Aerosol-generating device and related methods

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device (200) is provided. The device comprises a discriminator (212) for determining whether an aerosol-generating article (300) is engaged with the device and whether an aerosol-generating article engaged with the device belongs to one or both of a first group of articles, the discriminator comprising: a light source (214); a power supply (206) for supplying a current to the light source; a switch (222) movable between a closed position in which the power supply can supply the current to the light source and an open position in which the power supply cannot supply the current to the light source; and a timer (226) coupled to the switch. The timer is configured to move the switch from the closed position to the open position if the current supplied to the light source or an indication of the current supplied to the light source exceeds a threshold for longer than a predetermined period of time. A method of operating an aerosol-generating device is also provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an aerosol generating apparatus. This disclosure also relates to a method of operating the aerosol generating apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] An aerosol generation system typically includes an aerosol generation device and an aerosol generation article. In use, the aerosol generation article is connected to the aerosol generation device, and the heater of the aerosol generation system, such as the heater of the device, heats the aerosol-forming matrix containing the aerosol-forming agent of the aerosol generation article to generate an aerosol. The generated aerosol can then be delivered via an airflow path to the nozzle or air outlet of the device or article. The aerosol can then be inhaled by a user.

[0003] Some aerosol generating devices include electrical components sensitive to high voltage or current. In particular, some aerosol generating devices include a light source and a heater that may be particularly sensitive to high voltage or current. The light source can be used to provide light to the aerosol-generated article, which can be used to identify features of the aerosol-generated article based on the presence or absence of markings, such as markers, on the article.

[0004] Typically, aerosol generating devices include a controller configured to control the power supply to various electrical components of the device. In this way, the controller prevents excessive current or voltage from being supplied to the various electrical components of the device. It would be advantageous to provide an aerosol generating device in which the electrical components are protected from excessive current or voltage in the event of controller failure. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to this disclosure, an aerosol generating apparatus is provided. The apparatus may include a discriminator. The discriminator can be used to determine whether an aerosol-generating article is coupled to the apparatus and whether the aerosol-generating article coupled to the apparatus belongs to one or both of a first group of articles. The discriminator may include a light source. The apparatus may include a power source. The power source can be used to supply current to the light source. The apparatus may include a switch. The switch can be moved between a closed position and an open position. Optionally, when the switch is in the closed position, the power source can supply current to the light source. Optionally, when the switch is in the open position, the power source cannot supply current to the light source. The apparatus may include a timer. The timer may be coupled to the switch. The apparatus may be configured to move the switch from the closed position to the open position if the current supplied to the light source or an indication of the current supplied to the light source exceeds a threshold and persists for a predetermined time period.

[0006] Therefore, according to a first aspect of this disclosure, an aerosol generating apparatus is provided, the aerosol generating apparatus including an identifier for determining whether an aerosol-generated article is coupled to the apparatus and whether the aerosol-generated article coupled to the apparatus belongs to one or both of a first group of articles, the identifier including a light source; a power source for supplying current to the light source; a switch movable between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed position the power source is capable of supplying current to the light source and in the open position the power source is unable to supply current to the light source; and a timer coupled to the switch. The apparatus is configured to move the switch from the closed position to the open position if the current supplied to the light source or an indication of the current supplied to the light source exceeds a threshold and persists for a predetermined time period.

[0007] Advantageously, moving the switch from the closed position to the open position can protect the light source from excessive current or voltage.

[0008] The indication of the current supplied to the light source can be, for example, a current measurement or estimate, a voltage measurement or estimate, or a power usage measurement or estimate.

[0009] A timer can be a hardware timer. In this context, the term hardware timer can refer to a timer that can perform an operation, such as turning a switch on or off, without instructions from a controller.

[0010] The timer can be configured to move the switch from the closed position to the open position without instruction from any individual controller if the current supplied to the light source, or an indication of the current supplied to the light source, exceeds a threshold and persists for a predetermined period of time. Advantageously, this allows for the protection of the light source even if the device's controller fails.

[0011] The device may include a controller for controlling the power supply from the power source to the light source. A discriminator may be connected to and optionally operated by the controller. A timer may be configured to move a switch from a closed position to an open position without instruction from the controller if the current supplied to the light source, or an indication of the current supplied to the light source, exceeds a threshold and persists for a predetermined period of time. Advantageously, this can allow for the protection of the light source even if the controller fails.

[0012] The timer can be activated by the controller. Once activated, the timer can operate without any further input from the controller. Once activated, the timer can be configured, for example, to move the switch from the closed position to the open position without instruction from the controller if the current supplied to the light source or an indication of the current supplied to the light source exceeds a threshold and persists for a predetermined period of time.

[0013] The switch can be a high-side switch. The switch connects the power source to the light source. The switch can also be a low-side switch. The switch connects the light source to ground.

[0014] The device may include a second switch. The second switch may be a high-side switch, which connects a power source to a light source. Alternatively, the second switch may be a low-side switch, which connects the light source to ground. Preferably, the first switch is a high-side switch, and the second switch is a low-side switch.

[0015] The timer can receive, for example, an indication of the current supplied to the light source. The timer can be configured to move the switch from a closed position to an open position if the indication of the current supplied to the light source exceeds a threshold and lasts for a predetermined period of time.

[0016] The discriminator can act as a product presence detector. That is, the discriminator can be used to determine, or be configured to determine, whether an aerosol-generated product is attached to the apparatus. Alternatively or additionally, the discriminator can be used to determine whether an aerosol-generated product attached to the apparatus belongs to the first group of products.

[0017] The discriminator can be used to distinguish or be configured to distinguish between a first group of aerosol-generating articles for use with the apparatus and a second group of aerosol-generating articles for use with the apparatus.

[0018] The discriminator can be connected to the controller and optionally operated by the controller.

[0019] The light source can be a light-emitting diode (LED). The light source can be or may include an infrared light source, such as an infrared LED.

[0020] The discriminator may include a light receiver. The light receiver may be a photodiode or may include a photodiode. The light receiver may be configured to receive light emitted by a light source. The light receiver may be configured to receive light reflected or emitted by an article of manufacture coupled to the device. The light receiver may be connected to a controller and optionally operated by the controller.

[0021] Determining whether an article is attached to a device may include illuminating the article attached to the device with a light source. Determining whether an article is attached to a device may include receiving light reflected or emitted by the article attached to the device with a light receiver. Determining whether an article is attached to a device may include analyzing the light received by the light receiver.

[0022] Determining whether an article bonded to the device belongs to the first group may include irradiating the article bonded to the device with a light source. Determining whether an article bonded to the device belongs to the first group may include receiving light reflected or emitted by the article bonded to the device with a light receiver. Determining whether an article bonded to the device belongs to the first group may include analyzing the light received by the light receiver.

[0023] Aerosol-generating products belonging to Group 1 can be called true aerosol-generating products. Aerosol-generating products not belonging to Group 1 can be called non-true aerosol-generating products. Ensuring that aerosol-generating products are true is crucial for ensuring their quality and user safety.

[0024] An aerosol generating apparatus can be part of an aerosol generating system. An aerosol generating system can include an aerosol generating apparatus and an aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating article can be configured to engage and disengage from the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0025] As used herein, the term "apparatus" may refer to an aerosol generating apparatus. The term "article" may refer to an aerosol generating article. The term "matrix" may refer to an aerosol forming matrix.

[0026] An aerosol generation system may include a heater, an aerosol generation device, and an aerosol generation product.

[0027] The heater may include a heating element. Reference to a heater may refer to the heating element of the heater. The heating element may be configured to be heated to an operating temperature during use. The operating temperature may be at least 100 degrees Celsius. The operating temperature may be at least 200 degrees Celsius. The operating temperature may be at least 300 degrees Celsius.

[0028] The heater may include components for heating a heating element. For example, the heater may include wiring configured to supply current to the heating element. Alternatively or additionally, the heater may include a sensor, such as an inductor coil, configured to generate a fluctuating electromagnetic field and thereby heat the sensor material of the heating element.

[0029] The heater can be a resistance heater. The heating element can be configured to be heated resistively.

[0030] The heater can be an induction heater. The heating element can be configured to be heated by induction.

[0031] The heater may be an internal heater. That is, the heater or heating element may be configured to heat the aerosol-forming matrix of the aerosol-generating article from within the aerosol-forming matrix. For example, an aerosol-generating apparatus may include a heater, and the heater may include heating blades, pins, or rods that penetrate the aerosol-forming matrix and are resistively or inductively heated in use. The heating blades, pins, or rods may be heating elements or may include heating elements. Alternatively, the aerosol-generating article may include an inductively heated element embedded in the aerosol-forming matrix of the article, and the aerosol-generating apparatus may be configured to inductively heat the inductively heated element in use, for example, by using an inductor to generate a fluctuating electromagnetic field.

[0032] The heater can be an external heater. That is, the heater can be configured to heat the aerosol-forming matrix of the aerosol-forming article from outside the aerosol-forming matrix. For example, an aerosol-forming apparatus may include a heater that can be arranged and configured to surround the aerosol-forming article to heat it. For example, the heater may include a substantially tubular heating element that surrounds the tubular aerosol-forming matrix during use.

[0033] The heater can be used to heat at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article or an aerosol-forming matrix of an aerosol-generating article, the aerosol-generating article being releasably engaged with an aerosol-generating device.

[0034] Aerosol generating apparatus may include a heater. For example, the apparatus may include a heating element in the form of a pin, blade, or rod. The heating element may be electrically connected to a power source for the apparatus. The heating element may be configured to penetrate the aerosol-forming matrix of the aerosol-generating article during use.

[0035] Aerosol generating apparatus may include a portion of a heater, such as a component for heating an element of the heater. Aerosol generating article may include a portion of a heater, such as a heating element of the heater. For example, aerosol generating article may include an inductively heated element embedded in an aerosol forming matrix of the article, and aerosol generating apparatus may include an inductor, such as an inductor coil, configured to generate a fluctuating electromagnetic field in use and inductively heat the inductively heated element.

[0036] An aerosol generating apparatus may include a cavity. The apparatus may include a housing. The housing may define the cavity. The housing may be configured to be retained in use. The cavity may be used to receive at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article. Engaging the article with the apparatus may be or may include receiving at least a portion of the article within the cavity of the apparatus. A heating element of the apparatus may extend longitudinally within the cavity, for example, from the base of a chamber defining the cavity. The heating element may be configured to penetrate the aerosol-forming matrix of the article when it is received within the cavity.

[0037] A system, such as a device, may include an air inlet. For example, the housing of the device may define the air inlet. An airflow path may be formed from the air inlet to the cavity of the device. A system, such as an article, may include an air outlet. For example, the mouthpiece of the article may include an air outlet. In use, the airflow path may be defined between the air inlet and the air outlet. For example, in use, a user may inhale onto the article received in the cavity of the device, and this inhalation may cause air to flow through the air inlet of the device, then into the cavity of the device, then through the article coupled to the device, then out through the air outlet of the mouthpiece of the article, and then into the user's mouth.

[0038] The articles of the system may belong to Group 1 articles. Articles may include aerosol forming matrices. Aerosol forming matrices may be solid aerosol forming matrices. Aerosol forming matrices may be gels. Aerosol forming matrices may be liquids.

[0039] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming matrix" can refer to a matrix capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form aerosols. Volatile compounds can be released by heating or burning the aerosol-forming matrix.

[0040] Aerosol forming matrices may contain nicotine. Aerosol forming matrices may include plant-based materials. Aerosol forming matrices may include homogenized plant-based materials. Aerosol forming matrices may include tobacco. Aerosol forming matrices may include tobacco-containing materials. Tobacco-containing materials may contain volatile tobacco flavor compounds. These compounds may be released from the aerosol forming matrix upon heating. Aerosol forming matrices may include homogenized tobacco materials. Aerosol forming matrices may include other additives and ingredients, such as flavorings. Liquid aerosol forming matrices may include one or more of water, solvents, ethanol, plant extracts, and natural or artificial flavorings. Aerosol forming matrices may include aerosol forming agents. Examples of suitable aerosol forming agents are glycerol, glycerin, and propylene glycol.

[0041] Aerosol-generating articles may include hollow tubular elements. Aerosol-generating articles may include aerosol cooling elements. The aerosol-generating articles may include mouthpieces. Aerosol-generating articles may include outer packaging, such as paper packaging.

[0042] Aerosol generating articles may include an aerosol forming matrix, a hollow tubular element, an aerosol cooling element, and a mouthpiece arranged sequentially in a coaxial alignment and defined by an external packaging material.

[0043] In use, the article can be attached to the device, for example, received in a cavity of the device. When the article is received in the cavity, a heating element, for example in the form of heating blades extending longitudinally from the base of the cavity, can penetrate the aerosol-forming matrix of the article. The user can then inhale through the mouth end of the article. This allows air to flow through the air inlet of the device. This airflow can be detected by the suction detection mechanism of the device. This may trigger the operation of the heating element. Alternatively, the heater can be manually activated by the user, for example using a button. The heating element can then be heated. This can heat the aerosol-forming matrix of the article, causing volatile compounds to be released from the aerosol-forming matrix. The user's inhalation allows the airflow through the air inlet to then flow through the aerosol-forming matrix. The volatile compounds released by the aerosol-forming matrix can be entrained in the airflow. The air and the entrained compounds can then flow through a hollow tubular element and an aerosol cooling element. During this time, the volatile compounds can be cooled and condensed to form an aerosol. The aerosol can then flow through the mouthpiece of the article and into the user's mouth.

[0044] As those skilled in the art will understand upon reading this disclosure, the foregoing paragraphs describe the use of a particular system, but other systems may implement the invention.

[0045] A power source can be used to supply power to a heating element, such as to one or both of a component used to heat the heating element and the heating element itself. A power source can be used to supply power to any or all components of a device that requires electricity. A power source may include one or more power units. Different power units can be used to supply power to different components.

[0046] The device may include a controller. The controller may be connected to any or all electrical components of the device. As those skilled in the art will understand upon reading this disclosure, the controller can control the operation of various components of the device. The controller can control, for example, the power supply from a power source to any or all components of the device that require power.

[0047] The first group of aerosol generating articles may include or consist of aerosol generating articles configured or designed or optimized for use with an aerosol generating apparatus. The first group of aerosol generating articles may include or consist of aerosol generating articles having one or more specific brands, one or more specific types or compositions of aerosol forming matrix, a specific production date, a specific production date range, a specific batch number, a specific batch number range, a specific use-out date, or a specific use-out date range.

[0048] The aerosol generating device can be idle before the aerosol-generating product is connected to the aerosol generating device.

[0049] The method may include engaging the aerosol generating article with the aerosol generating apparatus or may be performed after the aerosol generating article has been engaged with the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0050] Engaging an article of articles with a device may include receiving at least a portion of the article of articles within a cavity or may consist of receiving at least a portion of the article of articles within a cavity.

[0051] The method may include, for example, activating the device using a user interface, such as a button on the device. This step moves the device from an idle state to an active state. This step may occur after the aerosol generating article is coupled to the aerosol generating device. The transition from an idle state to an active state may cause electrical disturbances, such as voltage fluctuations across the electrical components of the device.

[0052] The discriminator can be configured to detect the presence of an aerosol-generating article that is coupled to the aerosol-generating device, for example, received in a cavity of the device. The method may include a presence determination step to determine whether an aerosol-generating article is coupled to the aerosol-generating device. Optionally, the method may include determining whether the article coupled to the device belongs to a first group of articles only if the presence determination step determines that the aerosol-generating article is coupled to the aerosol-generating device. The presence determination step may be triggered by moving the device from an idle state to an active state or performed automatically after moving the device from an idle state to an active state.

[0053] The discriminator may be particularly sensitive to electrical disturbances, such as voltage fluctuations. For example, the light source of the discriminator may be particularly sensitive to electrical disturbances. In particular, the light source as described with respect to the first aspect may be particularly sensitive to electrical disturbances.

[0054] Specifically, the light source can have a continuous forward current between 2 mA and 100 mA. For example, the light source can have a continuous forward current between 10 mA and 50 mA. For example, the light source can have a continuous forward current of about 20 mA. In this case, continuous forward current can refer to the maximum current that can be continuously supplied to the light source without damaging the light source or posing a serious risk of damage. In other words, with a continuous forward current of about 20 mA, continuously supplying the light source with more or significantly more than 20 mA, i.e., for an extended period of time, such as a few seconds or minutes, may damage or is very likely to damage the light source.

[0055] Additionally, the light source may have a peak forward current between 0.1 amps and 10 amps. Alternatively, the light source may have a peak forward current between 0.5 amps and 5 amps. Or, the light source may have a peak forward current of approximately 1 amp. The corresponding limiting time may be between 1 microsecond and 10 milliseconds. In this case, the peak forward current and the corresponding limiting time can refer to the maximum current that can be supplied to the light source within the limited time without damaging the light source or posing no serious risk of damage. In other words, with a peak forward current of approximately 1 amp and a corresponding limiting time of 1 millisecond, supplying the light source with 1 amp or more for more than 1 millisecond may damage or potentially damage the light source.

[0056] The controller, or its firmware, can control the current supplied to the light source during use. This prevents harmful current from being supplied to the light source.

[0057] As discussed above, the aerosol generating device may include a high-side switch. The high-side switch may be connected to and optionally operated by a controller. Advantageously, if the controller has problems, such as software vulnerabilities, the high-side switch can help protect the light source. Therefore, the high-side switch can help reduce the sensitivity of the light source to electrical disturbances.

[0058] The device's power supply can be used to power a light source. A high-side switch can be located between the power supply and the light source. The high-side switch can be configured to electrically connect the power supply to the light source or electrically disconnect the power supply from the light source.

[0059] The high-side switch can move between an open position and a closed position. When the high-side switch is in the open position, the light source may not be electrically connected to the power supply. When the high-side switch is in the open position, the circuit including the high-side switch and the light source may be disconnected. When the high-side switch is in the open position, the power supply may not be able to supply power to the light source. When the high-side switch is in the closed position, the light source can be electrically connected to the power supply. When the high-side switch is in the open position, the circuit including the high-side switch and the light source may be connected or disconnected. When the high-side switch is in the closed position, the power supply may be able to supply power to the light source.

[0060] In this document, enabling or closing a switch, such as a high-side switch, can refer to moving the switch from the open position to the closed position. Disabling or opening a switch can refer to moving the switch from the closed position to the open position.

[0061] The high-side switch may include or be coupled to a timer, such as the timer discussed above regarding the first aspect. The timer may include a timer.

[0062] The timer can be connected to the controller and optionally operated by the controller. The high-side switch can be connected to the timer and optionally operated by the timer.

[0063] The timer can be a hardware timer. Therefore, without instruction from the controller to do so, the timer may be able to turn the high-side switch on, turn the high-side switch off, or turn the high-side switch on and off. This will be explained in more detail below.

[0064] The timer can be configured to determine a period of time during which the light source has continuously supplied current or a current greater than a threshold. When the current supplied to the light source is higher than the threshold, the timer can start timing or begin the period. When the current supplied to the light source drops to or below a second threshold, the timer can end timing, or end or reset the period. The threshold and the second threshold can be equal or different. One or both of the threshold and the second threshold can be zero amperes. One or both of the threshold and the second threshold can be equal to 50% of the peak forward current of the light source or within that value. One or both of the threshold and the second threshold can be at least 0.1 amperes or 0.5 amperes. One or both of the threshold and the second threshold can not exceed 10 amperes or 5 amperes. One or both of the threshold and the second threshold can be between 0.1 amperes and 10 amperes, or between 0.5 amperes and 5 amperes, or about 1 ampere.

[0065] When the predetermined time period is reached, the high-side switch can move from the closed position to the open position. For example, when the predetermined time period is reached, the controller or timer can open the high-side switch. Opening the high-side switch disconnects the electrical connection between the power supply and the light source, and stops the flow of current to the light source. Advantageously, this protects the light source.

[0066] Preferably, the timer is a hardware timer that opens the high-side switch without instruction from the controller. Advantageously, this may mean that the high-side switch can be opened to protect the light source even if the controller fails.

[0067] The predetermined time period can be based on the limitation time of the light source. The predetermined time period can be greater than or at least 1.1 times, 2 times, 5 times, or 10 times the limitation time of the light source. The predetermined time period can be at least 1 microsecond, 10 microseconds, 100 microseconds, or 1,000 microseconds. The predetermined time period can not exceed 10 milliseconds, 5 milliseconds, or 1 millisecond. The predetermined time period can be between 1 microsecond and 10 milliseconds. The predetermined time period can be between 10 microseconds and 1 millisecond.

[0068] The aerosol generating device may include a low-side switch. For example, as described above, the switch or second switch may be a low-side switch. The low-side switch may be connected to and optionally operated by the controller. Advantageously, if there is a problem with the controller, such as a software vulnerability, the low-side switch can help protect the light source. Therefore, the low-side switch can help reduce the sensitivity of the light source to electrical disturbances.

[0069] The low-side switch can be configured to electrically connect the light source to ground. As used herein, the term ground can be used to refer to electrical grounding.

[0070] The low-side switch can move between an open position and a closed position. When the low-side switch is in the open position, the light source may not be electrically connected to ground. When the low-side switch is in the open position, the circuit including the low-side switch and the light source may be disconnected. When the low-side switch is in the open position, the power supply may not be able to supply power to the light source. When the low-side switch is in the closed position, the light source may be electrically connected to ground. When the low-side switch is in the open position, the circuit including the low-side switch and the light source may be connected or disconnected. When the low-side switch is in the closed position, the power supply may be able to supply power to the light source.

[0071] The low-side switch may include or be coupled to a timer. The low-side switch may be coupled to a high-side switch. The low-side switch may be coupled to a controller and optionally operated by the controller. The low-side switch may be coupled to a timer and optionally operated by the timer.

[0072] When the time period reaches the predetermined time period, the low-side switch can move from the closed position to the open position. For example, when the time period reaches the predetermined time period, the controller or timer can open the low-side switch.

[0073] When the device includes both a high-side switch and a low-side switch, both switches can move from the closed position to the open position when the predetermined time period is reached. Advantageously, this can provide even further protection for the light source against excessive current. This is because even if one of the high-side or low-side switches fails, the other may still be able to stop the excessive current flowing through the light source.

[0074] The method may include enabling the high-side switch. This may include moving the high-side switch from an open position to a closed position. This may be done when or after the device moves from an idle state to an active state. This may be triggered by the device moving from an idle state to an active state or done automatically after the device moves from an idle state to an active state. When the device is in an idle state, the high-side switch may be disabled.

[0075] The method may include enabling the low-side switch. This may include moving the low-side switch from an open position to a closed position. This may be done when or after the device moves from an idle state to an active state. This may be triggered by the device moving from an idle state to an active state or done automatically after the device moves from an idle state to an active state. When the device is in an idle state, the low-side switch may be disabled.

[0076] The method may include enabling the power supply. This may be done when or after the device moves from an idle state to an active state. This may be triggered by the device moving from an idle state to an active state or done automatically after the device moves from an idle state to an active state. This may be done before or after enabling one or both of the high-side switch and the low-side switch.

[0077] After the power is turned on, electrical disturbances such as voltage fluctuations may occur in the electrical components of the device.

[0078] The method may include a period of time during which the electronic device is allowed to stabilize. This may be triggered by power-on or occur automatically after power-on. During this period, the device may prevent further use, such as heating by a heater or operation of a light source. A compromise must be made when setting this period; the electronic device requires a minimum stabilization time, but if the period is too long, it may annoy the user. The stabilization period may be at least 5 microseconds, 10 microseconds, 50 microseconds, 100 microseconds, 500 microseconds, 1,000 microseconds, or 5,000 microseconds. The stabilization period may not exceed 500 milliseconds, 100 milliseconds, or 75 milliseconds. The stabilization period may be between 5 microseconds and 500 milliseconds. The stabilization period may be between 100 microseconds and 100 milliseconds. The stabilization period may be between 5 milliseconds and 100 milliseconds.

[0079] The method may include detecting the presence of an aerosol-generating article coupled to the aerosol-generating device, for example, received in a cavity of the device. That is, the method may include determining whether an aerosol-generating article is coupled to the aerosol-generating device, for example, received in a cavity of the device. This step may occur after a period of time during which the electronics are allowed to stabilize, for example, it may be triggered by a period of time during which the electronics are allowed to stabilize or it may occur automatically after a period of time during which the electronics are allowed to stabilize. This step may include, for example, supplying current from a power source to a light source. This current may be at least 1 mA, 2 mA, or 10 mA. Alternatively or additionally, this current may not exceed 200 mA, 100 mA, or 50 mA. The current may preferably be about 20 mA. This current may be supplied for at least 100 nanoseconds, 500 nanoseconds, 1,000 nanoseconds, 5,000 nanoseconds, or 10,000 nanoseconds. This current may be supplied for no more than 2 seconds, 1 second, 0.5 seconds, 0.1 seconds, 0.05 seconds, or 0.02 seconds. The current can preferably be supplied between 100 nanoseconds and 2 seconds, or between 10 microseconds and 2 milliseconds.

[0080] Light emitted by a light source can be reflected from the article and received by a light receiver. This allows an identifier to detect the presence of the article.

[0081] If the discriminator detects the presence of an article (i.e., determines that the article is attached to the device), it can perform a first determining step to determine whether the aerosol-generating article attached to the aerosol-generating device belongs to the first group of aerosol-generating articles. The first determining step can be triggered by the detection of the article's presence or occur automatically after the article's presence is detected. Optionally, the first determining step is performed only when the discriminator detects the presence of an article (i.e., determines that the article is attached to the device). The first determining step can be performed by the discriminator. Specifically, a light source, such as an infrared light-emitting diode, can illuminate the article attached to the device. A light receiver, such as a photodiode, can then receive the light reflected or emitted by the article. Based on the light received by the light receiver, the discriminator may be able to determine whether the article attached to the device belongs to the first group of articles.

[0082] The first group of articles may include multiple subgroups. One or both of the first and second determining steps may include determining which subgroup of the multiple subgroups the aerosol-generating article coupled to the aerosol-generating device belongs to (if the aerosol-generating article coupled to the aerosol-generating device belongs to any of the multiple subgroups). This can be done in the same manner as determining whether an article belongs to the first group. For example, this can be done based on light received by a light receiver after being reflected or emitted by the article.

[0083] If the discriminator detects the absence of an article (i.e., determines that no article is engaged with the apparatus), the first determining step of whether the aerosol-generating article engaged with the aerosol-generating apparatus belongs to the first group of aerosol-generating articles can be omitted. The discriminator's detection of the absence of an article (i.e., determining that no article is engaged with the apparatus) can return the apparatus to an idle state.

[0084] The articles in the system can be articles belonging to the first group of articles. Each article in the system or the first group of articles can include a label. Articles in different subgroups of the first group can include different labels.

[0085] Any suitable form of marking may be used. The marking can be detected by the discriminator. The discriminator can use the marking of the article to determine whether the article belongs to Group 1. The discriminator can use the marking of the article to determine which subgroup of Group 1 the article belongs to (if the article belongs to any subgroup of Group 1).

[0086] Any suitable marking can be used. Markings may include visual indicators, such as barcodes.

[0087] The marking may include a marker. The article may include at least one component, with the marker incorporated into the material of that at least one component. The marker may include identifiable spectral characteristics. The use of a marker incorporated into the material of a component of the article can advantageously prevent the marker from being removed from the component after manufacturing. In this way, the tamper resistance and counterfeiting difficulty of aerosol-generated articles can be improved.

[0088] The marker can be incorporated into any component of an aerosol-generating article, including but not limited to: paper such as packaging paper; filters; tipping paper; tobacco; tobacco packaging; coatings; adhesives; fixatives; glues; inks, foams, hollow acetate tubes; packaging; and varnishes. It is added during material manufacturing, for example, by adding it to pulp or paste before drying, or by printing or spraying it onto the component. Typically, the marker is incorporated into the component in trace amounts in nanograms. For example, when the marker is sprayed onto a surface, the sprayed solution can incorporate the marker at a concentration between 1 ppm and 1000 ppm.

[0089] To enable more accurate identification of markers, they may contain identifiable absorption spectral characteristics. When a marker is illuminated by a light source or a distinguisher, it may absorb specific wavelengths or groups of wavelengths, and the wavelengths of light subsequently received by the light receiver or the distinguisher's photosensor can thus allow the distinguisher to determine the marker based on the absence of these wavelengths. This information can then be used to determine whether the article belongs to the first group of articles.

[0090] The physical and chemical structure of the marker can be controlled such that the absorbed light wavelength can be set as needed. In a preferred embodiment, the absorbed light wavelength is not in the visible spectrum. Preferably, the absorption wavelength is in one or both of the infrared and ultraviolet ranges.

[0091] Alternatively, instead of markers that include identifiable absorption spectral characteristics, markers may include identifiable emission spectral characteristics. When the marker is exposed to a light source or illumination, the light preferably excites the marker and the marker emits light at least one wavelength offset from the wavelength of the illuminating light. It should be understood that this is a form of photoluminescence and may be phosphorescence or fluorescence. The spectral characteristics can be controlled by controlling the physical and chemical structure of the marker. In some embodiments, the identifiable characteristics may depend on the time response of the emission associated with excitation, or the decay rate of the emission after excitation.

[0092] In a preferred embodiment, the wavelength of the light emitted by the marker is outside the visible spectrum. Preferably, the wavelength of the light emitted by the marker is within one or both of the infrared or ultraviolet range.

[0093] In a preferred embodiment, the markers are distributed throughout the material. By distributing the markers throughout the material, the orientation of the aerosol-generated article within the aerosol-generating apparatus may not be important. This simplifies the system's use for the user. Furthermore, distributing the markers throughout the material improves the article's resistance to tampering, as the markers may be more difficult to remove completely. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the markers are distributed substantially homogeneously throughout the material.

[0094] Different articles belonging to the first group may include different markers or different combinations of markers. These markers or combinations of markers may have different and identifiable spectral characteristics. This allows the identifier to distinguish different types or subgroups of articles belonging to the first group and operate accordingly.

[0095] The marker is preferably stable at high temperatures up to 1,500 degrees Celsius. As used herein, the term "stable" can mean that the marker has consistent spectral characteristics and will not decompose. By providing a marker that remains stable at high temperatures, standard manufacturing processes can be used when producing aerosol-generating articles.

[0096] Materials incorporating aerosol-generating components can be manufactured by adding the marker as a component to a slurry used for manufacturing the material. The slurry can then be formed, for example, by casting, and dried to produce materials such as paper or packaging materials.

[0097] The marker can be configured such that it is deactivated at the normal operating temperature of the aerosol-generating article. As used herein, deactivation can mean that the marker no longer has identifiable spectral characteristics. In use, the temperature required to generate the aerosol can be greater than the temperature required to deactivate the marker. In this way, the aerosol-generating apparatus can determine whether the aerosol-generating article has been previously used and operate accordingly. For example, if the marker is deactivated, a first determining step can determine that the article does not belong to the first group of articles. Therefore, after use, an article in the first group of articles may no longer be in the first group of articles. The temperature range of the aerosol-generating article components during normal operation is preferably from about 50 degrees Celsius to about 300 degrees Celsius, depending on the location and type of the components of the aerosol-generating apparatus. Thus, it is preferred that the marker is deactivated at a temperature of about 50 degrees Celsius to about 500 degrees Celsius. More preferably, the marker is deactivated at a temperature of about 70 degrees Celsius to about 100 degrees Celsius.

[0098] The marker can be deactivated by decomposition at the aforementioned high temperatures, thus losing its identifiable spectral characteristics. Alternatively, the marker can be deactivated by masking with additional temperature-dependent additives. These additional additives may become opaque or discolor at high temperatures to mask the marker's characteristics.

[0099] Similar to the above description of the stability of markers at high temperatures, markers are preferably chemically stable. Preferably, the marker is chemically stable enough that it does not decompose during the manufacture of the material or component. Therefore, the marker is preferably stable when exposed to: liquid water; water vapor; other commonly used solvents; during drying; during physical deformation of the material to form the component; during exposure to increased temperatures; and during exposure to decreased temperatures. In this way, the marker does not decompose during the aforementioned material manufacturing processes and maintains identifiable spectral characteristics.

[0100] The marker is preferably in powder form. The powder form of the marker advantageously allows it to be more easily incorporated into the material. Preferably, the marker is a powder composed of at least one of the following: rare earth elements; actinide metal oxides; ceramics. The rare earth elements are preferably lanthanides.

[0101] Identifiable spectral characteristics of a marker or label may be associated with one or more of the following: aerosol-generating product type, aerosol-forming matrix type, production date, production location, batch number, other production details, and expiration date.

[0102] The first determining step may include, for example, supplying current from a power source to a light source. This current may be at least 100 mA, 200 mA, 500 mA, or 800 mA. Alternatively or additionally, this current may not exceed 2,000 or 1,000 mA. The current may preferably be between 500 mA and 2,000 mA, or between 800 mA and 1,000 mA. This current may be supplied for at least 20 microseconds, 50 microseconds, 100 microseconds, or 200 microseconds. This current may be supplied for no more than 20 milliseconds, 10 milliseconds, 5 milliseconds, or 2 milliseconds. The current may preferably be supplied between 20 microseconds and 10 milliseconds. The current may preferably be supplied between 20 microseconds and 2 milliseconds.

[0103] The aerosol generating apparatus may include a heater high-side switch. The heater high-side switch may be connected to and optionally operated by a controller. Advantageously, the heater high-side switch helps prevent excessive current from flowing through the heater for an excessively long period of time. The heater high-side switch functions in a similar manner to the high-side switch described earlier for protecting the light source.

[0104] The power supply can be used to power the heater. A heater high-side switch can be located between the power supply and the heater. The heater high-side switch can be configured to electrically connect the power supply to the heater. When the device is idle, the heater high-side switch can be disabled.

[0105] The operation of the heater high-side switch is similar to that of a standard high-side switch. The heater high-side switch can move between an open and a closed position. When the heater high-side switch is in the open position, the heater may not be electrically connected to the power source. That is, when the heater high-side switch is in the open position, the power supply may not be able to power the heater. When the heater high-side switch is in the closed position, the heater can be electrically connected to the power source. That is, when the heater high-side switch is in the closed position, the power supply may be able to power the heater.

[0106] The heater high-side switch may include or be coupled to a heater timer. The heater timer may be connected to a controller and optionally operated by the controller. The heater high-side switch may be connected to a timer and optionally operated by the timer.

[0107] The heater timer can be a hardware timer. Therefore, the heater timer can operate the heater high-side switch without instruction from the controller to do so.

[0108] A heater timer can be configured to determine a heater time period during which the heater has been continuously supplied with current or a current greater than a heater threshold. When the current supplied to the heater is higher than the heater threshold, the heater timer can start timing or begin a heater time period. When the current supplied to the heater drops below a second heater threshold, the heater timer can end timing, or end or reset the heater time period. The heater threshold and the second heater threshold can be equal to or different from each other.

[0109] When the heater time period reaches the predetermined heater time period, the heater high-side switch can move from the closed position to the open position. For example, when the heater time period reaches the predetermined heater time period, the controller or heater timer can open the heater high-side switch.

[0110] Preferably, the heater timer is a hardware timer that opens the heater high-side switch without instruction from the controller. Advantageously, this may mean that the heater high-side switch can be opened to protect the heater even if the controller fails.

[0111] The aerosol generating device may include a heater low-side switch. The heater low-side switch may be connected to and optionally operated by a controller. When the device is idle, the heater low-side switch may be disabled.

[0112] The heater low-side switch can be configured to electrically connect the heater to ground.

[0113] The operation of the heater low-side switch can be similar to that of a standard low-side switch. The heater low-side switch can move between an open and closed position. When the heater low-side switch is in the open position, the heater may not be electrically connected to ground. When the heater low-side switch is in the open position, the circuit including the heater low-side switch and the heater may be disconnected. When the heater low-side switch is in the open position, power may not be supplied to the heater. When the heater low-side switch is in the closed position, the heater may be electrically connected to ground. When the heater low-side switch is in the open position, the circuit including the heater low-side switch and the heater may be connected or disconnected. When the heater low-side switch is in the closed position, power may be supplied to the heater.

[0114] The heater low-side switch may include or be coupled to a heater timer. The heater low-side switch may be coupled to a controller and optionally operated by the controller. The heater low-side switch may be coupled to a heater timer and optionally operated by the heater timer.

[0115] When the heater time period reaches the predetermined heater time period, the heater low-side switch can move from the closed position to the open position. For example, when the heater time period reaches the predetermined heater time period, the controller or heater timer can open the heater low-side switch.

[0116] Preferably, the timer is a hardware timer that opens the low-side switch without instruction from the controller. Advantageously, this may mean that the heater's low-side switch can be opened to protect the heater even if the controller fails.

[0117] Therefore, when the heater's time period reaches the predetermined time period, both the heater's high-side switch and low-side switch can be moved from the closed position to the open position. This can provide even further protection for the heater, shielding it from excessive current.

[0118] The method may include activating a heater high-side switch. This may include moving the heater high-side switch from an open position to a closed position. This may be done when or after the device moves from an idle state to an active state, for example, after detecting the presence of an article or after a first determining step. This may be triggered by the device moving from an idle state to an active state, or by detecting the presence of an article or by the first determining step, or may be done automatically after the device moves from an idle state to an active state, or by detecting the presence of an article or by the first determining step.

[0119] The method may include activating a low-side switch. This may include moving the heater low-side switch from an open position to a closed position. This may be done when or after the device moves from an idle state to an active state, for example, after the presence of an article is detected or after a first determining step. This may be triggered by the device moving from an idle state to an active state, the detection of an article, or the first determining step, or may be done automatically after the device moves from an idle state to an active state, the detection of an article, or the first determining step.

[0120] The method may include, for example, preheating the heater after a first determining step or after activating one or both of the heater high-side switch and the heater low-side switch. This may be referred to as a preheating step. Optionally, the preheating step begins only if the first determining step determines that the article engaged with the device belongs to a first group of articles. The preheating step may be triggered by the first determining step that the article engaged with the device belongs to the first group or may begin automatically after the first determining step.

[0121] If the first determining step determines that the aerosol-generating article connected to the aerosol generating device does not belong to the first group of aerosol-generating articles, the method may include preventing the preheating of the heater from starting until the first determining step is repeated and it is determined that the aerosol-generating article connected to the aerosol generating device does indeed belong to the first group of aerosol-generating articles. If the first determining step determines that the aerosol-generating article connected to the aerosol generating device does not belong to the first group of aerosol-generating articles, this can return the device to an idle state.

[0122] The preheating step may include, for example, supplying current to the heater from a power source. For instance, the preheating step may include supplying current to a resistance heating element to heat the heating element, or supplying alternating current to an inductor to generate a fluctuating magnetic field that heats the sensor material in the heating element. This step may include raising the temperature of the heater or the heating element of the heater to an operating temperature. This step may include raising the temperature of the heater or the heating element of the heater, for example, from room temperature to a temperature of at least 100 degrees Celsius, 200 degrees Celsius, or 300 degrees Celsius.

[0123] The entire process of preheating the heater from start to finish may take at least 5 seconds, 10 seconds, or 20 seconds. The entire process of preheating the heater from start to finish may take no more than 100 seconds, 60 seconds, 50 seconds, 40 seconds, or 30 seconds. The entire process of preheating the heater from start to finish may take between 10 seconds and 60 seconds. The entire process of preheating the heater from start to finish may take between 20 seconds and 40 seconds.

[0124] The preheating process can be considered to have begun once current is supplied to the heater. The preheating process can also be considered to have begun once a current above a certain threshold has been supplied to the heater. Finally, the preheating process can be considered to have begun once the heater or heating element has reached a specific temperature.

[0125] The preheating step may depend on the subgroup to which the articles joined to the device belong or on the subgroup determined by the first determining step. The preheating step may differ for articles belonging to different subgroups. For example, the temperature distribution of the heater or heating element during the preheating step may differ for different subgroups. This can be controlled by the current sent to the heater. For example, the device may be configured to heat the heater or heating element to different peak temperatures for different subgroups during the preheating step. Specific preheating steps can be performed based on the subgroup of the articles, such as the subgroup determined by the first determining step, for example, by selecting a specific preheating step from a plurality of preset preheating steps. Advantageously, this allows for the customization of the preheating step for the articles joined to the device.

[0126] The method may include a preheating check step. The preheating check step may include determining whether the preheating step has been completed. The preheating step can be considered complete once the heater or heating element has reached a certain temperature. The preheating check step may be triggered by the start of preheating of the heater or occur automatically after the start of preheating. The preheating check step may be repeated, for example, at regular intervals.

[0127] The device can be configured to indicate to the user, for example, using one or more of visual, auditory, or tactile indicators that the preheating step has been completed.

[0128] The method may include a second determining step to determine whether an aerosol-generating article coupled to the aerosol-generating apparatus belongs to the first group of aerosol-generating articles. The second determining step may be separate from the first determining step. The second determining step may occur after the first determining step. The second determining step may be performed by a discriminator. Specifically, a light source, such as an infrared light-emitting diode, may illuminate the article coupled to the apparatus. A light receiver, such as a photodiode, may then receive the light reflected from the article. Based on the light received by the light receiver, the discriminator may be able to determine whether the article coupled to the apparatus belongs to the first group of articles or to a specific subgroup within the first group of articles.

[0129] If the second determining step determines that the aerosol-generating article belongs to the first group of aerosol-generating articles, the main heating step can be performed. The main heating step can be triggered by the second determining step that determines the aerosol-generating article belongs to the first group of aerosol-generating articles, or it can occur automatically after the second determining step. During the main heating step, at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article can be heated to form an aerosol. The average temperature of the heater or heating element during the main heating step can be higher than during the preheating step.

[0130] The second determination step can occur at a predetermined time after the start or completion of the preheating step. The second determination step can begin or occur during the preheating step. The second determination step can begin or occur after the preheating step. The second determination step can be triggered by the completion of the preheating step.

[0131] Advantageously, the second determination step can prevent the user from using a real article to allow the preheating of the heater to begin, and then replacing the real article with a non-real article.

[0132] The second determining step may include determining which subgroup of the first group the article attached to the device belongs to. The second determining step may include determining whether the article attached to the device belongs to the same subgroup as the subgroup determined during the first determining step. This step may be performed by a discriminator. Specifically, a light source, such as an infrared light-emitting diode, may illuminate the article attached to the device. A light receiver, such as a photodiode, can then receive light from the article. Based on the light received by the light receiver, the discriminator may be able to determine which subgroup of the first group the article attached to the device belongs to.

[0133] The device may continue to be used if, and optionally only if, the subgroup determined in the second determining step is the same as the subgroup determined in the first determining step. For example, the main heating step may be triggered or enabled. If the subgroup determined in the second determining step is different from the subgroup determined in the first determining step, the device may not be allowed to be used further. For example, the main heating step may not be allowed. This can also return the device to an idle state if the subgroup determined in the second determining step is different from the subgroup determined in the first determining step.

[0134] Advantageously, this prevents users from replacing first-type genuine articles with second-type genuine articles. It also prevents, for example, heating schemes optimized for first-type genuine articles from being used to heat second-type genuine articles.

[0135] The main heating step may include heating the aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol, for example, for inhalation by a user. The main heating step may occur after the preheating of the heater is completed. The main heating step may occur after the second determining step. The main heating step may be triggered by the second determining step, which determines that the article engaged with the device belongs to a first group, or may occur automatically after the second determining step.

[0136] The primary heating step may depend on the subgroup to which the articles joined to the apparatus belong, or on the subgroup determined by the first or second determining step. The primary heating step may differ for articles belonging to different subgroups. For example, the temperature distribution of the heater or heating element during the primary heating step may differ for different subgroups. This can be controlled by the current sent to the heater. For example, the apparatus may be configured to heat the heater or heating element to different peak temperatures for different subgroups during the primary heating step. Specific primary heating steps may be performed based on the subgroup of the articles, such as the subgroup determined by the first or second determining step, for example, by selecting a specific primary heating step from a plurality of preset primary heating steps. Advantageously, this allows for customization of the primary heating step for the articles joined to the apparatus.

[0137] The method may include disabling the high-side switch. The high-side switch may be disabled after the second determining step, for example, after the main heating step. Disabling the high-side switch may be triggered by the main heating step or occur automatically after the main heating step is completed.

[0138] The method may include disabling the low-side switch. The low-side switch may be disabled after the second determining step, for example, after the main heating step. Disabling the low-side switch may be triggered by the main heating step or occur automatically after the main heating step is completed.

[0139] The method may include disabling the heater high-side switch. The heater high-side switch may be disabled after the main heating step. Disabling the heater high-side switch may be triggered by the main heating step or occur automatically after the main heating step is completed.

[0140] The method may include disabling the heater low-side switch. The heater low-side switch may be disabled after the main heating step. Disabling the heater low-side switch may be triggered by the main heating step or occur automatically after the main heating step is completed.

[0141] The method may include disabling the power supply. The power supply may be disabled after the second determining step, such as after the main heating step, for example after disabling one or more of the high-side switch, low-side switch, heater high-side switch, and heater low-side switch. Disabling the power supply may be triggered by the main heating step or occur automatically after the main heating step is completed.

[0142] The method may include returning the device to the idle state. This may occur when power is disabled, or before or after power is disabled. Returning the device to the idle state may be triggered by the main heating step, or may occur automatically after the main heating step is completed.

[0143] The device may include a user interface. The user interface is operable to return the device from an active state to an idle state. The user interface is operable to return the device from an active state to an idle state at any time. The user interface is operable to return the device from an active state to an idle state during a preheating step or during a main heating step.

[0144] The user interface may include buttons. Using a button, such as pressing a button for a predetermined time period, can allow or cause the device to return from an active state to an idle state, for example, during a preheating or main heating step. This predetermined time period may be at least 0.5 seconds, 1 second, or 1.5 seconds.

[0145] Features described with respect to the first aspect may be applicable to the second aspect. For example, any feature described with respect to the apparatus of the first aspect, such as the discriminator, heater, power supply, controller, or any switch of the apparatus of the first aspect, may be applicable to the second aspect.

[0146] The features described in the second aspect can also be applied to the first aspect. For example, features described as method steps in the second aspect can be applied to the apparatus of the first aspect. The apparatus or controller of the first aspect can be configured to perform the method steps of the second aspect.

[0147] As used herein, the term "aerosol" can refer to a dispersion of solid particles or droplets, or a combination of solid particles and droplets, in a gas. Aerosols can be visible or invisible. Aerosols can include vapors of substances that are typically liquid or solid at room temperature, as well as solid particles or droplets, or a combination of solid particles and droplets.

[0148] The invention is defined in the claims. However, a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples is provided below. 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.

[0149] Example Ex1. An aerosol generating apparatus, comprising:

[0150] A distinguisher for determining whether an aerosol-generating article is coupled to the device and whether an aerosol-generating article coupled to the device belongs to one or both of a first group of articles, the distinguisher including a light source.

[0151] A power source, which supplies current to the light source;

[0152] A switch movable between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed position the power source can supply current to the light source, and in the open position the power source cannot supply current to the light source; and

[0153] A timer connected to the switch,

[0154] The device, such as the timer of the device, is configured to move the switch from the closed position to the open position if the current supplied to the light source or an indication of the current supplied to the light source exceeds a threshold and lasts for a predetermined period of time.

[0155] Example Ex2. An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex1, wherein the timer is a hardware timer and is configured to move the switch from the closed position to the open position without instruction from any separate controller if the current supplied to the light source or an indication of the current supplied to the light source exceeds the threshold and lasts for a longer than the predetermined time period.

[0156] Example Ex3. An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex1, wherein the apparatus includes a controller for controlling the current supply from the power source to the light source.

[0157] Example Ex4. An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex3, wherein the timer is a hardware timer and is configured to move the switch from the closed position to the open position without instruction from the controller if the current supplied to the light source or an indication of the current supplied to the light source exceeds the threshold and lasts for a longer than the predetermined time period.

[0158] Example Ex5. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the switch is a high-side switch and the power supply is electrically connected to the light source.

[0159] Example Ex6. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex4, wherein the switch is a low-side switch and the light source is electrically connected to ground.

[0160] Example Ex7. An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex5, wherein the apparatus includes a second switch, the second switch being a low-side switch that electrically connects the light source to ground.

[0161] Example Ex8. An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex7, wherein the timer receives an indication of the current supplied to the light source, and wherein the timer is configured to move the switch from the closed position to the open position if the indication of the current supplied to the light source exceeds the threshold and lasts for a longer than the predetermined time period.

[0162] Example Ex9. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the discriminator includes a light receiver for receiving light reflected or emitted by an article coupled to the apparatus and irradiated by light from the light source.

[0163] Example Ex10. An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex9, wherein the light receiver is a photodiode.

[0164] Example Ex11. An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex9 or Ex10, wherein the apparatus is configured to analyze light received by the light receiver to determine whether an article coupled with the apparatus belongs to the first group of articles.

[0165] Example Ex12. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the light source is a light-emitting diode.

[0166] Example Ex13. An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex12, wherein the light source is an infrared light-emitting diode.

[0167] Example Ex14. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the predetermined time period is at least 1 microsecond.

[0168] Example Ex15. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the predetermined time period does not exceed 10 milliseconds.

[0169] Example Ex16. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the threshold is zero amperes.

[0170] Example Ex17. A method of operating an aerosol generating apparatus, said aerosol generating apparatus being an apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, and said method comprising:

[0171] If the current supplied to the light source or the indication of the current supplied to the light source exceeds a threshold and continues for a predetermined period of time, the switch is moved from the closed position to the open position. Attached Figure Description

[0172] Several examples will now be described further with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0173] Figure 1 An aerosol generation system is shown;

[0174] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 The circuit system of the aerosol generation system; and

[0175] Figure 3 The flowchart shown illustrates the operation. Figure 1 Methods for aerosol generation systems. Detailed Implementation

[0176] Figure 1 An aerosol generation system 100 is shown. The system 100 includes an aerosol generation apparatus 200 and an aerosol generation article 300.

[0177] The aerosol generating apparatus 200 includes a housing 202 that defines a cavity 204 for receiving a portion of the aerosol generating article 300. Figure 1 In this process, the aerosol generating article 300 is engaged with the cavity 204 of the aerosol generating device 200, or is received in the cavity of the aerosol generating device.

[0178] The device 200 includes a power supply 206, a controller 208, and a generally blade-shaped heating element 210. The heating element 210 includes resistance rails supported on a substrate. The controller 208 is connected to the power supply 206 and the heating element 210. The controller 208 controls the current supply from the power supply 206 via the resistance rails of the heating element 210 to control the heating of the heating element 210.

[0179] The device 200 includes a discriminator 212, which includes a light source, such as an infrared light-emitting diode (IR LED) 214, and a light receiver, such as a photodiode 216.

[0180] The device 200 also includes an air inlet 218 for allowing air to flow into the cavity 204, and a button 220 for allowing the user to operate the device 200.

[0181] The aerosol-generating article 300 includes an aerosol-forming matrix 302, a hollow tubular delivery element 304, and a mouthpiece 306, sequentially arranged within an outer packaging 308. The outer packaging 308 includes a marker 310 having identifiable spectral characteristics. The marker 310 is incorporated into the packaging material during its manufacture.

[0182] The packaging material in this example is manufactured by incorporating the powdered marker 310 into the packaging paper material pulp before the pulp is formed into paper and dried. The marker 310 is thermally and chemically stable under the temperatures and conditions used during manufacturing, allowing the marker 310 to function as desired in the assembled article 300. Alternatively, the marker 310 can be applied to the packaging material in solution by spraying, printing, coating, etc.

[0183] The use of a marker 310 incorporated into the packaging material prevents the marker 310 from being removed from the packaging after manufacturing. In this way, the tamper resistance and counterfeiting difficulty of the aerosol-generated article are improved.

[0184] The material of marker 310 may be selected to control optical properties such that it absorbs specific wavelengths of light to enable identification, or emits light at a wavelength offset from the wavelength of light used to excite marker 310 to enable identification, or both. As used herein, the term “identification” may refer to determining whether an article belongs to Group A articles, or determining which subgroup of Group A articles belong to (if the article belongs to any subgroup of Group A articles).

[0185] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 The circuit system of the aerosol generation system 100. Specifically, Figure 2 Power supply 206 and Figure 1 The IR LED 214 of the discriminator 212 shown. Figure 2 Also shown are a high-side switch 222, a low-side switch 224, and a timer 226 for protecting the IRLED 214, as well as a heater high-side switch 228, a heater low-side switch 230, and a heater timer 232 for protecting the heating element 210.

[0186] A high-side switch 222 is located between the power supply 206 and the IR LED 214 and is connected to the timer 226. The high-side switch 222 is movable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the high-side switch 222 disconnects the circuit or current path between the power supply 206 and the IR LED 214. In the closed position, the high-side switch 222 connects the circuit or current path between the power supply 206 and the IR LED 214.

[0187] Low-side switch 224 is located between IR LED 214 and ground and is connected to timer 226. Low-side switch 224 can move between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, low-side switch 224 disconnects the circuit or current flow path between IR LED 214 and ground. In the closed position, low-side switch 224 connects the circuit or current flow path between IR LED 214 and ground.

[0188] The heater high-side switch 228 is located between the power supply 206 and the heating element 210 and is connected to the heater timer 232. The heater high-side switch 228 can move between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the heater high-side switch 228 disconnects the circuit or current flow path between the power supply 206 and the heating element 210. In the closed position, the heater high-side switch 228 connects the circuit or current flow path between the power supply 206 and the heating element 210.

[0189] The heater low-side switch 230 is located between the heating element 210 and ground and is connected to the heater timer 232. The heater low-side switch 230 can move between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the heater low-side switch 230 disconnects the circuit or current flow path between the heating element 210 and ground. In the closed position, the heater low-side switch 230 connects the circuit or current flow path between the heating element 210 and ground.

[0190] Enabling or closing a switch means moving the switch from the open position to the closed position. Disabling or opening a switch means moving the switch from the closed position to the open position.

[0191] For clarity, the controller 208 of device 200 is... Figure 2 Not shown. However, as those skilled in the art will understand upon reading this disclosure, controller 208 controls the power supply from power source 206 to IR LED 214 and heating element 210, and interacts with timers 226 and 232 to control the enabling and disabling of switches 222, 224, 228, and 230. This will be explained in more detail below.

[0192] Figure 2 Input 402 of timer 226 is also shown. This input 402 can be used to determine or estimate the current supplied to IR LED 214. Figure 2 An input 404 from timer 226 to high-side switch 222 is also shown. This input 404 can be, for example, an instruction to open or close high-side switch 222. Figure 2 Input 406 from controller 208 to timer 226 is also shown, as explained in more detail below, which enables timer 226 to activate high-side switch 222. Figure 2 An input 408 from controller 208 to low-side switch 224 is also shown, which is used to enable low-side switch 224, as explained in more detail below.

[0193] Similarly, for heating element 210, Figure 2 Input 502 of heater timer 232 is shown. This input 502 can be used to determine or estimate the current supplied to heating element 210. Figure 2An input 504 from the heater timer 232 to the heater high-side switch 228 is also shown. This input 504 can be, for example, an instruction to open or close the heater high-side switch 228. Figure 2 Also shown is an input 506 from controller 208 to heater timer 232, which, as explained in more detail below, enables heater timer 232 to activate heater high-side switch 228. Figure 2 An input 508 from the controller 208 to the heater low-side switch 230 is also shown, which is used to enable the heater low-side switch 230, as explained in more detail below.

[0194] Now refer to Figure 3 The flowchart shown describes a method for operating the aerosol generation system 100.

[0195] Initially, device 200 is in an idle state. When device 200 is in an idle state, the user can insert article 300 into cavity 204 of device 200. In the idle state, the device is operable but not used to generate aerosols.

[0196] Then, the user presses button 220 for more than 1 second, causing device 200 to transition from an idle state to an active state.

[0197] The transition from an idle state to an active state can cause electrical disturbances such as voltage fluctuations (overvoltage, undervoltage, and other voltage surges) that are harmful to electronic devices, and more specifically to the IR LED 214 and heating element 210 of device 200.

[0198] Once device 200 is in an active state, the rod identification (SR) sequence, also known as the aerosol-generated article identification sequence, is activated. The aerosol-generated article can be referred to as a rod.

[0199] Then, the high-side switch 222 is activated. That is, the high-side switch 222 is closed to create a current flow path from the power supply 206 to the IR LED 214. Specifically, in this embodiment, the high-side switch 222 is activated by the timer 226. The controller 208 activates the timer 226 using input 406, and the timer 226 then automatically activates the high-side switch 222. The controller 208 then disconnects from the timer 226, allowing the timer 226 to operate independently.

[0200] In this embodiment, the IR LED 214 has a continuous forward current of 20 mA and a peak forward current of 1 A, with a corresponding limiting time between 10 microseconds and 1 millisecond.

[0201] After activating the high-side switch 222, power supply 206 is activated.

[0202] The electronic device is then allowed to stabilize for a period of time. This period must be at least 5 milliseconds long.

[0203] Controller 208 then sends input 408 to low-side switch 224 to close low-side switch 224. Once this occurs, input 402 provides an indication to timer 226 that current is now being supplied to IR LED 214, and timer 226 starts the timer. Thus, in this embodiment, the timer starts once the current supplied to IR LED 214 exceeds a threshold of zero amperes. However, in other embodiments, the timer can only be started if a current greater than a non-zero current threshold is supplied to IR LED 214. The threshold of the timer can be set as needed. If the current supplied to IR LED 214 drops to the threshold (i.e., drops back to zero amperes) before the timer reaches a predetermined period of 5 milliseconds, timer 226 is reset. This may occur, for example, if controller 208 opens the low-side switch. If the current supplied to IR LED 214 remains above the 0 ampere threshold and the timer reaches the predetermined period of 5 milliseconds, timer 226 sends input 404 to high-side switch 222 to open high-side switch 222. This prevents current from being supplied to the IR LED 214 and helps protect it from damage. The device 200 can then return to an idle state. The timer 226 is a hardware timer and sends input 404 to the high-side switch 222 without giving any instruction to the controller 208. Therefore, the IR LED 214 is protected even if the controller fails.

[0204] After the low-side switch 224 is closed, the controller 208 controls the power supply 206 to supply a relatively low current of approximately 20 mA to the IR LED 214 for a period between 10 microseconds and 2 milliseconds. This current causes the IR LED 214 to emit infrared light onto the article 300. Some of this light is reflected from the article 300 and received by the photodiode 216. This allows the discriminator 212 of the device 200 to act as an article presence detector and determine the presence (i.e., engagement) of the article 300 with the device 200. Once the current has been delivered to the IR LED for a sufficient duration, the low-side switch 224 can be opened, for example, by the controller 208.

[0205] If no article is found, device 200 returns to an idle state. However, since article 300 is detected, a first determining step is performed to determine whether article 300 engaged with device 200 belongs to the first group of articles. This involves controller 208 closing low-side switch 224 again and controlling power supply 206 to supply a relatively high current of approximately 1 ampere to IR LED 214 for 200 microseconds to 2 milliseconds. This causes IR LED 214 to emit infrared light onto article 300. Marker 310 in outer packaging 308 absorbs a specific set of wavelengths of light emitted by IR LED 214 and reflects another specific set of wavelengths of light emitted by IR LED 214. Photodiode 216 receives a specific set of wavelengths reflected by outer packaging 308 and determines, based on the absence or absorption of a set of wavelengths, that article 300 belongs to the first group of articles designed and optimized for use with device 200. Once current has been sent to IR LED for a sufficient duration, low-side switch 224 can be opened, for example, by controller 208.

[0206] As explained above in the steps for determining whether the article is engaged with the device, if the controller 208 malfunctions and the low-side switch 224 is not turned off, the timer 226 may turn on the high-side switch 222 if the current supplied to the IR LED 214 remains above the threshold of 0 Amperes and the timer reaches a predetermined time period of 5 milliseconds.

[0207] If the first determining step determines that article 300 does not belong to the first group of articles, the device 200 will return to an idle state. However, since the first determining step determines that article 300 does indeed belong to the first group of articles, the heater high-side switch 228 is then activated. That is, the heater high-side switch 228 is closed to form a current flow path from the power supply 206 to the heating element 210. Specifically, in this embodiment, the heater high-side switch 228 is activated by the heater timer 232. The controller 208 activates the heater timer 232 using input 506, and the heater timer 232 then automatically activates the heater high-side switch 228. The controller 208 then disconnects from the heater timer 232, thereby allowing the heater timer 232 to operate independently.

[0208] After activating the heater high-side switch 228, the heating experience begins.

[0209] Controller 208 sends input 508 to heater low-side switch 230 to close heater low-side switch 230 and form a current path from IR LED 214 to ground. Input 502 provides an indication to heater timer 232 of the current supplied to heating element 210, and heater timer 232 starts a timer if a current greater than a threshold is supplied to heating element 210. If the current supplied to heating element 210 drops to or below the threshold before the timer reaches a predetermined time period, heater timer 232 is reset. If the current supplied to heating element 210 remains above the threshold and the timer reaches the predetermined time period, heater timer 232 sends input 504 to heater high-side switch 228 to open heater high-side switch 228. This prevents current from being supplied to heating element 210 and can help protect heating element 210 from damage and prevent article 300 from overheating. Device 200 can then return to an idle state. The heater timer 232 is a hardware timer that sends input 504 to the heater high-side switch 228 without giving any instructions to the controller 208. Therefore, the heating element 210 can be protected even if the controller 208 fails.

[0210] Once the heater low-side switch 230 is closed, the controller 208 controls the power supply 206 to supply power to the heating element 210 and begin preheating. Preheating of the heating element 210 begins, and preheating checks are performed periodically. Each check involves measuring the temperature of the heating element 210 to determine if it has reached a threshold temperature. If the temperature has not reached the threshold temperature, a preheating check is performed again after an interval. If the temperature has reached the threshold temperature, preheating of the heating element 210 is complete.

[0211] In this embodiment, completion of preheating triggers the execution of a second determining step to determine whether the article 300 coupled with device 200 belongs to the first group of articles. The second determining step is performed in the same manner as the first determining step. Therefore, the second determining step involves sending a relatively high current of approximately 1 ampere to IR LED 214 for a duration between 200 microseconds and 2 milliseconds. And, regarding the first determining step, this causes IR LED 214 to emit infrared light onto article 300. Markers 310 in outer packaging 308 absorb a specific set of wavelengths of light emitted by IR LED 214 and reflect another specific set of wavelengths of light emitted by IR LED 214. Photodiode 216 receives the specific set of wavelengths reflected by outer packaging 308 and determines, based on the absence or absorption of a set of wavelengths, that article 300 belongs to the first group of articles designed and optimized for use with device 200.

[0212] If the second determining step determines that article 300 does not belong to the first group of articles, the device 200 will return to the idle state. However, since the second determining step determines that article 300 does indeed belong to the first group of articles, the process continues. Specifically, the main heating step is performed.

[0213] During the main heating step, the user inhales onto the article 300. This causes air to flow through air inlet 218 and into chamber 204. This inhalation is detected by a suction detection mechanism (not shown) of device 200. The suction detection mechanism notifies controller 208 that suction has been performed, and controller 208 controls power supply 206 to supply power to heating element 210 accordingly. Specifically, more power is sent to heating element 210 to heat article 300 and release volatile compounds from the aerosol forming matrix. Air flows through the matrix and entrains these compounds. The air and the entrained compounds then flow through tubular transfer element 304. The entrained compounds cool and condense to form an aerosol. The aerosol is drawn into the user's mouth through mouthpiece 306. The user can then inhale the aerosol. The main heating step involves further increasing the temperature of heating element 210 in response to each inhalation or suction onto article 300. The main heating step typically lasts for about four minutes.

[0214] In this embodiment, the second determining step not only determines that article 300 belongs to the first group of articles, but also determines a subgroup of the first group to which article 300 belongs. Specifically, based on the light received by photodiode 216, discriminator 212 determines the type of aerosol-forming matrix 302 present in article 300. The main heating step depends on the subgroup of the first group to which article 300 belongs, as determined by the second determining step. Specifically, the temperature to which heating element 210 is heated in response to inhalation of 300 is set based on the subgroup determined by the second determining step. Therefore, in this embodiment, the main heating step is tailored to the type of aerosol-forming matrix 302 present in article 300. The preheating step may also depend on the subgroup to which article 300 belongs.

[0215] Then, the heating experience is complete, and power supply 206 stops supplying power to heating element 210.

[0216] Then disable the heater high-side switch 228, and if it is not already disabled, disable the heater low-side switch 230.

[0217] Then, the high-side switch 222 is disabled, and if it is not already disabled, the low-side switch 224 is disabled. However, these switches 222 and 224 can be disabled at any point after the second determining step.

[0218] Then disable power supply 206.

[0219] Then, device 200 returns to the idle state.

[0220] At any time during the heating experience, the user can press button 220 for more than 1 second to stop the heating experience, and disable switches 222, 224, 228, 230 and power supply 206, and the device 200 returns to the idle state.

[0221] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all figures representing quantities, quantities, percentages, etc., shall be understood to be modified by the term "about" in all cases. Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically listed herein. Thus, in this context, the number A is understood as A ± 10%A. Within this context, the number A can be considered as a value within the general standard error for the measurement of the attribute modified by the number A. In some cases used in the appended claims, the number A may deviate from the percentages listed above, provided that the amount of deviation from A does not materially affect the essential and novel features of the claimed invention. Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically listed herein.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating apparatus, the aerosol generating apparatus being configured to engage and disengage with an aerosol generating article, the aerosol generating apparatus comprising: A distinguisher for determining whether an aerosol-generating article is coupled to the aerosol-generating device and whether an aerosol-generating article coupled to the aerosol-generating device belongs to one or both of the first group of articles, the distinguisher including a light source. A power source, which supplies current to the light source; A switch that can move between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed position the power source can supply current to the light source, and in the open position the power source cannot supply current to the light source; as well as A timer connected to the switch, The timer is configured to move the switch from the closed position to the open position if the current supplied to the light source or an indication of the current supplied to the light source exceeds a threshold and lasts for a predetermined period of time.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the timer is a hardware timer and is configured to move the switch from the closed position to the open position without instruction from any separate controller if the current supplied to the light source or an indication of the current supplied to the light source exceeds the threshold and persists for a longer than the predetermined time period.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol generating apparatus includes a controller for controlling the current supply from the power source to the light source.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 3, wherein the timer is a hardware timer and is configured to move the switch from the closed position to the open position without instruction from the controller if the current supplied to the light source or an indication of the current supplied to the light source exceeds the threshold and persists for a longer than the predetermined time period.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the switch is a high-side switch and the power supply is electrically connected to the light source.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the switch is a low-side switch and the light source is electrically connected to ground.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the aerosol generating apparatus includes a second switch, the second switch being a low-side switch that electrically connects the light source to ground.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 7, wherein the timer receives an indication of the current supplied to the light source, and wherein the timer is configured to move the switch from the closed position to the open position if the indication of the current supplied to the light source exceeds the threshold and lasts for a longer than the predetermined time period.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the discriminator comprises a light receiver for receiving light reflected or emitted by an article coupled to the aerosol generating apparatus and irradiated by light from the light source.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the light source is a light-emitting diode.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the light source is an infrared light-emitting diode.

12. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the predetermined time period is at least 1 microsecond.

13. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the predetermined time period does not exceed 10 milliseconds.

14. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the threshold is zero amperes.

15. A method of operating an aerosol generating apparatus, said aerosol generating apparatus being an aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, and said method comprising: If the current supplied to the light source or the indication of the current supplied to the light source exceeds a threshold and continues for a predetermined period of time, the switch is moved from the closed position to the open position.

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