Aerosol delivery device with optical sensor

Abstract

An aerosol delivery device configured to receive at least a portion of an article containing an aerosol-generating material includes an optical sensor, a light guide, and a processor. The light guide is configured to receive an optical signal from the article and transmit the optical signal to the optical sensor. The optical sensor is configured to receive the optical signal from the light guide. The processor is configured to determine article information from a characteristic of the optical 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 to produce tobacco smoke during use. 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 releases compounds by heating a material without burning it. The material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, and 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 optical sensor, an optical guide, and a processor, the optical guide configured to receive an optical signal from the article and transmit the optical signal to the optical sensor, the optical sensor configured to receive the optical signal from the light guide, and the processor configured to determine article information from a characteristic of the optical signal. 【0004】 The light guide may extend between the article and the light sensor. 【0005】 The light guide may change the direction of the light signal. 【0006】 The light guide may transmit the optical signal along the length of the device. 【0007】 The light guide may transmit the light signal along a path between the article and the light sensor. 【0008】 The path may be determined by the geometry of the light guide. 【0009】 The light sensor may be positioned so that it is oriented perpendicular to the light guide. 【0010】 The light sensor may be positioned so that it is oriented along the same axis as the light guide. 【0011】 The aerosol delivery device may include a heating chamber, and the optical sensor is located at a distal end of the heating chamber, away from the mouth end of the aerosol delivery device. 【0012】 The optical sensor may be located away from the mouth end of the aerosol delivery device. 【0013】 The item information may include the presence of the item. 【0014】 The item information may include the type of item. 【0015】 The item information may include the authentication status of the item. 【0016】 The light sensor may be a color sensor. 【0017】 The optical sensor may be an infrared sensor. 【0018】 The light sensor may be an analog camera. 【0019】 The light sensor may be a digital camera. 【0020】 The aerosol delivery device may further comprise a light source for transmitting an optical signal to the article, the optical signal being provided to the sensor by reflection of the optical signal transmitted from the light source to the article. 【0021】 The light guide may be further configured to direct the light signal from the light source to the article. 【0022】 The aerosol delivery device may further comprise a second light guide configured to direct the light signal from the light source to the article. 【0023】 The light source may be located adjacent the mouth end of the aerosol delivery device. 【0024】 The light source may be arranged to be positioned adjacent to the light sensor. 【0025】 The optical sensor may be an image sensor. 【0026】 The length of the light guide may be between 1 mm and 50 mm. The light guide may be between about 1 mm and 12 mm in length. 【0027】 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. 【0028】 The light guide can concentrate the optical signal and provide an amplified signal to the optical sensor. 【0029】 The aerosol delivery device may include a first portion and a second portion separable at a boundary between the first portion and the second portion. 【0030】 The optical signal may pass through a boundary between the first and second portions of the aerosol delivery device before being received by the optical sensor. 【0031】 The light guide may be positioned across the boundary between the first and second portions of the aerosol delivery device. 【0032】 The light guide may be ring shaped to receive light reflected from items around the inner surface of the light guide. 【0033】 The light guide may comprise an endoscope, the endoscope comprising an optical fiber for receiving the light signal from the article and transmitting the light signal to the light sensor. 【0034】 The characteristics of the light signal may depend on the identifier placed on the item. 【0035】 The identifier may include multiple colored portions. 【0036】 The plurality of colored portions may be arranged in a color matrix including red, green, and blue (RBG) portions. 【0037】 The matrix may include three rows and three columns. 【0038】 The aerosol delivery device may further comprise an article sensor positioned to detect insertion of an article into the aerosol delivery device. 【0039】 According to a second aspect, there is provided an article comprising an aerosol-forming material, the article further comprising an indicator moiety. 【0040】 The indicator portion may reflect the first light signal to provide a reflected light signal indicative of the article information. 【0041】 According to a third aspect, there is provided an aerosol delivery device configured to receive at least a portion of an article comprising an aerosol-generating material, the aerosol delivery device comprising a camera and a processor, the camera configured to capture an image of the portion of the article and transmit the image to the processor, and the processor configured to determine article information from characteristics of the image. 【0042】 The camera may be a digital camera. 【0043】 The camera may be an analog camera. 【0044】 The camera may be positioned proximal to the mouth end of the aerosol delivery device. 【0045】 The camera may be positioned away from the mouth end of the aerosol delivery device. 【0046】 The aerosol delivery device may further comprise a light source. 【0047】 The light source may be in communication with the camera. 【0048】 The light sources may be configured to transmit light synchronously when the cameras are activated. 【0049】 The light source may be located adjacent to the camera. 【0050】 The light source may be located remotely from the camera. 【0051】 The light source may be an LED. 【0052】 The item information may include the presence of the item. 【0053】 The item information may include the type of item. 【0054】 The item information includes the authentication status of the item. 【0055】 The processor may be configured to authenticate the item in response to determining the item information from the image. 【0056】 The processor may be configured to select a heating session in response to identifying the item information from the image. 【0057】 The processor may be configured to communicate with a second device external to the aerosol delivery device. 【0058】 The second device may be configured to display the item information to a user. 【0059】 The aerosol delivery device may further comprise an article sensor positioned to detect insertion of an article into the aerosol delivery device. 【0060】 The item sensor may be configured to transmit a signal to the camera. 【0061】 The camera is activated in response to receiving a signal indicating that an article has been inserted into the aerosol delivery device. 【0062】 The article sensor may be located at the mouth end of the aerosol delivery device. 【0063】 The article sensor may comprise a Hall sensor. 【0064】 The article sensor may comprise a mechanical sensor. 【0065】 The article sensor may comprise an optical sensor. 【0066】 The article sensor may comprise a laser sensor. 【0067】 The item sensor may comprise a camera. 【0068】 According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a system comprising an aerosol delivery device according to the first or third aspect and an article, the article comprising a portion including indicia. 【0069】 The indicia may include a QR code. 【0070】 The indicia may include a bar code. 【0071】 The indicium may include a color matrix. 【0072】 The indicium may include multiple colored portions. 【0073】 The plurality of colored portions may be arranged in a color matrix including red, green, and blue (RBG) portions. 【0074】 The matrix may include three rows and three columns. 【0075】 According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a method of operating an aerosol delivery system, the method comprising: receiving, at a sensor receiver, a signal including an item identifier; and, upon receipt of the signal, assigning a flag to the item identifier, the flag indicating that an item associated with the item identifier has been used. 【0076】 The method may further include determining whether a flag has already been assigned to the item identifier. 【0077】 The method may include preventing operation of a heating assembly in the aerosol supply if it is determined that a flag has been assigned to the item identifier indicating that the item associated with the item identifier has been used. 【0078】 The sensor receiver may include a camera configured to receive the item identifier. 【0079】 The item identifier may include a QR code. 【0080】 The item identifier may include a bar code. 【0081】 The signal may further include item information. 【0082】 The item information may include the type of item. 【0083】 The item information may include the authentication status of the item. 【0084】 The method may include applying a particular mode of operation to the usage session in response to identifying the characteristic of the item information. 【0085】 The method may further include connecting to an external processor and / or storage device via a Bluetooth® connection, wherein the flag is assigned to the external processor and / or storage device. 【0086】 According to a sixth aspect, there is provided an aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol delivery device and an article comprising an aerosol-generating material, wherein the aerosol delivery device is configured to receive at least a portion of the article, the aerosol delivery device comprises a sensor configured to receive a signal comprising an article identifier, the aerosol delivery system comprises a processor configured to determine article information from the signal, and the processor is further configured to assign a flag to the article identifier to indicate that the article associated with the identifier has been used. 【0087】 The processor may be further configured to determine whether the item identifier has already been assigned a flag. 【0088】 The processor may be configured to prevent operation of the aerosol delivery device if the item identifier has already been assigned a flag indicating that the item associated with the item identifier has been used. 【0089】 The sensor may comprise a camera positioned to receive a signal including the item identifier. 【0090】 The sensor may be located away from the mouth end of the aerosol delivery device. 【0091】 The processor may be configured to assign additional item information to the item identifier. 【0092】 The additional item information may include a digital signature. 【0093】 The digital signature may include item information. 【0094】 The digital signature may include the type of item. 【0095】 The item information may include the authentication status of the item. 【0096】 The aerosol delivery device may further comprise an article sensor positioned to detect insertion of an article into the aerosol delivery device. 【0097】 The article sensor may be located at the mouth end of the aerosol delivery device. 【0098】 The article sensor may comprise a Hall sensor. 【0099】 The article sensor may comprise a mechanical sensor. 【0100】 The article sensor may comprise an optical sensor. 【0101】 The article sensor may comprise a laser sensor. 【0102】 The item sensor may comprise a camera. 【0103】 The features or optional features of any embodiment specified above may be combined with or included in the aerosol delivery device, article, method or system of any other embodiment. [Brief explanation of the drawings] 【0104】 Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a side view of an aerosol delivery system. [Figure 2] 1 shows a perspective view of an article. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of an aerosol delivery system. [Figure 4] 1 shows a schematic diagram of an aerosol delivery device comprising a light guide. [Figure 5] 1 shows a schematic diagram of an aerosol delivery device equipped with a camera. [Figure 6] 1 shows a flow chart illustrating a method of operating an aerosol delivery system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 【0105】 As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating material" refers to a material that can generate an aerosol when energized, for example, by heating, irradiation, or any other method. Aerosol-generating 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-generating materials may include any plant-based material, such as tobacco-containing materials, including, for example, one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. Aerosol-generating materials may also include other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine, depending on the product. Aerosol-generating materials may be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid, gel, or wax. Aerosol-generating materials may also be, for example, a combination or blend of materials. Aerosol-generating materials may also be known as "smokable materials." 【0106】 The aerosol-forming material may include a binder and an aerosol-forming agent. Optionally, an active agent and / or a filler may also 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. 【0107】 The aerosol-generating material may include or be an "amorphous solid." The 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 may retain some fluid, such as a liquid, within the amorphous solid. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may contain, for example, from about 50%, 60%, or 70% amorphous solid by weight, up to about 90%, 95%, or 100% amorphous solid by weight. 【0108】 The aerosol-generating material may include an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may include or be a sheet that may optionally be shredded to form a shredded sheet. The aerosol-generating sheet or shredded sheet may be substantially free of tobacco. 【0109】 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. 【0110】 In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustion aerosol delivery system, such as a powered non-combustion aerosol delivery system. 【0111】 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. 【0112】 In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a non-combustion heating system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system. 【0113】 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 of the aerosol-generating materials can be, for example, in solid, liquid, or gel form and can contain nicotine or not. 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. 【0114】 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. 【0115】 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. 【0116】 In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system, e.g., the 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 proximate the heat-generating power source. 【0117】 In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system may include an area for receiving consumables, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. 【0118】 In some embodiments, consumables for use with non-combustion aerosol delivery devices may include aerosol-generating materials, aerosol-generating material storage areas, aerosol-generating material transfer components, aerosol generators, aerosol-generating areas, housings, packaging, filters, mouthpieces, and / or aerosol modifiers. 【0119】 The aerosol-generating device can accept an article containing an aerosol-generating material for heating. An "article" in this context is a component that includes or contains the aerosol-generating material when used, and optionally other components when used, that is heated to volatilize the aerosol-generating material. A user may insert the article into the aerosol-generating device before the article is heated to generate an aerosol, and the user then inhales the aerosol. The article may be of a predetermined or specific size, for example, configured to be placed in a heating chamber of the device sized to accept the article. 【0120】 1 , an aerosol delivery system 10 includes an aerosol delivery device 100 for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol delivery system 10 further includes a replaceable article 110 that includes the aerosol-generating material. Generally, the aerosol-forming device 100 may be used to heat the article 110 to generate an aerosol or other inhalable medium that is inhaled by a user of the device 100. 【0121】 The aerosol-forming device 100 comprises a body 102. A housing structure surrounds and houses the 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 Figure 3. The article opening 104 is formed at the mouth end of the device. 【0122】 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 can turn device 100 on by operating switch 150. 【0123】 The aerosol generator 200 defines a longitudinal axis 152 that is aligned with the axis of the article 110 . 【0124】 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 . 【0125】 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 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 (such as lithium-ion batteries), nickel batteries (such as nickel-cadmium batteries), and alkaline batteries. 【0126】 The power source may be electrically coupled to the aerosol generation assembly and may provide power to heat the aerosol-generating material when needed under the control of the controller. The control circuitry may be configured to activate and deactivate the aerosol generation assembly based on user input. The user input may be via a button press or the opening of a door on the device (e.g., a door covering a consumable receiving receptacle). The control circuitry may be configured to activate and deactivate automatically, for example, upon insertion of an item. 【0127】 The aerosol-generating assembly may include various components for heating the aerosol-generating material via 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 via Joule heating. If the susceptor includes a ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel, or cobalt, heat may also be generated by magnetic hysteresis losses within the susceptor, i.e., by a change in 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, as 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. 【0128】 2, the article 110 includes an identifier 113. The identifier 113 may be disposed as part of the indicator portion 112. The identifier 113 and / or the indicator portion 112 include indicia that indicate article information. The article information includes the type of article 110, for example, the flavor, strength, authentication status, and / or size of the article 110. The article 110 includes an aerosol-generating material (not shown in FIG. 2). 【0129】 The indicator portion 112 and / or identifier 113 are on an exterior surface 114 of the article 110. The exterior surface 114 may be formed from paper, with the indicator portion 112 and / or identifier 113 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 colored region that reflects an optical signal. 【0130】 In an embodiment, there may be no identifier 113, and only indicator portion 112 is provided. In an embodiment, indicator portion may comprise a plurality of colored bands that wrap around outer surface 114 of article 110. 【0131】 In an embodiment, the identifier 113 is disposed on the exterior surface 114 of the article 110 in any portion of the article 110. The identifier 113 may include multiple colored portions. The colored portions may be arranged in a color matrix including red, green, and blue (RGB) portions. The matrix may include three rows and three columns. 【0132】 In an embodiment, the indicia comprises a QR code or a barcode. 【0133】 3, a portion of article 110 is received in 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 113 and / or indicator portion 112 are disposed within receptacle 106. Receptacle 160 is defined by wall 108. 【0134】 The aerosol delivery device 100 comprises an aerosol generator 200. The aerosol generator 200 is a heating assembly. The aerosol generator 200 comprises an inductive element 202. The inductive element 202 is an inductive coil (also called a "heating coil") that surrounds a receptacle 106. The aerosol generator 200 comprises a susceptor element 108, which in this embodiment is a wall 108. The receptacle 106 thus defines a heating chamber of the device 100. 【0135】 Aerosol delivery device 100 includes a light sensor 120 and a light guide 130. A first end of light guide 130 is positioned proximate to identifier 113 of the item. 【0136】 In an embodiment, optical sensor 120 is located at the distal end of heating chamber 106, away from the mouth end of aerosol delivery device 100. This is beneficial because the greatest condensation and heating, which may affect the operation of optical sensor 120, is found at the mouth end of device 100. 【0137】 Referring to Figure 4, a schematic diagram of an aerosol delivery device 100 and an article 110 is shown. The article 110 is inserted through an article opening disposed within a heating chamber 106 defined by a wall 108. A light guide 130 has a first end 132 disposed adjacent to the wall 108. A second end of the light guide 130 is adjacent to the light sensor 120. The light guide 130 extends longitudinally along the device from the article 110 to the light sensor 120. The light guide defines a path between the article 110 and the light sensor 120. 【0138】 The light source 122 is positioned adjacent to the item identifier 113. The light source 120 may be, for example, an LED. 【0139】 The light guide 130 has a length of at least 1 mm, at least 10 mm, at least 20 mm, at least 30 mm, or at least 40 mm. 【0140】 In embodiments, 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. 【0141】 In an embodiment, the light guide may have a length greater than 50 mm. 【0142】 The transparency of the light guide is 32% or greater. In embodiments, the light guide may have a transparency of greater than 37%, greater than 53%, greater than 66%, greater than 82%, or greater than 91%. 【0143】 In an embodiment, the light guide may have a transparency of less than 32%. 【0144】 In embodiments, the light guide may have a transparency of 10% or more, 20% or more, 25% or more, 30% or more, 40% or more. 【0145】 In use, the light source 122 is activated and transmits a light signal towards the item 110 . 【0146】 The reflected light signal is reflected back by the indicator 113 on the article 110. The reflected light signal is received at a first end 132 of the light guide 130. The reflected light signal is transmitted from the first end 132 to a second end 134 of the light guide 130. 【0147】 The reflected light signal exits light guide 130 at second end 134. Light guide second end 134 is oriented parallel to light sensor 120. The reflected light signal is received by light sensor 120. Light guide 130 collects the reflected light signal and provides an amplified light signal to the light sensor. 【0148】 In embodiments, the light sensor is oriented along the same axis as the light guide. A light sensor oriented along the same axis may mean that the light sensor is configured to receive light traveling along the axis, parallel to the axis, or with a component parallel to the axis. In embodiments, the light sensor is oriented perpendicular to the light guide. A light sensor oriented perpendicular to the light guide may mean that the light sensor is configured to receive light exiting the light guide perpendicular to the path the light was transmitted through. 【0149】 Aerosol delivery device 100 further includes a processor (not shown) configured to receive information from optical sensor 120 and determine article information from characteristics of the optical signal. 【0150】 The processor is further configured to perform a specific action on the aerosol generation device. For example, when the processor determines that the item indicator 113 includes a specific color, the processor may control and unlock the aerosol delivery device 100. In another example, the processor may determine the presence of an item to initiate a usage session. In another example, the processor may determine the type of consumable item from the item information, and in response, the processor may control the aerosol delivery device 100 to operate in a predetermined mode corresponding to a predetermined heating profile. 【0151】 An article sensor 140 may further be provided within aerosol delivery device 100 toward the opening. Article sensor 140 is located proximate article opening 104 at the mouth end of device 100. Article sensor 140 is positioned to detect the insertion of article 110 into the aerosol delivery device. 【0152】 The article sensor 140 is in communication with the processor. In response to the article sensor 140 communicating to the processor that the article 110 has been inserted into the receptacle 106, the processor is configured to control and activate the light source 112. 【0153】 The article sensor 140 may be a mechanical sensor that includes a physical component, such as a trigger or button, that is displaced when the article 110 is inserted into the receptacle 106. In response to the physical component being displaced, the sensor communicates to the processor that the article 110 has been inserted into the receptacle 106. 【0154】 In an embodiment, the article sensor may be an interruption sensor comprising a light source and a light receiver. The light source may be located on the opposite side of the receptacle 106 from the light receiver. The light source is configured to emit a constant light beam that is received by the light receiver. When the article 110 is inserted into the receptacle 106, the light beam is interrupted. The light received by the light receiver is interrupted, and the sensor communicates to the processor that the article 110 has been inserted into the receptacle 106. Alternatively, the interruption sensor may be replaced with a laser sensor comprising a laser source and a laser receiver that operates in substantially the same manner. 【0155】 In an embodiment, the article sensor may comprise a Hall sensor that detects when an article containing a metal component is inserted into the receptacle, hi an embodiment, the article sensor may comprise a camera-type sensor for detecting insertion. 【0156】 In embodiments, activation of the light source and light sensor is independent of the article sensor, for example, the light source may be activated in response to a user input. 【0157】 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 wrap around the receptacle 106. 【0158】 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 with first and second boundaries separable at the boundary between the first and second portions. The article is insertable into a heating chamber extending across the boundary into the first and second portions. The indicator portion is positioned to be received in the first portion. The light source is positioned in the first portion of the aerosol delivery device. The light sensor is positioned in the second portion of the aerosol delivery device. The reflected light signal passes through the boundary between the first and second portions of the aerosol delivery device before being received by the light sensor. The light guide is configured to extend across the boundary between the first and second portions of the aerosol delivery device and guide the light signal to the light sensor. 【0159】 In an embodiment, the light guide is ring-shaped to receive reflected light from articles around the inner surface of the light guide, and the light guide is configured to transmit the reflected light to a light sensor. 【0160】 In an embodiment, a further light guide may be provided, which may extend from the light source to the item identifier, and in use, the further light guide transmits light from the light source to a particular portion of the item that comprises the item identifier. 【0161】 In an embodiment, the wall 108 includes a translucent portion adjacent the first end of the light guide 130, with the light guide and light sensor located outside the heating chamber. 【0162】 The light sensor may be a different type of light sensor, for example an image sensor, an optical sensor, or an infrared (IR) sensor. 【0163】 In an embodiment, the guide comprises an endoscope, the endoscope comprising an optical fiber for receiving an optical signal from the article and transmitting the optical signal to an optical sensor. 【0164】 4, according to a further aspect, aerosol delivery device 300 may include a camera 310 instead of an optical sensor. The aerosol delivery device includes a processor (not shown). In an embodiment, camera 320 is a digital camera. 【0165】 As in the previous embodiment, an item 310 is inserted into a heating chamber 306. The heating chamber 306 is defined by a wall 308. The item 310 includes an identifier 312. The identifier 312 is an image. In an embodiment, the identifier may be one or more of a simple image object, a QR code, a color matrix (e.g., an RGB matrix), a blink code, or a color code. 【0166】 The camera 320 is configured to capture an image of at least a portion of the aerosol product item 310, including the identifier 312. The camera 320 is configured to transmit a digital signature of the captured image to the processor. 【0167】 The camera 320 is positioned proximal to the mouth end of the aerosol delivery device to minimize interference from condensation. In embodiments, the camera may be positioned away from the mouth end of the device. 【0168】 The processor is configured to receive the digital signature from the camera 320 and determine item information from the image. The item information may include one or more of the presence of the item, the type of item, and the authentication status of the item. 【0169】 The processor may be further configured to authenticate the item in response to determining the item information from the image and / or select a heating session in response to identifying the item information from the image. 【0170】 Aerosol delivery device 300 is also provided with article sensor 340. Article sensor 340 is provided and functions in substantially the same manner as article sensor 140 described above. 【0171】 A light source 322 configured to transmit light toward the article 310 is also disposed adjacent to the camera 320. The light source 322 may be an LED. The light source 322 is in communication with the camera 320. The light source 322 is configured to transmit light synchronously with the camera 320 when the camera 320 is activated. 【0172】 During use, article sensor 340 detects the insertion of article 310 into aerosol delivery device 100. In response to article sensor 340 communicating to processor that article 310 has been inserted into receptacle 206, processor is configured to control light source 312 and camera 320 to operate in synchronization. 【0173】 In embodiments, activation of the light source and light sensor is independent of the article sensor, for example, the light source may be activated in response to a user input. 【0174】 In an embodiment, the light source may be located remotely from the camera. A light guide may be provided between the light source and the item to direct the light signal towards the identifier. 【0175】 In an embodiment, an analog camera is provided. If an analog camera is provided, the identifier 312 of the item 310 may be one or more of a simple image object, a QR code, a color matrix, a blink code, or a color code. The color matrix may include a grid of nine colored sections, for example a 3x3 matrix. The color matrix may be an RGB matrix. Various arrangements of colors and grids may be used. 【0176】 In embodiments, the processor may be connected to a second device external to the aerosol delivery device, the second device configured to display the product information to a user in a user interface, and the second device may be configured to control the processor of the aerosol delivery via user input to the user interface. 【0177】 According to a further embodiment, aerosol delivery device 100 may be operated as shown in the flow chart of Figure 6. The method may include any of the features or functional steps described above. 【0178】 In a first step 200 , an article 110 is inserted into the aerosol delivery device 100 such that at least a portion of the article 110 , including the indicator portion 112 or identifier 113 , is received in the receptacle 106 of the device 100 . 【0179】 In step 210, the article sensor 140 detects the insertion and communicates to the processor that the article 110 has been inserted into the receptacle 106. 【0180】 In response, the processor controls to activate the light source 112. In step 220, the light source transmits a light signal towards the article 110. The reflected light signal is reflected back by the indicator portion 112 or the identifier 113. The reflected light signal includes the article information. 【0181】 In step 230, the optical sensor 120 receives the reflected light signal, and in step 240, the processor determines the article information. 【0182】 In step 250, the processor assigns a flag to the identifier to indicate that the item associated with the item identifier has been used. 【0183】 The processor also determines from the item information whether a flag has already been assigned to the item. If it is determined in step 260 that the item identifier has previously been assigned a flag indicating that the item associated with the item identifier has been used, operation of the aerosol delivery device is prevented. 【0184】 In embodiments, a particular mode of operation for a use session may be initiated in response to identifying a characteristic of the item information. For example, the use session may be operable in a boost mode in response to the characteristic of the item information. In embodiments, a personalized use session appropriate for the type of item identified by the processor may be initiated. 【0185】 In embodiments, any of the aerosol delivery devices may connect to an external processor and / or storage device via a Bluetooth connection. The external processor and / or storage device may include a user interface, such as an application. In embodiments, a flag is assigned to the external processor and / or storage device. 【0186】 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 including 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 a suitable electric current passes through the resistive heating element, and the heating assembly includes electrical contacts for supplying the electric current to the resistive material. 【0187】 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. 【0188】 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 modifications 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

[Claim 1] An aerosol supply device configured to receive at least a portion of an article containing an aerosol-generating material, wherein the aerosol supply device comprises a light sensor, a light guide, and a processor. The optical guide is configured to receive an optical signal from the article and transmit the optical signal to the optical sensor. The optical sensor is configured to receive the optical signal from the optical guide, and the processor is configured to determine item information from the characteristics of the optical signal. The aerosol supply device comprises a first portion and a second portion that are separable at the boundary between the first portion and the second portion, An aerosol supply device in which the optical guide is positioned to cross the boundary between the first and second portions of the aerosol supply device. [Claim 2] The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the optical guide extends between the article and the optical sensor. [Claim 3] The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the optical guide transmits the optical signal along a path between the article and the optical sensor. [Claim 4] The aerosol supply device according to claim 3, wherein the path is determined by the geometric shape of the optical guide. [Claim 5] The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol supply device comprises a heating chamber, and the optical sensor is located at the distal end of the heating chamber, away from the intake end of the aerosol supply device. [Claim 6] The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the item information includes one or more of the existence of the item, the type of the item, and / or the authentication status of the item. [Claim 7] The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the light sensor is one of a color sensor, an infrared sensor, or an image sensor. [Claim 8] The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the optical sensor is an analog camera. [Claim 9] The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the optical sensor is a digital camera. [Claim 10] The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, further comprising a light source for transmitting an optical signal to the article, wherein the optical signal is provided to the optical sensor by reflection of the optical signal transmitted from the light source to the article. [Claim 11] The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the optical guide is approximately 1 mm to 50 mm in length, and optionally, the optical guide is 1 mm to 12 mm in length. [Claim 12] The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the optical guide has at least 32% transparency. [Claim 13] The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, further comprising a second optical guide configured to guide the optical signal from the light source to the article. [Claim 14] The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the optical signal passes through the boundary between the first and second portions of the aerosol supply device before being received by the optical sensor. [Claim 15] The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the optical guide is ring-shaped so as to receive reflected light from the article around the inner surface of the optical guide. [Claim 16] The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the optical guide comprises an endoscope, and the endoscope comprises an optical fiber for receiving the optical signal from the article and transmitting the optical signal to the optical sensor. [Claim 17] The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the characteristics of the optical signal depend on an identifier placed on the article. [Claim 18] The aerosol supply device according to claim 17, wherein the identifier includes one or more of a plurality of colored portions, the plurality of colored portions are arranged in a color matrix including red, green, and blue (RGB) portions, and the color matrix includes three rows and three columns.

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