Aerosol generating apparatus

Abstract

There is provided an aerosol generating apparatus having a plurality of apparatus modes including an aerosol session mode and at least one further mode; including: an aerosol generating unit for generating aerosol; a user interface arrangement including an illuminable mode indicator and a status indicator arrangement including a plurality of status indicators; each status indicator selectively illuminable; and a controller to initiate said aerosol session mode to control the aerosol generating unit to generate aerosol, and control the mode indicator to illuminate indicative of the aerosol session mode and the status indicator arrangement to illuminate one or more of the status indicators in an illumination pattern indicative of a status associated with the aerosol session mode; and the controller to initiate the at least one further mode, and control the mode indicator to illuminate indicative of the at least one further mode and the status indicators to not illuminate.

Description

FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating apparatus.BACKGROUND

[0002] A conventional aerosol generating apparatus may comprise a power supply, an aerosol generating unit that is driven by the power supply, an aerosol precursor, which in use is aerosolised by the aerosol generating unit to generate an aerosol, and a delivery system for delivery of the aerosol to a user.

[0003] It is typically desirable for the user interface of the aerosol generating apparatus to be simple and readable for optimised user experience. However, it may be a challenge to achieve a user interface which is both simple and readable as simplicity and readability can be at odds. For example, a user interface with a given number of LEDs could be simplified by reducing the number of LEDs, but doing so may come at the cost of readability if, as a result, some information cannot be clearly communicated to the user.

[0004] In spite of the effort already invested in the development of aerosol generating apparatuses / systems further improvements are desirable.SUMMARY

[0005] The present disclosure provides an aerosol generating apparatus which has a user interface including a mode indicator for illuminating in a manner indicative of an active apparatus mode (e.g. illuminating in a particular colour to indicate that a particular apparatus mode is the active apparatus mode) and a status indicator arrangement for illuminating in a manner indicative of a status associated with the active apparatus mode. For example, when in an aerosol session mode the mode indicator may indicate the aerosol session mode while the status indicator arrangement may indicate when the aerosol session mode will terminate. For example, where the apparatus includes an error mode, the mode indicator may, when in said error mode, indicate the error mode while the status indicator arrangement may indicate to the user which particular error has been detected. As such, the mode indicator may in use inform the user of the aerosol generating apparatus about the active apparatus mode, while the status indicator arrangement may convey additional information about the active mode. As a result, the user interface arrangement is both simple and readable.

[0006] In some examples, there is provided an aerosol generating apparatus that has a plurality of apparatus modes including an aerosol session mode and at least one further mode, and the aerosol generating apparatus comprises: an aerosol generating unit for generating aerosol from an aerosol precursor in said aerosol session mode; a user interface arrangement including: a mode indicator which is illuminable, and a status indicator arrangement which is illuminable; and a controller configured to initiate said aerosol session mode to control the aerosol generating unit to generate aerosol, and control the mode indicator to illuminate indicative of the aerosol session mode, and control the status indicator arrangement to illuminate an illumination pattern indicative of a status associated with the aerosol session mode; and the controller is further configured to initiate the at least one further mode of the plurality of apparatus modes.

[0007] The status indicator arrangement may include a plurality of status indicators. Each status indicator may be selectively illuminable. The controller may be configured to control the status indicator arrangement to illuminate one or more of the status indicators in the illumination pattern.

[0008] The controller may be configured to initiate the at least one further mode and control the mode indicator to illuminate indicative of the at least one further mode and / or control the status indicator arrangement to illuminate one or more of the status indicators in an illumination pattern indicative of a status associated with the at least one further mode.

[0009] Below, examples of the at least one apparatus mode are described according to which the mode indicator is illuminated and the status indicator arrangement is not illuminated; according to other examples the mode indicator is not illuminated and the status indicator arrangement is illuminated.

[0010] The at least one further apparatus mode may include at least one of a secondary aerosol session mode, an error mode, a locked mode, a battery checking mode, and a battery charging mode.

[0011] The at least one further apparatus mode may include a standby mode. In the standby mode, at least some of the other apparatus modes may be initiable, or all of the other apparatus modes may be initiable. For example, the aerosol session mode may be initiable when in the standby mode. The controller may be configured to initiate the standby mode in response to terminating any other apparatus mode. The controller may be configured to control the mode indicator and the status indicator arrangement not to illuminate when in the standby mode.

[0012] The at least one further apparatus mode may include an off mode in which the apparatus is switched off. The controller may be configured not to control illumination of the user interface arrangement when in the off mode, such that the user interface arrangement may be without illumination when in the off mode. When in the off mode, the controller may be configured to detect a user input for switching on the apparatus and initiating the standby mode. When in the off mode, the controller may be configured to initiate the battery charging mode.

[0013] In some further apparatus mode or modes, such as the error mode, the controller may be configured to control the mode indicator to illuminate indicative of the mode, and may further be configured to control the status indicator arrangement to illuminate an illumination pattern indicative of a status associated with the mode, e.g. further information about an error event.

[0014] In some further apparatus mode or modes, such as the locked mode, the controller may be configured to control the mode indicator to illuminate indicative of the mode, and may further be configured to control the status indicator arrangement to not illuminate.

[0015] In some further apparatus mode or modes, such as the battery charging mode and / or the battery checking mode, the controller may be configured to control the mode indicator to not illuminate, and may further be configured to control the status indicator arrangement to illuminate an illumination pattern indicative of a status associated with the mode, e.g. charging / discharging progress of the battery.

[0016] The user interface arrangement may in use provide feedback to a user. The mode indicator and the status indicator arrangement in use provide visual feedback, but additional types of feedback may be provided, such as haptic feedback.

[0017] In some examples, the mode indicator may illuminate indicative of the aerosol session mode or may illuminate indicative of the at least one further mode, e.g. the error mode, such that a user may conveniently discern from the mode indicator the active apparatus mode. Suitably, the mode indicator may illuminate differently to distinguish apparatus modes. For example, the mode indicator may be selectively illuminable in different intensities of illumination or different colours of illumination, or any other suitable way for indicating different apparatus modes. As used herein, different intensities includes the mode indicator being off (i.e. zero intensity). By configuring the mode indicator to be selectively illuminable in one of multiple colours, a particularly convenient and readable user interface may be provided. Suitably, the mode indicator may be selectively illuminable in one of a plurality of colours, e.g. four colours.

[0018] The mode indicator may be illuminable by a plurality of light sources, e.g. LEDs, which are configured to illuminate in different colours and are independently controllable. Conveniently, the controller may be configured to control the mode indicator to illuminate a first colour of the plurality of colours indicative of the aerosol session mode and a second colour of the plurality of colours indicative of the at least one further mode. The first colour and the second colour may be different colours.

[0019] Where the mode indicator is illuminable one of a plurality of colours, each colour of the plurality of colours may be associated with exactly one apparatus mode. In use, illumination of the mode indicator in any colour of the plurality of colours may be indicative of the respective apparatus mode and only the respective apparatus mode.

[0020] The status indicators may be illuminable in the first colour. By configuring the status indicators to be illuminable in the first colour, i.e. the same colour as the mode indicator when in the aerosol session mode, this may provide for a user interface which is less likely misunderstood by a user and so may improve readability of the user interface arrangement. In particular, the user may generally experience the apparatus with the mode indicator and the status indicators matching in colour such that upon the mode indicator illuminating in a different colour, the user may more readily appreciate that the apparatus is not in aerosol session mode and that particular user attention may therefore be required, for example where an error has occurred. A particularly noticeable configuration of the user interface may involve a colour mismatch between the mode indicator and the status indicators. As described in further detail below, such a colour mismatch may be utilised, for example, for the error mode.

[0021] The status indicators may be illuminable only in a single colour, e.g. the first colour. For example, each status indicator may be illuminable in a single colour by a single light source, e.g. an LED, which is independently controllable by the controller. Alternatively, each status indicator may be provided as a single light source illuminable in a single colour. By configuring the status indicators to be illuminable in a single colour only, a cost-effective and convenient solution may be provided.

[0022] The entire mode indicator may be illuminable. By arranging the entire mode indicator to be illuminable, readability of the user interface may be improved since the full size of the visible portion is utilised for illumination. For example, the mode indicator may be transparent for illumination by a light source housed within the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0023] The mode indicator may have a length of at least 1.7 centimetres, optionally of at least 2 centimetres.

[0024] The mode indicator may have a length of up to 2.5 centimetres, optionally of up to 2.2 centimetres.

[0025] The mode indicator may have a width of up to 2 centimetres, optionally of up to 1.7 centimetres.

[0026] The mode indicator may have a width of at least 1.5 centimetres, optionally of at least 1.7 centimetres.

[0027] The mode indicator may be elongate. For example, the mode indicator may be elongate and have a length which may be at least 10 times greater that the width, and may be up to 15 times greater than the width.

[0028] By providing the mode indicator with an elongate shape, the mode indicator may in use be less likely to be covered by the user and, hence, the user interface may be more readable. In particular, providing the mode indicator with a length of at least 1.7 centimetres may reduce the likelihood that in use the mode indicator may be covered entirely by a finger of the user.

[0029] The mode indicator may have any suitable shape, for example a racetrack shape, a round shape, or a bar shape.

[0030] The status indicators may be linearly arranged to define an elongate status indicator arrangement.

[0031] By providing the linearly arranged status indicators, readability of the user interface may be improved. For example, indication of the status of the aerosol session mode, e.g. aerosol session progress, may be more intuitively read by a user.

[0032] Where the mode indicator is elongate and the status indicator arrangement is linearly arranged, the elongate mode indicator and the status indicator arrangement may be aligned to define an elongate user interface arrangement.

[0033] By providing the elongate user interface arrangement, a slim user interface may be provided.

[0034] Where the mode indicator is elongate and the status indicator arrangement is linearly arranged, the length of the mode indicator may exceed the length of the status indicator arrangement.

[0035] By arranging the mode indicator to be longer than the status indicator arrangement, this may provide for a prominent indication of the apparatus mode and therefore improve readability of the user interface.

[0036] The status indicators may have any suitable shape, for example each status indicator may have a circular shape. By providing the circular status indicators, this may allow for a cost-effective solution, e.g. utilising individual LEDs as status indicators.

[0037] Each status indicator may have a diameter of at least 0.5 millimetres.

[0038] Each status indicator may have a diameter of up to 2.0 millimetres.

[0039] Each status indicator may have a diameter of 0.75 millimetres.

[0040] The status indicators may be spaced apart. For example, adjacent status indicators may be spaced apart by a separation distance. The separation distance between equal for all pairs of adjacent status indicators. This may allow the user to more easily discern the status of the apparatus.

[0041] The mode indicator and the status indicator arrangement may be spaced apart. For example, the mode indicator and the status indicator may be spaced apart by a distance which corresponds to or exceeds the separation distance between adjacent status indicators. This may allow the user to more easily discern between the mode indicator and the status indicator.

[0042] The aerosol generating apparatus may have a plurality of faces. The plurality of faces may include a first face. The plurality of faces may further include a second face. The first face and the second face may be on opposite sides of the apparatus.

[0043] The aerosol generating apparatus may be configured to receive user input. For example, the user interface arrangement may include a user input device for receiving user input, or the mode indicator may be configured for receiving user input, or the apparatus may be configured for receiving user input via an external device such as a mobile phone. The controller may be configured to detect the user input.

[0044] The controller may be configured to initiate the aerosol session mode in response to user input. The user input may be a command for aerosol generation.

[0045] The controller may be configured to initiate the at least one further mode in response to detection of a user input, which may be different from the command for aerosol generation.

[0046] The controller may be configured to initiate the error mode in response to detection of a user input and detection of an error event. The user input may be the command for aerosol generation.

[0047] The controller may be configured to initiate the locked mode in response to detection of a user input. The user input may be a command for engaging locked mode.

[0048] The controller may be configured to initiate the battery checking mode in response to detection of a user input. The user input may be a command for battery checking.

[0049] In some examples, user input may be provided via the mode indicator.

[0050] The mode indicator may be actuatable and the controller may be configured to configured to detect actuation of the mode indicator. For example, the mode indicator may include an illuminable pushbutton. The controller may be configured to illuminate the mode indicator indicative of the mode, and further configured to detect actuation of the mode indicator. By arranging the mode indicator to be actuatable, the mode indicator may be utilised for providing user feedback (i.e. illumination) and for receiving user input (actuation of the mode indicator). This may provide for an arrangement both compact and readable since the user will in use engage with the same structure for feedback and input.

[0051] The entire mode indicator may be actuatable. Where the entire mode indicator is illuminable, the entire mode indicator may be both illuminable and actuatable.

[0052] The controller may be configured to detect a plurality of actuation sequences where each actuation sequence is associated with a particular apparatus mode. Each actuation sequence may include at least one actuation. Each actuation sequence may differ from other actuation sequences in the number of actuations and / or the duration of actuation. For example, a single quick actuation and a single long actuation may be associated with a different apparatus modes.

[0053] The controller may be configured to initiate the aerosol session mode in response to detection of an aerosol request actuation sequence.

[0054] The controller may be configured to initiate the error mode in response to detection of the aerosol request actuation sequence and detection of an error event.

[0055] The controller may be configured to initiate the secondary aerosol session mode in response to detection of a secondary aerosol request actuation sequence. The secondary aerosol request actuation sequence may include at least one actuation. The secondary aerosol request actuation sequence and the aerosol request actuation sequence may differ in the number of actuations and / or the duration of actuation.

[0056] The controller may be configured to initiate the at least one further mode in response to detection of a further actuation sequence. The further actuation sequence may include at least one actuation. The further actuation sequence and the aerosol request actuation sequence may differ in the number of actuations and / or the duration of actuation.

[0057] The further actuation sequence may be a locking request actuation sequence. The controller may be configured to initiate the locked mode in response to detection of the locking request actuation sequence.

[0058] The further actuation sequence may be a battery checking request actuation sequence. The controller may be configured to initiate the battery checking mode in response to detection of the battery checking request actuation sequence.

[0059] The controller may be configured to illuminate the status indicator arrangement to illuminate one of a plurality of illumination patterns. In use, the illumination pattern which is illuminated may indicate to the user about the current status associated with the active apparatus mode. For example, upon initiating the aerosol session mode, all status indicators may be illuminated to indicate to the user that the entire duration of the aerosol session remains.

[0060] Similarly, illumination patterns may be used for the at least one further mode. The controller may be configured to initiate the at least one further mode, and control the mode indicator to illuminate indicative of the at least one further mode, and control the status indicator arrangement to illuminate one or more of the status indicators in an illumination pattern indicative of a status associated with the at least one further mode. For example, upon initiating the battery checking mode, all status indicators may be illuminated to provide an illumination pattern indicative of the battery being at full charge.

[0061] Any discussion of the illumination pattern or patterns with respect to the aerosol session mode is applicable also to other modes. Likewise, any discussion of the illumination pattern or patterns with respect to any apparatus mode other than the aerosol session mode is applicable also to the aerosol session mode.

[0062] The controller may be configured to control the status indicator arrangement to illuminate one of a plurality of illumination patterns. The plurality of illumination patterns may include the illumination pattern and may include another illumination pattern.

[0063] The controller may be configured to control the status indicator arrangement to alternatingly illuminate in the illumination pattern and the other illumination pattern. The other illumination pattern may be indicative of another status. By alternatingly illuminating two illumination patterns, information may be conveyed to the user about how the status is changing, e.g. progressing from a first status to a second status.

[0064] The controller may be configured to control one or more status indicators to illuminate in the illumination pattern. The controller may be configured to illuminate the one or more status indicators and an additional status indicator in the other illumination pattern.

[0065] The controller may be configured to control the status indicator arrangement to alternatingly illuminate the one or more status indicators in the illumination pattern and not illuminate any of the status indicators.

[0066] The controller may be configured to sequentially illuminate illumination patterns of the plurality of illuminations.

[0067] The controller may be configured to illuminate a unique number of status indicators for each illumination pattern of the plurality of illumination patterns.

[0068] The controller may be configured to illuminate a non-unique number of status indicators for at least some of the illumination patterns. As such, the controller may be configured to control the status indicator arrangement to illuminate a first illumination pattern and a second illumination pattern. The first illumination pattern and the second illumination pattern may involve illumination of the same number of status indicators but different sets of status indicators. For example, the controller may be configured to control the status indicator arrangement to illuminate a first set of status indicators when illuminating the first illumination pattern and a second set of status indicators when illuminating the second illumination pattern; the first set of status indicators and the second set of status indicators may include the same number of status indicators, and the first set of status indicators may include at least one status indicator not included in the second set of status indicators The illumination patterns may be used with the aerosol session mode and, in some examples, may be used with the at least one further mode. However, it is envisaged that some apparatus mode or modes may not utilise any illumination patterns. For example, the locked mode may not require further information to be conveyed to the user other than that the locked mode is engaged. The mode indicator may conveniently indicate this information to the user, so that no illumination pattern is needed. As such, the controller may control all status indicators to not illuminate whenever in such an apparatus mode, which may be the at least one further mode.

[0069] The controller may be configured to initiate the at least one further mode, and control the mode indicator to illuminate indicative of the at least one further mode, and control the plurality of status indicators to not illuminate.

[0070] By controlling the status indicators to not illuminate when in the at least one further mode, the status indicator arrangement may provide a "non-illumination" pattern. Here, "non-illumination" pattern is used a convenient term to describe that the controller controls the status indicators to not illuminate. As such, the non-illumination pattern differs from the illumination pattern according to which at least one status indicator is illuminated.

[0071] The non-illumination pattern may be used in relation to any mode which does not require a detailed status indication (e.g. a locked mode which is either engaged or not engaged) or may be used in addition to an illumination pattern (e.g. such that a larger number of different errors can be indicated in an error mode).

[0072] In some examples, the controller may be configured to control the plurality of status indicators to not illuminate when in the aerosol session mode. For example, the controller may be configured to do so when the aerosol session mode is about to terminate.

[0073] There may be one or more statuses associated with the at least one further mode. Where there is (exactly) one status associated with the at least one further mode, the non-illumination pattern may be used exclusively whenever in the at least one further mode. For example, in a locked mode the status indicators may always be not illuminated. Where there is more than one status associated with the at least one further mode, the non-illumination pattern may be used in addition to at least one illumination pattern. Alternatively, where there is more than one status associated with the at least one further mode, the non-illumination pattern may not be used.

[0074] The controller may be configured to conditionally control the status indicators to not illuminate in the at least one further mode. For example, the controller may be configured to control the status indicators to not illuminate in the at least one further mode indicative of a first status associated with the at least one further mode. For example, the first status may be associated with the battery checking mode and may relate to the battery being depleted; or the first status may be associated with the error mode and may relate to a first error having occurred. As such, the at least one further mode may have multiple possible statuses and the non-illumination pattern may be conditional on the current status associated with the at least one further mode.

[0075] The controller may be configured to control the status indicators to illuminate one or more of the status indicators in an illumination pattern indicative of a second status associated with the at least one further mode. For example, the second status may be associated with the battery checking mode and may relate to the battery having some charge remaining; or the second status may be associated with the error mode and may relate to a second error having occurred.

[0076] Where there is a plurality of further modes, there may be at least one mode in which the controller is configured to conditionally control the status indicators to not illuminate in said at least one mode, and at least one mode in which the controller is configured to non-conditionally, i.e. exclusively, control the status indicators to not illuminate in said mode.

[0077] The controller may be configured to initiate the aerosol session mode (or `aerosol generating mode') to control the aerosol generating unit to generate aerosol for a predetermined aerosol session duration. The aerosol session duration may be more than 100 seconds and may be up to 500 seconds, optionally more than 200 seconds and less than 400 seconds. In some examples, the aerosol session duration may be 300 seconds.

[0078] The aerosol session duration may include a pre-heat phase, where the aerosol generating unit is provided as a heater, in which the aerosol generating unit is brought to an operating temperature (or target temperature').

[0079] The controller may be configured to immediately commence aerosol generation, or preparation for aerosol generation (e.g. the pre-heat phase), when initiating the aerosol session mode. Alternatively, the controller may be configured to perform safety checks upon or during initiating the aerosol session mode, and commence aerosol generation (or preparation for aerosol generation) if the safety checks have been successfully completed. The controller may be configured to initiate the error mode, e.g. following termination of the aerosol session mode, if the safety checks are not successfully completed.

[0080] The status associated with the aerosol session mode may be aerosol session progress. The controller may be configured to initiate the aerosol session mode to control the status indicator arrangement to illuminate an illumination pattern indicative of aerosol session progress. Session progress may be represented by illumination patterns indicative of the elapsed session duration or the remaining session duration.

[0081] The aerosol session duration may be evenly divisible by the total number of status indicators. More particularly, the aerosol session duration in seconds may be evenly divisible by the total number of status indicators, and each status indicator may be representative of the same portion of the aerosol duration. For example, an aerosol session duration of 300 seconds may be evenly divisible by the number of 5 status indicators, and each status indicator may be representative of 60 seconds.

[0082] For example, where each status indicator is representative of 60 seconds of the 300 seconds aerosol session duration, illumination of a given status indicator may be representative of 60 seconds of remaining aerosol session duration; or the non-illumination of a given status indicator may be representative of 60 seconds of elapsed aerosol session duration. Accordingly, session progress may be indicated in increments of 60 seconds.

[0083] The controller may be configured to control the plurality of status indicators to not illuminate at expiry of the aerosol session duration. Particularly where the illumination patterns are indicative of remaining session duration, the aerosol session mode may conclude with all status indicators being controlled to not illuminate at expiry of the aerosol session duration.

[0084] The controller may be configured to control the status indicator arrangement to alternatingly illuminate one status indicator and not illuminate any of the status indicator indicative of expiry of the aerosol session duration.

[0085] The controller may be configured to initiate the aerosol session mode when in the standby mode. For example, the controller may be configured to initiate the aerosol session mode in response to a user input.

[0086] The controller may be configured to initiate the secondary aerosol session mode. The secondary aerosol session mode may be provided as an additional apparatus mode for generating aerosol at a different amount of power being supplied to the aerosol generating unit, e.g. operating the aerosol generating unit at a different operation temperature (where the aerosol generating unit is provided as a heater).

[0087] The controller may be configured to initiate the aerosol session mode to supply a first amount of power to the aerosol generating unit, and initiate the secondary aerosol session mode to supply a second amount of power to the aerosol generating unit. The first amount of power and the second amount of power may be different. By supplying different amounts of power according to the selected aerosol session mode, a different experience may be provided to the user. For example, the aerosol precursor may in use be heated to a higher or a lower temperature, where the aerosol generating unit is provided as a heater, depending on the selected aerosol session mode.

[0088] The first amount of power and the second amount of power may be any suitable measure of power. For example, the first amount of power and the second amount of power may be time averages, e.g. over a period of one second or more, or may be total amounts of power supplied from initiating the aerosol session mode until terminating the aerosol session mode.

[0089] The controller may be configured to initiate said secondary aerosol session mode to control the aerosol generating unit to generate aerosol, and control the mode indicator to illuminate indicative of the secondary aerosol session mode, and control the status indicator arrangement to illuminate one or more status indicators in an illumination pattern indicative of a status associated with the aerosol session mode.

[0090] The controller may be configured to control the mode indicator to illuminate in a first colour indicative of the aerosol session mode. The controller may be configured to control the mode indicator to illuminate in a second colour indicative of the secondary aerosol session mode. The first colour and the second colour may be different colours.

[0091] The controller may be configured to initiate the secondary aerosol session mode when in the standby mode. For example, the controller may be configured to initiate the secondary aerosol session mode in response to a user input. The user input for initiating the secondary aerosol session mode may be different from the user input for initiating the aerosol session mode.

[0092] The controller may be configured to initiate the error mode to terminate the aerosol session mode and / or terminate initiating the aerosol session mode and / or prevent initiating the aerosol session mode.

[0093] The controller may be configured to initiate the error mode in response to detection of an error event and control the mode indicator to illuminate indicative of the error mode. The error event may be indicative of an apparatus error, e.g. an electrical fault, a temperature outside of an operation range, or other condition.

[0094] The controller may be configured initiate the error mode in response to detection of a or a second error event, and: conditional on detection of the first error event, control the plurality of status indicators to not illuminate; and conditional on detection of the second error event, control the status indicator arrangement to illuminate one or more of the status indicators in an illumination pattern indicative of the second error event.

[0095] By controlling the status indicators to not illuminate in response to a given error event, it may be possible to conveniently convey to the user that an error event was detected but that the underlying error may be minor, for example that the error may be easily addressable by the user. As such, the user may understand illumination of the mode indicator indicative of the error mode without illumination of the status indicators to be a warning that the error should be addressed rather than that the apparatus is defective and not operable. Such a minor error may be, for example, that the apparatus has been opened or a portion removed, and the user interface arrangement may convey to return the apparatus to its initial configuration.

[0096] The aerosol generating apparatus may comprise a cover moveable to at least partially expose the aerosol generating unit. The cover may be moveable without detaching from the aerosol generating apparatus, or may be moveable to completely detach from the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0097] The controller may be configured to detect the cover being moved to at least partially open the aerosol generating apparatus. For example, the cover may be moveable to at least partially expose the aerosol generating unit as the first error event.

[0098] According to the first error event, the mode indicator is illuminated indicative of the error mode whilst the status indicators are not illuminated. As outlined above, this may convey to the user that a minor error has occurred, which in this case is moving the cover to at least partially open the aerosol generating unit. As such, the user may return the cover to again close the aerosol generating apparatus, e.g. covering the exposed aerosol generating unit. In response, the controller may terminate the error mode.

[0099] When in the error mode, the controller may be configured to detect removal of the error event, e.g. the first error event or the second error event.

[0100] The controller may be configured to terminate the error mode upon detection of removal of the error event. The controller may be configured to terminate the error mode upon detection of removal of the error event and initiate the standby mode.

[0101] The controller may be configured to initiate the error mode in response to detection of the second error event and control the status indicator arrangement to illuminate the illumination pattern in a first colour, and illuminate the mode indicator in a second colour. The first colour and the second colour may be different colours.

[0102] By configuring the status indicators to illuminate in a different colour to the mode indicator, i.e. "mismatched", the user's attention may conveniently be drawn to convey to the user that a more major error event has occurred, and that particular attention and / or action may be required by the user.

[0103] The controller may be configured to initiate the error mode when in any apparatus mode. As such, the controller may be configured to detect error events in any apparatus mode, for example by periodically checking for error events. Additionally or alternatively, the controller may be configured to conditionally check for error events, e.g. upon initiating one of the apparatus modes.

[0104] The controller may be configured to detect a plurality of error events, which may include the first error event and the second error event. The plurality of error events may include a total of k error events, where k is a natural number.

[0105] The status indicator arrangement may include j status indicators, where j is a natural number.

[0106] The total number of error events k may be equal to the number of status indicators j plus one, i.e. k = j + 1.

[0107] By utilising the non-illumination pattern in addition to illumination patterns, in use a greater number of error events may be indicated to the user without reducing readability of the user interface arrangement. In particular, the number of error events may exceed the number of status indicators, e.g. by one, and yet each error event may result in a unique illumination pattern or in the non-illumination pattern. Moreover, the illumination patterns may all provide for illumination of a different number of status indicators, such that ambiguity may be avoided.

[0108] The controller may be configured to control the plurality of status indicators: not illuminate in response to detection of the first error event; and illuminate a unique number of status indicators for each of the other error events of the plurality of error events.

[0109] The status indicator arrangement may have five status indicators including a first status indicator, a second status indicator, a third status indicator, a fourth status indicator, and a fifth status indicator.

[0110] The controller may be configured to detect six error events including the first error event, the second error event, a third error event, a fourth error event, a fifth error event, and a sixth error event.

[0111] The controller may be configured to not illuminate in response to detection of the first error event; illuminate the first status indicator in response to detection of second error event; illuminate the first status indicator and the second status indicator in response to detection of the third error event; illuminate the first status indicator, the second status indicator and the third status indicator in response to detection of the fourth error event; illuminate the first status indicator, the second status indicator, the third status indicator and the fourth status indicator in response to detection of the fifth error event; illuminate the first status indicator, the second status indicator, the third status indicator, the fourth status indicator and the fifth status indicator in response to detection of the sixth error event.

[0112] The controller may be configured to initiate the locked mode to prevent initiating the aerosol session mode, and control the mode indicator to illuminate indicative of the locked mode, and configured to control the plurality of status indicators to not illuminate. For example, the controller may be configured to initiate the locked mode when in the standby mode.

[0113] The controller may be configured to initiate the locked mode in response to detection of a user input.

[0114] The controller may be configured, when in the locked mode, to control the mode indicator to illuminate indicative of the locked mode for a predetermined duration following which the mode indicator is controlled not to illuminate. The predetermined duration may be at least 1 second and may be up to 30 seconds, optionally up to 10 seconds. By illuminating the mode indicator indicative of the locked mode for a predetermined duration, battery usage may be reduced.

[0115] The controller may be configured, when in the locked mode, to control the mode indicator to illuminate indicative of the locked mode in response to a user input. The user input may be any user input, e.g. a user input for requesting aerosol. By illuminating indicative of the locked mode, it may be conveyed to the user that the locked mode is to be terminated before initiating a different apparatus mode.

[0116] The controller may be configured, when in the locked mode, to terminate the locked mode in response to detection of a user input. The user input for initiating the locked mode and the user input for terminating the locked mode may be the same. For example, the actuation sequence for initiating the locked mode may be identical to the actuation sequence for terminating the locked mode.

[0117] The controller may be configured, when in the locked mode, to terminate the locked mode in response to detection of the user input, and control the mode indicator to illuminate indicative of the aerosol session mode. By illumination indicative of the aerosol session mode, the user interface arrangement may conveniently convey availability of the aerosol session mode.

[0118] The controller may be configured to initiate the standby mode in response to terminating the locked mode.

[0119] The aerosol generating apparatus may include a power supply for powering the aerosol generating apparatus. The power supply may be a battery.

[0120] The battery checking mode may be an apparatus mode for checking the current battery level of the battery of the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0121] The controller may be configured to initiate the battery checking mode in response to detection of a user input for requesting an update on the current battery level of the battery. For example, the controller may be configured to initiate the battery checking mode when in the standby mode.

[0122] The controller may be configured to initiate the battery checking mode, and control the mode indicator to illuminate indicative of the battery checking mode. Alternatively, the controller may be configured to initiate the battery checking mode, and control the mode indicator to not illuminate. Not illuminating the mode indicator when in the battery checking mode may not cause confusion for the user since in use the battery checking mode may be initiated in response to a user input and the status indicators controlled to indicate the battery level for a comparatively brief period of time, such that the meaning of the output of the user interface arrangement may be clear to the user.

[0123] The controller may be configured to initiate the battery checking mode, and illuminate an illumination pattern indicative of the battery level. The battery level may be a proportion of the battery capacity, and so may correspond to the battery capacity when at full battery charge and may approach zero when approaching zero battery charge.

[0124] The controller may be configured to illuminate the illumination pattern indicative of the battery level if the battery level is sufficient for initiating and completing the aerosol session mode. For example, the controller may be configured to determine whether the current battery level is above a threshold battery level, and illuminate the illumination pattern if the current battery level is above the threshold battery level, and may control the status indicators to not illuminate otherwise. By illuminating the illumination pattern conditional on the battery level exceeding the threshold battery level, user experience may be improved. In particular, potential confusion or frustration of the user may be avoided in a situation where battery charge remains but is insufficient for initiating and completing the aerosol session mode.

[0125] The controller may be configured to initiate the battery checking mode, and control the plurality of status indicators to: not illuminate to indicate a battery level insufficient for initiating and completing the aerosol session mode; illuminate an illumination pattern indicative of the battery level if the battery level is sufficient for initiating and completing the aerosol session mode.

[0126] The at least one further mode may include the battery checking mode or may not include the battery checking mode. Where the at least one further mode includes the battery checking mode, the controller may be configured to control the mode indicator to illuminate indicative of the battery checking mode when in the battery checking mode. Where the battery checking mode is included in the plurality of apparatus modes without being one of the at least one further modes, the mode indicator may be controlled to not illuminate when in the battery checking mode.

[0127] The controller may be configured to control the plurality of status indicators to illuminate the illumination pattern indicative of the battery level for a predetermined duration.

[0128] The predetermined duration may be greater than 1 second.

[0129] The predetermined duration may be less than 5 seconds, optionally less than 3 seconds.

[0130] The controller may be configured to initiate the battery charging mode to charge the battery of the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0131] The controller may be configured to initiate the battery charging mode in response to connection of a charging device. The charging device may be any suitable device for charging the battery of the aerosol generating apparatus. For example, the charging device may be a wired charger which is mated with the aerosol generating apparatus (e.g. via USB-C), or the charging device may be for wirelessly charging when in the proximity of the aerosol generating apparatus. As such, connection of the charging device may involve making a physical connection with the aerosol generating apparatus or may involve placing the aerosol generating apparatus in the proximity of the charging device.

[0132] The controller may be configured to initiate the battery charging mode, and control the status indicator arrangement to illuminate an illumination pattern indicative of the battery level. Operation of the user interface in the battery charging mode may be equivalent to operation in battery checking mode, noting that in the battery charging mode the battery level is expected to increase over time whereas in the battery checking mode the battery level is expected to decrease.

[0133] The at least one further mode may include the battery charging mode or may not include the battery charging mode. Where the at least one further mode includes the battery charging mode, the controller may be configured to control the mode indicator to illuminate indicative of the battery charging mode when in the battery charging mode. Where the battery charging mode is included in the plurality of apparatus modes without being one of the at least one further modes, the mode indicator may be controlled to not illuminate when in the battery charging mode.

[0134] The controller may be configured to detect disconnection of the charging device. Disconnection of the charging device may occur at the aerosol generating device, e.g. physical removal of the aerosol generating apparatus from the charging device, or may occur distal to the aerosol generating device, e.g. unplugging of the charging device from mains electricity.

[0135] In response to detection of disconnection of the charging device, the controller may be configured to terminate the battery charging mode and control the mode indicator and all status indicators to illuminate. By illuminating the mode indicator and all status indicators, the user interface arrangement may indicate to the user that disconnection occurred. Notably, where the mode indicator does not illuminate indicative of the charging mode, the mode indicator would be available as an additional light source to illuminate upon disconnection even if all status indicators are already illuminated when approaching full charge. As such, a visual indication about disconnection may be provided. Moreover, the user may not be at doubt over the apparatus mode when connecting the charging device, such that lack of illumination of the mode indicator during charging may not lead to confusion of the user.

[0136] The aerosol generating apparatus, and in particular the user interface arrangement, may comprise a haptic feedback unit for providing haptic feedback to a user holding the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0137] The controller may be configured to control the haptic feedback unit to provide haptic feedback in response to initiating any one of the plurality of apparatus modes, e.g. the aerosol session mode and / or the at least one further mode.

[0138] The controller may be configured to control the haptic feedback unit provide haptic feedback when the aerosol generating unit reaches a target temperature in the aerosol session mode.

[0139] The controller may be configured to initiate the aerosol session mode for a predetermined aerosol session duration and to terminate the aerosol session mode on expiry of the aerosol session duration.

[0140] The controller may be configured to control the haptic feedback unit to provide haptic feedback prior to expiry of the aerosol session duration and / or on expiry of the aerosol session duration.

[0141] The controller may be configured to control the user feedback arrangement to change from a first illumination pattern to a second illumination pattern in response to a change of the status and simultaneously control the haptic feedback unit to provide haptic feedback in response to the change of the status. The status may be associated with the aerosol session mode or the at least one further mode.

[0142] The controller may be configured to control the haptic feedback unit to provide haptic feedback when initiating the battery charging mode.

[0143] The controller may be configured to control the haptic feedback unit to provide haptic feedback when initiating the locked mode. The controller may be configured to provide haptic feedback when terminating the locked mode.

[0144] The controller may be configured to control the haptic feedback unit to provide haptic feedback when initiating the error mode.

[0145] The preceding summary is provided for purposes of summarizing some examples to provide a basic understanding of aspects of the subject matter described herein. Accordingly, the above-described features should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the subject matter described herein in any way. Moreover, the above and / or proceeding examples may be combined in any suitable combination to provide further examples, except where such a combination is clearly impermissible or expressly avoided. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent from the following text and the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0146] Aspects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of examples in reference to the appended drawings in which like numerals denote like elements. Fig. 1 is a block system diagram showing an example aerosol generating apparatus. Fig. 2 is a block system diagram showing an example implementation of the apparatus of Fig. 1, where the aerosol generating apparatus is configured to generate aerosol from a solid precursor. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an example implementation of the apparatus of Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a device body of the apparatus of Fig. 2. Fig. 5 is a sectional view of the device body of Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is another sectional view of the device body of Fig. 4. Fig. 7 is a schematic illustration of apparatus modes of the apparatus of Fig. 1. Fig. 8 is a front view of the apparatus of Fig. 3 with a mode indicator illuminated. Fig. 9 is a front view of the apparatus of Fig. 3 with a status indicator arrangement illuminated in a first illumination pattern. Fig. 10 is a front view of the apparatus of Fig. 3 with a status indicator arrangement illuminated in a second illumination pattern. Fig. 11 is a front view of the apparatus of Fig. 3 with a status indicator arrangement illuminated in a third illumination pattern. Fig. 12 is a front view of the apparatus of Fig. 3 with a status indicator arrangement illuminated in a fourth illumination pattern. Fig. 13 is a front view of the apparatus of Fig. 3 with a status indicator arrangement illuminated in a fifth illumination pattern. Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the apparatus of Fig. 3 wherein a cap is raised to at least partially expose an aerosol generating unit. Fig. 15 is a front view of the apparatus of Fig. 3 with a charging device connected with the apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0147] Before describing several examples implementing the present disclosure, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited by specific construction details or process steps set forth in the following description and accompanying drawings. Rather, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure that the systems, apparatuses and / or methods described herein could be embodied differently and / or be practiced or carried out in various alternative ways.

[0148] Unless otherwise defined herein, scientific and technical terms used in connection with the presently disclosed inventive concept(s) shall have the meanings that are commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, and known techniques and procedures may be performed according to conventional methods well known in the art and as described in various general and more specific references that may be cited and discussed in the present specification.

[0149] Any patents, published patent applications, and non-patent publications mentioned in the specification are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0150] All examples implementing the present disclosure can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While particular examples have been described, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to the systems, apparatus, and / or methods and in the steps or in the sequence of steps of the methods described herein without departing from the concept, spirit, and scope of the inventive concept(s). All such similar substitutions and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope, and concept of the inventive concept(s) as defined by the appended claims.

[0151] The use of the term "a" or "an" in the claims and / or the specification may mean "one," as well as "one or more," "at least one," and "one or more than one." As such, the terms "a," "an," and "the," as well as all singular terms, include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Likewise, plural terms shall include the singular unless otherwise required by context.

[0152] The use of the term "or" in the present disclosure (including the claims) is used to mean an inclusive "and / or" unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or unless the alternatives are mutually exclusive. For example, a condition "A or B" is satisfied by any of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

[0153] As used in this specification and claim(s), the words "comprising, "having," "including," or "containing" (and any forms thereof, such as "comprise" and "comprises," "have" and "has," "includes" and "include," or "contains" and "contain," respectively) are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

[0154] Unless otherwise explicitly stated as incompatible, or the physics or otherwise of the embodiments, examples, or claims prevent such a combination, the features of examples disclosed herein, and of the claims, may be integrated together in any suitable arrangement, especially ones where there is a beneficial effect in doing so. This is not limited to only any specified benefit, and instead may arise from an "ex post facto" benefit. This is to say that the combination of features is not limited by the described forms, particularly the form (e.g. numbering) of example(s), embodiment(s), or dependency of claim(s). Moreover, this also applies to the phrase "in one embodiment," "according to an embodiment," and the like, which are merely a stylistic form of wording and are not to be construed as limiting the following features to a separate embodiment to all other instances of the same or similar wording. This is to say, a reference to 'an,' 'one,' or 'some' embodiment(s) may be a reference to any one or more, and / or all embodiments, or combination(s) thereof, disclosed. Also, similarly, the reference to "the" embodiment may not be limited to the immediately preceding embodiment. Further, all references to one or more embodiments or examples are to be construed as non-limiting to the claims.

[0155] The present disclosure may be better understood in view of the following explanations, wherein the terms used that are separated by "or" may be used interchangeably: As used herein, an "aerosol generating apparatus" (or "electronic(e)-cigarette") may be an apparatus configured to deliver an aerosol to a user for inhalation by the user. The apparatus may additionally / alternatively be referred to as a "smoking substitute apparatus", if it is intended to be used instead of a conventional combustible smoking article. As used herein a combustible "smoking article" may refer to a cigarette, cigar, pipe or other article, that produces smoke (an aerosol comprising solid particulates and gas) via heating above the thermal decomposition temperature (typically by combustion and / or pyrolysis).

[0156] As used herein, an "aerosol generating component" may refer to a component that includes an aerosol precursor. The component may include an aerosol generating unit e.g. it may be arranged as a cartomizer. The component may include a mouthpiece. The component may include an information carrying medium. The component may include a storage portion, e.g. a reservoir or tank, for storage of the aerosol precursor.

[0157] With liquid or gel implementations of the aerosol precursor, e.g. an e-liquid, the component may be referred to as a "capsule" or a "pod" or an "e-liquid consumable". In some embodiments, the aerosol precursor component may be affixed to the device body to form the aerosol generating apparatus. In these embodiments, the reservoir / tank may be refillable.

[0158] With solid material implementations of the precursor, e.g. tobacco or reconstituted tobacco formulation, the component may be referred to as a "stick" or "package" or "heat-not-burn consumable". In a heat-not-burn consumable, the mouthpiece may be implemented as a filter and the consumable may be arranged to carry the precursor. The consumable may be implemented as a dosage or pre-portioned amount of material, including a loose-leaf product.

[0159] The aerosol generating component e.g. the capsule, pod, stick, package or consumable may be for releasable coupling to a device body to form the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0160] The device body may comprise a power supply for powering the aerosol generating unit.

[0161] An aerosol generated by the apparatus may comprise an aerosol with particle sizes of 0.2 - 7 microns, or less than 10 microns, or less than 7 microns. This particle size may be achieved by control of one or more of: heater temperature; cooling rate as the vapour condenses to an aerosol; flow properties including turbulence and velocity. The generation of aerosol by the aerosol generating apparatus may be controlled by an input device. The input device may be configured to be user-activated, and may for example include or take the form of an actuator (e.g. actuation button) and / or an airflow sensor.

[0162] Each occurrence of the aerosol generating apparatus being caused to generate aerosol for a period of time (which may be variable) may be referred to as an "activation" of the aerosol generating apparatus. The aerosol generating apparatus may be arranged to allow an amount of aerosol delivered to a user to be varied per activation (as opposed to delivering a fixed dose of aerosol), e.g. by activating an aerosol generating unit of the apparatus for a variable amount of time, e.g. based on the strength / duration of a draw of a user through a flow path of the apparatus (to replicate an effect of smoking a conventional combustible smoking article).

[0163] The aerosol generating apparatus may be portable. As used herein, the term "portable" may refer to the apparatus being for use when held by a user.

[0164] As used herein, an "aerosol generating system" may be a system that includes an aerosol generating apparatus and optionally other circuitry / components associated with the function of the apparatus, e.g. one or more external devices and / or one or more external components (here "external" is intended to mean external to the aerosol generating apparatus). As used herein, an "external device" and "external component" may include one or more of a: a charging device, a mobile device (which may be connected to the aerosol generating apparatus, e.g. via a wireless or wired connection); a networked-based computer (e.g. a remote server); a cloud-based computer; any other server system.

[0165] An example aerosol generating system may be a system for managing an aerosol generating apparatus. Such a system may include, for example, a mobile device, a network server, as well as the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0166] As used herein, an "aerosol" may include a suspension of precursor, including as one or more of: solid particles; liquid droplets; gas. Said suspension may be in a gas including air. An aerosol herein may generally refer to / include a vapour. An aerosol may include one or more components of the precursor. As used herein, a "precursor" may include one or more of a: liquid; solid; gel; loose leaf material; other substance. The precursor may be processed by an aerosol generating unit of an aerosol generating apparatus to generate an aerosol. The precursor may include one or more of: an active component; a carrier; a flavouring. The active component may include one or more of nicotine; caffeine; a cannabidiol oil; a non-pharmaceutical formulation, e.g. a formulation which is not for treatment of a disease or physiological malfunction of the human body. The active component may be carried by the carrier, which may be a liquid, including propylene glycol and / or glycerine. The term "flavouring" may refer to a component that provides a taste and / or a smell to the user. The flavouring may include one or more of: Ethylvanillin (vanilla); menthol, Isoamyl acetate (banana oil); or other. The precursor may include a substrate, e.g. reconstituted tobacco to carry one or more of the active component; a carrier; a flavouring.

[0167] As used herein, a "storage portion" may be a portion of the apparatus adapted to store the precursor. It may be implemented as fluid-holding reservoir or carrier for solid material depending on the implementation of the precursor as defined above.

[0168] As used herein, a "flow path" may refer to a path or enclosed passageway through an aerosol generating apparatus, e.g. for delivery of an aerosol to a user. The flow path may be arranged to receive aerosol from an aerosol generating unit. When referring to the flow path, upstream and downstream may be defined in respect of a direction of flow in the flow path, e.g. with an outlet being downstream of an inlet.

[0169] As used herein, a "delivery system" may be a system operative to deliver an aerosol to a user. The delivery system may include a mouthpiece and a flow path. The delivery system may be at least partly within the aerosol generating component.

[0170] As used herein, a "flow" may refer to a flow in a flow path. A flow may include aerosol generated from the precursor. The flow may include air, which may be induced into the flow path via a puff by a user. As used herein, a "puff" (or "inhale" or "draw") by a user may refer to expansion of lungs and / or oral cavity of a user to create a pressure reduction that induces flow through the flow path.

[0171] As used herein, an "aerosol generating unit" may refer to a device configured to generate an aerosol from a precursor. The aerosol generating unit may include a unit to generate a vapour directly from the precursor (e.g. a heating system or other system) or an aerosol directly from the precursor (e.g. an atomiser including an ultrasonic system, a flow expansion system operative to carry droplets of the precursor in the flow without using electrical energy or other system). A plurality of aerosol generating units to generate a plurality of aerosols (for example, from a plurality of different aerosol precursors) may be present in an aerosol generating apparatus.

[0172] As used herein, a "heating system" may refer to an arrangement of at least one heating element, which is operable to aerosolise a precursor once heated. The at least one heating element may be electrically resistive to produce heat from the flow of electrical current therethrough. The at least one heating element may be arranged as a susceptor to produce heat when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field. The heating system may be configured to heat a precursor to below 300 or 350 degrees C, including without combustion. The heating system may be provided within the aerosol generating component or within the device body.

[0173] As used herein, an "information carrying medium" may include one or more arrangements for storage of information on any suitable medium. Examples include: a computer readable medium; a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) transponder; codes encoding information, such as optical (e.g. a bar code or QR code) or mechanically read codes (e.g. a configuration of the absence or presents of cutouts to encode a bit, through which pins or a reader may be inserted).

[0174] As used herein "heat-not-burn" (or "HNB" or "heated precursor") may refer to the heating of a precursor, typically tobacco, without combustion, or without substantial combustion (i.e. localised combustion may be experienced of limited portions of the precursor, including of less than 5% of the total volume).

[0175] As used herein, a "processing resource" (or "processor" or "controller") may refer to one or more units for processing data, examples of which may include an ASIC, microcontroller, FPGA, microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP) capability, state machine or other suitable component. A processing resource may be configured to execute a computer program, e.g. which may take the form of machine readable instructions, which may be stored on a non-transitory memory and / or programmable logic. The processing resource may have various arrangements corresponding to those discussed for the circuitry, e.g. on-board and / or off board the apparatus as part of the system. As used herein, any machine executable instructions, or computer readable media, may be configured to cause a disclosed method to be carried out, e.g. by a aerosol generating apparatus or system as disclosed herein, and may therefore be used synonymously with the term method.

[0176] As used herein, an "external device" (or "peripheral device") may include one or more electronic components external to an aerosol generating apparatus. Those components may be arranged at the same location as the aerosol generating apparatus or remote from the apparatus. An external device may comprise electronic computer devices including: a smartphone; a PDA; a video game controller; a tablet; a laptop; or other like device.

[0177] As used herein, a "computer readable medium / media" (or "memory" or "data storage") may include any medium capable of storing a computer program, and may take the form of any conventional non-transitory memory, for example one or more of: random access memory (RAM); a CD; a hard drive; a solid state drive; a memory card; a DVD. The memory may have various arrangements corresponding to those discussed for the circuitry / processor. The present disclosure includes a computer readable medium configured to cause an apparatus or system disclosed herein to perform a method as disclosed herein.

[0178] As used herein, a "communication resource" (or "communication interface") may refer to hardware and / or firmware for electronic information / data transfer. The communication resource may be configured for wired communication ("wired communication resources") or wireless communication ("wireless communication resource"). Wireless communication resources may include hardware to transmit and receive signals by radio and may include various protocol implementations e.g. the 802.11 standard described in the Institute of Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and Bluetooth ™< from the Bluetooth Special Interest Group of Kirkland Wash. Wired communication resources may include; Universal Serial Bus (USB); High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) or other protocol implementations. The apparatus may include communication resources for wired or wireless communication with an external device.

[0179] Referring to Fig. 1, an example aerosol generating apparatus 1 includes a power supply 2, for supply of electrical energy. The apparatus 1 includes an aerosol generating unit 4 that is driven by the power supply 2. The power supply 2 may include an electric power supply in the form of a battery and / or an electrical connection to an external power source. The apparatus 1 includes a precursor 6, which in use is aerosolised by the aerosol generating unit 4 to generate an aerosol. The apparatus 1 includes a delivery system 8 for delivery of the aerosol to a user.

[0180] Electrical circuitry (not shown in figure 1) may be implemented to control the interoperability of the power supply 2 and aerosol generating unit 4.

[0181] In variant examples, which are not illustrated, the power supply 2 may be omitted since, e.g. an aerosol generating unit implemented as an atomiser with flow expansion may not require a power supply.

[0182] Fig. 2 shows an implementation of the apparatus 1 of Fig. 1, where the aerosol generating apparatus 1 is configured to generate aerosol by a heat-not-burn process.

[0183] In this example, the apparatus 1 includes a device body 50 and a consumable 70.

[0184] In this example, the body 50 includes the power supply 2 and a heating system 52. The heating system 52 includes at least one heating element 54. The body may additionally include any one or more of electrical circuitry 56, a memory 58, a wireless interface 60, one or more other components 62.

[0185] The electrical circuitry 56 may include a processing resource, such as a controller 59, for controlling one or more operations of the body 50, e.g. based on instructions stored in the memory 58.

[0186] The wireless interface 60 may be configured to communicate wirelessly with an external (e.g. mobile) device, e.g. via Bluetooth.

[0187] The other component(s) 62 may include an actuator, one or more user interface devices configured to convey information to a user and / or a charging port, for example (see e.g. Fig. 5).

[0188] The body 50 is configured to engage with the consumable 70 such that the at least one heating element 54 of the heating system 52 penetrates into the solid precursor 6 of the consumable. In use, a user may activate the aerosol generating apparatus 1 to cause the heating system 52 of the body 50 to cause the at least one heating element 54 to heat the solid precursor 6 of the consumable (without combusting it) by conductive heat transfer, to generate an aerosol which is inhaled by the user.

[0189] Figs. 3 to 7 illustrate an example implementation of the aerosol generating apparatus 1 of Fig. 2. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus 1, showing both the body 50 and the consumable 70; Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the body 50 without the consumable 70; Figs. 5 and 6 are sectional views of the body 50; and Fig. 7 is a diagram of modes initiable by the apparatus 1.

[0190] As depicted in Fig. 3, the consumable 70 is implemented as a stick, which is engaged with the body 50 by inserting the stick into an aperture at a top end 53 of the body 50, which causes the at least one heating element 54 of the heating system 52 to penetrate into the solid precursor 6 carried in the consumable 70. The consumable 70 includes the solid precursor 6 proximal to the body 50, and a filter distal to the body 50. The filter serves as the mouthpiece of the consumable 70 and thus the apparatus 1 as a whole. The solid precursor 6 may be a reconstituted tobacco formulation.

[0191] In this example, the at least one heating element 54 is a rod-shaped element with a circular transverse profile. Other heating element shapes are possible, e.g. the at least one heating element may be blade-shaped (with a rectangular transverse profile) or tube-shaped (e.g. with a hollow transverse profile).

[0192] In this example, the body 50 includes a cap 51. In use the cap 51 is engaged at a top end 53 of the body 50. Although not apparent from Fig. 5, the cap 51 is moveable relative to the body 50 (cf. Fig. 15). In particular, the cap 51 is slidable and can slide along a longitudinal axis of the body 50 to at least partially expose the at least one heating element 54.

[0193] The body may include an airflow sensor which detects airflow in the aerosol generating apparatus 1 (e.g. caused by a user inhaling through the consumable 70). This may be used to count puffs, for example.

[0194] In this example, the consumable 70 includes a flow path which transmits aerosol generated by the at least one heating element 54 to the mouthpiece of the consumable.

[0195] In this example, the aerosol generating unit 4 is provided by the above-described heating system 52 and the delivery system 8 is provided by the above-described flow path and mouthpiece of the consumable 70.

[0196] The body 50 also includes the controller 59 for controlling one or more operations of the body 50. The controller 59 is configured to initiate a plurality of modes 200. The plurality of modes 200 includes an aerosol session mode 201, a secondary aerosol session mode 202, an error mode 203, a locked mode 204, a battery checking mode 205, a battery charging mode 206, a standby mode 207 and an off mode 208. The controller 59 is configured to initiate a mode and control the body 50 according to the initiated mode (or "active mode"), unless the initiated mode is the off mode 208 in which case the controller 59 may cause the body 50 to be switched off.

[0197] The body 50 includes a communication interface 64. The communication interface 64 may involve any suitable implementation, e.g. a USB-C port for making a wired connection with the body 50. In this example, the communication interface 64 is utilised for charging the battery 2 of the body 50.

[0198] The body 50 has a plurality of faces including a front face 82 (or 'first face') and a rear face 84 (or 'second face'). The body further includes a pair of sides 85.

[0199] The body 50 also includes a user interface arrangement 100, which includes a mode indicator 110 and a status indicator arrangement 120, configured to convey information to a user, e.g. information about the initiated mode. Suitably, the mode indicator 110 is configured to illuminate in a manner indicative of the initiated mode and the status indicator arrangement 120 is configured to illuminate in a manner indicative of a status associated with the initiated mode.

[0200] The user interface arrangement 100 is arranged at the front face 82 of the body 50. More particularly, the user interface arrangement 100 is at least partially exposed so that in use the user interface arrangement 100 may in use be seen by the user, and so that the user may provide user input via the user interface arrangement 100.

[0201] In the Figures, the mode indicator 110 and the status indicator arrangement 120 are elongate, and are aligned on the front face 82 of the body 50. In the Figures, the mode indicator 110 and the status indicator arrangement 120 define a line along the front face 82 of the body 50.

[0202] The user interface arrangement 100 further includes a haptic feedback unit 150. The haptic feedback unit 150 is arranged within the body 50, and configured to provide haptic feedback to a user in the form of one or multiple buzzes.

[0203] Fig. 8 is a front view of the body 50 with the mode indicator 110 illuminated and the status indicator arrangement 120 not illuminated.

[0204] The mode indicator 110 is configured to illuminate in one of a plurality of colours. Suitably, the mode indicator 110 is illuminable by a plurality of LEDs 112 of these colours. In some examples, multiple LEDs are provided for each colour. It is noted that some colours may be achieved by simultaneously illuminating LEDs of different colours.

[0205] Each colour in which the mode indicator 110 is illuminable may be representative of one of the modes, although some colours may also be used in other modes. The plurality of colours may include red, amber, blue and white.

[0206] In some examples, the controller 59 is configured to initiate the aerosol session mode 201 and control the mode indicator 110 to illuminate in white; initiate the secondary aerosol session mode 202 and control the mode indicator 110 to illuminate in blue; initiate the error mode 203 and control the mode indicator to illuminate in red; initiate the locked mode 204 and control the mode indicator 110 to illuminate in amber.

[0207] In some examples, the controller 59 is configured to initiate the battery charging mode 206 and control the mode indicator 110 to not illuminate; and initiate the battery checking mode 205 and control the mode indicator 110 to not illuminate.

[0208] The mode indicator 110 is actuatable by the user. In the Figures, the mode indicator 110 is shown as an illuminable pushbutton 110. In use, the pushbutton 110 is depressed by a user to provide user input. For example, the pushbutton 110 may be pressed one, e.g. short or long, or multiple times.

[0209] The controller 59 is configured to detection actuation of the mode indicator 110. Suitably, the body 50 includes a microswitch 114 using which the controller 59 detects actuation of the mode indicator 110.

[0210] The controller 59 is configured to initiate some of the modes in response to detection of actuation of the mode indicator 110. More particularly, some of the modes are associated with a respective actuation sequence. For example, the controller 59 is configured to initiate the battery checking mode in response to a brief user input via the mode indicator 110, e.g. pressing the mode indicator 110 for less than 2 seconds. For example, the controller 59 is configured to initiate the aerosol session mode in response to a medium long user input via the mode indicator 110, e.g. pressing the mode indicator 110 for between 2 seconds and 4 seconds. For example, the controller 59 is configured to initiate the secondary aerosol session mode in response to a long user input via the mode indicator 110, e.g. pressing the mode indicator 110 for at least 4 seconds. For example, the controller 59 is configured to initiate the locked mode in response to 5 actuations of the mode indicator 110 within 3 seconds.

[0211] Some of the modes are not directly initiated by the user via user input. For example, the error mode is initiated in response to detection of an error event. A user input, for example to initiate the aerosol session mode, may trigger the controller 59 to detect for error events and in response to detection of an error event the error mode may be initiated.

[0212] In Fig. 8, the status indicator arrangement 120 is not illuminated. In use, the controller 59 controls the status indicator arrangement 120 to not illuminate, and thereby provide a non-illumination pattern 130, in at least some of the modes. The non-illumination pattern may be provided exclusively or non-exclusively for some of the modes.

[0213] Figs. 9 to 13 are front views of the body 50 where the status indicator arrangement illuminates different illumination patterns.

[0214] The status indicator arrangement 120 includes a plurality of status indicators 121, 122, 123, 124, 125. Each status indicator is selectively illuminable. In use, the controller 59 controls the status indicator arrangement 120 to illuminate some or all of the status indicators to provide an illumination pattern. The controller 59 can alternatively control the status indicator arrangement 120 to not illuminate the status indicators to provide the non-illumination pattern (e.g. as shown in Fig. 8 in combination with illumination of the mode indicator 110).

[0215] In the Figures, the status indicators are linearly arranged to define an elongate status indicator arrangement 120.

[0216] Each of the status indicators 121, 122, 123, 124, 125 is illuminable in a single colour only. Conveniently, each status indicator is illuminable by a respective LED 127.

[0217] The status indicators include a first status indicator 121, a second status indicator 122, a third status indicator 123, a fourth status indicator 124, and a fifth status indicator 125. The controller 59 is configured to selectively control the status indicators to illuminate a plurality of illumination patterns. These illumination patterns are illustrated in Figs. 8 to 12.

[0218] In Fig. 9, the first status indicator 121 is illuminated and the other status indicators are not illuminated, to thereby provide a first illumination pattern 141. In Fig. 10, the first status indicator 121 and the second status indicator 122 are illuminated and the other status indicators are not illuminated, to thereby provide a second illumination pattern 142. In Fig. 11, the first status indicator 121, the second status indicator 122 and the third status indicator 123 are illuminated and the other status indicators are not illuminated, to thereby provide a third illumination pattern 143. In Fig. 12, the first status indicator 121, the second status indicator 122, the third status indicator 123 and the fourth status indicator 124 are illuminated and the fifth status indicator 125 is not illuminated, to thereby provide a fourth illumination pattern 144. In Fig. 13, all status indicators are illuminated, to thereby provide a fifth illumination pattern 145.

[0219] The controller 59 is configured to initiate the aerosol session mode 201 in response to detection of an aerosol request actuation sequence. The aerosol request actuation sequence corresponds to a single actuation of the mode indicator 110 for a duration between 2 seconds and 4 seconds.

[0220] Following successful completion of safety checks, the controller 59 commences a pre-heat phase in which the aerosol generating unit 4 is brought to an operating temperature, e.g. around 345 degrees Celsius.

[0221] The controller 59 is configured to confirm commencing the pre-heat phase using the haptic feedback unit 150. For example, the controller 59 may control the haptic feedback unit 150 to provide two haptic buzzes, e.g. of 150 milliseconds each.

[0222] During the pre-heat phase, the controller 59 controls the mode indicator 110 to repeatedly increase and decrease in brightness ('fading up' and 'facing down') in white indicative of the aerosol session mode 201. For example, brightness may be increased over a period of 1 second, and brightness may be decreased over a period of 1 second, and a pause of 500 milliseconds may be between period of increasing / decreasing brightness.

[0223] Following the pre-heat phase, the controller 59 commences a main session. The controller 59 is configured to confirm commencing the main session via a haptic buzz, e.g. one buzz of 150 milliseconds. The controller 59 is further configured to solidly illuminate the mode indicator in white, i.e. to cease fading up / down.

[0224] The controller 59 is configured to commence the main session for a predetermined main session duration and to illuminate the status indicator arrangement 120 conditional on the session progress. Suitably, the controller 59 is configured to illuminate all status indicators of the status indicator arrangement 120 upon commencing the main session, i.e. illuminate the illumination pattern of Fig. 13.

[0225] The controller 59 further controls the haptic feedback unit 150 to provide a haptic buzz of 150 milliseconds in confirmation that the pre-heat phase has concluded and / or that the main session has commenced.

[0226] According to the present example, the session duration is 5 minutes.

[0227] Conditional on session progress of 1 minute, i.e. elapsing of 1 minute since commencing the main session, the controller controls the status indicator arrangement 120 to illuminate the illumination pattern of Fig. 12.

[0228] Conditional on session progress of 2 minutes, the controller controls the status indicator arrangement 120 to illuminate the illumination pattern of Fig. 11.

[0229] Conditional on session progress of 3 minutes, the controller controls the status indicator arrangement 120 to illuminate the illumination pattern of Fig. 10.

[0230] Conditional on session progress of 4 minutes, the controller 59 controls the status indicator arrangement 120 to illuminate the illumination pattern of Fig. 9, and controls the haptic feedback unit 150 to provide haptic feedback, e.g. a single buzz of 150 milliseconds, to indicate to the user that less than 1 minute remains.

[0231] Conditional on session progress of 4 minutes and 30 seconds, the controller 59 controls the status indicator arrangement 120 to alternate between the illumination patterns of Figs. 9 and 8, i.e. the first status indicator is blinking. The controller 59 further controls the haptic feedback unit 150 to provide haptic feedback, e.g. two buzzes of 150 milliseconds each with a 125 millisecond pause between, to indicate to the user that less than 30 seconds remain.

[0232] Conditional on elapsing of the full session duration, the controller 59 controls the user interface arrangement to stop illuminating. For example, the controller 59 may control the first status indicator 121 to immediately not illuminate, and the mode indicator 110 to fade out, e.g. over a period of 2 seconds. The controller 59 further controls the haptic feedback unit 150 to provide haptic feedback, e.g. two buzzes of 150 milliseconds each with a 125 millisecond pause between, to indicate to the user that less the aerosol session mode 201 or the secondary aerosol session mode 202, as the case may be, has terminated.

[0233] The controller 59 may initiate the standby mode 207 upon terminating the aerosol session mode 201 or the secondary aerosol session mode 202, as the case may be.

[0234] The controller 59 is configured to initiate the secondary aerosol session mode 202 in response to detection of a secondary aerosol request actuation sequence. The secondary aerosol request actuation sequence corresponds to a single actuation of the mode indicator 110 for a duration of at least 4 seconds.

[0235] The operation of the aerosol generating apparatus when initiating the secondary aerosol session mode 202 is largely identical to that described with respect to the aerosol session mode 201. Detailed description thereof is therefore omitted. The operation of the aerosol generating apparatus differs in that the operating temperature may be higher or lower, e.g. around 315 degrees Celsius.

[0236] The operation of the user interface arrangement 100 when initiating the secondary aerosol session mode 202 is largely identical to that described with respect to the aerosol session mode 201. Detailed description thereof is therefore omitted. The operation of the user interface arrangement 100 differs in that for the secondary aerosol session mode the mode indicator 110 illuminates in blue.

[0237] The aerosol session mode 201 and, where present, the secondary aerosol session mode 202 terminate upon expiry of the session duration, or may be terminated earlier than that by the user. The user input for terminating may be single actuation of the mode indicator 110, e.g. for less than 1 second or less than 2 seconds. In response to the user input for terminating during the pre-heat phase, the controller ceases heating the aerosol generating unit 4 and controls the mode indicator 110 to not illuminate. In response to the user input for terminating during the main session, the controller ceases heating the aerosol generating unit 4 and controls the mode indicator 110 to not illuminate.

[0238] Following termination of the aerosol session mode 201 or, where present, the secondary aerosol session mode 202, the controller 59 initiates the standby mode.

[0239] The controller 59 is configured to initiate the error mode 203 in response to detection of an error event of a plurality of error events. When initiating the error mode 203, the controller 59 terminates the aerosol session mode 201 and / or terminates initiating the aerosol session mode 201 and / or prevent initiating the aerosol session mode 201. The same applies also to the secondary aerosol session mode 202.

[0240] The controller 59 is configured to initiate the error mode 203 and control the mode indicator 110 to illuminate in red indicative of the error mode 203. The mode indicator 110 may flash or fade in the error mode 203.

[0241] When initiating the error mode 203, the controller 59 controls the haptic feedback unit 150 to provide haptic feedback, e.g. three buzzes of 150 milliseconds each.

[0242] Conditional on detection of a first error event of the plurality of error events, the controller 59 controls the plurality of status indicators to not illuminate.

[0243] The first error event may be detection of the cap 51 being moved to at least partially expose the aerosol generating unit.

[0244] Conditional on detection of a second error event of the plurality of error events, the controller 59 controls the status indicator arrangement 120 to illuminate the illumination pattern of Fig. 9.

[0245] The second error event may be detection of an ambient temperature exceeding an operational ambient temperature range, e.g. exceeding 60 degrees Celsius.

[0246] Conditional on detection of a third error event of the plurality of error events, the controller 59 controls the status indicator arrangement 120 to illuminate the illumination pattern of Fig. 10.

[0247] The third error event may be detection of an ambient temperature below an operational ambient temperature range, e.g. less than negative 10 degrees Celsius.

[0248] Conditional on detection of a fourth error event of the plurality of error events, the controller 59 controls the status indicator arrangement 120 to illuminate the illumination pattern of Fig. 11.

[0249] The fourth error event may be detection of an error relating to the aerosol generating unit.

[0250] Conditional on detection of a fifth error event of the plurality of error events, the controller 59 controls the status indicator arrangement 120 to illuminate the illumination pattern of Fig. 12.

[0251] The fifth error event may be detection of an electrical fault.

[0252] Conditional on detection of a sixth error event of the plurality of error events, the controller 59 controls the status indicator arrangement 120 to illuminate the illumination pattern of Fig. 13.

[0253] The sixth error event may be detection of connection of a charging device when also detecting an ambient temperature of 45 degrees Celsius or higher.

[0254] Upon resolving the error, the controller 59 may initiate the standby mode 207.

[0255] The controller 59 is configured to initiate the locked mode 204 in response to a locking request actuation sequence. The locking request actuation sequence corresponds to a predetermined number of actuations of the mode indicator 110 within a predetermined time window; e.g. five actuations within 3 seconds.

[0256] When the locked mode 204 is engaged, the controller 59 prevents initiating the aerosol session mode 201. As such, the controller 59 will not initiate the aerosol session mode 201 in response to the aerosol request actuation sequence when the locked mode 204 is engaged, or initiate the secondary aerosol session mode 202 in response to the corresponding actuation sequence when the locked mode 204 is engaged.

[0257] The controller 59 is further configured to control the mode indicator 110 to illuminate in amber indicative of the locked mode 204, and configured to control the plurality of status indicators to not illuminate. Since the locked mode 204 is either engaged or not engaged, there is no further information about the status that needs to be conveyed to the user.

[0258] The controller 59 is further configured to control the haptic feedback unit 150 to provide haptic feedback, e.g. a single buzz of 0.5 seconds when engaging the locked mode 204.

[0259] When the locked mode 204 is engaged, the controller 59 controls the mode indicator 110 to illuminate in amber for a predetermined time period, e.g. 2 to 10 seconds. After expiry of the predetermined time period, the controller 59 controls the mode indicator 110 to not illuminate. In response to a user input, such as the aerosol request actuation sequence, the controller 59 controls the mode indicator 110 to again illuminate in amber indicative of the locked mode 204.

[0260] When the locked mode 204 is engaged, the controller 59 is configured to detect an unlocking request actuation sequence. In some examples, the unlocking request actuation sequence is identical to the locking request actuation sequence.

[0261] In response to the unlocking request actuation sequence, the controller 59 terminates the locked mode 204 and returns to the standby mode 204. The controller 59 is further configured to control the mode indicator 110 to illuminate indicative of the aerosol session mode 201 when terminating the locked mode 204, to convey to the user that the aerosol session mode 201 is available on user request.

[0262] The controller 59 is further configured to control the haptic feedback unit 150 to provide haptic feedback, e.g. a single buzz of 0.5 seconds when terminating the locked mode 204.

[0263] The controller 59 is configured to initiate the battery checking mode 205 in response to detection of a battery check request actuation sequence, for example received when in the standby mode 207. The battery check request actuation sequence corresponds to a single actuation of the mode indicator 110 for a duration of less than 2 seconds.

[0264] The controller 59 is configured to initiate the battery checking mode 205 and control the mode indicator 110 to not illuminate, and the status indicator arrangement 120 to either illuminate an illumination pattern or not illuminate dependent on the battery level.

[0265] The controller 59 controls the status indicator arrangement 120 to illuminate an illumination pattern indicative of the battery level during the discharging process conditional on the current battery level detected by the controller 59.

[0266] The controller 59 is configured to illuminate an illumination pattern indicative of the battery level if the battery level is sufficient for initiating and completing the aerosol session mode 201. Suitably, the controller 59 is configured to determine whether the current battery level is above a threshold battery level.

[0267] Conditional on the current battery level being below the threshold battery level, which may be 4% of the total battery capacity, the controller 59 controls the status indicators to not illuminate.

[0268] Conditional on the current battery level being 5% to 20% of the total battery capacity, the controller 59 controls the status indicator arrangement 120 to illuminate the first status indicator 121.

[0269] Conditional on the current battery level being 21% to 40% of the total battery capacity, the controller 59 controls the status indicator arrangement 120 to illuminate the first status indicator 121 and the second status indicator 122.

[0270] Conditional on the current battery level being 41% to 60% of the total battery capacity, the controller 59 controls the status indicator arrangement 120 to illuminate the first status indicator 121, the second status indicator 122, and the third status indicator 123.

[0271] Conditional on the current battery level being 61% to 80% of the total battery capacity, the controller 59 controls the status indicator arrangement 120 to illuminate the first status indicator 121, the second status indicator 122, the third status indicator 123 and the fourth status indicator 124.

[0272] Conditional on the current battery level being 81% to 100% of the total battery capacity, the controller 59 controls the status indicator arrangement 120 to illuminate the first status indicator 121, the second status indicator 122, the third status indicator 123, the fourth status indicator 124 and the fifth status indicator 125.

[0273] The controller 59 is configured to control the status indicator arrangement 120 to illuminate for a predetermined duration, e.g. 2 seconds. Following the predetermined duration, the controller 59 controls the status indicator arrangement 120 to fade towards non-illumination and terminates the battery checking mode 205, returning to the standby mode 207.

[0274] The controller 59 is configured to initiate the battery charging mode 206, in response to connection of a charging device 300, to charge the battery 2 of the aerosol generating apparatus 50. The battery charging mode 206 is initiable when in the standby mode 207.

[0275] The controller 59 is further configured to control the haptic feedback unit 150 to provide haptic feedback, e.g. a single buzz of 150 milliseconds when initiating the battery charging mode 206.

[0276] The controller 59 controls the mode indicator 110 to not illuminate when in the battery charging mode 206.

[0277] The controller 59 controls the status indicator arrangement 120 to illuminate illumination patterns indicative of the battery level throughout the charging process conditional on the current battery level detected by the controller 59.

[0278] Conditional on the current battery level being less than 20%, the controller 59 controls the first status indicator 121 to flash. That is, the controller 59 controls the status indicator arrangement 120 to alternatingly illuminate the illumination pattern of Fig. 9, and not illuminate. Said alternation may be in increments of 1 seconds, such that the illumination pattern is illuminated for 1 second, and then not illuminated for 1 seconds.

[0279] Conditional on the current battery level being 21% to 40%, the controller 59 controls the first status indicator 121 and the second status indicator 122 to illuminate. More particularly, the first status indicator 121 is controlled to provide solid illumination and the second status indicator 122 is controlled to flash. That is, the controller 59 controls the status indicator arrangement 120 to alternatingly illuminate the illumination pattern of Fig. 9 and the illumination pattern of Fig. 10.

[0280] Conditional on the current battery level being 41% to 60%, the controller 59 controls the first status indicator 121, the second status indicator 122 and the third status indicator 123 to illuminate. In particular, the controller 59 controls the status indicator arrangement 120 to alternatingly illuminate the illumination pattern of Fig. 10 and the illumination pattern of Fig. 11, such that the first status indicator 121 and the second status indicator 122 provide solid illumination while the third status indicator 123 flashes.

[0281] Conditional on the current battery level being 61% to 80%, the controller 59 controls the first status indicator 121, the second status indicator 122, the third status indicator 123 and the fourth status indicator 124 to illuminate. In particular, the controller 59 controls the status indicator arrangement 120 to alternatingly illuminate the illumination pattern of Fig. 11 and the illumination pattern of Fig. 12, such that the first status indicator 121, the second status indicator 122 and the third status indicator 123 provide solid illumination while the fourth status indicator 124 flashes.

[0282] Conditional on the current battery level being 81% to 99%, the controller 59 controls the first status indicator 121, the second status indicator 122, the third status indicator 123, the fourth status indicator 124 and the fifth status indicator 125 to illuminate. In particular, the controller 59 controls the status indicator arrangement 120 to alternatingly illuminate the illumination pattern of Fig. 12 and the illumination pattern of Fig. 13, such that the first status indicator 121, the second status indicator 122, the third status indicator 123 and the fourth status indicator 124 provide solid illumination while the fifth status indicator 125 flashes.

[0283] Conditional on the current battery level being 100%, the controller 59 controls all status indicators to illuminate for a predetermined time period, e.g. 1 minute, and, upon expiry of said time period, to not illuminate the status indicators. If the mode indicator 110 is actuated while the status indicators are controlled to not illuminate, with the charging device 300 connected and the battery at full charge, the controller 59 controls all status indicators to illuminate for a predetermined period of time, e.g. 2 to 5 seconds.

[0284] The controller 59 is configured to illuminate the mode indicator 110 and the status indicators 120 in response to disconnection of the charging device 300 for a predetermined period of time, e.g. 2 to 5 seconds, and then fades down the illumination.Annex

[0285] Clause 1. An aerosol generating apparatus, the aerosol generating apparatus having a plurality of apparatus modes including an aerosol session mode and at least one further mode, and the aerosol generating apparatus including: an aerosol generating unit for generating aerosol from an aerosol precursor in said aerosol session mode; a user interface arrangement including: a mode indicator which is illuminable, and a status indicator arrangement including a plurality of status indicators, wherein each status indicator is selectively illuminable; and a controller configured to initiate said aerosol session mode to control the aerosol generating unit to generate aerosol, and control the mode indicator to illuminate indicative of the aerosol session mode, and control the status indicator arrangement to illuminate one or more of the status indicators in an illumination pattern indicative of a status associated with the aerosol session mode; and the controller is further configured to initiate the at least one further mode. Clause 2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to Clause 1, the controller is further configured to initiate the at least one further mode, and control the mode indicator to illuminate indicative of the at least one further mode. Clause 3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to Clause 1 or 2, the controller is further configured to initiate the at least one further mode, and control the status indicator arrangement to illuminate one or more of the status indicators in an illumination pattern indicative of a status associated with the at least one further mode. Clause A2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any preceding Clause, wherein the controller is configured to initiate the aerosol session mode to control the aerosol generating unit to generate aerosol for a predetermined aerosol session duration. Clause A3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to Clause A2, wherein the predetermined aerosol session duration is evenly divisible by the total number of status indicators; and wherein the status associated with the aerosol session mode is session progress. Clause A4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to Clause A3, wherein the controller is configured to initiate the aerosol session mode and control the status indicator arrangement to illuminate an illumination pattern indicative of aerosol session progress. Clause A5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to Clause A4, wherein the controller is configured to control the plurality of status indicators to not illuminate at expiry of the aerosol session duration. Clause A6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Clauses A2 to A5, wherein the controller is configured to control the status indicator arrangement to alternatingly illuminate one status indicator and not illuminate any of the status indicator towards expiry of the aerosol session duration. Clause A7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Clauses A2 to A6, wherein the controller is configured to initiate a secondary aerosol session mode, wherein the controller is configured to initiate said secondary aerosol session mode to control the aerosol generating unit to generate aerosol, and control the mode indicator to illuminate indicative of the secondary aerosol session mode, and control the status indicator arrangement to illuminate one or more status indicators in an illumination pattern indicative of a status associated with the aerosol session mode; wherein in the aerosol session mode the controller is configured to supply a first amount of power to the aerosol generating unit, and in the secondary aerosol session mode the controller is configured to supply a second amount of power to the aerosol generating unit, wherein the first amount and the second amount are different. Clause A8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to Clause A7, wherein the controller is configured to control the mode indicator to illuminate in a first colour indicative of the aerosol session mode; wherein the controller is configured to control the mode indicator to illuminate in a second colour indicative of the secondary aerosol session mode; wherein the first colour and the second colour are different. Clause B2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any preceding Clause, wherein the controller is further configured to initiate the at least one further mode, and control the mode indicator to illuminate indicative of the at least one further mode, and control the status indicator arrangement to illuminate one or more of the status indicators in an illumination pattern indicative of a status associated with the at least one further mode. Clause B3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any preceding Clause, wherein the controller is configured to control the status indicator arrangement to alternatingly illuminate in the illumination pattern and another illumination pattern; wherein the other illumination pattern is indicative of another status. Clause B4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to Clause B3, wherein controller is configured to control one or more status indicators to illuminate in the illumination pattern, and is configured to illuminate the one or more status indicators and an additional status indicator in the other illumination pattern. Clause B5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any preceding Clause, wherein the controller is configured to control the status indicator arrangement to alternatingly illuminate the one or more status indicators in the illumination pattern and not illuminate any of the status indicators. Clause B6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to Clause B5, wherein the controller is configured to control the status indicator arrangement to alternatingly illuminate one status indicator in the illumination pattern and not illuminate any of the status indicators. Clause B7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any preceding Clause, wherein the controller is configured to control the status indicator arrangement to illuminate one of a plurality of illumination patterns; wherein the controller is configured to sequentially illuminate illumination patterns of the plurality of illuminations. Clause B8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim B7, wherein the controller is configured to illuminate a unique number of status indicators for each illumination pattern of the plurality of illumination patterns. Clause B9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Clauses 1 to B7, wherein the controller is configured to illuminate the same number of status indicators in a first illumination pattern and a second illumination pattern of the plurality of illumination patterns; wherein the controller is configured to control the status indicator arrangement to illuminate a first set of status indicators to illuminate the first illumination pattern and a second set of status indicators to illuminate the second illumination pattern, wherein the first set of status indicators includes at least one status indicator not included in the second set of status indicators. Clause B10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any preceding Clause, wherein the controller is configured to initiate the at least one further mode, and control the mode indicator to illuminate indicative of the at least one further mode, and control the plurality of status indicators to not illuminate. Clause B11. The aerosol generating apparatus according to Clause B10, wherein the controller is configured to control the status indicators to not illuminate in the at least one further mode indicative of a first status associated with the at least one further mode; and wherein the controller is configured to control the status indicators to illuminate one or more of the status indicators in an illumination pattern indicative of a second status associated with the at least one further mode. Clause B12. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any preceding Clause, wherein the at least one further mode includes at least one of an error mode, a secondary aerosol session mode, and a locked mode. Clause C2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any preceding Clause, wherein the at least one further mode includes an error mode; wherein in the error mode the controller is configured to initiate the error mode to terminate the aerosol session mode and / or terminate initiating the aerosol session mode and / or prevent initiating the aerosol session mode. Clause C3. The aerosol generating apparatus of Clause C2, wherein the controller is configured to initiate the error mode in response to detection of one of a plurality of error events, and control the mode indicator to illuminate indicative of the error mode, and: conditional on detection of a first error event of the error events, control the plurality of status indicators to not illuminate; conditional on detection of a second error event of the error events, control the status indicator arrangement to illuminate one or more of the status indicators in an illumination pattern indicative of the second error event. Clause C4. The aerosol generating apparatus of Clause C3, the aerosol generating apparatus further comprising a cover moveable to at least partially expose the aerosol generating unit; wherein the controller is configured to detect the cover being moved to at least partially expose the aerosol generating unit as the first error event. Clause C5. The aerosol generating apparatus of Clause C3 or C4, wherein the controller is configured to initiate the error mode in response to detection of the second error event and control the status indicator arrangement to illuminate the illumination pattern in a first colour, and illuminate the mode indicator in a second colour; wherein the first colour and the second colour are different colours. Clause C6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Clauses C3 to C5, wherein the controller is configured to initiate the error mode in response to detection of any one of a plurality of error events; wherein the plurality of error events includes the first error event and the second error event; wherein the status indicator arrangement includes j status indicators, where j is a natural number; wherein the plurality of error events includes a total of k error events, where k is a natural number; and wherein the total number of error events k is equal to j + 1. Clause C7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to Clause C6, wherein controller is configured to control the plurality of status indicators to: not illuminate in response to detection of the first error event; illuminate a unique number of status indicators for each of the other error events of the plurality of error events. Clause C8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Clauses C3 to C7, wherein the status indicator arrangement has five status indicators including a first status indicator, a second status indicator, a third status indicator, a fourth status indicator, and a fifth status indicator; wherein the controller is configured to detect six error events including the first error event, the second error event, a third error event, a fourth error event, a fifth error event, and a sixth error event; wherein the controller is configured to: not illuminate in response to detection of the first error event; illuminate the first status indicator in response to detection of second error event; illuminate the first status indicator and the second status indicator in response to detection of the third error event; illuminate the first status indicator, the second status indicator and the third status indicator in response to detection of the fourth error event; illuminate the first status indicator, the second status indicator, the third status indicator and the fourth status indicator in response to detection of the fifth error event; illuminate the first status indicator, the second status indicator, the third status indicator, the fourth status indicator and the fifth status indicator in response to detection of the sixth error event. Clause D2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any preceding Clause, wherein the at least one further mode includes a locked mode; wherein the controller is configured to initiate the locked mode to prevent initiating the aerosol session mode, and control the mode indicator to illuminate indicative of the locked mode, and configured to control the plurality of status indicators to not illuminate. Clause D3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to Clause D2, wherein the controller is configured to initiate the locked mode in response to detection of a user input. Clause D4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to Clause D2 or D3, wherein the controller is configured to, when in the locked mode, terminate the locked mode in response detection of the user input. Clause D5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Clauses D2 to D4, wherein the controller is configured to, when in the locked mode, terminate the locked mode in response to detection of the user input and control the mode indicator to illuminate indicative of the aerosol session mode. Clause D6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Clauses D2 to D5, wherein the controller is configured to, when in the locked mode, control the mode indicator to illuminate indicative of the locked mode for a predetermined duration. Clause D7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to Clause D6, wherein in the locked mode the controller controls the mode indicator to illuminate indicative of the locked mode in response to a user input. Clause E2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any preceding Clause, wherein the at least one further mode includes a battery checking mode for checking a current battery level of a battery of the aerosol generating apparatus; wherein the controller is configured to initiate the battery checking mode in response to detection of a user input; wherein in the battery checking mode the controller controls the plurality of status indicators to: not illuminate to indicate the battery level is insufficient for initiating and completing the aerosol session mode; illuminate an illumination pattern to indicate the battery level if the battery level is sufficient for initiating and completing the aerosol session mode. Clause E3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to Clause E2, wherein the at least one further mode includes the battery checking mode; and wherein in the battery checking mode the controller is configured to control the mode indicator to illuminate indicative of the battery checking mode. Clause E4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to Clause E2, wherein in the battery checking mode the controller is configured to control the mode indicator to not illuminate. Clause E5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Clauses E2 to E4, wherein the controller is configured to control the plurality of status indicators to illuminate the illumination pattern for a predetermined duration; optionally the predetermined duration is greater than 1 second and is less than 5 seconds. Clause F2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any preceding Clause, wherein the at least one further mode includes a battery charging mode for charging a battery of the aerosol generating apparatus, and wherein the controller is further configured to initiate the battery charging mode in response to connection of a charging device, wherein in the battery charging mode the controller is configured to control the plurality of status indicators to: not illuminate the mode indicator; and illuminate an illumination pattern to indicate a current battery level. Clause F3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to Clause F2, wherein the controller is configured to detect disconnection of the charging device, wherein in response to detection of disconnection of the charging device the controller is configured to terminate the battery charging mode and control the mode indicator and all status indicators to illuminate. Clause G2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any preceding Clause, further comprising a haptic feedback unit for providing haptic feedback to a user holding the aerosol generating apparatus. Clause G3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to Clause G2, wherein the controller is configured to control the haptic feedback unit to provide haptic feedback in response to initiating the aerosol session mode; and optionally the controller is configured to control the haptic feedback unit provide haptic feedback when the aerosol generating unit reaches a target temperature in the aerosol session mode. Clause G4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to Clause G2 or G3, wherein the controller is configured to initiate the aerosol session mode for a predetermined aerosol session duration and to terminate the aerosol session mode on expiry of the aerosol session duration; wherein the controller is further configured to control the haptic feedback unit to provide haptic feedback prior to expiry of the aerosol session duration and / or on expiry of the aerosol session duration. Clause G5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to Clause G2 or Clause G3, wherein the controller is configured to control the user feedback arrangement to change from a first illumination pattern to a second illumination pattern in response to a change of the status and simultaneously control the haptic feedback unit to provide haptic feedback in response to the change of the status. Clause G6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Clauses G2 to G5, wherein the controller is further configured to initiate a battery charging mode in response to connection of a charging device; wherein the controller is configured to control the haptic feedback unit to provide haptic feedback when initiating the battery charging mode. Clause G7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Clause G2 to G6, wherein the at least one further mode includes a locked mode; wherein the controller is configured to control the haptic feedback unit to provide haptic feedback when initiating the locked mode, and is further configured to provide haptic feedback when terminating the locked mode. Clause G8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Clauses G2 to G7, wherein the at least one further mode includes an error mode; wherein the controller is configured to control the haptic feedback unit to provide haptic feedback when initiating the error mode.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating apparatus (1), the aerosol generating apparatus having a plurality of apparatus modes (200) including an aerosol session mode (201) and at least one further mode (202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207), and the aerosol generating apparatus including: an aerosol generating unit for generating aerosol from an aerosol precursor in said aerosol session mode; a user interface arrangement (100) including: a mode indicator (110) which is illuminable, and a status indicator arrangement (120) including a plurality of status indicators (121, 122, 123, 124, 125), wherein each status indicator is selectively illuminable; and a controller (59) configured to initiate said aerosol session mode to control the aerosol generating unit to generate aerosol, and control the mode indicator to illuminate indicative of the aerosol session mode, and control the status indicator arrangement to illuminate one or more of the status indicators in an illumination pattern (141, 142, 143, 144, 145) indicative of a status associated with the aerosol session mode; and the controller is further configured to initiate the at least one further mode, and control the mode indicator to illuminate indicative of the at least one further mode, and control the plurality of status indicators to not illuminate.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to initiate the at least one further mode and: conditional on a first status associated with the at least one further mode, control the plurality of status indicators to not illuminate; and conditional on a second status associated with the at least one further mode, control the status indicator arrangement to illuminate one or more of the status indicators in an illumination pattern indicative of the second status; optionally the at least one further mode includes at least one of an error mode (203) and a secondary aerosol session mode (202).

3. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 2, wherein in the error mode the controller is configured to terminate the aerosol session mode and / or terminate initiating the aerosol session mode and / or prevent initiating the aerosol session mode; wherein the controller is configured to initiate the error mode in response to detection of a first error event or a second error event, and control the mode indicator to illuminate indicative of the error mode, and: conditional on detection of the first error event, control the plurality of status indicators to not illuminate; conditional on detection of the second error event, control the status indicator arrangement to illuminate one or more of the status indicators in an illumination pattern indicative of the second error event.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 3, wherein the controller is configured to initiate the error mode in response to detection of the second error event and control the status indicator arrangement to illuminate the illumination pattern in a first colour, and illuminate the mode indicator in a second colour; wherein the first colour and the second colour are different colours.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one further mode includes a locked mode (204); and wherein the controller is configured to initiate the locked mode to prevent initiating the aerosol session mode, and control the mode indicator to illuminate indicative of the locked mode, and control the plurality of status indicators to not illuminate.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of apparatus modes includes a battery checking mode (205); wherein the controller is configured to initiate the battery checking mode to: conditional on detection of a first battery level insufficient for the aerosol session mode, control the plurality of status indicators to not illuminate; conditional on detection of a second battery level sufficient for the aerosol session mode, control the status indicator arrangement to illuminate one or more of the status indicators in an illumination pattern (141, 142, 143, 144, 145) indicative of the second battery level.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of apparatus modes includes a battery charging mode (206); wherein the controller is configured to initiate the battery charging mode in response to connection of a charging device (300), and control the mode indicator to not illuminate, and control the status indicator arrangement to illuminate one or more of the status indicators in an illumination pattern indicative (141, 142, 143, 144, 145) of a current battery level; wherein the controller is configured to terminate the battery charging mode in response to disconnection of the charging device and control the mode indicator and all status indicators to illuminate.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the mode indicator is actuatable by a user; wherein the controller is configured to detect actuation of the mode indicator; wherein the controller is configured to initiate the aerosol session mode in response to detection of an actuation sequence, wherein the actuation sequence includes at least one actuation of the mode indicator.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 8, wherein the mode indicator is provided as a pushbutton; and wherein the entire pushbutton is illuminable.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol generating apparatus has a plurality of faces including a first face, and the mode indicator and the status indicator arrangement are provided on the first face; and wherein the status indicators are linearly arranged to define an elongate status indicator arrangement; wherein the mode indicator is elongate; and wherein the mode indicator and the linear status indicator arrangement are aligned to define an elongate user interface arrangement.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein in the aerosol mode the controller is configured to commence an aerosol generating session of a predetermined session duration and the number of status indicators evenly divides the session duration; and wherein the aerosol generating apparatus includes a battery (2) configured to power the aerosol generating apparatus and, when the battery is fully charged, the controller is configured to commence a maximum number of aerosol generating sessions; wherein the number of status indicators evenly divides the maximum number of aerosol generating sessions.

12. The aerosol generating apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the mode indicator is selectively illuminable in one of a plurality of colours; wherein the controller is configured to control the mode indicator to illuminate a first colour of the plurality of colours indicative of the aerosol session mode and a second colour of the plurality of colours indicative of the at least one further mode; wherein the first colour and the second colour are different colours.

13. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 12, wherein the status indicators are illuminable in the first colour only.

14. The aerosol generating apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the controller is configured to control the status indicator arrangement to illuminate one of a plurality of illumination patterns; wherein the controller is configured to control the status indicator arrangement to illuminate a unique number of the status indicators for each illumination pattern of the plurality of illumination patterns.

15. The aerosol generating apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising a haptic feedback unit (150) for providing haptic feedback to a user holding the apparatus; and wherein the controller is configured to control the haptic feedback unit to provide haptic feedback in response to initiating the aerosol session mode and in response to initiating the at least one further mode; and wherein the controller is further configured to control the haptic feedback unit to provide haptic feedback when the aerosol generating unit reaches a target temperature in the aerosol session mode.

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