Aerosol-generating device with counterfeit discrimination

Abstract

A device configured to interact with a consumable to generate an aerosol, the device comprising: a receptacle configured to receive the consumable; a sensor configured to detect a characteristic of the consumable item received in the receiving portion; a control unit operably coupled to the sensor and configured to determine whether the detected feature is indicative of a credibility of the consumable; and one or both of an odor release unit and a marking unit. The scent release unit is operably coupled to the control unit, and the control unit is configured to cause the scent release unit to release a scent when the control unit determines that the consumable is not trusted. The marking unit is operably coupled to the control unit, and the control unit is configured to cause the marking unit to mark the consumable received in the receptacle when the control unit determines that the consumable is not trusted.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device or apparatus that releases an odor, marks a consumable, or releases an odor and marks a consumable when the aerosol generating device or apparatus determines that the consumable is not authentic or is counterfeit.

[0002] There is an increasing demand for handheld aerosol generating systems or devices for delivering an aerosol for inhalation by a user. Some aerosol generating devices operate by heating an aerosol-forming substrate with a heating element. Some devices operate by inserting an electrical heater into a solid aerosol-forming substrate and supplying power from a battery included in the device to the heater. The aerosol generating device can generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate in response to a user action such as a puff. The user typically holds the aerosol generating device during and between puffs.

[0003] Known handheld electrically-operated aerosol generating systems typically include an aerosol generating device or main unit that includes a battery, control electronics, and an electrical heater for heating an aerosol generating article specifically designed for use with the aerosol generating device. In some instances, the aerosol generating article includes an aerosol-forming substrate such as a tobacco stick or tobacco rod. An aerosol-forming substrate such as tobacco typically includes one or more volatile compounds that form an aerosol when heated inside the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device can heat but not burn the aerosol-forming substrate. When the aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device, the heater housed within the aerosol generating device is inserted into or around the aerosol-forming substrate. In some electrically-operated aerosol generating systems, the aerosol generating article can include a capsule that houses an aerosol-forming substrate such as loose tobacco.

[0004] Consumers may use counterfeit consumable products in their aerosol generating systems by obtaining the counterfeit consumable products in a market that distributes counterfeits within the existing standard supply chain. Counterfeit consumable products may be difficult for consumers to detect. Counterfeit consumable products may inadvertently affect the performance of the device, thereby having a negative impact on the overall consumer experience. Counterfeit consumables have not undergone quality control and may have adverse health consequences for their consumers. In addition, consumers may inadvertently have a negative impact on the lifespan of their devices by using counterfeit consumables and may even cause their devices to malfunction or become inoperative.

[0005] There is a desire to provide an aerosol generating device that identifies non-authentic or counterfeit consumables and provides an indication to the consumer or others that the consumable is non-authentic or counterfeit.

[0006] It is desired to provide an indication that a consumable is non-genuine or counterfeit to prevent further use of the non-genuine or counterfeit consumable.

[0007] It is desired to provide an indication that a consumable is non-genuine to encourage a user to stop using the non-genuine consumable.

[0008] It is desired that a counterfeit product be recognizable after it has been identified as not being an original product. That is, recognizable to its consumer and to people in the vicinity of the consumer.

[0009] The aerosol-generating system or device described herein is configured to identify counterfeit consumables and to notify the consumer and possibly others about the identification and recognition of the counterfeit consumable. The aerosol-generating system or device includes a discrimination unit configured to determine whether the detected features indicate the authenticity of the consumable. The aerosol-generating system or device may release an odor, mark the consumable, or both release an odor and mark the consumable to alert the consumer and possibly others in the vicinity of the consumer about the authenticity of the consumable.

[0010] A device configured to interact with a consumable to generate an aerosol. The device includes: a receptacle configured to receive the consumable; a sensor configured to detect features of the consumable when the consumable is received in the receptacle; a control unit operably coupled to the sensor and configured to determine whether the detected features indicate the authenticity of the consumable; and one or both of an odor release unit and a marking unit. The odor release unit is operably coupled to the control unit, and the control unit is configured to cause the odor release unit to release an odor when the control unit determines that the consumable is not authentic. The marking unit is operably coupled to the control unit, and the control unit is configured to cause the marking unit to mark the consumable received in the receptacle when the control unit determines that the consumable is not authentic.

[0011] In the case of detecting a non-genuine consumable, the control unit of the device may activate the odor release unit, which may release an unpleasant or offensive odor. In this way, the consumer will associate the unpleasant or offensive odor with the counterfeit consumable. The control unit may activate the marking unit, which may mark the consumable with a counterfeit identification mark. In this way, after the counterfeit product has been identified by the device, the consumption of the counterfeit product will be recognizable to the consumer and other consumers and people.

[0012] Additionally, if the consumable is determined to be not authentic, the aerosol-generating device may not be activated to generate an aerosol from the consumable.

[0013] Advantageously, the aerosol-generating device may actively inform the consumer that the consumable is not authentic. Being aware that the consumable is not authentic may discourage the consumer from using the non-authentic consumable with the aerosol-generating device. Enabling the aerosol-generating device to actively inform a person in proximity to the consumer that the consumable is not authentic may further discourage the consumer from using the non-authentic consumable with the aerosol-generating device. Releasing an unpleasant smell or taste from the aerosol-generating device may provide a public notice to further discourage the consumer from using the non-authentic consumable with the aerosol-generating device. Placing an obvious mark on the counterfeit consumable may also provide a public notice to further discourage the consumer from using the non-authentic consumable with the aerosol-generating device.

[0014] All scientific and technical terms used herein have their ordinary meanings in the art, unless otherwise specified. The definitions provided herein are for facilitating the understanding of certain terms frequently used herein.

[0015] The phrase "characteristics of the consumable" refers to the presence or absence of detectable aspects or elements. Useful detectable aspects or elements include, for example, RFID tags, chromatic or spectral elements, security elements, and the like.

[0016] The term "authentic" refers to an article manufactured by a designated manufacturer or authorized entity commissioned by the article.

[0017] The term "counterfeit" or "non-authentic" refers to an article that misrepresents the origin of the article, such as a counterfeit, imitation, or unauthorized replica.

[0018] The terms "control unit", "controller", or "processor" refer to any device or equipment (such as, for example, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an equivalent discrete or integrated logic circuit system, or any combination thereof) capable of providing suitable computing and control capabilities, and any device or equipment (such as, for example, volatile or non-volatile memory, a CD-ROM, a magnetically recordable medium such as a disk or tape) capable of providing suitable data storage capabilities, including any medium that can be readable and / or writable and contains digital bits (for example, encoded in binary, ternary, etc.).

[0019] The term "aerosol-generating device" or "aerosol-generating apparatus" refers to a device or apparatus configured to generate an aerosol using an aerosol-generating article or substrate. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating device or apparatus may be described as a smoking article or holder, particularly a tobacco stick holder or "heat stick" holder. Preferably, the aerosol-generating device or apparatus further includes an atomizer. The atomizer may include an atomizer, an atomizing cartridge, a heater, or other atomizing components.

[0020] The term "aerosol - generating article" or "aerosol - generating substrate" refers to an article or substrate that releases compounds that can form an aerosol to be inhaled by a user. In some cases, the substrate can release volatile compounds upon heating. Preferably, the aerosol - generating substrate contains nicotine. Suitable aerosol - forming substrates can include plant - based materials. For example, the aerosol - generating substrate can include tobacco or tobacco - containing materials that contain volatile tobacco - flavor compounds, which are released from the aerosol - generating substrate upon heating. Additionally or alternatively, the aerosol - generating substrate can include tobacco - free materials. The aerosol - generating substrate can include homogenized plant - based materials. The aerosol - generating substrate can contain at least one aerosol - forming agent. The aerosol - generating substrate can include other additives and ingredients, such as flavorings. In some embodiments, the aerosol - generating substrate is a liquid at room temperature. For example, the aerosol - generating substrate can be a liquid solution, suspension, dispersion, etc. The liquid aerosol - generating substrate can include glycerol, propylene glycol, water, nicotine, and optionally one or more flavorings. In some embodiments, the aerosol - generating substrate is a solid at room temperature, such as a tobacco stick or nicotine powder.

[0021] The term "tobacco material" refers to a material or substance that includes tobacco, for example, it includes tobacco blends or flavored tobacco.

[0022] Certain commonly used terms have been defined, and the aerosol - generating devices or apparatuses of the present disclosure will be described in more detail herein. Generally, an aerosol - generating device or apparatus includes a discrimination unit or sensor configured to determine whether the detected features on or in a consumable indicate the credibility of the consumable. An aerosol - generating system or device can release an odor, mark the consumable, or both release an odor and mark the consumable to alert the consumer and potentially others near the consumer of the credibility of the consumable.

[0023] The device or aerosol - generating apparatus includes an atomizer. The atomizer is housed by a housing during use. The atomizer is configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol - generating substrate housed within a consumable. Any suitable type of atomizer can be used. In some cases, the atomizer can be thermally or fluidly coupled to the aerosol - forming substrate. The atomizer can be used in compatible use with various types of aerosol - generating substrates.

[0024] The atomizer may include a heating element for use with a solid aerosol - generating substrate, such as, for example, a heating blade. The heating blade may be coupled to the housing of the aerosol - generating device to receive power from a power source (battery). For example, the aerosol - generating substrate may be provided in the form of a consumable, such as a heat - stick. The heating blade may be inserted into the consumable or heat - stick and heated to generate an aerosol from the solid substrate. The solid substrate may be a smoking material, such as tobacco. The heat provided by the heating element or heating blade to the heat - stick preferably does not burn the smoking material.

[0025] The atomizer may include a heater, a heater coil, a chemical heat source (such as a carbon heat source), or any suitable means for generating an aerosol using a heating matrix. The atomizer may be coupled to the housing of the aerosol - generating device to receive power from a power source (battery) and may be disposed adjacent to the substrate. For example, the heating element of the heater may be disposed adjacent to the aerosol - generating substrate and heated to generate an aerosol from a liquid or solid substrate. The heater coil may include a susceptor adjacent to the aerosol - forming substrate, and when an energized induction coil is disposed adjacent to the susceptor, electromagnetic energy may be transferred to the susceptor to heat the substrate within the consumable.

[0026] The atomizer may include an atomizer. The liquid aerosol - generating substrate may be housed in a substrate housing and be in fluid communication with the atomizer. The atomizer may mechanically generate an aerosol from the liquid substrate rather than relying solely on temperature.

[0027] The atomizer may be used in compatible use with an aerosol - generating substrate having a nicotine source and a lactic acid source. The nicotine source may include an adsorption element, such as a PTFE core on which nicotine is adsorbed, and the adsorption element may be inserted into a chamber forming a first compartment. The lactic acid source may include an adsorption element, such as a PTFE core on which lactic acid is adsorbed, and the adsorption element may be inserted into a chamber forming a second compartment. The atomizer may include a heater to heat both the nicotine source and the lactic acid source. Then, nicotine vapor may react with lactic acid vapor in the gas phase to form an aerosol.

[0028] The aerosol - generating substrate is at least partially disposed in the aerosol - generating device during use. The aerosol - generating substrate may be removable after being consumed. A new aerosol - generating substrate may be received by the aerosol - generating device to replace the consumed substrate.

[0029] The aerosol - generating substrate is disposed within a consumable. The consumable may be referred to as a "heat - stick", where the aerosol - generating substrate forms the first part of the elongated consumable and the mouthpiece forms the opposite part of the elongated consumable. The aerosol - generating substrate side of the consumable is inserted into the aerosol - generating device or apparatus for use by the consumer. A discrimination element may be provided on the outer surface of the consumable. The discrimination element may be provided within the outer surface of the consumable.

[0030] An aerosol generating device or apparatus is configured to interact with a consumable to generate an aerosol. The apparatus includes: a receiving portion configured to receive the consumable; a sensor configured to detect a characteristic of the consumable when the consumable is received in the receiving portion. A control unit is operably coupled to the sensor and is configured to determine whether the detected characteristic indicates the authenticity of the consumable. The apparatus further includes one or both of an odor releasing unit and a marking unit.

[0031] The odor releasing unit, when present, is operably coupled to the control unit. The control unit is configured to cause the odor releasing unit to release an odor when the control unit determines that the consumable is not authentic or is counterfeit.

[0032] The marking unit, when present, is operably coupled to the control unit. The control unit is configured to cause the marking unit to mark the consumable received in the receiving portion when the control unit determines that the consumable is not authentic or is counterfeit.

[0033] The sensor can be any useful sensor capable of interrogating a detectable characteristic on or in the consumable to determine the authenticity of the consumable. The sensor can be disposed within the receiving portion of the apparatus. The sensor can be disposed within the receiving portion of the apparatus and proximate to the outer surface of the consumable received in the receiving portion of the apparatus. The sensor can define an annular ring within which the consumable received in the receiving portion of the apparatus is disposed.

[0034] The sensor can be a radio frequency identification (RFID) sensor or reader that emits radio waves and receives a signal returned from a corresponding RFID tag discriminator element on the consumable. The RFID tag discriminator element on the consumable can be a passive element powered by the RFID sensor or reader. The RFID reader or sensor is configured to interrogate the RFID tag discriminator element on the consumable to verify the authenticity of the consumable from the data transmitted thereby.

[0035] The sensor can be a chromatic, spectral or optical sensor configured to interrogate or read a corresponding discriminator element on the consumable. The discriminator element can include a marker or chromatic security feature to verify the authenticity of the consumable from its spectral or marker signature.

[0036] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes an odor releasing unit but not a marking unit. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a marking unit but not an odor releasing unit. In some devices, the apparatus includes both an odor releasing unit and a marking unit.

[0037] The odor release unit may be configured to release a compound having an unpleasant or foul smell. The odor release unit may be housed within the housing of the device. The odor release unit may be housed within a receiving portion of the device. The odor release unit may be positioned proximate to the closed end of the receiving portion of the aerosol generating device. The odor release unit is operatively coupled to a control unit, and the control unit may activate the odor release unit (when present) upon detecting a counterfeit or untrusted consumable received within the receiving portion of the device.

[0038] The odor release unit may include at least one odor release element, such as a heater or heating element, a vibration generator, an ultrasonic or piezoelectric transducer, an atomizer, or any other actuator for energizing odor particles such that the particles are released from an odor container or cartridge and become in gaseous form or microscopic droplets, which can be carried away by an air stream passing through an odor flow channel between the consumable and the receiving portion. The receiving portion may be wavy at its inner surface to improve the transmission of the air stream through the odor flow channel and to firmly hold the consumable received within the receiving portion in its position.

[0039] The odor release unit may include a heater configured to heat a matrix containing the compound and cause the compound to be released. The odor release element may be a mesh heater configured to heat a high-retention material or matrix impregnated with a scented liquid included in an odor cartridge and release the odor therefrom. The released odor may be directed towards the consumer of the consumable via a passage or an odor flow channel. The released odor may be directed out of the aerosol generating device at an opening of the receiving portion of the aerosol generating device and towards the consumer.

[0040] If the untrustworthiness of the consumable is detected by a sensor, the control unit may activate the odor release unit and release an unpleasant odor towards the consumer of the counterfeit consumable. An example of an unpleasant odor is perceived as a strong bitter taste and is composed of a suitable aromatic substance and a diol. Other unpleasant odors include, for example, ammonia compounds or sulfur compounds. By releasing an unpleasant odor upon detecting a counterfeit consumable, the consumer will potentially associate the odor with the counterfeit consumable and will be less likely to use a counterfeit consumable in the future.

[0041] The marking unit is configured to place a mark on the surface of the consumable to provide visual evidence that it is a counterfeit consumable. For example, the mark provided by the marking unit may be any useful indication of trustworthiness, such as the terms "invalid", "counterfeit", "forged", or "defective". The marking unit provides the mark or notation by printing, engraving, etc.

[0042] The marking unit may include a heater configured to burn a visible mark or notation into the consumable. The marking unit may be housed within the housing of the device. The marking unit may be housed within a receiving portion of the device. When the consumable is received within the receiving portion of the device, the marking unit may be positioned proximate to the body of the consumable. The marking unit is operatively coupled to the control unit, and the control unit may activate the marking unit upon detecting a counterfeit or untrusted consumable received within the receiving portion of the device.

[0043] The marking unit may mark the consumable when the consumable is received within the receiving portion of the device. When the untrustworthiness of the consumable is detected by the sensor, the control unit activates the marking unit to mark a counterfeit identification mark in the visible area of the consumable. The marking unit may be designed to include at least one heating element capable of burning a single letter, symbol, or word (such as "invalid", "counterfeit", "forged", or "defective") into the consumable when an untrusted consumable is detected within the receiving portion of the device.

[0044] To power the operation of the device, sensor, control unit, odor release unit, and marking unit described herein, a power source is electrically connected to supply the required energy. The power source is disposed within the housing of the device.

[0045] An actuation element or actuation button is operatively coupled to the control unit. The actuation element is configured to be actuated by a user of the device. Actuation of the actuation element causes the control unit to determine whether the detected characteristics indicate the trustworthiness of the consumable. If the detected characteristics indicate the untrustworthiness of the consumable, actuation of the actuation element causes the control unit to activate one or both of the marking unit or the odor release unit.

[0046] Actuation of the actuation element is configured to cause the device to interact with the consumable to generate an aerosol if the control unit determines that the consumable is trustworthy. In many embodiments, the control unit is configured to prevent the device from interacting with the consumable to generate an aerosol if the control unit determines that the consumable is not trustworthy.

[0047] The control unit of the device may be housed within the aerosol generating device or the housing of the device. The control unit is configured to activate the atomizer to generate an aerosol from the consumable aerosol forming substrate.

[0048] The control unit may include a memory. The memory may be used to store various types of data, such as trustworthiness data. The stored trustworthiness data may be used, displayed, or transmitted later. In one example, the trustworthiness data may be determined and stored on the control unit. The control unit may be provided in any suitable form and may include, for example, a processor and a memory. Generally, the control unit includes a memory that contains instructions that cause one or more components to perform functions or aspects of the control unit. The functions that may be caused by the controller in the present disclosure may be embodied as one or more of software, firmware, and hardware.

[0049] The control unit described herein may include a processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a computer, a logic array, or other device capable of routing data into or out of the controller. The control unit may include one or more computing devices having memory, processing, and communication hardware. The control unit may include circuitry for coupling the various components of the control unit together or coupling the various components of the control unit to other components operably coupled to the control unit. The functions of the control unit may be performed by hardware and / or as computer instructions on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

[0050] The processor of the control unit may include any one or more of a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and / or equivalent discrete or integrated logic circuitry. In some examples, the processor may include multiple components, such as any combination of one or more microprocessors, one or more controllers, one or more DSPs, one or more ASICs, and / or one or more FPGAs, as well as other discrete or integrated logic circuitry. The functions caused by the control unit or processor herein may be embodied as software, firmware, hardware, or any combination thereof. Although described herein as a processor-based system, alternative controllers may use other components (such as relays and timers) alone or in combination with a microprocessor-based system to achieve the desired results.

[0051] In one or more embodiments, the exemplary systems, methods, and interfaces may be implemented by using a computing device that may include one or more processors and / or memory and using one or more computer programs. The program code and / or logic described herein may be applied to input data / information to perform the functions described herein and generate the desired output data / information. The output data / information may be applied as input to one or more other devices and / or methods as described herein or in a known manner. Given the foregoing, it will be apparent that the control unit functions described herein may be implemented in any manner known to those skilled in the art.

[0052] The present 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.

[0053] Example Ex1: An apparatus configured to interact with a consumable to produce an aerosol, the apparatus comprising: a receptacle configured to receive the consumable; a sensor configured to detect a characteristic of the consumable when the consumable is received in the receptacle; a control unit operably coupled to the sensor and configured to determine whether the detected characteristic indicates the credibility of the consumable; and one or both of an odor release unit and a marking unit, wherein the odor release unit is operably coupled to the control unit, and the control unit is configured to cause the odor release unit to release an odor when the control unit determines that the consumable is not credible, and wherein the marking unit is operably coupled to the control unit, and the control unit is configured to cause the marking unit to mark the consumable received in the receptacle when the control unit determines that the consumable is not credible.

[0054] Example Ex2: The apparatus according to Example Ex1, wherein the sensor comprises an RFID reader.

[0055] Example Ex3. The apparatus according to Example Ex1 or Example Ex2, comprising the odor release unit.

[0056] Example Ex4. The apparatus according to Example Ex3, wherein the odor release unit is configured to release a compound having an unpleasant smell.

[0057] Example Ex5. The apparatus according to Example Ex4, wherein the odor release unit comprises a heater configured to heat a matrix containing the compound, wherein heating the matrix causes the compound to be released.

[0058] Example Ex6. The apparatus according to Example Ex4 or Example Ex5, comprising a channel configured to convey the released compound towards the consumer of the consumable.

[0059] Example Ex7. The apparatus according to Example Ex1 or Example Ex2, comprising the marking unit.

[0060] Example Ex8. The apparatus according to Example Ex7, wherein the marking unit comprises a heater configured to burn a visible mark into the consumable.

[0061] Example Ex9. A device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex8, wherein the device includes an actuating element operably coupled to the control unit, wherein the actuating unit is configured to be actuated by a user of the device, and wherein actuation of the actuating element causes the control unit to determine whether the detected feature indicates the credibility of the consumable.

[0062] Example Ex10. A device according to Example Ex9, wherein actuation of the actuating element is configured to cause the device to interact with the consumable to generate an aerosol if the control unit determines that the consumable is credible.

[0063] Example Ex11. A device according to Example Ex10, wherein the control unit is configured to prevent the device from interacting with the consumable to generate an aerosol if the control unit determines that the consumable is not credible.

[0064] Example Ex12. A method for indicating the incredibility of a consumable inserted into a receiving portion of an aerosol generating device, comprising: determining that the consumable inserted into the receiving portion is not credible; and releasing an odor and / or marking the consumable from the device after the consumable is inserted into the receiving portion.

[0065] Example Ex13. The method according to Example Ex12, comprising releasing the odor.

[0066] Example Ex14. The method according to Example Ex13, wherein the released odor has an unpleasant taste.

[0067] Example Ex15. The method according to any one of Examples Ex12 to Ex14, wherein the method comprises marking the consumable with a visible mark.

[0068] Example Ex16: A device configured to interact with a consumable to generate an aerosol, the device comprising: a receiving portion configured to receive the consumable; a sensor configured to detect a feature of the consumable when the consumable is received in the receiving portion; a control unit operably coupled to the sensor and configured to determine whether the detected feature indicates the credibility of the consumable; and an odor releasing unit, wherein the odor releasing unit is operably coupled to the control unit, and the control unit is configured to cause the odor releasing unit to release an odor when the control unit determines that the consumable is not credible.

[0069] Example Ex17: A device according to Example Ex16, wherein the sensor includes an RFID reader.

[0070] Example Ex18. The device according to Example Ex16 or Example Ex17, including the odor release unit.

[0071] Example Ex19. The device according to Example Ex18, wherein the odor release unit is configured to release a compound having an unpleasant smell, the unpleasant smell comprising an ammonia compound or a sulfur compound.

[0072] Example Ex20. The device according to Example Ex19, wherein the odor release unit includes a heater configured to heat a matrix containing the compound, wherein heating the matrix causes the compound to be released.

[0073] Example Ex21. The device according to Example Ex19 or Example Ex20, including a channel configured to carry the released compound towards a consumer of the consumable.

[0074] Example Ex22. The device according to any one of Examples Ex16 to Ex21, wherein the device includes an actuating element operatively coupled to the control unit, wherein the actuating unit is configured to be actuated by a user of the device, and wherein actuation of the actuating element causes the control unit to determine whether the detected feature indicates the credibility of the consumable.

[0075] Example Ex23. The device according to Example Ex22, wherein actuation of the actuating element is configured to cause the device to interact with the consumable to generate an aerosol if the control unit determines that the consumable is credible.

[0076] Example Ex24. The device according to Example Ex23, wherein the control unit is configured to prevent the device from interacting with the consumable to generate an aerosol if the control unit determines that the consumable is not credible.

[0077] Example Ex25. A method for indicating the non-credibility of a consumable inserted into a receiving portion of an aerosol generating device, comprising: determining that the consumable inserted into the receiving portion is not credible; and releasing an odor from the device after the consumable is inserted into the receiving portion.

[0078] Example Ex26. The method according to Example Ex25, including releasing the odor.

[0079] Example Ex27. The method according to Example Ex26, wherein the released odor has an unpleasant smell, the unpleasant smell comprising an ammonia compound or a sulfur compound.

[0080] Example Ex28: An apparatus configured to interact with a consumable to generate an aerosol, the apparatus comprising: a receiving portion configured to receive the consumable; a sensor configured to detect a characteristic of the consumable when the consumable is received in the receiving portion; a control unit operably coupled to the sensor and configured to determine whether the detected characteristic indicates the credibility of the consumable; and a marking unit, wherein the marking unit is operably coupled to the control unit, and the control unit is configured to cause the marking unit to mark the consumable received in the receiving portion when the control unit determines that the consumable is not credible.

[0081] Example Ex29: The apparatus according to Example Ex28, wherein the sensor comprises an RFID reader.

[0082] Example Ex30. The apparatus according to Example Ex28 or Example Ex29, comprising the marking unit.

[0083] Example Ex31. The apparatus according to Example Ex30, wherein the marking unit comprises a heater configured to burn a visible mark into the consumable.

[0084] Example Ex32. The apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex28 to Ex31, wherein the apparatus comprises an actuating element operably coupled to the control unit, wherein the actuating unit is configured to be actuated by a user of the apparatus, and wherein actuation of the actuating element causes the control unit to determine whether the detected characteristic indicates the credibility of the consumable.

[0085] Example Ex33. The apparatus according to Example Ex32, wherein actuation of the actuating element is configured to cause the apparatus to interact with the consumable to generate an aerosol if the control unit determines that the consumable is credible.

[0086] Example Ex34. The apparatus according to Example Ex330, wherein the control unit is configured to prevent the apparatus from interacting with the consumable to generate an aerosol if the control unit determines that the consumable is not credible.

[0087] Example Ex35. A method for indicating the non-credibility of a consumable inserted into a receiving portion of an aerosol generating apparatus, comprising: determining that the consumable inserted into the receiving portion is not credible; and marking the consumable after the consumable is inserted into the receiving portion.

[0088] Example Ex36. The method according to Example Ex35, wherein the method comprises marking the consumable with a visible mark.

[0089] Example Ex37: An apparatus configured to interact with a consumable to produce an aerosol, the apparatus comprising: a receiving portion configured to receive the consumable; a sensor configured to detect a characteristic of the consumable when the consumable is received in the receiving portion; a control unit operably coupled to the sensor and configured to determine whether the detected characteristic indicates the credibility of the consumable; and both an odor release unit and a marking unit, wherein the odor release unit is operably coupled to the control unit, and the control unit is configured to cause the odor release unit to release an odor when the control unit determines that the consumable is not credible, and wherein the marking unit is operably coupled to the control unit, and the control unit is configured to cause the marking unit to mark the consumable received in the receiving portion when the control unit determines that the consumable is not credible.

[0090] Example Ex38: The apparatus according to Example Ex37, wherein the sensor comprises an RFID reader.

[0091] Example Ex39. The apparatus according to Example Ex37 or Example Ex38, comprising the odor release unit.

[0092] Example Ex40. The apparatus according to Example Ex39, wherein the odor release unit is configured to release a compound having an unpleasant smell.

[0093] Example Ex41. The apparatus according to Example Ex40, wherein the odor release unit comprises a heater configured to heat a matrix containing the compound, wherein heating the matrix causes the compound to be released.

[0094] Example Ex42. The apparatus according to Example Ex40 or Example Ex41, comprising a channel configured to convey the released compound towards a consumer of the consumable.

[0095] Example Ex43. The apparatus according to any one or more of Examples Ex37 to Ex42, comprising the marking unit.

[0096] Example Ex44. The apparatus according to Example Ex43, wherein the marking unit comprises a heater configured to burn a visible mark into the consumable.

[0097] Example Ex45. The apparatus according to any one or more of Examples Ex37 to Ex44, wherein the apparatus comprises an actuating element operably coupled to the control unit, wherein the actuating unit is configured to be actuated by a user of the apparatus, and wherein actuation of the actuating element causes the control unit to determine whether the detected characteristic indicates the credibility of the consumable.

[0098] Example Ex46. The device according to Example Ex45, wherein actuation of the actuating element is configured to cause the device to interact with the consumable to generate an aerosol if the control unit determines that the consumable is credible.

[0099] Example Ex47. The device according to Example Ex46, wherein the control unit is configured to prevent the device from interacting with the consumable to generate an aerosol if the control unit determines that the consumable is not credible.

[0100] Example Ex48. A method for indicating the non-credibility of a consumable inserted into a receiving portion of an aerosol generating device, comprising: determining that the consumable inserted into the receiving portion is not credible; and releasing an odor and / or marking the consumable from the device after the consumable is inserted into the receiving portion.

[0101] Example Ex49. The method according to Example Ex48, comprising releasing the odor.

[0102] Example Ex50. The method according to Example Ex49, wherein the released odor has an unpleasant taste, and the unpleasant taste comprises an ammonia compound or a sulfur compound.

[0103] Example Ex51. The method of one or more of Examples Ex48 to Ex50, wherein the method comprises marking the consumable with a visible marker.

[0104] Example Ex52. The method according to Example Ex51, wherein the visible marker comprises marking a word on the consumable.

[0105] Example Ex53. The method according to Example Ex52, wherein the method comprises engraving a word on the consumable.

[0106] Example Ex54. The method according to Example Ex52, wherein the method comprises engraving a word on the consumable, and the word indicates that the consumable is counterfeit or not credible.

[0107] Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate some aspects of the present invention. It should be understood that other aspects not depicted in the drawings fall within the scope and spirit of the present invention. The drawings are schematic and not necessarily to scale. Like reference numerals used in the drawings refer to like components, steps, etc. However, it should be understood that using a reference numeral to refer to a component in a given drawing is not intended to limit the component labeled with the same reference numeral in another drawing. Additionally, using different reference numerals to refer to components in different drawings is not intended to indicate that the components with different reference numerals cannot be the same or similar to other components with different reference numerals.

[0108] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a device and a consumable being inserted into the device.

[0109] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a device and a consumable inserted into the device, wherein a part of the housing of the device is illustratively transparent.

[0110] Figure 3 is of a device and a consumable inserted into Figure 2 the device in a sectional view of a schematic diagram.

[0111] Figure 4 is a side view of a schematic diagram of an illustrative consumable with a forged mark.

[0112] Figure 5 is an illustrative flowchart of a method for indicating the untrustworthiness of a consumable using a device according to the present invention.

[0113] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a device 100 and a consumable 200 being inserted into the device 100. Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a device 100 and a consumable 200 inserted into the device 100, wherein a part of the housing 110 of the device 100 is illustratively transparent. Figure 3 is of the device 100 and a consumable 200 inserted into Figure 2 the device 100 in a sectional view of a schematic diagram.

[0114] The device 100 is configured to interact with the consumable 200 to generate an aerosol. The device 100 includes a receiving portion 111 configured to receive the consumable 200, and a sensor 130 configured to detect a feature 210 of the consumable 200 when the consumable 200 is received in the receiving portion 111. A control unit 170 is operably coupled to the sensor 130 and is configured to determine whether the detected feature 210 indicates the trustworthiness of the consumable. The device 100 further includes one or both of an odor release unit 150 and a marking unit 160.

[0115] The odor release unit 150 is operably coupled to the control unit 170. The control unit 170 is configured to cause the odor release unit 150 to release an odor 155 when the control unit 170 determines that the consumable 200 is not trustworthy or is forged.

[0116] The marking unit 160 is operably coupled to the control unit 170. The control unit 170 is configured to cause the marking unit 160 to mark the consumable 200 received in the receiving portion 111 when the control unit 170 determines that the consumable 200 is not trustworthy or is forged.

[0117] The sensor 130 can be any useful sensor capable of interrogating a detectable feature 210 on or in the consumable 200 to determine the authenticity of the consumable 200.

[0118] The sensor 130 can be a radio frequency identification (RFID) sensor or reader that transmits radio waves and receives signals returned from a corresponding radio frequency identification (RFID) tag discriminator element 210 on the consumable 200. The RFID tag discriminator element 210 on the consumable 200 can be a passive element powered by the (RFID) sensor or reader 130. The RFID reader or sensor 130 is configured to interrogate the (RFID) tag discriminator element 210 on the consumable 200 to verify the authenticity of the consumable 200 based on the data transmitted by it.

[0119] The sensor 130 can be a chromaticity, spectral, or optical sensor 130 configured to interrogate or read a corresponding discriminator element 210 on the consumable 200. The discriminator element 210 can include markers or chromaticity security features to verify the authenticity of the consumable 200 based on its spectral or marker signature.

[0120] The drawings illustrate a device 100 having both an odor release unit 150 and a marking unit 160. In some embodiments, the device 100 includes the odor release unit 150 but not the marking unit 160. In some embodiments, the device 100 includes the marking unit 160 but not the odor release unit 150. In some embodiments, the device 100 includes both the odor release unit 150 and the marking unit 160.

[0121] The odor release unit 150 can be configured to release a compound 155 having an unpleasant or foul smell. The odor release unit 150 can be housed within the housing 110 of the device 100. The odor release unit 150 can be housed within the receiving portion 111 of the device 100. The odor release unit 150 is operatively coupled to the control unit 170, and the control unit can activate the odor release unit 150 (when present) upon detecting a forged or unauthentic consumable 200 received in the receiving portion 111 of the device 100.

[0122] The odor release unit 150 may include at least one odor release element 151, such as a heater or heating element, a vibration generator, an ultrasonic or piezoelectric transducer, an atomizer, or any other actuator for energizing odor particles such that the particles are released from an odor container or cartridge 152 and become in gaseous form or microscopic droplets, which can be carried away by an air stream passing through an odor flow channel 112 between the consumable 200 and the receiving portion 111. The receiving portion 111 may be corrugated at its inner surface to improve the transmission of the air stream through the odor flow channel 112 and for firmly holding the consumable 200 received in the receiving portion 111 in its position.

[0123] In Figure 3 an exemplary embodiment of, the odor release unit 150 includes a heater 151 configured to heat a matrix 152 containing a compound and cause the compound 155 to be released. The odor release element 151 may be a mesh heater configured to heat a high-retention material or matrix impregnated with a scented liquid included in the odor cartridge 152 and release an odor 155 therefrom. The released odor 155 may be directed towards the consumer of the consumable 200 via a channel or odor flow channel 112, as Figure 3 shown in.

[0124] If the untrustworthiness of the consumable 200 is detected by the sensor 130, the control unit 170 will activate the odor release unit 150 and release an unpleasant odor towards the consumer or the counterfeit consumable 300. An unpleasant odor is perceived as a strong bitter taste and is composed of a suitable aromatic substance and a diol. Other unpleasant odors include, for example, ammonia compounds or sulfur compounds. By releasing an unpleasant odor when a counterfeit consumable 300 is detected, the consumer will potentially associate the odor with the counterfeit consumable 300 and will be less likely to use the counterfeit consumable 300 in the future.

[0125] The marking unit 160 is configured to place a mark 310 on the surface of the consumable 200 to provide visual evidence that it is a counterfeit consumable 300. Figure 4 A consumable 300 with the term "invalid" as a mark is shown. For example, the mark provided by the marking unit 160 may be any useful indication of trustworthiness, such as the terms "counterfeit", "fake", or "defective".

[0126] The marking unit 160 may include a heater configured to burn a visible mark or notation into the consumable 200. The marking unit 160 may be housed within the housing 110 of the device 100. The marking unit 160 may be housed within the receiving portion 111 of the device 100. The marking unit 160 is operatively coupled to the control unit 170, and the control unit may activate the marking unit 160 (when present) upon detecting a forged or untrusted consumable 200 received within the receiving portion 111 of the device 100.

[0127] The marking unit 160 may mark the consumable 200 when the consumable 200 is received within the receiving portion 111 of the device 100. When the untrustworthiness of the consumable 300 is detected by the sensor 130, the control unit 170 activates the marking unit 160 to mark a forgery identification mark 310 in the visible area of the consumable 300. The marking unit 160 may be designed to include at least one heating element capable of burning a single letter, symbol, or word, such as "invalid", "counterfeit", "forged", or "defective", into the consumable 300 when an untrusted consumable 300 is detected within the receiving portion 111 of the device 100.

[0128] To power the operation of the device 100, sensor 130, control unit 170, odor release unit 150, and marking unit 160 described herein, the power source 180 is electrically connected to supply the required energy.

[0129] The actuating element 120 or actuating button 120 is operatively coupled to the control unit 170. The actuating element 120 is configured to be actuated by a user of the device 100. Actuation of the actuating element 120 causes the control unit 170 to determine whether the detected feature 210 indicates the trustworthiness of the consumable 200.

[0130] Actuation of the actuating element 120 is configured to cause the device 100 to interact with the consumable 200 to generate an aerosol if the control unit 170 determines that the consumable 200 is trustworthy. In many embodiments, the control unit 170 is configured to prevent the device 100 from interacting with the consumable 200 to generate an aerosol if the control unit 170 determines that the consumable 200 is not trustworthy.

[0131] Figure 5 FIG. 500 is an illustrative flow chart of a method of indicating the untrustworthiness of a consumable 300 using the device 100 in accordance with the present invention. At step 501, the device 100 or aerosol generating device 100 may be operated during a discrimination and prevention process. In doing so, the consumer will insert the consumable 200 into the receiving portion 111 in a first step and push the consumable 200 into the heating element 140 at step 502 using an axial force.

[0132] When the consumer presses the activation button 120, the discrimination process will start at step 503. Thus, at step 504, the discrimination unit or sensor 130 will check whether the inserted consumable 200 includes a discrimination element 210 and determine whether the consumable is counterfeit.

[0133] If the discrimination unit or sensor 130 determines that the consumable 200 is not counterfeit (No), then at step 505, the control unit 170 activates the heating element 140 to generate an inhalable aerosol for the consumer.

[0134] On the other hand, if the discrimination unit or sensor 130 detects a counterfeit consumable 300 (Yes), then at step 506, the control unit 170 sends a signal to disable the heating element 140 and may send an activation signal to the marking unit 160 to mark a counterfeit identification mark 310 on the detected counterfeit consumable (300).

[0135] Simultaneously or after marking the counterfeit consumable 300, at step 507, the control unit 170 may send an activation signal to the odor release unit 150. Thus, the odor release element 151 will be activated, and an unpleasant odor will be released from the cartridge 152 and detected by the consumer and others near the consumer. This results in marking the consumable 300 as counterfeit at step 508 and releasing an unpleasant odor from the device 100.

[0136] It should be understood that the marking step 506 or the odor release step 507 may occur in any order, or one of the marking step 506 or the odor release step 507 may not occur at all.

[0137] The specific embodiments described above are intended to illustrate the present invention. However, other embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the claims, and it should be understood that the specific embodiments described above are not intended to be limiting.

[0138] As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" encompass embodiments having plural referents.

[0139] As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, "or" generally is employed in its sense including "and / or". The term "and / or" means one or all of the listed elements or any combination of two or more of the listed elements.

[0140] As used herein, the terms "having", "include", "including", "comprise", "comprising", etc. are used in their open sense and generally mean "including but not limited to". It should be understood that "consisting essentially of", "consisting of", etc. are subsumed within "including", etc.

[0141] The words "preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments of the invention that may provide certain benefits in certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred in the same or other circumstances. In addition, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the present disclosure, including the claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus configured to interact with a consumable to produce an aerosol, the apparatus comprising: A receiving portion configured to receive the consumable; A sensor configured to detect a characteristic of the consumable when the consumable is received in the receiving portion; A control unit operably coupled to the sensor and configured to determine whether the detected characteristic indicates the credibility of the consumable; And One or both of an odor release unit and a marking unit, Wherein the odor release unit is operably coupled to the control unit, and the control unit is configured to cause the odor release unit to release an odor when the control unit determines that the consumable is not credible, and Wherein the marking unit is operably coupled to the control unit, and the control unit is configured to cause the marking unit to mark the consumable received in the receiving portion when the control unit determines that the consumable is not credible.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises an RFID reader.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, comprising the odor release unit.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the odor release unit is configured to release a compound having an unpleasant smell.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the odor release unit comprises a heater configured to heat a matrix containing the compound, wherein heating the matrix causes the compound to be released.

6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 4 or 5, comprising a channel configured to convey the released compound towards a consumer of the consumable.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, comprising the marking unit.

8. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the marking unit comprises a heater configured to burn a visible mark into the consumable.

9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the apparatus comprises an actuating element operably coupled to the control unit, wherein the actuating unit is configured to be actuated by a user of the apparatus, and wherein actuation of the actuating element causes the control unit to determine whether the detected characteristic indicates the credibility of the consumable.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein actuation of the actuating element is configured to cause the apparatus to interact with the consumable to produce an aerosol if the control unit determines that the consumable is credible.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the control unit is configured to prevent the apparatus from interacting with the consumable to produce an aerosol if the control unit determines that the consumable is not credible.

12. A method for indicating the non-credibility of a consumable inserted into a receiving portion of an aerosol generating apparatus, comprising: Determining that the consumable inserted into the receiving portion is not credible; And Releasing an odor from the apparatus and / or marking the consumable after the consumable is inserted into the receiving portion.

13. The method according to claim 12, comprising releasing the odor.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the released odor has an unpleasant smell.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the method comprises using a visible marker to mark the consumable.

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