Aerosol Generation System

Abstract

An aerosol generation system is provided. The aerosol generation system includes a housing (201) and a touch sensor (207). The arcuate portion of the housing has an arcuate outer surface. The touch sensor (207) includes at least one arcuate layer. The curvature of the arcuate layer at least partially matches the curvature of the arcuate outer surface of the arcuate portion of the housing (201).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to aerosol generating systems. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0002] According to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generation system comprising a housing, wherein an arcuate portion of the housing comprises an arcuate outer surface. Providing the arcuate surface on the arcuate portion of the housing may facilitate a user to hold the aerosol generation system without discomfort.

[0003] Preferably, the aerosol generation system may further include a touch sensor comprising at least one arcuate layer. Providing the touch sensor may facilitate a user providing control input to the system through contact with the user's finger. Preferably, the arcuate layer may include at least one conductive layer and / or one or more conductive portions, and optionally a touch sensing area. The use of the conductive layer and / or one or more conductive portions may facilitate operation of the touch sensor using capacitive touch sensing.

[0004] The arcuate layer may include one or more conductive regions (e.g., 1, 3, 5, or 6). The arcuate layer may further include an electrically insulating layer or film, with the one or more conductive regions disposed on the electrically insulating layer or film. Each conductive region may have single or multiple electrical connections with a controller for sensing one or more touch inputs. The controller may be configured to determine a location of a touch event based on receiving an input from a particular one of the plurality of conductive regions.

[0005] A controller for sensing the one or more touch inputs may include one or more switches respectively connected to the respective conductive areas and the sensing capacitors. The controller may be configured to transfer charge from the respective conductive areas to the sensing capacitors. The controller may be configured to detect a touch event based on a voltage across the sensing capacitors, optionally after one or more predetermined time intervals.

[0006] Each conductive region may form a capacitance, which may be up to 100 pF, between 5 pF and 50 pF, between 10 pF and 30 pF, or between 15 pF and 25 pF.

[0007] The conductive regions may be distributed along an axis such that movement along that axis can be determined by a controller.

[0008] The conductive regions may be distributed over a two-dimensional region along a first axis and a second axis such that movement along each of the axes can be determined by a controller.

[0009] The control electronics of the aerosol generation system may be configured to perform functions associated with touch events at particular conductive areas and / or to perform functions associated with particular directions of movement (or gestures) performed by the user's finger.

[0010] The touch sensor may comprise a conductive area surrounded by a plurality of distinct areas.

[0011] Advantageously, the curvature of the arcuate layer can at least partially match the curvature of the arcuate outer surface of the arcuate portion of the housing. The matching of curvature between the arcuate layer of the touch sensor and the arcuate outer surface of the arcuate portion of the housing can facilitate installation and use of the touch sensor within a housing that has a cylindrical cross-section (or other arcuate-shaped cross-section) and that may have a limited interior volume. The aerosol generation system can further include control electronics coupled to the touch sensor and configured to receive input from the touch sensor associated with the touch event.

[0012] Preferably, the aerosol generation system may further include a display window having an arcuate outer surface. The curvature of the arcuate outer surface of the display window may at least partially match the curvature of the arcuate outer surface of the arcuate portion of the housing. The matching curvature may provide a clean shape to the combined profile of the housing and display window and may facilitate a user's comfortable holding of the aerosol generation system. The arcuate outer surface of the display window may be flush with the arcuate outer surface of the arcuate portion of the housing. In this manner, the clean geometric profile of the combined housing and display window may be enhanced.

[0013] Conveniently, the display window may be mounted within an opening defined in the arcuate portion of the housing, and the opening and display window may be of complementary shapes, thereby providing a snug fit therebetween.

[0014] The aerosol generation system may further include an illumination assembly including one or more light-emitting elements. The illumination assembly may be disposed within the housing to transmit light through the display window. Preferably, the light-emitting elements may be electrically powered, and by way of example, the light-emitting elements may be in the form of one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs). LEDs are preferred due to their energy efficiency, which is particularly suitable when the aerosol generation system is intended to be portable and / or handheld. The illumination assembly is disposed on a generally flat surface.

[0015] When the aerosol generation system includes a touch sensor having at least one arcuate layer, the arcuate layer may preferably be disposed within the housing such that the outwardly facing surface of the arcuate layer faces the inner surface of the arcuate portion of the housing. Advantageously, the arcuate layer may be disposed such that the outwardly facing surface of the arcuate layer defines a convex contour. Similarly, the arcuate outer surface of the arcuate portion of the housing may define a convex contour. The inner surface of the arcuate portion of the housing may comprise an arcuate inner surface, and the arcuate inner and outer surfaces of the arcuate portion of the housing preferably have complementary curvatures. Advantageously, the thickness of the arcuate portion of the housing, measured between the arcuate inner and outer surfaces of the arcuate portion of the housing, may be uniform, at least when the outwardly facing surface of the arcuate layer faces the arcuate inner surface of the arcuate portion of the housing. When all or a portion of the arcuate portion of the housing functions as a touch interface for a touch sensor, the use of such a uniform thickness can help provide uniform responsiveness across the surface area of ​​the touch interface, which can be particularly relevant when the arcuate layer is part of a touch sensor that operates through the use of capacitive touch sensing. Preferably, the outwardly facing surface of the arcuate layer can be in surface contact with the arcuate inner surface of the arcuate portion of the housing. Such surface contact not only facilitates touch sensors that use capacitive touch sensing, but can also provide a degree of structural support for the arcuate layer of the touch sensor.

[0016] Advantageously, the distance between the outward-facing surface of the arcuate layer and the arcuate outer surface of the arcuate portion of the housing, measured along a line perpendicular to the arcuate layer, can be uniform across at least 80%, or at least 90%, or all of the surface area of ​​the outward-facing surface of the arcuate layer. When the arcuate outer surface of the arcuate portion of the housing functions as a touch interface for a touch sensor, providing uniformity in the distance between this surface and the outward-facing surface of the arcuate layer can help provide uniform responsiveness across the surface area of ​​the touch interface. This can be particularly relevant when the arcuate layer is part of a touch sensor that operates through the use of capacitive touch sensing.

[0017] The arcuate portion of the housing may include or consist of a dielectric material. If all or part of the arcuate portion of the housing serves as a touch interface for a capacitive touch sensor of the aerosol generation system, the use of such a dielectric material may be beneficial because it may act as an insulator separating a user's finger from the conductive layers / regions / portions of the touch sensor.

[0018] The arcuate outer surface of the arcuate portion of the housing preferably defines a touch interface for a user's finger.

[0019] Advantageously, at least a portion of the arcuate portion of the housing may define a display window, and the arcuate outer surface of the arcuate portion of the housing includes the outer surface of the display window. When the aerosol generation system includes a touch sensor having at least one arcuate layer, the arcuate layer may preferably be disposed within the housing such that the outwardly facing surface of the arcuate layer faces the inner surface of the display window. The display window may be formed of a dielectric material. The display window may form part of the arcuate portion of the housing, and the display window is separate from the remainder of the arcuate portion of the housing. Advantageously, the display window may be mounted within an opening defined in the remainder of the arcuate portion of the housing. The opening and the display window may be of complementary shapes, thereby providing a snug fit therebetween.

[0020] The aerosol generation system further includes a support member disposed within the housing, with the arcuate layer of the touch sensor disposed on and supported by the arcuate outward surface of the support member. Opposing surfaces of the arcuate layer are preferably disposed between, and in surface contact with, the arcuate outward surface of the support member and the arcuate inner surface of the arcuate portion of the housing. In this manner, structural support is provided to the arcuate layer of the touch sensor, increasing the certainty that the arcuate layer will maintain a constant geometric profile during use of the aerosol generation system. Advantageously, the support member may include a light guide assembly configured to direct light to the arcuate outward surface of the support member. In this manner, the aerosol generation system may facilitate integration and operation of the touch sensor and lighting assembly as part of the aerosol generation system.

[0021] Preferably, the arcuate layer of the touch sensor can be configured to be transparent to the passage of light between opposing surfaces of the arcuate layer, which can be beneficial to facilitate integration and operation of the touch sensor and lighting assembly as part of an aerosol generation system.

[0022] As mentioned above, the touch sensor may preferably be a capacitive touch sensor. When control electronics are coupled to the touch sensor and configured to receive input from the touch sensor associated with a touch event, the control electronics may preferably be configured to control the supply of energy to the arcuate layer to provide an electrical charge on the arcuate layer and to sense changes in the electrical charge on the arcuate layer associated with a touch event on the arcuate outer surface of the arcuate portion of the housing. The control electronics may preferably be configured to identify two-dimensional user contacts across the arcuate outer surface of the arcuate portion of the housing based on sensed changes in the electrical charge associated with the two-dimensional user contacts. In one example, the control electronics may be coupled to the arcuate layer to detect changes in capacitive coupling between different points or regions of the layer. This corresponds to a mutual capacitance mode of operation of the touch sensor, which may enable multiple simultaneous touches on the arcuate outer surface of the housing to be separately identified and the touch locations to be determined. In another example, the control electronics may be coupled to the arcuate layer to detect changes in the capacitance of points or regions of the layer relative to ground. This corresponds to a self-capacitance mode of operation of the touch sensor.

[0023] The arcuate layer of the touch sensor may be made of or include copper, however, other conductive materials may be used.

[0024] The arcuate layer may be a foil. Preferably, the foil may include a mesh of conductive filaments. The use of a mesh structure may facilitate the transmission of light between opposing surfaces of the arcuate layer, which may be beneficial when integrating the touch sensor into an aerosol generation system with a lighting assembly. In one embodiment, control electronics may be coupled to the mesh of conductive filaments to detect changes in capacitive coupling between different ones of the conductive filaments. This corresponds to a mutual capacitance mode of operation of the touch sensor. In another embodiment, control electronics may be coupled to the mesh of conductive filaments to detect changes in capacitance of one or more filaments relative to ground. This corresponds to a self-capacitance mode of operation of the touch sensor.

[0025] Advantageously, the aerosol generation system may further include a lighting assembly including one or more light-emitting elements and control electronics. If the aerosol generation system includes a touch sensor, the lighting assembly may be coupled to a first section of the control electronics, and the touch sensor may be coupled to a second section of the control electronics. The first and second sections of the control electronics may be disposed on a common control board. Advantageously, if the aerosol generation system includes a touch sensor including at least one arcuate layer, the arcuate layer may be disposed over the lighting assembly and configured to be transparent to the passage of light between opposing surfaces of the layer. At least a portion of the arcuate portion of the housing may define a display window, and the outwardly facing surface of the arcuate layer preferably faces the inner surface of the display window. The lighting assembly may be disposed within the housing such that light generated by the lighting assembly is transmitted through the arcuate layer and through the display window, which defines a touch interface for the user. In this manner, the aerosol generation system may facilitate integration and operation of the touch sensor and lighting assembly as part of the aerosol generation system.

[0026] Preferably, the lighting assembly may include a plurality of light-emitting elements, a first lighting area, and a second lighting area. Each of the first lighting area and the second lighting area may include one or more of the plurality of light-emitting elements. Advantageously, the first lighting area may partially or completely surround the second lighting area. The first lighting area may be arcuate in shape, for example, the first lighting area may be elliptical or circular in shape. When the second lighting area is completely or partially surrounded by the first lighting area, the shape of the second lighting area may be constrained by the first lighting area. In one embodiment, the first lighting area is in the form of an elliptical ring, the ring surrounds the second lighting area, and the second lighting area is elliptical in shape. Preferably, the control electronics is coupled to the plurality of light-emitting elements and configured to selectively activate each of the first and second lighting areas to generate the first and second light emissions, respectively. Advantageously, the control electronic circuit may be configured to: i) selectively activate one of the first and second illumination areas to generate a first predetermined emission that communicates first data indicative of the status of the aerosol generation system, and ii) selectively activate the other of the first and second illumination areas to generate a second predetermined emission that communicates second data indicative of the status of the aerosol generation system, the first data and the second data being different from each other.

[0027] The first and second data may include: a) a power source for the aerosol generation system containing sufficient energy to complete a single use session; b) a power source for the aerosol generation system containing sufficient energy to complete two, three or more use sessions; c) a power source for the aerosol generation system containing an energy level below a predetermined threshold level of energy; d) selection or activation of one of a first predetermined temperature profile and a second predetermined temperature profile, each of the first and second predetermined temperature profiles defining a heating profile for heating the aerosol-forming substrate by the electric heating device over the use session, the first and second predetermined temperature profiles being different from one another; e) the aerosol generation system or portion thereof 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 generation system of the portion; g) selection or activation of a change in the operating state of the aerosol generation system during the use session. h) progress in a preheating phase in which the electric heating device is heated to a predetermined target temperature; i) an aerosol-generating system or part thereof being in a locked state in which the system or part thereof is prohibited from generating aerosols; j) an aerosol-generating system or part thereof being in an unlocked state in which the system or part thereof is permitted to generate aerosols; k) a PIN code entered to unlock the system or part thereof so that aerosols are permitted to be generated, and / or the sequence of PIN codes entered to unlock the system or part thereof so that aerosols are permitted to be generated; l) types of aerosol-generating articles detected by the system or part thereof; m) an aerosol-generating system or part thereof being too hot to allow aerosol generation; n) an aerosol-generating system or part thereof being too cold to allow aerosol generation.

[0028] When the aerosol generation system includes a touch sensor including at least one arcuate layer and control electronics are coupled to the touch sensor, the arcuate layer of the touch sensor is preferably capable of being removably coupled to an interface of the control electronics. The arcuate layer may include a push-fit connector for removably coupling the arcuate layer to the interface of the control electronics.

[0029] The housing may be an elongated housing having a longitudinally extending sidewall, with the arcuate portion of the housing forming all or part of the sidewall.

[0030] The aerosol-generating system may comprise an aerosol-generating device for generating an inhalable aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0031] The aerosol generation system may include a charging device for powering the aerosol generation device, the charging device being configured to couple to the aerosol generation device. The aerosol generation system may include both the charging device and the aerosol generation device.

[0032] When the aerosol generation system includes a touch sensor coupled to the control electronics, the control electronics may preferably include a microcontroller including a processor, memory, and input / output means, and a touch sensor driver as a component separate from the microcontroller. The touch sensor driver may be communicatively coupled to the microcontroller via the input / output means. The touch sensor driver may be electrically coupled to the touch sensor. Preferably, the touch sensor driver may be configured to detect a touch event based on one or more signals from the touch sensor. The touch sensor driver may be configured to process the one or more signals from the touch sensor and output data indicative of the touch event to the microcontroller. The microcontroller may be configured to process the data indicative of the touch event and perform one or more functions of the aerosol generation system in response thereto.

[0033] When the aerosol generation system includes a touch sensor coupled to the control electronics, the control electronics may preferably include a microcontroller including a processor, memory, input / output means, and touch sensing circuitry integrated into the microcontroller. The touch sensing circuitry may be electrically coupled to the touch sensor. The touch sensing circuitry may preferably be configured to output a signal indicative of a touch event based on one or more signals from the touch sensor. The touch sensing circuitry may be configured to output the signal indicative of a touch event by charging a sampling capacitor to a voltage indicative of a touch event. The microcontroller may be configured to process the output signal indicative of the touch event and perform one or more functions of the aerosol generation system in response thereto.

[0034] When the aerosol generation system includes a touch sensor coupled to the control electronics, the control electronics may be configured to receive multiple inputs from the touch sensor. The multiple inputs may be received via at least two conductive portions and / or at least two touch-sensing areas of the touch sensor. Advantageously, the control electronics may be configured to detect a two-dimensional touch event based on the multiple inputs.

[0035] The aerosol generating system may include a microcontroller having a processor, memory, and input / output means, and an LED driver as a separate component from the microcontroller. The LED driver may be communicatively coupled to the microcontroller via the input / output means, and configured to control a plurality of LEDs. Each of the plurality of LEDs may be connected to a row pin and a column pin of the LED driver. The LED driver may include a plurality of row pins and a plurality of column pins, each of the row pins being connected to a plurality of LEDs, and each of the column pins being connected to a plurality of LEDs. The LED driver may be configured to illuminate each of the plurality of LEDs by enabling the row pin and column pin connected to the respective LED. The LED driver may be configured to sequentially illuminate selected ones of the plurality of LEDs within a given period of time. The LED driver may be configured to sequentially illuminate selected ones of the plurality of LEDs within a given period of time, such that the selected LEDs appear to be illuminating simultaneously.

[0036] The aerosol generating system may include a microcontroller having a processor, memory, and input / output means, and an LED driver integrated into the microcontroller. The LED driver may be configured to control a plurality of LEDs via the input / output means. The input / output means may include a plurality of row pins and a plurality of column pins, each of the plurality of LEDs being connected to a row pin and a column pin of the input / output means. The input / output means may include a plurality of row pins and a plurality of column pins, each of the row pins being connected to a plurality of LEDs, and each of the column pins being connected to a plurality of LEDs. The LED driver may be configured to illuminate each of the plurality of LEDs by enabling the row pin and column pin connected to the respective LED. The LED driver may be configured to sequentially illuminate selected ones of the plurality of LEDs within a given period of time. The LED driver may be configured to sequentially illuminate selected ones of the plurality of LEDs within a given period of time, such that the selected LEDs appear to be illuminating simultaneously.

[0037] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating device" is used to describe a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol. The aerosol-generating device is preferably a smoking device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol that is inhalable directly through the user's mouth into the user's lungs.

[0038] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article that includes an aerosol-forming substrate capable of emitting a volatile compound that can form an aerosol. The aerosol-generating article may be disposable.

[0039] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" refers to a substrate made of or including an aerosol-forming material that has the ability to release volatile compounds upon heating to generate an aerosol.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] Where the aerosol-forming substrate is a solid aerosol-forming substrate, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise, for example, one or more of powder, granules, pellets, shreds, threads, strips, or sheets containing one or more of herb leaves, tobacco leaves, tobacco stems, expanded tobacco, and homogenized tobacco.

[0043] Optionally, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may contain tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds, which are released upon heating of the solid aerosol-forming substrate. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may also contain one or more capsules, for example containing additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds, which may melt during heating of the solid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0044] Optionally, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may be provided on or embedded in a thermally stable carrier. The carrier may take the form of a powder, granules, pellets, pieces, threads, strips, or a sheet. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may be deposited on the surface of the carrier in the form of, for example, a sheet, foam, gel, or slurry. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may be deposited over the entire surface of the carrier, or alternatively, may be deposited in a pattern to provide non-uniform flavor delivery during use.

[0045] 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.

[0046] Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises an assembly of a sheet of homogenized tobacco material. As used herein, the term "sheet" refers to a layered element having a width and length substantially greater than its thickness. As used herein, the term "assembled" is used to describe a sheet that is rolled, folded, or otherwise compressed or fastened substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises an aerosol former. As used herein, the term "aerosol former" is used to describe any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that facilitates the formation of an aerosol during use and is substantially resistant to thermal decomposition at the operating temperature of the aerosol-generating article.

[0047] Suitable aerosol formers are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, polyhydric alcohols (such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, glycerin, etc.), esters of polyhydric alcohols (such as glycerol monoacetate, diacetate, or triacetate), and aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids (such as dimethyl dodecanedioate, dimethyl tetradecanedioate, etc.). Preferred aerosol formers are polyhydric alcohols or mixtures thereof (such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and most preferably glycerin).

[0048] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a single aerosol former, or alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a combination of two or more aerosol formers.

[0049] In other embodiments, the housing may include non-arcuate portions on its outer surface. For example, the housing may include a planar portion having a planar outer surface. Similarly, in other embodiments, the touch sensor may include one or more layers that are non-arcuate. For example, one or more layers may be planar. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0050] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of an aerosol generation system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a touch interface defined by a display window of the aerosol generating device of the aerosol generating system of FIG. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A shows a schematic side view of a first embodiment of a control board assembly according to the present disclosure, with the control board assembly in an open position. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B shows a schematic plan view of the control board assembly of FIG. 3A in the direction AA of FIG. 3A. [Figure 3C]FIG. 3C shows a schematic side view of the control board assembly of FIGS. 3A and 3B after transitioning from the unfolded state to the folded state. [Figure 3D] FIG. 3D shows a schematic perspective view of the control board assembly of FIG. 3C as seen from above. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A shows a schematic side view of a second embodiment of a control board assembly according to the present disclosure, with the control board assembly in an open position. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B shows a schematic side view of the control board assembly of FIG. 4A after transitioning from the unfolded state to the folded state. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A shows a schematic plan view of a third embodiment of a control board assembly according to the present disclosure, with the control board assembly in an open position. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B shows a schematic side view of the control board assembly of FIG. 5A in the direction BB of FIG. 5A after transitioning from the unfolded state to the folded state. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C shows a schematic side view of the control board assembly of FIG. 5A in the direction CC of FIG. 5A after transitioning from the unfolded state to the folded state. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A shows a schematic side view of the folded control board assembly of FIG. 4B, along with a separate light guide assembly and a separate touch sensing module. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B shows a schematic side view of the control board assembly after the state shown in FIG. 6A after the light guide assembly has been attached to the control board assembly. [Figure 6C] FIG. 6C shows a schematic side view of the control board assembly after the state shown in FIG. 6B after the touch sensing module has been positioned on top of the light guide assembly to form an intermediate assembly module. [Figure 6D] FIG. 6D shows a schematic diagram of an elongated cylindrical housing of an aerosol generating device, illustrating how the intermediate assembly module of FIG. 6C is inserted into an opening located at the end of the housing. [Figure 6E]FIG. 6E shows a schematic view of the housing of the aerosol generating device after the intermediate assembly module has been slid into place within the housing. [Figure 6F] FIG. 6F shows a schematic diagram of a viewing window mounted within an opening defined in the housing. [Figure 6G] FIG. 6G shows a schematic diagram of the aerosol generating device after the viewing window has been installed within the opening. [Figure 6H] FIG. 6H shows a schematic cross section of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 6G at section DD. [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A shows a schematic plan view of a mesh for use in forming the capacitive touch foil mesh of the touch sensing module (also referred to herein as touch sensor) shown in FIG. 6A. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B illustrates an example of a touch sensing module, also referred to herein as a touch sensor. [Figure 7C] FIG. 7C illustrates an example of a touch sensing module, also referred to herein as a touch sensor. [Figure 7D] FIG. 7D illustrates an example of a touch sensing module, also referred to herein as a touch sensor. [Figure 7E] FIG. 7E illustrates an example of a touch sensing module, also referred to herein as a touch sensor. [Figure 7F] FIG. 7F illustrates a circuit for detecting a touch event. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a schematic perspective top view of the control board assembly of FIG. 3D, with the touch sensing module disposed on and coupled to the control board assembly. [Figure 9A] Figure 9A shows a schematic diagram of an elongated cylindrical housing of an aerosol generating device, with the control board assembly of Figure 4B pre-mounted within the housing adjacent to an opening formed in the housing, and a separate light guide assembly and separate touch sensing module outside the housing. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B shows a schematic diagram of the light guide assembly inserted through the opening and layered over the control board assembly. [Figure 9C] FIG. 9C shows a schematic diagram of the touch sensing module being inserted through the opening so that it overlies the outward-facing surface of the light guide assembly. [Figure 9D] FIG. 9D shows a schematic diagram of a viewing window mounted within the aperture. [Figure 9E] FIG. 9E shows a schematic diagram of the aerosol generating device after the viewing window has been installed within the opening. [Figure 10A] FIG. 10A shows a schematic plan view of a first embodiment of an assembled lighting system. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10B shows a schematic plan view of the first embodiment of the lighting system after assembly. [Figure 11A] FIG. 11A shows a schematic plan view of a second embodiment of a lighting system before assembly. [Figure 11B] FIG. 11B shows a schematic plan view of the second embodiment of the lighting system after assembly. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an aerosol generating device incorporating the illumination system of FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows a plan view of the viewing window of an aerosol generating device, where the viewing window is above the illumination system of FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of touch sensing control electronics for controlling the operation of the capacitive touch sensor of the aerosol generating device shown in the above figures. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 shows a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of touch sensing control electronics for controlling the operation of the capacitive touch sensor of the aerosol generating device shown in the above figures. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an illumination control electronic circuit for controlling the operation of the illumination assembly of the aerosol generating device shown in the above figures. [Figure 17]FIG. 17 shows a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of lighting control electronics for controlling the operation of the lighting assembly of the aerosol generating device illustrated in the above figures. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 shows a schematic diagram of an arrangement of intersecting row and column pins and associated LEDs for use as part of the lighting assembly of the aerosol generating device illustrated in the above figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0051] [Example] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, below is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features described above, for example, with any one or more features of other examples, embodiments, or aspects described herein.

[0052] Example 1: 1. An aerosol generating system comprising: An aerosol generating system comprising a housing, the arcuate portion of the housing comprising an arcuate outer surface. Example 2: 10. The aerosol generation system of example 1, further comprising a touch sensor comprising at least one arcuate layer. Example 2A: 3. The aerosol generation system of example 2, wherein the arcuate layer comprises at least one conductive layer and / or one or more conductive portions, and optionally a touch sensing area. Example 2B: The aerosol generation system of any one of Examples 2 or 2A, wherein the arcuate layer comprises one or more conductive regions (e.g., 1, 3, 5, or 6). Example 2C: The aerosol generating system of Example 2B, wherein the arcuate layer further comprises an electrically insulating layer or film, and the one or more conductive regions are disposed on the electrically insulating layer or film. Example 2D: An aerosol generation system described in any one of Examples 2B or 2C, wherein the touch sensor comprises a conductive area surrounded by a plurality of distinct areas. Example 2E: The aerosol generation system of Example 2, and optionally any one of Examples 2A-2D, wherein the curvature of the arcuate layer at least partially matches the curvature of the arcuate outer surface of the arcuate portion of the housing. Example 3: An aerosol generation system described in any one of Examples 2 to 2E, further comprising a control electronic circuit coupled to the touch sensor and configured to receive input from the touch sensor associated with a touch event. Example 3A: An aerosol generation system as described in Example 3 when dependent on either Example 2B or 2C, wherein each of the conductive areas has single or multiple electrical connections with control electronics for sensing one or more touch inputs. Example 3B: An aerosol generation system as described in Example 3A, wherein the control electronic circuit is configured to determine the location of a touch event based on receiving input from a specific one of the plurality of conductive areas. Example 3C: An aerosol generation system described in any one of Examples 3 (when dependent on any one of Examples 2B or 2C) to 3B, wherein the conductive regions are distributed along an axis such that their movement along the axis can be determined by a control electronic circuit. Example 3D: An aerosol generation system described in any one of Examples 3 (when dependent on any one of Examples 2B or 2C) to 3C, wherein the conductive regions are distributed over a two-dimensional area along a first axis and a second axis such that movement along each of the axes can be determined by a control electronic circuit. Example 3E: An aerosol generation system described in any one of Examples 3 (when dependent on any one of Examples 2B or 2C) to 3D, wherein the control electronic circuitry is configured to perform a function associated with a touch event at a particular conductive area and / or to perform a function associated with a particular direction of movement (or gesture) performed by the user's finger. Example 4: The aerosol generating system of any one of Examples 1-3E, further comprising a viewing window having an arcuate outer surface. Example 4A: An aerosol generation system as described in Example 4, wherein the curvature of the arcuate outer surface of the display window at least partially matches the curvature of the arcuate outer surface of the arcuate portion of the housing, and optionally the arcuate outer surface of the display window is flush with the arcuate outer surface of the arcuate portion of the housing. Example 5: The aerosol generation system of Example 4 or 4A, wherein the viewing window is mounted within an opening defined in the arcuate portion of the housing. Example 6: An aerosol generation system described in any one of Examples 4 to 5, further comprising an illumination assembly having one or more light-emitting elements, the illumination assembly being positioned within the housing so as to transmit light through the display window. Example 6A: 7. The aerosol generation system of example 6, wherein the illumination assembly comprises a substantially planar surface having one or more light-emitting elements disposed thereon. Example 7: The aerosol generation system of Example 2 or any example dependent thereon, wherein the arcuate layer is positioned within the housing such that the outwardly facing surface of the arcuate layer faces the inner surface of the arcuate portion of the housing. Example 8: 8. The aerosol generation system of Example 7, wherein the arcuate layer is arranged such that the outwardly facing surface of the arcuate layer defines a convex profile. Example 9: 9. An aerosol generation system according to any one of Examples 7 or 8, wherein the arcuate outer surface of the arcuate portion of the housing defines a convex contour. Example 10: An aerosol generating system described in any one of Examples 7 to 9, wherein the inner surface of the arcuate portion of the housing comprises an arcuate inner surface, and the arcuate inner surface and the outer surface of the arcuate portion of the housing have complementary curvatures. Example 11: An aerosol generation system as described in Example 10, wherein the thickness of the arcuate portion of the housing, measured between the arcuate inner surface and the outer surface of the arcuate portion of the housing, is uniform, at least when the outward surface of the arcuate layer faces the arcuate inner surface of the arcuate portion of the housing. Example 12: 12. An aerosol generation system according to any one of Examples 10 or 11, wherein the outwardly facing surface of the arcuate layer is in surface contact with the inner arcuate surface of the arcuate portion of the housing. Example 13: An aerosol generating system described in any one of Examples 7 to 12, wherein the distance between the outward surface of the arcuate layer and the arcuate outer surface of the arcuate portion of the housing, measured along a line perpendicular to the arcuate layer, is uniform over at least 80%, or at least 90%, or all of the surface area of ​​the outward surface of the arcuate layer. Example 14: 14. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 13, wherein the arcuate portion of the housing comprises or consists of a dielectric material. Example 15: An aerosol generation system described in any one of Examples 7 to 14, wherein the arcuate outer surface of the arcuate portion of the housing defines a touch interface for a user's finger. Example 16: An aerosol generation system described in any one of Examples 7 to 15, wherein at least a portion of the arcuate portion of the housing defines a display window, and the arcuate outer surface of the arcuate portion of the housing includes the outer surface of the display window. Example 17: 17. The aerosol generating system of Example 16, wherein the viewing window is formed of a dielectric material. Example 18: 18. An aerosol generation system according to any one of Examples 16 or 17, wherein the display window forms part of the arcuate portion of the housing, the display window being distinct from the remainder of the arcuate portion of the housing. Example 19: 19. The aerosol generation system of Example 18, wherein the viewing window is attached to an opening defined in the remaining portion of the arcuate portion of the housing. Example 20: An aerosol generation system described in any one of Examples 7 to 19, further comprising a support member disposed within the housing, wherein the arcuate layer is disposed on and supported by the arcuate outward surface of the support member. Example 21: An aerosol generating system as described in Example 20, wherein the opposing surfaces of the arcuate layer are positioned between and in surface contact with the arcuate outward surface of the support member and the arcuate inner surface of the arcuate portion of the housing. Example 22: An aerosol generation system described in any one of Examples 20 or 21, wherein the support member is provided with a light guide assembly configured to direct light to the arcuate outward surface of the support member. Example 23: 23. An aerosol generation system according to any one of Examples 7 to 22, wherein the arcuate layer is configured to be transparent to the passage of light between opposing surfaces of the arcuate layer. Example 24: An aerosol generation system described in any one of Example 2 or any Example dependent thereon, wherein the touch sensor is a capacitive touch sensor. Example 25: The control electronics controlling the supply of energy to the arcuate layer to provide an electrical charge on the arcuate layer; The aerosol generation system of Example 3 in combination with Example 24, configured to sense a change in charge of the arcuate layer associated with a touch event on the arcuate outer surface of the arcuate portion of the housing. Example 26: An aerosol generation system as described in Example 25, wherein the control electronic circuit is configured to identify a two-dimensional user contact across the arcuate outer surface of the arcuate portion of the housing based on a sensed change in charge associated with the two-dimensional user contact. Example 27: An aerosol generation system described in any one of Examples 24 to 26, wherein the control electronics is coupled to the arcuate layer to detect changes in capacitive coupling between different points or regions of the layer. Example 28: An aerosol generation system described in any one of Examples 24 to 27, wherein the control electronics is coupled to the arcuate layer to detect changes in capacitance of points or regions of the layer relative to ground. Example 29: The aerosol generation system of Example 2 or any example depending therefrom, wherein the arcuate layer consists of or comprises copper. Example 30: The aerosol generation system of any one of Example 2 or any Example dependent thereon, wherein the arcuate layer is a foil. Example 31: 31. The aerosol generating system of Example 30, wherein the foil comprises a mesh of conductive filaments. Example 32: An aerosol generation system as described in Example 31, wherein the control electronics is coupled to the mesh of conductive filaments so as to detect changes in capacitive coupling between different ones of the conductive filaments. Example 33: An aerosol generation system described in any one of Examples 31 or 32, wherein the control electronic circuit is coupled to the mesh of conductive filaments so as to detect changes in the capacitance of one or more filaments relative to ground. Example 34: 34. The aerosol generating system of any one of Examples 1 to 33, further comprising an illumination assembly including one or more light emitting elements and control electronics. Example 35: The aerosol generation system of Example 2 in combination with Example 34, wherein the lighting assembly is coupled to a first section of the control electronics and the touch sensor is coupled to a second section of the control electronics. Example 36: 36. The aerosol generation system of Example 35, wherein the first and second sections of the control electronics are disposed on a common control board. Example 37: An aerosol generation system as described in Example 2 in combination with any one of Examples 34 to 36, wherein the arcuate layer is positioned over the lighting assembly and configured to be transparent to the passage of light between opposing surfaces of the layer. Example 38: An aerosol generation system as described in Example 37, wherein at least a portion of the arcuate portion of the housing defines a display window, the outward surface of the arcuate layer faces the inner surface of the display window, the lighting assembly is disposed within the housing so that light generated by the lighting assembly is transmitted through the display window via the arcuate layer, and the display window defines a touch interface for the user. Example 39: An aerosol generation system described in any one of Examples 34 to 38, wherein the lighting assembly includes a plurality of light-emitting elements, a first lighting area and a second lighting area, and each of the first lighting area and the second lighting area includes one or more of the plurality of light-emitting elements. Example 40: 39. The aerosol generation system of Example 39, wherein the first illuminated area partially or completely surrounds the second illuminated area. Example 41: An aerosol generation system described in any one of Examples 39 or 40, wherein a control electronic circuit is coupled to a plurality of light-emitting elements and configured to selectively activate each of the first and second lighting areas to generate first and second light emissions, respectively. Example 42: The control electronics i) selectively activating one of the first and second illumination regions to generate a first predetermined emission that communicates first data indicative of a status of the aerosol generation system; ii) An aerosol generation system described in any one of Examples 39 to 41, configured to selectively activate the first and second illumination areas to generate a second predetermined light emission that transmits second data indicating the status of the aerosol generation system, the first data and the second data being different from each other. Example 43: The first and second data are a) a power source for the aerosol generating system containing sufficient energy to complete a single use session; b) a power source for the aerosol generating system containing sufficient energy to complete two, three, or more use sessions; c) a power source for the aerosol-generating system containing a level of energy below a predetermined threshold level of energy; d) selecting or activating one of a first predetermined temperature profile and a second predetermined temperature profile, wherein each of the first and second predetermined temperature profiles defines a heating profile for heating of the aerosol-forming substrate by the electrical heating device over a use session, and wherein the first and second predetermined temperature profiles are different from each other; h) an aerosol-generating system or part thereof in one of a pause mode state or a reactivation state; f) Selecting or initiating a change in the operating state of the aerosol-generating system or part thereof; g) progress in a usage session; h) proceeding in a preheating phase, in which the electric heating device is heated to a predetermined target temperature; i) An aerosol-generating system or part thereof in a locked state in which the system or part thereof is prohibited from generating aerosols; an aerosol generating system or portion thereof in an unlocked state in which the system or portion thereof is permitted to generate aerosols; k) the PIN code entered to unlock the system or part thereof so that aerosols can be generated, and / or the sequence of PIN codes entered to unlock the system or part thereof so that aerosols can be generated; l) a plurality of aerosol-generating article types detected by the system or portions thereof; m) Aerosol-generating systems or parts thereof that are too hot to allow aerosol generation; and n) an aerosol generation system or portion thereof that is too cold to allow aerosol generation. Example 44: The aerosol generation system of any one of Examples 3-3E or Examples 7-43, wherein the arcuate layer is removably coupled to an interface of the control electronics. Example 45: 45. The aerosol generation system of Example 44, wherein the arcuate layer comprises a push-fit connector for removably coupling the arcuate layer to an interface of the control electronics. Example 46: 46. ​​An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 45, wherein the housing is an elongated housing having a sidewall extending in the longitudinal direction, and the arcuate portion of the housing forms all or part of the sidewall. Example 47: 47. An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 46, wherein the aerosol-generating system comprises an aerosol-generating device for generating an inhalable aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate. Example 47A: 48. The aerosol generation system according to any one of Examples 1 to 47, wherein the aerosol generation system comprises a charging device for powering the aerosol generation device, the charging device being configured to couple to the aerosol generation device. Example 48: The control electronics a microcontroller having a processor, a memory, and input / output means; a touch sensor driver as a separate component from the microcontroller; An aerosol generation system as described in Example 3 or any example dependent thereon, wherein the touch sensor driver is communicatively coupled to the microcontroller via the input / output means, and the touch sensor driver is electrically coupled to the touch sensor. Example 48A: An aerosol generation system as described in Example 48, wherein the touch sensor driver is configured to detect a touch event based on one or more signals from the touch sensor. Example 48B: An aerosol generation system as described in Example 48A, wherein the touch sensor driver is configured to process one or more signals from the touch sensor and output data indicating a touch event to the microcontroller. Example 48C: An aerosol generation system as described in Example 48B, wherein the microcontroller is configured to process data indicative of a touch event and, in response thereto, perform one or more functions of the aerosol generation system. Example 49: The control electronics a microcontroller having a processor, a memory, input / output means, and touch sensing circuitry integrated into the microcontroller; The aerosol generation system of Example 3 or any example dependent thereon, wherein the touch sensing circuit is electrically coupled to the touch sensor. Example 49A: An aerosol generation system as described in Example 49, wherein the touch sensing circuit is configured to output a signal indicating a touch event based on one or more signals from the touch sensor. Example 49B: An aerosol generating system as described in Example 49A, wherein the touch sensing circuit is configured to output a signal indicating a touch event by charging a sampling capacitor to a voltage indicative of a touch event. Example 49C: An aerosol generation system described in any one of Examples 49A or 49B, wherein the microcontroller is configured to process an output signal indicating a touch event and, in response, perform one or more functions of the aerosol generation system. Example 50: An aerosol generation system described in Example 3 or any example dependent thereon, wherein the control electronic circuit is configured to receive multiple inputs from the touch sensor, and optionally the multiple inputs are received via at least two conductive portions and / or at least two touch sensing areas of the touch sensor. Example 50A: An aerosol generation system as described in Example 50, wherein the control electronic circuit is configured to detect two-dimensional touch events based on multiple inputs. Example 51: a microcontroller having a processor, a memory, and input / output means; an LED driver as a separate component from the microcontroller; An aerosol generation system described in any one of Examples 1 to 50A, wherein the LED driver is communicatively coupled to the microcontroller via an input / output means, and the LED driver is configured to control multiple LEDs. Example 51A: An aerosol generation system as described in Example 51, wherein each of the multiple LEDs is connected to a row pin and a column pin of the LED driver. Example 51B: An aerosol generation system as described in Example 51 or 51A, wherein the LED driver has a plurality of row pins and a plurality of column pins, each of the row pins being connected to a plurality of LEDs, and each of the column pins being connected to a plurality of LEDs. Example 51C: An aerosol generation system as described in Example 51B, wherein the LED driver is configured to illuminate each of the multiple LEDs by enabling the row pins and column pins connected to each LED. Example 51D: An aerosol generation system as described in Example 51C, wherein the LED driver is configured to sequentially illuminate selected ones of the plurality of LEDs within a given period of time. Example 51E: An aerosol generation system as described in Example 51D, wherein the LED driver is configured to sequentially illuminate selected ones of the multiple LEDs within a given period of time, such that the selected ones of the LEDs appear to be illuminating simultaneously. Example 52: a microcontroller comprising a processor, a memory, and input / output means, and an LED driver integrated into the microcontroller; The aerosol generating system of any of Examples 1-51E, wherein the LED driver is configured to control the plurality of LEDs via the input / output means. Example 52A: An aerosol generation system as described in Example 52, wherein the input / output means comprises a plurality of row pins and a plurality of column pins, and each of the plurality of LEDs is connected to a row pin and a column pin of the input / output means. Example 52B: An aerosol generation system described in any one of Examples 52 or 52A, wherein the input / output means comprises a plurality of row pins and a plurality of column pins, each of the row pins being connected to a plurality of LEDs, and each of the column pins being connected to a plurality of LEDs. Example 52C: An aerosol generation system as described in Example 52B, wherein the LED driver is configured to illuminate each of the plurality of LEDs by enabling the row pins and column pins connected to each LED. Example 52D: An aerosol generation system as described in Example 52C, wherein the LED driver is configured to sequentially illuminate selected LEDs within a given period of time. Example 52E: An aerosol generation system as described in Example 52D, wherein the LED driver is configured to sequentially illuminate selected ones of the multiple LEDs within a given period of time, such that the selected ones of the LEDs appear to be illuminating simultaneously.

[0053] The embodiments will now be further described with reference to the figures.

[0054] 1 shows the components of an aerosol-generating system 1. The aerosol-generating system 1 comprises an aerosol-generating device 2 and an aerosol-generating article 3. As described below, the aerosol-generating device 2 is adapted to receive the aerosol-generating article 3.

[0055] The aerosol-generating article 3 has a wrapper 301 surrounding a rod of aerosol-forming substrate 302 and a mouthpiece element 303. The wrapper 301 may be cigarette paper or the like. The rod of aerosol-forming substrate 302 is positioned at a distal end 304 of the article 3, and the mouthpiece element 303 is positioned at a mouth end 305 of the article. The mouthpiece element 303 may be a filter element formed of cellulose acetate or other suitable material. A susceptor element 306 of ferromagnetic material is positioned inside the rod of aerosol-forming substrate 302.

[0056] The aerosol-generating device 2 has an elongated tubular housing 201 extending along a longitudinal axis LA2. The elongated housing 201 may be formed of a polymeric material or other material having suitable rigidity. The housing 201 is sized to be handheld by a user. A blind cavity 202 is defined at a first end 203 of the housing 201. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the housing 201 is cylindrical in cross section. The cavity 202 is sized to receive the distal end 304 of the aerosol-generating article 3 such that the cavity receives the entire length of the aerosol-forming substrate rod 302. A power source 204, control electronics 205, lighting assembly 206, and touch sensor 207 are housed within the interior of the housing 201. In the illustrated embodiment, the power source 204 is a rechargeable battery, which may be, for example, a lithium-ion battery. An electric heating device is also provided within the housing. 1, the electric heating device is in the form of an inductor coil 208 that surrounds the cavity 202. In other embodiments (not shown), the electric heating device may be a resistive heating element, for example, the resistive heating element may have blades that extend from the base of the cavity 202 toward the first end 203 of the housing 201.

[0057] The control electronics 205 includes an illumination control electronics section 2051, a touch sensing control electronics section 2052, and a heating control electronics section 2053. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the control electronics 205 may also include sections associated with controlling other functions of the aerosol generation device 2. Each of the illumination, touch sensing, and heating control electronics sections 2051, 2052, 2053 may include a controller and a memory module, the memory module containing instructions accessible by the respective controller to enable the respective control electronics section to perform one or more control functions. In the embodiment of the aerosol generation device 2 shown in FIG. 1, the heating control electronics section Circuit section 2053 also includes a DC / AC converter (not shown) for converting DC current provided by battery 204 to AC current. As shown schematically in FIG. 1 , lighting control electronics section 2051 is coupled to lighting assembly 206, touch sensing control electronics section 2052 is coupled to touch sensor 207, and heating control electronics section 2053 is coupled to inductor coil 208. Although not shown in FIG. 1 , each of the control electronics sections (lighting, touch sensing, and heating) are also communicatively coupled to each other such that an input / output to one of the control electronics sections can become a corresponding control input and / or control output to another of the control electronics sections.

[0058] A display window 209 is defined within the housing 201 of the device 2. The outline of the display window 209 is shown by a dashed line in FIG. 1 . The display window 209 is a clear plastic insert mounted in an opening 210 defined within the housing 201 of the device 2 (see FIGS. 1 and 2 ). However, the display window 209 may be formed from other light-transmitting materials, such as glass. As described in more detail below, the display window 209 functions both as a touch interface for a user to provide control inputs to the device 2 and as a window through which one or more emissions from the illumination assembly 206 can be viewed. The emissions may be information about various states of the aerosol generation device 2. FIG. 2 illustrates an outward-facing surface 2091 of the display window 209, which functions as a touch interface for a user.

[0059] Prior to activation of the aerosol-generating device 2, the aerosol-generating article 3 is inserted into the cavity 202 of the device. When the article 3 is fully inserted into the cavity 202, the length of the aerosol-forming substrate rod 302 is surrounded by the inductor coil 208. Upon activation of the device 2, the heating control electronics section 2053 controls the supply of alternating current from the battery 204 to the inductor coil 208 according to instructions contained in a memory module (not shown) of the heating control electronics section. Activation of the aerosol-generating device 2 may occur automatically upon insertion of the aerosol-generating article 3 into the cavity 202 of the device (e.g., a sensor may be located in the cavity, the sensor configured to detect the insertion of the aerosol-generating article). Alternatively, the aerosol-generating device 2 may be activated by a user touching the touch interface defined by the outward-facing surface 2091 of the display window 209 with their finger (the touch sensing control electronics section 2052 senses the touch event and communicates with the heating control electronics section 2053 to initiate the supply of current from the battery 204 to the inductor coil 208 to heat the aerosol-forming substrate 302 of the aerosol-generating article 3). (The touch sensing control electronics section 2052 may also communicate with the lighting control electronics section 2051 to cause the lighting assembly 206 to emit light to notify the user of the activation of the device 2 and / or the current operating state of the device.)

[0060] For the aerosol generation device 2 illustrated in FIG. 1 , a magnetic field is generated by an alternating current passing through the inductor coil 208. The susceptor element 306 is within this magnetic field. The magnetic field induces heating of the susceptor element 306 through one or both of eddy currents and magnetic hysteresis. The heating control electronics section 2053 controls the supply of current to the inductor coil 208 according to a heating profile stored in the heating control electronics section's memory module. The illumination assembly 206 can generate one or more lights in response to one or more control inputs by a user and / or in response to and based on a given state of the aerosol generation device 2.

[0061] 3A-3D show a first embodiment of a control board assembly 4 for use in an aerosol generation device 2. The control board assembly 4 includes the control electronics 205 shown schematically in FIG. 1. The control board assembly 4 has a first elongated control board 401 and a second elongated control board 402, with a hinge element 403 interconnecting the first and second control boards. The first control board 401 has a length L of 20 mm. 401 , width W of 7 mm 401 , and a thickness of 0.7 mm 401 The second control board 402 has a length L of 25 mm. 402 , width W of 10 mm 402 , and a thickness of 1 mm t 402 In the open position of FIG. 3A, hinge element 403 separates the longitudinal edges of the first and second control boards by a distance L of 5 mm. 403 In other embodiments, the first control board 401 and the second control board 402 have a length dimension (L) in the range of 10 mm to 60 mm, or 15 mm to 45 mm, or 15 mm to 30 mm. 401 , L 402 In other embodiments, the first control board 401 and the second control board 402 may have a width dimension (W) in the range of 5 mm to 35 mm, or 5 mm to 25 mm, or 5 mm to 15 mm. 401 , W 402 In other embodiments, the first control board 401 and the second control board 402 may have a thickness dimension (t) in the range of 0.2 mm to 5 mm, or 0.2 mm to 3 mm, or 0.5 mm to 2 mm. 401 , t 402). The first control substrate 401 is formed from a first material composition. The second control substrate 402 is formed from a second material composition. The first material composition may be a polymeric material, while the second material composition may be a ceramic material, although it should be understood that other materials may be used for the first and second material compositions. The first material composition is less rigid than the second material composition. For the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 3A-3D, the hinge element 403 is an elongated, unitary extension (formed from the first material composition) of the first control substrate 401, extending from one of the longitudinal ends of the first control substrate and coupled to the second control substrate 402. Coupling of the hinge element 403 to the second control substrate 402 may be achieved by using an adhesive between corresponding surfaces of the hinge element and the second control substrate to define an adhesive interface therebetween. Depending on the choice of adhesive used, the adhesive interface may be peelable to allow decoupling of the first and second control substrates 401, 402 from one another. Coupling of the hinge element 403 to the second control board 402 may also be achieved through the use of a push-fit connection interface. In the illustrated embodiment, the lighting control electronics section 2051, (touch sensing control electronics section 2052, and heating control electronics section 2053) are each mounted on a surface 4021 of the second control board 402. A lighting assembly 206 formed of a plurality of LEDs 2061 is disposed on a surface 4011 of the first control board 401. The lighting assembly 206 is coupled to the lighting control electronics 2051 section by one or more conductive tracks (not shown) extending between the first control board 401 and the second control board 402, the tracks being embedded in or superimposed on the surface of the hinge element 403. A zero interfacial force ("ZIF") connector 404 or similar is also provided on the surface 4011 of the first control board 401. The ZIF connector 404 is provided to enable electromechanical connection between the control board assembly 401 and a touch sensor 207 (such as the touch sensor 207 shown schematically in FIG. 1).The ZIF connector 404 is coupled to the touch sensing control electronics section 2052 by one or more conductive tracks (not shown) that extend between the first control board 401 and the second control board 402, the tracks being embedded in or superimposed on the surface of the hinge element 403.

[0062] As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B , the control board assembly 4 has an initial, unfolded state in which the first control board 401 and the second control board 402 are disposed end-to-end, with a hinge element 403 connecting the opposing longitudinal ends of the two control boards. To facilitate insertion of the control board assembly 4 into the interior of the housing 201 of the aerosol generation device 2, the first control board 401 is folded about a folding axis 405 aligned generally perpendicular to the common longitudinal axis LA4 of the first and second control boards, and overlaps the second control board 402. The folding direction around the folding axis 405 is represented by the arrows in FIGS. 3A and 3B . FIGS. 3C and 3D show the control board assembly 4 in a folded state. In the folded state, the opposing inward-facing surfaces 4012, 4022 of the first control board 401 and the second control board 402 are spatially separated from each other.

[0063] 4A and 4B show a second embodiment of a control board assembly 4' for use in an aerosol generating device 2 in an unfolded and folded state, respectively. This second embodiment includes all of the elements of the first embodiment of FIGS. 3A-3D. However, this second embodiment also provides a reinforcing member 406 and a separator element 407. The reinforcing member 406 is in the form of a plate formed of a material having a greater rigidity than the first material composition of the first control board 401. The reinforcing member 406 may be formed from metal, plastic, or any suitable material having a greater rigidity than the first material composition. The reinforcing member 406 has a thickness of 0.2 millimeters. 406In other embodiments, the reinforcing member 406 may have a different thickness. Furthermore, the thickness selected for the reinforcing member 406 may be influenced by the choice of material used for the reinforcing member and the stiffness of that material. In the unfolded state, the flexible first control substrate 401 rests on the support surface 4061 of the reinforcing member 406. The reinforcing member 406 and its support surface 4061 are generally planar. The separator element 407 is formed from a material having a greater stiffness than the first material composition of the first control substrate 401. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the separator element 407 is formed from sheet metal, although alternative materials may be used for the separator element 407 in other embodiments. A main portion 4071 of the separator element 407 is generally planar, and a pair of laterally opposed longitudinally extending edges 4072 of the separator element are bent perpendicular to the main portion. In the unfolded state, the separator element 407 is positioned such that feet 4073 defined on each of two laterally opposed longitudinally extending edges 4072 rest against a surface portion of the second control board 402. To reduce the possibility that the sheet metal of the separator element 407 will cause a short circuit between the electrical components of the first control board 401 and the second control board 402, the surface portion of the second control board where the feet 4073 of the separator element 407 are located is electrically isolated from the electrical circuitry of the second control board. With the reinforcing member 406 and the separator element 407 resting against surfaces 4012, 4022 of the first control board 401 and the second control board 402, respectively, the first control board is folded about a fold axis 405' aligned generally perpendicular to the common longitudinal axis of the first and second control boards so as to overlie the second control board. The folding direction is represented by the arrows in Figure 4A, with the folding axis 405' extending into the page. Figure 4B shows the control board assembly 4' in a folded state. The separator element 407 helps to maintain separation between the opposing inward-facing surfaces 4012, 4022 of the first and second control boards 401, 402 in the folded state.

[0064] 5A-5C show a third embodiment of a control board assembly 4'' for use in the aerosol generation device 2. This second embodiment includes all of the elements of the first embodiment of FIGS. 3A-3D. However, in the initial, open state, the first control board 401 and the second control board 402 are laterally spaced apart from each other rather than being end-to-end. As shown in FIG. 5A, the longitudinal axes LA of the first control board 401 and the second control board 402 are 401、 LA 402 are parallel and spaced apart from one another, and the hinge element 403 extends laterally between the opposed longitudinally extending edges of the first and second control boards. To facilitate insertion of the inner control board assembly 4'' inside the housing 201 of the aerosol generating device 2, the first control board 401 is aligned with the longitudinal axes LA of the first and second control boards such that it overlies the second control board 402. 401 , L.A. 402 5A . The direction of folding about folding axis 405" is represented by the arrows in FIG. 5A . FIGS. 5B and 5C respectively show control board assembly 4" in a folded state, with FIG. 5B showing a side view in the direction BB of FIG. 5A and FIG. 5C showing a side view in the direction CC of FIG. 5A . Again, in the folded state, the opposing inward-facing surfaces 4012, 4022 of first and second control boards 401, 402 are spatially separated from one another. It will be understood that one or both of the reinforcing member 406 and separator element 407 of the embodiment of FIGS. 4A and 4B may also be used in the embodiment of FIGS. 5A-5C .

[0065] 6A-6H are provided to help illustrate a first exemplary method of assembling the aerosol generating device 2. FIG.

[0066] FIG. 6A shows the control board assembly 4′ of FIG. 4B. The control board assembly 4′ can be said to form a control module. Also shown in FIG. 6A are a light guide assembly 211 and a touch sensor 207. In the state shown in FIG. 6A, the light guide assembly 211 and the touch sensor 207 are disconnected from each other and from the control board assembly 4. The light guide assembly 211 is configured to direct light between opposing inward-facing and outward-facing surfaces 2111 and 2112 of the light guide assembly and may have multiple channels extending between the inward-facing and outward-facing surfaces. The outward-facing surface 2112 of the light guide assembly 211 has a generally convex profile. During use, light is directed between the inward-facing and outward-facing surfaces 2111 and 2112 of the light guide assembly 211 and appears in two distinct regions on the outward-facing surface. These two distinct regions are an annular outer region 2113 and a central inner region 2114. The outer region 2113 surrounds the inner region 2114. For the light guide assembly 211 shown in Figure 6A, the outer region 2113 is generally continuous, while the inner region 2114 consists of a number of individual apertures.

[0067] In one embodiment, touch sensor 207 includes a conductive foil mesh 2071 and a ZIF connector 2072. ZIF connector 2072 is coupled to foil mesh 2071 by a cable 2073. Foil mesh 2071 is formed of a mesh of spaced-apart copper wires, as shown in FIG. 7A , with each wire in the mesh defining an electrode of the foil mesh. However, it should be understood that foil mesh 2071 may be formed of a conductive material other than copper, and other types of touch sensors (such as those described herein) may be used. In another embodiment, touch sensor 207 includes one or more conductive regions. The one or more conductive regions may be disposed on an electrically insulating layer or film. Each of the conductive regions may have single or multiple electrical connections to an integrated circuit (e.g., a microcontroller) of touch sensing control electronics section 2052 for sensing one or more touch inputs.

[0068] 7B-E illustrate an embodiment of a touch sensor 207, each comprising one or more conductive regions 704 disposed on an electrically insulating layer 702. Each conductive region 704 is connected to a touch sensing control electronics section 2052 for sensing one or more touch inputs. FIG. 7F illustrates the operating principle that enables the touch sensing control electronics section 2052 to detect touch events.

[0069] The touch sensor 207 shown in Figure 7B has a single conductive area 704 disposed on an insulating layer 702. The conductive area 704 is connected to the touch sensing control electronics section 2052 (described with reference to Figure 7F). The conductive area 704 is shielded from direct electrical contact with objects outside the aerosol generation device 2 via the display window 209.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 7F, touch sensing control electronics section 2052 includes a first switch 708 and a second switch 710. Conductive region 704 is electrically connected between first switch 708 and second switch 710. Conductive region 704 may have a capacitance. The capacitance of conductive region 704 may be up to 100 pF, between 5 pF and 50 pF, between 10 pF and 30 pF, or between 15 pF and 25 pF.

[0071] (Touch sensing control electronics section 2052 controls first switch 708 and second switch 710 by opening second switch 710 and closing first switch 708 for a first time period (T1). During T1, charge builds up due to the capacitance of conductive area 704.

[0072] Next, the touch sensing control electronics section 2052 opens the first switch 708 and closes the second switch 710 for a second time period (T2). During T2, the charge stored in the conductive area 704 is transferred to the sensing capacitor 706.

[0073] The touch sensing control electronics section 2052 determines the time (Tx) it takes for the sensing capacitor 706 to reach a voltage threshold (Vth). The determined value of Tx indicates a touch event. For example, Tx will be equal to a value within a particular range or above a threshold when there is no touch event, e.g., when the user is not touching the display window 209. However, when a touch event occurs (e.g., when the user presses their finger on the display window 209), the capacitance of the conductive area 704 becomes larger and Vth is reached more quickly. In other words, when a touch event occurs, Tx will be shorter. Therefore, the touch sensing control electronics section 2052 determines that a touch event has occurred by determining that Tx is within a range associated with a touch event or that Tx has breached a threshold associated with a touch event.

[0074] The touch sensor 207' shown in FIG. 7C includes three conductive regions 704'a, 704'b, and 704'c on an electrically insulating layer 702. Each of the conductive regions 704'a, 704'b, and 704'c is connected to a touch sensing control electronics section 2052 (which detects touch events), as described with reference to FIG. 7F.

[0075] Because there are multiple conductive areas, the touch sensing control electronics section 2052 can determine the area of ​​the display window 209 that was touched. If a touch event is detected on conductive area 704'a, the touch sensing control electronics section 2052 determines that the top of the window 209 was touched. If a touch event is detected on conductive area 704'b, the touch sensing control electronics section 2052 determines that the center of the window 209 was touched. If a touch event is detected on conductive area 704'c, the touch sensing control electronics section 2052 determines that the bottom of the window 209 was touched.

[0076] Because touch sensor 207′ has conductive regions 704′ a, b, and c distributed along axis y, touch sensing control electronics section 2052 can determine the direction of movement of a user's finger along axis y. For example, if a touch event is detected on conductive region 704′ a, then 704′ b, and then 704′ c, touch sensing control electronics section 2052 determines that the user has swiped downward along the y axis. Alternatively, if a touch event is detected on conductive region 704′ c, then 704′ b, and then 704′ a, touch sensing control electronics section 2052 determines that the user has swiped upward along the y axis. The touch sensing control electronics can be configured to perform functions associated with touch events at particular conductive regions and / or to perform functions associated with particular movement directions (or gestures) performed by the user's finger.

[0077] The touch sensor 207" shown in FIG. 7D includes six conductive regions 704"a, 704"b, 704"c, 704"d, 704"e, and 704"f on an electrically insulating layer 702. Each of the conductive regions 704"a, 704"b, 704"c, 704"d, 704"e, and 704"f is connected to a touch sensing control electronics section 2052 (which detects touch events), as described with reference to FIG. 7F.

[0078] (Touch sensing control electronics section 2052 can determine the area of ​​display window 209 that was touched by detecting touch events in areas 704"a-f that correspond to areas of window 209. (Touch sensing control electronics section 2052 detects the location of touch events in a manner similar to that described with reference to FIG. 7C.

[0079] Because touch sensor 207″ has conductive regions 704″a-f distributed over a two-dimensional area, touch sensing control electronics can determine the direction of movement of a user's finger along axis y and a second axis x. For example, if a touch event is detected on conductive region 704″d and then 704″c, then touch sensing control electronics section 2052 determines that the user swiped right along the x-axis. Alternatively, if a touch event is detected on conductive region 704″c and then 704″d, then touch sensing control electronics section 2052 determines that the user swiped left along the x-axis. Movement along the y-axis can be detected in a similar manner as described with reference to FIG. 7C .

[0080] It is also possible to detect diagonal movement. For example, the touch sensing control electronics 2052 can determine finger movement upward and to the right by detecting a touch event in region 704"e and then in region 704"c.

[0081] The touch sensing control electronics may be configured to perform functions associated with touch events at particular conductive areas and / or to perform functions associated with particular directions of movement (or gestures) performed by a user's finger.

[0082] The touch sensor 207''' shown in FIG. 7E includes five conductive regions 704'''a, 704'''b, 704'''c, 704'''d, and 704'''e on an electrically insulating layer 702. Specifically, a central region 704'''e is surrounded by a plurality of separate regions 704'''a, 704'''b, 704'''c, and 704'''d. Each of the conductive regions 704'''a, 704'''b, 704'''c, 704'''d, and 704'''e is connected to the touch sensing control electronics section 2052 (which detects touch events), as described with reference to FIG. 7F.

[0083] (Touch sensing control electronics section 2052 can determine the area of ​​display window 209 that was touched by detecting touch events in areas 704'''a-e that correspond to areas of window 209. (Touch sensing control electronics section 2052 detects the location of the touch events in a manner similar to that described above.

[0084] Because touch sensor 207''' has conductive areas 704'''a-e distributed over a two-dimensional area, the touch sensing control electronics can determine the direction of movement of the user's finger along axis y and second axis x, as described above.

[0085] The touch sensing control electronics may be configured to perform functions associated with touch events at particular conductive areas and / or to perform functions associated with particular directions of movement (or gestures) performed by a user's finger.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 6B, after the state shown in FIG. 6A, the light guide assembly 211 is attached to the first control board 401 of the control board assembly 4' so as to overlap the illumination assembly 206.

[0087] 6B , the foil mesh 2071 of the touch sensor 207 is disposed on and in contact with the convex outward surface 2112 of the light guide assembly 211. The foil mesh 2071 of the touch sensor 207 may be pre-formed into the convex profile shown in FIG. 6A and then simply disposed on the convex outward surface 2112 of the light guide assembly 211. Alternatively, the foil mesh 2071 of the touch sensor 207 may be initially provided in a flat state and then deformed into the convex profile shown in FIG. 6A during the process of overlaying the foil mesh on the convex outward surface 2112 of the light guide assembly 211. The convex profile of the foil mesh 2071 generally corresponds to the profile of the outward surface 2112 of the light guide assembly 211, such that the foil mesh is in surface contact with the outward surface of the light guide assembly. The ZIF connector 2072 of the touch sensor 207 is coupled to a corresponding ZIF connector 404 on the first control board 401, thereby establishing electrical communication between the foil mesh 2071 and the touch sensing control electronics section 2052 of the control board assembly 4'. The combination of the control board assembly 4', light guide assembly 211, and touch sensor 207 shown in FIG. 6C forms the intermediate assembly module 5.

[0088] FIG. 6D shows a view of a portion of the length of elongated tubular housing 201. Housing 201 includes an opening 210 for receiving viewing window 209, although in this illustrated embodiment, the viewing window is not yet installed within the opening. In alternative embodiments, viewing window 209 may be pre-installed within opening 210. An opening 212 is defined in a second end 213 of housing 201. Intermediate assembly module 5 is first positioned adjacent opening 212 and then inserted into housing 201. More specifically, intermediate assembly module 5 is slid into position along the length of housing 201. The predetermined position corresponds to illumination assembly 206 being positioned adjacent opening 210 of housing 201, as shown in FIG. 6E.

[0089] As shown in Figure 6F, after the state shown in Figure 6E, the display window 209 is installed within the opening 210 of the housing 201 so as to overlap the foil mesh 2071 of the touch sensor 207. Figure 6G shows the assembled aerosol generating device 2 after the display window 209 has been installed within the opening 210.

[0090] Figure 6H shows a cross-section at section DD of Figure 6G. The viewing window 209 has a uniform thickness. The viewing window 209 also has a curvature that corresponds to the curvature of the foil mesh 2071 and the outward-facing surface 2112 of the light guide assembly 211. The curvature of the viewing window 209 also corresponds to the curvature of the sidewall of the cylindrical elongated housing 201. The distance between a point on the outward-facing surface of the foil mesh 2071 and the outward-facing surface 2091 of the viewing window 209, measured along a line perpendicular to the point on the mesh surface, is generally uniform along the entire area where the viewing window overlies the foil mesh. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6H, a small air gap exists between the outward-facing surface of the foil mesh 2071 and the inward-facing surface 2092 of the viewing window 209. However, in other embodiments, the foil mesh 2071 may be in intimate contact with the inward surface 2092 of the display window 209 such that the foil mesh is effectively sandwiched between the outward surface 2112 of the light guide assembly 211 and the inward surface 2092 of the display window 209.

[0091] In use, light emitted by the LEDs 2061 of the illumination assembly 206 passes through a channel defined between the inward-facing surface 2111 and the outward-facing surface 2112 of the light guide assembly 211, then passes through the foil mesh 2071 of the touch sensor 207 and is transmitted through the display window 209. Contact between a user's finger and a location on the outward-facing surface 2091 of the display window 209 results in a change in the capacitive coupling between adjacent wires of the foil mesh 2071 at a location on the mesh directly below the contact location. More specifically, contact between the user's finger and the display window 209 has the effect of reducing the capacitive coupling between adjacent wires of the foil mesh 2071 below the contact location, which corresponds to a mutual capacitance mode of operation of the touch sensor 207. This change in capacitive coupling is detected by the touch sensing control electronics section 2052. The nature of the touch input may be determined by the touch sensing control electronics section 2052; for example, the touch sensing control electronics may distinguish whether the user's finger is sliding over the outward facing surface 2091 of the display window 209 or making a single point contact with the surface 2091. The touch sensing control electronics section 2052 may generate an output signal in response to, and depending on, the nature of the touch input. This output signal may be transmitted to the lighting control electronics section 2052. The output signal may be communicated to one or both of the lighting control electronics section 2051 and the heating control electronics section 2053. When the output signal is communicated to the lighting control electronics section 2051, the lighting control electronics section may generate a light emitting element 2062 from the light emission 2061. The nature of the light emission 2062 (e.g., color, brightness, duration, or periodicity of the light emission) may depend on the nature of the touch input. When the output signal is communicated to the heating control electronics section 2053, the heating control electronics section may act to start or pause the flow of current to the inductor coil 208 of the aerosol generation device 2.

[0092] 8 illustrates an embodiment in which the touch sensor 207 is coupled to the control board assembly 4 of FIG. 3D , but the light guide assembly 211 is not present. For the embodiment of FIG. 8 , the foil mesh 2071 of the touch sensor 207 is pre-formed into a convex profile before the ZIF connector 2072 of the touch sensor is connected to the ZIF connector 404 of the first control board 401. The curvature of the convex profile of the foil mesh 2071 generally corresponds to the curvature of the inward-facing surface 2092 of the display window 209 and / or the inner surface of the cylindrical elongated housing 201 of the aerosol generation device 2.

[0093] 9A-9E are provided to help illustrate a second exemplary method of assembling the aerosol generating device 2. FIG.

[0094] 9A shows the control board assembly 4 of FIGS. 3C and 3D pre-mounted inside the elongated tubular housing 201 adjacent an opening 210 defined in the housing. The display window 209 has not yet been installed within the opening 210. Also shown in FIG. 9A are the light guide assembly 211 and the touch sensor 207. In the state shown in FIG. 9A, the light guide assembly 211 and the touch sensor 207 are decoupled from each other and from the control board assembly 4.

[0095] As shown in Figure 9B, the light guide assembly 211 is inserted into or dropped through the opening 210 so that it overlies the illumination assembly 206. Figure 9C shows the light guide assembly 211 after insertion and positioning onto the illumination assembly 206.

[0096] FIG. 9C also shows that after inserting and positioning the light guide assembly 211, the touch sensor 207 is then inserted into or dropped through the opening 210 so that the foil mesh 2071 of the touch sensor 207 is positioned over and in contact with the convex outward-facing surface 2112 of the light guide assembly 211. The cable 2073 is long enough so that the ZIF connector 2072 of the touch sensor 207 can connect to the ZIF connector 404 of the first control board 401 before inserting the foil mesh 2071 through the opening 210. FIG. 9D shows the touch sensor 207 after insertion and positioning onto the light guide assembly 211. In other embodiments, the light guide assembly 211 and the touch sensor 207 may be pre-assembled outside the housing 201 to form a combined assembly module that is inserted into or dropped through the opening 210 to mate with the control board assembly 4.

[0097] 9D also shows the installation of the viewing window 209 within the opening 210, and FIG. 9E shows the assembled aerosol generating device 2 after installation of the viewing window 209 within the opening 210.

[0098] As can be seen from a comparison of Figures 9E and 6G, the first and second assembly methods ("slide-in" and "drop-in," respectively) can result in the same configuration of the aerosol generation device.

[0099] FIG. 10A illustrates a first embodiment of a lighting system 6 prior to assembly. The lighting assembly includes a plurality of LEDs 61 and an opaque shield 62. The LEDs 61 are grouped into a plurality of illumination regions 611. For the embodiment of FIG. 10A, there are seven illumination regions 611a-g, each having one of the LEDs 61. In other embodiments, there may be more LEDs 61 per illumination region 611, such as two, three, four, or more LEDs 61 per illumination region. The opaque shield 62 is formed from plastic, although it will be understood that other materials that are impermeable to the passage of light may be used. The opaque shield 62 is formed from a plurality of apertures 63. The apertures 63 are grouped into a plurality of aperture regions 631. For the embodiment of FIG. 10A, there are seven aperture regions 631a-g. The apertures 63 in each aperture region 631a-g are arranged in a collinear relationship with one another, with each aperture region having three aperture lines in this embodiment. In another embodiment, each aperture area may have multiple aperture lines (e.g., two, three, four, or more lines), each aperture line containing two, three, four, or more apertures. The aperture areas are positioned relative to each other to define the shape of the number "8."

[0100] FIG. 10B shows the lighting system 6 in an assembled state, with the opaque shield 62 positioned over the multiple LEDs 61. The aperture areas 631a-g are arranged across the area of ​​the opaque shield 62 such that, in the assembled state, each of the aperture areas 631a-g overlies a corresponding one of the illumination areas 611a-g. Thus, when the lighting system 6 is in use, light from the single LED 61 in the illumination area 611a is visible through the three apertures 63 in the aperture area 631a, and the same correspondence applies to each of the remaining illumination areas 611b-g and aperture areas 631b-g. The LEDs 61 in the multiple illumination areas 611a-g are designed to be driven by control electronics (e.g., the lighting control electronics section 2051 described above). By selectively activating different ones of the illumination areas 611a-g, alone or in combination with each other, the lighting system 6 can generate illumination that defines the form of different numbers, letters, or shapes.

[0101] FIG. 11A shows a second embodiment of a lighting system 6′ before assembly. The lighting assembly 6′ includes a plurality of LEDs 61 and an opaque shield 62′. The LEDs 61 are grouped into a plurality of illumination regions 611′a-h. The illumination region 611′h of the LEDs 61 forms a first set 6111 of illumination regions and is generally elliptical ring-shaped. The illumination regions 611a-g of the LEDs 61 form a second set 6112 of illumination regions and are generally elliptical in shape. As can be seen in FIG. 11A , the first set 6111 surrounds the second set 6112. Each of the illumination regions 611′a-g includes two LEDs 61. The apertures 63 in the opaque shield 62′ are grouped into a plurality of aperture regions 631′. For the embodiment of FIG. 11A , there are eight aperture regions 631′a-h. The aperture region 631h forms a first set 6311 of aperture regions and is generally elliptical ring-shaped. The open areas 631'a-g form a second set 6312 of the plurality of open areas. The openings 63 of the open areas 631'a-g are arranged in two parallel lines of three openings 63. The second set 6312 of open areas are positioned relative to each other to define the shape of the number "8."

[0102] FIG. 11B shows the lighting system 6′ in an assembled state, with the opaque shield 62′ positioned over the plurality of LEDs 61. The aperture areas 631′a-h are arranged across the area of ​​the opaque shield 62′ such that, in the assembled state, each of the aperture areas 631′a-h overlies a corresponding one of the illumination areas 611′a-h. Thus, during use of the lighting system 6′, light from the two LEDs in illumination area 611′a is visible through the six apertures 63 in aperture area 631′a, with the same correspondence applying to each of the remaining illumination areas 611′b-h and aperture areas 631′b-h. The LEDs in the plurality of illumination areas 611′a-h are designed to be driven by control electronics (e.g., the lighting control electronics section 2051 described above). The LEDs 61 forming the first set 6111 of the plurality of illumination areas may all be controlled to be activated simultaneously, thereby illuminating and defining the shape of an elliptical ring. Alternatively, the control electronics may instead activate only a subset of the LEDs 61 in the first set 6111. By selectively activating different ones of the illumination areas 611′b-g comprising the second set 6112, alone or in combination with each other, the illumination system 6′ can generate illuminations defining different numbers, letters, or shapes. When the illumination system 6′ is attached to an aerosol generating device (such as the device 2 described above), the control electronics may be configured to selectively activate one of the first and second sets 6111, 6112 of illumination areas 611′a-h to generate a first illumination corresponding to a first state of the device 2 and to selectively activate the other of the first and second sets of illumination areas to generate a second illumination corresponding to a second state of the device. The first and second illuminations may differ from each other in one or more of color, brightness, duration, or periodicity. The first and second states may correspond to any given state of the device 2.Exemplary first and second states may include: a) the power supply 204 of the aerosol generation device 2 containing sufficient energy to complete a single use session; b) the power supply 204 containing sufficient energy to complete two, three or more use sessions; c) the power supply 204 containing a level of energy below a predetermined threshold level of energy; d) selection or activation of one of a first predetermined temperature profile and a second predetermined temperature profile, each of which defines a heating profile for heating the aerosol-forming substrate 302 by the electrical heating device (e.g., the inductor coil 208) over the use session, and the first and second predetermined temperature profiles are different from each other; e) a pause mode. The aerosol generating device 2 may include: the aerosol generating device 2 being in one of a locked state or a reactivated state; f) selecting or initiating a change in the operating state of the aerosol generating device 2; g) progressing through a usage session; h) progressing through a preheating phase in which an electric heating device (e.g., the inductor coil 208) is heated to a predetermined target temperature; i) the aerosol generating device being in a locked state in which the device is prohibited from generating aerosol; j) the aerosol generating device being in an unlocked state in which the device is permitted to generate aerosol; k) a PIN code for unlocking the device so that it is permitted to generate aerosol; l) types of aerosol-generating articles detected by the device; m) the aerosol generating device being too hot to allow aerosol generation; n) the aerosol generating device being too cold to allow aerosol generation.

[0103] Figure 12 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an aerosol generation device 2' incorporating the illumination system 6 of Figure 10. The embodiment of Figure 12 includes all of the features of the aerosol generation device shown in Figure 6H. As can be seen in Figure 12, the LEDs 61 of the illumination system 6 are disposed on the surface 4011 of the first control board 401. The opaque shield 62 of the illumination system 6 is disposed between the LEDs 61 and the light guide assembly 211. In an alternative embodiment, the opaque shield 62 may instead be overlaid on the outward-facing surface 2112 of the light guide assembly 211. In a further alternative embodiment, the opaque shield 62 may be incorporated into the structure of the viewing window 209.

[0104] Figure 13 shows a plan view of the display window 209 of the aerosol generating device 2, where the display window is above the illumination system 6' of Figure 11. Figure 13 shows all LEDs 61 activated, with the first set 6111 (i.e., illumination area 611'h) illuminating through the first set 6311 of aperture areas 631'h to define an illuminated ellipse shape, and the second set 6112 of illumination areas 611'a-g illuminating through the second set 6312 of aperture areas 631'a-g to define an illuminated number "8" shape. Of course, the presence of the foil mesh 2071 of the touch sensor 207 below the display window 209 also allows the outward-facing surface of the display window to function as a touch interface for a user's finger.

[0105] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a touch sensing control electronics section 2052 for controlling the operation of the capacitive touch sensor 207 of the aerosol generating device 2 illustrated in the figures above. (The touch sensing control electronics section 2052 is indicated by dashed lines in FIG. 14.) (The touch sensing control electronics section 2052 has a microcontroller 251 including a processor 252, a memory 253, and input / output means 254.) (The touch sensing control electronics section 2052 also has a touch sensor driver 255. The touch sensor driver 255 is separate from the microcontroller 251 but is communicatively coupled thereto via the input / output means 254. The touch sensor driver 255 is also communicatively coupled to the touch sensor 207. The touch sensor driver 255 detects a touch event based on an electrical signal from the touch sensor 207 in response to the occurrence of a touch event. The touch sensor driver 255 detects a touch event, which may be contact of a user's finger with the outward-facing surface 2091 of the display window 209. After determining the occurrence of a touch event, the touch sensor driver 255 sends one or more data signals to the microcontroller 251 via the input / output means 254, the data signals indicating the occurrence of the touch event. After the microcontroller 251 receives the data signals, the processor 252 accesses instructions contained in the memory 253 to generate one or more control signals for communication to one or more of the lighting control electronics section 2051, the heating control electronics section 2053, and other control electronics sections of the aerosol generating device 2. In this manner, the occurrence of a touch event on the display screen 209 enables one or more control inputs for controlling the lighting assembly 206 (or lighting system 6, 6′), the inductor coil 208, and one or more other features of the aerosol generating device 2.

[0106] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of an alternative exemplary embodiment of the touch sensing control electronics section 2052 for controlling the operation of the capacitive touch sensor 207 of the aerosol generating device 2. This embodiment differs from the embodiment of FIG. 14 in that the microcontroller 251 includes a touch sensing circuit 255′ rather than using a separate touch sensor driver 255. The touch sensing circuit 255′ detects a touch event based on electrical signals received from the touch sensor 207 (via the input / output means 254) in response to the occurrence of a touch event. Again, the touch event may be a user's finger contacting the outward-facing surface 2091 of the display window 209. After determining that a touch event has occurred, the touch sensing circuit 255′ outputs a signal to the processor 252 via the input / output means 254, 15 , the touch sensing circuit 255′ may include a sampling capacitor, and the touch sensing circuit outputs a signal indicative of the touch event by charging the sampling capacitor to a voltage indicative of the touch event. The processor 252 then accesses instructions contained in the memory 253 to generate one or more control signals for communication to one or more of the lighting control electronics section 2051, the heating control electronics section 2053, and other control electronics sections of the aerosol generating device 2. In this manner, the occurrence of a touch event on the display screen 209 may enable one or more control inputs for controlling one or more of the lighting assembly 206 (or lighting system 6), the inductor coil 208, and other features of the aerosol generating device 2. Although not shown in FIG. 15 , the touch sensing circuit 255′ may include a sampling capacitor, and the touch sensing circuit outputs a signal indicative of the touch event by charging the sampling capacitor to a voltage indicative of the touch event.

[0107] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an illumination control electronics section 2051 for controlling the operation of the illumination assembly 206 of the aerosol generating device 2 illustrated in the previous figures. The illumination control electronics section 2051 is indicated by dashed lines in Figure 16. The illumination control electronics section 2051 includes a microcontroller 261 including a processor 262, a memory 263, and an input / output means 264. The illumination control electronics section 2051 also includes an LED driver 265. The LED driver 265 is separate from the microcontroller 261 but is communicatively coupled thereto via the input / output means 264. The LED driver 265 is also communicatively coupled to the LEDs 2061 of the illumination assembly 206 for controlling the LEDs. As mentioned above, the lighting control electronics section 2051 may be communicatively coupled to the touch sensing control electronics section 2052 such that the LED driver 265 may control the LEDs 2061 of the lighting assembly 206 in response to touch events detected by the touch sensing control electronics section 2052.

[0108] 17 is a schematic diagram of an alternative exemplary embodiment of the illumination control electronics section 2051 for controlling the operation of the illumination assembly 206 of the aerosol generation device 2. This embodiment differs from the embodiment of FIG. 16 in that the LED driver 265 is integrated into the microcontroller 261 rather than being separate from the microcontroller 261. The LED driver 265 controls the LEDs 2061 of the illumination assembly 206 via the input / output means 264. The LED driver 265 may control the LEDs 2061 of the illumination assembly 206 in response to touch events detected by the touch sensing control electronics section 2052.

[0109] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating how the LEDs 2061 of the lighting assembly 206 may be coupled to the arrangement 8 across the row pins 81 and column pins 82. As can be seen, a single LED 2061 is coupled to the intersection of each rod pin 81 and column pin 82. When used in combination with the lighting control electronics section 2051 of FIG. 16 or 17, the LED driver 265 operates to illuminate each of the plurality of LEDs 2061 by activating the row pin 81 and column pin 82 to which the respective LED is connected. The LED driver 265 may operate to activate any combination of one or more of the LEDs 2061.

[0110] For purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and the like are to be understood in all instances as modified by the term "about." Also, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein. Thus, in this context, the number "A" is to be understood as "A" ± 10% of "A." Within this context, the number "A" may be considered to include numerical values ​​that are within the common standard error of measurement for the property that the number "A" modifies. The number "A," in some cases as used in the appended claims, may deviate by the percentages recited above, provided that the amount by which "A" deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein. The terms "in which" and "wherein" are used interchangeably throughout this specification.

Claims

1. 1. An aerosol generating system comprising: a housing, the arcuate portion of the housing comprising an arcuate outer surface; An aerosol generation system comprising: a touch sensor comprising at least one arcuate layer, the curvature of the arcuate layer at least partially matching the curvature of the arcuate outer surface of the arcuate portion of the housing.

2. 10. The aerosol generation system of claim 1, further comprising a control electronic circuit coupled to the touch sensor and configured to receive input from the touch sensor associated with a touch event.

3. 3. The aerosol generating system of claim 1, further comprising a viewing window having an arcuate outer surface.

4. 4. The aerosol generation system of claim 3, wherein the curvature of the arcuate outer surface of the display window at least partially matches the curvature of the arcuate outer surface of the arcuate portion of the housing, and optionally, the arcuate outer surface of the display window is flush with the arcuate outer surface of the arcuate portion of the housing.

5. 5. The aerosol generating system of claim 4, wherein the viewing window is mounted within an opening defined in the arcuate portion of the housing, the viewing window thus forming part of the housing.

6. An aerosol generation system as described in any one of claims 3 to 5, further comprising an illumination assembly comprising one or more light-emitting elements, the illumination assembly being positioned within the housing so as to transmit light through the display window.

7. 7. The aerosol generating system of claim 6, wherein the illumination assembly comprises a substantially planar surface having the one or more light emitting elements disposed thereon.

8. 8. The aerosol generation system of claim 1, wherein the arcuate layer is positioned within the housing such that the outwardly facing surface of the arcuate layer faces the inner surface of the arcuate portion of the housing.

9. 9. The aerosol generation system of claim 8, wherein the inner surface of the arcuate portion of the housing comprises an arcuate inner surface, and the arcuate inner surface and the outer surface of the arcuate portion of the housing have complementary curvatures.

10. 10. The aerosol generation system of claim 9, wherein the thickness of the arcuate portion of the housing measured between the arcuate inner surface and the outer surface of the arcuate portion of the housing is uniform, at least when the outwardly facing surface of the arcuate layer faces the arcuate inner surface of the arcuate portion of the housing.

11. 11. An aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the arcuate portion of the housing comprises or consists of a dielectric material.

12. 12. The aerosol generation system of claim 1, wherein the arcuate outer surface of the arcuate portion of the housing defines a touch interface for a user's finger.

13. 13. The aerosol generation system of any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a support member disposed within the housing, the arcuate layer being disposed on and supported on the arcuate outward surface of the support member.

14. 14. The aerosol generation system of claim 13, wherein the support member comprises a light guide assembly configured to direct light onto the arcuate outward facing surface of the support member.

15. 15. An aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the arcuate layer is configured to be transparent to the passage of light between opposing surfaces of the arcuate layer.

Images