Aerosol products, aerosol generation system including the aerosol product and aerosol generation apparatus

Abstract

According to one embodiment, the aerosol generation system also includes an aerosol product including an ink region in which ink that changes color in response to at least one of temperature and humidity changes is disposed, and an aerosol generation device including a heater that heats at least a portion of the aerosol product, a sensor that senses the ink region, and a processor that controls the supply of power to the heater based on sensory information obtained from the ink region via the sensor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generation system for detecting the state of an aerosol generation article.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods to overcome the disadvantages of conventional cigarettes. For example, there is 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 burning a cigarette to generate an aerosol.

[0003] The quality of a cigarette inserted into and used in an aerosol generating device can affect the quality of the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device. Recently, various solutions related to improving the quality of the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating device have been studied in order to improve the smoking sensation of users.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] A cigarette exposed to a humid environment has an increased moisture content. When a cigarette with an increased moisture content is heated by an aerosol generating device, excessive water vapor and high-temperature aerosol are generated. In addition, a cigarette exposed to a high-temperature environment may have a partially deformed tobacco flavor. Related to this, a used cigarette should not be reused because sufficient aerosol required for a user to smoke is not generated.

[0005] One embodiment according to the present disclosure provides an aerosol generating device that can control power supply to a heater based on the state of a cigarette.

[0006] The problems to be addressed through the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and any problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which these embodiments belong, based on this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An aerosol generation system in one embodiment also includes an aerosol product containing an ink region in which ink that changes color in response to at least one of temperature changes and humidity changes is disposed, and an aerosol generation device including a heater that heats at least a portion of the aerosol product, a sensor that senses the ink region, and a processor that controls the power supply to the heater based on sensing information obtained from the ink region via the sensor.

[0008] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus also includes a heater for heating at least a portion of the aerosol product, a sensor for sensing the ink region of the aerosol product, and a processor that controls the power supply to the heater based on sensing information obtained from the ink region via the sensor. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, by controlling heating according to the state of the cigarette, it is possible to prevent user discomfort and impairment of smoking satisfaction caused by high-temperature aerosols from cigarettes in an overly humid state and cigarettes exposed to high temperatures.

[0010] However, the effects of this embodiment are not limited to those described above, and any effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs, based on this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of an aerosol generation system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is an illustrative diagram illustrating the components of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart illustrating how an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment controls its operation based on sensing information related to the aerosol product. [Figure 4] This is an illustrative diagram of an ink region corresponding to the state of an aerosol product according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] This is an illustrative diagram of the temperature profile of an aerosol generator corresponding to the state of the aerosol product according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] This is an illustrative diagram of the UI (user interface) screen of an aerosol generator corresponding to the state of an aerosol product, according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] This is an illustrative diagram of an ink region corresponding to the state of an aerosol product according to another embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The terminology used in this embodiment 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, these terms may differ depending on the intentions of the articulators, precedents, 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 terms used in this invention are not merely names of terms, but must be defined based on the meaning of the term and the overall content of the present invention.

[0013] Throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a component, unless otherwise specified, this means that it includes other components, not excludes them. Furthermore, terms such as "~part" or "~module" used in the specification refer to 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.

[0014] As used herein, when an expression such as “at least one of the following” precedes a sequence of components, it modifies the entire sequence of components, rather than each of the individual components in the sequence. For example, the expression “at least one of a, b, and c” must be interpreted as including a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b and c.

[0015] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device is also a device that electrically heats a cigarette contained in an internal space to generate an aerosol.

[0016] The aerosol generator also includes a heater. In one embodiment, the heater is also an electrical resistive heater. For example, the heater may include a conductive track, and if an electric current flows through the conductive track, the heater may be heated.

[0017] The heater may include tubular heating elements, plate heating elements, needle heating elements, or rod heating elements, and depending on the form of the heating elements, it may heat the inside or outside of the cigarette.

[0018] A cigarette also includes a tobacco rod and a filter rod. The tobacco rod can be made of a sheet, a strand, or shredded tobacco where the tobacco sheet is finely shredded. The tobacco rod can also be surrounded by a heat-conducting substance. For example, the heat-conducting substance can be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto.

[0019] The filter rod is also a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod can be composed of at least one segment. For example, the filter rod can include a first segment for cooling the aerosol and a second segment for filtering a predetermined component contained in the aerosol.

[0020] In other embodiments, the aerosol generating device is also a device that uses a cartridge holding an aerosol generating substance to generate an aerosol.

[0021] The aerosol generating device also includes a cartridge holding an aerosol generating substance and a body supporting the cartridge. The cartridge can be detachably coupled to the body, but is not limited thereto. The cartridge can be integrally formed with the body, incorporated, or fixed so as not to be detached by the user. The cartridge can be mounted on the body while containing the aerosol generating substance therein. However, it is not limited thereto, and the aerosol generating substance can also be injected into the cartridge while the cartridge is coupled to the body.

[0022] The cartridge can hold an aerosol generating substance having any one of various states such as a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, or a gel state. The aerosol generating substance can also include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition can be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance including a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0023] The cartridge can perform the function of generating an aerosol by converting the phase of the aerosol-generating material inside the cartridge to a gas phase, through operation by electrical or wireless signals transmitted from the main unit. The aerosol may refer to a gaseous state in which vaporized particles generated from the aerosol-generating material and air are mixed.

[0024] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generator heats a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, which can then pass through a cigarette and be delivered to the user. That is, the aerosol generated from the liquid composition moves along an airflow passage in the aerosol generator, which may be configured to allow the aerosol to pass through a cigarette and be delivered to the user.

[0025] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device is also a device that generates aerosols from aerosol-generating material using an ultrasonic vibration method. In this case, the ultrasonic vibration method may mean a method of generating aerosols by atomizing the aerosol-generating material with ultrasonic vibrations generated by a transducer.

[0026] The aerosol generating device includes a transducer, which generates short-period vibrations to atomize the aerosol-generating substance. The vibrations generated by the transducer are ultrasonic vibrations, and the frequency band of these ultrasonic vibrations is approximately 100 kHz to approximately 3.5 MHz, but is not limited to that.

[0027] The aerosol generator also further includes a core that absorbs the aerosol-generating material. For example, the core may be arranged to cover at least one region of the oscillator, or to be in contact with at least one region of the oscillator.

[0028] When a voltage (e.g., AC voltage) is applied to the transducer, heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations are generated from the transducer, and these heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations can be transmitted to the aerosol-generating material absorbed in the core. The aerosol-generating material absorbed in the core is converted into a gas phase by the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations transmitted from the transducer, and as a result, an aerosol can be generated.

[0029] For example, heat generated from the transducer may reduce the viscosity of the aerosol-generating material absorbed into the core, and ultrasonic vibrations generated from the transducer may further atomize the reduced-viscosity aerosol-generating material, thereby generating an aerosol, but this is not the only possibility.

[0030] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus is also a device that generates aerosols by heating the aerosol product contained within the aerosol generating apparatus using induction heating.

[0031] The aerosol generator also includes a susceptor and a coil. In one embodiment, the coil can apply a magnetic field to the susceptor. By supplying power to the coil from the aerosol generator, a magnetic field can be formed inside the coil. In one embodiment, the susceptor is also a magnetic material that generates heat due to an external magnetic field. The aerosol product can be heated by the heat generated when the susceptor is located inside the coil and a magnetic field is applied. Alternatively, the susceptor can be selectively located within the aerosol product.

[0032] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generator may further include a cradle.

[0033] The aerosol generator can be configured with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may charge the battery of the aerosol generator, or the heater may be heated while the cradle and the aerosol generator are coupled together.

[0034] Hereafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so as to be readily implementable by a person with ordinary skill in the art. The present disclosure may be implemented in a manner that can be embodied in the aerosol generating apparatus of the various embodiments described herein, or in a variety of different manners, but is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0035] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0036] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an aerosol generation system according to one embodiment.

[0037] Referring to Figure 1, an aerosol generation system 100 according to one embodiment includes an aerosol generator 200 and an aerosol product 300, the aerosol generator 200 also includes a housing 205 into which the aerosol product 300 can be inserted.

[0038] In one embodiment, the housing 205 forms the overall appearance of the aerosol generator 200 and also includes an internal space (or "arrangement space") in which the components of the aerosol generator 200 can be arranged. Although only embodiments in which the housing 205 has a semicircular cross-section are illustrated in the drawings, the shape of the housing 205 is not limited thereto. In one embodiment (not shown), the housing 205 may be formed in an overall cylindrical shape or in a polygonal prism shape (e.g., triangular or rectangular prism shape).

[0039] In one embodiment, the housing 205 may include components for heating the aerosol product 300 inserted into the housing 205 to generate an aerosol, and components for outputting a screen related to the status of the aerosol generator 200 to the display 210. A detailed explanation of these components will be given later.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the housing 205 also includes an opening 200h into which the aerosol product 300 can be inserted into the housing 205. At least a portion of the aerosol product 300 can be inserted into or housed inside the housing 205 through the opening 200h. For example, the aerosol product 300 can be inserted into or housed inside the housing 205 through the opening 200h up to the portion in which the ink area 310 is located.

[0041] An aerosol can be generated by heating an aerosol product 300 inserted or housed inside the housing 205. The generated aerosol is discharged to the outside of the aerosol generator 200 through the inserted aerosol product 300 and / or the space between the aerosol product 300 and the opening 200h, and the user can inhale the discharged aerosol.

[0042] An aerosol generating apparatus 200 according to one embodiment further includes a display 210 on which visual information is displayed.

[0043] In one embodiment, the display 210 may be arranged such that at least a portion of it is exposed to the outside of the housing 205. For example, at least a portion of the display 210 may be exposed via a cover glass outside the housing.

[0044] The aerosol generator 200 can provide the user with a variety of visual information via the display 210. For example, the aerosol generator 200 can display information such as the status of the aerosol product 300, preheating and heating information related to the aerosol product 300, battery balance information, time and date information, weather information, and Bluetooth® connection information via the display 210. The information displayed via the display 210 is illustrative and is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0045] Figure 2 illustrates an example diagram illustrating the components of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0046] Referring to Figure 2, the aerosol generator 200 includes a processor 210, a sensor 220, a heater, and a battery 240, the heater also including an induction coil 230 and a susceptor 235. The components of the aerosol generator 200 according to one embodiment are not limited thereto, and in one embodiment other components may be added or at least one component may be omitted.

[0047] In one embodiment, the sensor 220 can sense an ink region 310 of the aerosol product 300. The ink region 310 contains ink that changes color in response to changes in temperature and / or humidity, and the sensor 220 is also a light sensor (or "color sensor") that senses the hue of the ink region 310.

[0048] For example, the sensor 220 can detect the hue of the ink area 310 of the aerosol product 300 by irradiating it with light having RGB (red, green, blue) components and based on the color components of the light reflected from the ink area 310. If red ink is placed in the ink area 310, the reflected light from the ink area 310 will contain red, allowing the sensor 220 to detect that red ink is placed in the ink area 310. If black ink is placed in the ink area 310, the reflected light from the ink area 310 will not contain any hue, allowing the sensor 220 to detect that black ink is placed in the ink area 310.

[0049] In one embodiment, the ink area 310 also includes at least one of a thermochromic ink that changes color in response to temperature changes and a humidity-sensitive color-changing ink that changes color in response to humidity changes. For example, the ink area 310 also includes a first ink area where the humidity-sensitive color-changing ink is disposed, and a second ink area where the thermochromic ink is disposed. The first ink area and the second ink area may be disposed at a predetermined distance apart (e.g., about 1 mm to about 10 mm).

[0050] Thermochromic inks are also irreversible inks. For example, an aerosol product 300 containing thermochromic ink that changes color at a temperature of 70°C can maintain its changed hue even after being exposed to an ambient temperature of 70°C or higher and then having the ambient temperature lowered to 25°C.

[0051] In other words, if an aerosol product is used, the thermochromic ink will still exhibit its discolored hue even at low ambient temperatures. This can prevent the aerosol product from being reused via an aerosol generator.

[0052] A humidity-sensitive color-changing ink can be either a reversible or irreversible ink. For example, if an aerosol product 300 containing a humidity-sensitive color-changing ink that changes color at a relative humidity of 15%, is exposed to an ambient humidity of 15% or higher, and then the ambient humidity is reduced to 8%, the ink may revert to its original hue if the humidity-sensitive color-changing ink is a reversible ink. Alternatively, if the humidity-sensitive color-changing ink is an irreversible ink, the changed hue may be maintained.

[0053] In one embodiment, the processor 210 can control the power supply to the heater (or induction coil 230) based on sensing information related to the ink area 310 obtained via the sensor 220.

[0054] For example, if the sensor 220 acquires sensing information from the ink area 310 that corresponds to an increase in humidity, the processor 210 can control the power supply from the battery 240 to the heater based on the temperature profile corresponding to the increased humidity. To give another example, if the sensor 220 acquires sensing information from the ink area 230 that corresponds to an increase in temperature, the processor 210 can output a notification corresponding to the increased temperature. A more detailed explanation of this will be given later in Figures 3 to 6.

[0055] Figure 3 illustrates a flowchart showing how an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment controls its operation based on sensing information related to the aerosol product.

[0056] Referring to Figure 3, the aerosol generator (e.g., aerosol generator 200 (Figure 2)) can acquire sensing information from the ink area (e.g., ink area 310 (Figure 2)) of the aerosol product (e.g., aerosol product 300 (Figure 2)) via a sensor (e.g., sensor 220 (Figure 2)) during operation 301.

[0057] In one embodiment, the ink area 310 may contain an ink that changes color in response to at least one of temperature and humidity. For example, the ink area 310 may also contain at least one of a thermochromic ink that changes color when the ambient temperature reaches a set temperature, and a humidity-sensitive ink that changes color when the ambient humidity reaches a set humidity. In this case, the first ink area containing the humidity-sensitive ink and the second ink area containing the thermochromic ink may be separated by a predetermined distance. Alternatively, the first ink area and the second ink area may be substantially close together.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generator 200 can detect in operation 303 whether or not first sensing information has been acquired via the sensor 220. In this case, the "first sensing information" may mean that none of the inks in the ink area 310 have changed color.

[0059] For example, if the aerosol product 300 has not previously been exposed to an environment that satisfies specific discoloration conditions (e.g., a temperature of 50°C or higher, or a humidity of 15% or higher), no ink will discolor in the ink area 310 of the aerosol product 300. In such a case, the aerosol generator 200 can acquire first sensing information from the ink area 310 via the sensor 220.

[0060] However, if the aerosol generator 200 detects a discoloration of any one of the inks placed in the ink area 310 via the sensor 220, the aerosol generator 200 can proceed to operation 307 and carry out subsequent operations.

[0061] In one embodiment, when first sensing information is obtained via the sensor 220, the aerosol generator 200 may, in operation 305, supply power to a heater based on a first temperature profile. The heater may also include an induction coil (e.g., induction coil 230 (Figure 2)) and a susceptor (e.g., susceptor 235 (Figure 2)), in which case the aerosol generator 200 may supply power to the induction coil 230 based on the first temperature profile.

[0062] In one embodiment, the "first temperature profile" is also a pre-configured temperature profile corresponding to the first sensing information. The first temperature profile may mean a heating temperature profile optimized for a normal aerosol product. For example, the first temperature profile may also include a first preheating section and a first heating section.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generator 200 can detect whether or not second sensing information has been acquired via the sensor 220 during operation 307. In this case, the "second sensing information" is also sensing information that the ink in the ink area 310 has changed color due to a change in humidity.

[0064] For example, if the aerosol product 300 is exposed to an environment that does not satisfy the temperature conditions related to discoloration but does satisfy the humidity conditions related to discoloration, the humidity-sensitive discoloration ink in the ink region 310 of the aerosol product 300 may discolor. In this case, the aerosol generator 200 can acquire second sensing information from the hue of the humidity-sensitive discoloration ink that has discolored in the ink region 310 via the sensor 220.

[0065] However, if no discoloration of the ink in the ink area 310 is detected via the sensor 220, the aerosol generator 200 can proceed to operation 309 and carry out subsequent operations.

[0066] In one embodiment, when second sensing information is obtained via sensor 220, the aerosol generator 200 may, in operation 309, supply power to a heater based on a second temperature profile. The heater may also include an induction coil 230 and a susceptor 235. In such a case, the aerosol generator 200 may supply power to the induction coil 230 based on the second temperature profile.

[0067] In one embodiment, the "second temperature profile" is also a pre-configured temperature profile corresponding to the second sensing information. The second temperature profile is also a heating temperature profile optimized for aerosol products in a humid state. For example, the second temperature profile may include a second preheating section and a second heating section.

[0068] In one embodiment, the first temperature profile and the second temperature profile also have different preheating times. For example, the second preheating section of the second temperature profile is longer than the first preheating section of the first temperature profile.

[0069] When applying the first temperature profile for aerosol products under normal conditions to an aerosol product under excessive humidity, the increased moisture content within the aerosol product may result in the generation of excessive water vapor and high-temperature aerosols.

[0070] Accordingly, by applying a second temperature profile to the aerosol product in the aforementioned over-humidified state, which includes a preheating time extended compared to the first temperature profile, some of the excess moisture in the aerosol product can be dried during the extended preheating time. Therefore, the generation of excessive water vapor and high-temperature aerosols can be prevented. This can reduce the inhibition of smoking satisfaction and the inconvenience to the user caused by high-temperature aerosols.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generator 200 can detect whether or not third sensing information has been acquired via the sensor 220 during operation 311. In this case, the "third sensing information" is also sensing information that the ink in the ink area 310 has changed color due to temperature changes.

[0072] For example, if the aerosol product 300 is previously exposed to an environment that does not satisfy the humidity conditions related to discoloration but does satisfy the temperature conditions related to discoloration, the temperature-sensitive color-changing ink in the ink area 310 of the aerosol product 300 may discolor. In this case, the aerosol generator 200 can acquire third sensing information from the hue of the discolored temperature-sensitive color-changing ink in the ink area 310 via the sensor 220.

[0073] In one embodiment, if third sensing information is obtained via sensor 220, the aerosol generator 200 may output a notification via the user interface during operation 313. This notification may include a message indicating that the aerosol product inserted into the aerosol generator 200 has already been used, and / or a message indicating that heating of the aerosol product (i.e., the unused cigarette) will not be initiated.

[0074] The user interface is also a display (e.g., display 210 (Figure 1)). For example, the aerosol generator 200 may provide user notifications as visual information output from the display 210. In other embodiments, the user interface is also a haptic module and / or an acoustic output module. For example, the aerosol generator 200 may provide user notifications as tactile information output from the haptic module and / or auditory information output from the acoustic output module.

[0075] However, although Figure 3 illustrates that operations 303, 307, and 311 are performed sequentially, it is not limited to this order. The order of operations 303, 307, and 311 may be changed, or operations 303, 307, and 311 may be performed in parallel.

[0076] Figure 4 illustrates an example of an ink region corresponding to the state of an aerosol product according to one embodiment.

[0077] Referring to Figure 4, the aerosol product 300 also includes an ink region 310 in which an ink that changes color in response to changes in temperature and / or humidity is provided. For example, the ink region 310 also includes a first ink region 400 in which a humidity-sensitive color-changing ink that changes color in response to changes in humidity is provided, and a second ink region 410 in which a temperature-sensitive color-changing ink that changes color in response to changes in temperature is provided.

[0078] In one embodiment, the humidity-sensitive color-changing ink disposed in the first ink area 400 is also a reversible ink. In this case, the humidity-sensitive color-changing ink disposed in the first ink area 400 may include constituent substances such as an alcohol solvent, an indicator substance, a solution, a buffer solution, and a humectant, and the indicator substance may display different hues based on the pH change of the humidity-sensitive color-changing ink. For example, the indicator substance may be at least one of methyl red, methyl yellow, methyl orange, methyl violet, thymol blue, thymol phthalene, phenol red, phenol phthalene, anthocyanin, goldenrod, alizarin red, indigo carmine, Congo red, cresol red, crystal violet, chlorophenol red, litmus, malachite green, naphthol phthalein, neutral red, or BTB (bromothymol blue), but is not limited to these.

[0079] After the moisture-sensitive color-changing ink is applied to the first ink area 400 and dried, the moisture contained in the moisture-sensitive color-changing ink evaporates. Consequently, the pH of the moisture-sensitive color-changing ink decreases, and the indicator substance contained in the moisture-sensitive color-changing ink can display a hue (e.g., light blue) corresponding to the decreased pH.

[0080] Subsequently, when the aerosol product 300 is exposed to a humid environment, the humidity-sensitive color-changing ink in the first ink area 400 reacts with moisture (H2O). As a result, the pH of the humidity-sensitive color-changing ink increases due to the activation of the basic solution, and the indicator substance contained in the humidity-sensitive color-changing ink can display a hue (e.g., dark blue) corresponding to the increased pH.

[0081] The aforementioned humidity-sensitive color-changing ink is also a reversible ink capable of displaying different hues corresponding to increases and decreases in ambient humidity, but is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the humidity-sensitive color-changing ink is also an irreversible ink.

[0082] In one embodiment, the thermochromic ink disposed in the second ink area 410 is also an irreversible ink. The thermochromic ink disposed in the second ink area 410 also includes a solvent and a thermochromic pigment. The thermochromic pigment includes a carrier that is permanently deformed when heated above a predetermined temperature, and can permanently display different hues. For example, the thermochromic pigment is a leuco dye, but is not limited to that.

[0083] In one embodiment, the first ink area 400 and the second ink area 410 may be arranged separated by a predetermined distance x, as shown in Figure 4(a). For example, the first ink area 400 and the second ink area 410 may be arranged separated by approximately 1 mm to approximately 10 mm.

[0084] In one embodiment, if the aerosol product 300 is exposed to humidity conditions that cause discoloration, the first ink region 400 of the aerosol product 300 may discolor as shown in Figure 4(b). For example, the humidity-sensitive discoloration ink distributed in the first ink region 400 may change color from one color (e.g., light blue) to another color (e.g., dark blue), from one color to one colorless, or from one colorless to one color.

[0085] In one embodiment, if the aerosol product 300 is further exposed to temperature conditions related to discoloration (i.e., if the aerosol product 300 has already been used), the second ink area 410 of the aerosol product 300 may discolor as shown in Figure 4(c). For example, the temperature-sensitive color-changing ink distributed in the second ink area 410 may change color from a colored (e.g., light red) to another colored (e.g., dark red), from colored to colorless, or from colorless to colored.

[0086] Figure 5 illustrates an example of the temperature profile of an aerosol generator corresponding to the state of the aerosol product according to one embodiment.

[0087] Referring to Figure 5, the aerosol generator (e.g., aerosol generator 200 (Figure 1)) can set a heating temperature profile for the aerosol product based on whether the aerosol product inserted into the aerosol generator 200 is in a normal state or an overly humid state.

[0088] In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 5(a), when a normal aerosol product 500 is inserted into the aerosol generator 200, the aerosol generator 200 can acquire first sensing information from the ink area 510. The "first sensing information" may mean that none of the inks in the ink area 510 have changed color.

[0089] In one embodiment, the aerosol generator 200 may heat the aerosol product 500 based on acquired first sensing information. For example, the aerosol generator 200 may heat the aerosol product 500 using a first temperature profile 540 corresponding to the first sensing information. The first temperature profile 540 may also include a first preheating section 550 and a first heating section (not shown), where the first preheating section 550 may represent a preheating time for preheating the aerosol product 500 to a target preheating temperature (e.g., 300°C).

[0090] In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 5(b), when a humidified aerosol product 520 is inserted into the aerosol generator 200, the aerosol generator 200 can acquire second sensing information from the ink area 530. The "second sensing information" may mean that, among the inks placed in the ink area 530, the ink (e.g., the ink placed in the upper part of the ink area) changes color due to a change in humidity.

[0091] In one embodiment, the aerosol generator 200 may heat the aerosol product 520 based on the acquired second sensing information. For example, the aerosol generator 200 may also have a second temperature profile 560 corresponding to the second sensing information which includes a second preheating section 570 and a second heating section (not shown). The second preheating section 570 may represent a preheating time for preheating the aerosol product 520 to a target preheating temperature (e.g., 300°C).

[0092] In one embodiment, the first temperature profile 540 and the second temperature profile 560 also have different preheating times. That is, the second preheating section 570 of the second temperature profile 560 includes a longer preheating time than the first preheating section 550 of the first temperature profile 540. For example, the first preheating section 550 of the first temperature profile 540 includes a preheating time of approximately 35 seconds, while the second preheating section 570 of the second temperature profile 560 includes a preheating time of approximately 45 seconds.

[0093] Figure 6 illustrates an example of the UI (user interface) screen of an aerosol generator corresponding to the state of an aerosol product according to one embodiment.

[0094] Referring to Figure 6, the aerosol generator 200 may output a notification UI screen via the display 210 if the aerosol product inserted into the aerosol generator 200 is a used item.

[0095] In one embodiment, when a previously used aerosol product 600 is inserted into the aerosol generator 200, third sensing information may be obtained from the ink area 610. The "third sensing information" may mean that, among the inks placed in the ink area 610, some inks (e.g., inks placed in the lower part of the ink area) have already changed color due to temperature changes.

[0096] In one embodiment, the aerosol generator 200 may output a notification UI screen via the display 210 based on the acquired third sensing information. For example, the notification UI screen output via the display 210 may include the phrase "Reusable stick detected" and an icon (e.g., "!") indicating that heating cannot be initiated. However, the notification UI screen may also include various forms of objects that embody a notification indicating that the inserted item is already used, and / or a notification indicating that heating of the aerosol product will not be initiated.

[0097] Figure 6 illustrates only an embodiment in which notifications are output via the display 210, but is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, notifications may also be output via a haptic module and / or an acoustic output module.

[0098] Figure 7 illustrates an example of an ink region corresponding to the state of an aerosol product according to another embodiment.

[0099] Referring to Figure 7, the aerosol product 700 also includes an ink region 710 containing multiple strips of ink that changes color in response to humidity changes. Each strip may contain a different concentration, and therefore the critical humidity for color change may also differ. In one embodiment, an aerosol generator (e.g., aerosol generator 200 (Figure 1)) can sense the ink region 710 of the aerosol product 700 via a sensor (e.g., sensor 220).

[0100] In one embodiment, the ink region 710 also includes a plurality of strips having different ink density values. Each of the plurality of strips may represent a specific level of moisture content in the aerosol product 700. However, although Figure 7 illustrates four strips, including a first strip 712, a second strip 714, a third strip 716, and a fourth strip 718, the number of strips is not limited thereto.

[0101] For example, the first strip 712 may have a first concentration value corresponding to a first moisture content (e.g., 9%) of the aerosol product 700, the second strip 714 may have a second concentration value corresponding to a second moisture content (e.g., 12%) of the aerosol product 700, the third strip 716 may have a third concentration value corresponding to a third moisture content (e.g., 15%) of the aerosol product 700, and the fourth strip 718 may have a fourth concentration value corresponding to a fourth moisture content (e.g., 18%) of the aerosol product 700. In this case, the first, second, third, and fourth concentration values ​​of the multiple strips may decrease sequentially. Consequently, the sensitivity to moisture content of the multiple strips having different concentration values ​​will also differ. For example, the sensitivity to moisture content of the first strip 712 having the first concentration value is higher than the sensitivity to moisture content of the fourth strip 718 having the fourth concentration value.

[0102] In the example described above, if the moisture content of the aerosol product 700 is approximately 10%, only the first strip 712 of the four strips may change color. Thus, one line (i.e., the changed strip) is shown in the ink area 710, and the sensor 220 of the aerosol generator 200 may detect one line indicating that the moisture content of the aerosol product 700 is between 9% and 12%.

[0103] In such cases, power can be supplied to the heater based on a temperature profile corresponding to the moisture content of the aerosol product 700. For example, the aerosol generator 200 can supply power to the heater based on a pre-configured temperature profile optimized for aerosol products with a moisture content of 9% or more and less than 12%.

[0104] When the moisture content of the aerosol product 700 is approximately 16%, the first strip 712, the second strip 714, and the third strip 716 change color, while the fourth strip 718 maintains its original hue. That is, the ink area 710 displays three lines (i.e., three discolored strips), and the sensor 220 of the aerosol generator 200 can detect three lines indicating that the moisture content of the aerosol product 700 is within the range of 15% to less than 18%.

[0105] In such cases, power can be supplied to the heater based on a temperature profile corresponding to the moisture content of the aerosol product 700. For example, the aerosol generator 200 can supply power to the heater based on a pre-configured temperature profile optimized for aerosol products with a moisture content in the over-humidity range of 15% to less than 18%.

[0106] Figure 8 is a block diagram of an aerosol generator 800 according to another embodiment.

[0107] The aerosol generator 800 also includes a control unit 810, a sensing unit 820, an output unit 830, a battery 840, a heater 850, a user input unit 860, a memory 870, and a communication unit 880. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generator 800 is not limited to what is shown in Figure 8. In other words, depending on the design of the aerosol generator 800, some of the components shown in Figure 8 may be omitted, or new components may be added, as can be understood by those with ordinary skill in the art related to this embodiment.

[0108] The sensing unit 820 can sense the state of the aerosol generator 800 or the state of the area around the aerosol generator 800, and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 810. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 810 can control the aerosol generator 800 so that various functions are performed, such as controlling the operation of the heater 850, restricting smoking, determining whether or not to insert aerosol products (e.g., cigarettes, cartridges, etc.), and displaying notifications.

[0109] The sensing unit 820 also includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the temperature sensor 822, insertion sensing sensor 824, and puff sensor 826.

[0110] The temperature sensor 822 may sense the temperature at which the heater 850 (or the aerosol-generating material) is heated. The aerosol generator 800 may include a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the heater 850, or the heater 850 itself may act as the temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 822 may be positioned around the battery 840 to monitor its temperature.

[0111] The insertion sensing sensor 824 can detect the insertion and / or removal of aerosol products. For example, the insertion sensing sensor 824 may include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, a light sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and can detect a signal change caused by the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol products.

[0112] The puff sensor 826 can detect a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or airflow channel. For example, the puff sensor 826 can detect a user's puff based on any one of the following: temperature changes, flow rate changes, voltage changes, and pressure changes.

[0113] In addition to the aforementioned sensors (temperature sensor 822, insertion sensor 824, and puff sensor 826), the sensing unit 820 also includes at least one of the following: a temperature / humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS (global positioning system)), a proximity sensor, and an RGB (red-green-blue) sensor (illuminance sensor). The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred from its name by an average engineer, so a detailed explanation may be omitted.

[0114] The output unit 830 can output and provide to the user information relating to the status of the aerosol generator 800. The output unit 830 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the display unit 832, the haptic unit 834, and the acoustic output unit 836. When the display unit 832 and the touchpad form a layered structure and are configured as a touchscreen, the display unit 832 may be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0115] The display unit 832 can visually provide the user with information related to the aerosol generator 800. For example, information related to the aerosol generator 800 can include a variety of information such as the charging / discharging status of the battery 840 of the aerosol generator 800, the preheating status of the heater 850, the insertion / removal status of aerosol products, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generator 800 is restricted (e.g., detection of abnormal items), and the display unit 832 can output this information to the outside. The display unit 832 can be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), or an LED (light-emitting diode) light-emitting element.

[0116] The haptic unit 834 can convert electrical signals into mechanical or electrical stimuli and provide the user with tactile information related to the aerosol generator 800. For example, the haptic unit 834 may also include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0117] The acoustic output unit 836 can provide the user with auditory information related to the aerosol generator 800. For example, the acoustic output unit 836 can convert electrical signals into acoustic signals and output them externally.

[0118] Battery 840 can supply power used to operate the aerosol generator 800. Battery 840 can supply power so that the heater 850 can be heated. Battery 840 can also supply power necessary for the operation of other components (e.g., sensing unit 820, output unit 830, user input unit 860, memory 870, and communication unit 880) provided within the aerosol generator 800. Battery 840 can be a rechargeable battery or a single-use battery. For example, battery 840 can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited to that.

[0119] The heater 850 is powered by the battery 840 and can heat the aerosol-generating material. Although not shown in Figure 8, the aerosol generator 800 also further includes a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC (direct current) / DC converter) that converts the power from the battery 840 and supplies it to the heater 850. Furthermore, if the aerosol generator 800 generates aerosols using an induction heating method, the aerosol generator 800 also further includes a DC / AC (alternating current) converter that converts the DC power supply of the battery 840 into AC power supply.

[0120] The control unit 810, sensing unit 820, output unit 830, user input unit 860, memory 870, and communication unit 880 can perform their functions by being powered by the battery 840. Although not shown in Figure 8, the system also further includes a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, which converts the power from the battery 840 and supplies it to each component.

[0121] In one embodiment, the heater 850 may be formed from 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 850 may also be embodied by, but are not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate with conductive tracks, or a ceramic heating element.

[0122] In other embodiments, the heater 850 is also an induction heating heater. For example, the heater 850 may include a susceptor that generates heat via a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol-generating material.

[0123] The user input unit 860 can receive information input by the user or output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 860 may be a key pad, dome switch, touch pad (contact-type capacitive type, pressure-type resistive type, infrared sensing type, surface ultrasonic conduction type, integral tension measurement type, piezoelectric effect type, etc.), jog wheel, jog switch, etc., but is not limited to these. Although not shown in Figure 8, the aerosol generator 800 may also include a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and may connect to other external devices via such a connection interface to send and receive information or charge the battery 840.

[0124] Memory 870 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generator 800, and can store data processed by the control unit 810, as well as data being processed. Memory 870 also includes 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 (Secure Digital) memory or XD (Extreme Digital) 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 870 can store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generator 800, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data related to the user's smoking pattern.

[0125] The communication unit 880 also includes at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 880 also includes a short-range wireless communication unit 882 and a wireless communication unit 884.

[0126] The near-field communication unit 882 includes, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth® communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth® Low Energy) communication unit, a near-field communication unit, a WLAN (wireless local area network) (Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity)) 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.

[0127] The wireless communication unit 884 may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, or a computer network (e.g., LAN (local area network) or WAN (wide area network)) communication unit. The wireless communication unit 884 may use subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)) to verify and authenticate the aerosol generator 800 within the communication network.

[0128] The control unit 810 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 800. In one embodiment, the control unit 810 also includes at least one processor. This processor can also be embodied by an array of numerous logic gates, or by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can be executed by the microprocessor. It will be understood by anyone with ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs that it can also be embodied by other forms of hardware.

[0129] The control unit 810 can control the temperature of the heater 850 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 840 to the heater 850. For example, the control unit 810 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of the switching elements between the battery 840 and the heater 850. In another example, the control unit 810 can control the power supply to the heater 850 by a control command from the direct heating circuit.

[0130] The control unit 810 can analyze the results sensed by the sensing unit 820 and control the subsequent processing. For example, based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 820, the control unit 810 can control the power supplied to the heater 850 so that the heater 850 starts or stops operating. Another example is that based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 820, the control unit 810 can control the amount of power supplied to the heater 850 and the duration of power supply so that the heater 850 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintains an appropriate temperature.

[0131] The control unit 810 can control the output unit 830 based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 820. For example, if the number of puffs counted via the puff sensor 826 reaches a pre-set number, the control unit 810 can notify the user via at least one of the display unit 832, the haptic unit 834, and the acoustic output unit 836 that the aerosol generator 800 will be shut off immediately.

[0132] One embodiment may also be embodied in the form of a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as program modules executed by a computer. A computer-readable medium is also any available medium that can be accessed by a computer, and includes both volatile and non-volatile media, and isolated and non-isolated media. Furthermore, a computer-readable medium also includes both computer recording media and communication media. The computer recording media includes both volatile and non-volatile, isolated and non-isolated media embodied by any method or technique for storing information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. The communication medium typically includes computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data such as modulated data signals, or other transmission mechanisms, and includes any information transmission medium.

[0133] The descriptions of the embodiments described above are illustrative only, and a person with ordinary skill in the art will understand from them that a variety of modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the invention is determined by the attached claims, and all differences that are equivalent to those described in the claims should be interpreted as being included within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. In an aerosol generation system, An aerosol product comprising an ink region having a first ink region containing a reversible ink that changes color in response to humidity changes and a second ink region containing an irreversible ink that changes color in response to temperature changes, An aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generation device including a heater for heating at least a portion of the aerosol product, a sensor for sensing the ink region, and a processor that controls the power supply to the heater based on sensing information obtained from the ink region via the sensor.

2. The aforementioned processor, When first sensing information is obtained from the ink area via the sensor, power is supplied to the heater based on the first temperature profile. The aerosol generation system according to claim 1, wherein when a second sensing information is obtained from the ink area via the sensor, power is supplied to the heater based on a second temperature profile distinct from the first temperature profile.

3. In an aerosol generation system, an aerosol product comprising an ink region containing ink that changes color in response to at least one of temperature and humidity changes, The aerosol generating apparatus includes a heater for heating at least a portion of the aerosol product, a sensor for sensing the ink region, and a processor that controls the power supply to the heater based on sensing information obtained from the ink region via the sensor, The aforementioned processor, When first sensing information is obtained from the ink area via the sensor, power is supplied to the heater based on the first temperature profile. An aerosol generation system that, when acquiring second sensing information from the ink area via the sensor, supplies power to the heater based on a second temperature profile distinct from the first temperature profile, wherein the second temperature profile includes a preheating time longer than the preheating time of the first temperature profile.

4. The aerosol generation system according to claim 2, wherein the first sensing information indicates that the reversible ink and the irreversible ink have not changed color, and the second sensing information indicates that the reversible ink has changed color.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus further includes a user interface, The aforementioned processor, The aerosol generation system according to claim 1, wherein when a third sensing information is obtained from the ink area via the sensor, a notification is output via the user interface.

6. The aerosol generation system according to claim 5, wherein the third sensing information indicates that the irreversible ink changes color due to a temperature change.

7. The aerosol generating system according to claim 1, wherein the second ink region is arranged separately from the first ink region.

8. The aerosol generating system according to claim 1, wherein the ink region includes a plurality of strips on which the reversible ink, which changes color in response to changes in humidity, is disposed.

9. The aforementioned multiple strips are When the water content of the aerosol product increases to a first water content or higher, a first strip having a first concentration value is provided so that it changes color, The aerosol generating system according to claim 8, further comprising a second strip having a second concentration value such that the aerosol product changes color when the moisture content of the aerosol product increases to a second moisture content or higher than the first moisture content.

10. The aforementioned processor, If the sensing information indicates discoloration of the first strip, power is supplied to the heater based on the temperature profile corresponding to the first moisture content of the aerosol product. The aerosol generation system according to claim 9, wherein when the sensing information indicates discoloration of the first strip and the second strip, power is supplied to the heater based on a temperature profile corresponding to the second moisture content of the aerosol product.

11. In an aerosol generating device, A heater for heating at least a portion of the aerosol product, A sensor for sensing the ink region of the aerosol product, The system includes a processor that controls the power supply to the heater based on sensing information obtained from the ink area via the sensor, The aerosol generating apparatus comprises an ink region having a first ink region in which a reversible ink that changes color in response to humidity changes is disposed, and a second ink region in which an irreversible ink that changes color in response to temperature changes is disposed.

12. The aforementioned processor, When first sensing information is obtained from the ink area via the sensor, power is supplied to the heater based on the first temperature profile. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 11, wherein when a second sensing information is obtained from the ink area via the sensor, power is supplied to the heater based on a second temperature profile distinct from the first temperature profile.

13. Including the user interface, The aforementioned processor, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 11, wherein when a third sensing information is obtained from the ink area via the sensor, a notification is output via the user interface.

14. The aforementioned processor, When the first strip senses information indicating that it is being detected in the ink region, power is supplied to the heater based on the temperature profile corresponding to the first moisture content of the aerosol product. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 11, wherein when the first strip and the second strip sense information indicating that they are sensed in the ink region, power is supplied to the heater based on a temperature profile corresponding to the second moisture content of the aerosol product.

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