Aerosol generating system, operating method thereof, and aerosol generating article

Abstract

An aerosol generating system according to an embodiment includes: a cigarette including an identification unit which, after being excited by light of a first wavelength, emits light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength; a main body including a cavity into which the cigarette is inserted; an optical sensor package which is disposed around the cavity and detects the identification unit; and a control unit which identifies whether the cigarette is counterfeit and the type of cigarette, on the basis of a sensing value detected by the optical sensor package. The optical sensor package includes: a package substrate; a light-emitting unit which is disposed on the package substrate and emits light of the first wavelength; a light-receiving unit which is disposed on the package substrate and receives light of the second wavelength; and a temperature sensor unit which is disposed on the package substrate and measures a temperature around the cavity.

Description

Aerosol generating system, method of operation thereof and aerosol generating article

[0001] Various embodiments according to the present disclosure relate to an aerosol generating system for determining information of an aerosol generating article based on a sensing value sensed from a luminescent material included in the aerosol generating article, a method of operating the same, and an aerosol generating article included in the aerosol generating system.

[0002] Recently, there has been a growing demand for alternative methods that overcome the shortcomings of conventional cigarettes. For example, there is a growing demand for systems that generate aerosols by heating cigarettes or aerosol-generating materials using an aerosol-generating device, rather than by burning cigarettes to produce aerosol.

[0003] Recently, the types of sensors incorporated into aerosol generators have been diversifying to detect cigarette insertion / removal, cigarette type, and counterfeiting. In particular, with the increasing diversity of cigarette types and the emergence of counterfeit cigarettes on the market, the need for aerosol generators equipped with the ability to distinguish between these is growing.

[0004] However, the aerosol generator may experience sensor performance limitations due to various factors, such as deterioration of the sensor's sensing value or heaters used to heat the cigarette. For example, if the aerosol generator automatically detects whether a cigarette is counterfeit and, if so, stops the heater's operation for user convenience, a low sensor accuracy could cause malfunction, which could negatively impact the user experience.

[0005] Furthermore, with the recent acceleration of personalization trends, customized cigarettes are being produced to meet the preferences of diverse users. This method of producing a variety of cigarettes in small quantities, rather than mass-producing a small number of different types, can limit the ability to identify cigarette types using limited identification methods.

[0006] In addition, since aerosol generating devices are classified as small electronic products, there are limitations on the mounting space for electronic components, and power consumption issues may inevitably arise due to limited battery capacity.

[0007] Through the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device with improved sensor sensitivity can be provided.

[0008] Additionally, the present disclosure provides an aerosol generating device capable of identifying various types of cigarettes using limited identification means.

[0009] In addition, through the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device capable of efficiently utilizing a limited mounting space and reducing power consumption can be provided.

[0010] The problems to be solved through the examples are not limited to the problems described above, and problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the examples belong from this specification and the attached drawings.

[0011] An aerosol generating system according to one embodiment comprises a cigarette including an identification portion that emits light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength when excited by light of a first wavelength, a body including a cavity into which the cigarette is inserted, an optical sensor package disposed around the cavity and detecting the identification portion, and a control portion that identifies whether the cigarette is counterfeit and the type of the cigarette based on a sensing value detected by the optical sensor package.

[0012] The above optical sensor package includes a package substrate, a light emitting portion disposed on the package substrate and emitting light of the first wavelength, a light receiving portion disposed on the package substrate and receiving light of the second wavelength, and a temperature sensor portion disposed on the package substrate and measuring the temperature around the cavity.

[0013] The above optical sensor package includes a semiconductor chip arranged on the package substrate, and the semiconductor chip can correct the light emission amount of the light emitting unit when the temperature around the measured cavity is higher than the upper limit of a preset reference temperature range.

[0014] Further comprising a memory storing a lookup table including offset values ​​according to the difference between the temperature around the measured cavity and the upper limit of the reference temperature range,

[0015] The semiconductor chip can correct the light emission amount of the light emitting unit based on an offset value corresponding to a difference value calculated using the temperature sensor unit among the offset values ​​stored in the lookup table.

[0016] The semiconductor chip can control the duty ratio through pulse width modulation of the light emitting unit based on the offset value.

[0017] As the difference between the temperature around the measured cavity and the upper limit of the reference temperature range increases, the offset value may increase.

[0018] The above temperature sensor unit may include an infrared filter that receives external light and filters light in the infrared region, and may be an infrared temperature sensor that receives light transmitted from the infrared filter and detects the temperature around the cavity.

[0019] The light emitting unit may include an ultraviolet light emitting diode, and the light receiving unit may include an RGB optical diode.

[0020] The above identification material can be excited by ultraviolet light and emit any one of red visible light, green visible light, blue visible light, and yellow visible light.

[0021] The above identification material includes an organic substance, and the organic substance may include at least one organic substance selected from the group consisting of a quinazolinone-based compound, a thiophene-based compound, a sulfobenzoic acid-based compound, and a naphthyridine-based compound.

[0022] The device further includes a memory containing different color information for each type of cigarette, and the control unit can compare the color information of the identification unit detected by the light receiving unit with the color information previously stored in the memory to determine the type of cigarette inserted into the cavity.

[0023] The device further includes a heater for heating the cigarette inserted into the cavity, and the control unit can control power supply to the heater based on a temperature profile corresponding to the determined type of cigarette.

[0024] The cigarette includes an aerosol generating rod and a filter rod, and the identification portion is formed in an area extending from a boundary of the aerosol generating rod and the filter rod in a direction toward the filter rod, and the identification portion may have a band pattern surrounding an outer circumference of the cigarette.

[0025] The above optical sensor package can be placed at a position corresponding to one area of ​​the band pattern.

[0026] A method of operating an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment includes the steps of inserting a cigarette including an identification unit that emits light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength when excited by light of a first wavelength into a cavity of an aerosol generating device, measuring a temperature around the cavity using a temperature sensor unit included in an optical sensor package, and determining whether to correct the light emission amount of a light emitting unit included in the optical sensor package based on the measured temperature around the cavity.

[0027] If the temperature around the measured cavity is higher than the upper limit of the preset reference temperature range, the step of correcting the light emission amount of the light emission unit may include correcting the light emission amount of the light emission unit based on an offset value corresponding to the difference value calculated using the temperature sensor unit among offset values ​​stored in a lookup table including offset values ​​according to the difference value between the temperature around the measured cavity and the upper limit of the preset reference temperature range.

[0028] The aerosol generating system according to embodiments of the present invention can provide improved sensor sensitivity.

[0029] The aerosol generating system according to embodiments of the present invention can identify various types of cigarettes using limited identification means.

[0030] The aerosol generating system according to embodiments of the present invention can efficiently utilize limited mounting space and reduce power consumption.

[0031] The effects of the embodiments are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments belong from this specification and the attached drawings.

[0032] Figures 1 to 3 are drawings illustrating examples of aerosol generating articles.

[0033] Figures 4a to 4d are cross-sectional side views of an aerosol generating article to illustrate examples of placement locations / methods of identification materials.

[0034] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating article for illustrating the placement location of the identification material.

[0035] Figures 6a and 6b are drawings showing the tobacco rod, filter rod, and wrapper separated from the aerosol generating article.

[0036] Figure 7 is a schematic side view of an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment.

[0037] FIG. 8 is a schematic side view of an aerosol generation system having a different heating method than the aerosol generation system of FIG. 7.

[0038] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment that determines information about an aerosol generating article and controls power supply to a heater.

[0039] FIG. 10A is an example of a graph of wavelengths emitted from a first identification material as wavelengths in a first wavelength range are investigated.

[0040] FIG. 10b is an example of a graph of wavelengths emitted from a second identification material as wavelengths in the first wavelength range are investigated.

[0041] Figure 11a is an example of a graph of wavelengths emitted from a third identification material as wavelengths in the first wavelength range are investigated.

[0042] Figure 11b is an example of a graph of wavelengths emitted from a third identification material as wavelengths in the first wavelength range are investigated.

[0043] FIG. 12 is a flowchart of another specific example of how an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment determines information about an aerosol generating article.

[0044] FIG. 13 is a drawing illustrating a cigarette including an identification portion according to one embodiment.

[0045] Figures 14a and 14b are drawings for explaining a sensor unit that identifies the type of cigarette of Figure 13.

[0046] Figures 15a to 15d are graphs showing sensing values ​​for each of a plurality of areas of the identification unit.

[0047] FIG. 16 is a drawing illustrating a cigarette including an identification portion according to one embodiment.

[0048] Figures 17a and 17b are drawings for explaining a sensor unit that identifies the type of cigarette of Figure 16.

[0049] FIG. 18 is a drawing for explaining a cigarette including an identification portion according to one embodiment.

[0050] Figures 19a and 19b are drawings for explaining a sensor unit that identifies the type of cigarette of Figure 18.

[0051] FIG. 20 is a drawing illustrating a cigarette including an identification portion according to one embodiment.

[0052] Figures 21a and 21b are drawings for explaining a sensor unit that identifies the type of cigarette of Figure 20.

[0053] FIG. 22 is a drawing for explaining a cigarette including an identification portion according to one embodiment.

[0054] Figures 23a and 23b are drawings for explaining a sensor unit that identifies the type of cigarette of Figure 22.

[0055] FIG. 24a is a drawing for explaining an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment.

[0056] FIG. 24b is a plan view of an optical sensor package according to one embodiment.

[0057] Figure 24c is a cross-sectional view of the optical sensor package taken along line I-I' of Figure 24b.

[0058] FIG. 24d is a drawing for explaining the sensing operation of an optical sensor package according to one embodiment.

[0059] FIG. 25a is a plan view of an optical sensor package according to one embodiment.

[0060] Figure 25b is a cross-sectional view of the optical sensor package cut along line II-II' of Figure 25a.

[0061] FIG. 26a is a plan view of an optical sensor package according to one embodiment.

[0062] Fig. 26b is a cross-sectional view of the optical sensor package taken along line III-III' of Fig. 26a.

[0063] FIG. 27a is a plan view of an optical sensor package according to one embodiment.

[0064] Figure 27b is a cross-sectional view of the optical sensor package cut along line IV-IV' of Figure 27a.

[0065] FIG. 28a is a plan view of an optical sensor package according to one embodiment.

[0066] Figure 28b is a cross-sectional view of the optical sensor package taken along line V-V' of Figure 28a.

[0067] FIG. 29a is a plan view of an optical sensor package according to one embodiment.

[0068] Figure 29b is a cross-sectional view of the optical sensor package taken along line VI-VI' of Figure 29a.

[0069] FIG. 30A is a plan view of an optical sensor package according to one embodiment.

[0070] Figure 30b is a cross-sectional view of the optical sensor package taken along line VII-VII' of Figure 30a.

[0071] FIG. 31A is a plan view of an optical sensor package according to one embodiment.

[0072] FIG. 31b is a cross-sectional view of the optical sensor package taken along line VIII-VIII' of FIG. 31a.

[0073] FIG. 32a is a plan view of an optical sensor package according to one embodiment.

[0074] Figure 32b is a cross-sectional view of the optical sensor package taken along line VIIII-VIIII' of Figure 32a.

[0075] FIG. 33A is a plan view of an optical sensor package including a temperature sensor unit according to one embodiment.

[0076] Figure 33b is a cross-sectional view of the optical sensor package taken along line X-X' of Figure 33a.

[0077] Fig. 34 is a flowchart for explaining a luminous amount compensation operation method of an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment.

[0078] FIG. 35A is a plan view of an optical sensor package including a light emitting portion that emits visible light according to one embodiment.

[0079] Figure 35b is a cross-sectional view of the optical sensor package taken along line XI-XI' of Figure 35a.

[0080] Fig. 36 is a flowchart for explaining the power consumption reduction operation of an aerosol generation system according to one embodiment.

[0081] Fig. 37 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0082] The terms used in the examples have been 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, terms may be arbitrarily selected by the applicant, in which case their meanings will be described in detail in the relevant description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined based on their meaning and the overall content of the present invention, rather than simply their names.

[0083] When a part of the specification is said to "include" a component, this does not exclude other components, but rather implies the inclusion of other components, unless otherwise specifically stated. Furthermore, terms such as "part" and "module" used in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0084] Below, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present invention are described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. However, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0085] Hereinafter, embodiments are described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0086] Hereinafter, examples of aerosol generating articles will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0087] Figures 1 to 3 are drawings illustrating examples of aerosol generating articles.

[0088] Although the filter rod (22) is illustrated as a single segment in FIG. 1, it is not limited thereto. In other words, the filter rod (22) may be composed of multiple segments. For example, the filter rod (22) may include a first segment for cooling the aerosol and a second segment for filtering a predetermined component contained within the aerosol. In addition, the filter rod (22) may further include at least one segment for performing another function, if necessary.

[0089] The aerosol-generating article (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 aerosol-generating article (2) may be wrapped by one wrapper (24). As another example, the aerosol-generating article (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 (24a), and the filter rod (22) may be wrapped by wrappers (24b, 24c, 24d). In addition, the entire aerosol-generating article (2) may be repackaged by a single wrapper (24e). If the filter rod (22) is composed of a plurality of segments, each segment may be wrapped by wrappers (24b, 24c, 24d).

[0090] 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).

[0091] 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 shown in the drawing, the tobacco rod (21) can further include an additional susceptor in addition to the heat-conducting material surrounding the exterior.

[0092] 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.

[0093] The filter rod (22) may be manufactured to generate a flavor. For example, a flavoring agent may be sprayed onto the filter rod (22), or a separate fiber coated with a flavoring agent may be inserted into the interior of the filter rod (22).

[0094] Additionally, the filter rod (22) may include at least one capsule (23). Here, the capsule (23) may generate a flavor or an aerosol. For example, the capsule (23) may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavor is encapsulated in a film. The capsule (23) may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0095] If the filter rod (22) includes a segment for cooling the aerosol, the cooling segment may be manufactured from a polymer material or a biodegradable polymer material. For example, the cooling segment may be manufactured from pure polylactic acid, but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the cooling segment may be manufactured from a cellulose acetate filter having a plurality of holes. However, the cooling segment is not limited to the above-described examples, and may be manufactured without limitation as long as it can perform the function of cooling the aerosol.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 2, the aerosol generating article (3) may further include a shear plug (33). The shear plug (33) may be positioned on one side of the tobacco rod (31) opposite 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 during smoking.

[0097] 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. 1, and the second segment (322) may correspond to the second segment of the filter load (22) of FIG. 1.

[0098] The diameter and overall length of the aerosol generating article (3) may correspond to the diameter and overall length of the aerosol generating article (2) of FIG. 1. 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.

[0099] The aerosol generating article (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 be introduced or internal gas may be discharged. For example, the shear plug (33) may be wrapped by a first wrapper (35a), the tobacco rod (31) may be wrapped by a second wrapper (35b), the first segment (321) may be wrapped by a third wrapper (35c), and the second segment (322) may be wrapped by a fourth wrapper (35d).

[0100] In addition, the entire aerosol generating article (3) can be repackaged by the fifth wrapper (35e). In addition, at least one perforation (36) can be formed in the fifth wrapper (35e). For example, the perforation (36) can be formed in an area surrounding the tobacco rod (31), but is not limited thereto. The perforation (36) can serve to transfer heat generated by the heater to the interior of the tobacco rod (31).

[0101] Additionally, the second segment (322) may include at least one capsule (34). Here, the capsule (34) may generate a flavor or 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.

[0102] Figure 3 is a drawing illustrating an example of an aerosol generating article.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 3, the aerosol generating article (4) may include a first aerosol generating rod (41), a second aerosol generating rod (42), a cooling rod (43), and a filter rod (44). Additionally, the aerosol generating article (4) may be packaged by at least one wrapper (45).

[0104] The first aerosol generating rod (41), the second aerosol generating rod (42), the cooling rod (43), and the filter rod (44) may be arranged sequentially along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article (4). Here, the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article (4) may be a direction in which the length of the aerosol generating article (4) extends. For example, the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article (4) may be a direction from the first aerosol generating rod (41) toward the filter rod (44).

[0105] The aerosol generated from the first aerosol generating rod (41) and the second aerosol generating rod (42) can form an airflow by passing through the first aerosol generating rod (41), the second aerosol generating rod (42), the cooling rod (43), and the filter rod (44) in sequence, and thus, the smoker can inhale the aerosol from the filter rod (44).

[0106] The first aerosol generating rod (41) can be heated to generate an aerosol. The first aerosol generating rod (41) can include an aerosol generating material. In addition, the first aerosol generating rod (41) can contain other additives such as a humectant and / or an organic acid, and can contain a flavoring such as menthol. For example, the aerosol generating material can include at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol.

[0107] The first aerosol generating rod (41) may include an aerosol generating substrate impregnated with an aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating substrate may include a crimped sheet, and the aerosol generating material may be included in the first aerosol generating rod (41) in a state impregnated in the crimped sheet. Additionally, other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids and flavoring liquids may be included in the first aerosol generating rod (41) in a state absorbed by the crimped sheet.

[0108] The aerosol generating substrate may be placed inside the first aerosol generating rod (41) in a wound state. The wound aerosol generating substrate may be wound around an axis extending along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article (4), but is not limited thereto.

[0109] The crimped sheet may be a sheet composed of a polymeric material. For example, the polymeric material may include at least one of paper, cellulose acetate, lyocell, and polylactic acid. For example, the crimped sheet may be a paper sheet that does not emit an off-flavor due to heat even when heated to a high temperature.

[0110] The first aerosol generating rod (41) may extend from about 7 mm to about 20 mm from the end of the aerosol generating article (4), and the second aerosol generating rod (42) may extend from about 7 mm to about 20 mm from the end of the first aerosol generating rod (41). However, the lengths to which each of the first aerosol generating rod (41) and the second aerosol generating rod (42) extend may be appropriately adjusted within a range that can be easily changed by a person skilled in the art.

[0111] The second aerosol generating rod (42) can be heated to generate an aerosol containing nicotine. For example, the second aerosol generating rod (42) can contain tobacco material. The tobacco material can take the form of, but is not limited to, tobacco strands, tobacco particles, tobacco sheets, tobacco beads, tobacco granules, tobacco powder, or tobacco extract.

[0112] For example, the second aerosol generating rod (42) may include a plurality of tobacco strands, and the plurality of tobacco strands may include a sheet-shaped cut filler. The sheet-shaped cut filler may be manufactured by cutting a sheet-shaped cut filler. The sheet-shaped cut filler may be manufactured by the following process. Tobacco raw materials are ground to manufacture a slurry containing an aerosol generating material (e.g., glycerin, propylene glycol, etc.), a flavoring liquid, a binder (e.g., guar gum, xanthan gum, carboxymethyl cellulose, etc.), water, etc. Natural pulp or cellulose may be added to the slurry, and one or more binders may be mixed and used. The slurry may be cast to form a sheet, and then dried to manufacture a sheet-shaped cut filler. The manufactured sheet-shaped cut filler may be manufactured by cutting or cutting the sheet-shaped cut filler. The tobacco raw materials may be tobacco leaves, tobacco stems, and / or tobacco fines generated during tobacco processing. Additionally, the sheet may contain other additives such as wood cellulose fibers.

[0113] Additionally, the second aerosol generating rod (42) may include tobacco charcoal produced by blending and processing various types of tobacco leaves and then cutting them. Additionally, the second aerosol generating rod (42) may include a mixture of plate-shaped leaf charcoal and tobacco charcoal.

[0114] As another example, the second aerosol generating rod (42) may comprise a plurality of tobacco granules. The tobacco granules may be particles having a diameter of about 100 μm to about 2,000 μm. The tobacco granules may be manufactured by extruding a mixture of tobacco leaf powder, a pH adjuster, and a solvent.

[0115] A plurality of tobacco granules may be disposed between the filter material. The filter material may, for example, comprise a bundle of cellulose acetate fiber strands. The plurality of tobacco granules may be evenly dispersed between the plurality of cellulose fibers. As another example, the filter material may comprise a crimped paper sheet. The crimped paper sheet may be disposed in a wound state within the second aerosol generating rod (42). The crimped paper sheet may be wound around an axis extending along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article (4). A plurality of tobacco granules may be dispersed and disposed within the wound paper sheet.

[0116] Additionally, the second aerosol generating rod (42) may include an aerosol generating substrate impregnated with a liquid aerosol generating composition. The aerosol generating substrate may include a crimped sheet, and the liquid aerosol generating composition may be included in the second aerosol generating rod (42) in a state of being impregnated in the crimped sheet. The aerosol generating substrate included in the second aerosol generating rod (42) may be equally applied to the aerosol generating substrate included in the first aerosol generating rod (41).

[0117] The liquid aerosol-generating composition may include nicotine. The nicotine may include freebase nicotine and a nicotine salt. Freebase nicotine may refer to neutral nicotine without protons. For example, when a strong base, such as ammonia, is added to a positively charged nicotine salt, the strong base is converted into a cation, and the nicotine salt may become freebase nicotine, which is in a neutral state.

[0118] Additionally, the liquid aerosol-generating composition may include an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating material may be the same as described above for the aerosol-generating substrate included in the first aerosol-generating rod (41).

[0119] The liquid aerosol-generating composition may be impregnated in an amount of from about 0.05 g to about 1.0 g per 1 g of the aerosol-generating substrate. For example, the liquid aerosol-generating composition may be impregnated in an amount of from about 0.1 g to about 0.8 g per 1 g of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0120] The cooling rod (43) can cool the aerosol generated from the first aerosol generating rod (41) and the second aerosol generating rod (42). The cooling rod (43) can be made of a biodegradable polymer material and can have a cooling function. For example, the cooling rod (43) can be made of polylactic acid (PLA) fiber, but is not limited thereto.

[0121] Alternatively, the cooling rod (43) may be made of a cellulose acetate filter. However, the cooling rod (43) is not limited to the examples described above, and any material that performs the function of cooling the aerosol may be used without limitation. For example, the cooling rod (43) may be a tube filter including a hollow portion or a paper tube.

[0122] At least one hole (431) may be formed on the outer surface of the cooling rod (43). The at least one hole (431) may be formed along the circumferential direction of the cooling rod (43) to form one or more rows. The at least one hole (431) may allow external air to be introduced into the interior of the cooling rod (43). The external air introduced into the interior of the cooling rod (43) may be mixed with the high-temperature aerosol generated from the first aerosol generating rod (41) and the second aerosol generating rod (42) to cool the aerosol.

[0123] The filter rod (44) can filter out some components contained in the aerosol passing through the filter rod (44). The filter rod (44) can include a filter material. For example, the filter rod (44) can be a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod (44) can be manufactured by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow.

[0124] There is no limitation on the shape of the filter rod (44). For example, the filter rod (44) may be a cylindrical rod, or a tubular rod having a hollow space inside. Alternatively, the filter rod (44) may be a recessed rod having a hollow space with an open end. If the filter rod (44) is composed of a plurality of segments, at least one of the segments may be manufactured in a different shape.

[0125] The filter rod (44) may be manufactured to generate a flavor. As an example, the filter rod (44) may contain a flavoring agent, and a separate fiber containing the flavoring agent may be inserted into the interior of the filter rod (44).

[0126] Additionally, the filter rod (44) may include at least one capsule. Here, the capsule may generate a flavor or an aerosol. For example, the capsule may be a structure in which a liquid containing a flavor is encapsulated in a film. The capsule may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0127] The aerosol generating article (4) may include a wrapper (45) surrounding at least a portion of the first aerosol generating rod (41) to the filter rod (44). Furthermore, the aerosol generating article (4) may include a wrapper (45) surrounding all of the first aerosol generating rod (41) to the filter rod (44). The wrapper (45) may be positioned at the outermost portion of the aerosol generating article (4), and the wrapper (45) may be a single wrapper, or may be a combination of multiple wrappers.

[0128] The aerosol generating article (4) may be wrapped in layers by two or more wrappers. For example, the first aerosol generating rod (41) may be wrapped by a first wrapper (45a), the second aerosol generating rod (42) may be wrapped by a second wrapper (45b), the cooling rod (43) may be wrapped by a third wrapper (45c), and the filter rod (44) may be wrapped by a fourth wrapper (45d). In addition, the entire aerosol generating article (4) may be re-wrapped by a fifth wrapper (45e).

[0129] The first wrapper (45a) may surround the first aerosol generating rod (41), and the second wrapper (45b) may surround the second aerosol generating rod (42). The first wrapper (45a) and the second wrapper (45b) may be a combination of paper and metal foil, such as aluminum foil. For example, the first wrapper (45a) and the second wrapper (45b) may be laminated sheets in which paper and metal foil are laminated. The first wrapper (45a) and the second wrapper (45b) may be laminated sheets in which paper is arranged on one side of the metal foil, or may be laminated sheets in which paper is arranged on both sides of the metal foil.

[0130] The paper of the first wrapper (45a) may contain a grease-resistant material. For example, the paper of the first wrapper (45a) may contain polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) or silicone. The paper of the first wrapper (45a) may have its surface coated with polyvinyl alcohol or silicone.

[0131] The third wrapper (45c) can surround the cooling rod (43). The third wrapper (45c) can include a paper roll. The paper roll of the third wrapper (45c) can be a porous roll or a non-porous roll. At least one perforation (45f) can be formed in the third wrapper (45c). For example, the third wrapper (45c) wraps the cooling rod (43) having at least one hole (431) formed therein, and at least one perforation (45f) formed in the third wrapper (45c) can be formed at a position corresponding to at least one hole (431) formed in the cooling rod (43).

[0132] The fourth wrapper (45d) can surround the filter rod (44). The fourth wrapper (45d) can include hard paper having a greater thickness and basis weight than general paper. For example, the thickness of the hard paper can be about 70 um to about 150 um, and the basis weight can be about 50 g / m. 2 About 100 g / m 2It may be. In addition, the hard paper may contain an oil-resistant material. For example, the hard paper may contain a surface treatment with an oil-resistant material such as polyvinyl alcohol or silicone.

[0133] The fifth wrapper (45e) can collectively surround the first aerosol generating rod (41) wrapped by the first wrapper (45a), the second aerosol generating rod (42) wrapped by the second wrapper (45b), the cooling rod (43) wrapped by the third wrapper (45c), and the filter rod (44) wrapped by the fourth wrapper (45d). The fifth wrapper (45e) can prevent the exterior of the aerosol generating article (4) from being contaminated by the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating article (4). Liquid substances can be generated within the aerosol generating article (4) by the user's puff. For example, liquid substances (e.g., moisture, etc.) can be generated by cooling the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating article (4) by the outside air. As the fifth wrapper (45e) wraps the outer surface of the aerosol generating article (4), the generated liquid substances can be prevented from leaking out of the aerosol generating article (4).

[0134] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to aerosol generating articles and aerosol generating devices that can distinguish between different types of aerosol generating articles and identify aerosol generating articles suitable for use with an aerosol generating device and aerosol generating articles unsuitable for use with an aerosol generating device.

[0135] To this end, an aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment may include an identification material. The identification material may be disposed on a component of the aerosol-generating article. For example, the identification material may be disposed on a wrapper, a filter rod, a tobacco rod, a shear plug, and / or an aerosol-generating rod. The following embodiments will be described based on an example in which the identification material is disposed on a wrapper; however, the components on which the identification material may be disposed, as described above, may vary.

[0136] The identification material may have physical, chemical, or optical properties. The identification material may be a material that has the property of changing the properties of the wavelength of transmitted light and emitting light. Specifically, the identification material may be excited when light in a predetermined wavelength range is absorbed. In the present disclosure, "the material being excited" may mean that the state of the material changes from a ground state to an excited state. Thereafter, during the process of the state of the identification material changing from an excited state to a ground state, light in a predetermined wavelength range may be emitted from the identification material. For example, the identification material may be a material included in the lanthanide series and may include a material composed of at least one element having atomic numbers 57 to 71.

[0137] In one embodiment, the identification material may include a taggant. The taggant may have an identifiable spectroscopic signature when absorbing and / or emitting light. The taggant may absorb a specific range of wavelengths when irradiated with light by a light emitter of an aerosol generating device. The taggant may be excited by absorbing light and emit at least one wavelength of light that is shifted from the wavelength of the excited light. The light emitted by the taggant may be in the form of photoluminescence, phosphorescence, or fluorescence.

[0138] Light having a specific wavelength range emitted by the taggant can be received by the light-receiving portion of the aerosol generating device. Based on the wavelength of the light received by the light-receiving portion, the aerosol generating device can identify the type of aerosol-generating article.

[0139] The specific range of wavelengths emitted by a taggant can be determined by the amount, concentration, type and / or composition ratio of the taggant material.

[0140] The taggant may comprise an organic substance. In one embodiment, the taggant may comprise one or more organic substances selected from the group consisting of a quinazolinone compound, a thiophene compound, a sulfobenzoic acid compound, and a naphthyridine compound.

[0141] The quinazolinone compound may include a quinazolinone derivative or a salt thereof. For example, the quinazolinone compound may include 4(3H)-quinazolinone, 6-chloro-2-(5-chloro-2-hydroxyphenyl); 4(3H)-quinazolinone, 6-chloro-2-(4-chloro-2-hydroxyphenyl); 4(3H)-quinazolinone, 7-chloro-2-(5-chloro-2-hydroxyphenyl); 2-(5-chloro-2-hydroxy-phenyl)-3H-quinazolin-4-one;

[0142] The thiophene compound may include a thiophene derivative or a salt thereof. For example, the thiophene compound may include 2,5-bis(5-tert-butyl-2-benzoxazolyl)thiophene.

[0143] The sulfobenzoic acid compound may include a sulfobenzoic acid derivative or a salt thereof. For example, the sulfobenzoic acid compound may include benzoic acid, 2-[(2-hydroxy-5-sulfobenzoyl)amino]-, monosodium salt.

[0144] The naphthyridine compound may include a naphthyridine derivative or a salt thereof. For example, the naphthyridine compound may include a 1,8-naphthyridine derivative; a 1,5-naphthyridine derivative.

[0145] The taggant may also include an inorganic material. In one embodiment, the taggant may include one or more inorganic materials selected from the group consisting of rare earths, actinide metal oxides, and ceramics. For example, the rare earth may include one lanthanide selected from the group consisting of lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, promethium, samarium, europium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, holmium, erbium, thulium, ytterbium, nitride, and lutetium.

[0146] Additionally, the taggant may be a mixed organic and inorganic material. In one embodiment, the taggant may include a material in which an organic and an inorganic material are covalently, coordinately, ionicly, or covalently bonded. For example, the taggant may be a material in which an inorganic lanthanide and an organic material are coordinately bonded. For example, the taggant may include europium, tris[7-chloro-1-cyclopropyl-6-fluoro-1,4-dihydro-4-(oxo-kappaO)-1,8-naphthyridine].

[0147] The identification material is identified by the maximum absorption wavelength (Abs) for the light being investigated for the identification material. max) and the dominant wavelength (DWL) of the emitted light may be about 20% or more based on the maximum absorption wavelength. When the difference between the maximum absorption wavelength and the dominant wavelength of the identification material has the above-mentioned numerical range, significant identification accuracy can be achieved. When the difference between the maximum absorption wavelength and the dominant wavelength of the identification material is less than about 20%, light reflected by a component other than the identification material may act as noise and reduce identification accuracy. For example, the identification material may have a difference between the maximum absorption wavelength for light irradiated to the identification material and the dominant wavelength of the emitted light of about 25% to about 70% based on the maximum absorption wavelength. In addition, the identification material may have a difference between the maximum absorption wavelength for light irradiated to the identification material and the dominant wavelength of the emitted light of about 30% to about 65% based on the maximum absorption wavelength.

[0148]

[0149] Experimental example: Photoemission experiment of identification material containing taggant

[0150] After irradiating the identification material containing the taggant with light, the wavelength of the emitted light was determined. The wavelength of the irradiated light was 365 nm, and the dominant wavelength (DWL) of the emitted light was measured, and the results are shown in Table 1 below.

[0151] Example 1 described in Table 1 is a quinazolinone compound, 4(3H)-quinazolinone, 6-chloro-2-(5-chloro-2-hydroxyphenyl), Example 2 is a quinazolinone compound, 2-(5-chloro-2-hydroxy-phenyl)-3H-quinazolin-4-one, Example 3 is a thiophene compound, 2,5-bis(5-tert-butyl-2-benzoxazolyl)thiophene, and a sulfobenzoic acid compound, a sulfobenzoic acid compound, a mixture of benzoic acid, 2-[(2-hydroxy-5-sulfobenzoyl)amino]-, monosodium salt (85-90:10-15 weight ratio), Example 4 is a mixture of europium, Tris[7-chloro-1-cyclopropyl-6-fluoro-1,4-dihydro-4-(oxo-kappaO)-1,8-naphthyridine.

[0152]

[0153] Distinction Maximum absorption wavelength (nm, Abs) max )CIE chromaticity coordinatesWavelength(nm, DWL)Example 1396X=0.4300±0.05y=0.5347±0.05(Yellow)546.4±5Example 2382X=0.3232±0.05Y=0.5943±0.05(Green)518.8±5Example 3364X=0.1590±0.05Y=0.1825±0.05(Blue)471.3±5Example 4382X=0.6633±0.02Y=0.3155±0.02(Red)622±5

[0154] As can be seen in Table 1, Examples 1 to 4 can be seen to absorb light, become excited, and emit light of a wavelength different from the wavelength of the absorbed light. In addition, Examples 1 to 4 have a maximum absorption wavelength (Abs) for the light being irradiated. max ) and the difference in the wavelength of the emitted light is about 20% or more based on the maximum absorption wavelength (Example 1: about 38%, Example 2: about 36%, Example 3: about 29%, Example 4: about 63%).

[0155] The taggant may be prepared by adding it to a paper slurry or paste prior to drying of a component of the aerosol-generating article (e.g., a wrapper), or by painting or spraying it onto the component. The taggant may be incorporated into the component of the aerosol-generating article in nanogram quantities.

[0156] In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating article may comprise a taggant in an amount greater than or equal to a predetermined first amount. Accordingly, the aerosol-generating article may comprise a sufficient amount of taggant to enable the article to emit light of a specific wavelength range. For example, when the taggant is sprayed onto a surface, the sprayed solution may comprise the taggant in a concentration between about 1 ppm and about 1000 ppm. In another example, the taggant may be present in a concentration of 6 mg / mm2. 2 This could also be included in the rapper award.

[0157] In one embodiment, the identification material solution may be applied to the surface of a component of an aerosol-generating article. The identification material solution may refer to a liquid composition comprising the identification material. For example, the identification material solution may be used to coat the surface of a wrapper of an aerosol-generating article. In another example, the identification material solution may be printed on the surface of a wrapper of an aerosol-generating article.

[0158] For example, an identification substance solution may be prepared according to a manufacturing method including the steps of preparing an identification substance, mixing the identification substance and OP varnish to prepare a primary solution, and mixing the primary solution and a diluent to prepare the identification substance solution. The prepared identification substance may be applied to a component of an aerosol-generating article.

[0159] The step of preparing an identification material may be a step of preprocessing the identification material so that it has a shape or properties suitable for application to a component of an aerosol-generating article. For example, the identification material included in the identification material solution may be a plurality of particles having a diameter of about 0.1 μm to about 10 μm. The identification material may be milled to have a diameter within the aforementioned range. When the identification material has a diameter within the aforementioned range, the identification material can be uniformly dispersed and disposed on the surface of the aerosol-generating article to which the identification material solution has been applied, and printability may be improved. When the identification material has a diameter less than about 0.1 μm, it may be difficult to detect the light emitted by the identification material. When the identification material has a diameter greater than about 10 μm, uniform dispersion of the identification material may be difficult, and printability may be degraded. The identification material may have, for example, a diameter of about 0.5 μm to about 5 μm, or about 0.7 μm to 3 μm.

[0160] The identification material solution may include an overprint varnish (OP varnish). In the present disclosure, the OP varnish may refer to a liquid coating that solidifies upon curing. For example, the OP varnish may include one or more materials selected from the group consisting of nitrocellulose, polyamide, propyl acetate, isopropyl alcohol, ethyl acetate, and 1,2-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid diisononyl ester (DINCH).

[0161] The identification material solution may include a diluent. The diluent may be a diluent known in the art used in gravure printing or offset printing. For example, the diluent may include one or more substances selected from the group consisting of water, alcohols having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, vegetable oils, fatty amines, propyl acetate, isopropyl alcohol, and ethyl acetate. The vegetable oils may include one or more oils selected from the group consisting of linseed oil, soybean oil, castor oil, corn oil, tung oil, otticita oil, and coconut oil. The fatty amines may be one or more selected from the group consisting of oleyl amine, stearyl amine, and oleyl diamine.

[0162] For example, the identification substance solution may comprise, but is not limited to, about 0.01 wt% to about 20 wt% identification substance, about 10 wt% to about 40 wt% OP varnish, and about 50 wt% to about 85 wt% diluent. The identification substance solution may comprise about 0.05 wt% to about 10 wt% identification substance, about 15 wt% to about 30 wt% OP varnish, and about 60 wt% to about 80 wt% diluent.

[0163] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 4a to 4d, various embodiments regarding the placement location / method of the identification material will be sequentially examined.

[0164] Figures 4a to 4d are cross-sectional side views of an aerosol generating article to illustrate examples of placement locations / methods of identification materials.

[0165] Referring to FIGS. 4A to 4D , the cigarette (5) may include an identification material (10), a tobacco rod (51), a filter rod (52), and a wrapper (53). At least one of the components of the cigarette (5) illustrated in FIGS. 4A to 4D is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating article described above, and therefore, a redundant description thereof will be omitted below. In addition, it will be appreciated that some components and structures may be replaced, added, or omitted within a range easily understandable to those skilled in the art by referring to the drawings and descriptions below.

[0166] Referring to Fig. 4a, the identification material (10) can be uniformly arranged over the entire area of ​​the wrapper (53) along the length direction of the wrapper (53). Accordingly, the sensor module of the aerosol generating device can sense the entire area of ​​the wrapper (53) where the identification material (10) is arranged, thereby improving the degree of freedom in the arrangement structure of the sensor module. Accordingly, the ease of the manufacturing process of the aerosol generating device can be improved.

[0167] In addition, since the identification material (10) is exposed on the outer surface of the wrapper (53), the sensor module of the aerosol generating device can easily recognize the identification material (10). That is, the sensitivity of the sensor module can be improved.

[0168] The identification material (10) illustrated in FIG. 4a can be uniformly placed over the entire area of ​​the wrapper (53) by being added to the paper slurry or paste during the manufacturing process of the wrapper (53).

[0169] Referring to FIG. 4b, the identification material (10) can be arranged on the outer surface of the wrapper (53) along the longitudinal direction of the wrapper (53). Accordingly, the sensor module of the aerosol generating device can sense the entire region in the longitudinal direction of the wrapper (53) in which the identification material (10) is arranged, so the degree of freedom in the arrangement structure of the sensor module can be improved.

[0170] In addition, since the identification material (10) is exposed on the outer surface of the wrapper (53), the sensor module of the aerosol generating device can easily recognize the identification material (10). That is, the sensitivity of the sensor module can be improved.

[0171] In addition, based on the improved sensitivity, the amount of identification material (10) used can be reduced compared to the embodiment shown in Fig. 4a.

[0172] The identification material (10) illustrated in FIG. 4b can be arranged along the length direction of the wrapper (53) in a manner of being sprayed onto the surface of the wrapper (53).

[0173] Referring to FIG. 4c, the identification material (10) may be placed on the inner surface of the wrapper (53) along the longitudinal direction of the wrapper (53). Accordingly, the identification material (10) may not be separated from the wrapper (53) even without a separate adhesive. Accordingly, the accuracy of the aerosol generating device's operation of identifying the identification material (10) may be improved, and the process for adhering the identification material (10) to the wrapper (53) may be omitted in the manufacturing process of the cigarette (5).

[0174] The identification material (10) illustrated in FIG. 4c may be disposed on the inner surface of the wrapper (53) in a manner that it is sprayed onto the inner surface of the wrapper (53). At this time, the thickness of the wrapper (53) may be set to an appropriate range so that the sensor module of the aerosol generating device can identify the identification material (10) disposed on the inner surface of the wrapper (53). For example, the thickness of the wrapper (53) may range from about 10 μm to about 200 μm.

[0175] Referring to Fig. 4d, two wrappers (53) can overlap and surround a cigarette (5). An identification material (10) can be arranged lengthwise between the two overlapped wrappers (53). Accordingly, the identification material (10) may not be separated from the wrappers (53) without a separate adhesive. Accordingly, the accuracy of the aerosol generating device's task of identifying the identification material (10) can be improved, and the process for adhering the identification material (10) to the wrappers (53) in the manufacturing process of the cigarette (5) can be omitted.

[0176] In addition, compared to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4c, since the identification material (10) is positioned close to the outer surface of the wrapper (53), the sensor module of the aerosol generating device can easily recognize the identification material (10). That is, the sensitivity of the sensor module can be improved compared to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4c.

[0177] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating article for illustrating the placement location of the identification material.

[0178] The cigarette (5) illustrated in FIG. 5 may be at least one of the aerosol generating products described above, so any redundant description will be omitted below.

[0179] Additionally, the cigarette (5) may be combined with at least one of the configurations or features of the embodiments described above, unless it is technically clearly impossible. For example, the embodiment described in FIG. 5 is described based on the identification material (10) being arranged on the outer surface of the wrapper, but this is not limited to the identification material (10) illustrated in FIG. 5, and the identification material (10) may also be arranged on the inner surface of the wrapper.

[0180] Referring to Fig. 5, the identification material (10) is arranged in a band pattern along the circumferential direction of the cigarette (5), but may be arranged only in a portion along the longitudinal direction of the cigarette (5). In this case, the sensor module of the aerosol generating device can be arranged at a predetermined position along the circumferential direction of the cigarette (5) to recognize the identification material (10), thereby improving the degree of freedom in the arrangement structure of the sensor module.

[0181] In addition, the amount of identification material (10) used can be reduced compared to the embodiment in which the identification material (10) is arranged over the entire area along the length of the wrapper.

[0182] For example, the area where the identification material (10) is placed may extend from about 1 mm to about 10 mm along the longitudinal direction of the cigarette (5). For example, the area where the identification material (10) is placed may extend from about 2 mm to about 7 mm along the longitudinal direction of the cigarette (5).

[0183] In addition, the cigarette (5) includes a tobacco rod (51) and a filter rod (52) that are sequentially aligned along the length direction of the cigarette (5), and the identification material (10) can be placed in an area extending from a boundary (BL) of the tobacco rod (51) and the filter rod (52) in a direction toward the filter rod (52).

[0184] The length from the lower end of the area where the identification material (10) is placed to the boundary (BL) of the tobacco rod (51) and the filter rod (52) may be from about 0 mm to about 5 mm. In the above-described range, heat applied to the cigarette (5) can be prevented from being transferred to the identification material (10). For example, the length from the lower end of the area where the identification material (10) is placed to the boundary (BL) of the tobacco rod (51) and the filter rod (52) may be from about 1 mm to about 3 mm.

[0185] In the following, in an embodiment where the identification material is placed on the outer surface of the wrapper, a separation prevention part that prevents the identification material from being separated from the wrapper will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0186] Figures 6a and 6b are drawings showing the tobacco rod, filter rod, and wrapper separated from the aerosol generating article.

[0187] Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the cigarette (5) may include an identification material (10), a separation prevention member (20), a tobacco rod (51), a filter rod (52), and a wrapper (53). At least one of the components of the cigarette (5) illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating article described above, and therefore, a redundant description thereof will be omitted below. In addition, it will be appreciated that some components and structures may be replaced, added, or omitted within a range easily understandable to those skilled in the art by referring to the drawings and descriptions below.

[0188] The separation prevention unit (20) can perform a function of preventing the identification material (10) from falling off from the wrapper (53). The separation prevention unit (20) can be placed on the wrapper (53) so as to cover the area where the identification material (10) is placed. The separation prevention unit (20) can have a transparent property so as not to block light irradiated on the identification material (10) even if it covers the area where the identification material (10) is placed.

[0189] The separation prevention member (20) may change color at the temperature at which the tobacco rod (51) is heated, as illustrated in FIG. 6B. For example, the separation prevention member (20) may include a thermochromic material that is transparent before being heated but changes color after being exposed to heat. Since the separation prevention member (20) is arranged to cover the identification material (10), the identification material (10) may be obscured when the separation prevention member (20) changes color. Accordingly, the user can easily determine with the naked eye whether the cigarette (5) has been used. For example, the separation prevention member (20) may change color from transparent to opaque brown when heated to a temperature of 200°C to 400°C.

[0190] The temperature at which the separation prevention part (20) discolors may be higher than the activation temperature of the identification material (10). In the present disclosure, the activation temperature of the identification material (10) may be a critical temperature at which the identification material (10) emits light having a different wavelength from the irradiated light. If the temperature at which the separation prevention part (20) discolors is lower than the activation temperature of the identification material (10), the separation prevention part (20) may discolor before the identification material (10) emits light, thereby blocking the light irradiated to the identification material (10), and thus the sensor module may not be able to recognize the identification material (10). According to one embodiment, the temperature at which the separation prevention part (20) discolors is higher than the activation temperature of the identification material (10), and thus the completeness of the operation of the sensor module recognizing the identification material (10) can be ensured.

[0191] In one embodiment, the area of ​​the separation prevention member (20) may be larger than the area of ​​the area where the identification material (10) is arranged, and the separation prevention member (20) may be arranged so that the area where the identification material is arranged is not exposed to the outside. For example, the end of the separation prevention member (20) may be spaced apart from the end of the identification material (10) by a preset distance (20L). The above-mentioned preset distance (20L) may be about 1 mm to about 10 mm.

[0192] If the preset distance (20L) is less than about 1 mm, the identification material (10) may be more likely to fall off from the wrapper (53). In addition, if the preset distance (20L) exceeds about 10 mm, the area of ​​the separation prevention part (20) may be excessively expanded, causing it to be unintentionally heated.

[0193] In one embodiment, the separation prevention member (20) may include an adhesive material. The separation prevention member (20) may include the same material as the OP varnish of the identification material solution. For example, the separation prevention member (20) may include one or more materials selected from the group consisting of nitrocellulose, polyamide, propyl acetate, isopropyl alcohol, ethyl acetate, and 1,2-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid diisononyl ester (DINCH).

[0194] Hereinafter, an aerosol generating device in which the above-described aerosol generating product is used will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0195] FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment. In the present disclosure, the aerosol generating system may be used to mean an aerosol generating article and an aerosol generating device.

[0196] Referring to FIG. 7, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an aerosol generating device body (100), a control unit (110), a battery (120), a memory (130), a heater (140), and a sensor unit (150). However, the components of the aerosol generating device (1) are not limited thereto, and other components may be added or at least one component may be omitted depending on the embodiment.

[0197] In addition, since at least one of the components of the aerosol generation system illustrated in FIG. 7 is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generation system described above, any redundant description thereof will be omitted below. Furthermore, it should be understood that some components and structures may be replaced, added, or omitted within a range readily understandable to those skilled in the art by referring to the drawings and descriptions below.

[0198] The aerosol generating device body (100) can form the overall appearance of the aerosol generating device (1). The aerosol generating device body (100) can accommodate components of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0199] The aerosol generating device body (100) may be formed with a cavity (100a) capable of accommodating a cigarette (5). The cigarette (5) accommodated in the cavity (100a) may be heated by a heater (140). The cavity (100a) may be an elongated cavity, a joining region, an insertion region, or a heating region for accommodating the cigarette (5). The cavity (100a) may have a shape corresponding to at least a portion of the cigarette (5). For example, the cavity (100a) may have a shape extending in one direction (e.g., -Z direction) from an opening. The cigarette (5) may be inserted longitudinally into the cavity (100a) through the opening.

[0200] The cigarette (5) accommodated in the cavity (100a) may include the above-described identification portion (ID). The identification portion (ID) may be provided in at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the cigarette (5). When the cigarette (5) is accommodated in the cavity (100a), the identification portion (ID) may be located inside the main body (100) of the aerosol generating device.

[0201] The control unit (110) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). The control unit (110) may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microcontroller and a memory storing a program that can be executed in the microcontroller, but is not limited thereto.

[0202] The control unit (110) can control the power supplied from the battery (120) to the heater (140). For example, the control unit (110) can control the amount of power supplied from the battery (120) to the heater (140) and the time for which the power is supplied so that the heater (140) can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at a designated temperature.

[0203] In one embodiment, the control unit (110) can receive detection results from the sensor unit (150). The memory (130) is connected to the control unit (110) and can store executable instructions. The control unit (110) can control the operation of the aerosol generating device (1) by executing the instructions stored in the memory (130).

[0204] In one embodiment, the control unit (110) receives a detection result from the sensor unit (150) and executes a command related to the sensor unit (150) among the commands stored in the memory (130), thereby recognizing identification information about the cigarette (5) based on the amount of light emitted from the identification unit (ID). For example, the identification information may be information about the type of the cigarette (5), whether it is genuine, and / or the contained material. The control unit (110) may control the operation of the aerosol generating device (1) based on the recognized identification information.

[0205] Specifically, the control unit (110) can control the power supply to the heater (140) based on the information of the determined cigarette (5). The control unit (110) can control the operation of the heater (140) differently based on the identification information by executing a command related to the operation of the heater (140) among the commands stored in the memory (130).

[0206] The battery (120) can supply power used for the operation of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the battery (120) can be electrically connected to the heater (140) and supply power so that the heater (140) can be heated. In addition, the battery (120) can also supply power required for the operation of other components of the aerosol generating device (1), such as the control unit (110). The battery (120) can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery (120) can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but the type of the battery (120) is not limited thereto.

[0207] The memory (130) is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device (1), and can store data processed and data to be processed in the control unit (110).

[0208] The memory (130) may have information on an appropriate temperature profile and operation based on various information such as the type of cigarette (5), the type of contained substance, the content ratio of the substance, the content of the substance, and the degree of over-humidity. The control unit (110) may execute a command for operation of the heater (140) (e.g., operation cycle, operation intensity, etc.) from the memory (130) based on the identification unit (ID), thereby performing an operation corresponding to the cigarette (5).

[0209] The heater (140) can receive power from the battery (120) and heat at least a portion of the cigarette (5). For example, the heater (140) can be placed on the outside of the tobacco rod of the cigarette (5) and heat the tobacco rod.

[0210] The heater (140) is not limited to the example illustrated in FIG. 7. That is, although the heater (140) illustrated in FIG. 7 is positioned on the outside of the cigarette (5), the heater (140) may also include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element. In this case, the heater (140) can be inserted into the cigarette (5) to heat the inside of the cigarette (5).

[0211] The sensor unit (150) may be placed on the aerosol generating device body (100) to recognize the identification unit (ID) of the cigarette (5). The sensor unit (150) may be placed around the cavity (100a) so as to be located at a position corresponding to the identification unit (ID).

[0212] Although not illustrated in FIG. 7, the sensor unit (150) according to one embodiment may be a light sensor package type including a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit. The light sensor package will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 24a to 32b.

[0213] The light emitting unit can emit light of a first wavelength toward the cavity (100a). For example, the light emitting unit can be formed of at least one light emitting diode that emits light of a first wavelength when current flows through it.

[0214] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the light of the first wavelength emitted by the light emitting portion can be transmitted to the identification portion (ID) of the cigarette (5). The light of the first wavelength is excited in the identification portion (ID), and the identification portion (ID) can emit light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength. Optical characteristics, such as the wavelength and amount of light emitted from the identification portion (ID), can be determined depending on the amount, concentration, type, and / or composition ratio of the identification portion (ID).

[0215] The light receiving unit can receive light emitted from the identification unit (ID) of the cigarette (5). For example, the light receiving unit can be formed of at least one light receiving diode that conducts current when irradiated with light.

[0216] The light receiving unit can detect the optical characteristics of light emitted from the cigarette (5) (e.g., the amount of light of the second wavelength) and recognize identification information about the cigarette (5). The light receiving unit can provide the detection result to the control unit (110).

[0217] Below, the light of the first wavelength emitted by the light emitting unit and the light of the second wavelength received by the light receiving unit are described.

[0218] In one embodiment, the light of the first wavelength may be infrared, and the light of the second wavelength may be infrared having a wavelength different from the first wavelength. For example, the first wavelength may be a wavelength in the range of 930 nm to 990 nm. The second wavelength may be a wavelength in the range of 1000 nm to 1020 nm. For example, the first wavelength may be a wavelength of 980 nm, and the second wavelength may be a wavelength of 1012 nm.

[0219] Accordingly, the sensor unit (150) can recognize the identification information of the cigarette (5) without being visually exposed to the user by using light of the first wavelength and light of the second wavelength, which are infrared rays.

[0220] In one embodiment, the light of the first wavelength may be ultraviolet light, and the light of the second wavelength may be infrared light. For example, the first wavelength may be a wavelength in the range of 300 nm to 340 nm. The second wavelength may be a wavelength in the range of 1000 nm to 1020 nm. For example, the first wavelength may be a wavelength of 320 nm, and the second wavelength may be a wavelength of 1012 nm.

[0221] In one embodiment, the light of the first wavelength may be ultraviolet light, and the light of the second wavelength may be visible light. In this case, the light receiving unit may be a color sensor. The color sensor may include an RGB (Red Green Blue) sensor or an XYZ light sensor for measuring, determining, or distinguishing the color of the identification mark. The RGB sensor includes light sources of three colors and can detect color information by reflecting light on an object. The XYZ light sensor includes a light-to-digital converter and can detect xy chromaticity coordinates according to the CIE (Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage) 1931 color space.

[0222] For example, the first wavelength may be a wavelength in the range of 340 nm to 375 nm, and the second wavelength may be a wavelength in the range of 380 nm to 780 nm. For example, the first wavelength may be a wavelength of 365 nm, and the second wavelength may be a wavelength of 613 nm to 627 nm (red light). As another example, the first wavelength may be a wavelength of 365 nm, and the second wavelength may be a wavelength of 540 nm to 551 nm (yellow light). Furthermore, the first wavelength may be a wavelength of 365 nm, and the second wavelength may be a wavelength of 513 nm to 537 nm (green light). Furthermore, the first wavelength may be a wavelength of 365 nm, and the second wavelength may be a wavelength of 437 nm to 477 nm (blue light).

[0223] As another example, the first wavelength may be a wavelength in the range of about 250 nm to about 260 nm, and the second wavelength may be a wavelength in the range of about 400 nm to about 750 nm. For example, the first wavelength may be a wavelength of 255 nm, and the second wavelength may be a wavelength of 580 nm (yellow light).

[0224] In one embodiment, the first wavelength may be a wavelength in the range of 600 nm to 900 nm, and the second wavelength may be a wavelength in the range of 1000 nm to 1020 nm. For example, the first wavelength may be a wavelength of 700 nm, and the second wavelength may be a wavelength of 1012 nm. In this case, the sensor unit (150) may include a near-infrared (NIR) sensor.

[0225] As described above, the sensor unit (150) can improve the identification accuracy for the cigarette (5) by using different types of light (or having a relatively large wavelength change) such as light of the first wavelength and light of the second wavelength.

[0226] For example, based on a sensing value of about 1012 nm received through the light receiving unit, the control unit (110) may determine that the cigarette (5) inserted into the aerosol generating device (1) is a first type of cigarette (5). For another example, based on a sensing value of about 1012 nm received through the light receiving unit, the control unit (110) may determine that the cigarette (5) inserted into the aerosol generating device (1) is a genuine product that has not been counterfeited.

[0227] If it is determined that the type of cigarette (5) is a first type of aerosol generating article, the control unit (110) can control the power supply to the heater (140) based on a temperature profile corresponding to the first type of aerosol generating article. For another example, if it is determined that the cigarette (5) is a counterfeit article, the control unit (110) can not supply power to the heater (140) or cut off the power being supplied.

[0228] If the type of cigarette (5) is detected based on the sensing value sensed through the light receiving unit, the battery (120) may supply power to the heater (140) according to the temperature profile corresponding to the detected type of cigarette (5). For another example, if the cigarette (5) is determined to be a counterfeit product based on the sensing value sensed through the light receiving unit, the battery (120) may not supply power to the heater (140).

[0229] The light emitting unit and the light receiving unit may be arranged adjacent to the cavity (100a). For example, the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in the z-axis direction along the direction in which the cavity (100a) extends. As another example, the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in the x-axis direction crossing the direction in which the cavity (100a) extends so as to surround at least a portion of the cavity (100a). In this case, ‘at least a portion of the cavity’ may mean a portion corresponding to a portion in which an identification portion (ID) is arranged in the cigarette (5) when the cigarette (5) is accommodated in the cavity (100a).

[0230] FIG. 8 is a schematic side view of an aerosol generation system having a different heating method than the aerosol generation system of FIG. 7.

[0231] Referring to FIG. 8, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an aerosol generating device body (100), a control unit (110), a battery (120), a memory (130), a heater (140), and a sensor unit (150). At least one of the components of the aerosol generating system illustrated in FIG. 8 (e.g., the sensor unit (150)) is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating system illustrated in FIG. 7, and therefore, a duplicate description thereof will be omitted below. In addition, it will be appreciated that some components and structures may be replaced, added, or omitted within a range easily understandable to a person skilled in the art with reference to the drawings and descriptions below.

[0232] An aerosol generating device (1) can generate an aerosol by heating a cigarette (5) accommodated in a cavity (100a) using an induction heating method. The induction heating method may refer to a method of heating a magnetic body by applying an alternating magnetic field whose direction changes periodically to the magnetic body that is heated by an external magnetic field.

[0233] When an alternating magnetic field is applied to a magnetic body, energy loss may occur in the magnetic body due to eddy current loss and hysteresis loss, and the lost energy may be released from the magnetic body as heat energy. The greater the amplitude or frequency of the alternating magnetic field applied to the magnetic body, the more heat energy may be released from the magnetic body. The aerosol generating device (1) can release heat energy from the magnetic body by applying an alternating magnetic field to the magnetic body, and can transfer the heat energy released from the magnetic body to the cigarette (5).

[0234] For this purpose, the heater (140) may include a susceptor (140a) and a coil (140b).

[0235] The susceptor (140a) is a magnetic material that generates heat by a magnetic field. The susceptor (140a) may be placed inside the aerosol generating device body (100) and may be placed to surround the cigarette (5) accommodated in the cavity (100a). In this case, the susceptor (140a) may be formed in the shape of an entirely hollow cylinder, but the shape is not limited thereto.

[0236] In a modified embodiment, the susceptor (140a) may be placed inside the cigarette (5) accommodated in the cavity (100a). In this case, the susceptor (140a) may be included in the cigarette (5) in the shape of a piece, a flake, or a strip.

[0237] At least a portion of the susceptor (140a) may be formed of a ferromagnetic substance. For example, the susceptor (140a) may include a metal or carbon. The susceptor (140a) may include at least one of ferrite, a ferromagnetic alloy, stainless steel, and aluminum (Al). In addition, the susceptor (140a) may include at least one of graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, niobium, a nickel alloy, a metal film, a ceramic such as zirconia, a transition metal such as nickel (Ni) or cobalt (Co), and a metalloid such as boron (B) or phosphorus (P).

[0238] The coil (140b) can apply an alternating magnetic field to the susceptor (140a) to heat the susceptor (140a). The coil (140b) can be arranged to surround the outside of the susceptor (140a). The battery (120) can include a battery unit that supplies direct current to the coil (140b) and a converter that converts the direct current supplied from the battery unit into alternating current supplied to the coil (140b).

[0239] The sensor unit (150) can recognize the identification (ID) of the cigarette (5) accommodated in the cavity (100a), and the control unit (110) can control the power supply to the coil (140b) based on the information of the cigarette (5).

[0240] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating an aerosol generation system according to one embodiment, which determines information about an aerosol generating product and controls power supply to a heater. In the description of Figure 9, at least one component of the aerosol generation system is identical or similar to the aforementioned description, and therefore, redundant descriptions may be omitted.

[0241] Referring to FIG. 9, a method of operating an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment may include four steps.

[0242] First, the control unit of the aerosol generating device can irradiate light to the identification material through the light emitting unit in operation S100.

[0243] In one embodiment, when insertion of an aerosol-generating article is detected, the control unit may irradiate light having a predetermined wavelength through the light emitting unit. For example, the aerosol-generating device may include an insertion detection sensor, such as an inductive sensor, a capacitance sensor, or a pressure sensor, and when insertion of an aerosol-generating article is detected through the insertion detection sensor, the control unit may irradiate light having a predetermined wavelength through the light emitting unit.

[0244] In another embodiment, when a user input is received for the aerosol generating device, the control unit may emit light having a predetermined wavelength through the light emitting unit. For example, the aerosol generating device may include a physical button that allows the user to select a state of the device (e.g., power on / off), and when a user input for the physical button is received, the control unit may emit light having a predetermined wavelength through the light emitting unit.

[0245] In one embodiment, the wavelength of light irradiated through the light emitting unit may correspond to a first wavelength range. In this case, the first wavelength range may refer to a wavelength range of light capable of exciting an identification substance, and thus may be preset to correspond to the identification substance. For example, to identify an aerosol-generating article including an identification substance excited at a wavelength of about 365 nm, the first wavelength range may be preset to a range of about 340 nm to about 375 nm.

[0246] In one embodiment, the first wavelength range capable of exciting the identification material can include at least one of a wavelength range from about 250 nm to about 260 nm, from about 300 nm to about 340 nm, from about 350 nm to about 390 nm, from about 600 nm to about 900 nm, or from about 930 nm to about 990 nm.

[0247] For example, if the first wavelength range includes a wavelength range of about 300 nm to about 340 nm, the control unit can irradiate ultraviolet light of about 320 nm to the identification material of the aerosol generating article through the light emitting unit.

[0248] For another example, if the first wavelength range includes a wavelength range of about 340 nm to 375 nm, the control unit can irradiate ultraviolet light of about 365 nm to the identification material of the aerosol generating article through the light emitting unit.

[0249] As another example, if the first wavelength range includes a wavelength range of about 930 nm to 990 nm, the control unit may irradiate infrared light of about 980 nm to the identification material of the aerosol generating article through the light emitting unit.

[0250] Next, the control unit can sense light emitted from the identification material through the light receiving unit in operation S200.

[0251] In one embodiment, the wavelength of light sensed through the light receiving unit may correspond to a second wavelength range. In this case, the second wavelength range may refer to a wavelength range of light emitted from an identification material excited by light in the first wavelength range. For example, the identification material may emit light in a range of about 1000 nm to about 1020 nm when excited at a wavelength of about 320 nm, and the control unit may determine the wavelength range of about 1000 nm to about 1020 nm acquired through the light receiving unit as the second wavelength range emitted from the identification material.

[0252] In one embodiment, the control unit can sense light emitted from the identification material by receiving an ADC value from the light receiving unit. At this time, as light is received from the identification material, the light receiving unit can obtain an analog signal, and the 'ADC value' can mean a digital value converted from the analog signal so that the control unit can recognize the signal obtained by the light receiving unit. For example, based on the ADC value received from the light receiving unit, the control unit can determine the wavelength range of the light emitted from the identification material.

[0253] Next, the control unit can determine information about the aerosol-generating product based on the sensing value sensed through the light-receiving unit in operation S300. At this time, the information about the aerosol-generating product may include the type of the aerosol-generating product, whether the aerosol-generating product is counterfeit, etc.

[0254] In one embodiment, the control unit can determine information about the aerosol generating article based on different sensing values ​​sensed depending on the type of identifying material.

[0255] For example, the identification material may include a first identification material that emits light at about 1012 nm and a second identification material that emits light at about 700 nm.

[0256] At this time, if the sensing value sensed through the light receiving unit corresponds to the wavelength value (approximately 1012 nm) emitted from the first identification material, the control unit can determine that the aerosol generating article is a first type of aerosol generating article including the first identification material.

[0257] Alternatively, if the sensing value sensed through the light receiving unit corresponds to a wavelength value (about 700 nm) emitted from the second identification material, the control unit may determine that the aerosol-generating article is a second type of aerosol-generating article including the second identification material.

[0258] The difference between the wavelength value emitted from the first identification material and the wavelength value emitted from the second identification material may be about 15 nm or more. If the wavelength value emitted from the first identification material and the wavelength value emitted from the second identification material are less than about 15 nm, the accuracy of the control unit in distinguishing the type of the identification material may decrease. Here, the wavelength value emitted from the first identification material and the wavelength value emitted from the second identification material may each mean a dominant wavelength (DWL). For example, the difference between the wavelength value emitted from the first identification material and the wavelength value emitted from the second identification material may be about 30 nm or more, about 50 nm or more, or about 100 nm or more.

[0259] In one embodiment, the control unit can determine information about the aerosol generating article based on different sensing values ​​sensed according to different concentrations of the identifying substance.

[0260] For example, the identification material may include a first concentration of the identification material having a first concentration (e.g., 20%) and a second concentration of the identification material having a second concentration (e.g., 30%), but of the same type of material.

[0261] At this time, if the sensing value sensed through the light receiving unit exceeds the first threshold value, the control unit can determine that the aerosol generating article is a first type of aerosol generating article including an identification substance of a first concentration.

[0262] Alternatively, if the sensing value sensed through the light receiving unit exceeds a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value, the control unit may determine that the aerosol generating article is a second type of aerosol generating article including an identification substance of a second concentration.

[0263] Next, the control unit (110) can control the power supply to the heater based on the information of the aerosol generating article in operation S400.

[0264] In one embodiment, the control unit may control power supply to the heater based on the type of the aerosol-generating article. For example, if the type of the aerosol-generating article is determined to be a first type of aerosol-generating article, the control unit may control power supply to the heater based on a first temperature profile preset for the first type of aerosol-generating article. For another example, if the type of the aerosol-generating article is determined to be a second type of aerosol-generating article, the control unit may control power supply to the heater based on a second temperature profile preset for the second type of aerosol-generating article. In this case, the preset first temperature profile and the second temperature profile may be different from each other.

[0265] In one embodiment, the control unit may control power supply to the heater based on whether the aerosol-generating product is counterfeit. For example, if the aerosol-generating product is determined to be genuine, the control unit may control power supply to the heater based on a preset temperature profile for the cigarette (5). In another example, if the aerosol-generating product is determined to be counterfeit, the control unit may not supply power to the heater or may cut off the current power supply.

[0266] Figure 10a is an example of a graph of wavelengths emitted from a first identification material as wavelengths in a first wavelength range are irradiated. Figure 10b is an example of a graph of wavelengths emitted from a second identification material as wavelengths in a first wavelength range are irradiated.

[0267] Referring to FIG. 10A, the first identification material included in the aerosol generating article can emit light having a predetermined wavelength range in response to light of a first wavelength range irradiated from the light emitting unit. In this case, the first wavelength range may be a wavelength range of about 300 nm to about 340 nm.

[0268] In one embodiment, the control unit of the aerosol generating device may determine a wavelength range (520) exceeding a threshold value (510) in a first graph (500a), which is a wavelength graph emitted from a first identification substance, as a second wavelength range. For example, the control unit may receive a sensing value corresponding to the wavelength range (520) through a light receiving unit, and the wavelength range (520), which is the second wavelength range, may be a wavelength range of about 1000 nm to about 1020 nm.

[0269] Referring to FIG. 10b, the second identification material included in the aerosol generating article can emit light having a predetermined wavelength range in response to light of a first wavelength range irradiated from the light emitting unit. In this case, the first wavelength range may be a wavelength range of about 930 nm to about 990 nm.

[0270] In one embodiment, the control unit (110) of the aerosol generating device (see FIG. 7) may determine a wavelength range (520) exceeding a threshold value (510) in a second graph (500b), which is a wavelength graph emitted from a second identification substance, as a second wavelength range. For example, the control unit may receive a sensing value corresponding to the wavelength range (520) through a light receiving unit, and the wavelength range (520), which is the second wavelength range, may be a wavelength range of about 1000 nm to about 1020 nm.

[0271] The first graph (500a) of FIG. 10a and the second graph (500b) of FIG. 10b are depicted in the same form for convenience of explanation, but are not limited thereto. For example, the first graph (500a) of FIG. 10a and the second graph (500b) of FIG. 10b may have similar wavelength ranges exceeding the threshold value (510) to some extent, but may have different overall graph forms.

[0272] Figure 11a is an example of a graph of wavelengths emitted from a third identification material as wavelengths in the first wavelength range are irradiated. Figure 11b is an example of a graph of wavelengths emitted from a third identification material as wavelengths in the first wavelength range are irradiated.

[0273] Referring to FIG. 11A, the third identification material included in the aerosol generating article can emit light having a predetermined wavelength range in response to light of a first wavelength range irradiated from the light emitting portion. In this case, the first wavelength range may be a wavelength range of about 340 nm to about 375 nm.

[0274] In one embodiment, the control unit of the aerosol generating device may determine a wavelength range (620) exceeding a threshold value (610) in a third graph (600a), which is a wavelength graph emitted from a third identification substance, as a second wavelength range. For example, the control unit may receive a sensing value corresponding to the wavelength range (620) through the light receiving unit, and the wavelength range (620), which is the second wavelength range, may be a portion of a wavelength range of about 400 nm to about 750 nm.

[0275] For example, when the wavelength range (620) is about 450 nm to about 490 nm, the control unit may determine that the sensing value sensed through the light receiving unit corresponds to 'blue', and may determine that the aerosol generating article in which the identification material is expressed as 'blue' is the first type of aerosol generating article.

[0276] For another example, when the wavelength range (620) is about 490 nm to about 570 nm, the control unit may determine that the sensing value sensed through the light receiving unit corresponds to 'green', and may determine that the aerosol-generating article in which the identification material is expressed as 'green' is the second type of aerosol-generating article.

[0277] For another example, when the wavelength range (620) is about 630 nm to about 750 nm, the control unit may determine that the sensing value sensed through the light receiving unit corresponds to 'red', and may determine that the aerosol-generating article in which the identification material is expressed as 'red' is the third type of aerosol-generating article.

[0278] Referring to FIG. 11B, the third identification material included in the aerosol generating article can emit light having a predetermined wavelength range in response to light of a first wavelength range irradiated from the light emitting unit. In this case, the first wavelength range may be a wavelength range of about 250 nm to about 260 nm. That is, the third identification material can be excited not only in a wavelength range of about 350 nm to about 390 nm but also in a wavelength range of about 250 nm to about 260 nm.

[0279] In one embodiment, the control unit of the aerosol generating device may determine a wavelength range (620) exceeding a threshold value (610) in a fourth graph (600b), which is a wavelength graph emitted from a third identification substance, as a second wavelength range. For example, the control unit may receive a sensing value corresponding to the wavelength range (620) through the light receiving unit, and the wavelength range (620), which is the second wavelength range, may be a portion of a wavelength range of about 400 nm to about 750 nm.

[0280] The third graph (600a) of FIG. 11a and the fourth graph (600b) of FIG. 11b are depicted in the same form for convenience of explanation, but are not limited thereto. For example, the third graph (600a) of FIG. 11a and the fourth graph (600b) of FIG. 11b may have similar wavelength ranges exceeding the threshold value (610) to some extent, but may have different overall graph forms.

[0281] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating another specific example of how an aerosol generating system, according to one embodiment, determines information about an aerosol generating article. Figure 12 is a flowchart that further concretizes the operation of Figure 9. In the description of Figure 12, since at least one component of the aerosol generating system is identical or similar to the aforementioned description, any redundant description may be omitted.

[0282] Referring to FIG. 12, operation S200 may include operation S210 and operation S220.

[0283] First, the control unit of the aerosol generating device can stop irradiating light on the identification material through the light emitting unit in operation S210 after irradiating light on the identification material through the light emitting unit.

[0284] For example, when a first time period has elapsed since the time point at which light is irradiated from the light-emitting unit, the state of the identification material may change from the ground state to the excited state. In this case, the 'first time period' may mean a time period during which no further change in the state of the material occurs after the identification material is excited by absorption of light. The control unit may irradiate light to the identification material through the light-emitting unit for the first time period, and when the first time period has elapsed, stop irradiating light to the identification material through the light-emitting unit.

[0285] Next, the control unit can sense light emitted from the identification material through the light receiving unit after a second time has elapsed from the time at which the light irradiation of the light from the light emitting unit to the identification material is stopped in operation S220. In this case, the 'second time' may mean the time it takes for the light irradiated from the light emitting unit to no longer be sensed by the light receiving unit after the light irradiation from the light emitting unit is stopped.

[0286] That is, the light receiving unit needs to focus on sensing the light emitted from the identification material, but since the light emitted from the light emitting unit is sensed together with the light receiving unit, some noise may be included in the sensing value.

[0287] However, the identification material according to the present disclosure can emit light (i.e., residual light emission) for a predetermined period of time even when light irradiated from the light-emitting portion is blocked. Therefore, so that the light-receiving portion can sense only the light emitted from the identification material, the control portion can sense the light emitted from the identification material through the light-receiving portion after a second period of time has elapsed from the time when the light irradiation from the light-emitting portion is stopped.

[0288] In one embodiment, the control unit can sense light emitted from the identification material through the light receiving unit after a time of about 200 μs to about 2000 μs has elapsed from the time when the light irradiation of the light of the light emitting unit to the identification material is stopped.

[0289] For example, if the identification material is a first type of material that emits light for a relatively long time even after the light irradiated from the light emitting portion is blocked, or a material of a first concentration, the control unit can sense the light emitted from the identification material through the light receiving unit after a time of about 500 μs to about 2000 μs has elapsed.

[0290] For another example, if the identification material is a second type of material that emits light for a relatively short time after the light irradiated from the light emitting unit is blocked, or is a material having a second concentration lower than the first concentration, the control unit can sense the light emitted from the identification material through the light receiving unit after a time of about 200 μs to about 500 μs has elapsed. Meanwhile, in another embodiment, the light receiving unit may receive the light emitted by the identification material at the same time as the light emitting unit emits light. Accordingly, the time for the sensor unit to recognize the identification material can be shortened.

[0291] Up to now, the description has been made based on an embodiment in which the identification portion (ID) (or identification material (10)) has a band pattern (or shape) surrounding the outer surface of the cigarette (5) and is formed at a certain interval from the boundary (BL) between the tobacco rod (51) and the filter rod (52) of the cigarette (5) in the direction toward the filter rod (52), through FIGS. 1 to 12.

[0292] However, since the identification material (10) such as taggant has the characteristic of exciting light of a specific first wavelength and emitting light of a specific second wavelength, the sensor unit (150) can generally determine whether the cigarette (5) is counterfeit or not based on the change in the wavelength of the emitted light and the wavelength of the received light, but since the identification of the type of cigarette (5) must be based on the exact wavelength value of the received light, there is a possibility that the type of cigarette (5) may be inaccurately identified when external noise is introduced. For example, the sensor unit (150) may not be able to produce an accurate sensing value due to the surrounding environment or the uneven surface condition of the wrapper of the cigarette (5). In particular, the sensor unit (150) is sensitive to the distance from the detection target (e.g., the identification unit (ID)), so it may be difficult to process such errors using only a software algorithm. Therefore, a method for more accurately identifying the type of cigarette (5) is required by changing the amount, concentration, and / or composition ratio of the identification material (10) included in the identification portion (ID) or by changing the shape.

[0293] Hereinafter, embodiments that can accurately determine the type of cigarette (5) through modification of the identification part (ID) will be described in detail through FIGS. 13 to 23b.

[0294] Fig. 13 is a diagram illustrating a cigarette including an identification unit according to one embodiment. Figs. 14a and 14b are diagrams illustrating a sensor unit for identifying the type of cigarette of Fig. 13. Figs. 15a to 15d are graphs showing sensing values ​​for each of a plurality of regions of the identification unit.

[0295] At this time, the aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIGS. 14a and 14b is substantially the same as the aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIG. 7, so the differences will be mainly explained and overlapping explanations will be omitted.

[0296] Referring to FIG. 13, a cigarette (5) according to one embodiment may include a tobacco rod (51) and a filter rod (52), and may include an identification portion (ID1) formed in an area extending in a direction toward the filter rod (52) from a boundary (BL) of the tobacco rod (51) and the filter rod (52).

[0297] According to one embodiment, the identification unit (ID1) may include a plurality of regions (e.g., A1, A2, A3) having different concentrations of the included identification material.

[0298] For example, the identification portion (ID1) includes a first region (A1), a second region (A2), and a third region (A3) having a band shape surrounding the outer surface of the cigarette (5), and the first region (A1), the second region (A2), and the third region (A3) can be arranged adjacently in sequence in the direction from the boundary (BL) toward the filter load (52).

[0299] The identification material may include the same type of material, but may include a first concentration of the identification material having a first concentration (e.g., 7%), a second concentration of the identification material having a second concentration (e.g., 20%), and a third concentration of the identification material having a third concentration (e.g., 30%). The first area (A1) may have the identification material of the first concentration arranged, the second area (A2) may have the identification material of the second concentration arranged, and the third area (A3) may have the identification material of the third concentration arranged.

[0300] Referring to FIGS. 14a and 14b, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a main body (100) including a cavity (100a) into which a cigarette (5) is inserted, a sensor unit (150) disposed around the cavity (100a) for detecting an identification unit (ID1), and a control unit (110) for identifying the type of cigarette (5) based on a sensing value detected by the sensor unit (150).

[0301] For example, the sensor unit (150) may be positioned at a position corresponding to the third area (A3) of the cigarette (5) when the cigarette (5) is fully inserted into the cavity (100a). Accordingly, the sensor unit (150) may sequentially detect the first area (A1), the second area (A2), and the third area (A3) of the cigarette (5) while the cigarette (5) is inserted into the cavity (100a).

[0302] At this time, the sensor unit (150) can determine that the sensing value sensed through the light receiving unit is within a first threshold range (e.g., 6% to 8%), the first concentration of the identification material having a first concentration (e.g., 7%), and can determine that the sensing value sensed through the light receiving unit is within a second threshold range (e.g., 19% to 21%), the second concentration of the identification material having a second concentration (e.g., 20%). Similarly, the sensor unit (150) can determine that the sensing value sensed through the light receiving unit is within a third threshold range (e.g., 29% to 31%), the third concentration of the identification material having a third concentration (e.g., 30%).

[0303] Figures 15a to 15d are exemplary graphs illustrating concentration patterns for multiple regions. Therefore, the number of cases of concentration patterns is not limited thereto. For example, when distinguishing whether the concentration difference between adjacent regions is a one-step difference (e.g., a change from a first concentration to a second concentration) or a two-step difference (e.g., a change from a first concentration to a third concentration), more cases of patterns can be generated. Furthermore, even when the number of regions included in the identification unit (ID1) increases, the number of cases of concentration patterns can also increase.

[0304] Referring to FIG. 15A, the first region (A1) may have a first concentration, the second region (A2) may have a second concentration, and the third region (A3) may have a third concentration. At this time, since the concentration strength of the identification material increases in the order of the third concentration (e.g., 30%), the second concentration (e.g., 20%), and the first concentration (e.g., 7%), the sensor unit (150) in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15A may determine that the identification unit (ID1) has a first concentration pattern in which the sensing value increases to the right as it goes from the first region (A1) to the third region (A3).

[0305] Also, referring to FIG. 15b, the first region (A1) may have a third concentration, the second region (A2) may have a second concentration, and the third region (A3) may have a first concentration. At this time, since the concentration strength of the identification material increases in the order of the third concentration (e.g., 30%), the second concentration (e.g., 20%), and the first concentration (e.g., 7%), the sensor unit (150) in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15b may determine that the identification unit (ID1) has a second concentration pattern in which the sensing value goes downward to the left as it goes from the first region (A1) to the third region (A3).

[0306] Also, referring to FIG. 15c, the first region (A1) may have a first concentration, the second region (A2) may have a third concentration, and the third region (A3) may have the first concentration. At this time, since the concentration intensity of the identification material is such that the third concentration (e.g., 30%) is greater than the first concentration (e.g., 7%), in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15c, the sensor unit (150) may determine that the identification unit (ID1) has a third concentration pattern in the shape of an upper bracket having a maximum value in the second region (A2).

[0307] Also, referring to FIG. 15d, the first region (A1) may have a third concentration, the second region (A2) may have a first concentration, and the third region (A3) may have a third concentration. At this time, since the concentration intensity of the identification material is such that the third concentration (e.g., 30%) is greater than the first concentration (e.g., 7%), in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15d, the sensor unit (150) may determine that the identification unit (ID1) has a fourth concentration pattern in the shape of a lower bracket having a minimum value in the second region (A2).

[0308] The aerosol generating device (1) may further include a memory (130) containing different concentration intensity change patterns for each type of cigarette (5). For example, the memory (130) may include a lookup table in which concentration intensity change patterns are matched for each type of cigarette (5).

[0309] The control unit (110) can compare the sensing value intensity change patterns (e.g., the first to fourth concentration patterns) of each of the first area (A1), the second area (A2), and the third area (A3) determined by the sensor unit (150) with the concentration intensity change patterns previously stored in the memory (130) to determine the type of cigarette (5) inserted into the cavity (100a).

[0310] For example, the control unit (110) may determine that the cigarette (5) is a first type of aerosol generating article when the sensing value of the identification unit (ID1) by the sensor unit (150) is determined as a first concentration pattern, determine that the cigarette (5) is a second type of aerosol generating article when the sensing value of the identification unit (ID1) by the sensor unit (150) is determined as a second concentration pattern, determine that the cigarette (5) is a third type of aerosol generating article when the sensing value of the identification unit (ID1) by the sensor unit (150) is determined as a third concentration pattern, and determine that the cigarette (5) is a fourth type of aerosol generating article when the sensing value of the identification unit (ID1) by the sensor unit (150) is determined as a fourth concentration pattern.

[0311] In this way, when the aerosol generating device (1) detects a concentration pattern due to a difference in the concentration of the identification material included in the identification unit (ID1) and identifies the type of cigarette (5) based on the detected concentration pattern, it is expected that malfunction due to a sensing error due to the distance between the sensor unit (150) and the identification unit (ID1) and a sensing error due to an unevenness of the wrapper surface of the cigarette (5) can be prevented.

[0312] Fig. 16 is a drawing for explaining a cigarette including an identification unit according to one embodiment. Figs. 17a and 17b are drawings for explaining a sensor unit for identifying the type of cigarette of Fig. 16.

[0313] At this time, the aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIGS. 17a and 17b is substantially the same as the aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIG. 7, so the differences will be mainly explained and overlapping explanations will be omitted.

[0314] Referring to FIG. 16, a cigarette (5) according to one embodiment may include a tobacco rod (51) and a filter rod (52), and may include an identification portion (ID2) formed in an area extending in a direction toward the filter rod (52) from a boundary (BL) of the tobacco rod (51) and the filter rod (52).

[0315] According to one embodiment, the identification unit (ID2) may include a plurality of regions (e.g., A1, A2, A3, A4, A5) having different concentrations of the included identification material.

[0316] For example, the identification portion (ID2) includes a first region (A1), a second region (A2), a third region (A3), a fourth region (A4), and a fifth region (A5) having a band shape surrounding the outer surface of the cigarette (5), and the first region (A1), the second region (A2), the third region (A3), the fourth region (A4), and the fifth region (A5) may be arranged adjacently in sequence in the direction from the boundary (BL) toward the filter load (52). In Fig. 16, the number of the plurality of regions is illustrated as five, but this is exemplary and is not limited thereto. Accordingly, the number of the plurality of regions may be increased or decreased in consideration of the length of the cigarette (5) and the number of types of cigarettes (5) to be identified.

[0317] The identification substance includes the same type of substance, but the concentration of the identification substance formed in each of the plurality of regions (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5) may be either a first concentration between a first threshold value and a second threshold value or a second concentration between a third threshold value and a fourth threshold value. At this time, in order to clearly distinguish between the first concentration and the second concentration, the difference between the second threshold value and the third threshold value may be greater than the difference between the first threshold value and the second threshold value and the difference between the third threshold value and the fourth threshold value. For example, the first threshold value may be 5%, and the second threshold value may be 15%. In addition, the third threshold value may be 30%, and the fourth threshold value may be 40%.

[0318] In forming the identification unit (ID2), even if adjacent areas among the plurality of areas (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5) are determined to have the same concentration (e.g., the first concentration), the actual concentration values ​​may be formed differently for area distinction. For example, even if the first area (A1), the second area (A2), and the third area (A3) are all determined to have the first concentration, the actual concentration value of the first area (A1) may be 7%, the actual concentration value of the second area (A2) may be 10%, and the actual concentration value of the third area (A3) may be 13%.

[0319] Referring to FIGS. 17a and 17b, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a main body (100) including a cavity (100a) into which a cigarette (5) is inserted, a sensor unit (150) disposed around the cavity (100a) for detecting an identification unit (ID2), and a control unit (110) for identifying the type of cigarette (5) based on a sensing value detected by the sensor unit (150).

[0320] For example, the sensor unit (150) may be positioned at a position corresponding to the fifth area (A5) of the cigarette (5) when the cigarette (5) is fully inserted into the cavity (100a). Accordingly, the sensor unit (150) may sequentially detect the first area (A1), the second area (A2), the third area (A3), the fourth area (A4), and the fifth area (A5) of the cigarette (5) while the cigarette (5) is inserted into the cavity (100a).

[0321] According to one embodiment, the control unit (110) can convert the array of sensing values ​​of the first area (A1) to the fifth area (A5) into a binary code by corresponding '0' when one area of ​​the identification unit (ID2) is determined to be the first concentration, and corresponding '1' when one area of ​​the identification unit (ID2) is determined to be the second concentration. In other words, the identification unit (ID2) can function as a binary code unit.

[0322] For example, if the actual concentration value of the first area (A1) is 7%, the actual concentration value of the second area (A2) is 10%, the actual concentration value of the third area (A3) is 33%, the actual concentration value of the fourth area (A4) is 7%, and the actual concentration value of the fifth area (A5) is 33%, the control unit (110) can convert the sensing value result of the identification unit (ID2) into a binary code having a value of 00101.

[0323] The aerosol generating device (1) may further include a memory (130) containing different identification codes for each type of cigarette (5). For example, the memory (130) may include a lookup table in which identification codes are matched for each type of cigarette (5).

[0324] The control unit (110) can determine the type of cigarette (5) inserted into the cavity (100a) by comparing the binary code determined based on the sensing value of the sensor unit (150) with the identification codes previously stored in the memory (130).

[0325] In this way, when the aerosol generating device (1) generates a binary code based on the difference in concentration of the identification material included in the identification unit (ID2) and identifies the type of cigarette (5) based on the generated binary code, it is expected that malfunction due to sensing error according to the distance between the sensor unit (150) and the identification unit (ID2) and sensing error due to unevenness of the wrapper surface of the cigarette (5) can be prevented.

[0326] Meanwhile, with the recent acceleration of personalization trends, a variety of customized cigarettes are being produced to meet the preferences of diverse users. However, the types of taggants that emit visible light when excited by ultraviolet light are limited. As described above, taggants can emit any of the following colors when excited by ultraviolet light: red, green, blue, or yellow. Therefore, using this limited range of taggants, it is difficult to distinguish between different types of cigarettes.

[0327] Utilizing a taggant that emits visible light when excited by ultraviolet light to construct an identification unit offers the advantages of intuitively identifying cigarette types with the user's eyes. Furthermore, since the wavelengths of each color are sufficiently spaced, the identification unit is robust to external noise. Therefore, research is needed to identify various cigarette types using a limited range of taggants.

[0328] Fig. 18 is a drawing for explaining a cigarette including an identification unit according to one embodiment. Figs. 19a and 19b are drawings for explaining a sensor unit for identifying the type of cigarette of Fig. 18.

[0329] At this time, the aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIGS. 19a and 19b is substantially the same as the aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIG. 7, so the differences will be mainly explained and overlapping explanations will be omitted.

[0330] Referring to FIG. 18, a cigarette (5) according to one embodiment may include a tobacco rod (51) and a filter rod (52), and may include an identification portion (ID3) formed in an area extending in a direction from a boundary (BL) of the tobacco rod (51) and the filter rod (52) toward the filter rod (52).

[0331] According to one embodiment, the identification unit (ID3) may include a plurality of regions (e.g., A1, A2) each containing different types of identification materials. In Fig. 18, for convenience of explanation, the identification unit (ID3) is illustrated as including only two regions, but this is not limited thereto, and the number of regions may be increased or decreased depending on the length of the cigarette (5) and the type of cigarette (5) to be distinguished.

[0332] For example, the identification portion (ID3) includes a first region (A1) and a second region (A2) having a band shape surrounding the outer surface of the cigarette (5), and the first region (A1) and the second region (A2) can be arranged adjacently in sequence in the direction from the boundary (BL) toward the filter load (52).

[0333] When the types of identification materials included in the plurality of regions (A1, A2) are different, light of a first wavelength can be excited to emit light of different second wavelengths. For example, the first region (A1) and the second region (A2) of the identification unit (ID3) according to one embodiment can be excited by ultraviolet light emitted from the sensor unit (150) to emit any one of red visible light, green visible light, blue visible light, and yellow visible light.

[0334] FIG. 18 illustrates an example in which the first region (A1) emits blue visible light when excited by ultraviolet light, and the second region (A2) emits red visible light when excited by ultraviolet light. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first region (A1) may emit any one of red visible light, green visible light, blue visible light, and yellow visible light when excited by ultraviolet light, and similarly, the second region (A2) may emit any one of red visible light, green visible light, blue visible light, and yellow visible light when excited by ultraviolet light. That is, the identification unit (ID3) is divided into two regions, and when each region is excited by ultraviolet light and emits four colors of light, it may have color patterns having a number of 16 cases.

[0335] The identification unit (ID3) includes an organic substance, and the organic substance may include at least one organic substance selected from the group consisting of a quinazolinone-based compound, a thiophene-based compound, a sulfobenzoic acid-based compound, and a naphthyridine-based compound.

[0336] Referring to FIGS. 19a and 19b, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a main body (100) including a cavity (100a) into which a cigarette (5) is inserted, a sensor unit (150) disposed around the cavity (100a) for detecting an identification unit (ID3), and a control unit (110) for identifying the type of cigarette (5) based on a sensing value detected by the sensor unit (150).

[0337] For example, the sensor unit (150) may be positioned at a position corresponding to the second area (A2) of the cigarette (5) when the cigarette (5) is fully inserted into the cavity (100a). Accordingly, the sensor unit (150) may sequentially detect the first area (A1) and the second area (A2) of the cigarette (5) while the cigarette (5) is inserted into the cavity (100a).

[0338] The aerosol generating device (1) may further include a memory (130) containing different color information for each type of cigarette (5). For example, the memory (130) may include a lookup table in which color information is matched for each type of cigarette (5).

[0339] The control unit (110) can determine the type of cigarette (5) inserted into the cavity (100a) by comparing the color pattern determined by the sensor unit (150) with the color information previously stored in the memory (130).

[0340] Fig. 20 is a drawing for explaining a cigarette including an identification unit according to one embodiment. Figs. 21a and 21b are drawings for explaining a sensor unit for identifying the type of cigarette of Fig. 20. In this case, the aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in Figs. 21a and 21b is substantially the same as the aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in Fig. 7, so the description will focus on the differences and omit any overlapping descriptions.

[0341] Referring to FIG. 20, a cigarette (5) according to one embodiment may include a tobacco rod (51) and a filter rod (52), and may include an identification portion (ID4) formed in an area extending in a direction from a boundary (BL) of the tobacco rod (51) and the filter rod (52) toward the filter rod (52).

[0342] According to one embodiment, the identification unit (ID4) may be formed such that a band pattern (BP) including a first identification material and a grid pattern (GP) including a second identification material overlap in the thickness direction.

[0343] When the types of the first identification material included in the band pattern (BP) and the types of the second identification material included in the grid pattern (GP) are different, light of the same first wavelength can be excited to emit light of different second wavelengths. For example, the band pattern (BP) and the grid pattern (GP) of the identification unit (ID4) according to one embodiment can be excited by ultraviolet light emitted from the sensor unit (150) to emit any one of red visible light, green visible light, blue visible light, and yellow visible light.

[0344] For example, when the band pattern (BP) is excited by ultraviolet light, it can emit blue visible light, and when the grating pattern (GP) is excited by ultraviolet light, it can emit red visible light. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and when the band pattern (BP) is excited by ultraviolet light, it can emit any one of red visible light, green visible light, blue visible light, and yellow visible light, and similarly, when the grating pattern (GP) is excited by ultraviolet light, it can emit any one of red visible light, green visible light, blue visible light, and yellow visible light.

[0345] The identification unit (ID4) includes an organic substance, and the organic substance may include at least one organic substance selected from the group consisting of a quinazolinone-based compound, a thiophene-based compound, a sulfobenzoic acid-based compound, and a naphthyridine-based compound.

[0346] Referring to FIGS. 21a and 21b, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a main body (100) including a cavity (100a) into which a cigarette (5) is inserted, a sensor unit (150) disposed around the cavity (100a) for detecting an identification unit (ID4), and a control unit (110) for identifying the type of cigarette (5) based on a sensing value detected by the sensor unit (150).

[0347] At this time, the light emitting part of the sensor part (150) may include an ultraviolet light emitting diode, and the light receiving part of the sensor part (150) may include an RGB optical diode.

[0348] For example, the sensor unit (150) may be positioned at a position corresponding to the identification unit (ID4) of the cigarette (5) when the cigarette (5) is fully inserted into the cavity (100a). Accordingly, the sensor unit (150) may simultaneously detect the band pattern (BP) and the grid pattern (GP) of the identification unit (ID4) after the cigarette (5) is inserted into the cavity (100a).

[0349] The aerosol generating device (1) may further include a memory (130) containing different color information for each type of cigarette (5). For example, the memory (130) may include a lookup table in which color information is matched for each type of cigarette (5).

[0350] The control unit (110) can compare the color information of the identification unit (ID4) determined by the sensor unit (150) with the color information previously stored in the memory (130) to determine the type of the cigarette (5) inserted into the cavity (100a). At this time, the color information of the identification unit (ID4) may be a mixed color of the color of visible light emitted by the first identification material of the band pattern (BP) and the color of visible light emitted by the second identification material of the grid pattern (GP). In the example described above, when the band pattern (BP) is excited by ultraviolet light and emits blue visible light, and when the grid pattern (GP) is excited by ultraviolet light and emits red visible light, the color information of the identification unit (ID4) may be purple.

[0351] Fig. 22 is a drawing for explaining a cigarette including an identification unit according to one embodiment. Figs. 23a and 23b are drawings for explaining a sensor unit for identifying the type of cigarette of Fig. 22. At this time, the aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in Figs. 23a and 23b is different from the aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in Fig. 7, in which the cavity (100a) is fixed, in that the cavity (100a) rotates around a rotation axis that coincides with the central axis (e.g., +z and -z directions) of the cigarette (5), and the remaining configurations may be substantially the same. Hereinafter, the differences will be mainly described, and overlapping descriptions will be omitted.

[0352] Referring to FIG. 22, a cigarette (5) according to one embodiment includes a tobacco rod (51) and a filter rod (52), and may include an identification portion (ID5) formed in an area extending in a direction toward the filter rod (52) from a boundary (BL) of the tobacco rod (51) and the filter rod (52).

[0353] According to one embodiment, the identification portion (ID5) has a band shape that surrounds the outer circumference of the cigarette (5) as a whole, and may include a plurality of regions (e.g., A1, A2, A3, A4) that are continuously arranged along the circumferential direction (e.g., +x and -x directions) of the cigarette (5).

[0354] When the types of identification materials included in each of the plurality of regions (A1, A2, A3, A4) are different, light of the same first wavelength can be excited to emit light of different second wavelengths. For example, each of the plurality of regions (A1, A2, A3, A4) of the identification unit (ID5) according to one embodiment can be excited by ultraviolet light emitted from the sensor unit (150) to emit any one of red visible light, green visible light, blue visible light, and yellow visible light.

[0355] For example, when the first region (A1) is excited by ultraviolet light, it can emit red visible light, when the second region (A2) is excited by ultraviolet light, it can emit green visible light, when the third region (A3) is excited by ultraviolet light, it can emit blue visible light, and when the fourth region (A4) is excited by ultraviolet light, it can emit yellow visible light.

[0356] Each of the plurality of regions (A1, A2, A3, A4) of the identification unit (ID5) includes an organic substance, and the organic substance may include at least one organic substance selected from the group consisting of a quinazolinone-based compound, a thiophene-based compound, a sulfobenzoic acid-based compound, and a naphthyridine-based compound.

[0357] Referring to FIGS. 23a and 23b, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a main body (100) including a cavity (100a) into which a cigarette (5) is inserted, a sensor unit (150) disposed around the cavity (100a) for detecting an identification unit (ID5), and a control unit (110) for identifying the type of cigarette (5) based on a sensing value detected by the sensor unit (150).

[0358] The aerosol generating device (1) may further include a driving device (160) that generates a driving force to rotate the cavity (100a). For example, the driving device (160) may be a motor that is disposed inside the main body (100) and operates by an electric signal. When an electric signal is applied from the control unit (110) to the motor of the driving device (160), the shaft of the motor rotates, and the cavity (100a) may be rotated by the driving force of the motor.

[0359] Embodiments of rotating the cavity (100a) are not limited by the configuration of the driving device (160) illustrated in FIGS. 23a and 23b, and for example, the driving device (160) may further include various power transmission elements such as gears, belts, sprockets, etc.

[0360] The light emitting portion of the sensor portion (150) may include an ultraviolet light emitting diode, and the light receiving portion of the sensor portion (150) may include an RGB optical diode.

[0361] The sensor unit (150) can be positioned at a position corresponding to the identification unit (ID5) of the cigarette (5) when the cigarette (5) is fully inserted into the cavity (100a). Accordingly, the sensor unit (150) can sequentially detect a plurality of areas (e.g., A1, A2, A3, A4) of the identification unit (ID5) while the cavity (100a) rotates once in one direction around the rotation axis after the cigarette (5) is inserted into the cavity (100a). Accordingly, the sensor unit (150) can detect color pattern information of visible light emitted by the plurality of areas (e.g., A1, A2, A3, A4) when excited by ultraviolet light.

[0362] Although not explicitly illustrated in FIG. 22, the identification unit (ID5) according to one embodiment may further include an additional region (not illustrated) between the plurality of regions (e.g., A1, A2, A3, A4). The identification material included in the additional region may be excited by ultraviolet light and emit light of a wavelength other than visible light (e.g., infrared light). Since it is not known which region (e.g., A1, A2, A3, A4) of the identification unit (ID5) will be initially positioned to correspond to the sensor unit (150) when the cigarette (5) is inserted into the cavity (100a), an additional region that is excited by ultraviolet light and emits infrared light may be provided so that a color pattern can be defined using the region emitting infrared light as a reference point.

[0363] For example, since the cross-section of the cigarette (5) has a circular shape, the red-green-blue-yellow pattern, the green-blue-yellow-red pattern, the blue-yellow-red-green pattern, and the yellow-red-green-blue pattern can be recognized as the same color pattern depending on where the area of ​​the identification unit (ID5) that the sensor unit (150) first detects is. Therefore, when the color patterns are defined based on the area that emits infrared rays, the infrared-red-green-blue-yellow pattern, the infrared-green-blue-yellow-red pattern, the infrared-blue-yellow-red-green pattern, and the infrared-yellow-red-green-blue pattern are formed, so that color patterns can be distinguished regardless of where the area of ​​the identification unit (ID5) that the sensor unit (150) first detects is. In other words, the number of types of color patterns can be increased.

[0364] The aerosol generating device (1) may further include a memory (130) containing different color pattern information for each type of cigarette (5). For example, the memory (130) may include a lookup table in which color pattern information is matched for each type of cigarette (5).

[0365] The control unit (110) can determine the type of cigarette (5) inserted into the cavity (100a) by comparing the color pattern information of the identification unit (ID5) determined by the sensor unit (150) with the color pattern information previously stored in the memory (130).

[0366] Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device (1) may have a deterioration in the sensing value of the sensor unit (150) due to various causes (e.g., external light interference, crosstalk, inflow of contaminants, etc.), or may have limitations in the performance of the sensor unit (150) (e.g., reduction in the amount of light emitted by the light emitting unit, etc.) due to heat generated from the heater (140) for heating the cigarette (5). In addition, since the aerosol generating device (1) belongs to a small electronic product, there are limitations in the mounting space of electronic components, and power consumption issues may inevitably arise due to limitations in the capacity of the battery (120).

[0367] To overcome the above problems, the sensor unit (150) can be formed basically as a sensor package type. Hereinafter, an embodiment of the optical sensor package will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 24a to 32b.

[0368] FIG. 24a is a diagram for explaining an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment. FIG. 24b is a plan view of an optical sensor package according to one embodiment, and FIG. 24c is a cross-sectional view of the optical sensor package taken along line I-I' of FIG. 24b. FIG. 24d is a diagram for explaining a sensing operation of an optical sensor package according to one embodiment.

[0369] Referring to FIGS. 24a to 24d, an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment may include a cigarette (5) and an aerosol generating device (1) including an identification unit (ID) that emits light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength when excited by light of a first wavelength.

[0370] An aerosol generating device (1) may include a main body (100) including a cavity (100a) into which a cigarette (5) is inserted, an optical sensor package (PKG) disposed around the cavity (100a) and detecting an identification unit (ID), and a control unit (110) that identifies whether the cigarette (5) is counterfeit and the type of the cigarette (5) based on a sensing value detected by the optical sensor package (PKG). The aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in Fig. 24a may correspond to the aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in Figs. 7 and 8. Hereinafter, overlapping descriptions will be omitted.

[0371] An optical sensor package (PKG) according to one embodiment may include a package substrate (SUB), a light emitting portion (LU), a semiconductor chip (SC), a light receiving portion (PU), and a molding member (ENC).

[0372] In one embodiment, a package substrate (SUB) may have a first element (PE1) and a second element (PE2) formed on a first surface (S1) (e.g., a surface in the +Z direction), and a substrate terminal (TE) formed on a second surface (S2) opposite to the first surface (S1) (e.g., a surface in the -Z direction).

[0373] In one embodiment, the first side (S1) may be a side of the optical sensor package (PKG) facing the identification portion (ID) of the cigarette (5). The substrate terminal (TE) may be electrically and / or physically connected to the aerosol generating device (1) on which the optical sensor package (PKG) of the present invention is mounted.

[0374] The identification material (10) can be excited when light of a predetermined wavelength range is absorbed. In this case, 'the material being excited' can mean that the state of the material changes from a ground state to an excited state. Thereafter, in the process of the state of the identification material (10) changing from an excited state to a ground state, light of a predetermined wavelength range can be emitted from the luminescent material.

[0375] In one embodiment, the identification material (10) can be excited by light irradiated by the light emitting unit (LU) and can emit light of a wavelength range different from the wavelength range of the irradiated light. For example, the identification material (10) can be excited by light of a first wavelength range irradiated from the light emitting unit (LU) and can emit light of a second wavelength range different from the first wavelength range.

[0376] For example, the identification material (10) may be a first light-emitting material that emits light in a second wavelength range of about 400 nm to about 750 nm when excited by light in a first wavelength range of about 350 nm to about 390 nm. Accordingly, the light-emitting unit (LU) can irradiate ultraviolet light of about 365 nm to the first light-emitting material, and the light-receiving unit (PU) can sense visible light of 700 nm (i.e., red light) emitted from the first light-emitting material.

[0377] In one embodiment, the light emitting unit (LU) may be comprised of at least one light emitting diode that emits light (L) of a first wavelength when current flows through it. For example, both light emitting units (LU) illustrated in FIGS. 24A to 24C may be ultraviolet light emitting diodes. This allows the light sensor package (PKG) to provide sufficient light emission to detect the identification unit (ID) of the cigarette (5).

[0378] In one embodiment, the semiconductor chip (SC) may be comprised of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) that controls the overall operation of the optical sensor package (PKG).

[0379] A semiconductor chip (SC) according to one embodiment includes a signal processing unit electrically connected to a light receiving unit (PU), and the signal processing unit may include an analog-to-digital converter (not shown) that converts a sensing value received from the light receiving unit (PU), which is an analog signal, into a digital signal.

[0380] An aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment may include a first flexible circuit board (FPCB1) electrically connected to a heater (140), and a second flexible circuit board (FPCB2) electrically connected to a light sensor package (PKG). In this case, the first flexible circuit board (FPCB1) and the second flexible circuit board (FPCB2) may be disposed adjacent to each other while being electrically disconnected from each other. Accordingly, when a sensing value, which is an analog signal detected by the light sensor package (PKG), is transmitted to the control unit (110) through the second flexible circuit board (FPCB2) for processing, there is a possibility that noise may be introduced by the heater (140) (particularly, an induction heating method) and the second flexible circuit board (FPCB1) disposed in the vicinity.

[0381] To minimize such problems, the optical sensor package (PKG) can process the detected sensing value by a semiconductor chip (SC), convert the result into a digital signal, and transmit it to the control unit (110).

[0382] The control unit (110) can determine whether the cigarette (5) is counterfeit and the type of the cigarette (5) based on the digital signal generated by the signal processing unit.

[0383] In one embodiment, the light receiving unit (PU) may be formed of at least one light receiving diode that allows current to flow when receiving light (L') of a second wavelength that is different from light (L) of a first wavelength. For example, the light receiving unit (PU) illustrated in FIGS. 24A to 24D may be an RGB detection sensor. The RGB detection sensor may include a first photodiode (PU1) for detecting red light, a second photodiode (PU2) for detecting green light, and a third photodiode (PU3) for detecting blue light therein. The RGB detection sensor may detect the color of the light (L') of the second wavelength based on a ratio of the amount of light received by each of the first photodiode (PU1), the second photodiode (PU2), and the third photodiode (PU3).

[0384] In one embodiment, a light sensor package (PKG) may include a first element (PE1), a second element (PE2), and a first conductive member (W1).

[0385] In one embodiment, a first element (PE1) and a second element (PE2) may be formed on a first surface (S1). The first element (PE1) may be connected to a light-emitting portion (LU) formed of a light-emitting diode, and the second element (PE2) may be connected to a semiconductor chip (SC).

[0386] In one embodiment, the first conductive member (W1) can electrically connect the first element (PE1) and the light-emitting portion (LU). For example, the first element (PE1) can be composed of two terminals including a negative terminal and a positive terminal. The light-emitting portion (LU) can be directly coupled to either of the two terminals. The first conductive member (W1) can connect the light-emitting portion (LU) to the other of the two terminals.

[0387] In addition, the solder ball (SD) can electrically connect the second element (PE2) and the semiconductor chip (SC). For example, the second element (PE2) can be configured with a plurality of terminals corresponding to pad electrodes formed on the back surface of the semiconductor chip (SC). The semiconductor chip (SC) can be connected to the second element (PE2) by placing the solder ball (SD) between the pad electrodes of the semiconductor chip (SC) and the plurality of electrodes of the second element (PE2) and through a reflow process.

[0388] In one embodiment, the first element (PE1) and the second element (PE2) may be arranged adjacent to each other on the first surface (S1). Accordingly, the light emitting unit (LU) and the semiconductor chip (SC) may be arranged adjacent to each other on the first surface (S1) of the package substrate (SUB).

[0389] In one embodiment, the light-receiving unit (PU) may be arranged on the semiconductor chip (SC). For example, the light-receiving unit (PU) may be manufactured integrally during the production of the semiconductor chip (SC). Although FIG. 24A illustrates an embodiment in which the light-receiving unit (PU) is arranged on the upper left side of the semiconductor chip (SC) and the area of ​​the light-receiving unit (PU) occupies approximately 1 / 4 of the semiconductor chip (SC), this is merely exemplary and is not limited thereto. That is, the size and arrangement position of the light-receiving unit (PU) may be varied in various ways according to the customer's request.

[0390] According to one embodiment, a height (H1) from a first surface (S1) (or upper surface) of a package substrate (SUB) to a top surface of a semiconductor chip (SC) may be higher than a height (H2) from the first surface (S1) (or upper surface) of the package substrate (SUB) to a top surface of a light-emitting portion (LU). For example, a height (H1) from the first surface (S1) (or upper surface) of a package substrate (SUB) to a top surface of a semiconductor chip (SC) may be about 610 μm, and a height (H2) from the first surface (S1) (or upper surface) of a package substrate (SUB) to a top surface of a light-emitting portion (LU) may be about 150 μm.

[0391] In this way, when the height (H1) from the first surface (S1) (or upper surface) of the package substrate (SUB) to the upper surface of the semiconductor chip (SC) is higher than the height (H2) from the first surface (S1) (or upper surface) of the package substrate (SUB) to the upper surface of the light emitting portion (LU), the light receiving portion (PU) is disposed on the semiconductor chip (SC), so that light (L) emitted from the light emitting portion (LU) can be prevented from being directly incident on the light receiving portion (PU) without passing through the identification portion (ID) of the cigarette (5). That is, the semiconductor chip (SC) can perform a barrier function in that it blocks light emitted from the light emitting portion (LU).

[0392] Due to this, the optical sensor package (PKG) of the present invention can be expected to improve the sensing sensitivity of the optical sensor package (PKG) by preventing the crosstalk phenomenon in which light (L) emitted from the light emitting portion (LU) is directly incident on the light receiving portion (PU).

[0393] In one embodiment, a molding member (ENC) may be disposed on a first surface (S1) of a package substrate (SUB). The molding member (ENC) may protect the first surface (S1) of the package substrate (SUB) and other components mounted on the first surface (S1), such as a light emitting unit (LU), a semiconductor chip (SC), and a light receiving unit (PU). The molding member (ENC) may be made of a non-conductive material. The molding member (ENC) may reduce or prevent electrical short-circuiting or unnecessary short-circuiting of the first surface (S1) of the package substrate (SUB) and other components mounted on the first surface (S1).

[0394] In one embodiment, the molding member (ENC) can be formed to surround the light emitting unit (LU), the semiconductor chip (SC), and the light receiving unit (PU) on the first surface (S1) of the package substrate (SUB).

[0395] In one embodiment, the molding member (ENC) may be formed of a light-transmitting material. For example, the molding member (ENC) may be a transparent molding compound (CMC). The molding member (ENC) may guide light emitted from the light-emitting portion (LU) to be transmitted to the identification portion (ID) of the cigarette (5), which is the detection target of the light sensor package (PKG).

[0396] In one embodiment, the molding member (ENC) may be formed into a single body by connecting regions surrounding each of the light emitting unit (LU), the semiconductor chip (SC), and the light receiving unit (PU). The molding member (ENC) may be substantially uniformly applied onto the first surface (S1) of the package substrate (SUB) and cured. The molding member (ENC) formed into a single body may improve the efficiency of manufacturing the optical sensor package (PKG).

[0397] FIG. 25a is a plan view of an optical sensor package according to one embodiment, and FIG. 25b is a cross-sectional view of the optical sensor package taken along line II-II' of FIG. 25a.

[0398] The optical sensor package (PKG) illustrated in FIGS. 25a and 25b differs from the optical sensor package (PKG) illustrated in FIGS. 24a to 24d, which includes only an ultraviolet light emitting diode and an RGB detection sensor, in that it further includes an infrared light emitting diode and an infrared photodetector, but the remaining configurations are substantially the same. Hereinafter, configurations with differences will be described, and redundant descriptions of identical configurations will be omitted.

[0399] Referring to FIGS. 25a and 25b, an optical sensor package (PKG) according to one embodiment may include a package substrate (SUB), a light emitting portion (LU, LU_1), a semiconductor chip (SC), a light receiving portion (PU_1), and a molding member (ENC).

[0400] One side of the cigarette (5) may include an identification material (10).

[0401] The identification material (10) can be excited when light of a predetermined wavelength range is absorbed. In this case, 'the material being excited' can mean that the state of the material changes from a ground state to an excited state. Thereafter, in the process of the state of the identification material (10) changing from an excited state to a ground state, light of a predetermined wavelength range can be emitted from the luminescent material.

[0402] In one embodiment, the identification material (10) can be excited by light irradiated by the light emitting unit (LU) and can emit light of a wavelength range different from the wavelength range of the irradiated light. For example, the identification material (10) can be excited by light of a first wavelength range irradiated from the light emitting unit (LU) and can emit light of a second wavelength range different from the first wavelength range.

[0403] For example, the identification material (10) may be a first light-emitting material that emits light in a second wavelength range of about 400 nm to about 750 nm when excited by light in a first wavelength range of about 350 nm to about 390 nm. Accordingly, the light-emitting unit (LU) can irradiate ultraviolet light of about 365 nm to the first light-emitting material, and the light-receiving unit (PU_1) can sense visible light of 700 nm (i.e., red light) emitted from the first light-emitting material.

[0404] For another example, the identification material (10) may be a second light-emitting material that emits light in a second wavelength range of about 1000 nm to about 1020 nm when excited by light in a first wavelength range of about 300 nm to about 340 nm. Accordingly, the light-emitting unit (LU) may irradiate ultraviolet light of about 325 nm to the second light-emitting material, and the light-receiving unit (PU_1) may sense infrared light of 1012 nm emitted from the second light-emitting material.

[0405] As another example, the identification material (10) may be a third light-emitting material that emits light in a second wavelength range of about 1000 nm to about 1020 nm when excited by light in a first wavelength range of about 930 nm to about 990 nm. Accordingly, the light-emitting unit (LU) may irradiate infrared light of about 980 nm to the third light-emitting material, and the light-receiving unit (PU_1) may sense infrared light of about 1012 nm emitted from the third light-emitting material.

[0406] The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 25a and 25b may include a light emitting unit (LU) composed of an ultraviolet light emitting diode and a light emitting unit (LU_1) composed of an infrared light emitting diode.

[0407] In one embodiment, the semiconductor chip (SC) may be comprised of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) that controls the overall operation of the optical sensor package (PKG).

[0408] In one embodiment, the light receiving unit (PU_1) may be formed of at least one light receiving diode that allows current to flow when receiving light (L') of a second wavelength that is different from light (L) of a first wavelength. For example, the light receiving unit (PU_1) illustrated in FIGS. 25A and 25B may be an RGB detection sensor. The RGB detection sensor may include a first photodiode (PU1) that detects red light, a second photodiode (PU2) that detects green light, and a third photodiode (PU3) that detects blue light. In addition, the light receiving unit (PU_1) may further include an infrared light receiving diode (PU4) that can receive infrared wavelengths (i.e., about 1000 nm to about 1020 nm).

[0409] Accordingly, light emitted from the light emitting unit (LU) composed of an ultraviolet light emitting diode can be detected by the RGB detection sensor (e.g., PU1, PU2, PU3) of the light receiving unit (PU_1) when the identification material included in the cigarette (5) is the first light emitting material, and can be detected by the infrared light receiving diode (PU4) of the light receiving unit (PU_1) when the identification material is the second light emitting material.

[0410] In addition, the infrared light of the first wavelength emitted from the light emitting unit (LU_1) composed of an infrared light emitting diode can be excited into infrared light of the second wavelength and detected by the infrared receiving diode (PU4) of the light receiving unit (PU_1) when the identification material included in the cigarette (5) is the third light emitting material.

[0411] Meanwhile, the infrared light of the first wavelength emitted from the light emitting unit (LU_1) composed of an infrared light emitting diode can be detected as infrared light of the first wavelength by the infrared receiving diode (PU4) of the light receiving unit (PU_1).

[0412] In one embodiment, the optical sensor package (PKG) may include a first conductive member (W1_1). In one embodiment, the first conductive member (W1_1) may electrically connect the first element (PE1_1) and the light emitting portion (LU_1).

[0413] In one embodiment, the light-receiving unit (PU_1) may be placed on the semiconductor chip (SC). In addition, the height (H1) from the first surface (S1) (or upper surface) of the package substrate (SUB) to the upper surface of the semiconductor chip (SC) may be higher than the height (H2) from the first surface (S1) (or upper surface) of the package substrate (SUB) to the upper surface of the light-emitting unit (LU).

[0414] As described above through FIGS. 24a to 24d, the optical sensor package (PKG) illustrated in FIGS. 25a and 25b also has a semiconductor chip (SC) with a partition function, so that the crosstalk phenomenon is prevented, and thus the sensing sensitivity of the optical sensor package (PKG) can be expected to be improved.

[0415] FIG. 26a is a plan view of an optical sensor package according to one embodiment, and FIG. 26b is a cross-sectional view of the optical sensor package taken along line III-III' of FIG. 26a.

[0416] The optical sensor packages (PKGs) illustrated in FIGS. 26a and 26b differ from the optical sensor packages (PKGs) illustrated in FIGS. 24a to 24d in that they include infrared photodiodes instead of the RGB detection sensors, with the remaining components being substantially the same. Below, the components with differences will be primarily described, and any redundant descriptions of the same components will be omitted.

[0417] Referring to FIGS. 26a and 26b, an optical sensor package (PKG) according to one embodiment may include a package substrate (SUB), a light emitting portion (LU), a semiconductor chip (SC), a light receiving portion (PU_2), and a molding member (ENC).

[0418] One side of the cigarette (5) may include an identification material (10).

[0419] The identification material (10) can be excited when light of a predetermined wavelength range is absorbed. In this case, 'the material being excited' can mean that the state of the material changes from a ground state to an excited state. Thereafter, in the process of the state of the identification material (10) changing from an excited state to a ground state, light of a predetermined wavelength range can be emitted from the luminescent material.

[0420] In one embodiment, the identification material (10) can be excited by light irradiated by the light emitting unit (LU) and can emit light of a wavelength range different from the wavelength range of the irradiated light. For example, the identification material (10) can be excited by light of a first wavelength range irradiated from the light emitting unit (LU) and can emit light of a second wavelength range different from the first wavelength range.

[0421] For example, the identification material (10) may be a second light-emitting material that emits light in a second wavelength range of about 1000 nm to about 1020 nm when excited by light in a first wavelength range of about 300 nm to about 340 nm. Accordingly, the light-emitting unit (LU) can irradiate ultraviolet light of about 325 nm to the second light-emitting material, and the light-receiving unit (PU_2) can sense infrared light of 1012 nm emitted from the second light-emitting material.

[0422] Both of the light emitting units (LU) illustrated in FIGS. 26a and 26b may be ultraviolet light emitting diodes.

[0423] In one embodiment, the semiconductor chip (SC) may be comprised of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) that controls the overall operation of the optical sensor package (PKG).

[0424] In one embodiment, the light receiving unit (PU_2) may be formed of at least one light receiving diode that allows current to flow when receiving light (L') of a second wavelength different from light (L) of a first wavelength. For example, the light receiving unit (PU_2) illustrated in FIGS. 26A and 26B may be formed of an infrared light receiving diode capable of receiving infrared wavelengths (i.e., about 1000 nm to about 1020 nm).

[0425] Accordingly, the light emitted from the light emitting unit (LU) composed of an ultraviolet light emitting diode can be detected by the infrared light receiving diode of the light receiving unit (PU_2) when the identification material included in the cigarette (5) is a second light emitting material.

[0426] In one embodiment, the light-receiving unit (PU_2) may be disposed on the semiconductor chip (SC). In addition, the height (H1) from the first surface (S1) (or upper surface) of the package substrate (SUB) to the upper surface of the semiconductor chip (SC) may be higher than the height (H2) from the first surface (S1) (or upper surface) of the package substrate (SUB) to the upper surface of the light-emitting unit (LU).

[0427] As described above through FIGS. 24a to 24d, the optical sensor package (PKG) illustrated in FIGS. 26a and 26b also has a semiconductor chip (SC) with a partition function, so that the crosstalk phenomenon is prevented, and thus the sensing sensitivity of the optical sensor package (PKG) can be expected to be improved.

[0428] FIG. 27a is a plan view of an optical sensor package according to one embodiment, and FIG. 27b is a cross-sectional view of the optical sensor package taken along line IV-IV' of FIG. 27a.

[0429] The optical sensor package (PKG) illustrated in FIGS. 27a and 27b differs from the optical sensor package (PKG) illustrated in FIGS. 24a to 24d in that it further includes an additional light receiving unit (PU5), and the remaining configurations are substantially the same. Hereinafter, configurations with differences will be primarily described, and redundant descriptions of identical configurations will be omitted.

[0430] Referring to FIGS. 27a and 27b, in one embodiment, the light sensor package (PKG) may further include an additional light receiving portion (PU5), a third element (PE3), and a second conductive member (W2).

[0431] In one embodiment, a third element (PE3) may be formed on a first surface (S1) of a package substrate (SUB). The third element (PE3) may be connected to an additional light-receiving unit (PU5) formed of an infrared light-receiving diode.

[0432] For example, the third element (PE3) may be composed of two terminals, including a negative terminal and a positive terminal. An additional light-receiving element (PU5) may be directly coupled to either of the two terminals. A second conductive member (W2) may connect the additional light-receiving element (PU5) to the other of the two terminals.

[0433] In one embodiment, the third element (PE3) may be disposed on a first surface (S1) opposite the first element (PE1) with respect to the second element (PE2), and may be disposed on the first surface (S1) adjacent to the second element (PE2). In addition, the additional light-receiving unit (PU5) may be disposed on a first surface (S1) opposite the light-emitting unit (LU) with respect to the semiconductor chip (SC), and may be disposed on the first surface (S1) adjacent to the semiconductor chip (SC).

[0434] Since a semiconductor chip (SC) is placed between the additional light receiving unit (PU5) and the light emitting unit (LU), the semiconductor chip (SC) can have a barrier function.

[0435] One side of the cigarette (5) may include an identification material (10).

[0436] The identification material (10) can be excited by light irradiated by the light emitting unit (LU) and can emit light of a wavelength range different from the wavelength range of the irradiated light. For example, the identification material (10) can be excited by light of a first wavelength range irradiated from the light emitting unit (LU) and can emit light of a second wavelength range different from the first wavelength range.

[0437] For example, the identification material (10) may be a first light-emitting material that emits light in a second wavelength range of about 400 nm to about 750 nm when excited by light in a first wavelength range of about 350 nm to about 390 nm. Accordingly, the light-emitting unit (LU) can irradiate ultraviolet light of about 365 nm to the first light-emitting material, and the light-receiving unit (PU) can sense visible light of 700 nm (i.e., red light) emitted from the first light-emitting material.

[0438] For another example, the identification material (10) may be a second light-emitting material that emits light in a second wavelength range of about 1000 nm to about 1020 nm when excited by light in a first wavelength range of about 300 nm to about 340 nm. Accordingly, the light-emitting unit (LU) may irradiate ultraviolet light of about 325 nm to the second light-emitting material, and the light-receiving unit (PU) may sense infrared light of 1012 nm emitted from the second light-emitting material.

[0439] Accordingly, light emitted from the light emitting unit (LU) composed of an ultraviolet light emitting diode can be detected by the RGB detection sensors (PU1, PU2, PU3) of the light receiving unit (PU) when the identification material included in the cigarette (5) is the first light emitting material, and can be detected by the infrared light receiving diode of the additional light receiving unit (PU5) when the identification material is the second light emitting material.

[0440] FIG. 28a is a plan view of an optical sensor package according to one embodiment, and FIG. 28b is a cross-sectional view of the optical sensor package taken along line V-V' of FIG. 28a.

[0441] The optical sensor package (PKG) illustrated in FIGS. 28a and 28b includes a light emitting unit (LU) composed of an ultraviolet light emitting diode and a light emitting unit (LU_1) composed of an infrared light emitting diode, and is different from the optical sensor package (PKG) illustrated in FIGS. 27a and 27b, which includes only a light emitting unit (LU) composed of an ultraviolet light emitting diode, in that the package includes a light emitting unit (LU) composed of an ultraviolet light emitting diode, and the remaining configurations are substantially the same. Hereinafter, configurations having differences will be described, and redundant descriptions of identical configurations will be omitted.

[0442] The light sensor package (PKG) is configured such that light emitted from a light emitting unit (LU) composed of an ultraviolet light emitting diode can be detected by RGB detection sensors (PU1, PU2, PU3) of a light receiving unit (PU) when the identification material included in the cigarette (5) is a first light emitting material, and can be detected by an infrared light receiving diode of an additional light receiving unit (PU5) when the identification material is a second light emitting material.

[0443] In addition, the infrared light of the first wavelength emitted from the light emitting unit (LU_1) composed of an infrared light emitting diode can be excited into infrared light of the second wavelength and detected by the infrared light receiving diode of the additional light receiving unit (PU5) when the identification material included in the cigarette (5) is a third light emitting material. Meanwhile, the infrared light of the first wavelength emitted from the light emitting unit (LU_1) composed of an infrared light emitting diode can be detected as infrared light of the first wavelength by the infrared light receiving diode of the additional light receiving unit (PU5).

[0444] Since a semiconductor chip (SC) is placed between the additional light receiving unit (PU5) and the light emitting unit (LU, LU_1), the semiconductor chip (SC) can have a partition function.

[0445] FIG. 29a is a plan view of an optical sensor package according to one embodiment, and FIG. 29b is a cross-sectional view of the optical sensor package taken along line VI-VI' of FIG. 29a.

[0446] The optical sensor package (PKG) illustrated in FIGS. 29a and 29b is different from the optical sensor package (PKG) illustrated in FIGS. 28a and 28b in that it does not include an RGB detection sensor and only includes an additional light-receiving unit (PU5) composed of an infrared light-receiving diode, and includes a light-emitting unit (LU) that includes both an RGB detection sensor and an additional light-receiving unit (PU5) composed of an infrared light-receiving diode, but the remaining configurations are substantially the same. Hereinafter, configurations that have differences will be described, and redundant descriptions of identical configurations will be omitted.

[0447] The light sensor package (PKG) illustrated in FIGS. 29a and 29b can detect light emitted from a light emitting portion (LU) composed of an ultraviolet light emitting diode by an infrared light receiving diode of an additional light receiving portion (PU5) when the identification material included in the cigarette (5) is a second light emitting material.

[0448] In addition, the infrared light of the first wavelength emitted from the light emitting unit (LU_1) composed of an infrared light emitting diode can be excited into infrared light of the second wavelength and detected by the infrared light receiving diode of the additional light receiving unit (PU5) when the identification material included in the cigarette (5) is a third light emitting material. Meanwhile, the infrared light of the first wavelength emitted from the light emitting unit (LU_1) composed of an infrared light emitting diode can be detected as infrared light of the first wavelength by the infrared light receiving diode of the additional light receiving unit (PU5).

[0449] Since a semiconductor chip (SC) is placed between the additional light receiving unit (PU5) and the light emitting unit (LU, LU_1), the semiconductor chip (SC) can have a partition function.

[0450] FIG. 30A is a plan view of an optical sensor package according to one embodiment, and FIG. 30B is a cross-sectional view of the optical sensor package taken along line VII-VII' of FIG. 30A.

[0451] The optical sensor package (PKG) illustrated in FIGS. 30a and 30b differs from the optical sensor package (PKG) illustrated in FIGS. 24a to 24d, which includes a light receiving unit (PU) composed of an RGB detection sensor arranged on a semiconductor chip (SC), in that it does not include a semiconductor chip (SC) and includes a light receiving unit (PU) composed of an RGB detection sensor, but the remaining configurations are substantially the same. Hereinafter, configurations with differences will be mainly described, and redundant descriptions of identical configurations will be omitted.

[0452] Referring to FIGS. 30A and 30B, in one embodiment, a light sensor package (PKG) may include a light receiving portion (PU) configured as an RGB detection sensor, a fourth element (PE4), and a third conductive member (W3).

[0453] In one embodiment, the fourth element (PE4) may be formed on the first surface (S1) of the package substrate (SUB). The fourth element (PE4) may be connected to a light receiving unit (PU) comprising an RGB detection sensor. The RGB detection sensor may include a first photodiode (PU1) for detecting red light, a second photodiode (PU2) for detecting green light, and a third photodiode (PU3) for detecting blue light.

[0454] For example, the fourth element (PE4) may be configured with two terminals including a cathode terminal and an anode terminal. The first photodiode (PU1) may be directly coupled to either of the two terminals. The third conductive member (W3) may connect the first photodiode (PU1) to the other of the two terminals. The second photodiode (PU2) may be directly coupled to either of the two terminals. The third conductive member (W3) may connect the second photodiode (PU2) to the other of the two terminals. Similarly, the third photodiode (PU3) may be directly coupled to either of the two terminals. The third conductive member (W3) may connect the third photodiode (PU3) to the other of the two terminals.

[0455] Since the light receiving unit (PU) can only sense visible light, theoretically, the probability of crosstalk occurring due to light emitted from the light emitting unit (LU) composed of an ultraviolet light emitting element may not be large. Based on this, unlike the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 24a to 29b, this embodiment omits the semiconductor chip (SC) having a partition function. That is, the optical sensor package (PKG) illustrated in FIGS. 30a and 30b has advantages in terms of miniaturization and reduced production costs, but in reality, unless there is a physical shielding structure, there is a probability that the sensing sensitivity will deteriorate due to the introduction of various noises.

[0456] Conversely, by further forming a partition structure in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 24a to 29b, such as the optical sensor package (PKG) illustrated in FIGS. 31a to 32b described later, the possibility of crosstalk occurrence can be further reduced, thereby enhancing the improvement in sensing sensitivity.

[0457] Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, FIGS. 31a to 32b illustrate an embodiment in which a bulkhead structure is added to the optical sensor package (PKG) illustrated in FIGS. 24a to 24d. However, this is not limited thereto, and it goes without saying that a bulkhead structure can also be added to the optical sensor package (PKG) illustrated in FIGS. 25a to 30b.

[0458] Fig. 31a is a plan view of an optical sensor package according to one embodiment. Fig. 31b is a cross-sectional view of the optical sensor package taken along line VIII-VIII' of Fig. 31a.

[0459] The optical sensor package (PKG) illustrated in FIGS. 31a and 31b differs from the optical sensor package illustrated in FIGS. 24a to 24d, which does not include a partition wall (PTW), in that a partition wall (PTW) is arranged between a light emitting unit (LU) and a light receiving unit (PU) (or a semiconductor chip (SC)), but the remaining configurations are substantially the same. Hereinafter, configurations with differences will be described, and redundant descriptions of identical configurations will be omitted.

[0460] Referring to FIGS. 24a to 24d, FIGS. 31a and 31b, a partition wall (PTW) is positioned between the light emitting unit (LU) and the light receiving unit (PU) to prevent light output from the light emitting unit (LU) from entering the light receiving unit (PU).

[0461] It is preferable that the partition wall (PTW) be formed of a material having low light transmittance for the light emitted from the light emitting unit (LU) to reduce the incidence of light emitted from the light receiving unit (PU) on the light emitting unit (LU). For example, the partition wall (PTW) can be formed using a black epoxy molding compound (EMC).

[0462] In the past, when a separately manufactured partition wall member was bonded to a package substrate (SUB) using an adhesive resin or the like, there was a problem in that light from a light emitting portion (LU) leaked through the area where the adhesive resin was formed and entered the light receiving portion (PU). On the other hand, according to the manufacturing method of the optical sensor package (PKG) of the present invention, the partition wall (PTW) can be directly formed on the package substrate (SUB) using a transfer molding technique. In this way, the optical sensor package (PKG) of the present invention can effectively prevent light leakage caused by the adhesive resin by forming the partition wall (PTW) on the package substrate (SUB) without the adhesive resin.

[0463] In addition, since the partition wall (PTW) is bonded to the package substrate (SUB), it can be formed of a material having a similar thermal expansion coefficient to that of the package substrate (SUB). For example, the partition wall (PTW) can have a thermal expansion coefficient that is 0.8 to 1.2 times that of the package substrate (SUB). In this case, the bonding force between the package substrate (SUB) and the partition wall (PTW) increases, and the warpage of the partition wall (PTW) is reduced, so that the partition wall (PTW) can stably maintain a bonding state with the package substrate (SUB).

[0464] Although this partition wall (PTW) is located only between the light-receiving portion (PU) and the light-emitting portion (LU) as shown in FIGS. 31a and 31b, in an optical sensor package (PKG) according to another embodiment, the partition wall (PTW) may be additionally formed along the perimeter of the package substrate (SUB) in addition to between the light-receiving portion (PU) and the light-emitting portion (LU), as shown in FIGS. 32a and 32b.

[0465] The optical sensor package (PKG) may include a molding member (ENC) disposed on the upper surface of an exposed package substrate (SUB) portion, a light emitting portion (LU), a semiconductor chip (SC), and a light receiving portion (PU).

[0466] In one embodiment, the molding member (ENC) may be formed of a light-transmitting material. For example, the molding member (ENC) may be a transparent molding compound (CMC). The molding member (ENC) may guide light emitted from the light-emitting portion (LU) to be transmitted to the identification portion (ID) of the cigarette (5), which is the detection target of the light sensor package (PKG).

[0467] The upper surface of the bulkhead (PTW) is positioned on a plane with the upper surface of the molding member (ENC), and the remaining side surfaces of the bulkhead (PTW) except for the side surfaces facing the light-emitting unit (LU), the light-receiving unit (PU), and the semiconductor chip (SC) and the side surfaces of the molding member (ENC) can be positioned on a plane with each other.

[0468] Fig. 32a is a plan view of an optical sensor package according to one embodiment. Fig. 32b is a cross-sectional view of the optical sensor package taken along line VIIII-VIIII' of Fig. 32a.

[0469] The optical sensor package (PKG) illustrated in FIGS. 32a and 32b differs from the optical sensor package (PKG) illustrated in FIGS. 31a and 31b in that the partition wall (PTW) is arranged only between the light emitting portion (LU) and the light receiving portion (PU) (or the semiconductor chip (SC)) in that it includes a second partition wall portion extending along the edge of the package substrate in the first plane direction (e.g., the plane in the +Z direction), and the remaining configurations are substantially the same. Hereinafter, configurations having differences will be described, and redundant descriptions of identical configurations will be omitted.

[0470] Referring to FIGS. 32a and 32b, the optical sensor package (PKG) may include a first partition wall (PTW1) disposed between a light emitting portion (LU) and a light receiving portion (PU) (or, a semiconductor chip (SC)) and a second partition wall (PTW2) extending in the direction of the first surface (S1) (e.g., the surface in the +Z direction) along the edge of the package substrate (SUB).

[0471] It is preferable that the partition wall (PTW) be formed of a material having low light transmittance for the light emitted from the light emitting unit (LU) to reduce the incidence of light emitted from the light receiving unit (PU) on the light emitting unit (LU). For example, the partition wall (PTW) can be formed using a black epoxy molding compound (EMC).

[0472] The optical sensor package (PKG) may include a molding member (ENC) including a first molding member (ENC1) disposed on the upper surface of a portion of an exposed package substrate (SUB) and a light emitting portion (LU), and a second molding member (ENC2) disposed on the upper surface of another portion of the exposed package substrate (SUB) and a light receiving portion (PU) and a semiconductor chip (SC).

[0473] In one embodiment, the molding member (ENC) may be formed of a light-transmitting material. For example, the molding member (ENC) may be a transparent molding compound (CMC). The molding member (ENC) may guide light emitted from the light-emitting portion (LU) to be transmitted to the identification portion (ID) of the cigarette (5), which is the detection target of the light sensor package (PKG).

[0474] The inner surface of the partition wall (PTW) in contact with the first molding portion (ENC1) may have a first inclined surface (CL1) that forms an obtuse angle with the first surface (S1) (or upper surface) of the package substrate (SUB).

[0475] A reflective material may be placed on the inclined surface. The reflective material may reflect light emitted from the light emitting unit (LU) and evenly spread it. For example, the reflective material may include at least one material selected from the group consisting of glass, quartz, ceramic, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate, silicone resin, and plastics such as white epoxy molding compound (WEMC), polyphthalamide (PPA), and polycyclohexylene dimethylene-eterephthalate (PCT).

[0476] Additionally, the inner surface of the partition wall (PTW) in contact with the second molding portion (ENC2) may have a second inclined surface (CL2) that forms an obtuse angle with the first surface (S1) (or upper surface) of the package substrate (SUB).

[0477] FIG. 33a is a plan view of an optical sensor package including a temperature sensor unit according to one embodiment, and FIG. 33b is a cross-sectional view of the optical sensor package taken along line X-X' of FIG. 33a.

[0478] Referring to FIGS. 24a, 33a, and 33b, an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment may include a cigarette (5) and an aerosol generating device (1) including an identification unit (ID) that emits light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength when excited by light of a first wavelength.

[0479] An aerosol generating device (1) may include a main body (100) including a cavity (100a) into which a cigarette (5) is inserted, an optical sensor package (PKG) disposed around the cavity (100a) and detecting an identification unit (ID), and a control unit (110) that identifies whether the cigarette (5) is counterfeit and the type of the cigarette (5) based on a sensing value detected by the optical sensor package (PKG). In this case, the aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIG. 24a may correspond to the aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. Hereinafter, overlapping descriptions will be omitted.

[0480] An optical sensor package (PKG) according to one embodiment may include a package substrate (SUB), a light emitting portion (LU), a semiconductor chip (SC), a light receiving portion (PU), a temperature sensor portion (TS), and a molding member (ENC).

[0481] In one embodiment, the first side (S1) may be a side of the optical sensor package (PKG) facing the identification portion (ID) of the cigarette (5). The substrate terminal (TE) may be electrically and / or physically connected to the aerosol generating device (1) on which the optical sensor package (PKG) of the present invention is mounted.

[0482] The identification unit (ID) may include an identification material. The identification material may be excited by absorption of light within a predetermined wavelength range, and in this case, "excitation of the material" may mean that the state of the material changes from a ground state to an excited state. Thereafter, during the process of the state of the identification material changing from an excited state to a ground state, light within a predetermined wavelength range may be emitted from the luminescent material.

[0483] In one embodiment, the identification material can be excited by light irradiated by the light emitting unit (LU) and emit light in a wavelength range different from the wavelength range of the irradiated light. For example, the identification material can be excited by light in a first wavelength range irradiated by the light emitting unit (LU) and emit light in a second wavelength range different from the first wavelength range.

[0484] For example, the identification material may be a first light-emitting material that emits light in a second wavelength range of about 400 nm to about 750 nm when excited by light in a first wavelength range of about 350 nm to about 390 nm. Accordingly, the light-emitting unit (LU) can irradiate ultraviolet light of about 365 nm to the first light-emitting material, and the light-receiving unit (PU) can sense visible light of 700 nm (i.e., red light) emitted from the first light-emitting material.

[0485] For another example, the identification material may be a second light-emitting material that emits light in a second wavelength range of about 1000 nm to about 1020 nm upon being excited by light in a first wavelength range of about 300 nm to about 340 nm. Accordingly, the light-emitting unit (LU) can irradiate ultraviolet light of about 325 nm to the second light-emitting material, and the light-receiving unit (PU_1) can sense infrared light of 1012 nm emitted from the second light-emitting material.

[0486] In one embodiment, the semiconductor chip (SC) may be comprised of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) that controls the overall operation of the optical sensor package (PKG).

[0487] In one embodiment, the light receiving unit (PU_1) may be formed of at least one light receiving diode that allows current to flow when receiving light (L') of a second wavelength that is different from light (L) of a first wavelength. For example, the light receiving unit (PU_1) illustrated in FIGS. 33A and 33B may be an RGB detection sensor. The RGB detection sensor may include a first photodiode (PU1) that detects red light, a second photodiode (PU2) that detects green light, and a third photodiode (PU3) that detects blue light. In addition, the light receiving unit (PU_1) may further include an infrared light receiving diode (PU4) that can receive infrared wavelengths (i.e., about 1000 nm to about 1020 nm).

[0488] Accordingly, light emitted from the light emitting unit (LU) composed of an ultraviolet light emitting diode can be detected by the RGB detection sensor (e.g., PU1, PU2, PU3) of the light receiving unit (PU_1) when the identification material included in the cigarette (5) is the first light emitting material, and can be detected by the infrared light receiving diode (PU4) of the light receiving unit (PU_1) when the identification material is the second light emitting material.

[0489] In addition, the infrared light of the first wavelength emitted from the light emitting unit (LU_1) composed of an infrared light emitting diode can be excited into infrared light of the second wavelength and detected by the infrared receiving diode (PU4) of the light receiving unit (PU_1) when the identification material included in the cigarette (5) is the third light emitting material.

[0490] In one embodiment, a temperature sensor unit (TS) may be disposed on a package substrate (SUB). A solder ball (SD) may electrically connect a fifth element (PE5) and the temperature sensor unit (TS). For example, the fifth element (PE5) may be configured with a plurality of terminals corresponding to pad electrodes formed on a back surface of the temperature sensor unit (TS). The temperature sensor unit (TS) may be coupled to the fifth element (PE5) by disposing the solder ball (SD) between the pad electrodes of the temperature sensor unit (TS) and the plurality of electrodes of the fifth element (PE5) and through a reflow process.

[0491] For example, the temperature sensor unit (TS) may be composed of an infrared temperature sensor (TS_I). The temperature sensor unit (TS) may include a case (TS_C) having an upper portion opened, an infrared temperature sensor (TS_I) mounted inside the case (TS_C), a thermistor (TS_T), and an infrared transmitting window (TS_F) installed on the open upper portion of the case (TS_C).

[0492] An infrared transmitting window (TS_F) may be provided on top of an infrared temperature sensor (TS_I), for example, including an infrared filter and a lens. The infrared transmitting window (TS_F) may transmit infrared light and provide it to the infrared temperature sensor (TS_I).

[0493] Accordingly, the temperature sensor unit (TS) selects infrared light of a specific band incident through the infrared transmitting window (TS_F) and provides it to the infrared temperature sensor (TS_I), and converts it into an electrical signal in the thermistor (TS_T), thereby measuring the ambient temperature of the cavity (100a).

[0494] As the heater (140) of the aerosol generating device (1) operates, the ambient temperature of the cavity (100a) may rise. Since the light-emitting element (e.g., light-emitting diode) of the light-emitting unit (LU) changes in its characteristics due to heat, when the temperature of the heater (140) rises, the light-emitting amount of the light-emitting unit (LU) may decrease, and the detection capability of the optical sensor package (PKG) may deteriorate. Therefore, in order to prevent the light-emitting amount of the light-emitting unit (LU) from decreasing as the temperature of the heater (140) rises, the aerosol generating device (1) may correct the light-emitting amount of the light-emitting unit (LU).

[0495] For example, when the ambient temperature of the cavity (100a) rises, the light emission amount of the light emitting unit (LU) may decrease. In this case, the semiconductor chip (SC) can correct the light emission amount of the light emitting unit (LU) based on the difference between the measured temperature and the upper limit of the reference temperature range when the measured temperature of the temperature sensor unit (TS) fluctuates beyond the preset reference temperature range. As the light emission amount of the light emitting unit (LU) is corrected, a decrease in the detection power of the light sensor package (PKG) can be prevented. That is, the aerosol generating device (1) can compensate for the detection value of the light sensor package (PKG) by increasing the light emission amount of the light emitting element of the light emitting unit (LU) that decreases as the temperature of the heater (140) rises.

[0496] The semiconductor chip (SC) can control the duty cycle through pulse width modulation of the light emitting unit (LU) based on the offset value. The memory (130) can include a lookup table that corresponds to an offset value for correcting the light emission amount of the light emitting unit (LU) according to the difference between the measured temperature and the upper limit of the reference temperature range. For example, as the ambient temperature of the cavity (100a) increases, the difference between the measured temperature and the upper limit of the reference temperature range increases, and thus the offset value can also increase.

[0497] The control unit (110) can determine whether the cigarette (5) is counterfeit and the type of the cigarette (5) based on the sensing value detected by the optical sensor package (PKG).

[0498] In one embodiment, a molding member (ENC) may be disposed on a first surface (S1) of a package substrate (SUB). The molding member (ENC) may protect the first surface (S1) of the package substrate (SUB) and other components mounted on the first surface (S1), such as a light emitting unit (LU), a semiconductor chip (SC), a temperature sensor unit (TS), and a light receiving unit (PU). The molding member (ENC) may be made of a non-conductive material. The molding member (ENC) may reduce or prevent electrical short-circuiting or unnecessary short-circuiting of the first surface (S1) of the package substrate (SUB) and other components mounted on the first surface (S1).

[0499] In one embodiment, the molding member (ENC) can be formed to surround the light emitting portion (LU), the semiconductor chip (SC), the temperature sensor portion (TS), and the light receiving portion (PU) on the first surface (S1) of the package substrate (SUB).

[0500] Fig. 34 is a flowchart for explaining a luminous amount compensation operation method of an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment.

[0501] Referring to FIG. 24a and FIGS. 33a to 34, an operating method of an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment may include a step (S10) of inserting a cigarette (5) into a cavity (100a) of an aerosol generating device (1), a step (S20) of measuring an ambient temperature of the cavity (100a) using a temperature sensor unit (TS) included in a light sensor package (PKG), and a step (S30) of determining whether to correct the light emission amount of a light emitting unit (LU) included in the light sensor package (PKG) based on the measured ambient temperature of the cavity (100a).

[0502] Specifically, in step S10, the cigarette (5) may include an identification unit (ID) that emits light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength when excited by light of a first wavelength. The identification unit (ID) includes an identification material, and the identification material may emit any one of red visible light, green visible light, blue visible light, and yellow visible light when excited by ultraviolet light. For example, the identification material may include an organic material, and the organic material may include one or more organic materials selected from the group consisting of a quinazolinone-based compound, a thiophene-based compound, a sulfobenzoic acid-based compound, and a naphthyridine-based compound.

[0503] In step S20, the temperature sensor unit (TS) may be configured with an infrared temperature sensor (TS_I). The temperature sensor unit (TS) may include a case (TS_C) having an upper portion opened, an infrared temperature sensor (TS_I) mounted inside the case (TS_C), a thermistor (TS_T), and an infrared transmitting window (TS_F) installed on the open upper portion of the case (TS_C).

[0504] An infrared transmitting window (TS_F) may be provided on top of an infrared temperature sensor (TS_I), for example, including an infrared filter and a lens. The infrared transmitting window (TS_F) may transmit infrared light and provide it to the infrared temperature sensor (TS_I).

[0505] Accordingly, the temperature sensor unit (TS) selects infrared light of a specific band incident through the infrared transmitting window (TS_F) and provides it to the infrared temperature sensor (TS_I), and converts it into an electrical signal in the thermistor (TS_T), thereby measuring the ambient temperature of the cavity (100a).

[0506] As the heater (140) of the aerosol generating device (1) operates, the ambient temperature of the cavity (100a) may rise. Since the light-emitting element (e.g., light-emitting diode) of the light-emitting unit (LU) has its characteristics changed due to heat, when the temperature of the heater (140) rises, the amount of light emitted by the light-emitting unit (LU) may decrease, and the detection capability of the light sensor package (PKG) may deteriorate.

[0507] At step S30, the semiconductor chip (SC) may determine to correct the light emission amount of the light emitting unit if the ambient temperature of the cavity (100a) measured by the temperature sensor unit (TS) is higher than the upper limit of a preset reference temperature range. At this time, the reference temperature range may be preset experimentally and statistically.

[0508] The semiconductor chip (SC) can compensate for the light emission amount of the light emitting unit (LU) based on the difference between the measured temperature and the upper limit of the reference temperature range when the measured temperature of the temperature sensor unit (TS) fluctuates beyond a preset reference temperature range. As the light emission amount of the light emitting unit (LU) is compensated, a decrease in the detection power of the light sensor package (PKG) can be prevented. That is, the aerosol generating device (1) can compensate for the detection value of the light sensor package (PKG) by increasing the light emission amount of the light emitting element of the light emitting unit (LU) that decreases as the temperature of the heater (140) rises.

[0509] The semiconductor chip (SC) can control the duty cycle through pulse width modulation of the light emitting unit (LU) based on the offset value. The memory (130) can include a lookup table that corresponds to an offset value for correcting the light emission amount of the light emitting unit (LU) according to the difference between the measured temperature and the upper limit of the reference temperature range. For example, as the ambient temperature of the cavity (100a) increases, the difference between the measured temperature and the upper limit of the reference temperature range increases, and thus the offset value can also increase.

[0510] Meanwhile, since the aerosol generating device (1) is classified as a small electronic product, the mounting space for various electronic components is limited, and the space for mounting the battery (120) may also be limited. Accordingly, a method for efficiently utilizing the limited capacity of the battery (120) is required.

[0511] The sensor unit (150) (or, optical sensor package (PKG)) described above with reference to FIGS. 24a to 33b includes a light emitting unit (LU) and, in order to identify an identification unit (ID) that emits light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength when excited by light of a first wavelength, includes a light emitting diode that commonly emits ultraviolet light. However, ultraviolet light belongs to light with a very short wavelength, and more power consumption is required for the light emitting unit (LU) to generate such light than when generating visible light or infrared light. Therefore, in terms of power consumption reduction, a method for minimizing the operation of the light emitting unit (LU) that emits ultraviolet light will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 35a to 36.

[0512] FIG. 35a is a plan view of an optical sensor package including a light emitting portion emitting visible light according to one embodiment, and FIG. 35b is a cross-sectional view of the optical sensor package taken along line XI-XI' of FIG. 35a.

[0513] Referring to FIGS. 24A, 35A, and 35B, an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment may include a cigarette (5) and an aerosol generating device (1) including an identification unit (ID) that emits light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength when excited by light of a first wavelength.

[0514] An aerosol generating device (1) may include a main body (100) including a cavity (100a) into which a cigarette (5) is inserted, an optical sensor package (PKG) disposed around the cavity (100a) and detecting an identification unit (ID), and a control unit (110) that identifies whether the cigarette (5) is counterfeit and the type of the cigarette (5) based on a sensing value detected by the optical sensor package (PKG). In this case, the aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIG. 24a may correspond to the aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. Hereinafter, overlapping descriptions will be omitted.

[0515] According to one embodiment, a light sensor package (PKG) may include a package substrate (SUB), a light emitting portion (LU, LU_2), a semiconductor chip (SC), a light receiving portion (PU), and a molding member (ENC). In this case, the light sensor package (PKG) may further include a light emitting portion (LU_2) that emits visible light or ultraviolet light, in addition to the light emitting portion (LU) that emits ultraviolet light.

[0516] In one embodiment, the first side (S1) may be a side of the optical sensor package (PKG) facing the identification portion (ID) of the cigarette (5). The substrate terminal (TE) may be electrically and / or physically connected to the aerosol generating device (1) on which the optical sensor package (PKG) of the present invention is mounted.

[0517] Referring to FIG. 20, the identification portion (ID4) can be formed such that a band pattern (BP) including a first identification material and a grid pattern (GP) including a second identification material overlap in the thickness direction.

[0518] The first identification material may include a visible light reflective material when the light emitting unit (LU_2) is composed of a white light emitting diode. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and when the light emitting unit (LU_2) is composed of an infrared light emitting diode, the first identification material may also include an infrared reflective material.

[0519] The second identification unit may include a second identification material that emits light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength when excited by light of the first wavelength.

[0520] The second identification material may be excited by absorbing light of a predetermined wavelength range, and in this case, "the material being excited" may mean that the state of the material changes from a ground state to an excited state. Thereafter, during the process of the second identification material changing from an excited state to a ground state, light of a predetermined wavelength range may be emitted from the luminescent material.

[0521] In one embodiment, the second identification material can be excited by light irradiated by the light emitting unit (LU) and can emit light in a wavelength range different from the wavelength range of the irradiated light. For example, the second identification material can be excited by light in a first wavelength range irradiated by the light emitting unit (LU) and can emit light in a second wavelength range different from the first wavelength range.

[0522] For example, the second identification material may be a first light-emitting material that emits light in a second wavelength range of about 400 nm to about 750 nm when excited by light in a first wavelength range of about 350 nm to about 390 nm. Accordingly, the light-emitting unit (LU) can irradiate ultraviolet light of about 365 nm to the first light-emitting material, and the light-receiving unit (PU) can sense visible light of 700 nm (i.e., red light) emitted from the first light-emitting material.

[0523] For another example, the second identification material may be a second light-emitting material that emits light in a second wavelength range of about 1000 nm to about 1020 nm when excited by light in a first wavelength range of about 300 nm to about 340 nm. Accordingly, the light-emitting unit (LU) may irradiate ultraviolet light of about 325 nm to the second light-emitting material, and the light-receiving unit (PU_1) may sense infrared light of 1012 nm emitted from the second light-emitting material.

[0524] In one embodiment, the semiconductor chip (SC) may be comprised of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) that controls the overall operation of the optical sensor package (PKG).

[0525] In one embodiment, the light receiving unit (PU_1) may be formed of at least one light receiving diode that allows current to flow when receiving light (L') of a second wavelength that is different from light (L) of a first wavelength. For example, the light receiving unit (PU_1) illustrated in FIGS. 35A and 35B may be an RGB detection sensor. The RGB detection sensor may include a first photodiode (PU1) that detects red light, a second photodiode (PU2) that detects green light, and a third photodiode (PU3) that detects blue light. In addition, the light receiving unit (PU_1) may further include an infrared light receiving diode (PU4) that can receive infrared wavelengths (i.e., about 1000 nm to about 1020 nm).

[0526] Accordingly, light emitted from the light emitting unit (LU) composed of an ultraviolet light emitting diode can be detected by the RGB detection sensor (e.g., PU1, PU2, PU3) of the light receiving unit (PU_1) when the second identification material included in the cigarette (5) is the first light emitting material, and can be detected by the infrared light receiving diode (PU4) of the light receiving unit (PU_1) when the second identification material is the second light emitting material.

[0527] Additionally, white light emitted from the light-emitting unit (LU_2) composed of a white light-emitting diode can be detected by the RGB detection sensor (PU1, PU2, PU3) of the light-receiving unit (PU_1) when the first identification material included in the cigarette (5) is a visible light reflective material.

[0528] Meanwhile, the light emitting unit (LU_2) may be composed of an infrared light emitting diode. Infrared light may be reflected and detected as is by the infrared receiving diode (PU4) of the light receiving unit (PU_1) if the second identification material included in the cigarette (5) is an infrared reflective material.

[0529] In one embodiment, a molding member (ENC) may be disposed on a first surface (S1) of a package substrate (SUB). The molding member (ENC) may protect the first surface (S1) of the package substrate (SUB) and other components mounted on the first surface (S1), such as light-emitting units (LU, LU_2), a semiconductor chip (SC), and a light-receiving unit (PU). The molding member (ENC) may be made of a non-conductive material. The molding member (ENC) may reduce or prevent electrical short-circuiting or unnecessary short-circuiting of the first surface (S1) of the package substrate (SUB) and other components mounted on the first surface (S1).

[0530] In one embodiment, the molding member (ENC) can be formed to surround the light emitting portion (LU, LU_2), the semiconductor chip (SC), and the light receiving portion (PU) on the first surface (S1) of the package substrate (SUB).

[0531] Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, a combination of a light-emitting unit (LU_2) and a light-receiving unit (PU_1) composed of a white light-emitting diode (or an infrared light-emitting diode) is defined as a first sensor unit, and a combination of a light-emitting unit (LU) and a light-receiving unit (PU_1) composed of the above-described ultraviolet light-emitting diode is defined as a second sensor unit. According to one embodiment, the first sensor unit can detect whether a cigarette (5) has been inserted into a cavity (100a) by repeating an ON state and an OFF state at a preset cycle. For example, when visible light (or infrared light) emitted by the light-emitting unit (LU_1) is reflected by a strip pattern (BP) including a first identification material and received by the light-receiving unit (PU_1), the control unit (110) can determine that a cigarette (5) has been inserted into the cavity (100a), switch the operation of the first sensor unit to an OFF state, and switch the operation of the second sensor unit to an ON state.

[0532] After this, the second sensor unit can identify whether the cigarette (5) is counterfeit and the type of the cigarette (5). For example, when ultraviolet light emitted by the light emitting unit (LU) is excited by the grid pattern (GP) including the second identification material and converted into visible light and received by the light receiving unit (PU_1), the control unit (110) can compare the color information of the second identification material detected by the second sensor unit with the color information previously stored in the memory (130) to determine the type of cigarette inserted into the cavity (100a).

[0533] When the second identification material detection event ends, the control unit (110) can switch the operation of the second sensor unit to the OFF state.

[0534] Next, the control unit (110) can operate the first sensor unit to repeat the ON state and OFF state at a preset cycle. Through the detection operation of the first sensor unit, the movement state of the cigarette (5) can be detected. For example, the control unit (110) can determine that the cigarette (5) has moved within the cavity (100a) when the amount of visible light (or infrared light) reflected by the band pattern (BP) is detected to be below a preset threshold value using the first sensor unit. At this time, the state in which the cigarette (5) has moved may mean a state in which the cigarette (5) is difficult to sufficiently heat by the heater (140) and thus cannot provide a sufficient smoking sensation to the user of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0535] The control unit (110) can perform a smart off operation to stop the operation of the heater (140) when it is determined that the cigarette (5) has moved within the cavity (100a).

[0536] Fig. 36 is a flowchart for explaining the power consumption reduction operation of an aerosol generation system according to one embodiment.

[0537] Referring to FIGS. 24a, 35a, and 36, an operating method of an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment may include a step (S11) of inserting a cigarette (5) into a cavity (100a) of an aerosol generating device (1), a step (S21) of determining whether the cigarette (5) is inserted into the cavity (100a) based on a sensing value for a first identification portion (e.g., a band pattern (BP) of FIG. 20) detected by a first sensor portion included in an optical sensor package (PKG) arranged around the cavity (100a), and a step (S31) of determining the type of the cigarette (5) based on a sensing value for a second identification portion (e.g., a grid pattern (GP) of FIG. 20) detected by a second sensor portion included in the optical sensor package (PKG) when it is determined that the cigarette (5) is inserted into the cavity (100a).

[0538] Specifically, in step S11, referring to FIG. 20, the identification portion (ID4) may be formed such that a band pattern (BP) including a first identification material and a grid pattern (GP) including a second identification material overlap in the thickness direction. The first identification material may include a visible light reflective material when the light emitting portion (LU_2) is configured as a white light emitting diode. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and when the light emitting portion (LU_2) is configured as an infrared light emitting diode, the first identification material may include an infrared reflective material.

[0539] The second identification unit may include a second identification material that emits light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength when excited by light of the first wavelength. The second identification material may emit any one of red visible light, green visible light, blue visible light, and yellow visible light when excited by ultraviolet light. For example, the second identification material may include an organic material, and the organic material may include at least one organic material selected from the group consisting of a quinazolinone-based compound, a thiophene-based compound, a sulfobenzoic acid-based compound, and a naphthyridine-based compound.

[0540] In step S21, the first sensor unit can detect whether the cigarette (5) is inserted into the cavity (100a) by repeating the ON and OFF states in a preset cycle. For example, when visible light (or infrared light) emitted by the light emitting unit (LU_1) is reflected by the band pattern (BP) including the first identification material and received by the light receiving unit (PU_1), the control unit (110) can determine that the cigarette (5) is inserted into the cavity (100a), switch the operation of the first sensor unit to the OFF state, and switch the operation of the second sensor unit to the ON state.

[0541] In step S31, the second sensor unit can identify whether the cigarette (5) is counterfeit and the type of the cigarette (5). For example, when ultraviolet light emitted by the light emitting unit (LU) is excited by the grid pattern (GP) including the second identification material and converted into visible light and received by the light receiving unit (PU_1), the control unit (110) can compare the color information of the second identification material detected by the second sensor unit with the color information previously stored in the memory (130) to determine the type of cigarette inserted into the cavity (100a).

[0542] When the second identification material detection event ends, the control unit (110) can switch the operation of the second sensor unit to the OFF state.

[0543] The method of operating an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment may further include a step of stopping the operation of the heater (140) when, after power supply to the heater (140) is initiated, detection of the first identification unit is impossible by the first sensor unit.

[0544] The control unit (110) can operate the first sensor unit to repeat the ON state and OFF state at a preset cycle. Through the detection operation of the first sensor unit, the movement state of the cigarette (5) can be detected. For example, the control unit (110) can determine that the cigarette (5) has moved within the cavity (100a) when the amount of visible light (or infrared light) reflected by the band pattern (BP) is detected to be below a preset threshold value using the first sensor unit. At this time, the state in which the cigarette (5) has moved may mean a state in which the cigarette (5) is difficult to sufficiently heat by the heater (140) and thus cannot provide a sufficient smoking sensation to the user of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0545] The control unit (110) can perform a smart off operation to stop the operation of the heater (140) when it is determined that the cigarette (5) has moved within the cavity (100a).

[0546] Fig. 37 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0547] The aerosol generating device (1000) may include a power source (1100), a control unit (1200), a sensor (1300), an output unit (1400), an input unit (1500), a communication unit (1600), a memory (1700), and at least one heater (e.g., 1800, 2400). However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device (1000) is not limited to that illustrated in FIG. 37. That is, a person skilled in the art related to the present embodiment will understand that, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (1000), some of the components illustrated in FIG. 37 may be omitted or new components may be added.

[0548] The sensor (1300) can detect the status of the aerosol generating device (1000) or the status around the aerosol generating device (1000) and transmit the detected information to the control unit (1200). Based on the detected information, the control unit (1200) can control the aerosol generating device (1000) to perform various functions, such as controlling the operation of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800), restricting smoking, determining whether an aerosol generating product and / or cartridge is inserted, and displaying a notification.

[0549] The sensor (1300) may include at least one of a temperature sensor (1310), a puff sensor (1320), an insertion detection sensor (1330), a reuse detection sensor (1340), a cartridge detection sensor (1350), a cap detection sensor (1360), and a motion detection sensor (1370).

[0550] The temperature sensor (1310) can detect the temperature at which the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) is heated. The aerosol generating device (1000) may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800), or the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) itself may serve as the temperature sensor.

[0551] The temperature sensor (1310) can output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800). For example, the temperature sensor (1310) can include a resistance element whose resistance value changes in response to a temperature change of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800). It can be implemented by a thermistor, which is an element that utilizes the property of changing resistance depending on temperature. In this case, the temperature sensor (1310) can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistance element as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800). For example, the temperature sensor (1310) can be configured as a sensor that detects the resistance value of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800). At this time, the temperature sensor (1310) can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or heater (1800) as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or heater (1800).

[0552] A temperature sensor (1310) may be placed around the power source (1100) to monitor the temperature of the power source (1100). The temperature sensor (1310) may be placed adjacent to the power source (1100). For example, the temperature sensor (1310) may be attached to one side of a battery, which is the power source (1100). For example, the temperature sensor (1310) may be mounted on one side of a printed circuit board.

[0553] A temperature sensor (1310) is placed inside the main body of the aerosol generating device and can detect the internal temperature of the main body of the aerosol generating device.

[0554] The puff sensor (1320) can detect a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow path. The puff sensor (1320) can output a signal corresponding to the puff. For example, the puff sensor (1320) can be a pressure sensor. The puff sensor (1320) can output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device (1000) can correspond to the pressure of the airflow path through which the gas flows. The puff sensor (1320) can be arranged in correspondence to the airflow path through which the gas flows in the aerosol generating device (1000).

[0555] The insertion detection sensor (1330) can detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. The insertion detection sensor (1330) can detect a signal change according to the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article. The insertion detection sensor (1330) can be installed around the insertion space. The insertion detection sensor (1330) can detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article according to a change in the permittivity within the insertion space. For example, the insertion detection sensor (1330) can be an inductive sensor and / or a capacitance sensor.

[0556] An inductive sensor may include at least one coil. The coil of the inductive sensor may be positioned adjacent to an insertion space. For example, when a magnetic field changes around a current-flowing coil, the characteristics of the current flowing in the coil may change according to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. Here, the characteristics of the current flowing in the coil may include the frequency of the alternating current, the current value, the voltage value, the inductance value, the impedance value, etc.

[0557] An inductive sensor can output a signal corresponding to the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil. For example, an inductive sensor can output a signal corresponding to the inductance value of the coil.

[0558] A capacitance sensor may include a conductor. The conductor of the capacitance sensor may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. The capacitance sensor may output a signal corresponding to the electromagnetic properties of the surroundings, for example, the electrostatic capacitance around the conductor. For example, when an aerosol-generating article including a metallic wrapper is inserted into the insertion space, the electromagnetic properties around the conductor may be changed by the wrapper of the aerosol-generating article.

[0559] A reuse detection sensor (1340) can detect whether an aerosol-generating article has been reused. The reuse detection sensor (1340) may be a color sensor. The color sensor can detect the color of the aerosol-generating article. The color sensor can detect the color of a portion of a wrapper that wraps the outside of the aerosol-generating article. The color sensor can detect a value for an optical characteristic corresponding to the color of the object based on light reflected from the object. For example, the optical characteristic may be a wavelength of light. The color sensor may be implemented as a single component with the proximity sensor, or may be implemented as a separate component distinct from the proximity sensor.

[0560] At least some of the wrappers constituting the aerosol-generating article may change color due to the aerosol. The reuse detection sensor (1340) may be positioned in response to a position where at least some of the wrappers that change color due to the aerosol are disposed when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the insertion space. For example, before the aerosol-generating article is used by a user, the color of at least some of the wrappers may be a first color. At this time, as at least some of the wrappers are wetted by the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device (1000) while passing through the aerosol-generating article, the color of at least some of the wrappers may change to a second color. Meanwhile, the color of at least some of the wrappers may be maintained at the second color after changing from the first color to the second color.

[0561] The cartridge detection sensor (1350) can detect the mounting and / or removal of a cartridge. The cartridge detection sensor (1350) can be implemented using an inductance-based sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistance sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC) using the Hall effect, etc.

[0562] The cap detection sensor (1360) can detect the attachment and / or removal of the cap. If the cap is separated from the aerosol generating device body, a portion of the cartridge and the aerosol generating device body covered by the cap may be exposed to the outside. The cap detection sensor (1360) can be implemented by a contact sensor, a hall sensor (hall IC), an optical sensor, or the like.

[0563] A motion detection sensor (1370) can detect the movement of an aerosol generating device. The motion detection sensor (1370) can be implemented with at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

[0564] In addition to the sensors (1310 to 1370) described above, the sensor (1300) may further include at least one of a humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (GPS), and a proximity sensor. Since the functions of each sensor can be intuitively inferred from its name by a person skilled in the art, a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0565] The output unit (1400) can output information about the status of the aerosol generating device (1000) and provide it to the user. The output unit (1400) may include at least one of a display (1410), a haptic unit (1420), and an audio output unit (1430), but is not limited thereto. When the display (1410) and the touch pad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display (1410) can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0566] The display (1410) can visually provide information about the aerosol generating device (1000) to the user. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device (1000) can mean various information such as the charging / discharging status of the power supply (1100) of the aerosol generating device (1000), the preheating status of the heater (1800), the insertion / removal status of the aerosol generating product and / or cartridge, the mounting / removal status of the cap, or the status in which the use of the aerosol generating device (1000) is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal product), and the display (1410) can output the above information to the outside. For example, the display (1410) can be in the form of an LED light-emitting element. For example, the display (1410) can be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), etc.

[0567] The haptic unit (1420) can provide tactile information about the aerosol generating device (1000) to the user by converting an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus or an electrical stimulus. For example, the haptic unit (1420) can generate a vibration corresponding to the completion of the initial preheating when the initial power is supplied to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) for a set period of time. The haptic unit (1420) can include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0568] The acoustic output unit (1430) can provide information about the aerosol generating device (1000) to the user audibly. For example, the acoustic output unit (1430) can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0569] The power source (1100) can supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device (1000). The power source (1100) can supply power so that the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) can be heated. In addition, the power source (1100) can supply power required for the operation of other components provided in the aerosol generating device (1000), such as a sensor (1300), an output unit (1400), an input unit (1500), a communication unit (1600), and a memory (1700). The power source (1100) can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power source (1100) can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0570] Although not shown in FIG. 37, the aerosol generating device (1000) may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit may be electrically connected to the power source (1100) and include a switching element.

[0571] The power protection circuit can block the power supply (1100) according to certain conditions. For example, the power protection circuit can block the power supply (1100) when the voltage level of the power supply (1100) is higher than a first voltage corresponding to overcharge. For example, the power protection circuit can block the power supply (1100) when the voltage level of the power supply (1100) is lower than a second voltage corresponding to overdischarge.

[0572] The heater (1800) can receive power from the power source (1100) to heat the medium or aerosol generating material within the aerosol generating article. Although not illustrated in FIG. 37, the aerosol generating device (1000) may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the power source (1100) and supplies it to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800). In addition, when the aerosol generating device (1000) generates the aerosol by induction heating, the aerosol generating device (1000) may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the direct current power of the power source (1100) into alternating current power.

[0573] The control unit (1200), sensor (1300), output unit (1400), input unit (1500), communication unit (1600), and memory (1700) may receive power from the power source (1100) to perform their functions. Although not illustrated in FIG. 37, the device may further include a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power of the power source (1100) and supplies it to each component. In addition, although not illustrated in FIG. 37, a noise filter may be provided between the power source (1100) and the heater (1800). The noise filter may be a low pass filter. The low pass filter may include at least one inductor and a capacitor. The cutoff frequency of the low pass filter may correspond to the frequency of the high-frequency switching current applied from the power source (1100) to the heater (1800). By using a low-pass filter, high-frequency noise components can be prevented from being applied to a sensor (1300), such as an insertion detection sensor (1330).

[0574] In one embodiment, the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) 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. Furthermore, the heater (1800) 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.

[0575] In another embodiment, the heater (1800) may be an induction heater. For example, the heater (1800) may include a susceptor that heats the aerosol generating material by generating heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil.

[0576] The input unit (1500) can receive information input from a user or output information to the user. For example, the input unit (1500) can be a touch panel. The touch panel can include at least one touch sensor that detects touch. For example, the touch sensor can include, but is not limited to, a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, a surface acoustic wave touch sensor, an infrared touch sensor, etc.

[0577] The display (1410) and the touch panel may be implemented as a single panel. For example, the touch panel may be inserted into the display (1410) (on-cell type or in-cell type). For example, the touch panel may be added on the display (1410) panel (add-on type).

[0578] Meanwhile, the input unit (1500) may include, but is not limited to, buttons, key pads, dome switches, jog wheels, jog switches, etc.

[0579] The memory (1700) is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device (1000), and can store data processed and data to be processed in the control unit (1200). The memory (1700) 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 (1700) may store data on the operation time of the aerosol generating device (1000), the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and a user's smoking pattern.

[0580] The communication unit (1600) may include at least one component for communication with another electronic device. For example, the communication unit (1600) may include at least one of a short-range communication unit and a wireless communication unit.

[0581] The short-range wireless communication unit may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a near field communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, an UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

[0582] The wireless communication unit 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.

[0583] Although not shown in FIG. 37, the aerosol generating device (1000) further includes a connection interface, such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and can transmit and receive information or charge a power source (1100) by connecting to another external device through a connection interface, such as a USB interface.

[0584] The control unit (1200) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1000). In one embodiment, the control unit (1200) 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.

[0585] The control unit (1200) can control the temperature of the heater (1800) by controlling the supply of power from the power source (1100) to the heater (1800). The control unit (1200) can control the temperature of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) sensed by the temperature sensor (1310). The control unit (1200) can adjust the power supplied to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800). For example, the control unit (1200) can determine a target temperature for the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) based on a temperature profile stored in the memory (1700).

[0586] The aerosol generating device (1000) may include a power supply circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the power supply (1100) between the power supply (1100) and the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800). The power supply circuit may be electrically connected to the cartridge heater (2400), the heater (1800), or the induction coil. The power supply circuit may include at least one switching element. The switching element may be implemented by a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field effect transistor (FET), or the like. The control unit (1200) may control the power supply circuit.

[0587] The control unit (1200) can control power supply by controlling the switching of the switching elements of the power supply circuit. The power supply circuit may be an inverter that converts direct current power output from the power source (1100) into alternating current power. For example, the inverter may be configured as a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including a plurality of switching elements.

[0588] The control unit (1200) can turn on the switching element so that power is supplied from the power source (1100) to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800). The control unit (1200) can turn off the switching element so that power is cut off to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800). The control unit (1200) can control the current supplied from the power source (1100) by controlling the frequency and / or duty ratio of the current pulse input to the switching element.

[0589] The control unit (1200) can control the voltage output from the power source (1100) by controlling the switching of the switching element of the power supply circuit. The power conversion circuit can convert the voltage output from the power source (1100). For example, the power conversion circuit can include a buck converter that steps down the voltage output from the power source (1100). For example, the power conversion circuit can be implemented using a buck-boost converter, a zener diode, etc.

[0590] The control unit (1200) can control the on / off operation of the switching element included in the power conversion circuit to adjust the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit. When the on state of the switching element continues, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit may correspond to the level of the voltage output from the power source (1100). The duty ratio for the on / off operation of the switching element may correspond to the ratio of the voltage output from the power source (1100) to the voltage output from the power source. As the duty ratio for the on / off operation of the switching element decreases, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit may decrease. The heater (1800) can be heated based on the voltage output from the power conversion circuit.

[0591] The control unit (1200) can control power to be supplied to the heater (1800) using at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) method and a proportional-integral-differential (PID) method.

[0592] For example, the control unit (1200) can control a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to be supplied to the heater (1800) using the PWM method. The control unit (1200) can control the power supplied to the heater (1800) by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse.

[0593] For example, the control unit (1200) can determine a target temperature that is the target of control based on a temperature profile. The control unit (1200) can control the power supplied to the heater (1800) using a PID method, which is a feedback control method using a difference value between the temperature of the heater (1800) and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference value over time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference value over time.

[0594] The control unit (1200) can prevent the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) from overheating. For example, the control unit (1200) can control the operation of the power conversion circuit so that the supply of power to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) is cut off based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) exceeding a preset limit temperature. For example, the control unit (1200) can reduce the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) by a predetermined ratio based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) exceeding a preset limit temperature. For example, the control unit (1200) may determine that the aerosol generating material contained in the cartridge is exhausted based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (2400) exceeding a limit temperature, and may cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater (2400).

[0595] The control unit (1200) can control the charging and discharging of the power source (1100). The control unit (1200) can check the temperature of the power source (1100) based on the output signal of the temperature sensor (1310).

[0596] When a power line is connected to the battery terminal of the aerosol generating device (1000), the control unit (1200) can check whether the temperature of the power source (1100) is higher than or equal to the first limit temperature, which is a standard for blocking charging of the power source (1100). If the temperature of the power source (1100) is lower than the first limit temperature, the control unit (1200) can control the power source (1100) to be charged based on a preset charging current. If the temperature of the power source (1100) is higher than or equal to the first limit temperature, the control unit (1200) can block charging of the power source (1100).

[0597] When the power of the aerosol generating device (1000) is turned on, the control unit (1200) can check whether the temperature of the power source (1100) is higher than or equal to the second limit temperature, which is a standard for blocking discharge of the power source (1100). If the temperature of the power source (1100) is lower than the second limit temperature, the control unit (1200) can control to use the power stored in the power source (1100). If the temperature of the power source (1100) is higher than or equal to the second limit temperature, the control unit (1200) can stop using the power stored in the power source (1100).

[0598] The control unit (1200) can calculate the remaining capacity of the power stored in the power source (1100). For example, the control unit (1200) can calculate the remaining capacity of the power source (1100) based on the voltage and / or current sensing values ​​of the power source (1100).

[0599] The control unit (1200) can determine whether an aerosol-generating article is inserted into the insertion space through the insertion detection sensor (1330). The control unit (1200) can determine that an aerosol-generating article is inserted based on an output signal of the insertion detection sensor (1330). If it is determined that an aerosol-generating article is inserted into the insertion space, the control unit (1200) can control to supply power to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800). For example, the control unit (1200) can supply power to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) based on a temperature profile stored in the memory (1700).

[0600] The control unit (1200) can determine whether an aerosol-generating article is removed from the insertion space. For example, the control unit (1200) can determine whether an aerosol-generating article is removed from the insertion space through the insertion detection sensor (1330). For example, the control unit (1200) can determine that an aerosol-generating article is removed from the insertion space if the temperature of the heater (1800) is higher than a limited temperature or if the temperature change slope of the heater (1800) is higher than a set slope. If it is determined that an aerosol-generating article is removed from the insertion space, the control unit (1200) can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800).

[0601] The control unit (1200) can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the heater (1800) according to the state of the aerosol-generating article detected by the sensor (1300). The control unit (1200) can check the level range within which the signal level of the capacitance sensor is included based on a lookup table. The control unit (1200) can determine the moisture content of the aerosol-generating article according to the checked level range.

[0602] When the aerosol generating article is in a hyper-humidified state, the control unit (1200) can control the power supply time to the heater (1800) to increase the preheating time of the aerosol generating article compared to the normal state.

[0603] The control unit (1200) can determine whether an aerosol-generating article inserted into an insertion space has been reused through the reuse detection sensor (1340). For example, the control unit (1200) can compare a sensing value of a signal of the reuse detection sensor (1340) with a first reference range that includes a first color, and if the sensing value is included in the first reference range, it can determine that the aerosol-generating article has not been used. For example, the control unit (1200) can compare a sensing value of a signal of the reuse detection sensor (1340) with a second reference range that includes a second color, and if the sensing value is included in the second reference range, it can determine that the aerosol-generating article has been used. If it is determined that the aerosol-generating article has been used, the control unit (1200) can cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800).

[0604] The control unit (1200) can determine whether the cartridge is coupled and / or removed through the cartridge detection sensor (1350). For example, the control unit (1200) can determine whether the cartridge is coupled and / or removed based on the sensing value of the signal of the cartridge detection sensor (1350).

[0605] The control unit (1200) can determine whether the aerosol generating material of the cartridge is exhausted. For example, the control unit (1200) can preheat the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) by applying power, and determine whether the temperature of the cartridge heater (2400) exceeds a limited temperature during the preheating period. If the temperature of the cartridge heater (2400) exceeds the limited temperature, the control unit (1200) can determine that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge is exhausted. If the control unit (1200) determines that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge is exhausted, the control unit (1200) can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800).

[0606] The control unit (1200) can determine whether the cartridge is usable. For example, the control unit (1200) can determine that the cartridge is unusable if the current number of puffs is greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge based on data stored in the memory (1700). For example, the control unit (1200) can determine that the cartridge is unusable if the total heating time of the cartridge heater (2400) is greater than or equal to the preset maximum time or the total power supplied to the heater (2400) is greater than or equal to the preset maximum power.

[0607] The control unit (1200) can make a judgment regarding the user's inhalation through the puff sensor (1320). For example, the control unit (1200) can determine whether a puff has been generated based on the sensing value of the signal of the puff sensor (1320). For example, the control unit (1200) can determine the intensity of the puff based on the sensing value of the signal of the puff sensor (1320). If the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs or if no puffs are detected for a preset time or longer, the control unit (1200) can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800).

[0608] The control unit (1200) can determine whether the cap is attached and / or removed through the cap detection sensor (1360). For example, the control unit (1200) can determine whether the cap is attached and / or removed based on the sensing value of the signal of the cap detection sensor (1360).

[0609] The control unit (1200) can control the output unit (1400) based on the result detected by the sensor (1300). For example, when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor (1320) reaches a preset number, the control unit (1200) can notify the user that the aerosol generating device (1000) will soon be terminated through at least one of the display (1410), the haptic unit (1420), and the audio output unit (1430). For example, the control unit (1200) can notify the user through the output unit (1400) based on a determination that no aerosol generating product exists in the insertion space. For example, the control unit (1200) can notify the user through the output unit (1400) based on a determination that a cartridge and / or a cap is not mounted. For example, the control unit (1200) can transmit information about the temperature of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) to the user through the output unit (1400).

[0610] The control unit (1200) may store and update a history of events that have occurred in the memory (1700) based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. The events may include operations such as detection of insertion of an aerosol generating article, initiation of heating of the aerosol generating article, detection of puff, termination of puff, detection of overheating of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or heater (1800), detection of overvoltage application to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or heater (1800), termination of heating of the aerosol generating article, power on / off of the aerosol generating device (1000), initiation of charging of the power source (1100), detection of overcharging of the power source (1100), termination of charging of the power source (1100), etc., performed in the aerosol generating device (1000). The history of events may include the date and time when the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if a given event is detection of insertion of an aerosol generating article, log data corresponding to the event may include data on the sensing value of the insertion detection sensor (1330), etc. For example, if a given event is detection of overheating of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800), log data corresponding to the event may include data on the temperature of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800), the voltage applied to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800), the current flowing through the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800), etc.

[0611] The control unit (1200) may control to form a communication link with an external device, such as a user's mobile terminal. Upon receiving data regarding authentication from the external device through the communication link, the control unit (1200) may release restrictions on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generating device (1000). Here, the data regarding authentication may include data indicating completion of user authentication for a user corresponding to the external device. The user may perform user authentication through the external device. The external device may determine whether user data is valid based on the user's birthday, a unique number representing the user, etc., and may receive data regarding the use authorization of the aerosol generating device (1000) from an external server. The external device may transmit data indicating completion of user authentication to the aerosol generating device (1000) based on the data regarding the use authorization. When the user authentication is completed, the control unit (1200) may release restrictions on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generating device (1000). For example, the control unit (1200) may release the restriction on the use of the heating function that supplies power to the heater (1800) when user authentication is completed.

[0612] The control unit (1200) can transmit data on the status of the aerosol generating device (1000) to an external device via a communication link formed with the external device. Based on the received status data, the external device can output the remaining capacity, operation mode, etc. of the power supply (1100) of the aerosol generating device (1000) via a display of the external device.

[0613] An external device may transmit a location search request to the aerosol generating device (1000) based on an input that initiates location search of the aerosol generating device (1000). When receiving a location search request from the external device, the control unit (1200) may control at least one of the output devices to perform an operation corresponding to the location search based on the received location search request. For example, in response to the location search request, the haptic unit (1420) may generate vibration. For example, in response to the location search request, the display (1410) may output an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search.

[0614] The control unit (1200) can control to perform a firmware update when receiving firmware data from an external device. The external device can check the current version of the firmware of the aerosol generating device (1000) and determine whether a new version of the firmware exists. When an input requesting firmware download is received, the external device can receive a new version of the firmware data and transmit the new version of the firmware data to the aerosol generating device (1000). The control unit (1200) can control to perform a firmware update of the aerosol generating device (1000) upon receiving a new version of the firmware data.

[0615] The control unit (1200) can transmit data on the sensing value of at least one sensor (1300) to an external server (not shown) through the communication unit (1600), and receive and store a learning model generated by learning the sensing value through machine learning such as deep learning from the server. The control unit (1200) can perform an operation of determining a user's inhalation pattern, an operation of generating a temperature profile, etc. using the learning model received from the server. The control unit (1200) can store, in the memory (1700), the sensing value data of at least one sensor (1300) and data for learning an artificial neural network (ANN). For example, the memory (1700) can store a database for each component provided in the aerosol generating device (1000) for learning the artificial neural network (ANN), and weights and biases forming the artificial neural network (ANN) structure. The control unit (1200) can learn data on the sensing values ​​of at least one sensor (1300), the user's suction pattern, the temperature profile, etc. stored in the memory (1700), and generate at least one learning model used for determining the user's suction pattern, generating the temperature profile, etc.

[0616] The description of the above-described embodiments is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true scope of protection for the invention should be defined by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent to the claims should be construed as being included within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

[0617] Any or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct. Any or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above may have their respective components or functions combined or used together.

[0618] For example, it means that a configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with a configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing. That is, even if a combination between configurations is not directly described, it means that a combination is possible, except in cases where a combination is described as impossible.

[0619] The above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in any respect and should be considered illustrative only. The scope of the present invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the present invention are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. In the aerosol generating system, A cigarette comprising an identification portion that emits light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength when excited by light of a first wavelength; A body including a cavity into which the cigarette is inserted; An optical sensor package disposed around the cavity and detecting the identification portion; and A control unit for identifying whether the cigarette is counterfeit and the type of the cigarette based on the sensing value detected by the optical sensor package; The above optical sensor package, package substrate; A light emitting portion disposed on the package substrate and emitting light of the first wavelength; A light receiving unit disposed on the package substrate and receiving light of the second wavelength; and An aerosol generating system comprising a temperature sensor unit disposed on the package substrate and measuring the temperature around the cavity.

2. In paragraph 1, The above optical sensor package includes a semiconductor chip disposed on the package substrate, An aerosol generating system in which the semiconductor chip corrects the light emission amount of the light emitting unit when the temperature around the measured cavity is higher than the upper limit of the preset reference temperature range.

3. In paragraph 2, Further comprising a memory storing a lookup table including offset values ​​according to the difference between the temperature around the measured cavity and the upper limit of the reference temperature range, The above semiconductor chip is an aerosol generating system that corrects the light emission amount of the light emitting unit based on an offset value corresponding to a difference value calculated using the temperature sensor unit among the offset values ​​previously stored in the lookup table.

4. In paragraph 3, The semiconductor chip is an aerosol generating system that controls the duty ratio through pulse width modulation of the light emitting unit based on the offset value.

5. In paragraph 3, An aerosol generating system in which the offset value increases as the difference between the temperature around the measured cavity and the upper limit of the reference temperature range increases.

6. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating system in which the temperature sensor unit includes an infrared filter that receives external light and filters light in the infrared region, and is an infrared temperature sensor that receives light transmitted from the infrared filter and detects the temperature around the cavity.

7. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating system wherein the light emitting unit includes an ultraviolet light emitting diode and the light receiving unit includes an RGB optical diode.

8. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating system wherein the above identification material is excited by ultraviolet light and emits any one of red visible light, green visible light, blue visible light, and yellow visible light.

9. In paragraph 8, The above identification material includes organic matter, An aerosol generating system, wherein the organic material comprises at least one organic material selected from the group consisting of quinazolinone compounds, thiophene compounds, sulfobenzoic acid compounds, and naphthyridine compounds.

10. In paragraph 8, Further comprising a memory containing different color information for each type of cigarette, An aerosol generating system in which the control unit determines the type of the cigarette inserted into the cavity by comparing the color information of the identification unit detected by the light receiving unit with the color information previously stored in the memory.

11. In paragraph 10, Further comprising a heater for heating the cigarette inserted into the cavity, The above control unit is an aerosol generating system that controls the power supply to the heater based on a temperature profile corresponding to the type of cigarette determined above.

12. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating system, wherein the cigarette comprises an aerosol generating rod and a filter rod, the identification portion is formed in an area extending from a boundary of the aerosol generating rod and the filter rod in a direction toward the filter rod, and the identification portion has a band pattern surrounding an outer circumferential surface of the cigarette.

13. In paragraph 12, An aerosol generating system wherein the above optical sensor package is positioned at a position corresponding to one area of ​​the above band pattern.

14. In the method of operating an aerosol generating system, A step of inserting a cigarette into a cavity of an aerosol generating device, the cigarette including an identification portion that emits light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength when excited by light of a first wavelength; A step of measuring the temperature around the cavity using a temperature sensor unit included in the optical sensor package; and An operating method of an aerosol generating system, comprising: a step of determining whether to correct the light emission amount of a light emitting unit included in the light sensor package based on the temperature around the measured cavity; 15. In paragraph 14, If the temperature around the above-mentioned measured cavity is higher than the upper limit of the preset reference temperature range, the light emission amount of the light emitting part is corrected. An operating method of an aerosol generating system, comprising a step of correcting the light emission amount of the light emitting unit based on an offset value corresponding to a difference value calculated using the temperature sensor unit among offset values ​​stored in a lookup table including offset values ​​according to a difference value between the temperature around the measured cavity and the upper limit of the reference temperature range.

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