Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

According to an embodiment, an aerosol-generating device is provided, which comprises: a battery for supplying power used for operating the aerosol-generating device; a heater for heating an aerosol-generating article; an ultrasonic sensing unit for outputting ultrasonic waves according to a plurality of preset frequencies to the aerosol-generating article and receiving ultrasonic waves reflected from the aerosol-generating article; and a control unit for analyzing a constituent material of the aerosol-generating article by using a time difference value between transmission time of the output ultrasonic waves according to the plurality of frequencies and reception time of the reflected ultrasonic waves corresponding thereto, and an intensity difference value between the intensity of the output ultrasonic waves and the intensity of the reflected ultrasonic waves.

Description

Aerosol generating device

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an aerosol generating device.

[0002] There is a growing demand for aerosol generating devices that generate aerosol through non-combustion methods, replacing the traditional method of generating aerosol by burning cigarettes. Aerosol generating devices are devices that perform the function of generating aerosol from an aerosol generating substance through non-combustion and supplying it to a user, or generating a flavored aerosol by passing vapor generated from an aerosol generating substance through a flavoring medium.

[0003] An example of an aerosol generating device may include an aerosol generating device that receives a replaceable aerosol generating article and generates an aerosol from the received aerosol generating article.

[0004] Aerosol-generating products often differ from traditional cigarettes in their medium structure and shape to vary heating methods and flavor profiles. The type of aerosol-generating product can be visually identified through product descriptions and other documentation. However, without documentation, it is difficult to visually identify the type of aerosol-generating product, and this cannot be determined while the aerosol-generating product is inserted into an aerosol-generating device.

[0005] Ultrasound can have different transmission speeds and different amounts of attenuation depending on the density of the medium or the compressibility of the material.

[0006] In order to solve this problem, the present invention provides an aerosol generating device capable of determining characteristics according to the composition of a medium by utilizing the characteristics of the ultrasonic waves described above.

[0007] According to an embodiment, an aerosol generating device is provided, including: a battery for supplying power used for operating an aerosol generating device; a heater for heating an aerosol generating article; an ultrasonic sensing unit for outputting ultrasonic waves according to a plurality of preset frequencies to an aerosol generating article and receiving ultrasonic waves reflected from the aerosol generating article; and a control unit for analyzing a constituent material of the aerosol generating article using a time difference value between a transmission time of the output ultrasonic waves according to the plurality of frequencies and a reception time of a corresponding reflected ultrasonic wave, and an intensity difference value between the intensity of the output ultrasonic waves and the intensity of the reflected ultrasonic waves.

[0008] The above control unit can analyze the constituent materials of each region of the aerosol generating article by using the output ultrasonic waves according to the plurality of frequencies and the corresponding reflected ultrasonic waves.

[0009] The above control unit can analyze the constituent materials of each region of the aerosol generating article by assigning different weights to each of the plurality of frequencies.

[0010] The above control unit may include a deep learning model trained to make the constituent materials of the aerosol generating article into an output layer for the input output ultrasound and reflected ultrasound.

[0011] The aerosol generating article may further include a temperature sensor disposed around the aerosol generating article.

[0012] The above control unit can adjust the frequency range of the output ultrasonic waves using temperature data measured by the temperature sensor.

[0013] The above control unit can analyze the state of the aerosol generating product component material using the temperature data measured by the temperature sensor, the output ultrasonic waves according to the plurality of frequencies, and the reflected ultrasonic waves corresponding thereto.

[0014] According to an embodiment, an aerosol generating device is provided, comprising: a battery for supplying power used for operating an aerosol generating device; a heater for heating an aerosol generating article; a liquid storage unit; a reflector disposed at a predetermined interval from the liquid storage unit; an ultrasonic sensing unit for outputting ultrasonic waves according to a plurality of preset frequencies to the liquid storage unit and receiving ultrasonic waves reflected from the liquid storage unit and the reflector; and a control unit for analyzing a constituent material of the aerosol generating article using a time difference value between a transmission time of the output ultrasonic waves according to the plurality of frequencies and a reception time of the reflected ultrasonic waves corresponding thereto, and an intensity difference value between the intensity of the output ultrasonic waves and the intensity of the reflected ultrasonic waves.

[0015] An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment can determine the type of an aerosol generating article in a non-contact manner.

[0016] Additionally, the area-specific constituent materials of aerosol-generating articles can be determined.

[0017] Additionally, the condition of an aerosol-generating product can be determined in a non-contact manner based on the ambient temperature of the aerosol-generating product.

[0018] FIGS. 1 to 3 are drawings illustrating examples of cigarettes inserted into an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figures 4 and 5 are drawings illustrating examples of cigarettes according to one embodiment.

[0020] Figure 6 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0021] Figure 7 is a drawing for explaining an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0022] Figure 8 is a drawing for explaining an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0023] Figure 9 is a drawing for explaining the operation of a control unit according to another embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0025] Fig. 11 is a drawing for explaining the operation of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0026] Figure 12 is a drawing for explaining an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0027] Figures 13 to 17 are operation flowcharts of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0028] The terms used in the examples are selected from widely used, current terms, taking into account the functions of the present invention. However, these terms may vary depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Furthermore, in certain cases, the applicant may arbitrarily select terms, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the description of the relevant invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined not simply based on their names, but based on their meanings and the overall content of the present invention.

[0029] When a part of the specification is said to "include" a component, unless otherwise specifically stated, this does not exclude other components but rather implies the inclusion of other components. Furthermore, terms such as "part" and "module" used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0030] Below, embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the invention. However, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0032] Figures 1 to 3 are drawings showing examples of cigarettes inserted into an aerosol generating device.

[0033] Referring to Fig. 1, the aerosol generating device (1) includes a battery (11), a control unit (12), and a heater (13). Referring to Figs. 2 and 3, the aerosol generating device (1) further includes a vaporizer (14). In addition, a cigarette (2) can be inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0034] The aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 illustrates components related to the present embodiment. Accordingly, a person skilled in the art related to the present embodiment will understand that, in addition to the components illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include other general-purpose components.

[0035] In addition, although FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate that the aerosol generating device (1) includes a heater (13), the heater (13) may be omitted if necessary.

[0036] In Fig. 1, a battery (11), a control unit (12), and a heater (13) are illustrated as being arranged in a row. In addition, in Fig. 2, a battery (11), a control unit (12), a vaporizer (14), and a heater (13) are illustrated as being arranged in a row. In addition, in Fig. 3, a vaporizer (14) and a heater (13) are illustrated as being arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device (1) is not limited to that illustrated in Figs. 1 to 3. In other words, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (1), the arrangement of the battery (11), the control unit (12), the heater (13), and the vaporizer (14) may be changed.

[0037] When a cigarette (2) is inserted into an aerosol generating device (1), the aerosol generating device (1) can generate an aerosol by operating a heater (13) and / or a vaporizer (14). The aerosol generated by the heater (13) and / or the vaporizer (14) passes through the cigarette (2) and is delivered to the user.

[0038] If necessary, the aerosol generating device (1) can heat the heater (13) even when the cigarette (2) is not inserted into the aerosol generating device (1).

[0039] The battery (11) supplies power used to operate the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the battery (11) can supply power to heat the heater (13) or the vaporizer (14), and can supply power required for the control unit (12) to operate. In addition, the battery (11) can supply power required for the operation of the display, sensor, motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generating device (1).

[0040] The control unit (12) controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). Specifically, the control unit (12) controls the operation of the battery (11), heater (13), and vaporizer (14) as well as other components included in the aerosol generating device (1). In addition, the control unit (12) can also check the status of each component of the aerosol generating device (1) to determine whether the aerosol generating device (1) is in an operable state.

[0041] The control unit (12) includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable on the microprocessor. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the processor may be implemented using other types of hardware.

[0042] The heater (13) can be heated by power supplied from the battery (11). For example, when a cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generating device (1), the heater (13) can be located outside the cigarette. Accordingly, the heated heater (13) can increase the temperature of the aerosol generating material inside the cigarette.

[0043] The heater (13) may be an electrically resistive heater. For example, the heater (13) may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater (13) may be heated as current flows through the electrically conductive track. However, the heater (13) is not limited to the above-described example, and any heater capable of heating to a desired temperature may be used without limitation. Here, the desired temperature may be preset in the aerosol generating device (1), or may be set to a desired temperature by the user.

[0044] Meanwhile, as another example, the heater (13) may be an induction heating heater. Specifically, the heater (13) may include an electrically conductive coil for heating a cigarette in an induction heating manner, and the cigarette may include a susceptor that can be heated by the induction heating heater.

[0045] For example, the heater (13) may include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and may heat the inside or outside of the cigarette (2) depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0046] In addition, a plurality of heaters (13) may be arranged in the aerosol generating device (1). At this time, the plurality of heaters (13) may be arranged to be inserted into the interior of the cigarette (2) or may be arranged on the exterior of the cigarette (2). In addition, some of the plurality of heaters (13) may be arranged to be inserted into the interior of the cigarette (2), and the rest may be arranged on the exterior of the cigarette (2). In addition, the shape of the heater (13) is not limited to the shape illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, and may be manufactured in various shapes.

[0047] The vaporizer (14) can heat the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol can be delivered to the user through the cigarette (2). In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer (14) can travel along the airflow path of the aerosol generating device (1), and the airflow path can be configured so that the aerosol generated by the vaporizer (14) can pass through the cigarette and be delivered to the user.

[0048] For example, the vaporizer (14) may include, but is not limited to, a liquid storage unit, a liquid delivery means, and a heating element. For example, the liquid storage unit, the liquid delivery means, and the heating element may be included in the aerosol generating device (1) as independent modules.

[0049] The liquid storage unit can store a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition can be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance including volatile tobacco flavoring components, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. The liquid storage unit can be designed to be detachable from / attached to the vaporizer (14), or can be designed as an integral part of the vaporizer (14).

[0050] For example, the liquid composition may include water, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, a fragrance, a flavoring agent, or a vitamin mixture. The flavoring agent may include, but is not limited to, menthol, peppermint oil, spearmint oil, various fruit-flavored ingredients, and the like. The flavoring agent may include ingredients that can provide a variety of flavors or tastes to the user. The vitamin mixture may include, but is not limited to, a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Additionally, the liquid composition may include an aerosol-forming agent such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0051] The liquid delivery means can deliver the liquid composition from the liquid storage to the heating element. For example, the liquid delivery means can be, but is not limited to, a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.

[0052] A heating element is an element for heating a liquid composition delivered by a liquid delivery means. For example, the heating element may be, but is not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, a ceramic heater, etc. In addition, the heating element may be composed of a conductive filament, such as a nichrome wire, and may be arranged in a structure that is wound around the liquid delivery means. The heating element may be heated by a current supply and may transfer heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol may be generated.

[0053] For example, the vaporizer (14) may be referred to as a cartomizer or an atomizer, but is not limited thereto.

[0054] Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery (11), the control unit (12), the heater (13), and the vaporizer (14). For example, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a display capable of outputting visual information and / or a motor for outputting tactile information. In addition, the aerosol generating device (1) may include at least one sensor (a puff detection sensor, a temperature detection sensor, a cigarette insertion detection sensor, etc.). In addition, the aerosol generating device (1) may be manufactured in a structure in which external air may be introduced or internal gas may be discharged even when the cigarette (2) is inserted.

[0055] Although not illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the aerosol generating device (1) may also be configured as a system with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may be used to charge the battery (11) of the aerosol generating device (1). Alternatively, the heater (13) may be heated while the cradle and the aerosol generating device (1) are combined.

[0056] The cigarette (2) may be similar to a typical combustible cigarette. For example, the cigarette (2) may be divided into a first portion containing an aerosol-generating substance and a second portion containing a filter or the like. Alternatively, the second portion of the cigarette (2) may also contain an aerosol-generating substance. For example, an aerosol-generating substance in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second portion.

[0057] The entire first part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device (1), and the second part may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a portion of the first part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device (1), or the entire first part and a portion of the second part may be inserted. The user may inhale the aerosol while holding the second part in his or her mouth. At this time, the aerosol is generated by external air passing through the first part, and the generated aerosol passes through the second part and is delivered to the user's mouth.

[0058] As an example, outside air can be introduced through at least one air passage formed in the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the opening and / or closing of the air passage formed in the aerosol generating device (1) and / or the size of the air passage can be controlled by the user. Accordingly, the amount of vapor, the smoking sensation, etc. can be controlled by the user. As another example, outside air can also be introduced into the interior of the cigarette (2) through at least one hole formed on the surface of the cigarette (2).

[0059] Hereinafter, examples of cigarettes (2) will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0060] Figures 4 and 5 are drawings showing examples of cigarettes.

[0061] Referring to Fig. 4, the cigarette (2) includes a tobacco rod (21) and a filter rod (22). The first part (21) described above with reference to Figs. 1 to 3 includes the tobacco rod (21), and the second part (22) includes the filter rod (22).

[0062] Although the filter rod (22) is illustrated as a single segment in FIG. 4, this is not limiting. In other words, the filter rod (22) may be composed of multiple segments. For example, the filter rod (22) may include a segment for cooling the aerosol and a segment for filtering a predetermined component contained within the aerosol. In addition, the filter rod (22) may further include at least one segment that performs a different function, if necessary.

[0063] The diameter of the cigarette (2) is within the range of 5 mm to 9 mm, and the length may be about 48 mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the length of the tobacco rod (21) may be about 12 mm, the length of the first segment of the filter rod (22) may be about 10 mm, the length of the second segment of the filter rod (22) may be about 14 mm, and the length of the third segment of the filter rod (22) may be about 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0064] A cigarette (2) may be wrapped by at least one wrapper (24). The wrapper (24) may have at least one hole formed therein through which outside air is introduced or internal gas is discharged. As an example, the cigarette (2) may be wrapped by one wrapper (24). As another example, the cigarette (2) may be wrapped by two or more wrappers (24) in an overlapping manner. For example, the tobacco rod (21) may be wrapped by a first wrapper (241), and the filter rod (22) may be wrapped by wrappers (242, 243, 244). In addition, the entire cigarette (2) may be re-wrapped by a single wrapper (245). If the filter rod (22) is composed of a plurality of segments, each segment may be wrapped by wrappers (242, 243, 244).

[0065] The first wrapper (241) and the second wrapper (242) may be made of general filter paper. For example, the first wrapper (241) and the second wrapper (242) may be porous paper or non-porous paper. Additionally, the first wrapper (241) and the second wrapper (242) may be made of oil-resistant paper and / or aluminum composite packaging material.

[0066] The third wrapper (243) may be made of hard paper. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper (243) may be within the range of 88 g / m2 to 96 g / m2, and preferably within the range of 90 g / m2 to 94 g / m2. In addition, the thickness of the third wrapper (243) may be within the range of 120 μm to 130 μm, and preferably 125 μm.

[0067] The fourth wrapper (244) may be manufactured from a hard, oil-resistant paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper (244) may be within the range of 88 g / m2 to 96 g / m2, and preferably within the range of 90 g / m2 to 94 g / m2. In addition, the thickness of the fourth wrapper (244) may be within the range of 120 μm to 130 μm, and preferably 125 μm.

[0068] The fifth wrapper (245) may be made of sterilized paper (MFW). Here, the sterilized paper (MFW) refers to paper specially manufactured to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper (245) may be within the range of 57 g / m2 to 63 g / m2, and preferably 60 g / m2. In addition, the thickness of the fifth wrapper (245) may be within the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and preferably 67 μm.

[0069] The fifth wrapper (245) may be coated with a predetermined material. Here, an example of the predetermined material may be silicone, but is not limited thereto. For example, silicone has properties such as heat resistance with little change depending on temperature, oxidation resistance without oxidation, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, and electrical insulation. However, even if it is not silicone, any material having the aforementioned properties may be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper (245) without limitation.

[0070] The fifth wrapper (245) can prevent the cigarette (2) from burning. For example, if the tobacco rod (21) is heated by the heater (13), there is a possibility that the cigarette (2) will burn. Specifically, if the temperature rises above the ignition point of any of the materials contained in the tobacco rod (21), the cigarette (2) may burn. Even in this case, since the fifth wrapper (245) includes a non-combustible material, the cigarette (2) can be prevented from burning.

[0071] In addition, the fifth wrapper (245) can prevent the holder (1) from being contaminated by substances generated from the cigarette (2). Liquid substances may be generated within the cigarette (2) by the user's puff. For example, liquid substances (e.g., moisture, etc.) may be generated when the aerosol generated from the cigarette (2) is cooled by the outside air. As the fifth wrapper (245) wraps the cigarette (2), liquid substances generated within the cigarette (2) can be prevented from leaking out of the cigarette (2).

[0072] 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. In addition, the tobacco rod (21) may contain other additives, such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. In addition, a flavoring agent, such as menthol or a humectant, may be added to the tobacco rod (21) by spraying it onto the tobacco rod (21).

[0073] The tobacco rod (21) can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod (21) can be manufactured as a sheet or a strand. Furthermore, the tobacco rod (21) can be manufactured as a cut tobacco sheet. Furthermore, the tobacco rod (21) can be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material can be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto. For example, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod (21) can evenly distribute the heat transferred to the tobacco rod (21) to improve the heat conductivity applied to the tobacco rod, thereby improving the taste of the tobacco. Furthermore, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod (21) can function as a susceptor heated by an induction heater. Although not illustrated in the drawing, the tobacco rod (21) may further include an additional susceptor in addition to the heat-conducting material surrounding the exterior.

[0074] The filter rod (22) may be a cellulose acetate filter. Meanwhile, there is no limitation on the shape of the filter rod (22). For example, the filter rod (22) may be a cylindrical rod or a tubular rod having a hollow portion therein. In addition, the filter rod (22) may be a recessed rod. If the filter rod (22) is composed of a plurality of segments, at least one of the segments may be manufactured in a different shape.

[0075] The first segment of the filter rod (22) may be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment may be a tubular structure including a hollow space therein. When the heater (13) is inserted through the first segment, the internal material of the tobacco rod (21) may be prevented from being pushed back, and a cooling effect of the aerosol may also be generated. The diameter of the hollow space included in the first segment may be an appropriate diameter within the range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0076] The length of the first segment may be any length within the range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the length of the first segment may be 10 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0077] The hardness of the first segment can be adjusted by adjusting the content of the plasticizer during the manufacturing of the first segment. In addition, the first segment can be manufactured by inserting a structure, such as a film or tube, of the same or different material into the interior (e.g., hollow).

[0078] The second segment of the filter rod (22) cools the aerosol generated by the heater (13) heating the tobacco rod (21). Accordingly, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to an appropriate temperature.

[0079] The length or diameter of the second segment may vary depending on the shape of the cigarette (2). For example, the length of the second segment may be appropriately selected within the range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the length of the second segment may be approximately 14 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0080] The second segment can be manufactured by weaving polymer fibers. In this case, a flavoring agent may be applied to the polymer fibers. Alternatively, the second segment can be manufactured by weaving together a separate fiber coated with a flavoring agent and a polymer fiber. Alternatively, the second segment can be formed by a crimped polymer sheet.

[0081] For example, the polymer may be made of a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose acetate (CA), and aluminum foil.

[0082] As the second segment is formed by a woven polymer fiber or a crimped polymer sheet, the second segment may include one or more longitudinally extending channels. Here, a channel means a passage through which a gas (e.g., air or an aerosol) passes.

[0083] For example, the second segment made of a compressed polymer sheet can be formed from a material having a thickness of between about 5 μm and about 300 μm, for example between about 10 μm and about 250 μm. Furthermore, the total surface area of ​​the second segment can be between about 300 mm2 / mm and about 1000 mm2 / mm. Furthermore, the aerosol-cooling element can be formed from a material having a specific surface area of ​​between about 10 mm2 / mg and about 100 mm2 / mg.

[0084] Meanwhile, the second segment may include a thread containing a volatile flavoring component. Here, the volatile flavoring component may be menthol, but is not limited thereto. For example, the thread may be filled with a sufficient amount of menthol to provide the second segment with at least 1.5 mg of menthol.

[0085] The third segment of the filter rod (22) may be a cellulose acetate filter. The length of the third segment may be suitably selected within the range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third segment may be approximately 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0086] During the manufacturing process of the third segment, the third segment may be manufactured to generate a flavor by spraying a flavoring agent onto the third segment. Alternatively, a separate fiber coated with a flavoring agent may be inserted into the interior of the third segment. The aerosol generated from the tobacco rod (21) is cooled as it passes through the second segment of the filter rod (22), and the cooled aerosol is delivered to the user through the third segment. Therefore, when a flavoring element is added to the third segment, the effect of enhancing the persistence of the flavor delivered to the user can be produced.

[0087] Additionally, the filter rod (22) may include at least one capsule (23). Here, the capsule (23) may perform a function of generating a flavor or a function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule (23) may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavor is wrapped in a film. The capsule (23) may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 5, the cigarette (3) may further include a shear plug (33). The shear plug (33) may be positioned on one side of the tobacco rod (31) facing the filter rod (32). The shear plug (33) may prevent the tobacco rod (31) from escaping to the outside, and may prevent liquefied aerosol from the tobacco rod (31) from flowing into the aerosol generating device (1 of FIGS. 1 to 3) during smoking.

[0089] The filter load (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 load (22) of FIG. 4, and the second segment (322) may correspond to the third segment of the filter load (22) of FIG. 4.

[0090] The diameter and overall length of the cigarette (3) may correspond to the diameter and overall length of the cigarette (2) of Fig. 4. For example, the length of the shear plug (33) may be about 7 mm, the length of the tobacco rod (31) may be about 15 mm, the length of the first segment (321) may be about 12 mm, and the length of the second segment (322) may be about 14 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0091] The cigarette (3) may be wrapped by at least one wrapper (35). The wrapper (35) may have at least one hole formed therein through which external air may flow in or internal gas may flow out. For example, the shear plug (33) may be wrapped by a first wrapper (351), the tobacco rod (31) may be wrapped by a second wrapper (352), the first segment (321) may be wrapped by a third wrapper (353), and the second segment (322) may be wrapped by a fourth wrapper (354). In addition, the entire cigarette (3) may be repackaged by a fifth wrapper (355).

[0092] Additionally, at least one perforation (36) may be formed in the fifth wrapper (355). For example, the perforation (36) may be formed in an area surrounding the tobacco rod (31), but is not limited thereto. The perforation (36) may serve to transfer heat generated by the heater (13) illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 to the interior of the tobacco rod (31).

[0093] Additionally, the second segment (322) may include at least one capsule (34). Here, the capsule (34) may perform a function of generating a flavor or a function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule (34) may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavor is encapsulated in a film. The capsule (34) may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0094] The first wrapper (351) may be a general filter paper combined with a metal foil, such as aluminum foil. For example, the overall thickness of the first wrapper (351) may be within a range of 45 μm to 55 μm, and preferably 50.3 μm. In addition, the thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper (351) may be within a range of 6 μm to 7 μm, and preferably 6.3 μm. In addition, the basis weight of the first wrapper (351) may be within a range of 50 g / m2 to 55 g / m2, and preferably 53 g / m2.

[0095] The second wrapper (352) and the third wrapper (353) can be made of general filter paper. For example, the second wrapper (352) and the third wrapper (353) can be porous paper or non-porous paper.

[0096] For example, the porosity of the second wrapper (352) may be 35000 CU, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the thickness of the second wrapper (352) may be within the range of 70 um to 80 um, and preferably may be 78 um. In addition, the basis weight of the second wrapper (352) may be within the range of 20 g / m2 to 25 g / m2, and preferably may be 23.5 g / m2.

[0097] For example, the porosity of the third wrapper (353) may be, but is not limited to, 24000 CU. In addition, the thickness of the third wrapper (353) may be within the range of 60 um to 70 um, and preferably may be 68 um. In addition, the basis weight of the third wrapper (353) may be within the range of 20 g / m2 to 25 g / m2, and preferably may be 21 g / m2.

[0098] The fourth wrapper (354) may be made of PLA paper. Here, the PLA paper refers to three layers of paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and a paper layer. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper (354) may be within the range of 100 μm to 120 μm, and preferably 110 μm. In addition, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper (354) may be within the range of 80 g / m2 to 100 g / m2, and preferably 88 g / m2.

[0099] The fifth wrapper (355) may be made of sterilized paper (MFW). Here, the sterilized paper (MFW) refers to paper specially manufactured to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper (355) may be within the range of 57 g / m2 to 63 g / m2, and preferably 60 g / m2. In addition, the thickness of the fifth wrapper (355) may be within the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and preferably 67 μm.

[0100] The fifth wrapper (355) may be coated with a predetermined material. Here, an example of the predetermined material may be silicone, but is not limited thereto. For example, silicone has properties such as heat resistance with little change depending on temperature, oxidation resistance without oxidation, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, and electrical insulation. However, even if it is not silicone, any material having the aforementioned properties may be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper (355) without limitation.

[0101] The shear plug (33) may be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the shear plug (33) may be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. The mono denier of the filaments constituting the cellulose acetate tow may be within a range of 1.0 to 10.0, preferably within a range of 4.0 to 6.0. More preferably, the mono denier of the filaments of the shear plug (33) may be 5.0. In addition, the cross-section of the filaments constituting the shear plug (33) may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the shear plug (33) may be within a range of 20,000 to 30,000, preferably within a range of 25,000 to 30,000. More preferably, the total denier of the shear plug (33) may be 28000.

[0102] Additionally, if necessary, the shear plug (33) may include at least one channel, and the cross-sectional shape of the channel may be manufactured in various ways.

[0103] The tobacco rod (31) may correspond to the tobacco rod (21) described above with reference to FIG. 4. Therefore, a detailed description of the tobacco rod (31) is omitted below.

[0104] The first segment (321) may be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment may be a tubular structure having a hollow interior. The first segment (321) may be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. For example, the mono denier and total denier of the first segment (321) may be the same as the mono denier and total denier of the shear plug (33).

[0105] The second segment (322) may be made of cellulose acetate. The mono denier of the filaments constituting the second segment (322) may be within a range of 1.0 to 10.0, preferably within a range of 8.0 to 10.0. More preferably, the mono denier of the filaments of the second segment (322) may be 9.0. In addition, the cross-section of the filaments of the second segment (322) may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the second segment (322) may be within a range of 20,000 to 30,000, preferably 25,000.

[0106] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device (600) according to another embodiment.

[0107] The aerosol generating device (600) may include a control unit (610), a sensing unit (620), an output unit (630), a battery (640), a heater (650), a user input unit (660), a memory (670), and a communication unit (680). However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device (600) is not limited to that illustrated in FIG. 6. That is, a person skilled in the art related to the present embodiment will understand that some of the components illustrated in FIG. 6 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (600).

[0108] The battery (640), heater (650), and control unit (610) of Fig. 6 can perform substantially the same functions as the battery, heater, and control unit of Figs. 1 to 3, and thus, overlapping descriptions will be omitted and descriptions will be centered on modified or added configurations and operations. The sensing unit (620) can detect the status of the aerosol generating device (600) or the status around the aerosol generating device (600) and transmit the detected information to the control unit (610). Based on the detected information, the control unit (610) can control the aerosol generating device (600) to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the heater (650), restricting smoking, determining whether an aerosol generating article (e.g., cigarette, cartridge, etc.) is inserted, and displaying a notification.

[0109] The sensing unit (620) may include at least one of a temperature sensor (622), an insertion detection sensor (624), and a puff sensor (626), but is not limited thereto.

[0110] The temperature sensor (622) can detect the temperature at which the heater (650) (or the aerosol generating material) is heated. The aerosol generating device (600) may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heater (650), or the heater (650) itself may function as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor (622) may be placed around the battery (640) to monitor the temperature of the battery (640).

[0111] The insertion detection sensor (624) can detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. For example, the insertion detection sensor (624) can include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and can detect a signal change as the aerosol-generating article is inserted and / or removed.

[0112] The puff sensor (626) can detect the user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or airflow channel. For example, the puff sensor (626) can detect the user's puff based on any one of temperature changes, flow changes, voltage changes, and pressure changes.

[0113] In addition to the sensors (622 to 626) described above, the sensing unit (620) may further include at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB sensor (illuminance sensor). Since the function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from its name, a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0114] The output unit (630) can output information about the status of the aerosol generating device (600) and provide it to the user. The output unit (630) can include at least one of a display unit (632), a haptic unit (634), and an audio output unit (636), but is not limited thereto. When the display unit (632) and the touch pad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display unit (632) can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0115] The display unit (632) can visually provide information about the aerosol generating device (600) to the user. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device (600) can mean various information such as the charging / discharging status of the battery (640) of the aerosol generating device (600), the preheating status of the heater (650), the insertion / removal status of the aerosol generating item, or the status in which the use of the aerosol generating device (600) is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal item), and the display unit (632) can output the information to the outside. The display unit (632) can be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), or the like. In addition, the display unit (632) can also be in the form of an LED light-emitting element.

[0116] The haptic component (634) can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus or an electrical stimulus to provide tactile information about the aerosol generating device (600) to the user. For example, the haptic component (634) can include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0117] The acoustic output unit (636) can provide information about the aerosol generating device (600) to the user audibly. For example, the acoustic output unit (636) can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it externally.

[0118] The battery (640) can supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device (600). The battery (640) can supply power so that the heater (650) can be heated. In addition, the battery (640) can supply power required for the operation of other components provided in the aerosol generating device (600) (e.g., the sensing unit (620), the output unit (630), the user input unit (660), the memory (670), and the communication unit (680)). The battery (640) can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery (640) can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0119] The heater (650) can receive power from the battery (640) to heat the aerosol generating material. Although not illustrated in FIG. 6, the aerosol generating device (600) may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the battery (640) and supplies it to the heater (650). In addition, when the aerosol generating device (600) generates the aerosol by induction heating, the aerosol generating device (600) may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the direct current power of the battery (640) into alternating current power.

[0120] The control unit (610), sensing unit (620), output unit (630), user input unit (660), memory (670), and communication unit (610) can perform functions by receiving power from the battery (640). Although not shown in FIG. 6, the device may further include a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts power from the battery (640) and supplies it to each component.

[0121] In one embodiment, the heater (650) may be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials may be metals or metal alloys including, but not limited to, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, and the like. In addition, the heater (650) may be implemented as, but not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate having electrically conductive tracks arranged thereon, a ceramic heating element, and the like.

[0122] In another embodiment, the heater (650) may be an induction heater. For example, the heater (650) may include a susceptor that heats the aerosol generating material by generating heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil.

[0123] In one embodiment, the heater (650) may include multiple heaters. For example, the heater (650) may include a first heater for heating the cigarette and a second heater for heating the liquid.

[0124] The user input unit (660) can receive information input from a user or output information to the user. For example, the user input unit (660) may include, but is not limited to, a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (contact electrostatic capacitance type, pressure resistive film type, infrared detection type, surface ultrasonic conduction type, integral tension measurement type, piezo effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. In addition, although not illustrated in FIG. 6, the aerosol generating device (600) further includes a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and can transmit and receive information or charge a battery (640) by connecting to another external device through a connection interface such as a USB interface.

[0125] The memory (670) is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device (600), and can store data processed and data to be processed in the control unit (610). The memory (670) may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The memory (670) may store data on the operation time of the aerosol generating device (600), the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and a user's smoking pattern.

[0126] The communication unit (680) may include at least one component for communicating with another electronic device. For example, the communication unit (680) may include a short-range communication unit (682) and a wireless communication unit (684).

[0127] The short-range wireless communication unit (682) 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, etc.

[0128] The wireless communication unit (684) may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit (684) may also use subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) to identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device (600) within the communication network.

[0129] The control unit (610) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (600). In one embodiment, the control unit (610) can include at least one processor. The processor can be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or can be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. Furthermore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present embodiment can be implemented as other types of hardware.

[0130] The control unit (610) can control the temperature of the heater (650) by controlling the supply of power from the battery (640) to the heater (650). For example, the control unit (610) can control the power supply by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery (640) and the heater (650). In another example, the heating direct circuit can control the power supply to the heater (650) according to a control command from the control unit (610).

[0131] The control unit (610) can analyze the results detected by the sensing unit (620) and control the processes to be performed thereafter. For example, the control unit (610) can control the power supplied to the heater (650) so that the operation of the heater (650) is started or ended based on the results detected by the sensing unit (620). As another example, the control unit (610) can control the amount of power supplied to the heater (650) and the time for which the power is supplied so that the heater (650) can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintain an appropriate temperature based on the results detected by the sensing unit (620).

[0132] The control unit (610) can control the output unit (630) based on the result detected by the sensing unit (620). For example, when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor (626) reaches a preset number, the control unit (610) can notify the user that the aerosol generating device (600) will soon be terminated through at least one of the display unit (632), the haptic unit (634), and the sound output unit (636).

[0133] In one embodiment, the control unit (610) may control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the heater (650) according to the state of the aerosol generating article detected by the sensing unit (620). For example, when the aerosol generating article (15) is in an over-humidified state, the control unit (610) may control the power supply time to the induction coil (e.g., the induction coil (124) of FIG. 2) to increase the preheating time compared to when the aerosol generating article (15) is in a normal state.

[0134] Fig. 7 is a drawing for explaining an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. Referring to Fig. 7, an aerosol generating device (100) according to an embodiment may include a battery (110), a heater (120), an ultrasonic sensing unit (130), a control unit (140), and a memory (150). The battery, the heater, the control unit, and the memory may perform substantially the same functions as the battery, the heater, the control unit, and the memory of Figs. 1 to 3 and Fig. 6, and overlapping descriptions will be omitted, and descriptions will be centered on modified or added configurations and operations.

[0135] The ultrasonic sensing unit (130) can output ultrasonic waves according to a plurality of preset frequencies to the aerosol generating article (200) and receive ultrasonic waves reflected from the aerosol generating article (200). The ultrasonic sensing unit (130) can be placed inside the aerosol generating device (100) and can be placed to face the receiving space in which the aerosol generating article (200) is received. The ultrasonic sensing unit (130) can include a transducer that outputs an ultrasonic signal and receives reflected ultrasonic waves.

[0136] The transducer can output ultrasonic waves toward a receiving space, receive ultrasonic waves reflected from the receiving space, and generate an electrical signal corresponding to the received ultrasonic waves.

[0137] The transducer may be configured to include a piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric element may be a material that generates physical vibration when power is applied and can convert the physical vibration into an electrical signal when the physical vibration is applied. Accordingly, when power from a battery (110) (e.g., the battery (110) of FIGS. 1 to 4) is applied to the transducer, ultrasonic waves may be generated by the piezoelectric element. Ultrasonic waves generated from the transducer may be propagated toward a receiving space, reflected by an object received in the receiving space, and received again by the transducer. The piezoelectric element may generate an electrical signal by vibrating due to the ultrasonic waves received by the transducer.

[0138] For example, the transducer may generate an electrical signal by receiving ultrasonic waves reflected from an aerosol generating article (200) while simultaneously outputting ultrasonic waves to the receiving space, but is not limited thereto, and may receive ultrasonic waves received from a separate reflector as described below.

[0139] As another example, the transducer may generate an electrical signal by receiving ultrasound reflected from an aerosol generating article (200) while stopping to output ultrasound for a predetermined period of time.

[0140] In addition, the transducer can sequentially output ultrasonic signals according to different preset frequencies under the control of the control unit (140) and generate an electric signal by receiving ultrasonic waves reflected from the aerosol generating article (200).

[0141] Additionally, the transducer can adjust the frequency of the ultrasonic signal output according to the control of the control unit (140).

[0142] The transducer may be positioned apart from the heater (120) along the length direction of the aerosol generating device (100). Accordingly, the influence of the heat generated by the heater (120) on the transducer may be reduced, and the transducer may smoothly receive ultrasonic waves reflected from the aerosol generating article (200) even while the heater (120) is operating.

[0143] The transducer may be positioned adjacent to the aerosol-generating article (200) so as to output ultrasonic waves to the aerosol-generating article (200) and smoothly receive ultrasonic waves reflected therefrom. For example, when the aerosol-generating article (200) is accommodated in the accommodation space, the transducer may be in direct contact with the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article (200), or may be adjacent to the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article (200) but spaced apart from the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article (200) by a slight gap.

[0144] The ultrasonic sensing unit (130) according to the embodiment can detect objects of various materials without being affected by the surface of the sample being investigated.

[0145] The ultrasonic sensing unit (130) can detect an object in a non-contact manner or measure the distance from the ultrasonic sensing unit (130). The ultrasonic signal output from the transducer can be reflected from the sample and incident on the receiver.

[0146] When the receiver receives the reflected ultrasound, it can be converted into an electrical signal through a piezoelectric element. The distance between the ultrasonic sensing unit (130) and the sample can be calculated based on the propagation time of the sound. That is, the time difference between the output time of the ultrasonic signal and the reception time of the reflected ultrasound, i.e., the time lag, is measured, and the distance from the ultrasonic sensing unit (130) to the sample can be calculated based on the propagation speed of sound. In a room temperature environment, the propagation speed of sound in air can be measured to be approximately 344 m / s.

[0147] The detection accuracy of the ultrasonic sensing unit (130) may be affected by temperature. The ultrasonic sensing unit (130) according to the embodiment may additionally include a compensation circuit to compensate for the effect of temperature. The compensation circuit may measure the offset caused by temperature in advance and remove the offset caused by taking the actual measurement environment into consideration.

[0148] The ultrasonic sensing unit (130) may be configured to include a plurality of transducers. The plurality of transducers output ultrasonic signals of different frequencies under the control of the control unit (140), and the corresponding reflections can receive ultrasonic signals.

[0149] Alternatively, the ultrasonic sensing unit (130) may be composed of a single transducer. The transducer may output ultrasonic signals having multiple different frequencies at predetermined time intervals under the control of the control unit (140) and receive reflected ultrasonic waves corresponding thereto.

[0150] The types of aerosol-generating articles (200) can be classified according to the amount or type of aerosol-generating material contained therein. The aerosol-generating article (200) according to the embodiment can be composed of a solid, liquid, or powder form, and can have the property of reflecting sound waves.

[0151] The control unit (140) can determine the type of aerosol generating article (200) accommodated in the accommodation space based on the electric signal generated by the ultrasonic sensing unit (130).

[0152] Additionally, the control unit (140) can control the operation of the heater (120) according to preset parameters based on the type of the determined aerosol generating article (200).

[0153] Among the ultrasonic waves output by the ultrasonic sensing unit (130) toward the aerosol generating article (200), the proportion of ultrasonic waves reflected from the outer surface of the aerosol generating article (200) may be determined by the material or shape of the outer surface of the aerosol generating article (200). If the material or shape of the outer surface of the aerosol generating article (200) is different depending on the type of the aerosol generating article (200), the control unit (140) may determine the type of the aerosol generating article (200) using the electric signal generated by the ultrasonic sensing unit (130).

[0154] The control unit (140) according to the embodiment can control ultrasonic signals having multiple different frequencies to be output from the transducer, and can analyze the aerosol generating article (200) by analyzing each of the reflected ultrasonic signals according to the multiple different frequencies.

[0155] When an ultrasonic signal is transmitted from one medium to another, some of the waves change direction at the boundary and return to the original medium. The signal reflected in this way can be received by a transducer as reflected ultrasonic waves.

[0156] Additionally, when an ultrasonic signal passes through a medium, its strength energy is lost, resulting in a decrease in amplitude and intensity, which can manifest as a decrease in the intensity of the reflected ultrasonic signal. The attenuation of the ultrasonic signal can be proportional to the frequency value.

[0157] Accordingly, the control unit (140) can analyze the constituent material of the aerosol generating article (200) by using the time difference value between the transmission time of the output ultrasound according to a plurality of frequencies and the reception time of the corresponding reflected ultrasound, and the intensity difference value between the intensity of the output ultrasound and the intensity of the reflected ultrasound.

[0158] The ultrasonic sensing unit (130) can output a first ultrasonic signal having a first frequency and a second ultrasonic signal having a second frequency to the aerosol generating article (200). At this time, the first ultrasonic signal and the second ultrasonic signal can be operated by having multiple transducers output their respective ultrasonic signals as described above, or by having one transducer sequentially output the first ultrasonic signal and the second ultrasonic signal. In the embodiment, an example in which one transducer sequentially outputs the first ultrasonic signal and the second ultrasonic signal will be described.

[0159] The transducer can receive a first reflected ultrasonic signal in which a first ultrasonic signal is reflected from an aerosol generating article (200) and a second reflected ultrasonic signal in which a second ultrasonic signal is reflected from an aerosol generating article (200).

[0160] The control unit (140) can calculate the first time difference value between the reception times of the first ultrasonic signal and the first reflected ultrasonic signal, and the first intensity difference value between the intensity of the first ultrasonic signal and the intensity of the first reflected ultrasonic signal.

[0161] Additionally, the control unit (140) can calculate a second time difference value between the reception times of the second ultrasonic signal and the second reflected ultrasonic signal, and a second intensity difference value between the intensity of the second ultrasonic signal and the intensity of the second reflected ultrasonic signal.

[0162] The control unit (140) can determine the type of the aerosol generating article (200) using the first time difference value, the first century difference value, the second time difference value, and the second century difference value. For example, the control unit (140) can calculate an average value of the first time difference value and the second time difference value, and calculate an average value of the first century difference value and the second century difference value, and determine the type of the aerosol generating article (200) using each average value.

[0163] Since the attenuation of an ultrasonic signal is proportional to the frequency value, the ultrasonic sensing unit (130) can obtain a meaningful signal attenuation parameter from an aerosol generating article (200) having various types of media by outputting signals of different frequencies.

[0164] That is, when only one frequency signal is output to the aerosol generating article (200), the attenuation of the ultrasonic signal may not occur significantly depending on the type of medium constituting the aerosol generating article (200). However, the ultrasonic sensing unit (130) according to the embodiment outputs a plurality of different frequencies to the aerosol generating article (200) to obtain a signal attenuation value therefor, and thus has a technical effect of being able to more accurately identify the type of medium constituting the aerosol generating article (200).

[0165] In addition, the control unit (140) can analyze the constituent materials of each region of the aerosol-generating article (200) by assigning different weights to each of multiple frequencies. That is, by analyzing the type of medium by assigning a weight greater than 1 to an ultrasonic signal having a frequency at which the attenuation value for the material constituting the aerosol-generating article (200) is measured to be greater than a preset threshold value, the accuracy of the analysis of the type of the aerosol-generating article (200) can be improved.

[0166] Fig. 8 is a drawing for explaining an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. Referring to Fig. 8, the control unit (140) can analyze the constituent materials of each region of an aerosol generating article (200) by using output ultrasonic waves according to multiple frequencies and corresponding reflected ultrasonic waves.

[0167] The ultrasonic sensing unit (130) can output a first ultrasonic signal having a first frequency to a first region of the aerosol generating article (200), and can output a second ultrasonic signal having a second frequency to a second region of the aerosol generating article (200).

[0168] The transducer can receive a first reflected ultrasonic signal in which a first ultrasonic signal is reflected from a first region of the aerosol generating article (200) and a second reflected ultrasonic signal in which a second ultrasonic signal is reflected from a second region of the aerosol generating article (200).

[0169] The control unit (140) can calculate the first time difference value between the reception times of the first ultrasonic signal and the first reflected ultrasonic signal, and the first intensity difference value between the intensity of the first ultrasonic signal and the intensity of the first reflected ultrasonic signal.

[0170] Additionally, the control unit (140) can calculate a second time difference value between the reception times of the second ultrasonic signal and the second reflected ultrasonic signal, and a second intensity difference value between the intensity of the second ultrasonic signal and the intensity of the second reflected ultrasonic signal.

[0171] The control unit (140) can determine the type of material constituting the first area of ​​the aerosol generating article (200) using the first time difference value and the first century difference value.

[0172] Additionally, the control unit (140) can determine the type of material constituting the second region of the aerosol generating article (200) using the second time difference value and the second century difference value.

[0173] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the operation of a control unit according to another embodiment. Referring to FIG. 9, the control unit (140) may include a deep learning model (141) that learns the correlation between the output ultrasound and the reflected ultrasound and the constituent material of the aerosol generating article (200) by using the output ultrasound and the reflected ultrasound as input layers, and learns that the constituent material of the aerosol generating article (200) becomes the output layer for the input output ultrasound and the reflected ultrasound.

[0174] The deep learning model (141) of the control unit (140) does not perform self-learning, but transmits learning data to a remote learning server (1000), and can apply parameters received from the learning server (1000) to a stored deep learning algorithm to create a deep learning model (141).

[0175] The learning server (1000) receives output ultrasound and reflected ultrasound, which are learning data, from a plurality of aerosol generating devices (100), and can learn the learning data to extract parameters. The learning server (1000) can learn the learning data using, for example, a deep learning technique, but is not limited thereto, and can learn the learning data and extract parameters using various techniques.

[0176] The learning server (1000) extracts a 1D feature vector for each time period through a 1D (dimension) convolution layer by taking as input a signal extracted from a reflected ultrasonic signal for the time domain, thereby determining the input to be entered into the classifier. At this time, the learning server (1000) performs a Fourier transform (Short-Time Fourier Transform) on the received ultrasonic reflected signal while moving a window having a certain time interval, thereby producing a signal for the time-frequency domain, i.e., a 2D spectrogram, converts the produced 2D spectrogram into a 1D signal for each time period, and then performs convolution on it. If necessary, the learning server (1000) may first perform convolution by a convolution filter before converting the produced 2D spectrogram into a 1D signal for each time period.

[0177] Convolution can be performed through one or more convolutional layers. The 1D feature vectors, organized by time and generated through one or more convolutional layers, are then used as input to a classifier.

[0178] The classifier is formed by a multi-layer artificial neural network. A classifier utilizing this artificial neural network is finalized by learning weight values ​​using training data from an artificial neural network with the same layer configuration. Here, the weights refer to the connection values ​​of one or more layers of the artificial neural network.

[0179] Also, the convolutional layer that produces the 1D feature vector input to the classifier as described above and the classifier formed by the multi-layer artificial neural network in this way are combined and called a convolutional neural network (CNN). At this time, the weight mentioned above may mean the weight of the connection value of one or more layers of the artificial neural network or the convolutional filter value in the convolutional layer. This means that not only the weight of the connection value of one or more layers of the artificial neural network can be determined through machine learning, but also the convolutional filter value in the convolutional layer can be finally determined through machine learning. The learning server (1000) inputs learning data into the artificial neural network and performs optimization using the gradient descent method in the direction of minimizing the gap (loss) between the output value and the actual correct answer.

[0180] A convolutional neural network (CNN) model is determined by the weights or convolutional layer filter values ​​finally determined through such learning, and this convolutional neural network (CNN) model can be applied to the deep learning model (141) of the aerosol generating device (100) (100) through a communication network.

[0181] The deep learning model of the control unit, which applies the weight values ​​received from the learning server, can estimate the probability values ​​of each material constituting the aerosol-generating article (200) from which the corresponding ultrasonic signal is reflected for the input output ultrasonic waves and reflected ultrasonic waves. From this, the material with the highest probability value can be ultimately determined as the material constituting the corresponding aerosol-generating article (200).

[0182] Fig. 10 is a drawing for explaining an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. Referring to Fig. 10, an aerosol generating device (100) according to an embodiment may include a battery (110), a heater (120), an ultrasonic sensing unit (130), a control unit (140), a memory (150), and a temperature sensor (160). The battery, the heater, the ultrasonic sensing unit, and the memory perform substantially the same functions as the battery, the heater, the ultrasonic sensing unit, and the memory of Figs. 1, 4, and 7, and overlapping descriptions will be omitted, and descriptions will be centered on additional or modified configurations and operations.

[0183] A temperature sensor (160) may be placed around the aerosol generating article (200). The temperature sensor (160) may measure the ambient temperature of the aerosol generating article (200) to generate temperature data.

[0184] The control unit (140) can compensate for the time difference value using the temperature data measured by the temperature sensor (160). The measurement accuracy of ultrasonic waves is greatly affected by air temperature. As the air temperature changes, the propagation of ultrasonic waves is affected by temperature, which decreases by 0.17% per degree Celsius. This change affects the propagation time, which in turn distorts the time difference value.

[0185] The aerosol generating device (100) can be heated to a very high temperature by the heater (120), and the temperature deviation according to the time change appears very large during the process before, during, and after operation. Therefore, if this temperature compensation function is not present, the exact distance between the medium of the aerosol generating product (200) and the ultrasonic sensing unit (130) cannot be measured through the time difference value.

[0186] Accordingly, the control unit (140) according to the embodiment can calculate an accurate distance value between aerosol generating articles (200) regardless of whether the heater (120) is in operation by reflecting the decrease in the propagation speed of the ultrasonic waves using the temperature data measured by the temperature sensor (160) and reflecting this in the time difference value.

[0187] In addition, the control unit (140) can analyze the state of the constituent material of the aerosol generating article (200) using temperature data measured by the temperature sensor (160), output ultrasonic waves according to multiple frequencies, and reflected ultrasonic waves corresponding thereto.

[0188] For example, when the aerosol generating device (100) performs a smoking operation using the aerosol generating article (200), the aerosol generating substance in the aerosol generating article (200) may be exhausted. In this case, the used aerosol generating article (200) must be discarded by the user. If the user reuses the already used aerosol generating article (200), at least a portion of the aerosol generating substance may be exhausted, and thus the user may not experience sufficient smoking satisfaction from the reused aerosol generating article (200). Accordingly, if the aerosol generating article (200) accommodated in the accommodation space has been reused, the aerosol generating device (100) can determine this and control the heater (120) not to be heated.

[0189] In one embodiment, the control unit (140) analyzes the state of the constituent material of the aerosol generating article (200) using temperature data measured by the temperature sensor (160), output ultrasonic waves according to multiple frequencies, and corresponding reflected ultrasonic waves, and if it is determined that the aerosol generating article (200) has been reused, the heater (120) can be controlled not to be heated.

[0190] The control unit (140) calculates the time difference value and intensity difference value for which temperature compensation is completed according to the temperature data, and searches for similar data values ​​by comparing them with the time difference value and intensity difference value stored in the memory. The control unit (140) extracts the constituent material of the aerosol generating article (200) having the most similar time difference value and intensity difference value, and compares the extracted data value with the data value for which temperature compensation is completed, and can determine whether to use the constituent material of the aerosol generating article (200) according to the difference value.

[0191] Referring to Fig. 11, when the temperature within the receiving space of the aerosol generating device (100) rises due to the use of the heater (120), distortion of the ultrasonic signal occurs, causing fluctuations in the time difference value and intensity difference value. The control unit (140) uses the temperature data to produce compensation data that compensates for this distortion. The control unit (140) searches for similar data stored in the memory data, and then extracts a material corresponding to the data as a constituent material of the aerosol generating article (200). Thereafter, the control unit (140) compares the memory data with the compensation data to determine whether to use the constituent material of the aerosol generating article (200) by the difference value.

[0192] Fig. 12 is a drawing for explaining an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. Referring to Fig. 12, an aerosol generating device (100) according to an embodiment may include a battery (110), a heater (120), an ultrasonic sensing unit (130), a control unit (140), a memory (150), a liquid storage unit (170), and a reflector (180). The battery, the heater, the liquid storage unit, the ultrasonic sensing unit, and the memory perform substantially the same functions as the battery, the heater, the liquid storage unit, the ultrasonic sensing unit, and the memory of Figs. 1, 4, and 7, and overlapping descriptions will be omitted, and descriptions will be centered on modified or added configurations and operations.

[0193] The reflector (180) may be positioned at a predetermined distance from the liquid storage unit (170). The reflector (180) may be positioned to face the ultrasonic sensing unit (130) with the liquid storage unit (170) at the center. The reflector (180) is positioned at a position where the ultrasonic waves output from the ultrasonic sensing unit (130) are incident after passing through the liquid storage unit (170), and may reflect the incident ultrasonic waves and transmit them toward the ultrasonic sensing unit (130).

[0194] The ultrasonic sensing unit (130) can output ultrasonic waves according to a plurality of preset frequencies to the liquid storage unit (170) and receive ultrasonic waves reflected from the liquid storage unit (170) and the reflection unit (180).

[0195] The control unit (140) can analyze the constituent materials of the aerosol generating article (200) by using the time difference value between the transmission time of the output ultrasound according to a plurality of frequencies and the reception time of the corresponding reflected ultrasound, and the intensity difference value between the intensity of the output ultrasound and the intensity of the reflected ultrasound.

[0196] The control unit (140) can filter reflected ultrasound. When filtering reflected ultrasound, the control unit (140) filters out ultrasound reflected from structures other than ultrasound reflected from actual media, thereby receiving and recognizing only the intensity, shape, and signal of a predetermined frequency. Through this, the control unit (140) can analyze the type of aerosol generating product (200) stored in the liquid storage unit (170).

[0197] When an ultrasonic signal is transmitted from one medium to another, some of the waves change direction at the boundary and return to the original medium. The signal reflected in this way can be received by a transducer as reflected ultrasonic waves.

[0198] Additionally, when an ultrasonic signal passes through a medium, its strength energy is lost, resulting in a decrease in amplitude and intensity, which can manifest as a decrease in the intensity of the reflected ultrasonic signal. The attenuation of the ultrasonic signal can be proportional to the frequency value.

[0199] In the case of liquid stored in a liquid storage unit, most of the ultrasonic signals are refracted or transmitted, so there is a problem that it is difficult to receive a sufficient amount of reflected ultrasonic waves to analyze the constituent substances. The aerosol generating device (100) according to the embodiment can reflect the output ultrasonic waves refracted or transmitted in the liquid storage unit toward the ultrasonic sensing unit (130) by arranging the reflector (180) at a position opposite to the ultrasonic sensing unit (130) with the liquid storage unit as the center.

[0200] Accordingly, the control unit (140) can analyze the constituent material of the aerosol generating article (200) composed of a liquid phase by using the time difference value between the transmission time of the output ultrasound according to a plurality of frequencies and the reception time of the reflected ultrasound reflected by the reflector, and the intensity difference value between the intensity of the output ultrasound and the intensity of the reflected ultrasound.

[0201] Fig. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. Referring to Fig. 13, first, an ultrasonic sensing unit outputs ultrasonic waves according to a plurality of preset frequencies to an aerosol generating article (S1301).

[0202] Next, the ultrasonic sensing unit receives ultrasonic waves reflected from the aerosol generating item (S1302).

[0203] Next, the control unit calculates the time difference value between the transmission time of the output ultrasonic waves according to multiple frequencies and the reception time of the corresponding reflected ultrasonic waves, and the intensity difference value between the intensity of the output ultrasonic waves and the intensity of the reflected ultrasonic waves (S1303).

[0204] Next, the control unit analyzes the constituent materials of the aerosol generating product using the time difference value and the intensity difference value according to multiple frequencies (S1304).

[0205] Fig. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. Referring to Fig. 14, first, an ultrasonic sensing unit outputs ultrasonic waves according to a plurality of preset frequencies to an aerosol generating product (S1401).

[0206] Next, the ultrasonic sensing unit receives ultrasonic waves reflected from the aerosol generating item (S1402).

[0207] Next, the control unit calculates the time difference value between the transmission time of the output ultrasonic waves according to multiple frequencies and the reception time of the corresponding reflected ultrasonic waves, and the intensity difference value between the intensity of the output ultrasonic waves and the intensity of the reflected ultrasonic waves (S1403).

[0208] Next, the control unit assigns different weights to the time difference value and the intensity difference value for each frequency according to the preset threshold value and settings (S1404).

[0209] Next, the control unit analyzes the constituent materials of the aerosol generating article using the time difference value and the intensity difference value according to multiple weighted frequencies (S1405).

[0210] Fig. 15 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. Referring to Fig. 15, first, the ultrasonic sensing unit outputs ultrasonic waves of different frequencies for each area of ​​the aerosol generating product (S1501).

[0211] Next, the ultrasonic sensing unit receives ultrasonic waves reflected by each area of ​​the aerosol generating item (S1502).

[0212] Next, the control unit calculates the time difference value between the transmission time of the output ultrasonic waves according to multiple frequencies and the reception time of the corresponding reflected ultrasonic waves, and the intensity difference value between the intensity of the output ultrasonic waves and the intensity of the reflected ultrasonic waves (S1503).

[0213] Next, the control unit analyzes the composition of each region of the aerosol generating product using the time difference value and the intensity difference value according to multiple frequencies (S1504).

[0214] Figure 16 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. Referring to Figure 16, first, the communication unit performs data communication with an external learning server to receive parameters, i.e., weight values, that constitute a deep learning model (S1601).

[0215] The control unit configures a deep learning model using the received parameters or updates an already stored deep learning model (S1602).

[0216] Next, the ultrasonic sensing unit outputs ultrasonic waves of different frequencies for each area of ​​the aerosol generating product (S1603).

[0217] Next, the ultrasonic sensing unit receives ultrasonic waves reflected by each area of ​​the aerosol generating item (S1604).

[0218] Next, the control unit inputs the output ultrasonic signal and the reflected ultrasonic signal into the deep learning model (S1605).

[0219] Next, the deep learning model estimates the probability value for each substance that constitutes the aerosol generating article from which the corresponding ultrasonic signal is reflected for the input output ultrasonic wave and reflected ultrasonic wave (S1606).

[0220] Fig. 17 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. Referring to Fig. 17, first, an ultrasonic sensing unit outputs ultrasonic waves according to a plurality of preset frequencies to an aerosol generating product (S1701).

[0221] Next, the ultrasonic sensing unit receives ultrasonic waves reflected from the aerosol generating item (S1702).

[0222] Next, the control unit calculates the time difference value between the transmission time of the output ultrasonic waves according to multiple frequencies and the reception time of the corresponding reflected ultrasonic waves, and the intensity difference value between the intensity of the output ultrasonic waves and the intensity of the reflected ultrasonic waves (S1703).

[0223] Next, the control unit receives temperature data measuring the ambient temperature of the aerosol generating article from the temperature sensor (S1704).

[0224] Next, the control unit reflects the decrease in the propagation speed of the ultrasonic waves using the temperature data measured by the temperature sensor and compensates for the time difference value by reflecting this in the time difference value (S1705).

[0225] Next, the control unit analyzes the composition of each region of the aerosol generating product using the time difference value and the intensity difference value according to multiple frequencies (S1706).

[0226] Next, the control unit compares the data values ​​of the constituent materials extracted from the memory with the data values ​​for which temperature compensation has been completed, and determines whether to use the constituent materials of the aerosol generating product based on the difference between the data values ​​(S1707).

[0227] An embodiment may also be implemented in the form of a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, executed by a computer. Computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a computer, and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. Furthermore, computer-readable media can include both computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes both volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically includes computer-readable instructions, data structures, other data, such as program modules, in a modulated data signal, or other transport mechanism, and includes any information delivery media.

Claims

1. In an aerosol generating device, A battery for supplying power used to operate the above aerosol generating device; A heater for heating an aerosol generating article; An ultrasonic sensing unit that outputs ultrasonic waves according to a plurality of preset frequencies as an aerosol generating article and receives ultrasonic waves reflected from the aerosol generating article; and An aerosol generating device including a control unit that analyzes the constituent materials of the aerosol generating article by using the time difference value between the transmission time of the output ultrasonic waves according to the above-mentioned multiple frequencies and the reception time of the corresponding reflected ultrasonic waves, and the intensity difference value between the intensity of the output ultrasonic waves and the intensity of the reflected ultrasonic waves.

2. In paragraph 1, The above control unit is an aerosol generating device that analyzes the constituent materials of the aerosol generating article by assigning different weights to each of the plurality of frequencies.

3. In paragraph 1, The above control unit is an aerosol generating device that analyzes the constituent materials of each region of the aerosol generating article by using the output ultrasonic waves according to the plurality of frequencies and the corresponding reflected ultrasonic waves.

4. In paragraph 1, The above control unit is an aerosol generating device including a deep learning model learned so that the constituent materials of the aerosol generating article become output layers for the input output ultrasonic waves and reflected ultrasonic waves.

5. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device further comprising a temperature sensor disposed around the aerosol generating article.

6. In paragraph 5, The above control unit is an aerosol generating device that compensates for the time difference value by using temperature data measured by the temperature sensor.

7. In paragraph 4, The above control unit is an aerosol generating device that analyzes the state of the aerosol generating product composition material by using the temperature data measured by the temperature sensor, the output ultrasonic waves according to the plurality of frequencies, and the reflected ultrasonic waves corresponding thereto.

8. In the aerosol generating device, A battery for supplying power used to operate the above aerosol generating device; A liquid storage compartment for storing aerosol generating materials; A reflector arranged at a predetermined interval from the liquid storage unit; An ultrasonic sensing unit that outputs ultrasonic waves according to a plurality of preset frequencies to the liquid storage unit and receives ultrasonic waves reflected from the liquid storage unit and the reflection unit; and An aerosol generating device including a control unit that analyzes the constituent materials of the aerosol generating article by using the time difference value between the transmission time of the output ultrasonic waves according to the above-mentioned multiple frequencies and the reception time of the corresponding reflected ultrasonic waves, and the intensity difference value between the intensity of the output ultrasonic waves and the intensity of the reflected ultrasonic waves.

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