Aerosol generator with object detection capabilities

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerosol generator for use with a first type of aerosol generating article and for use with a different second type of aerosol generating article. The aerosol generator includes an article detector configured to detect whether the aerosol generating article to be used with the device is of the first type or the second type. The aerosol generator further includes a controller. The controller is configured to control the operation of the aerosol generator in a first operating mode when a first type of aerosol generating article is detected by the article detector. The controller is configured to control the operation of the aerosol generator in a second operating mode when a second type of aerosol generating article is detected by the article detector. The first operating mode differs from the second operating mode in one or more of the following respects: The predetermined maximum number of smoke inhalations before each operating mode ends, The predetermined maximum duration before each operating mode ends, A predetermined maximum volume of aerosol generated before each operating mode ends. The present invention further relates to an aerosol generating system and method for controlling the operation of an aerosol generating article.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device, an aerosol generating system, and a method for controlling the operation of aerosol generating articles.

Background Art

[0002] It is known to provide an aerosol generating device for generating inhalable vapor. Such a device may heat the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature at which one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate volatilize without burning the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be provided as part of an aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating article may have a rod shape for insertion into a cavity (such as a heating chamber) of the aerosol generating device. A heating element may be disposed within or around the heating chamber to heat the aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device. An aerosol generating device is typically designed to operate best when used with a particular, specifically designed aerosol generating article. Further, manufacturers of aerosol generating articles may offer product lines of various types of aerosol generating articles having different characteristics such as flavor, nicotine content, amount of aerosol generating substrate, quality of the aerosol-forming substrate, and / or materials contained within the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0003] It is desirable to provide an aerosol generator capable of identifying aerosol-generating articles. It is desirable to provide an aerosol generator capable of detecting authorized aerosol-generating articles. It is desirable to provide an aerosol generator capable of detecting aerosol-generating articles with enhanced reliability. It is desirable to provide an aerosol generator with improved detection capabilities. It is desirable to have an aerosol generator that provides an optimized user experience. It is desirable to have aerosol-generating articles that enable improved identification by the aerosol generator. [Overview of the project]

[0004] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an aerosol generator may be provided for use with a first type of aerosol generating article and for use with a different second type of aerosol generating article. The aerosol generator may include an article detector which may be configured to detect whether the aerosol generating article to be used with the device is of the first type or of the second type. The aerosol generator may further include a controller. The controller may be configured to control the operation of the aerosol generator in a first operating mode when a first type of aerosol generating article may be detected by the article detector. The controller may be configured to control the operation of the aerosol generator in a second operating mode when a second type of aerosol generating article may be detected by the article detector. The first operating mode may differ from the second operating mode in one or more of the following respects: The predetermined maximum number of smoke inhalations before each operating mode ends, The predetermined maximum duration before each operating mode ends, A predetermined maximum volume of aerosol generated before each operating mode ends.

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an aerosol generator is provided for use with a first type of aerosol-generating article and for use with a different second type of aerosol-generating article. The aerosol generator includes an article detector configured to detect whether the aerosol-generating article to be used with the device is of the first type or the second type. The aerosol generator further includes a controller. The controller is configured to control the operation of the aerosol generator in a first operating mode when a first type of aerosol-generating article is detected by the article detector. The controller is configured to control the operation of the aerosol generator in a second operating mode when a second type of aerosol-generating article is detected by the article detector. The first operating mode differs from the second operating mode in one or more of the following respects: The predetermined maximum number of smoke inhalations before each operating mode ends, The predetermined maximum duration before each operating mode ends, A predetermined maximum volume of aerosol generated before each operating mode ends.

[0006] The aerosol generator according to the present invention may have the ability to identify aerosol generating articles, particularly authorized aerosol generating articles. The aerosol generator according to the present invention may have the ability to operate differently depending on the type of identified aerosol generating article. This may be beneficial when using different types of aerosol generating articles with a single aerosol generator. Exemplarily, a first type of aerosol generating article may enable a different user experience compared to a different second type of aerosol generating article. Having a single aerosol generator that can operate in different modes for both of these different aerosol generating articles may be advantageous for the user. For example, this avoids the need for the user to own various different devices for use with specific types of aerosol generating articles.

[0007] The first operating mode may differ from the second operating mode only in the heating profile of the heating element of the aerosol generator.

[0008] The heating profile of the heating element may include one or more of the duration of operation of the heating element, the maximum temperature of the heating element, the minimum temperature of the heating element, the average temperature of the heating element, and the temperature profile of the heating element. The temperature profile may include one or more temperature setpoints to which the aerosol-forming substrate and / or heating element are heated to their respective temperatures. Exemplaryly, in the first operating mode, a larger aerosol volume per smoke extraction may be desirable. This may be achieved, for example, by a higher maximum temperature and / or a higher average temperature of the heating element, or by both. In the second operating mode, a lower aerosol volume per smoke extraction may be desirable. This may be achieved, for example, by a lower maximum temperature and / or a lower average temperature of the heating element, or by both. In further embodiments, in the first operating mode, faster aerosol delivery may be desirable. This may be achieved, for example, by a faster temperature rise in the temperature profile of the heating element. Slower aerosol delivery may be desirable in the second operating mode. This may be achieved, for example, by a slower temperature rise in the temperature profile of the heating element.

[0009] In one embodiment, the aerosol generator comprises a second article detector. The second article detector may be an induction heating arrangement configured, together with a controller, to identify the electrical characteristics of a susceptor in an aerosol-generating article for use with the device. The electrical characteristics may include, for example, the current drawn by an induction heating arrangement when the susceptor is in the induction heating arrangement. The controller may be configured to select one of several pre-stored heating profiles for use with an aerosol-generating article based on the identified electrical characteristics of the susceptor in the aerosol-generating article, as described, for example, in International Publication No. 2022 / 069582.

[0010] The first operating mode is different from the second operating mode: The predetermined maximum number of smoke inhalations before each operating mode may end, The predetermined maximum duration before each operating mode may end, At least two of the predetermined maximum volumes of aerosols generated before each operating mode may terminate may differ.

[0011] Particularly preferred is that the first operating mode may have a predetermined maximum number of inhalations and a predetermined maximum duration before the end of the first operating mode. The second operating mode may have a predetermined maximum volume of aerosol generated and a predetermined maximum duration before the end of the second operating mode.

[0012] In either or both of the first and second operating modes, power may be continuously supplied to the heating element of the aerosol generator. Power may be continuously supplied to generate aerosols continuously for a period of more than 20 seconds, more preferably more than 30 seconds, more preferably more than 40 seconds, more preferably more than 60 seconds, more preferably more than 100 seconds, and most preferably more than 200 seconds.

[0013] In either or both of the first and second operating modes, power may be supplied continuously or continuously to the heating element of the aerosol generator. Power may be supplied continuously or continuously to heat the aerosol-forming substrate for more than 20 seconds, more preferably more than 30 seconds, more preferably more than 40 seconds, more preferably more than 60 seconds, more preferably more than 100 seconds, and most preferably more than 200 seconds.

[0014] The aerosol generator may be configured for continuous heating during the duration of the user experience. The aerosol generator does not have to be a flash-type device. The operating mode of the aerosol generator may be independent of user inhalation, apart from the potential termination of operation which depends on the maximum number of user inhalations. In other words, the aerosol generator may operate according to a predetermined scheme, in contrast to conventional flash-type devices that heat only in direct response to inhalation detection.

[0015] The predetermined maximum number of inhalations may be 20. The predetermined maximum number of inhalations may be 19. The predetermined maximum number of inhalations may be 18. The predetermined maximum number of inhalations may be 17. The predetermined maximum number of inhalations may be 16. The predetermined maximum number of inhalations may be 15. The predetermined maximum number of inhalations may be 14. The predetermined maximum number of inhalations may be 13. The predetermined maximum number of inhalations may be 12. The predetermined maximum number of inhalations may be 11. The predetermined maximum number of inhalations may be 10. The predetermined maximum number of inhalations may be 9. The predetermined maximum number of inhalations may be 8.

[0016] The predetermined maximum number of puffs in the first operating mode may be 10 or less. The predetermined maximum number of puffs in the second operating mode may be more than 10.

[0017] The predetermined maximum number of puffs in the first operating mode may be 14 or less. The predetermined maximum number of puffs in the second operating mode may exceed 14.

[0018] The predetermined maximum number of puffs in the first operating mode may be 18 or less. The predetermined maximum number of puffs in the second operating mode may exceed 18.

[0019] The predetermined maximum number of puffs in the second operating mode may be less than the predetermined maximum number of puffs in the first operating mode.

[0020] The predetermined maximum duration may be less than 10 minutes. The predetermined maximum duration may be less than 9 minutes. The predetermined maximum duration may be less than 8 minutes. The predetermined maximum duration may be less than 7 minutes. The predetermined maximum duration may be less than 6 minutes. The predetermined maximum duration may be less than 5 minutes. The predetermined maximum duration may be less than 4 minutes. The predetermined maximum duration may be less than 3 minutes.

[0021] The predetermined maximum duration of the first operation mode may be 4 minutes or less. The predetermined maximum number of puffing operations of the second operation mode may be more than 4 minutes.

[0022] The predetermined maximum duration of the first operation mode may be 6 minutes or less. The predetermined maximum number of puffing operations of the second operation mode may be more than 6 minutes.

[0023] The predetermined maximum duration of the first operation mode may be 8 minutes or less. The predetermined maximum number of puffing operations of the second operation mode may be more than 8 minutes.

[0024] The predetermined maximum duration of the second operation mode may be shorter than the predetermined maximum duration of the first operation mode.

[0025] The controller may be configured to select a heating profile of the aerosol generator depending on the output of the article detector.

[0026] The controller may be configured to select different heating profiles for different types of aerosol-generating articles.

[0027] The controller may include a memory. The memory may include pre-stored reference data. The reference data may include reference signals of the article detector. Each reference signal may correspond to an aerosol-generating article having a specific type.

[0028] The memory may include pre-stored reference data of operating modes for different types of aerosol-generating articles. Exemplary, the memory may include pre-start reference data for at least the first and second operating modes, and preferably the third, fourth, and fifth operating modes, associated with the corresponding first, second, third, fourth, and fifth types of aerosol-generating articles. Each of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth types of aerosol-generating articles may differ from one another as described herein. Each of the different types of aerosol-generating articles for use with the apparatus may differ from the others in only one or more characteristics, such as flavor, nicotine content, amount of aerosol-generating substrate, quality of aerosol-forming substrate, and / or materials contained within the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0029] The controller may be configured to compare the item detector output with pre-stored reference data.

[0030] The controller may be configured to correlate the item detector output with pre-stored reference data. The controller may be configured to detect and identify the type of aerosol-generating item by correlating the item detector output with pre-stored reference data.

[0031] The controller may be configured to initiate an operating mode, preferably a first operating mode or a second operating mode, depending on the type of aerosol-generating article detected.

[0032] The controller may be configured to adjust one or more of the following, depending on the type of article specified: the amplitude of the current supplied to the heating element of the aerosol generator, the frequency of the current supplied to the heating element, the duration of the power supply, the temperature of the heating element, the signal that powers the heating element, and the maximum number of power pulses to the heating element.

[0033] Increasing or decreasing the amplitude of the current supplied to the heating element may increase or decrease the heating temperature of the heating element. Increasing or decreasing the frequency of the current supplied to the heating element may increase or decrease the heating temperature of the heating element. Increasing or decreasing the duration of power supply to the heating element may increase or decrease the heating duration of the heating element. The signal supplying power to the heating element may enable or disable the power supply to the heating element. The mixed duration of operation of the heating element may be controlled by the signal supplying power to the heating element. The maximum number of power pulses to the heating element may determine the maximum number of smoke inhalations. Each power pulse sent to the heating element may correspond to the user's smoke inhalation.

[0034] The aerosol generator may further include a cavity. The cavity may be configured to receive a first type of aerosol generating article, and to receive or have received a different second type of aerosol generating article.

[0035] The article detector may be configured to detect whether an aerosol-generating article may be received within a cavity.

[0036] The aerosol generator may further include a communication interface. The communication interface may be connected to a controller. The communication interface may be configured to allow the user to select at least one parameter of at least one of the operating modes.

[0037] The communication interface may include a button. The communication interface may include at least two buttons. The first button may be associated with a parameter of a first operating mode of the aerosol generator. Pressing the first button may set a parameter of the first operating mode. The peripheral may include one or more of the following, as described herein: the amplitude of the current supplied to the heating element of the aerosol generator, the frequency of the current supplied to the heating element, the duration of the power supply, the temperature of the heating element, the signal to power the heating element, and the maximum number of power pulses to the heating element. The second, however, may have a corresponding function associated with a parameter of a second operating mode of the aerosol generator.

[0038] The communication interface may include a display. The display may be configured as a touch-sensitive display. Similar to the description of the button function above, the display may be configured to allow the user to control parameters of the operating mode, preferably one or both of the first and second operating modes.

[0039] The communication interface may include LEDs. The communication device may include at least two LEDs. The LEDs may signal to the user one or more parameters of the operating mode, preferably one of the first and second operating modes.

[0040] The controller may be configured to monitor the smoke volume during operation.

[0041] The controller may be configured to terminate the operating mode when the cumulative smoke absorption volume reaches a predetermined maximum volume of aerosol generated.

[0042] The cumulative smoke absorption volume may be determined as disclosed in International Publication No. 2022 / 003072, the relevant disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Specifically, the calculation of the smoke absorption volume by analyzing parameters monitored during the user's smoke absorption, as disclosed in International Publication No. 2022 / 003072, that the smoke absorption volume is the volume of aerosols generated during the user's smoke absorption, and the use of the smoke absorption volume as a parameter for controlling the operation of the device as disclosed in International Publication No. 2022 / 003072, are incorporated herein by reference.

[0043] The aerosol generator may be configured for use with first, second, and third type aerosol generating articles. The third type aerosol generating article may be different from the first and second type aerosol generating articles.

[0044] The aerosol generator may include a third operating mode. The controller may be configured to control the operation of the aerosol generator in the third operating mode when a third type of aerosol-generating article may be detected by the article detector. The third operating mode may differ from the first and second operating modes in one or more of the following respects: The predetermined maximum number of smoke inhalations before each operating mode ends, The predetermined maximum duration before each operating mode ends, A predetermined maximum volume of aerosol generated before each operating mode ends.

[0045] The aerosol generator may be configured for use with the first, second, third, and fourth types of aerosol generating articles. The fourth type of aerosol generating article may be different from the first, second, and third types of aerosol generating articles.

[0046] The aerosol generator may include a fourth operating mode. The controller may be configured to control the operation of the aerosol generator in the fourth operating mode when a fourth type of aerosol-generating article may be detected by the article detector. The fourth operating mode may differ from the first, second, and third operating modes in one or more of the following respects: The predetermined maximum number of smoke inhalations before each operating mode ends, The predetermined maximum duration before each operating mode ends, A predetermined maximum volume of aerosol generated before each operating mode ends.

[0047] The aerosol generator may be configured for use with the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth types of aerosol generating articles. The fifth type of aerosol generating article may be different from the first, second, third, and fourth types of aerosol generating articles.

[0048] The aerosol generator may include a fifth operating mode. The controller may be configured to control the operation of the aerosol generator in the fifth operating mode when a fifth type of aerosol-generating article may be detected by the article detector. The fifth operating mode may differ from the first, second, third, and fourth operating modes in one or more of the following respects: The predetermined maximum number of smoke inhalations before each operating mode ends, The predetermined maximum duration before each operating mode ends, A predetermined maximum volume of aerosol generated before each operating mode ends.

[0049] The present invention more preferably relates to an aerosol generating apparatus as described herein, and to an aerosol generating system which may comprise a first type of aerosol generating article and a different second type of aerosol generating article. Each of the aerosol generating articles comprises an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0050] The present invention more preferably relates to an aerosol generator as described herein, and to an aerosol generating system comprising a first type of aerosol generating article and a different second type of aerosol generating article. Each of the aerosol generating articles comprises an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0051] The aerosol generating system may further comprise a third type of aerosol generating article. The third type of aerosol generating article may comprise an aerosol forming substrate.

[0052] The aerosol generating system may further comprise a fourth type of aerosol generating article. The fourth type of aerosol generating article may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0053] The aerosol generating system may further comprise a fifth type of aerosol generating article. The fifth type of aerosol generating article may comprise an aerosol forming substrate.

[0054] One type of aerosol-generating article may differ from other types of aerosol-generating articles in one or more of the following respects: aerosol-forming substrate type, aerosol-forming substrate quantity, aerosol-forming substrate quality, total volume of aerosols that can be generated, and the thermal properties of the aerosol-forming substrate and the materials contained within it.

[0055] The quality of the aerosol-forming substrate may refer to the grade of the tobacco.

[0056] The total aerosol volume generated may refer to the cumulative smoke inhaled by the user during the user experience, as described herein. As stated herein, the respective teachings of International Publication 2022 / 003072 relating to the determination of aerosol volume are incorporated herein by reference. In a particular example, the volume of individual smoke inhalation may be determined by calculating the integral of the power over time from the start to the end of smoke inhalation. The integral of the power over time may be equal to the energy supplied to the heating element of the aerosol generator. The energy may then correspond to the heat injected into the aerosol generating article. The injected heat may roughly correspond to the heat removed by the user using a certain volume of cooling airflow. The cooling airflow may correspond to the volume of inhaled aerosol. The determination of the start and end of smoke inhalation is also disclosed in International Publication 2022 / 003072, and the relevant disclosures therein are incorporated herein by reference.

[0057] The heating characteristics of the aerosol-forming substrate may include the minimum vaporization temperature required to vaporize the desired components of the aerosol-forming substrate. The heating characteristics of the aerosol-forming substrate may also include the maximum temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate at which the release of undesirable components of the aerosol-forming substrate is reduced or prevented at temperatures below that level.

[0058] One type of aerosol-generating article does not have to contain tobacco, while a different type of aerosol-generating article may contain tobacco.

[0059] The first type of aerosol-generating article does not have to contain tobacco, while the second type of aerosol-generating article may contain tobacco.

[0060] One type of aerosol-generating article may contain flavoring additives, while a different type of aerosol-generating article may not contain flavoring additives.

[0061] The first type of aerosol-generating article may contain flavoring additives, while the second type of aerosol-generating article may not contain flavoring additives.

[0062] One type of aerosol-generating article may contain plants, while a different type of aerosol-generating article may not contain plants.

[0063] The first type of aerosol-generating article may contain plants, while the second type of aerosol-generating article may not contain plants.

[0064] One or more of the first, second, and third types of aerosol-generating articles may contain tobacco.

[0065] The fourth aerosol-generating item does not have to contain tobacco.

[0066] The fifth aerosol-generating article may contain plants.

[0067] The first type of aerosol-generating article may contain less and / or lower quality tobacco than the second type of aerosol-generating article.

[0068] The third type of aerosol-generating article may contain more and / or higher quality tobacco than the second type of aerosol-generating article.

[0069] The present invention further preferably relates to a method for controlling the operation of an aerosol generator, as described herein, wherein the method is: The object detector detects the type of aerosol-generating object received in the cavity, The controller may include one or more of the following: controlling the operating mode of the aerosol generator according to the type of aerosol-generating article detected.

[0070] The aerosol generator may be configured to be used with multiple different types of aerosol generating articles.

[0071] As used herein, the terms “proximal,” “distal,” “downstream,” and “upstream” are used to describe the relative position of a component or part of a component of an aerosol generator or aerosol generating article with respect to the direction in which the user inhales the aerosol generator or aerosol generating article during its use.

[0072] An aerosol generator may have a mouth end through which, during use, an aerosol exits the aerosol generator and is delivered to the user. During use, the user inhales the proximal or mouth end of the aerosol generator to inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol generator. Alternatively, the user may inhale directly an aerosol generating article inserted into an opening at the proximal end of the aerosol generator. The opening at the proximal end may be a hollow opening. The aerosol generator has a distal end opposite to the proximal or mouth end. The proximal or mouth end of the aerosol generator may also be called the downstream end, and the distal end of the aerosol generator may also be called the upstream end. Components of the aerosol generator, or parts of components, may be described as being upstream or downstream of each other based on their relative positions between the proximal, downstream, or mouth end of the aerosol generator and the distal or upstream end of the aerosol generator.

[0073] As used herein, “aerosol generator” refers to a device that generates an aerosol by interacting with an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of an aerosol-generating article, for example, part of a smoking article. The aerosol generator may be a smoking device that interacts with the aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol that can be directly inhaled into the user's lungs through the user's mouth. The aerosol generator may be a holder. The device may be an electrically heated smoking device. The aerosol generator may comprise a housing, an electrical circuit, a power supply, a heating chamber, and a heating element.

[0074] As used herein in relation to the present invention, the term “smoking” in relation to apparatus, articles, systems, substrates, or otherwise does not refer to conventional smoking in which the aerosol-forming substrate is completely or at least partially burned. The aerosol-generating apparatus of the present invention is configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature below the combustion temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate, but above the temperature at which one or more volatile compounds of the aerosol-forming substrate are released, in order to form an inhalable aerosol.

[0075] The aerosol generator may have a length of 86 mm to 130 mm.

[0076] The cavity of the aerosol generator may have an open end into which an aerosol generating article is inserted. The open end may be the proximal end. The cavity may have a closed end opposite the open end. The closed end may be the base of the cavity. The closed end may be closed except for providing an air opening located within the base. The base of the cavity may be flat. The base of the cavity may be circular. The base of the cavity may be located upstream of the cavity. The open end may be located downstream of the cavity. The cavity may have an elongated extension. The cavity may have a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis may be a direction extending between the open end and the closed end along the longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis of the cavity may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generator.

[0077] The cavity may be configured as a heating chamber. The cavity may have a cylindrical shape. The cavity may have a hollow cylindrical shape. The cavity may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the aerosol-generating article received inside the cavity. The cavity may have a circular cross-section. The cavity may have an elliptical or rectangular cross-section. The cavity may have an inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article.

[0078] The airflow channel may extend through the cavity. Ambient air may be drawn through the airflow channel into the aerosol generator, into the cavity, and toward the user. Downstream of the cavity, a mouthpiece may be provided, or the user may inhale the aerosol generating article directly. The airflow channel may extend through the mouthpiece. The cavity may have a length of 28 mm to 67 mm. The cavity may have a diameter of 8 mm to 12 mm.

[0079] In any aspect of this disclosure, the heating element may include an electrical resistive material. Suitable electrical resistive materials include, but are not limited to, semiconductors such as doped ceramics, "conductive" ceramics (e.g., molybdenum disilide), carbon, graphite, metals, alloys, and composite materials made of ceramic and metallic materials. Such composite materials may include doped ceramics or undoped ceramics. An example of a suitable doped ceramic is doped silicon carbide. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum platinum, gold, and silver. Examples of suitable metallic alloys include stainless steel, nickel-containing, cobalt-containing, chromium-containing, aluminum-containing, titanium-containing, zirconium-containing, hafnium-containing, niobium-containing, molybdenum-containing, tantalum-containing, tungsten-containing, tin-containing, gallium-containing, manganese-containing, gold-containing, and iron-containing alloys, as well as nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel-based superalloys, Timetal®, and iron-manganese-aluminum alloys. In composite materials, the electrical resistive material may be embedded in, sealed in, or coated with an insulating material, depending on the required energy transfer dynamics and external physicochemical properties, or vice versa.

[0080] Alternatively, or in addition to, using a heating element within the aerosol generator to vaporize the aerosol-forming substrate, an aerosol generation configuration may be employed. This aerosol generation configuration may be an ultrasonic aerosol generation configuration. Alternatively, or in addition to, using a heating element within the aerosol generator to vaporize the aerosol-forming substrate, a heating arrangement may be employed. The heating arrangement may be induction heating, resistance heating, dielectric heating, or microwave heating.

[0081] As described, in any aspect of the present disclosure, the heating element may be part of an aerosol generator. The aerosol generator may comprise an internal heating element, an external heating element, or both an internal and an external heating element, where "internal" and "external" refer to the aerosol-forming substrate. The internal heating element may take any suitable form. For example, the internal heating element may take the form of a heating blade. Alternatively, the internal heater may take the form of a casing or substrate having different conductive or electrically resistive metal tubes. Alternatively, the internal heating element may be one or more heating needles or rods passing through the center of the aerosol-forming substrate. Other alternatives include heating wires or filaments, such as Ni-Cr (nickel-chromium), platinum, tungsten, or alloy wires or heating plates. Optionally, the internal heating element may be placed in or on a rigid carrier material. In one such embodiment, the electrically resistive heating element may be formed using a metal having a clear relationship between temperature and resistivity. In such exemplary devices, the metal may be formed as a track on a suitable insulating material such as ceramic, and then sandwiched between other insulating materials such as glass. The heater thus formed may be used for both heating the heating element in operation and monitoring its temperature.

[0082] The external heating element may take any suitable form. For example, the external heating element may take the form of one or more flexible heating foils on a dielectric substrate such as polyimide. The flexible heating foils can be shaped to fit around the periphery of the substrate receiving cavity. Alternatively, the external heating element may take the form of a metal grid, a flexible printed circuit board, a molded circuit component (MID), a ceramic heater, a flexible carbon fiber heater, or may be formed on a substrate of suitable shape using a coating technique such as plasma deposition. The external heating element may also be formed using a metal having a clear relationship between temperature and resistivity. In such exemplary devices, the metal may be formed as a track between two layers of suitable insulating material. The external heating element thus formed may be used both for heating the external heating element and for monitoring its temperature during operation.

[0083] As an alternative to electrically resistive heating elements, heating elements may be configured as inductive heating elements. Inductive heating elements may comprise a heating induction coil and a susceptor. Generally, a susceptor is a material that has the ability to generate heat when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field. When located within an alternating magnetic field, if the susceptor is conductive, typically, eddy currents are induced by the alternating magnetic field. If the susceptor is magnetic, typically, another effect contributing to heating is generally called hysteresis loss. Hysteresis loss arises primarily from the movement of magnetic domain blocks within the susceptor, because their magnetic orientations align with the alternating induced magnetic fields. Another effect contributing to hysteresis loss is when magnetic domains expand or contract within the susceptor. Generally, all these changes occurring at or below the nanoscale within the susceptor are called "hysteresis loss" because they generate heat within the susceptor. Therefore, if the susceptor is both magnetic and conductive, both hysteresis loss and eddy current generation will contribute to the heating of the susceptor. If the susceptor is magnetic but not conductive, hysteresis loss will be the only means by which the susceptor will be heated when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be conductive or magnetic, or both conductive and magnetic. An alternating magnetic field generated by one or more induction coils heats the susceptor, which then transfers heat to the aerosol-forming substrate, thereby forming an aerosol. Heat transfer may also be mainly by conduction. Such heat transfer is best when the susceptor is in close thermal contact with the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0084] An aerosol generator may have a power source, typically a battery, within the main body of the aerosol generator. In one embodiment, the power source is a lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the power source may be a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery (e.g., a lithium-cobalt battery, lithium iron phosphate, lithium titanate, or lithium polymer battery). Alternatively, the power source may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power source may require recharging and may have a capacity that allows for the storage of sufficient energy for one or more use experiences. For example, the power source may have sufficient capacity to continuously generate aerosols for a period of approximately 6 minutes, or a period of multiples of 6 minutes. In another embodiment, the power source may have sufficient capacity to provide a predetermined number of fume extractions or discontinuous activation of the heating element.

[0085] The present invention further relates to an aerosol generator for use with a plurality of different aerosol-generating articles. The aerosol generator comprises an article classifier configured to determine that an aerosol-generating article engaging with the device is a first article type from a plurality of different aerosol-generating articles. The aerosol generator further comprises a control circuit configured to determine at least one of the maximum heating time associated with the first article type, the maximum number of fumigations associated with the first article type, and the maximum volume of aerosol associated with the first article type. The control circuit is configured to stop heating the aerosol-generating article after the maximum heating time has elapsed, and also after the maximum number of fumigations or the maximum aerosol volume has been reached.

[0086] As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating article” refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate having the ability to release volatile compounds capable of forming aerosols. For example, an aerosol-generating article may be a smoking article that generates an aerosol that can be directly inhaled into the user's lungs through the user’s mouth. An aerosol-generating article may be disposable.

[0087] The aerosol generating article may comprise multiple elements, including one or more of a mouthpiece, spacer, hollow acetate tube, sensory medium plug, and front plug. All elements may be connected to each other by an outer wrapper. The aerosol generating article may have a cylindrical shape.

[0088] The front plug may be used as the end portion of an aerosol-generating article. The front plug may be used to ensure that a sensory medium is retained within the aerosol-generating article. The front plug may be made from a material that allows air to be drawn through it. The front plug may be made from a material having an appropriate porosity. The front plug may be made from a filter material. The front plug may be made from cellulose acetate tow. The front plug may be made from one or more materials selected from the group consisting of ceramics, polymers, biopolymers, metals, zeolites, paper, cardboard, inert materials, and inorganic materials.

[0089] The aerosol-generating article may be substantially cylindrical in shape. The aerosol-generating article may be substantially elongated. The aerosol-generating article may have a length and a circumference substantially perpendicular to that length. The aerosol-generating article may be substantially rod-shaped. The aerosol-forming substrate may be substantially cylindrical in shape. The aerosol-forming substrate may be substantially elongated. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a length and a circumference substantially perpendicular to that length. The aerosol-forming substrate may be substantially rod-shaped.

[0090] The aerosol generating article may have an overall length of 55 mm to 110 mm, preferably 60 mm to 90 mm. The aerosol generating article may have an outer diameter of 4.5 mm to 17 mm, preferably 6 mm to 9 mm. The aerosol generating article may be equipped with a filter plug. The filter plug may be located at the downstream end of the aerosol generating article. The filter plug may be a cellulose acetate filter plug. In one embodiment, the filter plug is approximately 7 mm long, but may have a length of approximately 5 mm to approximately 10 mm.

[0091] The aerosol generating article may also include a separation section between the aerosol forming substrate and the filter plug. The separation section may be approximately 18 mm in diameter, but may be in the range of 5 mm to 25 mm.

[0092] As used herein, the term “aerosol-forming substrate” refers to a substrate having the ability to release one or more volatile compounds that can form aerosols. Such volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. Conveniently, the aerosol-forming substrate may be part of an aerosol-generating article.

[0093] The aerosol-forming substrate may be a solid aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain both solid and liquid components. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain a tobacco-containing material that contains volatile tobacco-flavored compounds released from the substrate upon heating. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain non-tobacco materials. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain an aerosol-forming agent that facilitates the formation of a high-density and stable aerosol. Examples of suitable aerosol-forming agents include glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0094] The aerosol generating substrate preferably comprises homogenized tobacco material, an aerosol forming body, and water. Providing homogenized tobacco material may improve aerosol generation and the nicotine content and flavor profile of the aerosol generated during heating of the aerosol generating article. Specifically, the process of producing homogenized tobacco involves a process of crushing tobacco leaves, which allows for more effective release of nicotine and flavor during heating.

[0095] The present invention further relates to an aerosol generating system which may comprise an aerosol generating device as described herein and an aerosol generating article as described herein.

[0096] The aerosol generating system may have an oral end through which, during use, the aerosol exits the aerosol generating system and is delivered to the user. The oral end may also be called the proximal end. During use, the user inhales the proximal or oral end of the aerosol generating system to inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating system. The aerosol generating system may also have a distal end opposite to the proximal or oral end. The proximal or oral end of the aerosol generating system may also be called the downstream end, and the distal end of the aerosol generating system may also be called the upstream end. Components of the aerosol generating system, or parts of components, may be described as being upstream or downstream of each other based on their relative positions between the proximal end, downstream end, or oral end of the system and the distal or upstream end of the system.

[0097] A non-exclusive list of non-limiting embodiments is provided below. One or more features of these embodiments may be combined with one or more features of any of the features described above, for example, one or more features of other embodiments, forms, or aspects described herein.

[0098] Example ex1. An aerosol generator for use with a first type of aerosol generating article and for use with a different second type of aerosol generating article, An article detector configured to detect whether an aerosol-generating article for use with the device is a first-type aerosol-generating article or a second-type aerosol-generating article, A controller configured to control the operation of an aerosol generator in a first operating mode when a first type of aerosol-generating article is detected by an article detector, and the controller configured to control the operation of an aerosol generator in a second operating mode when a second type of aerosol-generating article is detected by an article detector, wherein the first operating mode is different from the second mode: The predetermined maximum number of smoke inhalations before each operating mode ends, The predetermined maximum duration before each operating mode ends, An aerosol generator comprising a controller, which differs by only one of a predetermined maximum volume of aerosol generated before each operating mode ends.

[0099] Example ex1a. An aerosol generator for use with a first type of aerosol generating article and for use with a different second type of aerosol generating article, An article detector configured to detect whether an aerosol-generating article for use with the device is a first-type aerosol-generating article or a second-type aerosol-generating article, An aerosol generator comprising: a controller configured to control the operation of the aerosol generator in a first operating mode when a first type of aerosol-generating article is detected by an article detector, and a controller configured to control the operation of the aerosol generator in a second operating mode when a second type of aerosol-generating article is detected by an article detector, wherein the first operating mode is different from the second mode.

[0100] Example ex1b. The first operating mode is the second operating mode: The predetermined maximum number of smoke inhalations before each operating mode ends, The predetermined maximum duration before each operating mode ends, An aerosol generator according to Example ex1a, wherein only one of the predetermined maximum volumes of aerosols generated before each operating mode ends is different.

[0101] Example ex2. An aerosol generator of any of the preceding examples, wherein the first operating mode differs from the second operating mode only in the heating profile of the heating element of the aerosol generator.

[0102] Example ex3. The first operating mode is the second operating mode: The predetermined maximum number of smoke inhalations before each operating mode ends, The predetermined maximum duration before each operating mode ends, An aerosol generator of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least two of the predetermined maximum volumes of aerosols generated before each operating mode ends are different.

[0103] Example ex4. An aerosol generator according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the predetermined maximum number of smoke inhalations is 20, preferably 19, preferably 18, preferably 17, preferably 16, preferably 15, preferably 14, preferably 13, preferably 12, preferably 11, preferably 10, more preferably 9, and most preferably 8.

[0104] Example ex5. An aerosol generator according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the predetermined maximum number of smoke intakes in the first operating mode is 10 or less, and the predetermined maximum number of smoke intakes in the second operating mode is greater than 10.

[0105] Example ex6. An aerosol generator according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the predetermined maximum number of smoke inhalations in the first operating mode is 14 or less, and the predetermined maximum number of smoke inhalations in the second operating mode is greater than 14.

[0106] Example ex7. An aerosol generator according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the predetermined maximum number of smoke inhalations in the first operating mode is 18 or less, and the predetermined maximum number of smoke inhalations in the second operating mode is greater than 18.

[0107] Example ex8. An aerosol generator according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the predetermined maximum number of fume extractions in the second operating mode is less than the predetermined maximum number of fume extractions in the first operating mode.

[0108] Example ex9. An aerosol generator according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the predetermined maximum duration is less than 10 minutes, preferably less than 9 minutes, preferably less than 8 minutes, preferably less than 7 minutes, preferably less than 6 minutes, preferably less than 5 minutes, more preferably less than 4 minutes, and most preferably less than 3 minutes.

[0109] Example ex10. An aerosol generator according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the predetermined maximum duration of the first operating mode is 4 minutes or less, and the predetermined maximum number of smoke inhalations in the second operating mode is greater than 4 minutes.

[0110] Example ex11. An aerosol generator according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the predetermined maximum duration of the first operating mode is 6 minutes or less, and the predetermined maximum number of smoke inhalations in the second operating mode is greater than 6 minutes.

[0111] Example ex12. An aerosol generator according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the predetermined maximum duration of the first operating mode is 8 minutes or less, and the predetermined maximum number of smoke inhalations in the second operating mode is greater than 8 minutes.

[0112] Example ex13. An aerosol generator according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the predetermined maximum duration of the second operating mode is less than the predetermined maximum duration of the first operating mode.

[0113] Example ex14. An aerosol generator according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the controller is configured to select a heating profile for the aerosol generator in response to the output of the article detector.

[0114] Example ex15. An aerosol generator according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the controller comprises a memory, the memory comprises pre-stored reference data, the reference data comprises reference signals of an article detector, preferably each reference signal corresponds to an aerosol-generating article having a specific type.

[0115] Example ex16. The aerosol generator according to Example ex15, wherein the controller is configured to compare the output of the item detector with pre-stored reference data.

[0116] Example ex17. An aerosol generator according to Example ex16, wherein the controller is configured to correlate the output of the article detector with pre-stored reference data, preferably, the controller is configured to detect and identify the type of aerosol-generating article by correlating the output of the article detector with pre-stored reference data.

[0117] Example ex18. An aerosol generator of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the controller is configured to adjust one or more of the following, depending on the type of article: the amplitude of the current supplied to the heating element of the aerosol generator, the frequency of the current supplied to the heating element, the duration of the power supply, the temperature of the heating element, the signal to power the heating element, and the maximum number of power pulses to the heating element.

[0118] Example ex19. An aerosol generator according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the aerosol generator further comprises a cavity, the cavity configured to receive a first type of aerosol generating article and a different second type of aerosol generating article.

[0119] Example ex20. An aerosol generator according to Example ex19, wherein the article detector is configured to detect whether an aerosol-generating article has been received into the cavity.

[0120] Example ex21. An aerosol generator according to any of the prior embodiments, wherein the aerosol generator further comprises a communication interface, the communication interface is connected to a controller, and the communication interface is configured to allow a user to select at least one parameter of at least one of the operating modes.

[0121] Example ex22. An aerosol generator according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the controller is configured to monitor the smoke volume during operation.

[0122] Example ex23. An aerosol generator according to Example ex22, wherein the controller is configured to terminate the operating mode when the cumulative smoke absorption volume of the generated aerosol reaches a predetermined maximum volume.

[0123] Example ex24. An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device of any of the preceding embodiments, a first type of aerosol generating article, and a different second type of aerosol generating article, each of which comprises an aerosol forming substrate.

[0124] Example ex25. The aerosol generating system of Example ex24, further comprising a different third type of aerosol generating article, the third type of aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol forming substrate, preferably the aerosol generating system further comprising a different fourth type of aerosol generating article, the fourth type of aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol forming substrate, more preferably the aerosol generating system further comprising a different fifth type of aerosol generating article, the fifth type of aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol forming substrate.

[0125] Example ex26. An aerosol generating system of Example ex24 or ex25, wherein one type of aerosol generating article differs from a different type of aerosol generating article in one or more of the following: aerosol-forming substrate type, aerosol-forming substrate quantity, aerosol-forming substrate quality, total volume of aerosols that can be generated, and heating characteristics of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0126] Example ex27. An aerosol generating system according to any of Examples ex24 to ex26, wherein one type of aerosol generating article does not contain tobacco, and a different type of aerosol generating article contains tobacco.

[0127] Example ex28. An aerosol generating system according to any of Examples ex24 to ex27, wherein one type of aerosol generating article contains a flavor additive, and a different type of aerosol generating article does not contain a flavor additive.

[0128] Example ex29. An aerosol generating system according to any of Examples ex24 to ex28, wherein one type of aerosol generating article contains a plant, and a different type of aerosol generating article does not contain a plant.

[0129] Example ex30. Preferably, a method for controlling the operation of an aerosol generator according to any of Examples ex1 to ex23, - The object detector detects the type of aerosol-generating object received in the cavity, - A method comprising controlling the operating mode of an aerosol generator according to the type of aerosol-generating article detected by a controller.

[0130] Features described in relation to one embodiment may be equally applicable to other embodiments of the present invention.

[0131] The present invention will be further described with reference to the attached drawings, for illustrative purposes only. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0132] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows the aerosol generating items inside the aerosol generating device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0133] Figure 1 shows an aerosol generating article 10 comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generator 10 is housed within the aerosol generating article 12. More specifically, the aerosol generator 12 comprises a cavity 14 configured to house the aerosol generating article 10. The cavity 14 is configured to house different aerosol generating articles 10. The cavity 14 is configured to house a first type of aerosol generating article 10 and a different second type of aerosol generating article 10.

[0134] The cavity 14 is configured as a heating chamber. The heating device 16 is positioned inside or around the cavity 14 to heat the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article 10.

[0135] The aerosol generator 12 includes an article sensor 18 configured to detect the type of aerosol-generating article 10 received in the cavity 14. The article sensor 18 is configured to detect a first type of aerosol-generating article 10. The article sensor 18 is configured to detect a second type of aerosol-generating article 10.

[0136] The aerosol-generating article 10 comprises a specific element 20. The specific element 20 of the aerosol-generating article 10 indicates the type of aerosol-generating article 10. The article sensor 18 is configured to detect the identification element 20 of the aerosol-generating article 10. In one specific embodiment provided for illustrative purposes only, the specific element 20 is a barcode and the article sensor 18 is a barcode reader.

[0137] The aerosol generator 12 comprises a controller 22 and memory (not shown). The controller 22 is electrically connected to the article sensor 18. The controller 22 is configured to receive the sensor output of the article sensor 18. The sensor output of the article sensor 18 contains information about a specific element 20 of the aerosol-generating article 10 received in the cavity 14. The controller 22 is configured to evaluate the sensor output of the article sensor 18. The controller 22 is configured to identify the received aerosol-generating article 10 by evaluating the output of the article sensor 18.

[0138] The controller 22 is configured to control the operation of the aerosol generator 12 in a first operating mode when the controller 22 identifies a first type of aerosol generating article 10 received in the cavity 14. The controller 22 is configured to control the operation of the aerosol generator 12 in a different second operating mode when the controller 22 identifies a second type of aerosol generating article 10 received in the cavity 14.

[0139] The aerosol generator 12 includes a power supply 24. The power supply 24 is configured as a battery. The power supply 24 is configured to supply electrical energy to the controller 22. The power supply 24 is configured to supply electrical energy to the article detector. The power supply 24 is configured to supply electrical energy to the heating device 16 for heating the aerosol generating article 10. The control of the supply of electrical energy from the power supply 24 to one or both of the article detector and the heating device 16 is controlled by the controller 22. The supply of electrical energy from the power supply 24 to one or both of the article detector and the heating device 16 may differ between the first operating mode and the second operating mode.

[0140] In a particular embodiment, the heating arrangement 16 is an induction heating arrangement comprising an induction coil. The induction coil is configured to heat a susceptor within the aerosol generating article 10. The induction heating arrangement and controller are configured to determine the electrical characteristics of the susceptor in order to identify the type of susceptor within the aerosol generating article 10. In this way, the induction heating arrangement acts as a second article detector. The controller 22 is configured to select one of several pre-stored heating profiles based on the identified type of susceptor. The controller 22 is configured to apply the selected heating profile to operate the heating arrangement 16 in order to heat the aerosol generating article 10.

[0141] The aerosol generator 12 further comprises a communication interface 26. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the communication interface 26 is configured as a touch-sensitive display. Alternatively, or additionally, the communication interface 26 may include buttons or LEDs, or may be configured as buttons or LEDs. The communication interface 26 may allow the user to select one or more parameters of one or more of the operating modes of the aerosol generator 12. The communication interface 28 may operate in a manner dependent on the type of aerosol generating article detected for use with the device. For example, the communication interface 28 may output a display of the flavor of the detected type of aerosol generating article, the type of aerosol generating substrate of the detected type of aerosol generating article, and / or the nicotine content of the detected type of aerosol generating article.

[0142] The controller 22 is configured to store a log in memory of the types of aerosol-generating articles used. For example, the controller 22 may store in memory one or more of the cumulative amount of each type of article used in the device (optionally over a predetermined time, e.g., a day, a week, a month, or a year), and the ratio of the amount of each type of article used with the device to the amount of other (or all other) types of articles used with the device.

[0143] An exemplary first operating mode may be characterized by a predetermined maximum duration of 8 minutes. After that, the heating device 16 is shut off. An exemplary second operating mode may be characterized by a predetermined maximum duration of 6 minutes. After that, the heating device 16 is shut off. An exemplary third operating mode may be characterized by a predetermined maximum duration of 4 minutes. After that, the heating element 16 is shut off.

[0144] An exemplary first operating mode may be characterized by a predetermined maximum number of smoke inhalations of 18. After that, the heating element 16 is stopped. An exemplary second operating mode may be characterized by a predetermined maximum number of smoke inhalations of 14. After that, the heating element 16 is stopped. An exemplary third operating mode may be characterized by a predetermined maximum number of smoke inhalations of 10. After that, the heating element 16 is stopped.

[0145] An exemplary first type aerosol-generating article 10 comprises a tobacco-free cast leaf using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose as a film-forming agent. The first type aerosol-generating article 10 may also use carboxymethylcellulose as an additional binder. The first type aerosol-generating article 10 may also contain nicotine as an added component. The first type aerosol-generating article 10 may also contain cellulose fibers as a tensile strength improver.

[0146] The exemplary second type of aerosol-generating article 10 may contain plants, preferably natural plants. The second type of aerosol-generating article 10 does not have to contain artificial flavoring additives.

Claims

1. An aerosol generator for use with a first type of aerosol generating article, and for use with a different second type of aerosol generating article, An article detector configured to detect whether an aerosol-generating article for use with the apparatus is of the first type or the second type, A controller configured to control the operation of the aerosol generator in a first operating mode when the first type of aerosol generating article is detected by the article detector, and configured to control the operation of the aerosol generator in a second operating mode when the second type of aerosol generating article is detected by the article detector, wherein the first operating mode is different from the second mode: The predetermined maximum number of smoke inhalations before each operating mode ends, The predetermined maximum duration before each operating mode ends, An aerosol generator comprising a controller, which differs by only one of a predetermined maximum volume of aerosol generated before each operating mode ends.

2. The aerosol generator according to claim 1, wherein the first operating mode is further different from the second operating mode by only the heating profile of the heating element of the aerosol generator.

3. The first operating mode is defined as the second operating mode as follows: The predetermined maximum number of smoke inhalations before each operating mode ends, The predetermined maximum duration before each operating mode ends, The aerosol generator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least two of the predetermined maximum volumes of aerosols generated before each operating mode ends are different.

4. In one or both of the first and second operating modes, power is continuously supplied to the heating element of the aerosol generator to preferably generate an aerosol continuously for more than 20 seconds, more preferably more than 30 seconds, more preferably more than 40 seconds, more preferably more than 60 seconds, more preferably more than 100 seconds, and most preferably more than 200 seconds, according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the predetermined maximum number of smoke inhalations in the second operating mode is less than the predetermined maximum number of smoke inhalations in the first operating mode.

6. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the predetermined maximum duration of the first operating mode is 6 minutes or less, and the predetermined maximum number of smoke inhalations of the second operating mode is greater than 6 minutes.

7. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the controller is configured to adjust one or more of the following depending on the type of article identified: the amplitude of the current supplied to the heating element of the aerosol generator, the frequency of the current supplied to the heating element, the duration of the power supply, the temperature of the heating element, the signal for supplying power to the heating element, and the maximum number of power pulses to the heating element.

8. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the controller is configured to monitor the volume of smoke extracted during the operating mode.

9. The aerosol generator according to claim 8, wherein the controller is configured to terminate the operating mode when the cumulative smoke absorption volume of the generated aerosol reaches the predetermined maximum volume.

10. An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, a first type of aerosol generating article, and a different second type of aerosol generating article, wherein each of the aerosol generating articles comprises an aerosol forming substrate.

11. The aerosol generating system according to claim 10, wherein one type of aerosol generating article differs from a different type of aerosol generating article in one or more of the following: aerosol forming substrate type, aerosol forming substrate quantity, aerosol forming substrate quality, total volume of aerosol that can be generated, and heating characteristics of the aerosol forming substrate.

12. An aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 10 to 11, wherein one type of aerosol generating article does not contain tobacco, and a different type of aerosol generating article contains tobacco.

13. An aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein one type of aerosol generating article contains a flavor additive, and a different type of aerosol generating article does not contain a flavor additive.

14. An aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein one type of aerosol generating article includes a plant, and a different type of aerosol generating article does not include a plant.

15. Preferably, a method for controlling the operation of an aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 9, - The object detector detects the type of aerosol-generating object received in the cavity, A method comprising controlling the operating mode of the aerosol generator according to the type of aerosol-generating article detected by the controller.

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