Aerosol-generating system

Abstract

An aerosol-generating system is provided. The aerosol-generating system has a housing (201) and a touch sensor (207). The arcuate portion of the housing includes an arcuate outer surface. The touch sensor (207) comprises at least one arcuate layer. The curvature of the arcuate layer is at least partially consistent with the curvature of the arcuate outer surface of the arcuate portion of the housing (201).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating system. Summary of the Invention

[0002] According to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generating system, which includes a housing, wherein an arcuate portion of the housing includes an arcuate outer surface. Providing an arcuate surface on the arcuate portion of the housing can facilitate a user to hold the aerosol generating system without discomfort.

[0003] Preferably, the aerosol generating system may further include a touch sensor, and the touch sensor includes at least one arcuate layer. The provision of the touch sensor can facilitate a user to provide a control input to the system through contact of the user's finger. Preferably, the arcuate layer may include at least one conductive layer and / or one or more conductive portions, and optionally includes a touch sensing area. The use of the conductive layer and / or one or more conductive portions can facilitate the touch sensor operated by capacitive touch sensing.

[0004] The arcuate layer may include one or more conductive regions (for example, 1, 3, 5 or 6). The arcuate layer may further include an electrically insulating layer or film, and the one or more conductive regions are arranged on the electrically insulating layer or film. Each of the conductive regions in the conductive regions may have a single or multiple electrical connections to a controller for sensing one or more touch inputs. The controller may be configured to determine the position of a touch event based on receiving an input from a specific conductive region among a plurality of conductive regions.

[0005] The controller for sensing one or more touch inputs may include one or more switches and sensing capacitors respectively connected to corresponding conductive regions. The controller may be configured to transfer charge from the corresponding conductive region to the sensing capacitor. The controller may be configured to detect a touch event (optionally after one or more predetermined time intervals) based on the voltage across the sensing capacitor.

[0006] Each of the conductive regions in the conductive regions may form a capacitance. The capacitance of each conductive region may be up to 100 pF, between 5 pF and 50 pF, between 10 pF and 30 pF, or between 15 pF and 25 pF.

[0007] The conductive regions may be distributed along an axis such that movement along the axis can be determined by the controller.

[0008] The conductive regions may be distributed in a two-dimensional area along a first axis and a second axis such that movement along each axis can be determined by the controller.

[0009] The control electronics of the aerosol-generating system can be configured to perform functions associated with a touch event at a specific conductive region and / or to perform functions associated with a specific movement direction (or gesture) performed by a user's finger.

[0010] The touch sensor can include a conductive region surrounded by a plurality of individual regions.

[0011] Advantageously, the curvature of the arcuate layer can be at least partially consistent with the curvature of the arcuate outer surface of the arcuate portion of the housing. The curvature consistency between the arcuate layer of the touch sensor and the arcuate outer surface of the arcuate portion of the housing can facilitate the installation and use of the touch sensor within a housing having a cylindrical cross-section (or other arcuate-shaped cross-section), which housing may also have a limited internal volume. The aerosol-generating system can also include control electronics coupled to the touch sensor and configured to receive input associated with a touch event from the touch sensor.

[0012] Preferably, the aerosol-generating system can also include a display window having an arcuate outer surface. The curvature of the arcuate outer surface of the display window can be at least partially consistent with the curvature of the arcuate outer surface of the arcuate portion of the housing. The curvature consistency can provide a concise geometry for the profile of the combination of the housing and the display window, and can also facilitate a user in holding the aerosol-generating system without discomfort. The arcuate outer surface of the display window can be flush with the arcuate outer surface of the arcuate portion of the housing. In this way, the concise geometric profile of the combination of the housing and the display window can be enhanced.

[0013] Conveniently, the display window can be mounted in an aperture defined in the arcuate portion of the housing. The aperture and the display window can have complementary profiles to provide a mating fit therebetween.

[0014] The aerosol-generating system can also include an illumination assembly including one or more light-emitting elements. The illumination assembly can be arranged within the housing to transmit light through the display window. Preferably, the light-emitting elements can be electrically driven; as an example, the light-emitting elements can be in the form of one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs). LEDs are preferred due to their energy efficiency, which makes them particularly suitable in cases where the aerosol-generating system is intended to be portable and / or hand-held. The illumination assembly is arranged on a substantially planar surface.

[0015] In the case where an aerosol-generating system includes a touch sensor having at least one arcuate layer, preferably, the arcuate layer may be arranged within a housing such that the outward-facing surface of the arcuate layer faces the inner surface of the arcuate portion of the housing. Conveniently, the arcuate layer may be arranged such that the outward-facing surface of the arcuate layer defines a convex profile. Similarly, the arcuate outer surface of the arcuate portion of the housing may define a convex profile. Preferably, the inner surface of the arcuate portion of the housing may include an arcuate inner surface, and the arcuate inner surface and the arcuate outer surface of the arcuate portion of the housing have complementary curvatures. Advantageously, the thickness of the arcuate portion of the housing measured between the arcuate inner surface and the arcuate outer surface of the arcuate portion of the housing may be uniform at least where the outward-facing surface of the arcuate layer faces the arcuate inner surface of the arcuate portion of the housing. In the case where all or part of the arcuate portion of the housing serves as a touch interface for a touch sensor, using such a uniform thickness may help to provide a uniform response over the surface area of the touch interface; this may be particularly relevant in the case where the arcuate layer is part of a touch sensor that operates by using capacitive touch sensing. Preferably, the outward-facing surface of the arcuate layer may be in surface contact with the arcuate inner surface of the arcuate portion of the housing. Such surface contact may facilitate a touch sensor that employs capacitive touch sensing and may provide a degree of structural support to the arcuate layer of the touch sensor.

[0016] Advantageously, the distance between the outward-facing surface of the arcuate layer and the arcuate outer surface of the arcuate portion of the housing measured along a line perpendicular to the arcuate layer may be uniform over at least 80%, or at least 90%, or all of the surface area of the outward-facing surface of the arcuate layer. In the case where the arcuate outer surface of the arcuate portion of the housing serves as a touch interface for a touch sensor, providing uniformity in the distance between this surface and the outward-facing surface of the arcuate layer may help to provide a uniform response over the surface area of the touch interface; this may be particularly relevant in the case where the arcuate layer is part of a touch sensor that operates by using capacitive touch sensing.

[0017] The arcuate portion of the housing may comprise or consist of a dielectric material. In the case where all or part of the arcuate portion of the housing serves as a touch interface for a capacitive touch sensor of an aerosol-generating system, using such a dielectric material may be beneficial as it may act as an insulator that separates the user's finger from the conductive layer / conductive region / conductive part of the touch sensor.

[0018] Preferably, the arcuate outer surface of the arcuate portion of the housing defines a touch interface for the user's finger.

[0019] Advantageously, at least a portion of the arcuate portion of the housing may define a display window, wherein the arcuate outer surface of the arcuate portion of the housing includes the outer surface of the display window. In the case where the aerosol-generating system includes a touch sensor having at least one arcuate layer, preferably, the arcuate layer may be disposed within the housing such that the outward-facing surface of the arcuate layer faces the inner surface of the display window. The display window may be formed of a dielectric material. The display window may form part of the arcuate portion of the housing, the display window being different from the remainder of the arcuate portion of the housing. Advantageously, the display window may be mounted in an aperture defined in the remainder of the arcuate portion of the housing. The aperture and the display window may have complementary profiles to provide a mating fit therebetween.

[0020] The aerosol-generating system further includes a support member disposed within the housing, the arcuate layer of the touch sensor being disposed above and supported on the arcuate outward-facing surface of the support member. Preferably, the opposing surfaces of the arcuate layer are disposed between the arcuate outward-facing surface of the support member and the arcuate inner surface of the arcuate portion of the housing and are in surface contact with the arcuate outward-facing surface of the support member and the arcuate inner surface of the arcuate portion of the housing. In this way, the arcuate layer of the touch sensor is provided with structural support and increased assurance that the arcuate layer will maintain a fixed geometric profile during use of the aerosol-generating system. Conveniently, the support member may include an optical waveguide assembly configured to direct light to the arcuate outward-facing surface of the support member. In this way, the aerosol-generating system may facilitate the integration and operation of the touch sensor and the illumination assembly as part of the aerosol-generating system.

[0021] Preferably, the arcuate layer of the touch sensor may be configured to be transmissive to light passing between the opposing surfaces of the arcuate layer. This may be advantageous for facilitating the integration and operation of the touch sensor and the illumination assembly as part of the aerosol-generating system.

[0022] As described above, preferably, the touch sensor can be a capacitive touch sensor. In the case where the control electronic device is coupled to the touch sensor and configured to receive inputs associated with touch events from the touch sensor, preferably, the control electronic device can be configured to control the energy supply to the arcuate layer to provide charge above the arcuate layer and sense changes in the charge of the arcuate layer associated with touch events on the arcuate outer surface of the arcuate portion of the housing. Preferably, the control electronic device can be configured to identify two-dimensional user contacts on the arcuate outer surface of the arcuate portion of the housing based on the sensed changes in charge associated with two-dimensional user contacts. In one example, the control electronic device can be coupled to the arcuate layer to detect changes in the capacitive coupling between different points or regions of the layer. This corresponds to the mutual capacitance operation mode of the touch sensor, which can allow multiple simultaneous contacts on the arcuate outer surface of the housing to be individually identified and the contact positions to be determined. In another example, the control electronic device can be coupled to the arcuate layer to detect changes in the capacitance of points or regions of the layer with respect to ground. This corresponds to the self-capacitance operation mode of the touch sensor.

[0023] The arcuate layer of the touch sensor can be composed of or include copper. However, other conductive materials can be employed.

[0024] The arcuate layer can be a foil. Preferably, the foil can include a conductive mesh. The use of the mesh configuration can facilitate the transmission of light between the opposite surfaces of the arcuate layer, which can be beneficial when integrating the touch sensor next to an illumination assembly into an aerosol-generating system. In one example, the control electronic device can be coupled to the conductive mesh to detect changes in the capacitive coupling between different conductive filaments in the conductive filaments. This corresponds to the mutual capacitance operation mode of the touch sensor. In another example, the control electronic device can be coupled to the conductive mesh to detect changes in the capacitance of one or more filaments in the filaments with respect to ground. This corresponds to the self-capacitance operation mode of the touch sensor.

[0025] Advantageously, the aerosol-generating system may further comprise: an illumination assembly including one or more light-emitting elements; and control electronics. In the case where the aerosol-generating system includes a touch sensor, the illumination assembly may be coupled to a first section of the control electronics, and the touch sensor is coupled to a second section of the control electronics. The first and second sections of the control electronics may be co-located on a common control board. Advantageously, in the case where the aerosol-generating system includes a touch sensor having at least one arcuate layer, the arcuate layer may be disposed above the illumination assembly and configured to be transmissive to light passing between opposite surfaces of the layer. Preferably, at least a portion of the arcuate portion of the housing may define a display window, wherein the outward-facing surface of the arcuate layer faces the inner surface of the display window. The illumination assembly may be disposed within the housing such that light generated by the illumination assembly is transmitted through the display window via the arcuate layer, the display window defining a touch interface for a user. In this way, the aerosol-generating system may facilitate the integration and operation of the touch sensor and the illumination assembly as part of the aerosol-generating system.

[0026] Preferably, the illumination assembly may include a plurality of light-emitting elements, a first illumination area, and a second illumination area. Each of the first illumination area and the second illumination area may include one or more of the plurality of light-emitting elements. Advantageously, the first illumination area may partially or completely surround the second illumination area. The shape of the first illumination area may be arcuate; for example, the shape of the first illumination area may be oval or circular. In the case where the second illumination area is completely or partially surrounded by the first illumination area, the shape of the second illumination area may be constrained by the first illumination area. In one example, the first illumination area is in the form of an oval ring that surrounds the second illumination area, wherein the second illumination area is in the form of an oval. Preferably, the control electronics may be coupled to the plurality of light-emitting elements and configured to selectively activate each of the first illumination area and the second illumination area to generate a corresponding first light emission and second light emission. Advantageously, the control electronics may be configured to: i) selectively activate one of the first illumination area and the second illumination area to produce a first predetermined light emission that conveys first data indicative of the state of the aerosol-generating system; and ii) selectively activate the other of the first illumination area and the second illumination area to produce a second predetermined light emission that conveys second data indicative of the state of the aerosol-generating system, wherein the first data and the second data are different from each other.

[0027] The first data and the second data may indicate any two of the following: a) the power supply of the aerosol generation system contains sufficient energy to complete a single use process; b) the power supply of the aerosol generation system contains sufficient energy to complete two, three or more use processes; c) the power supply of the aerosol generation system contains an energy level below a predetermined threshold energy level; d) select or activate one of a first predetermined heating curve and a second predetermined heating curve, wherein each of the first predetermined heating curve and the second predetermined heating curve defines a heating curve for heating an aerosol-forming substrate by an electrical heating device during a use process, and the first predetermined heating curve and the second predetermined heating curve are different from each other; e) the aerosol generation system or a part thereof is in one of a pause mode state or a reactivation state; f) select or activate a change in the operating state of the aerosol generation system or a part thereof; g) the progress of a use process; h) the progress of a preheating stage in which the electrical heating device is heated to a predetermined target temperature; i) the aerosol generation system or a part thereof is in a locked state, in which the system or a part thereof is prohibited from generating aerosol; j) the aerosol generation system or a part thereof is in an unlocked state, in which the system or a part thereof is allowed to generate aerosol; k) the PIN code of the input for unlocking the system or a part thereof such that it is allowed to generate aerosol and / or the order of the PIN codes in a sequence to be input for unlocking the system or a part thereof such that it is allowed to generate aerosol; l) the types of a plurality of aerosol generation articles detected by the system or a part thereof; m) the aerosol generation system or a part thereof is too hot to allow aerosol generation; and n) the aerosol generation system or a part thereof is too cold to allow aerosol generation.

[0028] Preferably, in the case where the aerosol generation system includes a touch sensor having at least one arcuate layer, wherein control electronics are coupled to the touch sensor, the arcuate layer of the touch sensor may be detachably coupled to an interface of the control electronics. The arcuate layer may include a push-fit connector for detachably coupling the arcuate layer to the interface of the control electronics.

[0029] The housing may be an elongate housing having side walls extending in a longitudinal direction, wherein an arcuate portion of the housing forms all or part of the side walls.

[0030] The aerosol generation system may include an aerosol generation device for generating an inhalable aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0031] The aerosol generation system may include a charging device for the power supply of the aerosol generation device, wherein the charging device is configured to be coupled to the aerosol generation device. The aerosol generation system may include both the charging device and the aerosol generation device.

[0032] In the case where an aerosol-generating system includes a touch sensor coupled to control electronics, preferably, the control electronics may include: a microcontroller including a processor, a memory, and input-output means; and a touch sensor driver as a separate component of the microcontroller. The touch sensor driver may be communicatively coupled to the microcontroller via the input-output means. The touch sensor driver may be electrically coupled to the touch sensor. Preferably, the touch sensor driver may be configured to detect a touch event based on one or more signals from the touch sensor. The touch sensor driver may be configured to process one or more signals from the touch sensor and output data indicative of the touch event to the microcontroller. The microcontroller may be configured to process the data indicative of the touch event and, in response, perform one or more functions of the aerosol-generating system.

[0033] In the case where an aerosol-generating system includes a touch sensor coupled to control electronics, preferably, the control electronics may include a microcontroller including a processor, a memory, input-output means, and touch sensing circuitry integrated into the microcontroller. The touch sensing circuitry may be electrically coupled to the touch sensor. Preferably, the touch sensing circuitry may be configured to output a signal indicative of a touch event based on one or more signals from the touch sensor. The touch sensing circuitry may be configured to output a signal indicative of a touch event by charging a sampling capacitor to a voltage indicative of the touch event. The microcontroller may be configured to process the output signal indicative of the touch event and, in response, perform one or more functions of the aerosol-generating system.

[0034] In the case where an aerosol-generating system includes a touch sensor coupled to control electronics, preferably, the control electronics may be configured to receive a plurality of inputs from the touch sensor. The plurality of inputs may be received via at least two conductive portions and / or at least two touch sensing regions of the touch sensor. Advantageously, the control electronics may be configured to detect a two-dimensional touch event based on the plurality of inputs.

[0035] An aerosol generation system may include: a microcontroller including a processor, a memory, and an input-output device; and an LED driver as a separate component of the microcontroller. The LED driver may be communicatively coupled to the microcontroller via the input-output device, and the LED driver is configured to control a plurality of LEDs. Each of the plurality of LEDs may be connected to a row pin and a column pin of the LED driver. The LED driver may include a plurality of row pins and a plurality of column pins, each of the row pins being connected to the plurality of LEDs, and each of the column pins being connected to the plurality of LEDs. The LED driver may be configured to illuminate each of the plurality of LEDs by enabling the row pin and the column pin connected to the corresponding LED. The LED driver may be configured to sequentially illuminate a selected plurality of LEDs within a given time period. The LED driver may be configured to sequentially illuminate a selected plurality of LEDs within a given time period such that it appears that the selected LEDs are illuminated simultaneously.

[0036] An aerosol generation system may include a microcontroller including a processor, a memory, and an input-output device and an LED driver integrated into the microcontroller. The LED driver may be configured to control a plurality of LEDs via the input-output device. The input-output device may include a plurality of row pins and a plurality of column pins, wherein each of the plurality of LEDs is connected to the row pins and the column pins of the input-output device. The input-output device may include a plurality of row pins and a plurality of column pins, each of the row pins being connected to the plurality of LEDs, and each of the column pins being connected to the plurality of LEDs. The LED driver may be configured to illuminate each of the plurality of LEDs by enabling the row pin and the column pin connected to the corresponding LED. The LED driver may be configured to sequentially illuminate a selected plurality of LEDs within a given time period. The LED driver may be configured to sequentially illuminate a selected plurality of LEDs within a given time period such that it appears that the selected LEDs are illuminated simultaneously.

[0037] As used herein, the term "aerosol generation device" is used to describe a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol. Preferably, the aerosol generation device is a smoking device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol that can be directly inhaled into a user's lungs through the user's mouth.

[0038] As used herein, the term "aerosol generation article" refers to an article including an aerosol-forming substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. The aerosol generation article may be disposable.

[0039] As used herein, the term "aerosol - forming substrate" refers to a substrate composed of or including an aerosol - forming material, which aerosol - forming material is capable of releasing volatile compounds upon heating to generate an aerosol.

[0040] Preferably, the aerosol - forming substrate is a solid aerosol - forming substrate. However, the aerosol - forming substrate can include both solid and liquid components. Alternatively, the aerosol - forming substrate can be a liquid aerosol - forming substrate.

[0041] Preferably, the aerosol - forming substrate includes nicotine. More preferably, the aerosol - forming substrate includes tobacco. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol - forming substrate can include a tobacco - free aerosol - forming material.

[0042] If the aerosol - forming substrate is a solid aerosol - forming substrate, the solid aerosol - forming substrate can include, for example, one or more of powders, granules, pellets, flakes, filaments, strips or sheets, which contain one or more of herb leaves, tobacco leaves, tobacco cuttings, expanded tobacco and homogenized tobacco.

[0043] Optionally, the solid aerosol - forming substrate can contain tobacco volatile flavor compounds or non - tobacco volatile flavor compounds, which are released upon heating the solid aerosol - forming substrate. The solid aerosol - forming substrate can also contain one or more capsules, which, for example, include additional tobacco volatile flavor compounds or non - tobacco volatile flavor compounds, and such capsules can melt during heating of the solid aerosol - forming substrate.

[0044] Optionally, the solid aerosol - forming substrate can be disposed on or embedded in a heat - stable carrier. The carrier can take the form of powders, granules, pellets, flakes, filaments, strips or sheets. The solid aerosol - forming substrate can be deposited on the surface of the carrier in the form of, for example, sheets, foams, gels or slurries. The solid aerosol - forming substrate can be deposited over the entire surface of the carrier or, alternatively, can be deposited in a pattern so as to provide non - uniform flavor delivery during use.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol - forming substrate includes a homogenized tobacco material. As used herein, the term "homogenized tobacco material" refers to a material formed by coalescing particulate tobacco.

[0046] Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises an aggregated sheet of homogenized tobacco material. As used herein, the term "sheet" refers to a layered element having a width and length significantly greater than its thickness. As used herein, the term "aggregated" is used to describe a sheet that is wound, folded, or compressed or tightened substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises an aerosol-forming agent. As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming agent" is used to describe any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that, in use, contributes to the formation of an aerosol and is substantially heat-resistant to degradation at the operating temperature of the aerosol-generating article.

[0047] Suitable aerosol-forming agents are known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyols such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, 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-forming agents are polyols or mixtures thereof, such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and most preferably glycerol.

[0048] 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.

[0049] In other examples, the housing may comprise portions other than the arcuate portion and its outer surface. For example, the housing may comprise a planar portion having a planar outer surface. Similarly, in other examples, the touch sensor may comprise one or more layers other than the arcuate layer. For example, one or more of the layers may be planar.

[0050] 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.

[0051] Example Ex1: An aerosol-generating system comprising:

[0052] A housing, wherein the arcuate portion of the housing comprises an arcuate outer surface.

[0053] Example Ex2: The aerosol-generating system according to Ex1, further comprising:

[0054] A touch sensor, the touch sensor comprising at least one arcuate layer.

[0055] Example Ex2A: The aerosol-generating system according to Ex2, wherein the arcuate layer comprises at least one conductive layer and / or one or more conductive portions, and optionally comprises a touch-sensing region.

[0056] Example Ex2B: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Ex2 or Ex2A, wherein the arcuate layer comprises one or more conductive regions (e.g., 1, 3, 5 or 6).

[0057] Example Ex2C: An aerosol-generating system according to Ex2B, wherein the arcuate layer further comprises an electrically insulating layer or film, and the one or more conductive regions are disposed on the electrically insulating layer or film.

[0058] Example Ex2D: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Ex2B or Ex2C, wherein the touch sensor comprises a conductive region surrounded by a plurality of individual regions.

[0059] Example Ex2E: An aerosol-generating system according to Ex2 and optionally any one of Ex2A to Ex2D, wherein the curvature of the arcuate layer is at least partially consistent with the curvature of the outer arcuate surface of the arcuate portion of the housing.

[0060] Example Ex3: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Ex2 to Ex2E, further comprising control electronics coupled to the touch sensor and configured to receive input associated with a touch event from the touch sensor.

[0061] Example Ex3A: An aerosol-generating system according to Ex3 when dependent on any one of Ex2B or Ex2C, wherein each of the conductive regions has a single or multiple electrical connections to the control electronics for sensing one or more touch inputs.

[0062] Example Ex3B: An aerosol-generating system according to Ex3A, wherein the control electronics is configured to determine the location of a touch event based on receiving input from a particular one of the plurality of conductive regions.

[0063] Example Ex3C: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Ex3 (when dependent on any one of Ex2B or Ex2C) to Ex3B, wherein the conductive regions are distributed along an axis such that movement along the axis can be determined by the control electronics.

[0064] Example Ex3D: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Ex3 (when dependent on any one of Ex2B or Ex2C) to Ex3C, wherein the conductive regions are distributed in a two-dimensional area along a first axis and a second axis such that movement along each of the axes can be determined by the control electronics.

[0065] Example Ex3E: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Ex3 (when dependent on any one of Ex2B or Ex2C) to Ex3D, wherein the control electronics are configured to perform functions associated with a touch event at a particular conductive region and / or perform functions associated with a particular direction of movement (or gesture) performed by a user's finger.

[0066] Example Ex4: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Ex1 to Ex3E, further comprising a display window having a bowed outer surface.

[0067] Example Ex4A: An aerosol-generating system according to Ex4, wherein the curvature of the bowed outer surface of the display window is at least partially consistent with the curvature of the bowed outer surface of the bowed portion of the housing, and optionally wherein the bowed outer surface of the display window is flush with the bowed outer surface of the bowed portion of the housing.

[0068] Example Ex5: An aerosol-generating system according to Ex4 or Ex4A, wherein the display window is mounted in an aperture defined in the bowed portion of the housing.

[0069] Example Ex6: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Ex4 to Ex5, further comprising an illumination assembly including one or more light-emitting elements, the illumination assembly being arranged within the housing to transmit light through the display window.

[0070] Example Ex6A: An aerosol-generating system according to Ex6, wherein the illumination assembly includes a substantially planar surface having the one or more light-emitting elements arranged thereon.

[0071] Example Ex7: An aerosol-generating system according to Ex2 or any example dependent thereon, wherein the bowed layer is arranged within the housing such that the outward-facing surface of the bowed layer faces the inner surface of the bowed portion of the housing.

[0072] Example Ex8: An aerosol-generating system according to Ex7, wherein the bowed layer is arranged such that the outward-facing surface of the bowed layer defines a convex profile.

[0073] Example Ex9: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Ex7 or Ex8, wherein the bowed outer surface of the bowed portion of the housing defines a convex profile.

[0074] Example Ex10: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Ex7 to Ex9, wherein the inner surface of the bowed portion of the housing includes a bowed inner surface, the bowed inner surface and the bowed outer surface of the bowed portion of the housing having complementary curvatures.

[0075] Example Ex11: An aerosol-generating system according to Ex10, wherein the thickness of the arcuate portion of the housing, measured between the arcuate inner surface and the arcuate outer surface of the arcuate portion of the housing, is uniform at least where the outward-facing surface of the arcuate layer faces the arcuate inner surface of the arcuate portion of the housing.

[0076] Example Ex12: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Ex10 or Ex11, wherein the outward-facing surface of the arcuate layer is in surface contact with the arcuate inner surface of the arcuate portion of the housing.

[0077] Example Ex13: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Ex7 to Ex12, wherein the distance between the outward-facing surface of the arcuate layer and the arcuate outer surface of the arcuate portion of the housing, measured along a line perpendicular to the arcuate layer, is uniform over at least 80%, or at least 90%, or all of the surface area of the outward-facing surface of the arcuate layer.

[0078] Example Ex14: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Ex1 to Ex13, wherein the arcuate portion of the housing comprises or consists of a dielectric material.

[0079] Example Ex15: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Ex7 to Ex14, wherein the arcuate outer surface of the arcuate portion of the housing defines a touch interface for a user's finger.

[0080] Example Ex16: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Ex7 to Ex15, wherein at least a portion of the arcuate portion of the housing defines a display window, and wherein the arcuate outer surface of the arcuate portion of the housing comprises the outer surface of the display window.

[0081] Example Ex17: An aerosol-generating system according to Ex16, wherein the display window is formed of a dielectric material.

[0082] Example Ex18: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Ex16 or Ex17, wherein the display window forms part of the arcuate portion of the housing and is different from the remainder of the arcuate portion of the housing.

[0083] Example Ex19: An aerosol-generating system according to Ex18, wherein the display window is mounted in an aperture defined in the remainder of the arcuate portion of the housing.

[0084] Example Ex20: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Ex7 to Ex19, further comprising a support member disposed within the housing, the arcuate layer being disposed above and supported on the arcuate outward-facing surface of the support member.

[0085] Example Ex21: An aerosol-generating system according to Ex20, wherein the opposing surfaces of the arcuate layer are disposed between and in surface contact with the outwardly facing arcuate surface of the support member and the inwardly facing arcuate surface of the arcuate portion of the housing.

[0086] Example Ex22: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Ex20 or Ex21, wherein the support member includes an optical waveguide assembly configured to direct light to the outwardly facing arcuate surface of the support member.

[0087] Example Ex23: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Ex7 to Ex22, wherein the arcuate layer is configured to be transmissive to light passing between the opposing surfaces of the arcuate layer.

[0088] Example Ex24: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Ex2 or any instance subordinate thereto, wherein the touch sensor is a capacitive touch sensor.

[0089] Example Ex25: An aerosol-generating system according to the combination of Ex3 and Ex24, wherein the control electronics are configured to:

[0090] control the energy supply to the arcuate layer to provide charge above the arcuate layer; and

[0091] sense a change in the charge of the arcuate layer associated with a touch event on the outwardly facing arcuate surface of the arcuate portion of the housing.

[0092] Example Ex26: An aerosol-generating system according to Ex25, wherein the control electronics are configured to identify the two-dimensional user contact on the outwardly facing arcuate surface of the arcuate portion of the housing based on the sensed change in charge associated with the two-dimensional user contact.

[0093] Example Ex27: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Ex24 to Ex26, wherein the control electronics are coupled to the arcuate layer to detect a change in the capacitive coupling between different points or regions of the layer.

[0094] Example Ex28: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Ex24 to Ex27, wherein the control electronics are coupled to the arcuate layer to detect a change in the capacitance of a point or region of the layer with respect to ground.

[0095] Example Ex29: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Ex2 or any instance subordinate thereto, wherein the arcuate layer is composed of or includes copper.

[0096] Example Ex30: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Ex2 or any instance subordinate thereto, wherein the arcuate layer is a foil.

[0097] Example Ex31: The aerosol-generating system according to Ex30, wherein the foil comprises a conductive wire mesh.

[0098] Example Ex32: The aerosol-generating system according to Ex31, wherein the control electronics are coupled to the conductive wire mesh so as to detect a change in capacitive coupling between different conductive wires in the conductive wires.

[0099] Example Ex33: The aerosol-generating system according to any one of Ex31 or Ex32, wherein the control electronics are coupled to the conductive wire mesh so as to detect a change in the capacitance of one or more of the wires in the wire relative to ground.

[0100] Example Ex34: The aerosol-generating system according to any one of Ex1 to Ex33, further comprising: an illumination assembly comprising one or more light-emitting elements; and control electronics.

[0101] Example Ex35: The aerosol-generating system according to the combination of Ex2 and Ex34, wherein the illumination assembly is coupled to a first section of the control electronics, and the touch sensor is coupled to a second section of the control electronics.

[0102] Example Ex36: The aerosol-generating system according to Ex35, wherein the first section and the second section of the control electronics are jointly located on a common control board.

[0103] Example Ex37: The aerosol-generating system according to the combination of Ex2 and any one of Ex34 to Ex36, wherein the arcuate layer is arranged above the illumination assembly and is configured to be transmissive for light passing between opposite surfaces of the layer.

[0104] Example Ex38: The aerosol-generating system according to Ex37, wherein at least a part of the arcuate portion of the housing defines a display window, wherein the outward-facing surface of the arcuate layer is opposite to the inner surface of the display window, the illumination assembly is arranged within the housing such that light generated by the illumination assembly is transmitted through the display window via the arcuate layer, and the display window defines a touch interface for a user.

[0105] Example Ex39: The aerosol-generating system according to any one of Ex34 to Ex38, wherein the illumination assembly comprises a plurality of the light-emitting elements, a first illumination area and a second illumination area, and each of the first illumination area and the second illumination area comprises one or more of the plurality of light-emitting elements.

[0106] Example Ex40: An aerosol - generating system according to Ex39, wherein the first illumination area at least partially or completely surrounds the second illumination area.

[0107] Example Ex41: An aerosol - generating system according to any one of Ex39 or Ex40, wherein the control electronics are coupled to the plurality of light - emitting elements and are configured to selectively activate each of the first illumination area and the second illumination area to produce a corresponding first light emission and second light emission.

[0108] Example Ex42: An aerosol - generating system according to any one of Ex39 to Ex41, wherein the control electronics are configured to:

[0109] i) selectively activate one of the first illumination area and the second illumination area to produce a first predetermined light emission that conveys first data indicative of the state of the aerosol - generating system;

[0110] and

[0111] ii) selectively activate the other of the first illumination area and the second illumination area to produce a second predetermined light emission that conveys second data indicative of the state of the aerosol - generating system, wherein the first data and the second data are different from each other.

[0112] Example Ex43: An aerosol - generating system according to Ex42, wherein the first data and the second data indicate any two of the following:

[0113] a) The power source of the aerosol - generating system contains sufficient energy to complete a single use process;

[0114] b) The power source of the aerosol - generating system contains sufficient energy to complete two, three, or more use processes;

[0115] c) The power source of the aerosol - generating system contains an energy level below a predetermined threshold energy level;

[0116] d) Select or activate one of a first predetermined heating curve and a second predetermined heating curve, wherein each of the first predetermined heating curve and the second predetermined heating curve defines a heating curve for heating an aerosol - forming substrate by an electrical heating device during a use process, and the first predetermined heating curve and the second predetermined heating curve are different from each other;

[0117] e) The aerosol - generating system or a part thereof is in one of a pause - mode state or a re - activation state;

[0118] f) Selecting or activating a change in the operating state of the aerosol-generating system or a part thereof;

[0119] g) Progress of a usage process;

[0120] h) Progress of a preheating phase in which an electrically heated device is heated to a predetermined target temperature;

[0121] i) The aerosol-generating system or a part thereof is in a locked state, in which the system or the part is prohibited from generating aerosol;

[0122] j) The aerosol-generating system or a part thereof is in an unlocked state, in which the system or the part is allowed to generate aerosol;

[0123] k) The PIN code for unlocking the system or a part thereof such that it is allowed to generate aerosol and / or the order of the PIN codes in a sequence to be entered for unlocking the system or a part thereof such that it is allowed to generate aerosol;

[0124] l) Types of a plurality of aerosol-generating articles detected by the system or a part thereof;

[0125] m) The aerosol-generating system or a part thereof is too hot to allow aerosol generation; and

[0126] n) The aerosol-generating system or a part thereof is too cold to allow aerosol generation.

[0127] Example Ex44: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Ex3 to Ex3E or Ex7 to Ex43, wherein the arcuate layer is detachably coupled to an interface of control electronics.

[0128] Example Ex45: The aerosol-generating system according to Ex44, wherein the arcuate layer includes a push-fit connector for detachably coupling the arcuate layer to the interface of the control electronics.

[0129] Example Ex46: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Ex1 to Ex45, wherein the housing is an elongate housing having sidewalls extending in a longitudinal direction, wherein an arcuate portion of the housing forms all or part of the sidewalls.

[0130] Example Ex47: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Ex1 to Ex46, wherein the aerosol-generating system includes an aerosol-generating device for generating inhalable aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0131] Example Ex47A: An aerosol - generating system according to any one of Ex1 to Ex47, wherein the aerosol - generating system includes a charging device for the power supply of the aerosol - generating device, and wherein the charging device is configured to be coupled to the aerosol - generating device.

[0132] Example Ex48: An aerosol - generating system according to Ex3 or any example subordinate thereto, wherein the control electronics includes:

[0133] a microcontroller including a processor, a memory, and input - output means; and

[0134] a touch - sensor driver as a separate component of the microcontroller;

[0135] wherein the touch - sensor driver is communicatively coupled to the microcontroller via the input - output means, and the touch - sensor driver is electrically coupled to the touch sensor.

[0136] Example Ex48A: An aerosol - generating system according to Ex48, wherein the touch - sensor driver is configured to detect a touch event based on one or more signals from the touch sensor.

[0137] Example Ex48B: An aerosol - generating system according to Ex48A, wherein the touch - sensor driver is configured to process one or more signals from the touch sensor and output data indicating the touch event to the microcontroller.

[0138] Example Ex48C: An aerosol - generating system according to Ex48B, wherein the microcontroller is configured to process the data indicating the touch event and, in response, execute one or more functions of the aerosol - generating system.

[0139] Example Ex49: An aerosol - generating system according to Ex3 or any example subordinate thereto, wherein the control electronics includes:

[0140] a microcontroller including a processor, a memory, input - output means, and touch - sensing circuitry integrated into the microcontroller;

[0141] wherein the touch - sensing circuitry is electrically coupled to the touch sensor.

[0142] Example Ex49A: An aerosol - generating system according to Ex49, wherein the touch - sensing circuitry is configured to output a signal indicating a touch event based on one or more signals from the touch sensor.

[0143] Example Ex49B: The aerosol - generating system according to Ex49A, wherein the touch - sensing circuitry is configured to output a signal indicative of a touch event by charging a sampling capacitor to a voltage indicative of the touch event.

[0144] Example Ex49C: The aerosol - generating system according to any one of Ex49A or Ex49B, wherein the microcontroller is configured to process the output signal indicative of a touch event and, in response, perform one or more functions of the aerosol - generating system.

[0145] Example Ex50: The aerosol - generating system according to Ex3 or any instance subordinate thereto, wherein the control electronics is configured to receive a plurality of inputs from the touch sensor, and optionally wherein the plurality of inputs are received via at least two conductive portions and / or at least two touch - sensing regions of the touch sensor.

[0146] Example Ex50A: The aerosol - generating system according to Ex50, wherein the control electronics is configured to detect a two - dimensional touch event based on the plurality of inputs.

[0147] Example Ex51: The aerosol - generating system according to any one of Ex1 to Ex50A, further comprising:

[0148] A microcontroller, the microcontroller comprising a processor, a memory, and an input - output device; and

[0149] An LED driver, the LED driver being a separate component of the microcontroller;

[0150] Wherein the LED driver is communicatively coupled to the microcontroller via the input - output device, and the LED driver is configured to control a plurality of LEDs.

[0151] Example Ex51A: The aerosol - generating system according to Ex51, wherein each LED of the plurality of LEDs is connected to a row pin and a column pin of the LED driver.

[0152] Example Ex51B: The aerosol - generating system according to Ex51 or Ex51A, wherein the LED driver includes a plurality of row pins and a plurality of column pins, and each row pin of the row pins is connected to a plurality of LEDs, and each column pin of the column pins is connected to a plurality of LEDs.

[0153] Example Ex51C: The aerosol - generating system according to Ex51B, wherein the LED driver is configured to illuminate each LED of the plurality of LEDs by enabling the row pin and the column pin connected to the respective LED.

[0154] Example Ex51D: An aerosol - generating system according to Ex51C, wherein the LED driver is configured to sequentially illuminate a selected plurality of LEDs over a given time period.

[0155] Example Ex51E: An aerosol - generating system according to Ex51D, wherein the LED driver is configured to sequentially illuminate a selected plurality of LEDs over a given time period such that the selected LEDs appear to be illuminated simultaneously.

[0156] Example Ex52: An aerosol - generating system according to any one of Ex1 to Ex51E, further comprising:

[0157] A microcontroller, the microcontroller including a processor, a memory, and input - output means, and an LED driver integrated into the microcontroller;

[0158] wherein the LED driver is configured to control a plurality of LEDs via the input - output means.

[0159] Example Ex52A: An aerosol - generating system according to Ex52, wherein the input - output means includes a plurality of row pins and a plurality of column pins, and each LED of the plurality of LEDs is connected to a row pin and a column pin of the input - output means.

[0160] Example Ex52B: An aerosol - generating system according to any one of Ex52 or Ex52A, wherein the input - output means includes a plurality of row pins and a plurality of column pins, and each row pin of the row pins is connected to a plurality of LEDs, and each column pin of the column pins is connected to a plurality of LEDs.

[0161] Example Ex52C: An aerosol - generating system according to Ex52B, wherein the LED driver is configured to illuminate each LED of the plurality of LEDs by enabling the row pin and the column pin connected to the respective LED.

[0162] Example Ex52D: An aerosol - generating system according to Ex52C, wherein the LED driver is configured to sequentially illuminate a selected plurality of LEDs over a given time period.

[0163] Example Ex52E: An aerosol - generating system according to Ex52D, wherein the LED driver is configured to sequentially illuminate a selected plurality of LEDs over a given time period such that the selected LEDs appear to be illuminated simultaneously. Description of the Drawings

[0164] Several examples will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0165] Figure 1Shows a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of an aerosol - generating system according to the present disclosure.

[0166] Figure 2 Shows a Figure 1 schematic diagram of a touch interface defined by a display window of an aerosol - generating device of the aerosol - generating system.

[0167] Figure 3A Shows a schematic side - elevational view of a first embodiment of a control - board assembly according to the present disclosure, the control - board assembly being in an unfolded state.

[0168] Figure 3B Shows Figure 3A the control - board assembly in Figure 3A a schematic plan view in the A - A direction.

[0169] Figure 3C Shows Figure 3A and Figure 3B a schematic side - elevational view of the control - board assembly after transitioning from the unfolded state to the folded state.

[0170] Figure 3D Shows a Figure 3C schematic perspective view from above the control - board assembly.

[0171] Figure 4A Shows a schematic side - elevational view of a second embodiment of a control - board assembly according to the present disclosure, the control - board assembly being in an unfolded state.

[0172] Figure 4B Shows Figure 4A a schematic side - elevational view of the control - board assembly after transitioning from the unfolded state to the folded state.

[0173] Figure 5A Shows a schematic plan view of a third embodiment of a control - board assembly according to the present disclosure, the control - board assembly being in an unfolded state.

[0174] Figure 5B Shows Figure 5A the control - board assembly after transitioning from the unfolded state to the folded state in Figure 5A a schematic side - elevational view in the B - B direction.

[0175] Figure 5C Shows Figure 5A the control - board assembly after transitioning from the unfolded state to the folded state in Figure 5A a schematic side - elevational view in the C - C direction.

[0176] Figure 6A Shows Figure 4BSchematic side elevation view of a foldable control panel assembly, a separate light guide assembly, and a separate touch sensing module.

[0177] Figure 6B Shows the control panel assembly in a state subsequent to the state shown in Figure 6A after the light guide assembly has been installed onto the control panel assembly.

[0178] Figure 6C Shows the control panel assembly in a state subsequent to the state shown in Figure 6B after the touch sensing module has been positioned above the light guide assembly to form an intermediate component module.

[0179] Figure 6D Shows a schematic view of the elongate cylindrical housing of an aerosol generating device, which shows how the Figure 6C intermediate component module is inserted into an opening located at an end of the housing.

[0180] Figure 6E Shows a schematic view of the housing of the aerosol generating device after the intermediate component module has been slid into a predetermined position within the housing.

[0181] Figure 6F Shows a schematic view of a display window being installed in an aperture defined in the housing.

[0182] Figure 6G Shows a schematic view of the aerosol generating device after the display window has been installed in the aperture.

[0183] Figure 6H Shows a schematic cross-sectional view of section D-D of the aerosol generating device through Figure 6G the.

[0184] Figure 7A Shows a schematic plan view of the mesh of a capacitive touch foil web for forming the Figure 6A touch sensing module (also referred to herein as a touch sensor) shown in.

[0185] Figures 7B to 7E Shows an example of a touch sensing module (also referred to herein as a touch sensor).

[0186] Figure 7F Shows a circuit for detecting touch events.

[0187] Figure 8 Shows a schematic perspective view from above the Figure 3D control panel assembly, where the touch sensing module is arranged above and coupled to the control panel assembly.

[0188] Figure 9A A schematic diagram of an elongated cylindrical housing of an aerosol generating device is shown, wherein Figure 4B The control board assembly is pre-installed inside the housing adjacent to an aperture formed in the housing, with a separate light guide assembly and a separate touch sensing module outside the housing.

[0189] Figure 9B A schematic diagram shows a light guide assembly being inserted through an aperture to overlay a control panel assembly.

[0190] Figure 9C A schematic diagram shows a touch sensing module being inserted through an aperture to overlie the outward-facing surface of a light guide assembly.

[0191] Figure 9D A schematic diagram showing a display window being installed in an aperture.

[0192] Figure 9E A schematic diagram of the aerosol generating device is shown after the display window has been mounted in the aperture.

[0193] Figure 10A and Figure 10B Schematic plan views of a first embodiment of the lighting system are shown before and after assembly, respectively.

[0194] Figure 11A and Figure 11B Schematic plan views of a second embodiment of the lighting system are shown before and after assembly, respectively.

[0195] Figure 12 A schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an aerosol generating device comprising the illumination system of FIG. 10 is shown.

[0196] Figure 13 Shown is a plan view of a display window of an aerosol generating device, wherein the display window overlies the lighting system of FIG. 11 .

[0197] Figure 14 Schematic diagram showing an embodiment of touch sensing control electronics for controlling the operation of the capacitive touch sensor of the aerosol generating device shown in the above figures.

[0198] Figure 15 Schematic diagram showing an alternative embodiment of touch sensing control electronics for controlling the operation of the capacitive touch sensor of the aerosol generating device shown in the above figures.

[0199] Figure 16 Schematic diagrams showing embodiments of lighting control electronics for controlling the operation of the lighting assembly of the aerosol generating device shown in the above figures.

[0200] Figure 17Shows a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of lighting control electronics for controlling the operation of a lighting assembly of an aerosol-generating device as shown in the above figures.

[0201] Figure 18 Shows a schematic diagram of intersecting row pins and column pins and the arrangement of associated LEDs that form part of a lighting assembly of an aerosol-generating device as shown in the above figures. Detailed Description

[0202] Figure 1 Shows the components of an aerosol-generating system 1. The aerosol-generating system 1 has an aerosol-generating device 2 and an aerosol-generating article 3. As will be described below, the aerosol-generating device 2 is adapted to receive the aerosol-generating article 3.

[0203] The aerosol-generating article 3 has a wrapper 301 that encloses a strip 302 of an aerosol-forming substrate and a mouthpiece element 303. The wrapper 301 can be cigarette paper or the like. The strip 302 of the aerosol-forming substrate is positioned at the distal end 304 of the article 3, and the mouthpiece element 303 is positioned at the mouth end 305 of the article. The mouthpiece element 303 can be a filter element formed of cellulose acetate or other suitable material. A sensor element 306 of ferromagnetic material is positioned inside the strip 302 of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0204] The aerosol-generating device 2 has an elongate tubular housing 201 that extends along a longitudinal axis LA2. The elongate housing 201 can be formed of a polymeric material or other material having a suitable stiffness. The housing 201 is sized to be suitable for being held by a user. A blind cavity 202 is defined at the first end 203 of the housing 201. In Figure 1 the embodiment shown, the cross-section of the housing 201 is cylindrical. The cavity 202 is sized to receive the distal end 304 of the aerosol-generating article 3 such that the cavity receives the entire length of the strip 302 of the aerosol-forming substrate. A power source 204, control electronics 205, a lighting assembly 206, and a touch sensor 207 are contained within the interior of the housing 201. In the embodiment shown, the power source 204 is a rechargeable battery; for example, the battery can be a lithium-ion battery. An electrical heating device is also provided inside the housing. More specifically, in Figure 1 the embodiment shown, the electrical heating device is in the form of an inductor coil 208 that surrounds the cavity 202. In other embodiments (not shown), the electrical heating device can be a resistive heating element; for example, the resistive heating element can have vanes that extend from the base of the cavity 202 towards the first end 203 of the housing 201.

[0205] The control electronics 205 includes a lighting control electronics section 2051, a touch sensing control electronics section 2052, and a heating control electronics section 2053. Although Figure 1Although not shown, the control electronics 205 may also include sections related to the control of other functions of the aerosol-generating device 2. Each of the lighting control electronics section 2051, the touch-sensing control electronics section 2052, and the heating control electronics section 2053 may include a controller and a memory module containing instructions accessible to the respective controller to enable the respective control electronics section to perform one or more control functions. In Figure 1 the case of the embodiment of the aerosol-generating device 2 shown in Figure 1 as schematically shown, the lighting control electronics section 2051 is coupled to the lighting assembly 206, the touch-sensing control electronics section 2052 is coupled to the touch sensor 207, and the heating control electronics section 2053 is coupled to the inductor coil 208. Although Figure 1 not shown, each of the (lighting, touch-sensing, and heating) control electronics sections is also communicatively coupled to each other such that an input to / or an output from one of the control electronics sections may result in a corresponding control input to / or a control output from another of the control electronics sections.

[0206] A display window 209 is defined in the housing 201 of the device 2. The outline of the display window 209 is shown in Figure 1 dashed outline. The display window 209 is a transparent plastic insert mounted in an aperture 210 defined in the housing 201 of the device 2 (see Figure 1 and Figure 2 ). However, the display window 209 may be formed of other light-transmissive materials (such as glass). As will be described in more detail below, the display window 209 serves both as a touch interface for the user to provide control inputs to the device 2 and as a window through which one or more light emissions from the lighting assembly 206 may be observed. The light emissions may indicate various states of the aerosol-generating device 2. Figure 2 The outward-facing surface 2091 of the display window 209, which serves as a touch interface for the user, is shown.

[0207] Before activating the aerosol-generating device 2, the aerosol-generating article 3 is inserted into the cavity 202 of the device. When the article 3 has been fully inserted into the cavity 202, the length of the strip 302 of the aerosol-forming substrate is surrounded by the inductor coil 208. When activating the device 2, the heating control electronics section 2053 controls the supply of alternating current from the battery 204 to the inductor coil 208 according to instructions contained in a memory module (not shown) of the heating control electronics section. Activation of the aerosol-generating device 2 can occur automatically when inserting the aerosol-generating article 3 into the cavity 202 of the device (for example, a sensor can be arranged in the cavity and configured to detect the insertion of the aerosol-generating article). Alternatively, the aerosol-generating device 2 can be activated by the user engaging their finger with a touch interface defined by the outward-facing surface 2091 of the display window 209, where the touch-sensing control electronics section 2052 senses the touch event and communicates with the heating control electronics section 2053 to start supplying current from the battery 204 to the inductor coil 208 in order to heat the aerosol-forming substrate 302 of the aerosol-generating article 3. The touch-sensing control electronics section 2052 can also communicate with the lighting control electronics section 2051 to cause the lighting assembly 206 to produce a light emission, notifying the user of the activation of the device 2 and / or the current operating state of the device.

[0208] For Figure 1 the aerosol-generating device 2 shown in, an alternating current passing through the inductor coil 208 generates a magnetic field. The sensor element 306 is located within this magnetic field. The magnetic field causes heating of the sensor element 306 by one or both of eddy currents and hysteresis. The heating control electronics section 2053 controls the supply of current to the inductor coil 208 according to a heating curve stored in a memory module of the heating control electronics section. The lighting assembly 206 can produce one or more light emissions in response to one or more control inputs of the user and / or in response to and indicating a given state of the aerosol-generating device 2.

[0209] Figures 3A to 3D A first embodiment of a control board assembly 4 for use in the aerosol-generating device 2 is shown. The control board assembly 4 includes Figure 1 the control electronics 205 schematically shown in. The control board assembly 4 has a first elongated control board 401 and a second elongated control board 402, where a hinge element 403 couples the first control board and the second control board to each other. The first control board 401 has a length L of 20 mm 401 a width W of 7 mm 401 and a thickness t of 0.7 mm 401 . The second control board 402 has a length L of 25 mm 402 a width W of 10 mm 402 and a thickness t of 1 mm 402。In Figure 3A the deployed state, the hinge element 403 separates the longitudinal ends of the first control board and the second control board by a distance L of 5 millimeters 403 。In other embodiments, the first control board 401 and the second control board 402 may have a length dimension (L 401 、L 402 ) within the range of 10 millimeters to 60 millimeters, or 15 millimeters to 45 millimeters, or 15 millimeters to 30 millimeters. In other embodiments, the first control board 401 and the second control board 402 may have a width dimension (W 401 、W 402 ) within the range of 5 millimeters to 35 millimeters, or 5 millimeters to 25 millimeters, or 5 millimeters to 15 millimeters. In other embodiments, the first control board 401 and the second control board 402 may have a thickness dimension (t 401 、t 402 ) within the range of 0.2 millimeters to 5 millimeters, or 0.2 millimeters to 3 millimeters, or 0.5 millimeters to 2 millimeters. The first control board 401 is formed of a first material composition. The second control board 402 is formed of a second material composition. The first material composition may be a polymer material, while the second material composition may be a ceramic material; however, it should be understood that other materials may be used for the first material composition and the second material composition. The first material composition has a lower stiffness than the second material composition. For Figures 3A to 3DIn the illustrated embodiment, the hinge element 403 is an elongate integral extension of the first control board 401 (formed of a first material), the elongate integral extension extending from one of the longitudinal ends of the first control board and coupled to the second control board 402. The coupling of the hinge element 403 to the second control board 402 can be achieved by using an adhesive between the corresponding surfaces of the hinge element and the second control board to define an adhesive interface therebetween. Depending on the choice of adhesive used, the adhesive interface can be peelable to allow the first control board 401 and the second control board 402 to be separated from each other. The coupling of the hinge element 403 to the second control board 402 can also be achieved by using a push-fit connection interface. For the illustrated embodiment, the lighting control electronics section 2051, the touch sensing control electronics section 2052, and the heating control electronics section 2053 are each mounted to the surface 4021 of the second control board 402. The lighting assembly 206 formed by a plurality of LEDs 2061 is disposed on the surface 4011 of the first control board 401. The lighting assembly 206 is coupled to the lighting control electronics section 2051 by means of one or more conductive rails (not shown) extending between the first control board 401 and the second control board 402, the rails being embedded in or overlying the surface of the hinge element 403. A zero insertion force (“ZIF”) connector 404 or a similar device is also provided on the surface 4011 of the first control board 401. The ZIF connector 404 is provided to allow an electromechanical connection between the control board assembly 4 and the touch sensor 207 (such as Figure 1 the touch sensor 207 schematically shown in). The ZIF connector 404 is coupled to the touch sensing control electronics section 2052 by means of one or more conductive rails (not shown) extending between the first control board 401 and the second control board 402, the rails being embedded in or overlying the surface of the hinge element 403.

[0210] The control board assembly 4 has an initial deployed state, as shown in Figure 3A and Figure 3B wherein the first control board 401 and the second control board 402 are arranged in an end-to-end relationship with each other, and wherein the hinge element 403 couples the opposing longitudinal ends of the two control boards to each other. To facilitate insertion of the control board assembly 4 into the interior of the housing 201 of the aerosol generating device 2, the first control board 401 is folded about a folding axis 405 that is generally perpendicular to and aligned with the common longitudinal axis LA4 of the first control board and the second control board so as to overlie the second control board 402. The folding direction about the folding axis 405 is indicated by the arrows in Figure 3A and Figure 3B . Figure 3C and Figure 3DShows the control panel assembly 4 in a folded state. In the folded state, the opposing inward-facing surfaces 4012, 4022 of the first control panel 401 and the second control panel 402 are spatially separated from each other.

[0211] Figure 4A and Figure 4B Show a second embodiment of the control panel assembly 4' for the aerosol generating device 2 in the unfolded state and the folded state, respectively. This second embodiment includes Figures 3A to 3D All elements of the first embodiment. However, in this second embodiment, a reinforcing member 406 and a spacer element 407 are also provided. The reinforcing member 406 is in the form of a plate formed of a material composed of a first material having a greater stiffness than the first control panel 401. The reinforcing member 406 can be formed of metal, plastic, or any suitable material having a greater stiffness than the material of the first material composition. The reinforcing member 406 has a thickness t of 0.2 mm 406 . In other embodiments, the thickness of the reinforcing member 406 can be different. Additionally, the thickness selected for the reinforcing member 406 can be affected by the selection of the material for the reinforcing member and the stiffness of the material. In the unfolded state, the flexible first control panel 401 is overlaid on the support surface 4061 of the reinforcing member 406. The reinforcing member 406 and its support surface 4061 are generally planar. The spacer element 407 is formed of a material composed of a first material having a greater stiffness than the first control panel 401. In Figure 4A and Figure 4B In the embodiment shown, the spacer element 407 is formed of a metal plate; however, in other embodiments, alternative materials can be used for the spacer element 407. The main portion 4071 of the spacer element 407 is generally planar, with a pair of laterally opposed longitudinally extending edges 4072 of the spacer element bent perpendicular to the main portion. In the unfolded state, the spacer element 407 is positioned such that the feet 4073 defined on each of the two laterally opposed longitudinally extending edges 4072 abut against a surface portion of the second control panel 402. To reduce the likelihood of the metal plate of the spacer element 407 causing a short circuit between the electrical components of the first control panel 401 and the second control panel 402, the surface portion of the second control panel against which the feet 4073 of the spacer element 407 abut is electrically isolated from the circuitry of the second control panel. In the case where the reinforcing member 406 and the spacer element 407 are respectively positioned against the surfaces 4012, 4022 of the first control panel 401 and the second control panel 402, the first control panel is folded about a folding axis 405' that is generally perpendicular to the common longitudinal axis of the first control panel and the second control panel, so as to overlay the second control panel. The folding direction is indicated by the arrow in Figure 4A , where the folding axis 405' extends into the page. Figure 4BShows the control board assembly 4' in a folded state. The separator element 407 helps to maintain the separation between the opposing inward-facing surfaces 4012, 4022 of the first control board 401 and the second control board 402 in the folded state.

[0212] Figures 5A to 5C Shows a third embodiment of the control board assembly 4" for use in the aerosol generating device 2. This second embodiment includes Figures 3A to 3D all the elements of the first embodiment. However, in the initial unfolded state, the first control board 401 and the second control board 402 are laterally spaced apart from each other rather than being in an end-to-end relationship. As Figure 5A shown, the longitudinal axes LA 401 、LA 402 of the first control board 401 and the second control board 402 are parallel and spaced apart from each other, where the hinge element 403 extends laterally between the opposing longitudinal extending edges of the first control board and the second control board. To facilitate insertion of the control board assembly 4" into the interior of the housing 201 of the aerosol generating device 2, the first control board 401 is folded about a folding axis 405" that is generally parallelly aligned with the longitudinal axes LA 401 、LA 402 of the first control board and the second control board so as to overlie the second control board 402. The folding direction about the folding axis 405" is indicated by the arrow in Figure 5A . Figure 5B and Figure 5C each show the control board assembly 4" in a folded state, where Figure 5B shows a side elevation view in the B-B direction of Figure 5A , and Figure 5C shows a side elevation view in the C-C direction of Figure 5A . Similarly, in the folded state, the opposing inward-facing surfaces 4012, 4022 of the first control board 401 and the second control board 402 are spatially separated from each other. It should be understood that Figure 4A and Figure 4B one or both of the reinforcing member 406 and the separator element 407 of the embodiment may also be used in the embodiment of Figures 5A to 5C .

[0213] Provides Figures 6A to 6H to assist in illustrating a first exemplary assembly method of the aerosol generating device 2.

[0214] Figure 6A Shows Figure 4B the control board assembly 4' of Figure 6A . The control board assembly 4' can be said to form a control module. Figure 6AIn the state shown, the light guide assembly 211 and the touch sensor 207 are separated from each other and from the control board assembly 4. The light guide assembly 211 is configured to guide light between opposite inward-facing surface 2111 and outward-facing surface 2112 of the light guide assembly, and may have a plurality of channels extending between the inward-facing and outward-facing surfaces. The outward-facing surface 2112 of the light guide assembly 211 is generally convex in profile. In use, light is guided between the inward-facing surface 2111 and the outward-facing surface 2112 of the light guide assembly 211 to emerge at two different regions on the outward-facing surface. These two different regions are the annular outer region 2113 and the central inner region 2114. The outer region 2113 surrounds the inner region 2114. For Figure 6A the light guide assembly 211 shown in

[0215] In one example, the touch sensor 207 has a conductive foil mesh 2071 and a ZIF connector 2072. The ZIF connector 2072 is coupled to the foil mesh 2071 by a cable 2073. The foil mesh 2071 is formed by a copper wire mesh spaced apart from each other, as Figure 7A shown in

[0216] Figure 7B -E shows an example of the touch sensor 207, each touch sensor including one or more conductive regions 704 disposed on an electrically insulating layer 702. Each conductive region 704 is connected to the touch sensing control electronics section 2052 for sensing one or more touch inputs. Figure 7F shows the operating principle that enables the touch sensing control electronics section 2052 to detect touch events.

[0217] In Figure 7B the touch sensor 207 shown in Figure 7F there is a single conductive region 704 disposed on the insulating layer 702. The conductive region 704 is connected to the touch sensing control electronics section 2052, which is described with reference to

[0218] Reference Figure 7F In the touch sensing control electronic device section 2052, a first switch 708 and a second switch 710 are included. The conductive region 704 is electrically connected between the first switch 708 and the second switch 710. The conductive region 704 may have capacitance. The capacitance of the conductive region 704 may be up to 100 pF, between 5 pF and 50 pF, between 10 pF and 30 pF, or between 15 pF and 25 pF.

[0219] The touch sensing control electronic device section 2052 controls the first switch 708 and the second switch 710 by turning on the second switch 710 and closing the first switch 708 within a first duration (T1). During T1, charges are formed due to the capacitance of the conductive region 704.

[0220] Then, the touch sensing control electronic device section 2052 turns on the first switch 708 and closes the second switch 710 during a second duration (T2). During T2, the charges accumulated at the conductive region 704 are transferred to the sensing capacitor 706.

[0221] The touch sensing control electronic device section 2052 determines the time (Tx) it takes for the sensing capacitor 706 to reach a voltage threshold (Vth). The determined value of Tx indicates a touch event. For example, when there is no touch event, such as when the user does not touch the display window 209, Tx will be equal to a value within a certain range or higher than the threshold. However, if there is a touch event (e.g., when the user presses the display window 209 with a finger), there will be a larger capacitance at the conductive region 704, and Vth will be reached more quickly. In other words, when there is a touch event, Tx will be shorter. Therefore, the touch sensing control electronic device section 2052 determines that a touch event has occurred by determining that Tx is within the range associated with the touch event, or Tx has breached the threshold associated with the touch event.

[0222] In Figure 7C the touch sensor 207’ shown, there are three conductive regions 704’a, 704’b, 704’c on the electrically insulating layer 702. Each of the conductive regions 704’a, 704’b, 704’c is connected to the touch sensing control electronic device section 2052, and the touch sensing control electronic device section detects touch events as described in reference Figure 7F as described.

[0223] Because there are multiple conductive regions, the touch sensing control electronics section 2052 can determine the touched area of the display window 209. If a touch event is detected at the conductive region 704’a, the touch sensing control electronics section 2052 determines that the top of the window 209 has been touched. If a touch event is detected at the conductive region 704’b, the touch sensing control electronics section 2052 determines that the middle of the window 209 has been touched. If a touch event is detected at the conductive region 704’c, the touch sensing control electronics section 2052 determines that the bottom of the window 209 has been touched.

[0224] Because the touch sensor 207’ has conductive regions 704’a, b, c distributed along the axis y, the touch sensing control electronics section 2052 can determine the moving direction of the user's finger along the axis y. For example, if a touch event is detected at the conductive region 704’a, then at 704’b, and then at 704’c, the touch sensing control electronics section 2052 determines that the user has swiped down along the y-axis. Alternatively, if a touch event is detected at the conductive region 704’c, then at 704’b, and then at 704’a, the touch sensing control electronics section 2052 determines that the user has swiped up along the y-axis. The touch sensing control electronics can be configured to perform functions associated with touch events at specific conductive regions and / or perform functions associated with specific moving directions (or gestures) performed by the user's finger.

[0225] In Figure 7D the touch sensor 207” shown, there are six conductive regions 704”a, 704”b, 704”c, 704”d, 704”e, 704”f on the electrically insulating layer 702. Each of the conductive regions 704”a, 704”b, 704”c, 704”d, 704”e, 704”f is connected to the touch sensing control electronics section 2052, and the touch sensing control electronics section detects touch events as described with reference to Figure 7F above.

[0226] The touch sensing control electronics section 2052 can determine the touched area of the display window 209 by detecting touch events at the regions 704”a-f corresponding to the regions at the window 209. The touch sensing control electronics section 2052 detects the position of touch events in a similar manner as described with reference to Figure 7C above.

[0227] Since the touch sensor 207” has conductive regions 704”a-f distributed over a two-dimensional area, the touch sensing control electronics can determine the direction of movement of the user's finger along the y-axis and a second x-axis. For example, if a touch event is detected at conductive region 704”d and then at 704”c, the touch sensing control electronics section 2052 determines that the user has swiped right along the x-axis. Alternatively, if a touch event is detected at conductive region 704”c and then at 704”d, the touch sensing control electronics section 2052 determines that the user has swiped left along the x-axis. Movement along the y-axis can be detected in a similar manner as described with reference Figure 7C The movement along the y-axis can be detected in a similar manner as described with reference

[0228] Movement in a diagonal direction can also be detected. For example, the touch sensing control electronics 2052 can determine that the finger has moved up and to the right by detecting a touch event at region 704”e and then at region 704”c.

[0229] The touch sensing control electronics can be configured to perform functions associated with a touch event at a particular conductive region and / or perform functions associated with a particular direction of movement (or gesture) performed by the user's finger.

[0230] In Figure 7E the touch sensor 207”’ shown, there are five conductive regions 704”’a, 704”’b, 704”’c, 704”’d, 704”’e on the electrically insulating layer 702. Specifically, there is a central region 704”’e surrounded by a plurality of individual regions 704”’a, 704”’b, 704”’c, 704”’d. Each of the conductive regions 704”’a, 704”’b, 704”’c, 704”’d, 704”’e is connected to the touch sensing control electronics section 2052, which detects touch events as described with reference Figure 7F The touch sensing control electronics section 2052 can determine the area of the display window 209 that has been touched by detecting touch events at regions 704”’a-e corresponding to the regions at the window 209. The touch sensing control electronics section 2052 detects the location of the touch event in a similar manner as described above.

[0231] Since the touch sensor 207”’ has conductive regions 704”’a-e distributed over a two-dimensional area, as described above, the touch sensing control electronics can determine the direction of movement of the user's finger along the y-axis and a second x-axis.

[0232] Since the touch sensor 207”’ has conductive regions 704”’a-e distributed over a two-dimensional area, as described above, the touch sensing control electronics can determine the direction of movement of the user's finger along the y-axis and a second x-axis.

[0233] A touch sensing control electronic device can be configured to perform functions associated with a touch event at a specific conductive region and / or perform functions associated with a specific movement direction (or gesture) performed by a user's finger.

[0234] As Figure 6B shown, after the state shown in Figure 6A the light guide assembly 211 is mounted to the first control board 401 of the control board assembly 4' so as to overlie the lighting assembly 206.

[0235] As Figure 6C shown, after the state shown in Figure 6B the foil mesh 2071 of the touch sensor 207 is disposed above and in contact with the convex outward-facing surface 2112 of the light guide assembly 211. The foil mesh 2071 of the touch sensor 207 can be pre-formed into Figure 6A the convex contour shown in Figure 6A and then simply placed onto the convex outward-facing surface 2112 of the light guide assembly 211. Alternatively, the foil mesh 2071 of the touch sensor 207 can be initially provided in a planar state and then deformed into Figure 6C the convex contour shown in

[0236] Figure 6D during the process of overlaying the foil mesh onto the convex outward-facing surface 2112 of the light guide assembly 211. The convex contour of the foil mesh 2071 generally corresponds to the contour of the outward-facing surface 2112 of the light guide assembly 211 such that the foil mesh is in surface contact with the outward-facing surface of the light guide assembly. The ZIF connector 2072 of the touch sensor 207 is coupled to a corresponding ZIF connector 404 on the first control board 401, thereby establishing electrical connectivity between the foil mesh 2071 and the touch sensing control electronic device section 2052 of the control board assembly 4'. Figure 6E shown.

[0237] As Figure 6F shown, after the state shown in Figure 6EAfter the state shown in, the display window 209 is installed in the orifice 210 of the housing 201 to cover the foil mesh 2071 of the touch sensor 207. Figure 6G The assembled aerosol-generating device 2 after the display window 209 is installed in the orifice 210 is shown.

[0238] Figure 6H Shown by Figure 6G Cross-sectional view of cross-section D-D. The display window 209 has a uniform thickness. The display window 209 also has a curvature corresponding to the curvature of the foil mesh 2071 and the outward-facing surface 2112 of the light guide assembly 211. The curvature of the display window 209 also corresponds to the curvature of the side wall of the cylindrical elongated housing 201. When measured along a line perpendicular to a point on the mesh surface, the distance between a point on the outward-facing surface of the foil mesh 2071 and the outward-facing surface 2091 of the display window 209 is substantially uniform along the entire area of the display window covering the foil mesh. In Figure 6H In the embodiment shown in, there is a small air gap between the outward-facing surface of the foil mesh 2071 and the inward-facing surface 2092 of the display window 209. However, in other embodiments, the foil mesh 2071 may be in close contact with the inward-facing surface 2092 of the display window 209 such that the foil mesh is effectively sandwiched between the outward-facing surface 2112 of the light guide assembly 211 and the inward-facing surface 2092 of the display window 209.

[0239] In use, light emitted by the LED 2061 of the illumination assembly 206 passes through a channel defined between the inward-facing surface 2111 and the outward-facing surface 2112 of the light guide assembly 211, and then passes through the foil mesh 2071 of the touch sensor 207 for transmission through the display window 209. Contact between the user's finger and a position on the outward-facing surface 2091 of the display window 209 causes a change in the capacitive coupling between adjacent lines of the foil mesh 2071 at a position on the mesh immediately beneath the contact position. More specifically, contact of the user's finger with the display window 209 has the effect of reducing the capacitive coupling between adjacent lines of the foil mesh 2071 beneath the contact position; this corresponds to the mutual capacitance operating mode of the touch sensor 207. The touch sensing control electronics section 2052 detects this change in capacitive coupling. The nature of the touch input can be determined by the touch sensing control electronics section 2052; for example, the touch sensing control electronics can identify whether the user's finger is sliding across the outward-facing surface 2091 of the display window 209 or engaging the surface 2091 at a single point. The touch sensing control electronics section 2052 can generate an output signal in response to and depending on the nature of the touch input. This output signal can be transmitted to one or both of the illumination control electronics section 2051 and the heating control electronics section 2053. In the case where the output signal is transmitted to the illumination control electronics section 2051, the illumination control electronics section can generate a light emission 2062 from the light emitting element 2061. The nature of the light emission 2062 (e.g., the color, brightness, duration, or periodicity of the light emission) can depend on the nature of the touch input. In the case where the output signal is transmitted to the heating control electronics section 2053, the heating control electronics section can act to initiate or suspend the flow of current to the inductor coil 208 of the aerosol generating device 2.

[0240] Figure 8 An embodiment is shown in which the touch sensor 207 is coupled to Figure 3D control board assembly 4 but the light guide assembly 211 is absent. For Figure 8 this embodiment, the foil mesh 2071 of the touch sensor 207 is pre-formed into a convex profile before the ZIF connector 2072 of the touch sensor is connected to the ZIF connector 404 of the first control board 401. The curvature of the convex profile of the foil mesh 2071 generally corresponds to the curvature of the inward-facing surface 2092 of the display window 209 and / or the curvature of the inner surface of the cylindrical elongate housing 201 of the aerosol generating device 2.

[0241] Provided Figures 9A to 9E to assist in illustrating a second exemplary assembly method of the aerosol generating device 2.

[0242] Figure 9A An embodiment is shown Figure 3Cand Figure 3D a control board assembly 4, which is pre - installed inside the elongated tubular housing 201 at a position adjacent to and below the orifice 210 defined in the housing. The display window 209 has not been installed in the orifice 210. Figure 9A Also shown are a light guide assembly 211 and a touch sensor 207. In Figure 9A the state shown, the light guide assembly 211 and the touch sensor 207 are separated from each other and from the control board assembly 4.

[0243] As Figure 9B shown, the light guide assembly 211 is inserted into or placed through the orifice 210 so as to overlie the lighting assembly 206. Figure 9C Shown is the light guide assembly 211 after being inserted and positioned above the lighting assembly 206.

[0244] Figure 9C Also shown is that after inserting and positioning the light guide assembly 211, the touch sensor 207 is then inserted into or placed through the orifice 210 such that the foil mesh 2071 of the touch sensor 207 is disposed above and in contact with the convex - facing outer surface 2112 of the light guide assembly 211. The cable 2073 has sufficient length such that the ZIF connector 2072 of the touch sensor 207 can be connected to the ZIF connector 404 of the first control board 401 before the foil mesh 2071 is inserted through the orifice 210. Figure 9D Shown is the touch sensor 207 after being inserted and positioned above the light guide assembly 211. In other embodiments, the light guide assembly 211 and the touch sensor 207 can be pre - assembled outside the housing 201 to form a combined assembly module, where the combined assembly module is inserted into or placed through the orifice 210 to be coupled to the control board assembly 4.

[0245] Figure 9D Also shown is the installation of the display window 209 in the orifice 210, and Figure 9E Shown is the assembled aerosol - generating device 2 after installing the display window 209 in the orifice 210.

[0246] As can be understood from the comparison of Figure 9E and Figure 6G the first assembly method and the second assembly method (respectively, "slide - in" and "drop - in") can result in the same configuration of the aerosol - generating device.

[0247] Figure 10A Shown is a first embodiment of the lighting system 6 before assembly. The lighting assembly has a plurality of LEDs 61 and an opaque shield 62. The plurality of LEDs 61 are grouped in a plurality of lighting areas 611. For Figure 10AIn an embodiment, there are seven lighting areas 611a-g, and each lighting area has a single LED 61. In other examples, each lighting area 611 may have multiple LEDs 61; for example, each lighting area may have 2, 3, 4 or more LEDs 61. The opaque shield 62 is formed of plastic; however, it should be understood that other materials that are not transmissive to light can be used. The opaque shield 62 is formed with a plurality of apertures 63. The plurality of apertures 63 are grouped into a plurality of aperture areas 631. For Figure 10A the embodiment, there are seven aperture areas 631a-g. The apertures 63 of each aperture area 631a-g are arranged in a collinear relationship with each other. In this example, each aperture area has a row of three apertures. In another example, each aperture area may have multiple rows of apertures (e.g., 2 rows, 3 rows, 4 rows or more rows), and each row of apertures includes 2, 3, 4 or more apertures. The aperture areas are positioned relative to each other so as to define the shape of the number "8".

[0248] Figure 10B Figure 6 shows the lighting system 6 in an assembled state, where the opaque shield 62 is positioned above the plurality of LEDs 61. The aperture areas 631a-g are arranged across the area of the opaque shield 62 such that in the assembled state, each aperture area in the aperture areas 631a-g overlies a corresponding single lighting area in the lighting areas 611a-g. Thus, when using the lighting system 6, the light from the single LED 61 in the lighting area 611a is visible through the three apertures 63 of the aperture area 631a; the same correspondence applies to each of the remaining lighting areas 611b-g and the aperture areas 631b-g. The LEDs 61 in the plurality of lighting areas 611a-g are designed to be driven by control electronics (e.g., the lighting control electronics section 2051 described above). By selectively activating different lighting areas in the lighting areas 611a-g individually or in combination with each other, the lighting system 6 is capable of generating light emissions that define different numbers, letters or shapes.

[0249] Figure 11A Figure 10 shows a second embodiment of the lighting system 6' before assembly. The lighting assembly 6' has a plurality of LEDs 61 and an opaque shield 62'. The plurality of LEDs 61 are grouped in a plurality of lighting areas 611'a-h. The lighting area 611'h of the LED 61 forms a first group 6111 of a plurality of lighting areas and is generally in the shape of an oval ring. The lighting areas 611a-g of the LED 61 form a second group 6112 of a plurality of lighting areas and are generally in an oval form. From Figure 11AIt can be seen that the first group 6111 surrounds the second group 6112. Each of the illumination areas 611'a-g in the illumination area has two LEDs 61. The plurality of orifices 63 of the opaque shield 62' are grouped into a plurality of orifice areas 631'. For Figure 11A the embodiment of, there are eight orifice areas 631'a-h. The orifice area 631h forms a first group 6311 of a plurality of orifice areas and is generally in the shape of an oval ring. The orifice areas 631'a-g form a second group 6312 of a plurality of orifice areas. The orifices 63 of the orifice areas 631'a-g are arranged in two parallel rows of three orifices 63 each. The orifice areas of the second group 6312 are positioned relative to each other so as to define the shape of the number "8".

[0250] Figure 11BShows the lighting system 6' in an assembled state, where the opaque shield 62' is positioned above the plurality of LEDs 61. The orifice regions 631'a-h are arranged across the region of the opaque shield 62' such that, in the assembled state, each of the orifice regions 631'a-h overlies a corresponding single illumination region among the illumination regions 611'a-h. Thus, in use of the lighting system 6', light from two LEDs of the illumination region 611'a is visible through the six orifices 63 of the orifice region 631'a; the same correspondence applies to each of the remaining illumination regions 611'b-h and orifice regions 631'b-h. The LEDs in the plurality of illumination regions 611'a-h are designed to be driven by control electronics (e.g., the lighting control electronics section 2051 described above). The LEDs 61 forming the first set 6111 of the plurality of illumination regions can be controlled to all be activated simultaneously, thereby illuminating in the shape of a defined oval ring. Alternatively, the control electronics can alternatively only activate a subset of the LEDs 61 in the first set 6111. By selectively activating different illumination regions among the illumination regions 611'b-g forming the second set 6112, either individually or in combination with each other, the lighting system 6' is capable of generating light emissions in the form of defining different numbers, letters, or shapes. In the case where the lighting system 6' is installed in an aerosol-generating device (e.g., the device 2 discussed above), the control electronics can be configured to selectively activate one of the first set 6111 and the second set 6112 of the illumination regions 611'a-h to produce a first light emission corresponding to a first state of the device 2, and to selectively activate the other of the first set and the second set of the illumination regions to produce a second light emission corresponding to a second state of the device 2. The first light emission and the second light emission can be different from each other; for example, different in one or more of color, brightness, duration, periodicity. The first state and the second state can correspond to any given state of the device 2.For example, the first state and the second state may include: a) the power supply 204 of the aerosol generating device 2 contains sufficient energy to complete a single use process; b) the power supply 204 contains sufficient energy to complete two, three or more use processes; c) the power supply 204 contains an energy level below a predetermined threshold energy level; d) selecting or activating one of a first predetermined heating curve and a second predetermined heating curve, wherein each of the first predetermined heating curve and the second predetermined heating curve defines a heating curve for heating the aerosol-forming substrate 302 by an electrical heating device (e.g., the inductor coil 208) during a use process, and the first predetermined heating curve and the second predetermined heating curve are different from each other; e) the aerosol generating device 2 is in one of a pause mode state or a reactivation state; f) selecting or activating a change in the operating state of the aerosol generating device 2; g) the progress of a use process; h) the progress of a preheating stage in which the electrical heating device (e.g., the inductor coil 208) is heated to a predetermined target temperature; i) the aerosol generating device is in a locked state, in which the device is prohibited from generating aerosol; j) the aerosol generating device is in an unlocked state, in which the device is allowed to generate aerosol; k) a PIN code for unlocking the device so that it is allowed to generate aerosol; l) the types of a plurality of aerosol generating articles detected by the device; m) the aerosol generating device is too hot to allow aerosol generation; and n) the aerosol generating device is too cold to allow aerosol generation.

[0251] Figure 12 A schematic cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of an aerosol generating device 2' including the lighting system 6 of FIG. 10 is shown. Figure 12 The embodiment of... includes Figure 6H all the features of the aerosol generating device shown in... As Figure 12 As can be seen, the LED 61 of the lighting system 6 is arranged on the surface 4011 of the first control board 401. The opaque shield 62 of the lighting system 6 is arranged between the LED 61 and the light guide assembly 211. In an alternative embodiment, the opaque shield 62 may alternatively cover the outward-facing surface 2112 of the light guide assembly 211. In another alternative embodiment, the opaque shield 62 may be included in the structure of the display window 209.

[0252] Figure 13 A plan view of the display window 209 of the aerosol generating device 2 is shown, where the display window is covered with the lighting system 6' of FIG. 11. Figure 13Indicates the state of activating all the LEDs 61 such that the first group 6111 (i.e., the illumination area 611’h) is illuminated through the first group 6311 orifice areas 631’h to define the shape of an illuminated ellipse, and the second group 6112 illumination areas 611’a-g are illuminated through the second group 6312 orifice areas 631’a-g to define the shape of an illuminated digit “8”. It should be understood that the presence of the foil mesh 2071 of the touch sensor 207 under the display window 209 also allows the outward-facing surface of the display window to also function as a touch interface for the user's finger(s).

[0253] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a touch sensing control electronics section 2052 for controlling the operation of a capacitive touch sensor 207 of the aerosol generating device 2 shown in the above figure. The touch sensing control electronics section 2052 is shown in Figure 14 in dashed outline. The touch sensing control electronics section 2052 has a microcontroller 251, which includes a processor 252, a memory 253, and an input-output device 254. The touch sensing control electronics section 2052 also has a touch sensor driver 255. The touch sensor driver 255 is separate from the microcontroller 251 but is communicatively coupled to the microcontroller via the input-output device 254. The touch sensor driver 255 is also communicatively coupled to the touch sensor 207. In response to the occurrence of a touch event, the touch sensor driver 255 detects the touch event based on an electrical signal from the touch sensor 207; the touch event can be that the user's finger has touched the outward-facing surface 2091 of the display window 209. After determining the occurrence of the touch event, the touch sensor driver 255 sends one or more data signals to the microcontroller 251 via the input-output device 254, and the data signals indicate the occurrence of the touch event. After the microcontroller 251 receives the data signal, the processor 252 accesses the instructions contained in the memory 253 and generates one or more control signals to be transmitted to one or more of the illumination control electronics section 2051, the heating control electronics section 2053, and other control electronics sections of the aerosol generating device 2. In this way, the occurrence of a touch event on the display screen 209 can generate one or more control inputs to control one or more of the illumination assembly 206 (or illumination system 6, 6’) of the aerosol generating device 2, the induction coil 208, and other features.

[0254] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of an alternative exemplary embodiment of a touch sensing control electronics section 2052 for controlling the operation of a capacitive touch sensor 207 of the aerosol generating device 2. This embodiment is the same as Figure 14The embodiment differs in that the microcontroller 251 includes touch sensing circuitry 255' instead of using a separate touch sensor driver 255. The touch sensing circuitry 255' detects a touch event in response to the occurrence of a touch event based on an electrical signal received from the touch sensor 207 (via the input-output device 254); again, the touch event may be that a user's finger has contacted the outward-facing surface 2091 of the display window 209. After determining the occurrence of a touch event, the touch sensing circuitry 255' outputs a signal to the processor 252 via the input-output device 254, the signal indicating the occurrence of the touch event. The processor 252 then accesses instructions contained in the memory 253 and generates one or more control signals to be transmitted to one or more of the illumination control electronics section 2051, the heating control electronics section 2053, and other control electronics sections of the aerosol generating device 2. In this way, the occurrence of a touch event on the display screen 209 can generate one or more control inputs to control one or more of the illumination assembly 206 (or illumination system 6), the inductor coil 208, and other features of the aerosol generating device 2. Although Figure 15 not shown in the figure, the touch sensing circuitry 255' may include a sampling capacitor, where the touch sensing circuitry outputs a signal indicating a touch event by charging the sampling capacitor to a voltage indicative of the touch event.

[0255] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the illumination control electronics section 2051 for controlling the operation of the illumination assembly 206 of the aerosol generating device 2 shown in the above figures. The illumination control electronics section 2051 is shown in Figure 16 with a dashed outline. The illumination control electronics section 2051 has a microcontroller 261 that includes a processor 262, a memory 263, and an input-output device 264. The illumination control electronics section 2051 also has an LED driver 265. The LED driver 265 is separate from the microcontroller 261 but is communicatively coupled to the microcontroller via the input-output device 264. The LED driver 265 is also communicatively coupled to the LED 2061 of the illumination assembly 206 to control the LED. As previously discussed, the illumination control electronics section 2051 may be communicatively coupled to the touch sensing control electronics section 2052 such that the LED driver 265 can control the LED 2061 of the illumination assembly 206 in response to the touch sensing control electronics section 2052 detecting a touch event.

[0256] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of an alternative exemplary embodiment of the illumination control electronics section 2051 for controlling the operation of the illumination assembly 206 of the aerosol generating device 2. This embodiment is the same as Figure 16The embodiment differs in that the LED driver 265 is integrated into the microcontroller 261 instead of being separated from it. The LED driver 265 controls the LEDs 2061 of the lighting assembly 206 via the input-output device 264. The LED driver 265 can control the LEDs 2061 of the lighting assembly 206 in response to a touch event detected by the touch sensing control electronics section 2052.

[0257] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram showing an arrangement 8 of how the LEDs 2061 of the lighting assembly 206 can be coupled to the intersecting row pins 81 and column pins 82. As can be seen, a single LED 2061 is coupled to the intersection of each row pin 81 and column pin 82. When used in combination with Figure 16 or Figure 17 the lighting control electronics section 2051 of, the LED driver 265 operates to illuminate each of the plurality of LEDs 2061 by activating the row pins 81 and column pins 82 to which the corresponding LEDs are connected. The LED driver 265 can operate to activate a single LED among the LEDs 2061 or any combination of multiple LEDs.

[0258] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise specified, all numbers expressing quantities, amounts, percentages, etc. should be understood to be modified in all instances by the term "about". Additionally, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therebetween, which may or may not be specifically recited herein. Thus, in this document, the number "A" is understood to be "A" ± 10% of "A". In this document, the number "A" can be considered to include values 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 percentage recited above, provided that the amount by which "A" deviates does not substantially affect the basic and novel features of the claimed invention. Additionally, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therebetween, which may or may not be specifically recited herein. The terms "in which" and "wherein" are used synonymously in this specification.

Claims

1. An aerosol-generating system, comprising: a housing, wherein an arcuate portion of the housing includes an arcuate outer surface; a touch sensor, the touch sensor including at least one arcuate layer, wherein a curvature of the arcuate layer at least partially conforms to a curvature of the arcuate outer surface of the arcuate portion of the housing.

2. The aerosol-generating system according to claim 1, further comprising control electronics coupled to the touch sensor and configured to receive an input associated with a touch event from the touch sensor.

3. The aerosol-generating system according to any one of claims 1 or 2, further comprising a display window having an arcuate outer surface.

4. The aerosol-generating system according to claim 3, wherein a curvature of the arcuate outer surface of the display window at least partially conforms to a curvature of the arcuate outer surface of the arcuate portion of the housing, and optionally wherein the arcuate outer surface of the display window is flush with the arcuate outer surface of the arcuate portion of the housing.

5. The aerosol-generating system according to claim 4, wherein the display window is mounted in an aperture defined in the arcuate portion of the housing; the display window thus forms part of the housing.

6. The aerosol-generating system according to any one of claims 3 to 5, further comprising an illumination assembly including one or more light-emitting elements, the illumination assembly arranged within the housing to transmit light through the display window.

7. The aerosol-generating system according to claim 6, wherein the illumination assembly includes a substantially planar surface having the one or more light-emitting elements disposed thereon.

8. The aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the arcuate layer is arranged within the housing such that an outward-facing surface of the arcuate layer faces the inner surface of the arcuate portion of the housing.

9. The aerosol-generating system according to claim 8, wherein the inner surface of the arcuate portion of the housing includes an arcuate inner surface, the arcuate inner surface and the arcuate outer surface of the arcuate portion of the housing having complementary curvatures.

10. The aerosol-generating system according to claim 9, wherein a thickness of the arcuate portion of the housing measured between the arcuate inner surface and the arcuate outer surface of the arcuate portion of the housing is at least uniform where the outward-facing surface of the arcuate layer faces the arcuate inner surface of the arcuate portion of the housing.

11. The aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the arcuate portion of the housing comprises or consists of a dielectric material.

12. The aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the arcuate outer surface of the arcuate portion of the housing defines a touch interface for a user's finger.

13. The aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a support member arranged within the housing, the arcuate layer being arranged above and supported on an arcuate outward-facing surface of the support member.

14. The aerosol-generating system according to claim 13, wherein the support member includes an optical waveguide assembly configured to direct light to the arcuate outward-facing surface of the support member.

15. The aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the arcuate layer is configured to be transmissive to light passing between opposite surfaces of the arcuate layer.

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