Aerosol generation system

Abstract

An aerosol generation system according to one embodiment includes a cigarette including an identification unit that emits light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength when excited by light of a first wavelength, a main body including a cavity into which the cigarette is inserted, an optical sensor package disposed around the cavity and sensing the identification unit, and a control unit that identifies whether the cigarette has been counterfeited and the type of cigarette based on the sensing value sensed by the optical sensor package. The optical sensor package includes a package substrate, a light-emitting unit disposed on the package substrate and emitting light of a first wavelength, a semiconductor chip disposed on the package substrate, and a light-receiving unit disposed on the semiconductor chip and on the package substrate opposite the light-emitting unit with respect to the semiconductor chip and receiving light of a second wavelength.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generation system that determines information on an aerosol generation article based on a sensing value sensed from a luminescent substance contained in the aerosol generation article, an operating method thereof, and an aerosol generation article included in the aerosol generation system.

Background Art

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

[0003] Recently, the types of sensors included in aerosol generating devices have been diversified in order to sense cigarette insertion / removal, cigarette type, cigarette counterfeiting, etc. In particular, as the types of cigarettes have become diverse and there are counterfeit cigarettes produced in the market, the need for an aerosol generating device having a function capable of distinguishing these has been increasing.

[0004] However, the sensing value of the sensor may be deteriorated due to various causes in the aerosol generating device, or constraints may occur in implementing the performance of the sensor due to a heater or the like for heating the cigarette. For example, when the aerosol generating device automatically determines cigarette counterfeiting for user convenience and determines it as a counterfeit product, if the accuracy of the sensor is low and causes malfunction in performing the function of interrupting the operation of the heater, it may rather have an adverse effect on the user experience of the user.

[0005] Furthermore, with the recent acceleration of personalization trends, customized cigarettes are being produced to satisfy the diverse preferences of users. In this way, the method of producing small quantities of a variety of cigarettes, rather than mass-producing a few types, may have limitations in methods of identifying cigarette types using limited identification means.

[0006] Furthermore, since aerosol generators are small electronic products, the mounting space for electronic components is limited, which inevitably leads to power consumption problems due to battery capacity limitations. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide an aerosol generating device with improved sensor sensitivity.

[0008] Furthermore, the problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide an aerosol generating device that can identify various types of cigarettes using limited identification means.

[0009] Furthermore, the problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide an aerosol generating device that can efficiently utilize a limited mounting space and reduce power consumption.

[0010] The problems that the embodiments aim to solve are not limited to those described above, and any problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art in which the embodiments pertain from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] An aerosol generation system according to one embodiment includes a cigarette including an identification unit that emits light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength when excited by light of a first wavelength, a main body including a cavity into which the cigarette is inserted, an optical sensor package disposed around the cavity and sensing the identification unit, and a control unit that identifies whether the cigarette is counterfeit and the type of the cigarette based on a sensing value sensed by the optical sensor package. The optical sensor package includes a package substrate, an optical light-emitting unit disposed on the package substrate and emitting light of the first wavelength, a semiconductor chip disposed on the package substrate, and a light-receiving unit disposed on the semiconductor chip and on the package substrate opposite the optical light-emitting unit with respect to the semiconductor chip and receiving light of the second wavelength.

[0012] The semiconductor chip includes a signal processing unit electrically connected to the light receiving unit, and the signal processing unit may include an analog-to-digital converter that converts the sensing value, which is an analog signal, into a digital signal.

[0013] The control unit can determine whether the cigarette has been counterfeited and what type of cigarette it is based on the digital signal generated by the signal processing unit.

[0014] The height from the top surface of the package substrate to the top surface of the semiconductor chip is greater than the height from the top surface of the package substrate to the top surface of the light-emitting portion.

[0015] The light-emitting unit includes at least one of an infrared light-emitting diode and an ultraviolet light-emitting diode, and the light-receiving unit may include at least one of an RGB optical diode and an infrared optical diode.

[0016] The identification portion may include at least one of lanthanum group substances and tagant substances.

[0017] The optical sensor package may further include a partition wall disposed on the package substrate between the light-emitting portion and the semiconductor chip.

[0018] The partition wall may be formed from a black epoxy molding compound, and the molding member may be formed from a transparent molding compound.

[0019] The optical sensor package may further include the upper surface of the exposed package substrate portion, the light-emitting portion, the light-receiving portion, and the molding member disposed on the semiconductor chip.

[0020] The partition may further include a first partition portion disposed on the package substrate and positioned between the light-emitting portion and the semiconductor chip, and a second partition portion disposed along the periphery of the package substrate.

[0021] The molding member may include a first molding portion disposed on the upper surface of a portion of the exposed package substrate and the light-emitting portion, and a second molding portion disposed on the upper surface of another portion of the exposed package substrate, the light-receiving portion and the semiconductor chip.

[0022] The inner surface of the partition wall in contact with the first molding portion may have an inclined surface that forms an obtuse angle with the upper surface of the package substrate.

[0023] A reflective material may be placed on the aforementioned inclined surface.

[0024] The partition wall may be formed from a black epoxy molding compound, and the molding member may be formed from a transparent molding compound.

[0025] The cigarette includes an aerosol generating rod and a filter rod, the identification portion is formed in a region extending from the boundary between the aerosol generating rod and the filter rod toward the filter rod, and the identification portion may have a band shape surrounding the outer surface of the cigarette.

Advantages of the Invention

[0026] The aerosol generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention can provide improved sensor sensitivity.

[0027] The aerosol generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention can identify various cigarette types using limited identification means.

[0028] The aerosol generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention can efficiently utilize a limited mounting space to reduce power consumption.

[0029] The effects according to the embodiments are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the embodiments belong from the detailed description and the attached drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030] [Figure 1] It is a drawing showing an example of an aerosol generation article. [Figure 2] It is a drawing showing an example of an aerosol generation article. [Figure 3] It is a drawing showing an example of an aerosol generation article. [Figure 4A] It is a side sectional view of an aerosol generation article for explaining an example of the arrangement position / method of an identification substance. [Figure 4B] It is a side sectional view of an aerosol generation article for explaining an example of the arrangement position / method of an identification substance. [Figure 4C] It is a side sectional view of an aerosol generation article for explaining an example of the arrangement position / method of an identification substance. [Figure 4D] It is a side sectional view of an aerosol generation article for explaining an example of the arrangement position / method of an identification substance. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view of an aerosol generation article for explaining the arrangement position of an identification substance. [Figure 6A]This is a diagram showing the tobacco rod, filter rod, and ferrule separated from the aerosol product. [Figure 6B] This is a diagram showing the tobacco rod, filter rod, and ferrule separated from the aerosol product. [Figure 7] This is a schematic side view of an aerosol generation system according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a schematic side view of an aerosol generation system with a different heating method than the aerosol generation system shown in Figure 7. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart showing how an aerosol generation system according to one embodiment determines information about the aerosol product and controls the power supply to the heater. [Figure 10A] This is an example of a wavelength graph showing the wavelengths emitted from the first identified substance when irradiated with wavelengths within the first wavelength range. [Figure 10B] This is an example of a wavelength graph showing the wavelengths emitted from the second identification substance when irradiated with wavelengths within the first wavelength range. [Figure 11A] This is an example of a wavelength graph showing the wavelengths emitted from the third identification substance when irradiated with wavelengths within the first wavelength range. [Figure 11B] This is an example of a wavelength graph showing the wavelengths emitted from the third identification substance when irradiated with wavelengths within the first wavelength range. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart illustrating another specific example of how an aerosol generation system according to one embodiment determines information about the aerosol product. [Figure 13] This is a drawing illustrating a cigarette including an identification unit according to one embodiment. [Figure 14A] Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating the sensor unit that identifies the type of cigarette. [Figure 14B] Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating the sensor unit that identifies the type of cigarette. [Figure 15A] This graph shows the sensing values ​​for each of the multiple regions of the identification unit. [Figure 15B]This graph shows the sensing values ​​for each of the multiple regions of the identification unit. [Figure 15C] This graph shows the sensing values ​​for each of the multiple regions of the identification unit. [Figure 15D] This graph shows the sensing values ​​for each of the multiple regions of the identification unit. [Figure 16] This is a drawing illustrating a cigarette including an identification unit according to one embodiment. [Figure 17A] Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating the sensor unit that identifies the type of cigarette. [Figure 17B] Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating the sensor unit that identifies the type of cigarette. [Figure 18] This is a drawing illustrating a cigarette including an identification unit according to one embodiment. [Figure 19A] Figure 18 is a diagram illustrating the sensor unit that identifies the type of cigarette. [Figure 19B] Figure 18 is a diagram illustrating the sensor unit that identifies the type of cigarette. [Figure 20] This is a drawing illustrating a cigarette including an identification unit according to one embodiment. [Figure 21A] Figure 20 is a diagram illustrating the sensor unit that identifies the type of cigarette. [Figure 21B] Figure 20 is a diagram illustrating the sensor unit that identifies the type of cigarette. [Figure 22] This is a drawing illustrating a cigarette including an identification unit according to one embodiment. [Figure 23A] Figure 22 is a diagram illustrating the sensor unit that identifies the type of cigarette. [Figure 23B] Figure 22 is a diagram illustrating the sensor unit that identifies the type of cigarette. [Figure 24A] This is a diagram illustrating an aerosol generation system according to one embodiment. [Figure 24B] This is a plan view of an optical sensor package according to one embodiment. [Figure 24C] Figure 24B is a cross-sectional view of the optical sensor package cut along the line I-I'. [Figure 24D] This is a diagram illustrating the sensing operation of an optical sensor package according to one embodiment. [Figure 25A] This is a plan view of an optical sensor package according to one embodiment. [Figure 25B] Figure 25A is a cross-sectional view of the optical sensor package cut along the line II-II'. [Figure 26A] This is a plan view of an optical sensor package according to one embodiment. [Figure 26B] Figure 26A is a cross-sectional view of the optical sensor package cut along the line III-III'. [Figure 27A] This is a plan view of an optical sensor package according to one embodiment. [Figure 27B] Figure 27A is a cross-sectional view of the optical sensor package cut along the line IV-IV'. [Figure 28A] This is a plan view of an optical sensor package according to one embodiment. [Figure 28B] Figure 28A is a cross-sectional view of the optical sensor package cut along the line V-V'. [Figure 29A] This is a plan view of an optical sensor package according to one embodiment. [Figure 29B] Figure 29A is a cross-sectional view of the optical sensor package cut along the line VI-VI'. [Figure 30A] This is a plan view of an optical sensor package according to one embodiment. [Figure 30B] Figure 30A is a cross-sectional view of the optical sensor package cut along the line VII-VII'. [Figure 31A] This is a plan view of an optical sensor package according to one embodiment. [Figure 31B] Figure 31A is a cross-sectional view of the optical sensor package cut along line VIII-VIII'. [Figure 32A] This is a plan view of an optical sensor package according to one embodiment. [Figure 32B]This is a cross-sectional view of the optical sensor package cut along line VIIII-VIIII' in Figure 32A. [Figure 33A] This is a plan view of an optical sensor package including a temperature sensor according to one embodiment. [Figure 33B] Figure 33A is a cross-sectional view of the optical sensor package cut along the line X-X'. [Figure 34] This is a flowchart illustrating a method for correcting the amount of light emitted by an aerosol generation system according to one embodiment. [Figure 35A] This is a plan view of an optical sensor package including a light-emitting unit that emits visible light according to one embodiment. [Figure 35B] Figure 35A is a cross-sectional view of the optical sensor package cut along the line XI-XI'. [Figure 36] This is a flowchart illustrating the power consumption reduction operation of an aerosol generation system according to one embodiment. [Figure 37] This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0031] The terminology used in the embodiments has been selected, as far as possible, to be widely used and general terms, while taking into account the function of the present invention. However, this may vary depending on the intent of the articulators, case law, or the emergence of new technologies. In certain cases, the applicant may have arbitrarily selected terms, in which case their meaning will be described in detail in the description of the invention. Therefore, the terminology used in the present invention is not simply a set of names, but must be defined based on the meaning of the term and the overall content of the present invention.

[0032] Throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a component, it means, unless otherwise specified, that it does not exclude other components, but rather that it may include other components. Furthermore, terms such as "...part" and "...module" used in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be embodied by hardware or software, or by a combination of hardware and software.

[0033] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that they can be easily implemented by a person skilled in the art. However, the present invention can be embodied in a variety of different embodiments and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0034] The following describes an embodiment in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0035] Examples of aerosol products will be explained below based on Figures 1 to 3.

[0036] Figures 1 through 3 are diagrams showing examples of aerosol products.

[0037] Although Figure 1 illustrates the filter rod 22 as a single segment, it is not limited to this. That is, the filter rod 22 may consist of multiple segments. For example, the filter rod 22 may include a first segment for cooling the aerosol and a second segment for filtering out predetermined components contained in the aerosol. Furthermore, the filter rod 22 may include at least one additional segment performing other functions, as needed.

[0038] The aerosol product 2 may be packaged by at least one trumpet 24. The trumpet 24 may have at least one hole through which external air enters or internal gas exits. For example, the aerosol product 2 may be packaged by one trumpet 24. As another example, the aerosol product 2 may be packaged in layers by two or more trumpets 24. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be packaged by the first trumpet 24a, and the filter rod 22 may be packaged by trumpets 24b, 24c, and 24d. The entire aerosol product 2 may then be repackaged by a single trumpet 24e. If the filter rod 22 consists of multiple segments, each segment may be packaged by trumpets 24b, 24c, and 24d.

[0039] The tobacco rod 21 contains an aerosol-generating substance. For example, the aerosol-generating substance may include, but is not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. The tobacco rod 21 may also contain other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. In addition, a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a humectant may be added to the tobacco rod 21 by spraying it.

[0040] The tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured in various forms. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured in sheet form or strand form. Alternatively, the tobacco rod 21 can be made from shredded tobacco obtained by finely cutting tobacco sheets. Furthermore, the tobacco rod 21 can be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can uniformly distribute the heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21, improving the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod and thereby improving the tobacco flavor. Additionally, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can function as a susceptor heated by an induction heater. Although not shown in the drawings, the tobacco rod 21 may also include additional susceptors in addition to the heat-conducting material surrounding its exterior.

[0041] The filter rod 22 is also a cellulose acetate filter. On the other hand, there are no restrictions on the shape of the filter rod 22. For example, the filter rod 22 can be a cylindrical rod, a tubular rod containing a hollow interior, or a recessed rod. If the filter rod 22 is composed of multiple segments, at least one of the segments may be made to have a different shape.

[0042] The filter rod 22 may be manufactured to generate flavor. For example, a flavoring liquid may be sprayed onto the filter rod 22, and a separate fiber coated with the flavoring liquid may be inserted into the filter rod 22.

[0043] Furthermore, the filter rod 22 may contain at least one capsule 23, where the capsule 23 may generate flavor or an aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 may also be a structure that encloses a liquid containing a flavor in a coating. The capsule 23 may be spherical or cylindrical, but is not limited to these shapes.

[0044] If the filter rod 22 includes a segment for cooling the aerosol, the cooling segment may be made of a polymer or a biodegradable polymer. For example, the cooling segment may be made of pure polylactic acid alone, but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the cooling segment may be made of a cellulose acetate filter with multiple pores formed therein. However, the cooling segment is not limited to the examples described above and may be any material capable of performing the function of cooling the aerosol.

[0045] Referring to Figure 2, the aerosol product 3 may further include a front plug 33. The front plug 33 may be located on the tobacco rod 31 on the side opposite to the filter rod 32. The front plug 33 can prevent the tobacco rod 31 from detaching externally and prevent liquefied aerosol from flowing from the tobacco rod 31 into the aerosol generator during smoking.

[0046] The filter rod 32 may include a first segment 321 and a second segment 322. Here, the first segment 321 may correspond to the first segment of the filter rod 22 in Figure 1, and the second segment 322 may correspond to the second segment of the filter rod 22 in Figure 1.

[0047] The diameter and overall length of aerosol product 3 may correspond to the diameter and overall length of aerosol product 2 in Figure 1. For example, the length of the front plug 33 is approximately 7 mm, the length of the tobacco rod 31 is approximately 15 mm, the length of the first segment 321 is approximately 12 mm, and the length of the second segment 322 is approximately 14 mm, but is not limited to these.

[0048] The aerosol product 3 may be packaged by at least one flap 35. The flap 35 may have at least one hole through which external air enters or internal gas exits. For example, the front plug 33 may be packaged by a first flap 35a, the tobacco rod 31 by a second flap 35b, the first segment 321 by a third flap 35c, and the second segment 322 by a fourth flap 35d.

[0049] The entire aerosol product 3 can then be repackaged by the fifth wrapper 35e. The fifth wrapper 35e may also have at least one perforation 36. For example, the perforation 36 may be formed in the region surrounding the tobacco rod 31, but is not limited thereto. The perforation 36 may serve to transfer the heat generated by the heater into the interior of the tobacco rod 31.

[0050] Furthermore, the second segment 322 may include at least one capsule 34, where the capsule 34 may generate flavor or an aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 may also be a structure that encloses a liquid containing a flavor in a coating. The capsule 34 may be spherical or cylindrical, but is not limited thereto.

[0051] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of an aerosol product.

[0052] Referring to Figure 3, the aerosol product 4 may include a first aerosol generating rod 41, a second aerosol generating rod 42, a cooling rod 43, and a filter rod 44. The aerosol product 4 may also be packaged by at least one trumpet 45.

[0053] The first aerosol generating rod 41, the second aerosol generating rod 42, the cooling rod 43, and the filter rod 44 can be sequentially aligned along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol product 4. Here, the longitudinal direction of the aerosol product 4 is also the direction in which the length of the aerosol product 4 extends. For example, the longitudinal direction of the aerosol product 4 is also the direction from the first aerosol generating rod 41 to the filter rod 44.

[0054] The aerosols generated by the first aerosol generating rod 41 and the second aerosol generating rod 42 pass sequentially through the first aerosol generating rod 41, the second aerosol generating rod 42, the cooling rod 43, and the filter rod 44 to form an airflow, thereby allowing the smoker to inhale the aerosols from the filter rod 44.

[0055] The first aerosol generating rod 41 can be heated to generate an aerosol. The first aerosol generating rod 41 may contain an aerosol generating substance. The first aerosol generating rod 41 may also contain other additives such as a wetting agent and / or an organic acid, and may contain a fragrance liquid such as menthol. For example, the aerosol generating substance may include at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol.

[0056] The first aerosol generating rod 41 may include an aerosol generating substrate impregnated with an aerosol generating substance. The aerosol generating substrate may include a crimped sheet, and the aerosol generating substance may be included in the first aerosol generating rod 41 in a state impregnated with the crimped sheet. In addition, other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants and / or organic acids, and flavoring liquids may be included in the first aerosol generating rod 41 in a state absorbed with the crimped sheet.

[0057] The aerosol-generating substrate can be placed inside the first aerosol-generating rod 41 in a wound state. The wound aerosol-generating substrate is wound around an axis extending along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol product 4, but is not limited to this.

[0058] The rolled-up sheet is also a sheet composed of polymer materials. For example, the polymer material may include at least one of the following: paper, cellulose acetate, lyocell, or polylactic acid. For example, the rolled-up sheet is also a paper sheet that does not produce an unpleasant odor when heated to high temperatures.

[0059] The first aerosol generating rod 41 extends to a point approximately 7 mm to 20 mm from the end of the aerosol product 4, and the second aerosol generating rod 42 may extend to a point approximately 7 mm to 20 mm from the end of the first aerosol generating rod 41. However, the numerical range is not necessarily limited to such ranges, and the extending lengths of the first aerosol generating rod 41 and the second aerosol generating rod 42 can be appropriately adjusted within a range that can be easily changed by an ordinary technician.

[0060] The second aerosol generating rod 42 can be heated to produce a nicotine-containing aerosol. For example, the second aerosol generating rod 42 may contain tobacco material. The tobacco material may, but is not limited to, tobacco strands, tobacco particles, tobacco sheets, tobacco beads, tobacco granules, tobacco powder, or tobacco extract.

[0061] For example, the second aerosol-generating rod 42 may contain multiple tobacco strands, and these multiple tobacco strands may contain flat-leaf shredded tobacco. Flat-leaf shredded tobacco can be produced by finely shredding flat-leaf sheets. Flat-leaf shredded tobacco can be produced by the following process: Tobacco raw materials are crushed to produce a slurry mixed with aerosol-generating substances (e.g., glycerin, propylene glycol, etc.), flavoring liquid, binders (e.g., guar gum, xanthan gum, carboxymethylcellulose, etc.), water, etc. Natural pulp or cellulose may be added to the slurry, and one or more binders may be mixed in and used. The slurry may be cast to form sheets, which are then dried to produce flat-leaf sheets. Flat-leaf shredded tobacco can be produced by cutting or finely shredding the produced flat-leaf sheets. Tobacco raw materials are tobacco leaves, tobacco stems, and / or tobacco powder generated during tobacco processing. The flat-leaf sheets may also contain other additives such as wood cellulose fibers.

[0062] Furthermore, the second aerosol generating rod 42 may contain shredded tobacco, which is manufactured by blending and processing various types of tobacco leaves and then finely cutting them. In addition, the second aerosol generating rod 42 may contain a mixture of flat-leaf shredded tobacco and shredded tobacco.

[0063] As another example, the second aerosol generating rod 42 may contain multiple tobacco granules. Tobacco granules are particles having a diameter of approximately 100 μm to 2,000 μm. Tobacco granules can be produced by extruding a mixture of crushed tobacco leaves, a pH adjuster, and a solvent.

[0064] Multiple tobacco granules may be arranged between the filter material. The filter material may include, for example, a bundle of cellulose acetate fiber strands. The multiple tobacco granules may be arranged in a form uniformly dispersed between the multiple cellulose fibers. As another example, the filter material may include a rolled paper sheet. The rolled paper sheet may be placed inside the second aerosol generating rod 42 in a wound state. The rolled paper sheet is wound around an axis extending along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol product 4. Multiple tobacco granules may be dispersed inside the wound paper sheet.

[0065] Furthermore, the second aerosol generating rod 42 may include an aerosol generating substrate impregnated with a liquid aerosol generating composition. The aerosol generating substrate may include a rolled sheet, and the liquid aerosol generating composition may be included in the second aerosol generating rod 42 in a state impregnated with the rolled sheet. The same provisions described above may apply to the aerosol generating substrate included in the first aerosol generating rod 41 as to the aerosol generating substrate included in the second aerosol generating rod 42.

[0066] Liquid aerosol-generating compositions may contain nicotine. Nicotine may include freebase nicotine and nicotine salt. Freebase nicotine refers to neutral nicotine without added protons. For example, if a strong base such as ammonia is added to a positively charged nicotine salt, the strong base is converted into a cation, and the nicotine salt becomes neutral freebase nicotine.

[0067] Furthermore, the liquid aerosol generating composition may contain an aerosol generating substance. The same provisions described above can be applied to the aerosol generating substrate contained in the first aerosol generating rod 41.

[0068] The liquid aerosol generating composition can be impregnated at a concentration of approximately 0.05 g to 1.0 g per gram of aerosol generating substrate. For example, the liquid aerosol generating composition can be impregnated at a concentration of approximately 0.1 g to 0.8 g per gram of aerosol generating substrate.

[0069] The cooling rod 43 can cool the aerosols generated by the first aerosol generating rod 41 and the second aerosol generating rod 42. The cooling rod 43 may be made from a biodegradable polymer material and may have a cooling function. For example, the cooling rod 43 may be made from polylactic acid (PLA) fibers, but is not limited to that.

[0070] Alternatively, the cooling rod 43 may be made of a cellulose acetate filter. However, the cooling rod 43 is not limited to the examples given above, and any material that performs the function of cooling an aerosol may be included without limitation. For example, the cooling rod 43 may be a tube filter containing a hollow or a paper tube made of paper.

[0071] At least one hole 431 may be formed on the outer surface of the cooling rod 43. The at least one hole 431 may be formed along the circumferential direction of the cooling rod 43 to form one or more rows. The at least one hole 431 may allow outside air to flow into the inside of the cooling rod 43. The outside air that flows into the inside of the cooling rod 43 may mix with the high-temperature aerosol generated by the first aerosol generating rod 41 and the second aerosol generating rod 42 to cool the aerosol.

[0072] The filter rod 44 can filter out certain components contained in the aerosol passing through it. The filter rod 44 may contain a filter material. For example, the filter rod 44 is also a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod 44 may be manufactured by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow.

[0073] There are no restrictions on the shape of the filter rod 44. For example, the filter rod 44 can be a cylindrical rod, a tubular rod with a hollow interior, or a recessed rod with an open end. If the filter rod 44 is composed of multiple segments, at least one of the segments may be made to have a different shape.

[0074] The filter rod 44 may be manufactured to generate flavor. For example, the filter rod 44 may contain a flavoring liquid, and a separate fiber containing the flavoring liquid may be inserted into the inside of the filter rod 44.

[0075] Furthermore, the filter rod 44 may include at least one capsule, which may generate flavor or an aerosol. For example, the capsule may also be a structure that encloses a liquid containing a flavor in a coating. The capsule may be spherical or cylindrical, but is not limited to these shapes.

[0076] The aerosol product 4 may include a trumpet 45 that surrounds at least a portion of the first aerosol generating rod 41 or the filter rod 44. The aerosol product 4 may also include a trumpet 45 that surrounds either the first aerosol generating rod 41 or the filter rod 44. The trumpet 45 is located on the outermost periphery of the aerosol product 4, and the trumpet 45 may be a single trumpet or a combination of multiple trumpets.

[0077] The aerosol product 4 can be packaged by overlapping two or more trumpets. For example, the first aerosol generating rod 41 can be packaged by the first trumpet 45a, the second aerosol generating rod 42 by the second trumpet 45b, the cooling rod 43 by the third trumpet 45c, and the filter rod 44 by the fourth trumpet 45d. The entire aerosol product 4 can then be repackaged by the fifth trumpet 45e.

[0078] The first trumpet 45a may surround the first aerosol generating rod 41, and the second trumpet 45b may surround the second aerosol generating rod 42. The first trumpet 45a and the second trumpet 45b may also be made of paper and a metal foil such as aluminum foil bonded together. For example, the first trumpet 45a and the second trumpet 45b may also be laminated sheets in which paper and metal foil are laminated. The first trumpet 45a and the second trumpet 45b may also be laminated sheets in which paper is placed on one side of the metal foil, or laminated sheets in which paper is placed on both sides of the metal foil.

[0079] The paper of the first flap 45a may contain an oil-resistant substance. For example, the paper of the first flap 45a may contain polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) or silicone. The surface of the paper of the first flap 45a may be coated with polyvinyl alcohol or silicone.

[0080] The third wrapper 45c may surround the cooling rod 43. The third wrapper 45c may include a wrapping paper. The wrapping paper of the third wrapper 45c may be porous or non-porous wrapping paper. The third wrapper 45c may have at least one perforation 45f formed therein. For example, the third wrapper 45c may wrap a cooling rod 43 having at least one hole 431 formed therein, and the at least one perforation 45f formed in the third wrapper 45c may be formed in a position corresponding to the at least one hole 431 formed in the cooling rod 43.

[0081] The fourth wrapper 45d may surround the filter rod 44. The fourth wrapper 45d may include hard wrapping paper, which has greater thickness and basis weight than typical wrapping paper. For example, the thickness of hard wrapping paper can be about 70 μm to 150 μm, and the basis weight can be about 50 g / m². 2 ~100g / m 2 Furthermore, hard wrapping paper may contain oil-resistant substances. For example, hard wrapping paper may include surface treatment with oil-resistant substances such as polyvinyl alcohol or silicone.

[0082] The fifth trumpet 45e can enclose the first aerosol generating rod 41, which is enclosed by the first trumpet 45a; the second aerosol generating rod 42, which is enclosed by the second trumpet 45b; the cooling rod 43, which is enclosed by the third trumpet 45c; and the filter rod 44, which is enclosed by the fourth trumpet 45d. The fifth trumpet 45e can prevent the outside of the aerosol product 4 from being contaminated by the aerosol generated in the aerosol product 4. Liquid substances may be generated within the aerosol product 4 by the user's puffing. For example, liquid substances (e.g., water) may be generated when the aerosol generated in the aerosol product 4 is cooled by outside air. By enclosing the outer surface of the aerosol product 4 with the fifth trumpet 45e, the generated liquid substances may be prevented from leaking outside the aerosol product 4.

[0083] Embodiments of the present invention relate to aerosol products and an aerosol generator that can distinguish between different types of aerosol products and identify aerosol products suitable for use with an aerosol generator and aerosol products unsuitable for use with an aerosol generator.

[0084] For this reason, an aerosol product according to one embodiment may contain an identification substance. The identification substance may be placed in one of the components of the aerosol product. For example, the identification substance may be placed in the trumpet, filter rod, tobacco rod, front plug, and / or aerosol generating rod. The following embodiments will be described based on an example in which the identification substance is placed in the trumpet, but as described above, the components in which the identification substance may be placed may be modified.

[0085] Identifying substances may have physical, chemical, or optical properties. Identifying substances are also substances that emit light while changing the properties of the wavelength of transmitted light. Specifically, identifying substances can be excited by the absorption of light in a predetermined wavelength range. In this invention, "excitation of a substance" means that the state of the substance changes from the ground state to the excited state. Thereafter, during the process in which the state of the identifying substance changes from the excited state to the ground state, light in a predetermined wavelength range may be emitted from the identifying substance. For example, identifying substances may include substances belonging to the lantanide series and composed of at least one element with atomic numbers 57 to 71.

[0086] In one embodiment, the identifying substance may include a tagant. The tagant may include a spectral signature that is identifiable when absorbing and / or emitting light. When the tagant is irradiated with light by the light-emitting part of an aerosol generator, it may absorb a specific range of wavelengths. The tagant may be excited by absorbing light and emit at least one wavelength of light transitioned from the wavelength of the excited light. In this case, the light emitted by the tagant may be in the form of photoluminescence, phosphorescence, or fluorescence.

[0087] Light emitted by the Tagant with a specific range of wavelengths can be received by the light-receiving unit of the aerosol generator. Based on the wavelength of the light received by the light-receiving unit, the aerosol generator can identify the type of aerosol product.

[0088] The specific range of wavelengths emitted by Tagant can be determined by the amount, concentration, type, and / or composition ratio of the Tagant substance.

[0089] Tagant may contain organic substances. In one embodiment, tagant may contain one or more organic substances selected from the group consisting of quinazolinone compounds, thiophene compounds, sulfobenzoic acid compounds, and naphthyridine compounds.

[0090] Quinazolinone compounds may include quinazolinone derivatives or salts thereof. For example, quinazolinone compounds may include 4(3H)-quinazolinone, 6-chloro-2-(5-chloro-2-hydroxyphenyl); 4(3H)-quinazolinone, 6-chloro-2-(4-chloro-2-hydroxyphenyl); 4(3H)-quinazolinone, 7-chloro-2-(5-chloro-2-hydroxyphenyl); 2-(5-chloro-2-hydroxyphenyl)-3H-quinazolin-4-one.

[0091] Thiophene compounds may include thiophene derivatives or salts thereof. For example, thiophene compounds may include 2,5-bis(5-tert-butyl-2-benzoxazolyl)thiophene.

[0092] Sulfobenzoic acid compounds may include sulfobenzoic acid derivatives or salts thereof. For example, sulfobenzoic acid compounds may include benzoic acid, 2-[(2-hydroxy-5-sulfobenzoyl)amino]-, and monosodium salts.

[0093] Naphthyridine compounds may include naphthyridine derivatives or salts thereof. For example, naphthyridine compounds may include 1,8-naphthyridine derivatives and 1,5-naphthyridine derivatives.

[0094] Furthermore, Tagant may contain inorganic substances. In one embodiment, Tagant may contain one or more inorganic substances selected from the group consisting of rare earth elements, actinide metal oxides, and ceramics. For example, the rare earth elements may include one or more lanthanum group elements selected from the group consisting of lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, promethium, samarium, europium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, holmium, erbium, thulium, ytterbium, nitrides, and lutetium.

[0095] Furthermore, Tagant is also a substance that is a mixture of organic and inorganic substances. In one embodiment, Tagant may include a substance in which organic and inorganic substances are covalently bonded, coordinately bonded, ionically bonded, or covalently bonded. For example, Tagant is also a substance in which lanthanum inorganic and organic substances are coordinately bonded. For example, Tagant may include europium, tris[7-chloro-1-cyclopropyl-6-fluoro-1,4-dihydro-4-(oxo-kappaO)-1,8-naphthyridine;

[0096] The identifying substance is defined by the wavelength at which it has the greatest absorption (Abs) when irradiated with light. max The difference between the maximum absorption wavelength and the dominant wavelength (DWL) of the emitted light is approximately 20% or more relative to the maximum absorption wavelength. If the difference between the maximum absorption wavelength and the dominant wavelength of the identifiable substance falls within the aforementioned numerical range, it can have a meaningful level of identification accuracy. If the difference between the maximum absorption wavelength and the dominant wavelength of the identifiable substance is less than approximately 20%, light reflected by other components that are not the identifiable substance may act as noise, reducing the identification accuracy. For example, for an identifiable substance, the difference between the maximum absorption wavelength and the dominant wavelength of the emitted light relative to the light irradiated onto the identifiable substance is approximately 25% to 70% relative to the maximum absorption wavelength. Also, for an identifiable substance, the difference between the maximum absorption wavelength and the dominant wavelength of the emitted light relative to the light irradiated onto the identifiable substance is approximately 30% to 65% relative to the maximum absorption wavelength.

[0097] Experimental example: Photo-emitting experiment of a discriminant containing Tagant

[0098] After irradiating the identification substance containing Tagant with light, the wavelength of the emitted light was confirmed. The wavelength of the irradiated light was 365 nm, and the dominant wavelength (DWL) of the emitted light was measured. The results are shown in Table 1 below.

[0099] Example 1, described in Table 1, is a quinazolinone compound, specifically 4(3H)-quinazolinone and 6-chloro-2-(5-chloro-2-hydroxyphenyl). Example 2 is a quinazolinone compound, specifically 2-(5-chloro-2-hydroxyphenyl-3H-quinazolin-4-one). Example 3 is a thiophene compound, specifically 2,5-bis(5-tert-butyl-2-benzoxazolyl)thiophene and a sulfobenzoic acid compound, which is a mixture of benzoic acid, 2-[(2-hydroxy-5-sulfobenzoyl)amino]-, and a monosodium salt (85-90:10-15 weight ratio). Example 4 is europium and tris[7-chloro-1-cyclopropyl-6-fluoro-1,4-dihydro-4-(oxo-kappaO)-1,8-naphthyridine].

[0100] [Table 1]

[0101] As shown in Table 1, Examples 1 to 4 can be confirmed to absorb light, be excited, and emit light of a wavelength different from the wavelength of the absorbed light. Furthermore, Examples 1 to 4 have a maximum absorption wavelength (Abs) relative to the irradiated light. max ) and the difference between the main wavelength of the emitted light and the maximum absorption wavelength can be confirmed to be approximately 20% or more (Example 1: approximately 38%, Example 2: approximately 36%, Example 3: approximately 29%, Example 4: approximately 63%).

[0102] Tagant can be produced by adding it to a paper slurry or paste before drying the components of the aerosol product (e.g., a trumpet), or by painting or spraying it onto the components. Tagant may be present in nanogram quantities within the components of the aerosol product.

[0103] In one embodiment, the aerosol product may contain a predetermined first content or more of Tagant. This ensures that the aerosol product contains a sufficient amount of Tagant to emit light at wavelengths in a specific range. For example, when Tagant is sprayed onto a surface, the sprayed solution may contain Tagant at concentrations between approximately 1 ppm and approximately 1000 ppm. As another example, Tagant may be present at 6 mg / mm³. 2 The above can be included on the trumpet.

[0104] In one embodiment, the identification substance solution may be applied to the surface of a component of the aerosol product. Here, the identification substance solution may mean a liquid composition containing the identification substance. For example, the identification substance solution may be used to coat the surface of the trumpet of the aerosol product. As another example, the identification substance solution may be printed on the surface of the trumpet of the aerosol product.

[0105] For example, an identification substance solution may be produced by a manufacturing method that includes the steps of preparing the identification substance, mixing the identification substance and OP varnish to produce a primary solution, and mixing the primary solution and a diluent to produce an identification substance solution. The produced identification substance may be applied as a component of an aerosol product.

[0106] The step of preparing the identification substance also involves pre-treating the identification substance to have a shape and physical properties suitable for application to the components of the aerosol product. For example, the identification substance contained in the identification substance solution may be multiple particles having a diameter of approximately 0.1 μm to 10 μm. The identification substance may be milled to have a diameter within the aforementioned range. When the identification substance has a diameter within the aforementioned range, it can be uniformly dispersed on the surface of the aerosol generating article coated with the identification substance solution, potentially improving printability. If the identification substance has a diameter of less than approximately 0.1 μm, it is difficult to detect the light emitted by the identification substance. If the identification substance has a diameter exceeding approximately 10 μm, uniform dispersion of the identification substance becomes difficult, potentially reducing printability. The identification substance may have a diameter of, for example, approximately 0.5 μm to 5 μm, or approximately 0.7 μm to 3 μm.

[0107] The identification substance solution may include overprint varnish. In the present invention, overprint varnish means a liquid coating that solidifies upon curing. For example, overprint varnish may contain one or more substances selected from the group consisting of nitrocellulose, polyamide, propyl acetate, isopropyl alcohol, ethyl acetate, and 1,2-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid diisononyl ester (DINCH).

[0108] The identification substance solution may contain a diluent. The diluent may also be a diluent used in gravure or offset printing as is known in the art. For example, the diluent may contain one or more substances selected from the group consisting of water, C1-C4 alcohols, vegetable oils, fatty amines, propyl acetate, isopropyl alcohol, ethyl acetate, and 1,2-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid diisononyl ester (DINCH). The vegetable oil may contain one or more oils selected from the group consisting of linseed oil, soybean oil, castor oil, corn oil, tung oil, otticita oil, and coconut oil. The fatty amine may also be one or more selected from the group consisting of oleylamine, stearylamine, and oleyldiamine.

[0109] For example, the identification substance solution may contain, but is not limited to, approximately 0.01% to 20% by weight of the identification substance, approximately 10% to 40% by weight of the OP varnish, and approximately 50% to 85% by weight of the diluent. The identification substance solution may also contain approximately 0.05% to 10% by weight of the identification substance, approximately 15% to 30% by weight of the OP varnish, and approximately 60% to 80% by weight of the diluent.

[0110] Hereinafter, various embodiments regarding the placement / method of the identification substance will be described sequentially based on Figures 4A to 4D.

[0111] Figures 4A to 4D are side cross-sectional views of aerosol products illustrating examples of the placement / configuration of the identification substance.

[0112] Referring to Figures 4A to 4D, the cigarette 5 may include an identification substance 10, a tobacco rod 51, a filter rod 52, and a ferrule 53. Since at least one of the components of the cigarette 5 shown in Figures 4A to 4D is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol product described above, redundant explanations will be omitted below. It goes without saying that some components and structures may be replaced, added, or omitted to the extent that is easily understood by those skilled in the art based on the following drawings and descriptions.

[0113] Referring to Figure 4A, the identification substance 10 can be uniformly distributed across the entire area of ​​the trumpet 53 along its longitudinal direction. This allows the sensor module of the aerosol generator to sense the entire area of ​​the trumpet 53 where the identification substance 10 is arranged, thus increasing the flexibility of the sensor module's arrangement structure. This can improve the ease of the manufacturing process of the aerosol generator.

[0114] Furthermore, since the identification substance 10 is exposed on the outer surface of the trumpet 53, the sensor module of the aerosol generator can easily recognize the identification substance 10. In other words, the sensitivity of the sensor module can be improved.

[0115] The identification substance 10 shown in Figure 4A can be uniformly distributed throughout the entire area of ​​the trumpet 53 by being added to the paper slurry or paste during the manufacturing process of the trumpet 53.

[0116] Referring to Figure 4B, the identification substance 10 can be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the trumpet 53 on the outer surface of the trumpet 53. This allows the sensor module of the aerosol generator to sense the entire longitudinal area of ​​the trumpet 53 on which the identification substance 10 is arranged, thus improving the degree of freedom in the arrangement structure of the sensor module.

[0117] Furthermore, since the identification substance 10 is exposed on the outer surface of the trumpet 53, the sensor module of the aerosol generator can easily recognize the identification substance 10. In other words, the sensitivity of the sensor module can be improved.

[0118] Furthermore, based on the improved sensitivity, the amount of identification substance 10 used can be reduced compared to the embodiment shown in Figure 4A.

[0119] The identification substance 10 shown in Figure 4B can be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the trumpet 53 by being sprayed onto the surface of the trumpet 53.

[0120] Referring to Figure 4C, the identification substance 10 can be positioned along the longitudinal direction of the trumpet 53 on the inner surface of the trumpet 53. This prevents the identification substance 10 from separating from the trumpet 53 without the need for a separate adhesive. Therefore, the accuracy of the aerosol generator's identification of the identification substance 10 is improved, and the step of bonding the identification substance 10 to the trumpet 53 in the cigarette manufacturing process can be omitted.

[0121] The identification substance 10 shown in Figure 4C can be placed on the inner surface of the trumpet 53 by being sprayed onto its inner surface. In this case, the thickness of the trumpet 53 can be set to an appropriate range so that the sensor module of the aerosol generator can identify the identification substance 10 placed on the inner surface of the trumpet 53. For example, the thickness of the trumpet 53 may be in the range of approximately 10 μm to 200 μm.

[0122] Referring to Figure 4D, two flaps 53 can overlap and surround the cigarette 5. The identification substance 10 can be positioned longitudinally between the two overlapping flaps 53. This prevents the identification substance 10 from separating from the flaps 53 without the need for a separate adhesive. Therefore, the accuracy of the aerosol generator's identification of the identification substance 10 is improved, and the step of bonding the identification substance 10 to the flaps 53 in the cigarette 5 manufacturing process can be omitted.

[0123] Furthermore, compared to the embodiment shown in Figure 4C, the identification substance 10 is positioned closer to the outer surface of the trumpet 53, so the sensor module of the aerosol generator can easily recognize the identification substance 10. In other words, the sensitivity of the sensor module can be improved compared to the embodiment shown in Figure 4C.

[0124] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the aerosol product to illustrate the arrangement of the identification substance.

[0125] Since cigarette 5, shown in Figure 5, contains at least one of the aerosol products described above, we will omit further explanation below.

[0126] Furthermore, the cigarette 5 may be combined with at least one configuration or feature of the embodiments described above, unless it is technically obvious that it is not impossible. For example, the embodiment described in Figure 5 is described on the basis that the identification material 10 is placed on the outer surface of the bell, but is not limited thereto, and the identification material 10 shown in Figure 5 may be placed on the inner surface of the bell.

[0127] Referring to Figure 5, the identification substance 10 is arranged in a band-like pattern along the periphery of the cigarette 5, but it may also be arranged only in a portion along the longitudinal direction of the cigarette 5. In this case, the sensor module of the aerosol generator can be positioned in a predetermined location along the periphery of the cigarette 5 and recognize the identification substance 10, thus increasing the degree of freedom in the arrangement structure of the sensor module.

[0128] Furthermore, compared to embodiments in which the identification substance 10 is arranged throughout the entire area along the longitudinal direction of the trumpet, the amount of identification substance 10 used can be reduced.

[0129] For example, the area where the identification substance 10 is placed may extend approximately 1 mm to 10 mm along the longitudinal direction of the cigarette 5. For example, the area where the identification substance 10 is placed may extend approximately 2 mm to 7 mm along the longitudinal direction of the cigarette 5.

[0130] Furthermore, the cigarette 5 includes a tobacco rod 51 and a filter rod 52 that are sequentially aligned along the longitudinal direction of the cigarette 5, and the identification substance 10 may be placed in a region extending from the boundary BL between the tobacco rod 51 and the filter rod 52 toward the filter rod 52.

[0131] The length from the lower end of the area where the identification substance 10 is placed to the boundary BL between the tobacco rod 51 and the filter rod 52 is approximately 0 mm to 5 mm. Within the aforementioned range, it is possible to prevent the heat applied to the cigarette 5 from being transferred to the identification substance 10. For example, the length from the lower end of the area where the identification substance 10 is placed to the boundary BL between the tobacco rod 51 and the filter rod 52 is approximately 1 mm to 3 mm.

[0132] In the following description, based on the attached drawings, a separation prevention unit that prevents the identification substance from separating from the trumpet will be explained in an embodiment in which the identification substance is arranged on the outer surface of the trumpet.

[0133] Figures 6A and 6B show the tobacco rod, filter rod, and trumpet separated from the aerosol product.

[0134] Referring to Figures 6A and 6B, the cigarette 5 may include an identification substance 10, a separation prevention section 20, a tobacco rod 51, a filter rod 52, and a trumpet 53. Since at least one of the components of the cigarette 5 shown in Figures 6A and 6B is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol product described above, redundant explanations will be omitted below. It goes without saying that some components and structures may be replaced, added, or omitted to the extent that is easily understood by those skilled in the art based on the following drawings and descriptions.

[0135] The separation prevention unit 20 can perform the function of preventing the identification substance 10 from falling out of the trumpet 53. The separation prevention unit 20 can be positioned on the trumpet 53 so as to cover the area where the identification substance 10 is placed. The separation prevention unit 20 may be transparent so as not to block the light irradiated onto the identification substance 10 even when covering the area where the identification substance 10 is placed.

[0136] The separation prevention section 20 may change color at the temperature at which the tobacco rod 51 is heated, as illustrated in Figure 6B. For example, the separation prevention section 20 may contain a thermochromic substance that is transparent before heating but changes color after exposure to heat. Since the separation prevention section 20 is positioned to cover the identification substance 10, if the separation prevention section 20 changes color, it can shield the identification substance 10. This makes it easy for the user to tell with the naked eye whether or not a cigarette 5 has been used. For example, when heated to a temperature of 200°C to 400°C, the separation prevention section 20 may change color from transparent to opaque brown.

[0137] The discoloration temperature of the separation prevention unit 20 is higher than the activation temperature of the identification substance 10. In this invention, the activation temperature of the identification substance 10 is also the threshold temperature at which the identification substance 10 emits light having a different wavelength from the light irradiated to it. If the temperature at which the separation prevention unit 20 discolors is lower than or equal to the activation temperature of the identification substance 10, the separation prevention unit 20 discolors before the identification substance 10 emits light, blocking the light irradiated to the identification substance 10, so the sensor module cannot recognize the identification substance 10. According to one embodiment, the discoloration temperature of the separation prevention unit 20 is higher than the activation temperature of the identification substance 10, so the integrity of the sensor module's work in recognizing the identification substance 10 can be ensured.

[0138] In one embodiment, the area of ​​the separation prevention section 20 is larger than the area of ​​the region where the identification substance 10 is placed, and the separation prevention section 20 may be positioned so that the region where the identification substance is placed is not exposed to the outside. For example, the end of the separation prevention section 20 may be separated from the end of the identification substance 10 by a predetermined distance (20L). The aforementioned predetermined distance (20L) is approximately 1 mm to 10 mm.

[0139] If the predetermined distance (20L) is less than approximately 1mm, the identification substance 10 is more likely to fall off the trumpet 53. Also, if the predetermined distance (20L) exceeds approximately 10mm, the area of ​​the separation prevention section 20 is excessively enlarged, which may lead to unintended heating.

[0140] In one embodiment, the separation prevention section 20 may contain an adhesive material. The separation prevention section 20 may contain the same substance as the OP varnish of the identification substance solution. For example, the separation prevention section 20 may contain one or more substances selected from the group consisting of nitrocellulose, polyamide, propyl acetate, isopropyl alcohol, ethyl acetate, and 1,2-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid diisononyl ester (DINCH).

[0141] The aerosol generating apparatus using the aerosol products described above will be explained below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0142] Figure 7 is a schematic side view of an aerosol generation system according to one embodiment. In the present invention, the term "aerosol generation system" may be used to include both the aerosol product and the aerosol generation apparatus.

[0143] Referring to Figure 7, the aerosol generator 1 may include an aerosol generator body 100, a control unit 110, a battery 120, a memory 130, a heater 140, and a sensor unit 150. However, the components of the aerosol generator 1 are not limited thereto, and other components may be added or at least one component may be omitted depending on the embodiment.

[0144] Furthermore, since at least one of the components of the aerosol generation system shown in Figure 7 is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generation system described above, redundant explanations will be omitted below. It goes without saying that some components and structures may be replaced, added, or omitted to the extent that a person skilled in the art can easily understand them based on the following drawings and descriptions.

[0145] The aerosol generator body 100 can form the overall appearance of the aerosol generator 1. The aerosol generator body 100 can house the components of the aerosol generator 1.

[0146] A cavity 100a may be formed in the aerosol generating device body 100, in which a cigarette 5 can be accommodated. The cigarette 5 accommodated in the cavity 100a may be heated by a heater 140. The cavity 100a is also an elongated cavity, bonding region, insertion region, or heating region that accommodates the cigarette 5. The cavity 100a may have a shape that corresponds to at least a portion of the cigarette 5. For example, the cavity 100a may have a shape that extends in one direction (e.g., the -Z direction) from the opening. The cigarette 5 may be inserted longitudinally into the cavity 100a by passing through the opening.

[0147] The cigarette 5 housed in the cavity 100a may include the identification ID described above. The identification ID may be provided on at least a portion of the outer surface of the cigarette 5. When the cigarette 5 is housed in the cavity 100a, the identification ID may be located inside the aerosol generating device body 100.

[0148] The control unit 110 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 1. The control unit 110 may be implemented as an array of numerous logic gates, and may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microcontroller and a memory in which a program that can be executed by the microcontroller is stored, but is not limited to that.

[0149] The control unit 110 can control the power supplied from the battery 120 to the heater 140. For example, the control unit 110 can control the amount of power supplied from the battery 120 to the heater 140 and the duration of power supply so that the heater 140 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at a specified temperature.

[0150] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 may receive sensing results from the sensor unit 150. The memory 130 is connected to the control unit 110 and can store executable instructions. The control unit 110 can control the operation of the aerosol generator 1 by executing the instructions stored in the memory 130.

[0151] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 receives sensing results from the sensor unit 150 and executes commands related to the sensor unit 150 from among the commands stored in the memory 130, thereby recognizing identification information related to the cigarette 5 based on the amount of light emitted from the identification unit ID. For example, the identification information may include information about the type of cigarette 5, whether it is a genuine product or not, and / or the substances it contains. The control unit 110 can control the operation of the aerosol generator 1 based on the recognized identification information.

[0152] Specifically, the control unit 110 can control the power supply to the heater 140 based on the determined information about the cigarette 5. The control unit 110 can control the operation of the heater 140 differently based on identification information by executing instruction words related to the operation of the heater 140 from among the instruction words stored in the memory 130.

[0153] The battery 120 can supply power used to operate the aerosol generator 1. For example, the battery 120 can be electrically connected to the heater 140 and supply power to heat the heater 140. The battery 120 can also supply power necessary for the operation of other components of the aerosol generator 1 (e.g., the control unit 110). The battery 120 can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 120 can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but the type of battery 120 is not limited to that.

[0154] The memory 130 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generator 1, and can store data processed by the control unit 110 and data being processed.

[0155] The memory 130 may hold appropriate temperature profiles and drive-related information based on various information such as the type of cigarette 5, the type of substance it contains, the ratio of substance content, the amount of substance, and the degree of humidity. The control unit 110 can execute commands for information related to the drive of the heater 140 (e.g., drive cycle, drive intensity, etc.) from the memory 130 based on the identification unit ID, and perform the operation corresponding to the cigarette 5.

[0156] The heater 140 may be powered by the battery 120 and heat at least a portion of the cigarette 5. For example, the heater 140 may be positioned outside the tobacco rod of the cigarette 5 and heat the tobacco rod.

[0157] The heater 140 is not limited to the example shown in Figure 7. That is, although the heater 140 shown in Figure 7 is located on the outside of the cigarette 5, the heater 140 may include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element. In this case, the heater 140 may be inserted into the cigarette 5 to heat the inside of the cigarette 5.

[0158] The sensor unit 150 may be positioned in the aerosol generator body 100 to recognize the identification ID of the cigarette 5. The sensor unit 150 may be positioned around the cavity 100a so as to correspond to the identification ID.

[0159] Although not shown in Figure 7, the sensor unit 150 according to one embodiment is also a light sensor package type that includes a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit. The light sensor package will be described in detail later based on Figures 24A to 32B.

[0160] The light-emitting section can emit light of a first wavelength toward the cavity 100a. For example, the light-emitting section may consist of at least one light-emitting diode that emits light of a first wavelength when current flows through it.

[0161] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the light of a first wavelength emitted by the light-emitting unit may be transmitted to the identification unit ID of the cigarette 5. The light of the first wavelength is excited at the identification unit ID, and the identification unit ID may emit light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength. Optical properties such as the wavelength and amount of light emitted from the identification unit ID may be determined by the amount, concentration, type and / or composition ratio of the identification unit ID.

[0162] The light-receiving unit can receive light emitted from the identification unit ID of the cigarette 5. For example, the light-receiving unit may consist of at least one photodetector diode that conducts current when light is shone upon it.

[0163] The light-receiving unit can sense the optical properties of the light emitted from the cigarette 5 (for example, the amount of light of the second wavelength) and recognize identification information related to the cigarette 5. The light-receiving unit can provide the sensing result to the control unit 110.

[0164] The following describes the first wavelength of light emitted by the light-emitting part and the second wavelength of light received by the light-receiving part.

[0165] In one embodiment, the first wavelength of light is infrared radiation, and the second wavelength of light is also infrared radiation having a different wavelength from the first wavelength. For example, the first wavelength may be in the range of 930 nm to 990 nm. The second wavelength may be in the range of 1000 nm to 1020 nm. For example, the first wavelength may be 980 nm, and the second wavelength may be 1012 nm.

[0166] As a result, the sensor unit 150 can recognize the identification information of the cigarette 5 without being visually exposed to the user, by using first and second wavelengths of light consisting of infrared light.

[0167] In one embodiment, the first wavelength of light is ultraviolet light, and the second wavelength of light is infrared light. For example, the first wavelength may be in the range of 300 nm to 340 nm. The second wavelength may be in the range of 1000 nm to 1020 nm. For example, the first wavelength may be 320 nm, and the second wavelength may be 1012 nm.

[0168] In one embodiment, the first wavelength of light is ultraviolet light, and the second wavelength of light is visible light. In this case, the light receiving unit is also a color sensor. The color sensor may include an RGB (Red Green Blue) sensor or an xYZ optical sensor for measuring, discriminating, or classifying the colors of an identification display. The RGB sensor includes a three-color light source and can detect color information by reflecting light off an object. The XYZ optical sensor includes an optical-to-digital converter and can detect xy chromaticity coordinates in the CIE (Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage) 1931 color space.

[0169] For example, the first wavelength is in the range of 340nm to 375nm, and the second wavelength is in the range of 380nm to 780nm. For example, the first wavelength is 365nm, and the second wavelength is 613nm to 627nm (red light). Another example is that the first wavelength is 365nm, and the second wavelength is 540nm to 551nm (yellow light). Also, the first wavelength is 365nm, and the second wavelength is 513nm to 537nm (green light). Furthermore, the first wavelength is 365nm, and the second wavelength is 437nm to 477nm (blue light).

[0170] As another example, the first wavelength is also a wavelength in the 250nm to 260nm range, and the second wavelength is also a wavelength in the 400nm to 750nm range. For example, the first wavelength is also a wavelength of 255nm, and the second wavelength is also a wavelength of 580nm (yellow light).

[0171] In one embodiment, the first wavelength is in the range of 600 nm to 900 nm, and the second wavelength is in the range of 1000 nm to 1020 nm. For example, the first wavelength is 700 nm, and the second wavelength is 1012 nm. In this case, the sensor unit 150 may include a near-infrared (NIR) sensor.

[0172] As described above, the sensor unit 150 can improve its identification accuracy for the cigarette 5 by using different types of light (or light with relatively large wavelength changes) as the first wavelength and second wavelength light.

[0173] For example, based on a sensing value of approximately 1012 nm received via the light-receiving unit, the control unit 110 may determine that the cigarette 5 inserted into the aerosol generator 1 is a first-type cigarette 5. As another example, based on a sensing value of approximately 1012 nm received via the light-receiving unit, the control unit 110 may determine that the cigarette 5 inserted into the aerosol generator 1 is a genuine product that has not been counterfeited or altered.

[0174] If the type of cigarette 5 is determined to be a first type of aerosol product, the control unit 110 may control the power supply to the heater 140 based on the temperature profile corresponding to the first type of aerosol product. As another example, if the cigarette 5 is determined to be a counterfeit article, the control unit 110 may not supply power to the heater 140 or may cut off the power supply that is currently being supplied.

[0175] If the type of cigarette 5 is detected based on the sensing value sensed via the light receiver, the battery 120 may supply power to the heater 140 with a temperature profile corresponding to the detected type of cigarette 5. As another example, if the cigarette 5 is determined to be a counterfeit item based on the sensing value sensed via the light receiver, the battery 120 will not supply power to the heater 140.

[0176] The light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit may be arranged adjacent to the cavity 100a. For example, the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit may be arranged at a predetermined distance apart in the z-axis direction along the extension direction of the cavity 100a. As another example, the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit may be arranged at a predetermined distance apart in the x-axis direction along the direction in which the cavity 100a extends, surrounding at least one area of ​​the cavity 100a. In this case, "at least one area of ​​the cavity" may mean the area corresponding to the area on the cigarette 5 where the identification unit ID is placed when the cigarette 5 is housed in the cavity 100a.

[0177] Figure 8 is a schematic side view of an aerosol generation system having a different heating method than the aerosol generation system in Figure 7.

[0178] Referring to Figure 8, the aerosol generator 1 may include the aerosol generator body 100, control unit 110, battery 120, memory 130, heater 140, and sensor unit 150. Since at least one of the components of the aerosol generator system shown in Figure 8 (for example, the sensor unit 150) is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generator system shown in Figure 7, redundant explanations will be omitted below. It goes without saying that some components and structures may be replaced, added, or omitted to the extent that a person skilled in the art can easily understand them based on the following drawings and descriptions.

[0179] The aerosol generator 1 can generate an aerosol by heating a cigarette 5 housed in the cavity 100a using an induction heating method. The induction heating method refers to a method of heating a magnetic material that generates heat in response to an external magnetic field by applying an alternating magnetic field whose direction changes periodically.

[0180] When an alternating magnetic field is applied to a magnetic material, energy loss occurs in the magnetic material due to eddy current loss and hysteresis loss, and the lost energy can be released from the magnetic material as thermal energy. The larger the amplitude or frequency of the alternating magnetic field applied to the magnetic material, the more thermal energy can be released from the magnetic material. The aerosol generator 1 can release thermal energy from the magnetic material by applying an alternating magnetic field to the magnetic material, and can transfer the thermal energy released from the magnetic material to the cigarette 5.

[0181] For this purpose, the heater 140 may include a susceptor 140a and a coil 140b.

[0182] The susceptor 140a is a magnetic material that generates heat in response to a magnetic field. The susceptor 140a is placed inside the aerosol generator body 100 and may be positioned to surround the cigarette 5 housed in the cavity 100a. In this case, the susceptor 140a may be formed from a hollow cylindrical shape as a whole, but its shape is not limited thereto.

[0183] In a modified embodiment, the susceptor 140a may be located inside the cigarette 5 housed in the cavity 100a. In this case, the susceptor 140a may be included in the cigarette 5 in the form of a section, slice, or strip.

[0184] At least a portion of susceptor 140a may consist of a ferromagnetic substance. For example, susceptor 140a may contain metal or carbon. Susceptor 140a may contain at least one of ferrite, ferromagnetic alloy, stainless steel, and aluminum (Al). Susceptor 140a may also contain at least one of graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, niobium, nickel alloy, metal film, ceramics such as zirconia, transition metals such as nickel (Ni) and cobalt (Co), and metalloids such as boron (B) and phosphorus (P).

[0185] The coil 140b can apply an alternating magnetic field to the susceptor 140a, causing the susceptor 140a to heat up. The coil 140b may be arranged to surround the outside of the susceptor 140a. The battery 120 may include a battery unit that supplies DC to the coil 140b and a conversion unit that converts the DC supplied from the battery unit into AC that is supplied to the coil 140b.

[0186] The sensor unit 150 recognizes the identification ID of the cigarette 5 housed in the cavity 100a, and the control unit 110 can control the power supply to the coil 140b based on the information of the cigarette 5.

[0187] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing how an aerosol generation system according to one embodiment determines information about the aerosol product and controls the power supply to the heater. In the explanation relating to Figure 9, at least one of the components of the aerosol generation system is the same as or similar to what has been described above, so redundant explanations may be omitted.

[0188] Referring to Figure 9, the operation method of an aerosol generation system according to one embodiment may include four steps.

[0189] First, the control unit of the aerosol generator can irradiate the identification substance with light via the light-emitting unit during operation S100.

[0190] In one embodiment, if the insertion of an aerosol product is detected, the control unit may irradiate it with light having a predetermined wavelength via a light-emitting unit. For example, the aerosol generator includes an insertion sensing sensor such as an inductive sensor, a capacitance sensor, or a pressure sensor, and if the insertion of an aerosol product is detected via the insertion sensing sensor, the control unit may irradiate it with light having a predetermined wavelength via a light-emitting unit.

[0191] In another embodiment, when user input is received to the aerosol generator, the control unit may irradiate light having a predetermined wavelength via the light-emitting unit. For example, the aerosol generator includes a physical button that allows the user to select the state of the device (e.g., power on / off), and when user input is received to the physical button, the control unit may irradiate light having a predetermined wavelength via the light-emitting unit.

[0192] In one embodiment, the wavelength of light irradiated through the light-emitting unit may correspond to a first wavelength range. In this case, the first wavelength range means the wavelength range of light that can excite the identification substance, and can therefore be set in advance to correspond to the identification substance. For example, in order to identify an aerosol product containing an identification substance that is excited at a wavelength of approximately 365 nm, the first wavelength range may be set in advance to a range of approximately 340 nm to 375 nm.

[0193] In one embodiment, the first wavelength range capable of exciting the identifying substance may include at least one of the following wavelength ranges: approximately 250 nm to 260 nm, approximately 300 nm to 340 nm, approximately 350 nm to 390 nm, approximately 600 nm to 900 nm, or approximately 930 nm to 990 nm.

[0194] For example, if the first wavelength range includes a wavelength range of approximately 300 nm to 340 nm, the control unit can irradiate the identification substance of the aerosol product with ultraviolet light of approximately 320 nm via the light-emitting unit.

[0195] As another example, if the first wavelength range includes a wavelength range of approximately 340 nm to 375 nm, the control unit may irradiate the identification substance of the aerosol product with ultraviolet light of approximately 365 nm via the light-emitting unit.

[0196] As another example, if the first wavelength range includes a wavelength range of approximately 930 nm to 990 nm, the control unit may irradiate the identification substance of the aerosol product with infrared light of approximately 980 nm via the light-emitting unit.

[0197] Next, in operation S200, the control unit may sense the light emitted from the identification substance via the light receiving unit.

[0198] In one embodiment, the wavelength of light sensed via the light-receiving unit may correspond to a second wavelength range. In this case, the second wavelength range may refer to the wavelength range of light emitted from the identification substance excited by irradiation with light in the first wavelength range. For example, when the identification substance is excited at a wavelength of approximately 320 nm, it emits light in the range of approximately 1000 nm to 1020 nm, and the control unit may determine the wavelength range of approximately 1000 nm to 1020 nm obtained via the light-receiving unit as the second wavelength range emitted from the identification substance.

[0199] In one embodiment, the control unit can sense light emitted from the identification substance by receiving an ADC value from the light receiving unit. In this case, when light is received from the identification substance, the light receiving unit acquires an analog signal, and the "ADC value" may mean a digital value obtained by converting the analog signal acquired by the light receiving unit so that the control unit recognizes it. For example, based on the ADC value received from the light receiving unit, the control unit can determine the wavelength range of the light emitted from the identification substance.

[0200] Next, in operation S300, the control unit may determine information about the aerosol product based on the sensing value sensed via the light receiving unit. In this case, the information about the aerosol product may include the type of aerosol product, whether or not the aerosol product has been counterfeited, and so on.

[0201] In one embodiment, the control unit can determine information about the aerosol product based on different sensing values ​​sensed depending on the type of identification substance.

[0202] For example, the identification substance may include a first identification substance that emits light at approximately 10¹² nm and a second identification substance that emits light at approximately 700 nm.

[0203] In this case, if the sensing value sensed via the light-receiving unit corresponds to the wavelength value (approximately 10¹² nm) emitted from the first identification substance, the control unit can determine that the aerosol product is a first type of aerosol product containing the first identification substance.

[0204] Alternatively, if the sensing value detected via the light-receiving unit corresponds to the wavelength value (approximately 700 nm) emitted from the second identification substance, the control unit may determine that the aerosol product is a second type of aerosol product containing the second identification substance.

[0205] The difference between the wavelength emitted from the first identifying substance and the wavelength emitted from the second identifying substance is approximately 15 nm or more. If the difference between the wavelength emitted from the first identifying substance and the wavelength emitted from the second identifying substance is less than approximately 15 nm, the accuracy of the control unit's ability to distinguish between the types of identifying substances decreases. Here, the wavelength emitted from the first identifying substance and the wavelength emitted from the second identifying substance may each represent the dominant wavelength (DWL). For example, the difference between the wavelength emitted from the first identifying substance and the wavelength emitted from the second identifying substance may also be approximately 30 nm or more, approximately 50 nm or more, or approximately 100 nm or more.

[0206] In one embodiment, the control unit can determine information about the aerosol product based on different sensing values ​​sensed by different concentrations of the identification substance.

[0207] For example, the identifying substance may include the same type of substance, but may also include an identifying substance at a first concentration (e.g., 20%) and an identifying substance at a second concentration (e.g., 30%).

[0208] In this case, if the sensing value sensed via the light-receiving unit exceeds a first threshold, the control unit may determine that the aerosol product is a first type of aerosol product containing a first concentration of the identifying substance.

[0209] Alternatively, if the sensing value sensed via the light-receiving unit exceeds a second threshold greater than the first threshold, the control unit may determine that the aerosol product is a second type of aerosol product containing a second concentration of the identifying substance.

[0210] Next, in operation S400, the control unit 110 can control the power supply to the heater based on information about the aerosol product.

[0211] In one embodiment, the control unit can control the power supply to the heater based on the type of aerosol product. For example, if the type of aerosol product is determined to be a first type of aerosol product, the control unit can control the power supply to the heater based on a pre-configured first temperature profile for the first type of aerosol product. As another example, if the type of aerosol product is determined to be a second type of aerosol product, the control unit can control the power supply to the heater based on a pre-configured second temperature profile for the second type of aerosol product. In this case, the pre-configured first temperature profile and the second temperature profile may be different from each other.

[0212] In one embodiment, the control unit may control the power supply to the heater based on whether or not the aerosol product is counterfeit. For example, if the aerosol product is determined to be a genuine article, the control unit may control the power supply to the heater based on a pre-set temperature profile for the cigarette 5. As another example, if the aerosol product is determined to be a counterfeit article, the control unit may not supply power to the heater or may cut off the power supply while it is in operation.

[0213] Figure 10A is an example of a wavelength graph showing the emission from a first identification substance when irradiated with wavelengths in the first wavelength range. Figure 10B is an example of a wavelength graph showing the emission from a second identification substance when irradiated with wavelengths in the first wavelength range.

[0214] Referring to Figure 10A, the first identifying substance contained in the aerosol product can emit light having a predetermined wavelength range when irradiated from the light-emitting part with light in a first wavelength range. In this case, the first wavelength range is also a wavelength range of approximately 300 nm to 340 nm.

[0215] In one embodiment, the control unit of the aerosol generator may determine the wavelength range 520 that exceeds the threshold 510 in the first graph 500a, which is a wavelength graph of the wavelengths emitted from the first identified substance, as the second wavelength range. For example, the control unit receives a sensing value corresponding to the wavelength range 520 via a light receiving unit, and the wavelength range 520, which is the second wavelength range, is also a wavelength range of approximately 1000 nm to 1020 nm.

[0216] Referring to Figure 10B, the second identifying substance contained in the aerosol product can emit light having a predetermined wavelength range when irradiated from the light-emitting part with light in the first wavelength range. In this case, the first wavelength range is also the wavelength range of approximately 930 nm to 990 nm.

[0217] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 (see Figure 7) of the aerosol generator may determine the wavelength range 520 that exceeds the threshold 510 in the second graph 500b, which is a wavelength graph of the second identification substance, as the second wavelength range. For example, the control unit receives a sensing value corresponding to the wavelength range 520 via the light receiving unit, and the wavelength range 520, which is the second wavelength range, is also a wavelength range of approximately 1000 nm to 1020 nm.

[0218] The first graph 500a in Figure 10A and the second graph 500b in Figure 10B are illustrated in the same form for illustrative purposes, but are not limited to this. For example, the wavelength ranges exceeding the threshold 510 are somewhat similar in the first graph 500a in Figure 10A and the second graph 500b in Figure 10B, but their overall graph forms may differ from each other.

[0219] Figure 11A is an example of a wavelength graph showing the emission from the third identification substance when irradiated with wavelengths in the first wavelength range. Figure 11B is an example of a wavelength graph showing the emission from the third identification substance when irradiated with wavelengths in the first wavelength range.

[0220] Referring to Figure 11A, the third identifying substance contained in the aerosol product can emit light having a predetermined wavelength range when irradiated from the light-emitting part with light in the first wavelength range. In this case, the first wavelength range is also the wavelength range of approximately 340 nm to 375 nm.

[0221] In one embodiment, the control unit of the aerosol generator may determine the wavelength range 620 that exceeds the threshold 610 in the third graph 600a, which is a wavelength graph emitted from the third identification substance, as the second wavelength range. For example, the control unit receives a sensing value corresponding to the wavelength range 620 via the light receiving unit, and the wavelength range 620, which is the second wavelength range, is also a part of the wavelength range of approximately 400 nm to 750 nm.

[0222] For example, if the wavelength range 620 is approximately 450 nm to 490 nm, the control unit may determine that the sensing value sensed via the light-receiving unit corresponds to "blue," and determine that the aerosol product in which the identified substance exhibits "blue" is the first type of aerosol product.

[0223] As another example, if the wavelength range 620 is approximately 490 nm to 570 nm, the control unit may determine that the sensing value sensed via the light receiver corresponds to "green," and determine that the aerosol product in which the identified substance exhibits "green" is a second type of aerosol product.

[0224] As another example, if the wavelength range 620 is approximately 630 nm to 750 nm, the control unit may determine that the sensing value sensed via the light receiver corresponds to "red," and determine that the aerosol product in which the identified substance exhibits "red" is a third type of aerosol product.

[0225] Referring to Figure 11B, the third identifying substance contained in the aerosol product can emit light having a predetermined wavelength range when irradiated from the light-emitting part with light in the first wavelength range. In this case, the first wavelength range is also the wavelength range of approximately 250 nm to 260 nm. That is, the third identifying substance can be excited not only in the wavelength range of approximately 350 nm to 390 nm, but also in the wavelength range of approximately 250 nm to 260 nm.

[0226] In one embodiment, the control unit of the aerosol generator may determine the wavelength range 620 that exceeds the threshold 610 in the fourth graph 600b, which is a wavelength graph of the wavelengths emitted from the third identification substance, as the second wavelength range. For example, the control unit receives a sensing value corresponding to the wavelength range 620 via a light receiving unit, and the wavelength range 620, which is the second wavelength range, is also a part of the wavelength range of approximately 400 nm to 750 nm.

[0227] The third graph 600a in Figure 11A and the fourth graph 600b in Figure 11B are illustrated in the same form for illustrative purposes, but are not limited to this. For example, while the wavelength range exceeding the threshold 610 is somewhat similar in the third graph 600a in Figure 11A and the fourth graph 600b in Figure 11B, their overall graph forms may differ.

[0228] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating another specific example of how an aerosol generation system according to one embodiment determines information about the aerosol product. Figure 12 is a flowchart that further elaborates on the operation shown in Figure 9, and in the explanation relating to Figure 12, at least one of the components of the aerosol generation system is the same as or similar to what has been described above, so redundant explanations may be omitted.

[0229] Referring to Figure 12, operation S200 may include operations S210 and S220.

[0230] First, the control unit of the aerosol generator irradiates the identification substance with light via the light-emitting unit, and then in operation S210, it may interrupt the irradiation of the identification substance with light via the light-emitting unit.

[0231] For example, if a first hour has elapsed since the light source began irradiating the material, the state of the identification substance will change from the ground state to the excited state. In this case, "first hour" may mean the time after the identification substance has been excited by the absorption of light, during which no further changes in the state of the substance occur. The control unit may irradiate the identification substance with light via the light source for a period of first hour, and then discontinue irradiating the identification substance with light via the light source once the first hour has elapsed.

[0232] Next, in operation S220, the control unit may sense the light emitted from the identification substance via the light-receiving unit after a second time has elapsed since the irradiation of light from the light-emitting unit to the identification substance was interrupted. In this case, "second time" may mean the time from the interruption of light irradiation from the light-emitting unit until the light emitted from the light-emitting unit is no longer sensed by the light-receiving unit.

[0233] In other words, the light-receiving unit needs to focus on sensing the light emitted from the identification substance, but because the light emitted from the light-emitting unit is also sensed by the light-receiving unit, some noise may be included in the sensing value.

[0234] However, the identification material according to the present invention can emit light (i.e., residual light emission) for a predetermined period of time even if the light irradiated from the light-emitting unit is blocked. Therefore, the control unit can sense the light emitted from the identification material via the light-receiving unit after a second time has elapsed from the point in time when the irradiation of light from the light-emitting unit is interrupted, so that the light-receiving unit can sense only the light emitted from the identification material.

[0235] In one embodiment, the control unit can sense light emitted from the identification substance via the light-receiving unit approximately 200 μs to 2000 μs after the irradiation of the identification substance with light from the light-emitting unit is interrupted.

[0236] For example, if the identification substance is a first type of substance that emits light for a relatively long time even after the light irradiated from the light-emitting part is blocked, or a substance of a first concentration, the control unit can sense the light emitted from the identification substance via the light-receiving part after a time of approximately 500 μs to 2000 μs has elapsed.

[0237] As another example, if the identification substance is a second type of substance that emits light for a relatively short time after the light irradiated from the light-emitting unit is blocked, or a substance at a second concentration lower than the first concentration, the control unit can sense the light emitted from the identification substance via the light-receiving unit after a time of approximately 200 μs to 500 μs has elapsed. On the other hand, in another embodiment, the light-emitting unit may emit light, and the light-receiving unit may receive the light emitted by the identification substance. This can shorten the time it takes for the sensor unit to recognize the identification substance.

[0238] The above description is based on an embodiment in which the identification part ID (or identification substance 10) has a band-shaped pattern (or shape) surrounding the outer surface of the cigarette 5, and is formed at a certain distance away from the boundary BL between the tobacco rod 51 and the filter rod 52 of the cigarette 5, in the direction toward the filter rod 52.

[0239] However, since the identification substance 10, such as Tagant, has the characteristic of exciting light of a specific first wavelength and emitting light of a specific second wavelength, the sensor unit 150 can generally determine whether or not the cigarette 5 has been counterfeited based on the change in the wavelength of the emitted light and the wavelength of the received light. However, in order to identify the type of cigarette 5, it is necessary to rely on the precise wavelength value of the received light, so if external noise is introduced, it may not be possible to accurately identify the type of cigarette 5. For example, the sensor unit 150 cannot calculate accurate sensing values ​​due to the surrounding environment or the uneven surface condition of the cigarette 5's lid. In particular, the sensor unit 150 is sensitive to the distance to the object being sensed (e.g., the identification unit ID), and it is difficult to process such errors using only software algorithms. Therefore, a method is required to more accurately identify the type of cigarette 5 by changing the amount, concentration, and / or composition ratio of the identification substance 10 contained in the identification unit ID, or by changing its shape.

[0240] Hereinafter, an embodiment that allows for accurate determination of the type of cigarette 5 through deformation of the identification ID will be described in detail based on Figures 13 to 23B.

[0241] Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating a cigarette including an identification unit according to one embodiment. Figures 14A and 14B are diagrams illustrating a sensor unit that identifies the type of cigarette in Figure 13. Figures 15A to 15D are graphs showing the sensing values ​​for each of the multiple regions of the identification unit.

[0242] In this case, the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figures 14A and 14B is substantially the same as the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figure 7, so we will focus on explaining the differences and omit redundant explanations.

[0243] Referring to Figure 13, a cigarette 5 according to one embodiment includes a tobacco rod 51 and a filter rod 52, and may include an identification portion ID1 formed in a region extending from the boundary BL between the tobacco rod 51 and the filter rod 52 toward the filter rod 52.

[0244] According to one embodiment, the identification unit ID1 may include a plurality of regions (e.g., A1, A2, A3) in which the concentrations of the included identification substance differ from each other.

[0245] For example, the identification unit ID1 includes a first region A1, a second region A2, and a third region A3, which are band-shaped and surround the outer surface of the cigarette 5, and the first region A1, the second region A2, and the third region A3 may be arranged sequentially adjacent to each other in the direction from the boundary BL toward the filter rod 52.

[0246] The identification substance may include the same type of substance, but may also include an identification substance at a first concentration (e.g., 7%), an identification substance at a second concentration (e.g., 20%), and an identification substance at a third concentration (e.g., 30%). The first region A1 may contain the identification substance at the first concentration, the second region A2 may contain the identification substance at the second concentration, and the third region A3 may contain the identification substance at the third concentration.

[0247] Referring to Figures 14A and 14B, the aerosol generator 1 may include a main body 100 containing a cavity 100a into which a cigarette 5 is inserted, a sensor unit 150 positioned around the cavity 100a that senses an identification unit ID 1, and a control unit 110 that identifies the type of cigarette 5 based on the sensing value sensed by the sensor unit 150.

[0248] For example, the sensor unit 150 may be positioned to correspond to the third region A3 of the cigarette 5 when the cigarette 5 is fully inserted into the cavity 100a. Therefore, the sensor unit 150 can sequentially sense the first region A1, the second region A2, and the third region A3 of the cigarette 5 while the cigarette 5 is inserted into the cavity 100a.

[0249] At this time, when the sensing value sensed via the light receiving unit by the sensor unit 150 is within the first threshold range (for example, 6% to 8%), it may be determined as a first concentration identification substance having a first concentration (for example, 7%). When the sensing value sensed via the light receiving unit is within the second threshold range (for example, 19% to 21%), it may be determined as a second concentration identification substance having a second concentration (for example, 20%). Similarly, when the sensing value sensed via the light receiving unit by the sensor unit 150 is within the third threshold range (for example, 29% to 31%), it may be determined as a third concentration identification substance having a third concentration (for example, 30%).

[0250] FIGS. 15A to 15D are exemplary graphs for explaining concentration patterns related to a plurality of regions. Therefore, the number of cases of the concentration pattern is not limited thereto. For example, when distinguishing whether the concentration difference between adjacent regions is a single-step difference (for example, changing from the first concentration to the second concentration) or a two-step difference (for example, changing from the first concentration to the third concentration), more patterns of cases can be generated. Also, when the number of regions included in the identification unit ID1 increases, the number of cases of the concentration pattern can increase.

[0251] Referring to FIG. 15A, the first region A1 may have a first concentration, the second region A2 may have a second concentration, and the third region A3 may have a third concentration. At this time, since the concentrations of the identification substances are large in the order of the third concentration (for example, 30%), the second concentration (for example, 20%), and the first concentration (for example, 7%), in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15A, the sensor unit 150 may determine that the identification unit ID1 has a first concentration pattern in which the sensing value increases upward to the right as it goes from the first region A1 to the third region A3.

[0252] Furthermore, referring to Figure 15B, the first region A1 may have the third concentration, the second region A2 may have the second concentration, and the third region A3 may have the first concentration. In this case, the concentrations of the identification substance are increasing in the order of third concentration (e.g., 30%), second concentration (e.g., 20%), and first concentration (e.g., 7%), so in the embodiment shown in Figure 15B, the sensor unit 150 can be determined to have a second concentration pattern in which the sensing value of the identification unit ID1 moves downward to the left as it moves from the first region A1 to the third region A3.

[0253] Furthermore, referring to Figure 15C, the first region A1 may have a first concentration, the second region A2 may have a third concentration, and the third region A3 may have a first concentration. In this case, since the concentration of the identification substance is greater at the third concentration (e.g., 30%) than at the first concentration (e.g., 7%), in the embodiment shown in Figure 15C, the sensor unit 150 may be determined to have an upward V-shaped third concentration pattern in which the identification unit ID1 has its maximum value in the second region A2.

[0254] Furthermore, referring to Figure 15D, the first region A1 may have a third concentration, the second region A2 may have a first concentration, and the third region A3 may have a third concentration. In this case, since the concentration of the identification substance is greater at the third concentration (e.g., 30%) than at the first concentration (e.g., 7%), in the embodiment shown in Figure 15D, the sensor unit 150 may be determined to have a V-shaped fourth concentration pattern in which the identification unit ID1 has its minimum value in the second region A2.

[0255] The aerosol generator 1 may further include a memory 130 containing different concentration-intensity change patterns for each type of cigarette 5. For example, the memory 130 may include a lookup table in which the concentration-intensity change patterns are matched for each type of cigarette 5.

[0256] The control unit 110 can determine the type of cigarette 5 inserted into the cavity 100a by comparing the sensing value intensity change patterns (for example, the first to fourth concentration patterns) of the first region A1, second region A2, and third region A3 determined by the sensor unit 150 with the concentration intensity change patterns already stored in the memory 130.

[0257] For example, the control unit 110 may determine that if the sensing value of the identification unit ID1 determined by the sensor unit 150 is a first concentration pattern, the cigarette 5 is a first type of aerosol product; if the sensing value of the identification unit ID1 determined by the sensor unit 150 is a second concentration pattern, the cigarette 5 is a second type of aerosol product; if the sensing value of the identification unit ID1 determined by the sensor unit 150 is a third concentration pattern, the cigarette 5 is a third type of aerosol product; and if the sensing value of the identification unit ID1 determined by the sensor unit 150 is a fourth type of aerosol product.

[0258] Thus, when the aerosol generator 1 senses a concentration pattern due to the concentration difference of the identification substance contained in the identification unit ID1 and identifies the type of cigarette 5 based on the sensed concentration pattern, it can be expected that malfunctions due to sensing errors caused by the distance between the sensor unit 150 and the identification unit ID1, and sensing errors caused by the non-uniformity of the trumpet surface of the cigarette 5, will be prevented.

[0259] Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating a cigarette including an identification unit according to one embodiment. Figures 17A and 17B are diagrams illustrating a sensor unit that identifies the type of cigarette in Figure 16.

[0260] In this case, the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figures 17A and 17B is substantially the same as the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figure 7, so we will focus on explaining the differences and omit redundant explanations.

[0261] Referring to Figure 16, a cigarette 5 according to one embodiment includes a tobacco rod 51 and a filter rod 52, and may include an identification portion ID2 formed in a region extending from the boundary BL between the tobacco rod 51 and the filter rod 52 toward the filter rod 52.

[0262] According to one embodiment, the identification unit ID2 may include multiple regions (for example, A1, A2, A3, A4, A5) in which the concentrations of the included identification substance differ from each other.

[0263] For example, the identification unit ID2 includes a first region A1, a second region A2, a third region A3, a fourth region A4, and a fifth region A5, which are band-shaped and surround the outer surface of the cigarette 5. The first region A1, the second region A2, the third region A3, the fourth region A4, and the fifth region A5 may be arranged sequentially adjacent to each other in the direction from the boundary BL toward the filter rod 52. In Figure 16, the number of regions is shown as five, but this is illustrative and not limited to this number. Therefore, the number of regions may be increased or decreased considering the length of the cigarette 5 and the number of types of cigarette 5 to be identified.

[0264] The discriminant substance contains the same type of substance, but the concentration of the discriminant substance formed in each of the multiple regions A1, A2, A3, A4, and A5 is either a first concentration between the first and second thresholds, or a second concentration between the third and fourth thresholds. In this case, to ensure a clear distinction between the first and second concentrations, the difference between the second and third thresholds may be greater than the difference between the first and second thresholds, and the difference between the third and fourth thresholds. For example, the first threshold is 5%, the second threshold is 15%, the third threshold is 30%, and the fourth threshold is 40%.

[0265] When forming the identification unit ID2, even if adjacent regions among multiple regions A1, A2, A3, A4, and A5 are judged to have the same concentration (for example, the first concentration), the actual concentration values ​​may be formed differently due to region division. For example, even if the first region A1, the second region A2, and the third region A3 are all judged to have the first concentration, the actual concentration value of the first region A1 is 7%, the actual concentration value of the second region A2 is 10%, and the actual concentration value of the third region A3 is 13%.

[0266] Referring to Figures 17A and 17B, the aerosol generator 1 may include a main body 100 containing a cavity 100a into which a cigarette 5 is inserted, a sensor unit 150 positioned around the cavity 100a that senses an identification unit ID 2, and a control unit 110 that identifies the type of cigarette 5 based on the sensing value sensed by the sensor unit 150.

[0267] For example, the sensor unit 150 may be positioned to correspond to the fifth region A5 of the cigarette 5 when the cigarette 5 is fully inserted into the cavity 100a. Therefore, the sensor unit 150 can sequentially sense the first region A1, second region A2, third region A3, fourth region A4, and fifth region A5 of the cigarette 5 while the cigarette 5 is inserted into the cavity 100a.

[0268] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 can convert the sensing value array of the first region A1 to the fifth region A5 into a binary code by associating one region of the identification unit ID2 with "0" when it is determined by a first density, and with "1" when it is determined by a second density. In other words, the identification unit ID2 can function as a binary code unit.

[0269] For example, if the actual concentration value of the first region A1 is 7%, the actual concentration value of the second region A2 is 10%, the actual concentration value of the third region A3 is 33%, the actual concentration value of the fourth region A4 is 7%, and the actual concentration value of the fifth region A5 is 33%, the control unit 110 can convert the sensing value result of the identification unit ID2 into a binary code having the value 00101.

[0270] The aerosol generator 1 may further include a memory 130 containing different identification codes for each type of cigarette 5. For example, the memory 130 may include a lookup table in which the identification codes are matched for each type of cigarette 5.

[0271] The control unit 110 can determine the type of the cigarette 5 inserted into the cavity 100a by comparing the binary code determined based on the sensing value of the sensor unit 150 with the identification code already stored in the memory 130.

[0272] In this way, when the aerosol generating device 1 calculates the binary code based on the concentration difference of the identification substance included in the identification unit ID2 and identifies the type of the cigarette 5 based on the calculated binary code, it is possible to expect the effect of preventing malfunction due to the sensing error caused by the distance between the sensor unit 150 and the identification unit ID2 and the sensing error caused by the non-uniformity of the trumpet surface of the cigarette 5.

[0273] On the other hand, with the accelerating trend of recent personalization, customized cigarettes for meeting the preferences of various users are being manufactured in various ways. However, the types of taggants that emit visible light when excited by ultraviolet light are limited. As described above, the taggant can emit any one of red visible light, green visible light, blue visible light, and yellow visible light when excited by ultraviolet light. Thus, there is a limit to distinguishing various types of cigarettes using limited types of taggants.

[0274] When configuring the identification unit by utilizing a taggant that emits visible light when excited by ultraviolet light, there are advantages that the user can intuitively identify the type of the cigarette with the naked eye and that it is resistant to external noise due to the sufficient separation of the wavelength intervals for each color. Therefore, research is required to distinguish various types of cigarettes using limited types of taggants.

[0275] FIG. 18 is a drawing for explaining a cigarette including an identification unit according to an embodiment. FIGS. 19A and 19B are drawings for explaining a sensor unit that identifies the type of the cigarette of FIG. 18.

[0276] In this case, the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figures 19A and 19B is substantially the same as the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figure 7, so we will focus on explaining the differences and omit redundant explanations.

[0277] Referring to Figure 18, a cigarette 5 according to one embodiment includes a tobacco rod 51 and a filter rod 52, and may include an identification portion ID3 formed in a region extending from the boundary BL between the tobacco rod 51 and the filter rod 52 toward the filter rod 52.

[0278] In one embodiment, the identification section ID3 may include multiple regions (e.g., A1, A2) that contain different types of identification substances. In Figure 18, for the sake of explanation, the identification section ID3 is shown to include only two regions, but it is not limited to this, and the number of regions may be added or subtracted depending on the length of the cigarette 5 and the type of cigarette 5 to be distinguished.

[0279] For example, the identification unit ID3 includes a first region A1 and a second region A2, which are band-shaped and surround the outer surface of the cigarette 5, and the first region A1 and the second region A2 may be arranged sequentially adjacent to each other in the direction from the boundary BL toward the filter rod 52.

[0280] If the types of identification substances contained in multiple regions A1 and A2 are different from each other, the first wavelength of light can be excited to emit light of a different second wavelength. For example, the first region A1 and the second region A2 of the identification unit ID3 according to one embodiment can be excited by ultraviolet light emitted from the sensor unit 150 and emit one of the following types of light: red visible light, green visible light, blue visible light, and yellow visible light.

[0281] Figure 18 illustrates an embodiment in which, when the first region A1 is excited by ultraviolet light, it emits blue visible light, and when the second region A2 is excited by ultraviolet light, it emits red visible light. However, it is not limited to this, and when the first region A1 is excited by ultraviolet light, it may emit one of the following light colors: red visible light, green visible light, blue visible light, and yellow visible light. Similarly, when the second region A2 is excited by ultraviolet light, it may emit one of the following light colors: red visible light, green visible light, blue visible light, and yellow visible light. In other words, the identification unit ID3 is divided into two regions, and if each region is excited by ultraviolet light and emits four different colors of light, it may have 16 possible color patterns.

[0282] Identification unit ID3 contains organic matter, and may contain one or more organic matter selected from the group consisting of quinazolinone compounds, thiophene compounds, sulfobenzoic acid compounds, and naphthyridine compounds.

[0283] Referring to Figures 19A and 19B, the aerosol generator 1 may include a main body 100 containing a cavity 100a into which a cigarette 5 is inserted, a sensor unit 150 positioned around the cavity 100a that senses an identification unit ID 3, and a control unit 110 that identifies the type of cigarette 5 based on the sensing value sensed by the sensor unit 150.

[0284] For example, the sensor unit 150 may be positioned to correspond to the second region A2 of the cigarette 5 when the cigarette 5 is fully inserted into the cavity 100a. Therefore, the sensor unit 150 can sequentially sense the first region A1 and the second region A2 of the cigarette 5 while the cigarette 5 is being inserted into the cavity 100a.

[0285] The aerosol generator 1 may further include a memory 130 containing different color information for each type of cigarette 5. For example, the memory 130 may include a lookup table in which the color information is matched for each type of cigarette 5.

[0286] The control unit 110 can determine the type of cigarette 5 inserted into the cavity 100a by comparing the color pattern determined by the sensor unit 150 with the color information already stored in the memory 130.

[0287] Figure 20 is a diagram illustrating a cigarette including an identification unit according to one embodiment. Figures 21A and 21B are diagrams illustrating a sensor unit that identifies the type of cigarette in Figure 20. In this case, the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figures 21A and 21B is substantially the same as the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figure 7, so the differences will be explained in detail, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0288] Referring to Figure 20, a cigarette 5 according to one embodiment includes a tobacco rod 51 and a filter rod 52, and may include an identification portion ID4 formed in a region extending from the boundary BL between the tobacco rod 51 and the filter rod 52 toward the filter rod 52.

[0289] In one embodiment, the identification section ID4 may be formed such that a strip-shaped pattern BP containing a first identification substance and a grid pattern GP containing a second identification substance are superimposed in the thickness direction.

[0290] If the type of first identification substance contained in the strip-shaped pattern BP and the type of second identification substance contained in the grid pattern GP are different from each other, they can be excited by light of the same first wavelength and emit light of different second wavelengths. For example, the strip-shaped pattern BP and grid pattern GP of the identification unit ID4 according to one embodiment can be excited by ultraviolet light emitted from the sensor unit 150 and emit one of the following types of light: red visible light, green visible light, blue visible light, and yellow visible light.

[0291] For example, when a band-shaped pattern BP is excited by ultraviolet light, it may emit blue visible light, and when a lattice pattern GP is excited by ultraviolet light, it may emit red visible light. However, it is not limited to these; when a band-shaped pattern BP is excited by ultraviolet light, it may emit one of the following types of light: red visible light, green visible light, blue visible light, and yellow visible light. Similarly, when a lattice pattern GP is excited by ultraviolet light, it may emit one of the following types of light: red visible light, green visible light, blue visible light, and yellow visible light.

[0292] Identification unit ID4 contains organic matter, and may contain one or more organic substances selected from the group consisting of quinazolinone compounds, thiophene compounds, sulfobenzoic acid compounds, and naphthyridine compounds.

[0293] Referring to Figures 21A and 21B, the aerosol generator 1 may include a main body 100 containing a cavity 100a into which a cigarette 5 is inserted, a sensor unit 150 positioned around the cavity 100a that senses an identification unit ID 4, and a control unit 110 that identifies the type of cigarette 5 based on the sensing value sensed by the sensor unit 150.

[0294] In this case, the light-emitting part of the sensor unit 150 may include an ultraviolet light-emitting diode, and the light-receiving part of the sensor unit 150 may include an RGB optical diode.

[0295] For example, the sensor unit 150 may be positioned to correspond to the identification unit ID4 of the cigarette 5 when the cigarette 5 is fully inserted into the cavity 100a. Therefore, after the cigarette 5 is inserted into the cavity 100a, the sensor unit 150 can simultaneously sense the strip-shaped pattern BP and the grid pattern GP of the identification unit ID4.

[0296] The aerosol generator 1 may further include a memory 130 containing different color information for each type of cigarette 5. For example, the memory 130 may include a lookup table in which the color information is matched for each type of cigarette 5.

[0297] The control unit 110 can determine the type of cigarette 5 inserted into the cavity 100a by comparing the color information of the identification unit ID4 determined by the sensor unit 150 with the color information already stored in the memory 130. In this case, the color information of the identification unit ID4 is also a mixed color of the visible light color emitted by the first identification material of the strip-shaped pattern BP and the visible light color emitted by the second identification material of the grid pattern GP. In the above example, if the strip-shaped pattern BP emits blue visible light when excited by ultraviolet light, and the grid pattern GP emits red visible light when excited by ultraviolet light, the color information of the identification unit ID4 is also purple.

[0298] Figure 22 is a diagram illustrating a cigarette including an identification unit according to one embodiment. Figures 23A and 23B are diagrams illustrating a sensor unit that identifies the type of cigarette in Figure 22. In this case, the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figures 23A and 23B differs from the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figure 7, in that the cavity 100a rotates around a rotation axis that coincides with the central axis of the cigarette 5 (for example, in the +z and -z directions), while the remaining configuration is substantially the same. The following explanation will focus on the differences, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0299] Referring to Figure 22, a cigarette 5 according to one embodiment includes a tobacco rod 51 and a filter rod 52, and may include an identification portion ID 5 formed in a region extending from the boundary BL between the tobacco rod 51 and the filter rod 52 toward the filter rod 52.

[0300] According to one embodiment, the identification unit ID5 has a band shape as a whole that surrounds the outer surface of the cigarette 5 and may include a plurality of regions (e.g., A1, A2, A3, A4) that are continuously arranged along the circumferential direction of the cigarette 5 (e.g., the +x and -x directions).

[0301] If the types of identification substances contained in each of the multiple regions A1, A2, A3, and A4 are different from each other, the same first wavelength of light can be excited to emit light of different second wavelengths. For example, each of the multiple regions A1, A2, A3, and A4 of the identification unit ID5 according to one embodiment can be excited by ultraviolet light emitted from the sensor unit 150 and emit one of the following types of light: red visible light, green visible light, blue visible light, and yellow visible light.

[0302] For example, when the first region A1 is excited by ultraviolet light, it may emit red visible light; when the second region A2 is excited by ultraviolet light, it may emit green visible light; when the third region A3 is excited by ultraviolet light, it may emit blue visible light; and when the fourth region A4 is excited by ultraviolet light, it may emit yellow visible light.

[0303] Each of the multiple regions A1, A2, A3, and A4 of the identification unit ID5 contains an organic substance, and may contain one or more organic substances selected from the group consisting of quinazolinone compounds, thiophene compounds, sulfobenzoic acid compounds, and naphthyridine compounds.

[0304] Referring to Figures 23A and 23B, the aerosol generator 1 may include a main body 100 containing a cavity 100a into which a cigarette 5 is inserted, a sensor unit 150 positioned around the cavity 100a that senses an identification unit ID 5, and a control unit 110 that identifies the type of cigarette 5 based on the sensing value sensed by the sensor unit 150.

[0305] The aerosol generator 1 may further include a drive unit 160 that generates a driving force to rotate the cavity 100a. For example, the drive unit 160 is also a motor located inside the main body 100 and operated by an electrical signal. When an electrical signal is applied to the motor of the drive unit 160 from the control unit 110, the motor shaft rotates, and the cavity 100a can be rotated by the driving force of the motor.

[0306] Embodiments for rotating the cavity 100a are not limited by the configuration of the drive unit 160 shown in Figures 23A and 23B, and the drive unit 160 may further include various power transmission elements such as gears, belts, and sprockets.

[0307] The light-emitting portion of the sensor unit 150 may include an ultraviolet light-emitting diode, and the light-receiving portion of the sensor unit 150 may include an RGB optical diode.

[0308] The sensor unit 150 may be positioned to correspond to the identification part ID 5 of the cigarette 5 when the cigarette 5 is fully inserted into the cavity 100a. Therefore, after the cigarette 5 is inserted into the cavity 100a, the sensor unit 150 can sequentially sense multiple regions (e.g., A1, A2, A3, A4) of the identification part ID 5 while the cavity 100a rotates once in one direction around its axis of rotation. As a result, the sensor unit 150 can sense the visible light color pattern information emitted when the multiple regions (e.g., A1, A2, A3, A4) are excited by ultraviolet light.

[0309] Although not explicitly shown in Figure 22, the identification unit ID 5 according to one embodiment may further include additional regions (not shown) between multiple regions (e.g., A1, A2, A3, A4). Identification material contained in the additional regions may be excited by ultraviolet light and emit light of other wavelengths that are not visible light (e.g., infrared light). When the cigarette 5 is inserted into the cavity 100a, it is unknown which region of the identification unit ID 5 (e.g., A1, A2, A3, A4) will initially correspond to the sensor unit 150. Therefore, an additional region that is excited by ultraviolet light and emits infrared light may be placed, and a color pattern may be defined using the infrared-emitting region as a reference point.

[0310] For example, since the cross-section of the cigarette 5 is circular, the red-green-blue-yellow pattern, the green-blue-yellow-red pattern, the blue-yellow-red-green pattern, and the yellow-red-green-blue pattern can be recognized as the same color pattern depending on where the area of ​​identification unit ID 5 that the sensor unit 150 first senses is located. Therefore, when defining the color pattern based on the area that emits infrared rays, the patterns become infrared-red-green-blue-yellow, infrared-green-blue-yellow-red, infrared-blue-yellow-red-green, and infrared-yellow-red-green-blue, so the color patterns can be distinguished regardless of where the area of ​​identification unit ID 5 that the sensor unit 150 first senses is located. In other words, it is possible to secure an even larger number of color pattern types.

[0311] The aerosol generator 1 may further include a memory 130 containing different color pattern information for each type of cigarette 5. For example, the memory 130 may include a lookup table in which the color pattern information is matched for each type of cigarette 5.

[0312] The control unit 110 can determine the type of cigarette 5 inserted into the cavity 100a by comparing the color pattern information of the identification unit ID 5 determined by the sensor unit 150 with the color pattern information already stored in the memory 130.

[0313] On the other hand, the aerosol generator 1 may experience degradation of the sensing value of the sensor unit 150 due to various causes (e.g., external light interference, crosstalk, inflow of pollutants, etc.), or the performance of the sensor unit 150 may be limited (e.g., reduced light output of the light-emitting unit) due to heat generated by the heater 140 for heating the cigarette lighter 5. Furthermore, since the aerosol generator 1 is a small electronic product, the mounting space for electronic components is limited, which inevitably leads to power consumption problems due to the capacity limitations of the battery 120.

[0314] To overcome the problems described above, the sensor unit 150 can basically be formed from a sensor package type. Hereinafter, embodiments of the optical sensor package will be described in detail based on Figures 24A to 32B.

[0315] Figure 24A is a diagram illustrating an aerosol generation system according to one embodiment. Figure 24B is a plan view of an optical sensor package according to one embodiment, and Figure 24C is a cross-sectional view of the optical sensor package cut along the line I-I' in Figure 24B. Figure 24D is a diagram illustrating the sensing operation of an optical sensor package according to one embodiment.

[0316] Referring to Figures 24A to 24D, an aerosol generation system according to one embodiment may include a cigarette 5 and an aerosol generation device 1, which include an identification unit ID that emits light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength when excited by light of a first wavelength.

[0317] The aerosol generator 1 may include a main body 100 containing a cavity 100a into which a cigarette 5 is inserted, an optical sensor package PKG positioned around the cavity 100a for sensing an identification unit ID, and a control unit 110 that identifies whether the cigarette 5 has been counterfeited and the type of cigarette 5 based on the sensing value detected by the optical sensor package PKG. The aerosol generator 1 shown in Figure 24A may correspond to the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figures 7 and 8. Further explanations will be omitted.

[0318] An optical sensor package PKG according to one embodiment may include a package substrate SUB, a light-emitting unit LU, a semiconductor chip SC, a light-receiving unit PU, and a molding member ENC.

[0319] In one embodiment, the package substrate SUB may have a first element PE1 and a second element PE2 formed on a first surface S1 (for example, a surface in the +Z direction), and substrate terminals TE formed on a second surface S2 (for example, a surface in the -Z direction) which is the opposite surface to the first surface S1.

[0320] In one embodiment, the first surface S1 is also the surface on which the optical sensor package PKG faces the identification part ID of the cigarette 5. The substrate terminal TE can be electrically and / or physically connected to the aerosol generating device 1 on which the optical sensor package PKG of the present invention is mounted.

[0321] The identification substance 10 is excited when light in a predetermined wavelength range is absorbed. In this case, "excitation of a substance" means that the state of the substance changes from the ground state to the excited state. Thereafter, during the process in which the state of the identification substance 10 changes from the excited state to the ground state, light in a predetermined wavelength range may be emitted from the light-emitting substance.

[0322] In one embodiment, the identification substance 10 can be excited by light irradiated by the light-emitting unit LU and emit light in a wavelength range different from that of the irradiated light. For example, the identification substance 10 can be excited by light in a first wavelength range irradiated from the light-emitting unit LU and emit light in a second wavelength range different from that of the first wavelength range.

[0323] For example, the identification material 10 is also a first light-emitting material that emits light in a second wavelength range of approximately 400 nm to 750 nm when excited by light in a first wavelength range of approximately 350 nm to 390 nm. As a result, the light-emitting unit LU irradiates the first light-emitting material with ultraviolet light of approximately 365 nm, and the light-receiving unit PU can sense the 700 nm visible light (i.e., red light) emitted from the first light-emitting material.

[0324] In one embodiment, the light-emitting unit LU may consist of at least one light-emitting diode that emits light L of a first wavelength when current flows through it. For example, the light-emitting units LU shown in Figures 24A to 24C are all ultraviolet light-emitting diodes. This allows the light sensor package PKG to provide a sufficient amount of light to sense the identification ID of the cigarette 5.

[0325] In one embodiment, the semiconductor chip SC may consist of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) that controls the overall operation of the optical sensor package PKG.

[0326] A semiconductor chip SC according to one embodiment includes a signal processing unit electrically connected to a light receiving unit PU, and the signal processing unit may include an analog-to-digital converter (not shown) that converts the sensing value received from the light receiving unit PU, which is an analog signal, into a digital signal.

[0327] An aerosol generator 1 according to one embodiment may include a first flexible circuit board (FPCB1) electrically connected to a heater 140 and a second flexible circuit board (FPCB2) electrically connected to an optical sensor package PKG. In this case, the first flexible circuit board (FPCB1) and the second flexible circuit board (FPCB2) may be arranged adjacent to each other while being electrically isolated from each other. As a result, when the sensing value, which is an analog signal sensed by the optical sensor package PKG, is transmitted to the control unit 110 for processing via the second flexible circuit board (FPCB2), there is a possibility that noise may be introduced by the heater 140 (especially induction heating type) and the second flexible circuit board (FPCB1) arranged in the vicinity.

[0328] To minimize these problems, the optical sensor package (PKG) can process the sensed value using a semiconductor chip (SC), convert the resulting value into a digital signal, and transmit it to the control unit (110).

[0329] The control unit 110 can determine whether or not the cigarette 5 has been counterfeited and what type of cigarette 5 it is, based on the digital signal generated by the signal processing unit.

[0330] In one embodiment, the light-receiving unit PU may consist of at least one photodiode through which current flows when it receives light L of a first wavelength and light L' of a second wavelength that is different from each other. For example, the light-receiving unit PU shown in Figures 24A to 24D is also an RGB sensing sensor. The RGB sensing sensor may include a first photodiode PU1 that detects red light, a second photodiode PU2 that detects green light, and a third photodiode PU3 that detects blue light. The RGB sensing sensor can detect the hue of the second wavelength light L' based on the ratio of the amount of light received by the first photodiode PU1, the second photodiode PU2, and the third photodiode PU3, respectively.

[0331] In one embodiment, the optical sensor package PKG may include a first element PE1, a second element PE2, and a first conductive member W1.

[0332] In one embodiment, the first element PE1 and the second element PE2 may be formed on a first surface S1. The first element PE1 may be connected to a light-emitting section LU consisting of a light-emitting diode, and the second element PE2 may be connected to a semiconductor chip SC.

[0333] In one embodiment, the first conductive member W1 can electrically connect the first element PE1 and the light-emitting part LU. For example, the first element PE1 may consist of two terminals, including a negative terminal and a positive terminal. The light-emitting part LU may be directly coupled to one of the two terminals. The first conductive member W1 may connect the light-emitting part LU to the other of the two terminals.

[0334] Furthermore, the solder balls SD can electrically connect the second element PE2 and the semiconductor chip SC. For example, the second element PE2 may consist of multiple terminals corresponding to pad electrodes formed on the back surface of the semiconductor chip SC. The semiconductor chip SC can be coupled to the second element PE2 by placing the solder balls SD between the pad electrodes of the semiconductor chip SC and the multiple electrodes of the second element PE2, based on a reflow process.

[0335] In one embodiment, the first element PE1 and the second element PE2 may be arranged adjacent to each other on the first surface S1. As a result, the light-emitting unit LU and the semiconductor chip SC may be arranged adjacent to each other on the first surface S1 of the package substrate SUB.

[0336] In one embodiment, the light-receiving unit (PU) may be arranged on a semiconductor chip (SC). For example, the light-receiving unit (PU) may be manufactured integrally with the semiconductor chip (SC) during production. Figure 24A shows an embodiment in which the light-receiving unit (PU) is located at the upper left end of the semiconductor chip (SC), and the area of ​​the light-receiving unit (PU) occupies approximately 1 / 4 of the area of ​​the semiconductor chip (SC). However, this is illustrative and not limiting. That is, the size and position of the light-receiving unit (PU) can be varied in various ways according to the customer's requirements.

[0337] According to one embodiment, the height H1 from the first surface S1 (or top surface) of the package substrate SUB to the top surface of the semiconductor chip SC is higher than the height H2 from the first surface S1 (or top surface) of the package substrate SUB to the top surface of the light-emitting unit LU. For example, the height H1 from the first surface S1 (or top surface) of the package substrate SUB to the top surface of the semiconductor chip SC is approximately 610 μm, and the height H2 from the first surface S1 (or top surface) of the package substrate SUB to the top surface of the light-emitting unit LU is approximately 150 μm.

[0338] Thus, if the height H1 from the first surface S1 (or top surface) of the package substrate SUB to the top surface of the semiconductor chip SC is higher than the height H2 from the first surface S1 (or top surface) of the package substrate SUB to the top surface of the light-emitting unit LU, the light-receiving unit PU is positioned on the semiconductor chip SC, thus preventing the light L emitted from the light-emitting unit LU from directly entering the light-receiving unit PU without passing through the identification unit ID of the cigarette 5. In other words, the semiconductor chip SC can perform the function of a barrier by shielding the light emitted from the light-emitting unit LU.

[0339] As a result, the optical sensor package PKG of the present invention can be expected to improve the sensing sensitivity of the optical sensor package PKG by preventing the crosstalk phenomenon in which light L emitted from the light-emitting unit LU is directly incident on the light-receiving unit PU.

[0340] In one embodiment, the molding member ENC may be placed on the first surface S1 of the package substrate SUB. The molding member ENC can protect the first surface S1 of the package substrate SUB and other components mounted on the first surface S1 (e.g., the light-emitting unit LU, the semiconductor chip SC, and the light-receiving unit PU). The molding member ENC may be made of a non-conductive material. The molding member ENC can reduce or prevent the first surface S1 of the package substrate SUB and other components mounted on the first surface S1 from being electrically disconnected or unnecessarily connected.

[0341] In one embodiment, the molding member ENC may be formed on the first surface S1 of the package substrate SUB so as to surround the light-emitting part LU, the semiconductor chip SC, and the light-receiving part PU.

[0342] In one embodiment, the molding member ENC may be made of a light-transmitting material. For example, the molding member ENC may also be a transparent molding compound CMC. The molding member ENC may guide the light emitted from the light-emitting part LU to be transmitted to the identification part ID of the cigarette 5, which is the object of the light sensor package PKG.

[0343] In one embodiment, the molding member ENC may consist of a single body formed by connecting regions surrounding the light-emitting section LU, the semiconductor chip SC, and the light-receiving section PU. The molding member ENC may be applied substantially uniformly to the first surface S1 of the package substrate SUB and cured. A molding member ENC consisting of a single body can improve the efficiency of manufacturing the optical sensor package PKG.

[0344] Figure 25A is a plan view of an optical sensor package according to one embodiment, and Figure 25B is a cross-sectional view of the optical sensor package cut along the line II-II' in Figure 25A.

[0345] The optical sensor package shown in Figures 25A and 25B differs from the optical sensor package shown in Figures 24A to 24D, which includes only an ultraviolet light-emitting diode and an RGB sensing sensor, in that it further includes an infrared light-emitting diode and an infrared light-receiving diode. The remaining components are substantially the same. The following explanation will focus on the differences in configuration, and redundant explanations related to the same components will be omitted.

[0346] Referring to Figures 25A and 25B, an optical sensor package PKG according to one embodiment may include a package substrate SUB, a light-emitting section LU, LU_1, a semiconductor chip SC, a light-receiving section PU_1, and a molding member ENC.

[0347] One surface of cigarette 5 may contain an identification substance 10.

[0348] The identification substance 10 is excited when light in a predetermined wavelength range is absorbed. In this case, "excitation of a substance" means that the state of the substance changes from the ground state to the excited state. Thereafter, during the process in which the state of the identification substance 10 changes from the excited state to the ground state, light in a predetermined wavelength range may be emitted from the light-emitting substance.

[0349] In one embodiment, the identification substance 10 can be excited by light irradiated by the light-emitting unit LU and emit light in a wavelength range different from that of the irradiated light. For example, the identification substance 10 can be excited by light in a first wavelength range irradiated from the light-emitting unit LU and emit light in a second wavelength range different from that of the first wavelength range.

[0350] For example, the identification material 10 is also a first light-emitting material that emits light in a second wavelength range of approximately 400 nm to 750 nm when excited by light in a first wavelength range of approximately 350 nm to 390 nm. As a result, the light-emitting unit LU irradiates the first light-emitting material with ultraviolet light of approximately 365 nm, and the light-receiving unit PU_1 can sense the 700 nm visible light (i.e., red light) emitted from the first light-emitting material.

[0351] As another example, the identification material 10 is also a second light-emitting material that emits light in a second wavelength range of approximately 1000 nm to 1020 nm when excited by light in a first wavelength range of approximately 300 nm to 340 nm. As a result, the light-emitting part LU irradiates the second light-emitting material with ultraviolet light of approximately 325 nm, and the light-receiving part PU_1 can sense the infrared light of 1012 nm emitted from the second light-emitting material.

[0352] As another example, the identification material 10 is also a third light-emitting material that emits light in a second wavelength range of approximately 1000 nm to 1020 nm when excited by light in a first wavelength range of approximately 930 nm to 990 nm. As a result, the light-emitting unit LU irradiates the third light-emitting material with infrared light of approximately 980 nm, and the light-receiving unit PU_1 can sense the infrared light of approximately 1012 nm emitted from the third light-emitting material.

[0353] The embodiments shown in Figures 25A and 25B may include a light-emitting section LU composed of an ultraviolet light-emitting diode and a light-emitting section LU_1 composed of an infrared light-emitting diode.

[0354] In one embodiment, the semiconductor chip SC may consist of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) that controls the overall operation of the optical sensor package PKG.

[0355] In one embodiment, the light-receiving unit PU_1 may consist of at least one photodiode that conducts current when it receives light L of a first wavelength and light L' of a second wavelength different from each other. For example, the light-receiving unit PU_1 shown in Figures 25A and 25B is also an RGB sensing sensor. The RGB sensing sensor may include a first photodiode PU1 that detects red light, a second photodiode PU2 that detects green light, and a third photodiode PU3 that detects blue light. The light-receiving unit PU_1 may further include an infrared photodiode PU4 that can receive infrared wavelengths (i.e., about 1000 nm to 1020 nm).

[0356] Therefore, the light emitted from the light-emitting section LU, which is composed of ultraviolet light-emitting diodes, can be detected by the RGB sensing sensors (e.g., PU1, PU2, PU3) of the light-receiving section PU_1 if the identification substance contained in the cigarette 5 is the first light-emitting substance, and can be detected by the infrared light-receiving diode PU4 of the light-receiving section PU_1 if the identification substance is the second light-emitting substance.

[0357] Furthermore, if the identification substance contained in the cigarette 5 is a third light-emitting substance, the first wavelength infrared light emitted from the light-emitting section LU_1, can be excited by the second wavelength infrared light and detected by the infrared photodetector diode PU4 of the light-receiving section PU_1.

[0358] On the other hand, the first wavelength infrared light emitted from the light-emitting section LU_1, which is composed of infrared light-emitting diodes, can be directly detected by the infrared photodetector diode PU4 of the light-receiving section PU_1.

[0359] In one embodiment, the optical sensor package PKG may include a first conductive member W1_1. In one embodiment, the first conductive member W1_1 can electrically connect the first element PE1_1 and the light-emitting part LU_1.

[0360] In one embodiment, the light-receiving unit PU_1 may be arranged on a semiconductor chip SC. Furthermore, the height H1 from the first surface S1 (or top surface) of the package substrate SUB to the top surface of the semiconductor chip SC is higher than the height H2 from the first surface S1 (or top surface) of the package substrate SUB to the top surface of the light-emitting unit LU.

[0361] As explained in Figures 24A to 24D, the optical sensor package PKG shown in Figures 25A and 25B also has a semiconductor chip SC that acts as a barrier, so crosstalk is prevented and an improvement in the sensing sensitivity of the optical sensor package PKG can be expected.

[0362] Figure 26A is a plan view of an optical sensor package according to one embodiment, and Figure 26B is a cross-sectional view of the optical sensor package cut along the line III-III' in Figure 26A.

[0363] The optical sensor packages shown in Figures 26A and 26B differ from those shown in Figures 24A to 24D only in that they include an infrared photodiode instead of the RGB sensing sensor. The remaining components are substantially the same. The following explanation will focus on the differences in configuration, omitting redundant explanations of identical components.

[0364] Referring to Figures 26A and 26B, an optical sensor package PKG according to one embodiment may include a package substrate SUB, a light-emitting unit LU, a semiconductor chip SC, a light-receiving unit PU_2, and a molding member ENC.

[0365] One surface of cigarette 5 may contain an identification substance 10.

[0366] The identification substance 10 is excited when light in a predetermined wavelength range is absorbed. In this case, "excitation of a substance" means that the state of the substance changes from the ground state to the excited state. Thereafter, during the process in which the state of the identification substance 10 changes from the excited state to the ground state, light in a predetermined wavelength range may be emitted from the light-emitting substance.

[0367] In one embodiment, the identification substance 10 can be excited by light irradiated by the light-emitting unit LU and emit light in a wavelength range different from that of the irradiated light. For example, the identification substance 10 can be excited by light in a first wavelength range irradiated from the light-emitting unit LU and emit light in a second wavelength range different from that of the first wavelength range.

[0368] For example, the identification material 10 is also a second light-emitting material that emits light in the second wavelength range of approximately 1000 nm to 1020 nm when excited by light in the first wavelength range of approximately 300 nm to 340 nm. As a result, the light-emitting part LU irradiates the second light-emitting material with ultraviolet light of approximately 325 nm, and the light-receiving part PU_2 can sense the infrared light of 1012 nm emitted from the second light-emitting material.

[0369] The light-emitting units LU shown in Figures 26A and 26B are both ultraviolet light-emitting diodes.

[0370] In one embodiment, the semiconductor chip SC may consist of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) that controls the overall operation of the optical sensor package PKG.

[0371] In one embodiment, the light-receiving unit PU_2 may consist of at least one photodetector diode that generates current when it receives light L of a first wavelength and light L' of a second wavelength different from both wavelengths. For example, the light-receiving unit PU_2 shown in Figures 26A and 26B may consist of an infrared photodetector diode capable of receiving infrared wavelengths (i.e., approximately 1000 nm to 1020 nm).

[0372] Therefore, if the light emitted from the light-emitting section LU, which is composed of ultraviolet light-emitting diodes, is the second light-emitting substance contained in the cigarette 5, then the light can be detected by the infrared light-receiving diode of the light-receiving section PU_2.

[0373] In one embodiment, the light-receiving unit PU_2 may be arranged on a semiconductor chip SC. Furthermore, the height H1 from the first surface S1 (or top surface) of the package substrate SUB to the top surface of the semiconductor chip SC is higher than the height H2 from the first surface S1 (or top surface) of the package substrate SUB to the top surface of the light-emitting unit LU.

[0374] As explained in Figures 24A to 24D, the optical sensor package PKG shown in Figures 26A and 26B also has a semiconductor chip SC that acts as a barrier, so crosstalk is prevented and an improvement in the sensing sensitivity of the optical sensor package PKG can be expected.

[0375] Figure 27A is a plan view of an optical sensor package according to one embodiment, and Figure 27B is a cross-sectional view of the optical sensor package cut along the line IV-IV' in Figure 27A.

[0376] The optical sensor package PKG shown in Figures 27A and 27B differs from the optical sensor package PKG shown in Figures 24A to 24D only in that it further includes an additional light receiving unit PU5; the remaining configuration is substantially the same. The following explanation will focus on the differences in configuration, and redundant explanations related to the same configuration will be omitted.

[0377] Referring to Figures 27A and 27B, in one embodiment, the optical sensor package PKG may further include an additional light receiving unit PU5, a third element PE3, and a second conductive member W2.

[0378] In one embodiment, the third element PE3 may be formed on the first surface S1 of the package substrate SUB. The third element PE3 may be connected to an additional light-receiving unit PU5 which consists of an infrared photodetector diode.

[0379] For example, the third element PE3 may consist of two terminals, including a negative terminal and a positive terminal. The additional light-receiving unit PU5 may be directly coupled to one of the two terminals. The second conductive member W2 may connect the additional light-receiving unit PU5 to the other of the two terminals.

[0380] In one embodiment, the third element PE3 is arranged on the first surface S1 opposite to the first element PE1 with respect to the second element PE2, and may be arranged adjacent to the second element PE2 on the first surface S1. Additionally, the additional light-receiving unit PU5 is arranged on the first surface S1 opposite to the light-emitting unit LU with respect to the semiconductor chip SC, and may be arranged adjacent to the semiconductor chip SC on the first surface S1.

[0381] Since the semiconductor chip SC is placed between the additional light-receiving unit PU5 and the light-emitting unit LU, the semiconductor chip SC can function as a partition.

[0382] One surface of cigarette 5 may contain an identification substance 10.

[0383] The identification material 10 can be excited by light irradiated by the light-emitting unit LU and emit light in a wavelength range different from that of the irradiated light. For example, the identification material 10 can be excited by light in a first wavelength range irradiated from the light-emitting unit LU and emit light in a second wavelength range different from that of the first wavelength range.

[0384] For example, the identification material 10 is also a first light-emitting material that emits light in a second wavelength range of approximately 400 nm to 750 nm when excited by light in a first wavelength range of approximately 350 nm to 390 nm. As a result, the light-emitting unit LU irradiates the first light-emitting material with ultraviolet light of approximately 365 nm, and the light-receiving unit PU can sense the 700 nm visible light (i.e., red light) emitted from the first light-emitting material.

[0385] As another example, the identification material 10 is also a second light-emitting material that emits light in a second wavelength range of approximately 1000 nm to 1020 nm when excited by light in a first wavelength range of approximately 300 nm to 340 nm. As a result, the light-emitting part LU irradiates the second light-emitting material with ultraviolet light of approximately 325 nm, and the light-receiving part PU can sense the infrared light of 1012 nm emitted from the second light-emitting material.

[0386] Therefore, the light emitted from the light-emitting unit LU, which is composed of ultraviolet light-emitting diodes, can be detected by the RGB sensing sensors PU1, PU2, and PU3 of the light-receiving unit PU if the identification substance contained in the cigarette 5 is the first light-emitting substance, and can be detected by the infrared light-receiving diode of the additional light-receiving unit PU5 if the identification substance is the second light-emitting substance.

[0387] Figure 28A is a plan view of an optical sensor package according to one embodiment, and Figure 28B is a cross-sectional view of the optical sensor package cut along the line V-V' in Figure 28A.

[0388] The optical sensor package PKG shown in Figures 28A and 28B differs from the optical sensor package PKG shown in Figures 27A and 27B, which includes only the ultraviolet light-emitting diode light-emitting diode light-emitting diode light-emitting diode LU and the infrared light-emitting diode light-emitting diode light-emitting diode LU_1, in that it includes both. The remaining components are substantially the same. The following explanation will focus on the differences in configuration, and redundant explanations related to the same components will be omitted.

[0389] In the light sensor package PKG, light emitted from the light-emitting section LU, which is composed of ultraviolet light-emitting diodes, can be detected by the RGB sensing sensors PU1, PU2, and PU3 of the light-receiving section PU if the identification substance contained in the cigarette 5 is the first light-emitting substance, and can be detected by the infrared light-receiving diode of the additional light-receiving section PU5 if the identification substance is the second light-emitting substance.

[0390] Furthermore, if the identification substance contained in the cigarette 5 is a third light-emitting substance, the first wavelength infrared light emitted from the light-emitting unit LU_1, which is composed of an infrared light-emitting diode, can be excited by the second wavelength infrared light and detected by the infrared photodetector diode of the additional photodetector unit PU5. On the other hand, the first wavelength infrared light emitted from the light-emitting unit LU_1, which is composed of an infrared light-emitting diode, can be detected by the infrared photodetector diode of the additional photodetector unit PU5 in the state of first wavelength infrared light.

[0391] Since the semiconductor chip SC is positioned between the additional light-receiving unit PU5 and the light-emitting units LU and LU_1, the semiconductor chip SC can function as a partition.

[0392] Figure 29A is a plan view of an optical sensor package according to one embodiment, and Figure 29B is a cross-sectional view of the optical sensor package cut along the line VI-VI' in Figure 29A.

[0393] The optical sensor package PKG shown in Figures 29A and 29B differs from the optical sensor package PKG shown in Figures 28A and 28B, which includes an RGB sensor and a light-emitting unit LU containing both an RGB sensor and two additional light-receiving units PU5 composed of infrared light-receiving diodes, in that it does not have an RGB sensing sensor and only includes an additional light-receiving unit PU5 composed of infrared light-receiving diodes. The remaining configuration is substantially the same. The following explanation will focus on the differences in configuration, and redundant explanations related to the same configuration will be omitted.

[0394] The optical sensor package PKG shown in Figures 29A and 29B allows light emitted from the light-emitting section LU, which is composed of an ultraviolet light-emitting diode, to be detected by the infrared light-receiving diode of the additional light-receiving section PU5, when the identification substance contained in the cigarette 5 is a second light-emitting substance.

[0395] Furthermore, if the identification substance contained in the cigarette 5 is a third light-emitting substance, the first wavelength infrared light emitted from the light-emitting unit LU_1, which is composed of an infrared light-emitting diode, can be excited by the second wavelength infrared light and detected by the infrared photodetector diode of the additional photodetector unit PU5. On the other hand, the first wavelength infrared light emitted from the light-emitting unit LU_1, which is composed of an infrared light-emitting diode, can be detected by the infrared photodetector diode of the additional photodetector unit PU5 in the state of first wavelength infrared light.

[0396] Since the semiconductor chip SC is positioned between the additional light-receiving unit PU5 and the light-emitting units LU and LU_1, the semiconductor chip SC can function as a partition.

[0397] Figure 30A is a plan view of an optical sensor package according to one embodiment, and Figure 30B is a cross-sectional view of the optical sensor package cut along the line VII-VII' in Figure 30A.

[0398] The optical sensor package PKG shown in Figures 30A and 30B differs from the optical sensor package PKG shown in Figures 24A to 24D, which includes a light-receiving unit PU composed of an RGB sensing sensor placed on a semiconductor chip SC, in that it does not include a semiconductor chip SC but includes a light-receiving unit PU composed of an RGB sensing sensor. The remaining configurations are substantially the same. The following explanation will focus on the differences in configuration, and redundant explanations related to the same configuration will be omitted.

[0399] Referring to Figures 30A and 30B, in one embodiment, the optical sensor package PKG may include a light-receiving unit PU composed of an RGB sensing sensor, a fourth element PE4, and a third conductive member W3.

[0400] In one embodiment, the fourth element PE4 may be formed on the first surface S1 of the package substrate SUB. The fourth element PE4 may be connected to a light receiving unit PU consisting of an RGB sensing sensor. The RGB sensing sensor may include a first photodiode PU1 for detecting red light, a second photodiode PU2 for detecting green light, and a third photodiode PU3 for detecting blue light.

[0401] For example, the fourth element PE4 may consist of two terminals, including a negative terminal and a positive terminal. The first photodiode PU1 may be directly coupled to one of the two terminals. The third conductive member W3 may be connected to the first photodiode PU1 and the other of the two terminals. The second photodiode PU2 may be directly coupled to one of the two terminals. The third conductive member W3 may be connected to the second photodiode PU2 and the other of the two terminals. Similarly, the third photodiode PU3 may be directly coupled to one of the two terminals. The third conductive member W3 may be connected to the third photodiode PU3 and the other of the two terminals.

[0402] Since the light-receiving unit (PU) can only sense visible light, theoretically, the probability of crosstalk caused by light emitted from the light-emitting unit (LU), which is composed of an ultraviolet light-emitting element, is not large. Based on this, this corresponds to an embodiment in which the semiconductor chip SC, which has a partition function, is omitted, unlike the embodiments shown in Figures 24A to 29B. In other words, although the optical sensor package (PKG) shown in Figures 30A and 30B has advantages in terms of miniaturization and production cost, in reality, since there is no physical shielding structure, there is a possibility that the sensing sensitivity will deteriorate due to the inflow of various noises.

[0403] Conversely, by further forming a partition structure in the embodiment shown in Figures 24A to 29B, along with the optical sensor package PKG shown in Figures 31A to 32B described later, the possibility of crosstalk can be further reduced, thereby enhancing the improvement of sensing sensitivity.

[0404] In the following, Figures 31A to 32B show an embodiment in which a partition wall structure is added to the optical sensor package PKG shown in Figures 24A to 24D, for the sake of explanation. However, it goes without saying that the invention is not limited to this, and a partition wall structure can also be added to the optical sensor package PKG shown in Figures 25A to 30B.

[0405] Figure 31A is a plan view of an optical sensor package according to one embodiment. Figure 31B is a cross-sectional view of the optical sensor package cut along line VIII-VIII' in Figure 31A.

[0406] The optical sensor package PKG shown in Figures 31A and 31B differs from the optical sensor package shown in Figures 24A to 24D, which does not include a partition PTW, in that a partition PTW is placed between the light-emitting unit LU and the light-receiving unit PU (or semiconductor chip SC). The remaining configuration is substantially the same. The following explanation will focus on the differences in configuration, and redundant explanations related to the same configuration will be omitted.

[0407] Referring to Figures 24A to 24D, Figure 31A, and Figure 31B, the partition wall PTW is positioned between the light-emitting unit LU and the light-receiving unit PU, preventing light emitted from the light-emitting unit LU from entering the light-receiving unit PU.

[0408] The partition wall PTW is preferably made of a material with low light transmittance to the light emitted from the light-emitting part LU in order to reduce the incidence rate of light on the light-receiving part PU. For example, the partition wall PTW can be formed using black epoxy molding compound EMC.

[0409] Conventionally, when a separately manufactured partition member was bonded to the package substrate SUB with adhesive resin, there was a problem in that light from the light-emitting part LU escaped through the area where the adhesive resin was formed and entered the light-receiving part PU. On the other hand, according to the manufacturing method of the optical sensor package PKG of the present invention, the partition PTW can be formed directly on the package substrate SUB through a transfer molding technique. In this way, the optical sensor package PKG of the present invention can effectively prevent the light leakage phenomenon caused by adhesive resin by forming the partition PTW on the package substrate SUB without adhesive resin.

[0410] Furthermore, since the partition wall PTW is bonded to the package substrate SUB, it can be formed from a material with a similar coefficient of thermal expansion to the package substrate SUB. For example, the partition wall PTW may have a coefficient of thermal expansion 0.8 to 1.2 times that of the package substrate SUB. In such a case, the bonding force between the package substrate SUB and the partition wall PTW increases, the strain on the partition wall PTW decreases, and the partition wall PTW can stably maintain its bond with the package substrate SUB.

[0411] As shown in Figures 31A and 31B, such partition walls PTW are located only between the light-receiving unit PU and the light-emitting unit LU. However, in optical sensor packages PKG according to other embodiments, partition walls PTW may be additionally formed around the perimeter of the package substrate SUB, in addition to the space between the light-receiving unit PU and the light-emitting unit LU, as shown in Figures 32A and 32B.

[0412] The optical sensor package (PKG) may include a molding member (ENC) positioned on the upper surface of the exposed package substrate (SUB), the light-emitting unit (LU), the semiconductor chip (SC), and the light-receiving unit (PU).

[0413] In one embodiment, the molding member ENC may be made of a light-transmitting material. For example, the molding member ENC may also be a transparent molding compound CMC. The molding member ENC may guide the light emitted from the light-emitting part LU to be transmitted to the identification part ID of the cigarette 5, which is the object of the light sensor package PKG.

[0414] The upper surface of the partition wall PTW is in a plane relative to the upper surface of the molding member ENC, and the sides of the partition wall PTW, excluding the sides facing the light-emitting section LU, the light-receiving section PU, and the semiconductor chip SC, and the sides of the molding member ENC may be in a plane relative to each other.

[0415] Figure 32A is a plan view of an optical sensor package according to one embodiment. Figure 32B is a cross-sectional view of the optical sensor package cut along line VIIII-VIIII' in Figure 32A.

[0416] The optical sensor package PKG shown in Figures 32A and 32B differs from the optical sensor package PKG shown in Figures 31A and 31B, in that it includes a second partition wall extending in the first plane direction (e.g., the +Z direction) along the frame of the package substrate, while the partition wall PTW is located only between the light-emitting unit LU and the light-receiving unit PU (or semiconductor chip SC). The remaining configuration is substantially the same. The following explanation will focus on the differences in configuration, and redundant explanations related to the same configuration will be omitted.

[0417] Referring to Figures 32A and 32B, the optical sensor package PKG may include a partition wall PTW comprising a first partition wall PTW1 positioned between the light-emitting unit LU and the light-receiving unit PU (or semiconductor chip SC), and a second partition wall PTW2 extending along the frame of the package substrate SUB in the direction of the first plane S1 (e.g., the plane in the +Z direction).

[0418] The partition wall PTW is preferably made of a material with low light transmittance to the light emitted from the light-emitting part LU in order to reduce the incidence rate of light on the light-receiving part PU. For example, the partition wall PTW can be formed using black epoxy molding compound EMC.

[0419] The optical sensor package PKG may include a molding member ENC which comprises a first molding portion ENC1 positioned on a portion of the upper surface of the exposed package substrate SUB and on the light-emitting portion LU, and a second molding portion ENC2 positioned on a portion of the upper surface of the other exposed package substrate SUB and on the light-receiving portion PU and semiconductor chip SC.

[0420] In one embodiment, the molding member ENC may be made of a light-transmitting material. For example, the molding member ENC may also be a transparent molding compound CMC. The molding member ENC may guide the light emitted from the light-emitting part LU to be transmitted to the identification part ID of the cigarette 5, which is the object of the light sensor package PKG.

[0421] The inner surface of the partition wall PTW in contact with the first molding section ENC1 may have a first inclined surface CL1 that forms an obtuse angle with the first surface S1 (or top surface) of the package substrate SUB.

[0422] A reflective material may be placed on the inclined surface. The reflective material can reflect and uniformly diffuse the light emitted from the light-emitting part LU. For example, the reflective material may include at least one of the following materials: glass, quartz, ceramic, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate, silicone resin, and plastics such as WEMC (White Epoxy Molding Compound), PPA (Polyphthalamide), and PCT (Polycyclohexylene dimethylen-eterephthalate).

[0423] Furthermore, the inner surface of the partition wall PTW in contact with the second molding section ENC2 may have a second inclined surface CL2 that forms an obtuse angle with the first surface S1 (or top surface) of the package substrate SUB.

[0424] Figure 33A is a plan view of an optical sensor package including a temperature sensor according to one embodiment, and Figure 33B is a cross-sectional view of the optical sensor package cut along the line X-X' in Figure 33A.

[0425] Referring to Figures 24A, 33A, and 33B, an aerosol generation system according to one embodiment may include a cigarette 5 and an aerosol generation device 1, which include an identification unit ID that emits light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength when excited by light of a first wavelength.

[0426] The aerosol generator 1 may include a main body 100 containing a cavity 100a into which a cigarette 5 is inserted, an optical sensor package PKG positioned around the cavity 100a for sensing an identification unit ID, and a control unit 110 that identifies whether the cigarette 5 has been counterfeited and the type of cigarette 5 based on the sensing value detected by the optical sensor package PKG. In this case, the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figure 24A may correspond to the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figures 7 and 8. Further explanations will be omitted.

[0427] An optical sensor package PKG according to one embodiment may include a package substrate SUB, a light-emitting unit LU, a semiconductor chip SC, a light-receiving unit PU, a temperature sensor unit TS, and a molding member ENC.

[0428] In one embodiment, the first surface S1 is also the surface on which the optical sensor package PKG faces the identification part ID of the cigarette 5. The substrate terminal TE can be electrically and / or physically connected to the aerosol generating device 1 on which the optical sensor package PKG of the present invention is mounted.

[0429] The identification unit ID may include an identification substance. The identification substance is excited when light in a predetermined wavelength range is absorbed, and in this case, "excitation of the substance" means that the state of the substance changes from the ground state to the excited state. Thereafter, during the process in which the state of the identification substance changes from the excited state to the ground state, light in a predetermined wavelength range may be emitted from the light-emitting substance.

[0430] In one embodiment, the identifying substance can be excited by light irradiated by a light-emitting unit (LU) and emit light in a wavelength range different from that of the irradiated light. For example, the identifying substance can be excited by light in a first wavelength range irradiated from the light-emitting unit (LU) and emit light in a second wavelength range different from that of the first wavelength range.

[0431] For example, the identification material is also a first light-emitting material that emits light in a second wavelength range of approximately 400 nm to 750 nm when excited by light in a first wavelength range of approximately 350 nm to 390 nm. As a result, the light-emitting unit LU irradiates the first light-emitting material with ultraviolet light of approximately 365 nm, and the light-receiving unit PU can sense the 700 nm visible light (i.e., red light) emitted from the first light-emitting material.

[0432] As another example, the identifying material is also a second light-emitting material that emits light in a second wavelength range of approximately 1000 nm to 1020 nm when excited by light in a first wavelength range of approximately 300 nm to 340 nm. As a result, the light-emitting part LU irradiates the second light-emitting material with ultraviolet light of approximately 325 nm, and the light-receiving part PU_1 can sense the infrared light of 1012 nm emitted from the second light-emitting material.

[0433] In one embodiment, the semiconductor chip SC may consist of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) that controls the overall operation of the optical sensor package PKG.

[0434] In one embodiment, the light-receiving unit PU_1 may consist of at least one photodiode that conducts current when it receives light L of a first wavelength and light L' of a second wavelength different from each other. For example, the light-receiving unit PU_1 shown in Figures 33A and 33B is also an RGB sensing sensor. The RGB sensing sensor may include a first photodiode PU1 that detects red light, a second photodiode PU2 that detects green light, and a third photodiode PU3 that detects blue light. The light-receiving unit PU_1 may further include an infrared photodiode PU4 that can receive infrared wavelengths (i.e., about 1000 nm to 1020 nm).

[0435] Therefore, the light emitted from the light-emitting section LU, which is composed of ultraviolet light-emitting diodes, can be detected by the RGB sensing sensors (e.g., PU1, PU2, PU3) of the light-receiving section PU_1 if the identification substance contained in the cigarette 5 is the first light-emitting substance, and can be detected by the infrared light-receiving diode PU4 of the light-receiving section PU_1 if the identification substance is the second light-emitting substance.

[0436] Furthermore, if the identification substance contained in the cigarette 5 is a third light-emitting substance, the first wavelength infrared light emitted from the light-emitting section LU_1, can be excited by the second wavelength infrared light and detected by the infrared photodetector diode PU4 of the light-receiving section PU_1.

[0437] In one embodiment, the temperature sensor unit TS may be placed on a package substrate SUB. Solder balls SD can electrically connect the fifth element PE5 and the temperature sensor unit TS. For example, the fifth element PE5 may consist of a plurality of terminals corresponding to pad electrodes formed on the back surface of the temperature sensor unit TS. The temperature sensor unit TS can be coupled to the fifth element PE5 by placing solder balls SD between the pad electrodes of the temperature sensor unit TS and the plurality of electrodes of the fifth element PE5, based on a reflow process.

[0438] For example, the temperature sensor unit TS may consist of an infrared temperature sensor TS_I. The temperature sensor unit TS may include a case TS_C with a portion of its upper side open, an infrared temperature sensor TS_I mounted inside the case TS_C, a thermistor TS_T, and an infrared transmission window TS_F provided on the open upper side of the case TS_C.

[0439] The infrared transmission window TS_F may be provided on top of the infrared temperature sensor TS_I, for example, including an infrared filter and a lens. Such an infrared transmission window TS_F can transmit infrared light to the infrared temperature sensor TS_I.

[0440] Therefore, the temperature sensor unit TS selects infrared light in a specific band from the infrared light incident through the infrared transmission window TS_F and provides it to the infrared temperature sensor TS_I, which converts this into an electrical signal from the thermistor TS_T, thereby measuring the ambient temperature of the cavity 100a.

[0441] In the aerosol generator 1, the ambient temperature of the cavity 100a may rise when the heater 140 is operated. Since the light-emitting element (e.g., light-emitting diode) of the light-emitting section LU undergoes changes in its characteristics due to heat, if the temperature of the heater 140 rises, the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting section LU will decrease, and the detection power of the optical sensor package PKG may decrease. Therefore, in order to prevent a decrease in the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting section LU due to the rise in the temperature of the heater 140, the aerosol generator 1 may correct the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting section LU.

[0442] For example, if the ambient temperature of the cavity 100a rises, the amount of light emitted by the light-emitting unit LU may decrease. In this case, if the measured temperature of the temperature sensor unit TS fluctuates above a predetermined reference temperature range, the semiconductor chip SC can correct the amount of light emitted by the light-emitting unit LU based on the difference between the measured temperature and the upper limit of the reference temperature range. By correcting the amount of light emitted by the light-emitting unit LU, a decrease in the detection power of the optical sensor package PKG can be prevented. In other words, the aerosol generator 1 can compensate for the decrease in the amount of light emitted by the light-emitting element of the light-emitting unit LU, which has decreased due to the rise in the temperature of the heater 140, thereby compensating for the detection value of the optical sensor package PKG.

[0443] The semiconductor chip SC can control the duty cycle through pulse width modulation of the light-emitting unit LU based on an offset value. The memory 130 may include a lookup table that associates offset values ​​for correcting the amount of light emitted by the light-emitting unit LU for each difference between the measured temperature and the upper limit of the reference temperature range. For example, as the ambient temperature of the cavity 100a increases, the difference between the measured temperature and the upper limit of the reference temperature range increases, so the offset value may also increase.

[0444] The control unit 110 can determine whether the cigarette 5 has been counterfeited and what type of cigarette 5 it is, based on the sensing values ​​detected by the optical sensor package PKG.

[0445] In one embodiment, the molding member ENC may be placed on the first surface S1 of the package substrate SUB. The molding member ENC can protect the first surface S1 of the package substrate SUB and other components mounted on the first surface S1 (e.g., light-emitting unit LU, semiconductor chip SC, temperature sensor unit TS, and light-receiving unit PU). The molding member ENC may be made of a non-conductive material. The molding member ENC can reduce or prevent the first surface S1 of the package substrate SUB and other components mounted on the first surface S1 from being electrically disconnected or unnecessarily connected.

[0446] In one embodiment, the molding member ENC may be formed on the first surface S1 of the package substrate SUB so as to surround the light-emitting part LU, the semiconductor chip SC, the temperature sensor part TS, and the light-receiving part PU.

[0447] Figure 34 is a flowchart illustrating a method for correcting the amount of light emitted by an aerosol generation system according to one embodiment.

[0448] Referring to Figures 24A and 33A to 34, the operation method of the aerosol generation system according to one embodiment may include the steps of: inserting a cigarette 5 into the cavity 100a of the aerosol generation device 1 (S10); measuring the ambient temperature of the cavity 100a using the temperature sensor unit TS included in the optical sensor package PKG (S20); and determining whether or not to correct the amount of light emitted by the light-emitting unit LU included in the optical sensor package PKG based on the measured ambient temperature of the cavity 100a (S30).

[0449] Specifically, in step S10, cigarette 5 may include an identification unit ID that, when excited by light of a first wavelength, emits light of a second wavelength distinct from the first wavelength. The identification unit ID includes an identification substance, which can be excited by ultraviolet light and emit one of the following types of light: red visible light, green visible light, blue visible light, and yellow visible light. For example, the identification substance may include organic matter, and may include one or more organic substances selected from the group consisting of organic quinazolinone compounds, thiophene compounds, sulfobenzoic acid compounds, and naphthyridine compounds.

[0450] In step S20, the temperature sensor unit TS may consist of an infrared temperature sensor TS_I. The temperature sensor unit TS may include a case TS_C with a portion of its upper side open, an infrared temperature sensor TS_I mounted inside the case TS_C, a thermistor TS_T, and an infrared transmission window TS_F provided on the open upper side of the case TS_C.

[0451] The infrared transmission window TS_F may be provided on top of the infrared temperature sensor TS_I, for example, including an infrared filter and a lens. Such an infrared transmission window TS_F can transmit infrared light to the infrared temperature sensor TS_I.

[0452] Therefore, the temperature sensor unit TS selects infrared light in a specific band from the infrared light incident through the infrared transmission window TS_F and provides it to the infrared temperature sensor TS_I, which converts this into an electrical signal from the thermistor TS_T, thereby measuring the ambient temperature of the cavity 100a.

[0453] In the aerosol generator 1, the ambient temperature of the cavity 100a may rise when the heater 140 is operated. Since the light-emitting element (e.g., light-emitting diode) of the light-emitting section LU undergoes changes in its characteristics due to heat, if the temperature of the heater 140 rises, the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting section LU will decrease, and the detection power of the optical sensor package PKG may decrease.

[0454] At stage S30, the semiconductor chip SC may decide to correct the amount of light emitted by the light-emitting part if the ambient temperature of the cavity 100a, measured by the temperature sensor unit TS, is higher than the upper limit of a previously set reference temperature range. In this case, the reference temperature range may be set in advance based on experimental statistics.

[0455] The semiconductor chip SC can correct the amount of light emitted by the light-emitting element LU based on the difference between the measured temperature and the upper limit of the reference temperature range if the measured temperature of the temperature sensor TS fluctuates above a predetermined reference temperature range. By correcting the amount of light emitted by the light-emitting element LU, a decrease in the detection power of the optical sensor package PKG can be prevented. In other words, the aerosol generator 1 can compensate for the detection value of the optical sensor package PKG by increasing the amount of light emitted by the light-emitting element of the light-emitting element LU, which has decreased as the temperature of the heater 140 rises.

[0456] The semiconductor chip SC can control the duty cycle through pulse width modulation of the light-emitting unit LU based on an offset value. The memory 130 may include a lookup table that associates offset values ​​for correcting the amount of light emitted by the light-emitting unit LU for each difference between the measured temperature and the upper limit of the reference temperature range. For example, as the ambient temperature of the cavity 100a increases, the difference between the measured temperature and the upper limit of the reference temperature range increases, so the offset value may also increase.

[0457] On the other hand, since the aerosol generator 1 is a small electronic product, the mounting space for various electronic components is limited, and the space for mounting the battery 120 is also constrained. This necessitates a method for efficiently utilizing the limited capacity of the battery 120.

[0458] As shown in Figures 24A to 33B, the sensor unit 150 (or optical sensor package PKG) includes a light-emitting unit LU and a light-emitting diode that commonly emits ultraviolet light in order to identify an identification unit ID, which emits light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength when excited by light of a first wavelength. However, ultraviolet light belongs to the category of light with very short wavelengths, and generating such light requires even more power consumption from the light-emitting unit LU than generating visible light or infrared light. Therefore, in terms of power saving, a method for minimizing the operation of the light-emitting unit LU that emits ultraviolet light will be described in detail below based on Figures 35A to 36.

[0459] Figure 35A is a plan view of an optical sensor package including a light-emitting unit that emits visible light according to one embodiment, and Figure 35B is a cross-sectional view of the optical sensor package cut along the line XI-XI' in Figure 35A.

[0460] Referring to Figures 24A, 35A, and 35B, an aerosol generation system according to one embodiment may include a cigarette 5 and an aerosol generation device 1, which include an identification unit ID that emits light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength when excited by light of a first wavelength.

[0461] The aerosol generator 1 may include a main body 100 containing a cavity 100a into which a cigarette 5 is inserted, an optical sensor package PKG positioned around the cavity 100a for sensing an identification unit ID, and a control unit 110 that identifies whether the cigarette 5 has been counterfeited and the type of cigarette 5 based on the sensing value detected by the optical sensor package PKG. In this case, the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figure 24A may correspond to the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figures 7 and 8. Further explanations will be omitted.

[0462] An optical sensor package PKG according to one embodiment may include a package substrate SUB, light-emitting parts LU, LU_2, a semiconductor chip SC, a light-receiving part PU, and a molding member ENC. In this case, the optical sensor package PKG may further include not only a light-emitting part LU that emits ultraviolet light, but also a light-emitting part LU_2 that emits visible light or ultraviolet light.

[0463] In one embodiment, the first surface S1 is also the surface on which the optical sensor package PKG faces the identification part ID of the cigarette 5. The substrate terminal TE can be electrically and / or physically connected to the aerosol generating device 1 on which the optical sensor package PKG of the present invention is mounted.

[0464] Referring to Figure 20, the identification section ID4 may be formed such that a strip-shaped pattern BP containing a first identification substance and a grid pattern GP containing a second identification substance are superimposed in the thickness direction.

[0465] The first identification material may include a visible light reflecting material when the light-emitting part LU_2 is composed of a white light-emitting diode. However, it is not limited to this, and when the light-emitting part LU_2 is composed of an infrared light-emitting diode, the first identification material may include an infrared reflecting material.

[0466] The second identification unit may include a second identification substance that, when excited by light of a first wavelength, emits light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength.

[0467] The second identification substance is excited when light within a predetermined wavelength range is absorbed. In this case, "excitation of a substance" means that the state of the substance changes from the ground state to the excited state. Subsequently, during the process in which the state of the second identification substance changes from the excited state to the ground state, light within a predetermined wavelength range may be emitted from the light-emitting substance.

[0468] In one embodiment, the second identification substance can be excited by light irradiated by the light-emitting unit LU and emit light in a wavelength range different from that of the irradiated light. For example, the second identification substance can be excited by light in a first wavelength range irradiated from the light-emitting unit LU and emit light in a second wavelength range different from that of the first wavelength range.

[0469] For example, the second identification material is also a first light-emitting material that emits light in a second wavelength range of approximately 400 nm to 750 nm when excited by light in a first wavelength range of approximately 350 nm to 390 nm. As a result, the light-emitting unit LU irradiates the first light-emitting material with ultraviolet light of approximately 365 nm, and the light-receiving unit PU can sense the 700 nm visible light (i.e., red light) emitted from the first light-emitting material.

[0470] As another example, the second identification material is also a second light-emitting material that emits light in the second wavelength range of approximately 1000 nm to 1020 nm when excited by light in the first wavelength range of approximately 300 nm to 340 nm. As a result, the light-emitting part LU irradiates the second light-emitting material with ultraviolet light of approximately 325 nm, and the light-receiving part PU_1 can sense the infrared light of 1012 nm emitted from the second light-emitting material.

[0471] In one embodiment, the semiconductor chip SC may consist of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) that controls the overall operation of the optical sensor package PKG.

[0472] In one embodiment, the light-receiving unit PU_1 may consist of at least one photodiode that conducts current when it receives light L of a first wavelength and light L' of a second wavelength different from each other. For example, the light-receiving unit PU_1 shown in Figures 35A and 35B is also an RGB sensing sensor. The RGB sensing sensor may include a first photodiode PU1 that detects red light, a second photodiode PU2 that detects green light, and a third photodiode PU3 that detects blue light. The light-receiving unit PU_1 may further include an infrared photodiode PU4 that can receive infrared wavelengths (i.e., about 1000 nm to 1020 nm).

[0473] Therefore, the light emitted from the light-emitting section LU, which is composed of ultraviolet light-emitting diodes, can be detected by the RGB sensing sensors (e.g., PU1, PU2, PU3) of the light-receiving section PU_1 if the second identification substance contained in the cigarette 5 is the first light-emitting substance, and can be detected by the infrared light-receiving diode PU4 of the light-receiving section PU_1 if the second identification substance is the second light-emitting substance.

[0474] Furthermore, the white light emitted from the light-emitting section LU_2, which is composed of white light-emitting diodes, can be detected by the RGB sensing sensors PU1, PU2, and PU3 of the light-receiving section PU_1 if the first identification substance contained in the cigarette 5 is a visible light reflective substance.

[0475] On the other hand, the light-emitting section LU_2 may be composed of an infrared light-emitting diode. If the second identification substance contained in the cigarette 5 is an infrared reflective material, the infrared light may be reflected and directly detected by the infrared photodetector diode PU4 of the light-receiving section PU_1.

[0476] In one embodiment, the molding member ENC may be placed on the first surface S1 of the package substrate SUB. The molding member ENC can protect the first surface S1 of the package substrate SUB and other components mounted on the first surface S1 (e.g., light-emitting section LU, LU_2, semiconductor chip SC, and light-receiving section PU). The molding member ENC may be made of a non-conductive material. The molding member ENC can reduce or prevent the first surface S1 of the package substrate SUB and other components mounted on the first surface S1 from being electrically disconnected or unnecessarily connected.

[0477] In one embodiment, the molding member ENC may be formed on the first surface S1 of the package substrate SUB so as to surround the light-emitting parts LU, LU_2, semiconductor chip SC, and light-receiving part PU.

[0478] For the sake of explanation, the combination of a light-emitting unit LU_2, which is composed of a white light-emitting diode (or infrared light-emitting diode), and a light-receiving unit PU_1 will be defined as the first sensor unit, and the combination of a light-emitting unit LU, which is composed of the ultraviolet light-emitting diode described above, and a light-receiving unit PU_1 will be defined as the second sensor unit. In one embodiment, the first sensor unit can sense whether or not a cigarette 5 has been inserted into the cavity 100a by repeatedly switching between an ON state and an OFF state at a predetermined cycle. For example, when visible light (or infrared light) emitted by the light-emitting unit LU_1 is reflected by a band-shaped pattern BP containing a first identification substance and received by the light-receiving unit PU_1, the control unit 110 can determine that a cigarette 5 has been inserted into the cavity 100a, switch the operation of the first sensor unit to the OFF state, and switch the second sensor unit to the ON state.

[0479] Thereafter, the second sensor unit can identify whether or not the cigarette 5 is counterfeit and what type of cigarette 5 it is. For example, when ultraviolet light emitted by the light-emitting unit LU is excited by the lattice pattern GP containing the second identification substance and converted into visible light which is received by the light-receiving unit PU_1, the control unit 110 can compare the color information of the second identification substance sensed by the second sensor unit with the color information already stored in the memory 130 to determine the type of cigarette inserted into the cavity 100a.

[0480] The control unit 110 can switch the operation of the second sensor unit to the OFF state when the second identified substance detection event ends.

[0481] Next, the control unit 110 can operate the first sensor unit to repeatedly switch between an ON state and an OFF state at a predetermined cycle. Based on the sensing operation of the first sensor unit, the control unit 110 can sense the movement state of the cigarette 5. For example, the control unit 110 can determine that the cigarette 5 has moved within the cavity 100a if the amount of visible light (or infrared light) reflected by the strip-shaped pattern BP is detected to be below a predetermined threshold using the first sensor unit. In this case, the state in which the cigarette 5 has moved may mean that the cigarette 5 is not sufficiently heated by the heater 140, and the aerosol generator 1 cannot provide the user with a sufficient smoking sensation.

[0482] When the control unit 110 determines that the cigarette 5 has moved within the cavity 100a, it may perform a smart off operation that interrupts the operation of the heater 140.

[0483] Figure 36 is a flowchart illustrating the power consumption reduction operation of an aerosol generation system according to one embodiment.

[0484] Referring to Figures 24A, 35A, and 36, the operation method of the aerosol generation system according to one embodiment may include the steps of: inserting a cigarette 5 into the cavity 100a of the aerosol generation device 1 (S11); determining whether or not the cigarette 5 has been inserted into the cavity 100a based on the sensing value for a first identification unit (for example, the strip-shaped pattern BP in Figure 20) sensed by a first sensor unit included in the optical sensor package PKG positioned around the cavity 100a (S21); and determining the type of cigarette 5 based on the sensing value for a second identification unit (for example, the grid pattern GP in Figure 20) sensed by a second sensor unit included in the optical sensor package PKG when it is determined that the cigarette 5 has been inserted into the cavity 100a (S31).

[0485] Specifically, in step S11, referring to Figure 20, the identification unit ID4 may be formed such that a strip-shaped pattern BP containing a first identification material and a grid pattern GP containing a second identification material are superimposed in the thickness direction. The first identification material may include a visible light reflective material when the light-emitting unit LU_2 is composed of a white light-emitting diode. However, it is not limited to this, and when the light-emitting unit LU_2 is composed of an infrared light-emitting diode, the first identification material may include an infrared reflective material.

[0486] The second identification unit may include a second identification substance that, when excited by light of a first wavelength, emits light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength. The second identification substance may be excited by ultraviolet light and emit one of the following types of light: red visible light, green visible light, blue visible light, and yellow visible light. For example, the second identification substance may include organic matter, and may include one or more organic substances selected from the group consisting of organic quinazolinone compounds, thiophene compounds, sulfobenzoic acid compounds, and naphthyridine compounds.

[0487] In step S21, the first sensor unit can sense whether or not a cigarette 5 has been inserted into the cavity 100a by repeatedly switching between an ON state and an OFF state at a predetermined cycle. For example, when visible light (or infrared light) emitted by the light-emitting unit LU_1 is reflected by a band-shaped pattern BP containing the first identification substance and received by the light-receiving unit PU_1, the control unit 110 can determine that a cigarette 5 has been inserted into the cavity 100a, switch the operation of the first sensor unit to the OFF state, and switch the operation of the second sensor unit to the ON state.

[0488] In step S31, the second sensor unit can identify whether or not the cigarette 5 has been counterfeited and the type of cigarette 5. For example, when ultraviolet light emitted by the light-emitting unit LU is excited by the lattice pattern GP containing the second identification substance and converted into visible light, and received by the light-receiving unit PU_1, the control unit 110 can compare the color information of the second identification substance sensed by the second sensor unit with the color information already stored in the memory 130 to determine the type of cigarette inserted into the cavity 100a.

[0489] The control unit 110 can switch the operation of the second sensor unit to the OFF state when the second identified substance detection event ends.

[0490] The operation method of the aerosol generation system according to one embodiment may further include the step of interrupting the operation of the heater 140 if, after the start of power supply to the heater 140, the first sensor unit is unable to detect the first identification unit.

[0491] The control unit 110 can operate the first sensor unit to repeatedly switch between an ON state and an OFF state at a predetermined cycle. Based on the sensing operation of the first sensor unit, the control unit 110 can sense the movement state of the cigarette 5. For example, the control unit 110 can determine that the cigarette 5 has moved within the cavity 100a if the amount of visible light (or infrared light) reflected by the strip-shaped pattern BP is detected to be below a predetermined threshold using the first sensor unit. In this case, the state in which the cigarette 5 has moved may mean that the cigarette 5 is not sufficiently heated by the heater 140, and the aerosol generator 1 cannot provide the user with a sufficient smoking sensation.

[0492] When the control unit 110 determines that the cigarette 5 has moved within the cavity 100a, it may perform a smart off operation that interrupts the operation of the heater 140.

[0493] Figure 37 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment.

[0494] The aerosol generator 1000 may include a power supply 1100, a control unit 1200, a sensor 1300, an output unit 1400, an input unit 1500, a communication unit 1600, a memory 1700, and at least one heater (e.g., 1800, 2400). However, the internal structure of the aerosol generator 1000 is not limited to that shown in Figure 37. That is, a person with ordinary skill in the art relating to this embodiment will understand that depending on the design of the aerosol generator 1000, some of the components shown in Figure 37 may be omitted or new components may be added.

[0495] The sensor 1300 can sense the state of the aerosol generator 1000 or the state of the area around the aerosol generator 1000 and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 1200. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 1200 can control the aerosol generator 1000 to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800, restricting smoking, determining whether or not an aerosol product and / or cartridge is inserted, and displaying notifications.

[0496] The sensor 1300 may include at least one of the following: a temperature sensor 1310, a puff sensor 1320, an insertion sensor 1330, a reuse sensor 1340, a cartridge sensor 1350, a cap sensor 1360, and a motion sensor 1370.

[0497] The temperature sensor 1310 can sense the temperature at which the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800 are heated. The aerosol generator 1000 may include a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800, or the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800 themselves may perform the role of a temperature sensor.

[0498] The temperature sensor 1310 can output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800. For example, the temperature sensor 1310 may include a resistive element whose resistance changes in response to temperature changes in the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800. This can be embodied by a thermistor or other element that utilizes the property of resistance changing with temperature. In this case, the temperature sensor 1310 can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistive element as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800. For example, the temperature sensor 1310 may consist of a sensor that detects the resistance value of the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800. In this case, the temperature sensor 1310 can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800 as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800.

[0499] The temperature sensor 1310 may be positioned around the power supply 1100 to monitor its temperature. The temperature sensor 1310 may be positioned adjacent to the power supply 1100. For example, the temperature sensor 1310 may be attached to one side of the battery which is the power supply 1100. For example, the temperature sensor 1310 may be mounted on one side of a printed circuit board.

[0500] The temperature sensor 1310 is located inside the aerosol generator body and can sense the internal temperature of the aerosol generator body.

[0501] The puff sensor 1320 can detect user puffs based on various physical changes in the airflow path. The puff sensor 1320 can output a signal corresponding to a puff. For example, the puff sensor 1320 is also a pressure sensor. The puff sensor 1320 can output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generator. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generator 1000 can correspond to the pressure of the airflow path through which the gas flows. The puff sensor 1320 can be positioned in the aerosol generator 1000 corresponding to the airflow path through which the gas flows.

[0502] The insertion sensing sensor 1330 can detect the insertion and / or removal of aerosol products. The insertion sensing sensor 1330 can detect signal changes caused by the insertion and / or removal of aerosol products. The insertion sensing sensor 1330 may be installed around the insertion space. The insertion sensing sensor 1330 can detect the insertion and / or removal of aerosol products by changes in dielectric constant within the insertion space. For example, the insertion sensing sensor 1330 is also an inductive sensor and / or a capacitance sensor.

[0503] An inductive sensor may include at least one coil. The coil of the inductive sensor may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. For example, if the magnetic field changes around a coil through which current flows, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may change according to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. Here, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may include the frequency of the alternating current, the current value, the voltage value, the inductance value, the impedance value, etc.

[0504] An inductive sensor can output a signal corresponding to the characteristics of the current flowing through a coil. For example, an inductive sensor can output a signal corresponding to the inductance value of a coil.

[0505] Capacitance sensors may include conductors. The conductor of a capacitance sensor may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. Capacitance sensors may output signals corresponding to the surrounding electromagnetic properties, such as the capacitance around the conductor. For example, if an aerosol product including a metal casing is inserted into the insertion space, the casing of the aerosol product may alter the electromagnetic properties around the conductor.

[0506] The reuse detection sensor 1340 can detect whether or not an aerosol product has been reused. The reuse detection sensor 1340 is also a color sensor. The color sensor can detect the hue of the aerosol product. The color sensor can detect the hue of a portion of the flared outer casing surrounding the aerosol product. The color sensor can detect a value for an optical property corresponding to the hue of an object, based on light reflected from the object. For example, an optical property is also the wavelength of light. The color sensor can be implemented in a single configuration with a proximity sensor, or in a separate configuration distinct from the proximity sensor.

[0507] At least a portion of the flaps constituting the aerosol product may change hue due to the aerosol. The reuse sensing sensor 1340 may be positioned in a location corresponding to where at least a portion of the flaps whose hue changes due to the aerosol are located when the aerosol product is inserted into the insertion space. For example, before the aerosol product is used by the user, at least a portion of the flaps has the first hue. In this case, as the aerosol generated by the aerosol generator 1000 passes through the aerosol product, at least a portion of the flaps may be wetted by the aerosol, causing at least a portion of the flaps to change to the second hue. On the other hand, after the hue of at least a portion of the flaps has changed from the first hue to the second hue, it may be maintained at the second hue.

[0508] The cartridge sensing sensor 1350 can detect the insertion and / or removal of a cartridge. The cartridge sensing sensor 1350 can be implemented as an inductance substrate sensor, a power failure capacitance sensor, a resistance sensor, or a Hall sensor (Hall IC) using the Hall effect.

[0509] The cap sensing sensor 1360 can detect the attachment and / or removal of the cap. When the cap is separated from the aerosol generator body, the cartridge and part of the aerosol generator body that were covered by the cap may be exposed to the outside. The cap sensing sensor 1360 can be implemented as a contact sensor, a Hall sensor (Hall IC), an optical sensor, or the like.

[0510] The motion sensor 1370 can detect the movement of the aerosol generator. The motion sensor 1370 can be implemented by at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

[0511] Sensor 1300 may further include at least one of the following sensors in addition to the aforementioned sensors 1310 to 1370: a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (GPS), and a proximity sensor. The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by an average engineer from its name, so a detailed explanation may be omitted.

[0512] The output unit 1400 may output and provide to the user information relating to the status of the aerosol generator 1000. The output unit 1400 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the display 1410, the haptic unit 1420, and the acoustic output unit 1430. If the display 1410 and the touchpad form a layered structure to constitute a touchscreen, the display 1410 may be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0513] The display 1410 can visually provide the user with information related to the aerosol generator 1000. For example, information related to the aerosol generator 1000 can include a variety of information such as the charging / discharging status of the power supply 1100 of the aerosol generator 1000, the preheating status of the heater 1800, the insertion / removal status of the aerosol product and / or cartridge, the attachment / removal status of the cap, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generator 1000 is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal item), and the display 1410 can output this information to the outside. For example, the display 1410 can also be an LED light-emitting element. For example, the display 1410 can also be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), etc.

[0514] The haptic unit 1420 can provide the user with tactile information related to the aerosol generator 1000 by converting electrical signals into mechanical or electrical stimuli. For example, the haptic unit 1420 may generate vibrations corresponding to the completion of initial preheating when initial power has been supplied to the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800 for a set time. The haptic unit 1420 may include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0515] The acoustic output unit 1430 can provide the user with auditory information related to the aerosol generator 1000. For example, the acoustic output unit 1430 can convert electrical signals into acoustic signals and output them externally.

[0516] The power supply 1100 may supply the power used to operate the aerosol generator 1000. The power supply 1100 may supply power to heat the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800. The power supply 1100 may also supply the power necessary for the operation of other components provided within the aerosol generator 1000, namely the sensor 1300, output unit 1400, input unit 1500, communication unit 1600, and memory 1700. The power supply 1100 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power supply 1100 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited to that.

[0517] Although not shown in Figure 37, the aerosol generator 1000 may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit may include a switching element and be electrically connected to the power supply 1100.

[0518] The power protection circuit may interrupt the circuit to the power supply 1100 under predetermined conditions. For example, the power protection circuit may interrupt the circuit to the power supply 1100 if the voltage level of the power supply 1100 is equal to or greater than a first voltage corresponding to overcharging. For example, the power protection circuit may interrupt the circuit to the power supply 1100 if the voltage level of the power supply 1100 is less than a second voltage corresponding to over-discharge.

[0519] The heater 1800 may be powered by the power supply 1100 to heat the medium or aerosol-generating material within the aerosol product. Although not shown in Figure 37, the aerosol generator 1000 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power from the power supply 1100 and supplies it to the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800. Furthermore, if the aerosol generator 1000 generates aerosols by induction heating, the aerosol generator 1000 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power supply of the power supply 1100 to AC power.

[0520] The control unit 1200, sensor 1300, output unit 1400, input unit 1500, communication unit 1600, and memory 1700 can perform their functions by being powered by the power supply 1100. Although not shown in Figure 37, the circuit may further include a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, which converts the power from the power supply 1100 and supplies it to each component. Also not shown in Figure 37, a noise filter may be provided between the power supply 1100 and the heater 1800. The noise filter is also a low-pass filter. The low-pass filter may include at least one inductor and a capacitor. The cutoff frequency of the low-pass filter may correspond to the frequency of the high-frequency switching current applied from the power supply 1100 to the heater 1800. The low-pass filter can prevent high-frequency noise components from being applied to the sensor 1300, such as the insertion sensing sensor 1330.

[0521] In one embodiment, the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800 may consist of any suitable electrical resistant material. Suitable electrical resistant materials 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 1800 may also be embodied by, but is not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate on which conductive tracks are arranged, or a ceramic heating element.

[0522] In other embodiments, the heater 1800 is also an induction heating heater. For example, the heater 1800 may include a susceptor that generates heat via a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol-generating material.

[0523] The input unit 1500 can receive information input from the user or output information to the user. For example, the input unit 1500 is also a touch panel. The touch panel may include at least one touch sensor that detects touch. For example, the touch sensor may include, but is not limited to, a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, an ultrasonic touch sensor (surface acoustic wave touch sensor), or an infrared touch sensor.

[0524] The display 1410 and the touch panel can be represented by a single panel. For example, the touch panel can be embedded within the display 1410 (on-cell type or in-cell type). For example, the touch panel can be added on to the display 1410 panel (add-on type).

[0525] On the other hand, the input section 1500 includes, but is not limited to, buttons, keypads, dome switches, jog wheels, jog switches, etc.

[0526] Memory 1700 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generator 1000, and can store data processed by the control unit 1200 and data being processed. Memory 1700 may include at least one type of recording medium from among 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, and optical disk. Memory 1700 may store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generator 1000, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data related to the user's smoking pattern.

[0527] The communication unit 1600 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 1600 may include at least one of a short-range communication unit and a wireless communication unit.

[0528] The short-range wireless communication unit may include, 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, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, and others.

[0529] The wireless communication unit may include, 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.

[0530] Although not shown in Figure 37, the aerosol generator 1000 further includes a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, which can connect to other external devices to send and receive information or charge the power supply 1100 via the USB interface.

[0531] The control unit 1200 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 1000. In one embodiment, the control unit 1200 may include at least one processor. The processor may be embodied as an array of numerous logic gates and may be embodied as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory storing a program that can be executed by the microprocessor. Those with ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs will understand that it may also be embodied in other forms of hardware.

[0532] The control unit 1200 can control the temperature of the heater 1800 by controlling the supply of power from the power supply 1100 to the heater 1800. The control unit 1200 can control the temperature of the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800 sensed by the temperature sensor 1310. The control unit 1200 can adjust the power supplied to the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800. For example, the control unit 1200 can determine a target temperature for the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800 based on a temperature profile stored in the memory 1700.

[0533] The aerosol generator 1000 may include a power supply circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the power supply 1100 between the power supply 1100 and the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800. The power supply circuit may be electrically connected to the cartridge heater 2400, heater 1800, or induction coil. The power supply circuit may include at least one switching element. The switching element may be embodied by a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field-effect transistor (FET), or the like. The control unit 1200 can control the power supply circuit.

[0534] The control unit 1200 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of the switching elements of the power supply circuit. The power supply circuit is also an inverter that converts the DC power output from the power supply 1100 into AC power. For example, the inverter may consist of a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit that includes multiple switching elements.

[0535] The control unit 1200 can turn on the switching element so that power is supplied from the power supply 1100 to the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800. The control unit 1200 can turn off the switching element so that the power supply to the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800 is cut off. The control unit 1200 can adjust the current supplied from the power supply 1100 by adjusting the frequency and / or duty cycle of the current pulse input to the switching element.

[0536] The control unit 1200 can control the voltage output from the power supply 1100 by controlling the switching of the switching elements in the power supply circuit. The power conversion circuit can convert the voltage output from the power supply 1100. For example, the power conversion circuit may include a buck converter that boosts the voltage output from the power supply 1100. For example, the power conversion circuit may be implemented through a buck boost converter, a Zener diode, or the like.

[0537] The control unit 1200 can control the on / off operation of the switching element included in the power conversion circuit to adjust the voltage level output from the power conversion circuit. When the switching element remains in the on state, the voltage level output from the power conversion circuit may correspond to the voltage level output from the power supply 1100. The duty cycle for the on / off operation of the switching element may correspond to the ratio of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit to the voltage output from the power supply 1100. The lower the duty cycle for the on / off operation of the switching element, the lower the voltage level output from the power conversion circuit may be. The heater 1800 may be heated based on the voltage output from the power conversion circuit.

[0538] The control unit 1200 can control the supply of power to the heater 1800 using at least one of the following methods: pulse width modulation (PWM) and proportional-integral-differential (PID).

[0539] For example, the control unit 1200 can use a PWM method to control the supply of current pulses having a predetermined frequency and duty cycle to the heater 1800. The control unit 1200 can adjust the frequency and duty cycle of the current pulses to control the power supplied to the heater 1800.

[0540] For example, the control unit 1200 can determine a target temperature for control based on the temperature profile. The control unit 1200 can control the power supplied to the heater 1800 using a PID method, which is a feedback control method that uses the difference between the temperature of the heater 1800 and the target temperature, the integral of the difference over time, and the derivative of the difference over time.

[0541] The control unit 1200 can prevent the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800 from overheating. For example, the control unit 1200 can control the operation of the power conversion circuit so that the power supply to the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800 is interrupted based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800 exceeding a previously set limit temperature. For example, the control unit 1200 can reduce the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800 by a determined ratio based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800 exceeding a previously set limit temperature. For example, the control unit 1200 can determine that the aerosol-generating material contained in the cartridge has been exhausted based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 2400 exceeding a limit temperature and cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 2400.

[0542] The control unit 1200 can control the charging and discharging of the power supply 1100. The control unit 1200 can check the temperature of the power supply 1100 based on the output signal of the temperature sensor 1310.

[0543] When a power line is connected to the battery terminal of the aerosol generator 1000, the control unit 1200 can check whether the temperature of the power supply 1100 is above a first limit temperature, which is the criterion for shutting off the charging of the power supply 1100. If the temperature of the power supply 1100 is below the first limit temperature, the control unit 1200 can control the power supply 1100 to be charged based on a previously set charging current. If the temperature of the power supply 1100 is above the first limit temperature, the control unit 1200 can shut off the charging of the power supply 1100.

[0544] With the aerosol generator 1000 powered on, the control unit 1200 can check whether the temperature of the power supply 1100 is above the second limit temperature, which is the criterion for shutting off the discharge of the power supply 1100. If the temperature of the power supply 1100 is below the second limit temperature, the control unit 1200 can control the system to use the power stored in the power supply 1100. If the temperature of the power supply 1100 is above the second limit temperature, the control unit 1200 can interrupt the use of the power stored in the power supply 1100.

[0545] The control unit 1200 can calculate the remaining capacity of the power supply 1100 relative to the power stored in the power supply 1100. For example, the control unit 1200 can calculate the remaining capacity of the power supply 1100 based on the voltage and / or current sensing values ​​of the power supply 1100.

[0546] The control unit 1200 can determine whether or not an aerosol product has been inserted into the insertion space based on the insertion sensing sensor 1330. The control unit 1200 can determine that an aerosol product has been inserted based on the output signal of the insertion sensing sensor 1330. If it determines that an aerosol product has been inserted into the insertion space, the control unit 1200 can control the supply of power to the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800. For example, the control unit 1200 can supply power to the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800 based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 1700.

[0547] The control unit 1200 can determine whether or not aerosol products have been removed from the insertion space. For example, the control unit 1200 can determine whether or not aerosol products have been removed from the insertion space through the insertion sensing sensor 1330. For example, the control unit 1200 can determine that aerosol products have been removed from the insertion space if the temperature of the heater 1800 is above a limit temperature, or if the temperature change gradient of the heater 1800 is above a set gradient. If the control unit 1200 determines that aerosol products have been removed from the insertion space, it can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800.

[0548] The control unit 1200 can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the heater 1800 based on the state of the aerosol product sensed by the sensor 1300. The control unit 1200 can determine the level range that includes the signal level of the capacitance sensor based on a lookup table. Based on the determined level range, the control unit 1200 can determine the amount of moisture in the aerosol product.

[0549] If the aerosol product is in an overly humid state, the control unit 1200 can control the power supply time to the heater 1800 to increase the preheating time of the aerosol product compared to normal conditions.

[0550] The control unit 1200 can determine whether the aerosol product inserted into the insertion space is being reused via the reuse sensing sensor 1340. For example, the control unit 1200 compares the sensing value of the reuse sensing sensor signal with a first reference range that includes a first hue, and determines that the aerosol product is not being used if the sensing value falls within the first reference range. For example, the control unit 1200 compares the sensing value of the reuse sensing sensor signal with a second reference range that includes a second hue, and determines that the aerosol product has been used if the sensing value falls within the second reference range. If it is determined that the aerosol product has been used, the control unit 1200 may cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800.

[0551] The control unit 1200 can determine whether a cartridge is connected and / or removed based on the cartridge sensing sensor 1350. For example, the control unit 1200 can determine whether a cartridge is connected and / or removed based on the sensing value of the signal from the cartridge sensing sensor 1350.

[0552] The control unit 1200 can determine whether the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge has been exhausted. For example, the control unit 1200 can preheat the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800 by applying power, and determine whether the temperature of the cartridge heater 2400 exceeds a limit temperature during the preheating period. If the temperature of the cartridge heater 2400 exceeds the limit temperature, the control unit 1200 can determine that the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge has been exhausted. If the control unit 1200 determines that the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge has been exhausted, it can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800.

[0553] The control unit 1200 can determine whether the cartridge is usable or not. For example, based on the data stored in the memory 1700, the control unit 1200 may determine that the cartridge is unusable if the current number of puffs is greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge. For example, the control unit 1200 may determine that the cartridge 19 is unusable if the total time the cartridge heater 2400 has been heated is greater than or equal to the previously set maximum time, or if the total amount of power supplied to the heater 2400 is greater than or equal to the previously set maximum amount of power.

[0554] The control unit 1200 can make decisions regarding the user's inhalation based on the puff sensor 1320. For example, the control unit 1200 can determine whether or not a puff has occurred based on the sensing value of the signal from the puff sensor 1320. For example, the control unit 1200 can determine the intensity of the puff based on the sensing value of the signal from the puff sensor 1320. If the number of puffs reaches the pre-set maximum number of puffs, or if no puff is detected for a pre-set period of time or longer, the control unit 1200 can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800.

[0555] The control unit 1200 can determine whether the cap is attached and / or removed based on the cap sensing sensor 1360. For example, the control unit 1200 can determine whether the cap is attached and / or removed based on the sensing value of the signal from the cap sensing sensor 1360.

[0556] The control unit 1200 can control the output unit 1400 based on the results sensed by the sensor 1300. For example, if the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor 1320 reaches a pre-set number, the control unit 1200 may notify the user that the aerosol generator 1000 will soon shut down via at least one of the display 1410, the haptic unit 1420, and the acoustic output unit 1430. For example, the control unit 1200 may inform the user via the output unit 1400 based on the determination that there are no aerosol products in the insertion space. For example, the control unit 1200 may inform the user via the output unit 1400 based on the determination that the cartridge and / or cap is not installed. For example, the control unit 1200 may transmit information related to the temperature of the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800 to the user via the output unit 1400.

[0557] The control unit 1200 can save and update a history of events in the memory 1700 based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. Events may include operations performed by the aerosol generator 1000, such as sensing the insertion of an aerosol product, starting the heating of the aerosol product, detecting puffing, ending the puffing, sensing overheating of the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800, sensing the application of overvoltage to the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800, ending the heating of the aerosol product, turning the power of the aerosol generator 1000 on / off, starting charging of the power supply 1100, sensing overcharge of the power supply 1100, and ending charging of the power supply 1100. The history of events may include the date and time the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if a predetermined event is the sensing of insertion of an aerosol product, the log data corresponding to the event may include data related to the sensing value of the insertion sensing sensor 1330, etc. For example, if a predetermined event is the detection of overheating in the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800, the log data corresponding to the event may include data relating to the temperature of the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800, the voltage applied to the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800, the current flowing through the cartridge heater 2400 and / or heater 1800, and so on.

[0558] The control unit 1200 can be controlled to form a communication link with an external device, such as a user's mobile terminal. Upon receiving authentication data from the external device via the communication link, the control unit 1200 can remove restrictions on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generator 1000. Here, the authentication data may include data indicating the completion of user authentication for the user corresponding to the external device. The user can perform user authentication through the external device. The external device can determine whether the user data is valid based on the user's date of birth, a unique number identifying the user, etc., and can receive data from an external server regarding the right to use the aerosol generator 1000. Based on the data regarding the right to use, the external device can transmit data indicating the completion of user authentication from the aerosol generator 1000. If user authentication is completed, the control unit 1200 can remove restrictions on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generator 1000. For example, if user authentication is completed, the control unit 1200 can remove restrictions on the use of the heating function that supplies power to the heater 1800.

[0559] The control unit 1200 can transmit data relating to the status of the aerosol generator 1000 to the external device via a communication link formed with the external device. Based on the received status data, the external device can output the remaining capacity of the power supply 1100 of the aerosol generator 1000, the operating mode, etc., via the external device's display.

[0560] An external device may transmit a location search request to the aerosol generator 1000 based on an input to initiate a location search for the aerosol generator 1000. When the control unit 1200 receives a location search request from the external device, it may control at least one of the output devices to perform an operation corresponding to the location search based on the received location search request. For example, the haptic unit 1420 may generate vibrations in response to the location search request. For example, the display 1410 may output an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search in response to the location search request.

[0561] The control unit 1200 can control the aerosol generator 1000 to perform a firmware update upon receiving firmware data from an external device. The external device can check the current firmware version of the aerosol generator 1000 and determine whether a new firmware version exists. If the external device receives an input requesting a firmware download, it can receive the new firmware data and transmit the new firmware data to the aerosol generator 1000. Upon receiving the new firmware data, the control unit 1200 can control the aerosol generator 1000 to perform a firmware update.

[0562] The control unit 1200 can transmit data related to the sensing values ​​of at least one sensor 1300 to an external server (not shown) via the communication unit 1600, and can receive and store a learning model generated by learning the sensing values ​​from the server via machine learning such as deep learning. The control unit 1200 can use the learning model received from the server to perform operations such as determining the user's inhalation pattern and generating a temperature profile. The control unit 1200 can store sensing value data from at least one sensor 1300 and data for learning an artificial neural network (ANN) in the memory 1700. For example, the memory 1700 can store a database related to each component of the aerosol generator 1000, weights and biases that make up the ANN structure, for learning the ANN. The control unit 1200 can learn data related to the sensing values ​​of at least one sensor 1300, the user's inhalation pattern, temperature profile, etc., stored in the memory 1700, and generate at least one learning model used for determining the user's inhalation pattern, generating a temperature profile, etc.

[0563] The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative examples, and a person with ordinary skill in the art will understand that a variety of modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible therefrom. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the invention must be determined by the attached claims, and all differences that are equivalent to those described in the claims must be interpreted as being included within the scope of protection determined by the claims.

[0564] The embodiments described above, or other embodiments, are not mutually exclusive or distinct from each other. The respective configurations or functions of the embodiments described above, or other embodiments, may be used in combination or in combination with each other.

[0565] For example, this means that configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or drawing may be combinable with configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing. In other words, even if the combinability between configurations is not directly described, it means that combinability is possible unless it is stated that combinability is impossible.

[0566] The foregoing detailed description should not be interpreted restrictively in any way, but should be considered illustrative. The scope of the invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the invention are included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. In an aerosol generation system, A cigarette including an identification part that, when excited by light of a first wavelength, emits light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength, The main body includes a cavity into which the cigarette is inserted, An optical sensor package is arranged around the cavity and senses the identification unit, The system includes a control unit that identifies whether the cigarette has been counterfeited and the type of the cigarette based on the sensing value detected by the optical sensor package, The aforementioned optical sensor package is Package substrate and A light-emitting unit is disposed on the package substrate and emits light of the first wavelength, A semiconductor chip disposed on the aforementioned package substrate, An aerosol generation system comprising: a light-receiving unit disposed on at least one of the semiconductor chip and the package substrate on the opposite side of the light-emitting portion with respect to the semiconductor chip, which receives light of the second wavelength.

2. The aerosol generation system according to claim 1, wherein the semiconductor chip includes a signal processing unit electrically connected to the light receiving unit, and the signal processing unit includes an analog-to-digital converter that converts the sensing value, which is an analog signal, into a digital signal.

3. The aerosol generation system according to claim 2, wherein the control unit determines whether or not the cigarette has been counterfeited and the type of the cigarette based on the digital signal generated by the signal processing unit.

4. The aerosol generation system according to claim 1, wherein the height from the top surface of the package substrate to the top surface of the semiconductor chip is greater than the height from the top surface of the package substrate to the top surface of the light-emitting portion.

5. The aerosol generation system according to claim 1, wherein the light-emitting unit includes at least one of an infrared light-emitting diode and an ultraviolet light-emitting diode, and the light-receiving unit includes at least one of an RGB optical diode and an infrared optical diode.

6. The aerosol generating system according to claim 1, wherein the identification unit includes at least one of a lanthanum group substance and a tagant substance.

7. The aerosol generation system according to claim 1, wherein the optical sensor package further includes a partition wall disposed on the package substrate between the light-emitting portion and the semiconductor chip.

8. The aerosol generating system according to claim 7, wherein the partition wall is formed from a black epoxy molding compound and the molding member is formed from a transparent molding compound.

9. The aerosol generation system according to claim 8, wherein the optical sensor package further includes the upper surface of the exposed package substrate portion, the light-emitting portion, the light-receiving portion, and the molding member disposed on the semiconductor chip.

10. The aerosol generation system according to claim 1, further comprising a partition wall including a first partition wall disposed on the package substrate and positioned between the light-emitting portion and the semiconductor chip, and a second partition wall disposed along the periphery of the package substrate.

11. The aerosol generation system according to claim 9, wherein the molding member includes a first molding portion disposed on the upper surface of a portion of the exposed package substrate and the light-emitting portion, and a second molding portion disposed on the upper surface of another portion of the exposed package substrate, the light-receiving portion and the semiconductor chip.

12. The aerosol generation system according to claim 11, wherein the inner surface of the partition wall in contact with the first molding portion has an inclined surface that forms an obtuse angle with the upper surface of the package substrate.

13. The aerosol generation system according to claim 12, wherein a reflective material is placed on the inclined surface.

14. The aerosol generating system according to claim 11, wherein the partition wall is formed from a black epoxy molding compound, and the molding member is formed from a transparent molding compound.

15. The aerosol generating system according to claim 1, wherein the cigarette includes an aerosol generating rod and a filter rod, the identification portion is formed in a region extending from the boundary between the aerosol generating rod and the filter rod toward the filter rod, and the identification portion has a band shape surrounding the outer surface of the cigarette.

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