Apparatus for generating aerosol from aerosolizable medium, article of aerosolizable medium, and method of determining parameter of article

Abstract

To provide an apparatus that heats an aerosolizable medium to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable medium, without burning or combusting the aerosolizable medium.SOLUTION: An apparatus 100 comprises: a housing; a chamber 112 for receiving an article 102 comprising an aerosolizable medium and including a marker; and a controller 116. The controller is configured to receive: a first input indicative of a rate of movement of the article, received in use, in the chamber; and a second input indicative of a parameter of the article. At least the second input is determined based on the marker.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for generating an aerosol from an aerosolizable medium, an article of aerosolizable medium, a system including an apparatus for generating an aerosol from an aerosolizable medium and an article of aerosolizable medium, and a method for determining a parameter associated with the article.

[0002] Articles such as cigarettes and cigars burn tobacco to produce tobacco smoke during use. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles by creating products that release compounds without combustion. Examples of such products are so-called "heat-not-burn" products, also known as tobacco heating products or tobacco heating devices, which release compounds by heating rather than burning materials. Overview

[0003] According to a first example, an apparatus for generating an aerosol from an aerosolizable medium is provided. The apparatus includes a housing, a chamber for receiving an article comprising the aerosolizable medium and including a marker, and a controller. The controller is configured to receive a first input indicative of a rate of travel of the article received in the chamber during use, and a second input indicative of a parameter of the article, wherein at least the second input is determined based on the marker.

[0004] According to a second example, there is provided an article comprising an aerosolizable medium for use with the device of the first example, the article comprising a marker indicative of a parameter of the article.

[0005] According to a third example, a system is provided that includes a device as described above and an article comprising an aerosolizable medium.

[0006] According to a fourth example, there is provided a method for determining a parameter of an article comprising an aerosolizable medium, the method including receiving a first input indicative of a speed at which the article is moving, receiving a second input indicative of a parameter of the article, and determining the parameter of the article based on the received first and second inputs.

[0007] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an example of an apparatus for heating an article comprising an aerosolizable medium. [Figure 2] 1 is a top view of an example of an apparatus for heating an article comprising an aerosolizable medium. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the example of the device of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 1 is a side view of an example of an article comprising an aerosolizable medium. [Figure 5] 1 is a side view of an example of an article comprising an aerosolizable medium. [Figure 6] 6 is a diagram of an example optical sensor and an example article of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 3A and 3B are diagrams of examples of signals received by a controller of the device. [Figure 8] 1 is a side view of an example of an article comprising an aerosolizable medium. [Figure 9] 1 is an example flow diagram of a method for determining a parameter associated with an article. Detailed Description

[0009] As used herein, the term "aerosolizable medium" includes a material that, when heated, provides volatile components, typically in the form of an aerosol. An "aerosolizable medium" includes any tobacco-containing material, and may include, for example, one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. An "aerosolizable medium" may also include other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine, depending on the product. An "aerosolizable medium" may take the form of, for example, a solid, liquid, gel, or wax. An "aerosolizable medium" may also be, for example, a combination or blend of materials.

[0010] The present disclosure relates to devices that heat an aerosolizable medium to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable medium, typically without burning or combusting the aerosolizable medium, to form an inhalable aerosol. Such devices are sometimes described as "non-combustion heating" devices, or "tobacco heating products," or "tobacco heating devices," or the like. Similarly, there are also so-called e-cigarette devices, which typically vaporize a liquid form of the aerosolizable medium, which may or may not contain nicotine. The aerosolizable medium may take the form of, or be provided as part of, a rod, cartridge, or cassette that can be inserted into the device. One or more aerosol generating elements for volatilizing the aerosolizable medium may be provided as a "permanent" part of the device, or as part of a consumable item that is discarded and replaced after use. In one example, the one or more aerosol generating elements may be in the form of one or more heaters.

[0011] FIG. 1 shows an example of an apparatus 100 for generating an aerosolizable medium. The apparatus 100 may be an aerosol delivery device. Generally, the apparatus 100 can be used to heat a replaceable item 102 containing an aerosolizable medium to generate an aerosol or other inhalable medium that is inhaled by a user of the apparatus 100. FIG. 2 is a top view of the example of the apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1.

[0012] The device 100 includes a housing 104. The housing 104 has an opening 106 at one end through which the item 102 can be inserted into a heating chamber (not shown). In use, the item 102 can be fully or partially inserted into the chamber. The heating chamber can be heated by one or more heating elements (not shown). The device 100 may also include a lid or cap 108 to cover the opening 106 when the item 102 is not in place. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the cap 108 is shown in an open position, but the cap 108 can be moved, for example, by sliding it to a closed position. The device 100 may include a user-operable control element 110, such as a button or switch that, when pressed, operates the device 100.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an example of the device 100 as shown in FIG. 1 . The device 100 includes a receiving portion or heating chamber 112 configured to receive the item 102 to be heated. In one example, the heating chamber 112 is generally in the form of a hollow, cylindrical tube into which the item 102 with aerosolizable media is inserted for heating during use. However, different configurations for the heating chamber 112 are possible. In the example of FIG. 3 , the item 102 with aerosolizable media is inserted into the heating chamber 112. In this example, the item 102 is an elongated, cylindrical rod, although the item 102 may take any suitable shape. In this example, an end of the item 102 protrudes from the device 100 through an opening 106 in the housing 104 so that a user can inhale aerosols through the item 102 during use. The end of the item 102 that protrudes from the device 100 may include a filter material. In another example, the item 102 is received entirely within the heating chamber 112 so that it does not protrude from the device 100. In such a case, the user can inhale the aerosol directly through the opening 106 or through a mouthpiece that can be connected to the housing 102 around the opening 106 .

[0014] The apparatus 100 includes one or more aerosol-generating elements. In one example, the aerosol-generating elements are in the form of heaters 120 configured to heat the article 102 disposed within the chamber 112. In one example, the one or more heaters 120 are resistive heating elements that increase in temperature when an electric current is passed through them. In another example, the one or more heaters 120 may comprise a susceptor material that is heated by induction heating. In examples of the one or more heaters 120 that comprise a susceptor material, the apparatus also includes one or more induction elements that generate a varying magnetic field that penetrates the one or more heating elements. The one or more heaters 120 can be located inside or outside the heating chamber 112. In one example, the one or more heaters may comprise a thin-film heater wrapped around the exterior of the heating chamber 112. For example, the heater 120 may be formed as a single heater or from multiple heaters aligned along the longitudinal axis of the heating chamber 112. The heating chamber 112 may be annular or tubular, or may have at least a partially annular or partially tubular periphery. In one particular example, the heating chamber 112 is defined by a stainless steel support tube. The heating chamber 112 is dimensioned such that, during use, substantially the entire aerosolizable medium of the article 102 is disposed within the heating chamber 112 so that the entire aerosolizable medium can be heated. In another example, the one or more heaters 120 may include a susceptor disposed on or within the article 102, where the susceptor material is heatable by the varying magnetic field generated by the apparatus 100. The heating chamber 112 may be configured to allow selected portions of the aerosolizable medium to be heated independently, for example, sequentially (chronologically) or together (simultaneously), as desired.

[0015] In some examples, the device 100 includes an electronics compartment 114 that houses an electrical control circuit or controller 116 and / or a power source 118, such as a battery. In other examples, a dedicated electronics compartment may not be provided, and the controller 116 and power source 118 are located entirely within the device 100. The electrical control circuit or controller 116 may include a microprocessor component configured and arranged to control the heating of the aerosolizable medium, as discussed further below. In some examples, the controller 116 is configured to receive one or more inputs from one or more sensors 122 a, 122 b, as discussed further below. The controller 116 may also receive signals from the control element 110 and activate one or more heaters 120 in response to the received signals and inputs. The electronic elements within the device 100 may be electrically connected by one or more connecting elements 124, shown with dashed lines.

[0016] The power source 118 may be a battery, such as a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, lithium-ion batteries, nickel batteries (such as nickel-cadmium batteries), and / or alkaline batteries. The battery is electrically coupled to one or more heaters to provide power when needed and, under the control of the controller 116, to heat the aerosolizable medium without burning the aerosolizable medium. Locating the power source 118 next to the one or more heaters 120 means that a physically larger power source 118 can be used without making the device 100 overall excessively long. As will be appreciated, a physically larger power source 118 generally has a greater capacity (i.e., the total electrical energy it can provide, often measured in ampere-hours or the like) and therefore may provide a longer battery life for the device 100.

[0017] It may be desirable for the device 100 to be able to identify or recognize a particular article 102 introduced into the device 100. For example, the device 100, particularly including the heating control provided by the controller 116, is often optimized for a particular configuration of the article 102 (e.g., one or more of size, shape, particular smoking material, etc.), and it may be undesirable for the device 100 to be used with an aerosol medium or article 102 having different characteristics.

[0018] Furthermore, if the device 100 can identify or recognize the particular item 102 or at least the general type of item 102 introduced into the device 100, this can help eliminate or at least reduce the use of counterfeit or other non-genuine items 102 with the device 100.

[0019] In one example, the one or more sensors 122a, 122b are configured to detect markers on the item 102, as described in more detail below. The sensors 122a, 122b can provide one or more inputs to the controller 116 based on the detected markers, and the controller 116 can determine parameters of the item 102, such as whether the item 102 is authentic, based on the received one or more inputs. The controller 116 can activate one or more heaters 120 in response to the determined parameters of the item 102. Thus, the device 100 includes a means for detecting whether the item 102 is an authentic product and can accordingly alter operation of the device 100, for example, by not providing power to one or more heaters 120, if an unauthentic item is detected. Preventing use of the device 100 when an unauthentic item is inserted into the device 100 reduces the likelihood of a consumer having a negative experience due to the use of an unauthorized consumable product.

[0020] In some examples, the controller 116 can determine parameters of the article 102 based on one or more received inputs and adjust the heat profile provided by the one or more heaters 120 based on the determined parameters. The heater 120 of the device 100 can be configured (e.g., by the controller 116 controlling the supply of power) to provide a first heating profile when the parameter of the article 102 has a first characteristic, and the heater configuration 120 can be configured to provide a second heating profile when the parameter has a second characteristic. For example, the device 100 can determine whether the consumable is a solid or non-solid consumable and adjust the heating profile accordingly. In other examples, the device 100 may be able to distinguish between different blends of tobacco in the article 102 and adjust the heating profile accordingly to provide an optimal heating profile for the particular blend of tobacco inserted into the device 100.

[0021] 4 is a schematic longitudinal side view of an example article 102 comprising an aerosolizable medium for use with device 100. In some examples, article 102 also comprises a filter arrangement (not shown) in addition to the aerosolizable medium.

[0022] The article 102 also includes a marker 126 configured to be detected by one or more sensors 122a, 122b of the device 100. The marker 126 may be comprised of a marker element and represent coded information indicative of a parameter of the article. As described above, the parameter may indicate the manufacturer of the article so that the authenticity of the article 102 can be verified. In another example, the parameter may indicate the type of aerosolizable medium in the article 102, such as whether the aerosolizable medium is in solid, liquid, or gel form. The parameter may also indicate the type of aerosolizable medium, such as whether the aerosolizable medium contains burley or Virginia tobacco. In another example, the parameter may indicate a heating profile to be used to heat the article 102. The parameter may also indicate other characteristics of the article 102. By providing a marker 126 indicative of a parameter associated with the article 102, the device 100 can provide a tailored experience to the user based on the parameter.

[0023] The markers 126 can have optical characteristics; for example, in FIG. 4 , the markers 126 are a series of marker elements in the form of lines on the exterior of the article 102. While the lines are shown to be of uniform width, in other examples, the width of the lines may vary. In the example of FIG. 4 , the configuration of the lines, such as the spacing between adjacent lines, indicates coded parameters associated with the article 102. When the markers 126 are read, they can be compared to a look-up table (LUT) that contains a correspondence between data associated with the markers 126 (e.g., the binary sequence indicated by the indicia) and heating profiles or other operations associated with the device. Furthermore, the data associated with the markers 126 may be coded according to a secret key common to all aerosol delivery devices from a particular manufacturer / origin, and the device is configured to decode the coded data and then look up the decoded data in the LUT.

[0024] In the example of a cylindrical article 102, one or more marker elements, such as lines, may extend partially around the periphery or circumference of the article 102, or completely around the periphery of the article 102. In some examples, one or more sensors 122 a, 122 b configured to detect the marker 126 may be positioned at a specific location within the apparatus 100. For example, one or more sensors 122 a, 122 b may be positioned adjacent to one side of the chamber 112 and may have a limited detection range. Providing a marker element that extends completely around the periphery of the article 102 facilitates detection of the marker 126 by the one or more sensors 122 a, 122 b regardless of the particular orientation of the article 102 within the apparatus 100.

[0025] The marker 126 may be formed in several different ways and from several different materials, depending on the particular sensing configuration of the device 100 intended for use with the article 102. The marker 126 may comprise an optical feature, such as a line, a gap or notch, a surface roughness, a barcode, a QR code, and / or a reflective material. In another example, the marker 126 may include a conductive feature, and one or more sensors 122a, 122b may be configured to detect a change in capacitance or resistance when the article 102 including the marker 126 is inserted into the device 102. Providing non-optical sensors 122a, 122b may be more robust than optical sensors because they are not affected by deposition on or degradation of the optical sensors over the life of the device 100. In another example, the marker 126 may comprise a combination of optical and conductive features.

[0026] The marker 126 may, for example, be provided on the outside of the smoking article 102, on the inside of the smoking article 102, or on both the outside and the inside of the smoking article 102. When optical sensing is used alone or in combination with some other sensing, such as capacitive sensing, the marker 126 is preferably provided on the outside of the article 102 so that the marker 126 is visible to one or more sensors 122a, 122b of the device 100.

[0027] In some implementations, one or more sensors 122a, 122b are configured to detect markers on the article 102 as the article is inserted into or moved through the receptacle. In such cases, the output of the sensors 122a, 122b can vary based on the speed at which the article 102 is moved. Insertion speeds vary considerably between different users. For example, insertion speeds have been observed to be between approximately 2 mm / s and 2000 mm / s, with average insertion speeds between 100 mm / s and 600 mm / s. Such large variations in insertion speed can result in an article not being correctly identified or authenticated. In configurations where the sensor has a relatively narrow field of view, such as when the sensor is located inside the device, this variation in speed can have a significant impact on recognition accuracy. This disclosure describes ways in which this can be compensated for.

[0028] In one example, the marker 126 includes a first region 126a of the marker element and a second region 126b of the marker element. The first region 126a and the second region 126b may be adjacent to each other, but are more preferably spaced apart. Providing a gap between the first region 126a of the marker element and the second region 126b of the marker element reduces the possibility of interference between the two regions. The first region 126a of the marker element may be configured to be detected by a first sensor 122a, and the second region 126b of the marker element may be configured to be detected by a second sensor 122b. However, in other examples, a single sensor 122a, 122b may be used to detect both the first region 126a of the marker 126 and the second region 126b of the marker 126.

[0029] The first region 126a may be configured to be sensed by a first sensor 122a to provide a first input to the controller indicative of the speed of movement of the article 102. In this example, the first sensor 122a is a motion sensor. In one example, the speed of movement of the article 102 is determined by measuring the time interval between adjacent marker elements, such as lines or notches, in the first region 126a passing the sensor 122a. In some examples, the marker elements in the first region 126a are spaced at predetermined intervals. In some examples, the marker elements in the first region 126a are spaced at uniform intervals from each other. In other examples, the spacing between consecutive markers is a predetermined interval (and therefore known), but need not be uniform.

[0030] The controller 116 can receive a first input from the first sensor 122a and divide the predetermined spacing between the two marker elements by the time interval occurring between the two marker elements passing the first sensor 122a to determine the speed of movement of the article 102. In another example, the sensor 122a is associated with circuitry that can determine the speed of movement of the article 102 and provide this speed of movement to the controller 116.

[0031] In the example of the article 102 shown in FIG. 4, the first region 126a of the marker is formed from four marker elements, each spaced a predetermined uniform distance apart. However, in other examples, the first region 126a includes a single marker element, and the first sensor 122a includes two sensing elements spaced a known distance apart. In the example of the first region 126a including a single marker element, the speed of movement of the article 102 can be determined from the time interval between the time the marker element of the first region 126a passes the first sensing element of the first sensor 122a and the time it passes the second sensing element of the first sensor 122a.

[0032] The second region 126b includes marker elements configured to be sensed by the second sensor 122b, allowing the controller 116 to determine a parameter associated with the item 102. In this example, the second sensor 122b can be considered a parameter sensor. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the second region 126b includes four marker elements in the form of a line. The marker elements are spaced apart from one another at different intervals. As described in more detail below, the configuration of the marker elements in the second region 126b indicates a parameter of the item 102. For example, the configuration of the marker elements in the second region 126b may indicate that the item 102 intended for use with the device 100 is an authentic item 102 or can indicate a heating profile to be used with the item 102. The second sensor 122b is configured to provide a second input to the controller 116 indicative of the parameter of the item 102.

[0033] In some examples, when the item 102 is inserted into the device 100, the marker elements in the first region 126a move past the first sensor 122a at a rate that is equal to the rate at which the item 102 is inserted into the device. In other examples, when the item 102 is fully inserted into the device 100, the marker elements in the first region 126a are positioned next to the first sensor 122a. Furthermore, in some examples, when the item 102 is inserted into the device, the marker elements in the second region 126b can move past the second sensor 122b. In other examples, when the item 102 is fully inserted into the device 100, the marker elements in the second region 126b are positioned next to the second sensor 122b.

[0034] When capacitive or resistive sensing is used, the marker 126 may be provided inside and / or outside the article 102. The marker 126 may be literally "marked" on the article 102, such as by printing. Alternatively, the marker 126 may be provided in or on the article 102 by other techniques, such as being integrally formed with the article 102 during manufacturing. Similar to an optical sensor, the marker 126 may include a first region 226a composed of marker elements spaced a predetermined distance apart and a second region 226b composed of marker elements spaced a different distance apart from each other. The capacitive or resistive sensor may be configured to provide a first input indicative of the speed of movement of the article 202 and a second input indicative of a parameter associated with the article 202. In certain examples, depending on the characteristics of the sensing used to detect the marker 126, the marker 126 may be formed from a conductive material. The marker 126 may be, for example, a metal component such as aluminum, a conductive ink, or a ferrous or non-ferrous coating. The ink may be printed onto the tipping paper of article 102 using, for example, rotogravure printing, screen printing, inkjet printing, or any other suitable process.

[0035] Generally, capacitive sensing as used herein operates by effectively detecting a change in capacitance when the item 102 is placed within the device 100. Indeed, in one embodiment, electrostatic capacitance may be measured. If the capacitance meets one or more criteria, the item 102 may be determined to be suitable for use with the device 100 and may then proceed to operate normally to heat the aerosolizable medium. Alternatively, if the capacitance does not meet one or more criteria, the item 102 may be determined to be unsuitable for use with the device 100, and the device 100 may not function to heat the aerosolizable medium and / or may issue some kind of warning message to the user. Generally, capacitive sensing may operate by providing the device 100 with (at least) one electrode that effectively provides one “plate” of a capacitor, the other “plate” of the capacitor being provided by the conductive marker 126 of the device 100. When the item 102 is inserted into the device 100, the capacitance formed by the combination of the electrodes of the device 100 and the item 102 can be measured and then compared to one or more criteria to determine whether the device 102 can proceed to heat the item 102. Alternatively, the device 100 may include (at least) two electrodes that, in effect, provide a pair of "plates" of a capacitor. When the item 102 is inserted into the device 100, the item 102 is inserted between the two electrodes. As a result, the capacitance formed between the two electrodes of the device 100 changes. This capacitance formed by the two electrodes of the device 100 can be measured, and the measurement can be compared to one or more criteria to determine whether the device 100 can then proceed to heat the item.

[0036] In other examples, one or more of the sensors 122 a, 122 b comprise non-optical sensors, such as RF sensors or Hall effect sensors having a permanent magnet or electromagnet and a Hall effect sensor. The markers may be formed from a suitable material configured to affect the non-optical signal received by the sensors 122 a, 122 b. For example, the markers may produce a change in the level of the detected signal as a function of time, such as a valley (if the signal is absorbed) or a peak (if the signal is reflected).

[0037] In some examples, one or more sensors 122a, 122b comprise at least two different sensing techniques, for example, one sensor, such as the first sensor 122a, may include an optical sensor, and another sensor, such as the second sensor 122b, may include a non-optical sensor, such as a capacitive sensor.

[0038] FIG. 5 is a side view of an alternative example of an article 202 for use with an apparatus for heating an aerosolizable medium. The article 202 may comprise a substantially flat sheet of cardboard or paper. The aerosolizable material may be provided on one side, and a heater may heat the aerosolizable material from the opposite side (such that the cardboard or paper sheet is between the aerosol material and the heater). In this example, the marker 226 is in the form of a plurality of notches or holes formed in the article 202. Similar to the marker 126 shown in FIG. 4, the example marker 226 of FIG. 5 may comprise a first region 226a comprised of marker elements spaced a predetermined distance apart and a second region 226b comprised of marker elements spaced a different distance apart from each other. The first region 226a may determine the speed of movement of the article 202, and the second region 226b may determine a parameter or characteristic associated with the article 202. While the article 202 is depicted as a rectangle, other shapes, including a square or circle, may also be used.

[0039] 6 shows an illustrative example of an optical sensor configuration. In this example, one or more sensors 222 include a light source 232 and a light receiver 234. The light source 232 is configured to provide light to the light receiver 234 along an optical path. In use, when an article 202 passes through or next to one or more sensors 222 between the light source 232 and the light receiver 234, the article 202 blocks the light, preventing it from being received by the light receiver 234. In another example, the article 202 reduces the amount of light received by the light receiver 234. However, as the markers 226 on the article 202 in the form of multiple notches pass through the one or more sensors 222, the light from the light source is no longer blocked and is received by the light receiver 234. Thus, the amount of light received by the light receiver 234 as the article 202 passes through the optical path varies depending on whether or not a notch is present between the light source 232 and the light receiver 234. The one or more sensors 222 are configured to provide this change in received light to the controller 116. In this example, the change in light detected by the one or more sensors 222 associated with the first region 226a of the marker may represent a first input to the controller 116 indicative of the speed of movement of the article 202, thereby enabling the controller to determine the speed of movement of the article 202. The change in light detected by the one or more sensors 222 associated with the second region 226b of the marker represents a second input to the controller 116. The second input is indicative of a parameter of the article 202, thus enabling the controller to determine the parameter of the article 202.

[0040] 6, the one or more sensors 222 include a single light source 232 and light receiver 134. However, in other examples, the optical sensor may include an array of light sources and an array of light sensors. In examples of markers that include reflective material, the light source and light receiver 234 may be formed into a single element, and as the marker element passes by the one or more sensors 222, light is reflected back to the light source / receiver.

[0041] In other examples, the one or more sensors 122a, 122b, 222 are configured to detect the markers 126, 226 by measuring reflectivity or surface roughness from the surface of the article 102, 202. In other examples, the one or more sensors 122a, 122b, 222 may be configured to detect and read the markers 126, 226 in the form of a barcode or QR code. In other examples, the one or more sensors 122a, 122b, 222 may be configured to detect fluorescent materials, whether visible or invisible.

[0042] In other examples, first region 126a may comprise a portion configured to be tracked by an optical tracking system to indicate movement speed independently of any markings, for example, by tracking the surface using changes in surface roughness. In this case, first sensor 122a may comprise a light source, such as an LED, and a light sensor, such as a photocell. Light from the light source is reflected from the consumable and received by the sensor. The reflected light changes due to changes in the surface as the article moves past sensor 122a. This change can be interpreted, for example, by a controller, to provide a movement speed. In these examples, first region 126a may be provided by a dedicated portion on the article having specific surface characteristics, or by the overall characteristics of the outer surface of the article, for example, surface changes in a wrapper, such as a paper wrapper.

[0043] In one example, the controller 116 is configured to determine a parameter of the article 102, 202 based on the received first and second inputs. FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a signal received by the controller 116. This signal illustrates a signal generated when the article 202 illustrated in FIG. 6 passes one or more sensors 222. In this example, the amplitude of the signal increases as each marker element in the first region 226a and the second region 226b passes one or more sensors 222. The locations of the signal peaks correspond to the locations of the marker elements on the article 202. In this example, a first set of peaks indicates the location of the first region 226a of the marker, and a second set of peaks 242 indicates the location of the second region 226b. In this example, the first set of peaks 240 indicates the first input indicative of the speed of movement of the article 202, and the second set of peaks 242 indicates the second input indicative of a parameter associated with the article 202. In one example, the controller 116 is pre-programmed with or receives information regarding a predetermined distance between the marker elements in the first region 226a. Based on the predetermined distance between the marker elements in the first region 226a and the time interval (T) between adjacent peaks in the first input 240, the controller can determine the speed of movement of the article 202. In another example, the one or more sensors 222 can determine the speed of movement of the article 202 and provide a first input in the form of the speed of movement to the controller 116. The controller 116 is configured to use the determined speed of movement of the article 202 to determine the configuration of the second set of peaks 242. Because the controller 116 is provided with the first input indicative of the speed of movement of the article 202, it can accurately determine the configuration of the marker elements in the second region 226b.

[0044] The controller 116 may be provided with pre-programmed information, such as a look-up table, that details various possible configurations of the marker elements in the second region 226b and which parameters are associated with each configuration. Thus, based on a first input indicative of the speed of movement of the article 202 and a second input indicative of the parameter associated with the article 202, the controller 116 may determine the parameter associated with the article 202.

[0045] The controller 116 may be configured to heat only recognized articles 102 and not operate with unrecognized articles 102. The device 100 may be configured to provide some indication to the user that the article 102 is not recognized. This indication may be visual (e.g., a warning light that may flash or remain lit continuously for a period of time) and / or audible (e.g., a warning "beep"). Alternatively or additionally, the device 100 may be configured to, for example, follow a first heating pattern when it recognizes a first type of article 102 and a second, different heating pattern when it recognizes a second type of article 102 (and, optionally, provide additional heating patterns for other types of articles 102). The heating patterns may differ in several ways, for example, in the rate of delivery of heat to the aerosolizable medium, the timing of various heating cycles, which portion(s) of the aerosolizable medium are heated first, etc. This allows the same device 100 to be used with different basic types of articles 102 with minimal interaction required from the user.

[0046] 8 is a schematic longitudinal side view of another example of an article 302 comprising an aerosolizable medium for use with device 100. Similar to article 102 shown in FIG. 4, article 302 comprises one or more markers 326a, 326b configured in the form of optical lines. In this example, the lines extend substantially along the longitudinal axis of article 302, rather than extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis as shown in the example of article 102 in FIG. 4.

[0047] 4 and 5, the marker 326 is divided into a first region 326a and a second region 326b. The first region 326a may be configured to be sensed by one or more sensors 122a, 122b to determine a rate of movement of the article 302. In this example, the article 302 is inserted into the apparatus 100 and configured to be rotated, and the rate of movement is the rotational movement of the article 302 within the apparatus 100. Similar to the above example, the speed of movement of the article 302 can be determined by measuring the time interval between marker elements in the first region 326 a passing one or more sensors 122 a, 122 b. In some examples, the marker elements in the first region 326 a are spaced a predetermined uniform distance apart, such that the speed of movement can be determined from the time interval between at least two marker elements in the first region 326 a passing one or more sensors 122 a, 122 b.

[0048] The second region 326b can include marker elements configured to be sensed by one or more sensors 122a, 122b to determine a parameter associated with the article 302. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the second region 326b includes four marker elements in the form of lines with varying spacing between the lines. In one example, the spacing of the marker elements can be to create, for example, a defined beginning of the marker elements and a defined end of the marker elements. Because the article 302 can be inserted into the device 100 in any orientation, the article 302 must be rotated or partially rotated for all of the marker elements to be read by the one or more sensors 122a, 122b.

[0049] In other examples, the apparatus includes an actuator configured to control the speed of movement of the article 102, 202, 302. For example, in the example of the article 102, 202 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the actuator may control the speed at which the article 102, 202 is inserted into the apparatus 100 so that the article 102 is inserted into the chamber 112 at a predetermined speed. In some examples, the predetermined speed is uniform and substantially constant. Alternatively, in the example of the article 302 shown in FIG. 7, the actuator may be configured to rotate the article at a predetermined speed. The actuator may be a motor that operates with a constant force and / or a constant speed. Alternatively, the actuator may take the form of a mechanical damping system. In some examples, the actuator may move the article 100 in known distances or increments.

[0050] In the example of the article 102 comprising a substantially cylindrical rod, the rate of movement of the article 102 can be determined based on the movement of the actuator (e.g., by an encoder). A signal from the actuator can be provided to the control circuitry 116 to determine the rate of movement of the article 102.

[0051] Another option is a time of flight (TOF) sensor (ultrasound or light-based) that detects the insertion speed of the consumable into the device and correlates it with the detected signal from the marker detection system. The TOF sensor may, for example, be located at the bottom of the receiver 112 and facing along the longitudinal axis of the receiver 112. When the consumable is inserted into the receiver, it affects the TOF sensor, from which the insertion speed can be determined. The operating principles of TOF sensors are known and will not be described in further detail here.

[0052] In another example, the apparatus also includes pinned wheels or rollers configured to contact the item 102 when the item 102 is inserted into the apparatus 100. When the item 102 is inserted, the wheels are configured to rotate at the same speed as the item 102 was inserted into the device. Thus, the rotational speed of the wheels can provide an indication of the speed at which the item 102 is moving.

[0053] In these examples, the first input indicative of the rate of movement of the article 102, 202, 302 may be provided to the control circuitry 116 by an actuator or may be pre-programmed into the control circuitry 116. In these examples, the article 102, 202, 302 may not include a marker element in the first region 126a, 226a, 326a, which may be unnecessary if the first input indicative of the rate of movement of the article 102, 202, 302 is provided by other means.

[0054] In some examples, the article 102, 202, 302 may have a location feature that allows the consumable to be inserted into the device 100 in a predetermined orientation. For example, the article may include a protrusion or cutout feature that corresponds to the shape of the opening 106 of the device 100. Thus, in some implementations, the article 102, 202, 302 can only be inserted into the device 100 in a single orientation. In examples of articles 102, 202, 302 that are subsequently rotated, the starting position is known, and therefore, it is not necessary to rotate the article 102, 202, 302 at least 360 degrees. In other examples, the article 102, 202, 302 may have a predetermined finger grip or orientation for alignment or feeding into the device (which ensures that the consumable is inserted in a predetermined manner).

[0055] In some examples, one or more sensors 122a, 122b may be located in a specific location within the device 100. For example, one or more sensors 122a, 122b may be located within the chamber 112 and may have a limited detection range. Similarly, the marker 126 may be located in a specific location on or within the item 102, 202, 302 and may occupy a specific area or volume of the item 102. To ensure that the marker 126 is detected when a user inserts the item 102 into the receptacle, it is desirable for the device 100 to be able to restrict the orientation of the item 102 to a single orientation when the item 102 is engaged with the chamber 112. This can ensure that the marker 126 is properly aligned with the one or more sensors 122a, 122b so that the marker 126 can be detected. Constraining the orientation of the article 102, 202, 302 so that the marker and sensor are aligned can mean that only one sensor 122 is required rather than placing multiple sensors in the device 100, which can reduce the weight and manufacturing costs of the device 100. Additionally or alternatively, this can allow for smaller markers 126 to be provided on or within the article.

[0056] 9 shows an example flow diagram of the operation of the controller 116 of the apparatus 100. In step 900, the controller 116 receives a first input indicative of the speed of movement of the article 102, 202, 302. The first input indicative of the speed of movement of the article 102, 202, 302 may be provided by one or more sensors 122a, 122b, or alternatively, may be preprogrammed into the controller 116 or provided to the controller 116 by other means. In step 902, the controller 116 receives a second input indicative of a parameter of the article 102, 202, 302. The second input indicative of the parameter of the article 102, 202, 302 is provided to the controller by one or more sensors 122a, 122b. In step 904, the controller 116 determines the parameter of the article 102, 202, 302 based on the received first and second inputs.

[0057] In some examples, the controller 116 controls the operation of one or more heaters 120 based on parameters of the article. For example, if the controller determines that a counterfeit article has been inserted into the device 100, the heaters will not activate. Alternatively, the controller 116 may determine the type of aerosolizable medium in the article, such as a solid, liquid, or gel, and adjust the heating profile accordingly.

[0058] Articles 102, 202, 302 may include one or more flavorings. As used herein, the terms "flavor" and "flavoring" refer to materials that can be used (where permitted by local regulations) to produce a desired taste or scent in products for adult consumers. These materials include extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, mint, aniseed, cinnamon, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Drambuie, bourbon, Scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang), and the like. The compositions may contain additives such as orchid, sage, fennel, bell pepper, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or peppermint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, flavor enhancers, bitter taste receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators, or sensory receptor site stimulators, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives (e.g., charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath fresheners). These may be imitation, synthetic, or natural materials, or mixtures thereof. They may contain natural or nature-identical aroma chemicals. They may be in any suitable form, such as an oil, liquid, powder, or gel.

[0059] It should be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative examples of the present invention. Additional embodiments of the present invention are also contemplated. It should be understood that any feature described with respect to any one embodiment may be used alone or in combination with other described features, or in combination with one or more features of any other of the embodiments, or in any combination of any other of the embodiments. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be used without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus for generating an aerosol from an aerosolizable medium, comprising: Housing and a chamber for receiving an article comprising an aerosolizable medium; one or more sensors including a capacitive sensor configured to detect a change in capacitance when the article is inserted into the device to obtain a capacitance measurement; and a controller configured to receive the capacitance measurements.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to determine whether the capacitance measurement meets one or more criteria.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to cause heating of the aerosolizable medium when it is determined that the capacitance measurement meets one or more criteria.

4. The device described in claim 2 or 3, wherein the controller is configured to prevent heating of the aerosolizable medium if it is determined that the capacitance measurement does not meet one or more criteria.

5. An apparatus as described in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the controller is configured to cause the apparatus to issue a warning message to a user if it is determined that the capacitance measurement does not meet one or more criteria.

6. An apparatus described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the one or more sensors include a capacitive sensor and an optical sensor.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the optical sensor includes one or more light sources and one or more optical receivers.

8. The device described in claim 7, wherein the one or more light sources include an array of light sources.

9. An apparatus as described in claim 7 or 8, wherein the one or more receivers include an array of receivers.

10. An apparatus described in any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising one or more aerosol generating elements.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the one or more aerosol generating elements comprise one or more heaters arranged to heat the article located within the chamber.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the one or more heaters include one or more resistive heating elements.

13. An apparatus described in any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the one or more aerosol generating elements include one or more inductive elements that generate a varying magnetic field.

14. An article comprising an aerosolizable medium, the article comprising a marker indicating a parameter of the article, the marker including a conductive feature.

15. An article comprising the aerosolizable medium of claim 14, wherein the conductive feature comprises a metal component.

16. An article comprising the aerosolizable medium of claim 15, wherein the metal component comprises a ferrous material.

17. An article comprising an aerosolizable medium described in any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the conductive element is provided on the outside of the article.

18. An article comprising an aerosolizable medium described in any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the conductive element is provided inside the article.

19. An article comprising the aerosolizable medium of any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein the marker comprises an optical feature.

20. An article comprising the aerosolizable medium of claim 19, wherein the optical feature includes a barcode.

21. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, An article comprising the aerosolizable medium according to any one of claims 14 to 20. A system comprising:

22. 1. A method for determining a parameter of an article comprising an aerosolizable medium, comprising: receiving the article in a chamber of an apparatus for generating an aerosol from an aerosolizable medium; detecting a change in capacitance when the article is inserted into the device by a capacitive sensor of one or more sensors of the device to obtain a capacitance measurement by the capacitive sensor; receiving the capacitance measurement by a controller of the device; The method includes:

23. The method for determining a parameter of an article as described in claim 22, further comprising a step of determining by the controller whether the capacitance measurement meets one or more criteria.

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