Aerosol generation device with visual feedback

Abstract

This invention relates to an aerosol generating device comprising an elongated housing having a distal end and a proximal end, and configured to receive an aerosol-generated article, wherein during consumption, the proximal end of the aerosol generating device faces the consumer, and wherein the proximal end of the aerosol generating device includes a visual feedback device surrounding the aerosol-generated article. The invention further relates to an aerosol generating system including such an aerosol generating device, and a method for operating such an aerosol generating system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an aerosol generating apparatus including a visual feedback device disposed on the end face of the aerosol generating apparatus that points towards the consumer during use. The invention also relates to an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating apparatus and a removable aerosol forming article, and a method of operating the aerosol generating apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Visual feedback devices are frequently used in electronic aerosol generating devices to visually provide information to users. Existing aerosol generating devices are known in the art to include different types of displays on their lateral surfaces.

[0003] Visual feedback devices are also known for providing visual feedback to the end face that is pointed away from the consumer during use. Typically, such visual feedback devices are used to mimic the glow of a regular cigarette.

[0004] Currently used visual feedback devices are located in positions not easily observable during the user experience of the aerosol generator. Because these devices are typically situated on the side of the aerosol generator's housing, the generator may have to be turned around for inspection. Consumers may find this process cumbersome.

[0005] The goal is to provide an aerosol generating device with a visual feedback mechanism that can be easily checked during the user experience.

[0006] It is also desirable to provide an aerosol generating apparatus with a visual feedback device that can be conveniently checked before, during, and after the user experience, and can convey different types of information. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an aerosol generating device is provided, the aerosol generating device comprising an elongated housing having a distal end and a proximal end. During consumption, the proximal end of the aerosol generating device faces the consumer. The proximal end of the aerosol generating device includes a visual feedback device.

[0008] The aerosol generation device can be configured to receive the aerosol-generated article. A visual feedback device can be used around the aerosol-generated article during operation.

[0009] During the user experience, the visual feedback device located near the aerosol generator is easily visible to the user. In particular, between suction cycles, the user can visually check the indicator without having to rotate the aerosol generator. This makes handling the aerosol generator more convenient.

[0010] As used herein, an "aerosol generating apparatus" relates to a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming matrix to generate an aerosol. The aerosol-forming matrix may be part of an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol generating apparatus may be a device that interacts with the aerosol-forming matrix of the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol generating apparatus may be a holder. The aerosol generating apparatus may be an electrically heated aerosol generating apparatus. The aerosol generating apparatus may include a housing, circuitry, a power supply, a heating chamber, and a heating element. The housing may define a cavity including a heating chamber having an open end at a proximal end of the aerosol generating apparatus, and a heating element. The heating chamber may be configured for insertion into an aerosol-generating article. The heating element may be part of the aerosol-generating article.

[0011] Preferably, the aerosol generating device is a portable or handheld device, suitable for holding between the fingers of a single hand. The device may have a substantially cylindrical shape and a length between 30 and 150 mm. The maximum diameter of the device is preferably between 5 and 30 mm.

[0012] The housing of the aerosol generating device may be elongated. The housing may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials include metals, alloys, plastics, or composites containing one or more of those materials, or thermoplastic materials suitable for food or pharmaceutical applications, such as polypropylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and polyethylene. Preferably, the material is lightweight and non-brittle.

[0013] The housing may include a mouthpiece. The housing may include at least one air inlet. The housing may include more than one air inlet. The mouthpiece may include at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet. The mouthpiece may include more than one air inlet. One or more air inlets may reduce the temperature of the aerosol before it is delivered to the user, and may reduce the concentration of the aerosol before it is delivered to the user.

[0014] As used in this article, the term "mouthpiece" refers to a portion of the aerosol-generating device that is closest to the user's mouth during inhalation.

[0015] The aerosol generating device may include a sensor for activating the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may include a user interface for activating the aerosol generating device, such as a button for initiating heating of the aerosol generating device or a display for indicating the status of the aerosol generating device or the aerosol forming matrix.

[0016] As used herein, the term "user experience" refers to the act of consuming aerosol-generated products. User experience can include one or more consecutive inhalations. User experience also includes the time intervals between inhalations.

[0017] The visual feedback device for the aerosol generation apparatus may include a display device based on light-emitting diode (LED), micro-LED, organic LED (OLED), or LCD technology. The display device of the visual feedback apparatus can display monochromatic or colored light. The display device of the visual feedback apparatus can display symbols, signs, letters, or numbers. Any known low-power light source can be used as the light source for the aerosol generation apparatus. Suitable light sources include light-emitting diode (LED), micro-LED, or organic LED (OLED) devices.

[0018] The visual feedback device can have any suitable shape. The visual feedback device can extend substantially above the entire proximal face of the aerosol generating device. The visual feedback device can be annular and can be located at the proximal face of the aerosol generating device.

[0019] Visual feedback devices may include segmented display devices. Visual feedback devices may include multiple display devices.

[0020] Visual feedback devices can be positioned near the aerosol generating device to provide users with useful information. The information conveyed by the visual feedback devices can relate to various operational states of the aerosol generating device. Visual feedback devices can also be used to indicate the progress of specific operations or to provide information about the user experience.

[0021] The visual feedback device may include a display device capable of displaying multi-color light. The various colors of this display device can be used to indicate the operating status of the aerosol generating device. A first color can be used to indicate that the aerosol generating device is ready for use. A second color can be used to indicate that the aerosol generating device is in the heating phase. A third color can be used to indicate that the aerosol generating device has been fully heated and is ready for consumption. A fourth color can be used to indicate that the aerosol-generated product has been completely consumed.

[0022] Display devices capable of generating multicolor light can have low power consumption. Adding a low-power display device advantageously applies only a very small load to the power supply of the existing aerosol generating device, preferably having only a very limited impact on the design of the existing power supply. This is particularly advantageous for portable devices with limited power capacity and where excessive power consumption must be avoided.

[0023] Visual feedback devices can also be used to indicate the operational progress of the aerosol generation device. This progress may relate to the heating phase of the aerosol generation device. Visual feedback devices can be used to indicate the time elapsed since the last aspiration. They can also be used to indicate the time elapsed since the last user experience.

[0024] To indicate the operational progress of the aerosol generating device, the display of the visual feedback device can operate in a pulsed mode, operable to change the hue, or operable to change the light intensity. If the visual feedback device includes a segmented display or multiple separate display devices, the segmented lighting of individual segments or display devices can be used to indicate the operational progress.

[0025] Displaying the progress of the operation to the user further enhances communication between the aerosol generator and the user. Users receive additional information about the user experience, and the overall processing of the aerosol generator can be improved.

[0026] The visual feedback device can also be used in a flashing mode. In flashing mode, the visual feedback device is controlled to repeatedly emit short pulses of light. The intensity of the emitted light can be higher than in pulse mode. Flashing mode can be suitable for indicating warnings to the user. The warning signal can be used, for example, to indicate overheating of the aerosol generating device. One or more of the display devices of the visual feedback device can be used in flashing mode.

[0027] The visual feedback device can also control the animation fade-in and fade-out of displayed shapes or symbols.

[0028] The display device of the visual feedback device may also include a multi-pixel display device. Such a display device can be a realistic display. Such a display device can be based on micro-LED technology. Due to the limited size of such a display, the displayed content preferably has reduced complexity. For example, such a multi-pixel display can show pulse lines that can be used to indicate the intensity of the last suction.

[0029] The display size of such multi-pixel displays depends on the size of the available surface near the aerosol generating device. Multi-pixel display devices can have a size of up to 1 square centimeter. Multi-pixel display devices can have a size of 0.1 to 0.2 square centimeters. Multi-pixel display devices can have a size of approximately 8.8 mm × 1.5 mm. Such multi-pixel display devices will have a size of approximately 0.13 square centimeters. Such multi-pixel display devices can include 600 × 200 pixels, with a pixel pitch of approximately 0.0146 mm.

[0030] Various indicator modes can be combined with each other. Users can also customize indicator modes. Customization can be done by connecting the aerosol generator to a personal computer, smartphone, or any other suitable input device. By customizing the indicator device, users can select the indicator mode of the visual feedback device. For example, users can select the display device's color, pulsation or blink frequency, and color transitions. The position, size, color, and brightness of any shape or symbol that can be displayed by the visual feedback device can be customized. When using a multi-pixel display, users can set the displayed content using an input device.

[0031] The aerosol generating device may include a power supply and a control unit. A visual feedback device may be electrically connected to the power supply and control unit of the aerosol generating device. The control unit can be used to control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device. The control unit may be specifically used to control the visual feedback device. The control unit can control the visual feedback device based on the status or progress of the aerosol generating device's operation. The control unit can adjust the display device's pulse frequency, flicker frequency, hue, and light intensity.

[0032] The control unit can be connected to the heating element of the aerosol generating device. The control unit can control the visual feedback device based on the status of the heating element of the aerosol generating device.

[0033] The aerosol generating device may include a sensor to activate the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may include a user interface for activating the aerosol generating device, such as a button for initiating heating of the aerosol generating device or a display for indicating the status of the aerosol generating device or the aerosol forming matrix. A control unit may be connected to such a button or corresponding activation sensor. The control unit may control a visual feedback device based on the activation status of the aerosol generating device.

[0034] The proximal end of the aerosol generating device may include a proximity sensor. The proximity sensor can be used to detect when the proximal end of the aerosol generating device is near a consumer, such as when the proximal end of the aerosol generating device is near the consumer's mouth. The proximity sensor may be electrically connected to a control unit of the aerosol generating device. The proximity sensor may be a phototube. The control unit may be configured to control a visual feedback device based on signals received from the proximity sensor.

[0035] During aspiration, the proximal end of the aerosol generating device can be very close to the user's mouth, making it impossible for the user to see the visual feedback device. In this situation, the visibility of the visual feedback device is no longer important, and the control unit can be used to dim or even turn off the display of the visual feedback device. In this way, the overall energy consumption of the visual feedback device can be reduced.

[0036] The aerosol generating device may include a light sensor electrically connected to the control unit of the aerosol generating device.

[0037] A light sensor can be used to detect ambient lighting conditions. The light sensor can be located anywhere on the outside of the aerosol generating device's housing. Advantageously, the light sensor can be positioned at a location on the aerosol generating device that is not obstructed by the user's hand during normal operation of the aerosol generating device. The light sensor can be electrically connected to the control unit of the aerosol generating device. The control unit can be configured to control a visual feedback device based on signals received from the light sensor.

[0038] In nighttime or low-light environments, the illumination intensity of the display device of the visual feedback device can be reduced. Reducing the illumination intensity of the display device of the visual feedback device can reduce the total power consumption of the aerosol generating device.

[0039] The housing of the aerosol generating device may include a top cover that can be mounted to the proximal end of the housing. The top cover may have a proximal surface facing the user during consumption. The proximal surface of the top cover includes the aforementioned visual feedback device.

[0040] The top cover is detachable from the housing of the aerosol generating apparatus. The detachable top cover may be substantially annular and may define a central opening. The central opening of the top cover may define an opening for a heating chamber. The external cross-section of the detachable top cover may substantially correspond to the external cross-section of the housing of the aerosol generating apparatus. The opening of the top cover may have a circular profile. The opening of the top cover may also have a decorative non-circular profile. Preferably, the opening of the top cover is large enough to allow the aerosol-generated article to pass through and be inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0041] By providing a visual feedback device on a detachable top cover, users can customize the aerosol generator. Users can purchase top covers with different visual feedback devices and can replace the top cover according to personal preference.

[0042] The detachable top cover can be made of the same material as the housing of the aerosol generating device. The detachable top cover can be made of metal or a polymer compound. The detachable top cover can be made of a polyurethane-based compound.

[0043] The detachable top cover may include a connection device for reversibly connecting the top cover to the housing of the aerosol generating device. The connection device may be a threaded connection, a form-fit connection, or a bayonet connection. Such connection devices do not require the application of increased force and are easily utilized by the user.

[0044] The detachable top cover may include an electrical connection device that facilitates electrical connection between the visual feedback device and the control unit of the aerosol generating device. Preferably, the detachable top cover is configured such that the electrical connection device automatically engages when the detachable top cover is correctly installed onto the housing of the aerosol generating device. For this purpose, the detachable top cover may be provided with one or more stops that restrict rotation of the top cover relative to the housing.

[0045] The present invention also relates to an aerosol generation system, the aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generation apparatus as described above and an aerosol forming article configured to be inserted into a heating chamber of the aerosol generation apparatus.

[0046] The present invention also relates to a method of operating an aerosol generation system, the aerosol generation system including an aerosol generation device having a proximity sensor located at its proximal end. The method includes a control unit of the aerosol generation device controlling a visual feedback device based on a signal received from the proximity sensor.

[0047] As mentioned above, power management of aerosol generation devices is crucial for optimal and reliable performance. This is especially true for aerosol generation devices that use rechargeable power supplies with limited power capacity.

[0048] Visual feedback devices can enhance the user experience, but they also consume power. Therefore, it is desirable to minimize the amount of energy consumed by visual feedback devices. To this end, the control unit can be configured to activate features only when certain features of the aerosol generating device contribute to enhancing the user experience.

[0049] During suction, the visual feedback device is outside the user's field of vision. Therefore, the visual feedback device does not need to be illuminated at this time, or at least can be illuminated only at a low level.

[0050] Therefore, the control unit of the aerosol generating device can be configured to reduce the light intensity of the visual feedback device when the proximity sensor detects that the aerosol is approaching the consumer's mouth.

[0051] In embodiments where the aerosol generating device includes a light sensor, the control unit of the aerosol generating device can be configured to adjust the light intensity of the visual feedback device based on signals received from the light sensor. In this way, when the light sensor detects that the aerosol generating device is operating in darkness or under low lighting conditions, the control unit can adjust the light intensity of the visual feedback device to a reduced level.

[0052] The following provides a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0053] Example 1: An aerosol generating device comprising an elongated shell having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein during consumption, the proximal end of the aerosol generating device points toward the consumer, and wherein the proximal end of the aerosol generating device includes a visual feedback device.

[0054] Example 2: The aerosol generating apparatus according to Example 1, wherein the visual feedback device includes a display device based on LED, micro-LED, OLED or LCD technology.

[0055] Example 3: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the display device of the visual feedback device is capable of displaying monochromatic light or colored light.

[0056] Example 4: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the display device of the visual feedback device is a multi-pixel display device.

[0057] Example 5: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the visual feedback device includes a plurality of display devices.

[0058] Example 6: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the visual feedback device includes a display device having multiple segments.

[0059] Example 7: The aerosol generating apparatus according to Example 6, wherein the segmental configuration of the display device is formed into a segmented wheel.

[0060] Example 8: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the visual display device may be configured to display letters, numbers or shapes.

[0061] Example 9: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the aerosol generating apparatus includes a power supply and a control unit, and wherein the visual feedback device is electrically connected to the power supply and control unit of the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0062] Example 10: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the proximal end of the aerosol generating apparatus includes a proximity sensor for detecting proximity to the consumer's mouth, the proximity sensor being electrically connected to a control unit of the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0063] Example 11: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the aerosol generating apparatus includes a light sensor electrically connected to a control unit of the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0064] Example 12: An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example 10 or 11, wherein the control unit is configured to control the visual feedback device based on a signal received from the proximity sensor or the light sensor.

[0065] Example 13: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the housing of the aerosol generating apparatus defines a heating chamber having an open end at a proximal end of the aerosol generating apparatus, the heating chamber being configured for insertion of an aerosol generating article.

[0066] Example 14: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the housing has a separable top cover, the separable top cover including an electrical connection device that facilitates an electrical connection between the visual feedback device and the control unit of the aerosol generating apparatus when the separable top cover is connected to the housing of the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0067] Example 15: An aerosol generation system, comprising an aerosol generation apparatus according to any of the preceding examples, and an aerosol forming article configured to be inserted into a heating chamber of the aerosol generation apparatus.

[0068] Example 16: A method of operating an aerosol generation system according to Example O, wherein the control unit of the aerosol generation device controls the visual feedback device based on a signal received from the proximity sensor.

[0069] Example 17: According to the method of Example 16, wherein when the proximity sensor detects proximity to the consumer's mouth, the control unit of the aerosol generating device reduces the light intensity of the visual feedback device.

[0070] Example 18: According to the method of Example 16 or 17, the aerosol generating device includes a light sensor electrically connected to a control unit of the aerosol generating device, and the control unit of the aerosol generating device adjusts the light intensity of the visual feedback device based on a signal received from the light sensor.

[0071] The features described with respect to one embodiment can also be applied to other embodiments of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0072] The invention will be further described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0073] Figure 1 An aerosol generating apparatus is shown;

[0074] Figure 2 A cross-section of the near end of the aerosol generating device is shown;

[0075] Figure 3 Various display modes of the visual feedback device are shown; and

[0076] Figure 4 Other display modes of the visual feedback device are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0077] Figure 1 An aerosol generating apparatus 10 is shown, configured to cooperate with an aerosol generating article to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generating apparatus 10 is an electrically heated aerosol generating apparatus, comprising an elongated housing 12 having a power switch 14, a control unit (not shown), a power supply (not shown), and a heating chamber 16. The elongated housing 12 has a proximal end 18 and a distal end 19. The elongated housing 12 defines a cavity 20, which includes the heating chamber 16, having an open end 22 at the proximal end 18 of the aerosol generating apparatus 10. The heating chamber 16 is configured for insertion of an aerosol generating article (not shown).

[0078] A detachable top cover 24 is provided at the proximal end 18 of the aerosol generating device 10. Figure 1 A and 1B show enlarged plan and perspective views of the separable top cover 24. The separable top cover includes a generally annular body 26. The body 26 is made of polyurethane. The circular outer cross-section of the body 26 corresponds to the outer cross-section of the housing 12 of the aerosol generating device 10.

[0079] At the bottom of the detachable top cover 24, a threaded connection 28 is provided, via which the top cover 24 can be reversibly connected to the housing 12 of the aerosol generating device 10.

[0080] The top cover 24 further includes a visual feedback device 30. Figure 1 In one embodiment, the visual feedback device is a single annular display device 32 extending above the proximal end face of the top cover 24. The annular display device 32 is configured to emit visible light with variable colors.

[0081] The control unit is configured to control the display device 32 according to the specific operating status and progress of the aerosol generating device 10. When the user turns on the aerosol generating device 10 via the power switch 14, the display device 32 is controlled to emit white light to indicate the activation of the aerosol generating device 10. During the heating phase, the display device 32 emits red light. When the aerosol generating device 10 is heated and ready to generate aerosols, the display device 32 is controlled to emit green light. The display device 32 is controlled to emit blue light as an indication of the end of consumption. Since the proximal end 18 of the aerosol generating device 10 is pointed towards the user during use, the user can easily observe the changing colors of the display device 32 and obtain information about the status of the aerosol generating device 10.

[0082] During the user experience, the user inserts the aerosol-generating article into the heating chamber 16 of the aerosol-generating device 10. The aerosol-generating article has a mouthpiece portion protruding from the heating chamber 16.

[0083] During aspiration, the proximal end 18 of the aerosol generating device 10 is outside the user's field of vision. Therefore, the visual feedback device 30 cannot be observed in this situation and can thus be turned off.

[0084] To this end, the top cover 24 further includes a proximity sensor 34. The proximity sensor 34 is configured to detect proximity to the user's mouth. The control unit adjusts the brightness of the display device 32 to ensure good readability of the display. During suction, when the proximity sensor 34 detects proximity to the user's face, the control unit receives a corresponding signal from the proximity sensor 34 and dims the brightness of the display device 32 to reduce power consumption.

[0085] exist Figure 2The image shows a cross-sectional view of the top cover 24 removed from the opening 22 of the heating chamber 16 at the proximal end 18 of the housing 12 of the aerosol generating apparatus 10. The body 26 of the top cover 24 includes a cavity 27 in which a display housing 36 is located. A proximity sensor 34 is also disposed in the cavity 27. The display device 32 and the proximity sensor 34 are wired to electrical terminals 36 of the detachable top cover 24.

[0086] On the lower lateral side of the body 26 of the separable cover 24, a thread 28 is provided again for connecting the top cover 24 to the opening end 22 of the housing 12 of the aerosol generating device 10.

[0087] Another electrical terminal 38 is provided at the proximal end 18 of the housing. When the top cover 24 is fully installed into the housing 12, an electrical connection is established between the electrical terminal 36 of the top cover 24 and the electrical terminal 38 of the housing 12. An electrical connection between the control unit and the display device 32 is enabled via wiring 40.

[0088] exist Figure 3 The text describes various possibilities for how information can be displayed using the visual feedback device 30. Figure 3 In A, the visual feedback device 30 includes a display device 32 with six segments. The segments are circular and their assembly forms a segmented wheel. For example... Figure 3 As depicted in the left-hand view of A, when the aerosol generating device 10 is deactivated, the display device 32 is turned off. Figure 3 As depicted in the intermediate view of A, when the aerosol generating device 10 is activated, the display device 32 is turned on, and all segments of the segmented wheel are illuminated. This is indicated by the continuous illumination of six segments when the aerosol generating device 10 performs actions such as heating, thus animates the rotation of the segmented wheel.

[0089] The visual feedback device 30 can also be configured to display shapes or letters on the display device 32. Figure 3 In the left-hand view of B, the display shows an "I" to indicate that one suction has been completed during the user experience. Figure 3 In the right-hand view of B, the display shows "I" and "II" to indicate that two suctions have been completed during the user experience. Therefore, letters, numbers, or other shapes can be used as suction counts.

[0090] exist Figure 4 The text describes other possibilities for how information can be displayed using the visual feedback device 30. Figure 4 In A, the visual feedback device 30 includes a display device 32 with four segments. Again, only a portion of each segment can be illuminated to indicate the progress of the operation. Figure 4In the two views of A, one-quarter and one-half of the display are illuminated, respectively. The visual feedback device 30 thus indicates that operations such as those of the heated aerosol generating device 10 are 25% and 50% complete, respectively.

[0091] exist Figure 4 In section B, another embodiment of the invention is depicted. The visual feedback device 30 includes five realistic display devices 32, each based on micro-LED technology. Each display device 32 has display segments distributed on the circumference of the annular end face of the aerosol generating device 10. The display devices 32 are capable of displaying more complex patterns. In the depicted embodiment, the display devices 32 show each pulse line to indicate the intensity of the previous suction.

[0092] Users can customize the information to be displayed and the appearance of the information to be displayed by a second device (such as a smartphone). For this purpose, the smartphone will connect to the aerosol generating device 10. This connection can be established via an interface cable or via a wireless connection.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating apparatus, comprising an elongated housing having a distal end and a proximal end, and the elongated housing being configured to receive an aerosol-generated article. The elongated housing of the aerosol generating apparatus defines a heating chamber having an open end near the proximal end of the aerosol generating apparatus, the heating chamber being configured for insertion of an aerosol-generating article. During consumption, the proximal end of the aerosol generating device is pointed towards the consumer. The proximal end of the aerosol generating device includes a visual feedback device, and In use, when the aerosol-generated article is received in the aerosol-generating device, the visual feedback device surrounds the aerosol-generated article.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the visual feedback device includes a display device based on LED, micro-LED, OLED or LCD technology.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the display device of the visual feedback device is capable of displaying monochromatic light or colored light.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the display device of the visual feedback device is a multi-pixel display device.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the visual feedback device comprises a plurality of display devices.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol generating apparatus includes a power supply and a control unit, and wherein the visual feedback device is electrically connected to the power supply and control unit of the aerosol generating apparatus.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 6, wherein the proximal end of the aerosol generating apparatus includes a proximity sensor for detecting the degree of proximity to a consumer's mouth, the proximity sensor being electrically connected to a control unit of the aerosol generating apparatus.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the aerosol generating apparatus includes a light sensor, and the light sensor is electrically connected to the control unit of the aerosol generating apparatus.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 7, wherein the control unit is configured to control the visual feedback device based on a signal received from the proximity sensor.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 8, wherein the control unit is configured to control the visual feedback device based on a signal received from the light sensor.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein the elongated housing has a separable top cover, the separable top cover including an electrical connection device that facilitates electrical connection between the visual feedback device and the control unit of the aerosol generating apparatus when the separable top cover is connected to the elongated housing of the aerosol generating apparatus.

12. An aerosol generation system, comprising an aerosol generation apparatus according to any one of claims 1-11, and an aerosol forming article configured to be inserted into a heating chamber of the aerosol generation apparatus.

13. A method of operating the aerosol generation system according to claim 12, wherein the control unit of the aerosol generation device controls the visual feedback device based on a signal received from a proximity sensor, wherein, The proximity sensor is used to detect how close the sensor is to the consumer's mouth.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein when the proximity sensor detects proximity to the consumer's mouth, the control unit of the aerosol generating device reduces the light intensity of the visual feedback device.

15. The method of claim 13 or 14, wherein the aerosol generating device includes a light sensor electrically connected to a control unit of the aerosol generating device, and wherein the control unit of the aerosol generating device adjusts the light intensity of the visual feedback device based on a signal received from the light sensor.

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