Aerosol delivery device with article sensor

Abstract

An aerosol delivery device configured to receive at least a portion of an article containing an aerosol-generating material includes an article sensor and a processor. The article sensor includes an IR transmitter configured to transmit a first infrared (IR) signal to the article and an IR receiver configured to receive a second IR signal from the article. The second IR signal is provided by reflection of the first IR signal from the article. The processor is configured to determine article information from a characteristic of the second IR signal.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to aerosol delivery devices, aerosol delivery systems, and articles. [Background technology]

[0002] Smoking articles, such as cigarettes and cigars, burn tobacco during use to produce tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these tobacco-burning articles by creating products that release compounds without burning. An example of such a product is a heating device that does not burn a material but instead releases a compound by heating it. The material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a first aspect, there is provided an aerosol delivery device configured to receive at least a portion of an article including an aerosol-generating material, the aerosol delivery device comprising: an article sensor; and a processor; the article sensor comprising an IR transmitter configured to transmit a first infrared (IR) signal to the article; and an IR receiver configured to receive a second IR signal from the article, the second IR signal being provided by reflection of the first IR signal from the article; and the processor configured to determine article information from a characteristic of the second IR signal.

[0004] The characteristics of the second IR signal may depend on the color of the portion of the article.

[0005] The characteristics of the second IR signal may depend on the texture of the portion of the article.

[0006] The characteristics of the second IR signal may depend on the material of the portion of the article.

[0007] The characteristic of the IR signal may be a signal strength of the second IR signal. The characteristic of the IR signal may be a frequency of the second IR signal. The characteristic of the IR signal may be a wavelength of the second IR signal.

[0008] The item information includes the existence of the item.

[0009] The item information may include the type of item.

[0010] The item information may include the authentication status of the item.

[0011] The processor may be configured to select a heating session in response to the item information.

[0012] The processor may be configured to determine whether the second IR signal has a receiver signal strength below a detection threshold, and in response to the signal strength being below the detection threshold, may be configured to alter operating parameters of the article sensor to increase the signal strength.

[0013] The operating parameter may be a transmitter signal strength of the first IR signal.

[0014] The aerosol delivery device may include a light guide configured to receive the second IR signal from the article and transmit the second IR signal to the IR receiver.

[0015] The light guide may extend between the article and the IR receiver.

[0016] The light guide may redirect the IR signal.

[0017] The light guide may transmit IR signals along the length of the device.

[0018] The light guide may transmit the IR signal along a path between the article and the IR receiver.

[0019] The path may be determined by the geometry of the light guide.

[0020] The IR receiver may be positioned so that it is oriented perpendicular to the light guide.

[0021] The IR receiver may be positioned so that it is oriented along the same axis as the light guide.

[0022] The length of the light guide may be between 1 mm and 50 mm. The light guide may be about 1 mm to 12 mm in length.

[0023] The light guide 130 may have a length of at least 1 mm, at least 10 mm, at least 20 mm, at least 30 mm, or at least 40 mm.

[0024] The light guide may have a length of less than 10 mm, less than 12 mm, less than 20 mm, less than 30 mm, less than 40 mm, or less than 50 mm.

[0025] The light guide may have a transparency of greater than 32%. The transparency of the light guide may be 10% or greater, 20% or greater, 25% or greater, 30% or greater, 40% or greater.

[0026] The light guide may have a transparency of greater than 35%, greater than 37%, greater than 53%, greater than 66%, greater than 82%, or greater than 91%.

[0027] The light guide may have a transparency of less than 32%.

[0028] The aerosol delivery device may further include a second light guide configured to direct the IR signal from the IR transmitter to the article.

[0029] According to a second aspect, an article is provided that includes an aerosol-generating material, the article further including an indicator portion, the indicator portion configured to reflect a first IR signal and provide a second IR signal to an aerosol delivery device to indicate article information.

[0030] The indicator portion may be textured, the texture of the indicator portion indicating the item information.

[0031] The indicator portion may be colored, and the color of the indicator portion indicates the product information.

[0032] The indicator portion may be formed from a material that indicates the product information.

[0033] According to a third aspect, there is provided an aerosol delivery system comprising the aerosol delivery device described above and the article described above. The aerosol delivery system may include any of the features of the aerosol delivery device or article described above.

[0034] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a method of determining item information for an item, the method comprising the steps of transmitting a first IR signal to the item, receiving a second IR signal from the item, the second IR signal being provided by reflection of the first IR signal from the item, and determining the item information from a characteristic of the second IR signal. The method may include any of the feature or functional steps described with respect to the first, second and / or third aspects.

[0035] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided an article including an aerosol-forming material, the article including an indicator portion, the indicator portion including a magnetic material, the indicator portion indicating article information.

[0036] The indicator portion may include a printed ink containing a magnetic material.

[0037] The indicator portion may be a band that surrounds or substantially surrounds the article. For example, the band may surround at least 90% of the article. For example, the band may surround at least 95% of the article.

[0038] The article may be substantially cylindrical and the band surrounds the article.

[0039] The article may include an outer surface, the outer surface being formed from paper, and the magnetic material being disposed on the outer surface.

[0040] The item information may include the type of item.

[0041] The item information may include the authentication status of the item.

[0042] According to a sixth aspect, there is provided an aerosol delivery device configured to receive at least a portion of an article to form an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, the aerosol delivery device comprising an article sensor and a processor, the article sensor comprising a Hall effect sensor configured to receive a signal from the indicator portion, and the processor configured to determine article information from the signal.

[0043] The processor may be configured to select a heating session in response to the item information.

[0044] The processor may be configured to determine whether the signal has a receiver signal strength below a detection threshold, and in response to the signal strength being below the detection threshold, to modify an operating parameter of the article sensor to increase the signal strength. The operating parameter may be a current supplied to the Hall Effect sensor. The current may be increased to increase the signal strength.

[0045] According to a seventh aspect, there is provided an aerosol delivery system comprising the aerosol delivery device described above and the article described above.

[0046] According to an eighth aspect, there is provided a method of determining article information, the method comprising receiving a signal from an indicator portion of the article with a Hall effect sensor and determining the article information from the signal. The method may include any of the features or functional steps described in relation to the fifth, sixth and / or seventh aspects.

[0047] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0048] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view showing an aerosol delivery system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an article. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view showing an aerosol delivery system. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an aerosol delivery system. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an aerosol delivery device including a light guide. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0049] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming material" refers to a material that can generate an aerosol when, for example, heated, irradiated, or otherwise subjected to energy. Aerosol-forming materials may be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid, or gel, which may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings. Aerosol-forming materials may include any plant-based material, such as tobacco-containing materials, and may include, for example, one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. Aerosol-forming materials may also include other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine, depending on the product. Aerosol-forming materials may be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid, gel, or wax. Aerosol-forming materials may also be, for example, a combination or blend of materials. Aerosol-forming materials may also be known as "smokable materials."

[0050] The aerosol-forming material may include a binder and an aerosol-forming agent. Optionally, an active agent and / or a filler may be present. Optionally, a solvent, such as water, may also be present, in which one or more other components of the aerosol-forming material may or may not be soluble. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material is substantially free of plant material. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material is substantially free of tobacco.

[0051] The aerosol-generating material may include or be an "amorphous solid." An amorphous solid may be a "monolithic solid." In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dry gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material that can retain some fluid, such as a liquid, within the amorphous solid. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, about 50%, 60%, or 70% by weight of the amorphous solid, up to about 90%, 95%, or 100% by weight of the amorphous solid.

[0052] The aerosol-generating material may include an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may include or be a sheet that can optionally be shredded to form a shredded sheet. The aerosol-generating sheet or shredded sheet may be substantially free of tobacco.

[0053] According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustion" aerosol delivery system is one in which the constituent aerosol-generating materials (or components thereof) of the aerosol delivery system are not combusted or burned to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0054] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustion aerosol delivery system, such as a powered non-combustion aerosol delivery system.

[0055] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is a vaporization device or an electronic cigarette, also known as an electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

[0056] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a non-combustion heating system. One example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0057] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, where one or more aerosol-generating materials can be heated. Each aerosol-generating material can be, for example, in solid, liquid, or gel form and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material can include, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0058] Typically, a non-combustion aerosol delivery system may include a non-combustion aerosol delivery device and a consumable item for use with the non-combustion aerosol delivery device.

[0059] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to consumables, sometimes referred to as articles throughout this disclosure, that include aerosol-generating materials and are configured for use with non-combustion aerosol delivery devices.

[0060] In some embodiments, a non-combustion aerosol delivery system, such as a non-combustion aerosol delivery device, can include a power source and a controller. The power source can be, for example, an electrical power source or a heat-generating power source. In some embodiments, the heat-generating power source includes a carbon substrate that can be energized to deliver power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or a heat-transfer material in proximity to the heat-generating power source.

[0061] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system may include an area for receiving a consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0062] In some embodiments, consumables for use with non-combustion aerosol delivery devices may include an aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a packaging material, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0063] The aerosol-generating device can accept an article containing an aerosol-generating material for heating. An "article" in this context refers to a component that contains or contains the aerosol-generating material when used, and that is heated to volatilize the aerosol-generating material, and optionally other components when used. A user may insert the article into the aerosol-generating device before the article is heated to generate an aerosol, which the user then inhales. The article may be of a predetermined or specific size, for example, configured to be placed in a heating chamber of a device sized to accept the article.

[0064] 1 , aerosol delivery system 10 includes an aerosol delivery device 100 for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. Aerosol delivery system 10 further includes a replaceable article 110 that includes the aerosol-generating material. Generally, aerosol-forming device 100 can be used to heat article 110 to generate an aerosol or other inhalable medium that is inhaled by a user of device 100.

[0065] The aerosol-forming device 100 comprises a body 102. A housing structure surrounds and houses various components of the body 102. An article opening 104 is formed at one end of the body 102 through which an article 110 can be inserted for heating by the aerosol generator 200, which is described below with respect to FIG.

[0066] Device 100 may also include a user-operable control element 150, such as a button or switch, that, when pressed, operates device 100. For example, a user may turn device 100 on by operating switch 150.

[0067] The aerosol generator 200 defines a longitudinal axis that is aligned with the axis of the article 110 .

[0068] In use, the article 110 may be fully or partially inserted into the aerosol generator 200 and may be heated by one or more components of the aerosol generator 200 .

[0069] The device 100 includes an apparatus for heating an aerosol-generating material. The apparatus includes an aerosol-generating assembly, a controller (control circuitry), and a power source. The apparatus forms part of the body 102. The aerosol-generating assembly is configured to heat the aerosol-generating material of an article 110 inserted through the article opening 104 so that an aerosol is generated from the aerosol-generating material. The power source provides electrical power to the aerosol-generating assembly, which converts the provided electrical energy into thermal energy for heating the aerosol-generating material. The power source may be, for example, a battery, such as a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, lithium batteries (e.g., lithium-ion batteries), nickel batteries (e.g., nickel-cadmium batteries), and alkaline batteries.

[0070] The power source is electrically connected to the aerosol generation assembly and can provide power to heat the aerosol-generating material when needed under the control of the controller. The control circuitry can be configured to activate and deactivate the aerosol generation assembly based on user input, which can be a button press or the opening of a door on the device (e.g., a door covering a consumable receiving receptacle). The control circuitry can be configured to activate and deactivate automatically, for example, upon insertion of an item.

[0071] The aerosol-generating assembly may include various components for heating the aerosol-generating material through an induction heating process. Induction heating is a process of heating an electrically conductive heating element (such as a susceptor) by electromagnetic induction. The induction heating assembly may include an induction element, such as one or more inductor coils, and a device for applying a variable current, such as an alternating current, to the induction element. The variable current in the induction element generates a varying magnetic field. The varying magnetic field penetrates a susceptor (heating element) appropriately positioned relative to the induction element, generating eddy currents within the susceptor. The susceptor has an electrical resistance to the eddy currents, and therefore, the flow of eddy currents against this resistance heats the susceptor by Joule heating. If the susceptor includes a ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel, or cobalt, heat can also be generated by magnetic hysteresis losses within the susceptor, i.e., by changing the orientation of magnetic dipoles within the magnetic material as a result of alignment with the varying magnetic field. Induction heating generates heat within the susceptor, allowing for rapid heating, compared to heating by conduction, for example. Furthermore, no physical contact is required between the inductive element and the susceptor, allowing for greater flexibility in construction and application.

[0072] 2, the article 110 includes an indicator portion 112. The indicator portion 112 indicates article information. The article information includes the type of article 110, such as the fragrance, strength, and / or size of the article 110. The article 110 includes an aerosol-generating material (not shown in FIG. 2). In an example, the indicator portion 112 may be located at any portion of the article 110 that is inside the device 100 during use. For example, the indicator portion 112 may be located at any portion along the length of the article 110. In an example, the indicator portion 112 may be located near the opening 109 of the device 100 during use.

[0073] The indicator portion 112 is on an outer surface 114 of the article 110. The outer surface 114 may be formed from paper, with the indicator portion 112 printed on the paper. The indicator portion 112 is a band that surrounds the article 110. The indicator portion 112 surrounds the article 110. As described in more detail below, the indicator portion 112 may be a magnetic material or a portion that reflects an infrared (IR) signal.

[0074] 3, a portion of an article 110 is received in a receptacle 106 of aerosol delivery device 100. Receptacle 106 is a cylindrical chamber extending from article opening 104 into body 102. Article 110 is inserted into receptacle 106 through opening 104 such that identifier 112 is disposed within receptacle 106. Receptacle 106 is defined by a wall 108.

[0075] The aerosol delivery device 100 includes an aerosol generator 200. The aerosol generator 200 is a heating assembly. The aerosol generator 200 includes an inductive element 202. The inductive element 202 is an inductive coil that surrounds a receptacle 106. The aerosol generator 200 includes a susceptor element 108, which in this embodiment is a wall 108.

[0076] Aerosol delivery device 100 includes article sensor 116. Receptacle 108 includes opening 109. Article sensor 116 is disposed in opening 109. Article sensor 116 is disposed outside receptacle 108 beyond opening 109 such that article sensor 116 is in optical communication with receptacle 108 through opening 109. In some embodiments, wall 108 includes a translucent portion, and article sensor 116 is disposed outside wall 108 beyond the translucent portion.

[0077] The article sensor 116 is positioned such that when the article 110 is received within the receptacle 106, the indicator portion 112 is aligned with the article sensor 116. The indicator portion 112 may be positioned on any portion of the article 110 that is appropriately positioned within the device 100 during use.

[0078] The aerosol delivery device 100 includes a processor 118 in data communication with the article sensor 116 .

[0079] During use, a user inserts an item 110 into aerosol delivery device 100. The user activates user-operable control element 150, thereby causing the aerosol delivery device to perform an item identification process. In the item identification process, the item sensor receives a receiver signal from the indicator portion. A processor determines item information from the receiver signal. The item information includes the type of item. In some examples, the item information includes the presence of the item in the device or the authentication status of the item.

[0080] The processor executes a signal strength adjustment process in which the processor determines whether the receiver signal has a receiver signal strength below the detection threshold. To determine that the receiver signal strength is below the detection threshold, the processor may determine the signal-to-noise ratio of the optical signal, and if the signal-to-noise ratio is below the SNR threshold, it indicates that the receiver signal strength is below the detection threshold. To determine that the receiver signal strength is below the detection threshold, the processor may attempt to determine item information, and if the processor is unable to determine the item information, it may determine that the receiver signal strength is below the detection threshold. In response to determining that the receiver signal is below the detection threshold, the processor alters operating parameters of the article sensor to increase the receiver signal strength.

[0081] The aerosol generator 200 generates an aerosol from the article 110. The aerosol delivery device 100 supplies an alternating current to the inductor element 202, which causes the susceptor element 108 to heat the aerosol-generating material of the article 110.

[0082] The susceptor element 108 heats the aerosol-generating material by applying a heating profile at an operating temperature over an aerosol-generation session. The heating profile depends on the article information, with different heating profiles applied to different types of articles. The operating temperature depends on the article information, with the aerosol-generating material heated to different operating temperatures for different types of articles. The session length of the aerosol-generation session (i.e., the period over which the aerosol generator generates aerosol from the aerosol-generating material) depends on the article information, with different session lengths used for different types of articles.

[0083] At the end of the aerosol-generating session, the aerosol generator 200 stops generating aerosol from the aerosol-generating material, and the user removes the item 110 from the aerosol delivery device 100 and discards the item 110.

[0084] In some examples, the article sensor 116 is a Hall Effect sensor. The indicator portion 112 includes a magnetic material. The indicator portion 112 may include a printed ink that includes a magnetic material. The printed ink may be printed on an exterior surface of the article 110.

[0085] If the article sensor 116 is a Hall Effect sensor, the processor, in a signal strength adjustment process, increases the current supplied to the Hall Effect sensor to change the operating parameters of the article sensor and increase the receiver signal strength. In an example, the voltage supplied to the Hall Effect sensor may be increased. The sensitivity and / or resolution of the Hall Effect sensor may be increased. The mass and / or thickness of the magnetic material may be varied between article types to indicate the article type. In another example (as shown in more detail in FIG. 4 ), the article sensor 116 is an infrared (IR) sensor. The article sensor 116 includes a transmitter 120 and a receiver 122. The transmitter 120 is in optical communication with the article 110. The receiver 122 is in optical communication with the article 110. The transmitter is in optical communication with the indicator portion 112. The receiver 122 is in optical communication with the indicator portion 112.

[0086] The transmitter 120 is configured to transmit a transmitter signal to the article 110. The transmitter 120 is an IR source configured to transmit IR radiation to the article 110. The transmitter signal is a first IR signal.

[0087] The receiver 122 is configured to receive a receiver signal from the article 110. The transmitter signal causes a receiver signal to reach the receiver 122. The transmitter signal is reflected from the article 110, more specifically, from the indicator portion 112. The receiver 122 is an IR receiver configured to receive IR reflected from the article 110. The IR reflected from the article is a second IR signal. The processor 118 is configured to determine the article information from a characteristic of the second IR signal. The characteristic of the second IR signal is the frequency of the second IR signal.

[0088] In examples, the characteristic of the second IR signal may be a wavelength, a frequency, or a switch pulse.

[0089] In an example, indicator portion 112 may be a textured portion of article 110. The texture of the textured portion affects how the first IR signal is reflected to provide the second IR signal, such that the characteristics (in this example, frequency) of the second IR signal depend on the texture of the textured portion. The texture of the textured portion may correspond to article information that varies depending on the type of article, for example.

[0090] In an example, the textured portion of the article may be formed from paper or a similar type of material. The texture may be determined during manufacturing. For example, the texture may be determined during pressing, rolling, or drying of the paper material. In an example, the textured portion may be in the form of a dot or wrinkle pattern in the article.

[0091] In other examples, the color of the indicator portion may affect the characteristics of the second IR signal. The color of the indicator portion may correspond to item information that varies, for example, depending on the type of item. In examples, the indicator portion may include two or more colors. The indicator portion may include a black portion and a white portion. In examples, the indicator portion may include a red portion, a green portion, and / or a blue portion.

[0092] In other examples, the material of the indicator portion can affect the characteristics of the second IR signal. The material of the indicator portion can correspond to article information that varies depending on the type of article, for example.

[0093] In an example, a surface matrix of the indicator portion can affect the characteristics of the second IR signal. The surface matrix of the indicator portion can correspond to the item information. The surface matrix can include textured and / or colored portions. If the item sensor 116 is an IR sensor, the processor can increase the current to the transmitter 120 to change the operating parameters of the item sensor to increase the signal strength in a signal strength adjustment process. In an example, the voltage supply to the IR transmitter can be increased.

[0094] 5, there is shown a schematic diagram of an aerosol delivery device 100 and article 110, substantially as described above, further comprising a light guide 130. An IR transmitter 120 is adjacent to the indicator portion 112 of the article 110. An IR receiver 122 is spaced from the receptacle 106.

[0095] The light guide 130 has a first end 132 disposed adjacent the wall 108. A second end 134 of the light guide 130 is adjacent the IR receiver 120. The light guide 130 extends longitudinally along the device from the article 110 to the IR receiver 122. The light guide defines a path between the article 110 and the IR receiver 122.

[0096] The light guide 130 may have a length of at least 1 mm, at least 10 mm, at least 20 mm, at least 30 mm, or at least 40 mm.

[0097] In examples, the light guide may have a length of less than 10 mm, less than 12 mm, less than 20 mm, less than 30 mm, less than 40 mm, or less than 50 mm.

[0098] In examples, the light guide may have a length greater than 50 mm.

[0099] The transparency of the light guide may be 32% or greater. In some embodiments, the light guide may have a transparency of greater than 35%, greater than 37%, greater than 53%, greater than 66%, greater than 82%, or greater than 91%.

[0100] In an example, the light guide may have a transparency of less than 32%.

[0101] In examples, the light guide may have a transparency of 10% or more, 20% or more, 25% or more, 30% or more, 40% or more.

[0102] In use, transmitter 120 initially transmits a first IR transmitter signal to article 110. The transmitter signal is reflected from article 110, and more specifically, from indicator portion 112. The IR reflected from the article is a second IR signal.

[0103] The second IR signal is received at a first end 132 of the light guide 130. The second IR signal is transmitted through the light guide 130 from its first end 132 to its second end 134.

[0104] A second IR signal is emitted from the light guide 130 at a second end 134. The second end 134 of the light guide is oriented parallel to the IR receiver 122. The second IR signal is received by the IR receiver 122. The light guide 130 concentrates the second IR signal and provides an amplified signal to the IR receiver 122. The processor 118 is configured to determine the item information from a characteristic of the second IR signal.

[0105] In an embodiment, the IR receiver is oriented along the same axis as the light guide. An IR receiver oriented along the same axis may mean that the IR receiver is configured to receive signals propagating along the axis, signals parallel to the axis, or signals with a component parallel to the axis. In an embodiment, the IR receiver is oriented perpendicular to the light guide. An IR receiver oriented perpendicular to the light guide may mean that the IR receiver is configured to receive signals emanating from the light guide perpendicular to the path along which they were transmitted.

[0106] In embodiments, the path defined by the light guide 130 may vary. For example, the path may not have a bend at the second end 132. The light guide may be wrapped around the receptacle 106.

[0107] In embodiments, the second end of the light guide may be located at the mouth end of the device. The aerosol delivery device may be provided as a two-part device including a first boundary and a second boundary that are separable at the boundary between the first and second portions. The article is insertable into a receptacle that extends across the boundary to the first and second portions. The indicator portion is positioned to be received in the first portion. The IR transmitter is positioned in the first portion of the aerosol delivery device. The IR receiver is positioned in the second portion of the aerosol delivery device. The reflected signal passes through the boundary between the first and second portions of the aerosol delivery device before being received by the IR receiver. The light guide is configured to extend across the boundary between the first and second portions of the aerosol delivery device to guide the signal to the IR receiver.

[0108] In an embodiment, the light guide is ring-shaped to receive signals from items along the inner surface of the light guide, where the light guide is configured to transmit the signals to an IR receiver.

[0109] In an embodiment, a further light guide may be provided that extends from the IR transmitter to the article, more specifically to the indicator portion, and in use, the further light guide transmits a first IR signal from the IR transmitter to the indicator portion of the article.

[0110] In the embodiments described above, the aerosol delivery device includes a heating element that is an induction heating element. In some embodiments, other types of heating elements, such as resistive heating, are used. The device configuration is generally as described above, and therefore a detailed description is omitted. In such configurations, the aerosol generation assembly includes a resistive heating generator that includes components for heating a heating element via a resistive heating process. In this case, an electric current is applied directly to the resistive heating element, and the resulting current flow in the heating element causes the heating element to heat by Joule heating. The resistive heating element includes a resistive material configured to generate heat when an appropriate electric current passes through the resistive heating element, and the heating assembly includes electrical contacts for supplying the electric current to the resistive material.

[0111] In an embodiment, the heating element forms the resistive heating component itself, hi an embodiment, the resistive heating component transfers heat to the heating element, for example by conduction.

[0112] The various embodiments described herein are presented solely to aid in the understanding and teaching of the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as a representative sample of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on the equivalents of the claims, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the present invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of any suitable combination of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. Furthermore, the present disclosure may include other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. an aerosol delivery device configured to receive at least a portion of an article including an aerosol-generating material, the aerosol delivery device comprising: an article sensor; and a processor; The article sensor an infrared (IR) transmitter configured to transmit a first IR signal to the article; an IR receiver configured to receive a second IR signal from the item; wherein the second IR signal is provided by reflection of the first IR signal from the article; The aerosol delivery device, wherein the processor is configured to determine article information from a characteristic of the second IR signal.

2. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1 , wherein the characteristic of the second IR signal depends on a color of a portion of the article.

3. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the characteristic of the second IR signal depends on the texture of the portion of the article.

4. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the characteristic of the second IR signal depends on the material of the portion of the article.

5. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1 , wherein the item information includes the presence of the item.

6. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the product information includes a type of the product.

7. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1 , wherein the item information includes an authentication status of the item.

8. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the processor is configured to select a heating session in response to the product information.

9. 9. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to determine whether the second IR signal has a receiver signal strength below a detection threshold, and in response to the receiver signal strength being below the detection threshold, modify an operating parameter of the article sensor to increase the receiver signal strength.

10. The aerosol delivery device of claim 9 , wherein the operating parameter is a transmitter signal strength of the first IR signal.

11. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising a light guide configured to receive the second IR signal from the article and transmit the second IR signal to the IR receiver.

12. 12. An aerosol delivery system comprising the aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 11 and an article, wherein the article comprises an indicator portion, the indicator portion configured to reflect the first IR signal and provide the second IR signal.

13. 13. The aerosol delivery system of claim 12, wherein the indicator portion is textured, and the texture of the indicator portion indicates product information.

14. 14. The aerosol delivery system of claim 12 or 13, wherein the indicator portion is colored, and the color of the indicator portion indicates product information.

15. 1. A method for determining item information for an item, comprising: transmitting a first IR signal to the article; receiving a second IR signal from the article, the second IR signal being provided by reflection of the first IR signal from the article; determining the article information from a characteristic of the second IR signal; A method comprising:

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