Aerosol generation device with tristimulus color sensor

Abstract

An aerosol generating device for receiving a consumable article comprising an aerosol precursor material is disclosed, the aerosol generating device comprising: a consumable article receiving region for receiving a consumable article; an electromagnetic radiation source configured to emit detection electromagnetic radiation into the consumable article receiving region; and a tristimulus colour sensor configured to, in use, sense reflected electromagnetic radiation formed from the detection electromagnetic radiation reflected by a reflective surface present in the consumable article receiving region.

Description

[0001] This disclosure relates to an aerosol generating apparatus for receiving consumable articles including aerosol precursor materials, and to a method of using the aerosol generating apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] A variety of different devices and systems are available for heating aerosol precursor materials to release aerosols / vapors for inhalation. For example, these devices and systems do not rely on burning the aerosol precursor material. In some examples, e-cigarettes vaporize e-liquid from consumable products into inhalable vapors / aerosols. In other examples, there are devices that heat solid aerosol precursor materials to generate aerosols.

[0003] In some examples, solid aerosol precursor materials are provided as part of a consumable article. The consumable article can be inserted into or otherwise coupled to a corresponding aerosol generating device specifically designed for such a consumable article. A variety of different configurations of aerosol generating devices and corresponding consumable articles are available. Accordingly, the correct consumable article is desired for use with a given aerosol generating device.

[0004] It is desirable to provide a way to sense the characteristics of consumable articles inserted into an aerosol generating device and / or a way to sense the characteristics of the aerosol generating device itself. For example, it should be understood that consumable articles may have several different characteristics. Accordingly, it is desirable to sense high-density information about consumable articles inserted into an aerosol generating device.

[0005] Furthermore, as users continue to use the aerosol generator, certain characteristics of the device may change, and the device may require maintenance. It is desirable to be able to detect these characteristics so that necessary maintenance can be performed at the appropriate time. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, an aerosol generating apparatus is provided for receiving a consumable article including an aerosol precursor material, the aerosol generating apparatus comprising: a consumable article receiving region for receiving the consumable article; an electromagnetic radiation source configured to emit detection electromagnetic radiation into the consumable article receiving region; and a tristimulus color sensor configured to sense reflected electromagnetic radiation in use, the reflected electromagnetic radiation being formed by detection electromagnetic radiation reflected by a reflective surface present in the consumable article receiving region.

[0007] Advantageously, incorporating a tristimulus color sensor within an aerosol generating device means that significantly higher density information can be optically sensed. For example, not only can the presence of certain optical features on a reflective surface be detected, but also the color information of these features can be detected. Information can be encoded, for example, in the arrangement of the optical features. Examples of such encoding include barcodes, QR codes, etc. However, advantageously, additional information can be encoded in the color of the optical features. Furthermore, even for specific optical features that do not provide encoded information, the color information of the reflective surface can still be sensed. This allows for the determination of the characteristics of the reflective surface and / or the characteristics of the medium (through which electromagnetic radiation passes) between the reflective surface and the tristimulus color sensor. Accordingly, the surprising combination of the tristimulus color sensor and the aerosol generating device leads to many applications that are not typically provided by using existing aerosol generating devices and existing tristimulus color sensors alone.

[0008] Optionally, the tristimulus color sensor includes three detection channels in the visible wavelength range of the electromagnetic spectrum and at least one infrared wavelength detection channel.

[0009] Advantageously, compared to a single photodetector and a filter that moves relative to it, three detection channels in the visible wavelength range provide the ability to sense all visible color data simultaneously (i.e., substantially simultaneously and within acceptable tolerances). In this way, data can be collected more quickly. The simplification of the tristimulus color sensor lies in the reduction of component movement. Furthermore, at least one infrared wavelength detection channel provides additional information about the light illuminating the tristimulus color sensor, thereby increasing the amount of information sensed. More specifically, the infrared detection channel can be used to detect properties of the reflective surface (or the medium between the reflective surface and the tristimulus color sensor) that cannot be detected by visible light, as infrared light may induce different light-matter interactions.

[0010] Optionally, the electromagnetic radiation source is configured to flash between an on and off state at a certain frequency, such that the generated electromagnetic radiation cannot be detected by human users of the aerosol generating device.

[0011] For the purpose of sensing using a tristimulus color sensor, the source will produce visible light. Advantageously, using this frequency will avoid interference or user discomfort when performing sensing operations during use. Furthermore, if the sensing occurs in an undetectable manner, it can provide users with a more seamless human-device interaction without requiring unnecessary sensor input from the user.

[0012] Optionally, the consumable article receiving area includes an insertion opening, a receiving section, and a heat supply section, the heat supply section including a heater; the receiving section is positioned between the insertion opening and the heat supply section along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device; and a tristimulus color sensor is configured to sense reflected electromagnetic radiation reflected by a reflective surface present in the receiving section.

[0013] Advantageously, the reflective surface is disposed in a section of the receiving area other than the heat-providing area. Accordingly, the sensing of the reflective surface is not directly affected by the heat used to aerosolize the precursor material.

[0014] Optionally, the receiving section includes a reference surface with a reference color; an electromagnetic radiation source is positioned and oriented to emit detectable electromagnetic radiation onto the reference surface; and a tristimulus color sensor is positioned and oriented to sense reflected electromagnetic radiation reflected by the reference surface.

[0015] Advantageously, color sensing can be performed on a reference surface to determine color characteristics based on suitable conditions on the reference surface and within the receiving area.

[0016] Optionally, the reference color is white. Advantageously, by detecting changes in color data measured against a white reference surface (as opposed to a non-white surface), various information about the conditions within the receiving area can be obtained. For example, certain particles / residues may be more easily detected on a white surface, which does not exhibit significant wavelength-dependent absorption / reflection. Moreover, for example, color changes in the intermediate medium can be more easily sensed based on the fact that the reflective surface is white.

[0017] Optionally, both the electromagnetic radiation source and the tristimulus color sensor are located in the receiving section.

[0018] Advantageously, the source and sensor are located in a different section from the heat supply section. This reduces the adverse effects of heat on the source and the tristimulus color sensor. For example, it might not be desirable to maintain the integrity of the tristimulus color sensor by placing it very close to the heater. Furthermore, the heat supply section can be dedicated to providing heat, thus offering more efficient heating while still providing the benefits of the tristimulus color sensor.

[0019] Optionally, the aerosol generating device includes a controller configured to control the operation of the electromagnetic radiation source and the tristimulus color sensor. Advantageously, local, in-device control of the source and sensor is provided for efficient operation according to the programming of the aerosol generating device.

[0020] Optionally, the aerosol generating device includes a flip cover configured to switch between an open state and a closed state, wherein in the open state the aerosol generating device provides access to a consumable article receiving area, and in the closed state the aerosol generating device prohibits access to the consumable article receiving area, wherein the controller is configured to detect the cleanliness level of the consumable article receiving area when the flip cover is in the closed state.

[0021] Advantageously, the cleanliness level is detected when the flip cover is closed to reduce the influence of external light on the detection. This provides a more reliable detection of the cleanliness level, as ambient light can change drastically.

[0022] Optionally, the aerosol generating device includes a signaling system configured to provide signals to users of the aerosol generating device, wherein the controller is configured to provide signals via the signaling system based on the detection of a cleanliness level in the consumable article receiving area.

[0023] Advantageously, a mechanism is provided for instructing the user on the cleanliness level of the aerosol generating device. Accordingly, the user can perform appropriate maintenance actions, such as cleaning operations.

[0024] Optionally, both the electromagnetic radiation source and the tristimulus color sensor are provided as part of the integrated color detection module. Advantageously, this simplifies the construction of the aerosol generating device.

[0025] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided using an aerosol generating apparatus according to the first aspect, the method comprising: causing an electromagnetic radiation source to emit detection electromagnetic radiation; and using a tristimulus color sensor to sense reflected electromagnetic radiation generated by the detection electromagnetic radiation being reflected by a reflective surface.

[0026] Advantageously, the advantages of aerosol generating devices can be realized.

[0027] Optionally, the method according to the second aspect includes: irradiating a consumable article received in a consumable article receiving area with detection electromagnetic radiation; sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation generated by the detection electromagnetic radiation being reflected by the consumable article; and identifying the consumable article based on the sensed reflected electromagnetic radiation.

[0028] Advantageously, this method allows for the identification of inserted consumable articles. For example, identification can reveal whether the correct type of consumable article has been inserted for a given aerosol generating device. For example, if an incorrect consumable article is inserted, further operation of the aerosol generating device may not be necessary. Identification is based on sensing performed by a tristimulus color sensor and can therefore contain richer information. For example, additional information, such as appropriate heating profiles (and many other examples), can be identified to enhance the operation of the aerosol generating device with the consumable articles.

[0029] Optionally, the method according to the second aspect includes: sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation reflected by a reference surface in the consumable article receiving area, the reference surface having a reference color; and detecting the cleanliness level of the consumable article receiving area based on the sensed reflected electromagnetic radiation reflected by the reference surface.

[0030] Advantageously, a method is provided for determining the cleanliness level within the receiving area. Those skilled in the art will understand that, with continued use of the device, this involves the insertion and removal of consumable articles, and the heating of precursor materials within the receiving area to generate aerosols. Over time, dust, particles, etc., may accumulate. Advantageously, the device itself is capable of detecting and, for example, reporting its internal conditions. In this way, maintenance actions, such as cleaning, can be recommended at appropriate times to maintain optimal device operation.

[0031] Optionally, the method according to the second aspect includes: causing the electromagnetic radiation source to flicker between an on and off state at a certain frequency, such that the generated electromagnetic radiation cannot be detected by human users of the aerosol generating device.

[0032] Advantageously, using this frequency will avoid interference or user discomfort when performing sensing operations during use. Furthermore, if sensing occurs in an undetectable manner, it can provide users with a more seamless human-device interaction without requiring unnecessary sensor input from the user.

[0033] Various combinations of the features mentioned above can be envisioned. Attached Figure Description

[0034] An example of this disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0035] Figure 1 This is a simplified schematic diagram of the aerosol generating device based on the example;

[0036] Figure 2 This is a simplified schematic diagram of a consumable product based on an example;

[0037] Figure 3 This is a simplified schematic diagram of the receiving area of ​​the aerosol generating device according to the example;

[0038] Figure 4 This is a simplified schematic perspective view of the aerosol generating device based on the example;

[0039] Figure 5 This is a simplified schematic diagram of the receiving area based on the example, where consumable items are received in the receiving area; and

[0040] Figure 6 It is a graph showing the sensor response as a function of wavelength, based on the example. Detailed Implementation

[0041] As used herein, the terms "aerosol precursor material," "vapor precursor material," or "vaporizable material" can refer to, in addition to a vaporizing agent, a smokeable material including, for example, nicotine, tobacco, rye, or one or more herbs. The aerosol precursor material is configured to release an aerosol upon heating. Tobacco can take various material forms, such as shredded tobacco, pelleted tobacco, tobacco leaves, and / or reconstituted tobacco. Nicotine can be in the form of nicotine salts. Rye can take various material forms, such as rye shreds, pelleted rye, rye leaves, and / or reconstituted rye. The one or more herbs can take various material forms, such as herb shreds, pelleted herbs, herb leaves, and / or reconstituted herbs. 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, and esters (such as triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate, glycerol, or vegetable glycerol). In some examples, aerosol precursor materials are essentially liquids or gels that contain or enclose one or more solid particles (such as tobacco particles extracted from tobacco materials). For example, aerosol precursor materials may contain tobacco particles suspended in a solution or gel.

[0042] As used herein, the terms "aerosol generating device" and "aerosol providing device" are synonymous, or "device" may include a device configured to heat an aerosol precursor material and deliver the aerosol to a user. In some examples, the aerosol precursor material is solid. In other words, the aerosol precursor material is not configured to flow in an unheated state. The device may be portable. "Portable" may mean that the device is used when held by a user. The device may be adapted to generate a variable amount of aerosol that can be controlled by user input.

[0043] As used herein, the term "aerosol" can include a suspension of a vaporizable material such as: solid particles; droplets; or gas. The suspension can be present in a gas (including air). Aerosol as used herein can generally refer to / include vapor. Aerosols can include one or more components of a vaporizable material.

[0044] In this example, an aerosol generating apparatus is provided for receiving a consumable article comprising an aerosol precursor material. The aerosol generating apparatus includes a consumable article receiving region for receiving the consumable article. The aerosol generating apparatus also includes an electromagnetic radiation source configured to emit detected electromagnetic radiation into the consumable article receiving region. The aerosol generating apparatus further includes a tristimulus color sensor configured to sense reflected electromagnetic radiation during use, the reflected electromagnetic radiation being formed by the reflection of the detected electromagnetic radiation by a reflective surface present in the consumable article receiving region.

[0045] Figure 1 This is a simplified schematic diagram of the aerosol generating device 100 according to the example. Figure 1 A simplified example of consumable article 108 is also shown. In these examples, the aerosol generating device 100 is provided with a consumable article receiving area 102, as described above. The consumable article receiving area 102 may be more simply referred to as receiving area 102. The receiving area 102 provides a cavity 302 within the aerosol generating device 100 into which the consumable article can be received. For example, the receiving area 102 may also include other components adjacent to the cavity. In other words, the receiving area 102 may not be limited to the cavity 302, but may also be an area provided by the cavity 302 of the device 100 together with other components, which, for example, interact in some way with the received consumable article 108.

[0046] In these examples, an electromagnetic radiation source 104 and a tristimulus color sensor 106 are provided, as described above. Figure 1 In the example, components present within the body of the aerosol generating device 100 are indicated by dashed lines. For example, cavity 302 is a region inside the body of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0047] In these examples, electromagnetic radiation source 104 (hereinafter referred to as source 104) is configured to emit detectable electromagnetic radiation. For example, source 104 may be a light-emitting diode (LED). For example, source 104 may emit electromagnetic radiation in a wavelength range that at least partially covers the visible wavelength range. The emitted detectable electromagnetic radiation is for the purpose of interacting with a reflective surface. Electromagnetic radiation is also referred to herein simply as light. It should be understood that references to light may include wavelengths of visible light as well as wavelengths of invisible electromagnetic radiation (such as infrared wavelengths). Accordingly, references to “light” should not be construed as necessarily limited to a specific wavelength. For example, terms such as visible light or infrared light are used when intended to indicate a specific wavelength / wavelength range.

[0048] It should be understood that the term "tristimulus color sensor" has a specific meaning for those skilled in the art, and the term generally does not refer to any kind of light sensor. Rather, specifically, a tristimulus color sensor is provided with components and configured to sense light based on a response to at least three different electromagnetic wavelengths.

[0049] Those skilled in the art will understand that a tristimulus color sensor (such as tristimulus color sensor 106) can measure ambient light and sense color. For example, those skilled in the art will understand that a tristimulus color sensor can measure both the color and brightness of ambient light. For example, unlike a simple single-channel sensor (such as a single photodiode), tristimulus color sensor 106 is configured to detect reflected light (hereinafter referred to as reflected electromagnetic radiation) through at least three different detection filters. Setting a single photodetector with a set of filters that can be moved relative to the photodetector is a simple way to configure the tristimulus color sensor in this way. For example, three different detection filters can be sequentially positioned in front of a single photodetector so that the wavelength profile of the reflected light can be measured using three different detection filters. The reflected light passing through each filter can be considered as a different detection channel.

[0050] It should be understood that the at least three detection filters may include three filters, each with a visible color. In this way, the tristimulus color sensor 106 can use three detection channels to sense visible color information. In some examples, one or more detection channels (in addition to the three visible color channels) may be provided, as further described below.

[0051] In other examples, dedicated detection channels may exist. For instance, a photodetector may be permanently configured with a corresponding detection filter for each of the desired at least three detection channels. In either case, data corresponding to the reflected light passing through at least three different detection filters can be measured.

[0052] It should be understood that the actual wavelength-intensity profile of the light passing through the filter will depend on the wavelength response of the filter, and also on the wavelength spectrum of the light passing through the filter (in other words, the color characteristics of the light). It should be understood that the detection filter will alter the wavelength profile of the light propagating through the filter by absorbing certain wavelengths while allowing certain other wavelengths to transmit through it. In this way, three different filters can provide three different wavelength profiles to be measured.

[0053] Those skilled in the art will also understand that the tristimulus color sensor is designed to provide tristimulus values ​​in a desired color space as data generated from the measurement results. The tristimulus values ​​are three-dimensional coordinates in the desired color space and provide an indication of the color of light present in or directed towards the tristimulus color sensor 106 in the environment adjacent to it. Certain color spaces are designed to correlate in some way with colors perceived by the human eye. However, for the purpose of use in the aerosol generating device 100, the color space configured for the tristimulus color sensor 106 can be any color space and may not necessarily be a color space well correlated with human color perception (although in some examples, color spaces can indeed be well correlated with human color perception). Examples of color spaces are LMS, CIE XYZ, RGB, CMY, CMYK, etc.

[0054] For example, the specific photodetectors and filters of the tristimulus color sensor 106 can be selected according to the desired color space to be used. Those skilled in the art will also understand that a tristimulus color sensor differs from a spectrometer (or other multichannel sensor) that provides a wavelength spectrum of sensed light.

[0055] Advantageously, the inclusion of a tristimulus color sensor 106 within the aerosol generating device 100 means that significantly higher density information can be optically sensed. For example, color information can be sensed. The tristimulus color sensor 106 is interchangeably referred to herein as sensor 106.

[0056] Those skilled in the art will understand that tristimulus color sensors are not incorporated into aerosol generating devices, but are intended and designed for applications such as smartphones. For example, a smartphone can incorporate a tristimulus color sensor to sense the color characteristics of ambient light near the smartphone and then adjust display characteristics (e.g., color temperature) to suit the ambient light. This is why the output of a tristimulus color sensor is located in a color space that is likely relevant to human color perception.

[0057] Surprisingly, the inventors have discovered that specifically incorporating a tristimulus color sensor into an aerosol generating device offers previously unrealized advantages. For example, the tristimulus color sensor 106 is coupled to the source 104 such that the tristimulus color sensor 106 is not only used to detect ambient light. Instead, the reflective surface is specifically illuminated so that it can be sensed by the tristimulus color sensor 106. Unlike its known uses, the tristimulus color sensor 106 senses color information from the reflective surface, rather than ambient light.

[0058] Information can be obtained from the sensed color information. For example, tristimulus color values / coordinates can be mapped to specific information about a reflective surface. For example, tristimulus color values ​​from optical features on a consumable article can be used to determine further information about the consumable article. For example, the color of the optical feature can be selected to indicate specific information such that the tristimulus value of the color corresponds to the specific information. For example, the specific information could be a suggested heating profile for the consumable article, although the specific information is not limited to this. For example, the tristimulus color values ​​output by the tristimulus color sensor can then be used to determine the heating profile.

[0059] Other examples of information types that can be encoded as tristimulus color values ​​include the expiration date of a consumable product, the batch number of a consumable product, the amount of precursor material, special components in the precursor material, the expected amount of aerosol in the consumable product, etc.

[0060] As described above, in some examples, three detection channels may be provided in the tristimulus color sensor 106. However, the tristimulus color sensor 106 is not limited to only three channels. In some examples, the tristimulus color sensor 106 includes three detection channels in the visible wavelength range of the electromagnetic spectrum, and at least one infrared wavelength detection channel. The detection channels in the visible wavelength range may be referred to as color channels.

[0061] Additionally, at least one infrared wavelength detection channel provides further information about the reflected light incident on the tristimulus color sensor 106. As previously described, the reflected electromagnetic radiation is formed by the detection electromagnetic radiation reflected by a reflective surface present in the consumable article receiving area. Various different surfaces can serve as "reflective surfaces." For example, a reflective surface can be the surface of the consumable article to be received in the receiving area 102. However, in some examples, the reflective surface can be a surface inside the receiving area. Any surface from which detection light is reflected and measured by the tristimulus color sensor 106 as reflected light to make a determination can be referred to as a "reflective surface."

[0062] In some examples, consumable article 108 may include a paper cover surrounding the consumable article 108. In examples where a paper cover is present, including one or more infrared channels in the tristimulus color sensor 106 may be advantageous. For example, the infrared channels(s) may be used to detect the properties of the paper cover. Those skilled in the art will also understand that infrared light can penetrate paper. Accordingly, in some examples, the infrared channels(s) may be used to detect the properties of components / materials of the consumable article 108 present within the paper cover.

[0063] Refer again Figure 1An example of consumable article 108 is shown. In some examples, receiving area 106 includes insertion opening 110, receiving section 112, and heat supply section 114. Heat supply section 114 includes a heater ( Figure 1 (Not shown in the image). For example, a heater is used to provide heat to a consumable article so that the precursor material 116 can generate an aerosol. In these examples, the receiving section 112 is positioned along the longitudinal axis 118 of the aerosol generating device 100 between the insertion opening 110 and the heat supply section 114. Figure 1 The double-headed arrow 118 indicates the orientation of the longitudinal axis, but does not necessarily indicate its position relative to the aerosol generating device 100.

[0064] The receiving section 112 is the section of the receiving area 102 immediately adjacent to the insertion opening 110. For example, a consumable article 108 is inserted for use via the insertion opening 110.

[0065] In these examples, the tristimulus color sensor 106 is configured to sense reflected light from a reflective surface present in the receiving section 112. For example, when a consumable article 108 is received in the receiving section 102, the reflective surface may correspond to the portion of the consumable article 108 positioned in the receiving section 112.

[0066] For example, the portion of consumable article 108 positioned in reception section 112 when received in reception area 102 at its use position may be referred to as indicator section 120 of consumable article 108. Indicator section 120 may be provided with optically detectable indications. Optically detectable indications include optical features, such as those that modify light reflected from a surface without said optical features, compared to light reflected from the same surface without said optical features. The optically detectable indications may, for example, encode information that an aerosol generating device can read via the source 104 and tristimulus color sensor 106. Figure 2 This is a simplified schematic diagram based on the example consumable article 108. In these examples, an optically detectable indicator 202 is provided.

[0067] For example, the optically detectable indicator 202 can be in the form of a barcode, QR code, pattern, or indicator including alphanumeric script. The optically detectable indicator 202 is not limited to... Figure 2 The diagonal pattern depicted is merely an example. Those skilled in the art will understand that various methods exist for providing the optically detectable indicator 202. The optically detectable indicator 202 can be disposed on a paper cover. For example, the optically detectable indicator 202 can be printed on the paper cover using one or more inks, etc.

[0068] For example, the optically detectable indicator 202 can encode information using color. One advantage, and others, of the tristimulus color sensor 106 in the aerosol generating device 100 is its ability to sense color information, as described above. In this way, additional information can be encoded into the optically detectable indicator 202 using color, and said information can be read by the aerosol generating device 100 (as further described below) using the color information sensed by the tristimulus color sensor 106. In some simple cases, encoding information using color can simply involve selecting a single color for the optically detectable indicator 202. By way of example only, a blue indicator could identify the consumable article 108 as type 1, while a red indicator could identify the consumable article as type 2, and so on. In other examples, more than one color can be used to encode information.

[0069] Those skilled in the art will understand that when detection light is shone on an optically detectable indicator, depending on the color and pattern, the reflected light is modified due to the light-matter interaction that has already occurred between the detection light and the optically detectable indicator. As a simple example, if blue is used in the optically detectable indicator 202, other colors (i.e., other wavelengths) will be absorbed at the relevant location of indicator 202, and wavelengths corresponding to blue will be reflected.

[0070] As described above, in some examples, one or more infrared channels may be present. In some examples, some precursor materials may be present in the indicator segment 120, and the properties of the precursor materials may be determined based on the infrared channel information sensed by the tristimulus color sensor 106.

[0071] Figure 6 This is graph 600, which indicates the light wavelength on the horizontal axis and the sensor response on the vertical axis. In these examples, graph 600 shows a curve representing the response of each of the five channels. Graph 600 relates to an example of sensor 106, which includes a red channel 602, a green channel 604, a blue channel 606, a first infrared channel 608, and a second infrared channel 610. The curve for each channel is shown. The curve representing its corresponding channel is designated using the same reference numerals described above for the corresponding channel.

[0072] In these examples, all curves are normalized relative to the green channel 604. Therefore, the green channel curve 604 peaks at 100% response and indicates other responses relative to the green channel 604. Graph 600 shows the response of a reference sensor, which can be expected, for example, under ideal conditions based on reflected light from a white reference surface. For example, for measurements in use, the response output of each channel will vary depending on the reflective surface, based on the characteristics of the reflective surface to be measured. Based on this variation, the color information of the reflective surface can be determined, for example, in the form of tristimulus color values.

[0073] In some examples, data (tristimulus color values) generated in response to a sensing operation performed by the tristimulus color sensor 106 can be transmitted to a controller, which can use the data for determination. For example, the controller can determine the type of consumable product based on color information from an optically detectable indicator 202 sensed by the tristimulus color sensor 106. In some examples, the controller is external to the aerosol generating device 100, and the aerosol generating device 100 includes a data communication module for transmitting data to the controller. For example, the data communication module can be a wireless communication module using technologies such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. For example, the controller to which the data is transmitted can be a controller for a smartphone, smartwatch, remote server, personal computer, etc.

[0074] However, in some examples, the aerosol generating device 100 includes, for example... Figure 1 The controller 124 is depicted. In such an example, the controller 124 of the device 100 can receive data from the tristimulus color sensor 106 and make determinations based on that data.

[0075] In some examples, controller 124 is configured to control the operation of source 104 and tristimulus color sensor 106. For example, controller 124 may cause source 104 to emit detection light and cause tristimulus color sensor 106 to perform sensing operations. For example, information encoded in optically detectable indication 202 of consumable article 108 may be determined locally within aerosol generating apparatus 100. While this disclosure is not limited thereto, for ease of explanation, the following description is made in the context of controller 124 of aerosol generating apparatus 100 controlling source 104 and sensor 106 and receiving data from sensor 106.

[0076] In some examples, the reflective surface is the surface of the receiving region 102. In some such examples, the receiving segment 112 includes a reference surface 122 having a reference color. In such examples, the source 104 can be positioned and oriented to emit detection light onto the reference surface, and the tristimulus color sensor 106 is positioned and oriented to sense the reflected light reflected by the reference surface 122. In these examples, the reference surface 122 acts as the aforementioned reflective surface.

[0077] Accordingly, in these examples, the color of the reference surface 122 can be sensed by the tristimulus color sensor 106. Advantageously, the reference surface 122 has a known reference color. In some examples, the reference color is white.

[0078] In some examples, both source 104 and tristimulus color sensor 106 are positioned within receiving section 112. This provides a simple arrangement for guiding light to reference surface 122 and sensing reflected light from the reference surface. In some examples, both source 104 and tristimulus color sensor 106 are mounted on the same printed circuit board as the integrated color detection module.

[0079] In some examples, source 104 and sensor 106 may be disposed on the surface of cavity 302 provided by receiving area 102. However, in some examples, it may be desirable that source 104 and sensor 106 are not directly exposed to cavity 302. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the receiving area 102 according to the example. In these examples, the receiving area 102 includes a cavity 302 that can accommodate a consumable article 108. In these examples, the source 104 and the sensor 106 are disposed on a single printed circuit board (PCB) to provide an integrated color detection module 304. For simplicity, the integrated color detection module 304 is referred to hereinafter as the detection module 304.

[0080] In these examples, the receiving section 112 includes a window 306 configured to face the cavity 302. The window 306 includes a material that allows both detected and reflected light to pass through it. In other words, for the purpose of sensing by the tristimulus color sensor 106, the window 306 includes a material that does not attenuate and / or modify the light passing through it within acceptable tolerances.

[0081] In these examples, the detection unit 304 is positioned immediately adjacent to the window 306 such that the source 104 guides detection light through the window 306 and into the cavity 302 of the receiving region 102. The detection unit 304 is also positioned immediately adjacent to the window 306 such that the sensor 106 can be illuminated by reflected light returning from inside the cavity 302 through the window 306. This... Figure 3 The dashed arrows are used to depict the image in a simple way. Figure 3Some examples of how source 104 and sensor 106 can be positioned in the receiving section 112.

[0082] Advantageously, in this way, the sensor 106 and the source 104 can be kept out of the cavity 302, and therefore out of the influence of particles or dust from the external environment that may be generated when the body material 116 is heated.

[0083] exist Figure 3 In the example, the receiving section 112 has a portion of the inner wall of the cavity that serves as the reference surface 122.

[0084] In some examples, the controller is configured to detect the cleanliness level of the consumable article receiving area 102. More specifically, the controller may determine the cleanliness level inside the cavity 302 of the receiving area 102.

[0085] For example, when the cleanliness level is high (in other words, cavity 302 can be considered clean), controller 124 can access reference data indicating output data from sensor 106, which is anticipated from reflected light from reference surface 122. For example, controller 124 can access the reference data from a computer-readable storage device (not shown) included in aerosol generating apparatus 100. For example, the reference data may include tristimulus color values ​​corresponding to the reference surface in a state considered clean.

[0086] It should be understood that the color information sensed by sensor 106 will depend on the cleanliness of the reference surface (e.g., whether there are residues on reference surface 122). Figure 3 The example considers the cleanliness of window 306 and the presence of particles in the air within cavity 302 of receiving section 112. Therefore, when performing a cleanliness determination, controller 124 can compare reference data with output data acquired as part of the cleanliness determination operation. For example, controller 124 can determine the cleanliness level by comparing reference data with output data acquired as part of the cleanliness determination operation. For example, if there is a difference between the reference data and the output data acquired as part of the cleanliness determination operation (that difference is greater than a cleanliness threshold), controller 124 can determine that a cleaning operation should be performed.

[0087] In some examples, the aerosol generating device 100 includes a flap configured to switch between an open state and a closed state, in which the aerosol generating device provides access to the receiving area 102, and in which the aerosol generating device prohibits access to the receiving area 102. Figure 4This is a schematic perspective view of an aerosol generating device 100 according to an example. In these examples, device 100 includes a flip cover 402. For example, the purpose of the flip cover 402 is to cover the insertion opening 110 to prevent dust and the like from entering when device 100 is not in use.

[0088] In some examples, the flip cover 402 may be a hinged flip cover. In some examples, the flip cover 402 may be a sliding flip cover. However, these are merely examples, and any suitable construction for temporarily covering the insertion opening 110 may be used. When in the closed state, the flip cover 402 prevents entry by covering / closing the insertion opening 110. On the other hand, in the open state, the position and / or orientation of the flip cover 402 changes compared to the closed state, such that the insertion opening 110 is covered to a lesser extent than in the closed state. It can be considered that... Figure 4 The flip cover 402 is shown in a partially opened state.

[0089] In some examples, controller 124 is configured to detect the cleanliness level of reception area 102 when flip cover 402 is closed. For example, when flip cover 402 is closed, external light within reception area 102 can be minimized. Accordingly, the acquisition of output data as part of the cleanliness determination operation can be performed without interference from external light and based on light from source 104, thereby improving the reliability of the cleanliness determination. For example, external light can vary due to different times of day, indoor lighting conditions, etc. Eliminating the effects of such variations would be advantageous, enabling the acquisition of data for cleanliness determination in a consistent manner.

[0090] In some examples, the aerosol generating device 100 includes a signaling system configured to provide signals to a user of the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the signaling system may include components that operate to provide outputs that can be detected by the user. These outputs may be tactile, auditory, visual, signal / data transmission to external devices, etc. In examples where signal / data transmission to external devices is present, the signal / data may be transmitted to a smartphone, other personal devices of the user, etc. In these examples, information based on the signal / data may be displayed to the user, for example, via a software application associated with the aerosol generating device 100.

[0091] In some examples, combinations of outputs may exist. Figure 4 In the example, a visual signal indicator 404 is provided as part of the described signaling system. For example, the visual signal indicator 404 includes one or more LEDs that illuminate to output a desired signal.

[0092] In some examples, controller 124 is configured to provide signals via a signaling system based on the detection of the cleanliness level of reception area 102. For example, if controller 124 has determined that a cleaning operation should be performed, a corresponding signal can be provided via a signaling system (e.g., via visual signal indicator 404). The signal indicating that a cleaning operation should be performed may be referred to as a cleaning signal.

[0093] In this way, the described features facilitate proper maintenance of the aerosol generating device 100. These features provide the user with an indication of the internal condition of the device 100.

[0094] As previously described, the reflective surface may be the surface of the consumable article 108. For example, the consumable article 108 may include an indicator section having an optically detectable indicator 202. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the receiving area 102 according to the example, in which consumable articles 108 are received. For example, it can be seen that, in conjunction with... Figure 3 With the same configuration shown, the detection light can be directed to the optically detectable indicator 202, and the reflected light from the optically detectable indicator can be sensed by the sensor 106. In this way, for example, color information from the optically detectable indicator 202 can be sensed, and the information encoded in the optically detectable indicator 202 can be determined by the controller 124.

[0095] In some examples, the tristimulus color sensor 106 is configured to generate tristimulus values ​​in a color space corresponding to the color space of an optically detectable indicator 202 that has already been generated. For example, the optically detectable indicator 202 can be printed using cyan, yellow, magenta, and black inks (referred to as CYMK). In such examples, the tristimulus color sensor can be configured for either the CMY or CMYK color space.

[0096] As one of many examples, a specific heating profile can be encoded in an optically detectable indicator 202. Once determined, the controller 124 can operate the described heater according to the heating profile. Other information may be indicated, such as the type of consumable article 108, the age of consumable article 108, the flavor of precursor material 116, materials included in consumable article 108, etc. Those skilled in the art will understand that various types of information exist that can be useful to the controller 124 to determine ways to improve the operation of device 100 and / or enhance user-device interaction.

[0097] In some examples, source 104 can be configured to operate in a manner that makes the detection light undetectable to a human user. For example, source 104 can be configured to blink at a certain frequency between an on and off state, such that the generated electromagnetic radiation is undetectable to a human user of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0098] For example, controller 124 may perform various operations and / or control other components based on computer-readable instructions stored in a computer-readable memory that communicates data with controller 124. In some examples, controller 124 may retrieve and use reference data, for example, in the form of a lookup table, which is only one example. For example, the reference data may be a lookup table that stores tristimulus color values ​​corresponding to the characteristics of a consumable article.

[0099] According to this disclosure, a method of using an aerosol generating device may be provided, wherein the aerosol generating device is any of the examples described. For example, the method may include causing source 104 to emit detectable radiation. For example, controller 124 may perform such control. For example, source 104 may be controlled to flash in the manner described above.

[0100] The method may also include using a tristimulus color sensor 106 to sense reflected light generated by the detection light being reflected by a reflective surface.

[0101] As previously described, the surface of consumable article 108 can act as a reflective surface; however, the surface of receiving area 102 can also act as a reflective surface. In some examples, the method includes shining detection light onto consumable article 108 in receiving area 102. For example, it can be determined whether a consumable article has been received in the receiving area. If it is determined that a consumable article has been received, controller 124 can operate source 104 to shine detection light onto the received consumable article.

[0102] The method may also include sensing reflected light generated by the reflection of detection light from a consumable article. For example, the detection light may be reflected from an optically detectable indicator 202 disposed in the indicator section 120. For example, the detection light may be modified due to reflection from the consumable article at the location of the optically detectable indicator 202, thereby generating reflected light.

[0103] The method may also include identifying consumable article 108 based on sensed reflected light. In these examples, the identifier of consumable article 108 (e.g., type, flavor, etc.) may be encoded in optically detectable indication 202. The controller may use the sensed data to determine the encoded information to identify the consumable article.

[0104] As previously mentioned, while the reflective surface can be the surface of a consumable article, it can also be the surface of the receiving area 102. Accordingly, in some examples, the method includes sensing reflected light from a reference surface in the receiving area 102, and detecting the cleanliness level of the receiving area 102 based on the sensed reflected light from the reference surface. For example, the method may include performing this detection when the device 100 is not in the middle of a user's usage period, such as when the flip cover 402 is closed.

[0105] In some examples, the method includes causing source 104 to blink at a certain frequency between an on and off state, such that the resulting light is undetectable by a human user of device 100.

[0106] Although some components (such as consumables and other parts) are depicted as cylindrical in the accompanying drawings, this disclosure is not limited thereto. It should be understood that the aerosol generating device and consumables may be supplied in a variety of other shapes and configurations.

[0107] It is important to note that the various features described above can be used in various combinations. Although preferred embodiments have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims and as described above.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating apparatus (100) for receiving a consumable article (108) comprising an aerosol precursor material (116), the aerosol generating apparatus (100) comprising: Consumable product receiving area (102), which is used to receive the consumable product (108). An electromagnetic radiation source (104) is configured to emit detected electromagnetic radiation into the consumable article receiving area (102); as well as And a tristimulus color sensor (106) configured to sense reflected electromagnetic radiation in use, the reflected electromagnetic radiation being formed by the detected electromagnetic radiation reflected by a reflective surface present in the consumable article receiving area.

2. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The tristimulus color sensor (106) includes three detection channels in the visible wavelength range of the electromagnetic spectrum and at least one infrared wavelength detection channel.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus (100) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The electromagnetic radiation source (104) is configured to flash between an on and off state at a certain frequency, so that the generated electromagnetic radiation cannot be detected by human users of the aerosol generating device (100).

4. The aerosol generating apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The consumable article receiving area (102) includes an insertion opening (110), a receiving section (112), and a heat supply section (114), which includes a heater; The receiving section (112) is positioned along the longitudinal axis (118) of the aerosol generating device (100) between the insertion opening (110) and the heat supply section (114); and The tristimulus color sensor (106) is configured to sense the reflected electromagnetic radiation reflected by the reflective surface, which is present in the receiving section (112).

5. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 4, wherein: The receiving section includes a reference surface (122) with a reference color; The electromagnetic radiation source (104) is positioned and oriented to emit the detected electromagnetic radiation onto the reference surface (122); and The tristimulus color sensor (106) is positioned and oriented to sense reflected electromagnetic radiation reflected by the reference surface (122).

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 5, wherein: The reference color is white.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein: The electromagnetic radiation source (104) and the tristimulus color sensor are both located in the receiving section (112).

8. The aerosol generating apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: A controller (124) is configured to control the operation of the electromagnetic radiation source (104) and the tristimulus color sensor (106).

9. The aerosol generating apparatus (100) according to claim 8, comprising: A flip cover (402) is configured to switch between an open state and a closed state. In the open state, the aerosol generating device provides access to the consumable article receiving area (102), and in the closed state, the aerosol generating device prohibits access to the consumable article receiving area (102). in: The controller (124) is configured to detect the cleanliness level of the consumable product receiving area (102) when the flip cover (402) is closed.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 9, comprising: A signaling system configured to provide signals to the user of the aerosol generating device (100), in: The controller (124) is configured to provide a signal via the signaling system based on the detection of the cleanliness level of the consumable product receiving area (102).

11. The aerosol generating apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The electromagnetic radiation source (104) and the tristimulus color sensor (106) are both provided as part of the integrated color detection module (304).

12. A method of using an aerosol generating device (100), the aerosol generating device (100) comprising: Consumable product receiving area (102), which is used to receive consumable products (108). An electromagnetic radiation source (104) is configured to emit detected electromagnetic radiation into the consumable article receiving area (102); as well as A tristimulus color sensor (106) is configured to sense the reflected electromagnetic radiation during use, the reflected electromagnetic radiation being formed by the detected electromagnetic radiation reflected by a reflective surface present in the consumable article receiving area (102). The method includes: The electromagnetic radiation source (104) emits and detects electromagnetic radiation; and The tristimulus color sensor (106) is used to sense the reflected electromagnetic radiation generated by the detection electromagnetic radiation being reflected by the reflective surface.

13. The method of claim 12, comprising: The detection electromagnetic radiation is applied to the consumable product (108) that is received in the consumable product receiving area (102); Sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation generated by the detection of electromagnetic radiation being reflected by the consumable product (108); and The consumable product is identified based on the sensed reflected electromagnetic radiation (108).

14. The method according to claim 12 or claim 13, comprising: The reflected electromagnetic radiation reflected by a reference surface (122) in the consumable article receiving area is sensed, the reference surface (122) having a reference color; as well as The cleanliness level of the consumable article receiving area (102) is detected based on the sensed reflected electromagnetic radiation reflected by the reference surface (122).

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, comprising: The electromagnetic radiation source (104) is made to flicker between an on and off state at a certain frequency, so that the generated electromagnetic radiation cannot be detected by human users of the aerosol generating device (100).

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