Classification of consumables by optical detection.

Description

1 / 55 CLASSIFICATION OF CONSUMABLES BY OPTICAL DETECTION

[001] The present invention also relates to an aerosol generating device, an aerosol generating article, an aerosol generating system and a method for identifying an aerosol generating article.

[002] The state of the art comprises aerosol generating devices for generating an inhalable vapor. Such devices can heat the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature at which one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate are volatilized without burning the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be provided as part of an aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating article may have a rod shape for insertion of the aerosol generating article into a cavity of the aerosol generating device. The cavity of the aerosol generating device may comprise a heating chamber. A heating element may be disposed within or around the heating chamber to heat the aerosol-forming substrate after the aerosol generating article has been inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device.Aerosol generating devices are typically designed to operate best when used with a genuine, specifically designed aerosol generating article. Furthermore, manufacturers of aerosol generating articles may offer a product line of aerosol generating articles in a variety of types with different characteristics, such as aroma or nicotine content.

[003] It would be desirable to provide an aerosol generating device capable of identifying an aerosol generating article. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol generating device capable of detecting an authorized aerosol generating article. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol generating device capable of detecting an aerosol generating article. Petition 870250087558, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 10 / 86 2 / 55 aerosol with enhanced reliability. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol generating device with improved detection capabilities. It would be desirable to have an aerosol generating device providing an optimized user experience. It would be desirable to have an aerosol generating article that allows for improved identification by an aerosol generating device.

[004] According to a first aspect of the invention, an aerosol generating device is provided which may comprise a heating chamber. The heating chamber may be configured to receive at least partially (or completely) an aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generating device may further comprise an optical detector configured to capture visual identification information, optionally provided on a periphery of the aerosol generating article. The optical detector may be located inside or outside the heating chamber.

[005] According to another aspect, an aerosol generating device is provided comprising a heating chamber for partially receiving an aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate, an optical detector configured to capture visual information from an identification provided on a periphery of the aerosol generating article, wherein the optical detector is located outside the heating chamber.

[006] An aerosol-generating article may comprise a plurality of elements, including one or more of a nozzle, a spacer, a hollow acetate tube, an aerosol-generating substrate plug, and a face plug. All elements may be connected to each other by an outer casing.

[007] An identification number may be provided on a periphery of the aerosol-generating article. The identification number may be provided on a Petition 870250087558, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 11 / 86 3 / 55 Outer casing of the aerosol-generating article. Identification may be provided on an outer surface of an outer casing of the aerosol-generating article. Identification may be provided on an inner surface of an outer casing of the aerosol-generating article. Identification may be provided on an outer surface of an outer casing of the aerosol-generating article. Identification may be provided inside an outer casing of the aerosol-generating article.

[008] The identification may comprise a pattern of one or more of the following: letters, dashes, dots, alphanumeric characters, non-alphanumeric characters, a microdot optical ID, a pen optical ID, and a code. The pattern may be a unique pattern that allows identification of the specific type of the respective aerosol-generating article.

[009] The pattern may comprise a visually perceptible portion of text. Such a visually perceptible text pattern may be recognizable by a user while handling the aerosol-generating article.

[0010] The identification may incorporate other combinations of alphanumeric or non-alphanumeric characters or symbols, as well as characters used in coded communication methods, such as coded text characters from a Morse code.

[0011] Identification may be provided to the periphery of the aerosol-generating article by printing, deposition, or impregnation techniques. The preferred technique for providing identification may depend on the material used for identification. The preferred technique for providing identification may depend on the material on which identification is to be provided.

[0012] Identification can be achieved by ink printing. The ink can be selected from one or more of the following: visible ink, non-visible ink, ultraviolet ink, infrared (IR) ink, phosphorescent ink, Petition 870250087558, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 12 / 86 4 / 55 Fluorescent ink, metallic ink.

[0013] Non-visible ink can be configured to absorb electromagnetic radiation in either of the following spectrums: infrared and ultraviolet. Non-visible ink can be configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in either of the following spectrums: infrared and ultraviolet. Non-visible ink can be configured to reflect electromagnetic radiation in either of the following spectrums: infrared and ultraviolet. Non-visible ink can be one or more of the following: infrared ink, phosphorescent ink, fluorescent ink, and ultraviolet ink.

[0014] Preferably, non-visible ink is configured to remain non-visible. In other words, non-visible ink is not constantly visible, i.e., it does not become visible. Configuring non-visible ink to remain non-visible can ensure that identification remains reliably detectable throughout the use of the aerosol-generating article.

[0015] Preferably, the visible ink is set to remain visible. In other words, the visible ink is constantly visible, i.e., it does not become visible. Setting the visible ink to remain visible can ensure that identification remains reliably detectable throughout the use of the aerosol-generating article.

[0016] As used in this document, non-visible ink refers to an ink that is not visible to the human eye. Additionally, non-visible ink refers to inks that are configured to absorb and emit light in the infrared or ultraviolet spectrum. Non-visible inks may also involve inks configured to be excited by light and configured to emit at least one wavelength of light offset from the wavelength of the excitation light. In other words, non-visible inks may involve photo-inks. Petition 870250087558, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, p. 13 / 86 5 / 55 luminescent, such as phosphorescent paint or fluorescent paint. In this respect, photoluminescent paints may involve paints that absorb and re-emit light in the visible or ultraviolet spectrum.

[0017] As used in this document, visible ink refers to ink that is visible to the human eye. Additionally, visible ink refers to inks that are configured to absorb and emit light in the visible spectrum.

[0018] As used in this document, ultraviolet spectrum refers to a spectrum of electromagnetic radiation in a wavelength range from 50 nanometers to 380 nanometers.

[0019] As used in this document, visible spectrum refers to a spectrum of electromagnetic radiation in a wavelength range from 380 nanometers to 780 nanometers.

[0020] As used in this document, infrared spectrum refers to a spectrum of electromagnetic radiation in a wavelength range from 780 nanometers to 1 millimeter.

[0021] The ink may incorporate black ink pigments. Identifications formed from an ink comprising black pigments may be adequately observed under ambient light conditions or when illuminated with visible light. The ink may incorporate ink pigments of other colors.

[0022] The ink may incorporate special ink pigments. Special ink pigments can only reveal a printed identification after illumination with specific radiation. The ink may incorporate special luminescent pigments that are visible under infrared (IR) or ultraviolet (UV) radiation only.

[0023] The ink may be an optically variable ink (OVI). The optically variable ink may comprise optically variable pigments, such as, for example, thin-film interference pigments, interference-coated pigments, liquid crystal pigments. Petition 870250087558, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 14 / 86 6 / 55 of cholera or mixtures thereof.

[0024] Identification can be obtained from coatings. A suitable coating may include a cholesteric liquid crystal polymer coating.

[0025] Identification may comprise a multitude of dots that are deposited or impregnated on the periphery of an aerosol-generating article. The multitude of dots may be arranged in a pattern according to or derived from microdot optical ID technology. The multitude of dots may be arranged in a repetitive pattern across the marked portion of the aerosol-generating article. The microdots may be arranged in a regular grid with a predefined pitch width. The microdot pattern may comprise a plurality of reference points and / or information points. The reference points may be arranged to define a regular grid of lines and stems. The information points may be arranged relative to this grid in a unique pattern. This pattern may be used to uniquely identify the type of aerosol-generating article.

[0026] Points can be formed in a pattern within a predefined area, such as an area with a width and / or length less than 5 millimeters, less than 2 millimeters, less than 1.5 millimeters, less than 1 millimeter.

[0027] The length and / or width of each of the points may be less than 1 millimeter, less than 0.5 millimeter, less than 0.1 millimeter, or less than 0.01 millimeter.

[0028] All points in the microdot pattern can have the same shape. The points can be circular, oval, square, or rectangular.

[0029] Microdot patterns according to such technology may have reduced complexity. Microdot patterns of Petition 870250087558, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 15 / 86 7 / 55 according to such technology can be reliably read with conventional optical detectors. Microdot patterns may be barely visible to the human eye. Consequently, the external appearance of an aerosol-generating item supplied with such a microdot pattern may not be affected by the supply of the pattern.

[0030] Identification may include other shape elements, such as stripes, lines, colors, or a combination thereof.

[0031] The identification may be repeated in a plurality of cases on the periphery of the aerosol-generating article. The identification may be repeated in a plurality of cases along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article. The identification may be repeated in a plurality of cases along the lateral axis of the aerosol-generating article. The identification may be repeated in a plurality of cases along both the longitudinal and lateral axes of the aerosol-generating article.

[0032] The identification may be repeated longitudinally and laterally to extend entirely around a perimeter section of the outer surface of an aerosol-generating article. The repetition of the identification on the aerosol-generating article may allow detection of the identification independent of the orientation of the aerosol-generating article.

[0033] Identification may be provided in such a way that at least one complete identification is revealed through the field of view of the optical detector of the aerosol generating device. A location for identification is suitable if the complete identification is revealed through the field of view of the optical detector.

[0034] The identification may be located in a proximal section of an aerosol-generating article. A proximal section of an aerosol-generating article may be the nozzle portion. A section Petition 870250087558, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 16 / 86 8 / 55 proximal can extend from the cavity of the aerosol generating device when the aerosol generating article is fully inserted into the cavity. An identification located on a proximal section of the aerosol generating article can thus be conveniently read after the aerosol generating article has been inserted into the cavity of the aerosol generating device. In this situation, the aerosol generating article is stationary. In order to read the identification, it may be necessary for the entire identification to be revealed to the field of view of the optical detector.

[0035] The identification may be located in an intermediate section or in a distal section of an aerosol-generating article. These sections may be located within the cavity of the aerosol-generating device when the aerosol-generating article is fully inserted. In this case, the identification may be captured by the optical detector during insertion of the aerosol-generating article into the cavity of the aerosol-generating device. If the field of view of the optical detector is sufficiently large, the identification may be captured as described above. If the field of view of the optical detector is smaller than the identification, the identification may also be scanned by the optical detector during insertion of the aerosol-generating article. In both cases, all encoded information may be derived from the identification provided on the periphery of the aerosol-generating article.

[0036] The identification can be configured to have color-changing properties. The information transmitted by the identification can be encoded in the specific color-changing properties of the identification. An identification with color-changing properties can be obtained by providing the information using an optically variable ink (OVI). An optically variable ink can appear a different color depending on the viewing direction. Petition 870250087558, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 17 / 86 9 / 55 tion and / or a direction of illumination, as will be explained in more detail below in this document. The color-changing properties of a specific optically variable ink can be used to identify an aerosol-generating article. The type of aerosol-generating article can be identified by the color-changing properties detected from the identification provided to the periphery of a respective aerosol-generating article.

[0037] The identification may comprise a plurality of portions with different optical properties. Each portion of the identification may be detectable by a corresponding optical detector.

[0038] The identification may comprise two portions with different optical properties. The aerosol generating device may comprise two optical detectors. The optical detectors may be configured to be operable in a range in which both portions of the identification are optically active, as will be discussed in more detail later.

[0039] The aerosol generating device may comprise a compartment. The compartment may comprise a bottom surface, an top surface, and a wall surface. The housing may comprise a cavity. The compartment may define a cavity. The cavity may comprise the heating chamber. An opening of the cavity may be provided on the top surface of the compartment. The cavity and the heating chamber may have a shape that corresponds to the shape of the aerosol generating article to be received therein. The cavity and the heating chamber may have a tubular shape that corresponds to the cylindrical shape of the aerosol generating article. The cavity may be dimensioned so that the aerosol generating article may be received therein. The cavity may be dimensioned so that the aerosol generating article may be partially received therein. Petition 870250087558, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 18 / 86 10 / 55

[0040] The cavity length may be shorter than the length of the aerosol-generating article. In this case, when the aerosol-generating article is fully inserted into the cavity, a proximal portion of the aerosol-generating article may extend outside the cavity.

[0041] The compartment may extend at least in one vertical direction along an axis that coincides with the longitudinal axis of the cavity. The longitudinal axis of the cavity may correspond to the insertion direction of the aerosol-generating article. The compartment may also extend at least in one horizontal direction that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the cavity.

[0042] A longitudinal axis of a component can be an axis along or parallel to the longitudinal direction of the component. A longitudinal axis of the device can extend between the distal end and the proximal end of the device. A longitudinal axis of the article can extend between the distal end and the proximal end of the article.

[0043] The optical detector can be provided in the housing of the aerosol generating device. The optical detector can be provided on an external surface of the housing of the aerosol generating device. The optical detector can be provided on the top surface of the housing of the aerosol generating device. The optical detector can be arranged within a recess in the top surface of the compartment of the aerosol generating device. The optical detector can be provided on the outside of the compartment. By providing the optical detector on the outside of the compartment, maintenance and cleaning of the optical detector are facilitated.

[0044] The optical detector can be oriented to optically detect an identification provided on the periphery of the aerosol-generating article. The optical detector can be oriented so that a Petition 870250087558, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, p. 19 / 86 11 / 55 optical axis of the optical detector is coplanar to the vertical and horizontal axes of the compartment. The optical detector can be oriented so that one optical axis of the optical detector is angled with respect to a plane defined by the upper surface of the compartment. The optical detector can be oriented to provide a direct field of view of the periphery of the aerosol-generating article.

[0045] The optical detector can be configured to visually capture a portion of an aerosol-generating article that extends out of the heating chamber and / or cavity. A proximal portion of a fully inserted aerosol-generating article may extend from the cavity of the aerosol-generating device. The optical detector can be configured to visually capture the periphery of such a proximal portion of an aerosol-generating article. In particular, the field of view of the optical detector is configured so that an identification provided on the periphery of a fully inserted aerosol-generating article can be detected. The field of view of the optical detector may need to be large enough to capture at least one complete identification.

[0046] The optical detector can be configured to monitor a portion of a partially inserted aerosol-generating article. The optical detector can be configured to monitor a portion of a partially inserted aerosol-generating article during insertion into the cavity. During insertion, the aerosol-generating article may be moved partially or completely through the field of view of the optical detector. Consequently, the optical detector can capture any area on the periphery of the aerosol-generating article that is provided with an identification and that is moved through the field of view of the optical detector.

[0047] The optical detector can be configured to have a field Petition 870250087558, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, p. 20 / 86 12 / 55 of a smaller view than the dimensions of an aerosol-generating article identification. In this case, the identification can be scanned by the optical detector during the insertion of the aerosol-generating article. Scanning the aerosol-generating article identification may require that a sequence of optical data be recorded during the insertion of the aerosol-generating article. This sequence of optical data can subsequently be evaluated to derive all the encoded information from the identification.

[0048] The optical detector may comprise an image sensor that is configured to visually capture an identification provided on the periphery of the aerosol-generating article. The optical detector may comprise a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor mounted on a printed circuit board. The optical detector may comprise a charge-coupled device (CCD) image sensor. The optical detector may comprise a color sensor.

[0049] The optical detector can be a semiconductor-based photodetector, a phototransistor, or a photodiode, such as a PIN photodiode. PIN photodiodes operate at high speed and are highly sensitive. They offer a highly linear photographic response. The optical detector can be an infrared detector. The light detection unit can be a cadmium-mercury telluride (HgCdTe) based infrared detector. The light detection unit can be a zinc-cadmium telluride (CdZnTe) based radiation detector.

[0050] The optical detectors mentioned above are particularly suitable for optically capturing an identification comprising a structured pattern by which information about the type of aerosol-generating article is encoded.

[0051] An optical detector can have a length between 0.5 mi Petition 870250087558, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, p. 21 / 86 13 / 55 liter and 4 millimeters. An optical detector can have a length between 0.65 millimeters and 2 millimeters. An optical detector can have a length between 1.0 millimeter and 1.5 millimeters.

[0052] An optical detector can have a width between 0.2 millimeters and 2 millimeters. An optical detector can have a width between 0.35 millimeters and 1 millimeter. An optical detector can have a width between 0.35 millimeters and 0.65 millimeters.

[0053] An optical detector can have a height between 0.2 millimeters and 3 millimeters. An optical detector can have a height between 0.5 millimeters and 2 millimeters. An optical detector can have a height between 0.65 millimeters and 0.85 millimeters.

[0054] The optical detector can be configured to visually capture the identification of the aerosol-generating item without any need for an additional light source. Ambient light may be sufficient to allow the optical detector to capture the optical identification. This allows for a particularly simplified construction of the aerosol-generating device.

[0055] The aerosol generating device may comprise a light source configured to emit light at the identification provided on a periphery of the aerosol generating article. The light source may be a light-emitting diode (LED), a high-intensity LED spotlight, or a Micro-LED. The light-emitting unit may be a micron-sized semiconductor-based light-emitting diode based on compounds III-V (i.e., alloys containing elements from groups III and V in the periodic table), or compounds II-VI (i.e., alloys containing elements from groups II and VI in the periodic table). The light-emitting diode may be based on gallium nitride (GaN), gallium indium nitride (InGaN), gallium arsenide (GaAs), or aluminum gallium indium phosphide (AlGaInP). The light-emitting unit may be a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL). Petition 870250087558, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 22 / 86 14 / 55 Preferred light sources have a narrow beam angle. Preferred light sources have low power consumption, for example, light-emitting diodes.

[0056] The light-emitting unit can be an organic light-emitting diode (OLED). The light-emitting unit can be a weaker diode or a micro laser diode.

[0057] The light source can be configured to emit collimated or non-collimated light. The light source can be configured to emit collimated or non-collimated monochromatic light with a predefined wavelength.

[0058] The light source can be configured to emit visible, UV, or IR light. The light source can be configured to emit monochromatic light with a predefined wavelength in the visible, UV, or IR range.

[0059] The light source can be configured to emit light with a predefined wavelength in the range of about 200 nanometers to about 2 micrometers. The light source can be configured to emit light with a predefined wavelength in the range of about 400 nanometers to about 1 millimeter. The light source can be configured to emit light with a predefined wavelength of about 520 nanometers or about 850 nanometers.

[0060] The light source can be configured to emit light in the visible spectrum (approximately 400 nanometers to approximately 700 nanometers). The light-emitting unit can be configured to emit light in the invisible spectrum, such as in the ultraviolet light spectrum (approximately 10 nanometers to approximately 400 nanometers) or in the infrared light spectrum (approximately 700 nanometers to approximately 1 millimeter).

[0061] A light source can have a length between 1.0 millimeters and 6 millimeters. A light source can have a Petition 870250087558, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 23 / 86 15 / 55 length between 1.5 millimeters and 4.5 millimeters. A light source can have a length between 2.5 millimeters and 3.0 millimeters.

[0062] A light source can have a width between 0.5 millimeters and 5 millimeters. A light source can have a width between 1.0 millimeter and 3.5 millimeters. A light source can have a width between 2.0 millimeters and 3.0 millimeters.

[0063] A light source can have a thickness between 0.5 millimeters and 5 millimeters. A light source can have a thickness between 1.0 millimeters and 3.5 millimeters. A light source can have a thickness between 2.0 millimeters and 3.0 millimeters.

[0064] The aerosol generating device may comprise a plurality of illumination sources. The illumination sources may be configured as described above. The illumination sources may each be configured to emit light beams with the same wavelength. The illumination sources may be configured to emit a light beam with a different wavelength.

[0065] The aerosol generating device may comprise a first and a second illumination source. One of the first and second illumination sources may be configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in the infrared spectrum or the ultraviolet spectrum. One of the first and second illumination sources may be configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum. Preferably, one of the first and second illumination sources may be configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in the infrared spectrum or the ultraviolet spectrum, and the other of the first and second illumination sources may be configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum. Petition 870250087558, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 24 / 86 16 / 55

[0066] The aerosol generating device may comprise one or more optical detectors. The aerosol generating device may comprise two optical detectors. The aerosol generating device may comprise more than two optical detectors.

[0067] The aerosol generating device may comprise a plurality of optical detectors that are arranged offset from each other. The optical detectors may be arranged laterally offset from each other. The optical detectors may be arranged offset from each other in a circumferential direction around the cavity of the aerosol generating device.

[0068] As used in this document, the expression laterally offset from each other in the context of the arrangement of optical detectors and illumination sources refers to an arrangement in which these components are offset from each other in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device cavity and to the longitudinal axis of the inserted aerosol generating article, respectively.

[0069] As used in this document, the expression longitudinally offset from each other in the context of the arrangement of optical detectors and illumination sources refers to an arrangement in which these components are offset from each other in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device cavity and to the longitudinal axis of the inserted aerosol generating article, respectively.

[0070] The aerosol generating device may comprise a first optical detector and a second optical detector. One of the first optical detectors and the second optical detector may be configured to detect electromagnetic radiation in the infrared spectrum or the ultraviolet spectrum. One of the first optical detectors and the second optical detector may be configured to detect electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum. Preferably, one of the Petition 870250087558, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 25 / 86 17 / 55 The first optical detector and the second optical detector can be configured to detect electromagnetic radiation in the infrared spectrum or the ultraviolet spectrum, and the other of the first optical detector and the second optical detector can be configured to detect electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum. Preferably, the first optical detector can be configured to detect electromagnetic radiation in a spectrum corresponding to the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the first illumination source. Preferably, the second optical detector can be configured to detect electromagnetic radiation in a spectrum corresponding to the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the second illumination source.Providing two optical detectors, each configured to detect electromagnetic radiation in a different spectral range, can prevent interference during the detection of an aerosol-generating article. Thus, such a configuration can allow for the simultaneous detection of an identification comprising portions with different optical properties without compromising detection reliability.

[0071] The optical detectors can be arranged so that the identification of the aerosol-generating article can be observed by the optical detectors at different viewing angles.

[0072] Aerosol generating devices comprising a light source and two optical detectors can be advantageously used in detecting an identification with color-changing properties.

[0073] Optical detectors can be arranged so that the light emitted from the illumination source is reflected from the identification and received by the optical detectors at different viewing angles. Due to the color-changing properties of the identification, the reflected light detected by the optical detectors under the Petition 870250087558, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, p. 26 / 86 18 / 55 different viewing angles may have a different spectral composition. The spectral composition detected by optical detectors can be indicative of the identification of the aerosol-generating article. Thus, by configuring the color-change properties of the identification, the identification can be used to identify the type of aerosol-generating article inserted within the aerosol-generating device.

[0074] The light source can be arranged on the upper surface of the compartment and can be configured to emit light upon identification of an inserted aerosol-generating article.

[0075] The light source can be a single light source. The light source can be positioned within a recess in the upper surface along the horizontal axis of the aerosol generating device compartment.

[0076] The illumination source may comprise a plurality of illumination sources. The plurality of illumination sources may be provided at different locations on the upper surface of the aerosol generating device compartment. By using a plurality of illumination sources, increased uniformity of identification illumination can be achieved.

[0077] Optical detectors can be photodiodes configured to emit an electrical signal that corresponds to a peak value of a wavelength in the spectral composition of the collected light. The optical detectors are arranged to simultaneously capture the reflected light. The signal output from the photodiodes can be transmitted to the controller for further evaluation. The controller can compare the signal output with reference data.

[0078] In a more complex configuration, the identification may comprise a printed pattern that is formed from optically variable ink. In such configurations, optical detectors may be configured to recognize the identification pattern as well as... Petition 870250087558, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 27 / 86 19 / 55 mo the spectral properties of the detected light. The identification can be formed from an optically variable ink, which may be visible only when viewed from the angle of sight of one of the optical detectors and may be invisible when viewed from the angle of sight of the other optical detectors.

[0079] The aerosol generating device may comprise other optical elements. The aerosol generating device may comprise lenses. The aerosol generating device may comprise a mirror. The aerosol generating device may comprise an optically transparent window. The aerosol generating device may comprise a plurality of other optical elements. One or more additional optical elements may be provided between the aerosol generating article and the optical detector. One or more additional optical elements may be used to guide the emitted and / or reflected light. One or more additional optical elements may be used to provide an appropriate focal characteristic for optical detection. One or more additional optical elements may be used to achieve an appropriate field of view of the optical detector.One or more additional optical elements may be used to achieve a specific focal length and / or a specific focal point of the optical detector. One or more additional optical elements may also be used to provide protective shielding of the optical detector. For example, a transparent window may be provided in the aerosol generator device compartment to protect the optical components from coming into contact with contamination and / or debris.

[0080] The optical components needed to visually capture identification can be provided inside the compartment, but outside the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device. In particular, the optical detector can be provided inside the compartment, but outside the heating chamber of the device. Petition 870250087558, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, p. 28 / 86 20 / 55 aerosol odor. Optical components, particularly optical detectors, can be susceptible to adverse physical conditions such as high temperature, contamination, debris, and corrosion, which can occur within a heating chamber. After prolonged use in such an environment, optical components can deteriorate and become unreliable. By providing the optical components outside the heating chamber, these components can be protected against such adverse conditions and can increase the service life and reliability of the optical detection.

[0081] The cavity of the aerosol generating device can be configured to receive and heat an aerosol generating item. However, typically not the entire cavity is configured as a heating chamber. Instead, the cavity may comprise a plurality of adjacent portions. One of these portions may be configured as a heating chamber.

[0082] The heating chamber may be formed in a central portion of the cavity of the aerosol generating device. The cavity may comprise a proximal portion at the proximal end of the cavity. The proximal portion of the cavity may be adjacent to the heating chamber. The proximal portion of the cavity may extend between the open end of the cavity and the heating chamber. Optical components may be arranged to capture an identification provided on the periphery of an aerosol generating article located in the proximal portion of the cavity.

[0083] The optical components may comprise one or more of an optical detector, a lens, a mirror, and a light source. One or more of these optical components may be integrated into an inner wall of the aerosol generating device cavity. In portable devices, such as aerosol generating devices, only limited space may be available. The com Petition 870250087558, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, p. 29 / 86 21 / 55 Optical components can therefore be arranged to form an optical path with a focal length large enough to reliably detect the identification of the aerosol-generating article. In aerosol-generating devices that offer only limited space, one or more mirrors can be used to bend the optical path and achieve a focal length that may allow for optically capturing the identification with sufficient accuracy.

[0084] A side wall of the proximal portion of the cavity can be configured to form a transparent window. The optical path for identification detection can be directed through the transparent window. The transparent window can allow visual capture of the identification by the optical detector. The transparent window can protect the optical components from contamination or debris. In particular, the transparent window can protect the optical components from any contamination originating from the heating chamber, which may be located in an adjacent portion of the cavity.

[0085] In embodiments where all the optical components necessary to visually capture identification can be provided within the compartment, but outside the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device, a plurality of optical detectors may be used. The optical detectors may be arranged laterally offset from each other. The optical detectors may be arranged circumferentially offset from each other.

[0086] In such embodiments, the optical components may comprise one or more of an optical detector, a lens, a mirror, and a light source. One or more of these optical components may be integrated into an inner wall of the aerosol generating device cavity. In portable devices, such as aerosol generating devices, only limited space may be available. Petition 870250087558, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, p. 30 / 86 22 / 55 available. The optical components can therefore be arranged to form an optical path with a focal length large enough to reliably detect the identification of the aerosol-generating article. In aerosol-generating devices that offer only limited space, one or more mirrors can be used to bend the optical path and achieve a focal length that may allow optically capturing the identification with sufficient accuracy.

[0087] A side wall of the proximal portion of the cavity can be configured to form a transparent window. The optical path for identification detection can be directed through the transparent window. The transparent window can allow visual capture of the identification by the optical detector. The transparent window can protect the optical components from contamination or debris. In particular, the transparent window can protect the optical components from any contamination originating from the heating chamber, which may be located in an adjacent portion of the cavity.

[0088] An identification provided on the periphery of the aerosol-generating article can be captured during or after insertion of the aerosol-generating article into the cavity of the aerosol-generating device.

[0089] The aerosol generating device may comprise a controller. One or more optical detectors may be electrically coupled to the controller. The optical detectors may be configured to transmit the captured visual information to the controller.

[0090] The controller can be configured to analyze captured visual information provided by an optical detector. The controller can evaluate the visual information to determine the type of Petition 870250087558, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 31 / 86 23 / 55 aerosol-generating article inserted.

[0091] The controller may comprise a memory. The memory may comprise pre-stored reference data. The reference data may comprise reference image data. The reference data may comprise reference spectroscopic data. Each of these reference image data may be indicative of a type of aerosol-generating articles suitable for use with the aerosol-generating device.

[0092] The controller can be configured to compare the image data provided from an optical detector with pre-stored reference data. The controller can be configured to correlate the image data provided from an optical detector with pre-stored reference data. The controller can be configured to identify the type of aerosol-generating article inserted by correlating the image data provided from an optical detector with pre-stored reference data. In this way, the controller can be configured to identify the aerosol-generating article inserted within the cavity of the aerosol-generating device.

[0093] It will be appreciated that identifying the aerosol-generating article for use with the aerosol-generating device can be useful for a variety of different purposes, and the invention is not limited to any specific purpose for identifying the aerosol-generating article. For example, identifying the aerosol-generating article may allow one of a plurality of predetermined heating profiles to be applied that is associated with the identified aerosol-generating article; identifying the aerosol-generating article may allow a user interface of the aerosol-generating device to operate differently in response to the identification of the aerosol-generating article, for example, by displaying an article flavoring. Petition 870250087558, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 32 / 86 24 / 55 aerosol generator; and / or identifying the aerosol-generating item may allow a record of the consumption of each type of aerosol-generating item used with the aerosol-generating device to be stored in the aerosol-generating device to assist the user in monitoring their usage habits.

[0094] The invention may provide means and a method for detecting and identifying authorized aerosol-generating articles and specific types of aerosol-generating articles received in the aerosol-generating device. The device may be provided with a controller monitoring and processing the image data provided by the optical detector. By comparing the image data from the optical detector with pre-stored reference data, the controller may do one or more of the following: (i) determine the presence of an authorized article in the device, (ii) identify the type of article inserted, (iii) regulate the operation of the device depending on the characteristics of the inserted aerosol-generating article, and (iv) determine the presence and / or absence of an article in the device.

[0095] In response to the detection of an authorized item, the controller may allow one or both of the device's operations and the provision of a user experience. For example, power may be supplied to a heating element of the aerosol-generating device. If the device does not identify an authorized item, the device may prevent the device's operation and the provision of a user experience. For example, power being supplied to the heating element may be prevented.

[0096] The invention may enable the provision of an optimized user experience by adapting aerosol generation to the type of article inserted into the device. The device may adapt and thus optimize aerosol generation for each identified aerosol-generating article. For example, a specific heating profile of the type Petition 870250087558, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 33 / 86 Pre-stored 25 / 55 can be used. The specific heating profile of the type may correspond to a specific configuration of the aerosol-forming substrate type within the article.

[0097] The invention can provide article detection and identification with one or more of the following: improved reliability and improved consistency. By reducing the risk of erroneous rejection of authorized articles, consumer satisfaction can be increased.

[0098] Detecting the presence of an authorized aerosol-generating article in the device can prevent or at least reduce the risk of using counterfeit and unauthorized articles with the device. Damage to the device can be avoided. Economic losses for manufacturers of authorized articles can be minimized.

[0099] Identifying a specific type of aerosol-generating item in the device can enable the provision of an optimized user experience. For example, a specific heating profile for the item type can be provided. Aerosol generation can be optimized and adapted according to the type of item inserted into the device.

[00100] Identifying an aerosol-generating article using transparency detection can offer versatile use of different types of heating elements.

[00101] The aerosol generating device may comprise an aerosol generating assembly for generating an aerosol. The aerosol generating assembly may comprise an ultrasonic aerosol generating element.

[00102] The aerosol generating device may comprise a heating assembly for generating an aerosol. The heating assembly may comprise one or more heating elements. The heating assembly may be an inductive, resistive, dielectric, or microwave heating assembly. Petition 870250087558, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, p. 34 / 86 26 / 55

[00103] The device may comprise a heating element, which may be a heating coil, an internal heater (such as a blade heater or a pin heater), or an external heater. The device may comprise one or more heating elements.

[00104] The heating element may be arranged at least partially, preferably completely, surrounding a portion of the cavity. The heating element may be arranged at a distal end of the cavity.

[00105] The device may comprise a controller. The controller may be configured to identify a type of aerosol-generating article based on an output from the optical detector. The output from the optical detector may be an electrical signal.

[00106] The controller may comprise a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor. The controller may be configured to regulate a supply of electrical power to the heating element. Power may be supplied to the heating element continuously after activation of the aerosol generating device or may be supplied intermittently, such as puff by puff. Power may be supplied to the heating element in the form of electrical current pulses. The controller may be configured to monitor the electrical resistance of the heating element and, preferably, to control the power supply to the heating element dependent on the electrical resistance of the heating element.

[00107] The controller can be configured to monitor the output of the optical detector. The controller can be configured to record the output of the optical detector. The controller can be configured to process the output of the optical detector. The controller can be configured to analyze the output of the optical detector. The controller can be conf Petition 870250087558, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 35 / 86 27 / 55 designed to identify the aerosol-generating article by processing the output of the optical detector. The controller can be connected to the optical detector. The controller can be configured to communicate with the optical detector.

[00108] The controller can be configured to determine the presence and / or absence of an aerosol-generating article by processing the output of the optical detector. The controller can be configured to allow aerosol to be generated only after determining that an aerosol-generating article is present. The controller can be configured to prohibit aerosol generation or cease aerosol generation in response to the determination that an aerosol-generating article is absent.

[00109] The controller can be configured to regulate the power supply to the heating element based on the identification of an aerosol-generating article type. After identifying an aerosol-generating article type, the controller can allow power to be supplied to the heating element. After identifying an aerosol-generating article type, the controller can allow the provision of a user experience. After identifying an aerosol-generating article type, the controller can adjust the power supply depending on the identified article type. The controller can be configured to supply power to the heating element according to a predefined heating profile for the respective identified article.

[00110] The controller can adjust the magnitude of the power supply depending on the type of item identified. The controller can adjust the time period of the power supply depending on the type of item identified. The controller can adjust the temperature of the heating element depending on the type of item identified. The controller can adjust one or more of the amplitude and frequency. Petition 870250087558, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, p. 36 / 86 28 / 55 cia of a current supplied to the heating element depending on the type of item identified. The controller can adjust the signal that feeds the heating element depending on the type of item identified.

[00111] The controller memory may comprise a database of pre-stored heating profiles for each known type of aerosol-generating article. The controller may be configured to supply power according to the heating profile of the identified type of aerosol-generating article. The power supply may be adapted to the configuration of a specific article type. Aerosol generation and user experience may be optimized.

[00112] The heating element may comprise a heating coil. The heating coil may have a length between 15 millimeters and 31 millimeters, preferably between 11 millimeters and 21 millimeters.

[00113] In a second aspect, the invention relates to an aerosol-generating article with a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis. The aerosol-generating article may comprise an identification on the aerosol-generating article. The identification may be repeated in a plurality of cases on the periphery of the aerosol-generating article along the longitudinal axis and / or the lateral axis.

[00114] The aerosol-generating article may be configured as described above. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article may comprise an outer casing that at least partially encircles the portion of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[00115] Identification may be provided on the outer casing of the aerosol-generating article. Identification may be printed, deposited, or impregnated on the outer casing of the aerosol-generating article. Identification may be configured as described above. Petition 870250087558, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 37 / 86 29 / 55

[00116] An aerosol-generating article may comprise a distal portion and a proximal portion. A distal portion of the aerosol-generating article refers to the portion of the aerosol-generating article that, in use, can be inserted into the cavity of an aerosol-generating device. The portion of the aerosol-generating article that is not inserted into the cavity of the aerosol-generating device is referred to in this document as a proximal portion of an aerosol-generating article.

[00117] An aerosol-generating article may have an elongated shape. An aerosol-generating article may have an elongated shape defining a longitudinal axis. An aerosol-generating article may have a cylindrical shape.

[00118] The outer packaging may be an outer paper packaging. The outer packaging may be a transparent outer paper packaging. A transparent outer paper packaging may comprise cellulose acetate ester.

[00119] The outer casing may be made from an annual plant pulp, such as flax, hemp or sisal pulp. The outer casing may be made from a chemical pulp. The outer casing may be made from a mixture of natural and chemical pulps.

[00120] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article.

[00121] The aerosol generating article can be configured as described above.

[00122] The aerosol generating device can be configured as described above. The aerosol generating device can be configured for use with a plurality of different types of aerosol generating articles.

[00123] In a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a method Petition 870250087558, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 38 / 86 30 / 55 to identify an aerosol-generating article in an aerosol-generating device of an aerosol-generating system, such as an aerosol-generating device of an aerosol-generating system, as described in this document.

[00124] The method comprises the step of detecting, by means of an optical detector, an identification provided on the periphery of the aerosol-generating article. The optical detector is located outside the heating chamber.

[00125] The method can be used with an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating article with an identification provided on the periphery of an aerosol generating article. The method may further comprise the steps of identifying the aerosol generating article by evaluating the image data captured by the optical detector and comparing the detector output with the reference data.

[00126] The method may also include the step of controlling the operation of the aerosol generating device depending on an output from the optical detector.

[00127] The aerosol generating device operation control step may include preventing the aerosol generating device from operating if an unauthorized aerosol generating article is detected.

[00128] The control stage of the aerosol generator device operation may include choosing a heating profile for the aerosol generator device depending on an output from the optical detector.

[00129] As used in this document, the terms proximal, distal, upstream, and downstream are used to describe the relative positions of components, or portions of components, of the aerosol-generating device and the aerosol-generating article in relation to the direction in which a user inhales into the aerosol-generating device. Petition 870250087558, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 39 / 86 31 / 55 aerosol or aerosol-generating article during its use.

[00130] The aerosol generating system may comprise a mouth end through which, in use, an aerosol exits the aerosol generating system and is delivered to a user. The mouth end may also be referred to as the proximal end. In use, a user inhales into the proximal end or mouthpiece of the aerosol generating system to inhale an aerosol generated by the aerosol generating system. The aerosol generating system comprises a distal end opposite the proximal end or mouthpiece. The mouth end or proximal end of the aerosol generating system may also be referred to as the downstream end, and the distal end of the aerosol generating system may also be referred to as the upstream end.Components, or portions of components, of the aerosol generating system can be described as being upstream or downstream of each other based on their relative positions between the proximal, downstream, or mouthpiece end and the distal, or upstream end of the aerosol generating system.

[00131] The aerosol-generating device may comprise a mouth end through which, in use, an aerosol exits the aerosol-generating device and is delivered to a user. In use, a user may inhale at the proximal or mouth end of the aerosol-generating device in order to inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating device. Alternatively, a user may inhale directly into an aerosol-generating article inserted into an opening at the proximal end of the aerosol-generating device. The proximal end opening may be a cavity opening. The aerosol-generating device comprises a distal end opposite the proximal or mouth end. The proximal or mouth end of the aerosol-generating device may also be referred to as the downstream end, and the distal end of the aerosol-generating device. Petition 870250087558, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 40 / 86 32 / 55 of aerosol can also be referred to as the upstream end. Components, or portions of components, of the aerosol generating device can be described as being upstream or downstream of each other based on their relative positions between the proximal, downstream, or mouthpiece end and the distal, or upstream end of the aerosol generating device.

[00132] As used in this document, an aerosol-generating device refers to a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of an aerosol-generating article, for example, part of a smoking article. An aerosol-generating device may be a smoking device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol that is directly inhalable into a user's lungs through the user's mouth. An aerosol-generating device may be a holder. The device may be an electrically heated smoking device. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a compartment, electrical circuit, a power supply, a heating chamber, and a heating element.

[00133] As used in this document with reference to the present invention, the term "smoking" with reference to a device, article, system or substrate does not refer to conventional smoking in which an aerosol-forming substrate undergoes complete or at least partial combustion. The aerosol-generating device of the present invention is arranged to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature below the combustion temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate, but at or above a temperature at which one or more volatile compounds of the aerosol-forming substrate are released to form an inhalable aerosol. Petition 870250087558, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 41 / 86 33 / 55

[00134] The aerosol generating device can have a length between 86 millimeters and 130 millimeters.

[00135] The cavity of the aerosol generating device may have an open end into which the aerosol generating article is inserted. The open end may be a proximal end. The cavity may also have a closed end, as opposed to the open end. The closed end may be the base of the cavity. The closed end may be closed except for the provision of air vents arranged in the base. The base of the cavity may be flat. The base of the cavity may be circular. The base of the cavity may be arranged upstream of the cavity. The open end may be arranged downstream of the cavity. The cavity may have an elongated extension. The cavity may have a longitudinal central axis. A longitudinal direction may be the direction extending between the open and closed ends along the longitudinal central axis. The longitudinal central axis of the first cavity may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device.

[00136] The cavity may be configured to comprise a heating chamber. The cavity may have a cylindrical shape. The cavity may have a hollow cylindrical shape. The cavity may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the aerosol-generating article to be received in the cavity. The cavity may have a circular cross-section. The cavity may have an elliptical or rectangular cross-section. The cavity may have an internal diameter corresponding to the external diameter of the aerosol-generating article.

[00137] An airflow channel may extend through the cavity. Ambient air may be drawn into the aerosol-generating device, into the cavity, and towards the user through the airflow channel. Downstream of the cavity, a nozzle may be provided, or a user may inhale directly into the aerosol-generating article. The channel Petition 870250087558, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 42 / 86 34 / 55 of airflow can extend through the nozzle. The cavity can have a length between 28 millimeters and 67 millimeters. The cavity can have a diameter between 8 millimeters and 12 millimeters.

[00138] In any aspect of the invention, the heating element may comprise an electrically resistive material. Suitable electrically resistive materials include, but are not limited to: semiconductors, such as doped ceramics, electrically conductive ceramics (such as, for example, molybdenum disilicide), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys, and composite materials made of a ceramic material and a metallic material. Such composite materials may comprise doped or undoped ceramics. Examples of suitable doped ceramics include doped silicon carbides. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, gold, and silver.Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, alloys containing nickel, cobalt, chromium, aluminum, titanium, zirconium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tantalum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, gold and iron, and superalloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel, Timetal® and alloys based on iron, manganese and aluminum. In composite materials, the electrically resistant material may optionally be embedded, encapsulated or coated with insulating material or vice versa, depending on the energy transfer kinetics and the required external physicochemical properties.

[00139] As described, in any aspect of the present invention, the heating element may be part of an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may comprise an internal heating element or an external heating element or both internal and external heating elements, wherein internal and external refer to the aerosol-forming substrate. An internal heating element may assume Petition 870250087558, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 43 / 86 35 / 55 any suitable form. For example, an internal heating element may take the form of a heating blade. Alternatively, the internal heater may take the form of a housing or substrate with different electroconductive portions or a metal tube with electrical resistance. Alternatively, the internal heating element may be one or more heating needles or rods that pass through the center of the aerosol-forming substrate. Other alternatives include a heating wire or filament, for example, a Ni-Cr (nickel-chromium), platinum, tungsten, or alloy wire, or a heating plate. Optionally, the internal heating element may be deposited on or over a rigid carrier material. In such an embodiment, the electrical resistance heating element may be formed using a metal that has a defined temperature-resistivity relationship.In one example of such a device, the metal can be formed as a strip within a suitable insulating material, such as a ceramic material, and then sandwiched within another insulating material, such as glass. Heaters formed in this way can be used both for heating and for monitoring the temperature of the heating elements during operation.

[00140] An external heating element may take any suitable form. For example, an external heating element may take the form of one or more flexible heating sheets on a dielectric substrate, such as polyimide. The flexible heating sheets may be molded to fit the perimeter of the receiving substrate cavity. Alternatively, an external heating element may take the form of a metal grid or grids, a flexible printed circuit board, a molded interconnect device (MID), a ceramic heater, a flexible carbon fiber heater, or may be formed by the use of a technique. Petition 870250087558, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 44 / 86 36 / 55 coating technique, such as plasma vapor deposition, on a suitably shaped substrate. An external heating element may also be formed using a metal that has a defined temperature-resistivity relationship. In such an exemplary device, the metal may be formed as a strip between two layers of suitable insulating materials. An external heating element formed in this way may be used both for heating and for monitoring the temperature of the external heating element during operation.

[00141] As an alternative to an electrically resistive heating element, the heating element can be configured as an induction heating element. The induction heating element may comprise an induction coil and a susceptor. In general, a susceptor is a material that will be able to generate heat when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field. When located in an alternating magnetic field. If the susceptor is conductive, then eddy currents will normally be induced by the alternating magnetic field. If the susceptor is magnetic, then another effect that contributes to heating will commonly be referred to as hysteresis losses. Hysteresis losses occur mainly due to the movement of magnetic domain blocks within the susceptor particles, because the magnetic orientation of these will align with the alternating magnetic induction field.Another effect that contributes to hysteresis loss is when magnetic domains grow or shrink within the susceptor. Commonly, all these changes in the susceptor that occur on a nanoscale or below are referred to as hysteresis losses because they produce heat in the susceptor. Therefore, if the susceptor is both magnetically and electrically conductive, both hysteresis losses and the generation of eddy currents will contribute to the hysteresis. Petition 870250087558, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 45 / 86 37 / 55 Susceptor heating. If the susceptor is magnetic but not conductive, then hysteresis losses will be the only means by which the susceptor will heat up when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be electrically conductive or magnetic, or both electrically conductive and magnetic. An alternating magnetic field generated by one or more induction coils heats the susceptor, which then transfers the heat to the aerosol-forming substrate, so that an aerosol is formed. Heat transfer may be primarily by heat conduction. Such heat transfer is the best option if the susceptor is in close thermal contact with the aerosol-forming substrate.

[00142] The aerosol generating device may comprise a power source, typically a battery, within a main body of the aerosol generating device. In one embodiment, the power source is a lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the power source may be a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery, for example, a lithium-cobalt battery, a lithium iron phosphate battery, a lithium titanate battery, or a lithium polymer battery. Alternatively, the power source may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor.The power supply may require recharging and may have a capacity that allows for the storage of sufficient energy for one or more usage experiences; for example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to generate aerosol continuously for a period of approximately six minutes or for a period that is a multiple of six minutes. In another example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to provide a predetermined number of distinct puffs or activations of the heating element.

[00143] As used in this document, the term 'substrate for Petition 870250087558, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, p. 46 / 86 38 / 55 'aerosol generator' refers to a substrate capable of releasing one or more volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. Such volatile compounds can be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may conveniently be part of an aerosol-generating article.

[00144] The aerosol-forming substrate may be a solid aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise solid and liquid components. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a material containing tobacco, containing volatile tobacco flavoring compounds, which are released from the substrate upon heating. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an aerosol former that facilitates the formation of a dense and stable aerosol. Examples of suitable aerosol formers are glycerin and propylene glycol.

[00145] The aerosol-generating substrate preferably comprises homogenized tobacco material, an aerosol former, and water. The supply of homogenized tobacco material can enhance aerosol generation, nicotine content, and the flavor profile of the aerosol generated during heating of the aerosol-generating article. Specifically, the manufacturing process of homogenized tobacco involves grinding the tobacco leaf, which allows for the release of nicotine and flavors upon heating in a much more efficient manner.

[00146] As used in this document, the term aerosol-generating article refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate that is capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. For example, an aerosol-generating article might be a smoking article that generates an aerosol that is directly inhalable into a user's lungs through the user's mouth. An article Petition 870250087558, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 47 / 86 39 / 55 go aerosol generator can be disposable.

[00147] The aerosol-generating article may have a substantially cylindrical shape. The aerosol-generating article may be substantially elongated. The aerosol-generating article may have a length and circumference that are substantially perpendicular to the length. The aerosol-generating article may substantially have a rod shape. The aerosol-forming substrate may substantially have a cylindrical shape. The aerosol-forming substrate may be substantially elongated. The aerosol-forming substrate may also have a length and circumference that are substantially perpendicular to the length. The aerosol-forming substrate may substantially have a rod shape.

[00148] The aerosol-generating article may have a total length between 55 millimeters and 110 millimeters, preferably between 60 millimeters and 90 millimeters. The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter between 4.5 millimeters and 17 millimeters, preferably between 6 millimeters and 9 millimeters. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a filter plug. The filter plug may be located at the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The filter plug may be a cellulose acetate filter plug. The filter plug is approximately 7 millimeters long in one embodiment, but may have a length between approximately 5 millimeters and approximately 10 millimeters.

[00149] The aerosol-generating article may comprise a separation between the aerosol-forming substrate and the filter plug. The separation may be approximately 18 millimeters, but may be in the range of 5 millimeters to 25 millimeters.

[00150] Below is a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features in these examples can be combined with any one or more features from another Petition 870250087558, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 48 / 86 40 / 55 example, modality or aspect described in this document.

[00151] Example Ex1: An aerosol generating device comprising a heating chamber for receiving partially or completely an aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate, an optical detector configured to capture visual information from an identification provided on a periphery of the aerosol generating article, wherein the optical detector is located inside or outside the heating chamber.

[00152] Example Ex2: The aerosol generating device, according to example 1, comprising an aerosol generating assembly, preferably comprising a heating assembly.

[00153] Example Ex3: The aerosol generating device according to example 2, wherein the heating assembly comprises one or more heating elements.

[00154] Example Ex4: The aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein the heating assembly is an inductive, resistive, dielectric or microwave heating assembly.

[00155] Example Ex5: The aerosol generating device, according to example 2, wherein the aerosol generating assembly comprises an ultrasonic aerosol generating element.

[00156] Example Ex6: The aerosol generating device, according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a compartment with a bottom surface, an top surface and a wall surface, wherein the compartment comprises or defines a cavity comprising the heating chamber.

[00157] Example Ex7: The aerosol generating device, according to example 6, where the cavity opening is provided in the su Petition 870250087558, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, p. 49 / 86 41 / 55 upper surface of the compartment.

[00158] Example Ex8: The aerosol generating device, according to example 6 or example 7, wherein the optical detector is provided on the upper surface of the aerosol generating device compartment.

[00159] Example Ex9: The aerosol generating device, according to any of the previous examples, wherein the optical detector is configured to monitor a portion of an aerosol generating article that extends to the outside of the heating chamber.

[00160] Example Ex10: The aerosol generating device, according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the optical detector comprises an image sensor, such as a CMOS image sensor mounted on a printed circuit board or a CCD image sensor.

[00161] Example Ex11: The aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, where the optical detector comprises an additional optical element.

[00162] Example Ex12: The aerosol generating device, according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a light source, configured to emit light at the identification provided on a periphery of the aerosol generating article.

[00163] Example Ex13: The aerosol generating device, according to any of the previous examples, where the light source is an LED, a high-intensity LED spotlight, a MicroLED, based on GaN, InGaN or AlGaInP.

[00164] Example Ex14: The aerosol generating device, according to any of the previous examples, where the aerosol generating device comprises at least two optical detectors that are arranged laterally offset from each other. Petition 870250087558, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, p. 50 / 86 42 / 55

[00165] Example Ex15: The aerosol generating device, according to example 14, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a light source and wherein the light emitted from the light source and reflected from the identification of the aerosol generating article is received by the two optical detectors at different viewing angles.

[00166] Example Ex16: The aerosol generating device according to example 14, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a first illumination source and a second illumination source, wherein the two illumination sources are configured to emit electromagnetic radiation of different spectral bands, and wherein the first optical detector is configured to detect electromagnetic radiation emitted by the first illumination source, and wherein the second optical detector is configured to detect electromagnetic radiation emitted by the second illumination source.

[00167] Example Ex17: The aerosol generating device, according to any of the previous examples, wherein the optical detector is configured to monitor a portion of an aerosol generating article that extends to the outside of the cavity.

[00168] Example Ex18: The aerosol generating device, according to any of the previous examples, wherein the optical detector is contained within the compartment of the aerosol generating device.

[00169] Example Ex19: The aerosol generating device, according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the optical detector comprises a color sensor configured to capture visual information of the identification of the aerosol generating article and wherein the identification comprises a plurality of stripes with a plurality of colors.

[00170] Example Ex20: The aerosol generating device, according Petition 870250087558, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 51 / 86 43 / 55 of any of the preceding examples, wherein the optical detector is configured to monitor a portion of an aerosol-generating article partially inserted during insertion into the cavity.

[00171] Example Ex21: An aerosol-generating article with a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis, the aerosol-generating article comprising an identification on the aerosol-generating article, wherein the identification is repeated in a plurality of instances on the periphery of the aerosol-generating article along the longitudinal axis and / or the lateral axis.

[00172] Example Ex22: An aerosol-generating article, according to the preceding example, wherein the identification comprises a pattern of one or more of: letters, dashes, dots, alphanumeric characters, non-alphanumeric characters, a microdot optical ID, a pen optical ID, and a code.

[00173] Example Ex23: The aerosol-generating article, according to example 21 or example 22, wherein the identification comprises a pattern of one or more of the dots.

[00174] Example Ex24: The aerosol-generating article, according to example 23, wherein the length and / or width of each of the points is less than 1 mm, less than 0.5 mm, less than 0.1 mm or less than 0.01 mm.

[00175] Example Ex25: The aerosol-generating article, according to example 23 or example 24, in which the dots are formed in a pattern within a predefined area, such as an area with a width and / or length of less than 5 mm, 2 mm, 1.5 mm or 1 mm.

[00176] Example Ex26: The aerosol-generating article, according to any of examples 23 to 25, where each of the points is circular, oval, square, or rectangular in shape.

[00177] Example Ex27: An aerosol-generating article, according to any of the examples 21 to 26, where the identification is Petition 870250087558, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 52 / 86 44 / 55 obtained by printing, depositing or impregnation.

[00178] Example Ex28: An aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples 21 to 27, wherein the identification is obtained by ink printing, wherein the ink is selected from one or more of: visible ink, ultraviolet ink, infrared (IR) ink, phosphorescent ink, fluorescent ink, metallic inks / coatings, such as cholesteric liquid crystal polymer coating, optically variable ink, said optically variable ink comprising optically variable pigments, such as, for example, thin-film interference pigments, interference-coated pigments, cholesteric liquid crystal pigments or mixtures thereof.

[00179] Example Ex29: An aerosol-generating article, according to any of examples 21 to 28, wherein the identification is provided in such a way that at least one complete identification is revealed through the field of view of the optical detector of the aerosol-generating device.

[00180] Example Ex30: An aerosol-generating article, according to any of examples 21 to 29, wherein the identification has color-changing properties, such that the frequency of light reflected from the identification varies depending on the viewing angle of the reflected light.

[00181] Example Ex31: An aerosol generating system comprising the aerosol generating device according to any of examples 1 to 20 and an aerosol generating article, preferably according to any of examples 21 to 30.

[00182] Example Ex32: An aerosol generating system comprising, according to the previous example, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a power supply and a controller, and wherein the controller is configured to identify the type of Petition 870250087558, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 53 / 86 45 / 55 aerosol generating article received in the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device.

[00183] Example Ex33: An aerosol generating system comprising, according to the previous example, wherein the controller is configured to control the operation of the aerosol generating device depending on the identified type of aerosol generating article received in the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device.

[00184] Example Ex34: A method for identifying an aerosol-generating article, such as an aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples 21 to 30, in an aerosol-generating device, such as an aerosol-generating device according to any of Examples 1 to 20, wherein the method comprises the following steps: detecting, by means of an optical detector, an identification provided on the periphery of the aerosol-generating article, wherein the optical detector is located inside or outside the heating chamber.

[00185] Example Ex35: The method according to the previous method example, further comprising the step of controlling the operation of the aerosol generating device depending on an output from the optical detector. Example Ex36: The method according to any of the previous method examples, where controlling the operation of the aerosol generating device includes disabling the operation of the aerosol generating device if an unauthorized aerosol generating article is detected.

[00186] Example Ex37: The method according to any of the previous method examples, wherein controlling the operation of the aerosol generating device includes choosing a heating profile of the aerosol generating device depending on an output from the optical detector. Petition 870250087558, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, p. 54 / 86 46 / 55

[00187] The features described in relation to one embodiment may be equally applied to other embodiments of the invention.

[00188] The invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating article; Figure 2 shows an aerosol-generating article with an identification mark; Figure 3 shows an aerosol-generating article with a microdot pattern; Figure 4 shows an aerosol generating device with an optical detector; Figure 5 shows an aerosol generating device with an item from Figure 2; Figure 6 shows another aerosol generating device; and Figure 7 shows an aerosol generating device with the optical detector in the compartment.

[00189] Figure 1 shows an aerosol-generating article 10 in a cross-sectional view. The aerosol-generating article 10 comprises a mouth-end filter 12 located at a proximal end of the article 10. The article 10 further comprises a PLA (polylactic acid) plug 14, a hollow acetate tube 16, and a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate 18 comprising an aerosol-forming substrate, for example, a bundled sheet of homogenized tobacco. At the distal end of the article 10, a front plug 20 is provided. All elements of the aerosol-generating article are connected to each other by an outer casing 22. A central axis 24 extends centrally along a longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article 10. Petition 870250087558, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, pp. 55 / 86 47 / 55

[00190] Figure 2 shows various configurations of aerosol-generating articles 10 comprising an identification 26 on their periphery. In each case, the identification 26 is a printed identification that is provided on an outer casing 22 of the aerosol-generating article 10. The identification 26 comprises a text pattern, which in this case is the word element HEETS, and a unique pattern of additional signs. The additional signs are various combinations of dots and dashes. The identification 26 represents a unique combination of characters and symbols, which allows identification of the specific type of aerosol-generating article 10.

[00191] As indicated in the views of Figure 2, identification 26 may be provided on various portions of the aerosol generating article 10. Identification 26 may be provided on a proximal end of the aerosol generating article 10, as indicated in the left view of Figure 2. The proximal end may coincide with the nozzle portion 12 of the aerosol generating article 10. Identification 26 may also be provided on an intermediate portion or on the front plug 20 at a distal end of the aerosol generating article 10, as indicated in the intermediate and right views of Figure 2.

[00192] In the configurations shown, the identification 26 is repeated longitudinally and laterally to extend entirely around the perimeter of the respective portion of the external surface of the aerosol-generating article 10. The repetition of the identification on the aerosol-generating article may allow the detection of identification 26 independent of the rotational orientation of the aerosol-generating article 10.

[00193] Figure 3 shows an additional configuration of identification 26. Identification 26 is configured as a microdot pattern. The microdot pattern comprises a plurality of microdots 28 that are printed on the outer surface of a portion of an aerosol-generating article 10. The infinity of microdots 28 is Petition 870250087558, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, pp. 56 / 86 48 / 55 arranged in a grid with a predefined step length. In the example shown, the microdots are arranged in a 10 x 10 grid pattern with a step width of 0.1 millimeters. A single identification covers a square that is 1.0 mm wide and 1.0 mm high, or a square that is 1.5 mm wide by 1.5 mm high. The unique arrangement of the microdots 28 in such a grid can be used to uniquely identify the specific aerosol-generating article type 10. Again, the microdot pattern can be repeated longitudinally and laterally to extend entirely around the perimeter of the respective portion of the external surface of the aerosol-generating article 10. By repeating the identification on the aerosol-generating article 10, the detection of the identification 26 can be facilitated.

[00194] Figure 4 shows a top view and a side view of an aerosol generating device 30. The aerosol generating device 30 has a housing 40 comprising a cavity 32. The cavity is configured to receive an aerosol generating article 10. A portion of the cavity 32 is surrounded by a heating element 34. The device may comprise one or more heating elements 34. This portion of the cavity 32 is also called the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device 30. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the heating element 34 is an external resistive heating element. The aerosol generating device further comprises a controller 36 and a power supply 38.

[00195] To generate an aerosol, the aerosol generating article 10 is inserted into a cavity 32 of an aerosol generating device 30. The controller 36 is configured to supply power from the power supply 38 to heat the heating element 34. Petition 870250087558, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 57 / 86 49 / 55

[00196] The compartment 40 of the aerosol generating device 30 comprises a lower surface 42, an upper surface 44, and a wall surface 46. The cavity opening 32 is provided on the upper surface 44 of the compartment 40. The length of the cavity 32 is less than the length of the aerosol generating article 10. When the aerosol generating article 10 is fully inserted into the cavity 32, as shown in the right side view of Figure 4, the proximal portion of the aerosol generating article 10 extends outward from the cavity 32.

[00197] Compartment 40 extends in a vertical direction along an axis 48, which coincides with the longitudinal axis of cavity 40. This vertical axis 48 also corresponds to the insertion direction of the aerosol-generating article 10. Compartment 40 further extends in a horizontal direction along a horizontal axis 50, which is orthogonal to the vertical axis 48.

[00198] An optical detector 52 is provided on the upper surface 44 of compartment 40 of the aerosol generating device 30. In more detail, the optical detector 52 is arranged within a recess 54 on the upper surface 44 of compartment 40 of the aerosol generating device 30.

[00199] The optical detector 52 is a CCD image sensor. The optical detector 52 is oriented so that an optical axis 56 of the optical detector 52 is coplanar with the vertical and horizontal axes 48, 50 of the compartment 40. The optical detector 52 is further oriented so that its optical axis 56 is angled with respect to the plane defined by the upper surface 44 of the compartment 40. As indicated in the view to the right of Figure 4, the field of view 58 of the optical detector 52 encompasses the proximal portion of the aerosol-generating article 10, which extends outward from the cavity 32.

[00200] Although in this mode the optical detector 52 is mos Petition 870250087558, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, pp. 58 / 86 50 / 55 auger and described as being located outside cavity 32, in other embodiments (where identification 26 is inside cavity 32, in use), the optical detector may be located inside cavity 32.

[00201] The optical detector 52 is configured to visually capture an image of the periphery of the aerosol-generating article 10. The optical detector 52 transmits the image data to the controller 36. The controller 36 evaluates the image data from the optical detector 40 by running an image recognition program. This program can extract the identification 26 from the image data and perform a comparison of the extracted data with stored reference data. In this way, the controller 36 can determine if the inserted aerosol-generating item 10 is an authentic item. If the image data from the optical detector 40 do not correlate with the stored reference data, the inserted item is considered non-authentic and the controller 36 can prevent power from being supplied to the heating element 34.

[00202] If the aerosol-generating article 10 is a genuine article, the controller 36 can also identify the specific type of the inserted aerosol-generating article 10. The controller 36 controls the power supply to the heating element 34 depending on the identified type of aerosol-generating article 10. The controller 36 can also be configured to supply power to the heating element 34 according to a predefined heating protocol for the identified type of aerosol-generating article 10.

[00203] When the user starts aerosol generation, the controller 36 is configured to supply power to the heating element 34 according to the specific heating profile for the inserted type of aerosol generating article 10. In this way, the power supply for the heating element 34 can be adapted to Petition 870250087558, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 59 / 86 51 / 55 configuration of the specific type of aerosol-generating article 10. Aerosol generation and user experience can thus be optimized.

[00204] Figure 5 represents two different situations in which the identification 26 of an aerosol-generating article 10 is read by an aerosol-generating device 30 of Figure 4.

[00205] In the left view of Figure 5, identification 26 is provided in an intermediate section of the aerosol-generating article 10. During insertion of the aerosol-generating article 10, identification 26 is moved through the field of view 58 of the optical detector 52 of the aerosol-generating device 30. During insertion, the printed text pattern of identification 26 is exposed to the field of view 58 of the optical detector 52. The captured optical data is transmitted to the controller 36. The controller 36 is configured to recognize identification 26 and thus identify the aerosol-generating article 10 that is inserted into the cavity 32 of the aerosol-generating device 30 of Figure 5.

[00206] In the right view of Figure 5, the aerosol-generating article 10 is already fully inserted into cavity 32 of the aerosol-generating device 30. Identification 26 is provided on the nozzle 12 in a proximal section of the aerosol-generating article 10. Nozzle 12 extends from cavity 32 when the aerosol-generating article 10 is fully inserted. Again, identification 26 exposes the field of view 58 of the optical detector 52. Since the article 10 is at rest in this configuration, the captured optical data is expected to suffer less from motion blur. The captured optical data is transmitted to the controller 36. The controller 36 is configured to recognize identification 26 and thus identify the aerosol-generating article 10 being inserted into cavity 32 of the aerosol-generating device 30 of Figure 5. Petition 870250087558, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, pp. 60 / 86 52 / 55

[00207] Figure 6 shows a perspective view and a top view of an embodiment in which the identification 26 of the aerosol generating article 10 has color-changing properties. The aerosol generating device 30 comprises a light source 60 and two optical detectors 62, 64. As can be best seen in the top view of Figure 6, the light source 60 and the optical detectors 62, 64 are arranged symmetrically on the upper surface 44 of the compartment 40 of the aerosol generating device 30. The light source 60 is located in a central recess situated on the horizontal axis 48 of the upper surface of the compartment. The light source 60 is a high-intensity light-emitting diode (LED) spotlight, emitting white light for the identification 26.

[00208] The two optical detectors 62, 64 are arranged symmetrically on the upper surface 44, so that the light reflected from the aerosol-generating article 10 is received on the first detector 62 at a viewing angle α of +7 degrees relative to the horizontal axis 50. The reflected light is received on the second detector 64 at a viewing angle β of -7 degrees relative to the horizontal axis 50. The two optical detectors 62, 64 are photodiodes, each configured to emit an electrical signal that corresponds to a peak wavelength value of the spectral composition of the collected light.

[00209] Identification 26 is a ring-shaped element that extends around the entire perimeter of a proximal portion of the aerosol-generating article 10. Identification 26 has a width of approximately 3 millimeters and is formed from an optically variable ink. Printed structures formed from an optically variable ink exhibit different colors depending on the viewing angle.

[00210] During use, the light source 60 illuminates identification 26. The light reflected from identification 26 is received in the first of Petition 870250087558, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, pp. 61 / 86 53 / 55 detector 62 under the first viewing angle α and is received on the second detector 64 under the second angle β.

[00211] The optically variable ink is configured so that identification 26 appears on the first optical detector 62 with a first color and on the second optical detector 26 with a second color. The optical data in this case basically consists of the pair of optical data signals generated simultaneously on the two optical detectors 62, 64. The output of the two optical detectors 62, 64 is transmitted back to the controller 36 for evaluation.

[00212] The controller 36 is configured to process these optical signals to determine a color range and / or intensity for each captured pair of optical signals. The controller 36 compares the spectral profiles or the spectral difference between the signals received from the two optical detectors 62, 64, with reference profiles that are stored in the controller 36's memory. For this purpose, the controller 36 makes use of a color extraction and analysis program. If the captured optical data correlate with such reference profiles, the controller 36 can identify the aerosol-generating article 10 as an authentic article 10 and can also identify the specific type of the inserted aerosol-generating article 10. As described above, the controller 36 can control the power supply to the heating element 34 depending on the identified type of aerosol-generating article 10.

[00213] Figure 7 shows an embodiment in which the optical arrangement is located within compartment 40, but still outside the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device 30. Figure 7 shows a section of the proximal portion of the cavity 32 formed in the aerosol generating device 30. An end cap 70 is provided at the proximal end of the cavity 32. The end cap 70 defines the opening of the cavity 32. The proximal portion of the cavity Petition 870250087558, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, pp. 62 / 86 54 / 55 cavity 32 extends between the opening in the end cap 70 of cavity 32 and the heating chamber of cavity 32. As discussed before, the heating chamber is the portion of cavity 32 in which the heating element 34 is provided.

[00214] In this embodiment, all optical components necessary to visually capture identification 26 are provided within compartment 40 of the aerosol generating device 30. In more detail, the optical components are provided in the wall structure of cavity 32 of the aerosol generating device 30. An illumination source 60 is provided in the end cap 70 of cavity 32. The illumination source 60 is a white light-emitting diode (LED). The illumination source 60 is configured to emit light towards the inner volume of cavity 32. As illustrated in Figure 7, when an aerosol generating article 10 is inserted into cavity 32, the light emitted from the illumination source 60 is reflected from the outer periphery of the aerosol generating article 10. The light reflected from the aerosol generating article 10 strikes the mirror 66 and is redirected to the optical detector 52.Between mirror 66 and optical detector 52, a lens 68 is provided to adjust the focal length corresponding to the position of optical detector 52.

[00215] In the embodiment of Figure 7, compartment 40 of the aerosol generating device 30 has a limited horizontal extension. By integrating the optical components into the side wall structure of the cavity 32 and doubling the optical path of the optical detection system, a sufficiently long focal length of the optical detection system is achieved. An appropriate focal length is required to ensure a sharp image on the optical detector 52.

[00216] With the configuration shown in Figure 7, an identification 26 of an aerosol-generating article 10 can be read during the insertion of the aerosol-generating article 10 or after complete insertion. Petition 870250087558, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, pp. 63 / 86 55 / 55 of the aerosol-generating article 10. If identification 26 is to be read after complete insertion of the aerosol-generating article 10, identification 26 should be provided on a portion on the outer periphery of the aerosol-generating article 10 so that identification 26 of the inserted aerosol-generating article 10 is positioned on the proximal portion of cavity 32 and so that identification 26 is in the optical path of the optical detection system. If identification 26 is detected during insertion of article 10, identification 26 may be provided on any distal portion of article 10 that is moved through the optical path of the optical system during insertion. In both cases, it is advantageous to provide the identification over the entire circumference of article 10 so that identification 26 can be read regardless of the rotational orientation of article 10 during insertion.

[00217] As in the embodiments described above, the optical detector 52 is configured to visually capture an image of the periphery of the aerosol-generating article 10. The optical detector 52 transmits the image data to the controller 36 for evaluation. The controller 36 can determine whether or not the inserted aerosol-generating article 10 is a genuine article 10. The controller 36 can also identify the specific type of the inserted aerosol-generating article 10 and can control the power supply to the heating element 34 depending on the identified type of aerosol-generating article 10. The controller 36 can also be configured to supply power to the heating element 34 according to a predefined heating protocol for the identified type of aerosol-generating article 10. Petition 870250087558, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, pp. 64 / 86

Claims

1 / 3 CLAIMS 1. Aerosol generating device, characterized in that it comprises: a heating chamber for partially receiving an aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate, an optical detector configured to capture visual information from an identification provided on a periphery of the aerosol generating article, wherein the optical detector is located outside the heating chamber, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises at least one first and one second optical detector that are arranged laterally offset from each other, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a first illumination source and a second illumination source, wherein the two illumination sources are configured to emit electromagnetic radiation of different spectral bands, and wherein the first optical detector is configured to detect electromagnetic radiation emitted by the first illumination source,and wherein the second optical detector is configured to detect electromagnetic radiation emitted by the second illumination source.

2. Aerosol generating device, according to claim 1, characterized in that the optical detector comprises an image sensor, such as a CMOS image sensor mounted on a printed circuit board, or a CCD image sensor.

3. Aerosol generating device, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a light source, configured to emit light in the identification provided on a periphery of the aerosol generating article.

4. Aerosol generating device, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a light source and in that the light emitted from the light source and reflected from the identification of the aerosol generating article is received by two optical detectors at different viewing angles.

5. Aerosol generating device, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optical detector comprises a color sensor configured to capture visual information of the identification of the aerosol generating article and in that the identification comprises a plurality of stripes with a plurality of colors.

6. Aerosol generating device, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optical detector is configured to monitor a portion of an aerosol generating article partially inserted during insertion into the cavity.

7. Aerosol generating device, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more optical detectors are comprised within the compartment of the aerosol generating device.

8. Aerosol-generating article, characterized in that it has a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis, the aerosol-generating article comprising an identification on the aerosol-generating article, wherein the identification is repeated in a plurality of cases on the periphery of the aerosol-generating article along the longitudinal axis and / or the lateral axis.

9. Aerosol generating system, characterized by the fact that Petition 870250087558, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 78 / 86 3 / 3, comprises an aerosol generating device, as defined in any of claims 1 to 7, and an aerosol generating article, preferably as defined in claim 8.

10. Aerosol generating system, characterized in that it is understood as defined in the preceding claim, wherein the controller is configured to control the operation of the aerosol generating device depending on the identified type of aerosol generating article received in the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device.

11. A method, characterized in that it is for identifying an aerosol-generating article, such as an aerosol-generating article according to claim 8, in an aerosol-generating device, such as an aerosol-generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the method comprises the following steps: detecting, by means of an optical detector, an identification provided on the periphery of the aerosol-generating article, wherein the optical detector is located outside the heating chamber.

12. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that it further comprises the step of controlling the operation of the aerosol generating device depending on an output from the optical detector.

13. Method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the control of the aerosol generating device operation includes disabling the operation of the aerosol generating device if an unauthorized aerosol generating article is detected. Petition 870250087558, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, pp. 79 / 86

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