Battery module system

Abstract

A battery module system for an aerosol-generating device, the battery module system comprising a battery sensor device comprising a light sensor. The battery module system further includes a battery cell including one or more indicia. The light sensor is configured to detect a change in a characteristic of the one or more indicia, the change in the characteristic being indicative of a change in a physical dimension of at least one region of the battery cell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery module system for an aerosol-generating device, an aerosol-generating device, and a method for monitoring battery cells in a battery module system. Background of the Invention

[0003] As demand for aerosol-generating devices increases, so too does the demand for miniaturization. To reduce the size of these aerosol-generating devices, larger components, such as the power supply and associated features, need to be minimized. To maintain performance while providing smaller devices, the energy density of the power supply must be increased, often reducing the space surrounding the power supply.

[0004] There is also a growing demand to provide aerosol-generating devices with operable and replaceable components, particularly power supplies.

[0005] When power sources such as battery cells reach the end of their useful life, they are often susceptible to swelling. This swelling indicates that the battery needs to be replaced and has become unsafe for use. In some cases, the swelling of the battery cell can cause an unwanted thermal event within the aerosol-generating device. Battery swelling can be a sign of a defective battery. This is particularly true in battery cells with higher energy density or in soft-shelled battery cells (e.g., pouch cells).

[0006] Furthermore, due to the need for miniaturization, heating devices are often placed close to the battery cells, resulting in localized heating of the battery cells. A temperature sensor placed, for example, in the center of the battery cell will not be able to detect this localized heating of the battery cell and may result in the use of unsafe devices.

[0007] A challenge associated with the above is to provide a device that meets the ever-increasing safety requirements.It is an object of the present invention to overcome or circumvent at least some of the above mentioned problems or to provide an alternative approach. Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, there are provided a battery module system for an aerosol-generating device, an aerosol-generating device, and a method of monitoring battery cells of a battery module system, the battery module system, the aerosol-generating device, and the method comprising the features as set out in the claims.

[0009] According to one aspect, a battery module system for an aerosol-generating device is provided. The battery module system includes a battery sensor device including a light sensor. The battery module system further includes a battery cell including one or more markings. The light sensor is configured to detect a change in a characteristic of the one or more markings, the change in the characteristic being indicative of a change in a physical dimension of at least one region of the battery cell.

[0010] By providing a marking on the battery cell and a light sensor to monitor changes in the marking's characteristics, the amount of battery cell expansion can be determined in a simple, consistent, and efficient manner. In other words, detecting changes in the marking's characteristics is easier than monitoring the overall size of the battery itself, and allows for early detection of battery dimensional changes (such as swelling). The battery module system can also indicate to the user the need to change their charging and / or power management strategies to optimize battery life and / or mitigate safety risks.

[0011] More generally, by monitoring the swelling of a battery cell, the user can be informed of the safety status of the battery cell. This will notify the user when the battery cell is ready to be replaced. As a result, the safety and efficiency of the battery module system are improved.

[0012] The battery module system is able to continuously monitor changes in the shape of battery cells without relying on activation signals or operation of the device. In other words, it can run continuously in the background and can provide early detection of potential problems.

[0013] The characteristic may include a size of at least some of the one or more markings.

[0014] An advantage of monitoring the size of at least some of the one or more markings is that changes in pixel coverage of the markings can be used to determine the amount of expansion of the battery cell. Compared to having to monitor the overall size of the battery, etc., the battery module system can monitor changes in pixel coverage more easily and simply.

[0015] The characteristic may include a distance between some of the one or more markings.

[0016] An advantage of monitoring the distance between partial marks in a marking is that simple markings can be used as an early indication of changes in battery dimensions.

[0017] The battery sensor device may include a PCB to which the light sensor may be directly coupled.

[0018] By coupling the light sensor directly to the PCB, the size of the battery sensor device can be reduced, allowing for a smaller battery module system.

[0019] The battery cell may be a soft pack cell.

[0020] The advantage of soft-pack cells is that they are more flexible than traditional metal-cased batteries and can be adapted to the geometry of the battery module system, thereby reducing the size of the battery module system.

[0021] The battery sensor device may include a camera configured to capture a series of images of the one or more markers.

[0022] The series of images may show progressive changes in swelling.Thus, by providing a camera configured to capture a series of images of one or more markers, the swelling state of a battery cell may be measured more accurately and efficiently.

[0023] The battery module system may include a controller. The controller may be configured to receive a signal from the light sensor, analyze the signal from the light sensor to calculate a change in a characteristic of the one or more markers, and control a function of the aerosol generating device based on the calculated change.

[0024] By controlling the function of the aerosol generating device based on the calculated change in the characteristic of the one or more markers, the safety of the battery module system is increased. For example, the controller can prevent a user from using a battery cell that is in an unhealthy or unsafe state.

[0025] The received signal may include information relating to a number of pixels within each image in the series of images that are covered by at least a portion of the one or more markings.

[0026] By using the number of pixels (eg, pixel width) of at least a portion of the one or more markers, the amount of dilation may be determined more accurately and quickly.

[0027] The controlled function may involve an indication to a user that a battery cell requires replacement.

[0028] By controlling the aerosol generating device to indicate to the user that the battery cell needs to be replaced, the user can effectively replace the battery cell before the battery cell reaches a potentially unsafe state at the end of its service life or in the event of a battery failure.

[0029] The controller may be configured to determine a safety state calculation for the battery cell based on the received signal.

[0030] An advantage of determining the safe state of a battery cell is that the user can be informed of the state of the battery cell.

[0031] The camera may be a miniature camera.

[0032] An advantage of a miniature camera is that the camera in a battery module system takes up less space, thereby reducing the size of the system and, therefore, the size of the aerosol generating device.

[0033] The one or more markings may be substantially centrally located on the wall of the battery cell.

[0034] An advantage of such a location of the one or more markings is that the battery cells are likely to expand most towards the center of the cell, thus allowing for faster and more accurate monitoring of changes in the dimensions of the battery cells.

[0035] The one or more markings may include one or more of: one or more lines, squares, rectangles, triangles, circles, or ovals.

[0036] Lines or shapes such as those listed above will change size under expanded conditions, providing easy to measure markings.

[0037] According to one aspect, an aerosol generating device is provided, comprising the battery module system as described above, and a heater for heating an aerosol precursor material received in the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol. The battery cells of the battery module system are configured to power the heater.

[0038] By providing markings on the battery cells and a camera to monitor changes in the markings' characteristics, the amount of battery cell expansion can be determined. By monitoring the battery cell's expansion, the user can be informed of the battery cell's safety status. This notifies the user when the battery cell is ready to be replaced. Thus, the safety and efficiency of the aerosol-generating device are improved.

[0039] An advantage of providing a means of monitoring the expansion of battery cells in an aerosol generating device is that higher density materials can be used while ensuring the safety of the device for the user. Monitoring markings on the battery cells ensures rapid feedback on the safety of the battery cells.

[0040] Thus, an aerosol-generating device comprising a battery module system improves safety while allowing for miniaturization of the system.

[0041] According to one aspect, a method for monitoring a battery cell of a battery module system for an aerosol-generating device is provided, comprising detecting, by a light sensor, a change in a characteristic of one or more markings on the battery cell, the change in the characteristic indicating a change in a physical dimension of at least one region of the battery cell.

[0042] By monitoring the characteristics of one or more markings on a battery cell, the amount of cell expansion can be determined. By monitoring the expansion of a battery cell, the user can be informed of the safety status of the battery cell. This notifies the user when the battery cell is ready to be replaced. Consequently, the safety and efficiency of the battery module system are improved.

[0043] Other advantages, objects and features of the present invention will be described in the following description, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which similar components in different embodiments may be given the same reference numerals. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] Examples of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] Figure 1a shows a perspective view of a battery cell;

[0046] Figure 1b shows a partial view of a battery cell under different conditions;

[0047] Figure 2a shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a battery module system in an unexpanded state;

[0048] Figure 2b shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a battery module system in an expanded state;

[0049] Figure 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device; and

[0050] Figure 4 A flow chart illustrating a method of monitoring battery cells of a battery module system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] As used herein, the terms "aerosol precursor material," "vapor precursor material," or "vaporizable material" may refer to a smokeable material that may, for example, include nicotine or tobacco and a vaporizer. The aerosol precursor material is configured to release an aerosol upon heating. The tobacco may take the form of a variety of different materials, such as cut tobacco, granulated tobacco, leaf tobacco, and / or reconstituted tobacco. Nicotine may be in the form of a nicotine salt. Suitable aerosol precursor materials include: polyols, such as sorbitol, glycerol, and diols (such as propylene glycol or triethylene glycol); non-polyols (such as monohydric alcohols), acids (such as lactic acid), glycerol derivatives, esters (such as triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate, glycerol, or vegetable glycerin). In some examples, the aerosol precursor material is essentially a liquid that contains or includes one or more solid particles (such as tobacco).

[0052] As used herein, the term "aerosol generation device" is synonymous with "aerosol generating device," or "device" may include a device configured to heat an aerosol precursor material and deliver the aerosol to a user. The device may be portable. "Portable" may mean that the device is used while held by a user. The device may be adapted to generate a variable amount of aerosol that can be controlled by user input.

[0053] As used herein, the term "aerosol" may include a suspension of vaporizable material, such as one or more of the following: solid particles; liquid droplets; or a gas. The suspension may be in a gas (including air). Aerosols herein may generally refer to or include vapors. Aerosols may contain one or more components of a vaporizable material.

[0054] Figure 1a A perspective view of a battery cell 200 is shown. The battery cell 200 may be a soft pack cell. The battery cell 200 may include a first surface 202 (i.e., a first wall). The battery cell 200 may include a second surface (i.e., a second wall) (not shown). The first surface 202 and the second surface may form major surfaces of the battery cell 200. The battery cell 200 may serve as a power source for supplying power to the aerosol-generating device 300.

[0055] The battery cell 200 can provide the aerosol-generating device 300 with electrical energy at a voltage in the range of 1 V to 5 V. Preferably, the battery cell 200 can provide the aerosol-generating device 300 with electrical energy at a voltage in the range of 3 V to 4.2 V. Most preferably, the battery cell 200 can provide the aerosol-generating device 300 with electrical energy at a voltage of 3.7 V. This voltage source is particularly advantageous for modern aerosol-generating devices due to its rechargeability, high energy density, and large capacity. The battery cell 200 can be a lithium-ion battery cell.

[0056] The battery cell 200 includes one or more markings 204. The one or more markings 204 may be present on the first surface 202. The one or more markings 204 may be a square, a rectangle, a line, multiple lines, a circle, an ellipse, a triangle, or any other shape having easily detectable characteristics (such as width, height, and / or circumference). For example, the one or more markings 204 may be two lines separated by a predetermined distance. In this case, the distance between the lines can be measured. The one or more markings 204 may be configured such that the characteristics or features of the one or more markings 204 change when the battery expands. For example, when the battery undergoes expansion, the markings 204 may change in a linear, quasi-linear, exponential, or polynomial manner.

[0057] The one or more markings 204 may be substantially centrally located on the first surface 202 of the battery cell 200. In other words, the one or more markings 204 are substantially centrally located on the battery cell 200.

[0058] One or more markings 204 may be black. Alternatively, one or more markings 204 may be red or another perceptible color.

[0059] Figure 1bThe effect of swelling of a battery cell 200 on one or more markings 204 is illustrated. The left representation shows a marking 204 on a portion of the first surface 202 of a battery cell 200. In this representation, the battery cell 200 is in a healthy, unswollen state. In this state, the safety status is high. Thus, the marking 204 is in its unswollen state. When the battery is in a healthy (i.e., unswollen) state, the width of the one or more markings 204 can be between 0.02 mm and 0.5 mm. Preferably, the width of the one or more markings 204 can be between 0.05 mm and 0.4 mm. More preferably, the width of the one or more markings 204 can be between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm. Most preferably, the width of the one or more markings 204 can be 0.2 mm. In some cases, the width of the one or more markings 204 can be 1 mm.

[0060] In this sense, the width of one or more marks 204 refers to the width of a line of one or more marks 204, and in this example, is a characteristic of one or more marks 204. For other examples of marks 204, such as squares, rectangles, circles, ellipses, or triangles, the characteristic may be the maximum width of the characteristic (e.g., the diameter of a circle or the widest point of a triangle).

[0061] Figure 1b The middle representation shows a mark 204 when the battery cell 200 has experienced some swelling. This may indicate that the battery cell 200 is not in optimal condition, but is still safe to use. This state may be referred to as an intermediate state. In this state, the safety state is medium.

[0062] Figure 1b The right side of the diagram shows a mark 204 when the battery cell 200 has experienced extensive swelling. This may indicate that the battery cell 200 is in an unhealthy (ie, swollen) state and needs to be replaced. In this state, the safety status is low.

[0063] In a swollen condition, the width of one or more markings 204 may expand from, for example, 0.2 mm to a width between 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm. A width of 0.3 mm to 0.4 mm may be considered a width where battery cell 200 may need to be replaced. The width of markings 204 in a swollen condition may vary from the width of markings 204 in a healthy condition. That is, an increase in width (or other characteristic) may cause a battery cell 200 to change from a healthy state to an unhealthy state.

[0064] Figure 2a and Figure 2bA schematic cross-sectional view of a battery module system 10 for an aerosol-generating device 300 is shown. The battery module system 10 includes a battery sensor device 100. The battery sensor device 100 is configured to detect changes in characteristics of one or more markers 204 to monitor changes in the physical dimensions of at least one region of a battery cell 200.

[0065] Battery sensor device 100 includes a light sensor 102. Light sensor 102 is configured to monitor changes in the physical dimensions of at least one region of a battery cell 200. That is, light sensor 102 is configured to detect changes in characteristics of one or more markings 204 on a battery cell 200. For example, a characteristic may include the dimensions of at least a portion of one or more markings 204. A characteristic may include the distance between portions of one or more markings 204. That is, light sensor 102 may be configured to detect changes in line width, changes in the distance between lines, changes in the width and / or height of a shape, or changes in the perimeter of a shape. Other examples of characteristics of one or more markings 204 may include the length or area of ​​one or more markings 204. In one example, a characteristic of one or more markings includes the distance between adjacent lines of one of one or more markings 204. Characteristics may include the length, width, and / or area of ​​one or more markings 204. In some examples, more than one characteristic may be combined (e.g., a combination of the length and width of one or more markings).

[0066] The light sensor 102 may include a camera 104. The camera 104 may be a miniature camera. The camera 104 may be configured to capture an image of a portion (i.e., an area) of the surface of the battery cell 200. The camera 104 may be configured to capture a series of images of a portion of the surface of the battery cell 200. The portion may include one or more markings 204.

[0067] The battery module system 10 may further include a printed circuit board (PCB) 12. The light sensor 102 may be directly coupled to the PCB 12. The battery module system 10 may further include a controller 14. Figure 1a and Figure 1b As shown, the controller 14 may be mounted on the PCB 12. Alternatively, the controller 14 may be remote from the PCB 12. The controller 14 may be integrated with the battery sensor device 100. The battery sensor device 100 may function as the controller 14. The controller 14 may be configured to receive a signal from the battery sensor device 100 (e.g., the light sensor 102) and control a function of the aerosol-generating device 300 based on the received signal. The function may be an indication to the user that the battery cell 200 needs to be replaced.

[0068] The light sensor 102 may be configured to transmit images captured by the camera 104 to the controller 14. The light sensor 102 may be configured to transmit data related to the images to the controller 14. The light sensor 102 may be configured to transmit data related to changes in characteristics of the one or more markers 204 to the controller 14.

[0069] The light sensor 102 and the PCB 12 may be arranged such that the light sensor 102 is positioned between 2 mm and 35 mm from the one or more markings 204 of the battery cell 200. Preferably, the light sensor 102 is positioned between 3 mm and 25 mm from the one or more markings 204 of the battery cell 200. More preferably, the light sensor 102 is positioned between 4 mm and 18 mm from the one or more markings 204 of the battery cell 200. Most preferably, the light sensor 102 is positioned at 5 mm from the one or more markings 204 of the battery cell 200.

[0070] The battery sensor device 100 can continuously monitor the status of the battery cell 200. That is, the camera 104 of the battery cell 200 can capture images of one or more markings 204 of the battery cell 200 at predetermined intervals. For example, the camera 104 can capture images every second. When the aerosol generating device 100 is in use, for example when heating or charging, a higher frequency can be used. When the aerosol generating device 100 is in idle mode, a lower frequency can be used. For example, the camera 104 can be controlled to capture an image in response to an event such as a detection from an accelerometer within the device 100, and / or be configured to capture an image every minute. The images captured by the camera 104 can be received by the light sensor 102. Alternatively, the images captured by the camera 104 can be received by the controller 14.

[0071] Figure 2a The battery is shown in a healthy (eg, unswollen, safe) state. In this state, the distance between one or more markings 204 on the first surface 202 and the light sensor 102 is a first distance 20. Figure 2b The battery is shown in an unhealthy (eg, swollen, unsafe) state. In this state, the distance between the one or more marks 204 on the first surface 202 and the light sensor 102 is the second distance 30. Figure 2a and Figure 2b As shown, the first distance 20 may be greater than the second distance 30 .

[0072] The combination of the change from the first distance 20 to the second distance 30 and the expansion of one or more markings 204 of the battery cell 200 between a healthy state and an unhealthy state can contribute to a change in the apparent size of the one or more markings 204 in the image captured by the camera 104. Data from the camera 104 can be transmitted to the controller 14. The controller 14 can be configured to run software to evaluate the characteristics of the markings 204 to determine the absolute level of expansion of the battery cell 200. For example, the controller 14 can be configured to use an image processing algorithm to analyze the image received from the camera 104. The image processing algorithm can detect characteristic parameters of the markings 204 that are expected to increase as the safety of the battery cell 200 decreases. The controller 14 can be configured to detect changes in the width of the lines of one or more markings 204, changes in the distance between the lines, changes in the width and / or height of the shapes, or changes in the perimeter of the shapes. The controller 14 can be configured to determine a safety status calculation for the battery cell 200 based on the received signal (e.g., the received image).

[0073] For example, the controller 14 can be configured to determine the width of the one or more marks 204 based on the number of pixels covered. In response to the controller 14 determining that the number of pixels covered by the one or more marks 204 is below a predetermined threshold, the controller 14 can determine that the battery cell 200 is in a healthy state. In response to the controller 14 determining that the number of pixels covered by the one or more marks 204 is equal to or above a predetermined threshold, the controller 14 can determine that the battery cell 200 is in an unhealthy state. Therefore, the controller 14 can determine whether the battery cell 200 is in a healthy state or an unhealthy state.

[0074] Alternatively, the light sensor 102 may perform the functions associated with the above-described calculations. The light sensor 102 may then transmit the results to the controller 14.

[0075] Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating device 300 is shown.

[0076] The aerosol-generating device 300 is adapted to receive a consumable article (not shown) therein. For example, the aerosol-generating device 300 may include a chamber (not shown) in which the consumable article is received. The aerosol-generating device 300 may include the battery module system 10 .

[0077] The aerosol-generating device 300 may include a body 302. The body 302 may be configured to house components of the aerosol-generating device 300. For example, the body 302 may house the battery module system 10. The body 302 may be configured to house the PCB 12 in such a manner that the battery sensor device 100 is held proximate to one or more markings 204 on the first surface 202 of the battery cell 200.

[0078] The aerosol-generating device 300 may further include a spacer 306. The spacer 306 may be positioned between the body 302 and the battery cell 200, thereby providing separation between the body 302 and the battery cell 200. The spacer 306 may be a foam spacer. In some examples, the aerosol-generating device 300 does not include the spacer 306.

[0079] The aerosol generating device 300 may include a heater 308 configured to provide heat to an aerosol precursor material within the consumable article to generate an aerosol during use. Alternatively, the aerosol generating device 300 includes a plurality of heaters 308. The heater 308 is configured to receive power from the battery cell 200 of the battery module system 10. The heater 308 is positioned to be in thermal contact with the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article during use to heat it. The heater 308 may be a coil, an induction coil and a susceptor arrangement, a ceramic heater, a resistive heater, a flat resistive heater, a mesh heater, a MEMS heater, a thin film heater, or the like configured to heat the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article.

[0080] The aerosol-generating device 300 may comprise a cover 304. The cover 304 may be configured to enclose components of the aerosol-generating device 300.

[0081] The aerosol-generating device 300 may include an indicator 310. The indicator 310 may be integrated with or located on the body 302 of the aerosol-generating device 300. Alternatively, the indicator 310 may be integrated with or located on the cover 304. The indicator 310 may be located on an internal component of the aerosol-generating device 300 and visible to a user through an aperture or transparent section in the body 302 or cover 304. The indicator 310 may be a component of the battery module system 10.

[0082] Indicator 310 can be configured to indicate the state or change in state of battery cell 200. Indicator 310 can be configured to indicate whether battery cell 200 is in a healthy (unswollen) or unhealthy (swollen) state. Indicator 310 can further be configured to indicate whether battery cell 200 is in an intermediate state.

[0083] Indicator 310 can be a light, such as an LED, configured to switch between states. For example, indicator 310 can be configured to switch between an on state and an off state. Indicator 310 can be configured to switch between colors.

[0084] Indicator 310 may be any visual, audible, or tactile feedback function.

[0085] Indicator 310 can be configured to be controlled by controller 14. That is, controller 14 can control indicator 310 to switch between states. For example, in response to controller 14 receiving a signal from light sensor 104 and calculating a change in a characteristic of one or more markers 204 (the change indicating a change from a healthy state to an unhealthy state), controller 14 can control indicator 310 to change from a first state to a second state. The signal received from light sensor 104 can be data related to the change in the characteristic of one or more markers 204, an image captured by camera 104, data related to the image, or a combination thereof.

[0086] The first state and the second state may be any of the above-mentioned states. The change in the state of the indicator 310 may indicate the safety state of the battery cell 200. In other words, the indicator 310 may indicate to the user that the battery cell 200 needs to be replaced.

[0087] If the calculation performed by the controller 14 on the data received from the light sensor 102 determines that the battery cell 200 is in an unsafe state, the controller 14 can control the aerosol-generating device 300 to prevent the user from activating the device 300, thereby preventing the user from activating the unsafe battery cell 200. After the user replaces the battery cell 200, the controller 14 can control the aerosol-generating device 300 to allow the user to activate the device 300.

[0088] A method 400 for monitoring battery cells 200 of a battery module system 10 includes a first step 410 of using a light sensor 102 to detect a change in a characteristic of one or more markings 204 on a battery cell 200, the change in characteristic indicating a change in a physical dimension of at least one region of the battery cell 200. The method 400 may include a second step 420 of transmitting a signal related to the detected change from the light sensor 102 to the controller 14. The method 400 may include a third step 430 of determining, by the controller 14, a safety status of the battery cell 200 based on the received signal. The method may include a fourth step 440 of the controller 14 controlling a function of the aerosol-generating device 300 based on the received safety status of the battery cell 200. The controlled function of the aerosol-generating device 300 may be the state of the indicator 310.

[0089] While preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims and described above.

Claims

1. A battery module system (10) for an aerosol generating device (300), the battery module system comprising: A battery sensor device (100) comprising a light sensor (102); as well as A battery cell (200) comprising one or more markings (204), The light sensor (102) is configured to detect a change in a characteristic of the one or more markings (204), the change in the characteristic indicating a change in a physical dimension of at least one region of the battery cell (200).

2. The battery module system (10) according to claim 1, wherein: The characteristic includes a size of at least some of the one or more markings (204).

3. The battery module system (10) according to claim 1, wherein: The characteristic includes distances between some of the one or more markers (204).

4. The battery module system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The battery sensor device (100) further includes a PCB (12), wherein the light sensor (102) is directly coupled to the PCB (12).

5. The battery module system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The battery cell (200) is a soft-pack cell.

6. The battery module system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The battery sensor device (100) includes a camera (104) configured to capture a series of images of the one or more markers (204).

7. The battery module system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a controller (14), the controller (14) being configured to: receiving a signal from the light sensor (102), analyzing the signal from the light sensor (102) to calculate changes in the characteristic of the one or more markers (204), and A function of the aerosol generating device (300) is controlled based on the calculated change.

8. The battery module system (100) according to claim 7 when dependent on claim 6, wherein The received signal includes information related to a number of pixels within each image in the series of images that are covered by at least a portion of the one or more markers (204).

9. The battery module system (10) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: The controlled function involves indicating to a user that the battery cell (200) needs to be replaced.

10. The battery module system (10) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein: The controller (14) is configured to determine a safety state calculation of the battery cell (200) based on the received signal.

11. The battery module system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The camera (104) is a miniature camera.

12. The battery module system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The one or more markings (204) are substantially centrally located on the wall (202) of the battery cell (200).

13. The battery module system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The one or more tags (204) include one or more of the following: one or more lines; square; rectangle; triangle; round; and / or Oval.

14. An aerosol generating device (300), comprising: The battery module system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13; A heater (308) for heating an aerosol precursor material received in the aerosol generating device (300) to generate an aerosol, wherein the battery cell (200) of the battery module system (10) is configured to supply power to the heater (308).

15. A method (400) for monitoring a battery cell (200) of a battery module system (10) for an aerosol generating device (300), the method comprising: A change in a characteristic of one or more markings (204) on the battery cell (200) is detected by a light sensor (102), the change in the characteristic indicating a change in a physical dimension of at least one region of the battery cell (200).

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