Battery Module System

Abstract

A battery module system for an aerosol generating device includes a battery sensor device including an optical sensor, the battery module system further including a battery cell including one or more markings, the optical sensor configured to detect a change in a characteristic of the one or more markings indicative of a change in the physical size of at least a region of the battery cell.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery module system for an aerosol generating device. The present disclosure also relates to an aerosol generating device. The present disclosure also relates to a method for monitoring battery cells of a battery module system. [Background technology]

[0002] As the demand for aerosol generating devices increases, so does the need for miniaturization. To reduce the size of these aerosol generating devices, larger components, such as the power source and corresponding functions, are minimized. To provide smaller devices while maintaining performance, the energy density of the power source must increase, and the space around the power source is often reduced.

[0003] There is also an increasing demand to provide aerosol generating devices with accessible and replaceable components, particularly the power source.

[0004] As power sources such as battery cells near the end of their usable life, they often become prone to swelling. This swelling indicates that the battery needs to be replaced and is no longer safe to use. In some circumstances, battery cell swelling can lead to undesirable thermal events within the aerosol-generating device. Battery swelling can be an indicator of a defective battery. This is especially true for battery cells with higher energy densities or soft-shell battery cells such as pouch-type batteries.

[0005] Furthermore, due to the demand for miniaturization, heating devices are often placed close to the battery cells, thus locally heating the battery cells, and a temperature sensor placed, for example, in the center of the battery cell may not detect this localized heating of the battery cell, which may lead to the use of an unsafe device. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] A related problem is to provide devices that meet increasing safety demands.It is an object of the present invention to overcome or avoid at least some of the above mentioned problems or to provide an alternative approach. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, there are provided a battery module system for an aerosol generating device, an aerosol generating device, and a method for monitoring battery cells of a battery module system, including the features set forth in the claims.

[0008] According to one aspect, a battery module system for an aerosol generating device is provided. The battery module system includes a battery sensor device including an optical sensor. The battery module system further includes a battery cell including one or more markings. The optical sensor is configured to detect a change in a characteristic of the one or more markings indicative of a change in the physical size of at least one region of the battery cell.

[0009] By providing markings on the battery cells and optical sensors and monitoring changes in the characteristics of the markings, the amount of swelling of the battery cells can be determined in a simple, consistent, and efficient manner. In other words, changes in the characteristics of the markings are easier to detect compared to monitoring the overall size of the battery itself, and can lead to early detection of size changes, such as swelling, of the battery. The battery module system may also indicate to the user that changes to their charging and / or power management strategy are necessary to optimize battery life and / or reduce safety risks.

[0010] More generally, monitoring battery cell swelling can inform a user of the safety status of the battery cells, which will let the user know when the battery cells are ready to be replaced, thus improving the safety and efficiency of the battery module system.

[0011] The battery module system described above can continuously monitor changes in the shape of the battery cells and does not rely on any activation signal or operation of the device, in other words, it can operate continuously in the background and provide early detection of potential problems.

[0012] The characteristics may include the size of at least a portion of the one or more markings.

[0013] An advantage of monitoring the size of at least a portion of one or more markings is that changes in pixel coverage of the markings can be used to determine the amount of swelling of the battery cell, which is easier and simpler to monitor than if the battery module system had to monitor the overall size of the battery, etc.

[0014] The characteristic may include the distance between portions of one or more markings.

[0015] An advantage of monitoring the distance between portions of the marking is that a simple marking can be used for an early indication of a change in the size of the battery.

[0016] The battery sensor device may include a PCB, and the light sensor may be directly coupled to the PCB.

[0017] By bonding the light sensor directly to the PCB, the size of the battery sensor device can be reduced, thus enabling a smaller battery module system.

[0018] The battery cells may be pouch cells.

[0019] The advantage of pouch cells is that the cells are more flexible than traditional metal can batteries and can be adapted to the geometry of the battery module system, thus reducing the size of the battery module system.

[0020] The battery sensor device may include a camera configured to capture a series of images of the one or more markings.

[0021] The series of images may show progressive changes in the expansion, and therefore, by providing a camera configured to capture a series of images of one or more markings, the expansion state of the battery cell may be measured more accurately and efficiently.

[0022] The battery module system may include a controller configured to receive a signal from the optical sensor, analyze the signal from the optical sensor to calculate a change in a characteristic of the one or more markings, and control a function of the aerosol generating device based on the calculated change.

[0023] Controlling the function of the aerosol-generating device based on calculated changes in the characteristics of one or more markings improves the safety of the battery module system. For example, the controller can prompt a user to stop using battery cells that are in an unhealthy or unsafe condition.

[0024] The received signal may include information relating to the number of pixels covered by at least a portion of one or more markings in each image of the sequence of images.

[0025] By using the number of pixels (eg, pixel width) of at least some of the markings, the amount of expansion can be determined more accurately and quickly.

[0026] The function that is controlled may relate to an indication to a user that a battery cell needs replacement.

[0027] By controlling the aerosol generating device to indicate to the user that a battery cell needs replacement, the user can effectively replace the battery cell at the end of its life or when the battery malfunctions before the battery cell reaches a potentially unsafe state.

[0028] The controller can be configured to determine a calculation of the safety state of the battery cells based on the received signals.

[0029] The advantage of determining the calculation of the safety state of the battery cells is that it can inform the user of the state of the battery cells.

[0030] The camera may be a micro camera.

[0031] The advantage of a micro camera is that less space is taken up by the camera in the battery module system, thus reducing the size of the system and therefore the size of the aerosol generating device.

[0032] The one or more markings may be located substantially in the center of the wall of the battery cell.

[0033] The advantage of this location of the marking(s) is that the battery cell is most likely to expand towards the center of the cell, and therefore changes in the size of the battery cell can be monitored more quickly and accurately.

[0034] The one or more markings may include one or more of the following: one or more lines, squares, rectangles, triangles, circles, or ovals.

[0035] Lines or shapes such as those listed above change size under expansion conditions, thus providing easily measurable markings.

[0036] According to one aspect, there is provided an aerosol generating device including a battery module system as described above and a heater for heating an aerosol precursor material received in the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol, wherein the battery cells of the battery module system are configured to power the heater.

[0037] By providing markings on the battery cell and a camera and monitoring changes in the characteristics of the markings, the amount of swelling of the battery cell can be determined. By monitoring the swelling of the battery cell, the user can be informed of the safety status of the battery cell. This will inform the user when the battery cell is ready to be replaced, thus improving the safety and efficiency of the aerosol generating device.

[0038] The advantage of providing a means to monitor the expansion of battery cells in aerosol-generating devices is that denser and more advanced materials can be used while ensuring the safety of the device for the user. Monitoring the markings on the battery cells ensures rapid feedback regarding the safety of the battery cells.

[0039] Therefore, an aerosol generating device including a battery module system allows for miniaturization of the system while improving safety.

[0040] According to one aspect, a method for monitoring a battery cell of a battery module system for an aerosol-generating device is provided, the method including detecting, with an optical sensor, a change in a characteristic of one or more markings on the battery cell that indicates a change in the physical size of at least one region of the battery cell.

[0041] By monitoring the characteristics of one or more markings on the battery cell, the amount of swelling of the cell can be determined. By monitoring the swelling of the battery cell, the user can be informed of the safety status of the battery cell. This notifies the user when the battery cell is ready to be replaced, thus improving the safety and efficiency of the battery module system.

[0042] Further advantages, objects and features of the present invention will be explained, by way of example only, in the following description with reference to the drawings in which similar components in different embodiments may be provided with the same reference numerals.

[0043] Examples of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0044] [Figure 1a] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a battery cell. [Figure 1b] 1A-1C show partial views of a battery cell under different conditions. [Figure 2a] FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a battery module system in an unexpanded state. [Figure 2b] FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a battery module system in an expanded state. [Figure 3] 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates a flow diagram of a method for monitoring battery cells of a battery module system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0045] As used herein, the terms "aerosol precursor material," "vapor precursor material," or "vaporizable material" may refer to a smokable material that may include, for example, nicotine or tobacco and a vaporizer. The aerosol precursor material is configured to emit an aerosol when heated. The tobacco may take the form of various materials, such as cut tobacco, granulated tobacco, tobacco leaf, and / or reconstituted tobacco. The nicotine may be in the form of a nicotine salt. Suitable aerosol precursor materials include polyols (sorbitol, glycerol, and glycols (such as propylene glycol or triethylene glycol)), non-polyols (such as monohydric alcohols), acids (such as lactic acid), glycerol derivatives, esters (such as triacetin), triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate, glycerin, or vegetable glycerin. In some examples, the aerosol precursor material is a substantially liquid that retains or includes one or more solid particles, such as tobacco.

[0046] As used herein, the term "aerosol generation device" is synonymous with "aerosol generating device" or "device" and may include a device configured to heat an aerosol precursor material and deliver an aerosol to a user. The device may be portable. "Portable" may refer to a device that is used while held by a user. The device may be adapted to generate a variable amount of aerosol controllable by user input.

[0047] As used herein, the term "aerosol" may include a suspension of vaporizable material, which may be one or more of solid particles, liquid droplets, or gas. The suspension may be in a gas, including air. Aerosol herein generally refers to / may include a vapor. Aerosol may include one or more components of vaporizable material.

[0048] 1a shows a perspective view of a battery cell 200. The battery cell 200 may be a pouch cell. The battery cell 200 may include a first surface 202 (i.e., a first wall). The battery cell 200 may include a second surface (i.e., a second wall) (not shown). The first surface 202 and the second surface may form major surfaces of the battery cell 200. The battery cell 200 may act as a power source for supplying power to the aerosol generating device 300.

[0049] The battery cell 200 can supply electrical energy to the aerosol generating device 300 at a voltage ranging from 1 V to 5 V. Preferably, the battery cell 200 can supply electrical energy to the aerosol generating device 300 at a voltage ranging from 3 V to 4.2 V. Most preferably, the battery cell 200 can supply electrical energy to the aerosol generating device 300 at a voltage of 3.7 V. Such a voltage source is particularly advantageous for modern aerosol generating devices in terms of rechargeability, high energy density, and large capacity. The battery cell 200 can be a lithium-ion battery cell.

[0050] The battery cell 200 includes one or more markings 204. The one or more markings 204 may be present on the first surface 202. The one or more markings 204 may be a square, a rectangle, a line, multiple lines, a circle, an oval, a triangle, or any other shape having easily detectable characteristics such as width, height, and / or circumference. For example, the one or more markings 204 may be two lines spaced a predetermined distance apart, in which case the distance between the lines may be measured. The one or more markings 204 may be configured such that a characteristic or feature of the one or more markings 204 changes as the battery expands. For example, the markings 204 may change linearly, quasi-linearly, exponentially, or polynomially when the battery is under expansion.

[0051] The one or more markings 204 may be located substantially in the center of the first surface 202 of the battery cell 200. That is, the one or more markings 204 are generally located in the center of the battery cell 200.

[0052] The one or more markings 204 may be black, or alternatively, the one or more markings 204 may be red or another perceptible color.

[0053] FIG. 1b illustrates the effect of swelling of a battery cell 200 on one or more markings 204. The left-hand diagram illustrates the marking 204 on a portion of the first surface 202 of the battery cell 200. In this diagram, the battery cell 200 is in a healthy, non-expanded state, which is a state of high safety. Therefore, the marking 204 is in its non-expanded state. When the battery is in a healthy (i.e., non-expanded) state, the width of the one or more markings 204 may be between 0.02 mm and 0.5 mm. Preferably, the width of the one or more markings 204 may be between 0.05 mm and 0.4 mm. More preferably, the width of the one or more markings 204 may be between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm. Most preferably, the width of the one or more markings 204 may be 0.2 mm. In some cases, the width of the one or more markings 204 may be 1 mm.

[0054] In this sense, the width of one or more markings 204 refers to the width of a line of one or more markings 204, which in this example is a characteristic of one or more markings 204. In other examples of markings 204, such as a square, rectangle, circle, oval, or triangle, etc., this characteristic may be the maximum width of the characteristic (e.g., the diameter of a circle, or the widest point of a triangle).

[0055] The middle image of Figure lb shows the marking 204 when the battery cell 200 is somewhat swollen. This may indicate that the battery cell 200 is not in an optimal state, but is still safe to use. This state is sometimes known as an intermediate state. In this state, the safety is moderate.

[0056] The right image of Figure 1b shows the marking 204 when the battery cell 200 is significantly swollen, which may indicate that the battery cell 200 is in an unhealthy (i.e., swollen) state and needs to be replaced. This state is unsafe.

[0057] Under expansion conditions, the width of one or more markings 204 may expand from (for example) 0.2 mm to a width of 0.3 mm-0.5 mm. The 0.3 mm-0.4 mm width may be considered the width at which the battery cell 200 may require replacement. The width of the markings 204 under expansion conditions varies relative to the width of the markings 204 under a healthy condition. That is, it is the increase in width (or other characteristic) that changes the battery cell 200 from a healthy state to an unhealthy state.

[0058] 2a and 2b show cross-sectional schematic views of a battery module system 10 for an aerosol generating device 300. The battery module system 10 includes a battery sensor device 100. The battery sensor device 100 is configured to detect changes in the characteristics of one or more markings 204 to monitor changes in the physical size of at least one region of the battery cell 200.

[0059] The battery sensor device 100 includes a light sensor 102. The light sensor 102 is configured to monitor changes in the physical size of at least one region of the battery cell 200. That is, the light sensor 102 is configured to detect changes in a characteristic of one or more markings 204 of the battery cell 200. For example, the characteristic may include a size of at least a portion of the one or more markings 204. The characteristic may include a distance between portions of the one or more markings 204. That is, the light sensor 102 may be configured to detect changes in the width of a line, the distance between lines, the width and / or height of a shape or circumference of a shape. Other examples of the characteristic of the one or more markings 204 may include the length or area of ​​the one or more markings 204. In one example, the characteristic of the one or more markings includes the distance between adjacent lines of one of the one or more markings 204. The characteristic may include the length, width, and / or area of ​​the one or more markings 204. In some instances, two or more characteristics can be combined together (eg, the combination of length and width of one or more markings).

[0060] The optical sensor 102 may include a camera 104. The camera 104 may be a micro camera. The camera 104 may be configured to capture an image of a portion (i.e., a region) of the surface of the battery cell 200. The camera 104 may be configured to capture a series of images of the portion of the surface of the battery cell 200. This portion may include one or more markings 204.

[0061] The battery module system 10 may further include a printed circuit board (PCB) 12. The optical sensor 102 may be directly coupled to the PCB 12. The battery module system 10 may further include a controller 14. As shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b, the controller 14 may be mounted on the PCB 12. Alternatively, the controller 14 may be remote from the PCB 12. The controller 14 may be integrated with the battery sensor device 100. The battery sensor device 100 may act as the controller 14. The controller 14 may be configured to receive a signal from the battery sensor device 100 (e.g., the optical sensor 102) and control a function of the aerosol generating device 300 based on the received signal. This function may be an indication to a user that the battery cell 200 needs replacement.

[0062] The optical sensor 102 can be configured to transmit images captured by the camera 104 to the controller 14. The optical sensor 102 can be configured to transmit data related to the images to the controller 14. The optical sensor 102 can be configured to transmit data related to changes in the characteristics of one or more of the markings 204 to the controller 14.

[0063] The light sensor 102 and PCB 12 may be positioned such that the light sensor 102 is positioned 2 mm to 35 mm from the one or more markings 204 of the battery cell 200. Preferably, the light sensor 102 may be positioned 3 mm to 25 mm from the one or more markings 204 of the battery cell 200. More preferably, the light sensor 102 may be positioned 4 mm to 18 mm from the one or more markings 204 of the battery cell 200. Most preferably, the light sensor 102 may be positioned 5 mm from the one or more markings 204 of the battery cell 200.

[0064] The battery sensor device 100 can continuously monitor the condition of the battery cell 200. That is, the camera 104 of the battery cell 200 can capture images of one or more markings 204 of the battery cell 200 at predetermined intervals. For example, the camera 104 can capture images every second. A higher frequency can be used when the aerosol generating device 100 is in use, e.g., heating or charging. A lower frequency can be used when the aerosol generating device 100 is in idle mode. For example, the camera 104 can be controlled to capture images in response to an event, such as detection from an accelerometer in the device 100, and / or can be configured to capture images every minute. Images captured by the camera 104 can be received by the optical sensor 102. Alternatively, images captured by the camera 104 can be received by the controller 14.

[0065] 2a illustrates a battery in a healthy (e.g., non-inflated, safe) state. In this state, the distance between the one or more markings 204 on the first surface 202 and the optical sensor 102 is a first distance 20. FIG. 2b illustrates a battery in an unhealthy (e.g., swollen, unsafe) state. In this state, the distance between the one or more markings 204 on the first surface 202 and the optical sensor 102 is a second distance 30. As shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b, the first distance 20 may be greater than the second distance 30.

[0066] The change from the first distance 20 to the second distance 30, in combination with the expansion of the one or more markings 204 between the healthy and unhealthy states of the battery cell 200, can contribute to a change in the apparent size of the one or more markings 204 in the image captured by the camera 104. Data from the camera 104 can be transferred to the controller 14. The controller 14 can be configured to execute software to evaluate the characteristics of the markings 204 and determine the absolute expansion level of the battery cell 200. For example, the controller 14 can be configured to use an image processing algorithm to analyze the images received from the camera 104. The image processing algorithm can detect characteristic parameters of the markings 204 that are expected to increase as the safety of the battery cell 200 decreases. The controller 14 can be configured to detect changes in the line width, distance between lines, width and / or height, or circumference of the shape of the one or more markings 204. The controller 14 can be configured to determine a calculation of the safety state of the battery cell 200 based on the received signal (e.g., the received image).

[0067] For example, the controller 14 may be configured to determine the width of the one or more markings 204 in terms of the pixels covered. In response to the controller 14 determining that the number of pixels covered by the one or more markings 204 is below a predetermined threshold, the controller 14 may determine that the battery cell 200 is in a healthy state. In response to the controller 14 determining that the number of pixels covered by the one or more markings 204 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the controller 14 may determine that the battery cell 200 is in an unhealthy state. Thus, the controller 14 may determine whether the battery cell 200 is in a healthy state or an unhealthy state.

[0068] Alternatively, the optical sensor 102 may perform functions related to the above calculations. The optical sensor 102 may then transmit the results to the controller 14.

[0069] 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device 300. The aerosol generating device 300 is suitable for receiving a consumable item (not shown) therein. For example, the aerosol generating device 300 may include a chamber (not shown) in which the consumable item is received. The aerosol generating device 300 may include a battery module system 10.

[0070] The aerosol generating device 300 may include a body 302. The body 302 may be configured to house components of the aerosol generating device 300. For example, the body 302 may house the battery module system 10. The body 302 may be configured to house the PCB 12 such that the battery sensor device 100 is held in proximity to one or more markings 204 on the first surface 202 of the cell battery 200.

[0071] The aerosol generating device 300 may further include a spacer 306. The spacer 306 can be positioned between the body 302 and the battery cell 200, thus providing a separation distance between the body 302 and the battery cell 200. The spacer 306 may be a foam spacer. In some examples, the aerosol generating device 300 does not include the spacer 306.

[0072] The aerosol generating device 300 may include a heater 308 configured to supply heat to the aerosol precursor material in the consumable article to generate an aerosol during use. Alternatively, the aerosol generating device 300 may include multiple heaters 308. The heaters 308 are configured to receive power from the battery cells 200 of the battery module system 10. The heaters 308 are positioned to be in thermal contact with and heat the aerosol precursor material in the consumable article during use. The heaters 308 may be a coil, an induction coil and susceptor arrangement, a ceramic heater, a resistive heater, a flat resistive heater, a mesh heater, a MEMS heater, a thin film heater, or the like configured to heat the aerosol precursor material in the consumable article.

[0073] The aerosol generating device 300 may include a lid 304. The lid 304 may be configured to enclose the components of the aerosol generating device 300.

[0074] The aerosol generating device 300 may include an indicator 310. The indicator 310 may be integral with or located on the body 302 of the aerosol generating device 300. Alternatively, the indicator 310 may be integral with or located on the lid 304. The indicator 310 may be located on an internal component of the aerosol generating device 300 and may be visible to a user through an aperture or transparent section in the body 302 or lid 304. The indicator 310 may be a component of the battery module system 10.

[0075] The indicator 310 can be configured to indicate a state or change in state of the battery cell 200. The indicator 310 can be configured to indicate that the battery cell 200 is in a healthy (unexpanded) state or an unhealthy (expanded) state. The indicator 310 can further be configured to indicate that the battery cell 200 is in an intermediate state.

[0076] The indicator 310 may be a light, such as an LED, configured to be switched between states. For example, the indicator 310 may be configured to be switched between an on state and an off state. The indicator 310 may be configured to be switched between colors.

[0077] Indicator 310 may be any visual, audio, or tactile feedback feature.

[0078] The indicator 310 can be configured to be controlled by the controller 14. That is, the controller 14 can control the indicator 310 to switch between states. For example, in response to the controller 14 receiving a signal from the optical sensor 104 and calculating a change in a characteristic of the one or more markings 204 that indicates a change from a healthy state to an unhealthy state, the controller 14 can control the indicator 310 to change from a first state to a second state. The signal received from the optical sensor 104 can be data regarding the change in the characteristic of the one or more markings 204, an image captured by the camera 104, data regarding the image, or a combination thereof.

[0079] The first state and the second state may be any of the states described above. A change in the state of the indicator 310 may indicate a safety status of the battery cell 200. That is, the indicator 310 may indicate to a user that the battery cell 200 needs replacement.

[0080] If the calculations performed by the controller 14 based on the data received from the optical sensor 102 determine that the battery cell 200 is in an unsafe condition, the controller 14 can control the aerosol generating device 300 to stop the user from activating the device 300, thus preventing the user from activating the battery cell 200 in an unsafe condition. Once the battery cell 200 is replaced by the user, the controller 14 can control the aerosol generating device 300 to allow the user to activate the device 300.

[0081] The method 400 for monitoring a battery cell 200 of a battery module system 10 includes a first step 410 of detecting, using an optical sensor 102, a change in a characteristic of one or more markings 204 on the battery cell 200, the change indicating a change in the physical size of at least one region of the battery cell 200. The method 400 may include a second step 420 of transmitting a signal from the optical sensor 102 to the controller 14 related to the detected change. The method 400 may include a third step 430 of determining, by the controller 14, a safety status of the battery cell 200 based on the received signal. The method may include a fourth step 440 of the controller 14 controlling a function of the aerosol-generating device 300 in response to the received safety status of the battery cell 200. The controlled function of the aerosol-generating device 300 may be the status of the indicator 310.

[0082] While preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims and as described above.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device (300) including a battery module system (10), wherein the battery module system (10) A battery sensor device (100) including a light sensor (102), A battery cell (200) having one or more markings (204), Controller (14) and Includes, The light sensor (102) is configured to detect a change in the characteristics of one or more markings (204) that indicates a change in the physical size of at least one region of the battery cell (200), The controller (14) is A signal is received from the aforementioned optical sensor (102), The signal from the light sensor (102) is analyzed to calculate the change in the characteristics of the one or more markings (204). The aerosol generating device (300) is configured to control its function based on the calculated changes in the aforementioned characteristics. An aerosol generating device (300) wherein the characteristics include the distance between parts of the one or more markings (204).

2. The aerosol generating device (300) according to claim 1, wherein the characteristic includes the size of at least a portion of the one or more markings (204).

3. The aerosol generating device (300) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the battery sensor device (100) further comprises a PCB (12), and the light sensor (102) is directly coupled to the PCB (12).

4. The aerosol generating device (300) according to claim 1, wherein the battery cell (200) is a pouch cell.

5. The aerosol generating device (300) according to claim 1, wherein the battery sensor device (100) includes a camera (104) configured to capture a series of images of the one or more markings (204).

6. The aerosol generating device (300) according to claim 5, wherein the received signal includes information relating to the number of pixels covered by at least a portion of the one or more markings (204) in each of the series of images.

7. The aerosol generating device (300) according to claim 1, wherein the controlled function relates to a notification to the user that the battery cell (200) needs to be replaced.

8. The aerosol generating device (300) according to claim 1, wherein the controller (14) is configured to determine the safety status of the battery cell (200) based on the received signal.

9. The aerosol generating device (300) according to claim 5, wherein the camera (104) is a microcamera.

10. The aerosol generating device (300) according to claim 1, wherein the one or more markings (204) are located substantially in the center of the wall (202) of the battery cell (200).

11. The one or more markings (204) mentioned above are One or more lines, square, rectangle, triangle, Circular, and / or oval The aerosol generating device (300) according to claim 1, comprising one or more of the above.

12. Aerosol generating device (300) according to claim 1, comprising a heater (308) for generating an aerosol by heating an aerosol precursor material received in the aerosol generating device (300), wherein the heater (308) is configured such that the battery cell (200) of the battery module system (10) supplies power to the heater (308).

13. A method (400) for monitoring a battery cell (200) of a battery module system (10) of an aerosol generating device (300), The optical sensor (102) detects a change in the characteristics of one or more markings (204) on the battery cell (200) that indicates a change in the physical size of at least one region of the battery cell (200), The controller (14) receives a signal from the light sensor (102), The controller (14) analyzes the signal from the optical sensor (102) and calculates the change in the characteristics of the one or more markings (204), The controller (14) controls the function of the aerosol generating device (300) based on the calculated change, Includes, A method wherein the characteristic includes the distance between parts of the one or more markings (204).

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