Aerosol-generating system with chromatic recognition

Abstract

To provide an aerosol-generating system with chromatic recognition.SOLUTION: An aerosol-generating system (50) has an optical sensor (23) disposed on a portion of an exterior surface of the aerosol-generating system. The optical sensor is configured to output sensor data. A controller (29) is operably coupled to the optical sensor. The controller is configured to manipulate one or more operating parameters of an aerosolizer element of the aerosol-generating system on the basis of the optical sensor data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1B

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to systems, devices, kits, and methods for use in color recognition of aerosol-generating articles, and more particularly to optical sensors (such as color sensors) on components of an aerosol-generating system that provide data for manipulating or modifying one or more operating parameters of the components of the aerosol-generating system. [Background technology]

[0002] There is an increasing demand for handheld aerosol generating systems or devices that can deliver aerosols for inhalation by a user. Some aerosol generating devices operate by heating an aerosol-forming substrate with a heating element. In particular, some devices operate by inserting an electric heater into a solid aerosol-forming substrate and powering the heater from a battery included in the device. The aerosol generating device may generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating substrate in response to a user action, such as taking a puff. The user typically holds the aerosol generating device while smoking and between puffs.

[0003] Known handheld electrically operated aerosol generating systems typically comprise an aerosol generating device or main unit that comprises a battery, control electronics, and an electric heater for heating an aerosol generating article specifically designed for use with the aerosol generating device. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating article comprises an aerosol generating substrate such as a tobacco rod or tobacco plug. The aerosol generating substrate, such as tobacco, typically comprises one or more volatile compounds that form an aerosol when heated inside the aerosol generating device. The heater contained within the aerosol generating device is inserted into or around the aerosol generating substrate when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device. In some electrically operated aerosol generating systems, the aerosol generating article may comprise a capsule containing an aerosol generating substrate, such as loose tobacco.

[0004] Known handheld, electrically operated aerosol generating systems typically include an aerosol generating device and a charging unit configured to charge the aerosol generating device and may also be configured to house, contain or store the aerosol generating device between uses. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] It would be desirable to provide users with a convenient way to interact with an aerosol generating system through color recognition, appearance, or design. It would be desirable to provide users who wish to customize their aerosol generating system with a way to utilize color to modify the operation of the aerosol generating system. It would be desirable to provide users with a convenient way to modify the operation of the aerosol generating system based on the color of the packaging for the consumer item, where the aerosol generating system may be able to distinguish between consumables and aerosol generating items. It would be desirable to provide users with a kit that allows them to personalize the appearance of the aerosol generating system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Various aspects of the present disclosure relate to an aerosol generating system with color recognition. The present disclosure provides systems, devices, kits, and methods for use with color recognition of an aerosol generating article, and more specifically, an optical sensor (such as a color sensor) on an element of the aerosol generating system. The optical sensor provides data for manipulating one or more operating parameters of the element of the aerosol generating system.

[0007] In one aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol generation system includes an optical sensor disposed on a portion of an exterior surface of the aerosol generation system. The optical sensor is configured to output sensor data. A controller is operably coupled to the optical sensor. The controller is configured to manipulate one or more operating parameters of an aerosolizer element of the aerosol generation system based on the optical sensor data.

[0008] The aerosol generating system includes an aerosol generating device and a charging unit configured to charge and store the aerosol generating device between uses. The optical sensor may be disposed on an exterior surface of the charging unit.

[0009] In one aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol generation kit comprises an aerosol generation system herein and two or more coloring elements configured to apply a color layer to an exterior surface of the aerosol generation system.

[0010] An aerosol generating kit may include an aerosol generating system herein and packaging for containing the aerosol-generating consumer article, the packaging having a particular color associated with the aerosol-generating consumer article.

[0011] An aerosol generation kit may include an aerosol generation system herein and a skin layer configured to be disposed over an optical sensor, the skin layer having a particular color or configured to be pigmented.

[0012] The systems, devices, and methods may provide a cost-effective and simple way for users to customize both the appearance and operation of their aerosol generating systems. The optical sensor on the outer housing provides directionless identification and avoids potential contamination of the consumer item or the aerosol generating item.

[0013] All scientific and technical terms used herein have the meanings commonly used in the art unless otherwise specified. The definitions provided herein are provided to facilitate understanding of certain terms used frequently herein.

[0014] The term "aerosol-generating article" or "aerosol-generating substrate" refers to a substrate capable of releasing, upon heating, volatile compounds capable of forming an aerosol. The aerosol generated from an aerosol-generating substrate of a smoking article according to the present disclosure may be visible or invisible, and may include vapor (e.g., fine particles of a substance in a gaseous state, e.g., of a substance that is normally a liquid or solid at room temperature) as well as gas and condensed vapor droplets.

[0015] The terms "controller" and "processor" refer to any device or apparatus capable of providing suitable computing and control capabilities, such as, for example, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), equivalent discrete or integrated logic circuitry, or any combination thereof, and suitable data storage capabilities, including any medium containing digital bits (e.g., coded in binary or ternary, etc.) which may be readable and / or writable (e.g., volatile or non-volatile memory, magnetic recording media such as CD-ROMs, disks or tapes, etc.).

[0016] The term "communication interface" refers to any device or apparatus capable of providing appropriate data communication capabilities between the aerosol generating device and a user interface device (e.g., various telemetry circuits and antennas, etc.), which may use one or more wired or wireless (e.g., radio frequency) data transmission protocols, such as, for example, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, any protocol in the ultra high frequency (UHF) band, any protocol in the centimeter wave (SHF) band, low frequency, or a combination thereof.

[0017] The term "aerosol-generating device" refers to a device configured to use an aerosol-generating article or an aerosol-generating substrate to generate an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating device may be described as a smoking article or holder, in particular a tobacco stick holder. The aerosol-generating device also preferably includes an aerosolizer. The aerosolizer may include an atomizer, a cartomizer, a heater, or other aerosolization components.

[0018] The term "aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating substrate" refers to a device or substrate that emits a compound that may form an aerosol that is inhaled by a user. In some cases, the substrate may emit a volatile compound upon heating. The aerosol-generating substrate preferably comprises nicotine. A suitable aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a plant-derived material. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise tobacco or a tobacco-containing material that contains a volatile tobacco flavor compound that is released from the aerosol-generating substrate upon heating. Additionally or alternatively, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a non-tobacco-containing material. The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a homogenized plant-derived material. The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise at least one aerosol former. The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise other additives and ingredients, such as flavorants. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating substrate is a liquid at room temperature. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may be a liquid solution, suspension, dispersion, or the like. The liquid aerosol-generating substrate may comprise glycerol, propylene glycol, water, nicotine, and optionally one or more flavorants. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating substrate is a solid at room temperature, such as a tobacco stick or nicotine powder.

[0019] The term "tobacco material" refers to a material or substance that contains tobacco (including, for example, tobacco blends or flavored tobacco).

[0020] While certain frequently used terms have been defined above, the aerosol generating systems of the present disclosure are described in more detail herein. In general, the aerosol generating systems each include an optical sensor configured to detect color information. The detected color data may be used to modify the aerosol delivery profile or in other ways that provide a benefit to the user.

[0021] The aerosol generating system may include one or more housings configured to be held by a user. In some embodiments, the system may include an aerosol generating device having a housing. The system may include a charging unit having a separate housing. The housing of the aerosol generating device may be configured to couple to a housing of the charging unit, for example to be received by the charging unit. The charging unit may enclose the aerosol generating device.

[0022] The aerosol generating system includes an aerosol generating device and a charging unit configured to charge and store the aerosol generating device between uses. The optical sensor is preferably located on an exterior surface of the charging unit.

[0023] The aerosol generating device may include a battery. The charging unit may recharge the aerosol generating device when operatively coupled together. The charging unit may include a battery having a larger capacity than the battery of the aerosol generating device.

[0024] The aerosol-generating device includes an aerosolizer that, when in use, is enclosed by a housing and is configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating substrate.

[0025] Any suitable type of aerosolizer may be used. In some cases, the aerosolizer may be thermally or fluidly coupled to the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosolizer may be adapted for use with various types of aerosol-generating substrates.

[0026] The aerosolizer may include a heating blade for use with a solid aerosol-generating substrate. The heating blade may be coupled to the housing of the aerosol generating device to receive power from a power source (battery). For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may be provided in the form of a heat stick. The heating blade may be inserted into the heat stick and heated to generate an aerosol from the solid substrate. The solid substrate may be smoking material, such as tobacco. The heat provided by the heating blade to the heat stick may not combust the smoking material.

[0027] The aerosolizer may include a heater, a heater coil, a chemical heat source (such as a carbon heat source), or any suitable means for heating a substrate to generate an aerosol. The aerosolizer may be coupled to the housing of the aerosol generating device to receive power from a power source (battery) and may be positioned adjacent to the substrate. For example, a heating element of the heater may be positioned adjacent to the aerosol-generating substrate and may be heated to generate an aerosol from a liquid or solid substrate. The heater coil may include a susceptor adjacent to the aerosol-forming substrate and electromagnetic energy may be transferred to the susceptor to heat the substrate when a powered induction coil is positioned adjacent to the susceptor.

[0028] The aerosolizer may include an atomizer. The liquid aerosol-generating substrate may be contained within a substrate housing and in fluid communication with the atomizer. The atomizer may mechanically generate the aerosol from the liquid substrate instead of relying solely on temperature.

[0029] The aerosolizer may be adapted for use with an aerosol-generating substrate having a nicotine source and a lactic acid source. The nicotine source may include a sorption element (such as a PTFE wick having nicotine adsorbed thereon), which may be inserted into a chamber forming a first compartment. The lactic acid source may include a sorption element (such as a PTFE wick having lactic acid adsorbed thereon), which may be inserted into a chamber forming a second compartment. The aerosolizer may include a heater for heating both the nicotine source and the lactic acid source. The nicotine vapor may then react with the lactic acid vapor in the gas phase to form an aerosol.

[0030] The aerosol-generating substrate is at least partially disposed within the aerosol-generating device during use. The aerosol-generating substrate may be removable after it has been consumed. A new aerosol-generating substrate may be received by the aerosol-generating device to replace the consumed substrate.

[0031] The aerosol generation system includes one or more optical sensors configured to detect color information. The optical sensors may be positioned on an exterior surface of an element of the aerosol generation system. Preferably, the optical sensors are positioned on an exterior surface of a charging unit of the aerosol generation system.

[0032] The aerosol generation system includes a controller operably coupled to the optical sensor. The controller is configured to manipulate one or more operating parameters of an aerosolizer component of the aerosol generation system based on the optical sensor data. The controller may be configured to automatically modify one or more operating parameters of the aerosolizer component of the aerosol generation system based on the optical sensor data.

[0033] The optical sensor may be a color sensor configured to detect color information. Color information refers to color information. The optical sensor may be configured to sense and output sensor data corresponding to the color detected by the optical sensor. The output sensor data may be utilized by the controller to manipulate or modify the operation of the aerosolizer element or the aerosol generating device of the aerosol generating system based on the output sensor data. For example, the output sensor data may increase or decrease a temperature rise or a change in temperature or temperature profile of the aerosolizer element or the aerosol generating device of the aerosol generating system based on the output sensor data.

[0034] In some embodiments, a user may place an aerosol-generating substrate or article in optical communication with an optical sensor. The optical sensor may detect the color of the aerosol-generating substrate or article (or its packaging) and modify the operation of the aerosolizer element of the aerosol-generating system or the aerosol-generating device based on the output sensor data. In this manner, the operation of the aerosolizer element of the aerosol-generating system or the aerosol-generating device may have a number of pre-set operating parameters that are utilized for a particular aerosol-generating substrate or article based on the color of the aerosol-generating substrate or article, or the color of the packaging of the aerosol-generating substrate or article.

[0035] The optical sensor may be optically coupled to packaging for the aerosol-generating article, and the controller is configured to manipulate one or more operating parameters of the aerosolizer element of the aerosol generating system based on the color of the packaging detected by the optical sensor.

[0036] In some embodiments, a user may apply a color layer to the optical sensor. The color layer may be applied by a coloring element. The coloring element may include a color marker or pen. The color layer may be applied by a skin or mask layer, or a stencil layer. Thus, a user may use color to customize the housing or charging unit of the aerosol generation system.

[0037] The user applied color may be optically coupled to an optical sensor, which may detect the applied color and modify operation of the aerosolizer element or aerosol generating device of the aerosol generating system based on the output sensor data. In this manner, operation of the aerosolizer element or aerosol generating device of the aerosol generating system may have a number of pre-set operating parameters that are utilized as dictated by the user by applying a particular color to the optical sensor.

[0038] The optical sensor may be a board-on-chip type sensor. The optical sensor may be operably coupled to an electronic control unit or controller. The controller may include a memory that stores one or more aerosol delivery profiles or aerosol formation heating profiles associated with the color or color data generated by the optical sensor. The controller may be included in the charging unit. The controller may be included in the aerosol generating device. Both the charging unit and the aerosol generating device may include the controller.

[0039] The optical sensor may include a color sensor and a light source (such as a solid-state light source). The color sensor may sense light from the light source that is reflected off a colored surface in proximity to the optical sensor. The optical sensor may include a light-transmissive layer that forms a portion of an exterior surface of the aerosol generation system.

[0040] The colored surface may be referred to as a "target" and may include any suitable colored surface as described herein. The solid-state light source of the optical sensor may provide uniform and repeatable illumination of the target surface.

[0041] When the reflected light reaches the optical sensor, the optical sensor may send a specific electronic signal in response, which is analyzed by an electronic control unit or controller, and the match is then compared with the defined relevant data. If such data matches the defined target, the electronic signal then triggers an action as programmed into the control unit. These triggered actions include one or more of: turning on a set of LED lights built into the device that can light up in different colors, or changing the operating mode of the device in terms of temperature profile, duration of the consumer experience (such as aerosol delivery profile), or unlocking or locking the device for use, or resetting the device to its original pre-settings at the time of manufacture.

[0042] Thus, as described above, the present invention allows consumers to customize the cover of the device with a given color and enhance the color based on the legacy illumination provided by the existing LEDs integrated into the cover(s), and this illumination can be dynamic over time in terms of different colors and light intensities.

[0043] Not only is a given package having a particular color on at least one of its surfaces brought into close proximity to a sensor present within the device, but such color will be recognized by the device as one of the pre-set colors, as programmed, and accordingly act to appropriately change the operating mode of the device for that particular consumable based on the color of the package.

[0044] One advantage is that if the color of the consumable's packaging is not recognized by the programming of the device, meaning it is a competitor's product or a counterfeit product, the device will not operate.

[0045] A particular coloring process may create and define a specific pigment deposit (including metal particles that impart a specific light reflection and generate a unique color pattern) on the surface of the product packaging (target) and is therefore unique in terms of its reproducibility and difficult to replicate.

[0046] In one embodiment, an aerosol generating kit comprises an aerosol generating system as described herein and two or more coloring elements configured to apply a color layer to an exterior surface of the aerosol generating system.

[0047] In one embodiment, an aerosol generating kit includes an aerosol generating system as described herein and packaging for containing an aerosol-generating consumer article, the packaging having a particular color associated with the aerosol-generating consumer article.

[0048] In one embodiment, an aerosol generation kit includes an aerosol generation system as described herein and a skin layer configured to be disposed over an optical sensor, the skin layer having a particular color or configured to be pigmented.

[0049] The present invention may provide a non-directional identification of a target color. The present invention may provide a non-contaminating method of sensing a target color. The present invention may provide a unique way for consumers to customize a system while altering or interacting with the operating parameters of the system through the use or identification of color.

[0050] The aerosol generating device may include a controller. The controller may be operably coupled to the aerosolizer. The controller may also be either operably coupled directly to the optical sensor or operably coupled to the optical sensor via a controller contained within the charging unit. The controller of the aerosol generating device may be contained by a housing of the aerosol generating device. The controller is configured to activate the aerosolizer to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosolizer may be activated to generate an aerosol according to an aerosol delivery profile.

[0051] The charging unit may include a controller separate from the controller of the aerosol generating device. If the charging unit includes an optical sensor, the controller may also be operably coupled to the optical sensor. The charging unit controller may be contained by the charging unit housing.

[0052] The functions described herein with respect to the optical sensor may be performed by, for example, one or more controllers in the aerosol generating device or the charging unit, In particular, the one or more controllers, when operably connected to the optical sensor, are configured to provide an aerosol delivery profile related to at least one color characteristic detected by the optical sensor.

[0053] The aerosol delivery profile (or other operating parameters of the device) determined from the detected color characteristics may be communicated between the aerosol generating device and the charging unit. In one embodiment, one or more of the controllers includes a communication interface configured to operatively communicate the color data. For example, the communication interface of the aerosol generating device may be configured to communicate the color data to at least one of the charging unit and a separate user interface. The separate user interface may be part of a device separate from the aerosol generating system, such as a smartphone, tablet, or a user wearable device (e.g., a smart watch). The separate user interface may include a display or speaker to relay information to the user, for example, using graphics or audio. The color data may also be used as input to one or more applications running on the separate user interface.

[0054] The separate user interface may be an internet-enabled device. The color data may be communicated to the internet-enabled device, which may communicate the color data over the internet for remote storage or use. For example, the color data may be stored on a remote server. The remote server may be used to further process the data or to store the data for later access, for example by a user on a cloud-based data interface.

[0055] The communication interface may be any suitable interface, wired or wireless, configured to communicate data between devices, such as Universal Serial Bus (USB), power line, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular data network, etc.

[0056] Various devices may be connected to the communication interface or may be removed over time. The communication interface may be configured to receive data from other devices. Such received data may be provided to a user, for example, using a user interface of the aerosol generation system.

[0057] The aerosol generating system may also include one or more user interfaces for providing the color data to a user. In some embodiments, a display or speaker is operably coupled to one or more of the controllers. The display may be configured to display a graphic based on the color data, for example. The graphic may include alphanumeric characters or other images.

[0058] One or more of the controllers may include a memory. The memory may be used to store various types of data, such as color data. The stored color data may be used, displayed, or communicated at a later time. In one embodiment, the color data may be determined and stored on the controller of the aerosol generating device. In another embodiment, the color data may be determined and stored on the controller of the charging unit. In a further embodiment, the color data may be communicated and stored from the aerosol generating device to the charging unit, or vice versa.

[0059] The color data may be used by the controller to modify an aerosol delivery profile. The aerosol delivery profile describes how an aerosol is generated from an aerosol-forming substrate and delivered to a user. For example, the aerosol delivery profile may adjust the activation of an aerosolizer to increase or decrease the amount of aerosol generated. In some embodiments, the aerosol delivery profile includes a nicotine delivery profile. The nicotine delivery profile may describe the amount of nicotine delivered to a user.

[0060] The aerosol delivery profile may be selected from a plurality of preprogrammed aerosol delivery profiles. The preprogrammed aerosol delivery profiles may be stored in the memory of the controller or may be communicated to the controller, for example, from another controller or a user terminal (e.g., a smartphone). Each aerosol delivery profile may be appropriate for different color data sensed by the optical sensor.

[0061] A controller may be provided in any suitable form and may include, for example, a processor and a memory. A controller generally includes a memory that contains instructions that cause one or more components to perform the functions or aspects of the controller. The functionality attributed to a controller in this disclosure may be embodied as one or more of software, firmware, and hardware.

[0062] Specifically, one or more of the components described herein (such as the controller) may include a processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU), computer, logic array, or other device capable of directing data into or out of the controller. The controller may include one or more computing devices having memory, processing, and communication hardware. The controller may include circuitry used to couple the various components of the controller together or with other components operably coupled to the controller. The functions of the controller may be implemented by hardware and / or as computer instructions on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

[0063] The processor of the controller may include any one or more of a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and / or equivalent discrete or integrated logic circuitry. In some embodiments, the processor may include multiple components such as one or more microprocessors, one or more controllers, one or more DSPs, one or more ASICs, and / or one or more FPGAs, as well as any combination of other discrete or integrated logic circuitry. The functionality attributed to a controller or processor herein may be embodied as software, firmware, hardware, or any combination thereof. Alternative controllers, while described herein as processor-based systems, may utilize other components such as relays and timers to achieve the desired results, either alone or in combination with a microprocessor-based system.

[0064] In one or more embodiments, the exemplary systems, methods, and interfaces may be implemented using one or more computer programs using a computing facility that may include one or more processors and / or memory. The program code and / or logic described herein may be applied to input data / information to perform the functionality described herein and to generate desired output data / information. The output data / information may be applied as input to one or more other devices and / or methods as described herein or as would be applied in a known manner. In view of the above, it will be readily apparent that the controller functions as described herein may be implemented in any manner known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0065] The controller may be configured to regulate the supply of power, for example, the power supplied to the aerosolizer may be managed by the controller, for example to regulate the generation of aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0066] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a charging unit of an aerosol generation system in a closed position and an open position, respectively. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a charging unit of an aerosol generation system in a closed position and an open position, respectively. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating, in cross-section, one embodiment of an aerosol generating device of an aerosol generating system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a controller for an aerosol generation system. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an optical sensor. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional perspective view of an embodiment of an optical sensor. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram in cross-section of an embodiment of an optical sensor forming part of an exterior surface of an element of an aerosol generation system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0067] 1A-1B show an aerosol generating system 50 including a charging unit 52, which includes a cover 25 (lid) and a main charging unit 26 (body). The cover 25 may be open (FIG. 2A) or closed (FIG. 2B). The cover 25 opens smoothly at least up to about 90 degrees to provide sufficient clearance for a user's fingers. When the cover 25 is open, the user may remove the aerosol generating device 27 from the main charging unit 26.

[0068] The aerosol generation system 50 includes an optical sensor 23. The optical sensor 23 may be disposed on a portion of an exterior surface of the aerosol generation system 50. The optical sensor 23 may be disposed on a portion of an exterior surface of the main charging unit 52. The optical sensor 23 may be disposed on a portion of an exterior surface of the main charging unit body 26.

[0069] The aerosol generation system 50 includes a controller 29. The controller 29 is operably coupled to the optical sensor 23. The controller 29 is configured to manipulate one or more operating parameters of the aerosolizer component of the aerosol generation system 50 based on the optical sensor data.

[0070] The cover 25 defines a cavity having an interior volume sufficient to accommodate the aerosol generating device 27. As shown in Figure 2A, the aerosol generating device 27 may be inserted into a charging unit 52. The cover 25 may be closed to contain and protect the aerosol generating device 27 during charging.

[0071] The main charging unit 26 includes an electronic control unit 29 (controller) and a power source 30, which may include a battery(ies). The power source 30 is typically larger and stores more charge than the power source 7 (FIG. 2) of the aerosol generating device 27. Although not shown, the charging unit 52 may include a wired or wireless communication interface to communicate with the aerosol generating device 27, for example using the electrical unit 8 (FIG. 2).

[0072] 2 illustrates an aerosol generating device 27, including a primary tobacco stick holder 1 or controller portion and a cover 2 or mouth portion. The primary tobacco stick holder 1 and cover 2 together define a housing of the aerosol generating device 27. The cover 2 defines a cavity 3 configured to receive a tobacco heat stick (not shown). The tobacco heat stick may be pierced by a heating element 4 (aerosolizer) when inserted into the cavity 3. The heating element 4 may be provided, for example, in the form of a blade or pin, and utilizes a resistor for resistive heating or a susceptor for inductive heating.

[0073] When activated, the heating element 4 increases the temperature of the tobacco heat stick. The holder 5, or base of the heating element 4, provides an electrical connection (operable coupling) between the heating element 4 and an electronic control unit 6 (controller). The electronic control unit 6 is operably coupled to a power source 7, which may include a battery(ies). The electronic control unit 6 is used to activate the heating element or to deliver power to the heating element. An electrical unit 8 (communication interface) having a printed circuit board is operably coupled to the electronic control unit 6 and the power source 7. The electrical unit 8 is operably coupled to electrical or data contact pads 9, which may be used to connect to an external power source for charging and to an external device for communicating data. The electrical unit 8 and the electronic control unit 6 may be operably coupled using a connection board 10 or using traces on a flat flexible board.

[0074] Light emitting diodes 15 are provided along the primary tobacco stick holder 1 and provide status indications such as on / off or operating mode. The light emitting diodes 15 may be color coded to provide such indications. Operation buttons 16 or actuators are provided along the primary tobacco stick holder 1 to allow a user to turn the aerosol generating device 1 on or off as well as access certain menu modes. The light emitting diodes 15 and the operation buttons 16 are operably coupled to a printed circuit board 17. The printed circuit board 17 is operably coupled to the electronic control unit 6 by a connection board 19 or by wiring on a flat flexible board. A recessed surface 18 may be provided along the primary tobacco stick holder 1 to provide ergonomic contact with and protection of the light emitting diodes 15 and the operation buttons 16 for the user's fingers. In particular, the recessed surface 18 provides some protection from unintentional actuation of the operation buttons 16. The primary tobacco stick holder 1 may include a display 30 (user interface), which may display alphanumeric or other graphics visible to the user.

[0075] The hollow housing 20 defines the cavity 3 and also provides air management around the tobacco heat stick when inserted into the cavity 3. The hollow housing 20 may also be used to extract the tobacco heat stick from the aerosol generation device 1.

[0076] 3 shows a controller 100 having an operative connection 102 to the optical sensor 23 and an operative connection 104 to other devices 110 using a communication interface 108. The controller 100 may be included within the aerosol generating device or charging unit. The other devices 110 may be the aerosol generating device 27, the charging unit 52, or an external internet-enabled device separate from the aerosol generating system.

[0077] The controller 100 includes a processor 112 and a memory 114. The processor 112 receives color or chromaticity data 116 and determines operational data 118 based on the color or chromaticity data 116. The processor 112 determines an aerosol delivery profile 120 based on the color data 118, and optionally based on other input received using the communications interface 108 or by a user interface (not shown). The memory 114 stores preprogrammed aerosol delivery profiles 121. The aerosol delivery profile 120 may be selected by the processor 112 from the preprogrammed aerosol delivery profiles 121.

[0078] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an optical sensor 23. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an embodiment of an optical sensor 23. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an embodiment of an optical sensor 23 forming part of an exterior surface 26 of an element of an aerosol generation system.

[0079] The optical or color sensor 23 includes a light-sensitive sensor 123 and a light source 124 on a substrate or chip 126. The substrate or chip 126 may be referred to as a board-on-chip and may provide electronic circuitry that allows components (such as the controller 29) to interface and connect with the optical or color sensor 23.

[0080] The light-sensitive sensor 123 and the light source 124 may be disposed side-by-side. The light source housing 125 may contain the light and direct the light towards the target 309, 313. The polarizer element 122 may be disposed over the light-sensitive sensor 123 to direct the light in a parallel manner (unidirectional light 212) onto the light-sensitive sensor 123.

[0081] Light 210 emitted from the light source 124 may be transmitted through the light transmitting layer 127 and then reflected from the target 309, 313. This reflected light 211 may be incident on the optical sensor 23 or the light sensitive sensor 123 through the light transmitting layer 127 and optionally the polarizer element 122.

[0082] The particular embodiments described above are intended to illustrate the invention, however, it should be understood that other embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims, and that the particular embodiments described above are not intended to be limiting.

[0083] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include embodiments having plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0084] As used herein, "or" is generally used in its inclusive sense, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term "and / or" refers to one or all of the listed elements or a combination of any two or more of the listed elements.

[0085] As used herein, the words "have," "having," "include," "including," "comprise," "comprising," and the like are used in an open-ended sense and generally mean "including, but not limited to." It should be understood that "consisting essentially of," "consisting of," and the like are subsumed under "comprising" and the like.

[0086] The words "preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments of the invention that may, under particular circumstances, offer certain advantages. However, other embodiments may also be preferred, under the same or other circumstances. Moreover, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the present disclosure, including the claims.

Claims

1. 1. An aerosol generation system comprising: an optical sensor disposed on a portion of an exterior surface of the aerosol generation system, the optical sensor configured to output sensor data; An aerosol generation system comprising: a controller operably coupled to the optical sensor and configured to manipulate one or more operating parameters of an aerosolizer element of the aerosol generation system based on the optical sensor data.

2. 2. The aerosol generation system of claim 1, comprising an aerosol generating device and a charging unit configured to charge and store the aerosol generating device between uses, the optical sensor being disposed on the exterior surface of the charging unit.

3. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the optical sensor is a color sensor.

4. The aerosol generation system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the controller is configured to automatically modify one or more operating parameters of an aerosolizer element of the aerosol generation system based on the optical sensor data.

5. 5. The aerosol generating system of claim 1, wherein the optical sensor is optically coupled to packaging for an aerosol-generating article, and the controller is configured to manipulate one or more operating parameters of an aerosolizer element of the aerosol generating system based on the color of the packaging detected by the optical sensor.

6. 6. The aerosol generation system according to claim 1, further comprising a colouring element configured to apply a colour layer to the exterior surface of the aerosol generation system.

7. 7. The aerosol generating system according to claim 1, wherein the optical sensor comprises a color sensor and a light source, such as a solid-state light source.

8. 8. The aerosol generation system according to claim 1, wherein the optical sensor comprises a light-transmitting layer forming part of the exterior surface of the aerosol generation system.

9. 1. An aerosol generation kit comprising: An aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 8; and two or more coloring elements configured to apply a color layer to the exterior surface of the aerosol generation system.

10. 1. An aerosol generation kit comprising: An aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 9; and packaging for containing an aerosol-generating consumer article, said packaging having a particular color associated with said aerosol-generating consumer article.

11. 1. An aerosol generation kit comprising: An aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, 11. An aerosol generation kit comprising: a skin layer configured to be placed on the optical sensor, the skin layer configured to have a particular color or to be colored.

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