Aerosol-generating device with spatially distanced article detection

Abstract

The invention relates to an aerosol-generating device comprising a cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating device further comprises an article detector. The article detector comprises a first detector configured to detect a first identification element of the aerosol- generating article. The article detector comprises a second detector configured to detect a second identification element of the aerosol-generating article. The first detector is arranged at a first position of the cavity. The second detector is arranged at a second position of the cavity. The present invention further relates to an aerosol-generating article, an aerosol- generating system and a method for identifying an aerosol-generating article.

Description

[0001] AEROSOL-GENERATING DEVICE WITH SPATIALLY DISTANCED ARTICLE DETECTION

[0002] The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating device, an aerosol-generating article, an aerosol-generating system and a method for identifying an aerosol-generating article.

[0003] It is known to provide an aerosol-generating device for generating an inhalable vapor. Such devices may heat aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature at which one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate are volatilised without burning the aerosolforming substrate. Aerosol-forming substrate may be provided as part of an aerosolgenerating article. The aerosol-generating article may have a rod shape for insertion of the aerosol-generating article into a cavity, such as a heating chamber, of the aerosol-generating device. A heating element may be arranged in or around the heating chamber for heating the aerosol-forming substrate once the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device. Aerosol-generating devices are typically designed to operate best when used with an original and specifically designed aerosol-generating article. Furthermore, manufacturers of aerosol-generating articles may offer a product line of an aerosol-generating article in a variety of types with different characteristics, such as flavor or nicotine content.

[0004] It would be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating device capable of identifying an aerosol-generating article. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating device capable of detecting an authorized aerosol-generating article. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating device capable of detecting an aerosol-generating article with enhanced reliability. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating device with improved detection capabilities. It would be desirable to have an aerosol-generating device providing an optimized user experience. It would be desirable to have an aerosol-generating article enabling improved identification by an aerosol-generating device.

[0005] According to an embodiment of the invention there may be provided an aerosolgenerating device comprising a cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating device may further comprise an article detector. The article detector may comprise a first detector configured to detect a first identification element of the aerosol-generating article. The article detector may comprise a second detector configured to detect a second identification element of the aerosolgenerating article. The first detector may be arranged at a first position of the cavity. The second detector may be arranged at a second position of the cavity.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the invention there is provided an aerosol-generating device comprising a cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol- forming substrate. The aerosol-generating device further comprises an article detector. The article detector comprises a first detector configured to detect a first identification element of the aerosol-generating article. The article detector comprises a second detector configured to detect a second identification element of the aerosol-generating article. The first detector is arranged at a first position of the cavity. The second detector is arranged at a second position of the cavity.

[0007] The article detector output may be indicative of a type or class of aerosol-generating article received in the cavity. Providing a first detector and a second detector may improve the detection quality. Providing a first detector and a second detector may provide redundancy when detecting a type of aerosol-generating article. Providing a first detector and a second detector may improve the detection quality when the aerosol-generating article is received in different positions in the cavity. In other words, a type of aerosol-generating article may be detected by the article detector even if aerosol-generating articles are received in different positions in the cavity. The different positions may be positions where the aerosol-generating article is rotated around its longitudinal axis. Providing a first detector and a second detector may enable to check whether a proprietary accepted aerosolgenerating article has been received in the cavity.

[0008] The first position may be different from the second position.

[0009] The first position may be a proximal position of the cavity. The second position may be a distal position of the cavity. In other words, the first detector may be arranged proximal of the second detector or vice versa. The first detector and the second detector may be arranged on a common axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cavity.

[0010] The proximal position of the cavity may be a position near a proximal end of the cavity. The proximal position of the cavity may be a position closer to the proximal end of the cavity than to a distal end of the cavity. The distal position of the cavity may be a position near a distal end of the cavity. The distal position of the cavity may be a position closer to the distal end of the cavity than to a proximal end of the cavity.

[0011] The first position of the cavity may be laterally different from the second position of the cavity. In other words, the first detector may be arranged laterally distanced from the second detector. The first detector and the second detector may be arranged on a common axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the cavity. Such a detector arrangement may allow to detect both identification elements at approximately the same time or even simultaneously. In other words, such an arrangement may reduce a time-delay between the detection of the first and the second identification element. Moreover, arranging the detectors laterally different may also allow to detect the first and second identification element at similar or even identical brightness conditions, compared to solely longitudinally different identification elements. Thus, arranging the first detector and the second detector laterally distanced from each other may improve the overall reliability of detection.

[0012] The first position of the cavity may be arranged spaced apart from the second position of the cavity in a circumferential direction. The circumferential direction may also be denoted as lateral direction. In other words, the first detector may be arranged spaced apart from the second position of the cavity in a circumferential direction. The first position of the cavity may be arranged spaced apart from the second position of the cavity in a circumferential direction adjacent the proximal end of the cavity. The first position of the cavity may be arranged spaced apart from the second position of the cavity in a circumferential direction adjacent the proximal end of the cavity. The first position of the cavity may be arranged spaced apart from the second position of the cavity in a circumferential direction and in a longitudinal direction adjacent the proximal end of the cavity.

[0013] The article detector may be configured to measure an electrical resistance between the first detector and the second detector.

[0014] The first detector may comprise an electrode and the second detector may comprise an electrode.

[0015] The article detector may be configured to measure an electrical resistance between the electrode of the first detector and the electrode of the second detector.

[0016] One or both of the first detector and the second detector may comprise at least two electrodes.

[0017] One or both of the first detector and the second detector may comprise a ring of electrodes at least partially surrounding, preferably fully surrounding, a circumference of an inner sidewall of the cavity.

[0018] The electrodes may be formed by stamp technology, e.g., mechanical stamping and ramming. The electrodes may made of a flat sheet of metal to closely contact the aerosolgenerating article. The electrodes may incorporate elastomeric material to ensure a good contact with the aerosol-generating article. The electrodes may be made of any conductive material such as copper. Alternatively, the electrode material may be made of any metal alloy such as a copper-alloy or beryllium-copper.

[0019] This may particularly preferably enable a detection of a type of article independent of the orientation of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is received in the cavity of the aerosol-generating device.

[0020] One or both of the first detector and the second detector may comprise electrodes in the form of ribs. The ribs may be arranged at least partially surrounding, preferably fully surrounding, a circumference of an inner sidewall of the cavity. The first detector may comprise one or more ribs of a first type. The second detector may comprise one or more ribs of a second type. The ribs of the first detector may be electrically connected with each other. The ribs of the second detector may be electrically connected with each other. The first detector may be electrically isolated from the second detector. The first type of ribs may be different from the second type of ribs. The ribs may extend in a radial direction. The ribs may be arranged to electrically contact identification elements of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is received in the cavity of the aerosol-generating device. The first detector may be electrically connected with the second detector via one or both of the identification elements of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosolgenerating article is received in the cavity of the aerosol-generating device. The aerosolgenerating device may facilitate by supplying a current to one or more ribs of the first detector and / or measuring a voltage between one or more ribs of the first detector and one or more ribs of the second detector when the aerosol-generating article is received in the cavity of the aerosol-generating device.

[0021] One or both of the first detector and the second detector may be arranged in direct abutment to an interior of the cavity such as to be in direct contact with the aerosolgenerating article, when the aerosol-generating article may be received in the cavity.

[0022] One or both of the first detector and the second detector may comprise an elastomeric material to improve contact with the aerosol-generating article.

[0023] The ring of electrodes may comprise a continuous or non-continuous pattern of electrodes.

[0024] Providing the ring of electrodes with a continuous pattern of electrodes may enable a detection of a type of article independent of the orientation of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is received in the cavity of the aerosol-generating device. Providing the ring of electrodes with a non-continuous pattern of electrodes may enable detection of the orientation of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is received in the cavity of the aerosol-generating device. The orientation of the aerosol-generating article may then be detected by measuring an electrical resistance between pairs of electrodes. When identification elements of the aerosol-generating article contact a specific pair of electrodes and the identification elements are arranged in a predetermined pattern, an electrical resistance measure may be indicative of the orientation of the aerosol-generating article. This may be beneficial if a specific of the orientation of the aerosol-generating article is desired. A corresponding feedback may then be provided to a user to one or both of confirm a correct orientation and to inform the user about an incorrect orientation of the aerosol-generating article.

[0025] The first detector may comprise a first light source and a first light-sensitive sensor. The second sensor may comprise a second light source and a second light-sensitive sensor. The first light source may be a light emitter. The first light source may comprise a laser. The second light source may be a light emitter. The second light source may comprise a laser.

[0026] The first light-sensitive sensor may be configured to detect electromagnetic radiation of a wavelength corresponding to the electromagnetic radiation wavelength emitted by the first light source. The second light-sensitive sensor may be configured to detect electromagnetic radiation of a wavelength corresponding to the electromagnetic radiation wavelength emitted by the second light source.

[0027] The first light source may be arranged adjacent the first light-sensitive sensor so that the first light-sensitive sensor can detect light that may be emitted by the light source and reflected or scattered by the aerosol-generating article, when the aerosol-generating article may be received in the cavity. Alternatively, the first light source may be arranged at an opposite position at an inner sidewall of the cavity with respect to the first light-sensitive sensor so that the first light-sensitive sensor can detect light that may be emitted by the light source and not absorbed by the aerosol-generating article, when the aerosol-generating article may be received in the cavity.

[0028] The second light source may be arranged adjacent the second light-sensitive sensor so that the second light-sensitive sensor can detect light that may be emitted by the light source and reflected or scattered by the aerosol-generating article, when the aerosolgenerating article may be received in the cavity. Alternatively, the second light source may be arranged at an opposite position at an inner sidewall of the cavity with respect to the second light-sensitive sensor so that the second light-sensitive sensor can detect light that may be emitted by the light source and not absorbed by the aerosol-generating article, when the aerosol-generating article may be received in the cavity.

[0029] One or both of the first light source and the second light source may be arranged in a recess of the sidewall of the cavity to protect one or both of the first light source and the second light source.

[0030] One or both of the first light-sensitive sensor and the second light-sensitive sensor may be arranged in a recess of the sidewall of the cavity to protect one or both of the first light-sensitive sensor and the second light-sensitive sensor.

[0031] A blocking wall may be arranged between the first light source and the first lightsensitive sensor to prevent electromagnetic radiation emitted by the first light source to directly reach the first light-sensitive sensor. Instead, the blocking wall may facilitate that the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the first light source is reflected by the aerosolgenerating article or passes through the aerosol-generating article before reaching the first light-sensitive sensor. A blocking wall may be arranged between the second light source and the second light-sensitive sensor to prevent electromagnetic radiation emitted by the second light source to directly reach the second light-sensitive sensor. Instead, the blocking wall may facilitate that the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the second light source is reflected by the aerosol-generating article or passes through the aerosol-generating article before reaching the second light-sensitive sensor.

[0032] One or both of the first light source and the second light source may be configured to emit light in one or more of: the visible spectrum, the IR spectrum and the LIV spectrum. One of the first light source and second light source may be configured to emit light in either the infrared spectrum or the ultraviolet spectrum. One of the first light source and second light source may be configured to emit light in the visible spectrum. Preferably, one of the first light source and second light source may be configured to emit light in either the infrared spectrum or the ultraviolet spectrum, and the other one of the first light source and second light source may be configured to emit light in the visible spectrum.

[0033] One or both of the first light-sensitive sensor and the second light-sensitive sensor may be configured to detect light in one or more of: the visible spectrum, the infrared spectrum and the ultraviolet spectrum. One of the first optical light-sensitive sensor and the second optical light-sensitive sensor may be configured to detect electromagnetic radiation in either the infrared spectrum or the ultraviolet spectrum. One of the first optical light-sensitive sensor and the second optical light-sensitive sensor may be configured to detect electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum. Preferably, one of the first optical lightsensitive sensor and the second optical light-sensitive sensor may be configured to detect electromagnetic radiation in either the infrared spectrum or the ultraviolet spectrum, and the other one of the first optical light-sensitive sensor and second optical light-sensitive sensor may be configured to detect electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum. Preferably, the first optical light-sensitive sensor may be configured to detect electromagnetic radiation in a spectrum corresponding to a spectrum of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the first optical emitter. Preferably, the second optical light-sensitive sensor may be configured to detect electromagnetic radiation in a spectrum corresponding to a spectrum of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the second optical emitter.

[0034] Providing a first (or second) detector configured to emit and detect electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum and a second (or first) detector to emit and detect electromagnetic radiation in the infrared or ultraviolet spectrum may prevent interferences during detection of an aerosol-generating article. Thus, such a configuration may allow to detect a first and a second identification element simultaneously without compromising the reliability of the detection.

[0035] One or both of the first light source and the second light source may comprise an

[0036] LED or a micro-LED. The aerosol-generating device may further comprise an induction heating coil configured for induction heating. The induction heating coil may also be referred to as induction coil. The induction heating coil may least partly surround the cavity. The induction heating coil may be configured to generate an alternating magnetic field. The alternating magnetic field may create eddy currents in a susceptor. The eddy currents and potentially hysteresis losses may heat the susceptor. The susceptor may be arranged within the induction heating coil. The susceptor may have a cylindrical hollow shape. The susceptor may at least partly surround the cavity. Alternatively, the susceptor may be pin or blade shaped and arranged within the cavity. The susceptor may in this case pierce into the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is received in the cavity.

[0037] The first detector may be arranged proximal of the induction heating coil. The second detector may be arranged distal of the induction heating coil.

[0038] The article detector may be arranged at a sidewall of the cavity.

[0039] The aerosol-generating device may further comprise a controller. The controller may be configured to detect a type of the aerosol-generating article based on an article detector output.

[0040] The controller may be configured to control operation of the aerosol-generating device depending upon an article detector output.

[0041] The controller may be configured to choose a heating regime of the aerosolgenerating device depending upon an article detector output.

[0042] The controller may be configured to deactivate operation of the aerosol-generating device if an unauthorized aerosol-generating article may be detected.

[0043] One or both of the first detector and the second detector may be overmolded.

[0044] The controller may comprise a memory. The memory may comprise pre-stored reference data. The reference data may comprise reference signals of the article detector. Each of such reference signals may correspond to an aerosol-generating article having a specific type. The type of the aerosol-generating article may be determined by one or more of the type of aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article, dimensions of the aerosol-generating article and heating properties of the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article.

[0045] The controller may be configured to compare the electrical signal provided from the article detector with the pre-stored reference data. The controller may be configured to correlate the electrical signal provided from the article detector with the pre-stored reference data. The controller may be configured to detect and identify the type of the inserted aerosolgenerating article by correlating the electrical signal provided from the article detector with the pre-stored reference data. In this way the controller may be configured to identify the aerosol-generating article inserted into the cavity of the aerosol-generating device.

[0046] The controller may comprise a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor. The controller may be configured to regulate a supply of power to the heating element. Power may be supplied to the heating element continuously following activation of the aerosol-generating device or may be supplied intermittently, such as on a puff-by-puff basis. The power may be supplied to the heating element in the form of pulses of electrical current. The controller may be configured to monitor the electrical resistance of the heating element, and preferably to control the supply of power to the heating element dependent on the electrical resistance of the heating element.

[0047] The controller may be configured to regulate power supply to the heating element based on the identification of a type of aerosol-generating article. Upon identification of a type of aerosol-generating article, the controller may allow power to be supplied to the heating element. Upon identification of a type of aerosol-generating article, the controller may allow the provision of a user experience. Upon identification of a type of aerosol-generating article, the controller may adjust the power supply in dependence on the article type identified. The controller may be configured to provide power to the heating element according to a predefined heating profile for the respective identified article.

[0048] The controller may adjust the magnitude of power supply in dependence on the article type identified. The controller may adjust the time period of power supply in dependence on the article type identified. The controller may adjust the temperature of the heating element in dependence on the article type identified. The controller may adjust one or more of the amplitude and the frequency of a current supplied to the heating element in dependence on the article type identified. The controller may adjust the signal powering the heating element in dependence on the article type identified.

[0049] It will be appreciated that identifying the aerosol-generating article for use with the aerosol-generating device may be useful for a variety of different purposes, and the invention is not limited to any one particular purpose for identifying the aerosol-generating article. For instance, identifying the aerosol-generating article may allow one of a plurality of predetermined heating profiles to be applied that is associated with the identified aerosolgenerating article; identifying the aerosol-generating article may allow a user interface of the aerosol-generating device to operate differently in response to identifying the aerosolgenerating article, e.g. by displaying a flavour of the aerosol-generating article; and / or identifying the aerosol-generating article may allow a record of consumption of each type of aerosol-generating article used with the aerosol-generating device to be stored at the aerosol-generating device to assist the user in monitoring their usage habits. The memory of the controller may comprise a database of pre-stored heating profiles for each known type of aerosol-generating article. The controller may be configured to provide power according to the heating profile of the identified type of aerosol-generating article. Power supply may be tailored to the configuration of a specific article type. Aerosolgeneration and the user experience may be optimized.

[0050] The aerosol-generating device may be configured to be used with a plurality of different types of aerosol-generating articles.

[0051] As used herein, the terms ‘proximal’, ‘distal’, ‘downstream’ and ‘upstream’ are used to describe the relative positions of components, or portions of components, of the aerosolgenerating device and the aerosol-generating article in relation to the direction in which a user draws on the aerosol-generating device or aerosol-generating article during use thereof.

[0052] The aerosol-generating device may comprise a mouth end through which in use an aerosol exits the aerosol-generating device and is delivered to a user. In use, a user draws on the proximal or mouth end of the aerosol-generating device in order to inhale an aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating device. Alternatively, a user may directly draw on an aerosol-generating article inserted into an opening at the proximal end of the aerosolgenerating device. The opening at the proximal end may be an opening of the cavity. The aerosol-generating device comprises a distal end opposed to the proximal or mouth end. The proximal or mouth end of the aerosol-generating device may also be referred to as the downstream end and the distal end of the aerosol-generating device may also be referred to as the upstream end. Components, or portions of components, of the aerosol-generating device may be described as being upstream or downstream of one another based on their relative positions between the proximal, downstream or mouth end and the distal or upstream end of the aerosol-generating device.

[0053] As used herein, an ‘aerosol-generating device’ relates to a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of an aerosol-generating article, for example part of a smoking article. An aerosolgenerating device may be a smoking device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol that is directly inhalable into a user’s lungs thorough the user's mouth. An aerosol-generating device may be a holder. The device may be an electrically heated smoking device. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a housing, electric circuitry, a power supply, a heating chamber and a heating element.

[0054] As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term ‘smoking’ with reference to a device, article, system, substrate, or otherwise does not refer to conventional smoking in which an aerosol-forming substrate is fully or at least partially combusted. The aerosol-generating device of the present invention is arranged to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature below a combustion temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate, but at or above a temperature at which one or more volatile compounds of the aerosolforming substrate are released to form an inhalable aerosol.

[0055] The aerosol-generating device may have a length of between 86 millimeters to 130 millimeters.

[0056] The cavity of the aerosol-generating device may have an open end into which the aerosol-generating article is inserted. The open end may be a proximal end. The cavity may have a closed end opposite the open end. The closed end may be the base of the cavity. The closed end may be closed except for the provision of air apertures arranged in the base. The base of the cavity may be flat. The base of the cavity may be circular. The base of the cavity may be arranged upstream of the cavity. The open end may be arranged downstream of the cavity. The cavity may have an elongate extension. The cavity may have a longitudinal central axis. A longitudinal direction may be the direction extending between the open and closed ends along the longitudinal central axis. The longitudinal central axis of the cavity may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device.

[0057] The cavity may be configured as a heating chamber. The cavity may have a cylindrical shape. The cavity may have a hollow cylindrical shape. The cavity may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the aerosol-generating article to be received in the cavity. The cavity may have a circular cross-section. The cavity may have an elliptical or rectangular cross-section. The cavity may have an inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article.

[0058] An airflow channel may run through the cavity. Ambient air may be drawn into the aerosol-generating device, into the cavity and towards the user through the airflow channel via the distal end of the article. Downstream of the cavity, a mouthpiece may be arranged or a user may directly draw on the aerosol-generating article. The airflow channel may extend through the mouthpiece. The cavity may have a length of between 28 millimeters and 67 millimeters. The cavity may have a diameter of between 8 millimeters and 12 millimeters.

[0059] In any of the aspects of the disclosure, the heating element may comprise an electrically resistive material. Suitable electrically resistive materials include but are not limited to: semiconductors such as doped ceramics, electrically "conductive" ceramics (such as, for example, molybdenum disilicide), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys and composite materials made of a ceramic material and a metallic material. Such composite materials may comprise doped or undoped ceramics. Examples of suitable doped ceramics include doped silicon carbides. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum platinum, gold and silver. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, nickel-, cobalt-, chromium-, aluminium- titanium- zirconium-, hafnium-, niobium-, molybdenum-, tantalum-, tungsten-, tin-, gallium-, manganese-, gold- and iron- containing alloys, and super-alloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel, Timetai® and iron-manganese-aluminium based alloys. In composite materials, the electrically resistive material may optionally be embedded in, encapsulated or coated with an insulating material or vice-versa, depending on the kinetics of energy transfer and the external physicochemical properties required.

[0060] Alternatively or additionally to utilizing a heating element in the aerosol-generating device for vaporizing the aerosol-forming substrate, an aerosol-generating arrangement may be employed. The aerosol-generating arrangement may be an ultrasonic aerosol-generating arrangement.

[0061] Alternatively or additionally to utilizing a heating element in the aerosol-generating device for vaporizing the aerosol-forming substrate, a heating arrangement may be employed. The heating arrangement may be an inductive, resistive, dielectric or microwave heating arrangement.

[0062] As described, in any of the aspects of the disclosure, the heating element may be part of an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may comprise an internal heating element or an external heating element, or both internal and external heating elements, where "internal" and "external" refer to the aerosol-forming substrate. An internal heating element may take any suitable form. For example, an internal heating element may take the form of a heating blade. Alternatively, the internal heater may take the form of a casing or substrate having different electro-conductive portions, or an electrically resistive metallic tube. Alternatively, the internal heating element may be one or more heating needles or rods that run through the center of the aerosolforming substrate. Other alternatives include a heating wire or filament, for example a Ni-Cr (Nickel-Chromium), platinum, tungsten or alloy wire or a heating plate. Optionally, the internal heating element may be deposited in or on a rigid carrier material. In one such embodiment, the electrically resistive heating element may be formed using a metal having a defined relationship between temperature and resistivity. In such an exemplary device, the metal may be formed as a track on a suitable insulating material, such as ceramic material, and then sandwiched in another insulating material, such as a glass. Heaters formed in this manner may be used to both heat and monitor the temperature of the heating elements during operation.

[0063] An external heating element may take any suitable form. For example, an external heating element may take the form of one or more flexible heating foils on a dielectric substrate, such as polyimide. The flexible heating foils can be shaped to conform to the perimeter of the substrate receiving cavity. Alternatively, an external heating element may take the form of a metallic grid or grids, a flexible printed circuit board, a molded interconnect device (MID), ceramic heater, flexible carbon fibre heater or may be formed using a coating technique, such as plasma vapour deposition, on a suitable shaped substrate. An external heating element may also be formed using a metal having a defined relationship between temperature and resistivity. In such an exemplary device, the metal may be formed as a track between two layers of suitable insulating materials. An external heating element formed in this manner may be used to both heat and monitor the temperature of the external heating element during operation.

[0064] As an alternative to an electrically resistive heating element, the heating element may be configured as an induction heating element. The induction heating element may comprise an induction coil and a susceptor. In general, a susceptor is a material that is capable of generating heat, when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field. When located in an alternating magnetic field. If the susceptor is conductive, then typically eddy currents are induced by the alternating magnetic field. If the susceptor is magnetic, then typically another effect that contributes to the heating is commonly referred to hysteresis losses. Hysteresis losses occur mainly due to the movement of the magnetic domain blocks within the susceptor, because the magnetic orientation of these will align with the magnetic induction field, which alternates. Another effect contributing to the hysteresis loss is when the magnetic domains will grow or shrink within the susceptor. Commonly all these changes in the susceptor that happen on a nano-scale or below are referred to as “hysteresis losses”, because they produce heat in the susceptor. Hence, if the susceptor is both magnetic and electrically conductive, both hysteresis losses and the generation of eddy currents will contribute to the heating of the susceptor. If the susceptor is magnetic, but not conductive, then hysteresis losses will be the only means by which the susceptor will heat, when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be electrically conductive or magnetic or both electrically conductive and magnetic. An alternating magnetic field generated by one or several induction coils heat the susceptor, which then transfers the heat to the aerosol-forming substrate, such that an aerosol is formed. The heat transfer may be mainly by conduction of heat. Such a transfer of heat is best, if the susceptor is in close thermal contact with the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0065] The aerosol-generating device may comprise a power supply, typically a battery, within a main body of the aerosol-generating device. In one embodiment, the power supply is a Lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the power supply may be a Nickel-metal hydride battery, a Nickel cadmium battery, or a Lithium based battery, for example a Lithium-Cobalt, a Lithium-lron-Phosphate, Lithium Titanate or a Lithium-Polymer battery. As an alternative, the power supply may be another form of charge storage device such as a capacitor. The power supply may require recharging and may have a capacity that enables to store enough energy for one or more usage experiences; for example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to continuously generate aerosol for a period of around six minutes or for a period of a multiple of six minutes. In another example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to provide a predetermined number of puffs or discrete activations of the heating element.

[0066] The invention further relates to an aerosol-generating device for use with a plurality of different aerosol-generating articles. The aerosol-generating device comprises an article classifier configured to determine that an aerosol-generating article engaged with the device is a first article type from the plurality of different aerosol-generating articles.

[0067] The invention further relates to an aerosol-generating article. A portion of the aerosolgenerating article may be configured to be at least partly received in a cavity of the aerosolgenerating device. The portion of the aerosol-generating article may comprise a first identification element at a first position on or within the aerosol-generating article. The portion of the aerosol-generating article may comprise a second identification element at a second position on or within the aerosol-generating article.

[0068] The invention further relates to an aerosol-generating article. A portion of the aerosolgenerating article is configured to be at least partly received in a cavity of the aerosolgenerating device. The portion of the aerosol-generating article comprises a first identification element at a first position on or within the aerosol-generating article. The portion of the aerosol-generating article comprises a second identification element at a second position on or within the aerosol-generating article.

[0069] One or both of the first identification element at the second identification element may comprise, preferably consists of, an electrically conductive marker.

[0070] One or both of the first identification element at the second identification element may electrically conductive.

[0071] One or both of the first identification element and the second identification element may comprise, preferably consist of, an electrically conductive strip. The electrically conductive strip may cover part of the outer periphery of the aerosol-generating article. For example the electrically conductive strip may cover 75°, 200° or 360° of the outer periphery of the aerosol-generating article. Alternatively, the first identification element may comprise, preferably consist of, an electrically conductive strip covering a first part of the outer periphery of the aerosol-generating article and the second identification element may comprise, preferably consist of, an electrically conductive strip covering a second part of the outer periphery of the aerosol-generating article. The first part of the outer periphery of the aerosol-generating article may be different, preferably opposite, the second part of the outer periphery of the aerosol-generating article, he first and second parts of the outer periphery of the aerosol-generating article may each cover 75° of the outer periphery of the aerosolgenerating article.

[0072] The first identification element may be electrically connected with the second identification element. Hence, when the electrode of the first detector contacts the first identification element when the aerosol-generating article is received in the cavity and the electrode of the second detector contacts the second identification element, a measurement of an electrical resistance between the electrode of the first detector and the electrode of the second detector may be enabled. The measured electrical resistance depends upon the resistance of the first identification element and the second identification element. The resistance of the first identification element and the second identification element may be indicative of a type of aerosol-generating article.

[0073] If aerosol-generating articles with different properties are desired such as different aerosol-forming substrates, the resistance of the first identification element and the second identification element of a first aerosol-generating article having a first aerosol-forming substrate may be designed different form the resistance of the first identification element and the second identification element of a second aerosol-generating article having a second different aerosol-forming substrate.

[0074] The aerosol-generating article may comprise an outer wrapper. One or both of the first identification element and the second identification element may be arranged, preferably printed, on an inner surface of the outer wrapper

[0075] Alternatively, one or both of the first identification element and the second identification element may be arranged, preferably printed, on an outer surface of the outer wrapper

[0076] Alternatively, one or both of the first identification element and the second identification element may be arranged, preferably embedded, within the outer wrapper.

[0077] One or both of the first identification element and the second identification element may comprise, preferably consists of, a printed layer of metallic ink or of a conductive polymer.

[0078] One or both of the first identification element and the second identification element may comprise, preferably consists of, a continuous or non-continuous pattern. One or both of the first identification element and the second identification element may comprise, preferably consists of, a continuous or non-continuous pattern of electrically conductive elements.

[0079] Providing the first identification element and the second identification element with a continuous pattern may enable a detection of a type of article independent of the orientation of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is received in the cavity of the aerosol-generating device. Providing the first identification element and the second identification element with a non-continuous pattern may enable detection of the orientation of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is received in the cavity of the aerosol-generating device. The orientation of the aerosol-generating article may then be detected by measuring an electrical resistance between pairs of the non-continuous electrically conductive elements. When identification elements of the aerosol-generating article contact a specific pair of electrodes of the article detector and the identification elements are arranged in a predetermined pattern, an electrical resistance measure may be indicative of the orientation of the aerosol-generating article.

[0080] The first identification element may be different from the second identification element in one or more of: material, shape and size.

[0081] One or both of the first identification element and the second identification element may comprise, preferably consists of, a tape wrapped partially, preferably fully, around a periphery of the aerosol-generating article.

[0082] This may particularly preferably enable a detection of a type of article independent of the orientation of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is received in the cavity of the aerosol-generating device.

[0083] The tape may comprise a non-conductive base substrate. The electrically conductive marker may be arranged on the non-conductive base substrate. The tape may comprise a non-conductive outer layer overlapping with the electrically conductive marker so as to partially expose the electrically conductive marker.

[0084] The electrically conductive marker may sandwiched between the non-conductive base substrate and the non-conductive outer layer. The non-conductive outer layer may have apertures through which the electrically conductive marker is exposed. The exposed portions of the electrically conductive marker may form the electrically conductive elements described above. The non-conductive base substrate may be attached to the aerosol-generating article. The non-conductive outer layer may be the outermost layer.

[0085] A first electrically conductive marker and a second electrically conductive marker may be provided. In this way, exposed portions of the first electrically conductive marker may be created that are electrically connected with each other and exposed portions of the second electrically conductive marker may be created that are electrically connected with each other. The exposed portions of the first electrically conductive marker may form the first identification element. The exposed portions of the second electrically conductive marker may form the first identification element. A uniform or non-uniform pattern of the identification elements may be chosen by one or more of: the length of the first electrically conductive marker and the second electrically conductive marker, the number of apertures of the non- conductive outer layer, the spacing of the apertures of the non-conductive outer layer and the dimensions of the apertures of the non-conductive outer layer.

[0086] The tape may comprise an adhesive layer on an inner surface of the tape for attachment of the tape to a periphery of the aerosol-generating article. One or both of the first identification element and the second identification element may comprise, preferably consists of, a magnetic marker. The magnetic marker may comprise one or both of magnetic wires and magnetic sheets.

[0087] One or both of the first identification element and the second identification element may comprise, preferably consists of, non-visible ink.

[0088] One or both of the first identification element and the second identification element may comprise, preferably consists of, one or more of: infra-red ink, phosphorescent ink, fluorescent ink and ultraviolet ink.

[0089] The nonvisible ink may be configured to absorb electromagnetic radiation in either of: the infrared spectrum, and the ultra-violet spectrum. The nonvisible ink may be configured to reemit electromagnetic radiation in either of: the infrared spectrum, and the ultra-violet spectrum. The nonvisible ink may be configured to reflect electromagnetic radiation in either of: the infrared spectrum, and the ultra-violet spectrum. The nonvisible ink may comprise, preferably consist of, one or more of: an infra-red ink, a phosphorescent ink, a fluorescent ink and an ultraviolet ink.

[0090] Preferably the nonvisible ink may be permanently nonvisible. In other words, the nonvisible ink may constantly be nonvisible, i.e. does not turn visible. Configuring the nonvisible ink to remain nonvisible may ensure that an identification element remains reliably detectable throughout the use of the aerosol-generating article.

[0091] One of the first identification element and the second identification element may comprise a visible ink. One of the first identification element and the second identification element may consist of visible ink. The visible ink may be configured to absorb electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum. The visible ink may be configured to reemit electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum. The visible ink may be configured to reflect electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum. Preferably the visible ink may be permanently visible. In other words, the visible ink may constantly be visible, i.e. does not turn nonvisible. Configuring the visible ink to remain visible may ensure that a second identification element and / or a first identification element remain reliably detectable throughout the use of the aerosol-generating article.

[0092] One of the first identification element and the second identification element may comprise nonvisible ink. One of the first identification element and the second identification element may consist of nonvisible ink. Preferably, the first identification element may comprise visible ink and the second identification element may comprise nonvisible ink. Preferably, the first identification element may consist of visible ink and the second identification element may consist of nonvisible ink. Since the nonvisible ink and visible ink may comprise different electromagnetic absorption and reemission properties, such a configuration may allow detection in different wavelengths or even different electromagnetic spectra. Detecting a second identification element and a first identification element in different wavelengths or spectra may further allow to prevent interferences during detection of an aerosol-generating article. In other words, providing an aerosol-generating article with a first identification element comprising a visible ink and a second identification element comprising nonvisible ink may provide reliable detection of the aerosol-generating article.

[0093] The first identification element may overlap with the second identification element. The first identification element may overlap either partially or completely with the second identification element. The first identification element may overlap with the identification in one or both of: a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction. Providing a first identification element and a second identification element in an overlapping arrangement may allow simultaneous detection of both patterns. In other words, such a configuration may allow a faster detection of an aerosol-generating article.

[0094] In a preferred embodiment, the first identification element comprising visible ink and the second identification element comprising nonvisible ink may overlap. Such a configuration may provide a synergistic effect such that the first identification element and the second identification element may be detected simultaneously without compromising the reliability of the detection. Moreover, providing the first identification element and the second identification element in an overlapping arrangement wherein the first identification element comprises a visible ink and the second identification element comprises a nonvisible ink may allow to reduce or prevent counterfeits. Since the nonvisible ink is not visible to the human eye, it may be more difficult for counterfeit manufacturers to replicate the overlapping arrangement of the visible and nonvisible patterns on an aerosol-generating article. Counterfeits may often comprise cheap substances, which impair a user experience. Some counterfeits may even comprise harmful substances. Thus, reducing or preventing counterfeits may ensure the user’s safety and improve user experiences.

[0095] As used herein, ‘nonvisible ink’ relates to an ink, which is not visible for the human eye. Moreover, nonvisible ink relates to inks, which are configured to absorb and reemit light in the infrared or ultraviolet spectrum. Nonvisible inks may also involve inks configured to be excited by light and configured to emit at least one wavelength of light, shifted from the wavelength of the excitation light. In other words, nonvisible inks may involve photoluminescent inks, such as phosphorescent ink or fluorescent ink. In this regard, photoluminescent inks may involve inks that absorb and reemit light in the visible or ultraviolet spectrum.

[0096] As used herein 'ultraviolet spectrum’ relates to a spectrum of electromagnetic radiation in a wavelength range of 50 nanometres to less than 380 nanometres. The ultraviolet spectrum may relate to a spectrum of electromagnetic radiation in a wavelength range of 50 nanometres to 380 nanometres. As used herein ‘visible spectrum’ relates to a spectrum of electromagnetic radiation in a wavelength range of more than 380 nanometres to less than 780 nanometres. The visible spectrum may relate to a spectrum of electromagnetic radiation in a wavelength range of 380 nanometres to less than 780 nanometres. The visible spectrum may relate to a spectrum of electromagnetic radiation in a wavelength range of more than 380 nanometres to 780 nanometres.

[0097] As used herein ‘infrared spectrum’ relates to a spectrum of electromagnetic radiation in a wavelength range of more than 780 nanometres to 1 millimetre. The infrared spectrum may relate to a spectrum of electromagnetic radiation in a wavelength range of 780 nanometres to 1 millimetre.

[0098] One or both of the first identification element and the second identification element may be arranged as a transversal stripe at least partly, preferably fully, surrounding the aerosol-generating article.

[0099] The first identification element may be configured as a proximal identification element and the second identification element may be configured as a distal identification element.

[0100] As used herein, the term ‘aerosol-generating article’ refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate that is capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. For example, an aerosol-generating article may be a smoking article that generates an aerosol that is directly inhalable into a user’s lungs through the user's mouth. An aerosolgenerating article may be disposable.

[0101] An aerosol-generating article may comprise a plurality of elements, including one or more of a mouthpiece, a spacer, a hollow acetate tube, a sensorial media plug and a front plug. All elements may be connected to each other by an outer wrapper. An aerosolgenerating article may have a cylindrical shape.

[0102] The front plug may be used as an end portion of the aerosol-generating article. The front plug may be used to ensure that the sensorial media is retained within the aerosolgenerating article. The front plug may be made from a material that allows air to be drawn through the front plug. The front plug may be made from a material having an adequate porosity. The front plug may be made from a filter material. The front plug may be made from cellulose acetate tow. The front plug may be made from one or more materials selected from the group comprising ceramic, polymer, biopolymer, metal, zeolite, paper, cardboard, inert material, and inorganic material.

[0103] The aerosol-generating article may be substantially cylindrical in shape. The aerosolgenerating article may be substantially elongate. The aerosol-generating article may have a length and a circumference substantially perpendicular to the length. The aerosol-generating article may be substantially rod shaped. The aerosol-forming substrate may be substantially cylindrical in shape. The aerosol-forming substrate may be substantially elongate. The aerosol-forming substrate may also have a length and a circumference substantially perpendicular to the length. The aerosol-forming substrate may be substantially rod shaped.

[0104] The aerosol-generating article may have a total length between 55 millimeters and 110 millimeters, preferably of between 60 millimeters and 90 millimeters. The aerosolgenerating article may have an external diameter between 4.5 millimeters and 17 millimeters, preferably between 6 millimeters and 9 millimeters. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a filter plug. The filter plug may be located at a downstream end of the aerosolgenerating article. The filter plug may be a cellulose acetate filter plug. The filter plug is approximately 7 millimeters in length in one embodiment, but may have a length of between approximately 5 millimeters to approximately 10 millimeters.

[0105] The aerosol-generating article may comprise a separation between the aerosolforming substrate and the filter plug. The separation may be approximately 18 millimeters, but may be in the range of 5 millimeters to 25 millimeters.

[0106] As used herein, the term ‘aerosol-forming substrate’ relates to a substrate capable of releasing one or more volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. Such volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. An aerosol-forming substrate may conveniently be part of an aerosol-generating article.

[0107] The aerosol-forming substrate may be a solid aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosolforming substrate may comprise both solid and liquid components. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavour compounds which are released from the substrate upon heating. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an aerosol former that facilitates the formation of a dense and stable aerosol. Examples of suitable aerosol formers are glycerine and propylene glycol.

[0108] The aerosol-generating substrate preferably comprises homogenised tobacco material, an aerosol-former and water. Providing homogenised tobacco material may improve aerosol generation, the nicotine content and the flavour profile of the aerosol generated during heating of the aerosol-generating article. Specifically, the process of making homogenised tobacco involves grinding tobacco leaf, which more effectively enables the release of nicotine and flavours upon heating.

[0109] The invention further relates to an aerosol-generating system comprising the aerosolgenerating device as described herein and an aerosol-generating article as described herein.

[0110] The first identification element of the aerosol-generating article may be arranged aligned with the first detector of the aerosol-generating device and the second identification element of the aerosol-generating article may be arranged aligned with the second detector of the aerosol-generating device, when the aerosol-generating article may be received in the cavity of the aerosol-generating device. The controller may be configured to reject the aerosol-generating article if a misalignment is detected. A misalignment may be detected if only the first identification element is detected by the first detector or if only the second identification element is detected by the second detector. Additionally or alternatively, the aerosol-generating article may be rejected if the first detector detects an unknown identification element. Additionally or alternatively, the aerosol-generating article may be rejected if the second detector detects an unknown identification element.

[0111] The aerosol-generating system may comprise a mouth end through which in use an aerosol exits the aerosol-generating system and is delivered to a user. The mouth end may also be referred to as the proximal end. In use, a user draws on the proximal or mouth end of the aerosol-generating system in order to inhale an aerosol generated by the aerosolgenerating system. The aerosol-generating system may comprise a distal end opposed to the proximal or mouth end. The proximal or mouth end of the aerosol-generating system may also be referred to as the downstream end and the distal end of the aerosol-generating system may also be referred to as the upstream end. Components, or portions of components, of the aerosol-generating system may be described as being upstream or downstream of one another based on their relative positions between the proximal, downstream or mouth end and the distal or upstream end of the system.

[0112] The invention further relates to a method for identifying an aerosol-generating article in an aerosol-generating device, preferably as described herein. The method may comprise the following steps: detecting, by the first detector, the first identification of the aerosol-generating article, and detecting, via the second detector, the second identification of the aerosol-generating article.

[0113] The invention further relates to a method for identifying an aerosol-generating article in an aerosol-generating device, preferably as described herein. The method comprises the following steps: detecting, by the first detector, the first identification of the aerosol-generating article, and detecting, via the second detector, the second identification of the aerosol-generating article.

[0114] The aerosol-generating device may further comprise a controller. The method may comprise the following step of detecting, by the controller, a type of the aerosol-generating article based on an article detector output.

[0115] The controller may control operation of the aerosol-generating device depending upon an article detector output. The controller may choose a heating regime of the aerosol-generating device depending upon an article detector output.

[0116] The controller may deactivate operation of the aerosol-generating device if an unauthorized aerosol-generating article may be detected.

[0117] The method may comprise the step of controlling the operation of the aerosolgenerating device based on an article detector output.

[0118] The step of controlling the operation of the aerosol-generating device may include preventing operation of the aerosol-generating device if an unauthorized aerosol-generating article is detected.

[0119] The step of controlling the operation of the aerosol-generating device may include choosing a heating profile of the aerosol-generating device depending upon an output of the hardness detector.

[0120] Below, there is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0121] Example ex1. An aerosol-generating device comprising: a cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate; an article detector, wherein the article detector comprises a first detector configured to detect a first identification element of the aerosol-generating article, wherein the article detector comprises a second detector configured to detect a second identification element of the aerosol-generating article, wherein the first detector is arranged at a first position of the cavity, and wherein the second detector is arranged at a second position of the cavity.

[0122] Example ex2. The aerosol-generating device according to example ex1 , wherein the first position is a proximal position of the cavity and wherein the second position is a distal position of the cavity.

[0123] Example ex3. The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the first position of the cavity is laterally different from the second position of the cavity.

[0124] Example ex4. The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the article detector is configured to measure an electrical resistance between the first detector and the second detector.

[0125] Example ex5. The aerosol-generating device according to example ex4, wherein the first detector comprises an electrode and the second detector comprises an electrode.

[0126] Example ex6. The aerosol-generating device according to example ex4 or ex5, wherein one or both of the first detector and the second detector comprises at least two electrodes. Example ex7. The aerosol-generating device according to any of examples ex4 to ex6, wherein one or both of the first detector and the second detector comprises a ring of electrodes at least partially surrounding, preferably fully surrounding, a circumference of an inner sidewall of the cavity.

[0127] Example ex8. The aerosol-generating device according to any of examples ex4 to ex7, wherein one or both of the first detector and the second detector is arranged in direct abutment to an interior of the cavity such as to be in direct contact with the aerosolgenerating article, when the aerosol-generating article is received in the cavity, preferably wherein one or both of the first detector and the second detector comprises an elastomeric material to improve contact with the aerosol-generating article.

[0128] Example ex9. The aerosol-generating device according to example ex7 or ex8, wherein the ring of electrodes comprises a continuous or non-continuous pattern of electrodes.

[0129] Example ex10. The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the first detector comprises a first light source and a first lightsensitive sensor, and wherein the second sensor comprises a second light source and a second light-sensitive sensor.

[0130] Example ex11. The aerosol-generating device according to example ex10, wherein the first light source is arranged adjacent the first light-sensitive sensor so that the first light-sensitive sensor can detect light that is emitted by the light source and reflected or scattered by the aerosol-generating article, when the aerosol-generating article is received in the cavity or wherein the first light source is arranged at an opposite position at an inner sidewall of the cavity with respect to the first light-sensitive sensor so that the first lightsensitive sensor can detect light that is emitted by the light source and not absorbed by the aerosol-generating article, when the aerosol-generating article is received in the cavity.

[0131] Example ex12. The aerosol-generating device according to example ex10 or ex11 , wherein the second light source is arranged adjacent the second light-sensitive sensor so that the second light-sensitive sensor can detect light that is emitted by the light source and reflected or scattered by the aerosol-generating article, when the aerosol-generating article is received in the cavity or wherein the second light source is arranged at an opposite position at an inner sidewall of the cavity with respect to the second light-sensitive sensor so that the second light-sensitive sensor can detect light that is emitted by the light source and not absorbed by the aerosol-generating article, when the aerosol-generating article is received in the cavity.

[0132] Example ex13. The aerosol-generating device according to any of examples 10 to 12, wherein one or both of the first light source and the second light source is configured to emit light in one or more of: the visible spectrum, the IR spectrum and the LIV spectrum.

[0133] Example ex14. The aerosol-generating device according to any of examples 10 to 13, wherein one or both of the first light-sensitive sensor and the second light-sensitive sensor is configured to detect light in one or more of: the visible spectrum, the infrared spectrum and the ultraviolet spectrum.

[0134] Example ex15. The aerosol-generating device according to any of examples 10 to 14, wherein one or both of the first light source and the second light source comprises an LED or a micro LED.

[0135] Example ex16. The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-generating device further comprises an induction heating coil configured for induction heating.

[0136] Example ex17. The aerosol-generating device according to example ex16, wherein the first detector is arranged proximal of the induction heating coil and wherein the second detector is arranged distal of the induction heating coil.

[0137] Example ex18. The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the article detector is arranged at a sidewall of the cavity.

[0138] Example ex19. The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-generating device further comprises a controller, wherein the controller is configured to detect a type of the aerosol-generating article based on an article detector output.

[0139] Example ex20. The aerosol-generating device according to example ex19, wherein the controller is configured to control operation of the aerosol-generating device depending upon an article detector output.

[0140] Example ex21. The aerosol-generating device according to example ex19 or ex20, wherein the controller is configured to choose a heating regime of the aerosolgenerating device depending upon an article detector output.

[0141] Example ex22. The aerosol-generating device according to any of examples 19 to 21 , wherein the controller is configured to deactivate operation of the aerosolgenerating device if an unauthorized aerosol-generating article is detected.

[0142] Example ex23. The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein one or both of the first detector and the second detector is overmolded.

[0143] Example ex24. An aerosol-generating article, wherein a portion of the aerosolgenerating article is configured to be at least partly received in a cavity of the aerosolgenerating device, wherein the portion of the aerosol-generating article comprises a first identification element at a first position on or within the aerosol-generating article, and wherein the portion of the aerosol-generating article comprises a second identification element at a second position on or within the aerosol-generating article.

[0144] Example ex25. The aerosol-generating article according to example ex24, wherein one or both of the first identification element at the second identification element comprises, preferably consists of, an electrically conductive marker.

[0145] Example ex26. The aerosol-generating article according to example ex24 or ex25, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises an outer wrapper, and wherein one or both of the first identification element and the second identification element is arranged, preferably printed, on an inner surface of the outer wrapper.

[0146] Example ex27. The aerosol-generating article according to example ex24 or ex25, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises an outer wrapper, and wherein one or both of the first identification element and the second identification element is arranged, preferably printed, on an outer surface of the outer wrapper.

[0147] Example ex28. The aerosol-generating article according to example ex24 or ex25, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises an outer wrapper, and wherein one or both of the first identification element and the second identification element is arranged, preferably embedded, within the outer wrapper.

[0148] Example ex29. The aerosol-generating article according to any of examples ex24 to ex28, wherein one or both of the first identification element and the second identification element comprises, preferably consists of, a printed layer of metallic ink or of a conductive polymer.

[0149] Example ex30. The aerosol-generating article according to any of examples ex24 to ex29, wherein one or both of the first identification element and the second identification element comprises, preferably consists of, a continuous or non-continuous pattern.

[0150] Example ex31. The aerosol-generating article according to any of examples ex24 to ex30, wherein the first identification element is different from the second identification element in one or more of: material, shape and size.

[0151] Example ex32. The aerosol-generating article according to any of examples ex24 to ex31 , wherein one or both of the first identification element and the second identification element comprises, preferably consists of, a tape wrapped partially, preferably fully, around a periphery of the aerosol-generating article.

[0152] Example ex33. The aerosol-generating article according to example ex32, wherein the tape comprises a non-conductive base substrate, preferably wherein the electrically conductive marker of example ex25 is arranged on the non-conductive base substrate, more preferably wherein the tape comprises a non-conductive outer layer overlapping with the electrically conductive marker so as to partially expose the electrically conductive marker.

[0153] Example ex34. The aerosol-generating article according to example ex32 or ex33, wherein the tape comprises an adhesive layer on an inner surface of the tape for attachment of the tape to a periphery of the aerosol-generating article.

[0154] Example ex35. The aerosol-generating article according to any of examples ex24 to ex34, wherein one or both of the first identification element and the second identification element comprises, preferably consists of, a magnetic marker, preferably wherein the magnetic marker comprises one or both of magnetic wires and magnetic sheets.

[0155] Example ex36. The aerosol-generating article according to any of examples ex24 to ex35, wherein one or both of the first identification element and the second identification element comprises, preferably consists of, one or more of: infra-red ink, phosphorescent ink, fluorescent ink and ultraviolet ink.

[0156] Example ex37. The aerosol-generating article according to any of examples ex24 to ex36, wherein one or both of the first identification element and the second identification element is arranged as a transversal stripe at least partly, preferably fully, surrounding the aerosol-generating article.

[0157] Example ex38. The aerosol-generating article according to any of examples ex24 to ex37, wherein the first identification element is configured as a proximal identification element and the second identification element is configured as a distal identification element.

[0158] Example ex39. An aerosol-generating system comprising the aerosolgenerating device of any of examples ex1 to ex23 and an aerosol-generating article, preferably according to any of examples ex24 to ex38.

[0159] Example ex40. The aerosol-generating system of example ex39, wherein the first identification element of the aerosol-generating article is arranged aligned with the first detector of the aerosol-generating device and the second identification element of the aerosol-generating article is arranged aligned with the second detector of the aerosolgenerating device, when the aerosol-generating article is received in the cavity of the aerosol-generating device.

[0160] Example ex41. A method for identifying an aerosol-generating article in an aerosol-generating device according to an aerosol-generating system, preferably of example ex38, wherein the method comprises the following steps: detecting, by the first detector, the first identification of the aerosol-generating article, and detecting, via the second detector, the second identification of the aerosol-generating article. Example ex42. The method of example ex41 , wherein the aerosol-generating device further comprises a controller, wherein the method comprises the following step of detecting, by the controller, a type of the aerosol-generating article based on an article detector output.

[0161] Example ex43. The method according to example ex42, wherein the controller controls operation of the aerosol-generating device depending upon an article detector output.

[0162] Example ex44. The method according to example ex42 or ex43, wherein the controller chooses a heating regime of the aerosol-generating device depending upon an article detector output.

[0163] Example ex45. The method according to any of examples ex42 to ex44, wherein the controller deactivates operation of the aerosol-generating device if an unauthorized aerosol-generating article is detected.

[0164] Features described in relation to one embodiment may equally be applied to other embodiments of the invention.

[0165] The invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0166] Fig. 1 shows a side view of an aerosol-generating article and of an aerosolgenerating device;

[0167] Fig. 2 shows the aerosol-generating article received in a cavity of the aerosolgenerating device;

[0168] Fig. 3 shows an exploded view of the aerosol-generating article;

[0169] Fig. 4 shows a further embodiment of the aerosol-generating article and of the aerosol-generating device;

[0170] Fig. 5 shows a further embodiment of the aerosol-generating article;

[0171] Fig. 6 shows an embodiment of identification elements of the aerosol-generating article; and

[0172] Figs. 7A and 7B show a cross sectional top view of an embodiment of an article detector of the aerosol-generating device.

[0173] Figure 1 shows a side view of an aerosol-generating article 14 configured to be received in a cavity 12 of an aerosol-generating device 10.

[0174] The aerosol-generating device 10 comprises an article detector comprising a first article detector 16 and a second article detector 22. The first article detector 16 is arranged proximal of the second article detector 22. The second article detector 22 is arranged adjacent a distal end of the cavity 12. The first article detector 16 is arranged closer to a proximal end of the cavity 12 than to the distal end of the cavity 12.

[0175] The first article detector 16 comprises a first light source 18 and a first light-sensitive sensor 20. The first light source 18 is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in a predetermined frequency or wavelength range. The first light source 18 is configured to emit the electromagnetic radiation predominantly towards the aerosol-generating article 14 when the aerosol-generating article 14 is received in the cavity 12. The first light-sensitive sensor 20 is configured to receive electromagnetic radiation of the frequency or wavelength range emitted by the first light source 18. The first light-sensitive sensor 20 is configured to receive electromagnetic radiation emitted by the first light source 18 and reflected by the aerosolgenerating article 14. The first light source 18 and the first light-sensitive sensor 20 may be arranged to prevent electromagnetic radiation emitted by the first light source 18 to directly reach the first light-sensitive sensor 20. Instead, the first light source 18 and the first lightsensitive sensor 20 may be arranged such that the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the first light source 18 at least predominantly hits the aerosol-generating article 14 first so that, predominantly, electromagnetic radiation reflected from the aerosol generating article is received by the first light-center the sensor. The facilitate this, the first light source 18 and the first light-something sensor may be arranged in a recess arranged in a sidewall 28 of the cavity 12. A corresponding configuration and functionality apply for the second article detector 22 comprising a second light source 24 and a second light-sensitive sensor 26.

[0176] Figure 1 further shows a control of the aerosol-generating device 10. The controller 30 is electrically connected with the first article detector 16. The controller 30 is electrically connected with the first light source 18. The controller 30 is electrically connected with the first light-sensitive sensor 20. The controller 30 is electrically connected with the second article detector 22. The controller 30 is electrically connected with the second light source 24. The controller 30 is electrically connected with the second light-sensitive sensor 26. The controller 30 is configured to receive the sensor output of the first article detector 16. Particularly, the controller 30 is configured to receive the output of the first light-sensitive sensor 20. The controller 30 is configured to receive the sensor output of the second article detector 22. Particularly, the controller 30 is configured to receive the output of the second light-sensitive sensor 26. The controller 30 is configured to control operation of the first article detector 16. The controller 30 is configured to control the first light source 18 to emit electromagnetic radiation. The controller 30 is configured to control operation of the second article detector 22. The controller 30 is configured to control the second light source 24 to emit electromagnetic radiation.

[0177] To facilitate a detection of a type of received aerosol-generating article 14, the controller 30 controls the first light source 18 and the second light source 24 to emit electromagnetic radiation, respectively. As a consequence, the electromagnetic radiation will be reflected by the aerosol-generating article 14 towards the first light-sensitive sensor 20 and the second light-sensitive sensor 26, respectively. The controller 30 will receive the sensor output of the first light-sensitive sensor 20 and of the second light-sensitive sensor 26. Controller 30 will determine the type of aerosol-generating article 14 based on the sensor output of the first light-sensitive sensor 20 and of the second light-sensitive sensor 26. As will be described in more detail below, the aerosol-generating article 14 may comprise identification elements leading towards a sensor output of the first light-sensitive sensor 20 and of the second light-sensitive sensor 26 indicative of the type of received aerosolgenerating article 14.

[0178] Figure 1 further shows a heating element 32 of the aerosol-generating device 10. The heating element 32 is preferably configured as an induction heating coil. The induction heating coil is configured to generate an alternating magnetic field. A susceptor (not shown) may be arranged within the induction heating coil and subjected to the alternating magnetic field created by the induction heating coil. As a consequence, the susceptor is inductively heated. The susceptor may be part of the aerosol-generating device 10. The susceptor may have a hollow cylindrical shape and may be arranged surrounding the cavity 12 or forming the sidewall 28 of the cavity 12. Alternatively, the susceptor may be pin or blade shaped and arranged along a central longitudinal axis of the cavity 12 and within the cavity 12. As a further alternative, the susceptor may be part of the aerosol-generating article 14, preferably embedded within the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article 14.

[0179] Figure 2 shows the aerosol-generating article 14 received in a cavity 12 of the aerosol-generating device 10. In contrast to Figure 1 , Figure 2 shows a first identification element 34 of the aerosol-generating article 14 and a second identification element 36 of the aerosol-generating article 14. When the aerosol-generating article 14 is received in the cavity 12 of the aerosol-generating device 10, the first identification element 34 is arranged adjacent the first article detector 16 and the second identification element 36 is arranged adjacent the second article detector 22. More specifically, the first identification element 34 of the aerosol-generating article 14 is arranged adjacent the first light-sensitive sensor 20 of the first article detector 16 of the aerosol-generating device 10. The second identification element 36 of the aerosol-generating article 14 is arranged adjacent the second lightsensitive sensor 26 of the second article detector 22 of the aerosol-generating device 10 when the aerosol-generating article 14 is received in the cavity 12 of the aerosol-generating device 10.

[0180] The first identification element 34 is arranged axially distanced from the second identification element 36. The first identification element 34 is arranged proximal of the heating element 32 and the second identification element 36 is arranged distal of the heating element 32.

[0181] Each of the first identification element 34 and the second identification element 36 comprises an infra-red ink, a phosphorescent ink, a fluorescent ink or an ultraviolet ink. The respective ink is indicative of the type of the aerosol-generating article 14. As a consequence of the specific ink of the identification elements, the electromagnetic radiation received by the first light-sensitive sensor 20 and by the second light-sensitive sensor 26 will be indicative of the type of the aerosol-generating article 14. The controller 30 will thus be in a position to determine the type of the aerosol-generating article 14 when evaluating the output of the first light-sensitive sensor 20 and of the second light-sensitive sensor 26.

[0182] The controller 30 may use the information of the specific type of the aerosolgenerating article 14 in various ways. Exemplarily, the controller 30 may adjust the magnitude of power supply in dependence on the article type identified, adjust the time period of power supply in dependence on the article type identified, adjust the temperature of the heating element 32 in dependence on the article type identified, adjust one or more of the amplitude and the frequency of a current supplied to the heating element 32 in dependence on the article type identified or adjust the signal powering the heating element 32 in dependence on the article type identified.

[0183] Additionally or alternatively, the controller 30 may be configured to prevent power supply to the heating element 32.

[0184] Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the aerosol-generating article 14. The aerosolgenerating article 14 comprises a mouthpiece 38, a tubular spacer 40, a hollow acetate tube 42 wrapped by a first paper wrapper 44, an aerosol-forming substrate 46 surrounding a susceptor 48, the aerosol-forming substrate 46 wrapped by a second paper wrapper 50, a plug element 52 connected to the aerosol-forming substrate 46 by a third paper wrapper 54. The outer layer of the aerosol-generating article 14 is formed by an outer paper wrapper 56. Figure 3 exemplary shows the first identification element 34, the second identification event and a third identification element 58. As exemplified by the aerosol-generating article 14 shown in Figure 3, the number of identification elements is variable as long as the number of identification element corresponds to the number of article detectors of the aerosolgenerating device 10 so that the aerosol-generating device 10 can detect the type of aerosolgenerating article 14 when the respective identification elements of the aerosol-generating article 14 are arranged adjacent the respective article detectors of the aerosol-generating device 10 when the aerosol-generating article 14 is received in the cavity 12 of the aerosolgenerating device 10.

[0185] Figure 4 shows a further embodiment of the aerosol-generating article 14 and of the aerosol-generating device 10. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the article detector of the aerosol-generating device 10 comprises electrodes instead of light sources and lightsensitive sensors. In other words, the first article detector 16 comprises a first electrode and the second article detector 22 comprises a second electrode. In the example shown in Figure 4, a multitude of electrodes are provided such as exemplarily twelve electrodes arranged watch like around the cavity 12.

[0186] The electrodes are wired such that the electrical resistance between pairs of electrodes can be measured by the controller 30. The first identification element 34 of the article is in this embodiment configured as an electrically conductive marker 62. More specifically, the first identification element 34 has the shape of a strip of material partly wrapped around the outer periphery of the aerosol-generating article 14. The second identification element 36 has a similar shape. However, the second identification element 36 is arranged laterally distanced from the first identification element 34 and covering a different portion of the outer periphery of the aerosol-generating article 14. When the aerosolgenerating article 14 is received in the cavity 12, an electrical connection is created between pairs of electrodes being via the first identification element 34 or via the second edification element. In other words, the electrodes are arranged on the sidewall 28 of the cavity 12 such that the electrodes contact the aerosol-generating article 14 when the aerosol-generating article 14 is received in the cavity 12. When the first identification element 34 or the second identification element 36 is arranged adjacent the electrodes, some of the electrodes electrically contact the first identification element 34 or the second identification element 36. The electrical resistance between the pairs of electrodes changes in case the pairs of electrodes contact one of the identification elements. In this way, a type of aerosolgenerating article 14 can be detected based on the measured resistance. Different types of aerosol-generating article 14s are provided having identification elements with different resistances. It may also be possible to detect the orientation in which the aerosol-generating article 14 has been inserted into the cavity 12 depending upon the pairs of electrodes between which the electrical contact is established.

[0187] Figure 5 shows a further embodiment of the aerosol-generating article 14. In this embodiment, the first identification element 34 and the second identification element 36 are provided as a tape 60 wrapped around the outer periphery of the aerosol-generating article 14. The tape 60 is shown in more detail in Figure 6 and comprises an electrically conductive marker 62. The electrically conductive marker 62 is arranged on a non-conductive base substrate 64. The tape 60 comprises a non-conductive outer layer 66 overlapping with the electrically conductive marker 62 so as to partially expose the electrically conductive marker 62. In this way, exposed portions 68 (shown on the right in Figure 5) of the electrically conductive marker 62 are created that may be electrically contacted by the electrodes of the article detectors of the aerosol-generating device 10. This may be particularly beneficial when the article detector of the aerosol-generating device 10 comprises multiple electrodes. The multiple electrodes may be arranged to contact the exposed portions 68 of the electrically conductive marker 62. As shown in figure 6, the electrically conductive marker 62 may be divided into different portions (a first portion 70 and a second portion 72 are shown in figure 6). Each of these portions may correspond to an identification element 34, 36 of the aerosol-generating article 14. The exposed portions 68 of the electrically conductive marker 62 may be electrically connected with each other within a portion 70, 72 of the electrically conductive marker 62.

[0188] Figure 7 shows an embodiment of the article detector, more specifically the first article detector 16 and the second article detector 22, of the aerosol-generating device 10. The first article detector 16 comprises one or more ribs of a first type. The second article detector 22 comprises one or more ribs of a second different type. The ribs of the first article detector 16 and of the second article detector 22 are uniformly arranged around an inner surface of the sidewall 28 of the cavity 12 of the aerosol-generating device. The ribs of the first article detector 16 are electrically connected with each other. The ribs of the second article detector 22 are electrically connected with each other. The ribs of the first article detector 16 are electrically isolated from ribs of the second article detector 22. When the aerosol-generating article 14 is received in the cavity 12 of the aerosol-generating device 10, an electrical connection may be established between individual ribs of the first article detector 16 and of the second article detector 22 via one or both of the first identification element 34 and the second identification element 36. This enables a voltage measurement between pairs of ribs of the first article detector 16 and of the second article detector 22 indicative of a type of aerosol-generating article.

[0189] In the embodiment described with reference to Figure 7, the distal end of the cavity 12 has an aperture through which ambient air is drawn when a user puffs on the article 10. The ambient air drawn through into the cavity 12 enters the distal end of the article 10 and exits through the proximal end of the article 10 towards the user’s mouth together with aerosol-generated by the device 10. The inner surface of the cavity 14 which includes the article detectors 16, 22, is flush with the outer surface of the article to provide close electrical contact.

[0190] Figure 7A shows an inflow of electrical energy through two ribs of the first type, i.e. of the first article detector 16, and outflow of electrical energy through a single rib of the second type, i.e. of the second article detector 22. This is indicative of one or both of a type of aerosol-generating article 14 and of an orientation of the aerosol-generating article 14 within the cavity 12. This detection may thus be conducted with a single rib of the second article detector 22. Figure 7B shows an inflow of electrical energy through one rib of the first type, i.e. of the first article detector 16, is shown and outflow of electrical energy through two ribs of the second type, i.e. of the second article detector 22. This may be indicative of one or both of a (different) type of aerosol-generating article 14 and of a (different) orientation of the aerosolgenerating article 14 within the cavity 12. This detection may thus be conducted with two ribs of the second article detector 22.

[0191] To enable an electrical connection between a sum of three ribs (either two ribs of the first article detector 16 and one rib of the second article detector 22 as shown in Figure 7A or one rib of the first article detector 16 and two ribs of the second article detector 22 as shown in Figure 7B), one or both of the first identification element 34 and the second identification element 36 of the aerosol-generating article 14 may extend over 75° of the outer periphery of the aerosol-generating article 14. This is the case if, as shown in Figure 6, the first detector 16 comprises six ribs of the first type and the second detector 22 comprises six ribs of the second type. Of course, the specific number of ribs can be chosen as desired. In other words, one or both of the first identification element 34 and the second identification element 36 of the aerosol-generating article 14 may enable an electrical connection between a number of ribs of the first detector 16 and the second detector 22.

[0192] Thus, with detecting a signal on one or on two ribs of the second detector 22, the aerosol-generating article 14 may identify an aerosol-generating article 14 of a “75°” type. In other words, a length of one or both of the first identification element 34 and the second identification element 36 of the aerosol-generating article 14 may determine a type of the aerosol-generating article 14. It has to be stressed that the specific number of ribs and of the length of both of the first identification element 34 and the second identification element 36 of the aerosol-generating article 14 is variable as long as the length of both of the first identification element 34 and the second identification element 36 can be detected by the aerosol-generating device thereby enabling an identification of the type of aerosol-generating article. Further, the first identification element 34 may have a first length and the second detector 36 may have a different length. Alternatively or additionally, the first identification element 34 may be arranged opposite the second detector 36. One both of the first identification element 34 and the second identification element 36 may cover a part or the full periphery of the aerosol-generating article 14. If, after insertion of an aerosol-generating article 14 into the cavity 12, no signal is detected between pairs of ribs, the aerosolgenerating article 14 may be rejected.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . An aerosol-generating device comprising: a cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate; an article detector, wherein the article detector comprises a first detector configured to detect a first identification element of the aerosol-generating article, wherein the article detector comprises a second detector configured to detect a second identification element of the aerosol-generating article, wherein the first detector is arranged at a first position of the cavity, and wherein the second detector is arranged at a second position of the cavity.

2. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the first position is a proximal position of the cavity and wherein the second position is a distal position of the cavity.

3. The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first position of the cavity is laterally different from the second position of the cavity.

4. The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first detector is configured to detect electromagnetic radiation in either the infrared spectrum or the ultraviolet spectrum, and wherein the second detector is configured to detect electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum5. The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first detector comprises a first light source and a first light-sensitive sensor, and wherein the second sensor comprises a second light source and a second light-sensitive sensor.

6. The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the aerosol-generating device further comprises an induction heating coil configured for induction heating.

7. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 6, wherein the first detector is arranged proximal of the induction heating coil and wherein the second detector is arranged distal of the induction heating coil.

8. The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the article detector is arranged at a sidewall of the cavity.

9. An aerosol-generating article, wherein a portion of the aerosol-generating article is configured to be at least partly received in a cavity of the aerosol-generating device, wherein the portion of the aerosol-generating article comprises a first identification element at a first position on or within the aerosol-generating article, and wherein the portion of the aerosol-generating article comprises a second identification element at a second position on or within the aerosol-generating article.

10. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 9, wherein the aerosolgenerating article comprises an outer wrapper, and wherein one or both of the first identification element and the second identification element is arranged, preferably printed, on an inner surface of the outer wrapper, on an outer surface of the outer wrapper or embedded within the outer wrapper.

11. The aerosol-generating article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first identification element comprises visible ink and the second identification element comprises non-visible ink.

12. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 11 , wherein the nonvisible ink and the visible ink are configured to absorb and reemit electromagnetic radiation in different electromagnetic spectra.

13. The aerosol-generating article according to any of claims 11 and 12, wherein the nonvisible ink comprises, preferably consists of, one or more of: infra-red ink, phosphorescent ink, fluorescent ink and ultraviolet ink.

14. An aerosol-generating system comprising the aerosol-generating device of any of claims 1 to 8 and an aerosol-generating article, preferably according to any of claims 9 to 13.

15. A method for identifying an aerosol-generating article in an aerosol-generating device according to an aerosol-generating system, preferably of claim 14, wherein the method comprises the following steps: detecting, by the first detector, the first identification of the aerosol-generating article, anddetecting, via the second detector, the second identification of the aerosol-generating article.

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