JP7821367B2 - Aerosol generating system and method of operation thereof - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating system and an operating method thereof, and more particularly to an aerosol generating system and an operating method thereof that can provide an operating mode corresponding to the type and/or humidity of a cigarette sensed using a color sensor.

Recently, there has been increasing demand for smoking methods that can replace conventional cigarettes. For example, there is growing demand for methods that generate aerosol by heating aerosol-generating substances within a cigarette, rather than by burning the cigarette. As a result, research into heated cigarettes or heated aerosol-generating devices is actively underway.

A cigarette may include an aerosol-generating section, a tobacco filling section, a cooling section, and a filter section. The tobacco filling section may be made in a variety of ways. For example, the tobacco filling section may be made from any one of cut tobacco, granules, and liquid. Despite the variety of types of tobacco filling section, applying a uniform heating profile may not provide a suitable atomization amount and flavor sensation.

On the other hand, moisture has a higher specific heat than air and a greater heat capacity than air at the same temperature. This creates a problem where a user inhales an aerosol with a high moisture content and feels a higher heat sensation than if they inhaled air at the same temperature.

The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide an aerosol generating system and method of operation that can distinguish between different types of cigarettes (i.e., different types of tobacco filler sections).

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an aerosol generating system and method of operation that can distinguish between regular cigarettes and overly moist cigarettes.

The problems to be solved through the embodiments are not limited to those described above, and problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those with ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments pertain from this specification and the accompanying drawings.

According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating system includes an aerosol generating device including a cigarette having a first color band formed thereon whose hue changes depending on humidity, a main body including a storage passage into which the cigarette is inserted, a heater for heating the cigarette, a color sensor disposed on one side of the storage passage for detecting the color of the first color band, and a control unit for determining the humidity state of the cigarette based on the detected color of the first color band.

The first color band may contain litmus that changes from a first color to a second color when exposed to moisture.

The control unit determines that the cigarette is a regular cigarette if the color of the first color band is the first color, and determines that the cigarette is an over-moistened cigarette if the color of the first color band is the second color.

The control unit may operate the heater with a first temperature profile if the cigarette is determined to be a regular cigarette, and may operate the heater with a second temperature profile if the cigarette is determined to be an over-moist cigarette.

The preheating section of the second temperature profile is longer than the preheating section of the first temperature profile.

The cigarette includes an aerosol-generating section, a tobacco filling section, a cooling section, and a mouthpiece, and the aerosol-generating section, the tobacco filling section, the cooling section, and the mouthpiece are wrapped in a wrapping material, and the first color band may be formed on the wrapping material corresponding to the tobacco filling section.

The cigarette may further include a second color band having a different color for each type of cigarette.

The types of cigarettes may include a first cigarette in which the tobacco filling section is filled with cut tobacco, a second cigarette in which the tobacco filling section is filled with tobacco granules, and a third cigarette in which the tobacco filling section is filled with liquid nicotine.

The second color band is a third color in the case of the first cigarette, a fourth color in the case of the second cigarette, and a fifth color in the case of the third cigarette.

The control unit may operate the heater with a temperature profile corresponding to the colors of the first color band and the second color band.

The second colored zone may be formed on the wrapping material corresponding to the tobacco filling section and positioned between the first colored zone and the boundary between the tobacco filling section and the cooling section.

The first color band is formed so as to overlap the second color band in the thickness direction and has a mesh-like shape.

The color sensor can sense a mixed color obtained by mixing the color of the first color band and the color of the second color band.

In one embodiment, a method for operating an aerosol generating system includes inserting a cigarette having a colored stripe formed thereon into a storage passage of a main body, detecting the color of the colored stripe using a color sensor, and determining the humidity state of the cigarette based on the detected color of the colored stripe.

The color band may include litmus that changes from a first color to a second color when exposed to moisture.

The step of determining the humidity state of the cigarette determines that the cigarette is a regular cigarette if the color of the color band is the first color, and determines that the cigarette is an over-humid cigarette if the color of the color band is the second color.

Aerosol generating systems and methods of operation according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can distinguish the type of cigarette (i.e., the type of tobacco filler section) using color bands displayed on the cigarette and a color sensor.

Furthermore, the aerosol generating system and its operating method according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can distinguish between regular cigarettes and overly moist cigarettes using color bands and color sensors displayed on the cigarettes.

The effects of the embodiments are not limited to those described above, and any unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those with ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments pertain from this specification and the accompanying drawings.

1 is a diagram showing an example in which a cigarette is inserted into an aerosol generating device. 1 is a diagram showing an example in which a cigarette is inserted into an aerosol generating device. 1 is a diagram showing an example in which a cigarette is inserted into an aerosol generating device. 1 is a drawing showing an example of a cigarette. 1 is a drawing showing an example of a cigarette. 1 is a drawing showing an example of a cigarette. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic view of a portion of an aerosol generation system. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic view of a portion of an aerosol generation system. 1 is a view illustrating a cigarette according to an embodiment. 1 is a view illustrating a cigarette according to an embodiment. 10 is a graph illustrating a temperature profile. 10 is a view for explaining a cigarette according to another embodiment. 10 is a view for explaining a cigarette according to another embodiment. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generation system illustrating the position of a color sensor. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generation system illustrating the position of a color sensor. 10 is a view illustrating a cigarette according to still another embodiment. 10 is a view illustrating a cigarette according to still another embodiment. 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operation of an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment.

The terms used in the embodiments have been selected to the extent possible based on current, widely used, general terms while taking into account their function in the present invention. However, this may vary depending on the intentions of engineers in the field, legal precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in certain cases, terms have been arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in this invention must be defined based on the meanings that the terms possess and the overall content of this disclosure, rather than simply by their names.

Throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a certain component, this does not mean that it excludes other components, and that it may further include other components, unless specifically stated to the contrary. Furthermore, terms such as "... unit" and "... module" used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and may be realized by hardware or software, or by a combination of hardware and software.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. However, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

Figures 1 to 3 show an example of a cigarette inserted into an aerosol generating device.

Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generating system 100 may include an aerosol generating device and a cigarette (or aerosol product) for use therewith.

The aerosol generator 1 includes a battery 11, a control unit 12, and a heater 13. Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the aerosol generator 1 further includes a vaporizer 14. A cigarette 2 can be inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generator 1.

The aerosol generating device 1 shown in Figures 1 to 3 illustrates the components related to this embodiment. Therefore, a person with ordinary skill in the art related to this embodiment would understand that the aerosol generating device 1 further includes other general-purpose components in addition to the components illustrated in Figures 1 to 3.

Furthermore, although Figures 2 and 3 illustrate the aerosol generating device 1 as including a heater 13, the heater 13 may be omitted if necessary.

In Figure 1, the battery 11, control unit 12, and heater 13 are arranged in a row. Also, in Figure 2, the battery 11, control unit 12, vaporizer 14, and heater 13 are arranged in a row. Also, in Figure 3, the vaporizer 14 and heater 13 are arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generation device 1 is not limited to that shown in Figures 1 to 3. That is, the arrangement of the battery 11, control unit 12, heater 13, and vaporizer 14 may be changed depending on the design of the aerosol generation device 1.

When the cigarette 2 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, the aerosol generating device 1 can activate the heater 13 and/or vaporizer 14 to generate aerosol. The aerosol generated by the heater 13 and/or vaporizer 14 passes through the cigarette 2 and is delivered to the user.

If necessary, the aerosol generating device 1 can heat the heater 13 even when a cigarette 2 is not inserted into the aerosol generating device 1.

The battery 11 supplies the power used to operate the aerosol generation device 1. For example, the battery 11 may supply power to heat the heater 13 or the vaporizer 14, and may also supply the power necessary for the operation of the control unit 12. The battery 11 may also supply the power necessary for the operation of the display, sensors, motors, etc. provided in the aerosol generation device 1.

The control unit 12 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generation device 1. Specifically, the control unit 12 controls the operation of not only the battery 11, heater 13, and vaporizer 14, but also other components included in the aerosol generation device 1. The control unit 12 can also check the status of each component of the aerosol generation device 1 and determine whether the aerosol generation device 1 is in an operable state.

The control unit 12 includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory storing a program executed by the microprocessor. Those skilled in the art will understand that the control unit 12 may also be implemented as other forms of hardware.

The heater 13 can be heated by power supplied from the battery 11. For example, when a cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, the heater 13 can be located outside the cigarette. Therefore, the heated heater 13 can increase the temperature of the aerosol generating material within the cigarette.

The heater 13 may also be an electrically resistive heater. For example, the heater 13 may include a conductive track, and the heater 13 may be heated by passing a current through the conductive track. However, the heater 13 is not limited to the above example, and may be any heater capable of heating to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may be preset in the aerosol generation device 1, or may be set to a desired temperature by the user.

On the other hand, as another example, the heater 13 may be an induction heater. Specifically, the heater 13 includes a conductive coil for heating the cigarette by induction heating, and the cigarette may include a susceptor that can be heated by the induction heater.

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

A plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged in the aerosol generating device 1. In this case, the plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged so as to be inserted inside the cigarette 2, or may be arranged outside the cigarette 2. Furthermore, some of the plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged so as to be inserted inside the cigarette 2, and the rest may be arranged outside the cigarette 2. Furthermore, the shape of the heaters 13 is not limited to the shapes shown in Figures 1 to 3, and various shapes may be produced.

The vaporizer 14 heats the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, which can be transmitted to the user through the cigarette 2. That is, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 travels along the airflow passage of the aerosol generating device 1, and the airflow passage can be configured to allow the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 to be transmitted to the user through the cigarette 2.

For example, the vaporizer 14 may include, but is not limited to, a liquid storage unit, a liquid transfer means, and a heating element. For example, the liquid storage unit, the liquid transfer means, and the heating element may be included in the aerosol generation device 1 as independent modules.

The liquid storage section can store a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition can be a liquid containing tobacco-containing substances, including volatile tobacco flavor components, or a liquid containing non-tobacco substances. The liquid storage section can be designed to be detachable from/attachable to the vaporizer 14, and can be designed as an integral part of the vaporizer 14.

For example, the liquid composition may contain water, solvent, ethanol, plant extracts, fragrances, flavorings, or vitamin mixtures. Flavorings may include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, various fruit scents, and the like. Flavorings may include ingredients that provide a variety of flavors or tastes to the user. The vitamin mixture may include, but is not limited to, a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E. The liquid composition may also include an aerosol-forming agent, such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

The liquid transfer means can transfer the liquid composition in the liquid storage portion to the heating element. For example, the liquid transfer means can be a wick such as, but not limited to, cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.

The heating element is an element for heating the liquid composition transferred by the liquid transfer means. For example, the heating element may be, but is not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate, a ceramic heater, etc. The heating element may also be composed of a conductive filament such as nichrome wire and arranged in a structure wound around the liquid transfer means. The heating element is heated by supplying electric current, and transfers heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol may be generated.

For example, the vaporizer 14 may also be referred to as a cartomizer or an atomizer, but is not limited to these terms.

Meanwhile, the aerosol generation device 1 may include general-purpose components in addition to the battery 11, control unit 12, heater 13, and vaporizer 14. For example, the aerosol generation device 1 may include a display capable of outputting visual information and/or a motor for outputting tactile information.

The aerosol generating device 1 may also include at least one sensor (such as a puff sensor, a temperature sensor, a cigarette insertion sensor, and a color sensor). In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 1 uses the color sensor to identify the type of cigarette 2 and/or the humidity state of the cigarette 2, and selects a suitable heating profile for each cigarette 2 based on the identification result, and operates the heater 13.

The aerosol generating device 1 can also be constructed so that external air flows in or internal gas flows out even when a cigarette 2 is inserted.

Although not shown in Figures 1 to 3, the aerosol generation device 1 may form a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may be used to charge the battery 11 of the aerosol generation device 1. Alternatively, the heater 13 may be heated when the cradle and the aerosol generation device 1 are combined.

A cigarette according to one embodiment includes at least one of an aerosol-generating section, a tobacco filling section, a cooling section, and a filter section (mouthpiece or mouthpiece section). For example, the filter section is typically an acetate filter, and the cooling section and filter section may contain capsules and flavoring agents.

On the other hand, the materials, order, and lengths of the aerosol-generating section and tobacco-filling section are not limited to the specific examples, and the materials and lengths of the cooling section and filter section are also not limited to the specific examples.

The aerosol generator generates a nicotine-containing aerosol by heating the aerosol generating section and tobacco filling section, and the aerosol is then ejected to the outside after passing through the cooling section and filter section.

For example, the aerosol generating device may generate an aerosol by heating at least one of the aerosol-generating portion and the tobacco filling portion of the cigarette. Alternatively, the aerosol generating device may selectively or entirely heat the inside or outside of the cigarette.

An example of cigarette 2 will be described below with reference to Figures 4A to 4C.

Figures 4A to 4C are drawings showing examples of cigarettes.

Referring to Figures 4A to 4C, the cigarette 2 includes an aerosol-generating unit 210, a tobacco filling unit 220, a cooling unit 230, and a mouthpiece 240. For example, the mouthpiece 240 may be a filter made of cellulose acetate, and the cooling unit 230 and mouthpiece 240 may contain capsules and flavoring agents. The materials, order, and lengths of the aerosol-generating unit 210 and the tobacco filling unit 220 are not limited to specific examples, and the materials and lengths of the cooling unit 230 and mouthpiece 240 are also not limited to specific examples. In addition, depending on the method of heating the cigarette 2, the cigarette 2 may or may not include a heat conductor.

The outer shell of the cigarette 2 is covered and wrapped in a wrapping material (wrap). In addition, a heat conductor may be disposed partially or entirely between the wrapping material (wrap) and the aerosol-generating section 210 and the tobacco filling section 220.

The aerosol-generating unit 210 does not contain nicotine. Alternatively, the aerosol-generating unit 210 may contain an aerosol-generating material that does not contain nicotine. For example, the aerosol-generating unit 210 may contain at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol, but is not limited to these. For example, the aerosol-generating unit 210 may contain a material in which glycerin and propylene glycol are mixed in a ratio of approximately 8:2. However, the above-mentioned mixing ratio is not limited. The aerosol-generating unit 210 may also contain other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants, and/or organic acids. The aerosol-generating unit 210 may also contain a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a humectant.

The aerosol-generating unit 210 includes a rolled sheet, and the aerosol-generating material may be contained in the aerosol-generating unit 210 in a state in which it is impregnated into the rolled sheet. In addition, other additives and flavoring liquids, such as flavoring agents, humectants, and/or organic acids, may be contained in the aerosol-generating unit 210 in a state in which they are absorbed into the rolled sheet.

The crimped sheet may also be a sheet made 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 unpleasant thermal odor even when heated to a high temperature. However, the crimped sheet is not limited to this.

The length of the aerosol generating unit 210 may be an appropriate length within the range of 4 mm to 12 mm, but is not limited to this. Preferably, the length of the aerosol generating unit 210 is approximately 10 mm, but is not limited to this.

The tobacco filling portion 220 may contain nicotine. It may also contain an aerosol-forming substance such as glycerin or propylene glycol. It may also contain other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants, and/or organic acids. Flavoring liquids such as menthol or humectants may also be added to the tobacco filling portion 220 by being sprayed into the tobacco filling portion 220.

As one example, the aerosol-generating material may include cut tobacco or reconstituted tobacco material. Specifically, the aerosol-generating material may include nicotine, which may be obtained by molding or reconstituting tobacco leaves. As another example, the aerosol-generating material may include free base nicotine, nicotine salt, or a combination thereof. Specifically, the nicotine may be naturally occurring nicotine or synthetic nicotine.

For example, the tobacco filling section 220 may contain a blend of different types of tobacco leaves. Furthermore, the blend may be processed through a variety of processing steps, including, but not limited to, the following:

Nicotine salts can be formed by adding a suitable acid, including organic or inorganic acids, to nicotine. The acid for forming the nicotine salt can be, but is not limited to, a single acid or a mixture of two or more acids selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, lauric acid, sorbic acid, levulinic acid, pyruvic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, citric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, phenylacetic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, gluconic acid, saccharinic acid, malonic acid, or malic acid.

The tobacco filling portion 220 can be made in a variety of ways. For example, the tobacco filling portion 220 can be made from shredded tobacco, which is a tobacco sheet cut into small pieces. Alternatively, the tobacco filling portion 220 can be made in a granular form, which includes a crimped sheet and has multiple tobacco granules dispersed throughout the crimped sheet. Alternatively, the tobacco filling portion 220 can be made in a vapor form, which includes a crimped sheet and has nicotine liquid impregnated into the crimped sheet.

The length of the tobacco filling section 220 may be any suitable length within the range of 6 mm to 18 mm, but is not limited to this. Preferably, the length of the tobacco filling section 220 is approximately 12 mm, but is not limited to this.

The cooling unit 230 can generate a cooling effect on the aerosol. Therefore, the user can inhale the aerosol that has been cooled to an appropriate temperature.

For example, the cooling section 230 may be made of cellulose acetate and may be a tubular structure having a hollow interior. For example, the cooling section 230 may be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. For example, the cooling section 230 may have a mono-denier of 5.0 and a total denier of 28,000, but is not limited to this.

For example, the cooling unit 230 may be a tube-shaped structure made of paper and having a hollow interior. The cooling unit 230 may also have at least one hole formed therein through which external air can flow.

The cooling section 230 may be made of a paper interleaf made of multiple papers. For example, the cooling section 230 may be made of a paper interleaf made of an outer paper, a middle paper, and an inner paper, but is not limited to this. Meanwhile, the inner surface of the inner paper that constitutes the interleaf may be coated with a specific substance (e.g., polylactic acid).

On the other hand, if the cooling section 230 is made of paper, the total thickness of the cooling section 230 may be within the range of 330 μm to 340 μm. Preferably, the total thickness of the cooling section 230 is approximately 333 μm, but is not limited to this.

Furthermore, when the cooling section 230 is made of paper, the total basis weight of the cooling section 230 may be within the range of 230 g/m ² to 250 g/m ^2. Preferably, the total basis weight of the cooling section 230 is about 240 g/m ² , but is not limited thereto.

The diameter of the hollow portion of the cooling section 230 may be within the range of 4 mm to 8 mm, but is not limited to this. Preferably, the diameter of the hollow portion of the cooling section 230 may be within the range of 7.0 mm to 7.5 mm, but is not limited to this. The length of the cooling section 230 may be within the range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited to this. Preferably, the length of the cooling section 230 is approximately 12 mm, but is not limited to this.

The cooling unit 230 is not limited to the above examples and may be any suitable unit as long as it can perform the function of cooling the aerosol.

The mouthpiece 240 may be made from cellulose acetate tow with a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin). The length of the mouthpiece 240 may be any suitable length within the range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited thereto. Desirably, the length of the mouthpiece 240 is approximately 14 mm, but is not limited thereto.

The mouthpiece 240 may be designed to release a flavor. For example, a flavoring liquid may be sprayed into the mouthpiece 240, and separate fibers coated with the flavoring liquid may be inserted into the mouthpiece 240.

The mouthpiece 240 may also include at least one capsule. For example, the capsule may contain a liquid fragrance, and when the capsule is crushed, the liquid fragrance may leak out, generating a flavor. For another example, the capsule may contain an aerosol-generating substance, and when the capsule is crushed, the substance may leak out, generating an aerosol. The capsule may also have a structure in which the liquid fragrance or the aerosol-generating substance is enclosed in a coating. The capsule may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

Referring to FIG. 4B, the tobacco filling section 220 may include cooling holes 250. For example, primary cooling of the aerosol is performed by perforating the tobacco filling section 220, and secondary cooling is performed as the primarily cooled aerosol passes through the cooling section 230. This maximizes the cooling effect of the aerosol. However, cooling holes 250 may not be provided depending on the material of the cooling section 230.

Referring to Figure 4C, the aerosol-generating unit 210 is disposed downstream of the tobacco filling unit 220. That is, the cigarette 2 in Figure 4A and the cigarette 2 in Figure 4C differ in the order in which the aerosol-generating unit 210 and the tobacco filling unit 220 are disposed.

Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

The aerosol generating device 500 may include a control unit 510, a sensing unit 520, an output unit 530, a battery 540, a heater 550, a user input unit 560, a memory 570, and a communication unit 580. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 500 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 5. In other words, a person skilled in the art related to this embodiment would understand that some of the components shown in FIG. 5 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 500.

The sensing unit 520 can sense the state of the aerosol generating device 500 or the state around the aerosol generating device 500 and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 510. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 510 can control the aerosol generating device 500 to perform various functions, such as controlling the operation of the heater 550, restricting smoking, determining whether an aerosol product (e.g., cigarette, cartridge, etc.) is inserted, and displaying notifications.

The sensing unit 520 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 522, an insertion detection sensor 524, a puff sensor 526, and a color sensor 528, but is not limited thereto.

The temperature sensor 522 may sense the temperature to which the heater 550 (or the aerosol-generating material) is heated. The aerosol-generating device 500 may include a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the heater 550, or the heater 550 itself may function as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 522 may be disposed around the battery 540 to monitor the temperature of the battery 540.

The insertion detection sensor 524 may detect the insertion and/or removal of an aerosol product. For example, the insertion detection sensor 524 may include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and may detect a signal change due to the insertion and/or removal of an aerosol product.

The puff sensor 526 may detect a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or airflow channel. For example, the puff sensor 526 may detect a user's puff based on any one of a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

The color sensor 528 may sense light reflected by the cigarette (2 in FIG. 4A). The color sensor 528 may obtain information related to the hue from the sensed light.

The color sensor 528 may include a light-emitting unit 528a and a light-receiving unit 622. The light-emitting unit 528a may emit light toward the cigarette 2. For example, the light-emitting unit 528a may include a first light-collecting unit that collects light generated from a light source toward an object. Here, the first light-collecting unit may be composed of an imaging lens, a diffractive optical element (DOE), or the like.

Light emitted from the light-emitting unit 528a may be reflected from the cigarette 2. The reflected light may reach the light-receiving unit 622. For example, the light-receiving unit 528b may include a photodiode that responds to light. The light-receiving unit 528b may output an electrical signal corresponding to the light incident on the photodiode.

The light receiving unit 528b may include a second light collecting unit that collects light reflected from the object (hereinafter, "reflected light"). For example, the reflected light collected by the second light collecting unit may be transmitted to a photodiode included in the light receiving unit 528b. In this case, the second light collecting unit may include a lens that receives reflected light incident from a predetermined direction.

The control unit 510 may receive a signal related to color information from the color sensor 528. The control unit 51 may determine information based on the color information acquired by the color sensor 528. The control unit 51 may analyze the value output according to the color information acquired by the color sensor 528 to determine information related to the cigarette 2. For example, the information related to the cigarette 2 may be the type of the cigarette 2 and/or the humidity state of the cigarette 2.

In addition to the aforementioned sensors (temperature sensor 522, insertion sensor 524, puff sensor 526, and color sensor 528), the sensing unit 520 may further include at least one of an air pressure sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB (illuminance) sensor. The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person of ordinary skill in the art from its name, so detailed explanations may be omitted.

The output unit 530 may output information related to the status of the aerosol generating device 500 and provide it to the user. The output unit 530 may include at least one of a display unit 532, a haptic unit 534, and an audio output unit 536, but is not limited to these. If the display unit 532 and the touchpad are layered to form a touch screen, the display unit 532 may be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

The display unit 532 visually provides information related to the aerosol generating device 500 to the user. For example, information related to the aerosol generating device 500 may include various information such as the charge/discharge status of the battery 540 of the aerosol generating device 500, the preheating status of the heater 550, the insertion/removal status of an aerosol product, or a status in which use of the aerosol generating device 500 is restricted (e.g., abnormal item detection), and the display unit 532 can output the information to the outside. The display unit 532 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), etc. The display unit 532 may also be in the form of an LED light emitting element.

The haptic unit 534 converts electrical signals into mechanical or electrical stimuli to provide tactile information related to the aerosol generating device 500 to the user. For example, the haptic unit 534 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

The acoustic output unit 536 provides the user with audible information related to the aerosol generating device 500. For example, the acoustic output unit 536 can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it externally.

The battery 540 may supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device 500. The battery 540 may supply power to heat the heater 550. The battery 540 may also supply power necessary for the operation of other components provided within the aerosol generating device 500 (e.g., the sensing unit 520, the output unit 530, the user input unit 560, the memory 570, and the communication unit 580). The battery 540 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 540 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited to this.

The heater 550 can heat the aerosol-generating material by receiving power from the battery 540. Although not shown in FIG. 5, the aerosol generating device 500 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC/DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 540 and supplies it to the heater 550. Furthermore, if the aerosol generating device 500 generates aerosol using an induction heating method, the aerosol generating device 500 may further include a DC/AC converter that converts the DC power of the battery 540 into AC power.

The control unit 510, sensing unit 520, output unit 530, user input unit 560, memory 570, and communication unit 580 can perform their functions by receiving power from the battery 540. Although not shown in FIG. 5, the device may further include a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power of the battery 540 and supplies it to each component.

In one embodiment, the heater 550 may be made of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials include, but are not limited to, metals or metal alloys, including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. The heater 550 may also be embodied by, but is not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate with a conductive track disposed thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc.

In another embodiment, the heater 550 is an induction heater. For example, the heater 550 may include a susceptor that generates heat via a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol-generating material.

In one embodiment, the heater 550 may include multiple heaters. For example, the heater 550 may include a first heater for heating the cigarette and a second heater for heating the liquid.

The user input unit 560 receives information input by a user or outputs information to a user. For example, the user input unit 560 may be, but is not limited to, a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (a touchpad using a contact-type capacitance method, a pressure-type resistive film method, an infrared sensing method, a surface ultrasonic conduction method, an integral tension measurement method, a piezoelectric effect method, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. Also, although not shown in FIG. 5, the aerosol generating device 500 may further include a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and may connect to other external devices via the connection interface such as a USB interface to transmit and receive information or charge the battery 540.

The memory 570 is hardware that stores various data (e.g., temperature profiles) processed within the aerosol generating device 500, and can store data processed by the control unit 510 and data to be processed. The memory 570 may be a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (such as an SD or XD memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read-Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), or a ROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory). The memory 570 may include at least one type of recording medium selected from the group consisting of a memory, a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The memory 570 may store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generating device 500, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data related to the user's smoking pattern.

The communication unit 580 may include at least one component for communicating with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 580 may include a short-range communication unit 582 and a wireless communication unit 584.

The short-range wireless communication unit 582 may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) communication unit, a near field communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee (registered trademark) communication unit, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

The wireless communication unit 584 may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit 584 may use subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) to identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 500 within the communication network.

The control unit 510 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 500. In one embodiment, the control unit 510 can include at least one processor. The processor can also be implemented by an array of multiple logic gates, or by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory storing a program executed by the microprocessor. Those skilled in the art will understand that the processor can also be implemented by other forms of hardware.

The control unit 510 can control the temperature of the heater 550 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 540 to the heater 550. For example, the control unit 510 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery 540 and the heater 550. In another example, a heating direct circuit may control the power supply to the heater 550 in response to a control command from the control unit 510.

The control unit 510 can analyze the results sensed by the sensing unit 520 and control subsequent processing. For example, the control unit 510 can control the power supplied to the heater 550 so that the operation of the heater 550 is started or stopped based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 520. As another example, the control unit 510 can control the amount of power and the power supply time supplied to the heater 550 so that the heater 550 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 520.

The control unit 510 can control the output unit 530 based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 520. For example, when the number of puffs counted via the puff sensor 526 reaches a preset number, the control unit 510 notifies the user via at least one of the display unit 532, the haptic unit 534, and the audio output unit 536 that the aerosol generating device 500 will soon be shut down.

The control unit 510 can determine the type and/or humidity state of the cigarette 2 based on the color information sensed by the color sensor 528. The control unit 510 can operate the heater 550 according to a temperature profile corresponding to the determined type and/or humidity state of the cigarette 2.

Figures 6A and 6B are cross-sectional views schematically illustrating a portion of an aerosol generation system.

Figure 6A is a side cross-sectional view of the aerosol generation system 600, and Figure 6B is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the aerosol generation system 600.

Referring to Figures 6A and 6B, the aerosol generating system 600 may include aerosol generating devices 601, 602 and a cigarette 2. The aerosol generating devices 601, 602 may include a body 601 and a cover 602. Meanwhile, the cigarette 2 and the cover 602 may be detachably coupled to the body 601.

In one embodiment, the cigarette 2 may include a colored band CB in a portion of the wrapping material (wrapper). The colored band CB may indicate the type and/or humidity status information of the cigarette 2.

The main body 601 may have a receiving passage 603 formed therein that can receive the cigarette 2. The cigarette 2 may be received inside the receiving passage 603 through a hole formed in the cover 602. After the cigarette 2 is received in the receiving passage 603, the cigarette 2 may be heated by a heater (not shown) located in the receiving passage 603 to generate an aerosol.

In one embodiment, the main body 601 may have a color sensor 528 formed on the side of the storage passage 603. The color sensor 528 may include a light-emitting portion 528a and a light-receiving portion 528b. The color sensor 528 may be spaced 6 mm or more from the heater so as not to be affected by the heater. The color sensor 528 may be positioned in line with the color band CB of the cigarette 2 stored in the storage passage 603.

According to one embodiment, when the insertion detection sensor (524 in FIG. 5) detects that a cigarette 2 has been inserted into the storage passage 603, the light-emitting unit 528a can irradiate light onto the cigarette 2. Furthermore, the light-receiving unit 528b can receive light reflected from the cigarette 2.

In the present disclosure, the type and/or humidity status of the cigarettes 2 stored in the storage passage 603 can be determined by using the color band CB of the cigarette 2 and the color sensor 528 to sense light reflected from the color band CB. More details on this will be described later with reference to Figures 7A through 10B.

Figures 7A and 7B are diagrams illustrating a cigarette according to one embodiment.

Referring to Figures 7A and 7B, the cigarette 2 may include an aerosol-generating section 210, a tobacco-filling section 220, a cooling section 230, and a mouthpiece 240. The cigarette 2 may include a colored band CB in a portion of the wrapping material (wrapper). For example, the cigarette 2 may include a colored band CB on the wrapping material (wrapper) corresponding to the tobacco-filling section 220. In this case, the colored band CB indicates the humidity state of the cigarette 2.

The colored strip CB may contain a substance that changes color in response to changes in humidity in the surrounding environment. For example, the colored strip CB may contain litmus. Litmus is a pigment extracted from lichen. Litmus indicators are purple in neutral, blue in basic, and red in acidic. Commonly known litmus paper is made by dipping paper in a solution of litmus alcohol, hydrochloric acid, and ammonia water, and then drying it. There are two types of litmus paper: blue and red. If blue litmus paper turns red, it indicates that the solution is acidic, and if red litmus paper turns blue, it indicates that the solution is basic.

In one embodiment, the color band CB is formed in a manner similar to blue litmus paper, indicating blue when humidity is normal and red when humidity is high because moisture in the atmosphere is generally slightly acidic. Therefore, in the case of a regular cigarette 2, the color band CB indicates blue as shown in FIG. 7A, and in the case of an overly humid cigarette 2', the color band CB' indicates red as shown in FIG. 7B.

In this way, by placing the color band CB on the wrapping material (wrapper) corresponding to the tobacco filling section 220 and using the color sensor 528 to sense the color of the color band CB, the humidity state of the cigarette 2 can be easily detected.

If a uniform heating profile is applied without taking into account the humidity state of the tobacco filling section 220, it may not be possible to provide the user with the best possible user satisfaction. Moisture has a higher specific heat than air, and its heat capacity at the same temperature is even greater than that of air. This can lead to a problem where a user inhales an aerosol with a high moisture content and feels a higher sensation of heat than when inhaling air at the same temperature. Below, exemplary temperature profiles corresponding to a regular cigarette 2 and an over-moist cigarette 2' are described using Figure 8.

Figure 8 is a graph illustrating the temperature profile. The solid line represents the first temperature profile for regular cigarettes, while the dashed line represents the second temperature profile for over-moistened cigarettes.

Referring to FIG. 8, the first temperature profile TP1 shows temperature values over time optimized for a typical cigarette (2 in FIG. 7A). The first temperature profile TP1 can be divided into a first section P1, which is a preheating section, and a second section P2, which is a smoking section.

The first section P1 may include a section where the temperature rises from the first temperature T1, which is the outside air temperature, to the second temperature T2, at which the aerosol-generating substance volatilizes, and a section where the temperature falls to the third temperature T3, which is the smoking start temperature. The second section P2 may include a section where the temperature falls from the third temperature T3 to the fourth temperature T4, and a section where the fourth temperature T4 is maintained. In this case, the second temperature T2, the third temperature T3, and the fourth temperature T4 are all equal to or higher than the temperatures at which the aerosol-generating substance volatilizes, and may vary depending on the type of aerosol-generating substance.

Meanwhile, the second temperature profile TP2 shows time-dependent temperature values optimized for over-moistened cigarettes (2' in FIG. 7B). The second temperature profile TP2 can be divided into a third section P3, which is a pre-heating section, and a fourth section P4, which is a smoking section.

The third section P3 may include a section in which the temperature rises from the first temperature T1, which is the outside air temperature, to the second temperature T2, at which the aerosol-generating substance volatilizes, a section in which the second temperature T2 is maintained, and a section in which the temperature falls to the fourth temperature T4, which is the smoking start temperature. The fourth section P4 may include a section in which the fourth temperature T4 is maintained.

In this case, the time required to reach the second temperature T2 corresponding to the second temperature profile TP2 is longer than the time required to reach the second temperature T2 corresponding to the first temperature profile TP1 due to the moisture contained in the cigarette 2000.

In addition, after the second temperature profile TP2 reaches the second temperature T2, at least a portion of the moisture contained within the over-humidified cigarette 2' may evaporate while the second temperature profile TP2 is maintained at the second temperature T2. This may alleviate the initial heat sensation. On the other hand, in the case of a regular cigarette 2, the user is less likely to feel heat due to the moisture contained within, so the first temperature profile TP1 may omit the section for evaporating the moisture contained within the cigarette 2. That is, the pre-heating section P3 of the second temperature profile TP2 is longer than the pre-heating section P1 of the first temperature profile TP1, and the third temperature T3, which is the smoking start temperature of a regular cigarette (2 in FIG. 7A), is higher than the fourth temperature T4, which is the smoking start temperature of an over-humidified cigarette (2' in FIG. 7B).

However, the first temperature profile TP1 and the second temperature profile TP2 shown in FIG. 8 are merely examples, and the temperature profiles for regular cigarettes (2 in FIG. 7A) and over-moistened cigarettes (2' in FIG. 7B) are not limited thereto.

Figures 9A and 9B are drawings illustrating a cigarette according to another embodiment.

The cigarettes 2_1a, 2_1b, and 2_1c shown in Figures 9A and 9B differ from the cigarettes 2 shown in Figures 7A and 7B, which include only one color band CB, in that they include second color bands CB2a, CB2b, and CB2c in addition to the first color band CB1 in some areas of the wrapping material (wrapper). The remaining configurations are substantially identical. Hereinafter, redundant explanations will be omitted and the differences will be focused on.

Cigarettes 2_1a, 2_1b, and 2_1c may include an aerosol-generating section 210, a tobacco-filling section 220, a cooling section 230, and a mouthpiece 240. Cigarettes 2_1a, 2_1b, and 2_1c may include a first color band CB1 and second color bands CB2a, CB2b, and CB2c in a partial area of the wrapping material (wrapper). For example, cigarette 2 may include a first color band CB1 and second color bands CB2a, CB2b, and CB2c on the wrapping material (wrapper) corresponding to the tobacco-filling section 220.

In this case, the first color band CB1 has substantially the same configuration as the color band CB in FIG. 7A and indicates the humidity state of the cigarettes 2_1a, 2_1b, and 2_1c. The first color band CB1 is formed on the same principle as blue litmus paper, indicating blue when humidity is normal and red when humidity is high because moisture in the atmosphere is generally weakly acidic. Therefore, if the first cigarette 2_1a, the second cigarette 2_1b, and the third cigarette 2_1c are regular cigarettes, as shown in FIG. 9A, the first color band CB1 indicates blue. If the first cigarette 2_1a, the second cigarette 2_1b, and the third cigarette 2_1c are over-humid cigarettes, the first color band CB1' indicates red, as shown in FIG. 9B.

Furthermore, the second color bands CB2a, CB2b, and CB2c indicate the types of cigarettes 2_1a, 2_1b, and 2_1c. In FIGS. 9A and 9B, the tobacco filling portion 220 of the first cigarette 2_1a may be filled with cut tobacco, the tobacco filling portion 220 of the second cigarette 2_1b may be filled with tobacco granules, and the tobacco filling portion 220 of the third cigarette 2_1c may be filled with liquid nicotine. For example, the second color band CB2a of the first cigarette 2_1a may be red, the second color band CB2b of the second cigarette 2_1b may be yellow, and the second color band CB2c of the third cigarette 2_1c may be black. However, the colors of the second color bands CB2a, CB2b, and CB2c and the contents of the tobacco filling portion that match each color are merely examples and may be modified in various ways.

In one embodiment, the second color bands CB2a, CB2b, and CB2c are formed on the wrapping material (wrapper) corresponding to the tobacco filling section 220, and the second color bands CB2a, CB2b, and CB2c may be arranged adjacent to the first color band CB1 in the longitudinal direction. For example, the second color bands CB2a, CB2b, and CB2c may be arranged between the first color band CB1 and the boundary line between the tobacco filling section 220 and the cooling section 230.

Figures 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views of the aerosol generation system illustrating the location of the color sensor.

Referring to Figures 9A, 9B, 10A, and 10B, the color sensors 528a and 528b may be formed on the side of the receiving passage 603 of the main body 601.

According to one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10A, a plurality of color sensors 528a, 528b may be formed on the side of the storage passage 603. For example, the first color sensor 528a may be arranged in line with the first color band CB1 of the first cigarette 2_1a stored in the storage passage 603, and the second color sensor 528b may be arranged in line with the second color band CB2a of the first cigarette 2_1a stored in the storage passage 603. In this case, the first color sensor 528a determines the color of the first color band CB1, and the second color sensor 528b determines the color of the second color band CB2a.

According to another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10B, only one color sensor 528 may be formed on the side of the storage passage 603. For example, the color sensor 528 may be positioned in line with the second color band CB2a of the first cigarette 2_1a stored in the storage passage 603. When a user stores a cigarette in the storage passage 603, the first color band CB1 and the second color band CB2 may pass by the color sensor 528 in succession. In this case, the color sensor 528 can determine the color of the first color band CB1 and the color of the second color band CB2a based on changes in the sensing value over time.

In this way, by placing the first color band CB1 and the second color bands CB2a, CB2b, and CB2c on the wrapping material (wrapper) corresponding to the tobacco filling section 220, and using color sensors 528a and 528b to sense the color of the first color band CB1, the humidity state of the cigarette can be easily detected, and by sensing the color of the second color bands CB2a, CB2b, and CB2c, the type of cigarette can be easily detected.

The control unit (510 in FIG. 5) may operate the heater (550 in FIG. 5) according to a temperature profile corresponding to the colors of the first color band CB1 and the second color bands CB2a, CB2b, and CB2c. For example, if the type of cigarette 2, i.e., the substance filled in the tobacco filling unit 220, is of three types, i.e., cut tobacco, granules, and liquid, the aerosol generating device (500 in FIG. 5) may include a temperature profile for a general cigarette and a temperature profile for a moist cigarette, each corresponding to a different substance, and may store a total of six temperature profiles in the memory (570 in FIG. 5).

Figures 11A and 11B are drawings illustrating a cigarette according to yet another embodiment.

Cigarettes 2_2a, 2_2b, and 2_2c shown in Figures 11A and 11B differ from cigarette 2_1a shown in Figures 9A and 9B, in that the first color band CB1_1 is arranged to overlap the second color bands CB2a, CB2b, and CB2c in the thickness direction, but the remaining configuration is substantially the same. Hereinafter, redundant explanations will be omitted and the differences will be mainly described.

Cigarettes 2_2a, 2_2b, and 2_2c may include an aerosol-generating section 210, a tobacco-filling section 220, a cooling section 230, and a mouthpiece 240. Cigarettes 2_2a, 2_2b, and 2_2c may include a first color band CB1_1 and second color bands CB2a, CB2b, and CB2c in a partial area of the wrapping material (wrapper). For example, cigarette 2 may include a first color band CB1_1 and second color bands CB2a, CB2b, and CB2c on the wrapping material (wrapper) corresponding to the tobacco-filling section 220.

The first color band CB1_1 contains litmus and indicates the humidity state of cigarettes 2_2a, 2_2b, and 2_2c.

The first color band CB1_1 is formed on the same principle as blue litmus paper, indicating blue when humidity is normal and red when humidity is high because moisture in the air is generally slightly acidic. Therefore, if the cigarette is a regular cigarette 2_2a, 2_2b, or 2_2c, the first color band CB1_1 indicates blue as shown in FIG. 11A. If the cigarette is an over-humidified cigarette 2_2a', 2_2b', or 2_2c', the first color band CB1_1' indicates red as shown in FIG. 11B.

The second color bands CB2a, CB2b, and CB2c indicate the types of cigarettes 2_2a, 2_2b, and 2_2c. The types of cigarettes 2_2a, 2_2b, and 2_2c include a first cigarette 2_2a whose tobacco filling section 220 is filled with cut tobacco, a second cigarette 2_2b whose tobacco filling section 220 is filled with tobacco granules, and a third cigarette 2_2c whose tobacco filling section 220 is filled with liquid nicotine. For example, the second color band CB2a of the first cigarette 2_2a is red, the second color band CB2b of the second cigarette 2_2b is yellow, and the second color band CB2c of the third cigarette 2_2c is black. However, the colors of the second color bands CB2a, CB2b, and CB2c and the contents of the tobacco filling portion that match each color are merely examples and may be modified in various ways.

According to one embodiment, the first color band CB1_1 may be disposed so as to overlap the second color bands CB2a, CB2b, and CB2c in the thickness direction. In this case, the first color band CB1_1 has a mesh shape. Accordingly, the first color band CB1_1 may include a plurality of rectangular mesh holes MH, through which the second color bands CB2a, CB2b, and CB2c may be exposed to the outside. However, the shape of the first color band CB1_1 is not limited thereto. For example, the first color band CB1_1 may have a rectangular shape when viewed from one side, but by forming the first color band CB1_1 to be translucent, the first color band CB1_1 may indicate a color that is a mixture of the colors of the second color bands CB2a, CB2b, and CB2c disposed below it when viewed from the outside.

As described above, the first color band CB1_1 may indicate blue for regular cigarettes 2_2a, 2_2b, and 2_2c, and the first color band CB1_1' may indicate red for over-moistened cigarettes 2_2a', 2_2b', and 2_2c'. In this case, the first cigarette 2_2a having the red second color band CB2a may be displayed in purple if it is a regular cigarette, or in red if it is an over-moistened cigarette. The second cigarette 2_2b having the yellow second color band CB2b may be displayed in green if it is a regular cigarette, or in orange if it is an over-moistened cigarette. The third cigarette 2_2c having the black second color band CB2c may be displayed in deep blue if it is a regular cigarette, or in brown if it is an over-moistened cigarette.

Referring to FIG. 6A, the color sensor 528 may be formed on the side of the storage passage 603 of the main body 601. For example, the color sensor 528 may be disposed in line with the color bands CB (i.e., the first color band CB1_1 and the second color bands CB2a, CB2b, and CB2c) of the cigarette 2 stored in the storage passage 603, and the color sensor 528 may determine the color mixture of the first color band CB1_1 and the second color bands CB2a, CB2b, and CB2c.

In this way, the first color band CB1_1 and the second color bands CB2a, CB2b, and CB2c are arranged on the wrapping material (wrapper) corresponding to the tobacco filling section 220 so that they overlap in the thickness direction, and the color sensor 528 is used to sense the mixed colors of the first color band CB1_1 and the second color bands CB2a, CB2b, and CB2c, thereby easily detecting the humidity and type of cigarette. For example, if the mixed colors of the first color band CB1_1 and the second color bands CB2a, CB2b, and CB2c are determined to be purple, green, and indigo, these may correspond to General Cigarette No. 1 2_2a, General Cigarette No. 2 2_2b, and General Cigarette No. 3 2_2c, respectively. On the other hand, if the mixed colors of the first color band CB1_1 and the second color bands CB2a, CB2b, and CB2c are determined to be red, orange, and brown, these may correspond to an overly moist first cigarette 2_2a', an overly moist second cigarette 2_2b', and an overly moist third cigarette 2_2c', respectively.

The control unit (510 in FIG. 5) may operate the heater (550 in FIG. 5) according to a temperature profile corresponding to the mixture of the first color band CB1_1 and the second color bands CB2a, CB2b, and CB2c. For example, if the type of cigarette 2, i.e., the substance filled in the tobacco filling unit 220, is of three types, i.e., cut tobacco, granules, and liquid, the aerosol generating device (500 in FIG. 5) may include a temperature profile for a regular cigarette and a temperature profile for a moist cigarette for each substance, for a total of six temperature profiles, stored in the memory (570 in FIG. 5).

Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment. It goes without saying that the contents described above in Figures 1 to 11B, as well as the embodiment illustrated in Figure 12, apply to the operation method of an aerosol generating system.

Referring to FIG. 12, the operating method of the aerosol generation system 100 includes the steps of inserting a cigarette having a colored stripe formed thereon into a receiving passage of the main body (S100), detecting the color of the colored stripe using a color sensor (S200), and determining the humidity state of the cigarette based on the detected color of the colored stripe (S300). The operating method of the aerosol generation system 100 may further include the step of operating a heater according to a temperature profile corresponding to the determined humidity state of the cigarette (S400).

Specifically, referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, in step S100, the cigarette 2 according to one embodiment may include a color band CB in a portion of the wrapper. The color band CB may indicate the type and/or humidity status information of the cigarette 2.

The color band CB may include a substance that changes color in response to changes in humidity in the surrounding environment. For example, the color band CB may include litmus. In one embodiment, the color band CB is formed based on the same principle as blue litmus paper, and indicates blue when humidity is normal, and red when humidity is high because moisture in the atmosphere is generally slightly acidic.

The main body 601 may have a receiving passage 603 formed therein that can receive the cigarette 2. The cigarette 2 may be received inside the receiving passage 603 through a hole formed in the cover 602. After the cigarette 2 is received in the receiving passage 603, the cigarette 2 may be heated by a heater (not shown) located in the receiving passage 603 to generate an aerosol.

In one embodiment, the main body 601 may have a color sensor 528 formed on the side of the storage passage 603. The color sensor 528 may include a light-emitting portion 528a and a light-receiving portion 528b. The color sensor 528 may be spaced 6 mm or more from the heater so as not to be affected by the heater. The color sensor 528 may be positioned in line with the color band CB of the cigarette 2 stored in the storage passage 603.

In step S200, when the insertion detection sensor (524 in FIG. 5) detects that a cigarette 2 has been inserted into the receiving passage 603, the light-emitting unit 528a can irradiate light onto the cigarette 2. The light-receiving unit 528b can receive light reflected from the cigarette 2.

In step S300, the control unit (510 in FIG. 5) determines that the cigarette is a regular cigarette if the color of the color band CB is a first color (e.g., blue), and determines that the cigarette is an over-moistened cigarette if the color of the color band CB is a second color (e.g., red).

In step S400, referring to FIG. 8, the first temperature profile TP1 indicates temperature values over time optimized for a regular cigarette (2 in FIG. 7A). The first temperature profile TP1 may be divided into a first section P1, which is a pre-heating section, and a second section P2, which is a smoking section. Meanwhile, the second temperature profile TP2 indicates temperature values over time optimized for an over-moistened cigarette (2' in FIG. 7B). The second temperature profile TP2 may be divided into a third section P3, which is a pre-heating section, and a fourth section P4, which is a smoking section.

In this case, the time required to reach the second temperature T2 corresponding to the second temperature profile TP2 is longer than the time required to reach the second temperature T2 corresponding to the first temperature profile TP1 due to the moisture contained in the cigarette 2.

In addition, after the second temperature profile TP2 reaches the second temperature T2, at least a portion of the moisture contained within the over-humidified cigarette 2' may evaporate while the second temperature profile TP2 is maintained at the second temperature T2. This may alleviate the initial heat sensation. On the other hand, in the case of a regular cigarette 2, the user is less likely to feel heat due to the moisture contained within, so the first temperature profile TP1 may omit the section for evaporating the moisture contained within the cigarette 2. That is, the pre-heating section P3 of the second temperature profile TP2 is longer than the pre-heating section P1 of the first temperature profile TP1, and the third temperature T3, which is the smoking start temperature of a regular cigarette (2 in FIG. 7A), is higher than the fourth temperature T4, which is the smoking start temperature of an over-humidified cigarette (2' in FIG. 7B).

Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be embodied in various modified forms without departing from the essential characteristics of the above description. Therefore, the disclosed method should be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not the foregoing description, and all variations within the scope of the claims should be construed as being within the scope of the present invention.

Claims (15)

a cigarette having a first color zone formed thereon, the color of which changes in response to humidity;
an aerosol generating device including a main body including a storage passage into which the cigarette is inserted, a heater for heating the cigarette, a color sensor disposed on one side of the storage passage for detecting the color of the first color band, and a control unit for determining the humidity state of the cigarette based on the detected color of the first color band. The aerosol generating system of claim 1, wherein the first color band includes litmus that changes from a first color to a second color when exposed to moisture. The control unit
If the color of the first color band is the first color, the cigarette is determined to be a regular cigarette;
The aerosol generating system according to claim 2 , wherein the cigarette is determined to be an overly moist cigarette when the color of the first color band is the second color. The control unit
If the cigarette is determined to be the general cigarette, operating the heater with a first temperature profile;
The aerosol generating system of claim 3 , wherein if the cigarette is determined to be an overly moist cigarette, the heater is operated at a second temperature profile. The aerosol generation system of claim 4, wherein the preheating section of the second temperature profile is longer than the preheating section of the first temperature profile. The cigarette includes an aerosol-generating part, a tobacco filling part, a cooling part, and a mouthpiece, and the aerosol-generating part, the tobacco filling part, the cooling part, and the mouthpiece are wrapped in a wrapping material;
The aerosol generating system according to claim 1 , wherein the first color band is formed on an area of the wrapping material corresponding to the tobacco filling section. The aerosol generating system of claim 6, wherein the cigarette further includes a second color band having a different color corresponding to the type of cigarette. The aerosol generating system of claim 7, wherein the types of cigarettes include a first cigarette in which the tobacco filling section is filled with cut tobacco, a second cigarette in which the tobacco filling section is filled with tobacco granules, and a third cigarette in which the tobacco filling section is filled with liquid nicotine. The aerosol generating system of claim 8, wherein the second color band is a third color for the first cigarette, a fourth color for the second cigarette, and a fifth color for the third cigarette. The aerosol generating system of claim 7, wherein the control unit operates the heater with a temperature profile corresponding to the colors of the first color band and the second color band. The aerosol generating system of claim 7, wherein the second color band is formed on another area of the wrapping material corresponding to the tobacco filling section and is positioned between the first color band and the boundary line between the tobacco filling section and the cooling section. The aerosol generation system described in claim 7, wherein the first color zone is formed so as to overlap the second color zone in the thickness direction and has a mesh shape. The aerosol generating system of claim 12, wherein the color sensor senses a mixed color of the first color band and the second color band. 1. A method of operating an aerosol generating system, comprising:
sensing insertion of the cigarette body having the colored stripe formed thereon into the receiving passage;
detecting the color of the color band with a color sensor;
and determining a humidity state of the cigarette based on the detected color of the color band. the color band includes litmus that changes from a first color to a second color when exposed to moisture;
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of determining the humidity state of the cigarette determines that the cigarette is a regular cigarette if the color of the color band is the first color, and determines that the cigarette is an overly moist cigarette if the color of the color band is the second color.