Aerosol-generating device and aerosol delivery system

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device 10 for heating an aerosol-forming substrate 41 to generate an inhalable aerosol during a process of use is provided. The aerosol-generating device 10 comprises control electronics 36; and an annular outer lighting area 61 surrounding the inner lighting area 62. Control electronics are coupled to the outer illumination region 61 and the inner illumination region 62 and are configured to: i) selectively illuminate one of the outer illumination region and the inner illumination region to generate a first predetermined light emission conveying first data indicative of a status of the aerosol-generating device; and ii) selectively illuminating the other of the exterior illumination area and the interior illumination area to generate a second predetermined light emission conveying second data indicative of a status of the aerosol-generating device, where the first data and the second data are different from each other. There is also provided an aerosol delivery system 100 comprising such an aerosol-generating device 10.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device in which data about the status of the device is visually communicated to a user of the device. The present disclosure also relates to an aerosol delivery system comprising such an aerosol generating device.

[0002] Being configured to form aerosol from aerosol-forming substrate, for example, an aerosol-generating device containing a tobacco substrate to generate aerosol is known in the art.Usually, aerosol is generated by transferring heat to a physically separated aerosol-forming substrate or material from a heat source, and the aerosol-forming substrate or material can be located in the heat source, around the heat source, or downstream of the heat source.Aerosol-forming substrate can be a liquid substrate contained in a reservoir.Aerosol-forming substrate can be a solid substrate.Aerosol-forming substrate can be a component part of an independent aerosol-generating article, and the aerosol-generating article is configured to engage with the aerosol-generating device to form an aerosol.During consumption, volatile compounds are released from aerosol-forming substrate by heat transfer from a heat source and are entrained in the air that generates the article to be sucked by the aerosol.When the released compound cools, they condense to form an aerosol that is sucked by the consumer.

[0003] During use of an aerosol generating device, one or more parameters of the device may change. It is desirable to provide an aerosol generating device that is able to efficiently communicate data about the status of the device to a user.

[0004] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating device" is used to describe a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol generating article to generate an aerosol. Preferably, the aerosol generating device is a smoking device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol generating article to generate an aerosol that can be inhaled directly into the lungs of a user through the mouth of a user. The aerosol generating device may be or may include a holder for a smoking article. Preferably, the aerosol generating article is a smoking article that generates an aerosol that can be inhaled directly into the lungs of a user through the mouth of a user. More preferably, the aerosol generating article is a smoking article that generates a nicotine-containing aerosol that can be inhaled directly into the lungs of a user through the mouth of a user.

[0005] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" means a substrate consisting of or comprising an aerosol-forming material which is capable of releasing volatile compounds to generate an aerosol when heated.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device for heating an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an inhalable aerosol during a use process is provided. The aerosol generating device includes control electronics. The aerosol generating device may include at least one of an annular external lighting area and an internal lighting area. The annular external lighting area may surround the internal lighting area. The control electronics may be connected to at least one of the external lighting area and the internal lighting area. The control electronics may be configured to: i) selectively illuminate the external lighting area or the internal lighting area to generate a first predetermined light emission, the first predetermined light emission conveying first data indicating the state of the aerosol generating device; and / or ii) selectively illuminate the external lighting area or the internal lighting area to generate a second predetermined light emission, the second predetermined light emission conveying second data indicating the state of the aerosol generating device. The first data and the second data may be different from each other.

[0007] As used herein, the term "light" refers to the emission of electromagnetic radiation in the visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum. The visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum is generally understood to encompass wavelengths in the range of about 380 nanometers to about 750 nanometers.

[0008] As used herein, the term "predetermined light emission" is a light emission characterized by one or more parameters of the light emission. For example, the one or more parameters may include any of the following: a brightness level of the light emission, a spatial variation of the brightness level of the light emission in one or both of the external lighting area and the internal lighting area, a color of the light emission, a spatial variation of the color of the light emission in one or both of the external lighting area and the internal lighting area, a proportion of one or both of the external lighting area and the internal lighting area that is activated to produce the light emission. The one or more parameters may also include the variation of any parameter described in the previous sentence over time.

[0009] The use process is a finite use process; that is, a use process with a start and an end. The use process may have a fixed duration. The duration of the use process measured in time may be affected by the use during the use process. The duration of the use process may have a maximum duration determined by a maximum time from the start of the use process. If one or more monitored parameters reach a predetermined threshold before the maximum time from the start of the use process, the duration of the use process may be less than the maximum time. For example, one or more monitored parameters may include one or more of the following: i) a cumulative puff count of a series of puffs drawn by the user since the start of the use process, ii) a cumulative volume of aerosol evolved from an aerosol-forming substrate since the start of the use process, and iii) a total heating time.

[0010] As described above, coupling of control electronics to the exterior and interior lighting zones allows each lighting zone to provide data indicative of the status of the device to the user in a visual form. The use of exterior and interior lighting zones facilitates each lighting zone to communicate different data to the user respectively.

[0011] The exterior lighting area and the interior lighting area may together form a common lighting array.

[0012] The common lighting array may include a plurality of lighting elements. Furthermore, the control electronics may be configured to: control a first subset of the plurality of lighting elements of the common lighting array to generate a first light emission; and control a second subset of the plurality of lighting elements of the common lighting array to generate a second light emission. Preferably, the first subset and the second subset are different from each other, meaning that none of the plurality of lighting elements are common to both the first subset and the second subset.

[0013] Conveniently, the interior lighting region may comprise a single lighting element.The single lighting element may be centrally located in the interior lighting region.

[0014] Alternatively, the interior lighting area may comprise a group of lighting elements.The group of lighting elements may be arranged in a circular pattern around the centre of the interior lighting area.

[0015] Preferably, either or both of the external lighting area and the internal lighting area are translucent. For example, the display window of either or both of the external lighting area and the internal lighting area may be translucent. The translucency of the internal lighting area and the external lighting area or the corresponding display window may provide the first predetermined light emission and / or the second predetermined light emission as diffuse light emission to a user of the device.

[0016] Conveniently, the aerosol generating device may extend longitudinally between the first end and the second end.The outer lighting region and the inner lighting region may be provided on an outer side surface defining one of the first end and the second end.

[0017] The aerosol generating device may comprise a first shell and a second shell. The first shell may be detachably separated from the second shell.

[0018] The first housing may define or comprise a holder for an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. The holder may comprise an inductive heating device. Alternatively, the heater may comprise a resistive heating device.

[0019] The second housing may extend longitudinally between the first end and the second end.The external lighting area and the internal lighting area may be disposed on an outer side surface defining one of the first end and the second end.

[0020] The second housing may include one or more of: a power source, control circuitry for controlling the heating device, and one or more buttons accessible from outside the second housing.

[0021] Where the second housing comprises one or more buttons accessible from outside the second housing, at least one of the one or more buttons may be operable to select, start, change, pause or deactivate an operating mode of the aerosol generating device. The button may also be coupled to the control electronics so that the first predetermined light emission or the second predetermined light emission indicates an operating mode selected, started, changed, paused or deactivated by operation of the button. The operating mode may comprise one or more of a preheating mode and a pause mode. The one or more buttons may consist of a first button and a second button. It should be appreciated that the one or more buttons may comprise more than two buttons.

[0022] Preferably, at least one of the first data and the second data can indicate any one of the following: a) the aerosol generating device has been activated by the user; b) the selection, activation, change, pause, deactivation or progress of the operating mode of the aerosol generating device; c) the energy level of the power supply of the aerosol generating device; d) the power supply of the aerosol generating device contains sufficient energy to complete a single use process; e) the power supply of the aerosol generating device contains sufficient energy to complete two or more use processes; f) the power supply of the aerosol generating device contains an energy level below a predetermined threshold energy level; g) selection or activation of one of a first predetermined thermal curve and a second predetermined thermal curve, wherein each of the first predetermined thermal curve and the second predetermined thermal curve defines a heating curve for heating the aerosol-forming substrate by the electric heating device during the use process, and the first predetermined thermal curve and the second predetermined thermal curve are different from each other; h) the aerosol generating device is in one of a pause mode state or a restart state; i) selection or activation of a change in the operating state of the aerosol generating device; j) progress through the use process; and k) progress through a pre-heating phase in which the electric heating device is heated to a predetermined target temperature. In this way, one or both of the exterior lighting area and the interior lighting area help to visually convey data related to a given state of the device to a user.

[0023] Preferably, the first data may relate to the state of the progress of the operating stage of the aerosol generating device. The second data may relate to different states of the aerosol generating device. The first predetermined light emission may be a predetermined stage progress light emission. The second predetermined light emission may be a predetermined state light emission. The control electronics may be configured to: i) selectively activate one of the external lighting area and the internal lighting area to generate a predetermined stage progress light emission indicating and responding to the progress of the operating stage of the aerosol generating device; and ii) selectively activate the other of the external lighting area and the internal lighting area to generate a predetermined state light emission indicating and responding to different states of the aerosol generating device. For example, the operating stage may be a pre-heating stage in which an electric heating device for heating the aerosol-forming substrate is heated to a predetermined target temperature, alternatively, the operating stage may be a use process.

[0024] As the phase of operation progresses, the control electronics may increase or decrease any one or more of: the brightness of the illumination areas producing the predetermined phase progression light emission, and the proportion of the illumination areas activated to produce the predetermined phase progression light emission.

[0025] Preferably, the control electronics may be configured to: i) selectively activate the outer lighting area to produce a predetermined stage progression light emission; and ii) selectively activate the inner lighting area to produce a predetermined state light emission. When the outer lighting area surrounds the inner lighting area, the geometry of the outer lighting area makes it particularly suitable for conveying data indicative of the progression of the operating stages of the aerosol generating device to the user in the form of the predetermined stage progression light emission.

[0026] The control electronics may be configured to produce the predetermined phase progression light emission and the predetermined status light emission simultaneously.

[0027] Preferably, the control electronics are configured to gradually reduce or gradually increase an activation area of ​​one of the external illumination area and the internal illumination area to produce the predetermined stage progression light emission as the operating phase of the aerosol generating device progresses. "Activation area" means the portion of the illumination area from which the predetermined stage progression light emission is emitted. In this way, as the operating phase progresses, the proportion of one of the external illumination area and the internal illumination area that causes the predetermined stage progression light emission to be produced decreases or increases. In this case, the predetermined stage progression light emission is similar to a timer that counts up or down as the operating phase progresses.

[0028] As indicated in subsequent paragraphs, the lighting zones may each include a plurality of light emitting elements. Variation of the activation zone or activation length may be achieved by varying the number of the plurality of light emitting elements in the respective lighting zone that are activated as progress is made through the operating phase.

[0029] The control electronics may be configured to vary the activation thickness of the annular outer illumination area relative to time when either the predetermined phase progression light emission or the predetermined state light emission is generated. In this way, the thickness of the annular outer illumination area illuminated when the predetermined phase progression light emission or the predetermined state light emission is generated varies relative to time. The time-dependent variation in the activation thickness may include a gradual increase in the activation thickness followed by a gradual decrease in the activation thickness. The variation in the activation thickness may be periodic. The annular outer illumination area may include a plurality of light emitting elements extending across the thickness of the annular illumination area, wherein the variation in the activation thickness relative to time is achieved by varying the number of light emitting elements activated across the thickness.

[0030] At least one of the external lighting area and the internal lighting area may be formed by different first and second parts. The control electronics may be configured to gradually reduce or gradually increase the activation area of ​​the first part as the first use process progresses to generate a predetermined first use process light emission. The control electronics may also be configured to gradually reduce or gradually increase the activation area of ​​the second part as the second use process progresses to generate a predetermined second use process light emission. In this way, each of the first and second parts of the corresponding lighting area can provide data indicating the progress of the corresponding use process to the user in a visual form. The first use process and the second use process are different use processes. Preferably, the second use process is a use process immediately after the first use process. In the case where the aerosol generating device includes a rechargeable power supply, the second use process may preferably be performed using any energy remaining in the power supply after the first use process. Preferably, the different first and second parts are symmetrically arranged on opposite sides of the bisector of the corresponding external lighting area and the internal lighting area.

[0031] The control electronics may be configured to activate a first proportion of one of the outer lighting area and the inner lighting area to produce an indication and a predetermined first state light emission in response to the aerosol generating device being in a first state. The control electronics may also be configured to activate a second proportion of the corresponding lighting area to produce an indication and a predetermined second state light emission in response to the aerosol generating device being in a second state. The magnitude of the second proportion may be greater than the first proportion. In this way, the proportion of the corresponding lighting area that is activated can provide a visual indication to a user that the aerosol generating device is in one of two different states.

[0032] The aerosol generating device may further comprise a power source coupled to the control electronics. The first state may correspond to the power source containing sufficient energy to complete a single use process. The second state may correspond to the power source containing sufficient energy to complete two or more use processes. Thus, the predetermined first state light emission will indicate that the power source contains a sufficient energy level to complete only a single use process, while the predetermined second state light emission will indicate that the power source contains a sufficient energy level to complete two or more use processes.

[0033] The aerosol generating device may further comprise a power source coupled to the control electronics. The first state may correspond to the control electronics initiating a first predetermined thermal curve to heat the aerosol-forming substrate by the electric heating device during use. The second state may correspond to the control electronics initiating a second predetermined thermal curve to heat the aerosol-forming substrate by the electric heating device during use. Thus, the predetermined first state light emission will indicate the selection of the first predetermined thermal curve of the electric heating device during use, and the predetermined second state light emission will indicate the selection of the second predetermined thermal curve of the electric heating device during use. The first predetermined thermal curve and the second predetermined thermal curve are different from each other. The second predetermined thermal curve may have a greater intensity than the first predetermined thermal curve. For example, the second predetermined thermal curve may be associated with supplying a greater amount of energy from the power source to the electric heating device during use than for the first predetermined thermal curve.

[0034] The power source may be in the form of batteries, preferably rechargeable batteries.

[0035] The control electronics may be configured to selectively activate different portions of one of the exterior lighting area and the interior lighting area over time such that the activated portions of the respective lighting areas travel along the lighting area over time to produce one of a predetermined stage progression of light emissions and a predetermined state of light emissions.

[0036] Conveniently, the state of the aerosol generating device to which the predetermined state light emission corresponds may be a restart state or a pause mode state. The restart state may correspond to the control electronics controlling the supply of energy from the power supply to the electric heating device in the aerosol release mode to heat the aerosol-forming substrate at a first temperature level. The pause mode state may correspond to the control electronics controlling the supply of energy from the power supply to the electric heating device to heat the aerosol-forming substrate at a second temperature level lower than the first temperature level.

[0037] The control electronics may be configured to gradually increase the dominant wavelength of the predetermined stage progression light emission as progresses through the operating phase of the aerosol generating device. In this way, the color of the predetermined stage progression light emission can be adjusted to reflect the progress through the operating phase. Advantageously, the dominant wavelength is within the range 380 to 500 nanometers at the start of the operating phase and within the range 590 to 700 nanometers at the end of the operating phase. Thus, the color of the predetermined stage progression light emission may be adjusted from a color at the blue end of the electromagnetic spectrum to a color at the red end of the electromagnetic spectrum as progresses through the operating phase. Where the operating phase is a pre-heating phase, an increase in the dominant wavelength towards the red end of the electromagnetic spectrum in the pre-heating phase will provide an indication to a user of the aerosol generating device that the electric heating device is increasing temperature as intended.

[0038] Advantageously, the predetermined area of ​​the interior illumination area defines a predetermined shape. The control electronics may be configured to activate the predetermined area defining the predetermined shape to produce either the first predetermined light emission or the second predetermined light emission. In this way, the shape of the first predetermined light emission or the second predetermined light emission may be used to provide an indication of the state of the aerosol generating device to a user.

[0039] The aerosol generating device may comprise a touch activated interface. The touch activated interface may be coupled to the control electronics and include an activation area contactable by a user's finger in order to provide user input to the control electronics. Preferably, the touch activated interface may form part of either or both of the external lighting area and the internal lighting area. The activation area may be defined between the external lighting area and the internal lighting area. Conveniently, the touch activated interface may comprise a capacitive panel.

[0040] The control electronics may be configured to selectively activate either or both of the outer lighting area and the inner lighting area at two or more brightness levels so as to vary the brightness of at least one of the first predetermined light emission and the second predetermined light emission relative to time. The variation in brightness relative to time may be particularly beneficial where the predetermined light emission indicates the progression of an operating phase of the aerosol generating device.

[0041] The control electronics may be configured to selectively activate either or both of the outer lighting area and the inner lighting area in two or more color states so as to change the color of at least one of the first predetermined light emission and the second predetermined light emission relative to time. The change in color relative to time may be particularly beneficial where the predetermined light emission indicates the progression of an operating phase of the aerosol generating device. For example, the change in color relative to time may be used to communicate data indicating a temperature change (e.g., a temperature change of an electrical heating device used to heat the aerosol-forming substrate) to a user.

[0042] The control electronics may be configured to selectively activate either or both of the exterior lighting area and the interior lighting area to vary at least one of the first predetermined light emission and the second predetermined light emission relative to time by one or more of activating different portions of the corresponding lighting area, deactivating different portions of the corresponding lighting area, and reactivating different portions of the corresponding lighting area over time.

[0043] Preferably, each of the external lighting area and the internal lighting area includes a plurality of light emitting elements. However, as discussed in the preceding paragraph, the internal lighting area may have only a single lighting element. Each or different light emitting elements of the light emitting elements of the corresponding lighting area may contribute to the first predetermined light emission or the second predetermined light emission according to which light emitting element is activated by the control electronics at a given moment. All or only some of the light emitting elements may be used to produce the first predetermined light emission or the second predetermined light emission at a given moment. Since LEDs are energy-efficient, light emitting elements in the form of light emitting diodes (LEDs) are preferably used. Preferably, the aerosol generating device is sized to be handheld and includes a power source to provide portability. As previously described, the power source may conveniently be in the form of a rechargeable battery. In this case, the energy efficiency associated with LEDs makes it particularly suitable for use in such handheld portable aerosol generating devices that have their own power source. However, alternatively, the light emitting element may instead be composed of one or more liquid crystal displays or any other powered light source, the energy and size requirements of the powered light source being suitable for use in the aerosol generating device.

[0044] The aerosol generating device may further comprise one or more waveguides configured to guide light generated by one or more of the plurality of light emitting elements to one or more display windows of either or both of the external lighting area and the internal lighting area for viewing by a user the first predetermined light emission and the second predetermined light emission. As used herein, the term "waveguide" refers to a structure suitable for guiding electromagnetic waves of light. The one or more waveguides may conveniently be in the form of one or more optical fibers or light pipes. Conveniently, each light emitting element may be associated with a corresponding waveguide so that light emitted from each light emitting element is transmitted to the display window via the corresponding waveguide.

[0045] Preferably, each light emitting element is a light emitting diode, and the control electronics include a light emitting diode control driver and a separate microcontroller. The control driver may be configured to control the supply of power from a power supply to one or more of the plurality of light emitting diodes under the control of the microcontroller so as to produce the first predetermined light emission and the second predetermined light emission. The control driver may be configured to control one or both of the voltage or current level of the supply.

[0046] The plurality of light emitting diodes in each of the external lighting area and the internal lighting area may include a first group of light emitting diodes configured to emit light of a first color; and a second group of light emitting diodes configured to emit light of a second color. The light emitting diode control driver may be configured to activate one or more of the light emitting diodes from either or both of the external lighting area and the internal lighting area, or from either or both of the external lighting area and the internal lighting area, or from both of the first group and the second group of light emitting diodes in order to control the color of at least one of the first predetermined light emission and the second predetermined light emission.

[0047] The LED control driver can be configured to control the supply of power from a power source to one or more of the plurality of LEDs in either or both of the external lighting area and the internal lighting area to control the brightness of at least one of the first predetermined light emission and the second predetermined light emission through a pulse width modulation scheme with a predetermined resolution, wherein the predetermined resolution defines two or more brightness levels. For example, the resolution of the pulse width modulation scheme can be 8 bits (with 256 levels), 10 bits (with 1024 levels), or 12 bits (with 4096 levels). The higher the predetermined resolution, the greater the number of discrete static brightness levels of light that can be generated by a given LED. In this way, the granularity or level of detail of the data transmitted to the user through the different brightness levels can be controlled by the predetermined resolution selected for the LED control driver.

[0048] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol delivery system comprising: an aerosol generating device according to any of the above variations; and an aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0049] The aerosol-generating article may extend over a length of 75 mm (+ / - 10%). The aerosol-generating article may have a diameter of 6.7 (+ / - 10%) mm. The aerosol-generating article may have a mass between 580 mg and 620 mg. However, it will be appreciated that the length, diameter, mass or shape of the aerosol-generating article may be selected according to the likely preferences of the intended user.

[0050] Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate is a solid aerosol-forming substrate. However, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise both a solid component and a liquid component. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may be a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0051] Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises nicotine. More preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises tobacco. Alternatively or in addition, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-free aerosol-forming material.

[0052] If the aerosol-forming substrate is a solid aerosol-forming substrate, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may include, for example, one or more of a powder, granules, pellets, shreds, strips, ribbons or sheets comprising one or more of herb leaves, tobacco leaves, tobacco ribs, expanded tobacco and homogenized tobacco.

[0053] Optionally, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may contain tobacco volatile flavor compounds or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds, which are released when the solid aerosol-forming substrate is heated. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may also contain one or more capsules, which for example include additional tobacco volatile flavor compounds or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds, and such capsules may melt during the heating of the solid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0054] Alternatively, the solid aerosol-forming substrate can be arranged on or embedded in a heat-stable carrier. The carrier can take the form of a powder, granule, pellet, fragment, filament, strip or sheet. The solid aerosol-forming substrate can be deposited on the surface of the carrier in the form of, for example, a sheet, foam, gel or slurry. The solid aerosol-forming substrate can be deposited on the entire surface of the carrier, or alternatively, can be deposited in a certain pattern to provide uneven fragrance delivery during use.

[0055] In preferred embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises homogenised tobacco material.As used herein, the term "homogenised tobacco material" refers to material formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco.

[0056] Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises a gathered sheet of homogenised tobacco material. As used herein, the term "sheet" refers to a laminar element whose width and length are significantly greater than its thickness. As used herein, the term "gathered" is used to describe a sheet that is rolled, folded or compressed or tightened substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article.

[0057] Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises an aerosol former. As used herein, the term "aerosol former" is used to describe any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that facilitates the formation of an aerosol in use and is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperature of the aerosol-generating article.

[0058] Suitable aerosol formers are known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyols such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol and glycerol; esters of polyols such as glycerol mono-, di- or triacetate; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. Preferred aerosol formers are polyols or mixtures thereof, for example propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol and most preferably glycerol.

[0059] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a single aerosol-forming agent. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a combination of two or more aerosol-forming agents.

[0060] 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.

[0061] Example Ex1: An aerosol generating device for heating an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an inhalable aerosol during use, the aerosol generating device comprising: a control electronic device; an annular external lighting area or an internal lighting area, optionally the external lighting area surrounds the internal lighting area; wherein the control electronic device is connected to the external lighting area and / or the internal lighting area, and is configured to: i) selectively activate the external lighting area or the internal lighting area to generate a first predetermined light emission, the first predetermined light emission conveys first data indicating the state of the aerosol generating device; and / or ii) selectively activate the external lighting area or the internal lighting area to generate a second predetermined light emission, the second predetermined light emission conveys second data indicating the state of the aerosol generating device, optionally the first data and the second data are different from each other.

[0062] Example Ex1a: The aerosol generating device according to Ex1, further comprising:

[0063] an opening defined in a wall of the aerosol generating device;

[0064] one or more lighting elements positioned within the aerosol generating device;

[0065] a light-transmitting pathway optically coupling the one or more lighting elements to the opening;

[0066] The control electronics are configured to selectively activate at least one of the one or more light elements to generate one or both of the first predetermined light emission and the second predetermined light emission.

[0067] Example Ex1b: An aerosol generating device according to Ex1a, wherein the light transmission path comprises a diffuser or a waveguide.

[0068] Example Ex1c: An aerosol generating device according to Ex1b, wherein the diffuser or waveguide is mechanically coupled to the inner surface of the wall.

[0069] Example Ex 1d: An aerosol generating device according to Ex 1c, wherein the diffuser or waveguide is also mechanically coupled to at least one of the one or more lighting elements.

[0070] Example Ex1e: An aerosol generating device according to any of Ex1b to Ex1d, wherein no part of the diffuser or waveguide protrudes into the opening.

[0071] Example Ex1f: An aerosol generating device according to any of Ex1a to Ex1d, wherein at least a portion of the diffuser or waveguide protrudes into all or a portion of the opening.

[0072] Example Ex1g: An aerosol generating device according to Ex1f, wherein the diffuser or waveguide protrudes into the opening such that the diffuser or waveguide is flush with the outer surface of the wall.

[0073] Example Ex1h: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Ex1a to Ex1g, wherein the opening is an annular opening defining the annular outer illumination area.

[0074] Example Ex1i: An aerosol generating device according to Ex1h, wherein the inward peripheral edge of the annular opening is defined by a portion of a material that is not light-transmissive, the annular opening surrounding the portion of the material.

[0075] Example Ex1j: An aerosol generating device according to Ex1h, wherein the inward peripheral edge of the annular opening is defined by a portion of a fully or partially light-transmissive material, the annular opening surrounding the portion of the material, the portion of the material defining the internal illumination area.

[0076] Example Ex2: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Ex1 to Ex1j, wherein the outer lighting area and the inner lighting area together form a common lighting array.

[0077] Example Ex3: An aerosol generating device according to Ex2, wherein the common lighting array comprises a plurality of lighting elements, wherein the control electronic device is configured to: control a first subset of the plurality of lighting elements of the common lighting array to produce the first light emission; and control a second subset of the plurality of lighting elements of the common lighting array to produce the second light emission.

[0078] Example Ex4: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Ex1 to Ex3, wherein the internal lighting area comprises a single lighting element.

[0079] Example Ex5: An aerosol generating device according to Ex4, wherein the single lighting element is centrally positioned in the interior lighting region.

[0080] Example Ex6: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Ex1 to Ex3, wherein the inner lighting area comprises a set of lighting elements arranged in a circular pattern around the center of the inner lighting area.

[0081] Example Ex7: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Ex1 to Ex6, wherein either or both of the outer lighting region and the inner lighting region are translucent.

[0082] Example Ex7a: An aerosol generating device according to Ex7, wherein the display window of either or both of the external lighting region and the internal lighting region is translucent.

[0083] Example Ex8: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Ex1 to Ex7a, wherein the aerosol generating device extends longitudinally between a first end and a second end, wherein the outer lighting area and the inner lighting area are arranged on an outer side surface defining one of the first end and the second end.

[0084] Example Ex9: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Ex1 to Ex8, wherein the device comprises a first shell and a second shell.

[0085] Example Ex10: An aerosol generating device according to Ex9, wherein the first shell is detachably coupled to the second shell.

[0086] Example Ex11: An aerosol-generating device according to any of Ex9 or Ex10, wherein the first housing defines or comprises a holder for an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0087] Example Ex12: An aerosol generating device according to Ex11, wherein the holder comprises an induction heating device.

[0088] Example Ex12a: An aerosol generating device according to Ex11, wherein the holder comprises a resistive heating device.

[0089] Example Ex12b: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Ex9 to Ex12a, wherein the second shell extends longitudinally between a first end and a second end, wherein the external lighting area and the internal lighting area are arranged on an outer side surface defining one of the first end and the second end.

[0090] Example Ex13: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Ex9 to Ex12b, wherein the second shell comprises one or more of the following: a power source, a control circuit system for controlling the heating device, and one or more buttons accessible from the outside of the second shell.

[0091] Example Ex14: An aerosol generating device according to Ex13, wherein at least one of the one or more buttons is operable to select, start, change, pause or deactivate an operating mode of the aerosol generating device, and the button is connected to the control electronic device so that the first predetermined light emission or the second predetermined light emission indicates the operating mode selected, started, changed, paused or deactivated by operation of the button.

[0092] Example Ex15: An aerosol generating device according to Ex14, wherein the operation mode comprises one or more of a pre-heating mode and a pause mode.

[0093] Example Ex16: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Ex13 to Ex15, wherein the one or more buttons consist of a first button and a second button.

[0094] Example Ex17: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex1 to Ex16, wherein at least one of the first data and the second data may indicate any one of the following: a) the aerosol-generating device has been activated by a user; b) selection, activation, change, pause, deactivation or progress of an operating mode of the aerosol-generating device; c) the energy level of the power supply of the aerosol-generating device; d) the power supply of the aerosol-generating device contains sufficient energy to complete a single use process; e) the power supply of the aerosol-generating device contains sufficient energy to complete two or more use processes; f) the power supply of the aerosol-generating device contains less than a predetermined level; g) selecting or starting one of a first predetermined thermal curve and a second predetermined thermal curve, wherein each of the first predetermined thermal curve and the second predetermined thermal curve defines a heating curve for heating the aerosol-forming substrate by the electric heating device during the use process, and the first predetermined thermal curve and the second predetermined thermal curve are different from each other; h) the aerosol generating device is in one of a pause mode state or a restart state; i) selecting or starting a change in the operating state of the aerosol generating device; j) progressing through the use process; and k) progressing through a pre-heating phase in which the electric heating device is heated to a predetermined target temperature.

[0095] Example Ex18: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Ex1 to Ex17, wherein the first data relates to a progress state of an operating stage of the aerosol generating device, the second data relates to different states of the aerosol generating device, the first predetermined light emission is a predetermined stage progress light emission, and the second predetermined light emission is a predetermined state light emission; wherein the control electronic device is configured to: i) selectively activate one of the external lighting area and the internal lighting area to generate a predetermined stage progress light emission indicating and responding to the progress of the operating stage of the aerosol generating device; and ii) selectively activate the other of the external lighting area and the internal lighting area to generate a predetermined state light emission indicating and responding to different states of the aerosol generating device.

[0096] Example Ex19: An aerosol generating device according to Ex18, wherein the operating phase is a pre-heating phase in which the electric heating device for heating the aerosol-forming substrate is heated to a predetermined target temperature.

[0097] Example Ex20: An aerosol generating device according to Ex18, wherein the operating phase is the use process.

[0098] Example Ex21: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Ex18 to Ex20, wherein the control electronic device is configured to: i) selectively activate the external lighting area to produce the predetermined stage progression light emission; and ii) selectively activate the internal lighting area to produce the predetermined state light emission.

[0099] Example Ex22: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Ex18 to Ex21, wherein the control electronics is configured to generate the predetermined stage progression light emission and the predetermined state light emission simultaneously.

[0100] Example Ex23: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Ex18 to Ex22, wherein the control electronic device is configured to gradually reduce or gradually increase the activation area of ​​one of the external lighting area and the internal lighting area as the operating stage of the aerosol generating device progresses to produce the predetermined stage progression light emission.

[0101] Example Ex24: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Ex18 to Ex23, wherein the control electronics is configured to vary the activation thickness of the annular outer illumination area relative to time when any of the predetermined stage progression light emission or the predetermined state light emission is generated.

[0102] Example Ex25: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Ex18 to Ex24, wherein at least one of the external lighting area and the internal lighting area is formed by different first and second parts, wherein the control electronic device is configured to: gradually reduce or gradually increase the activation area of ​​the first part as a first usage process progresses to produce a predetermined first usage process light emission; and gradually reduce or gradually increase the activation area of ​​the second part as a second usage process progresses to produce a predetermined second usage process light emission.

[0103] Example Ex26: An aerosol generating device according to Ex25, wherein the different first and second portions are symmetrically arranged on opposite sides of a bisector of the respective outer and inner lighting areas.

[0104] Example Ex27: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Ex1 to Ex26, wherein the control electronic device is configured to: activate a first ratio of the external lighting area and one of the internal lighting areas to generate an indication and a predetermined first state light emission in response to the aerosol generating device being in a first state; and activate a second ratio of the corresponding lighting area to generate an indication and a predetermined second state light emission in response to the aerosol generating device being in a second state; wherein the size of the second ratio is greater than the first ratio.

[0105] Example Ex28: An aerosol generating device according to Ex27, wherein the aerosol generating device also includes: a power supply connected to the control electronic device; wherein the first state corresponds to the power supply containing sufficient energy to complete a single use process, and the second state corresponds to the power supply containing sufficient energy to complete two or more use processes.

[0106] Example Ex29: An aerosol generating device according to Ex27, wherein the aerosol generating device further comprises: a power supply connected to the control electronic device; wherein the first state corresponds to the control electronic device initiating a first predetermined thermal curve so that the aerosol-forming substrate is heated by the electric heating device during the use, and the second state corresponds to the control electronic device initiating a second predetermined thermal curve so that the aerosol-forming substrate is heated by the electric heating device during the use.

[0107] Example Ex30: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Ex18 to Ex29, wherein the control electronic device is configured to selectively activate different parts of one of an external lighting area and an internal lighting area over time, so that the activated part of the corresponding lighting area travels along the lighting area over time to produce one of a predetermined stage progression light emission and a predetermined state light emission.

[0108] Example Ex31: An aerosol generating device according to Ex30, wherein the state of the aerosol generating device corresponding to the predetermined state light emission is a restart state or a pause mode state.

[0109] Example Ex32: An aerosol generating device according to Ex31, wherein the restart state corresponds to the control electronics controlling the supply of energy from the power supply to the electric heating device in the aerosol release mode to heat the aerosol forming substrate at a first temperature level, and the pause mode state corresponds to the control electronics controlling the supply of energy from the power supply to the electric heating device to heat the aerosol forming substrate at a second temperature level lower than the first temperature level.

[0110] Example Ex33: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Ex18 to Ex32, wherein the control electronics is configured to gradually increase the dominant wavelength of the predetermined stage-progress light emission as the stage of operation through the aerosol generating device progresses.

[0111] Example Ex34: An aerosol generating device according to Ex33, wherein the dominant wavelength is in the range 380 nm to 500 nm at the beginning of the operating phase and in the range 590 nm to 700 nm at the end of the operating phase.

[0112] Example Ex35: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Ex1 to Ex34, wherein the predetermined area of ​​the internal lighting area defines a predetermined shape, and the control electronic device is configured to activate the predetermined area defining the predetermined shape to generate either the first predetermined light emission or the second predetermined light emission.

[0113] Example Ex36: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Ex1 to Ex35, wherein the aerosol generating device includes a touch-activated interface, which is connected to the control electronic device and includes an activation area that can be touched by a user's finger to provide user input to the control electronic device.

[0114] Example Ex37: An aerosol generating device according to Ex36, wherein the touch activated interface forms part of either or both of the external lighting area and the internal lighting area.

[0115] Example Ex38: An aerosol generating device according to Ex36, wherein the activation area is defined between the outer lighting area and the inner lighting area.

[0116] Example Ex39: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Ex36 to Ex38, wherein the touch-activated interface comprises a capacitive panel.

[0117] Example Ex40: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Ex1 to Ex39, wherein the control electronic device is configured to selectively activate either or both of the external lighting area and the internal lighting area at two or more brightness levels so as to change the brightness of at least one of the first predetermined light emission and the second predetermined light emission relative to time.

[0118] Example Ex41: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Ex1 to Ex40, wherein the control electronic device is configured to selectively activate either or both of the external lighting area and the internal lighting area in two or more color states so as to change the color of at least one of the first predetermined light emission and the second predetermined light emission relative to time.

[0119] Example Ex42: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Ex1 to Ex41, wherein the control electronic device is configured to selectively activate either or both of the external lighting area and the internal lighting area by activating different parts of the corresponding lighting area, deactivating different parts of the corresponding lighting area, and reactivating different parts of the corresponding lighting area over time to change at least one of the first predetermined light emission and the second predetermined light emission relative to time.

[0120] Example Ex43: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Ex1 to Ex42, wherein each of the outer lighting area and the inner lighting area comprises a plurality of light emitting elements.

[0121] Example Ex44: The aerosol generating device according to Ex43 also includes one or more waveguides, which are configured to guide light generated by one or more of the multiple light-emitting elements to one or more display windows of either or both of the external lighting area and the internal lighting area so that the first predetermined light emission and the second predetermined light emission can be observed by a user.

[0122] Example Ex45: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Ex43 or Ex44, wherein each of the light-emitting elements is a light-emitting diode, and the control electronic device includes a light-emitting diode control driver and a separate microcontroller, and the control driver is configured to control the supply of power from a power supply to one or more of the plurality of light-emitting diodes under the control of the microcontroller so as to generate the first predetermined light emission and the second predetermined light emission.

[0123] Example Ex46: An aerosol generating device according to Ex45, wherein the plurality of light-emitting diodes in each of the external lighting area and the internal lighting area include: a first group of light-emitting diodes configured to emit light of a first color; and a second group of light-emitting diodes configured to emit light of a second color; wherein the light-emitting diode control driver is configured to start one or more of the light-emitting diodes from a separate first group from either or both of the external lighting area and the internal lighting area, or a separate second group from either or both of the external lighting area and the internal lighting area, or both of the first group and the second group from either or both of the external lighting area and the internal lighting area, so as to control the color of at least one of the first predetermined light emission and the second predetermined light emission.

[0124] Example Ex47: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Ex45 or Ex46, wherein the light-emitting diode control driver is configured to control the supply of power from a power supply to one or more of a plurality of light-emitting diodes in either or both of the external lighting area and the internal lighting area through a pulse width modulation scheme having a predetermined resolution so as to control the brightness of at least one of the first predetermined light emission and the second predetermined light emission, wherein the predetermined resolution defines two or more brightness levels.

[0125] Example Ex48: An aerosol delivery system, comprising:

[0126] An aerosol generating device according to any one of Ex1 to Ex47; and

[0127] An aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0128] Example Ex49: An aerosol delivery system according to Ex48, wherein the aerosol-generating article extends over a length of 75 mm (+ / - 10%).

[0129] Example Ex50: An aerosol delivery system according to any of Ex48 or Ex49, wherein the aerosol-generating article has a diameter of 6.7 mm (+ / - 10%).

[0130] Example Ex51: An aerosol delivery system according to any one of claims Ex48 to Ex50, wherein the aerosol-generating article has a mass of 580 mg to 620 mg.

[0131] Several examples will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0132] Figure 1shows a schematic perspective view of an aerosol generating device having a first shell and a second shell, wherein the first shell and the second shell are separated from each other;

[0133] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 Schematic perspective view of an aerosol generating device of the type shown, but showing the first shell and the second shell coupled to each other.

[0134] Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional side view of an aerosol generating device of , showing various components of the aerosol generating device;

[0135] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D Schematic representations of different examples of embodiments of displays of aerosol generating devices are shown;

[0136] Figure 5 Shown with Figures 1 to 3 A schematic cross-sectional side view of an aerosol-generating article for use with an aerosol-generating device;

[0137] Figure 6 The outer end surface of one of the housings of the aerosol generating device (corresponding to Figure 1 A schematic plan view of another embodiment of a display on an 'A' area of ​​FIG. 1 ) wherein an annular outer lighting area surrounds an inner lighting area;

[0138] Figure 7 The outer end surface of one of the housings of the aerosol generating device (corresponding to Figure 1 A schematic plan view of another embodiment of a display on an 'A' area of ​​FIG. 1 ) wherein an annular outer lighting area surrounds an inner lighting area;

[0139] Figure 8 To provide Figures 1 to 3 A block diagram schematically illustrating the various components within the second housing of an aerosol generating device and their interactions;

[0140] Fig. 9 An example is shown of how a lighting control driver of an aerosol generating device controls the supply of energy to an annular outer lighting area of ​​a display to produce a predetermined light emission indicating progress through a usage process.

[0141] Fig.10 An example is shown of how a lighting control driver of an aerosol generating device controls the supply of energy to an internal lighting area of ​​a display to produce a predetermined light emission indicating progress through a usage process.

[0142] Fig.11An example is shown of how a lighting control driver of an aerosol generating device controls the supply of energy to an outer lighting area of ​​a display to produce predetermined light emissions indicating progress through different first and second usage sessions.

[0143] Fig.12 An example is shown of how a lighting control driver of an aerosol generating device controls the supply of energy to an outer lighting area of ​​a display to produce a predetermined light emission indicating progress through a pre-heating phase of operation.

[0144] Fig.13 An example is shown of how a lighting control driver of an aerosol generating device controls the supply of energy to an external lighting area to produce a predetermined light emission indicating progress through a pre-heating phase of operation.

[0145] Fig.14 An example is shown of how a lighting control driver of an aerosol generating device controls the supply of energy to an external lighting area of ​​a display to produce predetermined light emissions indicating progress through different first and second usage processes, while also controlling the supply of energy to an internal lighting area to produce predetermined light emissions indicating the energy level of a power source of the device.

[0146] The exemplary aerosol generating device 10 is a two-part handheld aerosol generating device formed by a first housing 20 and a second housing 30 (see Figure 1 and Figure 2 ). The first housing 20 and the second housing 30 are designed to be detachably coupled to each other.

[0147] The first housing 20 is in the form of an elongated column. The opening 21 is provided at one end of the first housing 20 (see Figure 3 ) for receiving the aerosol generating article 40 in the cavity 22 defined in the first shell. In this way, the first shell 20 serves as a holder for the aerosol generating article 40. Figure 3 As shown, the tubular susceptor element 23 defines the cylindrical wall of the cavity 22. The tubular susceptor element 23 is formed of a ferromagnetic material, such as stainless steel and nickel. Figure 3 As shown, the induction coil 24 surrounds the tubular susceptor element 23. The induction coil 24 is tubular and spiral and defines a circular cross-section when viewed along the longitudinal axis of the first housing 20. Both the induction coil 24 and the tubular susceptor element 23 extend along most of the length of the cavity 22 and together form an induction heating assembly for the aerosol generating device 10. The induction coil 24 is coupled to an auxiliary power source 25 disposed within the first housing 20. The auxiliary power source 25 is in the form of a lithium ion battery or the like. An auxiliary controller 26 is also disposed in the first housing 20 and coupled to the auxiliary power source 25.

[0148] The second housing 30 is generally elongated having a side wall 31 extending between opposite first and second ends 32 and 33. A cutout or recess 34 (see Figure 1 ) is disposed in the side wall 31. The second housing 30 includes a main power source 35 and a main controller 36. The main controller 36 includes or is operably connected to a memory module 36a and a lighting control driver 36b. The main power source 35 is in the form of a lithium-ion battery or the like, but has a greater energy capacity than the auxiliary power source 25. The cutout or recess 34 is contoured with a curvature corresponding to the curvature of the cylindrical side wall of the first housing 20, thereby enabling the first housing 20 and the second housing 30 to mate with each other in a side-by-side relationship. The first housing 20 and the second housing 30 are each formed with an electrical interconnection so that when the first housing 20 is received in the cutout or recess 34 of the second housing 30, the electrical interface 37 (see Figure 3 ) is formed between the first shell 20 and the second shell 30. The main power supply 35 and the main controller 36 of the second shell 30 are operably connected to the auxiliary power supply 25 and the auxiliary controller 26 of the first shell 20 via the electrical interface 37. The first button 381 and the second button 382 are disposed in a cutout defined in the side wall 31 of the second shell 30, and protrude from the shell 30 to be accessible by a user. The first button 381 and the second button 382 are operably connected to the main controller 36. The display 60 is incorporated on the outer side end surface 39 of the second shell 30. The display 60 is formed by an annular external lighting area 61 and an internal lighting area 62. The annular external lighting area 61 defines a closed ring around the internal lighting area 62. The display 60 is operably connected to the main controller 36. The features and characteristics of the display 60 are discussed in more detail in subsequent paragraphs.

[0149] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D Examples of embodiments of display 60 are shown. In these examples, second housing 30 has a top wall 302 that includes an opening 304 through which light is emitted. Opening 304 can be circular or oval. Within opening 304, there is a piece 306 that is smaller than opening 304. Item 306 can be circular or oval. A gap is formed between the outer edge of item 306 and the inner edge of opening 304 through which light is emitted.

[0150] Below the piece 306 is a waveguide or light diffuser 308. Below the waveguide or light diffuser 308 is a printed circuit board (PCB) 310 that includes a plurality of surface mounted light emitting diodes (LEDs) 312. The main controller 35 selectively illuminates the LEDs 312 to convey information about the status of the device 10 to the user. Light from the LEDs 312 passes through the waveguide or light diffuser 308 and is emitted through the gap between the outer edge of the piece 306 and the inner edge of the opening 304. Additionally, the piece 306 may be translucent or transparent so that light can be emitted therethrough.

[0151] exist Figure 4A , LED 312 is mechanically coupled to and optically coupled to waveguide or light diffuser 308. Additionally, an air gap exists between the outer edge of piece 306 and the inner edge of opening 304.

[0152] exist Figure 4B , LED 312 is not directly mechanically coupled to waveguide or light diffuser 308. However, the LED is optically coupled to waveguide or light diffuser 308. Likewise, an air gap exists between the outer edge of piece 306 and the inner edge of opening 304.

[0153] exist Figure 4C 306, the LED 312 is mechanically coupled to and optically coupled to a waveguide or light diffuser 308. In this example, the waveguide or light diffuser 308 extends between the outer edge of the piece 306 and the inner edge of the opening 304.

[0154] exist Figure 4D 306 and the inner edge of the opening 304.

[0155] like Figure 5 As shown in , the aerosol generating article 40 intended to be inserted into the cavity 22 of the first shell 20 of the aerosol generating device 10 has the form of a cylindrical strip, which is formed by a combination of an aerosol forming substrate 41 and a filter element 42. The aerosol forming substrate 41 and the filter element 42 are coaxially aligned and enclosed in a wrapper 43 of cigarette paper. The aerosol forming substrate 41 is a solid aerosol forming substrate containing tobacco. However, in an alternative embodiment (not shown), the aerosol forming substrate 41 can be replaced by a liquid aerosol forming substrate or by a combination of liquid and solid aerosol forming substrates. The filter element 42 serves as a mouthpiece for the aerosol generating article 40 and defines the downstream end of the article. The aerosol generating article 40 has a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the cavity 22 and has a length longer than the depth of the cavity 22.

[0156] The aerosol-generating article 40 is inserted into the cavity 22 of the first shell 20 via the opening 21. When the aerosol-generating article 40 is fully inserted into the cavity 22, the aerosol-forming substrate 41 is surrounded by the susceptor element 23 and the induction coil 24; the portion of the article 40 containing the filter element 42 extends outside the cavity 22 and can be smoked by the user in a manner similar to a conventional cigarette.

[0157] The combination of the aerosol generating device 10 and the aerosol generating article 40 forms an aerosol delivery system 100 (see Figure 1 and 2 ).

[0158] Figure 6 A plan view of one embodiment of a display 60 is shown. Figure 6 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , both the annular outer lighting area 61 and the inner lighting area 62 are substantially circular in shape. However, in other embodiments, the outer lighting area 61 and the inner lighting area 62 may be elliptical in shape, or any other shape in which the outer lighting area 61 surrounds the inner lighting area 62. The outer lighting area and the inner lighting area form part of a common lighting array. Figure 6 The outer lighting area 61 shown in FIG. 6 comprises a ring-shaped arrangement of a plurality of light emitting diodes 611 - 1 . . . m (where m=16 for the embodiment shown). Figure 6 The schematic representation of shows only a single LED across the thickness t of the annular outer lighting area 61, but in other embodiments, multiple LEDs may be arranged across the thickness of the lighting area 61. The inner lighting area 62 includes a circular arrangement of a group of LEDs 621-1...n (where n=5), where the first diode 621-1 is positioned in the center of the inner lighting area 62 and is surrounded by the remaining four LEDs 621-2...5. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the number of LEDs in the outer lighting area 61 and the inner lighting area 62 may be greater or less than Figure 6 For example, Figure 7 An embodiment of a display 60 is shown in which the interior lighting region 62 has only a single centrally located light emitting diode 621-1.

[0159] Each of the outer lighting area 61 and the inner lighting area 62 has a corresponding display window 612, 622 integrated into the outer side end surface 39 of the second housing 30. The display windows 612, 622 are each translucent and partially transparent to light emitted from the light emitting diodes 611-1...m and 621-1...n.

[0160] The following will refer to Figure 8 Described in more detail, in use, light generated by the light emitting diodes of the outer lighting region 61 and the inner lighting region 62 is directed towards the respective display windows 612 , 622 so as to be visible to a user of the aerosol generating device 10 .

[0161] like Figure 8As shown in , the lighting control driver 36b (via the main controller 36) is connected to each light emitting diode 611-1...m of the external lighting area 61 and each light emitting diode 621-1...n of the internal lighting area 62. For the annular external lighting area 61, the waveguide 613-1...m is arranged between the light emitting diode 611-1...m and the display window 612. Similarly, for the internal lighting area 62, the waveguide 623-1...n is arranged between the light emitting diode 621-1...n and the display window 622. Each of the waveguides 613-1...m, 623-1...n is associated with a corresponding one of the light emitting diodes 611-1...m, 621-1...n of the corresponding lighting area 61, 62. This association is such that in use, each waveguide is used to guide the light generated by the associated one of the light emitting diodes to the corresponding display window 612, 622. The waveguides 613-1...m, 623-1...n are in the form of discrete lengths of optical fiber.

[0162] The main controller 36 also controls the energy supply to the lighting control driver 36b. Then, the lighting control driver 36b individually controls the power supply to each light emitting diode 611-1...m, 621-1...n in the external lighting area 61 and the internal lighting area 62 of the display 60, so that each light emitting diode emits light 614-1...m, 624-1...n at one of a plurality of discrete static brightness levels under the control of the lighting control driver (see Figure 8 ). The lights emitted by the different lighting LEDs of the annular outer lighting area 61 together form a predetermined light emission from the lighting area under the control of the lighting control driver 36b. Similarly, the lights emitted by the different LEDs of the inner lighting area 62 together form a predetermined light emission from the lighting area under the control of the lighting control driver 36b. Figure 8 The three different forms of cross-hatching used for the light 614-1...m, 624-1...n generated by the different light emitting diodes for the outer lighting area 61 and the inner lighting area 62 of the display 60 represent three different static brightness levels.

[0163] The memory module 36a contains instructions that are executed by the main controller 36 and the lighting control driver 36b during use of the device 10. The instructions stored in the memory module 36a include data regarding two or more user-selectable predetermined thermal profiles for the susceptor element 23, criteria for determining the duration of a use session, and other data and information related to the control and operation of the aerosol generating device 10.

[0164] When the first housing 20 and the second housing 30 are coupled together via the electrical interface 37, the main controller 36 supplies energy from the main power supply 35 to the second housing 20 to charge the auxiliary power supply 25 in the charging mode. The charging of the auxiliary power supply 25 is controlled by instructions contained in the memory module 36a of the main controller 36. However, in an alternative embodiment, the charging is actually controlled by instructions contained in the auxiliary controller 26. The start and progress of the charging operation mode causes the lighting control driver 36b to operate one or both of the external lighting area 61 and the internal lighting area 62 to provide a predetermined light emission visible to the user. The predetermined light emission corresponds to the charging operation mode. This predetermined light emission may change over time during charging to indicate the progress of the charging operation mode, thereby providing information to the user about the energy level of the auxiliary power supply 25.

[0165] Upon pressing one of the buttons 381, 382, ​​the main controller 36 accesses instructions contained in the memory module 36a and communicates with the auxiliary controller 26 to instruct the auxiliary controller 26 to supply energy from the auxiliary power supply 25 to the induction coil 24, thereby causing a preheating operation phase of the susceptor element 23. One or both of the main controller 36 and the auxiliary controller 26 may include instructions to prevent the start of the preheating operation phase unless and until the aerosol-generating article 40 has been inserted into the cavity 22. During the preheating operation phase, the susceptor element 23 is brought to an operating temperature sufficient to evolve vapor from the aerosol-forming substrate. Initiating the preheating operation phase by pressing one of the buttons 381, 382 (or otherwise) causes the lighting control driver 36b to operate one or both of the outer lighting area 61 and the inner lighting area 62 to provide a predetermined light emission visible to the user. This predetermined light emission corresponds to the preheating operation phase. This predetermined light emission may vary over time to indicate the progress of the preheating operation phase, thereby providing information to the user about the proximity of the temperature of the susceptor element 23 to the predetermined target operating temperature.

[0166] Upon completion of the pre-heating operation phase, the first housing 20 can be separated from the second housing 30, and the user inhales on the filter 42 of the aerosol generating article 40 to begin the use process. The auxiliary controller 26 may include a sensor or other detection device to detect the puff applied by the user, so that the device 10 is a puff-on-demand device. Upon detecting the puff applied by the user, the auxiliary controller 26 controls the supply of energy from the auxiliary power supply 25 to the induction coil 24 according to instructions previously transmitted from the main controller 36 when the first housing 20 and the second housing 30 are connected to each other via the electrical interface 37. These instructions include a predetermined thermal curve that the susceptor element 23 follows during use. The current through the induction coil 24 causes the heating of the susceptor element 23 according to the predetermined thermal curve. The heating of the susceptor element 23 in turn heats the aerosol-forming substrate 41 of the aerosol generating article 40 located in the cavity 22, thereby causing volatile compounds to evolve from the aerosol-forming substrate 41 in the form of vapor. In response to each user-applied puff, the evolving vapor flows downstream through the aerosol-generating article 40 toward the filter element 42 and cools to form an aerosol that is inhaled by the user. The use process lasts for a predetermined period of time or a predetermined number of user-applied puffs, after which the supply of energy from the auxiliary power supply 25 to the induction coil 24 is stopped and the receptor element 23 cools to ambient temperature. For the described embodiment, the auxiliary power supply 35 has an energy capacity sufficient to provide power to the induction coil 24 for the entire duration of the use process. At the completion of the use process, the aerosol-forming substrate 41 is substantially depleted. The first shell 20 can then be reconnected to the second shell 30 to begin recharging the auxiliary power supply 25 by the main power supply 35 via the electrical interface 37. At the end of the use process, the aerosol-generating article 40 is removed from the cavity 22 for disposal.

[0167] Although not shown in the figures, in one embodiment, a wireless transceiver may be located in each of the first housing 20 and the second housing 30 to allow information about the status of components of one of the first housing 20 and the second housing 30 to be shared with the corresponding controller 26, 36 of the other of the first housing 20 and the second housing 30. Such status information may include an indication of the energy level remaining in the auxiliary power source 25, an indication of the progress through a given course of use, and the number of puffs applied to the aerosol generating article 40 by a user during use.

[0168] In addition, the user can also draw on the aerosol generating article 40 when the first shell 20 and the second shell 30 are not separated from each other. In this operating mode, the electrical interface 37 can also be used to allow information about the status of components of one of the first shell 20 and the second shell 30 to be shared with the corresponding controller 26, 36 of the other of the first shell 20 and the second shell 30 during use.

[0169] One or both of the buttons 381, 382 may be configured to enable selection of a given mode or operating parameter of the aerosol generating device 10 when the first shell 20 and the second shell 30 are coupled to each other. For the illustrated embodiment, the button 381 is pressed twice to select the first predetermined thermal curve and the button 381 is pressed three times to select the second predetermined thermal curve. However, in alternative embodiments (not shown), an alternative user interface may be provided with which a user may interact to select a desired predetermined thermal curve in the first predetermined thermal curve and the second predetermined thermal curve. Such an alternative user interface may be in the form of a touch-sensitive capacitive panel with which a user may engage a finger to select a desired predetermined thermal curve in the predetermined thermal curve, the touch-sensitive panel being coupled to the main controller 36. The touch-sensitive capacitive panel may be integrated into a display window 622 of the interior lighting area 62 and coupled to the main controller 36. The user may then touch the touch-sensitive capacitive panel defined by the display window 622 or slide his finger along the touch-sensitive capacitive panel to provide control input to the device 10. Alternatively, the alternative user interface may include a motion or orientation sensor coupled to the main controller 36, wherein movement or gesture of the device 10 in a predetermined manner is detected by the sensor and acts as a means for selecting a particular one of the predetermined thermal profiles. The first predetermined thermal profile and the second predetermined thermal profile differ from one another in intensity, wherein the second predetermined thermal profile has a greater intensity than the first predetermined thermal profile. The second predetermined thermal profile is associated with supplying a greater amount of energy from the auxiliary power source 25 to the induction coil 24 during use than for the first predetermined thermal profile.

[0170] Although the figures show an aerosol generating device 10 that employs an inductive heating assembly (in the form of an induction coil 24 and a susceptor element 23), in other embodiments, a resistive heating assembly may be employed instead. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the aerosol generating device 10 may be formed from a single housing, rather than from a plurality of separate housings. Figures 1 to 3 The two-part housing 20, 30 shown in FIG.

[0171] Fig. 9 An example is shown of how the lighting control driver 36b controls the power supply from the main power source 35 to the individual ones of the light emitting diodes 611-1 ... m of the external lighting area 61 to produce a predetermined light emission indicating the progress of the use process by the aerosol generating device 10. At the start of the use process, the lighting control driver 36b controls the energy supply from the main power source 35 to the light emitting diodes of the external lighting area 61 so that the entire ring of the lighting area 61 is illuminated when the light emission indicating the start of the use process is produced. Fig. 9 (a) to (e) show how different light emitting diodes 611-1...m of the exterior lighting area 61 are gradually deactivated to reduce the activated proportion or area of ​​the exterior lighting area as the usage process progresses. Fig. 9 Arrow 'B' in (b) shows the direction in which the different LEDs of the outer lighting area 61 are gradually deactivated during use. Fig. 9 The legend in shows two different static brightness levels of light emission generated by the light emitting diodes of the external lighting area 61. These brightness levels are designated as levels 1 and 0. Level 1 represents the maximum brightness level and level 0 represents a deactivated or "off" state in which no light is emitted. When the use process is completed, all light emitting diodes 611-1...m of the external lighting area 61 are deactivated so that no light is emitted from the external lighting area. Fig. 9 The lighting control driver 36b maintains the light emitting diodes 621-1...n of the interior lighting zone 62 in a deactivated or "off" state for the entire duration of the usage session in question.

[0172] Fig.10 An example is shown of how the lighting control driver 36b controls the supply of power from the main power source 35 to individual ones of the light emitting diodes 621-1 ... n of the internal lighting area 62 to produce predetermined light emissions indicating the progress of a use process by the aerosol generating device 10. At the start of a use process, the lighting control driver 36b controls the supply of energy from the main power source 35 to the light emitting diodes of the internal lighting area 62 so that an elliptical portion of the lighting area 62 is illuminated when producing light emissions indicating the start of a use process. Fig.10 (a) to (e) show how different LEDs of the interior lighting zone 62 are gradually deactivated to reduce the proportion or area of ​​the interior lighting zone that is activated as the use process progresses. Fig.10 Arrow 'C' in (b) shows the direction in which the different LEDs of the interior lighting area 62 are gradually deactivated during use. Fig. 9 For example, Fig.10 The legend in FIG. 1 shows two different static brightness levels of light emission generated by the light emitting diodes of the interior lighting area 62. These brightness levels are again designated as levels 1 and 0, where level 1 represents the maximum brightness level and level 0 corresponds to a deactivated or "off" state where no light is emitted. When the use process is completed, all of the light emitting diodes of the interior lighting area 62 are deactivated, where no light is emitted from the interior lighting area 62. As can be seen, in FIG. Fig.10 The lighting control driver 36b maintains the LEDs of the exterior lighting area 61 in a deactivated or "off" state throughout the duration of the usage session in question.

[0173] Fig.11An example is shown of how the lighting control driver 36b controls the supply of power from the main power source 35 to individual ones of the light emitting diodes 611-1 ... m of the external lighting area 61 to produce predetermined light emissions indicating the progress through a first use process and a second use process of the aerosol generating device 10. The second use process is subsequent to the first use process and uses any energy remaining in the auxiliary power source 25 after the first use process is completed. In this example, two different portions of the external lighting area 61 are controlled during the respective first and second use processes to produce light emissions that vary according to the progress through the respective use processes. Fig.11 As shown in (a), the external lighting area 61 defines two symmetrically arranged curved segments 61-1, 61-2, each segment extending around 180 degrees of the lighting area. Before the first use process starts, the lighting control driver 36b controls the energy supply from the main power supply 35 to the light-emitting diodes 611-1...m of the external lighting area 61, so that the two segments 61-1, 61-2 of the external lighting area 61 are illuminated over their entire length (see Fig.11 (a)). Illuminating both segments 61-1, 61-2 in their entirety provides light emission indicating that the auxiliary power source 25 is fully charged and contains enough energy to complete two usage processes. Fig.11 (a) to (d) show how different light emitting diodes of the exterior lighting area 61 are gradually deactivated as the first usage process progresses through the first usage process to reduce the proportion or area of ​​the first segment 61 - 1 that is illuminated. Fig.11 Arrow 'E1' in (b) shows the direction in which different light emitting diodes of the outer lighting area 61 are gradually deactivated to reduce the illuminated proportion or area of ​​the first segment 61-1 during the first use. Fig.11 The legend in shows two different static brightness levels of the light emission produced by the LEDs of the external lighting area 61. These brightness levels are designated as levels 1 and 0. Level 1 represents the maximum brightness level, while level 0 represents a deactivated or "off" state in which no light is emitted. At the completion of the first use process, all of the LEDs that cause the first segment 61-1 of the external lighting area 61 to be illuminated are deactivated, leaving the second segment 61-2 illuminated over its entire length. At the beginning of the second use process, as the second use process progresses, different LEDs of the external lighting area 61 are gradually deactivated to reduce the proportion or length of the second segment 61-2 that is illuminated (see Fig.11 (d) to (g)). Fig.11 Arrow 'E2' in (e) shows the direction in which different LEDs of the outer lighting area 61 are gradually deactivated to reduce the illuminated proportion or area of ​​the second segment 61-2 during the second use. Fig.11The lighting control driver 36b maintains the light emitting diodes of the interior lighting area 62 in a deactivated or "off" state throughout the duration of both the first usage session and the second usage session involved.

[0174] Fig.12 An example is shown of how the lighting control driver 36b controls the supply of power from the main power supply 35 to individual ones of the light emitting diodes 611-1...m of the external lighting area 61 to produce a predetermined light emission indicating progress through the pre-heating phase of operation of the aerosol generating device 10. Fig.12 The legend in shows five different brightness levels of the light emission generated by the light emitting diodes of the outer lighting area 61. These brightness levels are designated as levels 4, 3, 2, 1 and 0 in order of decreasing brightness. Level 4 represents the maximum brightness level, while level 0 represents a deactivated or "off" state in which no light is emitted. At the beginning of the preheating phase, the lighting control driver 36b controls the energy supply from the main power supply 35 to the light emitting diodes of the outer lighting area 61 so that the entire thickness of the lighting area 61 is illuminated. Fig.12 (a) to (d) show how the lighting control driver 36b controls the LEDs of the outer lighting area 61 to deactivate different LEDs and reduce their brightness levels, thereby reducing the illuminated thickness t of the lighting area 61 as the first part of the preheating phase progresses. 61 and overall brightness. Fig.12 (d) to (g) show how the illumination control driver 36b then gradually reactivates the different LEDs of the outer illumination area 61 and increases their brightness levels throughout the second part of the preheating phase, thereby increasing the illuminated thickness t of the illumination area 61. 61 and overall brightness. Fig.12 (a) to (g) represent a single discrete illumination cycle, where the cycle repeats while the aerosol generating device 10 remains in the preheating stage. Fig.12 The illumination cycle shown in may be applied to indicate that the aerosol generating device 10 is in a state other than the pre-heating stage; for example, Fig.12 The lighting cycle may be applied when the device 10 is in a pause mode state or a restart state.

[0175] Fig.13 An example is shown of how the lighting control driver 36b controls the supply of power from the main power supply 35 to individual ones of the light emitting diodes 611-1...m of the external lighting area 61 to produce a predetermined light emission indicating progress through the pre-heating phase of operation of the aerosol generating device 10. Fig.13The legend in shows two different combined color and brightness states of the light emission produced by the LEDs of the exterior lighting area 61 as the preheating phase of operation progresses. These combined color and brightness states are designated as states 1 and 0. State 1 represents a maximum brightness state with a pink color, while state 0 represents a deactivated or "off" state in which no light is emitted. At the beginning of the preheating phase, the LEDs of the exterior lighting area 61 are all activated. Fig.13 (a) to (d) show how different LEDs of the exterior lighting zone 61 are gradually activated to increase the proportion or area of ​​the exterior lighting zone that is activated to produce the pink light associated with state 1 as progress is made through the pre-heating phase. Fig.13 Arrow 'F' in (b) shows the direction in which the different LEDs of the outer lighting area 61 are gradually activated during the preheating phase. At the completion of the preheating phase, all LEDs 611-1...m of the outer lighting area 61 are activated to produce pink light associated with state 1. Fig.13 The lighting control driver 36b maintains the light emitting diodes 621-1...n of the interior lighting zone 62 in a deactivated or "off" state for the entire duration of the preheating phase involved.

[0176] Fig.14 An example is shown, which is Fig.11 A variation of the example. Fig.11 , the lighting control driver 36b controls the power supply from the main power supply 35 to each of the light emitting diodes 611-1...m of the external lighting area 61 to produce predetermined light emissions indicating the progress of different first and second use processes of the aerosol generating device 10. Fig.14 As shown in (a), the external lighting area 61 defines two symmetrically arranged segments 61-1, 61-2, each segment extending around 180 degrees of the lighting area 61. Before the first use process starts, the lighting control driver 36b controls the energy supply from the main power supply 35 to the light-emitting diodes of the external lighting area 61 so that the two segments 61-1, 61-2 are illuminated over their entire length (see Fig.14 (a)). Fig.14 (a) to (d) show how different light emitting diodes of the exterior lighting area 61 are gradually deactivated as the first usage process progresses through the first usage process to reduce the proportion or area of ​​the first segment 61 - 1 that is illuminated. Fig.14 Arrow 'G1' in (b) shows the direction in which different light emitting diodes of the outer lighting area 61 are gradually deactivated to reduce the illuminated proportion or area of ​​the first segment 61-1 during the first use. Fig.14The legend in shows two different static brightness levels of light emission generated by the light emitting diodes of the external lighting area 61. These brightness levels are designated as levels 1 and 0. Level 1 represents the maximum brightness level, while level 0 represents a deactivated or "off" state in which no light is emitted. For the duration of the first use process, the lighting control driver 36b controls the different light emitting diodes of the internal lighting area 62 to illuminate the two circular areas 62-1, 62-2 of the lighting area 62. Illuminating the two circular areas 62-1, 62-2 indicates that the auxiliary power supply 25 contains enough energy to complete the first use process and the second use process. When the first use process is completed, all the light emitting diodes of the first segment 61-1 that cause the external lighting area 61 to be illuminated are deactivated. Similarly, when the first use process is completed, one circular area 62-1 of the internal lighting area 62 is deactivated, leaving the circular area 62-2 illuminated; this single circular area 62-2 that illuminates the internal lighting area 62 indicates that the auxiliary power supply 25 only contains enough energy to complete another use process, i.e., the second use process. At the beginning of the second use process, as the second use process progresses, the different light emitting diodes of the outer lighting area 61 are gradually deactivated to reduce the illuminated proportion or area of ​​the second segment 61-2 (see Fig.14 (d) to (g)). Fig.14 Arrow 'G2' in (e) shows the direction in which different LEDs of the outer lighting area 61 are gradually deactivated to reduce the illuminated proportion or area of ​​the second segment 61-2 during the second use process. When the second use process is completed, the second segment 61-2 of the outer lighting area 61 is deactivated to indicate that the second use process has been completed. In a similar manner, when the second use process is completed, the circular area 62-2 of the inner lighting area 62 is also deactivated, thereby providing a visual indication that the auxiliary power source 25 needs to be charged or replaced in order to perform another use process.

[0177] For the purpose of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers representing amounts, quantities, percentages, etc. should be understood to be modified by the term "about" in all cases. In addition, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically listed in this article. Therefore, in this article, the number "A" is understood to be "A" ± 10% of "A". In this article, the number "A" can be considered to be included in the numerical value within the general standard error of the measurement of the property 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 "A" deviation will not substantially affect the basic characteristics and novel features of the invention claimed for protection. In addition, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically listed in this article.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device for heating an aerosol-forming substrate during use to generate an inhalable aerosol, the aerosol generating device comprising: Control electronics; as well as an annular outer lighting area, the annular outer lighting area surrounding the inner lighting area; wherein the control electronics are coupled to the exterior lighting area and the interior lighting area and are configured to: i) selectively illuminating one of the exterior lighting region and the interior lighting region to produce a first predetermined light emission, the first predetermined light emission conveying first data indicative of a status of the aerosol generating device; as well as ii) selectively illuminating the other of the outer lighting region and the inner lighting region to produce a second predetermined light emission conveying second data indicative of a status of the aerosol generating device, wherein the first data and the second data are different from each other.

2. An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the outer lighting area and the inner lighting area together form a common lighting array.

3. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the internal lighting region comprises a single lighting element.

4. An aerosol generating device according to claim 3, wherein the single lighting element is centrally located in the internal lighting region.

5. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the internal lighting area comprises a set of lighting elements arranged in a circular pattern around a centre of the internal lighting area.

6. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein either or both of the outer lighting region and the inner lighting region are translucent.

7. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the aerosol generating device extends longitudinally between a first end and a second end, wherein the external lighting region and the internal lighting region are provided on an outer side surface defining one of the first end and the second end.

8. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the device comprises a first housing and a second housing.

9. An aerosol generating device according to claim 8, wherein the first housing is detachably connectable to the second housing.

10. An aerosol-generating device according to any one of claims 8 or 9, wherein the first housing defines or comprises a holder for an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate.

11. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the second housing extends longitudinally between a first end and a second end, wherein the external lighting region and the internal lighting region are provided on an outer side surface defining one of the first end and the second end.

12. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the second housing comprises one or more of: a power source, control circuitry for controlling the heating means, and one or more buttons accessible from outside the second housing.

13. An aerosol generating device according to claim 12, wherein at least one of the one or more buttons is operable to select, start, change, pause or deactivate an operating mode of the aerosol generating device, and the button is connected to the control electronic device so that the first predetermined light emission or the second predetermined light emission indicates the operating mode selected, started, changed, paused or deactivated by operation of the button.

14. An aerosol generating device according to claim 13, wherein the one or more buttons consist of a first button and a second button.

15. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein at least one of the first data and the second data indicates any one of the following: a) the aerosol generating device has been activated by a user; b) the selection, activation, change, suspension, deactivation or progression of an operating mode of the aerosol generating device; c) the energy level of the power supply of the aerosol generating device; d) the power source of the aerosol generating device contains sufficient energy to complete a single use process; e) the power source of the aerosol generating device contains sufficient energy to complete two or more uses; f) the power source of the aerosol generating device contains an energy level below a predetermined threshold energy level; g) selecting or activating one of a first predetermined thermal profile and a second predetermined thermal profile, wherein each of the first predetermined thermal profile and the second predetermined thermal profile defines a heating profile for heating the aerosol-forming substrate by the electric heating device during use, the first predetermined thermal profile and the second predetermined thermal profile being different from each other; h) the aerosol generating device is in one of a pause mode state or a restart state; i) selecting or initiating a change in the operating state of the aerosol generating device; j) progress through said use; and k) Progression through a preheating phase in which the electrical heating device is heated to a predetermined target temperature.

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