010, may form the exterior of the aerosol generating device 1001. The cover glass may be in contact with a part of the body of the user. The cover glass may protect the display panel and / or the touch panel from an external impact.

[0197] The display panel may be disposed on the cover glass in a direction toward the inside of the body 1010. The display panel may be disposed parallel to the cover glass.

[0198] The touch panel may detect a touch corresponding to contact with an object. For example, the touch panel may detect a touch corresponding to contact with a part of the body of the user. The touch panel may receive a user input.

[0199] A cover 1104 may be placed on the upper side of the body 1010. The cover 1104 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the opening 1101 of the body 1010. For example, the opening 1101 of the body 1010 may be circular, and the cover 1104 may be circular with a diameter greater than the diameter of the opening 1101.

[0200] The cover 1104 may be movably connected to a guide 1103 formed in the body 1010. The cover 1104 may move along the guide 1103. For example, the guide 1103 may be a groove formed in one surface of the body 1010, and the cover 1104 may include a protrusion that slides when inserted into the groove of the body 1010. For example, the guide 1103 may be a protrusion protruding from one surface of the body 1010, and the cover 1104 may have a groove inserted into the protrusion and slide along the protrusion.

[0201] The cover 1104 may open and close the opening 1101 of the body 1010 by moving along the guide 1103. For example, the cover 1104 may close the opening 1101 at a first position and open the opening 1101 at a second position. The cover 1104 may be manually moved by the user. Alternatively, the aerosol generating device 1001 may have a driving device, and the cover 1104 may be moved by the driving device.

[0202] The body 1010 may include a connecting terminal (not shown). The connecting terminal may include a connector that allows the aerosol generating device 1001 to be physically connected to an external electronic device. For example, the connecting terminal may 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 headphones connector), or a combination thereof.

[0203] The methods according to the above-described embodiments may be recorded in non-transitory computer-readable media including program instructions to implement various operations of the above-described embodiments. The media may also include, alone or in combination with the program instructions, data files, data structures, and the like. The program instructions recorded on the media may be those specially designed and constructed for the purposes of embodiments, or they may be of the kind well-known and available to those having skill in the computer software arts. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tape; optical media such as CD-ROM discs or DVDs; magneto-optical media such as optical discs; and hardware devices that are specially configured to store and perform program instructions, such as read-only memory (ROM), RAM, flash memory, and the like. Examples of program instructions include both machine code, such as produced by a compiler, and files containing higher-level code that may be executed by the computer using an interpreter. The above-described devices may be configured to act as one or more software modules in order to perform the operations of the above-described embodiments, or vice versa.

[0204] The software may include a computer program, a piece of code, an instruction, or some combination thereof, to independently or collectively instruct or configure the processing device to operate as desired. Software and / or data may be embodied permanently or temporarily in any type of machine, component, physical or virtual equipment, computer storage medium or device, or in a propagated signal wave capable of providing instructions or data to or being interpreted by the processing device. The software may also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the software is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. The software and data may be stored by one or more non-transitory computer-readable recording mediums.

[0205] While the embodiments are described with reference to drawings, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that various alterations and modifications in form and details may be made in these embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims and their equivalents. For example, suitable results may be achieved if the described techniques are performed in a different order, and / or if components in a described system, architecture, device, or circuit are combined in a different manner, and / or rearranged or supplemented by other components or their equivalents.

[0206] Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents to the claims are also within the scope of the following claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0010]The following detailed structural or functional description is provided as an example only and various alterations and modifications may be made to the embodiments. Accordingly, the embodiments are not construed as limited to the disclosure and should be understood to include all changes, equivalents, and replacements within the idea and the technical scope of the disclosure.

[0011]Although terms, such as first, second, and the like are used to describe various components, the components are not limited to the terms. These terms should be used only to distinguish one component from another component. For example, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly the second component may also be referred to as the first component.

[0012]It should be noted that if one component is described as being "connected", "coupled", or "joined" to another component, a third component may be "connected", "coupled", and "joined" between the first and second components,...

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 area of the aerosol generating article; determining, among a plurality of types, a target type corresponding to the target color; 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 area of the aerosol generating article comprises: determining an initial color of the target area; determining whether at least one sensor value indicating the initial color corresponds to any one of color ranges corresponding to the plurality of types; and determining the initial color to be the target color when the initial color corresponds to any one of the color ranges.

3. The aerosol generating method of claim 1, further comprising: stopping generation of the magnetic field when the target color of the target area of the aerosol generating article is determined.

4. The aerosol generating method of claim 1, further comprising: determining whether the aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device by using a sensor.

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 while preheating of the aerosol generating article is performed.

6. The aerosol generating method of claim 1, wherein the target area corresponds to an end portion of a coil or a susceptor of the aerosol generating device.

7. The aerosol generating method of claim 1, wherein the target area corresponds to an end portion of a cavity of the aerosol generating device to accommodate the aerosol generating article.

8. The aerosol generating method of claim 1, wherein a color of the target area is changed to the target color by the magnetic field.

9. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing the aerosol generating method of claim 1.

10. An aerosol generating device comprising: a coil configured to generate an alternating magnetic field based on an operation signal; and a controller configured to control the aerosol generating device, wherein the controller is 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 area of the aerosol generating article; determining, among a plurality of types, a target type corresponding to the target color; 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 configured to determine the target color of the target area.

12. The aerosol generating device of claim 11, wherein the color sensor is disposed to correspond to an end portion of the coil or a susceptor of the aerosol generating device.

13. The aerosol generating device of claim 11, wherein the color sensor is disposed in an end portion of a cavity of the aerosol generating device to accommodate the aerosol generating article.

14. An aerosol generating article comprising: a tobacco rod comprising an aerosol generating material; a filter rod; at least one wrapper configured to wrap around the tobacco rod and the filter rod; and an identification label that is positioned on the wrapper and changes in color by a magnetic field.

15. The aerosol generating article of claim 14, wherein the identification label comprises a magnetic color variable pigment.

Images