Aerosol supply device comprising article sensor

Abstract

An aerosol supply device is configured to receive at least a portion of an article comprising an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol supply device includes an article sensor and a processor. The article sensor includes an infrared (IR) transmitter configured to transmit a first IR signal to an article; and an IR receiver configured to receive a second IR signal from the article. The second IR signal is provided by reflecting the first IR signal from the article. The processor is configured to determine article information from an attribute of the second IR signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to aerosol supply devices, aerosol supply systems, and products. Background Technology

[0002] Smoking products (such as cigarettes, cigars, etc.) burn tobacco during use to produce tobacco smoke. Efforts have been made to provide alternatives to these products that burn tobacco by releasing compounds without combustion. An example of such a product is a heating device that releases compounds by heating rather than burning the material. The material can be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a first aspect, an aerosol supply device is provided, the aerosol supply device being configured to receive at least a portion of an article comprising aerosol generating material, the aerosol supply device including an article sensor and a processor, wherein the article sensor includes: an infrared (IR) emitter configured to emit a first IR signal toward the article; and an IR receiver configured to receive a second IR signal from the article, wherein the second IR signal is provided by reflecting the first IR signal from the article, and wherein the processor is configured to determine article information from properties of the second IR signal.

[0004] The properties of the second IR signal can depend on the color of a portion of the product.

[0005] The properties of the second IR signal can depend on the texture of a portion of the artifact.

[0006] The properties of the second IR signal can depend on the material of a portion of the article.

[0007] An IR signal can be characterized by its signal strength, frequency, or wavelength.

[0008] Product information includes the existence of the product.

[0009] Product information may include the type of product.

[0010] Product information can include the product's certification status.

[0011] The processor can be configured to select a heating session in response to product information.

[0012] The processor can be configured to determine whether the second IR signal has a receiver signal strength below a detection threshold; and in response to the signal strength being below the detection threshold, to modify the operating parameters of the article sensor to increase the signal strength.

[0013] The operating parameter can be the transmitter signal strength of the first IR signal.

[0014] The aerosol supply device may include a light guide configured to receive a second IR signal from the article and transmit the second IR signal to an IR receiver.

[0015] The light guide can extend between the product and the IR receiver.

[0016] Optical guides can change the direction of IR signals.

[0017] An optical guide can transmit IR signals in the longitudinal direction of the device.

[0018] An optical guide can transmit IR signals along the path between the product and the IR receiver.

[0019] The path can be determined by the geometry of the optical guide.

[0020] The IR receiver can be positioned perpendicular to the light guide.

[0021] The IR receiver can be arranged to be oriented along the same axis as the optical guide.

[0022] The length of the light guide can be between 1mm and 50mm. The length of the light guide can be approximately 1mm to 12mm.

[0023] The optical guide 130 may have a length of at least 1 mm, at least 10 mm, at least 20 mm, at least 30 mm, or at least 40 mm.

[0024] Optical guides can have lengths of less than 10mm, less than 12mm, less than 20mm, less than 30mm, less than 40mm, or less than 50mm.

[0025] Light guides can have a transparency of more than 32%. Light guides can have a transparency of 10% or more, 20% or more, 25% or more, 30% or more, or 40% or more.

[0026] Optical guides can have transparency greater than 35%, greater than 37%, greater than 53%, greater than 66%, greater than 82%, or greater than 91%.

[0027] Optical guides can have a transparency of less than 32%.

[0028] The aerosol supply device may also include a second light guide configured to direct IR signals from an IR emitter to the article.

[0029] According to a second aspect, an article comprising an aerosol generating material is provided, the article further comprising an indicator portion configured to reflect a first IR signal to provide a second IR signal to an aerosol supply device to indicate article information.

[0030] The indicator portion can have a texture, and the texture of the indicator portion indicates product information.

[0031] The indicator section may have color, and the color of the indicator section indicates product information.

[0032] The indicator portion can be formed from a material that indicates product information.

[0033] According to a third aspect, an aerosol supply system is provided, comprising the aforementioned aerosol supply device and the aforementioned article. The aerosol supply system may include any features of the aforementioned aerosol supply device or article.

[0034] According to a fourth aspect, a method for determining article information is provided, the method comprising: transmitting a first IR signal to the article; receiving a second IR signal from the article, the second IR signal being provided by reflecting the first IR signal from the article; and determining article information from properties of the second IR signal. The method may include any feature or functional step described with respect to the first, second, and / or third aspects.

[0035] According to a fifth aspect, an article comprising an aerosol-generating material is provided, the article comprising an indicator portion, wherein the indicator portion comprises a magnetic material, and wherein the indicator portion indicates article information.

[0036] The indicator portion may include printed ink, which may include magnetic material.

[0037] The indicator portion may be a strip that surrounds or substantially surrounds the article. For example, the strip may surround at least 90% of the article. Alternatively, the strip may surround at least 95% of the article.

[0038] The product can be generally cylindrical, with a surrounding component.

[0039] The article may include an outer surface formed of paper, wherein a magnetic material is disposed on the outer surface.

[0040] Product information may include the type of product.

[0041] Product information can include the product's certification status.

[0042] According to a sixth aspect, an aerosol supply device is provided, the aerosol supply device being configured to receive at least a portion of an article to form an aerosol from an aerosol generating material, the aerosol supply device including an article sensor and a processor, wherein the article sensor includes a Hall effect sensor configured to receive a signal from an indicator portion, and the processor is configured to determine article information from the signal.

[0043] The processor can be configured to select a heating session in response to product information.

[0044] The processor can be configured to determine whether a signal has a receiver signal strength below a detection threshold; and, in response to a signal strength below the detection threshold, to modify the operating parameters of the article sensor to increase the signal strength. The operating parameters can be the current supplied to the Hall effect sensor. The current can be increased to increase the signal strength.

[0045] According to a seventh aspect, an aerosol supply system is provided, which includes the aforementioned aerosol supply device and the aforementioned article.

[0046] According to the eighth aspect, a method for determining article information is provided, the method comprising receiving a signal from an indicator portion of the article at a Hall effect sensor, and determining article information from the signal. The method may include any feature or functional step described with respect to the fifth, sixth, and / or seventh aspects. Attached Figure Description

[0047] The implementation will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0048] Figure 1 A side view of the aerosol supply system is shown;

[0049] Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the product is shown;

[0050] Figure 3 A cross-sectional side view of the aerosol supply system is shown;

[0051] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the aerosol supply system is shown; and

[0052] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of an aerosol supply device including a light guide is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0053] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating material" is a material capable of generating aerosols, for example, when heated, irradiated, or powered in any other way. Aerosol-generating materials may be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings. Aerosol-generating materials may include any plant-based material, such as tobacco-containing materials, and may include, for example, one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. Aerosol-generating materials may also include other non-tobacco products, depending on whether the product may or may not contain nicotine. Aerosol-generating materials may be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid, gel, wax, etc. Aerosol-generating materials may also be, for example, a combination or blend of materials. Aerosol-generating materials may also be referred to as "inhalable materials."

[0054] Aerosol-generating materials may include binders and aerosol-forming agents. Optionally, active substances and / or fillers may also be present. Optionally, solvents (such as water) may also be present, and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may be soluble in the solvent or insoluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of plant material. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of tobacco.

[0055] Aerosol-generating materials may include or may be "amorphous solids". Amorphous solids may be "monolithic solids". In some embodiments, amorphous solids may be dried gels. Amorphous solids are solid materials that can retain some fluid (such as liquids) therein. In some embodiments, aerosol-generating materials may, for example, include from about 50 wt%, 60 wt%, or 70 wt% amorphous solids to about 90 wt%, 95 wt%, or 100 wt% amorphous solids.

[0056] Aerosol-generating materials may include aerosol-generating membranes. Aerosol-generating membranes may include or be sheets, which may optionally be pulverized to form pulverized sheets. The aerosol-generating sheets or pulverized sheets may be substantially tobacco-free.

[0057] According to this disclosure, a "non-flammable" aerosol supply system is an aerosol supply system in which the aerosol generating material is non-flammable or non-ignitable in order to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0058] In some implementations, the delivery system is a non-flammable aerosol supply system, such as a powered non-flammable aerosol supply system.

[0059] In some implementations, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vapor device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), but it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol generating material is not necessary.

[0060] In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heated non-combustible system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0061] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is a mixing system for generating aerosols using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or more of which can be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be in, for example, solid, liquid, or gel form, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the mixing system includes liquid or gel aerosol-generating materials and solid aerosol-generating materials. Solid aerosol-generating materials may include, for example, tobacco or non-tobacco products.

[0062] Typically, a non-flammable aerosol supply system may include a non-flammable aerosol supply device and consumables for use with the non-flammable aerosol supply device.

[0063] In some embodiments, this disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating materials and configured for use with a non-flammable aerosol supply device. Throughout this disclosure, these consumables are sometimes referred to as articles.

[0064] In some embodiments, a non-flammable aerosol supply system (such as its non-flammable aerosol supply device) may include a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source includes a carbon matrix that can be powered to distribute power in the form of heat to the aerosol-generating material or heat transfer material adjacent to the exothermic power source.

[0065] In some embodiments, a non-flammable aerosol supply system may include an area for receiving consumables, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a nozzle, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0066] In some embodiments, consumables for use with a non-flammable aerosol supply device may include aerosol generating material, aerosol generating material storage area, aerosol generating material conveying component, aerosol generator, aerosol generating area, housing, packaging paper, filter, nozzle, and / or aerosol modifier.

[0067] Aerosol generating apparatus can receive articles comprising aerosol generating material for heating. In this context, an "article" is a component that includes or contains aerosol generating material when in use, and is heated to atomize the aerosol generating material and optionally other components. A user can insert the article into the aerosol generating apparatus, whereby the article is heated to generate an aerosol, which the user then inhales. The article may, for example, have a predetermined or specific size, configured to be placed within a heating chamber of the apparatus sized to receive the article.

[0068] refer to Figure 1 The aerosol supply system 10 includes an aerosol supply device 100 for generating aerosols from aerosol generating materials. The aerosol supply system 10 also includes a replaceable article 110, which includes the aerosol generating materials. In general, the aerosol forming device 100 can be used to heat the article 110 to generate an aerosol or other inhalable medium for inhalation by a user of the device 100.

[0069] The aerosol forming apparatus 100 includes a main body 102. A housing assembly surrounds and accommodates various components of the main body 102. An article opening 104 is formed at one end of the main body 102, through which an article 110 can be inserted for use by means of an aerosol forming device. Figure 3 The described aerosol generator 200 is heated.

[0070] The device 100 may also include a user-operable control element 150, such as a button or switch, that operates the device 100 when pressed. For example, a user can turn on the device 100 by operating the switch 150.

[0071] The aerosol generator 200 defines a longitudinal axis that is aligned with the axis of the article 110.

[0072] In use, the article 110 can be fully or partially inserted into the aerosol generator 200, in which the article can be heated by one or more components of the aerosol generator 200.

[0073] Apparatus 100 includes a device for heating an aerosol-generating material. The device includes an aerosol-generating assembly, a controller (control circuitry), and a power source. The device forms part of a main body 102. The aerosol-generating assembly is configured to heat the aerosol-generating material of an article 110 inserted through an article opening 104, such that an aerosol is generated from the aerosol-generating material. The power source supplies electrical power to the aerosol-generating assembly, and the aerosol-generating assembly converts the supplied electrical energy into thermal energy for heating the aerosol-generating material. The power source may be, for example, a battery, such as a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, lithium batteries (such as lithium-ion batteries), nickel batteries (such as nickel-cadmium batteries), and alkaline batteries.

[0074] A power source can be electrically connected to the aerosol generating assembly to supply electrical power, when needed and under the control of the controller, to heat the aerosol generating material. The control circuitry can be configured to activate and deactivate the aerosol generating assembly based on user input. User input may be via pressing a button or opening a door of the device (e.g., a door covering the receiving section for consumables). The control circuitry can be configured to activate and deactivate automatically, for example, when an article is inserted.

[0075] Aerosol generation assemblies may include various components that heat aerosol-generating materials via an induction heating process. Induction heating is a process of heating a conductive heating element (such as a sensor) through electromagnetic induction. An induction heating assembly may include an inductive element (e.g., one or more inductor coils) and means for passing a changing current (such as alternating current) through the inductive element. The changing current in the inductive element generates a changing magnetic field. The changing magnetic field penetrates the sensor (heating element) appropriately positioned relative to the inductive element and generates eddy currents within the sensor. The sensor has resistance to the eddy currents, and the flow of the eddy currents against this resistance causes the sensor to be heated by Joule heating. In cases where the sensor comprises a ferromagnetic material (such as iron, nickel, or cobalt), heat may also be generated by hysteresis losses in the sensor, i.e., by the changing orientation of magnetic dipoles in the magnetic material due to their alignment with the changing magnetic field. In induction heating, heat is generated within the sensor compared to heating, for example, by conduction, thus allowing for rapid heating. Furthermore, no physical contact is required between the sensing element and the sensor, thus allowing for greater freedom in construction and application.

[0076] refer to Figure 2 Article 110 includes an indicator portion 112. The indicator portion 112 indicates article information. The article information includes the type of article 110, such as the flavoring, strength, and / or size of article 110. Article 110 includes aerosol-generating materials (…). Figure 2 (Not shown in the image). In the example, the indicator portion 112 can be located anywhere within the device 100 when the article 110 is in use. For example, the indicator portion 112 can be located anywhere along the length of the article 110. In the example, the indicator portion 112 can be located near the opening 109 of the device 100 when in use.

[0077] An indicator portion 112 is on the outer surface 114 of the article 110. The outer surface 114 may be formed of paper, on which the indicator portion 112 is printed. The indicator portion 112 is a strip surrounding the article 110. The indicator portion 112 surrounds the article 110. As described in more detail below, the indicator portion 112 may be a magnetic material or part of an infrared (IR) signal.

[0078] refer to Figure 3 A portion of the article 110 is received in the receiving section 106 of the aerosol supply device 100. The receiving section 106 is a cylindrical cavity extending from the article opening 104 into the body 102. The article 110 is inserted into the receiving section 106 through the opening 104, such that the identifier 112 is positioned within the receiving section 106. The receiving section 106 is defined by a wall 108.

[0079] The aerosol supply device 100 includes an aerosol generator 200. The aerosol generator 200 is a heating assembly. The aerosol generator 200 includes an inductive element 202. The inductive element 202 is an inductive coil surrounding the receiving portion 106. The aerosol generator 200 includes a sensor element 108, which in this embodiment is a wall 108.

[0080] The aerosol supply device 100 includes a product sensor 116. A receiving portion 108 includes an opening 109. The product sensor 116 is positioned at the opening 109. The product sensor 116 is positioned outside the receiving portion 108, extending beyond the opening 109, such that the product sensor 116 is in optical communication with the receiving portion through the opening 109. In some embodiments, the wall 108 includes a translucent portion, wherein the product sensor 116 is located outside the wall 108, extending beyond the translucent portion.

[0081] The article sensor 116 is positioned such that when the article 110 is received in the receiving section 106, the indicator portion 112 is aligned with the article sensor 116. The indicator portion 112 may be located on any part of the article 110 that is suitably located inside the device 100 during use.

[0082] The aerosol supply device 100 includes a processor 118 that communicates data with the product sensor 116.

[0083] In use, the user inserts article 110 into the aerosol supply device 100. The user activates the user-operable control element 150, which causes the aerosol supply device to perform an article identification process. During article identification, the article sensor receives a receiver signal from the indicator section. The processor determines article information from the receiver signal. The article information includes the type of article. In some examples, the article information includes the presence of the article in the device or the certification status of the article.

[0084] The processor executes a signal strength conditioning process, during which it determines whether the receiver signal has a strength below a detection threshold. To determine that the receiver signal strength is below the detection threshold, the processor can determine the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the optical signal, where an SNR below the SNR threshold indicates that the receiver signal strength is below the detection threshold. To determine that the receiver signal strength is below the detection threshold, the processor can attempt to retrieve article information, and if the processor cannot determine the article information, it determines that the receiver signal strength is below the detection threshold. In response to determining that the receiver signal is below the detection threshold, the processor modifies the operating parameters of the article sensor to increase the receiver signal strength.

[0085] Aerosol generator 200 generates aerosol from article 110. Aerosol supply device 100 supplies alternating current to sensor element 202, which causes sensor element 108 to heat the aerosol generating material of article 110.

[0086] The sensor element 108 heats the aerosol-generating material by applying a heating profile at the operating temperature during the aerosol generation session. The heating profile depends on the product information, with different heating profiles applied for different types of products. The operating temperature also depends on the product information, with the aerosol-generating material being heated to different operating temperatures for different types of products. The session length of the aerosol generation session (i.e., the time period during which the aerosol generator generates aerosol from the aerosol-generating material) depends on the product information, with different session lengths used for different types of products.

[0087] At the end of the aerosol generation session, the aerosol generator 200 stops generating aerosols from the aerosol generating material. The user removes and discards the product 110 from the aerosol supply device 100.

[0088] In some examples, the article sensor 116 is a Hall effect sensor. The indicator portion 112 includes a magnetic material. The indicator portion 112 may include printed ink, which includes a magnetic material. The printed ink may be printed onto the outer surface of the article 110.

[0089] When the article sensor 116 is a Hall effect sensor, during signal strength conditioning, the processor increases the current supplied to the Hall effect sensor to modify the operating parameters of the article sensor to increase the receiver signal strength. In this example, the voltage supplied to the Hall effect sensor can be increased. The sensitivity and / or resolution of the Hall effect sensor can be improved. For different types of articles, the mass and / or thickness of the magnetic material can be varied to indicate the type of article. In other examples, (e.g.) Figure 4(As illustrated in more detail below) Article sensor 116 is an infrared (IR) sensor. Article sensor 116 includes a transmitter 120 and a receiver 122. Transmitter 120 is in optical communication with article 110. Receiver 122 is in optical communication with article 110. Transmitter is in optical communication with indicator portion 112. Receiver 122 is in optical communication with indicator portion 112.

[0090] Transmitter 120 is configured to transmit a transmitter signal to article 110. Transmitter 120 is an IR source configured to emit IR radiation to article 110. The transmitter signal is a first IR signal.

[0091] Receiver 122 is configured to receive a receiver signal from article 110. A transmitter signal causes a receiver signal to reach receiver 122. The transmitter signal is reflected from article 110, more specifically, from indicator portion 112. Receiver 122 is an IR receiver configured to receive IR reflected from article 110. The IR reflected from the article is a second IR signal. Processor 118 is configured to determine article information from properties of the second IR signal. The property of the second IR signal is its frequency.

[0092] In the example, the properties of the second IR signal can be wavelength, frequency, or switching pulse.

[0093] In the example, indicator portion 112 may be a textured portion of article 110. The texture of the textured portion affects how the first IR signal is reflected to provide a second IR signal, such that the properties of the second IR signal (frequency in this example) depend on the texture of the textured portion. The texture of the textured portion may correspond to article information, for example, varying depending on the type of article.

[0094] In the example, the textured portions of the article can be formed from paper or a similar type of material. The texture can be determined during manufacturing. For example, the texture can be determined during pressing, rolling, or drying the paper material. In the example, the textured portions can take the form of dots or folds in the article.

[0095] In other examples, the color of the indicator portion can affect the properties of the second IR signal. The color of the indicator portion can correspond to article information, for example, varying according to the type of article. In the examples, the indicator portion can include more than one color. The indicator portion can include black and white portions. In the examples, the indicator portion can include red, green, and / or blue portions.

[0096] In other examples, the material of the indicator portion can affect the properties of the second IR signal. The material of the indicator portion can correspond to article information, for example, varying depending on the type of article.

[0097] In the example, the surface matrix in the indicator portion can affect the properties of the second IR signal. The surface matrix in the indicator portion can correspond to article information. The surface matrix can include textured portions and / or colored portions. When the article sensor 116 is an IR sensor, during signal strength adjustment, the processor increases the current supplied to the transmitter 120 to modify the operating parameters of the article sensor to increase the signal strength. In the example, the voltage supply to the IR transmitter can be increased.

[0098] Reference Figure 5 The diagram shows an aerosol supply device 100 and an article 110, substantially as described above and including a light guide 130. An IR transmitter 120 is adjacent to an indicator portion 112 on the article 110. An IR receiver 122 is spaced apart from a receiving portion 106.

[0099] The light guide 130 has a first end 132, which is positioned adjacent to the wall 108. A second end 134 of the light guide 130 is adjacent to the IR receiver 120. The light guide 130 extends longitudinally along the device from the article 110 to the IR receiver 122. The light guide defines a path between the article 110 and the IR receiver 122.

[0100] The optical guide 130 may have a length of at least 1 mm, at least 10 mm, at least 20 mm, at least 30 mm, or at least 40 mm.

[0101] In the example, the light guide can have a length of less than 10 mm, less than 12 mm, less than 20 mm, less than 30 mm, less than 40 mm, or less than 50 mm.

[0102] In the example, the light guide can have a length greater than 50 mm.

[0103] The light guide can have a transparency of 32% or greater. In embodiments, the light guide can have a transparency of greater than 35%, greater than 37%, greater than 53%, greater than 66%, greater than 82%, or greater than 91%.

[0104] In the example, the light guide can have less than 32% transparency.

[0105] In the example, the light guide can have a transparency of 10% or more, 20% or more, 25% or more, 30% or more, or 40% or more.

[0106] In use, transmitter 120 initially transmits a first IR transmitter signal to article 110. The transmitter signal is reflected from article 110, and more specifically, from indicator portion 112. The IR reflected from the article is a second IR signal.

[0107] The second IR signal is received at the first end 132 of the optical guide 130. The second IR signal is transmitted from its first end 132 to its second end 134 through the optical guide 130.

[0108] The second IR signal exits the light guide 130 at its second end 134. The second end 134 of the light guide is oriented parallel to the IR receiver 122. The second IR signal is received by the IR receiver 122. The light guide 130 focuses the second IR signal to provide an amplified signal to the IR receiver 122. The processor 118 is configured to determine article information from the properties of the second IR signal.

[0109] In one embodiment, the IR receiver is oriented along the same axis as the light guide. Orientation of the IR receiver along the same axis can mean that the IR receiver is configured to receive signals that propagate along the axis, are parallel to the axis, or have a component parallel to the axis. In another embodiment, the IR receiver is oriented perpendicular to the light guide. Orientation of the IR receiver perpendicular to the light guide can mean that the IR receiver is configured to receive signals that exit the light guide perpendicularly to its transmission path.

[0110] In some embodiments, the path defined by the light guide 130 may be different. For example, the path may have no bend at the second end 132. The light guide may wrap around the receiving part 106.

[0111] In one embodiment, the second end of the light guide can be disposed at the nozzle end of the device. The aerosol supply device can be provided as a two-part device, including a first boundary and a second boundary separable at the boundary between the first and second parts. An article can be inserted into a receiving portion extending across the boundary and into the first and second parts. An indicator portion is disposed to be received in the first part. An IR transmitter is disposed in the first part of the aerosol supply device. An IR receiver is disposed in the second part of the aerosol supply device. The reflected signal crosses the boundary between the first and second parts of the aerosol supply device and is then received by the IR receiver. The light guide is configured to extend across the boundary between the first and second parts of the aerosol supply device to guide the signal to the IR receiver.

[0112] In one embodiment, the light guide is ring-shaped to receive signals from the article around its inner surface. The light guide is then configured to transmit the signals to an IR receiver.

[0113] In this implementation, additional light guides may be provided. These additional light guides can extend from the IR transmitter to the article, and more specifically, to the indicator portion of the article. In use, these additional light guides transmit the first IR signal from the IR transmitter to the indicator portion of the article.

[0114] In the above embodiments, the aerosol supply device includes a heating device, which is an induction heating device. In other embodiments, other types of heating devices, such as resistance heating, are used. The construction of the device is generally as described above, and therefore a detailed description will be omitted. In such a device, the aerosol generating assembly includes a resistance heating generator comprising components that heat a heating element via a resistance heating process. In this case, current is applied directly to the resistance heating component, and the current flow resulting in the heating component causes the heating component to be heated by Joule heating. The resistance heating component includes a resistive material configured to generate heat when a suitable current passes through it, and the heating assembly includes electrical contacts for supplying current to the resistive material.

[0115] In one embodiment, the heating element itself forms a resistance heating component. In another embodiment, the resistance heating component transfers heat to the heating element, for example, through conduction.

[0116] The various embodiments described herein are presented only to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative examples of implementation and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. It should be understood that the advantages, implementations, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein are not to be considered as limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or on its equivalents, and other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. In addition to those specifically described herein, various embodiments of the invention may suitably include, consist of, or substantially consist of suitable combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, portions, steps, devices, etc. Furthermore, this disclosure may include other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. An aerosol supply device configured to receive at least a portion of an article comprising aerosol-generating material, the aerosol supply device comprising an article sensor and a processor, wherein, The product sensor includes: An infrared (IR) transmitter is configured to emit a first IR signal toward the article of manufacture; and An IR receiver is configured to receive a second IR signal from the article of manufacture, wherein the second IR signal is provided by reflecting the first IR signal from the article of manufacture; The processor is configured to determine article information from the properties of the second IR signal.

2. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein, The properties of the second IR signal depend on the color of a portion of the article.

3. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The properties of the second IR signal depend on the texture of a portion of the article.

4. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The properties of the second IR signal depend on the material of a portion of the article.

5. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The product information includes the existence of the product.

6. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The product information includes the type of the product.

7. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The product information includes the product's certification status.

8. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The processor is configured to select a heating session in response to the product information.

9. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The processor is configured to determine whether the second IR signal has a receiver signal strength below a detection threshold; and in response to the signal strength being below the detection threshold, to modify the operating parameters of the article sensor to increase the signal strength.

10. The aerosol supply device according to claim 9, wherein, The operating parameter is the transmitter signal strength of the first IR signal.

11. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising a light guide configured to receive a second IR signal from the article and transmit the second IR signal to the IR receiver.

12. An aerosol supply system, comprising the aerosol supply device and article according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The article includes an indicator portion configured to reflect the first IR signal to provide the second IR signal.

13. The aerosol supply system according to claim 12, wherein, The indicator portion has a texture, and the texture of the indicator portion indicates product information.

14. The aerosol supply system according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, The indicator portion has color, and the color of the indicator portion indicates product information.

15. A method for determining article information, the method comprising: A first IR signal is emitted to the article; A second IR signal is received from the article, the second IR signal being provided by reflecting the first IR signal from the article; as well as The product information is determined from the properties of the second IR signal.

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