Aerosol generator including sensor module

Abstract

The aerosol generator includes a housing with a cavity into which an aerosol generating article can be inserted, and a sensor module disposed in the cavity, the sensor module including a light-emitting unit that emits light of a first wavelength toward the cavity, a light-receiving unit that receives light emitted from the aerosol generating article, and a filter for filtering out the light of the first wavelength from the light received by the light-receiving unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various embodiments disclosed in this document relate to an aerosol generating device including a sensor module.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternative products that overcome the disadvantages of traditional cigarettes. For example, there has been an increasing demand for devices that generate aerosols by electrically heating a cigarette stick (e.g., cigarette-shaped electronic cigarettes). Therefore, research on cigarette sticks (or aerosol-generating articles) and electrically heated aerosol generating devices into which cigarette sticks are inserted has been actively conducted.

[0003] The background art described above is what the inventor retained or acquired in the process of deriving the disclosure of this specification, and it cannot necessarily be said to be publicly known technology that was publicly disclosed to the general public before this application.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Various types of aerosol-generating articles can be inserted and used in an aerosol generating device. The aerosol-generating article contains aerosol-generating substances and may be, for example, a cigarette, a stick, a capsule, a liquid-phase substance, or a cartridge.

[0005] The aerosol generating device can identify information regarding the aerosol-generating article and generate an aerosol based on it. For example, the aerosol generating device controls the driving state of the heater based on information regarding the inserted stick and provides an appropriate temperature profile for an individual stick.

[0006] If the aerosol generator itself cannot recognize information about the aerosol-generating item, the user faces the inconvenience of having to directly input the type of aerosol-generating item being inserted. Furthermore, there are various difficulties in forming markers for information identification on each aerosol-generating item, and the accuracy of recognition by the aerosol generator may decrease depending on the recognition method. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An aerosol generator according to one embodiment may include a housing with a cavity into which an aerosol generating article can be inserted, a sensor module disposed in the cavity, at least one processor to which detection results from the sensor module are transmitted, and a memory operationally connected to the at least one processor and storing executable instructions. In one embodiment, the sensor module may include a light-emitting unit that emits light of a first wavelength toward the cavity, a light-receiving unit that receives light emitted from the aerosol generating article, and a filter for filtering the light of the first wavelength from the light received by the light-receiving unit. In one embodiment, the at least one processor may recognize identification information for the aerosol generating article based on the amount of light filtered by the filter by executing the instructions stored in the memory.

[0008] Alternatively, an aerosol generator according to one embodiment may include a housing with a cavity into which an aerosol generating article can be inserted, a sensor module disposed in the cavity, at least one processor to which detection results from the sensor module are transmitted, and a memory operationally connected to the at least one processor and storing executable instruction words. In one embodiment, the sensor module may include a light-emitting unit that emits light of a first wavelength toward the cavity, a light-receiving unit that receives light emitted from the aerosol generating article, and a filter for filtering the light of the first wavelength from the light received by the light-receiving unit. In one embodiment, the at least one processor can recognize identification information for the aerosol generating article based on the amount of light filtered by the filter by executing the instruction words stored in the memory. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] An aerosol generator including a sensor module of one embodiment can identify information about an inserted aerosol generating article (e.g., a cigarette, stick, capsule, or cartridge) based on the amount of light of a specific wavelength transmitted to the light receiving unit.

[0010] Furthermore, an aerosol generator including a sensor module according to one embodiment has design advantages in the control unit and can improve the accuracy of optical recognition. In addition, the difficulty of manufacturing the aerosol generator according to one embodiment and the identification marker for the aerosol generating article inserted therein can be improved.

[0011] The effects of an aerosol generator including a sensor module according to one embodiment are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1]This figure shows examples of aerosol generating articles (e.g., cigarettes or sticks) being inserted into aerosol generating devices according to various embodiments. [Figure 2] This figure shows examples of aerosol generating articles inserted into aerosol generating devices according to various embodiments. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram of an aerosol generator according to one embodiment. [Figure 4a] This is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article according to one embodiment. [Figure 4b] This is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article according to one embodiment. [Figure 6a] This is a side view of a sensor module according to one embodiment. [Figure 6b] This is a plan view of a sensor module according to one embodiment. [Figure 6c] This is a block diagram of a sensor module according to one embodiment. [Figure 7a] This graph shows the detection results of a sensor module according to one embodiment. [Figure 7b] This graph shows the detection results of a sensor module according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a side view of a sensor module according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a side view of a sensor module according to one embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a side view of a sensor module according to one embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a side view of a sensor module according to one embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a side view of a sensor module according to one embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a plan view of a sensor module according to one embodiment. [Figure 14] This is a plan view of a sensor module according to one embodiment. [Figure 15] It is a plan view of a sensor module according to an embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] In the embodiments, the terms used are selected as generally widely used terms at present as much as possible while considering the functions in the present invention. However, this may vary depending on the intention or precedent of those skilled in the art, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Also, in certain cases, there are terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in such cases, the meaning thereof will be described in detail in the description part of the corresponding invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention are not merely the names of the terms, but must be defined based on the meaning of the terms and the overall content of the present invention.

[0014] Throughout the specification, when any part states that it "includes" any component, this does not exclude other components and means that it further includes other components unless there is a contrary description. Also, terms such as "~ part" and "~ module" described in the specification mean units that process at least one function or operation, and this can be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0015] Hereinafter, referring to the accompanying drawings, it will be described in detail so that those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains in the embodiments of the present invention can easily implement it. However, the present invention can be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0016] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are diagrams showing an example in which a rolled cigarette is inserted into an aerosol generating device.

[0017] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, an aerosol generator 1 according to one embodiment includes a battery 11, a control unit 12, and a heater 13, and in one embodiment, may further include a vaporizer 14. Also, a stick 2 (for example, a cigarette, an aerosol generating article, or a cartridge) may be inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generator 1.

[0018] In the following, objects inserted into the aerosol generator 1 according to various embodiments of this document will be described as "stick 2," but the objects inserted into the aerosol generator 1 are not limited to stick 2. Various objects such as cigarettes, cartridges, or other electronic devices can be inserted into the aerosol generator 1.

[0019] The aerosol generator 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 illustrates the components related to this embodiment. Therefore, a person with ordinary skill in the art relating to this embodiment will understand that, in addition to the components shown in Figures 1 and 2, other different general-purpose components may be further included in the aerosol generator 1.

[0020] Figure 1 shows a configuration in which the battery 11, control unit 12, vaporizer 14, and heater 13 are arranged in a line, and Figure 2 shows a configuration in which the vaporizer 14 and heater 13 are arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generator 1 is not limited to that shown in Figures 1 and 2. Depending on the design of the aerosol generator 1, the arrangement of the battery 11, control unit 12, heater 13, and vaporizer 14 may be changed.

[0021] In one embodiment, when the stick 2 is inserted into the aerosol generator 1, the aerosol generator 1 can activate the heater 13 and / or vaporizer 14 to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated by the heater 13 and / or vaporizer 14 is transmitted to the user through the stick 2. If necessary, the aerosol generator 1 can also heat the heater 13 even when the stick 2 is not inserted into the aerosol generator 1.

[0022] In one embodiment, the battery 11 supplies the power used to operate the aerosol generator 1. For example, the battery 11 can supply power to heat the heater 13 or the vaporizer 14, and can supply the power necessary for the control unit 12 to operate. The battery 11 can also supply the power necessary for the operation of the display, sensors, motors, etc., provided in the aerosol generator 1.

[0023] In one embodiment, the control unit 12 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generator 1. Specifically, the control unit 12 controls the operation of not only the battery 11, heater 13, and vaporizer 14, but also other components included in the aerosol generator 1. The control unit 12 may also check the status of each component of the aerosol generator 1 to determine whether or not the aerosol generator 1 is operational.

[0024] In one embodiment, the control unit 12 may include at least one processor. The at least one processor may be implemented as an array of numerous logic gates. Alternatively, the at least one processor may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory containing a program that can be executed by this microprocessor. Furthermore, it will be understood by those ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs that it may be implemented in different forms of hardware.

[0025] In one embodiment, the heater 13 can be heated by power supplied from the battery 11. For example, when a cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generator 1, the heater 13 is located outside the cigarette. The heated heater 13 can raise the temperature of the aerosol-generating material inside the cigarette.

[0026] In one embodiment, the heater 13 may be an electrical resistance heater. For example, the heater 13 may include an electrical conductive track, and the heater 13 may be heated by the flow of current through the electrical conductive track. However, the heater 13 is not limited to the above example and is not limited to any heater that can heat up to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may already be set in the aerosol generator 1, or it may be set to a desired temperature by the user.

[0027] In one embodiment, the heater 13 may be an induction heater. Specifically, the heater 13 may include an electrically conductive coil for heating the cigarette by induction heating, and the cigarette may include a susceptor that can be heated by the induction heater.

[0028] 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 the pattern of the heating element can heat the inside or outside of the stick 2.

[0029] In one embodiment, the aerosol generator 1 may have multiple heaters 13. In this case, the multiple heaters 13 may be arranged so as to be inserted inside the stick 2, or they may be arranged outside the stick 2. Furthermore, some of the multiple heaters 13 may be arranged so as to be inserted inside the stick 2, and the rest may be arranged outside the stick 2. Also, the shape of the heater 13 is not limited to the shapes shown in Figures 1 and 2, and can be manufactured in various shapes.

[0030] In one embodiment, the vaporizer 14 heats a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, which can then be transmitted to the user through the stick 2. The aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 can travel along the airflow passage of the aerosol generator 1, and the airflow passage can be configured so that the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 is transmitted to the user through the cigarette.

[0031] For example, the vaporizer 14 may include, but is not limited to, a liquid storage unit, a liquid transfer means, and a heating element. For instance, the liquid storage unit, liquid transfer means, and heating element may be included in the aerosol generator 1 as independent modules.

[0032] In one embodiment, the liquid storage unit can store a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance that includes volatile tobacco flavor components, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. The liquid storage unit may be manufactured to be detachable from the vaporizer 14, or it may be manufactured integrally with the vaporizer 14.

[0033] For example, a liquid composition may contain water, solvent, ethanol, plant extracts, fragrances, flavoring agents, or vitamin mixtures. Fragrances may include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit flavoring components. Flavoring agents may include components that provide users with a variety of flavors or aromas. Vitamin mixtures may be, but are not limited to, a mixture of at least one of vitamins A, B, C, and E. Furthermore, a liquid composition may contain aerosol-forming agents such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0034] In one embodiment, the liquid transfer means can transfer the liquid composition of the liquid storage unit to the heating element. For example, the liquid transfer means may be, but is not limited to, a wick made of cotton fibers, ceramic fibers, glass fibers, porous ceramics, etc.

[0035] In one embodiment, the heating element is an element for heating a liquid composition transmitted by a liquid transmission means. For example, the heating element may be, but is not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, or a ceramic heater. The heating element may also be composed of a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire, and may be arranged in a structure that is wound around the liquid transmission means. The heating element can be heated by supplying an electric current, and heat can be transferred to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol can be generated.

[0036] For example, the vaporizer 14 is called a cartomizer or atomizer, but is not limited to this.

[0037] In one embodiment, the aerosol generator 1 may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery 11, control unit 12, heater 13, and vaporizer 14. For example, the aerosol generator 1 may include a display capable of outputting visual information and / or a motor for outputting tactile information. The aerosol generator 1 may also include at least one sensor (such as a puff detection sensor, a temperature detection sensor, or a cigarette insertion detection sensor). Furthermore, the aerosol generator 1 can be manufactured with a structure that allows external air to flow in and internal gas to flow out even when the stick 2 is inserted.

[0038] Although not shown in Figures 1 and 2, the aerosol generator 1 may be configured with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may be used to charge the battery 11 of the aerosol generator 1. Alternatively, the heater 13 may be heated while the cradle and the aerosol generator 1 are coupled together.

[0039] In one embodiment, the stick 2 can be similar to a typical combustible cigarette. For example, the stick 2 can be divided into a first part containing an aerosol-generating substance and a second part containing a filter or the like. Alternatively, the second part of the stick 2 may also contain an aerosol-generating substance. For example, an aerosol-generating substance made in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second part.

[0040] In one embodiment, the entire first part is inserted into the aerosol generator 1, and the second part can be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a part of the first part may be inserted into the aerosol generator 1, or the entire first part and a part of the second part may be inserted. The user can inhale the aerosol while biting the second part in their mouth. The aerosol is generated when outside air passes through the first part, and the generated aerosol is transmitted to the user's mouth by passing through the second part.

[0041] In one embodiment, external air can flow in through at least one air passage formed in the aerosol generator 1. For example, the opening and closing of the air passage formed in the aerosol generator 1 and / or the size of the air passage can be adjusted by the user. This allows the amount of atomization, the smoking sensation, etc., to be adjusted by the user. In another example, external air may flow into the inside of the stick 2 through at least one hole formed on the surface of the stick 2.

[0042] Figure 3 is a block diagram of an aerosol generator 100 according to one embodiment.

[0043] Referring to Figure 3, an aerosol generator 100 according to one embodiment includes a control unit 110 (for example, control unit 12 in Figures 1 and 2), a detection unit 120, an output unit 130, a battery 140, a heater 150 (for example, battery 11 in Figures 1 and 2), a user input unit 160, a memory 170, and a communication unit 180.

[0044] However, the configuration of the aerosol generator 100 is not limited to that shown in Figure 3. Depending on the aerosol generator 100 of various embodiments, some of the configurations shown in Figure 3 may be omitted or replaced, or new configurations may be added.

[0045] In one embodiment, the detection unit 120 can detect the state of the aerosol generator 100 or the surrounding state of the aerosol generator 100 and transmit the detected information to the control unit 110. Based on the detected information, the control unit 110 can control the aerosol generator 100 so that various functions are performed, such as controlling the operation of the heater 150, restricting smoking, determining whether or not an aerosol generating article (e.g., cigarettes, cartridges, sticks, etc.) (e.g., stick 2 in Figures 1 and 2) has been inserted, and displaying notifications.

[0046] In one embodiment, the detection unit 120 may include at least one of the temperature sensor 122, insertion detection sensor 124, and puff sensor 126.

[0047] In one embodiment, the temperature sensor 122 can detect the temperature at which the heater 150 (or aerosol generating material) is heated. The aerosol generator 100 may include a separate temperature sensor to detect the temperature of the heater 150. Alternatively, the heater 150 may perform the role of the temperature sensor 122. In one embodiment, the temperature sensor 122 may be positioned around the battery 140 to monitor the temperature of the battery 140.

[0048] In one embodiment, the insertion detection sensor 124 can detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. For example, the insertion detection sensor 124 may include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, a light sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and can detect signal changes due to the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article.

[0049] In one embodiment, the puff sensor 126 can detect a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or airflow channel. For example, the puff sensor 126 may detect a user's puff based on any one of the following: temperature changes, flow rate changes, voltage changes, and pressure changes.

[0050] In one embodiment, the detection unit 120 is not limited to sensors and may further include at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB sensor (illuminance sensor). The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by an ordinary technician from its name, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0051] In one embodiment, the output unit 130 outputs information regarding the status of the aerosol generator 100 to the user. The output unit 130 includes, but is not limited to, a display unit 132, a haptic unit 134, and an acoustic output unit 136. When the display unit 132 and the touchpad constitute a touchscreen with a layered structure, the display unit 132 may be used not only as an output device but also as an input device.

[0052] In one embodiment, the display unit 132 visually provides the user with information regarding the aerosol generator 100. For example, information regarding the aerosol generator 100 can include various types of information such as the charging / discharging status of the battery 140 of the aerosol generator 100, the preheating status of the heater 150, the insertion / removal status of aerosol generating articles, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generator 100 is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal article), and the display unit 132 can output all of this information externally. The display unit 132 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), or the like. Alternatively, the display unit 132 may display the state of an LED light-emitting element.

[0053] In one embodiment, the haptic unit 134 can convert electrical signals into mechanical or electrical stimuli to provide the user with tactile information about the aerosol generator 100. For example, the haptic unit 134 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0054] In one embodiment, the acoustic output unit 136 can provide the user with information about the aerosol generator 100 audibly. For example, the acoustic output unit 136 may convert electrical signals into acoustic signals and output them externally.

[0055] In one embodiment, the battery 140 can supply power used to operate the aerosol generator 100. The battery 140 can supply power to heat the heater 150. The battery 140 can also supply power necessary for the operation of other components provided within the aerosol generator 100 (e.g., the detection unit 120, the output unit 130, the user input unit 160, the memory 170, and the communication unit 180). The battery 140 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 140 may be, but is not limited to, a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery.

[0056] In one embodiment, the heater 150 can be powered from the battery 140 to heat the aerosol-generating material. In one embodiment, the aerosol generator 100 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DAC converter) that converts the power from the battery 140 and supplies it to the heater 150.

[0057] In one embodiment, when the aerosol generator 100 generates aerosols by induction, the aerosol generator 100 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power supply of the battery 140 into an AC power supply.

[0058] In one embodiment, the control unit 110, detection unit 120, output unit 130, user input unit 160, memory 170, and communication unit 180 can function by being powered from the battery 140.

[0059] In one embodiment, the aerosol generator 100 may further include a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, which converts the power of the battery 140 and supplies it to each component.

[0060] In one embodiment, the heater 150 may be formed from any suitable electrical resistant material. For example, suitable electrical resistant materials may include, but are not limited to, metals or metal alloys, such as titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, and nichrome. The heater 150 may also be implemented as, but is not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate on which an electrically conductive track is arranged, or a ceramic heating element.

[0061] In one embodiment, the heater 150 may be an induction heating type heater. For example, the heater 150 may include a susceptor that generates heat via a magnetic field applied by a coil and heats the aerosol generating substance.

[0062] In one embodiment, the heater 150 may be composed of a plurality of heaters. For example, the heater 150 may include a first heater for heating the cigarette and a second heater for heating the liquid phase.

[0063] In one embodiment, the user input unit 160 may receive information input from the user or output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 160 may be a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (contact-type capacitive type, pressure-type resistive type, infrared detection type, surface ultrasonic conduction type, integral tension measurement type, piezoelectric effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0064] In one embodiment, the aerosol generator 100 may further include a connection interface, such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface. The aerosol generator 100 may connect to other external devices via the connection interface, such as a USB interface, to send and receive information or to charge the battery 140.

[0065] In one embodiment, the memory 170 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generator 100, and stores data processed by the control unit 110 and data to be processed. The memory 170 may include at least one type of storage medium, such as flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), RAM (random access memory), SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), PROM (programmable read-only memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, or optical disk. The memory 170 may store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generator 100, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

[0066] In one embodiment, the communication unit 180 includes at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 180 includes a short-range communication unit 182 and a wireless communication unit 184.

[0067] In one embodiment, the short-range wireless communication unit 182 includes, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, an UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, and the like.

[0068] In one embodiment, the wireless communication unit 184 includes, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit. The wireless communication unit 184 can also verify and authenticate the aerosol generator 100 within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)).

[0069] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 100. In one embodiment, the control unit 110 may include at least one processor. The at least one processor may be embodied as an array of logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory containing a program that can be executed by this microprocessor. It may also be embodied in other forms of hardware, which should be understandable to those with ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs.

[0070] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 can control the temperature of the heater 150 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 140 to the heater 150. For example, the control unit 110 may control the power supply by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery 140 and the heater 150. In one embodiment, the direct heating circuit may control the power supply to the heater 150 in response to a control command from the control unit 110.

[0071] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 may analyze the results detected by the detection unit 120 and control the processing to be performed thereafter. For example, the control unit 110 may control the power supplied to the heater 150 so that the operation of the heater 150 is disclosed or terminated based on the results detected by the detection unit 120. For example, the control unit 110 may control the amount of power supplied to the heater 150 and the duration for which power is supplied so that the heater 150 heats up to a predetermined temperature or maintains an appropriate temperature, based on the results detected by the detection unit 120.

[0072] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 controls the output unit 130 based on the results detected by the detection unit 120. For example, when the number of puffs counted via the puff sensor 126 reaches a preset number, the control unit 110 can notify the user via at least one of the display unit 132, the haptic unit 134, and the acoustic output unit 136 that the aerosol generator 100 will immediately shut off.

[0073] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the heater 150 according to the state of the aerosol-generating article detected by the detection unit 120. For example, if the aerosol-generating article is in an over-humid state, the control unit 110 may control the power supply time to the induction coil and increase the preheating time compared to when the aerosol-generating article is in a normal state.

[0074] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 may also be embodied in the form of a recording medium containing computer-executable instruction words, such as a program module executed by a computer. The computer-readable medium may be any available medium accessible by a computer, and may include all volatile and non-volatile media, and isolated and non-isolated media. The computer-readable medium may also include all computer storage media and communication media. The computer storage media may include all volatile and non-volatile, isolated and non-isolated media embodied in any method or technique for storing information such as computer-readable instruction words, data structures, program modules, or other data. The communication medium may include any information transmission medium, and may include computer-readable instruction words, data structures, program modules, or other data such as modulated data signals or other transmission mechanisms.

[0075] Figures 4a and 4b are schematic diagrams of an aerosol generator 200 and an aerosol generating article 201 according to one embodiment.

[0076] Referring to Figures 4a and 4b, the aerosol generator 200 (for example, aerosol generator 1 in Figures 1 and 2 or aerosol generator 100 in Figure 3) includes a housing 210 and a sensor module 250 (for example, the detection unit 120 in Figure 3).

[0077] The following explanation will omit any content that overlaps with the above, and it goes without saying that some components and structures of the aerosol generator 200 may be replaced, added, or omitted to the extent that a person skilled in the art can easily understand them by referring to the following drawings and description. Furthermore, at least one component or feature of the embodiments described above can be combined with the aerosol generator 200, provided that it is not technically impossible.

[0078] In one embodiment, the housing 210 can form the external appearance of the aerosol generator 200. Alternatively, the housing 210 can house other components of the aerosol generator 200. The housing 210 may also be a body or main body.

[0079] In one embodiment, the housing 210 includes at least one of a suction port 211 and a cover 217. The suction port 211 may be an opening or hole into which an aerosol generating article 201 (e.g., stick 2 in Figures 1 and 2) is inserted. The suction port 211 may be formed open to one side of the housing 210 (e.g., the top surface or a surface in the +Z direction). The cover 217 can be movably (e.g., slidably) coupled to one side of the housing 210. The cover 217 can open and close the suction port 211.

[0080] Hereinafter, objects inserted into or removed from the aerosol generator 200 according to various embodiments of this document will be referred to as "aerosol generating articles 201," but the actual implementation of the aerosol generator 200 will not be limited to these.

[0081] In one embodiment, the housing 210 includes a cavity 213 into which an aerosol-generating article 201 can be inserted. The cavity 213 may be an elongated cavity, a bonding region, an insertion region, or a heating region that accommodates the aerosol-generating article 201. The cavity 213 may have a shape that corresponds to at least a portion of the area of ​​the aerosol-generating article 201.

[0082] In one embodiment, the cavity 213 can communicate with the suction port 211. The cavity 213 may have a shape that extends in one direction (e.g., the -Z direction) from the suction port 211. The aerosol generating article 201 can be inserted longitudinally into the cavity 213 by passing through the suction port 211.

[0083] In one embodiment, the sensor module 250 can be placed in the cavity 213. The sensor module 250 detects whether or not an aerosol-generating article 201 has been inserted into the cavity 213. The sensor module 250 can also detect identification information of the aerosol-generating article 201.

[0084] In one embodiment, the sensor module 250 includes a light-emitting unit 251 and a light-receiving unit 255. The light-emitting unit 251 emits light of a first wavelength toward the cavity 213. For example, the light-emitting unit 251 consists of at least one light-emitting diode that emits light of the first wavelength when current flows through it.

[0085] In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating article 201 includes an identification region 203. The identification region 203 is provided on at least a portion of the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article 201. The identification region 203 may be provided with a physical, chemical, or optical marker (e.g., a tagant).

[0086] For example, the identification area 203 may be coated with a chemical substance that emits light by changing the wavelength of transmitted light. Based on the identification information of an individual aerosol-generating article 201, the amount, type, and / or composition ratio of the chemical substance coated on the identification area 203 is determined. The aerosol generator 200 can recognize the identification information for the aerosol-generating article 201 from the identification area 203.

[0087] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the light of a first wavelength emitted by the light-emitting unit 251 can be transmitted to an identification region 203 of the aerosol-generating article 201. The light of the first wavelength is excited in the identification region 203, which then emits light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength. Optical properties such as the wavelength and intensity of the light emitted from the identification region 203 can be determined by a marker provided in the identification region 203.

[0088] In one embodiment, the light-receiving unit 255 can receive light emitted from an identification area 203 of the aerosol-generating article 201. For example, the light-receiving unit 255 consists of at least one photodetector diode that conducts current when irradiated with light.

[0089] In one embodiment, the sensor module 250 can detect the optical properties of light emitted from the aerosol-generating article 201, for example, the amount of light of a second wavelength, and recognize identification information for the aerosol-generating article 201. The sensor module 250 can provide the detection results to at least one processor 260 (for example, the control unit 12 in Figures 1 and 2 or the control unit 110 in Figure 3).

[0090] In one embodiment, the sensor module 250 includes a filter (e.g., filter 480 in Figure 6c) that can filter out light of a first wavelength or a portion of wavelengths adjacent thereto from the light received by the light receiving unit 255. Based on the optical properties (e.g., light intensity) of the filtered light, the sensor module 250 can recognize identification information for the aerosol generating article 201.

[0091] The following describes the optical properties of the light detected by the sensor module 250, using the light intensity of the second wavelength (or the filtered light intensity) as an example of optical properties. However, the optical properties detected by the sensor module 250 are not limited to this.

[0092] In one embodiment, the first wavelength of light may be infrared light, and the second wavelength of light may be infrared light having a different wavelength from the first wavelength. For example, the first wavelength may be between 960 nm and 990 nm. The second wavelength may be between 1000 nm and 1020 nm.

[0093] In one embodiment of this document, the sensor module 250 can recognize identification information of the aerosol-generating article 201 without the user being visually exposed to it by using first and second wavelengths of light consisting of infrared light.

[0094] In one embodiment, the first wavelength of light may be ultraviolet light, and the second wavelength of light may be infrared light. Alternatively, in one embodiment, the first wavelength of light may be ultraviolet light, and the second wavelength of light may be visible light.

[0095] In one embodiment of this document, the sensor module 250 can improve the accuracy of identification by using different types of light (or light with relatively large wavelength changes) as the first wavelength and the second wavelength.

[0096] In one embodiment, at least one processor 260 can receive detection results from the sensor module 250. A memory 265 (for example, memory 170 in Figure 3) is operationally connected to at least one processor 260 and can store executable instructions. At least one processor 260 can control the operation of the aerosol generator 200 by executing the instructions stored in the memory 265.

[0097] In one embodiment, at least one processor 260 receives detection results from the sensor module 250 and executes instructions related to the sensor module 250 among the instructions stored in the memory 265, thereby recognizing identification information for the aerosol generating article 201 based on the amount of light of the second wavelength.

[0098] For example, the identification information may be information regarding the type of aerosol generating article 201, whether it is a genuine product, and / or the substances it contains. At least one processor 260 can control the operation of the aerosol generator 200 based on the recognized identification information.

[0099] In one embodiment, the aerosol generator 200 may further include a heater 270 (for example, heater 13 in Figures 1 and 2 or heater 150 in Figure 3). At least one processor 260 can control the operation of the heater 270 differently based on identification information by executing instruction words related to the operation of the heater 270 from among the instruction words stored in memory 265.

[0100] For example, the memory 265 of the aerosol generator 200 may contain information regarding an appropriate temperature profile and drive based on various information such as the type of aerosol generating article 201, the type of substance it contains, the ratio of substance content, the amount of substance, and the degree of over-humidity. At least one processor 260 can execute instructions from the memory 265 regarding the drive of the heater 270 (e.g., drive cycle, drive intensity, etc.) based on identification information, thereby performing a customized drive on the aerosol generating article 201.

[0101] In one embodiment of this document, the aerosol generator 200 can recognize identification information for the aerosol generating article 201 identified via the sensor module 250, without the user having to input information about the aerosol generating article 201 or directly control the operation of the aerosol generator 200, and based on that, automatically customize and control the operation of the aerosol generator 200.

[0102] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generator 300 and an aerosol generating article 301 according to one embodiment.

[0103] Referring to Figure 5, the aerosol generator 300 (for example, the aerosol generator 1 in Figures 1 and 2, the aerosol generator 100 in Figure 3, or the aerosol generator 200 in Figures 4a and 4b) includes a housing 310 and a sensor module 350 (for example, the detection unit 120 in Figure 3 or the sensor module 250 in Figures 4a and 4b).

[0104] The following explanation will omit any content that overlaps with the above, and it goes without saying that some components and structures of the aerosol generator 300 may be replaced, added, or omitted to the extent that a person skilled in the art can easily understand them by referring to the following drawings and description. Furthermore, at least one component or feature of the previously described embodiment may be combined with the aerosol generator 300, provided that it is not technically impossible.

[0105] In one embodiment, the housing 310 can form the external appearance of the aerosol generator 300. Alternatively, the housing 310 can house other components of the aerosol generator 300. The housing 310 may also be a torso or a main body.

[0106] In one embodiment, the housing 310 includes at least one of a suction port 311 and a cover 317. The suction port 311 may be an opening or hole for a user to inhale an aerosol. Alternatively, the suction port 311 may be an opening or hole for the insertion of a stick-shaped aerosol generating article (e.g., stick 2 in Figures 1 and 2 or aerosol generating article 201 in Figures 4a and 4b). The suction port 311 may be formed as an opening on one side of the housing 310 (e.g., the top surface or the +Z direction surface). The cover 317 may be movably (e.g., slidably) coupled to one side of the housing 310. The cover 317 can open and close the suction port 311.

[0107] In one embodiment, the housing 310 includes a cavity 313. An aerosol generating article 301 (for example, stick 2 in Figures 1 and 2 or aerosol generating article 201 in Figures 4a and 4b) can be inserted into the cavity 313. The aerosol generating article 301 may consist of a cartridge containing a liquid-phase aerosol generating substance, a solid aerosol generating substance, and / or a capsule. The aerosol generating article 301 may be detachably coupled to the housing 310.

[0108] Hereinafter, objects inserted into or removed from the aerosol generator 300 according to various embodiments of this document will be referred to as "aerosol generating articles 301," but the actual implementation of the aerosol generator 300 is not limited to these.

[0109] In one embodiment, the cavity 313 may be a cavity, bonding region, insertion region, or heating region that accommodates the aerosol generating article 301. The cavity 313 may have a shape that corresponds to at least a portion of the aerosol generating article 301.

[0110] In one embodiment, the housing 310 may further include an aerosol channel 315 and a terminal 319. When an aerosol generating article 301 is inserted into the cavity 313, the aerosol channel 315 and the terminal 319 can be connected to the aerosol generating article 301, respectively.

[0111] In one embodiment, the aerosol channel 315 receives aerosol-generating material and / or aerosols from the aerosol-generating article 301. The aerosol channel 315 is connected to the suction port 311.

[0112] In one embodiment, terminal 319 can be electrically connected to an aerosol generating article 301. Terminal 319 can send and receive power and / or electrical signals for the aerosol generating article 301.

[0113] In one embodiment, the sensor module 350 can be placed in the cavity 313. The sensor module 350 detects whether or not an aerosol-generating article 301 has been inserted into the cavity 313. The sensor module 350 can also detect identification information of the aerosol-generating article 301.

[0114] In one embodiment, the sensor module 350 includes a light-emitting unit 351 and a light-receiving unit 355. The light-emitting unit 351 emits light of a first wavelength toward the cavity 313. For example, the light-emitting unit 351 consists of at least one light-emitting diode that emits light of the first wavelength when current flows through it.

[0115] In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating article 301 includes an identification region 303. The identification region 303 is provided on at least a portion of the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article 301. The identification region 303 may be provided with a physical, chemical, or optical marker (e.g., a tagant).

[0116] For example, the identification area 303 may be coated with a chemical substance that emits light by changing the wavelength of transmitted light. Based on the identification information of an individual aerosol generating article 301, the amount, type, and / or composition ratio of the chemical substance coated on the identification area 303 may be determined. The aerosol generator 300 can recognize the identification information for the aerosol generating article 301 from the identification area 303.

[0117] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the light of a first wavelength emitted by the light-emitting unit 351 can be transmitted to an identification region 303 of the aerosol-generating article 301. The light of the first wavelength is excited in the identification region 303, which then emits light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength. Optical properties such as the wavelength and intensity of the light emitted from the identification region 303 can be determined by a marker provided in the identification region 303.

[0118] In one embodiment, the light-receiving unit 355 can receive light emitted from the identification area 303 of the aerosol-generating article 301. For example, the light-receiving unit 355 consists of at least one photodetector diode through which an electric current flows when light is shone.

[0119] In one embodiment, the sensor module 350 can detect the optical properties of light emitted from the aerosol-generating article 301, for example, the amount of light of a second wavelength, and recognize identification information for the aerosol-generating article 301. The sensor module 350 can provide the detection results to at least one processor 360 (for example, the control unit 12 in Figures 1 and 2, the control unit 110 in Figure 3, or at least one processor 260 in Figure 4b).

[0120] In one embodiment, the sensor module 350 includes a filter (e.g., filter 480 in Figure 6c) that can filter out a first wavelength or a portion of wavelengths adjacent to it from the light received by the light receiving unit 355. Based on the optical properties (e.g., light intensity) of the filtered light, the sensor module 350 can recognize identification information for the aerosol generating article 301.

[0121] The following describes the optical properties of the light detected by the sensor module 350, using the light intensity of the second wavelength (or the filtered light intensity) as an example of optical properties. However, the optical properties detected by the sensor module 350 are not limited to this.

[0122] In one embodiment, the first wavelength of light may be infrared light, and the second wavelength of light may be infrared light having a different wavelength from the first wavelength. For example, the first wavelength may be between 960 nm and 990 nm. The second wavelength may be between 1000 nm and 1020 nm.

[0123] In one embodiment of this document, the sensor module 350 can safely recognize identification information of the aerosol-generating article 301 without being visually exposed to the user by using first and second wavelengths of light consisting of infrared light.

[0124] In one embodiment, the first wavelength of light may be ultraviolet light, and the second wavelength of light may be infrared light. Alternatively, in one embodiment, the first wavelength of light may be ultraviolet light, and the second wavelength of light may be visible light.

[0125] In one embodiment of this document, the sensor module 350 can improve the accuracy of identification by using different types of light (or light with relatively large wavelength changes) as the first wavelength and the second wavelength.

[0126] In one embodiment, at least one processor 360 can receive detection results from the sensor module 350. A memory 365 (for example, memory 170 in Figure 3 or memory 265 in Figure 4b) is operationally connected to at least one processor 360 and can store executable instructions. The at least one processor 360 can control the operation of the aerosol generator 300 by executing the instructions stored in the memory 365.

[0127] In one embodiment, at least one processor 360 receives detection results from the sensor module 350 and executes instructions related to the sensor module 350 among the instructions stored in the memory 365, thereby recognizing identification information for the aerosol generating article 301 based on the amount of light of the second wavelength.

[0128] For example, the identification information may be information regarding the type of aerosol generating article 301, whether it is a genuine product, and / or the substances it contains. At least one processor 360 can control the operation of the aerosol generator 300 based on the recognized identification information.

[0129] In one embodiment, the aerosol generator 300 further includes a heater 370 (for example, heater 13 in Figures 1 and 2, heater 150 in Figure 3, or heater 370 in Figure 4b). The heater 370 may be located inside the housing 310. Alternatively, the heater 370 may be located on the aerosol generating article 301, which receives power and / or electrical signals from the aerosol generator 300 to drive the heater 370 via terminals 319.

[0130] In one embodiment, at least one processor 360 can control the operation of the heater 370 differently from one another based on identification information by executing instruction words related to the operation of the heater 370 from among the instruction words stored in memory 365.

[0131] For example, the memory 365 of the aerosol generator 300 may contain information regarding an appropriate temperature profile and operation based on various information such as the type of aerosol generating article 301, the type of substance it contains, the ratio of substance content, the amount of substance, and the degree of over-humidity. At least one processor 360 can execute instruction words from the memory 365 regarding the operation of the heater 370 (e.g., operation cycle, operation intensity, etc.) based on identification information, thereby performing customized operation on the aerosol generating article 301.

[0132] In one embodiment of this document, the aerosol generator 300 can recognize identification information for the aerosol generating article 301 identified via the sensor module 350, without the user having to input information about the aerosol generating article 301 or directly control the operation of the aerosol generator 300. Based on this, the aerosol generator 300 can automatically customize and control its operation.

[0133] The following describes various embodiments of the sensor module (for example, the sensor module 250 in Figures 4a and 4b or the sensor module 350 in Figure 5) with reference to the drawings. However, this is only a limited description of illustrative implementations, and the implementation of the sensor modules 250 and 350 is not limited to the drawings and the description below, and the sensor modules 250 and 350 can have various structures, shapes, components and arrangements.

[0134] Figure 6a is a side view of a sensor module 450 according to one embodiment, Figure 6b is a top view of a sensor module 450 according to one embodiment, and Figure 6c is a block diagram of a sensor module 450 according to one embodiment.

[0135] Referring to Figures 6a, 6b, and 6c, a sensor module 450 according to one embodiment (for example, the detection unit 120 in Figure 3, the sensor module 250 in Figures 4a and 4b, or the sensor module 350 in Figure 5) may further include at least a portion of the substrate 458, molding member 460, and filter 480.

[0136] The following explanation will omit any content that overlaps with the above, and it goes without saying that in the sensor module 450, some configurations and structures may be replaced, added, or omitted to the extent that a person skilled in the art can easily understand them by referring to the following drawings and description. Furthermore, at least one configuration or feature of the previously described embodiment may be combined in the electronic device, provided that it is not technically impossible.

[0137] In one embodiment, the substrate 458 includes a substrate surface 458a and substrate terminals 459. The substrate surface 458a may be one side of the substrate 458 on which the element or chip is placed (for example, the side in the +Z direction). The substrate terminals 459 may be formed on the side opposite to the substrate surface 458a (for example, the side in the -Z direction).

[0138] In one embodiment, the substrate surface 458a is the surface facing the object to be detected by the sensor module 450 (for example, the stick 2 in Figures 1 and 2, the aerosol generating article 201 in Figures 4a and 4b, or the aerosol generating article 301 in Figure 5). The substrate terminals 459 may be electrically and / or physically connected to an aerosol generating device (for example, the aerosol generating device 1 in Figures 1 and 2, the aerosol generating device 100 in Figure 3, the aerosol generating device 200 in Figures 4a and 4b, or the aerosol generating device 300 in Figure 5).

[0139] In one embodiment, the light-emitting unit 451 (for example, the light-emitting unit 251 in Figure 4b or the light-emitting unit 351 in Figure 5) consists of at least one light-emitting diode that emits light of a first wavelength when an electric current flows through it.

[0140] In one embodiment, the light receiving unit 455 (for example, the light receiving unit 255 in Figure 4b or the light receiving unit 355 in Figure 5) consists of at least one light-receiving diode through which an electric current flows when light is shone.

[0141] In one embodiment, the sensor module 450 may include at least a portion of the first element 451, the second element 456, the first conductive member 453, and the second conductive member 457.

[0142] In one embodiment, the first element 451 and the second element 456 are provided on the substrate surface 458a. The first element 451 may be connected to a light-emitting unit 451 consisting of a light-emitting diode. The second element 456 may be connected to a light-receiving unit 455 consisting of a photo-receiving diode.

[0143] In one embodiment, the first conductive member 453 may electrically connect the first element 451 and the light-emitting unit 451. The second conductive member 457 may electrically connect the second element 456 and the light-receiving unit 455.

[0144] For example, the first element 451 may consist of two terminals, including a negative terminal and a positive terminal. The light-emitting unit 451 may be directly coupled to one of the two terminals. The first conductive member 453 may be connected to the light-emitting unit 451 and the other of the two terminals.

[0145] For example, the second element 456 may consist of two terminals (e.g., a negative terminal and a positive terminal). The light receiving unit 455 may be directly coupled to one of the two terminals. The second conductive member 457 may be connected to the light receiving unit 455 and the other of the two terminals.

[0146] In one embodiment, the first element 451 and the second element 456 can be arranged adjacent to each other on the substrate surface 458a. The light-emitting unit 451 and the light-receiving unit 455 can also be arranged adjacent to each other on the substrate surface 458a.

[0147] In one embodiment of this document, the sensor module 450 can be realized in package form by arranging the light-emitting unit 451 and the light-receiving unit 455 on the substrate surface 458a of a single substrate 458. The package form of the sensor module 450 is advantageous for miniaturization. The sensor module 450 can provide space efficiency for an aerosol generator.

[0148] In one embodiment, the molding member 460 can be placed on the substrate surface 458a. The molding member 460 can protect the substrate surface 458a and other components mounted on the substrate surface 458a. The molding member 460 is made of a non-conductive material. The molding member 460 can reduce or prevent electrical outages or unintended short circuits of the substrate surface 458a and other components mounted on the substrate surface 458a.

[0149] In one embodiment, the molding member 460 includes a base region 461. The base region 461 may be arranged so as to surround the light-emitting unit 451 and the light-receiving unit 455 on the substrate surface 458a.

[0150] In one embodiment, the molding member 460 is made of a light-transmitting material. The molding member 460 can guide the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 451 via the base region 461 to be transmitted to the object to be detected by the sensor module 450.

[0151] In one embodiment, the base region 461 consists of a single body formed by connecting regions surrounding the light-emitting unit 451 and the light-receiving unit 455, respectively. The base region 461 is coated substantially uniformly onto the substrate surface 458a and cured. The base region 461, consisting of a single body, can provide manufacturing efficiency for the sensor module 450.

[0152] However, in this document, "substantially" means the same level, reflecting the tolerances or errors in a typical manufacturing process. Alternatively, "substantially" refers to a range that includes any one of the following ranges, based on 0%: + / -0.1%, + / -0.5%, + / -1%, + / -3%, + / -5%, + / -7%, + / -10%, + / -15%, and + / -20%.

[0153] In one embodiment, the filter 480 can filter out at least a portion of the light received by the light receiving unit 455. For example, the filter 480 may filter out light of a first wavelength from the light received by the light receiving unit 455. Alternatively, for example, the filter 480 may filter out a portion of the light received by the light receiving unit 455 that includes light of the first wavelength.

[0154] In one embodiment, at least one processor (for example, the control unit 12 in Figures 1 and 2, the control unit 110 in Figure 3, the at least one processor 260 in Figure 4b, or the at least one processor 360 in Figure 5) can recognize identification information for an aerosol-generating article (for example, the stick 2 in Figures 1 and 2, the aerosol-generating article 201 in Figures 4a and 4b, or the aerosol-generating article 301 in Figure 5) based on the amount of light filtered by the filter 480 by executing instruction words stored in memory (for example, memory 170 in Figure 3, memory 265 in Figure 4b, or memory 365 in Figure 5).

[0155] In one embodiment of this document, the accuracy of identification by the sensor module 450 can be improved by the filter 480 blocking light of a first wavelength transmitted to the light receiving unit 455. In another embodiment of this document, the sensor module 450 including the filter 480 can provide ease of design for at least one processor and / or memory.

[0156] For example, if the light receiving unit 455 receives light including a first wavelength, at least one processor and / or memory must select the second wavelength of light from the light received by the light receiving unit 455, or ignore or block the first wavelength of light. At least one processor and / or memory requires additional configuration or operation, either circuit-wise (or operationally, by program, or otherwise), which increases the complexity of the design.

[0157] An aerosol generator according to one embodiment of this document can not only provide accuracy of identification by having the filter 480 block light of a first wavelength in the sensor module 450 step, but can also have advantages in the difficulty of designing at least one processor and / or memory.

[0158] In one embodiment, the filter 480 may include at least some of the optical filter 481, filter element 482, and switching element 483. The filtering method and configuration of the filter 480 will be described illustratively below with reference to Figure 6c. However, the methods and configurations of the filter 480 described below are merely illustrative, and the filter 480 can filter the light received by the light receiving unit 455 in various methods and configurations.

[0159] In one embodiment, the optical filter 481 can reflect (or absorb) light of a first wavelength. The optical filter 481 may be physically positioned to surround at least a portion of the area of ​​the light receiving unit 455. The optical filter 481 may be positioned on the outer circumferential surface of the light receiving unit 455. Alternatively, the optical filter 481 may be positioned on the molding member 460. By physically or structurally blocking light of the first wavelength, the optical filter 481 can provide advantages in terms of the design difficulty of the filter 480.

[0160] In one embodiment, the filter element 482 can controlly filter the detection results of the sensor module 450. The filter element 482 is controllly connected to the light receiving unit 455. For example, the filter element 482 may be implemented as a wafer filter.

[0161] In one embodiment, the filter element 482 can noise-process the light of a first wavelength among the light received by the light receiving unit 455. The filter element 482 is arranged on the light receiving unit 455 or the substrate 458. For example, the filter element 482 may be a component of the second element 456 or part of the substrate 458.

[0162] In one embodiment, the switching element 483 can controlly filter the detection results of the sensor module 450. The switching element 483 is controllably connected to the light-emitting unit 451 and / or the light-receiving unit 455. For example, the switching element 483 may be implemented as a wafer filter.

[0163] In one embodiment, the switching element 483 can block the light emission of the light-emitting unit 451 while the light-receiving unit 455 is receiving light. The switching element 483 is located on the light-emitting unit 451 or the substrate 458. For example, the filter element 482 may be part of the first element 452 or the substrate 458.

[0164] Figures 7a and 7b are graphs showing the detection results of a sensor module according to one embodiment.

[0165] Specifically, Figures 7a and 7b are graphs showing the degree of responsiveness to the wavelength of light received by the light receiving unit (for example, the light receiving unit 255 in Figure 4b, the light receiving unit 355 in Figure 5, or the light receiving unit 455 in Figures 6a, 6b, and 6c) when the light-emitting unit (for example, the light-emitting unit 251 in Figure 4b, the light-emitting unit 351 in Figure 5, or the light-emitting unit 451 in Figures 6a, 6b, and 6c) of the sensor module (for example, the detection unit 120 in Figure 3, the sensor modules 250 in Figures 4a and 4b, the sensor module 350 in Figure 5, or the sensor module 450 in Figures 6a, 6b, and 6c) emits a first wavelength W1.

[0166] For example, Figure 7a shows the responsiveness of the sensor module to the wavelength of light it receives before being filtered by a filter (e.g., the filter in Figure 6c). Alternatively, Figure 7a shows the responsiveness of the sensor module to the wavelength of light it receives when the sensor module does not include a filter. The responsiveness is a parameter that displays the relative values ​​of adjacent wavelengths of light, with the wavelength with the greatest light intensity among the light received by the light receiving unit set as the reference (1.0).

[0167] For example, Figure 7b shows the responsiveness of the sensor module based on the wavelength of light it receives after being filtered by the filter. Alternatively, Figure 7b shows the responsiveness of the sensor module based on the wavelength of light it receives when the sensor module includes a filter.

[0168] In one embodiment, the light of the first wavelength W1 emitted from the light-emitting unit means light of a wavelength that substantially includes the light of the first wavelength W1. For example, the first wavelength W1 may be a wavelength between 960 nm and 990 nm.

[0169] Referring to Figure 7a, it can be seen that when the light-emitting unit emits light at the first wavelength W1, the light intensity at the first wavelength W1 is the greatest, and the light intensity at wavelengths decreases substantially (or approximately) as the distance from the first wavelength W1 increases.

[0170] However, in this document, “substantially,” “approximately,” or “about” reflects the same level of tolerance or error in a typical manufacturing process. Alternatively, “substantially,” “approximately,” or “about” refers to a range that includes one of the following ranges, based on 0%: + / -0.1%, + / -0.5%, + / -1%, + / -3%, + / -5%, + / -7%, + / -10%, + / -15%, and + / -20%.

[0171] In one embodiment, light of a first wavelength W1 is excited in an identification region (e.g., identification region 203 in Figures 4a and 4b, or identification region 303 in Figure 5) of an aerosol generating article (e.g., stick 2 in Figures 1 and 2, aerosol generating article 201 in Figures 4a and 4b, or aerosol generating article 301 in Figure 5), and the identification region emits light of a second wavelength W2 that is different from the first wavelength W1.

[0172] In one embodiment, the light of the second wavelength W2 emitted from the identification unit substantially means light of a wavelength that mainly includes the light of the second wavelength W2. For example, the second wavelength W2 may be a wavelength between 1000 nm and 1020 nm.

[0173] Referring to Figures 7a and 7b, it can be seen that when the identification region emits light at the second wavelength W2, the light intensity at the second wavelength W2 is the greatest, and the light intensity at wavelengths decreases substantially (or approximately) as the distance from the second wavelength W2 increases.

[0174] In one embodiment, the filter can filter wavelengths within a first filtering range Fw. The first filtering range Fw is a range from a reference wavelength between a first wavelength W1 and a second wavelength W2, including the first wavelength W1. For example, the first filtering range Fw may be wavelengths less than 1000 nm.

[0175] In one embodiment, at least one processor (for example, the control unit 12 in Figures 1 and 2, the control unit 110 in Figure 3, at least one processor 260 in Figure 4b, or at least one processor 360 in Figure 5) can recognize identification information for an aerosol-generating article based on the amount of light of a second wavelength W2 outside the first filtering range Fw by executing instructions stored in a memory (for example, the memory 170 in Figure 3, the memory 265 in Figure 4b, or the memory 365 in Figure 5).

[0176] In one embodiment of this paper, if the difference between the first wavelength W1 and the second wavelength W2 is not large, for example, if both the light of the first wavelength W1 and the light of the second wavelength W2 are infrared, at least one processor may have difficulty recognizing identification information based on the amount of light of the second wavelength W2, potentially leading to errors in the identification result or a decrease in accuracy. The sensor module according to one embodiment of this paper can reduce or eliminate errors in the identification result and improve the accuracy of identification by physically blocking or controllably processing noise in a first filtering range Fw that includes the light of the first wavelength W1 via a filter.

[0177] Figure 8 is a side view of a sensor module 450-1 according to one embodiment.

[0178] Referring to Figure 8, the molding member 460-1 (for example, the molding member 460 in Figures 6a, 6b, and 6c) of the sensor module 450-1 according to one embodiment (for example, the detection unit 120 in Figure 3, the sensor module 250 in Figures 4a and 4b, the sensor module 350 in Figure 5, or the sensor module 450 in Figures 6a, 6b, and 6c) may further include a first dome-shaped molding region 463-1.

[0179] The following explanation will omit any content that overlaps with the above, and it goes without saying that in sensor module 450-1, some configurations and structures may be replaced, added, or omitted to the extent that a person skilled in the art can easily understand them by referring to the following drawings and description. Furthermore, at least one configuration or feature of the previously described embodiment may be combined in the electronic device, unless it is technically clearly impossible.

[0180] In one embodiment, the sensor module 450-1 includes a light-emitting unit 451-1 (for example, the light-emitting unit 251 in Figure 4b, the light-emitting unit 351 in Figure 5, or the light-emitting unit 451 in Figures 6a, 6b, and 6c), a light-receiving unit 455-1 (for example, the light-receiving unit 255 in Figure 4b, the light-receiving unit 355 in Figure 5, or the light-receiving unit 455 in Figures 6a, 6b, and 6c), a substrate 458-1 (for example, the substrate 458 in Figures 6a, 6b, and 6c), and a molding member 460-1.

[0181] In one embodiment, the first dome-shaped molding region 463-1 is positioned on one surface (e.g., the +Z direction surface) of the base region 461-1 (e.g., the base region 461 in Figures 6a, 6b, and 6c) facing the cavity (e.g., the cavity 213 in Figures 4a and 4b, or the cavity 313 in Figure 5) corresponding to the light-emitting unit 451-1. The first dome-shaped molding region 463-1 can guide the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 451-1.

[0182] For example, the first dome-shaped molding region 463-1 can guide at least a portion of the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 451-1 to concentrate on the identification region (e.g., identification region 203 in Figures 4a and 4b, or identification region 303 in Figure 5) of the object to be detected by the sensor module 450-1 (e.g., stick 2 in Figures 1 and 2, aerosol-generating article 201 in Figures 4a and 4b, or aerosol-generating article 301 in Figure 5).

[0183] In one embodiment of this document, the first dome-shaped molding region 463-1 can provide light transmission efficiency for the light-emitting unit 451-1, and the sensor module 450-1 can improve detection accuracy via the first dome-shaped molding region 463-1.

[0184] In one embodiment, the first dome-shaped molding region 463-1 consists of a single body continuous with the base region 461-1. Alternatively, the first dome-shaped molding region 463-1 may have a discontinuous structure with respect to the base region 461-1 and be formed in conjunction with the base region 461-1.

[0185] Figure 9 is a side view of a sensor module 450-2 according to one embodiment.

[0186] Referring to Figure 9, the molding member 460-2 (for example, the molding member 460 in Figures 6a, 6b, and 6c, or the molding member 460-1 in Figure 8) of the sensor module 450-2 according to one embodiment (for example, the detection unit 120 in Figure 3, the sensor module 250 in Figures 4a and 4b, the sensor module 350 in Figure 5, the sensor module 450 in Figures 6a, 6b, and 6c, or the sensor module 450-1 in Figure 8) may further include a second dome-shaped molding region 465-2.

[0187] The following explanation will omit any content that overlaps with the above, and it goes without saying that in sensor module 450-2, some configurations and structures may be replaced, added, or omitted to the extent that a person skilled in the art can easily understand them by referring to the following drawings and description. Furthermore, at least one configuration or feature of the previously described embodiment may be combined in the electronic device, unless it is technically clearly impossible.

[0188] In one embodiment, the sensor module 450-2 includes a light-emitting unit 451-2 (for example, the light-emitting unit 251 in Figure 4b, the light-emitting unit 351 in Figure 5, the light-emitting unit 451 in Figures 6a, 6b, and 6c, or the light-emitting unit 451-1 in Figure 8), a light-receiving unit 455-2 (for example, the light-receiving unit 255 in Figure 4b, the light-receiving unit 355 in Figure 5, the light-receiving unit 455 in Figures 6a, 6b, and 6c, or the light-receiving unit 455-1 in Figure 8), a substrate 458-2 (for example, the substrate 458 in Figures 6a, 6b, and 6c, or the substrate 458-1 in Figure 8), and a molding member 460-2.

[0189] In one embodiment, the molding member 460-2 includes at least one of the following regions: base region 461-2 (for example, base region 461 in Figures 6a, 6b, and 6c, or base region 461-1 in Figure 8) and first dome-shaped molding region 463-2 (for example, first dome-shaped molding region 463-1 in Figure 8).

[0190] In one embodiment, the second dome-shaped molding region 465-2 can be positioned on one face (e.g., the +Z direction face) of the base region 461-2 facing the cavity (e.g., cavity 213 in Figures 4a and 4b, or cavity 313 in Figure 5) at a position corresponding to the light-receiving unit 455-2. The second dome-shaped molding region 465-2 can guide the light transmitted to the light-receiving unit 455-2.

[0191] For example, the light receiving unit 455-2 may receive light emitted from an identification area (e.g., identification area 203 in Figures 4a and 4b, or identification area 303 in Figure 5) of the object to be detected by the sensor module 450-2 (e.g., stick 2 in Figures 1 and 2, aerosol generating article 201 in Figures 4a and 4b, or aerosol generating article 301 in Figure 5). The light emitted from the identification area can be guided to concentrate on the light receiving unit 455-2.

[0192] In one embodiment of this document, the second dome-shaped molding region 465-2 can provide light absorption efficiency for the light receiving unit 455-2, and the sensor module 450-2 can improve detection accuracy via the second dome-shaped molding region 465-2.

[0193] In one embodiment, the second dome-shaped molding region 465-2 consists of a single body continuous with the base region 461-2. Alternatively, the second dome-shaped molding region 465-2 may have a discontinuous structure with respect to the base region 461-2 and be formed in conjunction with the base region 461-2.

[0194] Figure 10 is a side view of a sensor module 550 according to one embodiment.

[0195] Referring to Figure 10, a sensor module 550 according to one embodiment (for example, the detection unit 120 in Figure 3, the sensor module 250 in Figures 4a and 4b, the sensor module 350 in Figure 5, or the sensor module 450 in Figures 6a, 6b, and 6c) further includes a partition wall 570.

[0196] The following explanation will omit any content that overlaps with the above, and it goes without saying that in the sensor module 550, some configurations and structures may be replaced, added, or omitted to the extent that a person skilled in the art can easily understand them by referring to the following drawings and description. Furthermore, at least one configuration or feature of the previously described embodiment may be combined in the electronic device, provided that it is not technically impossible.

[0197] In one embodiment, the sensor module 550 includes a light-emitting unit 551 (for example, the light-emitting unit 251 in Figure 4b, the light-emitting unit 351 in Figure 5, or the light-emitting unit 451 in Figures 6a, 6b, and 6c), a light-receiving unit 555 (for example, the light-receiving unit 255 in Figure 4b, the light-receiving unit 355 in Figure 5, or the light-receiving unit 455 in Figures 6a, 6b, and 6c), a substrate 558 (for example, the substrate 458 in Figures 6a, 6b, and 6c), and a molding member 560 (for example, the molding member 460 in Figures 6a, 6b, and 6c).

[0198] In one embodiment, the base region 561 of the molding member 560 (for example, the base region 461 in Figures 6a, 6b, and 6c) may be arranged to surround the light-emitting unit 551 and the light-receiving unit 555 on the substrate surface (for example, the substrate surface 458a in Figures 6a, 6b, and 6c).

[0199] In one embodiment, the molding member 560 is made of a light-transmitting material. The molding member 560 can guide the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 551 via the base region 561 to be transmitted to the object to be detected by the sensor module 550.

[0200] In one embodiment, the base region 561 includes a first molding region 561a and a second molding region 561b. The first molding region 561a surrounds the light-emitting unit 551. The second molding region 561b surrounds the light-receiving unit 555.

[0201] In one embodiment, the second molding region 561b may be separated from the first molding region 561a. Alternatively, the first molding region 561a and the second molding region 561b may be arranged discontinuously with respect to each other. Alternatively, the first molding region 561a and the second molding region 561b may be arranged at a distance from each other.

[0202] In one embodiment of this document, the separation of the first molding region 561a and the second molding region 561b prevents light emitted from the light-emitting unit 551 from being transmitted to the light-receiving unit 555 via the molding member 560. The sensor module 550 can improve the accuracy of detection through the first molding region 561a and the second molding region 561b.

[0203] In one embodiment, the partition wall 570 can demarcate the first molding area 561a and the second molding area 561b. The partition wall 570 may be positioned between the first molding area 561a and the second molding area 561b. The partition wall 570 may have a shape that extends along the first molding area 561a and the second molding area 561b.

[0204] In one embodiment, the partition wall 570 is made of an EMC (epoxy molding compound) material. The partition wall 570 is made of a material that is relatively less light-transmitting compared to the molding member 560. The partition wall 570 can prevent light emitted from the light-emitting unit 551 from being transmitted to the light-receiving unit 555. The sensor module 550 can improve the accuracy of detection through the partition wall 570.

[0205] Figure 11 is a side view of a sensor module 550-1 according to one embodiment.

[0206] Referring to Figure 11, the molding member 560-1 (for example, the molding member 460 in Figures 6a, 6b, and 6c or the molding member 560 in Figure 10) of the sensor module 550-1 according to one embodiment (for example, the detection unit 120 in Figure 3, the sensor module 250 in Figures 4a and 4b, the sensor module 350 in Figure 5, the sensor module 450 in Figures 6a, 6b, and 6c, or the sensor module 550 in Figure 10) may further include a first dome-shaped molding region 563-1.

[0207] The following explanation will omit any content that overlaps with the above, and it goes without saying that in sensor module 550-1, some configurations and structures may be replaced, added, or omitted to the extent that a person skilled in the art can easily understand them by referring to the following drawings and description. Furthermore, at least one configuration or feature of the previously described embodiment may be combined in the electronic device, unless it is technically clearly impossible.

[0208] In one embodiment, the sensor module 550-1 includes a light-emitting unit 551-1 (for example, the light-emitting unit 251 in Figure 4b, the light-emitting unit 351 in Figure 5, the light-emitting unit 451 in Figures 6a, 6b, and 6c, or the light-emitting unit 551 in Figure 10), a light-receiving unit 555-1 (for example, the light-receiving unit 255 in Figure 4b, the light-receiving unit 355 in Figure 5, the light-receiving unit 455 in Figures 6a, 6b, and 6c, or the light-receiving unit 555 in Figure 10), a substrate 558-1 (for example, the substrate 458 in Figures 6a, 6b, and 6c, or the substrate 558 in Figure 10), a molding member 560-1, and a partition wall 570-1 (for example, the partition wall 570 in Figure 10).

[0209] In one embodiment, the molding member 560-1 includes a base region 561-1 (for example, the base region 561 in Figure 10) which consists of a first molding region 561a-1 (for example, the first molding region 561a in Figure 10) and a second molding region 561b-1 (for example, the second molding region 561b in Figure 10).

[0210] In one embodiment, the first dome-shaped molding region 563-1 is positioned on one face (e.g., the +Z direction face) of the base region 561-1 facing the cavity (e.g., cavity 213 in Figures 4a and 4b or cavity 313 in Figure 5) at a position corresponding to the light-emitting unit 551-1. For example, the first dome-shaped molding region 563-1 may be positioned on the first molding region 561a-1.

[0211] In one embodiment, the first dome-shaped molding region 563-1 can guide the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 551-1. For example, the first dome-shaped molding region 563-1 can guide at least a portion of the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 551-1 to concentrate on an identification region (e.g., identification region 203 in Figures 4a and 4b or identification region 303 in Figure 5) of the object to be detected by the sensor module 550-1 (e.g., stick 2 in Figures 1 and 2, aerosol-generating article 201 in Figures 4a and 4b, or aerosol-generating article 301 in Figure 5).

[0212] In one embodiment of this document, the first dome-shaped molding region 563-1 can provide light transmission efficiency for the light-emitting unit 551-1, and the sensor module 550-1 can improve detection accuracy via the first dome-shaped molding region 563-1.

[0213] In one embodiment, the first dome-shaped molding region 563-1 consists of a single body continuous with the base region 561-1. Alternatively, the first dome-shaped molding region 563-1 may have a discontinuous structure with respect to the base region 561-1 and be formed in conjunction with the base region 561-1.

[0214] Figure 12 is a side view of a sensor module 550-2 according to one embodiment.

[0215] Referring to Figure 12, the molding member 560-2 (for example, the molding member 460 in Figures 6a, 6b, and 6c, the molding member 560 in Figure 10, or the molding member 560-1 in Figure 11) of the sensor module 550-2 according to one embodiment (for example, the detection unit 120 in Figure 3, the sensor module 250 in Figures 4a and 4b, the sensor module 350 in Figure 5, the sensor module 450 in Figures 6a, 6b, and 6c, the sensor module 550 in Figure 10, or the sensor module 550-1 in Figure 11) further includes a second dome-shaped molding region 565-2.

[0216] The following explanation will omit any content that overlaps with the above, and it goes without saying that in sensor module 550-2, some configurations and structures may be replaced, added, or omitted to the extent that a person skilled in the art can easily understand them by referring to the following drawings and description. Furthermore, at least one configuration or feature of the previously described embodiment may be combined in the electronic device, unless it is technically clearly impossible.

[0217] In one embodiment, the sensor module 550-2 includes a light-emitting unit 551-2 (for example, light-emitting unit 251 in Figure 4b, light-emitting unit 351 in Figure 5, light-emitting unit 451 in Figures 6a, 6b and 6c, light-emitting unit 551 in Figure 10, or light-emitting unit 551-1 in Figure 11), a light-receiving unit 555-1 (for example, light-receiving unit 255 in Figure 4b, light-receiving unit 355 in Figure 5, The components include the light receiving unit 455 in Figures 6a, 6b, and 6c, the light receiving unit 555 in Figure 10, or the light receiving unit 555-1 in Figure 11), a substrate 558-2 (for example, the substrate 458 in Figures 6a, 6b, and 6c, the substrate 558 in Figure 10, or the substrate 558-1 in Figure 11), a molding member 560-2, and a partition wall 570-2 (for example, the partition wall 570 in Figure 10 or the partition wall 570-1 in Figure 11).

[0218] In one embodiment, the molding member 560-2 includes at least one of the following: a base region 561-2 (for example, base region 561 in Figure 10 or base region 561-1 in Figure 11) consisting of a first molding region 561a-2 (for example, the first molding region 561a in Figure 10 or the first molding region 561a-1 in Figure 11) and a second molding region 561b-2 (for example, the second molding region 561b in Figure 10 or the second molding region 561b-1 in Figure 11); and a first dome-shaped molding region 563-2 (for example, the first dome-shaped molding region 563-1 in Figure 11).

[0219] In one embodiment, the second dome-shaped molding region 565-2 can be positioned on one face (e.g., the +Z direction face) of the base region 561-2 facing the cavity (e.g., cavity 213 in Figures 4a and 4b or cavity 313 in Figure 5) at a position corresponding to the light-receiving unit 555-2. For example, the second dome-shaped molding region 565-2 may be positioned on top of the second molding region 561b-2.

[0220] In one embodiment, the second dome-shaped molding region 565-2 can guide the light transmitted to the light-receiving unit 555-2. For example, the light-receiving unit 555-2 may receive light emitted from an identification region (e.g., identification region 203 in Figures 4a and 4b, or identification region 303 in Figure 5) of the object to be detected by the sensor module 550-2 (e.g., the stick 2 in Figures 1 and 2, the aerosol-generating article 201 in Figures 4a and 4b, or the aerosol-generating article 301 in Figure 5). The light emitted from the identification region can be guided to concentrate on the light-receiving unit 555-2.

[0221] In one embodiment of this document, the second dome-shaped molding region 565-2 can provide light absorption efficiency for the light receiving unit 555-2, and the sensor module 550-2 can improve detection accuracy via the second dome-shaped molding region 565-2.

[0222] In one embodiment, the second dome-shaped molding region 565-2 consists of a single body continuous with the base region 561-2. Alternatively, the second dome-shaped molding region 565-2 may have a discontinuous structure with respect to the base region 561-2 and be formed in conjunction with the base region 561-2.

[0223] Figure 13 is a plan view of a sensor module 650 according to one embodiment.

[0224] Referring to Figure 13, a sensor module 650 according to one embodiment (for example, the detection unit 120 in Figure 3, the sensor modules 250 in Figures 4a and 4b, the sensor module 350 in Figure 5, the sensor modules 450 in Figures 6a and 6b, or the sensor module 550 in Figure 9) can include a plurality of light receiving units 655 (for example, the light receiving unit 255 in Figure 4b, the light receiving unit 355 in Figure 5, the light receiving unit 455 in Figures 6a and 6b, or the light receiving unit 555 in Figure 9).

[0225] The following explanation will omit any content that overlaps with the above, and it goes without saying that in the sensor module 650, some configurations and structures may be replaced, added, or omitted to the extent that a person skilled in the art can easily understand them by referring to the following drawings and description. Furthermore, at least one configuration or feature of the previously described embodiment may be combined in the electronic device, provided that it is not technically impossible.

[0226] In one embodiment, the sensor module 650 includes a light-emitting unit 651 (for example, the light-emitting unit 251 in Figure 4b, the light-emitting unit 351 in Figure 5, the light-emitting unit 451 in Figures 6a and 6b, or the light-emitting unit 551 in Figure 9), a light-receiving unit 655, and a substrate 658 (for example, the substrate 458 in Figures 6a and 6b, or the substrate 558 in Figure 9).

[0227] Although not shown in the drawings, the sensor module 650 may further include at least some of the components of the sensor module according to the embodiment described above in at least one of Figures 6a to 11 (e.g., molding members, partitions, etc.).

[0228] In one embodiment, a plurality of light-receiving units 655 can be arranged spaced apart on the substrate surface 658a of the substrate 658 (for example, the substrate surface 458a in Figures 6a and 6b). Each of the plurality of light-receiving units 655 can be composed of a light-receiving diode.

[0229] For example, multiple light-receiving units 655 may consist of two light-receiving units 655. The two light-receiving units 655 may be arranged adjacent to each other and spaced apart in a portion of the substrate surface 658a. The two light-receiving units 655 may be arranged at a predetermined distance from the light-emitting unit 651.

[0230] In one embodiment of this invention, a plurality of light receiving units 655 can provide light absorption efficiency for the sensor module 650 and improve detection accuracy in the sensor module 650.

[0231] Figure 14 is a plan view of a sensor module 650-1 according to one embodiment.

[0232] Referring to Figure 14, a sensor module 650-1 according to one embodiment (for example, the detection unit 120 in Figure 3, the sensor module 250 in Figures 4a and 4b, the sensor module 350 in Figure 5, the sensor module 450 in Figures 6a and 6b, the sensor module 550 in Figure 9, or the sensor module 650 in Figure 13) can include a plurality of light-emitting units 651-1 (for example, the light-emitting unit 251 in Figure 4b, the light-emitting unit 351 in Figure 5, the light-emitting unit 451 in Figures 6a and 6b, the light-emitting unit 551 in Figure 9, or the light-emitting unit 651 in Figure 13).

[0233] The following explanation will omit any content that overlaps with the above, and it goes without saying that in sensor module 650-1, some configurations and structures may be replaced, added, or omitted to the extent that a person skilled in the art can easily understand them by referring to the following drawings and description. Furthermore, at least one configuration or feature of the previously described embodiment may be combined in the electronic device, unless it is technically clearly impossible.

[0234] In one embodiment, the sensor module 650-1 includes a light-emitting unit 651-1, a light-receiving unit 655-1 (for example, the light-receiving unit 255 in Figure 4b, the light-receiving unit 355 in Figure 5, the light-receiving unit 455 in Figures 6a and 6b, the light-receiving unit 555 in Figure 9, or the light-receiving unit 655 in Figure 13), and a substrate 658-1 (for example, the substrate 458 in Figures 6a and 6b, the substrate 558 in Figure 9, or the substrate 658 in Figure 13).

[0235] Although not shown in the drawings, the sensor module 650-1 may further include at least some of the components of the sensor module according to the embodiment described above, as shown in at least one of Figures 6a to 13 (e.g., molding members, partitions, etc.).

[0236] In one embodiment, a plurality of light-emitting units 651-1 can be arranged spaced apart on the substrate surface 658a-1 of the substrate 658-1 (for example, substrate surface 458a in Figures 6a and 6b, or substrate surface 658a in Figure 13). Each of the plurality of light-emitting units 651-1 may be composed of a light-emitting diode. Each of the plurality of light-emitting units 651-1 can emit light (for example, light of a first wavelength) with substantially the same or similar optical properties.

[0237] For example, multiple light-emitting units 651-1 may consist of two light-emitting units 651-1. The two light-emitting units 651-1 may be arranged adjacent to each other and spaced apart in a portion of the substrate surface 658a-1. The two light-emitting units 651-1 may be arranged at a predetermined distance from the light-receiving unit 655-1.

[0238] In one embodiment of this document, the amount of light transmitted to the light receiving unit 655-1 can be increased by a plurality of light-emitting units 651-1. By increasing the amount of light of the first wavelength emitted from the sensor module 650-1, the amount of light with altered optical properties (e.g., light of the second wavelength) transmitted to the light receiving unit 655-1 also increases, thereby improving the detection accuracy in the sensor module 650-1.

[0239] Figure 15 is a plan view of a sensor module 650-2 according to one embodiment.

[0240] Referring to Figure 15, a sensor module 650-2 according to one embodiment (for example, the detection unit 120 in Figure 3, the sensor module 250 in Figures 4a and 4b, the sensor module 350 in Figure 5, the sensor module 450 in Figures 6a and 6b, the sensor module 550 in Figure 9, or the sensor module 650 in Figure 13) can include a plurality of light-emitting units 651-2 (for example, the light-emitting unit 251 in Figure 4b, the light-emitting unit 351 in Figure 5, the light-emitting unit 451 in Figures 6a and 6b, the light-emitting unit 551 in Figure 9, or the light-emitting unit 651 in Figure 13). In one embodiment, a plurality of light-emitting units 651-2 may be arranged around a light-receiving unit 655-2 (for example, the light-receiving unit 255 in Figure 4b, the light-receiving unit 355 in Figure 5, the light-receiving unit 455 in Figures 6a and 6b, the light-receiving unit 555 in Figure 9, or the light-receiving unit 655 in Figure 13).

[0241] The following explanation will omit any content that overlaps with the above, and it goes without saying that in sensor module 650-2, some configurations and structures may be replaced, added, or omitted to the extent that a person skilled in the art can easily understand them by referring to the following drawings and description. Furthermore, at least one configuration or feature of the previously described embodiment may be combined in the electronic device, unless it is technically clearly impossible.

[0242] In one embodiment, the sensor module 650-2 includes a light-emitting unit 651-2, a light-receiving unit 655-2, and a substrate 658-2 (for example, substrate 458 in Figures 6a and 6b, substrate 558 in Figure 9, or substrate 658 in Figure 13).

[0243] Although not shown in the drawings, the sensor module 650-2 may further include at least some of the components of the sensor module according to the embodiment described above in at least one of Figures 6a to 14 (e.g., molding members, partitions, etc.).

[0244] In one embodiment, a plurality of light-emitting units 651-2 can be arranged spaced apart on the substrate surface 658a-2 of the substrate 658-2 (for example, substrate surface 458a in Figures 6a and 6b or substrate surface 658a in Figure 13). Each of the plurality of light-emitting units 651-2 may be composed of a light-emitting diode. Each of the plurality of light-emitting units 651-2 may emit light with substantially the same optical properties (for example, light of a first wavelength).

[0245] In one embodiment, the substrate 658-2 includes a circular substrate surface 658a-2. Alternatively, the substrate surface 658a-2 may have an elliptical, square, or polygonal shape. The substrate 658-2 has a shape corresponding to the arrangement or array structure of a plurality of light-emitting units 651-2 and at least one light-receiving unit 655-2.

[0246] In one embodiment, the multiple light-emitting units 651-2 may be arranged surrounding the light-receiving unit 655-2. The multiple light-emitting units 651-2 may be arranged adjacent to each other but spaced apart.

[0247] In one embodiment of this document, the amount of light transmitted to the light receiving unit 655-2 can be increased by a plurality of light-emitting units 651-2. By increasing the amount of light of the first wavelength emitted from the sensor module 650-2, the amount of light with altered optical properties (e.g., light of the second wavelength) transmitted to the light receiving unit 655-2 also increases, thereby improving the detection accuracy in the sensor module 650-2.

[0248] An aerosol generator according to one embodiment includes a housing containing a cavity into which an aerosol generating article is inserted, a sensor module disposed in the cavity, at least one processor to which detection results from the sensor module are transmitted, and a memory operationally connected to the at least one processor and storing executable instructions. In one embodiment, the sensor module may include a light-emitting unit that emits light of a first wavelength toward the cavity and a light-receiving unit that receives light emitted from the aerosol generating article. In one embodiment, at least one processor can recognize identification information for the aerosol generating article based on the amount of light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength by executing instructions stored in the memory.

[0249] In one embodiment, the sensor module may further include a substrate that includes a substrate surface on which a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit are arranged adjacent to each other.

[0250] In one embodiment, the sensor module further includes a molding member made of a light-transmitting material. In one embodiment, the molding member may include a base region positioned on the substrate surface to surround the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit.

[0251] In one embodiment, the molding member may include a first dome-shaped molding region positioned on one side of the base region facing the cavity, corresponding to the light-emitting unit.

[0252] In one embodiment, the molding member may include a second dome-shaped molding region positioned on one side of the base region facing the cavity, corresponding to the light-receiving unit.

[0253] In one embodiment, the base region is formed by connecting regions surrounding the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit to form a single body.

[0254] In one embodiment, the base region may include a first molding region surrounding the light-emitting unit and a second molding region separated from the first molding region and surrounding the light-receiving unit.

[0255] In one embodiment, the sensor module may further include a partition wall that demarcates a first molding region and a second molding region.

[0256] In one embodiment, the partition wall is made of a material that has relatively low light transmittance compared to the molding member.

[0257] In one embodiment, the light-emitting unit consists of a light-emitting diode that emits light of a first wavelength when current flows through it. In one embodiment, the light-receiving unit consists of a light-receiving diode that allows current to flow when light is irradiated through it.

[0258] In one embodiment, the sensor module may include a plurality of light receiving units.

[0259] In one embodiment, the sensor module may include a plurality of light-emitting units.

[0260] In one embodiment, multiple light-emitting units may be arranged around a light-receiving unit.

[0261] In one embodiment, the first wavelength may be a wavelength between 960 nm and 990 nm, and the second wavelength may be a wavelength between 1000 nm and 1020 nm.

[0262] In one embodiment, the first wavelength of light is ultraviolet light, and the second wavelength of light may be either infrared light or visible light.

[0263] An aerosol generator according to one embodiment includes a housing with a cavity into which an aerosol generating article can be inserted, a sensor module disposed in the cavity, at least one processor to which detection results from the sensor module are transmitted, and a memory operationally connected to the at least one processor and storing executable instructions. In one embodiment, the sensor module includes a light-emitting unit that emits light of a first wavelength toward the cavity, a light-receiving unit that receives light emitted from the aerosol generating article, and a filter for filtering the light of the first wavelength from the light received by the light-receiving unit. In one embodiment, at least one processor can recognize identification information for the aerosol generating article based on the amount of light filtered by the filter by executing instructions stored in the memory.

[0264] In one embodiment, the filter may include an optical filter that reflects light of a first wavelength.

[0265] In one embodiment, the filter may be controlledly connected to a light receiving unit and may include a filter element that noises a first wavelength of light among the light received by the light receiving unit.

[0266] In one embodiment, the filter may be controlledly connected to the light-emitting unit and may include a switching element that blocks the light emission from the light-emitting unit while the light-receiving unit is receiving light.

[0267] In one embodiment, the filter can filter wavelengths within a first filtering range that includes a first wavelength.

[0268] In one embodiment, the first wavelength may be a wavelength between 960 nm and 990 nm. In one embodiment, the first filtering range may be a wavelength less than 1000 nm.

[0269] In one embodiment, at least one processor can recognize identification information for an aerosol-generating article based on the amount of light of a second wavelength outside a first filtering range by executing an instruction word stored in memory.

[0270] In one embodiment, the second wavelength may be a wavelength between 1000 nm and 1020 nm.

[0271] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and a person with ordinary skill in the art can apply various technical modifications and variations based on the above. For example, the described techniques may be performed in a different order than described, and / or the described systems, structures, devices, circuits, and other components may be combined or combined in a different manner than described, or substituted or replaced by other components or equivalents, and still achieve appropriate results. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but is defined by the claims and equivalents, etc.

Claims

1. Aerosol generator, A housing including a cavity into which an aerosol-generating article can be inserted, A sensor module is placed in the cavity, At least one processor to which the detection results from the sensor module are transmitted, A memory that is operationally linked to at least one processor and stores executable instruction words, Includes, The aforementioned sensor module is A light-emitting unit that emits light of a first wavelength toward the cavity, A light receiving unit that receives light emitted from the aerosol generating article, Includes, An aerosol generator wherein at least one processor executes the instruction words stored in the memory to recognize identification information for the aerosol generating article based on the amount of light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sensor module further includes a substrate including a substrate surface on which the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit are arranged adjacent to each other.

3. The sensor module further includes a molding member made of a light-transmitting material, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the molding member includes a base region arranged on the substrate surface to surround the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit.

4. The molding member is A first dome-shaped molding region is positioned on one surface of the base region facing the cavity, at a location corresponding to the light-emitting unit, A second dome-shaped molding region is positioned on one side of the base region facing the cavity, at a location corresponding to the light-receiving unit, The aerosol generator according to claim 3, comprising at least one of the following.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the base region is formed by connecting regions surrounding the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit, respectively, to form a single body.

6. The aforementioned base region is A first molding region surrounding the light-emitting unit, A second molding region separate from the first molding region and surrounding the light receiving unit, The aerosol generator according to claim 3, including the following:

7. The aerosol generator according to claim 6, wherein the sensor module further includes a partition wall that separates the first molding region and the second molding region and is made of a material that is relatively less light-transmitting compared to the molding member.

8. The light-emitting unit consists of a light-emitting diode that emits light of a first wavelength when current flows through it. The aerosol generator according to claim 1, wherein the light receiving unit comprises a light-receiving diode that conducts current when light is irradiated onto it.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sensor module includes a plurality of at least one of the light receiving units and the light emitting units.

10. The first wavelength is a wavelength between 960 nm and 990 nm. The aerosol generator according to claim 1, wherein the second wavelength is a wavelength between 1000 nm and 1020 nm.

11. The aerosol generator according to claim 1, wherein the sensor module further includes a filter for filtering out light of the first wavelength from the light received by the light receiving unit.

12. The aerosol generator according to claim 11, wherein the filter includes an optical filter that reflects light of the first wavelength.

13. The aerosol generator according to claim 11, wherein the filter is controllably connected to the light receiving unit and includes a filter element that noises the light of the first wavelength among the light received by the light receiving unit.

14. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the filter is controllably connected to the light-emitting unit and includes a switching element that blocks the light emission of the light-emitting unit while the light-receiving unit is receiving light.

15. Aerosol generator, A housing including a cavity into which an aerosol-generating article can be inserted, A sensor module is placed in the cavity, At least one processor to which the detection results from the sensor module are transmitted, A memory that is operationally linked to at least one processor and stores executable instruction words, Includes, The aforementioned sensor module is A light-emitting unit that emits light of a first wavelength toward the cavity, A light receiving unit that receives light emitted from the aerosol generating article, A filter for filtering out the light of the first wavelength from the light received by the light receiving unit, Includes, An aerosol generator wherein at least one processor executes the instruction words stored in the memory to recognize identification information for the aerosol generating article based on the amount of light filtered by the filter.

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