Aerosol generating system

Abstract

An aerosol generating system according to an embodiment comprises: an aerosol generating article including a first region, in which is disposed an identification material that emits light of a second wavelength different from a first wavelength when excited by light of the first wavelength, and a second region different from the first region; and an aerosol generating device having a cavity that accommodates a portion of the aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating device includes: an inner wall that defines the cavity and includes a light-transmissive transparent region in a certain region; a sensor module including a light emitting unit, which emits the light of the first wavelength toward the first region via the transparent region, and a light receiving unit, which receives, via the transparent region, the light of the second wavelength emitted from the identification material of the aerosol generating article; a heater for heating the aerosol generating article accommodated in the cavity; and a control unit that determines information about the aerosol generating article on the basis of sensing values sensed by the light receiving unit, and controls power supply to the heater on the basis of the determined information about the aerosol generating article.

Description

Aerosol generation system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating system capable of identifying the type of aerosol generating article received.

[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 aerosol by heating cigarettes (or "aerosol-generating articles") using an aerosol-generating device, rather than by burning the cigarette itself.

[0003] Recently, aerosol generating devices equipped with separate sensors are becoming more diverse to detect insertion / removal of aerosol generating products, the type of aerosol generating product, and whether the aerosol generating product is counterfeit or tampered with. In particular, as the types of aerosol generating products are diversifying and counterfeit aerosol generating products are appearing on the market, the need for aerosol generating devices equipped with the ability to distinguish them is increasing. Aerosol generating devices can obtain information on aerosol generating products through various sensors, such as inductive sensors, capacitive sensors, resistive sensors, infrared sensors, and color sensors.

[0004] An aerosol generating device can perform a heating operation using a specific heating profile corresponding to a specific type of cigarette. Therefore, improved cigarette sensing accuracy is needed to provide an optimal smoking sensation from the cigarette.

[0005] An aerosol generating system according to one embodiment comprises: an aerosol generating article including a first region in which an identification material that emits light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength when excited by light of a first wavelength is disposed, and a second region different from the first region; and an aerosol generating device having a cavity in which a portion of the aerosol generating article is accommodated; wherein the aerosol generating device has an inner wall defining the cavity and including a transparent region through which light is transmitted in one region; a sensor module including a light emitting unit that emits light of the first wavelength toward the first region through the transparent region, and a light receiving unit that receives light of the second wavelength emitted from the identification material of the aerosol generating article through the transparent region; a heater for heating the aerosol generating article accommodated in the cavity; and a control unit that determines information of the aerosol generating article based on a sensing value sensed through the light receiving unit, and controls power supply to the heater based on the determined information of the aerosol generating article.

[0006] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device can perform heating according to a temperature profile corresponding to the type of the detected aerosol generating article by detecting the type of the inserted aerosol generating article, thereby providing an optimal smoking sensation to the user.

[0007] Figures 1 to 3 are drawings illustrating examples of aerosol generating articles.

[0008] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional side view of an aerosol generating article to illustrate examples of placement locations / methods of identification materials.

[0009] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating article to illustrate examples of placement locations / methods of identification materials.

[0010] Figure 6 is a schematic side view of an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of an aerosol generation system having a different heating method than the aerosol generation system of FIG. 6.

[0012] FIG. 8 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.

[0013] FIG. 9 is an example of a graph of wavelengths emitted from a first identification material as wavelengths in a first wavelength range are investigated.

[0014] FIG. 10 is an example of a graph of wavelengths emitted from a second identification material as wavelengths in the first wavelength range are investigated.

[0015] Figure 11 is an example of a graph of wavelengths emitted from a third identification material as wavelengths in the first wavelength range are investigated.

[0016] Figure 12 is an example of a graph of wavelengths emitted from a third identification material as wavelengths in the first wavelength range are investigated.

[0017] FIG. 13 is a flowchart of another specific example of how an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment determines information about an aerosol generating article.

[0018] Figures 14 to 18 are schematic conceptual diagrams of an aerosol generation system for explaining the arrangement of sensor modules according to one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 19 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0020] An aerosol generating system is disclosed to solve the aforementioned technical problems.

[0021] An aerosol generating system according to one embodiment comprises: an aerosol generating article including a first region in which an identification material that emits light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength when excited by light of a first wavelength is disposed, and a second region different from the first region; and an aerosol generating device having a cavity in which a portion of the aerosol generating article is accommodated; wherein the aerosol generating device has an inner wall defining the cavity and including a transparent region through which light is transmitted in one region; a sensor module including a light emitting unit that emits light of the first wavelength toward the first region through the transparent region, and a light receiving unit that receives light of the second wavelength emitted from the identification material of the aerosol generating article through the transparent region; a heater for heating the aerosol generating article accommodated in the cavity; and a control unit that determines information of the aerosol generating article based on a sensing value sensed through the light receiving unit, and controls power supply to the heater based on the determined information of the aerosol generating article.

[0022] The sensor module comprises a light emitting unit that emits light of the first wavelength toward the first region and the second region through the transparent region, a plurality of light receiving units, and the light receiving units include a first light receiving unit that receives light of the second wavelength emitted from the identification material of the aerosol generating article through the transparent region, and a second light receiving unit that receives light reflected from the second region through the transparent region, and the control unit determines information of the aerosol generating article based on a first sensing value sensed through the first light receiving unit and a second sensing value sensed through the second light receiving unit.

[0023] The sensor module is configured with a plurality of light-emitting units and light-receiving units, and the light-emitting unit includes a first light-emitting unit that emits light of the first wavelength toward the first region through the transparent region, and a second light-emitting unit that emits light of the first wavelength toward the second region through the transparent region, and the light-receiving unit includes a first light-receiving unit that receives light of the second wavelength emitted from the identification material of the aerosol-generating article through the transparent region, and a second light-receiving unit that receives light reflected from the second region through the transparent region, and the control unit determines information of the aerosol-generating article based on a first sensing value sensed through the first light-receiving unit and a second sensing value sensed through the second light-receiving unit.

[0024] The sensor module is movably arranged in the aerosol generating device to move to a first position corresponding to the first region and a second position corresponding to the second region.

[0025] The control unit determines information about the aerosol generating article based on a first sensing value sensed at the first location and a second sensing value sensed at the second location through the sensor module.

[0026] The aerosol generating article further includes a third region positioned symmetrically with the second region with the first region as the center, the heater is disposed closer to the third region than to the second region of the aerosol generating article accommodated in the cavity, the light emitting unit further includes a third light emitting unit that emits light of the first wavelength toward the third region through the transparent region, the light receiving unit further includes a third light receiving unit that receives light reflected from the third region through the transparent region, and the control unit determines information of the aerosol generating article based on the first sensing value, the second sensing value, and the third sensing value sensed through the third light receiving unit.

[0027] The aerosol generating article further includes a third region positioned symmetrically with the second region with the first region as the center, the heater is positioned closer to the third region than to the second region of the aerosol generating article accommodated in the cavity, and the sensor module is movably arranged in the aerosol generating device to move to the first position, the second position, and a third position corresponding to the third region.

[0028] The control unit determines information about the aerosol generating article based on a first sensing value sensed at the first location, a second sensing value sensed at the second location, and a third sensing value sensed at the third location through the sensor module.

[0029] The control unit determines information about the aerosol generating article based on a value obtained by subtracting the second sensing value from the first sensing value.

[0030] The control unit determines information about the aerosol generating article based on a value obtained by subtracting an average value of the second sensing value and the third sensing value from the first sensing value.

[0031] The above control unit controls the power supplied to the heater based on a temperature profile corresponding to the type of aerosol generating article determined.

[0032] The above light receiving unit includes an RGB optical diode.

[0033] The above identification material comprises at least one of a lanthanide material and a taggant material.

[0034] The aerosol generating device further includes an output unit that outputs information on the status of the aerosol generating device, and the control unit controls the output unit so that the output unit outputs information on the determined aerosol generating article.

[0035] The output unit includes at least one of a display, a haptic unit, and an audio output unit.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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 "-unit" and "-module" used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0038] As used herein, when an expression such as "at least one" precedes an array of elements, it modifies the entire array of elements, not just each individual element. For example, the expression "at least one of a, b, and c" should be interpreted to include a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c.

[0039] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol by electrically heating a cigarette accommodated in an internal space.

[0040] The aerosol generating device may include a heater. In one embodiment, the heater may be an electrically resistive heater. For example, the heater may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater may be heated when current flows through the electrically conductive track.

[0041] The heater may include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element or a rod-shaped heating element, and may heat the inside or outside of the cigarette depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0042] The cigarette may include a tobacco rod and a filter rod. The tobacco rod may be made of a sheet, a strand, or a tobacco sheet cut into small pieces. Additionally, the tobacco rod may be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material may be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil.

[0043] The filter rod may be a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod may be composed of at least one segment. For example, the filter rod may include a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters a predetermined component contained within the aerosol.

[0044] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol using a cartridge containing an aerosol generating material.

[0045] An aerosol generating device may include a cartridge containing an aerosol generating substance and a body supporting the cartridge. The cartridge may be detachably coupled to the body, but is not limited thereto. The cartridge may be formed or assembled integrally with the body, and may be secured so as not to be detached by a user. The cartridge may be mounted to the body while containing the aerosol generating substance therein. However, this is not limited thereto, and the aerosol generating substance may be injected into the cartridge while the cartridge is coupled to the body.

[0046] The cartridge may contain an aerosol-generating substance in any one of a variety of states, such as a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, or a gel state. The aerosol-generating substance may comprise a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid comprising a tobacco-containing material including volatile tobacco flavoring components, or may be a liquid comprising a non-tobacco material.

[0047] The cartridge can be operated by an electric signal or wireless signal transmitted from the main body, thereby converting the phase of an aerosol-generating substance inside the cartridge into a gaseous phase to generate an aerosol. The aerosol may refer to a gas that is a mixture of vaporized particles generated from the aerosol-generating substance and air.

[0048] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may heat a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol may be delivered to the user through a cigarette. That is, the aerosol generated from the liquid composition may travel along an airflow path of the aerosol generating device, and the airflow path may be configured such that the aerosol may pass through the cigarette and be delivered to the user.

[0049] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol generating substance using ultrasonic vibration. In this case, the ultrasonic vibration method may refer to a method of generating an aerosol by atomizing the aerosol generating substance with ultrasonic vibrations generated by a vibrator.

[0050] The aerosol generating device may include a vibrator, which may generate short-cycle vibrations to atomize the aerosol generating material. The vibrations generated by the vibrator may be ultrasonic vibrations, and the frequency range of the ultrasonic vibrations may be, but is not limited to, about 100 kHz to about 3.5 MHz.

[0051] The aerosol generating device may further include a wick that absorbs the aerosol generating substance. For example, the wick may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the vibrator or may be positioned to contact at least a portion of the vibrator.

[0052] When a voltage (e.g., an alternating current) is applied to the vibrator, heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations may be generated from the vibrator, and the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator may be transmitted to an aerosol-generating substance absorbed in the wick. The aerosol-generating substance absorbed in the wick may be converted into a gaseous phase by the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations transmitted from the vibrator, thereby generating an aerosol.

[0053] For example, the viscosity of an aerosol-generating substance absorbed into a wick may be lowered by heat generated from a vibrator, and an aerosol may be generated by fine particles of an aerosol-generating substance with a lowered viscosity due to ultrasonic vibration generated from a vibrator, but is not limited thereto.

[0054] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article accommodated in the aerosol generating device by induction heating.

[0055] An aerosol generating device may include a susceptor and a coil. In one embodiment, the coil may apply a magnetic field to the susceptor. As power is supplied to the coil from the aerosol generating device, a magnetic field may be formed within the coil. In one embodiment, the susceptor may be a magnetic material that generates heat due to an external magnetic field. When the susceptor is positioned within the coil and a magnetic field is applied, the susceptor generates heat, thereby heating the aerosol generating article. Additionally, optionally, the susceptor may be positioned within the aerosol generating article.

[0056] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further comprise a cradle.

[0057] The aerosol generator can be configured as a system with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle can charge the aerosol generator's battery. Alternatively, the heater can be heated while the cradle and aerosol generator are combined.

[0058] Below, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. The present disclosure may be implemented in a form that can be implemented in the various embodiments of the aerosol generating devices described above, or may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0059] Hereinafter, examples of aerosol generating articles will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0060] Figures 1 to 3 are drawings illustrating examples of aerosol generating articles.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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).

[0063] 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).

[0064] The tobacco rod (21) can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod (21) can be manufactured as a sheet or as 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 (21), 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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).

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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).

[0073] 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).

[0074] 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.

[0075] Figure 3 is a drawing illustrating an example of an aerosol generating article.

[0076] 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).

[0077] 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).

[0078] 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).

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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).

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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).

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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).

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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).

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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).

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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).

[0107] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an aerosol generating system capable of distinguishing between different types of aerosol generating articles and identifying aerosol generating articles suitable for use with an aerosol generating device and aerosol generating articles unsuitable for use with an aerosol generating device.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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-emitting unit of the 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. In this case, the light emitted by the taggant may be in the form of photoluminescence, phosphorescence, or fluorescence.

[0111] Light having a specific wavelength range emitted by the taggant can be received by the light receiving unit of the aerosol generating device. Based on the wavelength of the light received by the light receiving unit, the aerosol generating device can identify the type of aerosol generating article.

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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;

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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.

[0118] 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.

[0119] 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].

[0120] 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.

[0121] Experimental example: Photoemission experiment of identification material containing taggant

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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.

[0124] Distinction Maximum absorption wavelength (nm, Abs) max )CIE chromaticity coordinates, wavelength (nm, DWL) Example 1396X=0.4300±0.05y=0.5347±0.05546.4±5 Example 2382X=0.3232±0.05Y=0.5943±0.05518.8±5 Example 3364X=0.1590±0.05Y=0.1825±0.05471.3±5 Example 4382X=0.6633±0.02Y=0.3155±0.02622±5

[0125] 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%). The taggant can be prepared by adding it to a paper slurry or paste before drying of a component of an aerosol-generating article (e.g., a wrapper), or by painting or spraying it onto the component. The taggant can be included in the component of an aerosol-generating article in nanogram units.

[0126] In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating article (5) may include a taggant in an amount greater than or equal to a predetermined first content. Accordingly, the aerosol-generating article (5) may include a sufficient amount of taggant to enable the aerosol-generating article (5) to emit light in a specific wavelength range. For example, when the taggant is sprayed onto a surface, the sprayed solution may include 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 / mm. 2 This could also be included in the rapper award.

[0127] In one embodiment, the identification material solution may be applied to the surface of a component of an aerosol-generating article (5). Here, 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 the wrapper of the aerosol-generating article (5). In another example, the identification material solution may be printed on the surface of the wrapper of the aerosol-generating article (5).

[0128] For example, the identification substance solution can be prepared according to a manufacturing method including the steps of preparing an identification substance, preparing a primary solution by mixing the identification substance and OP varnish, and preparing the identification substance solution by mixing the primary solution and a diluent. The prepared identification substance can be applied to a component of an aerosol generating article (5).

[0129] 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 (5). 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 arranged on the surface of the aerosol-generating article (5) to which the identification material solution has been applied, and printability may be improved. When the identification material has a diameter of 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 exceeding 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 a diameter of about 0.7 μm to 3 μm.

[0130] 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).

[0131] 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.

[0132] 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.

[0133] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional side view of an aerosol generating article (5) to illustrate examples of placement locations / methods of identification materials.

[0134] The aerosol generating article (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 aerosol generating article (5) illustrated in FIG. 4 is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating article described above, 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 those skilled in the art by referring to the drawings and descriptions below.

[0135] The identification material (10, taggant) 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.

[0136] 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.

[0137] The identification material (10) 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).

[0138] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating article (5) for explaining examples of placement locations / methods of identification materials.

[0139] The aerosol generating article (5) illustrated in FIG. 5 may be at least one of the aerosol generating articles described above, so any redundant description thereof will be omitted below.

[0140] An aerosol generating article (5) may incorporate at least one of the components or features of the previously described embodiments, unless such combination is technically clearly impossible. For example, the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5 is described based on the identification material (10) being disposed on the outer surface of the wrapper; however, this is not limited thereto, and the identification material (10) illustrated in FIG. 5 may also be disposed on the inner surface of the wrapper.

[0141] Referring to FIG. 5, the identification material (10) is arranged along the circumferential direction of the aerosol generating article (5), but may be arranged only in a portion along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article (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 aerosol generating article (5) to recognize the identification material (10), thereby improving the degree of freedom in the arrangement structure of the sensor module.

[0142] 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.

[0143] For example, the area where the identification material (10) is disposed may extend from about 1 mm to about 10 mm along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article (5). For example, the area where the identification material (10) is disposed may extend from about 2 mm to about 7 mm along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article (5).

[0144] In addition, the aerosol generating article (5) includes an aerosol generating rod and a filter rod that are sequentially aligned along the length direction of the aerosol generating article (5), and the identification material (10) can be arranged in an area extending from the boundary of the aerosol generating rod and the filter rod in a direction toward the aerosol generating rod.

[0145] The length from the downstream end of the area where the identification material (10) is placed to the boundary of the aerosol generating rod and the filter rod may be from about 0 mm to about 5 mm. In the aforementioned range, heat applied to the aerosol generating article (5) can be prevented from being transferred to the identification material (10). For example, the length from the downstream end of the area where the identification material (10) is placed to the boundary of the aerosol generating rod and the filter rod may be from about 1 mm to about 3 mm.

[0146] Since the identification material (10) is placed only in one area of ​​the aerosol generating article (5), the structure of the sensor module of the aerosol generating device for recognizing the identification material (10) can be implemented so as to be changed without being fixed to a specific location.

[0147] Here, "upstream" and "downstream" can be determined based on the direction in which air flows when a user inhales aerosol using the aerosol generating article (5). For example, when a user inhales aerosol using the aerosol generating article (5) illustrated in FIG. 5, the air may move from the bottom toward the top of the aerosol generating article (5) based on FIG. 5. Meanwhile, those skilled in the art will readily understand that "upstream" and "downstream" may be relative depending on the relationship between the components.

[0148] FIG. 6 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.

[0149] Referring to FIG. 6, 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 module (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.

[0150] In addition, since at least one of the components of the aerosol generation system illustrated in FIG. 6 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.

[0151] 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).

[0152] The aerosol generating device body (100) may be formed with a cavity (100a) capable of accommodating an aerosol generating article (5). The aerosol generating article (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 that accommodates the aerosol generating article (5). The cavity (100a) may have a shape corresponding to at least a portion of the aerosol generating article (5). For example, the cavity (100a) may have a shape extending in one direction (e.g., -Z direction) from an opening. The aerosol generating article (5) may be inserted longitudinally into the cavity (100a) through the opening.

[0153] The aerosol generating article (5) accommodated in the cavity (100a) may include the above-described identification material (10). The identification material (10) may be provided on at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the aerosol generating article (5). When the aerosol generating article (5) is accommodated in the cavity (100a), the identification material (10) may be located inside the aerosol generating device body (100).

[0154] 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.

[0155] 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.

[0156] In one embodiment, the control unit (110) can receive detection results from the sensor module (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).

[0157] In one embodiment, the control unit (110) receives a detection result from the sensor module (150) and executes a command related to the sensor module (150) among the commands stored in the memory (130), thereby recognizing identification information about the aerosol generating article (5) based on the amount of light emitted from the identification material (10). For example, the identification information may be information about the type, authenticity, and / or contained material of the aerosol generating article (5). The control unit (110) may control the operation of the aerosol generating device (1) based on the recognized identification information.

[0158] Specifically, the control unit (110) can control the power supplied to the heater (140) based on the information of the determined aerosol generating article (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).

[0159] 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.

[0160] 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).

[0161] The memory (130) may have information on an appropriate temperature profile and operation based on various information such as the type of the aerosol generating article (5), the type of the contained substance, the content ratio of the substance, the content of the substance, and the degree of over-humidification. 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 substance (10), thereby performing an operation corresponding to the aerosol generating article (5).

[0162] The heater (140) can receive power from the battery (120) to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating article (5). For example, the heater (140) can be placed outside the tobacco rod of the aerosol generating article (5) to heat the tobacco rod.

[0163] The heater (140) is not limited to the example illustrated in FIG. 6. That is, although the heater (140) illustrated in FIG. 6 is positioned on the outside of the aerosol generating article (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) may be inserted into the aerosol generating article (5) to heat the interior of the aerosol generating article (5).

[0164] The sensor module (150) can detect the identification material (10) of the aerosol generating article (5). In addition, the sensor module (150) can detect whether the aerosol generating article (5) has been inserted into the cavity (100a).

[0165] A sensor module (150) may be placed in the aerosol generating device body (100) to recognize the identification material (10) of the aerosol generating article (5). The sensor module (150) may be placed in the cavity (100a) so as to be located at a corresponding position of the identification material (10).

[0166] The sensor module (150) may include a light emitting unit (151) and a light receiving unit (155).

[0167] The light emitting unit (151) can emit light of a first wavelength toward the cavity (100a). For example, the light emitting unit (151) can be formed of at least one light emitting diode that emits light of a first wavelength when current flows.

[0168] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the light of the first wavelength emitted by the light emitting unit (151) can be transmitted to the identification material (10) of the aerosol generating article (5). The light of the first wavelength is excited in the identification material (10), and the identification material (10) can emit light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength. Optical properties such as the wavelength and amount of light emitted from the identification material (10) can be determined depending on the amount, concentration, type, and / or composition ratio of the identification material (10).

[0169] The light receiving unit (155) can receive light emitted from the identification material (10) of the aerosol generating article (5). For example, the light receiving unit (155) can be formed of at least one light receiving diode that allows current to flow when light is irradiated.

[0170] The light receiving unit (155) can detect the optical characteristics of light emitted from the aerosol generating article (5) (e.g., the amount of light of the second wavelength) and recognize identification information about the aerosol generating article (5). The light receiving unit (155) can provide the detection result to the control unit (110).

[0171] Below, the light of the first wavelength emitted by the light emitting unit (151) and the light of the second wavelength received by the light receiving unit (155) will be described.

[0172] 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.

[0173] Accordingly, the sensor module (150) can recognize the identification information of the aerosol generating article (5) without being visually exposed to the user by using light of a first wavelength and light of a second wavelength consisting of infrared rays.

[0174] 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.

[0175] In one embodiment, the light of the first wavelength may be ultraviolet light, and the light of the second wavelength may be visible light. At this time, the light receiving unit (155) 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.

[0176] 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).

[0177] In one embodiment, the light of the first wavelength may be visible light, and the light of the second wavelength may be visible light of a wavelength band different from the light of the first wavelength. In this case, the light receiving unit (155) may be a color sensor.

[0178] For example, the first wavelength can be a wavelength in the range of about 380 nm to about 420 nm, and the second wavelength can be a wavelength in the range of about 490 nm to about 570 nm. For example, the first wavelength can be a wavelength of 400 nm (violet light), and the second wavelength can be a wavelength of 500 nm (green light).

[0179] 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 module (150) may include a near-infrared (NIR) sensor.

[0180] As described above, the sensor module (150) can improve the identification accuracy for an aerosol generating article (5) by using different types of light (or having a relatively large wavelength change) such as light of a first wavelength and light of a second wavelength.

[0181] For example, based on a sensing value of about 1012 nm received through the light receiving unit (155), the control unit (110) may determine that the aerosol generating article (5) inserted into the aerosol generating device (1) is a first type of aerosol generating article (5). For another example, based on a sensing value of about 1012 nm received through the light receiving unit (155), the control unit (110) may determine that the aerosol generating article (5) inserted into the aerosol generating device (1) is a genuine article that has not been counterfeited.

[0182] If it is determined that the type of the aerosol generating article (5) is a first type of aerosol generating article (5), 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 (5). For another example, if it is determined that the aerosol generating article (5) is a counterfeit article, the control unit (110) can not supply power to the heater (140) or can cut off the power being supplied.

[0183] When the type of aerosol generating article (5) is detected based on the sensing value sensed through the light receiving unit (155), the battery (120) can supply power to the heater (140) according to the temperature profile corresponding to the detected type of aerosol generating article (5). For another example, when the aerosol generating article (5) is determined to be a counterfeit article based on the sensing value sensed through the light receiving unit (155), the battery (120) can not supply power to the heater (140).

[0184] The light emitting unit (151) and the light receiving unit (155) may be arranged adjacent to the cavity (100a). For example, the light emitting unit (151) and the light receiving unit (155) 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 (151) and the light receiving unit (155) 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 one area of ​​the cavity (100a). In this case, ‘at least one area of ​​the cavity’ may mean an area corresponding to an area in which an identification material (10) is arranged in the aerosol generating article (5) when the aerosol generating article (5) is accommodated in the cavity (100a).

[0185] FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of an aerosol generation system having a different heating method than the aerosol generation system of FIG. 6.

[0186] 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 module (150). At least one of the components of the aerosol generating system illustrated in FIG. 7 (e.g., the sensor module (150)) is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating system illustrated in FIG. 6, 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 a person skilled in the art with reference to the drawings and descriptions below.

[0187] An aerosol generating device (1) can generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article (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 generates heat due to an external magnetic field.

[0188] 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 aerosol generating article (5).

[0189] For this purpose, the heater (140) may include a susceptor (140a) and a coil (140b).

[0190] 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 aerosol generating article (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.

[0191] In a modified embodiment, the susceptor (140a) may be positioned inside an aerosol generating article (5) accommodated in a cavity (100a). In this case, the susceptor (140a) may be included in the aerosol generating article (5) in the shape of a piece, a flake, or a strip.

[0192] 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).

[0193] 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).

[0194] The sensor module (150) can recognize the identification material (10) of the aerosol generating article (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 aerosol generating article (5).

[0195] FIG. 8 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 FIG. 8, at least one component of the aerosol generation system is identical or similar to the aforementioned description, and therefore, any redundant description may be omitted.

[0196] Referring to FIG. 8, a method of operating an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment may include four steps.

[0197] First, the control unit of the aerosol generating device can irradiate light to the identification material through the light emitting unit in operation S100.

[0198] In one embodiment, when insertion of an aerosol-generating article is detected, the control unit can 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 can irradiate light having a predetermined wavelength through the light-emitting unit.

[0199] In another embodiment, when a user input is received for the aerosol generating device, the control unit may irradiate 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 is received for the physical button, the control unit may irradiate light having a predetermined wavelength through the light emitting unit.

[0200] 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.

[0201] 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.

[0202] For example, when 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.

[0203] 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.

[0204] For 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.

[0205] Next, the control unit can sense light emitted from the identification material in operation S200 through the light receiving unit.

[0206] 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 of 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.

[0207] 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.

[0208] Next, the control unit can determine information about the aerosol-generating article based on the sensing value sensed through the light receiving unit in operation S300. At this time, the information about the aerosol-generating article may include the type of the aerosol-generating article, whether the aerosol-generating article is counterfeit, etc.

[0209] 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.

[0210] 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.

[0211] At this time, if the sensing value sensed through the light receiving unit corresponds to the wavelength value (about 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.

[0212] 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.

[0213] 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 difference between the wavelength value emitted from the first identification material and the wavelength value emitted from the second identification material is 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.

[0214] 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.

[0215] 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.

[0216] 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.

[0217] 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.

[0218] 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.

[0219] 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.

[0220] In one embodiment, the control unit may control power supply to the heater based on whether the aerosol-generating article is counterfeit. For example, if the aerosol-generating article is determined to be genuine, the control unit may control power supply to the heater based on a preset temperature profile for the aerosol-generating article (5). In another example, if the aerosol-generating article is determined to be counterfeit, the control unit may not supply power to the heater or may cut off the current power supply.

[0221] Figure 9 is an example of a graph of wavelengths emitted from a first identification material as wavelengths in a first wavelength range are irradiated. Figure 10 is an example of a graph of wavelengths emitted from a second identification material as wavelengths in a first wavelength range are irradiated.

[0222] Referring to FIG. 9, the first identification material included in the aerosol generating article can emit light having a predetermined wavelength range by 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.

[0223] 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.

[0224] Referring to FIG. 10, the second identification material included in the aerosol generating article can emit light having a predetermined wavelength range by light of a first wavelength range irradiated from the light emitting unit. In this case, the first wavelength range can be a wavelength range of about 930 nm to about 990 nm.

[0225] In one embodiment, the control unit (110) of the aerosol generating device 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 the 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.

[0226] The first graph (500a) of FIG. 9 and the second graph (500b) of FIG. 10 are depicted in the same form for convenience of explanation, but are not limited thereto. For example, the first graph (500a) of FIG. 9 and the second graph (500b) of FIG. 10 may have similar wavelength ranges exceeding the threshold value (510) to some extent, but may have different overall graph forms.

[0227] Figure 11 is an example of a graph of wavelengths emitted from a third identification material as wavelengths in the first wavelength range are irradiated. Figure 12 is an example of a graph of wavelengths emitted from a third identification material as wavelengths in the first wavelength range are irradiated.

[0228] Referring to FIG. 11, the third identification material included in the aerosol generating article can emit light having a predetermined wavelength range by light of a first wavelength range irradiated from the light emitting unit. In this case, the first wavelength range can be a wavelength range of about 340 nm to about 375 nm.

[0229] 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 a 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.

[0230] 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.

[0231] 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 substance is expressed as 'green' is the second type of aerosol generating article.

[0232] 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.

[0233] Referring to FIG. 12, the third identification material included in the aerosol generating article can emit light having a predetermined wavelength range by light of a first wavelength range irradiated from the light emitting unit. At this time, 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.

[0234] 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 a 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.

[0235] The third graph (600a) of FIG. 11 and the fourth graph (600b) of FIG. 12 are depicted in the same form for convenience of explanation, but are not limited thereto. For example, the third graph (600a) of FIG. 11 and the fourth graph (600b) of FIG. 12 may have similar wavelength ranges exceeding the threshold value (610) to some extent, but may have different overall graph forms.

[0236] Fig. 13 is a flowchart illustrating another specific example of how an aerosol generating system, according to one embodiment, determines information about an aerosol generating article. Fig. 13 is a flowchart that further concretizes the operation of Fig. 8. In the description of Fig. 13, since at least one component of the aerosol generating system is identical or similar to the aforementioned description, any redundant description may be omitted.

[0237] Referring to FIG. 13, operation S200 may include operation S210 and operation S220.

[0238] First, the control unit of the aerosol generating device can stop irradiating light on the identification substance through the light emitting unit in operation S210 after irradiating light on the identification substance through the light emitting unit.

[0239] 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.

[0240] 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 point 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 a time period from when the light irradiation from the light emitting unit is stopped until the light irradiated from the light emitting unit is no longer sensed by the light receiving unit.

[0241] That is, the light receiving unit needs to focus on sensing the light emitted from the identification material, but since the light irradiated from the light emitting unit is sensed together with the light receiving unit, some noise may be included in the sensing value.

[0242] 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 unit is blocked. Therefore, so that the light-receiving unit can sense only the light emitted from the identification material, the control unit can sense the light emitted from the identification material through the light-receiving unit after a second period of time has elapsed from the time at which the light irradiation from the light-emitting unit is stopped.

[0243] 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.

[0244] 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 unit 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.

[0245] 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.

[0246] Meanwhile, in another embodiment, the light-emitting unit may simultaneously emit light while the light-receiving unit receives light emitted by the identification material. Accordingly, the time it takes for the sensor module to recognize the identification material can be shortened.

[0247] Figures 14 to 18 are schematic conceptual diagrams of an aerosol generation system for explaining the arrangement of sensor modules according to one embodiment.

[0248] In FIGS. 14 to 18, the aerosol-generating article (5) accommodated in the cavity (100a) can be divided into a first region (11) in which an identification material (10) is arranged, a second region (12) upstream of the first region (11), and a third region (13) downstream of the first region (11). Here, “upstream” and “downstream” can be determined based on the direction in which air flows when a user inhales aerosol using the aerosol-generating article (5). For example, when a user inhales aerosol using the aerosol-generating article (5) illustrated in FIG. 14, air can move upward from the bottom of the aerosol-generating article (5) based on FIG. 5.

[0249] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 14, an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment may further include an inner wall (105) defining a cavity (100a). A sensor module (150) may include a light emitting unit (151) and a light receiving unit (155). The light emitting unit (151) may emit light of a first wavelength toward a first region (11) of an aerosol generating article (5) through a transparent region of the inner wall (105). The light receiving unit (155) may receive light of a second wavelength emitted from an identification material (10) of the first region (11) through the transparent region of the inner wall (105). The control unit (110) can determine information about the aerosol generating article (5) based on the sensing value sensed through the light receiving unit (155), and control the power supply to the heater (140) based on the determined information about the aerosol generating article (5).

[0250] The inner wall (105) may include a transparent region through which light is transmitted in at least one area. For the sensing accuracy of the sensor module (150), it is preferable that the transparent region of the inner wall (105) be made of a material having low reflectivity and refractive index and high transmittance for light.

[0251] Meanwhile, an aerosol generating article (5) can be accommodated in the cavity (100a) of the aerosol generating device (1), and a heater (140) for heating the accommodated aerosol generating article (5) is arranged adjacent to it.

[0252] The inner wall (105) may be continuously exposed to a high temperature environment as the heater (140) operates. Therefore, the inner wall (105) may deteriorate due to continuous exposure to high temperatures, resulting in a decrease in transparency of the transparent region or discoloration of the transparent region. In addition, the inner wall (105) may be subject to a decrease in transparency of the transparent region or discoloration of the transparent region due to droplets generated from the aerosol generating article (5).

[0253] When the transparency of the transparent area of ​​the inner wall (105) is lowered, the intensity of the second wavelength light received by the light receiving unit (155) may be weakened.

[0254] In addition, when the transparent area of ​​the inner wall (105) is discolored, the light of the second wavelength received by the light receiving unit (155) may have its wavelength modulated or its color changed. For example, when the light receiving unit (155) is configured as a color sensor, the light of the second wavelength is red as a wavelength in the visible light band, and the transparent area of ​​the inner wall (105) is discolored to green, the light receiving unit (155) may sense the light emitted by the identification material (10) of the aerosol generating article (5) as yellow light, rather than as red light. In other words, when the transparent area of ​​the inner wall (105) is discolored, it may function as if it were cellophane or a color filter, and discolor the light of the second wavelength. If the transparent area of ​​the inner wall (105) is discolored and the light of the second wavelength is modulated or discolored, a problem may occur in which the control unit (110) may incorrectly determine information about the aerosol generating article (5) inserted into the cavity (100a).

[0255] A sensor module (150) according to one embodiment may be configured with a plurality of light receiving units.

[0256] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 15, the sensor module (150) may include a light emitting unit (151), a first light receiving unit (1551), and a second light receiving unit (1552). The light emitting unit (151) may emit light of a first wavelength toward the first region (11) and the second region (12) of the aerosol generating article (5) through the transparent region of the inner wall (105). The first light receiving unit (1551) may receive light of a second wavelength emitted from the identification material (10) of the first region (11) through the transparent region of the inner wall (105). The second light receiving unit (1552) may receive light reflected from the second region (12) through the transparent region of the inner wall (105). The light reflected from the second region (12) through the transparent region of the inner wall (105) may be of the first wavelength.

[0257] The control unit (110) can determine information about the aerosol generating article (5) based on the first sensing value sensed through the first light receiving unit (1551) and the second sensing value sensed through the second light receiving unit (1552).

[0258] Specifically, the control unit (110) can calculate the degree of deterioration of the transparent area of ​​the inner wall (105) based on the second sensing value sensed through the second light receiving unit (1552).

[0259] For example, the control unit (110) can calculate the transmittance of the transparent area of ​​the inner wall (105) by comparing the second sensing value sensed through the second light receiving unit (1552) with the initial value previously stored in the memory (130). The initial value can be calculated through measurement through experimentation during the manufacturing stage of the aerosol generating device (1) and stored in advance in the memory (130).

[0260] As another example, the control unit (110) can calculate the RGB color value of the transparent area of ​​the inner wall (105) from the second sensing value sensed through the second light receiving unit (1552).

[0261] In one embodiment, the control unit (110) can adjust the amount of light emitted by the light emitting unit (151) based on the transmittance of the transparent area calculated through the second sensing value. When the transmittance of the transparent area of ​​the inner wall (105)(105) is low, the control unit (110) can compensate for the intensity of the light of the second wavelength received by the first light receiving unit (1551) by increasing the amount of light emitted by the light emitting unit (151).

[0262] In one embodiment, the control unit (110) may correct the first sensing value based on the RGB color value of the transparent area of ​​the inner wall (105) calculated through the second sensing value, and determine information of the aerosol-generating article (5) based on the corrected first sensing value. For example, if the RGB color value of the transparent area of ​​the inner wall (105) is calculated as green and the first sensing value corresponds to red light, the control unit (110) may determine information of the aerosol-generating article (5) based on a value obtained by subtracting the RGB color value of the second sensing value from the RGB color value of the first sensing value. In other words, the control unit (110) may generate a corrected first sensing value by excluding the second sensing value from the RGB color value of the first sensing value, and determine information of the aerosol-generating article (5) based on the corrected first sensing value. Here, the RGB color value of the corrected first sensing value may be yellow.

[0263] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 16, in one embodiment, the sensor module may be composed of two, including a first sensor module (150) and a second sensor module (160).

[0264] The first sensor module (150) may include a first light emitting unit (151) and a first light receiving unit (155). The second sensor module (160) may include a second light emitting unit (161) and a second light receiving unit (165).

[0265] The first light emitting unit (151) can emit light of a first wavelength toward the first region (11) of the aerosol generating article (5) through the transparent region of the inner wall (105). The first light receiving unit (155) can receive light of a second wavelength emitted from the identification material (10) of the first region (11) through the transparent region of the inner wall (105).

[0266] The second light emitting unit (161) can emit light of a first wavelength toward the first region (11) of the aerosol generating article (5) through the transparent region of the inner wall (105). The second light receiving unit (165) can receive light reflected from the second region (12) through the transparent region of the inner wall (105).

[0267] In one embodiment, the first light emitting unit (151) may be configured to emit ultraviolet light, and the second light emitting unit (161) may be configured to emit white visible light. Compared to FIG. 15, the embodiment of FIG. 16 is configured with a plurality of light emitting units, so that the wavelength of light irradiated to the first region (11) can be set to be different from the wavelength of light irradiated to the second region (12).

[0268] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 17, in one embodiment, the sensor modules may be configured in three units, including a first sensor module (150), a second sensor module (160), and a third sensor module (170).

[0269] The first sensor module (150) may include a first light emitting unit (151) and a first light receiving unit (155). The second sensor module (160) may include a second light emitting unit (161) and a second light receiving unit (165). The third sensor module (170) may include a third light emitting unit (171) and a third light receiving unit (175).

[0270] The first light emitting unit (151) can emit light of a first wavelength toward the first region (11) of the aerosol generating article (5) through the transparent region of the inner wall (105). The first light receiving unit (155) can receive light of a second wavelength emitted from the identification material (10) of the first region (11) through the transparent region of the inner wall (105).

[0271] The second light emitting unit (161) can emit light of a first wavelength toward the first region (11) of the aerosol generating article (5) through the transparent region of the inner wall (105). The second light receiving unit (165) can receive light reflected from the second region (12) through the transparent region of the inner wall (105).

[0272] The third light-emitting unit (171) can emit light of a first wavelength toward the third region (13) of the aerosol generating article (5) through the transparent region of the inner wall (105). The third light-receiving unit (175) can receive light reflected from the third region (13) through the transparent region of the inner wall (105).

[0273] The control unit (110) can determine information about the aerosol generating article (5) based on a first sensing value sensed through the first light receiving unit (155), a second sensing value sensed through the second light receiving unit (165), and a third sensing value sensed through the third light receiving unit (175).

[0274] Specifically, the control unit (110) can calculate the degree of deterioration of the transparent region of the inner wall (105) based on the average value of the second sensing value sensed through the second light receiving unit (165) and the third sensing value sensed through the third light receiving unit (175). For example, the control unit (110) can calculate the transmittance of the transparent region of the inner wall (105) by comparing the average value of the second sensing value sensed through the second light receiving unit (165) and the third sensing value sensed through the third light receiving unit (175) with an initial value previously stored in the memory (130). The initial value can be calculated through measurement through experimentation during the manufacturing stage of the aerosol generating device (1) and stored in advance in the memory (130). As another example, the control unit (110) can calculate the RGB color value of the transparent area of ​​the inner wall (105) from the average value of the second sensing value sensed through the second light receiving unit (165) and the third sensing value sensed through the third light receiving unit (175).

[0275] In one embodiment, the control unit (110) can adjust the light emission amount of the light emitting unit based on the transmittance of the generated transparent area. When the transmittance of the transparent area of ​​the inner wall (105) decreases, the control unit (110) can compensate for the intensity of the light of the second wavelength received by the light receiving unit by increasing the light emission amount of the light emitting unit.

[0276] In one embodiment, the control unit (110) may correct the first sensing value based on the RGB color values ​​of the transparent area of ​​the inner wall (105) calculated through the second sensing value and the third sensing value, and determine information of the aerosol-generating article (5) based on the corrected first sensing value. For example, if the RGB color value of the transparent area of ​​the inner wall (105) is calculated as green and the first sensing value corresponds to red light, the control unit (110) may determine information of the aerosol-generating article (5) based on a value obtained by subtracting an RGB color value corresponding to an average value of the second sensing value and the third sensing value from the RGB color value of the first sensing value. In other words, the control unit (110) may generate a corrected first sensing value by excluding an average value of the second sensing value and the third sensing value from the RGB color value of the first sensing value, and determine information of the aerosol-generating article (5) based on the corrected first sensing value. The RGB color value of the first sensing value corrected here may be yellow.

[0277] The degree of deterioration of the inner wall (105) may vary depending on its location, the distance from the heater (140), and the difference in the amount of droplets. For example, the degree of deterioration of the inner wall (105) adjacent to the third region (13) of the aerosol generating article (5) accommodated in the cavity (100a) may be greater than the degree of deterioration of the inner wall (105) adjacent to the second region (12) because it is closer to the heater (140). The degree of deterioration of the inner wall (105) adjacent to the first region (11) may be close to the average of the degrees of deterioration of the inner wall (105) adjacent to the second region (12) and the degrees of deterioration of the inner wall (105) adjacent to the third region (13). Therefore, it is preferable that the control unit (110) calculates the degree of deterioration of the transparent region of the inner wall (105) through the average value of the second sensing value and the third sensing value.

[0278] In one embodiment, the first light emitting unit (151) may be configured to emit ultraviolet light, and the second light emitting unit (161) and the third light emitting unit (171) may be configured to emit white visible light.

[0279] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 18, in one embodiment, the sensor module (150) can be movably arranged on the main body of the aerosol generating device (1) along the direction in which the cavity (100a) extends. Even if the identification material (10) is not positioned at a constant position along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article (5), the sensor module (150) can recognize the identification material (10). Therefore, the degree of freedom in the operation of arranging the identification material (10) on the aerosol generating article (5) can be improved.

[0280] The sensor module (150) may be arranged to be movable using a motor and gear, but is not limited thereto. For example, the sensor module (150) may be movable under the control of the control unit (110). As another example, the sensor module (150) may be arranged to be movable based on a user's input signal.

[0281] The sensor module (150) can be arranged to be movable to at least one of a first position corresponding to the first region (11), a second position corresponding to the second region (12), and a third position corresponding to the third region (13).

[0282] The light emitting unit (151) can emit light of a first wavelength toward the first region (11) of the aerosol generating article (5) through the transparent region of the inner wall (105) at the first position. The light receiving unit (155) can receive light of a second wavelength emitted from the identification material (10) of the first region (11) through the transparent region of the inner wall (105) at the first position.

[0283] The light emitting unit (151) can emit light of a first wavelength toward the second region (12) of the aerosol generating article (5) through the transparent region of the inner wall (105) at the second position. The light receiving unit (155) can receive light reflected from the second region (12) through the transparent region of the inner wall (105) at the second position.

[0284] The light emitting unit (151) can emit light of a first wavelength toward the third region (13) of the aerosol generating article (5) through the transparent region of the inner wall (105) at the third position. The light receiving unit (155) can receive light reflected from the third region (13) through the transparent region of the inner wall (105) at the third position.

[0285] In one embodiment, the control unit (110) can determine information about the aerosol generating article (5) based on a first sensing value sensed at a first location and a second sensing value sensed at a second location through the sensor module (150).

[0286] The description of the control unit (110) that determines information of the aerosol generating article (5) based on the first sensing value and the second sensing value overlaps with the description in FIGS. 15 and 16, and is therefore omitted.

[0287] In one embodiment, the control unit (110) can determine information about the aerosol generating article (5) based on a first sensing value sensed at a first location, a second sensing value sensed at a second location, and a third sensing value sensed at a third location through the sensor module (150).

[0288] A description of the control unit (110) that determines information of the aerosol generating article (5) based on the first sensing value, the second sensing value, and the third sensing value overlaps with the description in FIG. 17, and is therefore omitted.

[0289] Fig. 19 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0290] 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 (1800, 2400). However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device (1000) is not limited to that illustrated in FIG. 19. 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. 19 may be omitted or new components may be added.

[0291] 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 article and / or cartridge (19) is inserted, and displaying a notification.

[0292] 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).

[0293] 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.

[0294] 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).

[0295] 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.

[0296] 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.

[0297] 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 (1000). 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).

[0298] 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.

[0299] 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.

[0300] 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.

[0301] 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.

[0302] 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.

[0303] 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.

[0304] The cartridge detection sensor (1350) can detect the mounting and / or removal of the cartridge (19). The cartridge detection sensor (1350) can be implemented by an inductance-based sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistance sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC) using the Hall effect, etc.

[0305] The cap detection sensor (1360) can detect the attachment and / or removal of the cap. When the cap is separated from the aerosol generating device body, the cartridge (19) covered by the cap and a portion of the aerosol generating device body 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.

[0306] The motion detection sensor (1370) can detect the movement of the aerosol generating device (1000). The motion detection sensor (1370) can be implemented with at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

[0307] 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.

[0308] 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.

[0309] 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 (19), 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.

[0310] 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.

[0311] 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.

[0312] 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.

[0313] Although not shown in FIG. 19, 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.

[0314] 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.

[0315] 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. 19, 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.

[0316] 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. 19, the device may further include a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts power from the power source (1100) and supplies it to each component. In addition, although not illustrated in FIG. 19, 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 a 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).

[0317] 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.

[0318] 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.

[0319] 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.

[0320] 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).

[0321] Meanwhile, the input unit (1500) may include, but is not limited to, buttons, key pads, dome switches, jog wheels, jog switches, etc.

[0322] 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.

[0323] 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.

[0324] 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.

[0325] 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.

[0326] Although not shown in FIG. 19, 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.

[0327] 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.

[0328] 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).

[0329] 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) or the heater (1800). 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.

[0330] 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.

[0331] 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.

[0332] 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.

[0333] 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.

[0334] 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.

[0335] 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.

[0336] 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.

[0337] 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 (19) 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).

[0338] 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).

[0339] 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).

[0340] 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).

[0341] 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).

[0342] 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).

[0343] 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).

[0344] 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.

[0345] 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.

[0346] 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).

[0347] The control unit (1200) can determine whether the cartridge (19) is coupled and / or removed through the cartridge detection sensor (1350). For example, the control unit (1200) can determine whether the cartridge (19) is coupled and / or removed based on the sensing value of the signal of the cartridge detection sensor.

[0348] The control unit (1200) can determine whether the aerosol generating material of the cartridge (19) 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 (19) is exhausted. If the control unit (1200) determines that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge (19) is exhausted, the control unit (1200) can cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800).

[0349] The control unit (1200) can determine whether the cartridge (19) is usable. For example, the control unit (1200) can determine that the cartridge (19) is unusable if the current number of puffs is greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge (19) based on data stored in the memory (1700). For example, the control unit (1200) can determine that the cartridge (19) is unusable if the total time that the cartridge heater (2400) has been heated is greater than or equal to the preset maximum time or the total amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater (2400) is greater than or equal to the preset maximum amount of power.

[0350] 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. 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).

[0351] 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).

[0352] 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 the cartridge (19) and / or the 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).

[0353] 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.

[0354] 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.

[0355] 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.

[0356] 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.

[0357] 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.

[0358] 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.

[0359] 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.

[0360] 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.

[0361] 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.

[0362] 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. An aerosol generating article comprising a first region in which an identification material is disposed that emits light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength when excited by light of a first wavelength, and a second region different from the first region; and An aerosol generating device having a cavity in which a portion of the aerosol generating article is received; The above aerosol generating device An inner wall defining the cavity and including a transparent area through which light is transmitted in one area; A sensor module including a light emitting unit that emits light of the first wavelength toward the first region through the transparent region, and a light receiving unit that receives light of the second wavelength emitted from the identification material of the aerosol generating article through the transparent region; a heater for heating the aerosol generating article accommodated in the cavity; and A control unit that determines information about the aerosol generating article based on the sensing value sensed through the light receiving unit and controls power supply to the heater based on the determined information about the aerosol generating article; Aerosol generating system.

2. In paragraph 1, The above sensor module The light emitting unit emits light of the first wavelength toward the first region and the second region through the transparent region, The above light receiving unit is composed of multiple units, The above light receiving unit A first light receiving unit that receives light of the second wavelength emitted from the identification material of the aerosol generating article through the transparent area, and A second light receiving unit is included that receives light reflected from the second area through the transparent area, The above control unit A first sensing value sensed through the first light receiving unit, and Determining information on the aerosol generating article based on the second sensing value sensed through the second light receiving unit; Aerosol generating system.

3. In paragraph 1, The above sensor module The above light emitting unit and the above light receiving unit are each composed of a plurality of units, The above light emitting unit A first light emitting unit that emits light of the first wavelength toward the first region through the transparent region, and A second light emitting unit that emits light of the first wavelength toward the second region through the transparent region, The above light receiving unit A first light receiving unit that receives light of the second wavelength emitted from the identification material of the aerosol generating article through the transparent area, and A second light receiving unit is included that receives light reflected from the second area through the transparent area, The above control unit A first sensing value sensed through the first light receiving unit, and Determining information on the aerosol generating article based on the second sensing value sensed through the second light receiving unit; Aerosol generating system.

4. In paragraph 1, The above sensor module Movably arranged in the aerosol generating device to move to a first position corresponding to the first region and a second position corresponding to the second region, Aerosol generating system.

5. In paragraph 4, The above control unit A first sensing value sensed at the first location through the sensor module, and Determining information about the aerosol generating article based on the second sensing value sensed at the second location; Aerosol generating system.

6. In paragraph 3, The above aerosol generating article is Further comprising a third region positioned symmetrically with respect to the second region with the first region as the center, The heater is positioned closer to the third region than to the second region of the aerosol generating article accommodated in the cavity, The above light emitting unit Further comprising a third light emitting unit that emits light of the first wavelength toward the third region through the transparent region, The above light receiving unit Further comprising a third light receiving unit that receives light reflected from the third area through the transparent area, The above control unit Determining information on the aerosol generating article based on the first sensing value, the second sensing value, and the third sensing value sensed through the third light receiving unit. Aerosol generating system.

7. In paragraph 4, The above aerosol generating article is Further comprising a third region positioned symmetrically with respect to the second region with the first region as the center, The heater is positioned closer to the third region than to the second region of the aerosol generating article accommodated in the cavity, The above sensor module Movably arranged in the aerosol generating device to move to the first position, the second position, and the third position corresponding to the third region, Aerosol generating system.

8. In paragraph 7, The above control unit A first sensing value sensed at the first location through the sensor module; a second sensing value sensed at the second location, and Determining information about the aerosol generating article based on the third sensing value sensed at the third location; Aerosol generating system.

9. In paragraph 2, The above control unit Based on the value obtained by subtracting the second sensing value from the first sensing value, information on the aerosol generating article is determined. Aerosol generating system.

10. In paragraph 6, The above control unit Determining information on the aerosol generating article based on a value obtained by subtracting an average value of the second sensing value and the third sensing value from the first sensing value. Aerosol generating system.

11. In paragraph 1, The above control unit Controlling the power supplied to the heater based on a temperature profile corresponding to the type of aerosol generating article determined; Aerosol generating system.

12. In paragraph 1, The above light receiving unit includes an RGB optical diode, Aerosol generating system.

13. In paragraph 1, The above identification material comprises at least one of a lanthanide material and a taggant material. Aerosol generating system.

14. In paragraph 1, The aerosol generating device further includes an output unit that outputs information on the status of the aerosol generating device; The control unit controls the output unit so that the output unit outputs information on the determined aerosol generating product. Aerosol generating system.

15. In paragraph 14, The above output section Comprising at least one of a display, a haptic unit, and an audio output unit, Aerosol generating system.

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