Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device for heating an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an inhalable aerosol during a use session is disclosed.SOLUTION: The aerosol-generating device comprises control electronics and an outer lighting array partially or entirely surrounding the inner lighting array. Control electronics are coupled to the outer illumination array and the inner illumination array. The control electronics are configured to i) selectively activate one of the outer illumination array and the inner illumination array to generate a first predetermined light emission conveying first data indicative of a state of the aerosol-generating device, and ii) selectively activate the other of the outer illumination array and the inner illumination array to generate a second predetermined light emission conveying second data indicative of a state of the aerosol-generating device. The first data and the second data are different from each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device in which data regarding the progression of the device's operational stages is visually communicated to a user of the device. [Background technology]

[0002] Aerosol-generating devices configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate, such as a tobacco-containing substrate, are known in the art. Typically, inhalable aerosols are generated by heat transfer from a heat source to a physically separate aerosol-forming substrate or material, which may be located within, around, or downstream of the heat source. The aerosol-forming substrate may be a liquid substrate contained in a reservoir. The aerosol-forming substrate may also be a solid substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of a separate aerosol-generating article component configured to engage with the aerosol-generating device to form an aerosol. During consumption, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-forming substrate by heat transfer from the heat source and are entrained in the air emitted through the aerosol-generating article. The released compounds condense upon cooling, forming an aerosol that is inhaled by the consumer.

[0003] During use of an aerosol generating device, one or more parameters of the device may change. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol generating device that can efficiently communicate data regarding the status of the device to the user. Summary of the Invention

[0004] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating device" is used to describe a device that interacts with the aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol. The aerosol-generating device is preferably a smoking device that interacts with the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol that is inhalable directly through the user's mouth into the user's lungs. The aerosol-generating device may be a holder for a smoking article. The aerosol-generating article is preferably a smoking article that generates an aerosol that is inhalable directly through the user's mouth into the user's lungs. More preferably, the aerosol-generating article is a smoking article that generates a nicotine-containing aerosol that is inhalable directly through the user's mouth into the user's lungs.

[0005] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" refers to a substrate composed of or including an aerosol-forming material that is capable of releasing volatile compounds upon heating to generate an aerosol.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generation device for heating an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an inhalable aerosol during a use session. The aerosol generation device includes control electronics and an outer illumination array that partially or completely surrounds the inner illumination array. The control electronics is coupled to the outer illumination array and the inner illumination array. The control electronics is configured to: i) selectively activate one of the outer illumination array and the inner illumination array to generate a first predetermined light emission that conveys first data indicative of a state of the aerosol generation device; and ii) selectively activate the other of the outer illumination array and the inner illumination array to generate a second predetermined light emission that conveys second data indicative of a state of the aerosol generation device. The first data and the second data are different from each other.

[0007] As used herein, the term "light" refers to emissions of electromagnetic radiation within the visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum, which is generally understood to encompass wavelengths ranging from about 380 nanometers to about 750 nanometers.

[0008] As used herein, the term "predetermined light emission" refers to light emission characterized in terms of one or more parameters of the light emission. By way of example, the one or more parameters may include any of the following: brightness level of the light emission; spatial variation of the brightness level of the light emission for one or both of the outer and inner lighting arrays; color of the light emission; spatial variation of the color of the light emission for one or both of the outer and inner lighting arrays; and percentage of one or both of the outer and inner lighting arrays that are activated to generate the light emission. The one or more parameters may also include variation over time of any of the parameters described in the preceding sentence.

[0009] A use session is a finite use session, i.e., a use session that has a beginning and an end. The duration of a timed use session may be affected by use during the use session. The duration of a use session may have a maximum duration determined by the maximum time from the start of the use session. The duration of a use session may be less than the maximum time if one or more monitored parameters reach a predetermined threshold before the maximum time from the start of the use session. As an example, the one or more monitored parameters may include one or more of i) the cumulative number of puffs in a series of puffs taken by the user after the start of the use session, and ii) the cumulative amount of aerosol emitted from the aerosol-forming substrate after the start of the use session.

[0010] As described above, by coupling control electronics to the outer and inner lighting arrays, each lighting array can provide data to the user in a visual format that indicates the status of the device. The use of outer and inner lighting arrays allows each lighting array to facilitate separately communicating different data to the user.

[0011] Preferably, the first and second data may indicate any two of: a) the aerosol-generating device's power supply containing sufficient energy to complete a single use session; b) the aerosol-generating device's power supply containing sufficient energy to complete two or more use sessions; c) the aerosol-generating device's power supply containing a level of energy below a predetermined threshold level of energy; d) selection or activation of one of a first predetermined thermal profile and a second predetermined thermal profile, each of which defines a heating profile for heating the aerosol-forming substrate by the electric heating device over the use session, the first and second predetermined thermal profiles being different from each other; e) the aerosol-generating device being in one of a pause mode state or a reactivation state; f) selection or activation of a change in the operating state of the aerosol-generating device; g) progress in a use session; and h) progress in a preheating phase in which the electric heating device is heated to a predetermined target temperature to heat the aerosol-forming substrate. In this manner, the outer illumination array and inner illumination array facilitate communication of data to a user in visual form relating to two different states of the device.

[0012] The outer illumination array can surround at least 50%, or preferably at least 60%, or preferably at least 70%, or preferably at least 80%, or preferably at least 90%, or preferably all of the perimeter of the inner illumination array. Having an outer illumination array that partially or completely surrounds the inner illumination array is beneficial in enabling the outer illumination array to communicate data to a user indicative of changes in the state of the aerosol generation device over time. For example, the outer illumination array can facilitate communicating data to a user indicative of progress in a pre-heating phase or progress in a usage session.

[0013] Preferably, the first data may relate to a state of progression of an operational stage of the aerosol generating device, and the second data may relate to a different state of the aerosol generating device. The first predetermined light emission may be a light emission of a predetermined stage progression, and the second predetermined light emission may be a light emission of a predetermined state. The control electronics may be configured to: i) selectively activate one of the outer illumination array and the inner illumination array to indicate a progression of an operational stage of the aerosol generating device and, in response, generate a light emission of a predetermined stage progression; and ii) selectively activate the other of the outer illumination array and the inner illumination array to indicate a different state of the aerosol generating device and, in response, generate a light emission of a predetermined state. By way of example, the operational stage of the aerosol generating device may conveniently be a pre-heating stage or a use session.

[0014] By progressing through the operational stages, the control electronics may increase or decrease any one or more of the brightness of the lighting array that generates the predetermined step progression of light emission and the percentage of the lighting array that is activated to generate the predetermined step progression of light emission.

[0015] Preferably, the control electronics may be configured to i) selectively activate the outer illumination array to generate a predetermined progression of light emissions, and ii) selectively activate the inner illumination array to generate a predetermined state of light emissions. Because the outer illumination array partially or completely surrounds the inner illumination array, the geometry of the outer illumination array makes this configuration particularly suitable for communicating data to a user indicative of a progression through operational stages of the aerosol generation device in the form of a predetermined progression of light emissions.

[0016] The control electronics may be configured to simultaneously generate a predetermined progression of light emissions and a predetermined state of light emissions.

[0017] Preferably, the control electronics may be configured to progressively decrease the operating area or length of one of the outer and inner lighting arrays as the aerosol generation device progresses through an operating phase to generate a predetermined progression of light radiation. By "operating area" and "operating length" is meant the area or length of the lighting array from which a predetermined progression of light radiation is emitted. In this manner, a decrease in the proportion of one of the outer and inner lighting arrays contributes to the generation of a predetermined progression of light radiation as the operating phase progresses. In this context, a predetermined progression of light radiation is analogous to a timer that counts down as the operating phase progresses. Alternatively, the control electronics may be configured to progressively increase the operating area or length of one of the outer and inner lighting arrays as the aerosol generation device progresses through an operating phase to generate a predetermined progression of light radiation. In this manner, an increase in the proportion of one of the lighting arrays contributes to the generation of a predetermined progression of light radiation as the operating phase progresses.

[0018] As shown in the following paragraphs, each lighting array may include multiple light emitting elements. Variation of the activation area or activation length may be achieved by varying the number of multiple light emitting elements in each lighting array that are activated as the operating phase progresses.

[0019] Preferably, one or each of the outer and inner illumination arrays may be an arcuate segment extending around an arc of at least 180 degrees. Advantageously, the arcuate segment may extend around an arc of 360 degrees to define a closed annulus.

[0020] The control electronics may be configured to vary the actuation thickness of the arcuate segment over time when generating either a predetermined stepwise progression of light emission or a predetermined state of light emission. In this manner, the thickness of the arcuate segment illuminated during the generation of the predetermined stepwise progression of light emission or the predetermined state of light emission varies over time. The time-dependent variation in actuation thickness may include a gradual increase in actuation thickness followed by a gradual decrease in actuation thickness. The variation in actuation thickness may be periodic. An arcuate segment of the lighting array may include multiple light-emitting units extending across the thickness of the segment, and the variation in actuation thickness over time is achieved by varying the number of light-emitting elements activated across the thickness.

[0021] The control electronics may be configured to progressively decrease the working length of the arcuate segments with progression through an operational stage of the aerosol generating device to generate a predetermined step-by-step progression of light radiation. Alternatively, the control electronics may be configured to progressively increase the working length of the arcuate segments with progression through an operational stage of the aerosol generating device to generate a predetermined step-by-step progression of light radiation. As indicated in the preceding paragraph, the operational stage may be a preheating stage in which an electrical heating device for heating the aerosol-forming substrate is heated to a predetermined target temperature, or may be a use session.

[0022] The arcuate segments may be formed from a first portion and a second portion. The control electronics may be configured to progressively decrease the operating length of the first portion over the course of the first use session to generate the light emissions of a predetermined first use session, and progressively decrease the operating length of the second portion over the course of the second use session to generate the light emissions of a predetermined second use session. Alternatively, the control electronics may be configured to progressively increase the operating length of the first portion over the course of the first use session to generate the light emissions of a predetermined first use session, and progressively increase the operating length of the second portion over the course of the second use session to generate the light emissions of a predetermined second use session. In this manner, each of the first and second portions of the arcuate segments of the respective lighting arrays may provide data to a user in a visual format indicating the progress of the corresponding use session. The first use session and the second use session are separate use sessions. Preferably, the second use session is the use session immediately following the first use session. If the aerosol generating device includes a rechargeable power source, the second use session may preferably be conducted using any energy remaining in the power source after the first use session. Preferably, the first and second portions may be symmetrically disposed on opposite sides of a bisector of the arcuate segment.

[0023] At least one of the outer illumination array and the inner illumination array may comprise a first arcuate segment and a second arcuate segment. The control electronics may be configured to progressively decrease the operating length of the first arcuate segment over the course of a first use session to generate a predetermined first use session of light radiation, and to progressively decrease the operating length of the second arcuate segment over the course of a second use session to generate a predetermined second use session of light radiation. Alternatively, the control electronics may be configured to progressively increase the operating length of the first arcuate segment over the course of a first use session to generate a predetermined first use session of light radiation, and to progressively increase the operating length of the second arcuate segment over the course of a second use session to generate a predetermined first use session of light radiation. Preferably, one of the first arcuate segment and the second arcuate segment may be surrounded by the other of the first arcuate segment and the second arcuate segment.

[0024] The control electronics may be configured to activate a first proportion of the arcuate segments to indicate that the aerosol generation device is in a first state and, in response, generate a predetermined first state light emission. The control electronics may be further configured to activate a second proportion of the arcuate segments to indicate that the aerosol generation device is in a second state and, in response, generate a predetermined second state light emission. The second proportion may be larger in size than the first proportion. In this manner, the activated proportion of the arcuate segments may provide a visual indication to a user that the aerosol generation device is in one of two different states.

[0025] Preferably, the arcuate segment may be formed from a first portion and a second portion symmetrically positioned on opposite sides of a bisector of the arcuate segment. The control electronics may be configured to activate the first portion to generate a predetermined first state of light emission and to activate both the first and second portions of the arcuate segment to generate a predetermined second state of light emission. In this manner, separate portions of the arcuate segment are activated to provide a visual indication to a user that the aerosol generating device is in one of two distinct states.

[0026] The aerosol generating device may further include a power source coupled to the control electronics. The first state may correspond to a power source containing sufficient energy to complete a single use session. The second state may correspond to a power source containing sufficient energy to complete two or more use sessions. In this manner, light emission in a predetermined first state may indicate a power source containing a level of energy sufficient to complete only a single use session, while light emission in a predetermined second state would indicate a power source containing a level of energy sufficient to complete two or more use sessions.

[0027] The aerosol generating device may further include a power source coupled to the control electronics. The first state may correspond to activation by the control electronics of a first predetermined thermal profile for heating the aerosol-forming substrate by the electric heating device over a use session. The second state may correspond to activation by the control electronics of a second predetermined thermal profile for heating the aerosol-forming substrate by the electric heating device over a use session. In this manner, light emission in the first predetermined state may indicate selection of a first predetermined thermal profile for the electric heating device over a use session, and light emission in the second predetermined state may indicate selection of a second predetermined thermal profile for the electric heating device over a use session. The first and second predetermined thermal profiles may differ from each other. The second predetermined thermal profile may have a higher intensity than the first predetermined thermal profile. For example, the second predetermined thermal profile may be associated with the supply of a greater amount of energy from the power source to the electric heating device over a use session than the first predetermined thermal profile.

[0028] The power source may be in the form of a battery, preferably a rechargeable battery.

[0029] The control electronics can be configured to selectively activate different portions of the arcuate segment over time such that the activated portions of the arcuate segment move along the arcuate segment over time to generate one of a predetermined progression of light emission and a predetermined state of light emission.

[0030] Conveniently, the state of the aerosol-generating device corresponding to the predetermined state of light emission is a re-activated state or a suspended mode state. The re-activated state may correspond to the control electronics controlling the supply of energy from the power source to the electric heating device to heat the aerosol-forming substrate at a first temperature level in the aerosol-emitting mode. The suspended mode state may correspond to the control electronics controlling the supply of energy from the power source to the electric heating device to heat the aerosol-forming substrate at a second temperature level less than the first temperature level.

[0031] The control electronics may be configured to progressively increase the dominant wavelength of the light emission for a given stage progression as the aerosol generating device progresses through its operating stage. In this manner, the color of the light emission for a given stage progression may be adjusted to reflect the progression through the operating stage. Advantageously, the dominant wavelength is in the 380-500 nanometer range at the beginning of the operating stage and in the 590-700 nanometer range at the end of the operating stage. Thus, the color of the light emission for a given stage progression may be adjusted from a color at the blue end of the electromagnetic spectrum to a color at the red end of the electromagnetic spectrum as the operating stage progresses. If the operating stage is a preheating stage, the increase in dominant wavelength toward the red end of the electromagnetic spectrum over the preheating stage may provide an indication to a user of the aerosol generating device that the electric heating device is heating up as intended.

[0032] Advantageously, the predetermined region of the internal illumination array may define a predetermined shape. The control electronics may be configured to activate the predetermined region defining the predetermined shape to generate either a first predetermined light emission or a second predetermined light emission. In this manner, the shape of the first or second predetermined light emission may be used to provide an indication to a user of the status of the aerosol generating device.

[0033] The aerosol generating device may include a touch-activated interface. The touch-activated interface may be coupled to the control electronics and may include an activation area contactable by a user's finger to provide user input to the control electronics. Preferably, the touch-activated interface may form part of a display window for either or both of the outer and inner illumination arrays. The activation area may be surrounded by the outer illumination array. The activation area may be surrounded by the inner illumination array. The activation area may be defined between the outer and inner illumination arrays. Conveniently, the touch-activated interface may include a capacitive panel.

[0034] The control electronics may be configured to selectively operate either or both of the outer and inner illumination arrays at two or more brightness levels to vary the brightness over time of at least one of the first predetermined light emission and the second predetermined light emission. Varying the brightness over time may be particularly useful when the predetermined light emission indicates a progression of operational stages of the aerosol generation device.

[0035] The control electronics may be configured to selectively operate either or both of the outer and inner illumination arrays in two or more color states to change the color over time of at least one of the first predetermined light emission and the second predetermined light emission. The color change over time may be particularly useful when the predetermined light emission indicates a progression through operational stages of the aerosol-generating device. As an example, the color change over time may be useful in communicating data to a user indicating a temperature change, such as a change in the temperature of an electrical heating device used to heat the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0036] The control electronics may be configured to selectively activate either or both of the outer and inner lighting arrays to vary at least one of the first predetermined light emission and the second predetermined light emission over time by one or more of activating, deactivating, and reactivating different portions of each lighting array over time.

[0037] Preferably, each of the outer and inner lighting arrays may include multiple light-emitting units. Each or different light-emitting units of each lighting array may contribute to a first or second predetermined light emission at a given moment, depending on which light-emitting unit is activated by the control electronics. All or only a small portion of the light-emitting units may be used to generate the first or second predetermined light emission at a given moment. The use of light-emitting diode (LED) light-emitting units is preferred due to the energy efficiency of LEDs. Preferably, the aerosol generating device is handheld, includes a power source, and is sized to provide portability. As mentioned above, the power source may conveniently be in the form of a rechargeable battery. In this context, the energy efficiency associated with LEDs makes them particularly suitable for use in such handheld, portable aerosol generating devices with their own power source. Alternatively, however, the light-emitting units may instead consist of one or more liquid crystal displays or any other electrically powered light source whose energy and size requirements are suitable for use in aerosol generating devices.

[0038] The aerosol generating device may also include one or more waveguides configured to direct light generated by one or more of the plurality of light-emitting units to one or more viewing windows for viewing the first and second predetermined light emissions by a user. As used herein, the term "waveguide" refers to a structure adapted to guide electromagnetic waves of light. The one or more waveguides may conveniently be in the form of one or more optical fibers or light pipes. Each of the light-emitting units may conveniently be associated with a corresponding waveguide, such that light emitted from each light-emitting unit is transmitted to the one or more viewing windows via the corresponding waveguide.

[0039] Preferably, each of the light emitting units may be a light emitting diode, and the control electronics may include a light emitting diode control driver and a separate microcontroller. The control driver may be configured to control an electrical supply from a power source to one or more of the plurality of light emitting diodes under control of the microcontroller to generate a first predetermined light emission and a second predetermined light emission. The control driver may be configured to control one or both of a voltage level or a current level of the electrical supply.

[0040] The plurality of light emitting diodes of each of the outer and inner lighting arrays may include a first set of light emitting diodes configured to emit light of a first color and a second set of light emitting diodes configured to emit light of a second color. The light emitting diode control driver may be configured to activate one or more of the light emitting diodes from only the first set of either or both the outer and inner lighting arrays, or from only the second set of either or both the outer and inner lighting arrays, or from both the first and second sets of either or both the outer and inner lighting arrays, thereby controlling the color of at least one of the first and second predetermined light emissions.

[0041] The light-emitting diode control driver may be configured to control the supply of power from the power source to one or more of the plurality of light-emitting diodes in either or both of the outer illumination array and the inner illumination array by a type of pulse-width modulation having a predetermined resolution, such that the predetermined resolution controls the brightness of at least one of the first predetermined light emission and the second predetermined light emission, which defines two or more brightness levels. As an example, the resolution of the type of pulse-width modulation may be 8 bits (having 256 levels), 10 bits (having 1024 levels), or 12 bits (having 4096 levels). The higher the predetermined resolution, the greater the number of discrete, static brightness levels of light that can be generated by each of the plurality of light-emitting diodes. In this manner, the precision or level of detail of the data conveyed to the user by different brightness levels can be controlled by the predetermined resolution selected for the light-emitting diode control driver.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] When 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.

[0045] The solid aerosol-forming substrate may optionally 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.

[0046] The solid aerosol-forming substrate may optionally 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, for example, in the form of a sheet, foam, gel, or slurry. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may be deposited on the entire surface of the carrier, or alternatively, may be deposited in a pattern to provide a non-uniform flavor delivery during use.

[0047] 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.

[0048] The aerosol-forming substrate preferably comprises a gathered sheet of homogenized tobacco material. As used herein, the term "sheet" refers to a layered element having a width and length that are generally greater than its thickness. As used herein, the term "gathered" is used to describe a sheet that is rolled, folded, or otherwise compressed or contracted generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article.

[0049] The aerosol-forming substrate preferably comprises an aerosol former. As used herein, the term "aerosol former" is used to describe any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that, in use, facilitates the formation of an aerosol and is generally resistant to thermal decomposition at the operating temperatures of the aerosol-generating article.

[0050] 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, triacetate, etc.), and aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids (such as dimethyl dodecanedioate, dimethyl tetradecanedioate, etc.). Preferred aerosol formers are polyhydric alcohols (e.g., propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and most preferably, glycerin) or mixtures thereof.

[0051] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a single aerosol former, or the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a combination of two or more aerosol formers. [Example]

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

[0053] Example 1: An aerosol generating device for heating an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an inhalable aerosol during a use session, comprising: control electronics; and an outer illumination array partially or completely surrounding an inner illumination array, wherein the control electronics is coupled to the outer illumination array and the inner illumination array and configured to: i) selectively activate one of the outer illumination array and the inner illumination array to generate a first predetermined light radiation that communicates first data indicative of a status of the aerosol generating device; and ii) selectively activate the other of the outer illumination array and the inner illumination array to generate a second predetermined light radiation that communicates second data indicative of a status of the aerosol generating device, wherein the first data and the second data are different from each other. Example 2: The aerosol-generating article of Example 1, wherein the first data and the second data indicate any two of: a) a power source of the aerosol-generating device containing sufficient energy to complete a single use session; b) a power source of the aerosol-generating device containing sufficient energy to complete two or more use sessions; c) a power source of the aerosol-generating device containing a level of energy below a predetermined threshold level of energy; d) selection or activation of one of a first predetermined thermal profile and a second predetermined thermal profile, each of the first and second predetermined thermal profiles defining a heating profile for heating an aerosol-forming substrate by an electric heating device over a use session, the first and second predetermined thermal profiles being different from each other; e) the aerosol-generating device being in one of a pause mode state or a re-activation state; f) selection or activation of a change in the operating state of the aerosol-generating device; g) progress in a use session; and h) progress in a pre-heating phase in which the electric heating device is heated to a predetermined target temperature. Example 3: An aerosol generating device as described in any one of Examples 1 or 2, wherein the outer illumination array surrounds at least 50%, or preferably at least 60%, or preferably at least 70%, or preferably at least 80%, or preferably at least 90%, or preferably all of the perimeter of the inner illumination array. Example 4: An aerosol generating device as described in Examples 1 to 3, wherein the first data relates to a state of progression of an operating stage of the aerosol generating device, the second data relates to a different state of the aerosol generating device, the first predetermined light radiation is light radiation of a predetermined stage progression, and the second predetermined light radiation is light radiation of a predetermined state, and the control electronics is configured to i) indicate the progression of an operating stage of the aerosol generating device and in response thereto, selectively activate one of the outer lighting array and the inner lighting array to generate light radiation of a predetermined stage progression, and ii) indicate a different state of the aerosol generating device and in response thereto, selectively activate the other of the outer lighting array and the inner lighting array to generate light radiation of a predetermined state. Example 5: 5. The aerosol-generating device according to example 4, wherein the operating stage is a preheating stage in which an electric heating device for heating the aerosol-forming substrate is heated to a predetermined target temperature. Example 6: The aerosol generating device of Example 4, wherein the operational stage is a use session. Example 7: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 4 to 6, wherein the control electronics is configured to i) selectively activate the outer lighting array to generate light radiation of a predetermined progression, and ii) selectively activate the inner lighting array to generate light radiation of a predetermined state. Example 8: 8. An aerosol generation device according to any one of embodiments 4 to 7, wherein the control electronics is configured to simultaneously generate a predetermined progression of light radiation and a predetermined state of light radiation. Example 9: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 4 to 8, wherein the control electronics is configured to gradually reduce the operating area or operating length of one of the outer lighting array and the inner lighting array as the aerosol generating device progresses through the operating stages to generate a predetermined progressive progression of light radiation. Example 10: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 4 to 9, wherein the control electronics is configured to gradually increase the operating area or operating length of one of the outer lighting array and the inner lighting array as the aerosol generating device progresses through the operating stages to generate a predetermined progressive progression of light radiation. Example 11: An aerosol generation device according to any one of Examples 1 to 10, wherein one or each of the outer illumination array and the inner illumination array is an arcuate segment extending around an arc of at least 180 degrees. Example 12: 12. The aerosol generating device of example 11, wherein the arcuate segment extends around a 360 degree arc and defines a closed loop. Example 13: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 11 or 12, wherein the control electronics is configured to vary the operating thickness of the arcuate segment over time when generating either a predetermined progression of light radiation or a predetermined state of light radiation. Example 14: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 11 to 13, wherein the control electronics is configured to gradually reduce the operating length of the arcuate segment as the aerosol generating device progresses through the operating stages to generate a predetermined progressive progression of light radiation. Example 15: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 11 to 13, wherein the control electronics is configured to gradually increase the operating length of the arcuate segment as the aerosol generating device progresses through the operating stages to generate a predetermined progressive progression of light radiation. Example 16: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 11 to 15, wherein the arcuate segment is formed from a first portion and a second portion, and the control electronics is configured to progressively decrease the operating length of the first portion with progress in a first use session to generate light radiation for a predetermined first use session, and to progressively decrease the operating length of the second portion with progress in a second use session to generate light radiation for a predetermined second use session. Example 17: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 11 to 15, wherein the arcuate segment is formed from a first portion and a second portion, and the control electronics is configured to progressively increase the operating length of the first portion with progress in a first use session to generate light radiation for a predetermined first use session, and to progressively increase the operating length of the second portion with progress in a second use session to generate light radiation for a predetermined second use session. Example 18: 18. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 16 or 17, wherein the first and second portions are symmetrically disposed on opposite sides of the bisector of the arcuate segment. Example 19: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 11 to 15, wherein at least one of the outer lighting array and the inner lighting array includes a first arcuate segment and a second arcuate segment, and the control electronics is configured to progressively decrease the operating length of the first arcuate segment with progress in a first use session to generate a predetermined first use session light radiation, and to progressively decrease the operating length of the second arcuate segment with progress in a second use session to generate a predetermined second use session light radiation. Example 20: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 11 to 15, wherein one of the outer lighting array and the inner lighting array includes a first arcuate segment and a second arcuate segment, and the control electronics is configured to progressively increase the operating length of the first arcuate segment with progress in a first use session to generate light radiation for a predetermined first use session, and to progressively increase the operating length of the second arcuate segment with progress in a second use session to generate light radiation for a predetermined second use session. Example 21: 21. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 19 or 20, wherein one of the first and second arcuate segments is surrounded by the other of the first and second arcuate segments. Example 22: An aerosol generating device as described in any one of Examples 11 to 21, wherein the control electronics are configured to indicate that the aerosol generating device is in a first state and, in response, activate a first proportion of the arcuate segments to generate a predetermined first state of light radiation, and to indicate that the aerosol generating device is in a second state and, in response, activate a second proportion of the arcuate segments to generate a predetermined second state of light radiation, the second proportion being larger in size than the first proportion. Example 23: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 22, wherein the arcuate segment is formed from a first portion and a second portion symmetrically arranged on opposite sides of a bisector of the arcuate segment, and the control electronics is configured to actuate the first portion to generate light radiation of a predetermined first state, and to actuate both the first portion and the second portion of the arcuate segment to generate light radiation of a predetermined second state. Example 24: An aerosol generating device as described in any one of Examples 22 or 23, further comprising a power supply coupled to the control electronics, wherein the first state corresponds to the power supply containing sufficient energy to complete a single use session, and the second state corresponds to the power supply containing sufficient energy to complete two or more use sessions. Example 25: An aerosol generating device as described in any one of Examples 22 or 23, further comprising a power source coupled to the control electronics, wherein the first state corresponds to activation by the control electronics of a first predetermined thermal profile for heating the aerosol-forming substrate by the electric heating device over a use session, and the second state corresponds to activation by the control electronics of a second predetermined thermal profile for heating the aerosol-forming substrate by the electric heating device over a use session. Example 26: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 11 to 25, wherein the control electronics are configured to selectively activate different portions of the arcuate segment over time, such that the activated portions of the arcuate segment move along the arcuate segment over time to generate one of a predetermined progression of light radiation and a predetermined state of light radiation. Example 27: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 26, wherein the state of the aerosol generating device corresponding to the predetermined state of light emission is a re-activation state or a pause mode state. Example 28: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 27, wherein the re-activation state corresponds to the control electronics controlling the supply of energy from the power source to the electric heating device to heat the aerosol-forming substrate at a first temperature level in the aerosol emission mode, and the pause mode state corresponds to the control electronics controlling the supply of energy from the power source to the electric heating device to heat the aerosol-forming substrate at a second temperature level less than the first temperature level. Example 29: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 4 to 28, wherein the control electronics is configured to progressively increase the dominant wavelength of the optical radiation in a predetermined step progression as the aerosol generating device progresses through the operational steps. Example 30: 30. The aerosol generating apparatus of example 29, wherein the dominant wavelength is in the range of 380 to 500 nanometers at the beginning of the operating phase and in the range of 590 to 700 nanometers at the end of the operating phase. Example 31: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1 to 30, wherein the predetermined area of ​​the internal illumination array defines a predetermined shape, and the control electronics is configured to activate the predetermined area defining the predetermined shape to generate either a first predetermined light radiation or a second predetermined light radiation. Example 32: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1 to 31, wherein the aerosol generating device has a touch-activated interface, the touch-activated interface is coupled to the control electronics and has an activation area that can be contacted by a user's finger to provide user input to the control electronics. Example 33: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 32, wherein the touch-activated interface forms part of a display window for either or both of the outer and inner illumination arrays. Example 34: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 32 or 33, wherein the operating area is surrounded by an outer lighting array. Example 35: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 32 to 34, wherein the operating area is surrounded by an internal illumination array. Example 36: 33. The aerosol generating device of Example 32, wherein the operating region is defined between the outer illumination array and the inner illumination array. Example 37: 37. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 32 to 36, wherein the touch-activated interface comprises a capacitive panel. Example 38: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1 to 37, wherein the control electronics is configured to selectively operate either or both of the outer lighting array and the inner lighting array at two or more brightness levels so as to vary the brightness over time of at least one of the first predetermined light emission and the second predetermined light emission. Example 39: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1 to 38, wherein the control electronics is configured to selectively operate either or both of the outer lighting array and the inner lighting array in two or more color states to change color for at least one of a first predetermined light emission and a second predetermined light emission. Example 40: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1 to 39, wherein the control electronics is configured to selectively activate either or both the outer lighting array and the inner lighting array to vary at least one of the first predetermined light emission and the second predetermined light emission over time by one or more of activating, deactivating, and reactivating different portions of each lighting array over time. Example 41: 41. The aerosol generating device of any one of Examples 1 to 40, wherein each of the outer illumination array and the inner illumination array comprises a plurality of light-emitting units. Example 42: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 41, further comprising one or more waveguides configured to direct light generated by one or more of the plurality of light-emitting units to one or more display windows for viewing the first predetermined light radiation and the second predetermined light radiation by a user. Example 43: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 41 or 42, wherein each of the light-emitting units is a light-emitting diode, the control electronics includes a light-emitting diode control driver and a separate microcontroller, and the control driver is configured to control the supply of power from the power source to one or more of the plurality of light-emitting diodes under the control of the microcontroller so as to generate a first predetermined light radiation and a second predetermined light radiation. Example 44: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 43, wherein each of the plurality of light-emitting diodes of the outer lighting array and the inner lighting array comprises a first set of light-emitting diodes configured to emit light of a first color and a second set of light-emitting diodes configured to emit light of a second color, and the light-emitting diode control driver is configured to operate one or more of the light-emitting diodes from only the first set of either or both of the outer lighting array and the inner lighting array, or from only the second set of either or both of the outer lighting array and the inner lighting array, or from both the first and second sets of either or both of the outer lighting array and the inner lighting array, to control the color of at least one of the first predetermined light emission and the second predetermined light emission. Example 45: An aerosol generating device described in either one of Examples 43 or 44, wherein the light-emitting diode control driver is configured to control the supply of power from the power source to one or more of the multiple light-emitting diodes of either or both of the outer lighting array and the inner lighting array by a type of pulse width modulation having a predetermined resolution, and the predetermined resolution controls the brightness of at least one of the first predetermined light emission and the second predetermined light emission, defining two or more brightness levels. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0054] The examples will now be further described with reference to the following figures:

[0055] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a schematic top view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1 and an aerosol-generating article for use in the device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram providing a schematic view of the various electronic components of the aerosol generating device of FIGS. 1-3 and their interactions. [Figure 5]Figure 5 shows an example of how the lighting control driver of the aerosol generating device of Figures 1-4 controls the supply of energy to the device's outer lighting array to generate predetermined light emissions that indicate progress in a usage session. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of how the lighting control driver of the aerosol generating device of Figures 1 to 4 controls the supply of energy to the internal lighting array of the device to generate predetermined light emissions that indicate progress in a usage session. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of how the lighting control driver of the aerosol generating device of Figures 1-4 controls the supply of energy to the internal lighting array of the device to generate predetermined light emissions indicating progress through separate first and second use sessions. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of how the lighting control driver of the aerosol generating device of Figures 1-4 controls the supply of energy to the outer lighting array of the device to generate predetermined light emissions indicating progress through separate first and second use sessions. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of how the lighting control driver of the aerosol generating device of Figures 1 to 4 controls the supply of energy to the outer lighting array of the device to generate predetermined light emissions indicating progress through the preheating stage of operation. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of how the lighting control driver of the aerosol generating device of Figures 1 to 4 controls the supply of energy to the outer lighting array of the device to generate predetermined light emissions indicating progress in the preheating stage of operation. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows an example of how the lighting control driver of the aerosol generating device of Figures 1 to 4 controls the supply of energy to the outer lighting array of the device to generate predetermined light emissions indicative of progress in separate first and second use sessions, while simultaneously controlling the supply of energy to the inner lighting array to generate predetermined light emissions indicative of the energy level of the device's power supply. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0056] The exemplary aerosol generating device 10 is a handheld aerosol generating device having an elongated shape defined by a generally circular cylindrical housing 20 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the aerosol generating device 10 includes an open cavity 25 located at the proximal end 21 of the housing 20 for receiving an aerosol-generating article 30. Additionally, the aerosol generating device 10 further includes an electrically operated heater element 40 arranged to heat at least the aerosol-forming substrate 31 of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article 30 is received in the cavity 25 (see FIG. 3).

[0057] The aerosol-generating device is configured to receive an aerosol-generating article 30. As shown in FIG. 3 , the aerosol-generating article 30 has the form of a cylindrical rod, which is formed by combining an aerosol-forming substrate 31 and a filter element 32. The aerosol-forming substrate 31 and the filter element 32 are aligned coaxially and enclosed in a cigarette paper wrapper 33. The aerosol-forming substrate 31 is a solid aerosol-forming substrate containing tobacco. However, in an alternative embodiment (not shown), the aerosol-forming substrate 31 may instead be a liquid aerosol-forming substrate or may be formed from a combination of liquid and solid aerosol-forming substrates. The filter element 32 functions as the mouthpiece of the aerosol-generating article 30. The aerosol-generating article 30 has a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the cavity 25 of the device 10 and a length greater than the depth of the cavity 25. When the aerosol-generating article 30 is received within the cavity 25 of the device 10, a portion of the article containing the filter element 32 extends outside the cavity and can be inhaled by a user, similar to a conventional cigarette.

[0058] The outer illumination array 61 and the inner illumination array 62 are incorporated into the housing 20 of the aerosol generation device 10 (see FIG. 1 ). The outer illumination array 61 extends around a 360-degree arc and defines a closed annulus surrounding the inner illumination array 62. The inner illumination array 62 is generally elliptical in shape. The outer illumination array 61 includes a plurality of light-emitting diodes 611-1...n arranged around the illumination array. While the schematic diagram of FIG. 1 shows only a single light-emitting diode across the thickness of the annulus defined by the outer illumination array 61, multiple light-emitting diodes may be arranged across the thickness of the annulus. The inner illumination array 62 also includes a plurality of light-emitting diodes 621-1...n arranged across the area defined by the inner illumination array. Each of the outer illumination array 61 and the inner illumination array 62 has a respective viewing window 612, 622 that forms part of the exterior surface of the housing 20 and is optically transparent. As will be explained in more detail below, light generated by the light emitting diodes of the outer illumination array 61 and the inner illumination array 62 is directed towards respective viewing windows 612, 622 so as to be visible to a user of the aerosol generation device 10 during use.

[0059] The battery 11 and microcontroller 12 are coupled to each other and located within the housing 20 (see FIG. 4). The microcontroller 12 also incorporates a memory module 12a. The microcontroller 12 is, in turn, coupled to both the heater element 40 and the illumination control driver 13. The microcontroller 12 and the illumination control driver 13 collectively form the control electronics section 100 of the aerosol generating device 10. The illumination control driver 13 is coupled to each of the light-emitting diodes 611-1...n of the outer illumination array 61 and each of the light-emitting diodes 621-1...n of the inner illumination array 62. For the outer illumination array 61, the waveguides 613-1...n are disposed between the light-emitting diodes 611-1...n and the display window 612. Similarly, for the inner illumination array 62, the waveguides 623-1...n are disposed between the light-emitting diodes 621-1...n and the display window 622. Each of the waveguides 613-1...n, 623-1...n is associated with a respective one of the light emitting diodes 611-1...n, 621-1...n of the respective lighting arrays 61, 62. The association is such that, in use, each waveguide functions to direct light generated by an associated one of the light emitting diodes towards the respective viewing window 612, 622. The waveguides 613-1...n, 623-1...n are in the form of discrete lengths of optical fibre.

[0060] The memory module 12a contains instructions that are executed by the microcontroller 12 and the lighting control driver 13 during use of the device 10. The instructions stored in the memory module 12a include data regarding two or more user-selectable predetermined thermal profiles for the heater element 40, criteria for determining the duration of a usage session, and other data and information related to the control and operation of the aerosol generating device 10. When activated, the microcontroller 12 accesses the instructions contained in the memory module 12a and controls the supply of energy from the battery 11 to the heater element 40 in accordance with the instructions contained in the memory module 12a. The microcontroller 12 also controls the supply of energy to the lighting control driver 13. The lighting control driver 13 then individually controls the supply of electricity to each of the light-emitting diodes 611-1...n, 621-1...n of the outer lighting array 61 and the inner lighting array 62 so that each light-emitting diode emits light 614-1...n, 624-1...n at one of a plurality of discrete quiescent brightness levels under the control of the lighting control driver (see FIG. 4). Under the control of the illumination control driver 13, the light emitted by the different light emitting diodes of the outer illumination array 61 together form a predetermined light emission from that illumination array. Similarly, under the control of the illumination control driver 13, the light emitted by the different light emitting diodes of the inner illumination array 62 together form a predetermined light emission from that illumination array. The three different forms of cross hatching used in Figure 4 for the light 614-1...n, 624-1...n generated by different ones of the light emitting diodes of the outer illumination array 61 and the inner illumination array 62 represent three different static brightness levels.

[0061] During use, a user first inserts an aerosol-generating article 30 into the cavity 25 of the aerosol-generating device 10 (as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 3 ) and presses the user button 50 to turn on the device 10 and activate the heater element 40, initiating a use session. The button 50 is electromechanically coupled to the microcontroller 12 (see FIG. 4 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the button 50 also serves as a means for the user to select a given one of the predetermined thermal profiles stored in the memory module 12a. For the illustrated embodiment, pressing the button 50 a second time functions to select a first predetermined thermal profile, and pressing the button a third time functions to select a second predetermined thermal profile. However, in alternative embodiments (not shown), an alternative user interface may be provided in which the user can interact with to select a desired one of the first and second predetermined thermal profiles. Such an alternative user interface may be in the form of a touch-sensitive capacitive panel that the user engages with a finger to select a desired one of the predetermined thermal profiles, the touch-sensitive panel being coupled to the microcontroller 12. A touch-sensitive capacitive panel may be integrated into the display window 622 of the inner illumination array 62 and coupled to the microcontroller 12. A user may then touch or swipe a finger along the touch-sensitive capacitive panel defined by the display window 622 to provide control input to the device 10. Alternatively, an alternative user interface may include a motion or orientation sensor coupled to the microcontroller 12, where movement or gestures of the device 10 in a predetermined manner are detected by the sensor and serve as a means for selecting a particular one of the predetermined thermal profiles. The first and second predetermined thermal profiles differ in intensity, with the second predetermined thermal profile having a greater intensity than the first predetermined thermal profile. The second predetermined thermal profile is associated with the delivery of a greater amount of energy from the battery 11 to the heater element 40 over a usage session than the first predetermined thermal profile.

[0062] During the preheating phase, the temperature of the heater element 40 is raised from ambient temperature to a predetermined target temperature for heating the aerosol-forming substrate 31 according to a selected predetermined thermal profile. Once the predetermined target temperature is reached, a use session begins. The heater element 40 heats the aerosol-forming substrate 31 of the article 30 over the use session, resulting in the release and atomization of volatile compounds in the aerosol-forming substrate to form an aerosol. The user inhales the aerosol generated from the heated aerosol-forming substrate 31 using the filter element 32 of the article 30. The microcontroller 12 is configured to control the supply of energy from the battery 11 to maintain the heater element 40 at a substantially constant level as the user puffs on the article 30. The heater element 40 continues to heat the aerosol-generating article 30 according to the selected predetermined thermal profile until the end of the use session, at which point the heater element 40 can be turned off and allowed to cool. A use session has a maximum duration defined by a first predetermined thermal profile that is generated by either i) six minutes from activation of the heater element 40 or ii) a user applying 12 consecutive puffs on the aerosol-generating article 30. In alternative embodiments, the maximum duration of a use session is instead defined such that the first predetermined thermal profile is generated by either i) six minutes from activation of the heater element 40 or ii) a cumulative volume of aerosol emitted from the aerosol-forming substrate over the use session reaching a predetermined volume. In the illustrated embodiment, the heater element 40 is a resistive heater element. However, in other embodiments (not shown), the heater element 40 is instead in the form of a susceptor disposed within a varying magnetic field such that it is heated by induction.

[0063] At the end of a use session, the aerosol-generating article 30 is removed from the device 10 for disposal, and the device can be coupled to an external power source for charging the device's battery 11 .

[0064] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of how the lighting control driver 13 controls the supply of electricity from the battery 11 to individual ones of the light-emitting diodes 611-1...n of the outer lighting array 61 to generate predetermined light emissions indicative of progress in a use session of the aerosol generating device 10. At the start of a use session, the lighting control driver 13 controls the supply of energy from the battery 11 to the light-emitting diodes of the outer lighting array 61 so that the entire annular portion of the lighting array 61 is illuminated in generating the light emissions indicative of the start of a use session. FIGS. 5(a)-(e) illustrate how, with progress in a use session, different ones of the light-emitting diodes 611-1...n of the outer lighting array 61 are progressively deactivated to reduce the percentage or "length" of the outer lighting array that is activated. Arrow "A" in FIG. 5(b) indicates the direction in which different light-emitting diodes of the outer lighting array 61 are progressively deactivated over the use session. The legend in FIG. 5 illustrates two different quiescent brightness levels for the light emissions generated by the light-emitting diodes of the outer lighting array 61. These brightness levels are designated as levels 1 and 0. Level 1 represents the maximum brightness level and level 0 represents a deactivated or "off" state in which no light is emitted. At the completion of a use session, all of the light emitting diodes 611-1...n of the outer lighting array 61 are deactivated so that no light is emitted from the outer lighting array. For the entire duration of the use session to which Figure 5 relates, the lighting control driver 13 maintains the light emitting diodes 621-1...n of the inner lighting array 62 in a deactivated or "off" state.

[0065] FIG. 6 shows an example of how the lighting control driver 13 controls the supply of electricity from the battery 11 to individual ones of the light-emitting diodes 621-1...n of the inner lighting array 62 to generate predetermined light emissions indicating progress in a use session of the aerosol generating device 10. At the start of a use session, the lighting control driver 13 controls the supply of energy from the battery 11 to the light-emitting diodes of the inner lighting array 62 so that an elliptical region of the lighting array 62 is illuminated in generating the light emissions indicating the start of a use session. FIGS. 6(a)-(e) show how, with progress in a use session, different light-emitting diodes of the inner lighting array 62 are progressively deactivated to reduce the percentage or region of the inner lighting array that is activated. Arrow "B" in FIG. 6(b) indicates the direction in which different light-emitting diodes of the inner lighting array 62 are progressively deactivated over the use session. Regarding the example of FIG. 5, the legend in FIG. 6 indicates two different quiescent brightness levels for the light emissions generated by the light-emitting diodes of the inner lighting array 62. These brightness levels are again designated as levels 1 and 0, with level 1 representing the maximum brightness level and level 0 corresponding to a deactivated or "off" state in which no light is emitted. At the completion of the use session, all light emitting diodes of the inner lighting array 62 are deactivated with no light being emitted from the inner lighting array. Obviously, for the entire duration of the use session to which Figure 6 relates, the lighting control driver 13 maintains the light emitting diodes of the outer lighting array 61 in a deactivated or "off" state.

[0066] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of how the lighting control driver 13 controls the supply of power from the battery 11 to the individual power sources of the light-emitting diodes 621-1...n of the inner lighting array 62 to generate predetermined light emissions indicating the progress of the aerosol generating device 10 through separate first and second use sessions. The second use session follows the first use session by using all the energy remaining in the battery 11 after the completion of the first use session. Prior to the start of the first use session, the lighting control driver 13 controls the supply of energy from the battery 11 to the light-emitting diodes of the inner lighting array so that two annular rings 625 and 626 are illuminated (see FIG. 7(a)). The illuminated annular outer ring 625 surrounds the illuminated annular inner ring 626. Illumination of the entire circumference of both the outer ring 625 and the inner ring 626 provides light emissions indicating that the battery 11 is fully charged and contains enough energy to complete two use sessions. 7(a)-(e) illustrate how, over the course of a first use session, different light-emitting diodes of the inner illumination array 62 are progressively deactivated to reduce the percentage or “length” of the outer ring 615 that is illuminated. Arrow “C” in FIG. 7(b) indicates the direction in which different light-emitting diodes of the inner illumination array 62 are progressively deactivated over the course of the first use session to reduce the percentage or length of the outer ring 625 that is illuminated. The legend in FIG. 7 illustrates six different brightness levels for the light emission generated by the light-emitting diodes of the inner illumination array 62. These brightness levels are designated in order of decreasing brightness as levels 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, and 0. Level 5 represents the maximum brightness level, and level 0 represents a deactivated or “off” state in which no light is emitted. At the completion of the first use session, all of the light-emitting diodes that contributed to illuminating the outer ring 625 are deactivated, and the inner ring 626 is fully illuminated throughout its entire circumference. Upon commencing the second use session, different light emitting diodes of the inner illumination array 62 are progressively turned off as the second use session progresses to reduce the proportion or length of the inner ring 626 that is illuminated (see FIG. 7(f)).Arrow "C" in Figure 7(f) indicates the direction in which different light emitting diodes of the inner illumination array 62 are progressively deactivated over the second use session to reduce the proportion or length of the inner ring 626 that is illuminated. Although Figure 7 does not show the entire duration of the second use session, at the completion of the second use session, all of the light emitting diodes of the inner illumination array 62 that contributed to illuminating the inner ring 626 are deactivated to indicate the completion of the second use session. Throughout both the first and second use sessions to which Figure 7 pertains, the lighting control driver 13 maintains the light emitting diodes of the outer lighting array 61 in a deactivated or "off" state.

[0067] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of how the lighting control driver 13 controls the supply of electricity from the battery 11 to individual ones of the light-emitting diodes 611-1...n of the outer lighting array 61 to generate predetermined light emissions indicative of the aerosol generating device 10's progression through first and second use sessions. The second use session follows the first use session, using any energy remaining in the battery 11 after completion of the first use session. In this example, two separate portions of the outer lighting array 61 are controlled over the respective first and second use sessions to generate light emissions that vary in accordance with the progression through the respective use sessions. As shown in FIG. 8(a), the outer lighting array 61 defines two symmetrically arranged curved segments 61-1, 61-2, each extending 180 degrees around the lighting array. Prior to the start of the first use session, the lighting control driver 13 controls the supply of energy from the battery 11 to the light-emitting diodes 611-1...n of the outer lighting array 61 so that both segments 61-1, 61-2 of the outer lighting array 61 are illuminated over their entire lengths (see FIG. 8(a)). Illuminating the entirety of both segments 61-1, 61-2 provides light emission indicating that the battery 11 is fully charged and contains enough energy to complete two use sessions. FIGS. 8(a)-(d) illustrate how, over the course of the first use session, different ones of the light-emitting diodes of the outer lighting array 61 are progressively deactivated to reduce the proportion or "length" of the first segment 61-1 that is illuminated. Arrow "D1" in FIG. 8(b) indicates the direction in which different light-emitting diodes of the outer lighting array 61 are progressively deactivated over the course of the first use session to reduce the proportion or length of the first segment 61-1 that is illuminated. The legend in Figure 8 indicates two different static brightness levels for the light emission generated by the light emitting diodes of the outer illumination array 61. These brightness levels are designated as levels 1 and 0. Level 1 represents the maximum brightness level, and level 0 represents a rest or "off" state in which no light is emitted.Upon completion of the first use session, all of the light-emitting diodes that contributed to illuminating the first segment 61-1 of the outer lighting array 61 are deactivated, and the second segment 61-2 is illuminated throughout its entire length. Upon commencing the second use session, different light-emitting diodes of the outer lighting array 61 are progressively deactivated over the course of the second use session to reduce the proportion or length of the second segment 61-2 that is illuminated (see FIGS. 8(d)-(g)). Arrow "D2" in FIG. 8(e) indicates the direction in which different light-emitting diodes of the outer lighting array 61 are progressively deactivated over the course of the second use session to reduce the proportion or length of the second segment 61-2 that is illuminated. Throughout both the first and second use sessions to which FIG. 8 pertains, the lighting control driver 13 maintains the light-emitting diodes of the inner lighting array 62 in a deactivated or "off" state.

[0068] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of how the lighting control driver 13 controls the supply of electricity from the battery 11 to each of the light-emitting diodes 611-1...n of the outer lighting array 61 to generate predetermined light emissions indicative of the progression of the preheating phase of the aerosol generating device 10's operation. The legend in FIG. 9 indicates two different brightness levels for the light emissions generated by the light-emitting diodes of the outer lighting array 61. These brightness levels are designated in order of decreasing brightness as levels 4, 3, 2, 1, and 0. Level 4 represents the maximum brightness level, and level 0 represents a deactivated or "off" state in which no light is emitted. At the start of the preheating phase, the lighting control driver 13 controls the supply of energy from the battery 11 to the light-emitting diodes of the outer lighting array 61 so that the entire thickness of the lighting array 61 is illuminated. 9(a)-(d) show that the light emitting diodes of the outer illumination array 61 are controlled by the illumination control driver 13 to turn off and reduce the brightness levels of the different light emitting diodes as they proceed through the first part of the preheating stage, thereby reducing the illuminated thickness t of the illumination array 61. 619(d)-(g) show how the illumination control driver 13 then goes through a second part of the pre-heating stage and gradually re-activates and increases the brightness levels of the different light emitting diodes of the outer illumination array 61, thereby reducing the illuminated thickness t of the illumination array 61. 61 and how to increase overall brightness. Figures 9(a)-(g) represent a single, individual illumination cycle, which is repeated while the aerosol generation device 10 remains in the preheat stage. In other embodiments, the illumination cycle shown in Figure 9 may be applied to indicate that the aerosol generation device 10 is in a state other than the preheat stage; for example, the illumination cycle of Figure 9 may be applied when the device 10 is in a pause mode or a reactivation state.

[0069] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of how the lighting control driver 13 controls the supply of electricity from the battery 11 to individual ones of the light-emitting diodes 611-1...n of the outer lighting array 61 to generate predetermined light emissions indicative of progression through the preheating phase of the aerosol generating device 10's operation. The legend in FIG. 10 indicates two different combinations of color and brightness states for the light emissions generated by the light-emitting diodes of the outer lighting array 61 as the preheating phase progresses. These combinations of color and brightness states are designated as States 1 and 0. State 1 represents a state of maximum brightness with a pink color, while State 0 represents a deactivated or "off" state in which no light is emitted. At the start of the preheating phase, none of the light-emitting diodes of the outer lighting array 61 are activated. FIGS. 10(a)-(d) illustrate how, as the preheating phase progresses, different ones of the light-emitting diodes of the outer lighting array 61 are progressively activated to increase the percentage or "length" of the outer lighting array that is activated to generate the pink light associated with State 1. Arrow "E" in Figure 10(b) indicates the direction in which the different light emitting diodes of the outer lighting array 61 are progressively activated throughout the pre-heating phase. At the completion of the pre-heating phase, all of the light emitting diodes 611-1...n of the outer lighting array 61 are activated to emit pink light, which is associated with State 1. Throughout the entire pre-heating phase to which Figure 10 relates, the lighting control driver 13 maintains the light emitting diodes 621-1...n of the inner lighting array 62 in a deactivated or "off" state.

[0070] FIG. 11 shows an embodiment that is a variation of the embodiment of FIG. 8. With reference to FIG. 8, the illumination control driver 13 controls the supply of electricity from the battery 11 to individual ones of the light-emitting diodes 611-1...n of the outer illumination array 61 to generate predetermined light emissions that indicate the progression of the aerosol generating device 10 through separate first and second use sessions. As shown in FIG. 11(a), the outer illumination array 61 defines two symmetrically arranged segments 61-1, 61-2, each extending 180 degrees around the illumination array. Prior to the start of the first use session, the illumination control driver 13 controls the supply of energy from the battery 11 to the light-emitting diodes of the outer illumination array such that both segments 61-1, 61-2 of the outer illumination array 61 are illuminated over their entire lengths (see FIG. 11(a)). 11(a)-(d) illustrate how, over the course of a first use session, different light-emitting diodes of the outer lighting array 61 are progressively deactivated to reduce the proportion or "length" of the first segment 61-1 that is illuminated. The arrow "F1" in FIG. 11(b) indicates the direction in which different light-emitting diodes of the outer lighting array 61 are progressively deactivated over the course of the first use session to reduce the proportion of the length of the first segment 61-1 that is illuminated. The legend in FIG. 11 illustrates two different static brightness levels for the light emission generated by the light-emitting diodes of the outer lighting array 61. These brightness levels are designated as level 1 and 0. Level 1 represents the maximum brightness level, and level 0 represents a deactivated or "off" state in which no light is emitted. During the first use session, the lighting control driver 13 controls the different light-emitting diodes of the inner lighting array 62 to illuminate two circular regions 62-1, 62-2 of the lighting array 62. The illumination of both circular regions 62-1, 62-2 indicates that the battery 11 contains enough energy to complete both the first and second use sessions. Upon completion of the first use session, all light emitting diodes that contributed to the illumination of the first segment 61-1 of the outer illumination array 61 are turned off.Also, upon completion of the first use session, one of the circular regions 62-1 of the inner lighting array 62 is deactivated and the circular region 62-2 is illuminated, with the illumination of this single circular region 62-2 of the inner lighting array 62 indicating that the battery 11 contains only enough energy to complete one more use session, i.e., the second use session. Upon commencing the second use session, different light-emitting diodes of the outer lighting array 61 are progressively deactivated over the course of the second use session to reduce the proportion or length of the second segment 61-2 that is illuminated (see FIGS. 11(d)-(g)). Arrow "F2" in FIG. 11(e) indicates the direction in which different light-emitting diodes of the outer lighting array 61 are progressively deactivated over the course of the second use session to reduce the proportion or length of the second segment 61-2 that is illuminated. Upon completion of the second use session, the second segment 61-2 of the outer lighting array 61 is deactivated, indicating that the second use session is complete. Similarly, the circular region 62-2 of the inner lighting array 62 is also deactivated upon completion of the second use session, thereby visually indicating that the battery 11 needs to be recharged or replaced in order to conduct further use sessions.

[0071] 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 to be 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" can be considered to include a numerical value that is within the general standard error for measurement of the property that the number "A" modifies. In some instances, as used in the appended claims, the number "A" may deviate by the percentages recited above, provided that the amount by which "A" deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel property(ies) 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.

[0072] 1. An aerosol-generating device for heating an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an inhalable aerosol during a session of use, comprising: control electronics; an outer lighting array partially or completely surrounding the inner lighting array; the control electronics are coupled to the outer lighting array and the inner lighting array; i) selectively activating one of the outer illumination array and the inner illumination array to generate a first predetermined light emission that conveys first data indicative of a status of the aerosol generation device; and ii) selectively activating the other of the outer lighting array and the inner lighting array to generate a second predetermined light radiation that transmits second data indicating the status of the aerosol generating device, wherein the first data and the second data are different from each other. 2. The first and second data are: a) a power source for the aerosol generating device containing sufficient energy to complete a single use session; b) a power source for the aerosol generating device containing sufficient energy to complete two or more sessions of use; c) a power source for said aerosol generating device containing a level of energy below a predetermined threshold level of energy; d) selecting or activating one of a first predetermined thermal profile and a second predetermined thermal profile, each of said first and second predetermined thermal profiles defining a heating profile for heating of said aerosol-forming substrate by said electric heating device over said use session, said first and second predetermined thermal profiles being different from one another; e) the aerosol generating device is in one of a pause mode or a reactivation mode; f) selecting or activating a change in the operating state of said aerosol generating device; g) progress during said use session; and h) A preheating stage in which the electric heating device is heated to a predetermined target temperature. 3. An aerosol generating device as described in either 1 or 2, wherein the outer lighting array surrounds at least 50%, or preferably at least 60%, or preferably at least 70%, or preferably at least 80%, or preferably at least 90%, or preferably all of the perimeter of the inner lighting array. 4. The first data relates to a state of progression of an operational stage of the aerosol generating device, the second data relates to a different state of the aerosol generating device, the first predetermined light radiation is light radiation at a predetermined stage progression, and the second predetermined light radiation is light radiation at a predetermined state; The control electronics i) selectively activating one of the outer illumination array and the inner illumination array to indicate the progression of the operational stages of the aerosol generating device and, in response thereto, generate the predetermined progression of light emissions; and ii) An aerosol generating device described in any one of 1 to 3, configured to selectively activate the other of the outer lighting array and the inner lighting array to indicate the different states of the aerosol generating device and, in response thereto, generate light radiation of the predetermined state. 5. The aerosol generating device described in 4, wherein the operating stage is the use session. 6. The control electronics i) selectively activating the outer illumination array to generate the predetermined graduated progression of light emissions; and ii) An aerosol generating device as described in either 4 or 5, configured to selectively activate the inner lighting array to generate the predetermined state of light radiation. 7. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of 4 to 6, wherein the control electronics is configured to gradually reduce the operating area or operating length of one of the outer lighting array and the inner lighting array as the aerosol generating device progresses through the operating stages in order to generate the predetermined progressive progression of light radiation. 8. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of 4 to 7, wherein the control electronics is configured to gradually increase the operating area or operating length of one of the outer lighting array and the inner lighting array as the aerosol generating device progresses through the operating stages in order to generate the predetermined progressive progression of light radiation. 9. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of 1 to 8, wherein one or each of the outer lighting array and the inner lighting array is an arcuate segment extending around an arc of at least 180 degrees. 10. The aerosol generating device of claim 9, wherein the arcuate segment extends around a 360 degree arc and defines a closed loop. 11. An aerosol generating device as described in either 9 or 10, wherein the control electronics is configured to progressively reduce the operating length of the arcuate segment as the aerosol generating device progresses through the operating stages to generate the predetermined progressive progression of light radiation. 12. An aerosol generating device as described in either 9 or 10, wherein the control electronics is configured to progressively increase the operating length of the arcuate segment as the aerosol generating device progresses through the operating stages to generate the predetermined progressive progression of light radiation. 13. An aerosol generating device described in any one of 1 to 12, wherein a predetermined area of ​​the inner illumination array defines a predetermined shape, and the control electronics is configured to actuate the predetermined area defining the predetermined shape to generate either the first predetermined light radiation or the second predetermined light radiation. 14. An aerosol generating device described in any one of 1 to 13, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a touch-activated interface coupled to the control electronics and comprising an activation area that can be contacted by a user's finger to provide user input to the control electronics. 15. The aerosol generating device described in 14, wherein the touch-activated interface forms part of a viewing window for either or both of the outer illumination array and the inner illumination array. 16. An aerosol generating device as described in either 14 or 15, wherein the touch-activated interface includes a capacitance panel.

Claims

1. 1. An aerosol generating device for heating an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an inhalable aerosol during a session of use, comprising: control electronics; an outer lighting array partially or completely surrounding the inner lighting array; the control electronics are coupled to the outer lighting array and the inner lighting array; i) selectively activating one of the outer illumination array and the inner illumination array to generate a first predetermined light emission that conveys first data indicative of a status of the aerosol generation device; and ii) an aerosol generating device configured to selectively activate the other of the outer lighting array and the inner lighting array to generate a second predetermined light radiation that transmits second data indicating the status of the aerosol generating device, wherein the first data and the second data are different from each other.

2. The first and second data are a) a power source for the aerosol generating device containing sufficient energy to complete a single use session; b) a power source for the aerosol generating device containing sufficient energy to complete two or more use sessions; c) a power source for said aerosol generating device containing a level of energy below a predetermined threshold level of energy; d) selecting or activating one of a first predetermined thermal profile and a second predetermined thermal profile, each of said first and second predetermined thermal profiles defining a heating profile for heating of said aerosol-forming substrate by said electrical heating device over said use session, said first and second predetermined thermal profiles being different from one another; e) the aerosol generating device is in one of a pause mode or a resumed mode; f) selecting or actuating a change in the operating state of the aerosol generating device; g) progress in said use session; and h) a preheating step in which the electric heating device is heated to a predetermined target temperature.

3. 10. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the outer illumination array surrounds at least 50% of the perimeter of the inner illumination array.

4. the first data relates to a state of progression of an operational stage of the aerosol generating device, the second data relates to a different state of the aerosol generating device, the first predetermined light radiation is light radiation at a predetermined stage progression, and the second predetermined light radiation is light radiation at a predetermined state; The control electronics i) selectively activating one of the outer illumination array and the inner illumination array to indicate the progression of the operational stages of the aerosol generating device and, in response thereto, to generate the predetermined progression of light emissions; and ii) selectively activating the other of the outer lighting array and the inner lighting array to indicate the different states of the aerosol generating device and, in response thereto, generate light radiation of the predetermined state.

5. The aerosol generating device of claim 4 , wherein the operating stage is the use session.

6. The control electronics i) selectively activating the outer illumination array to generate the predetermined graduated progression of light emissions; and ii) selectively activating the inner illumination array to generate the predetermined state of light emission.

7. The aerosol generating device of claim 4, wherein the control electronics is configured to gradually reduce the operating area or length of one of the outer lighting array and the inner lighting array as the aerosol generating device progresses through the operating stages to generate the predetermined progressive progression of light radiation.

8. the control electronics is configured to progressively increase an active area or length of one of the outer illumination array and the inner illumination array as the aerosol generating device progresses through the operational stages to generate the predetermined progressive progression of light radiation. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4.

9. 5. The aerosol generating device of claim 4, wherein one or each of the outer illumination array and the inner illumination array is an arcuate segment extending around an arc of at least 180 degrees.

10. 10. The aerosol generating device of claim 9, wherein the arcuate segment extends around a 360 degree arc and defines a closed loop.

11. The aerosol generating device of claim 9, wherein the control electronics is configured to progressively decrease the operating length of the arcuate segment as the aerosol generating device progresses through the operating stages to generate the predetermined progressive progression of light radiation.

12. The aerosol generating device of claim 9, wherein the control electronics is configured to progressively increase the operating length of the arcuate segment as the aerosol generating device progresses through the operating stages to generate the predetermined progressive progression of light radiation.

13. 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein a predetermined area of ​​the inner illumination array defines a predetermined shape, and the control electronics is configured to actuate the predetermined area defining the predetermined shape to generate either the first predetermined light radiation or the second predetermined light radiation.

14. 10. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a touch-activated interface coupled to the control electronics and comprising an activation area that can be contacted by a user's finger to provide user input to the control electronics.

15. 15. The aerosol generating device of claim 14, wherein the touch-activated interface forms part of a viewing window for either or both of the outer and inner illumination arrays.

16. The aerosol generating device of claim 14 , wherein the touch-activated interface comprises a capacitance panel.

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