Aerosol generating apparatus having user-selectable progression criteria

Abstract

An aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate comprises a controller configured to control a use session. The controller is configured to control the use session with reference to a first criterion or with reference to a second criterion different from the first criterion. The first criterion may be, for example, the number of puffs during the use session and the second criterion may be, for example, the volume of aerosol generated during the use session. The ability to select different criteria for controlling the use session allows a user to configure the control of the device to their own preferences.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device configured to generate an aerosol, and to a method of using such a device. In particular, the present invention relates to an aerosol generating device in which data regarding the progress of an operational stage of the device is visually communicated to a user of the device. [Background technology]

[0002] Aerosol generating devices configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate, such as a tobacco-containing substrate, are known in the art. Typically, the inhalable aerosol is generated by heat transfer from a heat source to a physically separate aerosol-forming substrate or material, which may be located within, around, or downstream of the heat source. The aerosol-forming substrate may be a liquid substrate contained in a reservoir. The aerosol-forming substrate may also be a solid substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of a separate aerosol-generating article component configured to engage with the aerosol-generating device to form an aerosol. During consumption, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-forming substrate by heat transfer from the heat source and are entrained in the air emitted through the aerosol-generating article. As the released compounds cool, they condense to form an aerosol, which is inhaled by the consumer.

[0003] Some aerosol generating devices are configured to have at least one operational phase. Such an operational phase may be referred to as an event. For example, some aerosol generating devices may be configured to provide a user experience that has a finite duration. For example, an aerosol generating device may be configured to operate for a predetermined period of time in any single use session. An aerosol generating device configured to be used with separate aerosol generating articles may be configured to operate in separate use sessions that last no longer than the time it takes to deplete the aerosol-forming substrate within the individual aerosol generating articles. An aerosol generating article may be configured to go through a pre-heating phase that may have a fixed or variable duration.

[0004] An aerosol generating device configured to monitor and indicate the progression of events, such as operational stages, may improve the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one aspect of the invention, an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate comprises a controller configured to control an event, e.g. a use session. The controller is configured to control the event with reference to a first criterion or with reference to a second criterion different from the first criterion. The control of the event can be either with reference to the first criterion or with reference to the second criterion. For example, the controller can be configured to control the duration of the event with reference to the first criterion or with reference to the second criterion. The duration of the event can be different when it is controlled with reference to the first criterion rather than with reference to the second criterion. The event is preferably a use session.

[0006] The selection of which criterion to use as a control input may be done automatically. For example, the aerosol generating device may select which criterion to use based on an external parameter, or based on a monitored parameter, or based on the identity or type of the aerosol-generating article inserted into the device, or based on a user ID, or based on a combination of the user ID and a user history or usage profile. Thus, the aerosol generating device may be programmed with parameters that allow the selection of which criterion to use at the start of a usage session.

[0007] The choice of which criterion to use may be a user choice, i.e., the user may be able to choose whether to control a usage session with reference to the first criterion or the second criterion.

[0008] As an example, the first criterion may be the number of puffs taken by the user during a use session, which is a parameter used to control the use session, e.g., to control the duration of the use session and / or to control the thermal parameters used during the use session. In this example, the second criterion may be the volume of aerosol generated during the use session, which is a parameter used to control the use session.

[0009] A user may prefer to use the number of puffs as the control parameter because it is easy to take a predetermined number of puffs over the duration of a use session. A user may expect to take a certain number of puffs per use session. In this case, the user may select to use a first criterion as the control parameter. The controller then accesses the selected criterion, rules for which may be stored in memory, and applies the selected criterion to control the operation of the use session using the number of puffs as a parameter.

[0010] However, a user may prefer to use the generated aerosol volume as the control parameter. For example, a user may habitually take many weak puffs. If the number of puffs is the control parameter, the user's use session may end before the user completely depletes the aerosol-forming substrate or after a short period of time. Alternatively, a user may habitually take strong puffs, completely depleting the aerosol-forming substrate before the end of the controlled use session of puffs, leading to an unsatisfactory experience. In either situation, the user may prefer to select the generated aerosol volume as the parameter for the control of the use session rather than puff control. Thus, an aerosol generating device configured to allow the use session to be controlled with reference to a first or second criterion may enable the user to configure the device to be controlled to suit the user's own style of use, for example to maximize the efficiency of aerosol generation over the duration of the use session.

[0011] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating device" is used to describe a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol. The aerosol-generating device is preferably a smoking device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol that is inhalable directly through the user's mouth into the user's lungs. The aerosol-generating device may be a holder for an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article is preferably a smoking article that generates an aerosol that is inhalable directly through the user's mouth into the user's lungs. More preferably, the aerosol-generating article is an article that generates a nicotine-containing aerosol that is inhalable directly through the user's mouth into the user's lungs. The aerosol-generating article may be an article that generates a nicotine-free aerosol that is inhalable directly through the user's mouth into the user's lungs.

[0012] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate capable of releasing a volatile compound capable of forming an aerosol. In certain embodiments, an aerosol-generating article may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate capable of releasing, upon heating, a volatile compound capable of forming an aerosol.

[0013] The term "aerosol-forming substrate" as used herein refers to a substrate that is composed of or includes an aerosol-forming material that is capable of releasing a volatile compound upon heating to generate an aerosol. The aerosol may include nicotine. The aerosol may be a nicotine-free aerosol that includes one or more inhalable substances but does not include nicotine.

[0014] As used herein, the term "usage session" refers to a period of operation of an aerosol generating device having a finite duration. A usage session may be a particular type of event that can be performed by the aerosol generating device. A usage session may be initiated by a user action. A usage session may terminate after a predetermined period of time has elapsed from the initiation of the usage session. A usage session may terminate after a monitored parameter reaches a threshold during the usage session. Typically, a usage session has a duration that allows a user to enjoy a single user experience. For example, in a particular aerosol generating device, a usage session may have a duration that allows a user to consume a single disposable aerosol generating article. After a usage session has ended, further user action is required to initiate a subsequent usage session.

[0015] As used herein, the term "light-emitting indicator" refers to an element of an aerosol generating device that has the capability of emitting an indication in the form of light that is visible to a user of the device.

[0016] As used herein, the term "light-emitting unit" refers to an individual component of a light-emitting indicator that has the ability to emit light. Each light-emitting unit provides a single display area of ​​the light-emitting indicator. A light-emitting unit may, for example, include an individual light bulb or an individual LED, or may be an individual light bulb or an individual LED. A light-emitting unit may include more than one light bulb or LED. Light emitted by the light-emitting unit is visible to a user of the aerosol generating device. The light-emitting unit may be mounted to protrude through the housing of the aerosol generating device. The light-emitting unit may be enclosed within the housing of the aerosol generating device such that light emitted from the light-emitting unit is visible through a window of the aerosol generating device. Light emitted from the light-emitting unit may be transmitted along a waveguide structure to be visible to a user of the device.

[0017] In the case where the device comprises an LED, e.g., a plurality of LEDs, the light-emitting diode control driver may be configured to control the supply of electricity from the power source to one or more LEDs by a type of pulse width modulation having a predetermined resolution to control the brightness or intensity of one or more of the plurality of light-emitting diodes. As an example, the resolution of the type of pulse width modulation may be 8 bits (having 256 levels), 10 bits (having 1024 levels), 12 bits (having 4096 levels). The higher the predetermined resolution, the greater the number of distinct display states that can be generated by each of the plurality of light-emitting diodes. In this way, the precision or level of detail of the data conveyed to the user by the different display states can be controlled by the predetermined resolution selected for the light-emitting diode control driver.

[0018] As used herein, the term "light" refers to emissions of electromagnetic radiation in the visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum, which is generally understood to include wavelengths ranging from about 380 nanometers to about 750 nanometers.

[0019] The term "waveguide" as used herein refers to a structure adapted to guide electromagnetic waves of light. The waveguide may conveniently be in the form of one or more optical fibres or light pipes. Each of the light emitting units is conveniently associated with a corresponding waveguide such that light emitted from each light emitting unit is transmitted via the corresponding waveguide to one or more viewing windows.

[0020] In some devices, the controller may be configured to control the usage session with respect to the first criterion, the second criterion, or at least one further criterion different from the first criterion or the second criterion, which may be a combination of the first and second criteria, or a third criterion or a fourth criterion.

[0021] The device preferably comprises a visual indicator configured to indicate the progress of a usage session during use of the aerosol generating device, and the controller is preferably configured to determine which criterion is being used to control the usage session, and to control the visual indicator to provide a progress indication with respect to the selected criterion.

[0022] The device preferably comprises a user interface configured to allow a user to select whether to use the first criterion or the second criterion or, if applicable, at least one further criterion to control the usage session. Such an interface may be a simple push button or a different type of button, for example a touch-sensitive button. The interface may be a tactile interface, for example a gesture recognition interface. The interface may be configured in software, for example allowing a user to select the criterion on a remote terminal or mobile device and to communicate this selection to the controller, for example by a Wi-Fi connection or by Bluetooth.

[0023] Advantageously, the first criterion, the second criterion or, where applicable, at least one further criterion, The criteria may be selected from the list consisting of: (a) time, (b) the number of puffs of the user, (c) the volume of aerosol generated, (d) the monitored user interaction parameter, (e) a combination of time and the number of puffs of the user, (f) a combination of time and the volume of aerosol generated, (g) a combination of time and the monitored user interaction parameter, (h) a combination of time, the number of puffs of the user, and the volume of aerosol generated, and (i) a combination of time, the number of puffs of the user, and the monitored user interaction parameter.

[0024] A usage session preferably spans between a session start and a session stop. The aerosol generating device may be configured such that the usage session has a maximum duration determined by a threshold value for a selected criterion used to control the usage session. The duration of the usage session may be controlled against a criterion selected from a plurality of available criteria, for example a first criterion and a second criterion.

[0025] As an example, if the selected criterion is time, a usage session may have a maximum duration determined by a threshold time.

[0026] If the selected criterion is the number of puffs by the user, then a use session may have a maximum duration determined by a threshold number of puffs by the user during the use session.

[0027] If the selected criterion is the volume of aerosol generated, a use session may have a maximum duration determined by a threshold volume of aerosol generated during the use session.

[0028] If the selected criterion is a combination of time and number of puffs by a user, a use session may have a duration that is determined with reference to both a threshold time and a threshold number of puffs by a user during a use session.

[0029] If the selected criterion is a combination of time and volume of aerosol generated, a use session may have a duration that is determined with reference to both a threshold time and a threshold volume of aerosol generated during the use session.

[0030] The aerosol generating device is preferably equipped with a timer, e.g., a timer in communication with the controller. Preferred devices are configured such that a use session has a maximum duration determined by a threshold time, even if other criteria are referenced in controlling the use session.

[0031] The aerosol generating device may be configured to monitor a user interaction parameter indicative of a user interaction For example, such a user interaction parameter may be indicative of a user's puffs during a use session, or may be indicative of a volume of aerosol emitted by the aerosol-forming substrate or delivered to a user during a use session.

[0032] The aerosol generating device may include a puff counting mechanism and / or a puff sensor to determine the number of puffs taken by the user during a usage session. A puff may be determined by simply receiving a signal from a puff sensor, e.g., an airflow sensor. Alternatively, a parameter related to the power delivered to the heater may be analyzed by the controller to determine a user puff. For example, during a user puff, the heater is cooled by the airflow generated by the puff. Thus, more power may be delivered by the power source to maintain the heater at a predetermined operating temperature. This power difference may be detected by the controller to identify the beginning and end of a user puff.

[0033] Advantageously, the device may comprise a visual indicator comprising a plurality of light emitting units, and the control electronics, e.g. a controller, is configured to independently control each of the plurality of light emitting units to indicate to a user the progress of a usage session. In a preferred embodiment, the controller may be configured to control the visual indicator to indicate the progress of a usage session, and the light emitting indicator is configured to indicate the progress of an event as a sequence of 1 to n different display states, n being a number equal to or greater than 4.

[0034] The number of display states is preferably 7 or more, or 10 or more. That is, the number n is preferably 7 or more, or 10 or more. For example, n may be 8, or 9, or 10, or 11, or 12. The number n may be, for example, 7 to 144. The higher the number, the higher the resolution of the display of the event or progress of the usage session. However, if the number of states is too high, meaningful distinction between adjacent states in a sequence may be more difficult to achieve. Displaying a larger number of display states requires increased complexity of the device. For example, displaying seven or more display states may require a larger number of indicators, e.g., LEDs, a larger number of drivers for the indicators, and more complexity in the controller and programming of the controller. Also, if there is a larger number of LEDs, there are additional power supply considerations, and more LEDs may require additional considerations regarding thermal management. However, more complexity preferably provides more functionality.

[0035] The indicator of the device may include one or more indicators selected from the list consisting of visual indicators, audio indicators and tactile indicators. Preferably, the indicator is a light-emitting indicator. The light-emitting indicator may conveniently be controlled to display four or more successive display states. Preferably, the light-emitting indicator includes three or more individual light-emitting units. Each of the light-emitting units is individually controllable to deliver a sequence of display states.

[0036] Preferably, the indicator is a visual indicator comprising a predetermined number (i) of individual light-emitting units, each controllable to emit light in a predetermined number (j) of different states, the different display states being different intensities or static brightness levels, i being a number between 2 and 24, or between 3 and 24, or between 4 and 24, and j being a number between 2 and 5. Preferably, each of the predetermined number j of display states represents a light intensity level between 0% and 100% of the possible emission intensity. By controlling each of the individual light-emitting units to emit light at a predetermined number of different intensities or static brightness levels, it is possible to configure the device to display a relatively large number of successive display states without requiring a corresponding large number of different light-emitting units.

[0037] Each individual light-emitting unit can be controlled to emit light at two different intensities, for example, about 50% of the possible emission intensity and about 100% of the possible emission intensity.

[0038] Each individual light emitting unit may be controlled to emit light at three different intensities, for example, about 33% of the possible emission intensity, about 66% of the possible emission intensity, and about 100% of the possible emission intensity.

[0039] Each of the individual light emitting units is controlled to emit light at four different intensities, for example, approximately 25% of the possible radiation intensity, approximately 50% of the possible radiation intensity, approximately 75% of the possible radiation intensity, and approximately 100% of the possible radiation intensity.

[0040] A controller of the device is preferably configured to interact with the one or more drivers and control the indicator to indicate progression through a sequence of first to nth different visual display states. For example, the controller may interact with one or more LED drivers. The device may comprise a visual indicator including a plurality of light emitting units, the controller being configured to interact with the one or more drivers and control the visual indicator to indicate progression through a sequence of first to nth different visual display states.

[0041] The aerosol generating device may include control electronics and at least one visual indicator, e.g., a lighting array, including a plurality of light emitting units. The control electronics includes at least: i) an "off state" in which the light-emitting unit does not emit light; ii) a "first lighting state" in which the light-emitting unit emits light at a first intensity or static luminance level; and iii) Preferably, the control electronics is configured to independently control each of the plurality of light-emitting units in a "second lighting state" in which the light-emitting unit emits light at a second intensity or static brightness level different from the first static brightness level. The control electronics is preferably configured to control each of the light-emitting units to be in at least one of an off state, the first lighting state, and the second lighting state so as to present the progression of the event to the user as a sequence of first to nth different visual display states. The light-emitting units may further be controlled in a "third lighting state" in which the light-emitting unit emits light at a third intensity or static brightness level different from the first or second static brightness level. The light-emitting units may further be controlled in a "fourth lighting state" in which the light-emitting unit emits light at a fourth intensity or static brightness level different from the first, second, or third static brightness level.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises a plurality of light emitting units, the light emitting units being LEDs, each of the plurality of light emitting units being preferably configured to be independently controlled with different static brightness levels to indicate the progress of the event, and at least one of the light emitting units being controllable to display different colors of light to indicate conditions such as low power level or approaching the end of the event.

[0043] The control electronics may be configured to independently control each of the plurality of light-emitting units in a plurality of display states, in which each of the plurality of display states emits light at a different static intensity / brightness level. The use of different static brightness levels for each of the plurality of lighting states facilitates the delivery of data to the user regarding multiple incremental changes in the event. The greater the number of display states, the more data regarding the changes in the event can be delivered to the user. In this manner, a high degree of accuracy of data regarding the state of the event can be delivered to the user.

[0044] Where the device includes a visual indicator, the visual indicator may include a number of windows for transmitting light to a user and may further include one or more waveguides.

[0045] The individual light emitting units may be arranged as a linear matrix extending on or through the housing of the device. For example, the linear matrix may be a 1×3 matrix, or a 1×4 matrix, or a 1×5 matrix, or a 1×6 matrix, or a 2×3 matrix, or a 2×4 matrix, or a 2×5 matrix, or a 2×6 matrix, or a 3×3 matrix, or a 3×4 matrix, or a 3×5 matrix, or a 3×6 matrix. A linear matrix may conveniently display a progression of varying light intensity or brightness as a linear progression.

[0046] The individual light emitting units may be arranged as an annular matrix extending on or through the housing of the device. For example, the annular matrix may include a single ring formed of 3-12 light emitting units, e.g., 4, or 5, or 6, or 7, or 8, or 9, or 10, or 11 light emitting units. The annular matrix may include two concentric rings, each formed of 3-12 light emitting units, e.g., 4, or 5, or 6, or 7, or 8, or 9, or 10, or 11 light emitting units.

[0047] The indicator may be a visual indicator including an LCD or OLED display screen.

[0048] The progression of the event may be indicated by a visual indicator such that progression through the first to nth display states is accompanied by a corresponding increase in the intensity or brightness of the light displayed by the visual indicator.

[0049] The progression of the event may be indicated by a visual indicator such that progression through the first to nth display states is accompanied by a corresponding decrease in the intensity or brightness of the light displayed by the visual indicator.

[0050] Advantageously, the device may comprise a visual indicator comprising a plurality of light-emitting units as described above, the control electronics being configured to independently control each of the plurality of light-emitting units to display a first indication, in order to indicate to the user the progress of the use session, if the use session is controlled by a first criterion, and to display a second indication, visually distinguishable from the first indication, in order to indicate to the user the progress of the use session, if the use session is controlled by a second criterion. For example, the first indication and / or the second indication may be a lighting sequence displayed by the plurality of light-emitting units. It is preferred that the first indication is a different lighting sequence from the second indication, and / or the first indication is a different color lighting from the second indication. Thus, the user may be able to identify which of the first and second criteria is being used to control the use session.

[0051] An exemplary aerosol generating device is configured or operated such that an event, e.g., a use session, is divided into a plurality of n consecutive stages. For example, the plurality of n consecutive stages includes a first stage of the n consecutive stages having a first stage duration defined by a first stage start and a first stage end, the first stage beginning at the start of the event, e.g., at the start of the use session. A second stage of the n consecutive stages has a second stage duration defined by a second stage start and a second stage end, the second stage beginning at the end of the first stage. The n consecutive stages may be defined as a first stage and n-1 subsequent stages, each of which follows the preceding stage, each of which has a stage duration defined by a stage start and a stage end, the stage beginning at the end of the preceding stage. Preferably, the event, e.g., the use session, ends at the end of the nth stage. Each of the plurality of n successive stages may conveniently be represented by one of a sequence of first to nth distinct visual display states, where n is the same value.

[0052] The aerosol generating device may be configured to monitor a user interaction parameter indicative of use of the aerosol generating device during an event, e.g. a usage session. Advantageously, the duration of any of the n successive stages, or each of them, may be controlled with reference to the user interaction parameter. The user interaction parameter may thus be considered as a criterion, e.g. a first criterion or a second criterion. The duration of any of the n successive stages, or each of them, may be controlled with reference to the user interaction parameter and to at least one further parameter, in which case a combination of the user interaction parameter and the at least one further parameter may be considered as a criterion for control of the event.

[0053] An event, e.g. a usage session, preferably has a maximum duration of between 60 seconds and 600 seconds, such as between 300 seconds and 400 seconds, e.g. about 360 seconds. Such a maximum duration may replicate the length of a typical smoking session using a conventional cigarette.

[0054] Advantageously, an event, e.g. a usage session, may have a maximum duration of x seconds, where x is a number between 100 and 600. For example, the event may be divided into n successive stages, where the maximum duration of each of the n successive stages is approximately x / n seconds.

[0055] An event, eg a usage session, may be controlled against a criterion based on the number of puffs monitored by the user, for example a usage session having a threshold number of puffs by the user of between 10 and 14, eg about 12.

[0056] In some embodiments, an event, e.g., a use session, may be controlled against a criterion based on a monitored or calculated value representative of the volume of aerosol generated. For example, the aerosol generating device may be configured to monitor a parameter indicative of aerosol generation during operation of the aerosol generating device, analyze the monitored parameter to identify a user puff, the user puff being defined by a puff start and a puff end, analyze the monitored parameter during the user puff to calculate a puff volume, the puff volume being the volume of aerosol generated during the user puff, and use the puff volume as a parameter for controlling and / or progressing the event, e.g., the use session. The parameter indicative of aerosol generation may represent the power supplied by the power source, e.g., the current, or both the current and the voltage. Advantageously, the puff volume may be used as a parameter for indicating the progress of the use session. In particular, the use session may have a threshold value of aerosol that can be delivered, and the cumulative volume of aerosol generated may be used as a parameter for indicating the progress of the use session.

[0057] Direct measurement of the actual volume of generated aerosol may be complicated to implement. Thus, functions of the monitored parameters may be calculated and evaluated in real time to determine the puff volume. The analysis of the monitored parameters may include calculating a first characteristic of the monitored parameters and analyzing the first characteristic to determine puff onset and puff cessation. The analysis of the monitored parameters may include calculating a second characteristic of the monitored parameters and analyzing both the first characteristic and the second characteristic to determine puff onset and puff cessation. Puff onset may be determined if the first characteristic and the second characteristic satisfy one or more predetermined conditions. Similarly, puff cessation may be determined if the first characteristic and the second characteristic satisfy one or more predetermined conditions. Preferably, the first characteristic may be a first moving average value of the monitored parameters calculated over a first time window having a duration of the first time window. The second characteristic may be a second moving average value of the monitored parameter calculated over a second time window having a duration of a second time window, the duration of the second time window being different from the duration of the first time window. The aerosol volume may then be calculated, for example, by determining the power supplied to the heater during the puff and relating this power to the volume of aerosol delivered by the aerosol generating device during the puff.

[0058] In some preferred embodiments, the first criterion or the second criterion may include a parameter selected from the list consisting of time, number of puffs by the user (e.g., the cumulative number of puffs by the user during an event), volume of aerosol delivered (e.g., the cumulative volume of aerosol delivered during an event), energy consumed (e.g., the cumulative volume of energy consumed during an event), current consumed (e.g., the cumulative amount of current consumed during an event), temperature (e.g., the temperature of the heating element, or the temperature of the susceptor), resistance of the heating element, and user interaction (e.g., any other monitorable or derivable parameter related to user interaction, e.g., user interaction during a usage session).

[0059] Certain parameters may require the aerosol generating device to include certain monitoring means. For example, the aerosol generating device may include a temperature sensor to monitor the actual temperature of the heating element, or a puff sensor to detect and record a user's puff. The device may also be configured to monitor changes in the power supplied by the battery, e.g., to monitor the current and voltage. The device may also be configured to derive parameters from other monitored parameters. For example, the controller of the device may be configured to determine the resistance of the heating element, or the apparent resistance of the inductor / susceptor combination, by monitoring the current and voltage supplied by the battery. The device may be configured to execute one or more algorithms to determine parameters such as the volume of aerosol generated.

[0060] The aerosol generating device may further comprise a user interaction interface, e.g., an interface selected from the list consisting of a button, a touch-sensitive button, a strain-sensitive button, a gesture recognition interface, a haptic interface, and an accelerometer. The aerosol generating device may comprise a power source for providing energy to generate the aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate, e.g., a power source such as a battery.

[0061] The aerosol-generating devices described herein may comprise a heater, e.g. a resistive heater or an inductive heater, for heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The device may be configured to operate with a solid aerosol-forming substrate. The device may be configured to operate with a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0062] Advantageously, the aerosol generating device may be equipped with a sensor, for example a sensor for detecting a parameter indicative of the progression of an event, for example a sensor for detecting a user interaction parameter.

[0063] The aerosol-generating device may include a heater for heating the aerosol-forming substrate to form the aerosol. The heater may be an induction heater. The induction heater may include an inductor configured to generate a varying magnetic field designed to heat the susceptor. The heater may be a resistive heater.

[0064] The heater may comprise a heating element for heating the consumable aerosol-generating article. The heating element may be an internal heater designed to be inserted into the consumable aerosol-generating article, for example a resistive heating element or a susceptor in the form of a pin or blade that can be inserted into an aerosol-forming substrate located within the consumable aerosol-generating article. The heating element may be an external heater designed to heat an external surface of the consumable aerosol-generating article, for example a resistive heating element or a susceptor located around or surrounding a cavity that receives a substrate for receiving the consumable aerosol-generating article.

[0065] The aerosol generating device may comprise an exchangeable substrate section housing the aerosol-forming substrate. The exchangeable substrate section may form part of the body of the aerosol generating device and may itself position or house a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate within the device for consumption. The exchangeable substrate section may be located distal to the proximal end of the device, e.g. distal to the mouthpiece. The exchangeable substrate section may be located proximal to the distal end of the device. The exchangeable substrate section may be connected to one or more other sections forming the body of the aerosol generating device by connecting means such as a screw thread, or a bayonet joint, or a magnetic connection, or a mechanical latching means such as a snap or interference fit.

[0066] The replaceable substrate section may comprise a reservoir of liquid aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the replaceable substrate section may comprise a liquid reservoir containing an aerosol former such as nicotine and propylene glycol or glycerin. Alternatively, the replaceable substrate section may comprise a container of solid aerosol-forming substrate, or a container of colloidal aerosol-forming substrate such as a gel substrate.

[0067] The aerosol generating device may comprise interchangeable substrate sections that house two or more components that, when combined, form the aerosol.

[0068] The replaceable substrate section may comprise an atomizer, such as a heating element, for heating the aerosol-forming substrate or for heating at least one of two or more components that when combined form the aerosol. Thus, the replaceable substrate section may be in the form of a cartomizer and may include both the aerosol-forming substrate and the atomization component. In such an embodiment, the replaceable substrate section will preferably include electrical contacts configured to contact corresponding electrical contacts on the battery portion of the aerosol generating device to provide power for operation of the atomizer.

[0069] In one embodiment, the atomizer may be a resistive heater, such as a resistive wire or a resistive track on a substrate, hi another embodiment, the atomizer may be an inductive susceptor that can be heated when in a varying magnetic field generated by an induction coil.

[0070] The aerosol generating device may be configured such that power is provided to the heater to maintain the heater at a predetermined temperature during a use session.

[0071] Power may be provided to the heater to raise the temperature of the heater element to an operating temperature range for generating an aerosol, and the heater element remains within the operating temperature range until the end of the use session. During the use session, power may be provided to the heater both when the user is taking a puff and when the user is not taking a puff. In such a configuration, the power provided while the user is taking a puff may be greater than the power provided when the user is not taking a puff, since less power will be required to maintain the temperature of the heater between puffs.

[0072] The aerosol-generating device may be configured to receive an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be a solid aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the aerosol-generating device may comprise a substrate-receiving cavity for receiving a consumable aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. Examples of aerosol-generating articles include sachets filled with solid aerosol-forming substrates, cigarettes, and cigarette-like articles comprising an aerosol-forming substrate contained within a wrapper, capsule, or container, such as cigarette paper, of a liquid aerosol-forming substrate or a colloidal aerosol-forming substrate. A consumable aerosol-generating article may comprise interchangeable substrate sections containing two or more components that form an aerosol when combined.

[0073] The consumable aerosol-generating article may comprise an atomizer, such as a heating element, for heating an aerosol-forming substrate or for heating at least one of two or more components that, when combined, form an aerosol. Thus, the consumable aerosol-generating article may be in the form of a cartomizer and may comprise both an aerosol-forming substrate and an atomizing component. In such embodiments, the consumable aerosol-generating article will preferably include electrical contacts configured to contact corresponding electrical contacts on a battery portion of the aerosol generating device to provide power for operation of the atomizer.

[0074] In an embodiment, the atomizer may be a resistive heater, such as a resistive wire or a resistive track on a substrate. In other embodiments, the atomizer may be an inductive susceptor that can be heated when in a varying magnetic field generated by an induction coil.

[0075] A preferred consumable aerosol-generating article may be in the form of a cigarette or cigarette-like article comprising a solid aerosol-forming substrate contained within a wrapper. Such an article preferably comprises a mouth end intended to be inserted into the mouth of a user for consumption of the article. The mouth end preferably comprises a filter that mimics a conventional conditioned cigarette. The consumable aerosol-generating article is preferably configured to interact with an atomizer, preferably a heater, located within the body of the aerosol-generating device. Thus, a heating means such as a resistive heating element may be located in or around a substrate-receiving cavity for receiving the consumable aerosol-generating article. The substrate-receiving cavity may be located at the proximal end of the device. For example, an opening to the substrate-receiving cavity may be located at the proximal end of the device.

[0076] Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article is a solid aerosol-forming substrate. However, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise both solid and liquid components. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may be a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0077] Preferably the aerosol-forming substrate comprises nicotine. More preferably the aerosol-forming substrate comprises tobacco. Alternatively, or additionally, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco-containing aerosol-forming material.

[0078] Where the aerosol-forming substrate is a solid aerosol-forming substrate, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise, for example, one or more of powders, granules, pellets, shreds, threads, strips, or sheets containing one or more of herb leaves, tobacco leaves, tobacco stems, expanded tobacco, and homogenized tobacco.

[0079] Optionally, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may contain tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavour compounds, which are released upon heating of the solid aerosol-forming substrate. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may also contain one or more capsules, e.g., containing additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavour compounds, which may melt during heating of the solid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0080] Optionally, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may be provided on or embedded in a thermally stable carrier. The carrier may take the form of a powder, granules, pellets, pieces, threads, strips, or sheets. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may be deposited on the surface of the carrier, for example in the form of a sheet, foam, gel, or slurry. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may be deposited on the entire surface of the carrier, or alternatively, in a pattern to provide a non-uniform flavor delivery during use.

[0081] In one preferred embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises a homogenized tobacco material. As used herein, the term "homogenized tobacco material" refers to a material formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco.

[0082] The aerosol-forming substrate preferably comprises an assembly of a sheet of homogenized tobacco material. As used herein, the term "sheet" refers to a layered element having a width and length substantially greater than its thickness. As used herein, the term "assembled" is used to describe a sheet that is rolled, folded, or otherwise compressed or clamped substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article.

[0083] The aerosol-forming substrate preferably comprises an aerosol former. As used herein, the term "aerosol former" is used to describe any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that facilitates the formation of an aerosol during use and that is generally resistant to thermal decomposition at the operating temperatures of the aerosol-generating article.

[0084] Suitable aerosol formers are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, polyhydric alcohols (such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, glycerin, etc.), esters of polyhydric alcohols (such as glycerol monoacetate, diacetate, triacetate, etc.), and aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids (such as dimethyl dodecanedioate, dimethyl tetradecanedioate, etc.). Preferred aerosol formers are polyhydric alcohols (e.g., propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and most preferably, glycerin) or mixtures thereof.

[0085] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a single aerosol former, alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a combination of two or more aerosol formers.

[0086] The aerosol generating system may comprise an aerosol generating device as described above and an aerosol-generating article configured to be received by the aerosol generating device, the aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0087] The aerosol generating system may further comprise a charging device for charging the aerosol generating device. The charging device may include a primary power source and may have a docking arrangement configured to engage with the aerosol generating device.

[0088] In one aspect, the invention may provide a method of operating an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol generating device comprising a controller configured to control a use session, the controller determining whether a first criterion or a second criterion different from the first criterion is selected for control of the use session, and the controller controls the use session based on the selected one of the first criterion and the second criterion. The first criterion or the second criterion may be used to control the duration of the use session. The method may include a step of a user selecting whether the first criterion or the second criterion is to be used for controlling the use session.

[0089] The method may further include determining a progress of the usage session and controlling a visual indicator to indicate the progress.The method may be operated in association with any of the devices described herein.

[0090] In a further aspect, the present invention may provide an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol generating device being configured to display the progression of an event during use of the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may comprise a visual indicator including a plurality of light-emitting units configured to display the progression of an event. The memory is programmed with a first display mode capable of displaying the progression of the event, and a second display mode capable of displaying the progression of the event. The device is configured to allow a user to select whether the first display mode or the second display mode is used to display the progression of the event. Further display modes may be available for user selection, with different user modes being stored in the memory or programmable in the memory.

[0091] The event may be an event type selected from the list consisting of a usage session, a heating period (eg, a pre-heat period), a calibration period, a charging period, and a suspend period.

[0092] Thus, a user may be able to select a preferred type of display mode style from a plurality of such modes available for selection. A user may be able to understand one of such modes more easily than other such modes. For example, a user may prefer to display the progress of an event as a countdown with decreasing brightness, or the user may prefer that the progress display include flashing lights, or the user may prefer to display the progress at a higher or lower intensity. If a user can select different criteria for controlling an event, e.g., a usage session, the user may be able to select which of a plurality of available display modes to use to display the progress when controlled by a first criterion, and which to use to display the progress when controlled by a second criterion.

[0093] An event may be any operational phase of the device having a duration. The duration of an event may be measured by time or by one or more other parameters. The duration of an event may depend on two or more parameters. The aerosol generating device may be configured to perform a function during the event. The event may be a heating event, e.g., a pre-heating event, in which a heater or heating element is heated to a temperature required to generate an aerosol. The event may be, for example, a calibration event, in which a response of a monitored parameter to heating of a heating element is determined. The event may be a charging event, during which a battery in the device is charged. The event may be a pause event, during which a use session or heating mode is paused for a period of time. The event may be a use session, during which an aerosol-forming substrate is heated to form an aerosol. An event may be defined as having an event start and an event end, and the duration of the event is defined by the event start and the event end.

[0094] Preferably, the event is a usage event, for example a usage event having a duration spanning between a usage session start and a usage session end.

[0095] Typically, a use session is a finite use session, i.e., it has a beginning and an end. The duration of a use session, as measured in time, may be affected by use during the use session. The duration of a use session may have a maximum duration determined by a maximum time from the beginning of the use session. The duration of a use session may be less than the maximum time if one or more monitored parameters reach a predefined threshold before the maximum time from the beginning of the use session. A use session may include a pre-heating period and / or a calibration period. As an example, the one or more monitored parameters may include one or more of i) the cumulative number of puffs in a series of puffs taken by a user after the beginning of a use session, and ii) the cumulative volume of aerosol emitted from the aerosol-forming substrate after the beginning of a use session.

[0096] Preferably, the first display mode is a predefined sequence of a first different display state and the second display mode is a predefined sequence of a second different display state. In some embodiments, the first display mode may be configured to display the progression of events at a different resolution than the second display mode. Some users may be able to understand the information more coherently when it is available at a higher or lower precision. A device configured to be able to switch between different resolutions may improve the overall experience of the user by allowing some users to select a display mode that fits their own style of using the aerosol generating device. Such a device may be technically more complex as the device needs to include means to allow the user to switch between different display modes, the memory needs to have the capacity to store at least two different display modes, and the device needs to include associated drivers and display means, e.g. LED drivers and LEDs, to enable the implementation of displays at different resolutions.

[0097] The first display mode may display the progression of an event, e.g., a usage session event between an event start and an event end, as a first number of different display states. The second display mode may display the progression of an event, e.g., a usage session event between an event start and an event end, as a second number of different display states, the second number being a number greater than the first number. For example, the first number may be between 3 and 12, e.g., between 4 and 8, or about 6, and the second number may be between 6 and 72, or between 6 and 144, e.g., between 12 and 56, e.g., between 18 and 36.

[0098] One way to change the resolution may be to change the number of different intensities at which each of the plurality of light-emitting units can display light. For example, in a first display mode, each of the plurality of light-emitting units, e.g., LEDs, may be driven to emit light at one of two intensities, e.g., 50% of maximum intensity and 100% of maximum intensity. In a second display mode, the same light-emitting unit may be driven to emit light at one of three intensities, e.g., 33.3% of maximum intensity, 66.6% of maximum intensity, and 100% of maximum intensity. By increasing the number of allowable intensities at which light can be emitted, the number of display states may be increased.

[0099] One way to change the resolution may be to change the number of lighting units involved in displaying any particular state. For example, the controller may be configured to simultaneously control two or more groups of the plurality of lighting units to display the progression of an event at a first resolution, and independently control each of the plurality of lighting units to display the progression of an event at a second resolution that is higher than the first resolution.

[0100] It is noted that any of the devices described above in relation to other aspects of the invention may advantageously be configured to be able to display the progress information in at least a first and a second display mode, such devices being configured to allow a user to select a particular display mode to suit the needs of the user.

[0101] In a further aspect, the present invention may provide a method of operating an aerosol generating device configured to display the progression of an event during use of the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may include a visual indicator including a plurality of light emitting units configured to display the progression of the event. The memory is programmed with a first display mode capable of displaying the progression of the event and a second display mode capable of displaying the progression of the event. The method includes a step of a user selecting whether the first display mode or the second display mode is to be used to display the progression of the event. The method may be operated in association with any of the devices described herein.

[0102] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, below is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more of the features of other examples, embodiments, or aspects described herein. EXAMPLES

[0103] Example i. 1. An aerosol generation device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol generation device comprising a controller configured to control an event, the controller configured to control the event with reference to a first criterion or with reference to a second criterion different from the first criterion. Example ii. An aerosol generating apparatus for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate according to embodiment i, wherein the aerosol generating apparatus comprises a controller configured to control an event, the controller configured to select one of a first criterion and a second criterion different from the first criterion, and to control the event with reference to the selected criterion. Example 1. An aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol generating device comprising a controller configured to control a usage session, the controller configured to control the usage session by reference to a first criterion or by reference to a second criterion different from the first criterion. Example 1a. An aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate according to any of Examples i, ii or 1, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a controller configured to control a usage session, the controller being configured to select one of a first criterion and a second criterion different from the first criterion, and to control an event with reference to the selected criterion. Example 1b. An aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate according to any of Examples i, ii or 1, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a controller configured to control a usage session, the controller being programmed with a first criterion and a second criterion different from the first criterion, and configured to control an event by reference to a selected one of the first criterion and the second criterion. Example 2. An aerosol generating device according to Examples 1, 1a or 1b, wherein the controller is configured to control the duration of the usage session with reference to a first criterion or with reference to a second criterion. Example 3. An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples i to 2, wherein the controller is configured to control the usage session with respect to a first criterion, a second criterion, or at least one further criterion different from the first criterion or the second criterion. Example 4. An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples i-3, wherein the device is provided with a visual indicator configured to indicate the progress of a usage session during use of the aerosol generating device. Example 5. An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples i to 4, wherein the device is provided with a user interface configured to enable a user to select whether to use the first criterion or the second criterion, or, if applicable, at least one further criterion, to control a usage session. Example 6. An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples i to 5, wherein the first criterion, the second criterion, or, if applicable, at least one further criterion, is a criterion selected from the list consisting of: (a) time, (b) the number of puffs by the user, (c) the volume of aerosol generated, (d) a monitored user interaction parameter, (e) a combination of time and the number of puffs by the user, (f) a combination of time and the volume of aerosol generated, and (g) a combination of time and a monitored user interaction parameter. Example 7. An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples i to 6, wherein a usage session spans between a session start and a session stop. Example 8. An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples i to 7, wherein the aerosol generating device is configured such that a usage session has a maximum duration determined by a threshold for a selected criterion used to control the usage session. Example 9. An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples i-8, wherein the duration of the usage session is controlled with respect to a criterion selected from a plurality of available criteria, e.g. a first criterion and a second criterion. Example 10. An aerosol generating device according to example 9, wherein if the selected criterion is time, a usage session has a maximum duration determined by a threshold time. Example 11. An aerosol generating device according to example 9 or 10, wherein if the selected criterion is the number of puffs taken by the user, then a usage session has a maximum duration determined by a threshold number of puffs taken by the user during the usage session. Example 12. An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples 9 to 11, wherein, when the selected criterion is the volume of aerosol generated, a usage session has a maximum duration determined by a threshold volume of aerosol generated during the usage session. Example 13. An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples 9 to 12, wherein when the selected criterion is a combination of time and number of puffs by the user, a usage session has a duration determined by reference to both a threshold time and a threshold number of puffs by the user during the usage session. Example 14. An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples 9 to 12, wherein when the selected criterion is a combination of time and volume of aerosol generated, a usage session has a duration determined by reference to both a threshold time and a threshold volume of aerosol generated during the usage session. Example 15. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples i to 14, comprising a timer. Example 16. An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples i-15, configured to monitor a user interaction parameter indicative of user interaction. Example 17. An aerosol generating device according to Example 16, wherein the user interaction parameter indicates a user's puff during a use session, or wherein the user interaction parameter indicates the volume of aerosol emitted by the aerosol-forming substrate or delivered to the user during a use session. Example 18. An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples i-17, wherein the device comprises a puff counting mechanism and / or a puff sensor for determining the number of puffs taken by the user during a usage session. Example 19. An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples i to 18, wherein the device is provided with a visual indicator including a plurality of light-emitting units, and the control electronics are configured to independently control each of the plurality of light-emitting units to indicate to the user the progress of a usage session. Example 20. An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples i to 19, wherein the device is provided with a visual indicator including a plurality of light-emitting units, the controller is configured to control the visual indicator to indicate the progress of a usage session, and the light-emitting indicator is configured to indicate the progress of an event as a sequence of 1st to nth different display states, where n is a number greater than or equal to 4. Example 21. The control electronics / controller comprises at least: i) an off state in which the light-emitting unit does not emit light; ii) a first illumination state in which the light-emitting units emit light at a first static brightness level; and iii) configured to independently control each of the plurality of light-emitting units in a second illumination state in which the light-emitting units emit light at a second static brightness level different from the first static brightness level; An aerosol generating device according to Example 19 or 20, wherein the control electronics is configured to control each of the plurality of light-emitting units to be in one of an off state, a first lighting state, and a second lighting state to indicate to a user the progress of a usage session of the aerosol generating device. Example 22. An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples i to 21, wherein the device comprises a visual indicator including a plurality of light-emitting units, and the control electronics are configured to independently control each of the plurality of light-emitting units to display a first indication to indicate to a user the progress of the usage session when the usage session is controlled by a first criterion, and to display a second indication visually distinguishable from the first indication to indicate to a user the progress of the usage session when the usage session is controlled by a second criterion. Example 23. An aerosol generating device according to Example 22, wherein the first indication and / or the second indication is an illumination sequence displayed by a plurality of light-emitting units. Example 24. An aerosol generating device according to Example 23, wherein the first display has a different lighting sequence than the second display and / or the first display has a different color lighting than the second display. Example 25. 1. A method of operating an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol generating device comprising a controller configured to control a use session, the controller determining whether a first criterion or a second criterion different from the first criterion is selected for controlling the use session, and controlling the use session is based on the selected one of the first criterion and the second criterion. Example 26. 26. The method according to example 25, wherein the first criterion or the second criterion is used to control the duration of the usage session. Example 27. 27. The method according to example 25 or 26, comprising a step of a user selecting whether the first criterion or the second criterion is to be used to control the usage session. Example 28. A method according to any of Examples 25-27, comprising determining the progress of the usage session and controlling a visual indicator to indicate the progress. Example 29. A method according to any of Examples 25 to 28, comprising the step of operating the method for an apparatus as defined in any of Examples 1 to 24. Example 30. An aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol generating device configured to display a progression of an event during use of the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device comprising a visual indicator including a plurality of light-emitting units configured to display the progression of the event, the memory programmed with a first display mode capable of displaying the progression of the event and a second display mode capable of displaying the progression of the event, and the device configured to allow a user to select whether the first display mode or the second display mode is to be used to display the progression of the event. Example 31. An aerosol generating device according to Example 30, wherein the event is a usage event, for example a usage event having a duration spanning between a usage session start and a usage session end. Example 32. An aerosol generating device according to example 30 or 31, wherein the first display mode is a predetermined sequence of first different display states and the second display mode is a predetermined sequence of second different display states. Example 33. An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples 30 to 32, wherein the first display mode is configured to display the progression of events with a different resolution than the second display mode. Example 34. An aerosol generating device according to Example 33, wherein a first display mode displays the progression of an event, e.g., a usage event between an event start and an event end, as a first number of different display states, and a second display mode displays the progression of an event between an event start and an event end as a second number of different display states, the second number being higher than the first number. Example 35. The aerosol generating apparatus according to example 34, wherein the first number is between 3 and 12, such as between 4 and 8, or about 6, and the second number is between 6 and 72, such as between 12 and 56, for example between 18 and 36. Example 36. An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples 30 to 35, wherein the controller is configured to simultaneously control two or more groups of the plurality of light-emitting units to display the progression of events at a first resolution, and to independently control each of the plurality of light-emitting units to display the progression of events at a second resolution higher than the first resolution. Example 37. An aerosol-generating device according to any of Examples 1 to 24, further comprising any of the features of the aerosol-generating device defined in Examples 30 to 36.

[0104] The embodiments will now be further described with reference to the following figures: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0105] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view of an aerosol generating device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a schematic top view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1 and an aerosol-generating article for use in the device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram providing a schematic view of the various electronic components of the aerosol generating device of FIGS. 1-3 and their interactions. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows an example illustrating the operation of an illumination array provided on the aerosol generating device of FIGS. 1-4 as it progresses through a usage session. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a second example illustrating the operation of an illumination array provided on the aerosol generating device of FIGS. 1-4 as it progresses through a usage session. [Figure 7] Figures 7, 8 and 9 are flow diagrams illustrating the method steps involved in controlling a usage session and indicating its progress to a user, the control being carried out with reference to first criteria including both time and number of puffs. [Figure 8] Same as above. [Figure 9] Same as above. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0106] 1-3, the exemplary aerosol generating device 10 is a handheld aerosol generating device and has an elongated shape defined by a substantially circular, cylindrical housing 20. The aerosol generating device 10 comprises an open cavity 25 located at a proximal end 21 of the housing 20 for receiving an aerosol-generating article 30 comprising an aerosol-forming substrate 31. The aerosol generating device 10 further comprises a battery (not shown) located within the device housing 20, and an electrically operated heater 40 arranged to heat at least the aerosol-forming substrate portion 31 of the aerosol-generating article 30 when the aerosol-generating article 30 is received within the cavity 25.

[0107] The aerosol-generating device is configured to receive a consumable aerosol-generating article 30. The aerosol-generating article 30 is in the form of a cylindrical rod and comprises an aerosol-forming substrate 31. The aerosol-forming substrate is a solid aerosol-forming substrate comprising tobacco. The aerosol-generating article 30 further comprises a mouthpiece, such as a filter 32, disposed in coaxial alignment with the aerosol-forming substrate within the cylindrical rod. The aerosol-generating article 30 has a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the cavity 25 of the device 10 and a length greater than the depth of the cavity 25, such that when the article 30 is received within the cavity 25 of the device 10, the mouthpiece 32 extends outside the cavity 25 and may be withdrawn by the user in the same manner as a conventional cigarette. In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol-generating article is 45 mm long and 7.2 mm in diameter.

[0108] In use, a user inserts the article 30 into the cavity 25 of the aerosol-generating device 10 and turns on the device 10 by pressing the user button 50 to activate the heater 40 to begin a usage session. The heater 40 heats the aerosol-forming substrate of the article 30, which causes the volatile compounds of the aerosol-forming substrate 31 to be released and atomized to form an aerosol. The user draws on the mouthpiece of the article 30 and inhales the aerosol generated from the heated aerosol-forming substrate. After activation, the temperature of the heater 40 increases from ambient temperature to a predetermined temperature to heat the aerosol-forming substrate. The control electronics of the device 10 provide power to the heater from the battery to maintain the temperature of the heater at a substantially constant level as the user puffs on the aerosol-generating article 30. The heater continues to heat the aerosol-generating article until the end of the usage session, at which point the heater is turned off and allowed to cool.

[0109] At the end of a usage session, the article 30 may be removed from the device 10 for disposal, and the device 10 may be coupled to an external power source for recharging the battery of the device 10.

[0110] The aerosol generating device further comprises a light emitting indicator 60 in the form of an illumination array, which is an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs). The illumination array 60 is incorporated within the housing 20 of the aerosol generating device 10. The illumination array 60 is formed of a linear arrangement of six LEDs 61a, 61b, 61c, 61d, 61e, 61f extending between a first end 62 and a second end 63 of the illumination array. The illumination array 60 also has a viewing window 64 which forms part of the exterior surface of the housing 20. As will be explained in more detail below, light generated by each of the LEDs 61a-61f is directed towards the viewing window 64 for visibility to a user of the aerosol generating article 10 during use.

[0111] FIG. 4 provides a schematic diagram of the various electronic components of the aerosol generating device and their interactions.

[0112] A microcontroller or controller 12 located within the housing 20 is connected to the battery 11, the heater 40, the timer 430, the light control driver 13, and the light indicator 60. The light indicator includes an array of six separate LEDs 61a-61f coupled to six waveguides 65a-65f that emit light 66a-65f visible to a user viewing the device.

[0113] The battery 11 provides energy to heat the heater 40 and operate other electrical components. When fully charged, the battery 11 has enough energy to power two complete usage sessions of the aerosol generating device. The battery 11 is a rechargeable battery and can be connected to an external power source to be recharged.

[0114] The heater 40 converts the energy provided by the battery into heat to heat the aerosol generating device sufficiently to form the aerosol. During operation, the controller 12 controls the supply of energy from the battery to maintain the heater at a substantially constant aerosol generating temperature.

[0115] The timer 430 provides a timing signal to the controller 12. The light-emitting indicator 60 generates a visual indication for a user. The light-emitting indicator 60 is configured to emit a visual indication in response to a control signal from the controller 12. The battery 11 and the controller 12 are interconnected and located within the housing 20. The controller 12 also incorporates a memory module 12a. The controller 12 is in turn coupled to both the heater element 40 and the illumination control driver 13. The controller 12 and the illumination control driver 13 collectively form the control electronics section 100 of the aerosol generating device 10. The illumination control driver 13 is coupled to each of the LEDs 61a-61f. Waveguides 65a, 65b, 65c, 65d, 65e, 65f are provided between the LEDs 61a-61f and the display window 64. Each of the waveguides 65a-65f is associated with a respective one of the LEDs 61a-61f so that, in use, each waveguide functions to direct light generated by one of the associated LEDs towards the viewing window 64. The waveguides 65a-65f are in the form of discrete lengths of optical fibre.

[0116] The memory module 12a includes instructions to be executed by the controller 12 during use of the device 10. The instructions stored in the memory module 12a include at least first and second criteria for controlling a usage session, e.g., for determining and controlling the duration of a usage session, as well as other data and information related to the control and operation of the aerosol generating device 10. When activated, the controller 12 accesses the instructions contained in the memory module 12a and controls the supply of energy from the battery 11 to the heater element 40 according to the instructions contained in the memory module 12a. The controller 12 also controls the supply of energy to the lighting control driver 13. The lighting control driver 13 then individually controls the supply of electricity to each of the LEDs 61a-61f, such that each LED emits light 66a, 66b, 66c, 66d, 66e, 66f at one of a plurality of individual static brightness levels under the control of the lighting control driver. As shown in FIG. 4, three different forms of cross-hatching representing light 66a-66f emitted by different ones of the LEDs 61a-61f represent three different intensities or static brightness levels.

[0117] 4, the overall brightness of the lighting array 60 is symmetrical about the center of the lighting array. Thus, the two centrally located LEDs 61c, 61d are independently controlled by the lighting control driver 13 to emit light at a first predetermined static brightness level, the adjacent light emitting diodes 61b, 61e are independently controlled to emit light at a second predetermined static brightness level, and the outermost light emitting diodes 61a, 61f are independently controlled to emit light at a third predetermined static brightness level. Thus, each of the individual LEDs of the array 60 can be independently controlled to emit light at a first intensity or static brightness level 66c, 66d, a second intensity or static brightness level 66b, 66e, and a third intensity or static brightness level 66a, 66f.

[0118] The aerosol generating device 10 of this particular embodiment is configured to control a use session, determine and monitor the progress of the use session, and output a visual indication of the progress of the use session as a sequence of different display states. Each of the six LEDs can be controlled to have two different intensities or static brightness levels. The two different intensities or static brightness levels can be conveniently set to 50% of maximum intensity and 100% of maximum intensity, although different predetermined intensities can be specified. Thus, by using all six LEDs, it is possible to indicate the progress of the use session as a sequence of 13 different display states, providing a sequence of 12 illuminated states and one non-illuminated state.

[0119] In the simple exemplary sequence shown in Figure 5, the visual indicator may indicate progression by sequentially decreasing the illumination of six LEDs in twelve further steps, beginning progression at a first fully illuminated state and ending when the final LED is fully turned off. Thus, progression of an event, such as a usage session, may be displayed as a countdown, with the overall brightness of the visual indicator gradually decreasing as progression of the event increases.

[0120] FIG. 5 shows an array of six LEDs 61a-61f, each of which can be off (indicated by intensity level=0), illuminated at 50% of maximum intensity (indicated by intensity level=1), or illuminated at 100% intensity (indicated by intensity level=2).

[0121] As shown in Figure 6(a), all six LEDs of the visual indicator array are illuminated at intensity level 2. For this sequence, this may be described as the visual indicator being in a first state.

[0122] As shown in Figure 6(b), the top or first LED of the visual indicator array is illuminated at an intensity level 1. All other LEDs remain illuminated at an intensity level 2. This may be described as the visual indicator being in a second state.

[0123] In a third state, the top or first LED of the visual indicator array is illuminated (i.e., not illuminated) at an intensity level of 0. All other LEDs remain illuminated at an intensity level of 2.

[0124] 6(c), the second LED of the visual indicator array is illuminated at an intensity level of 1. The first LED has an intensity level of 0, and the third through sixth LEDs remain illuminated at intensity level 2.

[0125] In the fifth state, the second LED of the visual indicator array is illuminated at an intensity level of 0. The first LED has an intensity level of 0, and the third through sixth LEDs remain illuminated at intensity level 2.

[0126] In a sixth state, shown in Figure 6(d), the third LED of the visual indicator array is illuminated at an intensity level of 1. The first and second LEDs have an intensity level of 0, and the fourth through sixth LEDs remain illuminated at intensity level 2.

[0127] In the seventh state, the third LED of the visual indicator array is illuminated at an intensity level of 0. The first and second LEDs have an intensity level of 0, and the fourth through sixth LEDs remain illuminated at an intensity level of 2.

[0128] 6(e), the fourth LED of the visual indicator array is illuminated at an intensity level of 1. The first, second, and third LEDs have an intensity level of 0, and the fifth and sixth LEDs remain illuminated at an intensity level of 2.

[0129] In a ninth state, the fourth LED of the visual indicator array is illuminated at an intensity level of 0. The first, second, and third LEDs have an intensity level of 0, and the fifth and sixth LEDs remain illuminated at an intensity level of 2.

[0130] In a tenth state, shown in Figure 6(f), the fifth LED of the visual indicator array is illuminated at an intensity level of 1. The first, second, third and fourth LEDs have an intensity level of 0, and the sixth LED remains illuminated at an intensity level of 2.

[0131] In an eleventh state, the fifth LED of the visual indicator array is illuminated at an intensity level of 0. The first, second, third, and fourth LEDs have intensity level 0, and the sixth LED remains illuminated at an intensity level of 2.

[0132] In a twelfth state, shown in FIG. 6(g), the sixth LED of the visual indicator array is illuminated at an intensity level of 1. The first, second, third, fourth, and fifth LEDs have an intensity level of 0.

[0133] In a thirteenth state, shown in Figure 6(h), all six LEDs in the visual indicator array are illuminated at an intensity level of 0, i.e., no visual indicators are illuminated.

[0134] This same information can be presented in tabular form, as seen in Table 1 below. [Table 1]

[0135] In a further example of a simple sequence for indicating progression, each of the six LEDs may be illuminated sequentially, with each LED stepping through a first and second intensity. In this manner, the overall brightness provided by visual indicator 60 increases progressively as a series of thirteen steps, as shown in Table 2 below. [Table 2]

[0136] In an even simpler sequence for indicating progression, each of the six LEDs sequentially steps through a first, second, and third intensity. The first intensity may be 33.3% of maximum intensity, the second intensity may be 66.6% of maximum intensity, and the third intensity may be 100% of maximum intensity. In this manner, the overall brightness provided by the visual indicator 60 is progressively increased or decreased as a series of 19 steps. An example of the progression increase through 19 states (18 different illumination states and one state where all LEDs are not illuminated) is shown below in Table 3. [Table 3]

[0137] It is possible to indicate progression through an event, such as a use session, without using all six LEDs. For example, the progression of a use session may be indicated by using the top three of the six LEDs, or the bottom three of the six LEDs. For example, each of the three LEDs may be controlled at two, three, or four different intensities or static brightness levels. Thus, by using the three LEDs, it is possible to indicate the progression of a use session as a sequence of seven different display states. This sequence is shown in FIG. 5.

[0138] In the embodiment of FIG. 6, three LEDs 61a-61c form the top half of the lighting array 60 and three LEDs 61d-61f form the bottom half of the lighting array. The lighting control driver 13 is configured to control the supply of energy from the battery 11 so as to progressively decrease, in the course of a usage session, the static brightness level of the light emitted by each of the light emitting diodes 61a-61c in the top half of the lighting array 60, starting with the top light emitting diode 61a. The light emitting diodes 61a-61c are controlled by the lighting control driver 13 to emit light having one of three predefined static brightness levels or to be in a stopped state in which no light is emitted. The predefined static brightness levels are indicated by levels 3, 2, and 1 in order of decreasing brightness, the stopped state being numbered with level 0. At the start of a usage session, all of the light emitting diodes 61a-61c in the top half of the lighting array 60 are controlled to emit light having the maximum static brightness level, i.e. level 3. Over the course of a use session, the lighting control driver 13 adjusts the supply of energy to each of the light emitting diodes 61a-61c so as to progressively reduce the static brightness level of the light emitted by the light emitting diodes 61a-61c from level 3 to level 2 to level 1 and finally to level 0. The effect of the lighting control driver 13 is to progressively deactivate the light emitting diodes 61a-61c in the top half of the lighting array 60, progressively reducing the length of activation of the top half of the lighting array as it progresses through the use session. At the end of the use session, all of the light emitting diodes 61a-61c in the top half of the lighting array are in the deactivated state, i.e. at level 0 (see FIG. 6(e)). For the duration of this use session, the light emitting diodes 61d...f in the bottom half of the lighting array 60 remain deactivated at brightness level 0.

[0139] When the user starts a second use session, the light emitting diodes 61d-61f forming the lower half of the lighting array 60 can be controlled by the lighting control driver 13 in a manner similar to the light emitting diodes 61a-61c of the upper half of the lighting array for the previous use session. In this context, the second use session follows the previous use session and is powered by the energy remaining in the battery 11 after the previous use session. The battery 11 is not recharged between the previous use session and the second use session. Thus, at the start of the second use session, all of the light emitting diodes 61d-61f in the lower half of the lighting array 60 are controlled to emit light having a maximum static brightness level, i.e. level 3. During the course of the use session, the lighting control driver 13 adjusts the supply of energy to each of the light emitting diodes 61d-61f so as to progressively decrease the static brightness level of the light emitted by the light emitting diodes 61d-61f, starting with the light emitting diode 61d, from level 3 to level 0. At the end of the second use session, all of the light emitting diodes 61d-61f in the bottom half of the lighting array are in a deactivated state, i.e. at level 0. For the duration of this second use session, the light emitting diodes 61a-61c in the top half of the lighting array remain deactivated at brightness level 0.

[0140] When fully charged, the battery can provide enough energy for at least one full use session. The battery may provide enough energy for more than one use session (e.g., 20 use sessions).

[0141] The selection of the first three LEDs for indicating progress of the first use session and the selection of the second three LEDs for indicating progress of the second use session may be represented by the following Table 4, as described above. In this table, each of the individual LEDs is controlled at a first and a second intensity level. During the first use session, the first, second and third LEDs 61a-61c are used to indicate progress, and during the second use session, the fourth, fifth and sixth LEDs 61d-61f are used to indicate progress. [Table 4]

[0142] The aerosol-generating article for use with the device has a finite amount of aerosol-forming substrate, and therefore the use session needs to have a finite duration to prevent the user from attempting to generate aerosol when the aerosol-forming substrate is depleted. Regardless of which criterion is selected for control of the use session, the use session is configured to have a maximum duration determined by a period from the start of the use session. The use session is also configured to have a duration less than the maximum duration if a user interaction parameter recorded during the use session reaches a threshold value before the maximum duration as determined by the timer.

[0143] The aerosol generating device can be operated such that a use session is controlled against either a first criterion or a second criterion different from the first criterion. Instructions relating to both criteria are stored in memory and the controller implements the selected control criterion. A user can select whether the first or second criterion is used to control a use session by accessing a menu through use of user button 50.

[0144] In a particular embodiment, the first criterion for controlling the use session is a user interaction parameter related to the number of puffs taken by the user during the use session. Thus, in a particular embodiment, the aerosol generating device is configured such that, if the first criterion is selected, each use session has a duration of 6.5 minutes (390 seconds) from the start of the use session, or if the user takes 14 puffs within 6.5 minutes from the start of the use session, 14 puffs. The exact time or number of puffs may be changed to any suitable value. For example, a session may have a duration limited to 6 minutes or 5.5 minutes. As a further example, the number of puffs allowed may be limited to 13 or 12.

[0145] During a usage session, a user may wish to have an indication of their progress through the usage session. For example, using the first criterion, a user may wish to know approximately how many puffs they have left in a usage session, or approximately how much time is left.

[0146] The controller includes a puff counter to monitor the number of puffs taken during a usage session. The number of puffs taken by the user is determined by monitoring the power supplied to the heater during a usage session. When the user puffs, the airflow cools the heater and therefore a greater amount of energy is supplied by the battery to maintain the temperature of the heater at its operating temperature. Therefore, by monitoring the power supplied by the heater, the controller can determine the number of puffs taken during a usage session.

[0147] To monitor the progress, the use session is divided into several successive stages, starting with a first stage start when the use session starts and ending with a final stage when the use session ends, with the passage from one stage to the next being determined by time and number of puffs as in the use session. Each stage is considered to be completed when the criteria for that stage meet a predefined threshold. As the use session progresses through the successive stages, the controller commands the light emitting indicator to emit a signal indicative of each successive stage. Thus, the user knows the approximate progress of the use session.

[0148] In certain embodiments, a usage session may be divided into 13 successive stages for display purposes. Figures 7, 8, and 9 show flow diagrams illustrating the method steps involved in displaying the progress of a usage session to a user when using the number of puffs as part of the first criterion.

[0149] Process 600: A user initiates a use session by inserting an aerosol-generating article 30 into cavity 25 of device 10 and pressing user button 50. The user selects a first criterion for control of the use session. Step 605: A timer is initiated to record the time elapsed during the use session, and a puff counter is initiated to record the number of puffs taken during the use session. Step 607: The first stage of a usage session is considered to have begun when the usage session begins, and the controller commands the light emitting indicator 60 to output an indication of the first, or initial, progress of the usage session. Process 610: The first phase ends and the second phase begins 30 seconds after the start of the use session or one puff after the start of the use session if the user takes a puff before 30 seconds have elapsed since the start of the use session. Process 615: The controller commands the light emitting indicator 60 to output an indication of the second progress of the usage session. Process 620: The second phase ends and the third phase begins after 60 seconds have elapsed since the start of the use session, or after two puffs from the start of the use session if the user takes a puff before 60 seconds have elapsed since the start of the use session. Process 625: The controller commands the light emitting indicator 60 to output an indication of a third progress state of the usage session. Process 630: The third phase ends and the fourth phase begins after 90 seconds have elapsed since the start of the use session, or after three puffs from the start of the use session if the user takes a puff before 90 seconds have elapsed since the start of the use session. Process 635: The controller commands the light emitting indicator 60 to output an indication of the fourth progress state of the usage session. Process 640: The fourth phase ends and the fifth phase begins after 120 seconds have elapsed since the start of the use session, or after four puffs from the start of the use session if the user takes a puff before 120 seconds have elapsed since the start of the use session. Process 645: The controller commands the light emitting indicator 60 to output an indication of the fifth progress state of the usage session. Process 650: The fifth phase ends and the sixth phase begins after 150 seconds have elapsed since the start of the use session, or after five puffs from the start of the use session if the user takes a puff before 150 seconds have elapsed since the start of the use session. Process 655: The controller commands the light emitting indicator 60 to output an indication of the sixth progress state of the usage session. Process 660: The sixth phase ends and the seventh phase begins after 180 seconds have elapsed since the start of the use session, or after six puffs from the start of the use session if the user takes a puff before 180 seconds have elapsed since the start of the use session. Process 665: The controller commands the light emitting indicator 60 to output an indication of the seventh progress state of the usage session. Process 670: The seventh phase ends and the eighth phase begins after 210 seconds have elapsed since the start of the use session, or after seven puffs from the start of the use session if the user takes a puff before 210 seconds have elapsed since the start of the use session. Process 675: The controller commands the light emitting indicator 60 to output an indication of the eighth progress state of the usage session. Process 680: The eighth phase ends and the ninth phase begins after 240 seconds have elapsed since the start of the use session, or after eight puffs have been taken since the start of the use session if the user takes a puff before 240 seconds have elapsed since the start of the use session. Process 685: The controller commands the light emitting indicator 60 to output an indication of the ninth progress state of the usage session. Process 690: The ninth phase ends and the tenth phase begins after 270 seconds have elapsed since the start of the use session, or after 9 puffs have been taken since the start of the use session if the user takes a puff before 270 seconds have elapsed since the start of the use session. Process 695: The controller commands the light emitting indicator 60 to output an indication of the tenth progress state of the usage session. Process 700: The tenth phase ends and the eleventh phase begins after 300 seconds have elapsed since the start of the use session, or after 10 puffs have been taken since the start of the use session if the user takes a puff before 300 seconds have elapsed since the start of the use session. Step 705: The controller commands the light emitting indicator 60 to output an indication of an eleventh progress state of the usage session. Step 710: The eleventh phase ends and the twelfth phase begins after 330 seconds have elapsed since the start of the use session, or after 11 puffs have been taken since the start of the use session if the user takes a puff before 330 seconds have elapsed since the start of the use session. Step 715: The controller commands the light emitting indicator 60 to output an indication of the twelfth progress state of the usage session. Process 720: The twelfth phase ends and the thirteenth, or final, phase begins after 360 seconds have elapsed since the start of the use session, or after 11 puffs have been taken since the start of the use session if the user takes a puff before 360 ​​seconds have elapsed since the start of the use session. Step 725: The controller commands the light emitting indicator 60 to output an indication of the thirteenth progress state of the usage session. Step 730: The thirteenth stage is the final stage of the use session. During the final stage, the user may take two puffs, bringing the total number of puffs during the use session to fourteen. The thirteenth progress indication may include a further indication that the thirteenth stage is the final stage. For example, the output indication may include a color change as well as an overall intensity change to indicate progress. The thirteenth stage ends after 390 seconds have elapsed since the start of the use session or after 14 puffs have been taken since the start of the use session if the user takes a puff before 390 seconds have elapsed since the start of the use session. Step 735: The usage session ends.

[0150] The same information set forth in FIGS. 7-9 may be presented in tabular form, for example, as in Table 5 below. [Table 5]

[0151] The above embodiment divides a usage session into 13 successive stages, each of which ends when a first criterion relating to the number of puffs or elapsed time is met. Each of the 13 successive stages may be represented by one of 13 successive display states. As an example, if the aerosol generating device has an indicator in the form of an array of six LEDs, the 13 successive display states may be those set out in Table 1 or Table 2 above.

[0152] In this particular embodiment, the second criterion for controlling a use session in the aerosol generating device includes a volume of aerosol delivered to a user during a use session. During a use session, the user may wish to have an indication of progress through the use session. For example, when operating the device under the second selected criterion, the user may wish to know approximately how much potentially deliverable aerosol he or she has left in the use session, or approximately how much time is left.

[0153] Thus, in certain embodiments, the aerosol generating device is configured such that each use session has a duration of 6.5 minutes (390 seconds) from the start of the use session, or a predetermined maximum volume of aerosol is delivered if that predetermined volume of aerosol is delivered to the user within 6.5 minutes from the start of the use session. The predetermined maximum volume of aerosol may be, for example, 750 ml of aerosol. The time or aerosol volume threshold may be set to any suitable number.

[0154] The controller is configured to detect puffs taken during a use session. A puff start point and a puff end point for each detected puff are determined by monitoring the power supplied to the heater during the use session. When the user puffs, the airflow cools the heater and thus a greater amount of energy is supplied by the battery to maintain the temperature of the heater at its operating temperature. Therefore, by monitoring the power supplied by the heater, the controller can determine the start point and end point of a puff taken during a use session. By integrating the monitored power between the detected puff start point and the detected puff end point, a calculation of the aerosol delivered may be obtained. By summing the calculations of the aerosol delivered during a use session, a cumulative value of the aerosol delivered during a use session may be obtained.

[0155] To monitor progress, the use session is divided into several successive stages, beginning with a first stage start when the use session begins and ending with a final stage when the use session ends, with the passage from one stage to the next determined by time and the cumulative volume of aerosol delivered. As the use session progresses through the successive stages, the controller commands the light-emitting indicator to emit a signal indicative of each successive stage. Thus, the user knows the approximate progress of the use session.

[0156] In a particular embodiment, the use session controlled according to the second selected criterion may be divided into 13 consecutive phases for display purposes. The user initiates the use session by inserting the aerosol-generating article 30 into the cavity 25 of the device 10 and pressing the user button 50. The user selects a second criterion for controlling the use session. A timer is initiated to record the time elapsed during the use session, and the controller is initiated to identify the puffs taken during the use session and to calculate the volume of aerosol delivered during each puff. The first phase of the use session is considered to have begun when the use session begins.

[0157] During the first phase, the controller commands the light emitting indicator 60 to emit a signal indicating that the use session is in the first phase. The first phase ends and the second phase begins after 30 seconds have elapsed since the start of the use session, or after the first predetermined volume of aerosol has been delivered since the start of the use session if the first predetermined volume of aerosol was delivered before 30 seconds have elapsed since the start of the use session. The first predetermined volume of aerosol may be, for example, 60 ml.

[0158] The second phase of the use session is considered to have begun when the first phase has ended. During the second phase, the controller commands the light-emitting indicator 60 to emit a signal indicating that the use session is in the second phase. The second phase ends and the third phase begins after 60 seconds have elapsed since the start of the use session, or after a second predetermined volume of aerosol has been delivered since the start of the use session, if the second predetermined volume of aerosol has been delivered before 60 seconds have elapsed since the start of the use session. The second predetermined volume of aerosol may be, for example, 120 ml.

[0159] This process is repeated for each of stages 3 through 13. After the 13th and final stage, the usage session ends.

[0160] Information about the display state associated with each stage, and the exit criteria for each stage, is given in Table 6 below. [Table 6]

[0161] The above example divides a use session into 13 successive stages, each of which ends when a second criterion relating to delivered aerosol volume or elapsed time is met. Each of the 13 successive stages can be represented by one of 13 successive display states. As an example, if the aerosol generating device has an indicator in the form of an array of six LEDs, the 13 successive display states can be those listed in Tables 1 or 2 above.

[0162] The device is preferably configured such that different display states or modes are used when a usage session is controlled with reference to a first criterion compared to when it is controlled with reference to a second criterion. For example, the display states set forth in Table 1 may be used to indicate progress when the device is controlled with respect to the first criterion and the display states set forth in Table 2 may be used to indicate progress when the device is controlled with respect to the second criterion.

[0163] The aerosol generating device may go through a number of different operational events, and it may be desirable for the user to be able to determine the progress or status of one or more of these events. In a further embodiment, the aerosol generating device is configured to undergo a pre-heating operation prior to the start of a use session in order to raise the temperature of the heater from an ambient temperature to an operating temperature. Such a pre-heating operation or pre-heating mode may be part of the use session, but may also be initiated prior to the use session. As described above in relation to the use session, the pre-heating operation may be divided into several successive stages, and the progress in each of those successive stages may be represented by one of several display states.

[0164] Progression through the pre-heat operation may be controlled with respect to temperature, for example the temperature of the heater may be a first criterion. Time may be a controlling parameter, for example the time taken for the pre-heat operation may be a second criterion, but the device may be configured to not operate the use session if the temperature of the heater does not reach a predetermined operating temperature. Selection of the criterion for controlling the pre-heat operation may best be done automatically using a predetermined selection protocol programmed into the device.

[0165] In a particular embodiment using the aerosol generating device shown in Figures 1-4, the pre-heating operation is controlled by a first criterion of the heater temperature and is divided into 13 successive stages, each stage being terminated when the heater temperature meets a pre-defined threshold. The heater temperature may be monitored directly, for example by use of a temperature sensor such as a thermistor or thermocouple. Alternatively, the heater temperature may be derived by monitoring other parameters, for example by monitoring the current and / or voltage supplied to the heater. When the pre-heating operation is initiated, power is supplied to the heater and the heater temperature increases. In a particular embodiment, the pre-heating stage may be terminated when the heater temperature reaches 390°C. The temperature at the end of the pre-heating stage may be changed to any suitable temperature. It is noted that the temperature at the end of the pre-heating stage may be higher or lower than the desired operating temperature for generating aerosol during a usage session.

[0166] Table 7 below sets forth the steps and criteria for determining and indicating the progress of the preheat operation according to a first criterion based on the temperature of the heater. [Table 7]

[0167] The above embodiment divides the preheating operation into 13 successive stages, each stage ending when a particular criterion regarding the heater temperature is met. Each of the 13 successive stages can be represented by one of 13 successive display states. As an example, if the aerosol generating device has an indicator in the form of an array of six LEDs, the 13 successive display states can be those listed in Table 1 or Table 2 above.

[0168] In certain embodiments, a user may be able to select which of a plurality of such display modes to use for the display. Thus, the device may be configured such that the user can select to display the progress of a use session using a display mode set forth in Table 1, or alternatively, the user may be able to select a display mode set forth in Table 2. The device may have a memory programmed with several possible display modes. The user may be able to select which of a plurality of possible display modes is used to display the progress of a use session controlled by a first criterion and which is used to display the progress of a use session controlled by a second criterion.

[0169] In certain embodiments, a user may be able to select a first display mode or a second display mode to display the progress of an event, such as a use session, with the first display mode having a different resolution than the second display mode. As an example, the device described above may control the duration of a use session based on a first criterion of the number of puffs or a second criterion of the generated aerosol volume. As described above, the progress of a use session is displayed as a sequence of 13 display states, for example as shown in Table 1 or 2 above. For example, a display of the progress according to the sequence described in Table 1 may be the first display mode. However, a user may wish to display the progress with a greater resolution. The device may be programmed to display the progress of a use session according to a second display mode, for example a display mode with 19 consecutive display steps.

[0170] If the user selects the second display mode, the controller may control the indicator to execute the second display mode. Thus, in a particular example, the user selects that control of the use session is executed against a second criterion, i.e., using the volume of aerosol generated, and that the display mode is a second display mode that displays the progress of the use session as a series of 19 display states, rather than the 13 display states specified by the first display mode (e.g., as set forth in Table 6). In this particular example, when the second display mode is selected, the use session still has a duration of 6.5 minutes (390 seconds) from the start of the use session, or the delivery of a 750 ml volume of aerosol. However, the use session is divided into more stages to allow for a display of the progress with a higher resolution.

[0171] Thus, in this particular example, the use session may be divided into 19 consecutive phases for display purposes under the second display mode. During the first phase, the controller commands the light emitting indicator 60 to emit a signal indicating that the use session is in the first phase. If the first phase ends and the first predetermined aerosol volume is delivered after 20 seconds have elapsed since the start of the use session or before 20 seconds have elapsed since the start of the use session, the second phase begins after the first predetermined aerosol volume has been delivered after the start of the use session. The first predetermined aerosol volume may be, for example, 40 ml.

[0172] The second phase of the use session is considered to have begun when the first phase has ended. During the second phase, the controller commands the light-emitting indicator 60 to emit a signal indicating that the use session is in the second phase. If the second phase ends and the second predetermined aerosol volume has been delivered after 40 seconds have elapsed since the start of the use session, or before 40 seconds have elapsed since the start of the use session, the third phase begins after the second predetermined aerosol volume has been delivered since the start of the use session. The second predetermined aerosol volume may be, for example, 80 ml.

[0173] This process is repeated for each of stages 3 through 19. After the 19th and final stage, the usage session ends.

[0174] Information about the display states associated with each stage and the exit criteria for each stage is set out in Table 8 below, which can be compared with the details of the different display states set out in Table 6 above. [Table 8]

[0175] The above example divides a usage session into 19 successive stages, each of which ends when a particular criterion relating to delivered aerosol volume or elapsed time is met. Each of the 19 successive stages can be represented by one of 19 successive display states. As an example, if the aerosol generating device has an indicator in the form of an array of six LEDs, the 19 successive display states can be those listed in Table 3 above.

[0176] In an alternative embodiment showing a change in resolution of the display between the first and second user-selectable display modes, the controller of the aerosol generating device may be configured to operate the same illumination state for successive display states to reduce the resolution of the progress display. Thus, as an example, the first display mode may use the progression set forth in Table 1, where the progress of a usage session is represented as a sequence of 13 display states with decreasing illumination. To reduce the resolution of the display, the controller may control the display state of the LEDs to cycle through successive display states, as shown in Table 9. In the table, it can be seen that the LEDs are only illuminated at 100% intensity or 0% intensity. It can also be seen that the first and second display states are the same as each other, the third and fourth display states are the same as each other, the seventh and eighth display states are the same as each other, the ninth and tenth display states are the same as each other, and the eleventh and twelfth display states are the same as each other. As a result, the progress of the same usage session is represented as a sequence of seven display states with decreasing illumination. [Table 9]

[0177] In certain embodiments, the aerosol generating device shown in Figures 1-4 may be configured to determine and display progress with respect to two or more events. As a particular example, the aerosol generating device may be configured to undergo a pre-heating operation immediately following a usage session. A user initiates the pre-heating operation by inserting an aerosol generating article 30 into the cavity 25 of the device 10 and pressing the user button 50. Power is provided to the heater of the device and the controller begins to determine the temperature of the heater. The first stage of the pre-heating operation is considered to have begun when the pre-heating operation begins. As the temperature of the heater increases, the controller commands the visual indicator to display the sequence of display states shown in Table 7 above. The display states may conveniently indicate the progress of the pre-heating operation as an increase in the overall brightness provided by the visual indicator 60, as represented in Table 2 above. Thus, at the start of the pre-heating operation, none of the six LEDs are illuminated, whereas at the end of the pre-heating operation, all six LEDs are fully illuminated when the temperature of the heater reaches its predetermined level (e.g., 390°C).

[0178] A use session begins as soon as the pre-heat operation is completed. The use session may progress as described above in Table 5, for example. An indication state may conveniently indicate the progress of the use session as a decrease in overall brightness provided by visual indicator 60, as represented in Table 1 above. Thus, at the start of a use session, all six LEDs are illuminated, but at the end of the use session, none of the LEDs are illuminated when the use session end criteria are met.

[0179] Thus, the device is configured to monitor and determine the progression of two or more different events and display the progression of those different events as a sequence of different display states.

[0180] As shown, a user may be able to select criteria for controlling an event, particularly a usage session, from a number of available criteria. A user may also be able to select a particular display mode used to show the progress of an event from a number of possible display modes. In some cases, different display modes may display the progress at different resolutions. Increased complexity of the device and the device's control elements may be offset by improvements in functionality, efficiency, and user experience.

[0181] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and the like, should be understood in all instances as modified by the term "about." Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein. Thus, in this context, the number "A" is understood as "A" ± 10%. Within this context, the number "A" may be considered to include a numerical value that is within the general standard error for the measurement of the property that the number "A" modifies. The number "A" may, in some cases as used in the appended claims, deviate by the percentages recited above, provided that the amount by which "A" deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel property(ies) of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol generating device comprising a controller configured to control a usage session, the controller selecting one of a first criterion and a second criterion different from the first criterion, and being configured to control the usage session with reference to the selected criterion, wherein both the first criterion and the second criterion are criteria selected from a list consisting of the volume of the generated aerosol, a combination of time and the number of puffs of the user, a combination of time and the volume of the generated aerosol, and a combination of time and a monitored user interaction parameter.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to control the duration of the usage session with reference to the first criterion or with reference to the second criterion.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the controller is configured to control the usage session with respect to the first criterion, the second criterion, or at least one further criterion different from the first criterion or the second criterion.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a visual indicator configured to display the progress of the usage session during use of the aerosol generating device.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a user interface configured to enable a user to select which of the first criterion or the second criterion, or, where applicable, the at least one further criterion, to use to control the usage session.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 3, wherein the at least one further criterion is a criterion selected from a list consisting of (a) time, (b) the number of puffs of the user, (c) the volume of the generated aerosol, (d) a monitored user interaction parameter, (e) a combination of time and the number of puffs of the user, (f) a combination of time and the volume of the generated aerosol, (g) a combination of time and the monitored user interaction parameter.

7. The aerosol generating device is such that the usage session has a maximum duration determined by a threshold value with respect to the selected criteria used to control the usage session. For example, the duration of the usage session is controlled with respect to a selected criterion from a plurality of possible criteria, such as the first criterion and the second criterion, or if the selected criterion is the volume of aerosol generated, the usage session has a maximum duration determined by a threshold volume of aerosol generated during the usage session, or if the selected criterion is a combination of time and the number of puffs by the user, the usage session has a duration determined with reference to both a threshold time and a threshold number of puffs by the user during the usage session, or if the selected criterion is a combination of time and the volume of aerosol generated, the aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 or 2 is configured such that the usage session has a duration determined with reference to both a threshold time and a threshold volume of aerosol generated during the usage session.

8. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 or 2, configured to monitor a user interaction parameter indicative of a user interaction.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 8, wherein the user interaction parameter indicates user puffing during the usage session, or the user interaction parameter indicates the volume of aerosol released by the aerosol-forming substrate or delivered to the user during the usage session.

10. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 or 2, comprising a puff counting mechanism and / or a puff sensor for determining the number of puffs by the user during the usage session.

11. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 or 2, comprising a visual indicator including a plurality of light emitting units, the controller being configured to control the visual indicator to indicate the progress of the usage session, the light emitting indicator being configured to indicate the progress of the event as a sequence of first to n different display states, where n is a number of 4 or more.

12. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the device comprises a visual indicator including a plurality of light emitting units, and a control electronic device displays a first display to indicate the progress of the usage session to the user when the usage session is controlled according to the first criterion, and when the usage session is controlled according to the second criterion, the plurality of light emitting units are configured to independently control each of the plurality of light emitting units so as to display a second display that is visually distinguishable from the first display to indicate the progress of the usage session to the user.

13. The aerosol generating device according to claim 12, wherein the first display and / or the second display is an illumination sequence displayed by the plurality of light emitting units.

14. The aerosol generating device according to claim 13, wherein the first display is an illumination sequence different from the second display and / or the first display is a color illumination different from the second display.

15. A method of operating an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol forming substrate, the aerosol generating device comprising a controller configured to control a usage session, the controller determining whether a first criterion for controlling the usage session or a second criterion different from the first criterion for controlling the usage session is selected, and controlling the usage session based on one of the selected first and second criteria, both the first and second criteria being selected from a list consisting of a combination of the volume of the generated aerosol, time and the number of puffs of the user, a combination of time and the volume of the generated aerosol, and a combination of time and a monitored user interaction parameter.

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