Lighting system for aerosol generating systems

Abstract

An illumination system for an aerosol-generating system is provided. The illumination system comprises a plurality of light-emitting elements, a first set of a plurality of illumination regions, and control electronics. Each of the illumination regions is spatially separated from the other illumination regions. Each of the illumination regions comprises one or more of the plurality of light-emitting elements. The first set of illumination regions are arranged relative to one another to collectively define the number 8. The control electronics is configured to couple to the plurality of light-emitting elements and to selectively activate each of the plurality of illumination regions. An aerosol-generating device for generating an inhalable aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate is also provided, the aerosol-generating device comprising such an illumination system.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an illumination system for an aerosol generating system. The present disclosure also relates to an aerosol generating device incorporating an illumination system. [Background technology]

[0002] It is well known that aerosol generation systems are used to generate inhalable aerosols for a user. It is also known to use light emitting devices as part of the aerosol generation system to provide a visual cue to the user regarding the status of the aerosol generation system.

[0003] It is desirable to provide an improved lighting system for an aerosol generating system. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an illumination system for an aerosol generation system. The illumination system may include a plurality of light-emitting elements, a first set of a plurality of illumination regions, and control electronics. Each of the illumination regions may be spatially separated from the other illumination regions. Each of the illumination regions may include one or more of the plurality of light-emitting elements. The control electronics may be coupled to the plurality of light-emitting elements and configured to selectively activate each of the plurality of illumination regions. By selectively activating different illumination regions of the plurality of spatially separated illumination regions, the illumination system may be able to easily generate different light emissions depending on which illumination regions of the illumination regions are activated (or not). Depending on the relative arrangement of the spatially separated illumination regions, by selectively activating different illumination regions of the illumination regions, the activated illumination regions and the light emissions generated therefrom may collectively define different shapes, letters, numbers, or combinations thereof.

[0005] Preferably, the light emitting element is in the form of one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), which are preferred as they are energy efficient and are particularly suitable for use in aerosol generating systems intended to be portable and / or handheld.

[0006] Each of the illumination regions may comprise an equal number of light emitting elements.

[0007] One or more of the plurality of illumination regions may each comprise only one of the plurality of light-emitting elements. Preferably, each of the plurality of illumination regions may comprise only one of the plurality of light-emitting elements.

[0008] Advantageously, the plurality of illumination areas are arranged relative to one another so as to collectively define the figure 8. There may be seven illumination areas.

[0009] A first pair of the plurality of illumination areas may be disposed opposite a second pair of the plurality of illumination areas. The illumination areas of the first pair may be disposed collinearly with one another. The illumination areas of the second pair may be disposed collinearly with one another. Three of the plurality of illumination areas are laterally spaced apart from one another and extend between the first and second pairs of the plurality of illumination areas. It should be understood that by selectively activating different ones of the illumination areas, the activated illumination areas and the emitted light produced therefrom can collectively define different shapes, letters, numbers, or combinations thereof.

[0010] Preferably, the illumination system may further comprise an opaque shield disposed over the plurality of light-emitting elements, and the shield may comprise a plurality of openings to allow the passage of light therethrough.

[0011] The plurality of apertures may preferably be arranged in a plurality of aperture regions, each of which may comprise one or more of the plurality of apertures. Each of the plurality of aperture regions may be spatially separated from other aperture regions of the plurality of aperture regions. Each of the plurality of illumination regions may be in a light-transmitting relationship with a different aperture region of the plurality of aperture regions, such that light from each of the plurality of illumination regions of the first set is visible through the apertures of the corresponding aperture region. Of course, the number, size, and shape of the apertures in each aperture region will affect the perception of the light emitted from the activated illumination region to a user located on the opposite side of the opaque shield from the illumination region.

[0012] Each aperture region may comprise an equal number of apertures.

[0013] Each aperture region may comprise one or more rows of apertures.

[0014] Each aperture region may be in light transmissive relationship with a single light emitting element of the plurality of light emitting elements such that light generated from the single light emitting element is visible through the aperture of the corresponding aperture region.

[0015] Advantageously, the plurality of open areas may be arranged relative to one another so as to collectively define the figure 8. The plurality of open areas may be seven.

[0016] The first pair of the plurality of aperture regions may be disposed opposite the second pair of the plurality of aperture regions. The aperture regions of the first pair may be disposed collinearly with one another. The aperture regions of the second pair may be disposed collinearly with one another. Three of the plurality of aperture regions are laterally spaced apart from one another and extend between the first and second pairs of the plurality of illumination regions. By selectively activating different ones of the illumination regions, and depending on the number, shape, and size of the apertures in each aperture region, the light emissions produced from the plurality of illumination regions can collectively define different shapes, letters, numbers, or combinations thereof, as discernible by a user located on the opposite side of the opaque shield from the illumination regions.

[0017] Advantageously, a second set of one or more illumination areas may be arranged to partially or completely surround the first set of illumination areas. The control electronics may be configured to selectively activate each of the first and second sets of illumination areas to generate the first and second light emissions, respectively. The second set of illumination areas may collectively define a ring shape, and by way of example, the ring shape may be circular or elliptical. The first set of illumination areas may be complementary in shape to the second set of illumination areas. The first and second sets of illumination areas may be separated from each other by an annular gap.

[0018] According to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol-generating device for generating an inhalable aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a housing having a viewing window and an illumination system according to any one of the variations disclosed herein. The illumination system may be arranged within the housing such that light from a plurality of illumination regions is visible through the viewing window.

[0019] The aerosol generating device may further include an opaque shield disposed within the housing between the plurality of light emitting elements and the display window. The opaque shield may be as described in the previous paragraph. The opaque shield may be disposed over the plurality of light emitting elements and may include a plurality of openings to allow light to pass therethrough.

[0020] The plurality of apertures may be arranged in a plurality of aperture regions, each of the plurality of aperture regions comprising one or more of the plurality of apertures. Each of the aperture regions may be spatially separated from other aperture regions of the plurality of aperture regions. Each of the plurality of illumination regions may be in optically transmissive relationship with a different aperture region of the plurality of aperture regions, such that light from each of the plurality of illumination regions of the first set of illumination regions is visible through an aperture in a corresponding aperture region.

[0021] Each aperture region may comprise an equal number of apertures.

[0022] Each aperture region may comprise one or more rows of apertures.

[0023] Each aperture region may be in light transmissive relationship with a single light emitting element of the plurality of light emitting elements such that light generated from the single light emitting element is visible through the aperture of the corresponding aperture region.

[0024] The aerosol generating device may further include a light guide assembly disposed between the plurality of light emitting elements and the display window. The light guide assembly may be configured to direct light from the plurality of illumination regions toward the display window. An opaque shield may be disposed between the plurality of light emitting elements and the light guide assembly. Alternatively, the opaque shield may be disposed between the light guide assembly and the display window.

[0025] The opacity shield may be incorporated into the viewing window.

[0026] The control electronics can be configured to selectively activate different ones of the plurality of illumination areas, alone or in combination with each other, to produce different predetermined emissions depending on one or both of the state of the aerosol generating device and control inputs to the aerosol generating device.

[0027] The second set of illumination regions may be disposed to partially or completely surround the first set of illumination regions, and the control electronics may be configured to selectively activate each of the first and second sets of illumination regions to generate the first and second light emissions, respectively.

[0028] Preferably, the control electronics may be configured to: i) selectively activate one of the first and second sets of illumination regions to generate a first predetermined emission that communicates first data indicative of the status of the aerosol generation device, and ii) selectively activate the other of the first and second sets of illumination regions to generate a second predetermined emission that communicates second data indicative of the status of the aerosol generation device, the first data and the second data being different from each other.

[0029] The first and second data include: a) that the power supply of the aerosol generation device includes sufficient energy to complete one use session; b) that the power supply of the aerosol generation device includes sufficient energy to complete two or more use sessions; c) that the power supply of the aerosol generation device includes an energy level below a predetermined threshold level of energy; d) selecting or activating one of a first predetermined temperature profile and a second predetermined temperature profile, each of the first and second predetermined temperature profiles defining a heating profile for heating the aerosol-forming substrate with the electric heating device during the use session, the first and second predetermined temperature profiles being different from each other; e) that the aerosol generation device is in one of a pause mode state or a re-activation state; and f) an operating state of the aerosol generation device. g) a use session is in progress; h) a preheating phase is in progress in which the electric heating device is heated to a predetermined target temperature; i) the aerosol generating device is in a locked state in which the device is prohibited from generating aerosol; j) the aerosol generating device is in an unlocked state in which the device is allowed to generate aerosol; k) a PIN code to be entered to unlock the device so that it can generate aerosol and / or a sequence of PIN codes to be entered in a predetermined sequence to unlock the device so that it can generate aerosol; l) types of aerosol-generating articles detected by the device; m) the aerosol generating device is too hot to generate aerosol; and n) the aerosol generating device is too cold to generate aerosol.

[0030] Preferably, the display window may define a touch interface for a capacitive touch sensing device of the aerosol generating device for detecting a user's contact with the display window.

[0031] The control electronics selectively activates each of the plurality of illumination regions and controls the aerosol generation device to: a) ensure that the power supply of the aerosol generation device includes sufficient energy to complete a single use session; b) ensure that the power supply of the aerosol generation device includes sufficient energy to complete two or more use sessions; c) ensure that the power supply of the aerosol generation device includes an energy level below a predetermined threshold level of energy; d) select or activate one of a first predetermined temperature profile and a second predetermined temperature profile, each of the first and second predetermined temperature profiles defining a heating profile for heating the aerosol-forming substrate by the electric heating device during the use session, the first and second predetermined temperature profiles being different from each other; e) ensure that the aerosol generation device is in one of a pause mode state or a reactivation state; f) ensure that the aerosol generation device is in one of a pause mode state or a reactivation state; g) a use session is in progress; h) a pre-heating phase is in progress in which the electric heating device is heated to a predetermined target temperature; i) the aerosol generating device is in a locked state in which the device is prohibited from generating aerosol; j) the aerosol generating device is in an unlocked state in which the device is able to generate aerosol; k) a PIN code to be entered to unlock the device so that it can generate aerosol and / or a sequence of PIN codes to be entered in a predetermined sequence to unlock the device so that it can generate aerosol; l) types of aerosol-generating articles detected by the device; m) the aerosol generating device is too hot to generate aerosol; and n) the aerosol generating device is too cold to generate aerosol.

[0032] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating device" is used to describe a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol. The aerosol-generating device is preferably a smoking device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol that is inhalable directly through the user's mouth into the user's lungs.

[0033] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article that includes an aerosol-forming substrate capable of emitting a volatile compound that can form an aerosol. The aerosol-generating article may be disposable.

[0034] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" refers to a substrate made of or including an aerosol-forming material that has the ability to release volatile compounds upon heating to generate an aerosol.

[0035] The aerosol-forming substrate is preferably a solid aerosol-forming substrate. However, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise both solid and liquid components. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may be a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0036] Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises nicotine. More preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises tobacco. Alternatively, or additionally, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco-containing aerosol-forming material.

[0037] Where the aerosol-forming substrate is a solid aerosol-forming substrate, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise, for example, one or more of powder, granules, pellets, shreds, threads, strips, or sheets containing one or more of herb leaves, tobacco leaves, tobacco stems, expanded tobacco, and homogenized tobacco.

[0038] Optionally, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may contain tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds, which are released upon heating of the solid aerosol-forming substrate. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may also contain one or more capsules, for example containing additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds, which may melt during heating of the solid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0039] Optionally, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may be provided on or embedded in a thermally stable carrier. The carrier may take the form of a powder, granules, pellets, pieces, threads, strips, or a sheet. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may be deposited on the surface of the carrier in the form of, for example, a sheet, foam, gel, or slurry. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may be deposited over the entire surface of the carrier, or alternatively, may be deposited in a pattern to provide non-uniform flavor delivery during use.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises a homogenized tobacco material. As used herein, the term "homogenized tobacco material" refers to a material formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco.

[0041] Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises an assembly of a sheet of homogenized tobacco material. As used herein, the term "sheet" refers to a layered element having a width and length substantially greater than its thickness. As used herein, the term "assembled" is used to describe a sheet that is rolled, folded, or otherwise compressed or fastened substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises an aerosol former. As used herein, the term "aerosol former" is used to describe any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that facilitates the formation of an aerosol during use and is substantially resistant to thermal decomposition at the operating temperature of the aerosol-generating article.

[0042] Suitable aerosol formers are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, polyhydric alcohols (such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, glycerin, etc.), esters of polyhydric alcohols (such as glycerol monoacetate, diacetate, or triacetate), and aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids (such as dimethyl dodecanedioate, dimethyl tetradecanedioate, etc.). Preferred aerosol formers are polyhydric alcohols or mixtures thereof (such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and most preferably glycerin).

[0043] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a single aerosol former, or alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a combination of two or more aerosol formers. [Example]

[0044] 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.

[0045] Example 1: 1. An illumination system for an aerosol generation system, the illumination system comprising:

[0046] A plurality of light-emitting elements; a first set of a plurality of illumination areas, each of the illumination areas being spatially separated from the other illumination areas, each of the illumination areas comprising one or more of the plurality of light emitting elements; and control electronics coupled to the plurality of light emitting elements and configured to selectively activate each of the plurality of illumination regions. Example 2: 10. The illumination system of example 1, wherein each of the illumination regions comprises an equal number of light-emitting elements. Example 3: 3. The lighting system of any one of Examples 1 or 2, wherein one or more of the plurality of lighting areas each comprises only one of the plurality of light-emitting elements. Example 4: The lighting system of example 3, wherein each of the plurality of illumination regions comprises only one of the plurality of light-emitting elements. Example 5: 5. The lighting system of any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the plurality of lighting areas are arranged relative to one another to collectively define the number eight. Example 6: 6. The illumination system of example 5, wherein the plurality of illumination regions is seven. Example 7: 7. The lighting system according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein a first pair of the plurality of illumination areas is disposed opposite a second pair of the plurality of illumination areas. Example 8: 8. The illumination system of example 7, wherein the first pair of illumination regions are disposed collinearly with one another. Example 9: 9. The illumination system of any one of Examples 7 or 8, wherein the second pair of illumination areas are arranged collinearly with each other. Example 10: 10. The lighting system of any one of Examples 7-9, wherein three of the plurality of illumination areas are laterally spaced apart from one another and extend between the first pair and the second pair of the plurality of illumination areas. Example 11: 11. The lighting system of any one of Examples 1 to 10, further comprising an opaque shield disposed over the plurality of light-emitting elements, the shield comprising a plurality of openings to allow the passage of light therethrough. Example 12: 12. The lighting system of embodiment 11, wherein the plurality of apertures are arranged in a plurality of aperture regions, each of the plurality of aperture regions comprising one or more of the plurality of apertures. Example 13: 13. The illumination system of example 12, wherein each of the plurality of aperture regions is spatially separated from other aperture regions of the plurality of aperture regions. Example 14: An illumination system as described in Example 13, wherein each of the plurality of illumination areas is in an optically transmissive relationship with a different opening area of ​​the plurality of aperture areas, such that light from each of the plurality of illumination areas of the first set is visible through the aperture of the corresponding aperture area. Example 15: 15. The illumination system of any one of Examples 12 to 14, wherein each aperture region comprises an equal number of apertures. Example 16: 16. The illumination system of any one of Examples 12-15, wherein each aperture region comprises one or more rows of apertures. Example 17: An illumination system described in any one of Examples 12 to 16, wherein each opening region is in a light-transmitting relationship with a single light-emitting element among the plurality of light-emitting elements such that light generated from the single light-emitting element is visible through the opening of the corresponding opening region. Example 18: 18. The lighting system of any one of Examples 12 to 17, wherein the plurality of aperture areas are arranged relative to one another to collectively define the number eight. Example 19: 19. The illumination system of example 18, wherein the plurality of aperture regions is seven. Example 20: 20. The lighting system of example 19, wherein a first pair of the plurality of aperture areas is disposed opposite a second pair of the plurality of aperture areas. Example 21: 21. The illumination system of example 20, wherein the first pair of aperture regions are arranged collinearly with one another. Example 22: 22. The illumination system of any one of Examples 20 or 21, wherein the second pair of aperture areas are arranged collinearly with one another. Example 23: 23. The lighting system of any one of Examples 20 to 22, wherein three of the plurality of aperture areas are laterally spaced apart from one another and extend between the first pair and the second pair of the plurality of aperture areas. Example 24: A lighting system described in any one of Examples 1 to 23, wherein a second set of one or more lighting areas is arranged to partially or completely surround the first set of multiple lighting areas, and the control electronics is configured to selectively activate each of the first and second sets of lighting areas to generate first and second light emissions, respectively. Example 25: 1. An aerosol-generating device for generating an inhalable aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol-generating device comprising: a housing having a viewing window; An aerosol generating device comprising an illumination system described in any one of Examples 1 to 24, wherein the illumination system is positioned within the housing so that light from multiple illumination areas is visible through a display window. Example 26: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 25, further comprising an opaque shield positioned within the housing between the plurality of light-emitting elements and the display window, the opaque shield being positioned over the plurality of light-emitting elements and having a plurality of openings that allow light to pass therethrough. Example 27: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 26, wherein the multiple openings are arranged within multiple opening regions, and each of the multiple opening regions has one or more of the multiple openings. Example 28: 28. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 27, wherein each of the opening regions is spatially separated from the other opening regions of the plurality of opening regions. Example 29: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 28, wherein each of the plurality of illumination areas is in an optically transparent relationship with a different opening area of ​​the plurality of opening areas, thereby allowing light from each of the plurality of illumination areas of the first set to be seen through the opening of the corresponding opening area. Example 30: 30. The aerosol generating device of any one of Examples 27 to 29, wherein each opening region comprises an equal number of openings. Example 31: 31. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 27 to 30, wherein each opening region comprises one or more rows of openings. Example 32: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 27 to 31, wherein each opening region is in an optically transparent relationship with a single light-emitting element among the plurality of light-emitting elements so that light generated from the single light-emitting element is visible through the opening of the corresponding opening region. Example 33: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 26 to 32, further comprising a light guide assembly positioned between the plurality of light-emitting elements and the display window, the light guide assembly being configured to direct light from the plurality of illumination areas to the display window. Example 34: 34. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 33, wherein an opaque shield is disposed between the plurality of light-emitting elements and the light guide assembly. Example 35: 34. The aerosol generating device of Example 33, wherein an opaque shield is disposed between the light guide assembly and the viewing window. Example 36: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 26 to 33, wherein an opacity shield is incorporated into the viewing window. Example 37: An aerosol generating device as described in Examples 25 to 36, wherein the control electronic circuit is configured to selectively activate different lighting areas among the plurality of lighting areas, alone or in combination with each other, so as to generate different predetermined lights depending on one or both of the state of the aerosol generating device and a control input to the aerosol generating device. Example 38: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 25 to 37, wherein a second set of illumination areas is arranged to partially or completely surround the first set of multiple illumination areas, and a control electronic circuit is configured to selectively activate each of the first and second sets of illumination areas to generate first and second light emissions, respectively. Example 39: The control electronics i) selectively activating one of the first and second sets of illumination regions to produce a first predetermined emission that communicates first data indicative of a status of the aerosol generation device; ii) selectively activating another of the first and second sets of illumination areas to generate a second predetermined light emission that conveys second data indicating the status of the aerosol generating device, wherein the first data and the second data are different from each other. Example 40: The first and second data are a) the power source of the aerosol generator contains sufficient energy to complete one use session; b) the power source of the aerosol generating device contains sufficient energy to complete two or more use sessions; c) the power source of the aerosol generating device includes an energy level that is less than a predetermined threshold level of energy; d) selecting or activating one of a first predetermined temperature profile and a second predetermined temperature profile, each of the first and second predetermined temperature profiles defining a heating profile for heating the aerosol-forming substrate by the electrical heating device during a use session, the first and second predetermined temperature profiles being different from each other; e) the aerosol generating device is in one of a pause mode or a reactivation mode; f) Selecting or implementing a change in the operating state of the aerosol-generating device; g) that a usage session is in progress; h) a preheating phase is in progress in which the electric heating device is heated to a predetermined target temperature; i) the aerosol generating device is in a locked state in which the device is prohibited from generating aerosols; j) the aerosol generating device is in an unlocked state in which the device is capable of generating aerosol; k) the PIN code to be entered to unlock the device so that it can generate the aerosol and / or the sequence of PIN codes to be entered in a predetermined order to unlock the device so that it can generate the aerosol; l) a plurality of aerosol-generating article types detected by the device; m) the aerosol generator is too hot to generate aerosols; and n) the aerosol generating device is too cold to generate an aerosol. Example 41: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 25 to 40, wherein the display window defines a touch interface of a capacitive touch sensing device of the aerosol generating device for detecting a user's touch to the display window. Example 42: Control electronics selectively activate each of the plurality of illumination areas; a) the power source of the aerosol generator contains sufficient energy to complete one use session; b) the power source of the aerosol generating device contains sufficient energy to complete two or more use sessions; c) the power source of the aerosol generating device includes an energy level that is less than a predetermined threshold level of energy; d) selecting or activating one of a first predetermined temperature profile and a second predetermined temperature profile, each of the first and second predetermined temperature profiles defining a heating profile for heating the aerosol-forming substrate by the electrical heating device during a use session, the first and second predetermined temperature profiles being different from each other; e) the aerosol generating device is in one of a pause mode or a reactivation mode; f) Selecting or implementing a change in the operating state of the aerosol-generating device; g) that a usage session is in progress; h) a preheating phase is in progress in which the electric heating device is heated to a predetermined target temperature; i) the aerosol generating device is in a locked state in which the device is prohibited from generating aerosols; j) the aerosol generating device is in an unlocked state in which the device is capable of generating aerosol; k) the PIN code to be entered to unlock the device so that it can generate the aerosol and / or the sequence of PIN codes to be entered in a predetermined order to unlock the device so that it can generate the aerosol; l) a plurality of aerosol-generating article types detected by the device; m) the aerosol generator is too hot to generate aerosols; and n) An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 25 to 41, configured to indicate that the aerosol generating device is too cold to generate an aerosol. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0047] The embodiments will now be further described with reference to the figures.

[0048] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of an aerosol generation system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a touch interface defined by a display window of the aerosol generating device of the aerosol generating system of FIG. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A shows a schematic side view of a first embodiment of a control board assembly according to the present disclosure, with the control board assembly in an unfolded state. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B shows a schematic plan view of the control board assembly of FIG. 3A as viewed in the direction AA of FIG. 3A. [Figure 3C] FIG. 3C shows a schematic side view of the control board assembly of FIGS. 3A and 3B after transitioning from the unfolded state to the folded state. [Figure 3D]FIG. 3D shows a schematic perspective view of the control board assembly of FIG. 3C as seen from above. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A shows a schematic side view of a second embodiment of a control board assembly according to the present disclosure, with the control board assembly in an unfolded state. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B shows a schematic side view of the control board assembly of FIG. 4A after transitioning from the unfolded state to the folded state. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A shows a schematic plan view of a third embodiment of a control board assembly according to the present disclosure, with the control board assembly in an unfolded state. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B shows a schematic side view of the control board assembly of FIG. 5A as viewed in the direction BB of FIG. 5A after transitioning from the unfolded state to the folded state. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C shows a schematic side view of the control board assembly of FIG. 5A as viewed in the CC direction of FIG. 5A after transitioning from the unfolded state to the folded state. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A shows a schematic side view of the folded control board assembly of FIG. 4B, along with a separate light guide assembly and a separate touch sensing module. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B shows a schematic side view of the control board assembly in a state subsequent to that shown in FIG. 6A, after the light guide assembly has been attached to the control board assembly. [Figure 6C] FIG. 6C shows a schematic side view of the control board assembly in a state subsequent to that shown in FIG. 6B, after the touch sensing module has been placed on the light guide assembly to form an intermediate assembly module. [Figure 6D] FIG. 6D shows a schematic diagram of an elongated cylindrical housing of an aerosol generating device, illustrating how the intermediate assembly module of FIG. 6C is inserted into an opening at the end of the housing. [Figure 6E] FIG. 6E shows a schematic view of the housing of the aerosol generating device after the intermediate assembly module has been slid into place within the housing. [Figure 6F] FIG. 6F shows a schematic diagram of a viewing window mounted within an opening defined in the housing. [Figure 6G] FIG. 6G shows a schematic diagram of the aerosol generating device after the viewing window has been installed within the opening. [Figure 6H] FIG. 6H is a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 6G taken along section DD. [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A shows a schematic plan view of a mesh for use in forming the capacitive touch foil mesh of the touch sensing module (also referred to herein as touch sensor) illustrated in FIG. 6A. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B illustrates an example of a touch sensing module, also referred to herein as a touch sensor. [Figure 7C] FIG. 7C illustrates an example of a touch sensing module, also referred to herein as a touch sensor. [Figure 7D] FIG. 7D illustrates an example of a touch sensing module, also referred to herein as a touch sensor. [Figure 7E] FIG. 7E illustrates an example of a touch sensing module, also referred to herein as a touch sensor. [Figure 7F] FIG. 7F illustrates a circuit for detecting a touch event. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a schematic perspective view from above of the control board assembly of FIG. 3D, with the touch sensing module disposed on and coupled to the control board assembly. [Figure 9A] Figure 9A shows a schematic diagram of an elongated cylindrical housing of an aerosol generating device, with the control board assembly of Figure 4B pre-mounted within the housing adjacent to an opening formed in the housing, and a separate light guide assembly and separate touch sensing module outside the housing. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B shows a schematic diagram of the light guide assembly inserted through the opening and resting above the control board assembly. [Figure 9C] FIG. 9C shows a schematic diagram of the touch sensing module inserted through the opening and resting on the outward-facing surface of the light guide assembly. [Figure 9D] FIG. 9D shows a schematic diagram of a viewing window mounted within the opening. [Figure 9E] FIG. 9E shows a schematic diagram of the aerosol generating device after the viewing window has been installed within the opening. [Figure 10A] FIG. 10A shows a schematic plan view of a first embodiment of a lighting system before and after installation. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10B shows a schematic plan view of the first embodiment of the lighting system before and after installation. [Figure 11A] FIG. 11A shows a schematic plan view of a second embodiment of a lighting system before and after installation. [Figure 11B] FIG. 11B shows a schematic plan view of the second embodiment of the lighting system before and after installation. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an aerosol generating device incorporating the illumination system of FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows a plan view of the viewing window of an aerosol generating device, where the viewing window is above the illumination system of FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of touch sensing control electronics for controlling the operation of the capacitive touch sensor of the aerosol generating device illustrated in the above figures. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 shows a schematic diagram of another embodiment of touch sensing control electronics for controlling the operation of the capacitive touch sensor of the aerosol generating device illustrated in the above figures. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an illumination control electronic circuit for controlling the operation of the illumination assembly of the aerosol generating device illustrated in the above figures. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 shows a schematic diagram of another embodiment of lighting control electronics for controlling the operation of the lighting assembly of the aerosol generating device illustrated in the above figures. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 shows a schematic diagram of an arrangement of intersecting row and column pins and associated LEDs for use as part of the lighting assembly of the aerosol generating device illustrated in the above figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0049] 1 shows the components of an aerosol-generating system 1. The aerosol-generating system 1 comprises an aerosol-generating device 2 and an aerosol-generating article 3. As described below, the aerosol-generating device 2 is adapted to house the aerosol-generating article 3.

[0050] The aerosol-generating article 3 has a wrapper 301 surrounding a rod of aerosol-forming substrate 302 and a mouthpiece element 303. The wrapper 301 may be cigarette paper or the like. The rod of aerosol-forming substrate 302 is disposed at a distal end 304 of the article 3, and the mouthpiece element 303 is disposed at a mouth end 305 of the article. The mouthpiece element 303 may be a filter element formed from cellulose acetate or other suitable material. A susceptor element 306 of ferromagnetic material is disposed inside the rod of aerosol-forming substrate 302.

[0051] The aerosol-generating device 2 has an elongated tubular housing 201 extending along a longitudinal axis LA2. The elongated housing 201 may be formed of a polymeric material or other material having suitable rigidity. The housing 201 is sized to be suitable for portability by a user. A blind cavity 202 is defined at a first end 203 of the housing 201. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the housing 201 is cylindrical in cross section. The cavity 202 is sized to accommodate the distal end 304 of the aerosol-generating article 3, such that the cavity accommodates the entire length of the rod of the aerosol-forming substrate 302. Housed within the housing 201 are a power source 204, control electronics 205, an illumination assembly 206, and a touch sensor 207. In the illustrated embodiment, the power source 204 is a rechargeable battery, e.g., a lithium-ion battery. An electric heating device is also provided within the housing. 1, the electric heating device is in the form of an inductor coil 208 that surrounds the cavity 202. In another embodiment (not shown), the electric heating device may be a resistive heating element, for example, the resistive heating element may have blades that extend from the base of the cavity 202 toward the first end 203 of the housing 201.

[0052] The control electronics 205 includes an illumination control electronics section 2051, a touch-sensing control electronics section 2052, and a heating control electronics section 2053. Although not shown in FIG. 1 , the control electronics 205 may also include sections associated with controlling other functions of the aerosol generation device 2. Each of the illumination, touch-sensing, and heating control electronics sections 2051, 2052, and 2053 may include a controller and a memory module that stores instructions accessible by the respective controller and enables the respective control electronics section to perform one or more control functions. In the embodiment of the aerosol generation device 2 shown in FIG. 1 , the heating control electronics section 2053 also includes a DC / AC converter (not shown) for converting DC current supplied by the battery 204 to AC current. As shown schematically in FIG. 1 , the illumination control electronics section 2051 is coupled to the illumination assembly 206, the touch-sensing control electronics section 2052 is coupled to the touch sensor 207, and the heating control electronics section 2053 is coupled to the inductor coil 208. Although not shown in FIG. 1 , each of the control electronics sections (lighting, touch sensing, and heating) are also communicatively coupled to one another such that an input to or output from one of the control electronics sections may result in a corresponding control input to and / or a corresponding control output from another of the control electronics sections.

[0053] A display window 209 is defined within the housing 201 of the device 2. The outline of the display window 209 is shown in FIG. 1 by a dashed line. The display window 209 is a clear plastic insert that fits within an opening 210 defined within the housing 201 of the device 2 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). However, the display window 209 may be formed of other light-transmitting materials, such as glass. As described in more detail below, the display window 209 functions both as a touch interface for a user to provide control inputs to the device 2 and as a window through which one or more emissions from the illumination assembly 206 can be observed. The emissions may provide information regarding various states of the aerosol generation device 2. FIG. 2 illustrates an outward-facing surface 2091 of the display window 209 that functions as a touch interface for a user.

[0054] Prior to activation of the aerosol-generating device 2, an aerosol-generating article 3 is inserted into the cavity 202 of the device. When the article 3 is fully inserted into the cavity 202, the length of the rod of the aerosol-forming substrate 302 is surrounded by the inductor coil 208. When the device 2 is activated, the heating control electronics section 2053 controls the supply of alternating current from the battery 204 to the inductor coil 208 according to instructions stored in a memory module (not shown) of the heating control electronics section. Activation of the aerosol-generating device 2 may be automatic upon insertion of the aerosol-generating article 3 into the cavity 202 of the device (e.g., a sensor may be disposed in the cavity, the sensor configured to detect insertion of the aerosol-generating article). Alternatively, the aerosol-generating device 2 can be activated by a user touching a touch interface defined by the outward-facing surface 2091 of the display window 209 with a finger, and the touch sensing control electronics section 2052 detects the touch event and communicates with the heating control electronics section 2053 to initiate the supply of current from the battery 204 to the inductor coil 208 to heat the aerosol-forming substrate 302 of the aerosol-generating article 3. The touch sensing control electronics section 2052 also communicates with the lighting control electronics section 2051 to enable the lighting assembly 206 to generate an illumination that notifies the user of the operation of the device 2 and / or the current operating state of the device.

[0055] For the aerosol generation device 2 illustrated in FIG. 1 , an alternating current flowing through the inductor coil 208 generates a magnetic field. The susceptor element 306 is within this magnetic field. The magnetic field induces heating of the susceptor element 306 through one or both of eddy currents and magnetic hysteresis. The heating control electronics section 2053 controls the supply of current to the inductor coil 208 according to a heating profile stored in the heating control electronics section's memory module. The illumination assembly 206 can generate one or more lights in response to one or more control inputs by a user and / or in response to and indicative of a predetermined state of the aerosol generation device 2.

[0056] 3A-3D show a first embodiment of a control board assembly 4 for use in an aerosol generation device 2. The control board assembly 4 includes the control electronics 205 illustrated schematically in FIG. 1. The control board assembly 4 has a first elongated control board 401 and a second elongated control board 402, with a hinge element 403 connecting the first and second control boards together. The first control board 401 has a length L of 20 mm. 401 , width W of 7 mm 401 , and a thickness of 0.7 mm 401 The second control board 402 has a length L of 25 mm. 402 , width W of 10 mm 402 , and a thickness of 1 mm t 402 In the deployed state of FIG. 3A, the hinge element 403 separates the first longitudinal edge from the second longitudinal edge of the control board by a distance L of 5 mm. 403 In another embodiment, the first control board 401 and the second control board 402 have a length dimension (L) in the range of 10 mm to 60 mm, or 15 mm to 45 mm, or 15 mm to 30 mm. 401 , L 402 In another embodiment, the first control board 401 and the second control board 402 may have a width dimension (W) in the range of 5 mm to 35 mm, or 5 mm to 25 mm, or 5 mm to 15 mm. 401 , W 402 In another embodiment, the first control board 401 and the second control board 402 may have a thickness dimension (t) in the range of 0.2 mm to 5 mm, or 0.2 mm to 3 mm, or 0.5 mm to 2 mm. 401 , t 402). First control substrate 401 is formed from a first material composition. Second control substrate 402 is formed from a second material composition. The first material composition may be a polymeric material, while the second material composition may be a ceramic material, although it should be understood that other materials may be used for the first and second material compositions. The first material composition has a stiffness that is less than the stiffness of the second material composition. For the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3D, hinge element 403 is an elongated, unitary extension of first control substrate 401 (formed from the first material composition) that extends from one of the longitudinal ends of the first control substrate and couples to second control substrate 402. Coupling of hinge element 403 to second control substrate 402 may be achieved by using an adhesive between corresponding surfaces of the hinge element and second control substrate to define an adhesive interface therebetween. Depending on the choice of adhesive used, the adhesive interface may be peelable to allow first control substrate 401 and second control substrate 402 to be separated from one another. The connection between the hinge element 403 and the second control board 402 may also be achieved through the use of a push-fit connection. In the illustrated embodiment, the lighting control electronics section 2051, the touch-sensing control electronics section 2052, and the heating control electronics section 2053 are each mounted on the surface 4021 of the second control board 402. The lighting assembly 206 formed from a plurality of LEDs 2061 is disposed on the surface 4011 of the first control board 401. The lighting assembly 206 is coupled to the lighting control electronics 2051 section by one or more conductive tracks (not shown) extending between the first control board 401 and the second control board 402, the tracks being embedded in or superimposed on the surface of the hinge element 403. A zero-interface force (ZIF) connector 404 or similar is also provided on the surface 4011 of the first control board 401. A ZIF connector 404 is provided to allow electrical and mechanical connection between the control board assembly 4 and the touch sensor 207 (eg, the touch sensor 207 shown schematically in FIG. 1).The ZIF connector 404 is coupled to the touch sensing control electronics section 2052 by one or more conductive tracks (not shown) that extend between the first control board 401 and the second control board 402, the tracks being embedded in or superimposed on the surface of the hinge element 403.

[0057] As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B , the control board assembly 4 has an initial, unfolded state in which the first control board 401 and the second control board 402 are disposed end-to-end, with a hinge element 403 connecting the opposing longitudinal ends of the two control boards to each other. To facilitate insertion of the control board assembly 4 into the housing 201 of the aerosol generation device 2, the first control board 401 is folded about a folding axis 405 aligned approximately perpendicular to the common longitudinal axis LA4 of the first and second control boards, and is positioned above the second control board 402. The folding direction about the folding axis 405 is indicated by the arrows in FIGS. 3A and 3B . FIGS. 3C and 3D show the control board assembly 4 in a folded state. In the folded state, the opposing inward-facing surfaces 4012, 4022 of the first control board 401 and the second control board 402 are spatially separated from each other.

[0058] 4A and 4B show a second embodiment of a control board assembly 4' for use in the aerosol generating device 2 in an unfolded and folded state, respectively. This second embodiment includes all of the elements of the first embodiment of FIGS. 3A-3D. However, this second embodiment also includes a reinforcing member 406 and a separator element 407. The reinforcing member 406 is in the form of a plate formed of a material having a higher rigidity than the first material composition of the first control board 401. The reinforcing member 406 may be formed from metal, plastic, or any suitable material having a higher rigidity than the first material composition. The reinforcing member 406 has a thickness of 0.2 millimeters. 406In other embodiments, the reinforcing member 406 may have a different thickness. Additionally, the thickness selected for the reinforcing member 406 may be influenced by the choice of material used for the reinforcing member and the stiffness of that material. In the deployed state, the flexible first control substrate 401 rests on a support surface 4061 of the reinforcing member 406. The reinforcing member 406 and its support surface 4061 are generally planar. The separator element 407 is formed from a material having a higher stiffness than the first material composition of the first control substrate 401. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B , the separator element 407 is formed from sheet metal, although alternative materials may be used for the separator element 407 in other embodiments. A main portion 4071 of the separator element 407 is generally planar, and a pair of laterally opposed, longitudinally extending edges 4072 of the separator element are bent at right angles to the main portion. In the unfolded state, separator element 407 is positioned such that legs 4073 defined on each of two laterally opposed longitudinally extending edges 4072 abut against a surface portion of second control board 402. To reduce the possibility that the metal plate of separator element 407 will cause a short circuit between the electrical components of first control board 401 and second control board 402, the surface portion of the second control board against which legs 4073 of separator element 407 abut is electrically insulated from the electrical circuitry of the second control board. With reinforcing member 406 and separator element 407 abutting against faces 4012, 4022 of first control board 401 and second control board 402, respectively, the first control board is folded over the second control board about folding axis 405' aligned approximately perpendicular to the common longitudinal axis of the first and second control boards. The folding direction is indicated by the arrows in Figure 4A, with folding axis 405' extending into the page. Figure 4B shows control board assembly 4' in a folded state. Separator element 407 helps maintain separation between the opposing inwardly facing surfaces 4012, 4022 of first control board 401 and second control board 402 in the folded state.

[0059] 5A-5C show a third embodiment of a control board assembly 4″ for use in the aerosol generation device 2. This second embodiment includes all of the elements of the first embodiment of FIGS. 3A-3D. However, in an initially deployed state, the first control board 401 and the second control board 402 are laterally spaced apart from each other rather than being end-to-end. As shown in FIG. 5A, the longitudinal axis LA of the first control board 401 is 401 and the longitudinal axis LA of the second control board 402 402 are parallel and spaced apart from one another, and a hinge element 403 extends laterally between the opposed longitudinally extending edges of the first and second control boards. To facilitate insertion of the inner control board assembly 4″ inside the housing 201 of the aerosol generation device 2, the first control board 401 is aligned with the longitudinal axes LA of the first and second control boards. 401 , L.A. 402 5A . FIGS. 5B and 5C respectively show the control board assembly 4" in a folded state, with FIG. 5B showing a side view from direction BB of FIG. 5A and FIG. 5C showing a side view from direction CC of FIG. 5A . Again, in the folded state, the opposing inwardly facing surfaces 4012, 4022 of the first control board 401 and the second control board 402 are spatially separated from one another. It will be understood that one or both of the reinforcing member 406 and separator element 407 of the embodiment of FIGS. 4A and 4B may also be used in the embodiment of FIGS. 5A-5C .

[0060] 6A-6H are provided to help illustrate a first exemplary method of assembling the aerosol generating device 2. FIG.

[0061] FIG. 6A shows the control board assembly 4' of FIG. 4B. The control board assembly 4' can be said to form a control module. Also shown in FIG. 6A is a light guide assembly 211 and a touch sensor 207. In the state shown in FIG. 6A, the light guide assembly 211 and the touch sensor 207 are separated from each other and from the control board assembly 4. The light guide assembly 211 is configured to guide light between opposing inward-facing and outward-facing surfaces 2111 and 2112 of the light guide assembly, and may have multiple channels extending between the inward-facing and outward-facing surfaces. The outward-facing surface 2112 of the light guide assembly 211 has a generally convex profile. During use, light is guided between the inward-facing and outward-facing surfaces 2111 and 2112 of the light guide assembly 211 and emerges from two distinct regions on the outward-facing surface. These two distinct regions are an annular outer region 2113 and a central inner region 2114. The outer region 2113 surrounds the inner region 2114. For the light guide assembly 211 shown in Figure 6A, the outer region 2113 is generally continuous, while the inner region 2114 consists of a plurality of discontinuous openings.

[0062] In one embodiment, touch sensor 207 includes a conductive foil mesh 2071 and a ZIF connector 2072. ZIF connector 2072 is coupled to foil mesh 2071 by a cable 2073. Foil mesh 2071 is formed of a mesh of spaced-apart copper wires, as shown in FIG. 7A , with each wire of the mesh defining an electrode of the foil mesh. However, it should be understood that foil mesh 2071 may be formed of a conductive material other than copper, and other types of touch sensors (e.g., those described herein) may be used. In another embodiment, touch sensor 207 includes one or more conductive regions. The one or more conductive regions may be disposed on an electrically insulating layer or film. Each of the conductive regions may have single or multiple electrical connections with an integrated circuit (e.g., a microcontroller) of touch sensing control electronics section 2052 for detecting one or more touch inputs.

[0063] 7B-E illustrate embodiments of touch sensors 207, each comprising one or more conductive regions 704 disposed on an electrically insulating layer 702. Each conductive region 704 connects to a touch sensing control electronics section 2052 for detecting one or more touch inputs. FIG. 7F illustrates the operating principle that enables the touch sensing control electronics section 2052 to detect touch events.

[0064] The touch sensor 207 shown in Figure 7B has a single conductive area 704 disposed on an insulating layer 702. The conductive area 704 connects to a touch sensing control electronics section 2052, which will be described with reference to Figure 7F. The conductive area 704 is shielded from direct electrical connection with objects outside the aerosol generation device 2 by a display window 209.

[0065] 7F, touch sensing control electronics section 2052 includes a first switch 708 and a second switch 710. Conductive region 704 is electrically connected between first switch 708 and second switch 710. Conductive region 704 may have a capacitance. The capacitance of conductive region 704 may be up to 100 pF, between 5 pF and 50 pF, between 10 pF and 30 pF, or between 15 pF and 25 pF.

[0066] The touch sensing control electronics section 2052 controls the first switch 708 and the second switch 710 by opening the second switch 710 and closing the first switch 708 for a first time (T1). During T1, charge builds up due to the capacitance of the conductive area 704.

[0067] Next, the touch sensing control electronics section 2052 opens the first switch 708 and closes the second switch 710 for a second time (T2). During T2, the charge stored in the conductive area 704 is transferred to the sensing capacitor 706.

[0068] The touch sensing control electronics section 2052 determines the time (Tx) for the sensing capacitor 706 to reach a voltage threshold (Vth). The determined value of Tx indicates a touch event. For example, if there is no touch event, e.g., if the user is not touching the display window 209, Tx will be equal to a value within a certain range or above the threshold. However, if there is a touch event (e.g., if the user presses the display window 209 with a finger), the capacitance of the conductive region 704 will be larger and Vth will be reached more quickly. In other words, if there is a touch event, Tx will be shorter. Therefore, the touch sensing control electronics section 2052 determines that a touch event has occurred by determining that Tx is within a range associated with a touch event or that Tx exceeds a threshold associated with a touch event.

[0069] 7C shows touch sensor 207' with three conductive regions 704'a, 704'b, and 704'c on electrically insulating layer 702. Each of conductive regions 704'a, 704'b, and 704'c connects to touch sensing control electronics section 2052, which detects touch events as described with reference to FIG.

[0070] Because there are multiple conductive areas, touch sensing control electronics section 2052 can determine which area of ​​display window 209 has been touched. If a touch event is detected on conductive area 704'a, touch sensing control electronics section 2052 determines that the top of window 209 has been touched. If a touch event is detected on conductive area 704'b, touch sensing control electronics section 2052 determines that the center of window 209 has been touched. If a touch event is detected on conductive area 704'c, touch sensing control electronics section 2052 determines that the bottom of window 209 has been touched.

[0071] Because touch sensor 207' has conductive regions 704'a, b, and c distributed along axis y, touch sensing control electronics section 2052 can determine the direction of movement of a user's finger along axis y. For example, if a touch event is detected on conductive region 704'a, then 704'b, and then 704'c, touch sensing control electronics section 2052 determines that the user swiped down along the y-axis. Alternatively, if a touch event is detected on conductive region 704'c, then 704'b, and then 704'a, touch sensing control electronics section 2052 determines that the user swiped up along the y-axis. The touch sensing control electronics may be configured to perform a function associated with a touch event at a particular conductive region and / or to perform a function associated with a particular direction of movement (or gesture) performed by the user's finger.

[0072] The touch sensor 207" shown in FIG. 7D includes six conductive regions 704"a, 704"b, 704"c, 704"d, 704"e, and 704"f on an electrically insulating layer 702. Each of the conductive regions 704"a, 704"b, 704"c, 704"d, 704"e, and 704"f connects to the touch sensing control electronics section 2052 that detects touch events as described with reference to FIG. 7F.

[0073] The touch sensing control electronics section 2052 can determine the area of ​​the display window 209 that was touched by detecting a touch event in an area 704″a-f that corresponds to an area of ​​the window 209. The touch sensing control electronics section 2052 detects the location of the touch event in a manner similar to that described with reference to FIG. 7C.

[0074] Because touch sensor 207″ has conductive regions 704″a-f distributed over a two-dimensional area, touch sensing control electronics can determine the direction of movement of a user's finger along axis y and a second axis x. For example, if a touch event is detected on conductive region 704″d and then 704″c, touch sensing control electronics section 2052 determines that the user swiped right along the x-axis. Alternatively, if a touch event is detected on conductive region 704″c and then 704″d, touch sensing control electronics section 2052 determines that the user swiped left along the x-axis. Movement along the y-axis can be detected in a similar manner as described with reference to FIG. 7C .

[0075] It is also possible to detect diagonal movement. For example, the touch sensing control electronics 2052 can determine finger movement upward and to the right by detecting a touch event in region 704"e and then in region 704"c.

[0076] The touch sensing control electronics may be configured to perform functions associated with touch events at particular conductive areas and / or to perform functions associated with particular directions of movement (or gestures) performed by a user's finger.

[0077] The touch sensor 207''' shown in FIG. 7E includes five conductive regions 704'''a, 704'''b, 704'''c, 704'''d, and 704'''e on an electrically insulating layer 702. Specifically, there is a central region 704'''e surrounded by a plurality of separate regions 704'''a, 704'''b, 704'''c, and 704'''d. Each of the conductive regions 704'''a, 704'''b, 704'''c, 704'''d, and 704'''e connects to the touch sensing control electronics section 2052 that detects touch events, as described with reference to FIG. 7F.

[0078] The touch sensing control electronics section 2052 can determine the area of ​​the display window 209 that was touched by detecting a touch event in an area 704'''a-e that corresponds to an area of ​​the window 209. The touch sensing control electronics section 2052 detects the location of the touch event in a similar manner as described above.

[0079] Because touch sensor 207''' has conductive areas 704'''a-e distributed over a two-dimensional area, the touch sensing control electronics can determine the direction of movement of the user's finger along axis y and second axis x, as described above.

[0080] The touch sensing control electronics may be configured to perform functions associated with touch events at particular conductive areas and / or to perform functions associated with particular directions of movement (or gestures) performed by a user's finger.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 6B, after the state shown in FIG. 6A, the light guide assembly 211 is attached to the first control board 401 of the control board assembly 4' so as to be above the illumination assembly 206.

[0082] 6B , the foil mesh 2071 of the touch sensor 207 is disposed abuttingly on the convex outward surface 2112 of the light guide assembly 211. The foil mesh 2071 of the touch sensor 207 may be pre-formed into the convex shape illustrated in FIG. 6A and then simply placed on the convex outward surface 2112 of the light guide assembly 211. Alternatively, the foil mesh 2071 of the touch sensor 207 may be initially provided in a flat state and then deformed into the convex shape shown in FIG. 6A during the process of overlaying the foil mesh on the convex outward surface 2112 of the light guide assembly 211. The convex shape of the foil mesh 2071 generally corresponds to the shape of the outward surface 2112 of the light guide assembly 211 such that the foil mesh is in surface contact with the outward surface 2112 of the light guide assembly 211. The ZIF connector 2072 of the touch sensor 207 mates with a corresponding ZIF connector 404 on the first control board 401, thereby establishing electrical communication between the foil mesh 2071 and the touch sensing control electronics section 2052 of the control board assembly 4'. The combination of the control board assembly 4', light guide assembly 211, and touch sensor 207 shown in FIG. 6C forms an intermediate assembly module 5.

[0083] FIG. 6D shows a view of a portion of the length of elongated tubular housing 201. Housing 201 includes opening 210 for receiving viewing window 209, although in this illustrated embodiment, the viewing window is not yet installed within the opening. In another embodiment, viewing window 209 may be pre-mounted within opening 210. Opening 212 is defined at second end 213 of housing 201. Intermediate assembly module 5 is initially positioned adjacent opening 212 and then inserted within housing 201. More specifically, intermediate assembly module 5 is slid along the length of housing 201 to a predetermined position. The predetermined position corresponds to illumination assembly 206 being positioned adjacent opening 210 within housing 201, as shown in FIG. 6E.

[0084] Following the state shown in Figure 6E, as shown in Figure 6F, the display window 209 is attached within the opening 210 of the housing 201 so as to be above the foil mesh 2071 of the touch sensor 207. Figure 6G shows the assembled aerosol generating device 2 after the display window 209 has been attached to the opening 210.

[0085] FIG. 6H shows a cross-sectional view along section DD of FIG. 6G. The viewing window 209 has a uniform thickness. The viewing window 209 also has a curvature that corresponds to the curvature of the foil mesh 2071 and the outward-facing surface 2112 of the light guide assembly 211. The curvature of the viewing window 209 also corresponds to the curvature of the sidewall of the cylindrical elongated housing 201. The distance between a point on the outward-facing surface of the foil mesh 2071 and the outward-facing surface 2091 of the viewing window 209, measured along a line perpendicular to the point on the mesh surface, is approximately uniform along the entire area where the viewing window overlies the foil mesh. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6H, a small gap exists between the outward-facing surface of the foil mesh 2071 and the inward-facing surface 2092 of the viewing window 209. However, in another embodiment, the foil mesh 2071 may be in intimate contact with the inward facing surface 2092 of the display window 209 such that the foil mesh is effectively sandwiched between the outward facing surface 2112 of the light guide assembly 211 and the inward facing surface 2092 of the display window 209.

[0086] In use, light emitted by the LEDs 2061 of the illumination assembly 206 passes through a channel defined between the inward-facing surface 2111 and the outward-facing surface 2112 of the light guide assembly 211, then passes through the foil mesh 2071 of the touch sensor 207, and is transmitted through the display window 209. Contact between a user's finger and a location on the outward-facing surface 2091 of the display window 209 results in a change in capacitive coupling between adjacent wires of the foil mesh 2071 at a location on the mesh directly below the contact location. More specifically, contact of the user's finger with the display window 209 has the effect of decreasing the capacitive coupling between adjacent wires of the foil mesh 2071 below the contact location, which corresponds to a mutual capacitance mode of operation of the touch sensor 207. This change in capacitive coupling is detected by the touch sensing control electronics section 2052. The type of touch input may be determined by the touch sensing control electronics section 2052; for example, the touch sensing control electronics may identify whether a user's finger slides over the outward-facing surface 2091 of the display window 209 or contacts the surface 2091 at a single point. The touch sensing control electronics section 2052 may generate an output signal in response to and dependent upon the type of touch input. This output signal may be communicated to one or both of the lighting control electronics section 2051 and the heating control electronics section 2053. If the output signal is communicated to the lighting control electronics section 2051, the lighting control electronics section may generate light emission 2062 from the light-emitting element 2061. The type of light emission 2062 (e.g., color, brightness, duration, or periodicity of the light emission) may depend on the type of touch input. If the output signal is communicated to the heating control electronics section 2053, the heating control electronics section may act to start or pause the flow of current to the inductor coil 208 of the aerosol generation device 2.

[0087] 8 illustrates an embodiment in which the touch sensor 207 is coupled to the control board assembly 4 of FIG. 3D but the light guide assembly 211 is not present. In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the foil mesh 2071 of the touch sensor 207 is pre-formed into a convex shape before connecting the ZIF connector 2072 of the touch sensor to the ZIF connector 404 of the first control board 401. The curvature of the convex shape of the foil mesh 2071 generally corresponds to the curvature of the inward-facing surface 2092 of the display window 209 and / or the inner surface of the cylindrical elongated housing 201 of the aerosol generation device 2.

[0088] 9A-9E are provided to help illustrate a second exemplary method of assembling the aerosol generating device 2. FIG.

[0089] 9A shows the control board assembly 4 of FIGS. 3C and 3D pre-mounted within the elongated tubular housing 201 adjacent to and below an opening 210 defined in the housing. The display window 209 has not yet been installed within the opening 210. Also shown in FIG. 9A are the light guide assembly 211 and the touch sensor 207. In the state shown in FIG. 9A, the light guide assembly 211 and the touch sensor 207 are separated from each other and from the control board assembly 4.

[0090] As shown in Figure 9B, the light guide assembly 211 is inserted into or dropped through the opening 210 so that it is above the illumination assembly 206. Figure 9C shows the light guide assembly 211 after it has been inserted and positioned onto the illumination assembly 206.

[0091] 9C also shows that after the light guide assembly 211 is inserted and positioned, the touch sensor 207 is inserted into or dropped through the opening 210, with the foil mesh 2071 of the touch sensor 207 disposed against the convex, outwardly facing surface 2112 of the light guide assembly 211. The cable 2073 is long enough so that the ZIF connector 2072 of the touch sensor 207 can be connected to the ZIF connector 404 of the first control board 401 before the foil mesh 2071 is inserted through the opening 210. FIG. 9D shows the touch sensor 207 after it has been inserted and positioned onto the light guide assembly 211. In another embodiment, the light guide assembly 211 and the touch sensor 207 can be pre-assembled outside the housing 201 to form a composite assembly module, which can then be inserted into or dropped through the opening 210 to couple with the control board assembly 4.

[0092] FIG. 9D also shows the placement of the viewing window 209 within the opening 210, and FIG. 9E shows the assembled aerosol generating device 2 after the viewing window 209 has been placed within the opening 210.

[0093] As can be seen from a comparison of Figure 9E and Figure 6G, the first and second assembly methods ("slide-in" and "drop-in", respectively) can result in the same configuration of the aerosol generating device.

[0094] FIG. 10A illustrates a first embodiment of the lighting system 6 prior to assembly. The lighting assembly includes a plurality of LEDs 61 and an opaque shield 62. The LEDs 61 are grouped into a plurality of lighting regions 611. In the embodiment of FIG. 10A, there are seven lighting regions 611a-g, each with a single LED 61. In other examples, there may be multiple LEDs 61 per lighting region 611, such as two, three, four, or more LEDs 61 per lighting region. The opaque shield 62 is formed from plastic, although it should be understood that other materials that are impermeable to the passage of light may be used. The opaque shield 62 includes a plurality of apertures 63 formed therein. The apertures 63 are grouped into a plurality of aperture regions 631. In the embodiment of FIG. 10A, there are seven aperture regions 631a-g. In this example, the apertures 63 in each aperture region 631a-g are collinear with one another, with each aperture region including three rows of apertures. In another embodiment, each aperture region may have multiple rows of apertures (e.g., two, three, four or more rows), each aperture row comprising two, three, four or more apertures, and the aperture regions are arranged relative to one another to define the shape of the number "8."

[0095] FIG. 10B shows the lighting system 6 in an assembled state, with the opaque shield 62 positioned over the multiple LEDs 61. The aperture regions 631a-g are disposed throughout the area of ​​the opaque shield 62, such that, in the assembled state, each aperture region 631a-g overlies only one of the illumination regions 611a-g. Thus, when using the lighting system 6, light from the single LED 61 in illumination region 611a is visible through the three apertures 63 in aperture region 631a, with the same correspondence applying to each of the remaining illumination regions 611b-g and aperture regions 631b-g. The LEDs 61 in the multiple illumination regions 611a-g are designed to be driven by control electronics (e.g., the lighting control electronics section 2051 described above). By selectively activating different ones of the illumination regions 611a-g alone or in combination with each other, the lighting system 6 can generate illumination that defines the formations of various numbers, letters, or shapes.

[0096] FIG. 11A shows a second embodiment of a lighting system 6′ before assembly. The lighting assembly 6′ includes a plurality of LEDs 61 and an opaque shield 62′. The LEDs 61 are grouped into a plurality of illumination regions 611′a-h. The illumination region 611′h of the LEDs 61 form a first set 6111 of illumination regions and are generally elliptical ring-shaped. The illumination regions 611a-g of the LEDs 61 form a second set 6112 of illumination regions and are generally elliptical in shape. As can be seen in FIG. 11A, the first set 6111 surrounds the second set 6112. Each of the illumination regions 611′a-g includes two LEDs 61. The apertures 63 in the opaque shield 62′ are grouped into a plurality of aperture regions 631′. In the embodiment of FIG. 11A, there are eight aperture regions 631′a-h. The aperture region 631h forms a first set 6311 of aperture regions and is generally elliptical ring-shaped. The open areas 631'a-g form a second set 6312 of open areas. The openings 63 of the open areas 631'a-g are arranged in two parallel rows of three openings 63. The second set 6312 of open areas are positioned relative to each other to define the shape of the number "8".

[0097] FIG. 11B shows the illumination system 6′ in an assembled state, with the opaque shield 62′ positioned over the plurality of LEDs 61. The aperture regions 631′a-h are disposed throughout the area of ​​the opaque shield 62′ in the assembled state, such that each aperture region 631′a-h overlies only one corresponding illumination region 611′a-h. Thus, when using the illumination system 6′, light from the two LEDs in illumination region 611′a is visible through the six apertures 63 in aperture region 631′a, with the same correspondence applying to each of the remaining illumination regions 611′b-h and aperture regions 631′b-h. The LEDs in the plurality of illumination regions 611′a-h are designed to be driven by control electronics (e.g., the illumination control electronics section 2051 described above). The LEDs 61 forming the first set 6111 of illumination regions may all be controlled to operate simultaneously, thereby illuminating and defining the shape of an elliptical ring. Alternatively, the control electronics may instead activate only a subset of the LEDs 61 in the first set 6111. By selectively activating different illumination areas of the illumination areas 611′b-g comprising the second set 6112, alone or in combination with each other, the illumination system 6′ can generate illuminations defining various numbers, letters, or shapes. When the illumination system 6′ is attached to an aerosol generating device (e.g., the device 2 described above), the control electronics may be configured to selectively activate one of the first set 6111 and the second set 6112 of illumination areas 611′a-h to generate a first illumination corresponding to a first state of the device 2 and to selectively activate the other of the first and second sets of illumination areas to generate a second illumination corresponding to a second state of the device. The first and second illuminations may differ from each other, for example, in one or more of color, brightness, duration, and period. The first and second states may correspond to any predetermined state of the device 2.As an example, the first and second states may include: a) the power supply 204 of the aerosol generation device 2 includes sufficient energy to complete one use session; b) the power supply 204 includes sufficient energy to complete two, three, or more use sessions; c) the power supply 204 includes a level of energy below a predetermined threshold level of energy; d) selecting or activating one of a first predetermined temperature profile and a second predetermined temperature profile, each of the first and second predetermined temperature profiles defining a heating profile for heating the aerosol-forming substrate 302 by an electric heating device (e.g., inductor coil 208) during a use session, the first and second predetermined temperature profiles being different from each other; e) the aerosol generation device 2 being in a pause mode; the aerosol generating device 2 is in one of a locked state or a reactivated state; f) selecting or performing a change in the operating state of the aerosol generating device 2; g) a use session is in progress; h) a pre-heating phase is in progress in which the electric heating device (e.g., the inductor coil 208) is heated to a predetermined target temperature; i) the aerosol generating device is in a locked state in which the device is prohibited from generating aerosol; j) the aerosol generating device is in an unlocked state in which the device is able to generate aerosol; k) a PIN code for unlocking the device so that it can generate aerosol; l) a number of aerosol-generating article types detected by the device; m) the aerosol generating device is too hot to generate aerosol; and n) the aerosol generating device is too cold to generate aerosol.

[0098] Figure 12 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an aerosol generation device 2' incorporating the illumination system 6 of Figure 10. The embodiment of Figure 12 includes all of the features of the aerosol generation device shown in Figure 6H. As can be seen in Figure 12, the LEDs 61 of the illumination system 6 are disposed on the surface 4011 of the first control board 401. The opaque shield 62 of the illumination system 6 is disposed between the LEDs 61 and the light guide assembly 211. In another embodiment, the opaque shield 62 may instead be superimposed on the outward-facing surface 2112 of the light guide assembly 211. In yet another embodiment, the opaque shield 62 may be incorporated into the structure of the viewing window 209.

[0099] Figure 13 shows a plan view of the display window 209 of the aerosol generating device 2, where the display window is above the illumination system 6' of Figure 11. Figure 13 shows all LEDs 61 activated, with the first set 6111 (i.e., illumination area 611'h) illuminating through the first set 6311 of aperture areas 631'h to define an illuminated ellipse shape, and the second set 6112 of illumination areas 611'a-g illuminating through the second set 6312 of aperture areas 631'a-g to define an illuminated number "8" shape. It will be appreciated that the presence of the foil mesh 2071 of the touch sensor 207 below the display window 209 allows the outward-facing surface of the display window to also function as a touch interface for a user's finger.

[0100] 14 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a touch sensing control electronics section 2052 for controlling the operation of the capacitive touch sensor 207 of the aerosol generating device 2 illustrated in the above figures. The touch sensing control electronics section 2052 is indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 14. The touch sensing control electronics section 2052 has a microcontroller 251 including a processor 252, a memory 253, and input / output means 254. The touch sensing control electronics section 2052 also has a touch sensor driver 255. The touch sensor driver 255 is separate from the microcontroller 251 but is communicatively coupled to it via the input / output means 254. The touch sensor driver 255 is also communicatively coupled to the touch sensor 207. The touch sensor driver 255 detects a touch event based on an electrical signal from the touch sensor 207 in response to the occurrence of a touch event, which may be a user's finger contacting the outward-facing surface 2091 of the display window 209. After determining that a touch event has occurred, the touch sensor driver 255 transmits one or more data signals indicating the occurrence of the touch event to the microcontroller 251 via the input / output means 254. After the microcontroller 251 receives the data signals, the processor 252 accesses instructions contained in the memory 253 to generate one or more control signals for communication to one or more of the lighting control electronics section 2051, the heating control electronics section 2053, and other control electronics sections of the aerosol generating device 2. In this manner, the occurrence of a touch event on the display screen 209 can generate one or more control inputs for controlling one or more of the lighting assembly 206 (or lighting system 6, 6′), the inductor coil 208, and other functions of the aerosol generating device 2.

[0101] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of another exemplary embodiment of a touch sensing control electronics section 2052 for controlling the operation of the capacitive touch sensor 207 of the aerosol generation device 2. This embodiment differs from the embodiment of FIG. 14 in that the microcontroller 251 includes a touch sensing circuit 255′ rather than using a separate touch sensor driver 255. The touch sensing circuit 255′ detects a touch event based on electrical signals received from the touch sensor 207 (via the input / output means 254) in response to the occurrence of a touch event. Again, the touch event may be a user's finger contacting the outward-facing surface 2091 of the display window 209. After determining the occurrence of a touch event, the touch sensing circuit 255′ outputs a signal to the processor 252 via the input / output means 254, the signal indicating the occurrence of the touch event. The processor 252 then accesses instructions contained in the memory 253 to generate one or more control signals for communication to one or more of the lighting control electronics section 2051, the heating control electronics section 2053, and other control electronics sections of the aerosol generation device 2. In this manner, a touch event occurring on the display screen 209 can generate one or more control inputs for controlling one or more of the lighting assembly 206 (or lighting system 6), the inductor coil 208, and other functional components of the aerosol generating device 2. Although not shown in FIG. 15 , the touch sensing circuit 255′ may include a sampling capacitor, and the touch sensing circuit outputs a signal indicative of the touch event by charging the sampling capacitor to a voltage indicative of the touch event.

[0102] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an illumination control electronics section 2051 for controlling the operation of the illumination assembly 206 of the aerosol generating device 2 illustrated in the above figures. The illumination control electronics section 2051 is indicated by a dashed line in Figure 16. The illumination control electronics section 2051 has a microcontroller 261 including a processor 262, a memory 263, and input / output means 264. The illumination control electronics section 2051 also has an LED driver 265. The LED driver 265 is separate from the microcontroller 261 but is communicatively coupled thereto via the input / output means 264. The LED driver 265 is also communicatively coupled to the LEDs 2061 of the illumination assembly 206 for controlling the LEDs. As described above, the lighting control electronics section 2051 may be communicatively coupled to the touch sensing control electronics section 2052 such that the LED driver 265 may control the LEDs 2061 of the lighting assembly 206 in response to touch events detected by the touch sensing control electronics section 2052.

[0103] 17 is a schematic diagram of another exemplary embodiment of the illumination control electronics section 2051 for controlling the operation of the illumination assembly 206 of the aerosol generation device 2. This embodiment differs from the embodiment of FIG. 16 in that the LED driver 265 is integrated into the microcontroller 261 rather than being separate from it. The LED driver 265 controls the LEDs 2061 of the illumination assembly 206 via the input / output means 264. The LED driver 265 may control the LEDs 2061 of the illumination assembly 206 in response to touch events detected by the touch sensing control electronics section 2052.

[0104] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating how the LEDs 2061 of the lighting assembly 206 may be coupled to an arrangement 8 of intersecting row pins 81 and column pins 82. As can be seen, a single LED 2061 is coupled to the intersection of each row pin 81 and column pin 82. When used in combination with the lighting control electronics section 2051 of FIG. 16 or 17, the LED driver 265 operates to illuminate each of the multiple LEDs 2061 by activating the row pin 81 and column pin 82 to which the LED is respectively connected. The LED driver 265 can operate to activate a single LED 2061 or any combination of multiple LEDs.

[0105] For purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and the like are to be understood in all instances as modified by the term "about." Also, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein. Thus, in this context, the number "A" is to be understood as "A" ± 10% of "A." Within this context, the number "A" may be considered to include numerical values ​​that are within the common standard error of measurement for the property that the number "A" modifies. The number "A," in some cases as used in the appended claims, may deviate by the percentages recited above, provided that the amount by which "A" deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein. The terms "in which" and "wherein" are used interchangeably throughout this specification.

Claims

1. 1. An illumination system for an aerosol generating system, the illumination system comprising: A plurality of light-emitting elements; a first set of a plurality of illumination areas, each of the illumination areas spatially separated from the other illumination areas, each of the illumination areas comprising one or more of the plurality of light emitting elements, the first set of illumination areas being arranged relative to one another such that they collectively define the number 8; control electronics coupled to the plurality of light emitting elements and configured to selectively activate each of the plurality of illumination areas; an illumination system disposed to partially or completely surround the first set of the plurality of illumination areas, and wherein the control electronics is configured to selectively activate each of the first and second sets of illumination areas to generate first and second light emissions, respectively.

2. The lighting system of claim 1 , wherein each of the illumination areas comprises an equal number of the plurality of light emitting elements.

3. The lighting system of claim 1 , wherein one or more of the plurality of illumination areas each comprises only one of the plurality of light emitting elements.

4. The lighting system of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of lighting areas is seven.

5. The lighting system of claim 1 , wherein a first pair of the plurality of illumination areas is disposed opposite a second pair of the plurality of illumination areas.

6. 6. The lighting system of claim 5, wherein the illumination areas of the first pair are arranged collinearly with one another.

7. 6. The lighting system of claim 5, wherein the illumination areas of the second pair are arranged collinearly with one another.

8. 6. The lighting system of claim 5, wherein three of the plurality of illumination areas are laterally spaced apart from one another and extend between the first pair and the second pair of the plurality of illumination areas.

9. 10. The lighting system of claim 1, further comprising an opaque shield disposed over the plurality of light emitting elements, the shield comprising a plurality of openings to allow passage of light therethrough.

10. 10. The lighting system of claim 9, wherein the plurality of apertures are arranged in a plurality of aperture regions, each of the plurality of aperture regions comprising one or more of the plurality of apertures.

11. 1. An aerosol generating device for generating an inhalable aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol generating device comprising: a housing having a viewing window; An aerosol generating device comprising: an illumination system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the illumination system is positioned within the housing so that light from the plurality of illumination areas is visible through the display window.

12. said control electronics i) selectively activating one of the first and second sets of illumination regions to generate the first light emission that communicates first data indicative of a status of the aerosol generation device; ii) selectively activating another of the first and second illumination sets of the illumination area to generate the second light emission that conveys second data indicative of the status of the aerosol generation device, wherein the first data and the second data are different from each other.

13. The first and second data are a) the power source of the aerosol generating device contains sufficient energy to complete a single use session; b) the power source of the aerosol generating device contains sufficient energy to complete two or more use sessions; c) the power source of the aerosol generating device includes an energy level below a predetermined threshold level of energy; d) selecting or activating one of a first predetermined temperature profile and a second predetermined temperature profile, each of the first and second predetermined temperature profiles defining a heating profile for heating the aerosol-forming substrate by the electrical heating device during a use session, the first and second predetermined temperature profiles being different from each other; e) the aerosol generating device is in one of a pause mode or a resumed mode; f) selecting or effecting a change in the operating state of the aerosol generating device; g) a usage session is in progress; h) a preheating phase is in progress in which the electric heating device is heated to a predetermined target temperature; i) the aerosol generating device is in a locked state in which the device is prohibited from generating aerosol; j) the aerosol generating device is in an unlocked state in which the device is capable of generating aerosol; k) a PIN code to be entered to unlock the device so that it can generate aerosol, and / or a sequence of PIN codes to be entered in a predetermined order to unlock the device so that it can generate aerosol; l) a plurality of aerosol-generating article types detected by said device; m) the aerosol generating device is too hot to generate aerosols; and n) the aerosol generating device is too cold to generate an aerosol.

14. 12. The aerosol generating device of claim 11, wherein the display window defines a touch interface of a capacitive touch sensing device of the aerosol generating device for detecting a user's contact with the display window.

15. the control electronics selectively activates each of the plurality of illumination areas; a) the power source of the aerosol generating device contains sufficient energy to complete a single use session; b) the power source of the aerosol generating device contains sufficient energy to complete two or more use sessions; c) the power source of the aerosol generating device includes an energy level below a predetermined threshold level of energy; d) selecting or activating one of a first predetermined temperature profile and a second predetermined temperature profile, each of the first and second predetermined temperature profiles defining a heating profile for heating the aerosol-forming substrate by the electrical heating device during a use session, the first and second predetermined temperature profiles being different from each other; e) the aerosol generating device is in one of a pause mode or a resumed mode; f) selecting or effecting a change in the operating state of the aerosol generating device; g) a usage session is in progress; h) a preheating phase is in progress in which the electric heating device is heated to a predetermined target temperature; i) the aerosol generating device is in a locked state in which the device is prohibited from generating aerosol; j) the aerosol generating device is in an unlocked state in which the device is capable of generating aerosol; k) a PIN code to be entered to unlock the device so that it can generate aerosol, and / or a sequence of PIN codes to be entered in a predetermined order to unlock the device so that it can generate aerosol; l) a plurality of aerosol-generating article types detected by said device; m) the aerosol generating device is too hot to generate aerosols; and 12. The aerosol generating device of claim 11, configured to: n) indicate when the aerosol generating device is too cold to generate an aerosol.

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