Aerosol generating device with counterfeit product detection function

Abstract

An apparatus configured to interact with a consumable product to generate an aerosol, the apparatus including: a container configured to receive the consumable product; a sensor configured to detect a characteristic of the consumable product received in the container; a control unit operably coupled to the sensor and configured to determine whether the detected characteristic indicates authenticity of the consumable product; and one or both of a scent emitting unit and a marking unit. The scent emitting unit is operably coupled to the control unit and configured to cause the scent emitting unit to emit a scent when the control unit determines that the consumable product is not authentic. The marking unit is operably coupled to the control unit and configured to cause the marking unit to mark the consumable product received in the container when the control unit determines that the consumable product is not authentic.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating device that emits a scent, marks a consumable, or both emits a scent and marks the consumable if the aerosol-generating device or apparatus determines that the consumable is not authentic or is counterfeit. [Background technology]

[0002] There is an increasing demand for handheld aerosol-generating systems or devices that deliver an aerosol for inhalation by a user. Some aerosol-generating devices operate by heating an aerosol-forming substrate with a heating element. Some devices operate by inserting an electric heater into the 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 include an aerosol generating device or main unit that includes 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 includes an aerosol-generating substrate such as a tobacco rod or tobacco plug. The aerosol-generating substrate, such as tobacco, typically contains one or more volatile compounds that form an aerosol when heated in the aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may heat, but not combust, the aerosol-generating substrate. The heater housed within the aerosol-generating device is inserted within 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 include a capsule containing an aerosol-generating substrate, such as loose tobacco.

[0004] Consumers may use counterfeit consumable products in aerosol generating systems by obtaining them on the market where they are distributed within the existing standard supply chain. Counterfeit consumable products may be difficult for consumers to detect. Counterfeit consumable products may unintentionally affect the performance of the device and negatively impact the overall consumer experience. Counterfeit consumables are not subject to quality control and may result in adverse health consequences for consumers. Furthermore, by using counterfeit consumables, consumers may unintentionally negatively impact the lifespan of their device and may also cause their device to malfunction or fail.

[0005] It would be desirable to provide an aerosol generating device that recognizes non-authentic or counterfeit consumables and provides an indication to the consumer or others that the consumable is non-authentic or counterfeit.

[0006] It would be desirable to provide an indication that a consumable is non-authentic or counterfeit to prevent further use of the non-authentic or counterfeit consumable.

[0007] It would be desirable to provide an indication that the consumable is non-authentic and prompt the user to stop using the non-authentic consumable.

[0008] It would be desirable for a counterfeit product to be identifiable after recognition as not being the original product, i.e., recognizable to the consumer and those close to the consumer. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The aerosol-generating systems or devices described herein are configured to identify counterfeit consumables and to notify consumers, and potentially other people, of the recognition and identification of the counterfeit consumables. The aerosol-generating systems or devices include a recognition unit configured to determine whether a detected characteristic indicates the authenticity of the consumable. The aerosol-generating systems or devices may emit a scent or mark the consumable, or both, to alert the consumer and potentially other people in the consumer's vicinity of the authenticity of the consumable.

[0010] The device is configured to interact with a consumable product to generate an aerosol. The device includes a container configured to receive the consumable product, a sensor configured to detect a characteristic of the consumable product when the consumable product is received in the container, a control unit operably coupled to the sensor and configured to determine whether the detected characteristic indicates authenticity of the consumable product, and one or both of a scent emitting unit and a marking unit. The scent emitting unit is operably coupled to the control unit and configured to cause the scent emitting unit to emit a scent when the control unit determines that the consumable product is not authentic. The marking unit is operably coupled to the control unit and configured to cause the marking unit to mark the consumable product received in the container when the control unit determines that the consumable product is not authentic.

[0011] If a non-genuine consumable product is detected, the control unit of the device may activate a scent emitting unit that may emit an unpleasant or unpleasant scent. In this way, the consumer associates the unpleasant or unpleasant scent with the counterfeit consumable product. The control unit may activate a marking unit that may mark the consumable product with a counterfeit identification mark. In this way, consumption of a counterfeit product is identifiable not only to the consumer, but also to other consumers and people, after being recognized by the device.

[0012] Furthermore, if the consumable is determined to be inauthentic, the aerosol generating device may not be able to be activated to produce aerosol from the consumable.

[0013] Advantageously, the aerosol generating device may actively notify the consumer that the consumable is not authentic. Recognizing that the consumable is not authentic may deter the consumer from using the non-authentic consumable with the aerosol generating device. Having the aerosol generating device may actively notify people in the consumer's vicinity that the consumable is not authentic, further deterring the consumer from using the non-authentic consumable with the aerosol generating device. Emitting an unpleasant scent or odor from the aerosol generating device may provide public notice to further deter consumers from using the non-authentic consumable with the aerosol generating device. Placing an obvious marking on the counterfeit consumable may also provide public notice to further deter consumers from using the non-authentic consumable with the aerosol generating device.

[0014] All scientific and technical terms used herein have meanings commonly used in the art unless otherwise specified. The definitions provided herein are intended to facilitate understanding of certain terms used frequently herein.

[0015] The phrase "consumable feature" refers to the presence or absence of a detectable feature or element. Useful detectable features or elements include, for example, RFID tags, color or spectroscopic elements, security elements, etc.

[0016] The term "genuine" refers to an item that is manufactured by the manufacturer or authorized entity to which the item refers.

[0017] The terms "counterfeit" or "non-authentic" refer to an item that misrepresents the origin of the item, such as a fake, imitation, or unauthorized copy.

[0018] The terms "control unit," "controller," or "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, as well as 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-ROM, disk or tape, etc.).

[0019] The terms "aerosol-generating device" or "aerosol-generating apparatus" refer to a device or apparatus configured to generate an aerosol using an aerosol-generating article or substrate. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating device or apparatus may be described as a smoking article or holder, particularly a tobacco stick holder or "heat stick" holder. The aerosol-generating device or apparatus also preferably includes an aerosolizer. The aerosolizer may include an atomizer, a cartomizer, a heater, or other aerosolization components.

[0020] The terms "aerosol-generating article" or "aerosol-generating substrate" refer to an article or substrate that emits a compound capable of forming an aerosol that is inhaled by a user. In some cases, the substrate may emit a volatile compound upon heating. Preferably, the aerosol-generating substrate contains nicotine. Suitable aerosol-generating substrates may include plant-derived materials. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may include tobacco or tobacco-containing materials containing volatile tobacco flavor compounds that are released from the aerosol-generating substrate upon heating. Additionally or alternatively, the aerosol-generating substrate may include non-tobacco-containing materials. The aerosol-generating substrate may include homogenized plant-derived materials. The aerosol-generating substrate may include at least one aerosol former. The aerosol-generating substrate may include 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 include 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.

[0021] The term "tobacco material" refers to a material or substance that contains tobacco, including, for example, a tobacco blend or flavored tobacco.

[0022] While certain frequently used terms have been defined above, the aerosol-generating instrument or device of the present disclosure will now be described in more detail. Generally, the aerosol-generating instrument or device includes a recognition unit or sensor configured to determine whether a detected characteristic on or in the consumable is indicative of the authenticity of the consumable. The aerosol-generating system or device may emit a scent or mark the consumable, or both, to alert the consumer and potentially others in the consumer's vicinity of the authenticity of the consumable.

[0023] The instrument or aerosol-generating device includes an aerosolizer. The aerosolizer is enclosed by a housing when in use. The aerosolizer is configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating substrate contained within the consumable. 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.

[0024] The aerosolizer may include a heating element, such as 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 consumable product, such as a heat stick. The heating blade may be inserted into the consumable product or 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 to the heat stick by the heating element or heating blade preferably does not combust the smoking material.

[0025] 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, the heating element of the heater may be positioned adjacent to the aerosol-generating substrate and 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 when a powered induction coil is positioned adjacent to the susceptor, electromagnetic energy may be transferred to the susceptor to heat the substrate within the consumable.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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 thereto), 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 thereto), 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.

[0028] The aerosol-generating substrate is at least partially disposed within the aerosol-generating device during use. The aerosol-generating substrate may be removable after consumption. A new aerosol-generating substrate may be received by the aerosol-generating device to replace the consumed substrate.

[0029] The aerosol-generating substrate is disposed within the consumable. The consumable is sometimes referred to as a "thermostick" where the aerosol-generating substrate forms a first portion of the elongated consumable and the mouthpiece forms an opposing portion of the elongated consumable. The aerosol-generating substrate side of the consumable is inserted into an aerosol-generating device or appliance for use by a consumer. The recognition element may be disposed on an outer surface of the consumable. The recognition element may be disposed within the outer surface of the consumable.

[0030] The aerosol generating device or device is configured to interact with a consumable product to generate the aerosol. The device includes a container configured to receive the consumable product, and a sensor configured to detect a characteristic of the consumable product when the consumable product is received in the container. A control unit is operably coupled to the sensor and configured to determine whether the detected characteristic indicates authenticity of the consumable product. The device further includes one or both of a scent emitting unit and a marking unit.

[0031] The scent emitting unit, when present, is operably coupled to a control unit configured to cause the scent emitting unit to emit a scent when the control unit determines that the consumable product is not authentic or is counterfeit.

[0032] The marking unit, when present, is operably coupled to the control unit, which is configured to cause the marking unit to mark the consumable received in the container when the control unit determines that the consumable is not authentic or is counterfeit.

[0033] The sensor may be any useful sensor capable of interrogating a detectable characteristic on or within the consumable to determine the authenticity of the consumable. The sensor may be located within the instrument container. The sensor may be located within the instrument container or proximate to an outer surface of the consumable received within the instrument container. The sensor may define an annular ring within which the consumable received within the instrument container is located.

[0034] The sensor may be a radio frequency identification (RFID) sensor or reader that emits radio waves and receives signals from a corresponding radio frequency identification (RFID) tag recognition element on the consumable. The RFID tag recognition element on the consumable may be a passive element powered by the (RFID) sensor or reader. The RFID reader or sensor is configured to query the (RFID) tag recognition element on the consumable and verify the authenticity of the consumable via the transmitted data.

[0035] The sensor may be a color, spectroscopic, or optical sensor configured to query or read a corresponding recognition element on the consumable. The recognition element may include a taggant or color security feature for verifying the authenticity of the consumable by its spectroscopic or taggant characteristics.

[0036] In some embodiments, the appliance includes a scent emitting unit but not a marking unit. In some embodiments, the appliance includes a marking unit but not a scent emitting unit. In some, the appliance includes both a scent emitting unit and a marking unit.

[0037] The scent-emitting unit may be configured to emit a compound having an unpleasant or disagreeable odor. The scent-emitting unit may be contained within a housing of the device. The scent-emitting unit may be contained within a container of the device. The scent-emitting unit may be located proximate to a closed end of the container of the aerosol-generating device. The scent-emitting unit is operably coupled to a control unit, which may activate the scent-emitting unit (if present) upon detecting a counterfeit or non-authentic consumable received within the container of the device.

[0038] The scent-releasing unit may include at least one scent-releasing element, such as a heater or heating element, a vibration generator, an ultrasonic or piezoelectric transducer, an atomizer, or any other actuator for energizing scent particles, so that the particles are released from the scent reservoir or cartridge into gaseous form or microdroplets that can be carried by airflow through the scent flow channel between the consumable and the container. The container may have a corrugated inner surface to improve the passage of airflow through the scent flow channel and to hold the consumable contained within the container securely in place.

[0039] The scent-releasing unit may include a heater configured to heat a substrate containing the compound and release the compound. The scent-releasing element may be a mesh heater configured to heat a high-retention material or substrate immersed in a scented liquid incorporated in a scent cartridge and release the scent therefrom. The released scent may be directed toward a consumer of the consumable product via a channel or scent flow channel. The released scent may be directed out of the aerosol-generating device toward the consumer at an opening in a container of the aerosol-generating device.

[0040] If the sensor detects the inauthenticity of the consumable, the control unit may activate the scent-emitting unit to emit an unpleasant scent from the aerosol-generating device toward the consumer of the counterfeit consumable. One example of an unpleasant scent is perceived as being strongly bitter and is composed of a suitable fragrance and glycol. Other unpleasant scents include, for example, ammonia compounds or sulfur compounds. By emitting an unpleasant scent upon detection of a counterfeit consumable, the consumer may associate the scent with the counterfeit consumable and will be less likely to use the counterfeit consumable in the future.

[0041] The marking unit is configured to place indicia on the surface of the consumable to provide visual evidence that it is a counterfeit consumable. The indicia provided by the marking unit may be any useful indication of authenticity, such as, for example, the terms "void," "fake," "counterfeit," or "defective." The marking unit provides the mark or indicia by printing, burning, etc.

[0042] The marking unit may include a heater configured to burn a visible mark or indicia onto the consumable. The marking unit may be contained within the housing of the instrument. The marking unit may be contained within the container of the instrument. The marking unit may be located proximate to the body of the consumable when the consumable is received in the container of the instrument. The marking unit is operably coupled to a control unit, and the control unit may activate the marking unit upon detecting a counterfeit or non-authentic consumable received in the container of the instrument.

[0043] The marking unit may mark the consumable while it is received in the instrument container. When the non-authenticity of the consumable is detected by the sensor, the control unit activates the marking unit to apply a counterfeit identifying mark in a visible area of ​​the consumable. The marking unit may be designed to incorporate at least one heating element capable of burning individual letters, symbols, or terms, such as "Void," "Fake," "Counterfeit," or "Defective," onto the consumable when a non-authentic consumable is detected in the instrument container.

[0044] To power the devices described herein, a power source is electrically connected to provide the necessary energy for operation of the sensor, control unit, scent emitting unit, and marking unit, and the power source is located within the housing of the device.

[0045] The activation element or activation button is operably coupled to the control unit. The activation element is configured to be activated by a user of the appliance. Activation of the activation element causes the control unit to determine whether the detected characteristic is indicative of authenticity of the consumable. Activation of the activation element causes the control unit to activate one or both of the marking unit or the scent-emitting unit if the detected characteristic is indicative of inauthenticity of the consumable.

[0046] Actuation of the actuation element is configured to cause the device to interact with the consumable to generate an aerosol if the control unit determines that the consumable is authentic. In many embodiments, the control unit is configured to prevent the device from interacting with the consumable to generate an aerosol if the control unit determines that the consumable is not authentic.

[0047] The control unit of the device may be contained by the aerosol generating device or the housing of the device, and is configured to activate the aerosolizer to generate an aerosol from the consumable aerosol-forming substrate.

[0048] The control unit may include a memory. The memory may be used to store various types of data, such as authenticity data. The stored authenticity data may be later used, displayed, or communicated. In one embodiment, the authenticity data may be determined and stored on the control unit. The control unit may be provided in any suitable form, including, for example, a processor and memory. The control unit generally includes a memory containing instructions that cause one or more components to perform functions or aspects of the control unit. Functionality attributed to a controller in this disclosure may be embodied as one or more of software, firmware, and hardware.

[0049] The control unit described herein may include a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU), computer, logic array, or other device capable of directing data to and from the controller. The control unit may include one or more computing devices having memory, processing, and communication hardware. The control unit may also include circuitry used to couple the various components of the control unit together or with other components operably coupled to the control unit. The functions of the control unit may be implemented by hardware and / or as computer instructions on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

[0050] The processor of the control unit may include any one or more of a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor (DSP), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), 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 control unit or processor herein may be embodied as software, firmware, hardware, or any combination thereof. While described herein as a processor-based system, alternative controllers may utilize other components, such as relays and timers, alone or in combination with a microprocessor-based system, to achieve desired results.

[0051] 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 functionality of the control unit as described herein may be implemented in any manner known to those skilled in the art. [Example]

[0052] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, below is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features described above, for example, with any one or more features of other examples, embodiments, or aspects described herein.

[0053] Example 1 An apparatus configured to interact with a consumable product to generate an aerosol, the apparatus comprising: a container configured to receive the consumable product; a sensor configured to detect a characteristic of the consumable product when the consumable product is received in the container; a control unit operably coupled to the sensor and configured to determine whether the detected characteristic indicates authenticity of the consumable product; and one or both of a scent emitting unit and a marking unit, wherein the scent emitting unit is operably coupled to the control unit and configured to cause the scent emitting unit to emit a scent when the control unit determines that the consumable product is not authentic, and the marking unit is operably coupled to the control unit and configured to cause the marking unit to mark the consumable product received in the container when the control unit determines that the consumable product is not authentic. Example 2. The apparatus of example 1, wherein the sensor comprises an RFID reader. Example 3 3. The device of example 1 or example 2, comprising a scent-releasing unit. Example 4. 4. The apparatus of example 3, wherein the scent-emitting unit is configured to emit a compound having an unpleasant odor. Example 5. 5. The device of example 4, wherein the scent-releasing unit comprises a heater configured to heat a substrate comprising the compound, and wherein heating the substrate releases the compound. Example 6 The device of example 4 or example 5, comprising a channel configured to convey the released compound towards a consumer of the consumable. Example 7 3. The apparatus of example 1 or example 2, comprising a marking unit. Example 8 The apparatus of example 7, wherein the marking unit comprises a heater configured to burn a visible indicia onto the consumable. Example 9. An instrument described in any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the instrument comprises an actuation element operably coupled to a control unit, the actuation unit configured to be actuated by a user of the instrument, and actuation of the actuation element causes the control unit to determine whether the detected characteristic indicates authenticity of the consumable. Example 10. 10. The device of example 9, wherein actuation of the actuation element is configured to cause the device to interact with the consumable to generate an aerosol if the control unit determines that the consumable is authentic. Example 11 11. The apparatus of example 10, wherein the control unit is configured to prevent the device from interacting with the consumable to generate an aerosol if the control unit determines that the consumable is not authentic. Example 12 A method for indicating the inauthenticity of a consumable inserted into a container of an aerosol-generating device, the method comprising determining that the consumable inserted into the container is not authentic, and emitting a scent from the device after the consumable is inserted into the container, or marking the consumable. Example 13 13. The method of example 12, comprising releasing a scent. Example 14. The method of example 13, wherein the released scent has an unpleasant odor. Example 15. The method of any one of Examples 12-14, wherein the method comprises marking the consumable with a visible indicia. Example 16. An apparatus configured to interact with a consumable product to generate an aerosol, the apparatus comprising: a container configured to receive the consumable product; a sensor configured to detect a characteristic of the consumable product when the consumable product is received in the container; a control unit operably coupled to the sensor and configured to determine whether the detected characteristic indicates authenticity of the consumable product; and a scent emitting unit, the scent emitting unit operably coupled to the control unit, the control unit configured to cause the scent emitting unit to emit a scent when the control unit determines that the consumable product is not authentic. Example 17. The device of example 16, wherein the sensor comprises an RFID reader. Example 18. 18. The device of example 16 or example 17, comprising a scent-releasing unit. Example 19. 19. The apparatus of example 18, wherein the scent-emitting unit is configured to emit a compound having an unpleasant odor comprising an ammonia or sulfur compound. Example 20. 20. The device of example 19, wherein the scent-releasing unit comprises a heater configured to heat a substrate comprising the compound, and wherein heating the substrate releases the compound. Example 21. The device of example 19 or example 20, comprising a channel configured to convey the released compound towards a consumer of the consumable. Example 22. An instrument described in any one of Examples 16 to 21, wherein the instrument comprises an actuation element operably coupled to a control unit, the actuation unit configured to be actuated by a user of the instrument, and actuation of the actuation element causes the control unit to determine whether the detected characteristic indicates authenticity of the consumable. Example 23. 23. The device of example 22, wherein actuation of the actuation element is configured to cause the device to interact with the consumable to generate an aerosol if the control unit determines that the consumable is authentic. Example 24. 24. The device of example 23, wherein the control unit is configured to prevent the device from interacting with the consumable to generate an aerosol if the control unit determines that the consumable is not authentic. Example 25. A method for indicating the inauthenticity of a consumable inserted into a container of an aerosol-generating device, the method comprising: determining that the consumable inserted into the container is not authentic; and emitting a scent from the device after the consumable is inserted into the container. Example 26. The method of example 25, comprising releasing a scent. Example 27. The method of example 26, wherein the released scent has an unpleasant odor comprising ammonia or sulfur compounds. Example 28. An apparatus configured to interact with a consumable product to generate an aerosol, the apparatus comprising: a container configured to receive the consumable product; a sensor configured to detect a characteristic of the consumable product when the consumable product is received in the container; a control unit operably coupled to the sensor and configured to determine whether the detected characteristic indicates authenticity of the consumable product; and a marking unit operably coupled to the control unit, the control unit configured to cause the marking unit to mark the consumable product received in the container when the control unit determines that the consumable product is not authentic. Example 29. The device of Example 28, wherein the sensor comprises an RFID reader. Example 30. 29. The device of example 28 or example 29, comprising a marking unit. Example 31. 31. The apparatus of example 30, wherein the marking unit comprises a heater configured to burn a visible indicia onto the consumable. Example 32. An instrument described in any one of Examples 28 to 31, wherein the instrument comprises an actuation element operably coupled to a control unit, the actuation unit configured to be actuated by a user of the device, and actuation of the actuation element causes the control unit to determine whether the detected characteristic indicates authenticity of the consumable. Example 33. The device of Example 32, wherein activation of the activation element is configured to cause the device to interact with the consumable to generate an aerosol if the control unit determines that the consumable is authentic. Example 34. An apparatus as described in Example 330, wherein the control unit is configured to prevent the apparatus from interacting with the consumable and generating an aerosol if the control unit determines that the consumable is not authentic. Example 35. A method for indicating the inauthenticity of a consumable inserted into a container of an aerosol generating device, the method comprising: determining that the consumable inserted into the container is inauthentic; and marking the consumable after it is inserted into the container. Example 36. 36. The method of example 35, wherein the method comprises marking the consumable with a visible indicia. Example 37. 1. An apparatus configured to interact with a consumable product to generate an aerosol, the apparatus comprising: a container configured to receive the consumable product; a sensor configured to detect a characteristic of the consumable product when the consumable product is received in the container; a control unit operably coupled to the sensor and configured to determine whether the detected characteristic indicates authenticity of the consumable product; and both a scent emitting unit and a marking unit, wherein the scent emitting unit is operably coupled to the control unit and configured to cause the scent emitting unit to emit a scent when the control unit determines that the consumable product is not authentic; and the marking unit is operably coupled to the control unit and configured to cause the marking unit to mark the consumable product received in the container when the control unit determines that the consumable product is not authentic. Example 38. The device of Example 37, wherein the sensor comprises an RFID reader. Example 39. 39. The device of example 37 or example 38, comprising a scent-releasing unit. Example 40. 40. The device of example example 39, wherein the scent-emitting unit is configured to emit a compound having an unpleasant odor. Example 41. 41. The device of example 40, wherein the scent-releasing unit comprises a heater configured to heat a substrate comprising the compound, and heating the substrate releases the compound. Example 42. 42. The device of example 40 or example 41, comprising a channel configured to convey the released compound towards a consumer of the consumable. Example 43. An apparatus according to one or more of Examples 37 to 42, comprising a marking unit. Example 44. 44. The apparatus of example 43, wherein the marking unit comprises a heater configured to burn a visible indicia onto the consumable. Example 45. An instrument described in one or more of Examples 37 to 44, wherein the instrument comprises an actuation element operably coupled to a control unit, the actuation unit configured to be actuated by a user of the device, and actuation of the actuation element causes the control unit to determine whether the detected characteristic indicates authenticity of the consumable. Example 46. The device of Example 45, wherein activation of the activation element is configured to cause the device to interact with the consumable to generate an aerosol if the control unit determines that the consumable is authentic. Example 47. 47. The device of Example 46, wherein the control unit is configured to prevent the device from interacting with the consumable to generate an aerosol if the control unit determines that the consumable is not authentic. Example 48. A method for indicating the inauthenticity of a consumable inserted into a container of an aerosol-generating device, the method comprising determining that the consumable inserted into the container is not authentic, and emitting a scent from the device after the consumable is inserted into the container, or marking the consumable. Example 49. The method of example 48, comprising releasing a scent. Example 50. The method of example 49, wherein the released scent has an unpleasant odor comprising ammonia or sulfur compounds. Example 51. The method of one or more of Examples 48-50, wherein the method comprises marking the consumable with a visible indicia. Example 52. 52. The method of example 51, wherein the visible marking comprises marking a word on the consumable. Example 53. 53. The method of example 52, wherein the method comprises burning the words onto the consumable. Example 54. 53. The method of example 52, wherein the method comprises burning a word onto the consumable, the word indicating that the consumable is counterfeit or non-authentic.

[0054] Reference is now made to the drawings, in which certain aspects of the present invention are illustrated. It will be understood that other aspects not depicted in the drawings fall within the scope and spirit of the present invention. The drawings are schematic and are not necessarily drawn to scale. Like numbers used in the drawings refer to like components, steps, and the like. However, it should be understood that the use of one number to refer to a component in a given drawing is not intended to limit the same numbered component in another drawing. Additionally, the use of different numbers to refer to components in different drawings is not intended to indicate that the differently numbered components may not be the same or similar to other numbered components. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0055] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of an instrument and a consumable item inserted into the instrument. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of an instrument and a consumable inserted into the instrument, where the housing of the instrument is illustratively transparent. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the device and consumables inserted into the device of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side schematic view of an exemplary consumable product having indicia of counterfeiting. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exemplary flow chart of a method for indicating the authenticity of a consumable item in an instrument according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0056] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of an instrument 100 and a consumable product 200 inserted into the instrument 100. Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of an instrument 100 and a consumable product 200 inserted into the instrument 100, with a portion of the housing 110 of the instrument 100 illustratively transparent. Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the instrument 100 and the consumable product 200 inserted into the instrument 100 of Figure 2.

[0057] The device 100 is configured to interact with a consumable product 200 to generate an aerosol. The device 100 includes a container 111 configured to receive the consumable product 200 and a sensor 130 configured to detect a characteristic 210 of the consumable product 200 when the consumable product 200 is received in the container 111. A control unit 170 is operably coupled to the sensor 130 and configured to determine whether the detected characteristic 210 is indicative of authenticity of the consumable product. The device 100 further includes one or both of a scent emitting unit 150 and a marking unit 160.

[0058] The scent emitting unit 150 is operably coupled to a control unit 170. The control unit 170 is configured to cause the scent emitting unit 150 to emit a scent 155 when the control unit 170 determines that the consumable product 200 is not authentic or is a counterfeit product.

[0059] The marking unit 160 is operably coupled to the control unit 170. The control unit 170 is configured to cause the marking unit 160 to mark the consumable 200 received in the container 111 when the control unit 170 determines that the consumable 200 is not authentic or is counterfeit.

[0060] The sensor 130 may be any useful sensor capable of interrogating a detectable feature 210 on or within the consumable 200 to determine the authenticity of the consumable 200 .

[0061] The sensor 130 may be a radio frequency identification (RFID) sensor or reader that emits radio waves and receives signals from a corresponding radio frequency identification (RFID) tag recognition element 210 on the consumable 200. The RFID tag recognition element 210 on the consumable 200 may be a passive element that is powered by the (RFID) sensor or reader 130. The RFID reader or sensor 130 is configured to query the (RFID) tag recognition element 210 on the consumable 200 and verify the authenticity of the consumable 200 via the transmitted data.

[0062] The sensor 130 may be a color, spectroscopic, or optical sensor 130 configured to query or read a corresponding recognition element 210 on the consumable 200. The recognition element 210 may include a taggant or color security feature and verify the authenticity of the consumable 200 via its spectroscopic or taggant feature.

[0063] The figure illustrates an appliance 100 having both a scent emitting unit 150 and a marking unit 160. In some embodiments, the appliance 100 includes a scent emitting unit 150 but not a marking unit 160. In some embodiments, the appliance 100 includes a marking unit 160 but not a scent emitting unit 150. In some examples, the appliance 100 includes both a scent emitting unit 150 and a marking unit 160.

[0064] The scent-emitting unit 150 may be configured to emit a compound 155 having an unpleasant or disagreeable odor. The scent-emitting unit 150 may be contained within the housing 110 of the appliance 100. The scent-emitting unit 150 may be contained within the container 111 of the appliance 100. The scent-emitting unit 150 is operably coupled to the control unit 170, which may activate the scent-emitting unit 150 (if present) upon detecting a counterfeit or non-authentic consumable 200 received within the container 111 of the appliance 100.

[0065] The scent-releasing unit 150 may include at least one scent-releasing element 151, such as a heater or heating element, a vibration generator, an ultrasonic or piezoelectric transducer, an atomizer, or any other actuator for energizing scent particles, such that the particles are released from a scent reservoir or cartridge 152 into gaseous form or microdroplets that can be carried by the airflow passing through the scent flow channel 112 between the consumable 200 and the container 111. The container 111 may have a corrugated inner surface to improve the passage of airflow through the scent flow channel 112 and to hold the consumable 200 contained within the container 111 securely in place.

[0066] 3, the scent-releasing unit 150 includes a heater 151 configured to heat a substrate 152 containing a compound and releasing the compound 155. The scent-releasing element 151 may be a mesh heater configured to heat a flavored, liquid-soaked, high-retention material or substrate incorporated into the scent cartridge 152 and release the scent 155 therefrom. The released scent 155 may be directed towards a consumer of the consumable product 200 via a channel or scent flow channel 112, as illustrated in FIG.

[0067] If the sensor 130 detects the inauthenticity of the consumable 200, the control unit 170 activates the scent-emitting unit 150 to emit an unpleasant scent to the consumer or the counterfeit consumable 300. One unpleasant scent is perceived as being strong and bitter and is composed of a suitable fragrance and glycol. Other unpleasant scents include, for example, ammonia compounds or sulfur compounds. By emitting an unpleasant scent upon detecting a counterfeit consumable 300, the consumer may associate the scent with the counterfeit consumable 300 and be less likely to use the counterfeit consumable 300 in the future.

[0068] Marking unit 160 is configured to place indicia 310 on the surface of consumable 200 to provide visual evidence that it is a counterfeit consumable 300. Figure 4 illustrates consumable 300 having the term "invalid" as indicia. The indicia provided by marking unit 160 may be any useful indication of authenticity, such as, for example, the terms "fake," "counterfeit," or "defective."

[0069] The marking unit 160 may include a heater configured to burn a visible mark or indicia into the consumable 200. The marking unit 160 may be contained within the housing 110 of the instrument 100. The marking unit 160 may be contained within the container 111 of the instrument 100. The marking unit 160 is operably coupled to a control unit 170, which may activate the marking unit 160 (if present) upon detecting a counterfeit or non-authentic consumable 200 received within the container 111 of the instrument 100.

[0070] The marking unit 160 may mark the consumable 200 while it is received in the container 111 of the device 100. When the non-authenticity of the consumable 300 is detected by the sensor 130, the control unit 170 activates the marking unit 160 to mark a counterfeit identifying mark 310 in a visible area of ​​the consumable 300. The marking unit 160 may be designed to incorporate at least one heating element capable of burning individual letters, symbols or words, such as "Void", "Fake", "Counterfeit" or "Defective", onto the consumable 300 when a non-authentic consumable 300 is detected in the container 111 of the device 100.

[0071] To power the device 100 described herein, a power source 180 is electrically connected to provide the necessary energy for the operation of the sensor 130, the control unit 170, the scent emitting unit 150, and the marking unit 160.

[0072] The actuation element 120 or actuation button 120 is operably coupled to the control unit 170. The actuation element 120 is configured to be actuated by a user of the instrument 100. Actuation of the actuation element 120 causes the control unit 170 to determine whether the detected characteristic 210 indicates the authenticity of the consumable product 200.

[0073] Actuation of actuation element 120 is configured to cause instrument 100 to interact with consumable 200 to generate aerosol if control unit 170 determines that consumable 200 is authentic. In numerous embodiments, control unit 170 is configured to prevent instrument 100 from interacting with consumable 200 to generate aerosol if control unit 170 determines that consumable 200 is not authentic.

[0074] 5 is an exemplary flowchart 500 of a method for indicating the inauthenticity of a consumable product 300 in a device 100 according to the present invention. The device 100 or aerosol generating device 100 may be operated with a recognition and prevention process in step 501. To do so, a consumer inserts the consumable product 200 into the container 111 in a first step and pushes the consumable product 200 with an axial force into the heating element 140 in step 502.

[0075] When the consumer presses the activation button 120, the recognition process begins at step 503. This causes the recognition unit or sensor 130 to check whether the inserted consumable 200 incorporates a recognition element 210 at step 504 and determine whether the consumable is counterfeit.

[0076] If the recognition unit or sensor 130 determines that the consumable product 200 is not counterfeit (No), then in step 505 the control unit 170 activates the heating element 140 to generate an inhalable aerosol for the consumer.

[0077] On the other hand, if the recognition unit or sensor 130 detects a counterfeit consumable 300 (yes), then in step 506 the control unit 170 may send a signal to disable the heating element 140 and send an activation signal to the marking unit 160 to mark a counterfeit identifying mark 310 on the detected counterfeit consumable (300).

[0078] Simultaneously, or after marking the counterfeit consumable 300, the control unit 170 may send an activation signal to the scent emitting unit 150 at step 507, thereby activating the scent emitting element 151 and causing an unpleasant scent to be emitted from the cartridge 152 and detected by the consumer as well as others in the vicinity of the consumer. This results in the marking of the consumable 300 as counterfeit and the emission of the unpleasant scent from the device 100 at step 508.

[0079] It will be appreciated that either the marking step 506 or the scent releasing step 507 may occur in any order, or one of the marking step 506 or scent releasing step 507 may not occur at all.

[0080] 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.

[0081] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include embodiments having plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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 will be understood that "consisting essentially of," "consisting of," and the like are encompassed by "comprising" and the like.

[0084] The words "preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments of the invention that may offer certain advantages, under particular circumstances. 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. A device configured to interact with a consumable to generate an aerosol, comprising: a container configured to receive the consumable product; a sensor configured to detect a characteristic of the consumable product when the consumable product is received in the container; a control unit operably coupled to the sensor and configured to determine whether the detected characteristic is indicative of authenticity of the consumable; One or both of the scent emitting unit and the marking unit, the scent emitting unit is operably coupled to the control unit, the control unit being configured to cause the scent emitting unit to emit a scent when the control unit determines that the consumable product is not authentic; The marking unit is operably coupled to the control unit, and the control unit is configured to cause the marking unit to mark the consumable received in the container when the control unit determines that the consumable is not authentic.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises an RFID reader.

3. 3. An appliance according to claim 1 or 2, comprising the scent-releasing unit.

4. The device of claim 3 , wherein the scent-emitting unit is configured to emit a compound having an unpleasant odor.

5. 5. The device of claim 4, wherein the scent-releasing unit comprises a heater configured to heat a substrate containing the compound, the heating of the substrate causing the compound to be released.

6. 6. The device of claim 4, comprising a channel configured to convey the released compound towards a consumer of the consumable product.

7. An apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, comprising the marking unit.

8. The device of claim 6 , wherein the marking unit comprises a heater configured to burn a visible indicia onto the consumable.

9. 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the device comprises an actuation element operably coupled to the control unit, the actuation unit configured to be actuated by a user of the device, and actuation of the actuation element causes the control unit to determine whether the detected characteristic is indicative of authenticity of the consumable product.

10. 10. The device of claim 9, wherein actuation of the actuation element is configured to cause the device to interact with the consumable to generate the aerosol if the control unit determines that the consumable is authentic.

11. 11. The device of claim 10, wherein the control unit is configured to prevent the device from interacting with the consumable to generate the aerosol if the control unit determines that the consumable is not authentic.

12. 1. A method for indicating the authenticity of a consumable inserted into a container of an aerosol generating device, comprising: determining that the consumable inserted into the container is not authentic; and The method includes one or both of emitting a scent from the device and marking the consumable product after the consumable product is inserted into the container.

13. The method of claim 12, comprising releasing the scent.

14. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the released scent has an unpleasant odor.

15. The method of any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the method comprises marking the consumable with a visible indicia.

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