Aerosol generation system with taggant identification - Patents.com

Abstract

A method of controlling an aerosol generating system is provided. The system comprises an aerosol generating article comprising a taggant excitable by light to emit optical radiation, and an aerosol generating device configured to engage and disengage from the aerosol generating article. The device comprises a light source for illuminating the aerosol generating article engaged with the device, and an optical receiver for receiving light emitted by the aerosol generating article engaged with the device. The method includes the light source illuminating the aerosol generating article engaged with the aerosol generating device to excite the taggant to emit optical radiation, the optical receiver receiving the optical radiation after the light source has finished illuminating the aerosol generating article, and analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver to determine a characteristic of the article. An aerosol generating device and a controller are also provided.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method of controlling an aerosol generating system, the present disclosure also relates to an aerosol generating device, the present disclosure also relates to a controller for an aerosol generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] An aerosol generating system typically comprises an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article. In use, the aerosol generating article is engaged with the aerosol generating device, and a heater of the aerosol generating system, e.g., a heater of the device, heats an aerosol-forming substrate having an aerosol former of the aerosol generating article to generate an aerosol. The generated aerosol may then be conveyed via an airflow path to a mouthpiece or air outlet of the device or article. The aerosol may be for inhalation by a user.

[0003] Some aerosol generating devices may be usable with many different aerosol generating articles, but may provide a better or safer user experience when used with a particular aerosol generating article. For example, some aerosol generating devices may be configured to heat a particular aerosol generating article in a particular way, or for a particular length of time, or to a particular temperature range, to provide an optimal experience for the user. It would therefore be beneficial to prevent or hinder users from being able to use some aerosol generating articles with some aerosol generating devices. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to the present disclosure, there is provided a method of controlling an aerosol generating system. The system may comprise an aerosol generating article. The article may comprise a taggant. The taggant may have a distinguishable spectroscopic signature. The taggant may be excitable by light to emit optical radiation. The system may comprise an aerosol generating device. The device may be configured to engage and disengage from the aerosol generating article. The device may comprise, for example, a light source for illuminating an aerosol generating article engaged with the device. The device may comprise, for example, an optical receiver for receiving light emitted by an aerosol generating article engaged with the device. The method may include, for example, the light source illuminating an aerosol generating article engaged with the aerosol generating device to excite the taggant to emit optical radiation. The method may include the light source ceasing to illuminate the aerosol generating article engaged with the aerosol generating device. The method may optionally include the optical receiver receiving the optical radiation after the light source has ceased to illuminate the aerosol generating article. The method may include analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver, for example to identify a spectroscopic signature of the taggant and, optionally, to determine a characteristic of the aerosol-generating article.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol-generating article comprising a taggant having a distinguishable spectroscopic signature and excitable by light to emit a light radiation, and an aerosol generating device configured to engage and disengage from the aerosol-generating article, the device comprising a light source for illuminating the aerosol-generating article engaged with the device, and a light receiver for receiving light emitted by the aerosol-generating article engaged with the device. The method may include the light source illuminating the aerosol-generating article engaged with the aerosol-generating device so as to excite the taggant to emit a light radiation, the light source ceasing illuminating the aerosol-generating article engaged with the aerosol-generating device, the light receiver receiving the light radiation after the light source has ceased illuminating the aerosol-generating article, and analysing the light radiation received by the light receiver to determine one or more characteristics of the aerosol-generating article.

[0006] Advantageously, by terminating the light source from illuminating the article before analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver, the analysis may focus only on the time response, also sometimes referred to as the decay rate, of the taggant, which may provide an accurate and reliable method for determining one or more characteristics of the aerosol-generating article.

[0007] Advantageously, the method may utilize the time response of the excited taggants to determine one or more characteristics of the aerosol-generating article. In particular, the method may determine various characteristics of the time response, such as how the intensity of the optical emission from the excited taggants, or the time derivative of the intensity, changes over time, and then compare these characteristics to stored data, e.g., stored data including expected or reference characteristics, to determine one or more characteristics of the aerosol-generating article, as will be described in more detail below.

[0008] The method may include determining one or more characteristics of the aerosol-generating article. One characteristic of the article that may be determined is whether the article is configured, designed, or in some way optimized for use in a device. An article that is configured, designed, or in some way optimized for use in a device may be referred to as an optimized article. An article that is not configured, designed, or in some way optimized for use in a device may be referred to as a non-optimized article. Thus, determining the characteristics of the article may include determining whether the article is an optimized article.

[0009] Other characteristics of the article that may be determined include the type of aerosol-generating article, the type of aerosol-forming substrate, the date of manufacture, the place of manufacture, the batch number, other manufacturing details, and the expiration date.

[0010] The method may include enabling or disabling functionality of the aerosol generating device, e.g., enabling or disabling heating of a heater in the system, in response to one or both of the spectroscopic signature of the taggant and the one or more determined properties of the aerosol-generating article. Thus, advantageously, the method may reduce the likelihood that a user will use a non-optimized article with the device, which may help ensure an optimized experience for the user.

[0011] The method may include adjusting functionality of the system, e.g., adjusting a heating profile of a heater of the system during a heating phase, in response to one or both of the identified spectroscopic signature of the taggant and the one or more determined properties of the aerosol-generating article. Thus, advantageously, the method may enable the system to optimize the user's experience.

[0012] The article may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be a solid aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be a gel. The aerosol-forming substrate may be a liquid.

[0013] The term "aerosol-forming substrate" as used herein may refer to a substrate capable of releasing a volatile compound capable of forming an aerosol. The volatile compound may be released by heating or burning the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0014] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a medicamentically active agent. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a combination of medicamentically active agents. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise nicotine. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a plant-derived material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a homogenized plant-derived material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material. The tobacco-containing material may contain volatile tobacco flavor compounds. These compounds may be released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a homogenized tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise other additives and ingredients such as flavorants. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise one or more of water, solvent, ethanol, plant extracts, and natural or artificial flavors. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an aerosol former. Examples of suitable aerosol formers are glycerin, glycerol, and propylene glycol.

[0015] The aerosol-generating article may comprise a hollow tubular element. The aerosol-generating article may comprise an aerosol cooling element. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a mouthpiece. The aerosol-generating article may comprise an outer wrapper, for example a paper wrapper.

[0016] The aerosol-generating article may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate, a hollow tubular element, an aerosol cooling element and a mouthpiece, arranged in coaxial alignment and in sequence and surrounded by an outer wrapper.

[0017] The device may comprise a housing. The aerosol generating device may comprise a cavity. The housing may define the cavity. The housing may be configured to be held in use. The cavity may be for receiving at least a portion of the aerosol generating article. Engaging the article to the device may be or may include receiving at least a portion of the article within the cavity of the device.

[0018] The device may include an air inlet. For example, the housing may define an air inlet. An airflow path may be formed from the air inlet to a cavity of the device. An airflow path may be formed from the air inlet to a cavity of the device and further to an air outlet.

[0019] The device may, for example, comprise a power supply for providing power to electrical components of the device. The device may comprise a controller. The controller may be coupled to the power supply. The controller may control the supply of power from the power supply to the electrical components of the device.

[0020] The system may comprise a heater. The heater may comprise a heating element. The heater may comprise means for heating the heating element.

[0021] The apparatus may include a heater. The apparatus may include a heating element in the form of a pin, blade, or rod. The heating element may be electrically connected to a power source. The heating element of the apparatus may extend longitudinally within the cavity, for example, from a base of a chamber that defines the cavity. The heating element may be configured to penetrate an aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article in use. The heating element may be configured to penetrate an aerosol-forming substrate of the article when the article is received within the cavity. The heating element may be a resistive heating element to heat the aerosol-generating article. The heating element may be an induction heating element or a susceptor designed to be magnetically coupled with a coil in the apparatus to generate a magnetic field to heat the susceptor and to heat the aerosol-generating article.

[0022] The article may include an air outlet, for example, the mouthpiece of the article may include an air outlet.

[0023] When an article is engaged with the device, an airflow path may be defined between the air inlet and the air outlet. In use, a user may inhale an article received within the cavity of the device, which inhalation may cause air to flow through the air inlet of the device, then into the cavity of the device, then through the article engaged with the device, and then through the air outlet of a mouthpiece of the article, and then into the user's mouth.

[0024] In use, the article may engage the device, e.g., be received within a cavity of the device. As the article is received within the cavity, a heating element, e.g., in the form of a heating blade extending longitudinally from the base of the cavity, may penetrate the aerosol-forming substrate of the article. The user may then press a button to excite the taggant to emit light radiation, causing the light source of the device to momentarily illuminate the article. After this illumination has ended, the light receiver may then receive the light radiation. The light radiation received by the light receiver may then be analyzed to determine a characteristic of the aerosol-generating article. This analysis may determine, for example, that the article is suitable for use with the device. In response, the device may enable or disable the function of the device. For example, the device may thus enable operation of the heating element. The user may then inhale with the mouthpiece of the article. This may cause air to flow through the air inlet of the device. This airflow may be detected by a puff detection mechanism of the device. This may cause the heating element to operate. Alternatively, the heating element may be manually activated by the user, e.g., using a button. The heating element may then heat up. This may cause the aerosol-forming substrate of the article to heat up, so that volatile compounds are released by the aerosol-forming substrate. Upon inhalation by the user, airflow through the air inlet may then flow through the aerosol-forming substrate. The volatile compounds released by the aerosol-forming substrate may be entrained in the airflow. The air and entrained compounds may then flow through the hollow tubular element and the aerosol cooling element. During this time, the volatile compounds may cool and condense, forming an aerosol. The aerosol may then flow through the mouthpiece of the article and into the mouth of the user.

[0025] As one of ordinary skill in the art would understand after reading this disclosure, the above paragraphs describe the use of a particular system, but other systems may also practice the present invention.

[0026] The method, for example the step of analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver, may include analyzing the intensity of the optical radiation over time. Advantageously, analyzing the intensity of the optical radiation over time may provide an accurate and reliable method for determining one or more characteristics of the aerosol-generating article.

[0027] As used herein, the term "intensity" may refer to or indicate power. Intensity may be measured in watts.

[0028] The method, for example the step of analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver, may include analyzing at least one time derivative of the intensity of the optical radiation over time. Advantageously, analyzing the time derivative of the intensity of the optical radiation over time may provide an accurate and reliable method for determining one or more properties of the aerosol-generating article.

[0029] The term "time derivative of intensity" as used herein may refer to any derivative of intensity with respect to time. The term "intensity time derivative" may be used to mean the same thing. The term "time nth derivative of intensity" or "intensity time nth derivative" as used herein may refer to the nth derivative of intensity with respect to time. For example, the terms "first derivative of intensity with respect to time" and "first derivative of intensity with respect to time" may refer to the first derivative of intensity with respect to time, which may be the rate of change of intensity with respect to time. The terms "second derivative of intensity with respect to time" and "second derivative of intensity with respect to time" may refer to the second derivative of intensity with respect to time, which may be the rate of change of intensity with respect to time. The terms "third or higher derivative of intensity with respect to time" and "third or higher derivative of intensity with respect to time" may be the third or higher order derivative of intensity with respect to time.

[0030] The intensity V of optical radiation at any given time t can be mathematically described as: Strength=V(t)

[0031] Therefore, the first derivative of intensity with respect to time at any given time can be written mathematically as:

number

[0032] Also, the second derivative of the intensity at any given time can be written mathematically as:

number

[0033] Methods, for example, analyzing optical radiation received by an optical receiver, may include analyzing, or calculating and analyzing, a first time derivative of the intensity of the optical radiation over time. Methods, for example, analyzing optical radiation received by an optical receiver, may include analyzing, or calculating and analyzing, a second time derivative of the intensity of the optical radiation over time. Methods, for example, analyzing optical radiation received by an optical receiver, may include analyzing, or calculating and analyzing, a third or higher time derivative of the intensity of the optical radiation over time.

[0034] A method, e.g., analyzing optical radiation received by an optical receiver, may include analyzing multiple time derivatives of the intensity of the optical radiation over time. For example, a method, e.g., analyzing optical radiation received by an optical receiver may include analyzing both a first derivative with respect to time of the intensity of the optical radiation over time and a second derivative with respect to time of the intensity of the optical radiation over time. As a second example, a method, e.g., analyzing optical radiation received by an optical receiver may include analyzing both a first derivative with respect to time of the intensity of the optical radiation over time and a third or higher order derivative with respect to time of the intensity of the optical radiation over time. As a third example, a method, e.g., analyzing optical radiation received by an optical receiver may include analyzing both a second derivative with respect to time of the intensity of the optical radiation over time and a third or higher order derivative with respect to time of the intensity of the optical radiation over time.

[0035] Advantageously, analyzing multiple time derivatives of the intensity of the optical radiation over time may improve the accuracy and reliability of determining one or more properties of the aerosol-generating article.

[0036] A method, e.g., analyzing optical radiation received by an optical receiver, may include analyzing both the intensity of the optical radiation over time and at least one time derivative of the intensity of the optical radiation over time. For example, a method, e.g., analyzing optical radiation received by an optical receiver may include analyzing both the intensity of the optical radiation over time and a first time derivative of the intensity of the optical radiation over time. As a second example, a method, e.g., analyzing optical radiation received by an optical receiver may include analyzing both the intensity of the optical radiation over time and a second time derivative of the intensity of the optical radiation over time. As a third example, a method, e.g., analyzing optical radiation received by an optical receiver may include analyzing both the intensity of the optical radiation over time and a third or higher time derivative of the intensity of the optical radiation over time.

[0037] Advantageously, analyzing both the intensity of the optical radiation over time and at least one time derivative of the intensity of the optical radiation over time can improve the accuracy and reliability of determining one or more characteristics of the aerosol-generating article.

[0038] A method, e.g., analyzing optical radiation received by an optical receiver, may include analyzing the intensity of the optical radiation over time and multiple time derivatives of the intensity of the optical radiation over time. For example, a method, e.g., analyzing optical radiation received by an optical receiver may include analyzing the intensity of the optical radiation over time, a first derivative with time of the intensity of the optical radiation over time, and a second derivative with time of the intensity of the optical radiation over time. As a second example, a method, e.g., analyzing optical radiation received by an optical receiver may include analyzing the intensity of the optical radiation over time, a first derivative with time of the intensity of the optical radiation over time, and a third or higher order derivative with time of the intensity of the optical radiation over time. As a third example, a method, e.g., analyzing optical radiation received by an optical receiver may include analyzing the intensity of the optical radiation over time, a second derivative with time of the intensity of the optical radiation over time, and a third or higher order derivative with time of the intensity of the optical radiation over time. As a fourth example, the method, e.g., analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver, may include analyzing the intensity of the optical radiation over time, a first derivative with time of the intensity of the optical radiation over time, a second derivative with time of the intensity of the optical radiation over time, and a third or higher derivative with time of the intensity of the optical radiation over time.

[0039] Advantageously, analyzing the intensity of the optical radiation over time and multiple time derivatives of the intensity of the optical radiation over time can improve the accuracy and reliability of determining one or more properties of the aerosol-generating article.

[0040] The method, e.g., analyzing the optical radiation received by an optical receiver, may include converting the optical radiation received by the optical receiver into an electrical signal, e.g., a voltage or current signal, indicative of the intensity of the optical radiation over time. The value of the electrical signal at any given time may be proportional to the intensity of the optical radiation at that time. This may be achieved by the optical receiver. The optical receiver, which may be, for example, a photodiode, may convert the optical radiation received by the optical receiver into an electrical signal, e.g., a voltage or current signal indicative of, e.g., proportional to, the intensity of the optical radiation over time. Advantageously, this may simplify the analysis of the optical radiation.

[0041] A method, for example a step of analyzing optical radiation received by an optical receiver, may include converting an electrical signal indicative of the optical radiation received by the optical receiver, or the intensity of the optical radiation over time, into a digital signal indicative of the intensity of the optical radiation over time. The value of the digital signal at any given time may be proportional to the intensity of the optical radiation at that time. Advantageously, this may simplify the analysis of the optical radiation.

[0042] The method, for example, analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver, may include normalizing a magnitude of the optical radiation received by the optical receiver. Analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver may include normalizing a magnitude of an electrical signal indicative of an intensity of the optical radiation over time. Analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver may include normalizing a magnitude of a digital signal indicative of an intensity of the optical radiation over time.

[0043] Normalizing the magnitude of the emission or signal may include setting a maximum magnitude. Normalizing the magnitude of the emission or signal may include setting any magnitude of the emission or signal greater than a predetermined magnitude to the maximum magnitude. Normalizing the magnitude of the emission or signal may include setting an initial magnitude of the emission or signal to a predetermined magnitude.

[0044] Advantageously, normalizing the emission or signal magnitude may allow the analytical precision to be maintained regardless of the relative intensity of the light emission from the article, which may be important, for example, when the light source begins to lose charge, illuminating the article with a smaller amount of light emission, resulting in a subsequent light emission of a lower intensity.

[0045] A method, for example a step of analyzing optical radiation received by an optical receiver, may include determining a value indicative of the intensity of the optical radiation at each of a plurality of time points, and optionally recording each of these values. This may include, for example, recording a value, such as a voltage or current value of an electrical signal, the value indicative of the intensity of the optical radiation at each of the plurality of time points.

[0046] The time point is mathematically t n The first time point can be mathematically written as t initial or t0. The final time point is t final The value that indicates the intensity of the light emission at any time, V(t n ) The value that represents the first derivative of the intensity of light radiation with respect to time at any instant in time is V'(t n ) The value that represents the second derivative of the intensity of light radiation with respect to time at any instant in time is V''(t n )

[0047] A value indicative of the time derivative of the intensity of the optical radiation at any time may be calculated or estimated based on the recorded values ​​indicative of the intensity of the optical radiation. For example, a value indicative of the first derivative of the intensity of the optical radiation with respect to time at any time may be calculated or estimated using the following formula:

number

[0048] Also, a value indicative of the second derivative of the intensity of the light emission with respect to time at any instant in time may be calculated or estimated using the following formula:

number

[0049] As can be appreciated in the art, these are merely examples and values ​​can be calculated or estimated in many other ways.

[0050] The plurality of time points may include at least 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, or 1,000 time points. Advantageously, a greater number of time points may increase the precision and reliability of identifying the spectroscopic signature of the taggants.

[0051] The time points may occur at regular time intervals. The time points may occur at regular time intervals, for example at least 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, or 50 microseconds. The time points may occur at regular time intervals, for example at 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, or 2 microseconds or less. The time points may occur at regular time intervals, for example at 1-100 microseconds. Advantageously, such time intervals may adequately capture the time response of the optical radiation without requiring the determination of an unnecessarily large number of values.

[0052] The time period over which the multiple time points occur may be less than or equal to 2,000, 1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2, 1, 0.9, or 0.5 milliseconds. Advantageously, such a time period may allow the system to adequately capture the time response of the optical emission without requiring the determination of an unnecessarily large number of values.

[0053] A method, for example, analyzing optical radiation received by an optical receiver, may include calculating or otherwise providing a combination of values ​​indicative of the intensity of the optical radiation at each of a plurality of time points. The combination of values ​​indicative of the intensity of the optical radiation at each of a plurality of time points may be referred to as an intensity combination. Analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver may include, for example, calculating or otherwise providing an intensity score based on the intensity combination. The intensity score may be obtained by comparing the intensity combination to stored data, as described in more detail below. Advantageously, the use of such intensity scores may provide an accurate and reliable indication of the spectroscopic signature of the taggant.

[0054] As with other combinations described herein, the combination of intensities may be based on an addition, multiplication, integration, or other function of values ​​indicative of the intensity of the light emission at each of the multiple time points.

[0055] For example, the intensity combination may be calculated by adding together each of the values ​​indicative of the intensity of the light emission at each of a number of time points, which may be mathematically written as follows:

number

[0056] The combination of intensities, like other combinations described herein, may be based on integrals or estimates of integrals. For example, the combination of intensities may be based on estimates of the integral of a function formed by plotting values ​​representing the intensity of light radiation at each of a number of time points against time. In this context, the term "integral" may have its normal mathematical meaning. Thus, the integral of a function between two limits may refer to a number equal to the area between the function and the x-axis of the graph on which the function is plotted. There are multiple ways to estimate such an integral. One method may include, for example, adding up multiple smaller areas using the following formula:

number

[0057] The time points are regular, and therefore 、 At a fixed time interval t 初期 , the above equation can be simplified and written as:

number

[0058] In the above formula, a period is used to indicate multiplication.

[0059] As one of ordinary skill in the art would understand after reading this disclosure, other combinations, such as strength-time derivative combinations, can be calculated or estimated in a similar manner. For example, an estimate of the strength-time first derivative combination can be calculated as follows:

number

[0060] In the formula, V'(t n ) at any given time t n is the first derivative of the intensity of optical radiation with respect to time at t initial V'(t n ) is the first of several time points to which values ​​are added, and t final-1 V'(t n ) is the final time point among multiple time points to which values ​​are added.

[0061] It may be particularly beneficial for the combination to be or be based on a sum of values ​​indicative of the intensity of the optical emission at each of a plurality of time points. Advantageously, adding up each of the values ​​indicative of the intensity of the optical emission at each of a plurality of time points may require relatively little computational power compared to other combinations, without sacrificing much, if any, of the accuracy and reliability of the identification of the spectroscopic signature of the taggant.

[0062] Providing the intensity score may include comparing the combination of intensities to stored data. Depending on the result of comparing the combination with the stored data, functionality of the aerosol generating device may be enabled or disabled.

[0063] The stored data may include data relating to combinations of average or expected intensities of one or more particular taggants.

[0064] The stored data may include statistical variance data, e.g., statistical variance data for intensity combinations of one or more taggants. The stored data may include data indicative of the likelihood of intensity combinations varying from an average or expected intensity combination for one or more particular taggants. For example, the stored data may include data indicative of the standard deviation of average or expected intensity combinations for one or more particular taggants.

[0065] The intensity score may be greater the closer the intensity combination is to the average or expected intensity combination of one or more particular taggants. The intensity score may be used to determine one or more characteristics of the aerosol-generating article. An intensity combination that is far from the average or expected intensity combination may result in a low intensity score, indicating that the article is likely not an optimized article. An intensity combination that is far from the average or expected intensity combination may result in a low intensity score, indicating that the article is likely to be a non-optimized article. If the intensity combination is too far from the average or expected intensity combination, a function of the aerosol-generating device may be enabled or disabled. If the intensity score is less than an intensity score threshold, a function of the aerosol-generating device may be enabled or disabled. For example, an alarm function of the device may be enabled to alert a user that a non-optimized article has been detected. For example, an alarm function of the device may be enabled to alert a user that a non-optimized article has been detected. As another example, the heater of the system may be disabled.

[0066] The intensity combination may be compared to a minimum expected intensity combination. The minimum expected intensity combination may be based on stored data, e.g., statistical variance data. If the intensity combination is less than the minimum expected intensity combination, this may indicate that the article is a non-optimized article. If the intensity combination is less than the minimum expected intensity combination, a function of the aerosol generating device may be enabled or disabled. For example, an alarm function of the device may be enabled to alert a user that a non-optimized article has been detected. As another example, the heater of the system may be disabled.

[0067] The intensity combination may be compared to a maximum expected intensity combination. The maximum expected intensity combination may be based on stored data, e.g., statistical distribution data. If the intensity combination is greater than the maximum expected intensity combination, this may indicate that the article is a non-optimized article. If the intensity combination is less than the maximum expected intensity combination, a function of the aerosol generating device may be enabled or disabled. For example, an alarm function of the device may be enabled to alert a user that a non-optimized article has been detected. As another example, the heater of the system may be disabled.

[0068] The stored data may include or be in the form of one or more look-up tables. If the stored data includes or is in the form of a look-up table, the look-up table may include an intensity score for each of a plurality of intensity combinations, or each of a range of a plurality of intensity combinations, for example, spanning between a minimum expected intensity combination and a maximum expected intensity combination. This look-up table may then be used as described above. That is, the determined intensity combination may be compared to the look-up table. If the determined intensity combination is less than the minimum expected intensity combination or greater than the maximum expected intensity combination, the determined intensity combination may not receive an intensity score. The article may instead be rejected. Alternatively, the determined intensity combination may be assigned an intensity score based on the intensity score of the look-up table. For example, the determined intensity combination may be assigned an intensity score based on the intensity score of the intensity combination in the look-up table that is closest to the determined intensity combination, or the intensity score for the range of intensity combinations in the look-up table in which the determined intensity combination falls.

[0069] As one of ordinary skill in the art would understand after reading this disclosure, the above passages regarding intensity combinations and intensity scores may be applicable to any combinations and associated scores, for example, the above passages may be applicable to any one or more of intensity-time derivative combinations and associated scores, such as intensity-time first derivative combinations and associated scores, intensity-time second derivative combinations and associated scores, or intensity-time third or higher derivative combinations and associated scores, partial intensity combinations and scores, and partial intensity-time derivative combinations and associated scores.

[0070] The method, for example the step of analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver, may include determining a value indicative of a time derivative of the intensity of the optical radiation at each of a plurality of time points.

[0071] For example, the method or step of analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver may include determining a value indicative of a first derivative with respect to time of the intensity of the optical radiation at each of the multiple time points. Alternatively, or additionally, the method or step of analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver may include determining a value indicative of a second derivative with respect to time of the intensity of the optical radiation at each of the multiple time points. Alternatively, or additionally, the method or step of analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver may include determining a value indicative of a third or higher derivative with respect to time of the intensity of the optical radiation at each of the multiple time points.

[0072] A value indicative of the time derivative of the intensity of the optical radiation at each of the multiple time points may be calculated or otherwise determined based on the recorded values ​​indicative of the intensity of the optical radiation at each of the multiple time points. For example, a value indicative of the first derivative of the intensity of the optical radiation at a particular time point may be calculated by dividing the difference between the value indicative of the first derivative of the intensity of the optical radiation at a particular time point and the value indicative of the first derivative of the intensity of the optical radiation at a subsequent time point by the time difference between the particular time point and the subsequent time point. In other words, the first derivative of the intensity over time may be calculated as the change in intensity over a corresponding change in time. As one skilled in the art may understand after reading this disclosure, there are various methods for calculating a value indicative of the time derivative of the intensity of the optical radiation at each of the multiple time points based on the recorded values ​​indicative of the intensity of the optical radiation at each of the multiple time points.

[0073] The plurality of time points may include at least 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, or 1,000 time points. Advantageously, a greater number of time points may increase the precision and reliability of identifying the spectroscopic signature of the taggants.

[0074] The time points may occur at regular time intervals. The time points may occur at regular time intervals, for example at least 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, or 50 microseconds. The time points may occur at regular time intervals, for example at 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, or 2 microseconds or less. The time points may occur at regular time intervals, for example at 1-100 microseconds. Advantageously, such time intervals may adequately capture the time response of the optical radiation without requiring the determination of an unnecessarily large number of values.

[0075] The time period over which the multiple time points occur may be less than or equal to 2,000, 1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2, 1, 0.9, or 0.5 milliseconds. Advantageously, such a time period may allow the system to adequately capture the time response of the optical emission without requiring the determination of an unnecessarily large number of values.

[0076] A method, for example a step of analyzing optical radiation received by an optical receiver, may include calculating or otherwise providing a combination of values ​​indicative of a time derivative of the intensity of the optical radiation at each of a plurality of time points. The combination of values ​​indicative of the time derivative of the intensity of the optical radiation at each of a plurality of time points may be referred to as an intensity time derivative combination. Also, the combination of values ​​indicative of an nth order time derivative of the intensity of the optical radiation at each of a plurality of time points may be referred to as an intensity nth order time derivative combination.

[0077] Thus, the method may include calculating or otherwise providing a combination of first derivatives of intensity-time. Alternatively, or in addition, the method may include calculating or otherwise providing a combination of second derivatives of intensity-time. Alternatively, or in addition, the method may include calculating or otherwise providing a combination of third or higher order derivatives of intensity-time.

[0078] A method, e.g., analyzing optical radiation received by an optical receiver, may include, for example, calculating or otherwise providing an intensity nth time derivative score based on the combination of intensity nth time derivatives. For example, analyzing optical radiation received by an optical receiver may include calculating or otherwise providing any one, two, or more of a first time derivative score of intensity, a second time derivative score of intensity, and a third or higher time derivative score of intensity. Any intensity time derivative score may be obtained by comparing each intensity time derivative combination to stored data, as described in more detail below.

[0079] Advantageously, such intensity time derivative scores can be used to provide an accurate and reliable representation of the spectroscopic signature of a taggant.

[0080] Any of the intensity-time derivative combinations, e.g., any one or more of the intensity-time first derivative combinations, intensity-time second derivative combinations, and intensity-time third or higher derivatives, may be based on addition, multiplication, integration, or other function of values ​​indicative of the respective time derivatives of the intensity of the light radiation at each of the multiple time points.

[0081] For example, a combination of nth order intensity time derivatives may be calculated by adding together each of the values ​​indicative of the nth order time derivative of the intensity of the optical radiation at each of the multiple time points. It may be particularly beneficial for any intensity time derivative combination to be, or be based on, a sum of values ​​indicative of the respective time derivatives of the intensity of the optical radiation at each of the multiple time points. Advantageously, adding together each of the values ​​indicative of the respective time derivatives of the intensity of the optical radiation at each of the multiple time points may require relatively little computational power compared to other combinations, without sacrificing much, if any, of the accuracy and reliability of the identification of the spectroscopic signature of the taggant.

[0082] Providing an intensity-time derivative score, e.g., any one or more of a first intensity-time derivative score, a second intensity-time derivative score, and a third intensity-time derivative score, may include comparing the intensity-time derivative combination, which may be based on addition, multiplication, integration, or other functions, to the stored data. The intensity-time derivative score may be used to determine one or more characteristics of the aerosol-generating article. Depending on the result of the comparison of the intensity-time derivative combination to the stored data, functionality of the aerosol-generating device may be enabled or disabled.

[0083] The stored data may include data relating to combinations of average or predicted intensity time derivatives for one or more particular taggants.

[0084] The stored data may include statistical variance data, e.g., statistical variance data for strength-time derivative combinations of one or more taggants. The stored data may include data indicative of the likelihood of a strength-time derivative combination varying from an average or expected strength-time derivative combination for one or more particular taggants. For example, the stored data may include data indicative of the standard deviation of an average or expected strength-time derivative combination for one or more particular taggants.

[0085] The intensity-time derivative score may be greater the closer the intensity-time derivative combination is to the average or expected intensity-time derivative combination of one or more particular taggants. Intensity-time derivative combinations that are far from the average or expected intensity-time derivative combination may result in a low intensity-time derivative score, indicating that the article may be a non-optimized article, and the article may be rejected. If the intensity-time derivative combination is too far from the average or expected intensity-time derivative combination, a function of the aerosol generating device may be enabled or disabled. If the intensity-time derivative score is less than an intensity-time derivative score threshold, a function of the aerosol generating device may be enabled or disabled. For example, an alarm function of the device may be enabled to alert a user that a non-optimized article has been detected. As another example, the heater of the system may be disabled.

[0086] The combination of intensity n-th time derivatives may be compared to a minimum expected intensity n-th time derivative combination. The minimum expected intensity n-th time derivative combination may be based on stored data, e.g., statistical variance data. If the combination of intensity n-th time derivatives is less than the minimum expected intensity n-th time derivative combination, this may indicate that the article is a non-optimized article, and the article may be rejected. If the combination of intensity n-th time derivatives is less than the minimum expected intensity n-th time derivative combination, a function of the aerosol generating device may be enabled or disabled. For example, an alarm function of the device may be enabled to alert a user that a non-optimized article has been detected. As another example, the heater of the system may be disabled.

[0087] The combination of intensity n-th time derivatives may be compared to a combination of maximum expected intensity n-th time derivatives. The combination of maximum expected intensity n-th time derivatives may be based on stored data, e.g., statistical variance data. If the combination of intensity n-th time derivatives is greater than the combination of maximum expected intensity n-th time derivatives, this may indicate that the article is a non-optimized article, and the article may be rejected. If the combination of intensity time derivatives is less than the combination of maximum expected intensity n-th time derivatives, a function of the aerosol generating device may be enabled or disabled. For example, an alarm function of the device may be enabled to alert a user that a non-optimized article has been detected. As another example, the heater of the system may be disabled.

[0088] The stored data may include or be in the form of one or more look-up tables. If the stored data includes or is in the form of a look-up table, the look-up table may include an intensity-time derivative score for each of a plurality of intensity-time derivative combinations, or for each of a range of a plurality of intensity-time derivative combinations, spanning, for example, a minimum expected intensity-time derivative combination and a maximum expected intensity-time derivative combination. This look-up table may then be used as described above. That is, the determined intensity-time derivative combination may be compared to the look-up table. If the determined intensity-time derivative combination is less than the minimum expected intensity-time derivative combination or greater than the maximum expected intensity-time derivative combination, the determined intensity-time derivative combination may not receive an intensity-time derivative score. The item may instead be rejected. Alternatively, the determined intensity-time derivative combination may be assigned an intensity-time derivative score based on the intensity-time derivative scores in the look-up table. For example, the determined strength-time derivative combination may be assigned a strength-time derivative score based on the strength-time derivative score for the strength-time derivative combination in the lookup table to which the determined strength-time derivative combination is closest, or for the range of strength-time derivative combinations in the lookup table in which the determined strength-time derivative combination falls.

[0089] As one of ordinary skill in the art would understand after reading this disclosure, when the above paragraphs describe features generally related to time derivatives or nth order time derivatives without specifying the time derivative (e.g., whether the time derivative is a first order derivative in time), the feature may be applicable to any one, two, or more, or all of a first order derivative in time, a second order derivative in time, and a third order or higher derivative in time.

[0090] The method, for example the step of analysing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver, may comprise determining a value indicative of the intensity of the optical radiation at at least one characteristic time point.

[0091] The method, for example the step of analysing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver, may comprise determining a value indicative of a time derivative of the intensity of the optical radiation at at least one characteristic time point.

[0092] The method, for example the step of analysing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver, may comprise determining a value indicative of a first derivative with respect to time of the intensity of the optical radiation at at least one characteristic point in time.

[0093] The method, for example the step of analysing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver, may comprise determining a value indicative of a second derivative with respect to time of the intensity of the optical radiation at at least one characteristic point in time.

[0094] The method, for example the step of analysing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver, may comprise determining a value indicative of a third or higher order derivative of the intensity of the optical radiation with respect to time at at least one characteristic point in time.

[0095] The or each characteristic point in time may occur a predetermined length of time after the light source has ceased irradiating the aerosol-generating article.

[0096] The characteristic time point may be selected based on the expected intensity or intensity time derivative at the characteristic time point. The intensity or intensity time derivative at the characteristic time point may be relatively stable between different articles containing the same taggant. For example, the intensity or intensity time derivative at the characteristic time point may be relatively stable between different articles containing the same taggant at the same concentration, in the sense that more than 80% of the articles containing the same taggant at the same concentration will emit light radiation having an intensity or intensity time derivative at the characteristic time point within 50, 30, 20, 10, or 5% of a particular value when exposed to the same illumination of light from a light source.

[0097] For example, if the first time derivative of the intensity of light emission from a particular taggant is found to be particularly stable, e.g., very similar, at a particular time after terminating illuminating the article containing the taggant, regardless of, e.g., the power of the light source or the concentration of the taggant, etc., then the particular time after terminating illuminating the article may be selected as a characteristic time point. By then determining the first time derivative at that characteristic time point, it may be possible to reliably determine whether the taggant is present in the article, and thus whether the article is an optimized article. This is equally applicable to properties other than the first time derivative of the intensity of light emission.

[0098] The determined values ​​indicative of the intensity of the light emission at a particular characteristic time, or the time derivative of the intensity, may be compared to the stored data.

[0099] The stored data may include data relating to average or expected values ​​indicative of the intensity of light emission at a particular characteristic time point for one or more taggants, or the time derivative of the intensity. The stored data may include statistical variance data. The stored data may include data indicative of the likelihood of a determined value varying from an average or expected value for one or more particular taggants. For example, the stored data may include data indicative of the standard deviation of a determined value for one or more particular taggants. The stored data may include a look-up table.

[0100] A score may be assigned to the determined value based, for example, on how close the determined value is to an average or expected value. The score may be used to determine one or more characteristics of the aerosol-generating article.

[0101] Depending on the result of the comparison of the determined value with the stored data, the functionality of the aerosol generating device may be enabled or disabled. Depending on the score assigned to the determined value, the functionality of the aerosol generating device may be enabled or disabled.

[0102] The determined value may be compared to a minimum expected determined value. The minimum expected determined value may be based on stored data, e.g., statistical variance data. If the determined value is less than the minimum expected determined value, this may indicate that the article is a non-optimized article, and the article may be rejected. If the determined value is less than the minimum expected determined value, a function of the aerosol generating device may be enabled or disabled. For example, an alarm function of the device may be enabled to alert a user that a non-optimized article has been detected. As another example, the heater of the system may be disabled.

[0103] The determined value may be compared to a maximum expected determined value. The maximum expected determined value may be based on stored data, e.g., statistical variance data. If the determined value is greater than the maximum expected determined value, this may indicate that the article is a non-optimized article, and the article may be rejected. If the determined value is greater than the maximum expected determined value, a function of the aerosol generating device may be enabled or disabled. For example, an alarm function of the device may be enabled to alert a user that a non-optimized article has been detected. As another example, the heater of the system may be disabled.

[0104] The stored data may include or be in the form of one or more lookup tables. If the stored data includes or is in the form of a lookup table, the lookup table may include a score for each of a plurality of decision values ​​at each characteristic time point, or for each of a plurality of ranges of decision values ​​at each characteristic time point, for example spanning between a minimum expected decision value and a maximum expected decision value. This lookup table may then be used as described above. That is, the decision value may be compared to the lookup table. If the decision value is less than the minimum expected decision value or greater than the maximum expected decision value, the decision value may not receive a score. The article may instead be rejected. Alternatively, the decision value may be assigned a score based on a score in the lookup table. For example, the decision value may be assigned a score based on a score for the decision value in the lookup table to which the decision value is closest, or for the range of decision values ​​in the lookup table in which the decision value falls. The method may include calculating or otherwise providing one or more partial intensity combinations. The partial intensity combinations may be calculated or otherwise provided based on only a portion of the time response of the taggant.

[0105] Each partial intensity combination may be based on a different time period than the other partial intensity combinations. The time periods may be entirely separate or may overlap.

[0106] The method may include calculating or otherwise providing a first partial intensity combination and a second partial intensity combination. The first partial intensity combination may be based on a combination of values ​​indicative of the intensity of the light radiation at each of a plurality of time points, e.g., at each of a plurality of time points prior to a particular time point. The particular time may be a predetermined time after the light source has ceased illuminating the article. The second partial intensity combination may be based on a combination of values ​​indicative of the intensity of the light radiation at each of a plurality of time points, e.g., at each of a plurality of time points after the particular time point. The first partial intensity combination may be based on a different time period than the second partial intensity combination. The first partial intensity combination may be based on an earlier portion of the time response of the taggant than the second partial intensity combination.

[0107] The method, for example, analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver, may include calculating or otherwise providing a partial intensity score for each of the partial intensity combinations.

[0108] As one of ordinary skill in the art would understand after reading this disclosure, the features described above with respect to intensity combinations may be applicable to each of the multiple partial intensity combinations, e.g., one or both of the first and second partial intensity combinations, and the features described above with respect to intensity scores may be applicable to each of the partial intensity scores, e.g., one or both of the first and second partial intensity scores.

[0109] Thus, as with the intensity combinations, the score of each partial intensity may be compared to stored data, and this comparison may be used to provide a partial intensity score. The score of each partial intensity may be used in the same manner as the intensity scores. Each partial intensity combination may be based on an addition, multiplication, integration, or other function of values ​​indicative of the intensity of the light emission at each of the multiple time points. Depending on the result of the comparison of the or each partial intensity combination to the stored data, the functionality of the aerosol generating device may be enabled or disabled. The stored data may include data related to the average or expected partial intensity combinations of one or more particular taggants.

[0110] Advantageously, the use of a combination of partial intensities may improve the accuracy and reliability of determining one or more properties of an aerosol-generating article.

[0111] The method may include calculating or otherwise providing a combination of a plurality of partial intensity time derivatives. The combination of partial intensity time derivatives may be calculated or otherwise provided based on only a portion of the time response of the taggant.

[0112] Each partial intensity time derivative combination may be based on a different time period than the other partial intensity time derivative combinations. The time periods may be entirely separate or may overlap.

[0113] The method may include calculating or otherwise providing a combination of first order partial intensity time derivatives and a combination of second order partial intensity time derivatives. Each partial intensity time derivative combination may be one of a combination of first order, second order, or third order or higher order derivatives of the partial intensity time. The combinations of partial intensity time derivatives may or may not be related to the same time derivative. For example, the method may include calculating or otherwise providing zero, one or more combinations of first order partial intensity time derivatives, zero, one or more combinations of second order partial intensity time derivatives, and zero, one or more combinations of third order or higher order derivatives of the partial intensity time.

[0114] The combination of first order partial intensity time derivatives may be based on a different time period than the combination of second order partial intensity time derivatives. For example, if the combination of first order partial intensity time derivatives and the combination of second order partial intensity time derivatives are associated with the same time derivative, e.g., a first order time derivative, a second order time derivative, or a third order time derivative or higher, the combination of first order partial intensity time derivatives may be based on a different time period than the combination of second order partial intensity time derivatives. The combination of first order partial intensity time derivatives may be based on a combination of values ​​indicative of a time derivative of the intensity of the light emission at each of a plurality of time points before a particular time. The combination of second order partial intensity time derivatives may be based on a combination of values ​​indicative of a time derivative of the intensity of the light emission at each of a plurality of time points after a particular time. The combination of first order partial intensity time derivatives may be based on an earlier portion of the time response of the taggant than the combination of second order partial intensity time derivatives.

[0115] The method, for example, analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver, may include calculating or otherwise providing a partial intensity time derivative score for each of the partial intensity time derivative combinations.

[0116] As one skilled in the art would understand after reading this disclosure, the features described above in relation to the combination of intensity-time derivatives may be applicable to each of the multiple partial intensity-time derivative combinations, e.g., one or both of the combinations of first and second order partial intensity-time derivatives, and the features described above in relation to the scores of intensity-time derivatives may be applicable to each of the scores of partial intensity-time derivatives, e.g., one or both of the scores of first and second order partial intensity-time derivatives.

[0117] Thus, as with the intensity-time derivative combinations, the score of each partial intensity-time derivative may be compared to stored data, and this comparison may be used to provide a score for the partial intensity-time derivative. The score of each partial intensity-time derivative may be used in the same manner as the score of the intensity-time derivative. The combination of each partial intensity-time derivative may be based on an addition, multiplication, integration, or other function of values ​​indicative of the time derivative of the intensity of the optical radiation at each of the multiple time points. Depending on the result of the comparison of the or each partial intensity-time derivative with the stored data, the functionality of the aerosol generating device may be enabled or disabled. The stored data may include data related to the combination of average or expected partial intensity-time derivatives of one or more particular taggants.

[0118] Advantageously, the use of a combination of partial intensity time derivatives may improve the accuracy and reliability of determining one or more properties of an aerosol-generating article.

[0119] As discussed above, the method may include calculating or otherwise providing one or more combinations. For example, the method may include providing a combination of intensities and may include providing a combination of one or more intensity time derivatives. The method may also include comparing the one or more combinations to one or more other combinations or stored data, for example, to provide one or more scores. For example, the method may include one or both of comparing the combination of intensities to the stored data to provide an intensity score and comparing the combination of intensity nth time derivatives to the stored data to provide an intensity nth time derivative score. The method may also include determining one or more values ​​at at least one characteristic time point. One or more of the values ​​may be indicative of an intensity of the optical radiation at the at least one characteristic time point. One or more of the values ​​may be indicative of a time derivative of the intensity of the optical radiation at the at least one characteristic time point, for example, one or more of a first time derivative, a second time derivative, and a third or higher time derivative of the intensity. One or more of the values ​​may be compared to the stored data, for example, to provide one or more scores.

[0120] The method may include comparing each of the multiple scores, e.g., any of the scores discussed above, to a respective score threshold, e.g., a respective score threshold based on the stored data. The method may include combining the multiple scores, e.g., any of the scores discussed above, to form a combined score. The method may include comparing the combined score to a combined score threshold, e.g., a combined score threshold based on the stored data. The method may include combining the multiple scores to form a multiple combined score. The method may include comparing the combined score to a respective combined score threshold, e.g., a combined score threshold based on the stored data.

[0121] If multiple scores are provided, a function of the device may be enabled or disabled, or one or more characteristics of the aerosol-generating article may be determined only if at least one, two, three, or more, or each of the scores is greater than a respective score threshold. For example, a function of the device may be enabled or disabled only if the intensity score is greater than an intensity score threshold and the intensity first time derivative score is greater than an intensity first time derivative score threshold. As a second example, a function of the device may be enabled or disabled only if the intensity score is greater than an intensity score threshold and the intensity second time derivative score is greater than an intensity second time derivative score threshold. As a third example, a function of the device may be enabled or disabled only if the intensity first time derivative score is greater than an intensity first time derivative score threshold and the intensity second time derivative score is greater than an intensity second time derivative score threshold. As a fourth example, a function of the device may be enabled or disabled only if the intensity score is greater than an intensity score threshold, the intensity first time derivative score is greater than an intensity first time derivative score threshold, and the intensity second time derivative score is greater than an intensity second time derivative score threshold. As a fifth example, the device may determine an intensity score, an intensity first time derivative score, and an intensity second time derivative score, and the device function may be enabled or disabled if any two of these three scores are greater than their respective score thresholds. Any number of scores, and any particular score, that need to be greater than their respective thresholds to determine a characteristic of the article or to enable or disable a function of the device may be selected.

[0122] Alternatively, or additionally, where multiple scores are provided, the method may include combining two or more or each of the scores to provide a combined score. The combined score may, for example, be a total score where the multiple scores are added together. The combined score may then be compared to a combined score threshold. The combined score may be used to determine one or more characteristics of the aerosol-generating article. Determining that the combined score is greater than the combined score threshold may be used to determine one or more characteristics of the aerosol-generating article. A function of the device may be enabled or disabled only if the combined score is greater than the combined total score threshold.

[0123] Prior to combining the multiple scores, each score may be assigned a multiplier. The multiplier may be thought of as a weighting and may be used when one of the scores is deemed more important than another score. Each score may be multiplied by its respective multiplier to determine multiple weighted scores. The weighted scores may then be combined, e.g., added, to provide a weighted combined score, e.g., a weighted sum score. The weighted combined score may then be compared to a weighted combined score threshold. The weighted combined score may be used to determine one or more characteristics of the aerosol-generating article. Determining that the weighted combined score is greater than the weighted combined score threshold may be used to determine one or more characteristics of the aerosol-generating article. A function of the device may be enabled or disabled only if the weighted combined score is greater than the weighted combined score threshold.

[0124] Thus, in summary, as one of ordinary skill in the art would understand after reading this disclosure, the method may include analyzing any one, two, three, more, or all of the following features: the intensity of light emission over time, the first derivative of the intensity of the light emission over time, the second time derivative of the intensity of the optical radiation over time, the third or higher derivative of the intensity of the light emission over time, and The intensity of the optical radiation at at least one characteristic time instant, or a time derivative of the intensity, for example, one or both of the first time derivative, the second time derivative, and the third or higher time derivative of the intensity.

[0125] The method may include calculating or otherwise determining, at each of the plurality of time points, a value indicative of any of the first four immediately preceding enumerated characteristics. The method may include calculating or otherwise determining one or more combinations, each combination being a combination of values ​​of one of the first four enumerated characteristics at each of the plurality of time points. The combinations may be a sum of, or may be based on, the values ​​of one of the first four enumerated characteristics at each of the plurality of time points. The method may include calculating or otherwise determining, at each of the plurality of time points, one or more subcombinations for any one or more of the values ​​of one of the first four enumerated characteristics.

[0126] The method may include comparing any one or more, or each, of the determined combinations or determined subcombinations to stored data, such as stored data including statistical variance data associated with the combinations or subcombinations. If any determined combination or determined subcombination is below the minimum expected combination or above the maximum expected combination, the article may be identified as not being an optimized article. Any one or more, or each comparison may be used to provide a score. The score may be greater the closer the determined combination is to an expected or average combination, e.g., an expected or average combination according to the stored data.

[0127] The method may include calculating or otherwise determining one or more values ​​indicative of the intensity, or a time derivative of the intensity, of the optical radiation at at least one characteristic time point.

[0128] The method may include comparing one or more of the values ​​indicative of the intensity, or the time derivative of the intensity, at the at least one characteristic time point to stored data, such as stored data including statistical variance data relating to the values ​​indicative of the intensity, or the time derivative of the intensity, at the at least one characteristic time point. If any value is below a minimum expected value or above a maximum expected value, the article may be rejected. Any one or more of the, or each, values ​​may be used to provide a score.

[0129] The method may include comparing any one or more or each score to a respective score threshold. If a predetermined number, e.g., one, of the scores is below the score threshold, the article may be rejected. The score may be greater the closer the determined value is to an expected or average value, e.g., an expected or average value according to the stored data.

[0130] Each score may be compared to a respective score threshold, e.g., a stored data score threshold. If the score is less than the score threshold, the item may be rejected. If a predetermined number of scores are less than the respective score threshold, the item may be rejected.

[0131] The method may include combining any two or more scores to provide a combined score. The method may include combining scores to provide a plurality of combined scores. For example, the method may include combining two or more scores to provide a first combined score, or two or more different or overlapping scores to provide a second combined score. Combining the scores may be or may include adding the scores, for example, to provide a total score.

[0132] The combined score may be compared to a respective combined score threshold, e.g., a combined score threshold for stored data. If the combined score is less than the combined score threshold, the item may be rejected.

[0133] In the case of multiple combined scores, if a predetermined number of the combined scores are less than the respective combined score thresholds, the item may be rejected.

[0134] The light source may comprise a light emitting diode. The light source may be an infrared light source. The light source may comprise an infrared light emitting diode. Illuminating the article may include infrared illuminating the article.

[0135] The optical receiver may include a photodiode.

[0136] The step of the light source irradiating the aerosol-generating article engaged with the aerosol-generating device may be or may include the light source irradiating the aerosol-generating article engaged with the aerosol-generating device for a predetermined period of time.

[0137] The article may comprise at least one component having a taggant incorporated into the material of the at least one component. The use of a taggant incorporated into the material of the article component may advantageously prevent removal of the taggant from the component after manufacture. In this way, tamper resistance of the article and the difficulty of using a non-optimized article in an aerosol generating device may be improved.

[0138] The taggants may be incorporated into any component of an aerosol-generating article, including, but not limited to, papers (such as wrappers), filters, tipping papers, tobacco, tobacco wraps, coatings, binders, adhesion promoters, adhesives, inks, foams, hollow acetate tubes, wraps, and lacquers. The taggants may be incorporated into the component either by adding the taggants during the manufacture of the material, for example, by adding the taggants to a paper slurry or glue before drying, or by painting or spraying it onto the component. Generally, the taggants are incorporated into the component in fractions of a nanogram amount. For example, when the taggants are sprayed onto a surface, the sprayed solution may incorporate the taggants at a concentration of 1 ppm to 1000 ppm.

[0139] The taggants may have a distinguishable spectroscopic signature in their emission. When the taggants are illuminated by a light source, the light preferably excites the taggants and the taggants preferably emit light of at least one wavelength that is offset from the wavelength of the illuminating light. This may be a form of photoluminescence, which may be phosphorescence. By controlling the physical and chemical structure of the taggants, the spectroscopic signature may be controlled.

[0140] In certain preferred embodiments, the wavelength of light emitted by the taggants is not in the visible spectrum. Preferably, the wavelength of light emitted by the taggants is in one or both of the infrared or ultraviolet ranges.

[0141] In certain preferred embodiments, the taggants are distributed throughout the material. By distributing the taggants throughout the material, the orientation of the aerosol-generating article within the aerosol generating device may not be important. This may make the system easier for the user to use. Furthermore, by distributing the taggants throughout the material, the tamper resistance of the article may be improved, as it may be more difficult to completely remove the taggants. In particularly preferred embodiments, the taggants are distributed substantially uniformly throughout the material.

[0142] Different articles may contain different taggants, or different combinations of taggants, which may have different distinguishable spectroscopic signatures, enabling the device to distinguish between different types of articles and act accordingly.

[0143] The taggants are preferably stable at elevated temperatures of at least 500, 1,000 or 1,500° C. As used herein, the term "stable" means that the taggant has consistent spectroscopic characteristics and that the taggant does not decompose. By providing taggants that remain stable at elevated temperatures, standard manufacturing processes can be used when producing aerosol-generating articles.

[0144] Aerosol-generating component materials incorporating taggants can be manufactured by adding the taggants as a component of a slurry used to make the material, which can then be formed (e.g., by molding) and dried to produce a material such as a paper or wrapper material.

[0145] The taggants may be configured such that at normal use temperatures of the aerosol-generating article, the taggants are deactivated. As used herein, "deactivated" means that the taggants no longer have an identifiable spectroscopic signature. The temperature required to generate an aerosol may be higher than the temperature required to deactivate the taggants when in use. In this way, the aerosol-generating device may determine whether the aerosol-generating article has been used previously and operated accordingly. The temperature range of the aerosol-generating article components during normal operation is preferably from about 50°C to about 300°C, depending on the location and type of the components of the aerosol-generating device. Thus, the taggants are preferably deactivated at temperatures of from about 50°C to about 500°C. More preferably, the taggants are deactivated at temperatures of from about 70°C to about 100°C.

[0146] The taggants may be deactivated by decomposing at such high temperatures so that they no longer have a discernible spectroscopic signature, or they may be deactivated by being covered with an additional temperature-dependent additive that may become opaque or discolor at high temperatures, masking the signature of the taggant.

[0147] Similar to the above discussion of the taggants being stable at high temperatures, the taggants are preferably chemically stable. The taggants are preferably sufficiently chemically stable that they do not decompose during the manufacture of the material or component. Thus, the taggants are preferably stable when exposed to liquid water, when exposed to water vapor, when exposed to other commonly used solvents, when dried, when physically deforming the material to form the component, when exposed to elevated temperatures, and when exposed to reduced temperatures. Thus, during the material manufacturing process described above, the taggants do not decompose and the taggants maintain an identifiable spectroscopic signature.

[0148] The taggant is preferably in the form of a powder, which advantageously allows the taggant to be more easily incorporated into the material. The taggant is preferably a powder of at least one of a rare earth, an actinide metal oxide, and a ceramic. The rare earth is preferably a lanthanide.

[0149] The distinguishable spectroscopic signature of the taggant may be associated with the type of aerosol-generating article, the type of aerosol-forming substrate, the date of manufacture, the place of manufacture, batch number and other manufacturing details, and expiration date.

[0150] As one skilled in the art would understand after reading this disclosure, the purpose of analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver may be to determine whether the optical radiation originates or is likely to originate from a particular taggant or type of taggant. This may allow the taggant or type of taggant to be identified, and thus one or more characteristics of the aerosol-generating article to be identified. The inventors have found that a specific analysis of the optical radiation may be both reliable and computationally efficient. Some possible steps for such an analysis are described below. One skilled in the art would have no difficulty, after reading this disclosure, in implementing such an analysis in an embodiment that aims to identify taggants to an acceptable level of certainty.

[0151] Analysing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver may include determining or estimating at least one characteristic of the optical radiation. Analysing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver may include determining or estimating at least one characteristic of the optical radiation at each of n time points. That is, analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver may include determining or estimating at least a first characteristic of the optical radiation at a first time, at least a second characteristic at a second time, ..., and at least an nth characteristic at an nth time. It may be particularly preferred that n is at least 2. However, n may be greater than 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, or 100. The n time points may be after terminating irradiating the aerosol-generating article. The determined or estimated characteristic may thus preferably characterize the attenuation of the optical radiation from the aerosol-generating article.

[0152] A particular characteristic of the optical radiation at a particular time may be one or more of the following: the intensity of the optical radiation at that time, the first derivative with time of the intensity of the optical radiation at that time, the second derivative with time of the intensity of the optical radiation at that time, and the third or higher derivative with time of the intensity of the optical radiation at that time. Thus, an example of a characteristic at time T1 may be the intensity of the optical radiation at time T1. A second example may be the square of the first derivative with time of the intensity of the optical radiation at time T1.

[0153] Analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver may include one or both of comparing a characteristic (which, as described above, is a characteristic of the optical radiation determined or estimated at a particular point in time) with a corresponding threshold, e.g., a predetermined threshold, and determining whether the characteristic falls within a corresponding range, e.g., a predetermined range.

[0154] Analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver may include one or both of comparing a function of the two or more characteristics to a corresponding threshold, e.g., a predetermined threshold, and determining whether the function of two or more of the characteristics falls within a corresponding range, e.g., a predetermined range. Analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver may include comparing a first function of the two or more characteristics to a second function of the two or more characteristics. The two or more characteristics involved in the first function may or may not overlap with the two or more characteristics involved in the second function. That is, one or more characteristics may be involved in both the first function and the second function.

[0155] The function of the two or more characteristics may be a function of at least two characteristics of the same type corresponding to different time points. As an example, the type of characteristic may be the first derivative with respect to time of the intensity of the optical radiation. Thus, the function of the two or more characteristics may be the first derivative with respect to time of the intensity of the optical radiation at time T1 multiplied by the first derivative with respect to time of the intensity of the optical radiation at time T2. Alternatively, the function of the two or more characteristics may be a function of two characteristics of different types. In this case, if the two characteristics are of different types, the two characteristics may be estimated or determined at the same time point or at different time points. As an example of how a comparison of a first function with a second function may be used to identify or aid in taggant identification, it may be known that for a particular taggant, the intensity of the optical radiation decays very quickly immediately after the irradiation of the taggant is terminated. In this case, a first increase in the intensity of the optical radiation at a first and second time point may be compared to a second increase in the intensity of the optical radiation at a subsequent third and fourth time point. Then, if the first increase is at least, for example, twice the second increase, this may indicate that the intensity of the light emission has decayed very quickly and may therefore indicate, or help indicate, that the taggant is a particular taggant.

[0156] Analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver may include determining or estimating the time it takes for a characteristic of the optical radiation to increase or decrease from a first level to a second level. For example, the characteristic of the optical radiation may be determined to be a first level X at a first time. This first time may be a predetermined time after the light source has ceased irradiating the aerosol-generating article. The time it takes for the characteristic to increase or decrease from the first level to a second level Y may then be estimated or determined.

[0157] Analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver may also include determining or estimating the time it takes for the characteristic of the optical radiation to increase or decrease from the second level to a third level. Analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver may also include determining or estimating the time it takes for the characteristic of the optical radiation to increase or decrease from the third level to a fourth level, from the fourth level to a fifth level, etc., and determining or estimating the time it takes for the characteristic of the optical radiation to decrease from a (n-1)th level to an nth level.

[0158] In general, any given level may be a function of one or more preceding levels, for example, a third level may be a function of one or both of the second level and the first level, such as the second level ± a predetermined value.

[0159] As one of ordinary skill in the art would understand after reading this disclosure, any one or more of such times, or one or more functions thereof, described in the several paragraphs above, may suitably characterize the light emission from the taggant, which may allow the taggant or type of taggant to be identified. Any one or more of such times may thus be used, alone or in combination with other factors, to determine the characteristics of the aerosol-generating article. For example, analyzing the light emission may include determining whether any one or more of such times discussed in the two paragraphs above fall within one or more corresponding ranges, e.g., within a predetermined corresponding range. If such particular times fall within the corresponding ranges, or simply as an illustrative example, if six of seven such particular times fall within their corresponding ranges, this may allow the taggant to be identified to a suitable degree of certainty.

[0160] Analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver may include one or both of collecting and recording data based on the optical radiation. Analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver may include comparing the data to predetermined reference data. The reference data may be stored in a memory, such as a memory of the aerosol generating device.

[0161] The data may be, may include, or may be based on one or more characteristics of the light emission determined or estimated at each of the n time points, as discussed above, and the reference data may be, may include, or may be based on one or more corresponding expected characteristics of the light emission at each of the n time points.

[0162] The expected characteristics may refer to characteristics that are expected to be obtained from optical radiation of a particular taggant, for example, in laboratory conditions. The expected characteristics may be originally obtained from optical radiation from a particular taggant, for example, in laboratory conditions. The reference data may include multiple sets of reference data relating to different taggants. Thus, analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver may include comparing the data to each of the multiple sets of reference data, optionally each of the multiple sets of reference data relating to a different taggant. This may enable identification of which, if any, of the multiple taggants are present in the aerosol-generating article.

[0163] Corresponding characteristics may refer to characteristics of the same type. Thus, as an example, if a particular characteristic of the determined or estimated optical radiation is the intensity of the optical radiation, the corresponding expected characteristic may be the expected intensity of the optical radiation. Thus, at least a portion of the data may be based on the determined or estimated intensity of the optical radiation at each of the n times, and this data may be compared to reference data based on the expected intensity of the optical radiation at each of the n times. Alternatively, or additionally, any one or more time derivatives of the intensity of the optical radiation at the n times may be compared to any one or more corresponding expected time derivatives of the intensity of the optical radiation at the n times.

[0164] The determined or estimated characteristics at a particular time point may be compared to the corresponding expected characteristics at the corresponding time point. As one skilled in the art will understand after reading this disclosure, there are multiple ways to determine which time point of the reference data corresponds to the time point of the data. As an illustrative example, the time at which irradiation of the aerosol-generating article ends may be aligned with respect to the data and the reference data. Alternatively, or additionally, a first time point for both the data and the reference data may be aligned. The corresponding time of the reference data may then be the same or the most similar time after the end of irradiation of the aerosol-generating article or after the first time point.

[0165] The comparison may be repeated for multiple time points. Thus, the determined or estimated characteristic at each of the n time points may be compared to the corresponding expected characteristic at each of the n corresponding time points.

[0166] The comparison may be performed on multiple characteristics, such that multiple characteristics determined or estimated at one time point may be compared to multiple corresponding expected characteristics at corresponding time points, or multiple characteristics determined or estimated at each of n time points may be compared to multiple corresponding expected characteristics at each of n corresponding time points.

[0167] Comparing the determined or estimated characteristics of the data with corresponding expected characteristics of the reference data may include determining whether the determined or estimated characteristics fall within a range that includes the corresponding expected characteristics, for example, determining whether the estimated or determined characteristics fall within + / - 10% of the corresponding expected characteristics. Such a comparison may be repeated for multiple or all of the n time points. If a predetermined percentage of the estimated or determined characteristics fall within their corresponding expected ranges, this may allow identification of the taggant to a reasonable degree of certainty, and thus the characteristics of the aerosol-generating article may be determined.

[0168] Analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver may include determining or estimating differences between the determined or estimated characteristics at the n time points and the corresponding expected characteristics at the n corresponding time points. These differences, or a function of these differences, such as the magnitude of these differences, may be compared to a threshold. This may allow the taggant to be identified. For example, if the sum of the magnitudes of the differences between the determined or estimated characteristics at the n time points and the corresponding expected characteristics at the n corresponding time points is less than the threshold, this may indicate that the taggant is a particular taggant for which the reference data is associated with a reasonable degree of certainty.

[0169] According to the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generating device. The device may be configured to engage and disengage from an aerosol-generating article. The article may comprise a taggant. The taggant may have an identifiable spectroscopic signature. The taggant may be excitable by light, for example, to emit optical radiation. The device may comprise a light source for illuminating an aerosol-generating article engaged with the device. The device may comprise an optical receiver for receiving light emitted by an aerosol-generating article engaged with the device. The device may comprise a controller. The controller may be configured to activate the light source for illuminating an aerosol-generating article engaged with the aerosol-generating device to excite the taggant to emit optical radiation. The controller may be configured to deactivate the light source to terminate illuminating the aerosol-generating article engaged with the aerosol-generating device. The controller may be configured to analyze the optical radiation received by the optical receiver after the light source has ceased illuminating the aerosol-generating article, for example, to identify a spectroscopic signature of the taggant and, optionally, to determine a characteristic of the aerosol-generating article.

[0170] Thus, according to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generating device configured to engage and disengage from an aerosol-generating article comprising a taggant having an identifiable spectroscopic signature, the taggant being excitable by light to emit optical radiation. The aerosol generating device comprises a light source for irradiating an aerosol-generating article engaged with the device, an optical receiver for receiving light emitted by the aerosol-generating article engaged with the device, and a controller. The controller is configured to: activate the light source to irradiate the aerosol-generating article engaged with the aerosol-generating device so as to excite the taggant to emit optical radiation; deactivate the light source to terminate irradiating the aerosol-generating article engaged with the aerosol-generating device; and analyze the optical radiation received by the optical receiver after the light source has terminated irradiating the aerosol-generating article to determine a characteristic of the aerosol-generating article.

[0171] The device or controller may be configured to carry out any of the steps of the methods described herein. The device or controller may be configured to carry out the method according to the first aspect.

[0172] According to the present disclosure, a controller for an aerosol generating device is provided. The device may be configured to engage and disengage from an aerosol-generating article. The article may comprise a taggant having an identifiable spectroscopic signature. The taggant may be excitable by light, for example, to emit a light radiation. The device may comprise a light source for illuminating an aerosol-generating article engaged with the device. The device may comprise a light receiver for receiving light emitted by an aerosol-generating article engaged with the device. The controller may be configured to activate the light source for illuminating an aerosol-generating article engaged with the aerosol-generating device to excite the taggant to emit a light radiation. The controller may be configured to deactivate the light source to terminate illuminating an aerosol-generating article engaged with the aerosol-generating device. The controller may be configured to analyze the light radiation received by the light receiver after the light source has terminated illuminating the aerosol-generating article engaged with the aerosol-generating device, for example, to identify a spectroscopic signature of the taggant and, optionally, to determine a characteristic of the aerosol-generating article.

[0173] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a controller for an aerosol generating device. The device is configured to engage and disengage from an aerosol generating article. The article comprises a taggant having an identifiable spectroscopic signature. The taggant is excitable by light to emit optical radiation. The device comprises a light source for illuminating an aerosol generating article engaged with the device. The device comprises an optical receiver for receiving light emitted by an aerosol generating article engaged with the device. The controller is configured to activate the light source for illuminating an aerosol generating article engaged with the aerosol generating device so as to excite the taggant to emit optical radiation. The controller is configured to deactivate the light source to terminate illuminating an aerosol generating article engaged with the aerosol generating device. The controller is configured to analyze the optical radiation received by the optical receiver after the light source has ceased illuminating the aerosol generating article to determine a characteristic of the aerosol generating article.

[0174] The controller may be configured to carry out any of the steps of the methods described herein. The controller may be configured to carry out the method according to the first aspect.

[0175] Features described with respect to one aspect of the disclosure may also be applied to any other aspect of the disclosure. Features described as method steps may be applicable to an apparatus or controller described herein. The apparatus or controller may be configured to perform any of the method steps described herein.

[0176] As used herein, the term "rejecting an article" may refer to actions taken when a characteristic of an article is determined. For example, it may be determined that the article does not include a taggant or does not include one of a number of specific taggants. This may indicate that the article is a non-optimized article. Such an article may be rejected. Rejecting the article may include enabling or disabling a function of the device. For example, the device may disable operation of a heater or heating element. As another example, the device may notify the user that the article is a non-optimized article, for example, by a visual, audio, or tactile alarm.

[0177] As used herein, the term "accepting an article" may refer to actions taken when a characteristic of the article is determined. For example, the article may be determined to include a taggant or to include one or more of a plurality of particular taggants. This may indicate that the article is an optimized article. Such an article may be accepted. Accepting the article may include enabling or disabling a function of the device. For example, the device may enable operation of a heater or heating element. As another example, the device may notify the user that the article is an optimized article, for example, by a visual, audio, or tactile alert.

[0178] As used herein, the term "indicative of" can mean indicative of or relating to. For example, if a first value is indicative of a second value, the first value can be proportional to the second value.

[0179] Features described herein with respect to a time derivative, or anything associated with a time derivative (e.g., intensity-time derivative combinations, scores, or threshold scores) without specifying a particular time derivative (e.g., whether the time derivative is a first derivative in time or a second derivative in time), may be applicable to any one, two, three, or more particular time derivatives. For example, features described herein with respect to a time derivative, or anything associated with a time derivative without specifying a particular time derivative, may be applicable to any one or more of a first time derivative, a second time derivative, and a third or higher time derivative. EXAMPLES

[0180] 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 features of the other examples, embodiments, or aspects described herein.

[0181] Example 1. 1. A method of controlling an aerosol generation system, the method comprising: an aerosol-generating article comprising a taggant having a distinguishable spectroscopic signature, the taggant being excitable by light to emit optical radiation; 1. An aerosol generating device configured to engage and disengage from an aerosol-generating article, comprising: a light source for illuminating an aerosol-generating article engaged with the device; an aerosol generating device comprising: an optical receiver for receiving light emitted by an aerosol generating article engaged with the device; a light source illuminating an aerosol-generating article engaged with the aerosol-generating device so as to excite the taggant to emit a light radiation; ceasing the illumination of the light source to the aerosol-generating article engaged with the aerosol generating device; receiving optical radiation from an optical receiver after the optical source has finished irradiating the aerosol-generating article; and analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver to determine a characteristic of the aerosol-generating article. Example 2. 2. The method of example 1, wherein analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver comprises analyzing an intensity of the optical radiation over time. Example 3. Analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver may include analyzing at least one time derivative of the intensity of the optical radiation over time, e.g., the first derivative of the intensity of the light emission over time, the second derivative of the intensity of the light emission over time, the third or higher derivative of the intensity of the light emission over time; both the first derivative of the intensity of the light emission over time and the second derivative of the intensity of the light emission over time; both the first derivative of the intensity of the light emission over time and the third or higher derivative of the intensity of the light emission over time; both the second derivative of the intensity of the light emission over time and the third or higher derivative of the intensity of the light emission over time, or The method of any of Examples 1 and 2, comprising analyzing a first derivative of the intensity of light emission over time, a second derivative of the intensity of light emission over time, and all of the third or higher derivatives of the intensity of light emission over time. Example 4. Analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver may include analyzing both an intensity of the optical radiation over time and at least one time derivative of the intensity of the optical radiation over time, e.g., Both the intensity of the light emission over time and the first derivative of the intensity of the light emission over time, Both the intensity of the light emission over time and the second derivative of the intensity of the light emission over time, Both the intensity of the optical emission over time and the third or higher derivative of the intensity of the optical emission over time, or The method of any of Examples 1-3, comprising analyzing the intensity of light emission over time, the first derivative of the intensity of light emission over time, and the second derivative of the intensity of light emission over time. Example 5. 5. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver includes converting the optical radiation received by the optical receiver into an electrical signal indicative of an intensity of the optical radiation over time. Example 6. 6. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver comprises determining a value indicative of an intensity of the optical radiation at each of a plurality of time points. Example 7. The method of Example 6, wherein analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver includes calculating or otherwise providing a combination, e.g., a combination that is, or is based on, an addition, multiplication, integration, or other function of values ​​indicative of the intensity of the optical radiation at each of the multiple time points, and optionally comparing the combination of values ​​indicative of the intensity of the optical radiation at each of the multiple time points to stored data, e.g., stored data including one or both of statistical variance data and an average or expected combination of one or more particular taggants. Example 8. The method of Example 7, wherein comparing the combination of values ​​indicating the intensity of light radiation at each of the multiple time points with the stored data includes comparing the combination of values ​​indicating the intensity of light radiation at each of the multiple time points with a minimum expected combination, and optionally rejecting the item, for example enabling or disabling a function of the device, if the combination is less than the minimum expected combination. Example 9. The method described in Example 7 or 8, wherein comparing the combination of values ​​indicating the intensity of light radiation at each of the multiple time points with the stored data includes comparing the combination of values ​​indicating the intensity of light radiation at each of the multiple time points with a maximum expected combination, and optionally rejecting the item, for example enabling or disabling a function of the device, if the combination is greater than the maximum expected combination. Example 10. The method of any of Examples 7-9, wherein a combination of values ​​indicating the intensity of light emission at each of the multiple time points and comparing the combination with the stored data is used to provide an intensity score. Example 11. The method described in Example 10, wherein the intensity score is greater when the combination of values ​​indicating the intensity of light emission at each of the multiple time points is closer to the average or expected combination of values ​​indicating the intensity of light emission at each of the multiple time points related to the stored data. Example 12. The method of Example 10 or 11, wherein the method comprises comparing the intensity score to a threshold intensity score, for example a threshold intensity score based on stored data. Example 13. The method of example 12, wherein the method includes rejecting the item, e.g., enabling or disabling a function of the device, depending on the result of the comparison of the intensity score with a threshold intensity score. Example 14. The method of any of Examples 1 to 13, wherein analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver includes determining a value indicative of a time derivative of the intensity of the optical radiation at each of a plurality of time points, e.g., a first derivative with respect to time, or a second derivative with respect to time, or a third or higher derivative with respect to time. Example 15. 15. The method of example 14, wherein analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver includes calculating or otherwise providing a combination of values ​​indicative of a time derivative of an intensity of the optical radiation at each of a plurality of time points. Example 16. The method of example 15, wherein analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver includes comparing a combination of values ​​indicative of a time derivative of the intensity of the optical radiation at each of the multiple time points to the stored data, and optionally the combination is based on an addition, multiplication, integration, or other function of the values ​​indicative of the time derivative of the intensity of the optical radiation at each of the multiple time points. Example 17. The method of Example 16, wherein comparing the combination of values ​​indicating the time derivative of the intensity of the light emission at each of the multiple time points with the stored data includes comparing the combination of values ​​indicating the time derivative of the intensity of the light emission at each of the multiple time points with a minimum expected combination, and optionally rejecting the item, for example enabling or disabling a function of the device, if the combination is less than the minimum expected combination. Example 18. The method of Example 16 or 17, wherein comparing the combination of values ​​indicating the time derivative of the intensity of the light emission at each of the multiple time points with the stored data includes comparing the combination of values ​​indicating the time derivative of the intensity of the light emission at each of the multiple time points with a maximum expected combination, and optionally rejecting the item, for example enabling or disabling a function of the device, if the combination is greater than the maximum expected combination. Example 20. The method of any of Examples 16-18, wherein the method includes comparing a combination of values ​​indicating the time derivative of the intensity of the light emission at each of a plurality of time points to the stored data to provide an intensity time derivative score. Example 21. The method described in Example 20, wherein the intensity time derivative score is greater when the combination of values ​​indicating the time derivative of the intensity of the light emission at each of the multiple time points is closer to the average or expected combination of values ​​indicating the time derivative of the intensity of the light emission at each of the multiple time points related to the stored data. Example 22. The method of example 20 or 21, wherein the method comprises comparing the intensity time derivative score to a threshold intensity time derivative score, for example a threshold intensity time derivative score based on stored data. Example 23. The method of example 22, wherein the method includes rejecting the item, e.g., enabling or disabling a function of the device, depending on the result of the comparison of the intensity-time derivative score with a threshold intensity-time derivative score. Example 24. Analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver includes: determining a value indicative of an intensity of the light emission at each of a plurality of time points; determining a value indicative of a time derivative of the intensity of the optical radiation at each of a plurality of time points; comparing a combination of values ​​indicative of the intensity of the light emission at each of the plurality of time points to the stored data to determine an intensity score; comparing a combination of values ​​indicative of the time derivative of the intensity of the light emission at each of the plurality of time points to the stored data to determine an intensity time derivative score; and The method of any one of Examples 1 to 23, comprising using both the intensity score and the intensity time derivative score to determine a characteristic of the aerosol-generating article. Example 25. A method as described in any of Examples 1 to 24, wherein analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver includes determining a value indicative of the intensity of the optical radiation, or a value indicative of the time derivative of the intensity, at at least one characteristic point in time occurring a predetermined amount of time after the light source has stopped irradiating the aerosol-generating article. Example 26. A method according to any of claims 1 to 25, wherein analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver includes determining or estimating one or more characteristics of the optical radiation at a point in time or at multiple points in time. Example 27. 27. A method according to any of claims 1 to 26, wherein analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver includes determining or estimating one or more characteristics of the optical radiation at each of the n time points. Example 28. 28. The method of claim 26 or 27, wherein at least one of the one or more characteristics of the light emission at a given time is one of the intensity of the light emission at that time, a first derivative of the intensity of the light emission at that time with respect to time, a second derivative of the intensity of the light emission at that time with respect to time, and a third or higher derivative of the intensity of the light emission at that time with respect to time, or a function of one or more of them. Example 29. A method as described in any of Examples 26 to 28, wherein analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver includes one or both of comparing a characteristic among the one or more characteristics with a corresponding threshold, e.g., a predetermined threshold, and determining whether a characteristic among the one or more characteristics falls within a corresponding range, e.g., a predetermined range. Example 30. A method according to any of Examples 26 to 29, wherein analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver includes one or both of comparing a function of at least two of the one or more characteristics with a corresponding threshold, e.g., a predetermined threshold, and determining whether the function of the at least two of the one or more characteristics falls within a corresponding range, e.g., a predetermined range. Example 31. A method according to any of claims 26 to 30, wherein analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver includes comparing a first function of at least two of the one or more characteristics to a second function of at least two of the one or more characteristics. Example 32. 32. The method of example 31, wherein at least two properties involved in the first function overlap with at least two properties involved in the second function. Example 33. 33. The method of any of claims 1 to 32, wherein analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver includes determining or estimating the time it takes for a characteristic of the one or more characteristics to increase or decrease from a first level to a second level. Example 34. The method of example 33, wherein the second level is a function of the first level. Example 35. A method as described in any of Examples 1 to 34, wherein analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver includes one or both of collecting and recording data based on the optical radiation and comparing the data to predetermined reference data. Example 36. The method of example 35, when directly or indirectly dependent on example 27, wherein the data is, includes, or is based on one or more characteristics of light emission determined or estimated at each of the n time points. Example 37. The method of any of Examples 35-36, wherein the reference data is, includes, or is based on, for example, one or more corresponding predicted characteristics of the light emission at each of the n time points. Example 38. The method of any of claims 1 to 37, wherein analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver includes determined or estimated characteristics at a particular time point that are compared to corresponding expected characteristics at the corresponding time point. Example 39. A method according to any of claims 1 to 38, wherein analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver includes determined or estimated characteristics at each of a plurality of, e.g., n, time points that are compared to corresponding expected characteristics at each of the plurality of, e.g., n, time points. Example 40. A method as described in any of claims 1 to 39, wherein analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver includes determining whether the determined or estimated characteristic falls within a range that includes a corresponding expected characteristic. Example 41. The method of any of claims 1 to 40, wherein analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver includes determining or estimating a difference between a determined or estimated characteristic at a plurality, e.g., n, of time points and a corresponding expected characteristic at a plurality, e.g., n, of corresponding time points. Example 42. 42. The method of example 41, wherein analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver includes comparing the differences, or functions of the differences, such as the magnitude of these differences, to a threshold value. Example 43. 1. An aerosol generating device configured to engage and disengage from an aerosol generating article comprising a taggant having a distinguishable spectroscopic signature, the taggant being excitable by light to emit a light radiation, the aerosol generating device comprising: a light source for illuminating an aerosol-generating article engaged with the device; a light receiver for receiving light emitted by an aerosol-generating article engaged with the device; A controller, The controller activating the light source to illuminate the aerosol-generating article engaged with the aerosol-generating device so as to excite the taggant to emit a light radiation; deactivating the light source to terminate irradiation of the aerosol-generating article engaged with the aerosol-generating device; and An aerosol generating device configured to analyze the optical radiation received by the optical receiver after the light source has finished irradiating the aerosol-generating article to determine a characteristic of the aerosol-generating article. Example 44. The aerosol generating device of Example 43, wherein the controller is configured to execute the method described in any one of Examples 1 to 42. Example 45. 1. A controller for an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device configured to engage and disengage from an aerosol generating article comprising a taggant having a distinguishable spectroscopic signature, the taggant being excitable by light to emit a light radiation, the aerosol generating device comprising: a light source for illuminating an aerosol-generating article engaged with the device; a light receiver for receiving light emitted by an aerosol-generating article engaged with the device; The controller activating the light source to illuminate the aerosol-generating article engaged with the aerosol-generating device so as to excite the taggant to emit a light radiation; deactivating the light source to terminate irradiation of the aerosol-generating article engaged with the aerosol-generating device; and The controller is configured to analyze the optical radiation received by the optical receiver after the light source has finished irradiating the aerosol-generating article to determine a characteristic of the aerosol-generating article. Example 46. The controller of Example 45, wherein the controller is configured to execute the method of any one of Examples 1 to 42.

[0182] The embodiments will now be further described with reference to the following figures: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0183] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows an aerosol generation system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a graph in which values ​​indicating the intensity of light emission from the taggants are plotted against time. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows a graph plotting the first derivative of the intensity of light emission from a taggant versus time. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a graph plotting the second derivative of the intensity of light emission from a taggant versus time. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows a graph visually depicting the stored data and the scoring method. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a flow chart illustrating the main steps of the method. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a flow chart illustrating the main steps of the process for analyzing optical emissions. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0184] 1 shows an aerosol generating system 100. The system 100 comprises an aerosol generating device 200 and an aerosol-generating article 300.

[0185] The aerosol generating device 200 comprises a housing 202 defining a cavity 204 for receiving a portion of an aerosol-generating article 300. In Figure 1, the aerosol-generating article 300 is engaged with the aerosol generating device 200 or received within the cavity 204 thereof.

[0186] The apparatus 200 comprises a power supply 206, a controller 208 and a substantially blade-shaped heating element 210. The heating element 210 comprises an electrical resistance track supported on a substrate. The controller 208 is connected to the power supply 206 and the heating element 210. The controller 208 controls the supply of electrical current from the power supply 206 through the electrical resistance track of the heating element 210 to control the heating of the heating element 210.

[0187] The device 200 comprises an identifier 212 comprising a light source 214, in particular an infrared emitting diode (IR LED), and a light receiver 216, in particular a photodiode.

[0188] The device 200 further comprises an air inlet 218 for allowing air to flow into the cavity 204 and a button 220 for allowing a user to operate the device 200 .

[0189] The aerosol-generating article 300 comprises an aerosol-forming substrate 302, a hollow tubular transfer element 304, and a mouthpiece 306, sequenced within an outer wrapper 308. The outer wrapper 308 comprises a taggant 310 having an identifiable spectroscopic signature. The taggant 310 is incorporated into the wrapper during manufacture of the wrapper material.

[0190] The wrapper material in this example is manufactured by incorporating the taggants 310 in powder form into the wrapper paper material slurry before the slurry is formed into paper and dried. The taggants 310 are thermally and chemically stable at the temperatures and conditions used during manufacture so that the taggants 310 function as desired in the assembled article 300. Alternatively, the taggants 310 may be applied to the wrapper material in solution by spraying, printing, painting or the like.

[0191] The use of taggants 310 incorporated within the material of the wrapper prevents removal of the taggants 310 from the wrapper after manufacture. In this manner, tamper resistance of the article and the difficulty of using a non-optimized article in an aerosol generating device may be improved.

[0192] The taggant 310 can be excited by light to emit optical radiation. The time response of the taggant (i.e., the change in intensity of the optical radiation over time) can be identified by the optical receiver 216. The time response acts as a spectroscopic signature. Thus, identifying the spectroscopic signature of the taggant 310 can enable the determination of at least one characteristic of the article 300.

[0193] A method of controlling the aerosol generating system 100 will now be described.

[0194] Initially, the device 200 is in an idle state. Then, the item 300 is received within the cavity 204 of the device 200. Then, the user presses the button 220 on the device 200 to activate the identifier 212.

[0195] When the button 220 is pressed, the controller 208 sends a signal to the light source 214 , causing the light source 214 to illuminate an item 300 engaged with the device 200 with infrared light.

[0196] The taggant 310 is excited by this light so that it emits optical radiation. The taggant 310 is configured to continue to emit this optical radiation for a period of time after excitation. In this embodiment, the taggant is configured to continue to emit optical radiation for approximately 1 second after excitation.

[0197] The controller 208 then terminates illumination of the article 300 by the light source 214 and activates the light receiver 216 .

[0198] The optical receiver 216 then receives the light emitted by the taggant 310. The optical receiver 216 converts this received light into an electrical signal, specifically a voltage signal where the voltage provided to the controller 208 is proportional to the intensity of the light received by the optical receiver 216.

[0199] The controller 208 records the voltage value of the voltage signal, which is a value indicative of the intensity of the light emission from the taggant 310, and the corresponding time at each of a plurality of time points over a predetermined period of time. The plurality of time points occurs at regular time intervals of about 20 microseconds. The period over which the plurality of time points occurs is about 700 milliseconds.

[0200] The controller 208 then normalizes the voltage values ​​by dividing each recorded voltage value by the maximum recorded voltage value, which provides a normalized voltage value of 1.

[0201] The first time point may be referred to as t0, the second time point may be referred to as t1, and the final time point t final The first normalized voltage value corresponding to time t0 may be referred to as V(t0). The second normalized voltage value corresponding to time t1 may be referred to as V(t1). 、 Time t final is the normalized voltage value corresponding to V(t final ), up to the final normalized voltage value, which may be referred to as the first normalized voltage value. In this case, the first voltage value is where the electrical signal is maximum, and the first normalized voltage value is therefore equal to 1.

[0202] The controller 208 may then plot the normalized voltage value, which may be mathematically described as V(t), against time to obtain a graph such as the graph shown in FIG. final into their corresponding normalized voltage values ​​V(t0), V(t1), and V(t final 2, along with a graph of the time series of the data points 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 188, 188, 189, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199, 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205,

[0203] The graph shown in Figure 2 illustrates the time response of the taggant 310. Specifically, the graph shown in Figure 2 plots values ​​1200 (normalized voltage values) indicative of the intensity of light emission from the taggant 310 versus time 1202 over a predetermined period of 700 milliseconds from the light source 214 ceasing to illuminate the article 300.

[0204] The controller 208 then calculates a value indicative of the first derivative with time of the intensity of the light emission from the taggant 310 at each of the multiple time points. Each value is calculated as the difference between the subsequent normalized voltage value and the current normalized voltage value divided by the difference between the time point at which the subsequent normalized voltage value was measured and the time point at which the current normalized voltage value was measured. In this case, since the time intervals between the time points are all 20 microseconds, this may be expressed simply as the difference between the subsequent normalized voltage value and the current normalized voltage value divided by 20 microseconds. Thus, the first derivative at time t0 is calculated as (V(t0)-V(t1)) divided by 20 microseconds.

[0205] A value indicative of the first derivative with respect to time at time t0 may be referred to as V'(t0), a value indicative of the first derivative with respect to time at time t1 may be referred to as V'(t1), etc. Because there are no subsequent normalized voltage values, a value indicative of the first derivative with respect to time at the final time point is not calculated.

[0206] The controller 208 may plot these values, which represent the first derivative of the intensity of the optical emission, against time, which may be mathematically described as V'(t), to obtain a graph such as that shown in FIG. 3. Time points t0 and t1 are shown in FIG. 3 along with their corresponding intensity-time first derivative values ​​V'(t0) and V'(t1). For clarity, the points are shown spaced further apart than they would be in reality. The graph shown in FIG. 3 plots values ​​1300, which represent the first derivative of the intensity of the optical emission from the taggant 310, against time 1302 over a predetermined period of 700 milliseconds from the light source 214 ceasing to illuminate the article 300. The graph shown in FIG. 3 approximates the rate of change graph of the graph shown in FIG. 2.

[0207] The controller 208 then calculates a value indicative of the second derivative with respect to time of the intensity of the optical emission from the taggant 310 at each of a plurality of time points. Each value is calculated as the difference between a subsequent value indicative of the first time derivative and a current value indicative of the first time derivative, divided by 20 microseconds. Thus, the second derivative with respect to time at time t0 is calculated as (V'(t0)-V'(t1)) divided by 20 microseconds.

[0208] A value indicative of the second derivative with respect to time at time t0 may be referred to as V''(t0), a value indicative of the second derivative with respect to time at time t1 may be referred to as V''(t1), and so on. No value indicative of the second derivative is calculated for the last or penultimate time point.

[0209] The controller 208 may plot these values, which represent the second derivative of the intensity of the light emission with respect to time, which may be mathematically described as V″(t), to obtain a graph such as that shown in FIG. 4. Time points t0 and t1 are shown in FIG. 4 along with the corresponding intensity-time second derivatives V″(t0) and V″(t1). For clarity, the points are shown spaced further apart than they would be in reality. The graph shown in FIG. 4 plots values ​​1400, which represent the second derivative of the intensity of the light emission from the taggant 310 with respect to time 1402, over a predetermined period of 700 milliseconds from the light source 214 ceasing to illuminate the article 300. The graph shown in FIG. 4 approximates the rate of change graph of the graph shown in FIG. 3.

[0210] The controller 208 may calculate as many time derivatives of the intensity of the optical emission as necessary to aid in identifying the spectroscopic signature of the taggant 310 .

[0211] The controller 208 calculates the intensity combination by adding up all of the values ​​(normalized voltage values) indicative of the intensity of the optical radiation at each of the multiple time points, i.e., the controller 208 calculates the intensity combination as follows:

number

[0212] As mentioned above, this sum is only one example of a particular intensity combination. The combination may be based on another sum, or multiplication, or another function of values ​​indicative of the intensity of the optical radiation at each of the multiple time points. The combination may be based on an estimate of the integral of a function that plots values ​​indicative of the intensity of the optical radiation at each of the multiple time points against time. That is, the combination may be based on an estimate of the integral of a function that plots values ​​indicative of the intensity of the optical radiation at each of the multiple time points against time. final It can be calculated as the integral of V(t) between

[0213] The controller 208 calculates the intensity time first derivative combination by adding up all of the values ​​indicative of the intensity time first derivative of the light emission at each possible time point, i.e., the controller 208 calculates the intensity time first derivative combination as follows:

number

[0214] The controller 208 calculates the combination of second derivatives of intensity time by adding together all of the values ​​indicative of the second derivatives of the intensity time of the light emission at each of the multiple time points, i.e., the controller 208 calculates the combination of second derivatives of intensity time as follows:

number

[0215] The controller 208 calculates the first partial intensity combination by adding up all of the values ​​(normalized voltage values) indicative of the intensity of the optical radiation at each of the multiple time points up to a time point corresponding to 100 milliseconds after the start of the predetermined period of time. That is, the controller 208 calculates the first partial intensity combination as follows:

number

[0216] This combination of first portion intensities provides an indication of the time response of the taggant 310 during the initial portion of the light emission.

[0217] The controller 208 calculates the second partial intensity combination by adding up all of the values ​​(normalized voltage values) indicative of the intensity of the optical radiation at each of a plurality of time points between a time point corresponding to 300 milliseconds after the start of the predetermined period and a time point corresponding to 400 milliseconds after the start of the predetermined period, i.e., the controller 208 calculates the second partial intensity combination as follows:

number

[0218] This combination of second portion intensities provides an indication of the time response of taggant 310 during the intermediate portion of the light emission.

[0219] The device 200 or controller 208 includes stored data. The stored data includes, for a particular taggant and for each of the five combinations mentioned above, a minimum expected combination, a maximum expected combination, an average or expected combination, and statistical variance data indicating the likelihood of a particular combination different from the average or expected combination. The stored data includes a score for each of a plurality of combinations from the minimum expected combination to the maximum expected combination. The score is based on the statistical variance data. The highest score available corresponds to the average or expected combination. This information is stored in a lookup table. The lookup table may be displayed as follows: [Table 1]

[0220] As one of ordinary skill in the art would understand after reading this disclosure, the stored data may include information for multiple taggants.

[0221] The controller 208 compares the intensity combination to the minimum expected intensity combination of the taggants. If the intensity combination is less than the minimum expected intensity combination of the taggants, the article is determined to be not optimized. Or, if the intensity combination is less than the minimum expected intensity combination of the taggants, the article is determined to be not configured for use with the device. If the article is determined to be not optimized or not configured for use with the device, the article may be rejected. In this context, rejecting the article may mean that the identifier 212 has determined that the article does not include a taggant that may indicate that the article 300 is configured for use with the device 200. Rejection may mean, for example, that the operation of the heating element 210 is disabled. Or, rejection may mean, for example, that the user is notified by a display (not shown) that the article 300 is not configured for use with the device 200. Or, rejection may mean, for example, that the heating element 210 is disabled and the user is notified by a display (not shown) that the article 300 is not configured for use with the device 200.

[0222] The controller 208 compares the intensity combination to the maximum expected intensity combination of the taggants. If the intensity combination is greater than the maximum expected intensity combination of the taggants, the article is rejected.

[0223] If the intensity combination falls between the minimum expected intensity combination and the maximum expected intensity combination, an intensity score is assigned to the intensity combination, the closer the intensity combination is to the expected or average intensity combination of the taggant, the greater the intensity score. The intensity score is determined by determining which intensity combination in the lookup table is closest to the determined intensity combination, and then assigning the determined intensity combination the intensity score corresponding to that intensity combination in the lookup table.

[0224] The controller 208 similarly compares each of the first intensity-time derivative combination, the second intensity-time derivative combination, the first partial intensity combination, and the second partial intensity combination to the respective minimum and maximum expected combinations for the taggant. As with the intensity combinations, if any combination is less than its minimum expected combination or greater than its maximum expected combination, the article is rejected.

[0225] If each of the five combinations falls between its minimum and maximum expected combination, a score is received for each of the combinations. As with the strength score, the score is greater the closer the combination is to the expected or average combination for the taggant. This is determined using statistical distribution data for each combination.

[0226] Figure 5 shows an example of a graph visually depicting the stored data relating to the intensity combinations and how the determined intensity combinations were scored, as described above. To obtain the graph shown in Figure 5, or at least the data on which it is based, hundreds of tests were performed on different articles containing the same taggants. Each test included illuminating the article with light from a light source similar to light source 214 of device 200, terminating this illumination, and then analyzing the light subsequently received by a light receiver similar to light receiver 216 of device 200. For each test, the intensity combination was recorded.

[0227] Each bar shown in FIG. 5 indicates how often an intensity combination fell within a particular range of intensity combinations during hundreds of tests on different articles. Specifically, the width of each bar on the X-axis 1500 indicates the lower and upper limits of the intensity combinations of the particular range, and the height of each bar on the Y-axis 1502 is proportional to the number of articles that, when tested, returned the intensity combination within the particular range. A line 1504 was plotted based on these bars to show the distribution of the obtained intensity combinations. As can be seen from FIG. 5, the obtained intensity combinations had a substantially normal distribution, or Gaussian distribution. This is an example of statistical distribution data of intensity combinations.

[0228] The X-axis also shows a selected minimum expected intensity combination 1506. In this embodiment, the minimum expected intensity combination 1506 was selected such that only 1% of the articles have an intensity combination less than the minimum expected intensity combination 1506. The X-axis also shows a selected maximum expected intensity combination 1508. In this embodiment, the maximum expected intensity combination 1508 was selected such that only 1% of the articles have an intensity combination greater than the maximum expected intensity combination 1508. The X-axis also shows a mean or expected intensity combination 1510. In this embodiment, the mean or expected intensity combination 1510 corresponds to the mean, median, and mode of the distribution since the distribution is substantially normal, or Gaussian.

[0229] A further line 1512 was also plotted on the graph. The line 1512 indicates the intensity score given for any particular determined intensity combination. For the line 1512, the X-axis 1500 indicates the intensity combination determined as described above, and the Y-axis 1502 indicates the score given to the determined intensity combination. Thus, as can be seen from FIG. 5, the intensity score given to a particular item 300 is greater the closer the determined intensity combination is to the expected or average intensity combination 1510. Thus, the highest score available 1514 corresponds to a determined intensity combination that is equal to the expected or average intensity combination 1510. As described above, if the determined intensity combination is less than the minimum expected intensity combination 1506 or greater than the maximum expected intensity combination 1508, the item 300 does not receive a score and is rejected.

[0230] The stored data has been described above with reference to data relating to the intensity of the optical radiation and combinations of intensities of the optical radiation, however, as one of ordinary skill in the art would understand after reading this disclosure, the stored data may include similar data relating to various other characteristics of the optical radiation, including, for example, any one or more of a combination of first derivatives of intensity time, a combination of second derivatives of intensity time, a combination of third or higher derivatives of intensity time, a combination of first partial intensities, a combination of second partial intensities, a combination of first partial intensity time derivatives, and a combination of second partial intensity time derivatives.

[0231] The stored data also includes, for a particular taggant, a minimum expected value representing the first derivative of the intensity of the light emission over time at a characteristic time, a maximum expected value representing the first derivative of the intensity of the light emission over time at a characteristic time, an average or expected value representing the first derivative of the intensity of the light emission over time at a characteristic time, and statistical variance data indicating the likelihood that the value representing the first derivative of the intensity of the light emission over time at a characteristic time varies from the average or expected value representing the first derivative of the intensity of the light emission over time at a characteristic time.

[0232] The stored data includes a score for each of a plurality of values ​​ranging from a minimum expected value to a maximum expected value. The scores are based on statistical distribution data. The highest score available corresponds to the average or expected value. This information is stored in a lookup table. The lookup table may be displayed as follows: [Table 2]

[0233] As one of ordinary skill in the art would understand after reading this disclosure, the stored data may include information for multiple taggants.

[0234] In this particular case, the characteristic time is 150 milliseconds after the light source has ceased illuminating the aerosol-generating article. As with the combination discussed above, a value indicative of the first derivative of the intensity of the optical radiation with time at this characteristic time is compared to its minimum and maximum expected values ​​for the taggant. As with the intensity combination, if the value indicative of the first derivative of the intensity of the optical radiation with time at the characteristic time is less than its minimum expected value or greater than its maximum expected value, the article is rejected.

[0235] If the value indicating the first derivative of the intensity of the light emission with respect to time at the characteristic time falls between its minimum and maximum expected values, then a score is received for the value indicating the first derivative of the intensity of the light emission with respect to time at this characteristic time. As with the intensity score, the score is greater the closer the value is to the expected or average value of the taggant. The score is determined by determining which value in the lookup table is closest to the determined value and then giving the determined value the score corresponding to that value in the lookup table. Thus, after these steps, and assuming that the article 300 has not been rejected, the controller 208 has determined a score of six for the article 300.

[0236] Each of these six scores is then compared to a respective score threshold, and in this embodiment, if two or more of the six scores are below their respective score thresholds, the item is rejected.

[0237] If the article is not rejected, the six scores are then added, each with equal weighting in this embodiment, to provide a total score. This total score is then compared to a total score threshold. If the total score is greater than the total score threshold, the controller 208 determines with a reasonable degree of certainty that the taggant 310 has the same spectroscopic characteristics as the taggant with which the stored data is associated, and therefore that the article 300 includes the taggant with which the stored data is associated, and thus that the article 300 is an optimized article that is configured for use with the device 200.

[0238] The controller 208 therefore notifies the user that the article 300 has been accepted via a display (not shown), enables power to be provided from the power source 206 to the heating element 210, and activates the smoke detection mechanism (not shown) of the device 200.

[0239] As one of ordinary skill in the art would understand after reading this disclosure, the stored data may include data relating to multiple taggants, in which case the comparison discussed above may be performed for each taggant to identify which, if any, of the multiple taggants are present within the article.

[0240] The user may then inhale on the article 300. This causes air to flow through the air inlet 218 and into the cavity 204. This inhalation is detected by a puff detection mechanism (not shown) of the device 200. The puff detection mechanism notifies the controller 208 that a puff has been taken, which in turn controls the power source 206 to provide power to the heating element 210. Specifically, power is sent to the heating element 210 to heat it, and thus to the article 300 to release volatile compounds from the aerosol-forming substrate 302. Air flows through the substrate 302, entraining these compounds. The air and entrained compounds then flow through the tubular transfer element 304. The entrained compounds cool and condense, generating an aerosol. The aerosol is drawn through the mouthpiece 306 and into the user's mouth. The user may then inhale the aerosol. The temperature of the heating element 210 is increased in a similar manner in response to each inhale or puff on the article 300 until the device 200 alerts the user that the experience is over, which may occur a predetermined time after the first inhale.

[0241] The device 200 may then return to an idle state and the item 300 is ready to be replaced with another unused item.

[0242] Described above is one particular method for analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver 216 to identify the spectroscopic signature of the taggants 310 and determine characteristics of the aerosol-generating article 300. This method may be illustrated as a flow chart, as shown in FIG. 6, and summarized again below.

[0243] Initially, the device 200 is in an idle state. This is the initial position of the flow chart. An item 300 is then received within the cavity 204 of the device 200 and a user then presses the button 220 on the device 200.

[0244] In response to pressing the button 220 , the controller 208 activates the light source 214 to illuminate the article 300 engaged with the device 200 with infrared light and excite the taggant 310 .

[0245] The controller 208 then terminates illumination of the article 300 by deactivating the light source 214 and activates the light receiver 216 .

[0246] The optical receiver 216 then receives the light emitted by the taggant 310 .

[0247] The optical receiver 216 converts this received light into an electrical signal, specifically a voltage signal where the voltage provided to the controller 208 is proportional to the intensity of the light received by the optical receiver 216 .

[0248] The controller 208 records the voltage value of the voltage signal, which is a value indicative of the intensity of the light emission from the taggant 310, and the corresponding time for each of a number of points in time over a predetermined period of time.

[0249] The controller 208 then normalizes the recorded voltage values.

[0250] The controller 208 then analyzes the optical radiation, and in particular the recorded normalized voltage values ​​of the electrical signals based on the optical radiation, to determine characteristics of the article 300. For simplicity, this analysis is shown as a single step in Figure 6. However, the analysis includes multiple steps, as described below and shown separately in Figure 7.

[0251] The controller 208 calculates a value indicative of the first derivative with respect to time of the intensity of the optical radiation for each of a plurality of time points.

[0252] The controller 208 then calculates a value indicative of the second derivative with respect to time of the intensity of the optical radiation for each of the multiple time points.

[0253] The controller 208 then calculates a combination of intensities of the optical radiation based on the recorded normalized voltage values.

[0254] The controller 208 then compares the calculated intensity combination to a lookup table based on intensity combinations. If the calculated intensity combination is less than the minimum expected intensity combination in the lookup table or greater than the maximum expected intensity combination in the lookup table, the article is rejected. Alternatively, the intensity combination is given an intensity score according to the lookup table.

[0255] The controller 208 then calculates a combination of the first derivatives of the intensity of the optical radiation with respect to time based on values ​​indicative of the first derivatives of the intensity of the optical radiation with respect to time at each of the multiple time points.

[0256] The controller 208 then compares the calculated intensity-time first derivative combination to a lookup table based on intensity-time first derivative combinations. If the calculated intensity-time first derivative combination is less than the combination of the first derivative of the time of the minimum expected intensity in the lookup table or greater than the combination of the first derivative of the time of the maximum expected intensity in the lookup table, the article is rejected. Alternatively, the intensity-time first derivative combination is given an intensity-time first derivative score according to the lookup table.

[0257] The controller 208 then calculates a combination of the second derivatives of the intensity of the optical radiation with respect to time based on values ​​indicative of the second derivatives of the intensity of the optical radiation with respect to time at each of the multiple time points.

[0258] The controller 208 then compares the calculated intensity-time second derivative combination to a lookup table based on intensity-time second derivative combinations. If the calculated intensity-time second derivative combination is less than the combination of the second derivative of the minimum expected intensity in the lookup table or greater than the combination of the second derivative of the maximum expected intensity in the lookup table, the article is rejected. Alternatively, the intensity-time second derivative combination is given an intensity-time second derivative score according to the lookup table.

[0259] The controller 208 then calculates a combination of first partial intensities of the optical radiation based on values ​​indicative of the intensities of the optical radiation at each of the plurality of time points.

[0260] The controller 208 then compares the calculated first part intensity combination to a lookup table based on first part intensity combinations. If the calculated first part intensity combination is less than the minimum expected first part intensity combination in the lookup table or greater than the maximum expected first part intensity combination in the lookup table, the article is rejected. Alternatively, the first part intensity combination is given a first part intensity score according to the lookup table.

[0261] The controller 208 then calculates a combination of second partial intensities of the optical radiation based on values ​​indicative of the intensities of the optical radiation at each of the plurality of time points.

[0262] The controller 208 then compares the calculated second part intensity combination to a lookup table based on second part intensity combinations. If the calculated second part intensity combination is less than the minimum expected second part intensity combination in the lookup table or greater than the maximum expected second part intensity combination in the lookup table, the article is rejected. Alternatively, the second part intensity combination is given a second part intensity score according to the lookup table.

[0263] Then, the determined value indicative of the first derivative of the intensity of the light radiation with respect to time at the characteristic time instant, which has already been calculated in this embodiment, is compared with the value indicative of the first derivative of the intensity of the light radiation with respect to time in a look-up table based on the characteristic time instant. If the determined value is less than the minimum expected value in the look-up table or greater than the maximum expected value in the look-up table, the article is rejected. Alternatively, the determined value is scored according to the look-up table.

[0264] At this stage, if the item 300 has not been rejected, the controller 208 has obtained a score of six.

[0265] Each of these six scores is then compared to a respective score threshold, and in this embodiment, if two or more of the six scores are below their respective score thresholds, the item is rejected.

[0266] If the article is not rejected, the six scores are then added, each with equal weighting in this embodiment, to provide a total score. This total score is then compared to a total score threshold. If the total score is greater than the total score threshold, the controller 208 determines a characteristic of the article. Specifically, the controller 208 determines with a reasonable degree of certainty that the taggant 310 has the same spectroscopic characteristics as the taggant to which the stored data is associated, and therefore that the article 300 includes the taggant to which the stored data is associated, and thus that the article 300 is an optimized article configured for use with the apparatus 200. This marks the end of the process of the controller 208 analyzing the optical emissions, and in particular, the normalized voltage value of the electrical signal based on the optical emissions.

[0267] Thus, the controller 208 notifies the user that the article 300 has been accepted via a display (not shown), enables power from the power source 206 to the heating element 210, and activates the puff detection mechanism.

[0268] The user may then inhale on article 300, which causes air to flow through air inlet 218 and into cavity 204.

[0269] This inhalation is detected using a puff detection mechanism (not shown) of the device 200. The puff detection mechanism notifies the controller 208 that a puff has taken place, which in turn controls the power source 206 to provide power to the heating element 210. Specifically, power is sent to the heating element 210 to heat it, and thus to the article 300 to release volatile compounds from the aerosol-forming substrate 302. Air flows through the substrate 302, entraining these compounds. The air and entrained compounds then flow through the tubular transfer element 304. The entrained compounds cool and condense, generating an aerosol. The aerosol is drawn through the mouthpiece 306 and into the user's mouth. The user may then inhale the aerosol. The temperature of the heating element 210 is increased in response to each inhalation or puff on the article 300 in a similar manner until the device 200 alerts the user that the experience is over. This may occur at a predetermined time after the first inhalation.

[0270] The device 200 may then return to an idle state and the article 300 is ready to be replaced with another unused article. One particular method of analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver 216 to identify the spectroscopic signature of the taggant 310 and determine the characteristics of the aerosol-generating article 300 was described above. In this method, six scores were obtained and compared to six individual score thresholds. Further, the six scores were added together and the sum was compared to a threshold. However, many other methods are possible, as one of ordinary skill in the art would understand after reading this disclosure.

[0271] For example, the method may include weighting the scores differently. The method may include calculating two or more sums, for example, a first sum of three scores, a second sum of three different scores, and a third sum of five scores, the third sum having a score that overlaps both the first sum and the second sum, and comparing the sums to respective thresholds. The article 300 may be rejected if all three sums are below their respective thresholds, or if two or more of the sums are below their respective thresholds, or if one or more of the sums are below their respective thresholds. Different combinations may be used, for example any of the combinations described herein. Different scoring techniques may be used.

[0272] For 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 to be 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 deviate by the percentages recited above, in some cases as used in the appended claims, provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel properties 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. 1. A method of controlling an aerosol generation system, said system comprising: an aerosol-generating article comprising a taggant having a distinguishable spectroscopic signature, the taggant being excitable by light to emit optical radiation; an aerosol generating device configured to engage and disengage from the aerosol-generating article, a light source for illuminating an aerosol-generating article engaged with the device; an aerosol generating device comprising: an optical receiver for receiving light emitted by an aerosol-generating article engaged with said device; The method comprises: the light source illuminating the aerosol-generating article engaged with the aerosol-generating device so as to excite the taggants to emit the optical radiation; the light source ceasing to illuminate the aerosol-generating article engaged with the aerosol-generating device; the optical receiver receiving the optical radiation after the light source has finished irradiating the aerosol-generating article; and analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver to determine a characteristic of the aerosol-generating article.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver comprises analyzing the intensity of the optical radiation over time.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver comprises analyzing a time derivative of the intensity of the optical radiation over time.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver comprises analyzing at least two different time derivatives of the intensity of the optical radiation over time.

5. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver comprises analyzing both the intensity of the optical radiation over time and at least one time derivative of the intensity of the optical radiation over time.

6. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver comprises converting the optical radiation received by the optical receiver into an electrical signal indicative of the intensity of the optical radiation over time.

7. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein analysing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver comprises determining a value indicative of the intensity of the optical radiation at each of a plurality of points in time.

8. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver comprises comparing the combination of values ​​indicative of the intensity of the optical radiation at each of the plurality of time points to stored data.

9. 6. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver comprises determining a value indicative of a time derivative of an intensity of the optical radiation at each of a plurality of time points, and comparing the combination of values ​​indicative of the time derivative of the intensity of the optical radiation at each of the plurality of time points with stored data.

10. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver comprises determining a value indicative of the intensity, or the time derivative of the intensity, of the optical radiation at at least one characteristic point in time occurring a predetermined length of time after the light source has ceased to irradiate the aerosol-generating article.

11. Analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver comprises: determining or estimating one or more properties of said optical radiation at a time point or at each of n time points; and, comparing a characteristic of the one or more characteristics to a corresponding threshold; and and determining whether a characteristic of the one or more characteristics falls within a corresponding range.

12. Analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver comprises: determining or estimating one or more properties of said optical radiation at each of n time points; and, comparing functions of at least two of the one or more characteristics to corresponding threshold values; comparing a first function of at least two of the one or more characteristics to a second function of at least two of the one or more characteristics; and and determining whether functions of at least two of the one or more characteristics fall within corresponding ranges.

13. Analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver comprises: determining or estimating one or more characteristics of said optical radiation at a time point or at each of n time points; and 6. A method according to any preceding claim, comprising determining or estimating the time it takes for a characteristic of the one or more characteristics to increase or decrease from a first level to a second level.

14. Analyzing the optical radiation received by the optical receiver comprises: collecting and / or recording data based on said optical emissions; and A method according to any preceding claim, comprising comparing this data with predetermined reference data.

15. 1. An aerosol generating device configured to engage and disengage from an aerosol-generating article comprising a taggant having a distinguishable spectroscopic signature, the taggant being excitable by light to emit optical radiation, the aerosol generating device comprising: a light source for illuminating an aerosol-generating article engaged with the device; a light receiver for receiving light emitted by an aerosol-generating article engaged with the device; a controller; The controller: activating the light source to illuminate the aerosol-generating article engaged with the aerosol-generating device so as to excite the taggants to emit the optical radiation that is received by the optical receiver; deactivating the light source to terminate irradiation of the aerosol-generating article engaged with the aerosol-generating device; and An aerosol generating device configured to analyze the optical radiation received by the optical receiver after the light source has finished irradiating the aerosol-generating article to determine characteristics of the aerosol-generating article.

16. 1. A controller for an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device configured to engage and disengage from an aerosol generating article comprising a taggant having a distinguishable spectroscopic signature, the taggant being excitable by light to emit optical radiation, the aerosol generating device comprising: a light source for illuminating an aerosol-generating article engaged with the device; a light receiver for receiving light emitted by an aerosol-generating article engaged with the device; The controller: activating the light source to illuminate the aerosol-generating article engaged with the aerosol-generating device so as to excite the taggants to emit the optical radiation; deactivating the light source to terminate irradiation of the aerosol-generating article engaged with the aerosol-generating device; and a controller configured to analyze the optical radiation received by the optical receiver after the light source has finished irradiating the aerosol-generating article to determine a characteristic of the aerosol-generating article.

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