Heating status indicator and heating method for aerosol generating device

Abstract

To provide an aerosol generating device that takes into account various parameters influencing a heat-up procedure and effectively indicates when the device is ready for use.SOLUTION: An aerosol generating device 1 includes: a heating chamber 2 to hold an aerosol generating medium 5; a heater 6 to heat the heating chamber 2; a temperature measuring means 7 to measure the temperature of the heater or heating chamber; at least one indicator to indicate when the measured temperature has reached a use temperature and / or when an initialization heating time has elapsed; and control circuitry to operate the heater 6 and indicator according to a rule that is stored in a memory 3 and defines an operating process of the heater and indicator. The indicator is operated to indicate when the measured temperature has reached the use temperature and / or when an initialization heating time has elapsed, thereby signaling when the aerosol generating device is ready for use.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device such as an e-cigarette, a vaporizer, or a non-combustion heating device.

Background Art

[0002] The popularity and use of risk reduction devices or risk modification devices (also known as vaporizers) have grown rapidly in recent years as a help to assist habitual smokers who wish to stop smoking conventional tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, cigars, and rolled tobacco. Instead of relying on the combustion of tobacco, various devices and systems are available that heat aerosolizable substances to release inhalable vapors.

[0003] Generally available risk reduction devices or risk modification devices are heated substrate aerosol generating devices or heat-not-burn devices. This type of device generates an aerosol or vapor by heating an aerosol substrate, typically containing moist leaf tobacco or other suitable aerosolizable material, to a temperature typically in the range of 150°C to 300°C. By heating rather than burning or igniting the aerosol substrate, an aerosol is released that contains the components desired by the user but does not contain toxic and carcinogenic by-products resulting from combustion and ignition. Furthermore, the aerosol produced by heating tobacco or other aerosolizable material typically does not contain the burnt or bitter taste resulting from combustion and ignition, which can be unpleasant for the user. Therefore, the substrate does not require sugars and other additives typically added to such materials to make the smoke and / or vapor more palatable to the user.

[0004] Known aerosol generating devices generally include a heating chamber for receiving a consumable aerosol generating substrate, a power source, and a control circuit for controlling the supply of power from the power source to the heating chamber.

[0005] Different types of aerosol generating devices have been considered in the state of the art. For example, WO 2007 / 012007 discloses a method and system for vaporizing a substance, which substance is a tobacco cartridge.

[0006] Another example is shown in WO 2017 / 191176. This publication discloses a cartridge for use with an aerosol generating system comprising a reservoir for storing an aerosol-forming liquid and an inductively heatable element. The cartridge utilizes a capillary element to convey the aerosol-forming liquid from the reservoir to the inductively heatable element, which is arranged to heat the conveyed aerosol-forming liquid to evaporate it. In embodiments of this system, an aerosol-forming liquid or a non-liquid flavor release medium is used.

[0007] At a general level, an aerosol generating device can supply heat to a substance to generate vapor or an aerosol using one of a number of different approaches. One such approach is an aerosol generating device that supplies heat to a detachable body of a so-called "stick" containing tobacco material. In such a device, proximity of the heat source to the body, i.e., the tobacco stick, is typically desirable in order to maximize the thermal energy transferred from the heat source of the device to the aerosol generating material. Ideally, the detachable body is in contact with the heat source to maximize the efficiency of heat transfer. Examples of such products are commercialized under the trade names Ploom TECH™ and Ploom+™, with the Ploom TECH™ product using a low-temperature heating process while the Ploom+™ product uses a high-temperature heating process.

[0008] Generally, the device comprises a body, an oven having a heating chamber for a tobacco stick, electronic means such as a PCB for operating the device, and an energy source such as a battery (whether rechargeable or not).

[0009] One of the problems faced by the user in using such a device is an appropriate indication of the preheating (or heating) state of the device to accurately inform the user when the device is operational, i.e., in a vaping state.

[0010] The requirements of the heating process may depend on several factors, such as time, battery level, the effective temperature of the device (whether it has just been used for vaping or has not been used for a certain period and is currently cold), the ambient temperature (e.g., the external surrounding temperature), and the specific choice of the aerosol-generating product used in the device for vaping. The fact that there are many such factors and that these parameters can change during use makes it difficult to determine appropriate heating parameters (e.g., heating duration, temperature, or order of temperature) to ensure that the aerosol-generating product is heated to the correct temperature and the device is in an operational state. In some cases, the aerosol-generating device may incorrectly inform the user that the device is in an operational state, resulting in underheating or overheating of the aerosol-generating consumable and an inadequate user experience. Also, it is important for the device to be initialized for use as quickly and efficiently as possible to improve the user experience.

[0011] In view of the drawbacks of the prior art discussed above, the present invention aims, among other things, to address at least one of the above problems, in particular, to consider various parameters affecting the heating procedure and effectively indicate when the device is in an operational state. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM

[0012] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device, comprising: a heating chamber arranged to hold an aerosol generating medium; a heater arranged to heat the heating chamber during use; temperature measuring means arranged to measure the temperature of the heater or the heating chamber; at least one indicator configured to indicate when the measured temperature reaches a use temperature and / or when an initialization heating time has elapsed; a memory storing one or more rules, each rule defining an operating process of the heater and the indicator; and a control circuit configured to select a rule stored in the memory and operate the heater and the indicator according to the selected rule. The indicator is operated to indicate when the measured temperature reaches the use temperature and / or when the initialization heating time has elapsed, thereby notifying that the aerosol generating device is in a usable state.

[0013] Since the aerosol generating device stores one or more rules for operating the heater and the indicator, the aerosol generating device can adapt to changing parameters that affect the heating procedure by selecting an appropriate rule that provides optimal heating of the aerosol generating medium for the current parameters. Further, since the control of both the heater and the indicator is managed by rules, it can be ensured that the user is accurately notified when the device is in a usable state to avoid overheating or underheating of the aerosol generating medium and related detrimental effects on the user experience. Therefore, when the indicator operates to notify that the aerosol generating device is in a usable state, it can be guaranteed that an optimal user experience is provided. In some embodiments, the control circuit may enable the device to be in a usable state only when appropriate conditions are met, for example, when the measured temperature reaches the use temperature or when the initialization heating time has elapsed.

[0014] The aerosol-generating medium may be in the form of a consumable that is heated to release an aerosol. The heating chamber is preferably arranged to receive a tobacco rod (or tobacco stick).

[0015] "Ready for use" means that the aerosol-generating medium has reached the required duration and the required temperature for effectively generating an aerosol. In other words, the aerosol-generating medium has reached the operating temperature.

[0016] It is further preferred to operate the indicator to indicate when the measured temperature has reached the operating temperature and / or when the initialization heating time has elapsed, thereby informing that the aerosol-generating device is in a ready-for-use state, and to operate the indicator to provide a unique signal related to the device in the ready-for-use state. For example, the indicator may be operated one or more times during the heating period before the measured temperature reaches the operating temperature and / or before the initialization heating time has elapsed, and then operated to provide a different signal indicating that the device is in a ready-for-use state. For example, a light-emitting indicator may gradually light up during the heating period, but may light up completely when the measured temperature reaches the operating temperature and / or when the initialization heating time has elapsed and the device is in a ready-for-use state.

[0017] Preferably, the memory stores a first rule, and the control circuit is configured to operate the heater and the indicator according to the first rule. The first rule is to operate the heater to heat the heating chamber to the use temperature during the heating period, and then maintain the heating chamber at the use temperature, and operate the indicator to indicate that the device is in a usable state when the initialization heating time has elapsed. The initialization heating time is longer than the heating period. In this way, the indication that the device is in a usable state is associated not with the temperature of the heater, but with the initialization heating time, that is, a specific heating duration. For a specific aerosol-generating medium, such as a tobacco-based consumable, and in some environments, such as at a low ambient temperature, there is a delay after the heater reaches the use temperature before the aerosol-generating medium effectively releases the aerosol. By configuring the device in this way, the aerosol-generating medium is held at the use temperature for a predetermined time to ensure that it is in a usable state. The initialization time can be selected based on one or more of the measured initial heating temperature, ambient temperature, the specific aerosol-generating medium to be heated, or user selection.

[0018] The heating period is the time from the initial heater start-up time until the measured temperature reaches the use temperature. Maintaining the use temperature means maintaining the use temperature during the session duration, that is, for a time sufficient for the user to substantially exhaust the aerosol-generating medium using the device. The session duration can be, for example, 2 to 10 minutes, more preferably 3 to 6 minutes.

[0019] The initialization time can be the heating duration from the initial heater start time until the indicator operates to indicate that the device is in a usable state. The initialization time is preferably 5 to 60 seconds, more preferably 15 to 45 seconds, and most preferably about 30 seconds longer than the heating period. The heating chamber in these examples is preferably arranged to receive a consumable comprising a tobacco material such as a tobacco rod. It has been found that the heating of such consumables depends particularly on environmental factors such as the ambient temperature.

[0020] Preferably, the first rule includes operating the indicator when the operating temperature is maintained over a heating period of 10 to 60 seconds to indicate that the device is in a usable state. In this case, the initialization heating time is the heating period plus an additional heating time of 10 to 60 seconds, preferably 20 to 40 seconds. The additional heating time can be selected based on one or more of user input, the initial temperature measured by the temperature measuring means, the characteristics of the heater, the measured ambient temperature, and the remaining energy level of the battery of the aerosol generating device.

[0021] Preferably, the memory further stores a second rule, and the control circuit is further configured to operate the heater and the indicator according to the second rule. The second rule includes operating the heater to heat the heating chamber to the operating temperature during the heating period, and then maintaining the heating chamber at the operating temperature, and operating the indicator when the operating temperature is first reached to indicate that the device is in a usable state. In this way, the control circuit can select between a first process in which the indicator operates when the measured temperature reaches the operating temperature to indicate that the device is in a usable state, and a second process in which the indicator operates after the initialization time has elapsed. Thereby, the user can select between a process that indicates that the device is in a usable state as soon as possible and a process that performs further heating to sacrifice a longer waiting time to provide an optimal experience. Further, the process may be selected based on ambient conditions to ensure that the device is in a usable state. Maintaining the operating temperature means maintaining the operating temperature during the session duration, for example, for as long as it takes for the user to deplete the consumable using the device.

[0022] The device preferably further comprises a user input operable to instruct the control circuit to select the first rule or the second rule. The user input may be a switch or a button. The first rule is selected by holding the button for a first duration, and the second rule is selected by holding the button for a second duration, and preferably the first duration and the second duration are different. An indicator such as a vibrator may be used to inform the user which rule has been selected. In this way, the user can select the heating mode based on current ambient conditions such as the local temperature, for example, by selecting the first rule when in a colder climate.

[0023] Preferably, one or more rules define an operation process of the indicator where the indicator is operated when the heating temperature reaches one or more intermediate temperatures, which are between the initial temperature and the usage temperature, and / or when one or more intermediate heating times, which are between the heater start time and the initialization heating time, have elapsed. The indicator is preferably configured to generate a different signal when the measured temperature reaches the usage temperature than when it reaches one or more intermediate temperatures. The indicator is preferably configured to generate a different signal when the initialization time has elapsed than when one or more intermediate heating times have elapsed. In this way, the progress of the device during the heating process can be informed to the user. The intermediate temperature may be referred to as the "threshold temperature" in this specification. The intermediate heating duration may be referred to as a time interval.

[0024] Preferably, the control circuit is configured to select a rule according to one or more of user input, an initial temperature measured by the temperature measuring means, characteristics of the heater, the measured ambient temperature, and the remaining energy level of the battery of the aerosol generating device. In certain embodiments, the control circuit is configured to select a rule based on both user input and an initial temperature measured by the heater. For example, the control circuit may be configured to select a first rule or a second rule based on user input and then select a sub-rule that defines the operation of the heater based on the measured initial temperature of the heater. In this way, the user can select which heating mode to use, and the device automatically calibrates the heating of the heating chamber based on the measured initial temperature (which may vary depending on, for example, when the device was last used).

[0025] One or more rules preferably comprise a heating curve that defines the change in heating temperature over time, and the control circuit is configured to select the heating curve and operate the heater to heat the heating chamber according to the selected heating curve. The heating curve may define a target temperature profile, i.e., the change in target temperature over time. The control circuit is preferably configured to receive measurements from the temperature measuring means periodically to control the operation of the heater according to the selected heating curve. One or more rules may be selected based on the measured initial temperature, for example, the heating curve profile may be a function of the measured initial temperature received from the temperature measuring means. One or more rules may additionally include operating an indicator to provide a signal that changes as the measured heating temperature changes according to the heating curve. For example, a visual indicator may be gradually illuminated as the heating temperature follows the heating curve. The rule may include operating the indicator as defined by the first rule or the second rule.

[0026] One or more rules comprise a table including a plurality of intermediate temperatures and use temperatures, and the control circuit is preferably configured to operate the heater to heat the heating chamber to each intermediate temperature and use temperature. The control circuit may operate the heater to heat the heating chamber to each intermediate temperature and use temperature in turn. The rule may include operating an indicator to send a signal when each of the intermediate temperatures is reached. For example, the indicator may be a visual indicator, and the control circuit is configured to gradually turn on the indicator when each of the intermediate temperatures is reached. The rule may include operating the indicator as defined by the first rule or the second rule.

[0027] One or more intermediate temperatures are preferably specified by the control circuit according to the initial temperature measured by the temperature measuring means. In particular, each intermediate temperature may be stored as a function of the measured initial temperature. In this way, the intermediate temperature may be selected to suit different ambient temperatures or start temperatures of the heater.

[0028] The aerosol generating device further comprises a battery, the control circuit is configured to measure the power supplied by the battery, one or more rules comprise a plurality of heating rates each corresponding to a power level supplied by the battery, and the control circuit is preferably configured to select a heating rate based on the measured value of the power supplied by the battery. The plurality of heating rates may be stored as a function of both the measured power level supplied by the battery and the measured initial temperature. The rule may include operating the indicator as defined by the first rule or the second rule.

[0029] The control circuit is preferably configured to select a rule according to the initial temperature measured by the temperature measuring means. In particular, the operation of the heater may be controlled according to the initial temperature. In this way, the heating process can be adjusted according to the ambient temperature and based on the time when the device was last used (and thus the resulting temperature remaining in the heating chamber).

[0030] Preferably, the indicator comprises one or more of a visual indicator, a tactile indicator, and an auditory indicator. For example, the indicator may be one or more of a vibrator, an optical display, a light-emitting display, and an array of light-emitting diodes.

[0031] The indicator preferably comprises a visual indicator, and the visual indicator preferably comprises a light-emitting indicator that changes color and / or gradually lights up during heating.

[0032] Preferably, the light-emitting indicator changes color and / or gradually lights up when the heating temperature reaches one or more intermediate temperatures that are between the initial temperature and the use temperature, and / or when one or more intermediate heating times that are between the heater start time and the initialization heating time have elapsed.

[0033] Preferably, the light-emitting indicator changes color and / or gradually lights up when one or more intermediate heating times that are between the heater start time and the initialization heating time have elapsed. The light-emitting indicator preferably comprises a plurality of LEDs, and the plurality of LEDs are preferably lit in sequence as the plurality of intermediate heating times elapse. The plurality of heating times preferably extend over a period exceeding 15 seconds. These aspects of the present invention are particularly advantageous when the aerosol-generating device is a non-combustion heating device. For example, the heater is arranged to heat the heating chamber to a temperature suitable for releasing vapor without burning the aerosol-generating medium. Preferably, the heater is configured to provide controlled heating of the heating chamber, and the heating chamber is heated to a sustained use temperature over an initialization period. In such an embodiment, this may be a sustained period exceeding, for example, 20 seconds, 30 seconds, or 50 seconds, and it is particularly important to provide feedback to the user regarding the progress of the initialization heating time.

[0034] The control circuit is preferably configured to operate the light-emitting indicator to emit light of a specific color when the operating temperature is reached and / or when the initialization heating time has elapsed, and to operate the light-emitting indicator to emit light of a color different from the specific color when one or more intermediate temperatures are reached and / or when one or more intermediate heating times have elapsed. For example, the light-emitting indicator may be configured to gradually change color when one or more intermediate temperatures are reached and / or when one or more intermediate heating times have elapsed, and to emit light of a specific color when the device is ready for use.

[0035] The control circuit is preferably configured to operate the light-emitting indicator to fully light up the light-emitting indicator when the operating temperature is reached and / or when the initialization heating time has elapsed, and to gradually and partially light up the light-emitting indicator when one or more intermediate temperatures are reached and / or when one or more intermediate heating times have elapsed. For example, the light-emitting indicator may be configured to gradually light up the area of the light-emitting indicator when one or more intermediate temperatures are reached and / or when one or more intermediate heating times have elapsed, and to be controlled to fully light up the area of the light-emitting indicator to indicate that the device is ready for use.

[0036] In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control circuit for an aerosol generating device as defined in the appended claims, the control circuit receiving a temperature measurement value of the heater or the heating chamber from temperature measuring means, selecting a rule from a memory storing one or more rules defining the operation process of the heater and the indicator, and operating the heater and the indicator according to the selected rule such that the indicator operates to indicate that the measured temperature has reached the operating temperature and / or that the initialization heating time has elapsed, thereby indicating that the aerosol generating device is ready for use.

[0037] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vapor generating device preferably including a heating chamber arranged to hold a tobacco stick, a heater configured to provide heating to the heating chamber, and a visual indicator for indicating at least when the heating of the chamber has reached the operating temperature. Of course, the indicator is not limited to the above-described function and may be used for other purposes (e.g., charging of the device, malfunction of the device, progress of vaping, energy level of the device, need for cleaning, etc.) as described in the present application. In addition, there may be other means such as a button to turn the device on or off to start the heating process, a tactile function (such as vibration) or sound to inform the user of the state of the device, connection means (such as USB), and communication means (such as an antenna). All of these aspects will be described in more detail in the present application.

[0038] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to an aerosol generating device comprising a heating chamber arranged to hold an aerosol generating medium, a heater arranged to provide heating to the heating chamber during use, temperature measuring means for measuring the temperature of the heater, and at least one indicator for indicating at least when the heating of the heater has reached the operating temperature. The device further comprises memory means including rules for operating the heater, and operating means for selecting at least one rule and operating the heater according to the selected rule, the operating means further specifying the operation of the indicator from the selected rule such that at least the indicator intended to inform that the operating temperature has been reached operates when the operating temperature is reached.

[0039] In an embodiment, the rule comprises a curve showing the temperature profile of the heater, and the operating means is configured to select one curve based on the characteristics of the heater and specify the operation of the indicator according to the selected curve.

[0040] In an embodiment, the rule comprises a table including a plurality of threshold temperatures and an operating temperature, and the operating means is configured to select at least one threshold temperature based on the characteristics of the heater and specify the operation of the indicator according to the selected threshold temperature.

[0041] In an embodiment, the rule comprises a table including a plurality of time intervals, and the operating means is configured to select one time interval based on the characteristics of the heater and to specify the operation of the indicator according to the selected time interval.

[0042] In an embodiment, the characteristic of the heater is the starting temperature measured by the temperature measuring means at the start of the vaping session.

[0043] In an embodiment, the rule takes into account the temperature of the device as a parameter, and the temperature of the device includes the temperature of the heating means.

[0044] In an embodiment, the rule takes into account the user's preferences and / or the energy level of the device.

[0045] In an embodiment, the rule comprises a plurality of heating rates respectively corresponding to the power levels supplied to the heating means, and the operating means is configured to select a heating rate based on the measured value of the power output from the battery of the aerosol generating device and to specify the operation of the indicator according to the selected heating rate.

[0046] In an embodiment, the indicator comprises at least a visual indicator and / or a tactile indicator and / or an auditory indicator.

[0047] In an embodiment, the visual means comprises a light indicator that changes color and / or gradually lights up during heating.

[0048] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a control circuit for an aerosol generating device as defined herein, the control circuit operating at least one indicator according to at least one rule selected from a set of rules, the circuit taking into account at least one parameter, searching for and selecting at least one rule, and operating the device according to the selected rule.

[0049] In an embodiment, the parameter comprises an initial temperature of the device, preferably the heating means.

[0050] In an embodiment, the parameter comprises an energy level of the device or a personalized parameter of the user.

[0051] The aerosol generating devices of the various aspects disclosed above may, of course, use any combination of features of any of the other aspects as described above, and apply those features to one or more of the corresponding components to provide similar advantages.

[0052] Here, with reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments of an aerosol generating device and a heating assembly will be described as several examples.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0053]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0054] In this specification, the same reference numerals are used, whenever possible, to designate the same elements common to the drawings. Also, the drawings are simplified for the purpose of illustration of the features of the present invention and may not be shown to scale.

[0055] FIG. 1 schematically shows an aerosol generating device according to the present invention. The device includes a heating chamber 2 arranged to hold an aerosol generating medium 5, a heater 6 arranged to heat the heating chamber 2 during use, temperature measuring means (for example, a temperature sensor such as a thermistor) 7 arranged to measure the temperature of the heater or the heating chamber, at least one indicator 11 to 14 configured to indicate when the measured temperature reaches the use temperature and / or when an initialization heating time has elapsed, a memory 3 storing one or more rules each defining an operation process of the heater and the indicator, and a control circuit configured to select a rule stored in the memory 3 and operate the heater 6 and the indicators 11 to 14 according to the selected rule. The indicators 11 to 14 operate to indicate when the measured temperature reaches the use temperature and / or when an initialization heating time has elapsed, thereby informing that the aerosol generating device is in a state where it can be used.

[0056] In particular, since the control circuit can select rules inside the memory to control both the heater and the indicator, it enables the device to ensure that (1) appropriate heater parameters are selected based on environmental factors such as, for example, specific consumables, the last use of the device, and temperature, and (2) the indicator is operated to send a signal to the user when the device is in a usable state so as to ensure that optimal conditions are provided at the start of use. At the same time, this solves the problem that the point at which optimal aerosol generation is provided varies based on a number of parameters such as ambient temperature, time since the last use, and specific consumables. The device according to the present invention can thus control the heater temperature taking these parameters into account and send a signal to the user when the device is in a usable state. Thereby, for example, the device can be used with uniform performance across countries having different climates and different consumables.

[0057] The device is considered to be in a usable state when the aerosol-generating medium has reached an appropriate temperature over sufficient time to generate sufficient vapor to provide a good user experience. In particular, the consumable should be heated sufficiently so that the water inside the consumable evaporates and mainly generates vapor. Prior to this, much of the generated vapor is water vapor and thus does not provide a good user experience. Since the temperature inside the consumable is not measured directly, when the device is in a usable state, it can be inferred from one or both of (1) the measured value of the heating chamber (or heater) and (2) the heating duration. By understanding the values of these parameters (1) and (2) and providing efficient aerosol generation for a specific consumable under specific conditions, it is possible to reliably identify when the device is in a usable state. These parameters are stored in the memory of the device and are systematized by rules automatically selected based on parameters sensed by or entered by the user to control the heater and the indicator and send a signal to the user when the device is in a usable state.

[0058] Referring initially to FIG. 1, an aerosol generating device 1 according to the present invention is shown schematically. The aerosol generating device comprises a heating chamber 2 having heating means (i.e., a heater) 6, and preferably temperature measuring means 7 for measuring the temperature of the heating means 6 and / or the heating chamber 2. The device 1 further comprises a control circuit including a PCB 3 for the electronic management of the device and its components, and an energy source 4 (e.g., preferably a rechargeable battery). The heating chamber 2 is configured to receive and hold an aerosol generating medium in the form of a consumable such as a tobacco stick 5 which may be replaced when consumed. For example, the consumable may be introduced into the heating chamber 2 by manual insertion into the chamber 2. The aerosol generating device in this embodiment further comprises a connection function 8 (e.g., a USB connector such as USB-B or USB-C) which may be used to charge the energy source 4 and / or to download / upload information such as heating parameters and other data and programs / instructions etc. to / from the PCB 3.

[0059] The device 1 may also use wireless technology to download / upload information by means of wireless communication means (such as an antenna 9 schematically shown in FIG. 1). The heating means 6 may use induction as an example of a possible technique in one embodiment. The heating means 6 is preferably a thin film heater arranged to heat the heating chamber. For example, the heating chamber may be a tubular heating chamber configured to receive the consumable, and the thin film heater may be wound circumferentially around the outer surface of the heating chamber.

[0060] All elements are interconnected by wires, for example via the PCB, to ensure the functionality of the device. This general configuration and its features are applicable to the embodiments described in the present application even if any of these elements are not specifically identified / illustrated in each embodiment.

[0061] There is a growing demand for an apparatus that can quickly replace an aerosol generation material (e.g., tobacco stick 5) that has been used up by the user in order to ensure the production of fresh and high-quality vapor / aerosol. However, it can often be difficult for consumers to determine when the current aerosol generation material has been used up and needs to be replaced. One solution is to implement a puff counter, which helps inform the user of the extent to which the aerosol generation material has been used. However, such puff counters often do not have the function of detecting the insertion of a new body of the aerosol generation material because the coefficient operation may not be accurate.

[0062] In some embodiments, if the user of the apparatus desires to remove the aerosol generation medium during use, he can simply activate the ejector to discharge the aerosol generation medium from the heating chamber of the apparatus or remove it manually. This enables quick and easy removal of the aerosol generation medium without the user having to interact with the apparatus excessively. Using an ejector further avoids the risk of the user having to come into contact with some heated element. This allows the aerosol generation medium to be placed in proximity to or in contact with the surface of the heating chamber, while at the same time alleviating some of the problems identified above.

[0063] The aerosol generation medium may be provided in one or more of several different forms. The aerosol generation medium may be a capsule containing an aerosol generating substance inside a breathable material. Any material encapsulating the aerosol generating substance can have high breathability such that air can flow through this material with resistance to high temperatures. Examples of suitable breathable materials include cellulose fibers, paper, cotton, and silk. The breathable material can also function as a filter. Alternatively, the aerosol generation medium can be an aerosol generating substance wrapped in paper, most preferably a tobacco rod wrapped in paper.

[0064] Alternatively, the medium can be an aerosol - generating material held inside a material that is not breathable but includes suitable perforations or holes to allow air to flow through. Alternatively, the medium can be a body that is the aerosol - generating substance itself. The body is preferably a mousse or foam of the aerosol - generating substance. Alternatively, the medium may be formed in a substantially stick shape and may have a mouthpiece filter. In such a case, the medium may be a sheet such as an aerosol - generating material wrapped in paper. The examples and embodiments described in the present application use such a stick; refer to reference numeral 5 in the figures. Preferably, the aerosol - generating medium can be a body containing the aerosol - generating substance. The aerosol - generating substance can be any suitable substance capable of forming an aerosol. Preferably, the aerosol - generating substance can form an aerosol when heated. The substance can be a solid or semi - solid substance. Usually, the substance may contain plant - derived materials, and in particular, the substance may contain tobacco. Exemplary types of vapor - generating solids include powders, granules, pellets, strands, porous materials, foams, or sheets. Alternatively, the aerosol - generating medium may comprise a cartridge or capsule containing a solid, semi - solid, or liquid substance.

[0065] Preferably, the aerosol - generating substance may contain an aerosol - forming agent. Examples of aerosol - forming agents include polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin or propylene glycol and mixtures thereof. When containing an aerosol - forming agent, usually, the aerosol - generating substance may contain an aerosol - forming agent content between about 5% and about 50% on a dry - weight basis. Preferably, the aerosol - generating substance may contain an aerosol - forming agent content of about 15% on a dry - weight basis.

[0066] Typically, the body contains a wetting agent or tobacco-containing moisture. The body preferably contains one or more of a wetting agent, tobacco, glycerin, and propylene glycol. Typically, the body may contain a certain proportion of vaporizable or aerosolizable liquid (preferably a wetting agent such as propylene glycol and / or glycerin, but may also include other aerosolizable liquids such as water or ethanol in some cases) in excess of 20% by weight. In this context, 100% by weight is equal to the total weight of the liquid and the vaporizable or aerosolizable substances, such as tobacco, wetting agent, and / or plant-derived materials, etc.

[0067] Examples of aerosol-generating media are shown in the prior art cited above, and they are envisioned within the framework of the present invention as non-limiting possibilities.

[0068] According to one aspect, the present invention is directed to the determination of the heating time and / or profile of the product / media and the communication of information to the user that the system is in an operable state. In practice, for the optimal use of the device, it is necessary to reach an appropriate temperature, among other things, depending on the aerosol-generating medium, and inform the user of the heating state so that the user can start using the device when appropriate, or warn the user if the device is not in an operable (or inoperable) state. The state of the device (not used for a certain period of time or immediately after use) can also affect the heating process and should therefore be considered when performing the heating operation or steps.

[0069] In an embodiment, the device 1 uses indicators 11, 12, 13, 14 (see FIGS. 2 to 6 showing different examples) to inform the user of the state of the device. For example, the indicators 11, 12, 13, 14 can be operated to indicate the temperature of the heating chamber 2 or the heater 6, i.e., the current temperature measured by the temperature measuring means 7. In other examples, the indicator can be used to indicate the heating time elapsed since the heater was activated. Alternatively, both the measured temperature of the heating chamber and the heating duration can be used to identify the case where the consumable is sufficiently heated to be in an operable state.

[0070] The indicator may be visual (e.g., light, LED, etc., or a plurality thereof, a screen), auditory (such as sound, buzzer, etc.), or tactile / force-sensing (e.g., vibration, etc.), or a combination thereof. With the indicators described herein, it is possible to disclose a lot of information such as the heating (or preheating) state, the remaining heating time until it becomes usable (sucking in vapor), the display of the heating rate, and other device-related information (energy level, necessity of cleaning, etc.). Of course, these means may be used alone or in combination, and the user may configure this aspect to personalize the product to the user's preference. In addition, the system also includes, for example, button 10 for its activation or for the activation of different functions of the device as described herein.

[0071] For example, in one embodiment, indicator 11 is a visual display for indicating to the user the preparation completion of vapor generating device or system 1 to reach the operating heating temperature, for example, to enable the vaporization of the aerosol-forming material. For example, but not limited to, it is in the form of a line of a plurality of lighting devices such as LEDs, a longitudinal display screen, a linearly extending display 11 of a light bar. Refer to the designs shown in FIGS. 2-6. This visual display 11 can be arranged to be parallel to the longitudinal extension axis of vapor generating device or system 1. In a variant, it can also be arranged to completely or partially surround or enclose device 10. Refer to FIG. 6. In this figure, indicator 11 may be replaced by any other indicator 12, 13 or an indicator having another shape. This can provide progressive visual feedback to the user and enable direct viewing of the heating state. For example, after the user turns on vapor generating device or system 1, for example, when button 10 is pressed, the visual display is controlled to gradually have more elements, pixels, or surfaces lit up, and finally reach a full-on linear visual display that may indicate the preparation completion of vapor generating device 1 for the user to inhale the vaporized substance after the full display period TPD.

[0072] The attainment of a full-on linear display with a full display period TPD can be accurately timed at the instant when the vapor generator or system 1 and its heating element are ready for vaporization, i.e., it can be made to coincide with the period TPH for heating, or it can be set to a time selected after the vapor generator or system 1 is actually ready such that TPD > TPH. This can be confirmed by a temperature sensor or can be achieved by a fixed or variable period for TPD for increasing the display area of the visual display so as to ensure that the heating element 2 is ready.

[0073] Also, when several lights are used, they may or may not be of the same color. They may or may not change color. For example, they may transmit red light until the system is not in a usable state, and when the system becomes usable, the light turns green. Other colors may similarly be used for the purpose of providing easily understandable information. The lights may be formed as bars 11, 12 or may comprise several individual elements 13 (e.g., four as in FIG. 4). A screen may also be used.

[0074] In an embodiment, the device comprises at least one indicator (such as an LED) that gradually lights up over a specific time interval (e.g., up to 20 seconds), and optionally, may cause a vibration when heating is complete and the device is ready to be used (e.g., to inhale vapor). The indicator may change color (e.g., from red to green) or change a plurality of lights that light up sequentially over time. For example, in FIG. 2, the system 1 comprises a light bar 11 that can gradually light up to indicate the heating state with the same or different colors. For example, the light may start at the bottom of the bar (near button 10) and then gradually fill bar 11 as the heating process takes place. When bar 11 is fully lit, this indicates that the heating process is complete and the device may be used. The color of the bar may be the same or may change over time, e.g., initially (at the start of the heating process) it is red and then turns green when fully lit, meaning the device is in a state where it can be used. FIG. 3 shows another variant where the indicator 12 has a different shape. Its function may be the same as bar 11 in FIG. 2 with gradual lighting and / or color change. However, such an embodiment may be inaccurate if the initial temperature of the heating means 6 is not considered, as there is a possibility that the device may become ready for use before the indicator indicates that it is available, since the time interval is fixed. In such a case, the user may wait longer than necessary or the device may provide conflicting information to the user.

[0075] In an embodiment of the indicator, as shown in FIG. 4 for example, the device 1 may comprise a row of a specific number (i.e., four) of aligned light indicators 13 (e.g., LEDs) that form a display, for example, the first row of the specific number of LEDs is intended to light up at the start of the heating step, and the last row of the specific number of LEDs is intended to light up when heating reaches, for example, the use (i.e., vaping) temperature of the heating chamber.

[0076] In this embodiment, similar to the variant, an optical indicator that changes its color may be used (for example, instead of using several lights, i.e., LEDs), and may be combined with an auditory or physical / tactile signal when a desired temperature is reached. When several lights are used, they may or may not be of the same color. They may also change or not change their color. For example, they may transmit red light as long as the device is not in a usable state, and when the device becomes usable, the light turns green. In the variant, the indicators may have the same size or different sizes (e.g., increasing size), the same or different shapes, as shown in the embodiments.

[0077] In the embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, the indicator 14 has a disk shape (not a rectangular shape as shown in other figures of the present application). In the variant shown in FIG. 5, the button 10 is arranged inside the indicator 14, but this is only an example, and the button may be arranged as shown in FIGS. 2 - 4, for example. In the variant of FIG. 5, the indicator 14 includes an LED and may light up gradually according to the heating state.

[0078] The button 10 may be arranged as shown in the figure or at some other location on the main body 1, for example, on the side surface of the main body 1. Refer to reference numeral 10' in FIG. 6. In the variant, the device 1 may include two or more buttons 10, for example, two buttons 10, 10' arranged at different positions on the main body 1 as shown in FIG. 6. As can be easily understood by those skilled in the art, many embodiments and combinations are possible within the framework of the present invention.

[0079] Furthermore, to overcome the above problems, it is desirable to better consider the effective state of the device, improve its function as discussed above, and provide accurate information to the user, that is, provide the case where the device is in a usable state.

[0080] For this reason, the device stores in its memory (e.g., within the PCB 3) a set of rules used to operate the device. The set of rules may optimize the operation of the device taking into account different parameters. For example, it may take into account the initial temperature of the device, preferably the heating means 6, and / or the aerosol generating material 5, and / or some preferences of the user (rapid heating or moderate heating), etc. Generally, the set of rules used within the framework of the present invention may be a heating time / temperature correspondence table, and / or a heating curve as a function of the initial start temperature, and / or a fixed heating rate. According to the present invention, at the start of the heating step, the device preferably measures the start temperature of the heating means 6, and searches and selects in a correspondence table or curve or rate in which the heating time and / or curve and / or rate are applied as a function of the measured start temperature, and / or using not only those defined above but also other parameters. This enables the device to operate so as to provide the user with accurate information about the state of the device, and the indicator operates based on the selected rule.

[0081] The system then determines when or how to light the indicator, or how to light the indicator such that the end of the indicator intended to inform of the use temperature (e.g., the vaping temperature) lights up simultaneously with the tactile signal being triggered (if this indicating means is desired by the user), based on the selected heating time and / or curve and / or rate. This specification, monitoring, and operation of the device are preferably carried out within the PCB 3 via appropriate programming stored within the PCB 3, e.g., within its memory.

[0082] In an embodiment, the device may check the temperature on a time basis (e.g., every 1 second, or the time basis may change as time passes), then calculate on the fly what the heating rate is, and accordingly operate the indicator (e.g., by lighting LEDs one after another). In this way, the device ensures that all the LEDs are lit simultaneously with the user feeling the vibration, indicating that the device is ready for use (i.e., to inhale the vapor).

[0083] In an embodiment, when the temperature is reached and measured, the ratio of each indicator or part of the indicator may be set to correspond to the set temperature so that the corresponding number of indicators or part of the indicator operates. For example, if the measured temperature is half of the desired temperature, half of the indicators operate, or only half of a single indicator operates. Other operations of the indicators may be selected.

[0084] The rules may be adapted to the medium used (semi-solid, solid, or combination), heating means technology (induction, resistance heating, etc.), and may also take into account external parameters, such as air or ambient temperature or the temperature of the device.

[0085] In an embodiment, some rules may be adjusted according to some desires of the user. For example, the user may desire to use an accelerated heating process to save time, or alternatively, the user may desire to use a slower heating process. In such a case, the user may define their choice on the system, and the system will then use the appropriate rules.

[0086] In an embodiment, the selection of the rule may be imposed by the system itself based on a predetermined parameter, for example, the energy level state of the system, or the stick 5 (tobacco) used. For example, in the case of low energy, a dedicated heating rule may be selected. In such a case, when the energy level is high, rapid heating (for example, at a high heating rate) may be performed. Alternatively, when the energy level is low, slow heating (at a low heating rate) may be selected. For example, since some sticks 5 may require a higher temperature than other sticks, if the heating time is set to a fixed value, the heating time may become longer, or the heating curve may become steeper. Alternatively, when the user desires to maintain a predetermined heating time, the heating curve may be steeper so as to reach an appropriate (higher) temperature within the set time. The user may also personalize the rule to suit their wishes and use such a rule.

[0087] The above rules can be set within the system or can be adaptable by the user and / or to the medium used. In a variant, they may be downloadable and / or uploadable from / to a network (such as the Internet) or from / to a dedicated application (for example, on a device such as a smartphone or a computer / tablet, etc.). For this purpose, the system preferably comprises appropriate connection means (wireless such as Bluetooth, via antenna 9, via NFC, or hardware such as USB connection 8, etc.) with appropriate hardware and / or software in the PCB 3. For example, when a new product is available or as an update, new rules may be made available. The new product may be, as an example, an aerosol generating device or stick 5, or an aerosol generating substance.

[0088] Some consumables require continuous heating until they reach a point where sufficient vapor is generated to start use. The heating period and the type of consumable particularly affect the point at which acceptable characteristic vaping can be initiated. For example, in cold countries, it has been found that devices that heat tobacco sticks to generate vapor require a fairly long initialization heating time to evaporate water and start generating the target vapor level. In such cases, the measured temperature does not provide a reliable indication when the device is in a usable state.

[0089] In view of this, one embodiment of the present invention uses a rule in which the heater operates to provide an initial heating stage in which the heater chamber temperature is gradually increased to the use temperature and then maintained (i.e., maintained over the duration of the vaping session). The indicator operates to provide a signal some time after reaching the use temperature so as to indicate that vaping can be started. That is, the indicator operates only to inform the user that vaping can start after the initialization heating time. This initialization time can be selected according to factors such as a specific consumable, the ambient temperature, and the ultimate use of the device. For tobacco sticks, it has been found that by raising the temperature to a use temperature of 200 - 250 °C (preferably about 230 °C) and then maintaining the use temperature for 10 - 60 seconds (preferably about 30 seconds), sufficient vapor is generated to optimize the user experience.

[0090] Since this initialization heating time is more required in colder climates or with certain consumables, this embodiment of the device may include an alternative mode in which the indicator operates to inform that the device is in a usable state immediately after the heating period is completed, i.e., when the measured temperature equals the use temperature, or after a predetermined heating period (preferably 10 - 30 seconds, more preferably about 20 seconds) has elapsed. In this way, the user can select the required mode according to the selected ambient conditions and consumables.

[0091] The device may include buttons that can be used to select modes. For example, for use, a shorter duration can be used to select one mode, and a longer duration can be used to select a second mode. For example, to indicate after a heating period, the button can be held for 1 second (mode 1), and to indicate after an initialization heating period, the button can be held for 2 seconds (mode 2). In each case, the indicator may be an LED display that gradually lights up and reaches full brightness when the device is in a usable state. Thus, for mode 1, the LED display may gradually light up to full brightness when the measured temperature reaches the operating temperature during the heating period. In mode 2, the LED display may gradually light up so as to reach full brightness only for a certain period of time, for example, about 20 to 40 seconds, after the operating temperature has been reached during the initialization heating period.

[0092] The rules stored in the memory can define various different control processes for the heater and the indicator. These can be selected by user selection or automatically selected based on sensed inputs (current measured temperature, sensed type of consumable, ambient temperature, etc.) to ensure optimal functioning of the heater and accurate indication of the device readiness state.

[0093] Figures 7 to 10 show curves that may conform to the framework of the present invention. Such curves can be stored (as part of the operating rules) in the memory inside the PCB3 of the device, for example. In particular, these heating curves may define the target heating temperature over time, and the control circuit may be configured to select a heating curve and operate the heater so that the measured temperature tracks the target temperature, i.e., to implement a feedback loop. The heating temperature in each curve can be adjusted based on the current state and stored as a function of one or more parameters such as the initial measured temperature.

[0094] As a first embodiment, FIG. 7 shows a first example of a heating curve C1. The initial temperature Temp0 is the ambient temperature, the functional temperature (i.e., the "operating temperature") Temp1 is about 230° C., and the heating time t1 can be 20 seconds or less. However, these are just examples, and the temperature may be in the range of, for example, 150° C. to 350° C. Also, the heating time may be 20 seconds or less as described above. These values may also depend on external parameters, such as the state of charge of the product or device used to draw in the vapor.

[0095] FIG. 8 shows a second heating curve starting from a second initial temperature Temp0 that is higher than the initial temperature of FIG. 7. For example, this higher initial temperature may result from the fact that the device has been recently used and the heating means 6 is not at ambient temperature but at a higher temperature as a result of a previous use of the device. In this case, if the heating curve C1 (i.e., the line) of FIG. 7 is followed, the operating temperature is reached in a time t that is shorter than the time t1 of FIG. 7, as shown in FIG. 8. 1’ If the heating does not stop after t 1’ the system will reach a higher temperature at t1 that must be avoided. Alternatively, it may be determined to follow another curve C2 that is flatter than C1 and reaches the same temperature Temp1 but at a longer time t2.

[0096] FIG. 9 shows another heating curve C3 that has a non-constant but steep slope start. This may be selected, for example, based on a particular consumable that is best heated by rapid initial heating before reducing the heating rate.

[0097] Figure 10 shows an example of a table having the heating times for the corresponding curves C4 and C5. For example, the device has four LEDs (e.g., the device of FIG. 4 having four indicators 13) to indicate the progress of heating, and when it is detected that the heater has reached the temperature thresholds in the look-up table of FIG. 11, the LEDs light up in sequence. The device may start at a relatively low temperature, e.g., 10° C., and it takes 20 seconds to heat until it reaches a state where it can suck in vapor. The table may include temperature thresholds of 120, 185, 215, 230° C. In this embodiment, when the heater 6 reaches 120° C., the first LED 13 lights up, when the heater 6 reaches 185° C., the second LED 13 lights up, at 215° C. the third LED 13 lights up, and when the heater 6 reaches 230° C., all four LEDs 13 light up. Similarly, vibration or sound may optionally be provided to indicate that the operating temperature has been reached. In a second example of this table, the device starts at a relatively high temperature, e.g., 60° C., if the oven is hot and not completely cooled from a previous vaping session. In this case, the heating time is shorter, e.g., it takes 18 seconds to heat until it reaches a state where it can suck in vapor. In this case, the table can include 140, 195, 217, 230° C. as thresholds. Then, when the heater 6 reaches 140° C., the first LED 13 lights up, when the heater 6 reaches 195° C., the second LED 13 lights up, at 215° C. the third LED 13 lights up, and when the heater 6 reaches 230° C., all four LEDs 13 light up. Similarly, vibration or sound may be added as a tactile indicator. The order of the LEDs may start from the one closest to the button 10 in FIG. 4. Of course, another order is possible depending on the shape of the indicator. This example and the associated table / curves may be used on other devices as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 5, and 6, and the indicators may be managed in a suitable way to indicate the thresholds reached by the device. In this example, the rules created by the table are used to control the indicators, and the device is adapted to reach the desired temperature at the set time. The values shown in FIG. 11 are of course an example, and other values are possible and may be used in other tables (e.g., initial temperature, time intervals, and temperatures to be reached).

[0098] Embodiments using time control are shown in the table of FIG. 11. Here, as an example, in the first row, the starting temperature is 10° C., and the indicator may be activated every 5 seconds, usually until 20 seconds after reaching the use temperature. The time intervals are thus 5 seconds, 10, 15 seconds, and 20 seconds. The second row shows another example when the initial temperature is 100° C. In this case, the heating time may be 12 seconds, and the interval is every 3 seconds to operate the indicator. Of course, these values are non-limiting exemplary embodiments, and other values are also within the scope of application of the present invention.

[0099] An embodiment of the control circuit 20 is shown in FIG. 12. The circuit is used to obtain at least one parameter as an input and, based on the parameter, select one rule from a set of rules to operate the device, particularly the indicator at the output, as detailed above.

[0100] Many other rules are stored in the system and are possible depending on several parameters (heating temperature, time, system initial temperature, etc.) according to the situation and / or selected by the user, and the figure only gives a non-limiting example. Other parameters may be the energy level (battery power) of the device or the aerosol product substance.

[0101] The present invention has been disclosed with reference to certain preferred embodiments, but numerous modifications, alterations, and changes to the described embodiments, as well as their equivalents, are possible without departing from the scope and application of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments and is intended to be given the broadest reasonable interpretation in accordance with the language of the appended claims.

[0102] As described above, the indicator provides the user with an indication regarding the heating process and its status. The indicator may be gradually lit as heating occurs, or may change color over time. In a variant, the indicator may have one color (e.g., red) at the start of the heating operation and then gradually change to another color (e.g., green) as heating progresses. The indicator may also blink or flash during the heating process, and may keep the end lit at all times when the device is in a usable state. There are many different possibilities for giving signals to the user. As described above, the visual display may also be combined with tactile or haptic information, or even sound.

[0103] The exemplary embodiments are described to provide an overall understanding of the structure, function, manufacture, and use principles of the systems and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the systems and methods specifically described herein and shown in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments, and that the scope of the present invention is not defined only by the claims. Features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. Many problems with conventional methods and systems are pointed out herein, and the methods and systems disclosed herein may address one or more of these problems. By explaining these problems, it is not intended to admit knowledge of them in the relevant art. Those skilled in the art will understand that although a particular method and system are described herein with respect to exemplary embodiments, the scope of the present invention is not so limited. Moreover, although the present invention has been described in connection with several embodiments, many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent or will be obvious to those skilled in the applicable art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of this invention.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device (1), comprising: a heating chamber (2) arranged to hold an aerosol generating medium (5); a heater (6) arranged in use to heat the heating chamber (2); temperature measuring means (7) arranged to measure the temperature of said heater or heating chamber; at least one indicator (11-14) configured to indicate when the measured temperature has reached a use temperature and / or when an initial heating time has elapsed; a memory (3) for storing one or more rules, each rule defining an operating process of the heater and the indicator; a control circuit configured to select a rule stored in the memory (3) and to operate the heater (6) and the indicators (11-14) in accordance with the selected rule; said indicators (11-14) are operative to indicate when the measured temperature has reached an operating temperature and / or when an initial heating time has elapsed, thereby indicating when the aerosol generating device is ready for use; Aerosol generating device.

2. The memory stores a first rule, and the control circuit is configured to operate the heater and the indicator according to the first rule, the first rule comprising: operating the heater to heat the heating chamber to a usage temperature during a heating period and then maintaining the heating chamber at the usage temperature; and operating the indicator to indicate that the device is ready for use when an initialization heating time has elapsed, the initialization heating time being greater than the heating period. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 .

3. The first rule is: activating said indicator when said use temperature is maintained for a heating period of 10 to 60 seconds to indicate that said device is ready for use. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2 .

4. The memory additionally stores a second rule, and the control circuit is further configured to operate the heater and the indicator in accordance with the second rule, the second rule comprising: operating the heater to heat the heating chamber to a usage temperature during a heating period and then maintaining the heating chamber at the usage temperature; and activating the indicator when the operating temperature is first reached to indicate that the device is ready for use. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The aerosol generating device of claim 4 , further comprising a user input operable to instruct the control circuit to select the first rule or the second rule.

6. One or more rules can be and / or the heating temperature reaches one or more intermediate temperatures between the initial temperature and the use temperature; When one or more intermediate heating times have elapsed, the one or more intermediate heating times being between the heater start time and the initialization heating time, The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a process for determining an operation of the indicator by which the indicator is operated.

7. The control circuit includes: User input; an initial temperature measured by the temperature measuring means; A characteristic of the heater; The measured ambient temperature; a remaining energy level of a battery of the aerosol generating device; and 7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , configured to select a rule according to one or more of the following:

8. The aerosol generating device of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the one or more rules comprise a heating curve defining a change in heating temperature over time, and the control circuit is configured to select a heating curve and operate the heater to heat the heating chamber in accordance with the selected heating curve.

9. The aerosol generating device of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the one or more rules comprise a table including a plurality of intermediate temperatures and the use temperature, and the control circuit is configured to operate the heater to heat the heating chamber to each intermediate temperature and the use temperature.

10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 9 , wherein the one or more intermediate temperatures are determined by the control circuit according to an initial temperature measured by the temperature measuring means.

11. Furthermore, a battery, the control circuit being configured to measure power provided by the battery; the one or more rules include a plurality of heating rates each corresponding to a power level supplied by the battery, and the control circuitry is configured to select a heating rate based on a measurement of the power supplied by the battery.

11. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. 12. The aerosol generating device according to claim 8, wherein the control circuit is configured to select a rule depending on an initial temperature measured by the temperature measuring means.

13. The indicator is A visual indicator; A tactile indicator; an audio indicator; and 13. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. 14. The aerosol generating device of claim 13, comprising a visual indicator, the visual indicator comprising a luminescent indicator that changes color and / or glows gradually during heating.

15. The light emitting indicator is when the heating temperature reaches one or more intermediate temperatures between the initial temperature and the use temperature, 15. The aerosol generating device of claim 14, which changes color and / or glows gradually.

16. The light emitting indicator is When one or more intermediate heating times have elapsed, the one or more intermediate heating times being between the heater start time and the initialization heating time, 16. An aerosol generating device as claimed in claim 14 or 15, which changes colour and / or lights up gradually.

17. 17. The aerosol generating device of claim 16, wherein the light-emitting indicator comprises a plurality of LEDs, the plurality of LEDs being illuminated in sequence as a plurality of intermediate heating periods elapse.

18. 18. The aerosol generating device of claim 17, wherein the plurality of heating periods span a period of more than 15 seconds.

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