Classification of consumables based on the transparency of plug elements.

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device comprising a cavity for receiving an aerosol generating article containing an aerosol-forming substrate, and an optical detector configured to detect the transparency of the distal portion of the aerosol generating article. The present invention also relates to an aerosol generating article. The present invention also relates to an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article. The present invention also relates to a method for identifying an aerosol generating article in an aerosol generating device of an aerosol generating system according to the present invention, the method comprising detecting the transparency of the distal portion of the aerosol generating article by an optical detector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device, an aerosol generating article, an aerosol generating system, and a method for identifying an aerosol generating article.

Background Art

[0002] It is known to provide an aerosol generating device for generating inhalable vapor. Such a device can heat an 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 of the aerosol generating article into a cavity (such as a heating chamber) of the aerosol generating device. When the aerosol generating article is inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device, a heating element may be disposed in or around the heating chamber to heat the aerosol-forming substrate. An aerosol generating device is typically designed to operate optimally when used with an original and dedicated 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 or nicotine content.

[0003] It is desirable to provide an aerosol generating device that can identify an aerosol generating article. It is desirable to provide an aerosol generating device that can detect an approved aerosol generating article. It is desirable to provide an aerosol generating device that can detect an aerosol generating article with enhanced reliability. It is desirable to provide an aerosol generating device having improved detection capabilities. It is desirable to have an aerosol generating device that provides an optimized user experience. It is desirable to have an aerosol generating article that enables improved identification by an aerosol generating device.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generator is provided comprising a cavity and / or an optical detector. The cavity may optionally be configured to receive an aerosol generating article containing an aerosol-forming substrate. The optical detector may optionally be configured to detect the transparency of a portion of the aerosol generating article, preferably its distal portion.

[0005] In another embodiment, an aerosol generating device is provided, comprising a cavity for receiving an aerosol generating article containing an aerosol-forming substrate, and an optical detector configured to detect the transparency of a portion of the aerosol generating article.

[0006] The aerosol generating article may comprise multiple elements, including one or more of a mouthpiece, a spacer, a hollow acetate tube, an aerosol generating substrate plug, and a front plug. All elements may be connected to each other by an outer wrapper. The aerosol generating article may have a cylindrical shape.

[0007] The front plug may be used as the end portion of the aerosol generating article. The front plug may be used to ensure that the plug of the aerosol generating substrate is retained within the aerosol generating article. The front plug may be made from a material that allows air to be drawn out through the front plug. 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 including ceramics, polymers, biopolymers, metals, zeolites, paper, cardboard, inert materials, and inorganic materials.

[0008] The optical detector may be configured to detect the transparency of any element of a part of the aerosol-generating article, specifically, the distal portion thereof.

[0009] The optical detector may be configured to detect the transparency of the front plug of the aerosol-generating article. For simplicity, when transparency detection is described below, only the front plug will be referred to. However, it should be understood that, in order to achieve the objectives of the present invention, the transparency of any element of the inserted aerosol-generating article may be detected.

[0010] It may be advantageous to configure an optical detector to detect the transparency of the front plug of an aerosol-generating article. The front plug of an aerosol-generating article may be located at the upstream end of the article. The front plug is usually located upstream of the aerosol-forming substrate. Therefore, the front plug may not come into contact with the aerosol generated in the device. Thus, the transparency of the front plug may not change or may change only slightly during use of the aerosol generator. Furthermore, the optical components of the optical detector may also be better protected from contact with the aerosol if the optical detector is located upstream of the heating chamber in the cavity of the aerosol generator.

[0011] The optical detector may have any suitable configuration known to those skilled in the art.

[0012] The optical detector may comprise a light-emitting unit and a light-detecting unit. The light-emitting unit and the light-detecting unit may be located at the distal end of the cavity of the aerosol generator. The light-emitting unit and the light-detecting unit may be located within the cavity at a position corresponding to the position of the transparent element when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the cavity of the aerosol generator.

[0013] The light-emitting unit may be installed in the cavity wall of the aerosol generator. The light-emitting unit may be installed so that light is emitted into the cavity. The light-emitting unit may be installed so that light is emitted into the front plug of the aerosol generating article into which light is inserted.

[0014] The photodetector unit may be installed in the cavity wall of the aerosol generator. The photodetector unit may be installed to detect light from the cavity. The photodetector unit may be installed to detect light transmitted through the front plug of the inserted aerosol generating article.

[0015] The light-emitting unit and the photodetector unit may be arranged such that the light emitted from the light-emitting unit passes through a portion of the aerosol-generating article received in the cavity, optionally its distal portion, and that the transmitted light is detected by the photodetector unit. The light-emitting unit and the photodetector unit may be arranged on both sides of the cavity, and may face each other in a straight line in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the long axis of the cavity of the aerosol generator.

[0016] A preferred light source has a narrow beam angle. A preferred light source has low power consumption.

[0017] The light-emitting unit may be a laser diode or a microlaser diode. The light-emitting unit may be a semiconductor-based, micron-sized light-emitting diode based on a III-V compound (i.e., an alloy containing elements from groups III and V of the periodic table) or a II-VI compound (i.e., an alloy containing elements from groups II and VI of the periodic table). The light-emitting diode may be based on gallium nitride (GaN), indium gallium nitride (InGaN), gallium arsenide (GaAs), or aluminum gallium indium phosphide (AlGaInP). The light-emitting unit may be a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL). A preferred light source has a narrow beam angle. A preferred light source has low power consumption, such as a light-emitting diode.

[0018] The light-emitting unit may be an organic light-emitting diode (OLED).

[0019] The light-emitting unit may be configured to emit parallel or non-parallel light. The light-emitting unit may be configured to emit parallel or non-parallel light, or monochromatic light, having a predetermined wavelength.

[0020] The light-emitting unit may be configured to emit visible light, UV light, or IR light. The light-emitting unit may also be configured to emit monochromatic light having a predetermined wavelength in the visible, UV, or IR range.

[0021] The light-emitting unit may be configured to emit light in the visible spectrum (approximately 400 nanometers to approximately 700 nanometers). The light-emitting unit may be configured to emit light in the invisible spectrum, such as the ultraviolet spectrum (approximately 10 nanometers to approximately 400 nanometers) or the infrared spectrum (approximately 700 nanometers to approximately 1 millimeter).

[0022] The light-emitting unit may be configured to emit light having a predetermined wavelength in the range of approximately 200 nanometers to approximately 2 micrometers. The light-emitting unit may be configured to emit light having a predetermined wavelength in the range of approximately 400 nanometers to approximately 1 micrometer. The light-emitting unit may be configured to emit light having a predetermined wavelength of approximately 520 nanometers or approximately 850 nanometers.

[0023] The aerosol generator may include a plurality of light-emitting units. Each light-emitting unit may be configured as described above. Each light-emitting unit may be configured to emit light rays of the same wavelength. The light-emitting units may be configured to emit light rays of different wavelengths.

[0024] The photodetector unit may have any suitable configuration known to those skilled in the art. A preferred photodetector unit has high sensitivity. A preferred photodetector unit has low power consumption.

[0025] The light detection unit may be selected to be suitable for use with a light emitting unit used in an aerosol generator. In particular, the sensitivity and the operating range may be selected to correspond to the light emitting unit used in the aerosol generator.

[0026] The light detection unit may be a photodiode such as a semiconductor-based photodetector, a phototransistor, or a PIN photodiode. The light detection unit may be an infrared detector. The light detection unit may be an infrared detector based on mercury cadmium telluride (HgCdTe). The light detection unit may be a radiation detector based on cadmium zinc telluride (CdZnTe).

[0027] The light detection unit may be a flat field detector. The light detection unit may be a photodetector having a flat receiving interface.

[0028] The light detection unit may be a spherical detector. The spherical detector may be configured to collect radiation entering from different angles of incidence.

[0029] The aerosol generator may include a plurality of light detection units. Each light detection unit may be configured as described above. Each light detection unit may have the same configuration. The light detection units may be configured to be sensitive to different wavelength ranges.

[0030] The optical detector may include a plurality of light emitting units and a plurality of light detection units. The light emitting units and the light detection units may be arranged in pairs. The light emitting units and the light detection units may be arranged such that each of the light emitting units cooperates with one of the light detection units. Each light detection unit may be arranged to face linearly opposite the corresponding light emitting unit on a horizontal plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generator. Each light detection unit may be configured to be sufficiently sensitive to detect the difference in the spectra of the radiation rays from each of the corresponding light emitting units.

[0031] The optical detector may include a plurality of light emitting units and a single light detection unit. In this case, the light detection unit is preferably configured to be able to collect radiation entering from different incident angles and / or different wavelengths corresponding to that emitted by the light emitting units. In particular, the light detection unit may be a spherical detector. The light detection unit may be configured to be sufficiently sensitive to detect the difference in the spectra of the radiation rays from each of the light emitting units.

[0032] The optical detector may be configured to provide an electrical signal depending on the transparency of a part of the inserted aerosol generating article, optionally its distal part. More specifically, when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the cavity of the aerosol generating device, the light emitting unit may be activated. The light emitting unit may emit light rays towards a part of the aerosol generating article. A part of the light rays is reflected, scattered, and / or absorbed by a part of the aerosol generating article. The remaining part of the light rays may be transmitted through a part of the aerosol generating article. The transmitted part of the light rays may be detected by the light detection unit. The light detection unit may generate a detector output or an electrical signal corresponding to the measured part of the transmitted light. This electrical signal may then be transmitted to the controller of the aerosol generating device. The electrical signal may depend on the amount of light transmitted through a part of the aerosol generating article. Thus, the optical detector is configured to detect the transmittance or transparency of a part of the aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating device may comprise a controller. The optical detector may be electrically coupled to the controller. The optical detector may be configured to transmit an electrical signal corresponding to the transparency of the front plug to the controller.

[0033] The controller may be configured to analyze the electrical signal provided by the optical detector. The controller may determine the transparency of the front plug based on the analysis of the electrical signal provided by the optical detector. The transparency of the front plug of the aerosol generating article may indicate the type of the inserted aerosol generating article.

[0034] The controller may include memory. The memory may include pre-stored reference data. The reference data may include reference signals from an optical detector. Each of these reference signals may correspond to a forward plug having a specific transparency.

[0035] The controller may be configured to compare the electrical signal provided by the optical detector with pre-stored reference data. The controller may be configured to correlate the electrical signal provided by the optical detector with pre-stored reference data. The controller may be configured to detect and identify the type of aerosol-generating article inserted by correlating the electrical signal provided by the optical detector with pre-stored reference data. In this way, the controller may be configured to identify the aerosol-generating article inserted into the cavity of the aerosol generator.

[0036] Naturally, the identification of aerosol-generating articles for use in an aerosol generator can be useful for a variety of different purposes, and the present invention is not limited to any one specific purpose for identifying aerosol-generating articles. For example, identifying an aerosol-generating article may allow the application of one of several predetermined heating profiles associated with the identified aerosol-generating article; identifying an aerosol-generating article may allow the user interface of the aerosol generator to operate differently in response to the identification of the aerosol-generating article, for example by displaying the flavor of the aerosol-generating article; and / or identifying an aerosol-generating article may allow the aerosol generator to store a record of the consumption of each type of aerosol-generating article used in the aerosol generator to help the user monitor their usage habits.

[0037] The present invention may provide means and methods for detecting and identifying certified aerosol-generating articles and specific types of aerosol-generating articles received in an aerosol generator. The device may be provided with a controller that monitors and processes the signal output of an optical detector. By comparing the signal output of the optical detector with pre-stored reference data, the controller may perform one or more of the following: (i) determine the presence of certified articles in the device; (ii) identify the type of inserted article; (iii) adjust the operation of the device depending on the characteristics of the inserted aerosol-generating article; and (iv) determine whether or not an article is present in the device.

[0038] The certified article may be provided with a portion having a specific degree of transparency, optionally its distal portion. The certified article may be provided with a front plug having a specific degree of transparency. In response to the detection of the certified article, the controller may enable one or both of the following: operation of the device and / or provision of the user experience. For example, power may be supplied to the heating assembly of the aerosol generator. If the device does not detect the certified article, the device may prevent the operation of the device and / or prevent the provision of the user experience. For example, power may be prevented from being supplied to the heating assembly.

[0039] The present invention may enable the provision of an optimized user experience by adapting aerosol generation to the type of article inserted into the device. Articles belonging to a certain type may be provided with a type-specific front plug having a specific transparency. By comparing the output signal generated by the optical detector with pre-stored reference data, the device can identify the type of article inserted into the device. Accordingly, the device can adapt and thereby optimize aerosol generation. For example, a pre-stored type-specific heating profile may be employed. The type-specific heating profile may correspond to a type-specific configuration of the aerosol-forming substrate within the article.

[0040] During use, an article having a front plug with a specific degree of transparency may be inserted into the cavity of the device by the user. After insertion, the article, in particular the transparent front plug, is placed in an optical detector. Optical detection of transparency may be performed, and the output signal of the optical detector may be provided to the controller. The controller may identify the inserted article by correlating the provided output of the optical detector with pre-stored reference data. In response, the controller may adjust the operation of the device.

[0041] This invention may provide the detection and identification of articles, accompanied by one or more improvements in reliability and consistency. Consumer satisfaction may be improved by reducing the risk of false rejection of certified articles.

[0042] This invention may provide detection and identification of articles that do not require the use of extra markings on the articles. This may reduce manufacturing costs.

[0043] In particular, it is sufficient to provide the aerosol generating article with a front plug having the desired transparency so that it can be identified by the controller of the aerosol generating device. No additional marking or modification of the article is required.

[0044] Detecting the presence of certified aerosol-generating articles within the device can prevent or at least reduce the risk of counterfeit and non-certified articles being used with the device. Damage to the device can be avoided. Economic losses for manufacturers of certified articles may be minimized.

[0045] Identifying specific types of aerosol-generating articles within the device can enable the provision of an optimized user experience. For example, article type-specific heating profiles may be provided. Aerosol generation can be optimized and adapted according to the type of article inserted into the device.

[0046] Identifying aerosol-generating articles using transparency detection may offer a versatile application for different types of heat-generating elements.

[0047] The longitudinal axis of a component may be along the longitudinal direction of the component or parallel to the longitudinal direction of the component. The longitudinal axis of a device may extend between the distal and proximal ends of the device. The longitudinal axis of an article may extend between the distal and proximal ends of the article.

[0048] The device may include a heating element, preferably a heating coil.

[0049] The heating element may be arranged to at least partially, preferably completely, surround the cavity. The heating element may be located at the distal end of the cavity.

[0050] The apparatus may include a controller. The controller may be configured to identify the type of aerosol-generating article based on the output of an optical detector. The output of the optical detector may be an electrical signal.

[0051] The controller may include a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor. The controller may be configured to regulate the power supply to the heating element. Power may be supplied to the heating element continuously following the startup of the aerosol generator, or intermittently (e.g., with each smoke extraction). Power may be supplied to the heating element in the form of current pulses. The controller may be configured to monitor the electrical resistance of the heating element, and preferably to control the power supply to the heating element in accordance with the electrical resistance of the heating element.

[0052] The controller may be configured to monitor the output of the optical detector. The controller may be configured to record the output of the optical detector. The controller may be configured to process the output of the optical detector. The controller may be configured to analyze the output of the optical detector. The controller may be configured to identify aerosol-generating articles by processing the output of the optical detector. The controller may be connected to the optical detector. The controller may be configured to communicate with the optical detector. The controller may be configured to determine the presence or absence of aerosol-generating articles by processing the output of the optical detector. The controller may be configured to allow aerosol generation only after determining that aerosol-generating articles are present. The controller may be configured to prohibit or stop aerosol generation in response to determining that aerosol-generating articles are absent.

[0053] The controller may be configured to adjust the power supply to the heating element based on the identification of the type of aerosol-generating article. Upon identification of the type of aerosol-generating article, the controller may enable power to be supplied to the heating element. Upon identification of the type of aerosol-generating article, the controller may enable the provision of a user experience. Upon identification of the type of aerosol-generating article, the controller may adjust the power supply according to the identified article type. The controller may be configured to supply power to the heating element according to a predetermined heating profile for each identified article.

[0054] The controller may adjust the magnitude of the power supply depending on the identified item type. The controller may adjust the duration of the power supply depending on the identified item type. The controller may adjust the temperature of the heating element depending on the identified item type. The controller may adjust one or more of the amplitude and frequency of the current supplied to the heating element depending on the identified item type. The controller may adjust the signal that powers the heating element depending on the identified item type.

[0055] The controller's memory may include a database of pre-stored heating profiles for each known type of aerosol-generating article. The controller may be configured to provide power according to the identified type of heating profile for the aerosol-generating article. The power supply can be tailored to the configuration of a specific article type. Aerosol generation and user experience can be optimized.

[0056] The heating element may include a heating coil. The heating coil may have a length of 15 mm to 31 mm, preferably 11 mm to 21 mm.

[0057] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to an aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate within an aerosol-forming substrate portion and a substrate wrapper that at least partially surrounds the aerosol-forming substrate portion. A portion of the aerosol generating article, optionally its distal portion, is formed to have a predetermined transparency.

[0058] The "distal portion" of an aerosol-generating article refers to the part of the article that can be inserted into the cavity of the aerosol generator during use. The part of the aerosol-generating article that is not inserted into the cavity of the aerosol generator is referred to in this specification as the "proximal portion" of the aerosol-generating article.

[0059] The aerosol generating article may comprise multiple elements, including one or more of a mouthpiece, a spacer, a hollow acetate tube, an aerosol generating substrate plug, and a front plug. All elements may be connected to each other by an outer wrapper.

[0060] The aerosol-generating article may have any cross-sectional shape. The aerosol-generating article may have a cylindrical shape.

[0061] A portion of the aerosol-generating article, optionally its distal portion, may be formed to include a front plug. The front plug may be used as the end portion of the aerosol-generating article. The front plug may be used to ensure that the plug of the aerosol-generating substrate is retained within the aerosol-generating article during use.

[0062] The front plug may be transparent or translucent, and may have a predetermined degree of transparency. The front plug may be made of a material that allows air to be drawn through it. The front plug may be made of a material with an appropriate porosity. The front plug may be made of a filter material.

[0063] The front plug may comprise a cellulose acetate tow formed from a transparent or translucent, continuously crimped strip of cellulose acetate fibers, and may have a predetermined degree of transparency.

[0064] The front plug may contain one or more materials selected from the group including ceramics, polymers, biopolymers, metals, zeolites, paper, cardboard, inert materials, and inorganic materials.

[0065] The front plug may be provided with a transparent wrapper. The front plug may be provided with a transparent paper wrapper. The transparent wrapper may be made from a cellulose acetate. The transparent wrapper can be made from a cellulose acetate selected from the group consisting of cellulose acetate, cellulose diacetate, and cellulose triacetate.

[0066] The outer wrapper may be an outer paper wrapper. The outer wrapper may be a transparent outer paper wrapper. The transparent outer paper wrapper may contain cellulose acetate.

[0067] The outer wrapper may be made from annual plant pulp such as hemp, cannabis, or sisal pulp. The outer wrapper may be made from chemical pulp. The outer wrapper may be made from a mixture of natural pulp and chemical pulp.

[0068] The outer wrapper may be a transparent wrapper.

[0069] The outer wrapper may be an opaque outer wrapper. The opaque outer wrapper may have a cutout. The cutout portion may be positioned around the front plug. The cutout portion may be positioned around the front plug and along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating article. The cutout portion may be positioned around the front plug so as to optically expose the front plug through the cutout portion of the outer wrapper.

[0070] Providing the outer wrapper as a transparent wrapper, or providing a cutout in the outer wrapper, facilitates optical detection of the transparency of the front plug.

[0071] The transparency of a transparent front plug, a transparent wrapper, and any other transparent or translucent elements contained within an aerosol-generating article may be defined in accordance with ASTM D1003-13.

[0072] The transparency of the front plug may exceed 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 percent. The transparency of the front plug may exceed 50 percent. The transparency of the front plug may exceed 70 percent. The transparency may be any non-zero transparency value.

[0073] The transparency of the front plug may also be defined by its total transmittance. The total transmittance of the front plug may be less than 95 percent, less than 95 percent, 90 percent, 85 percent, 80 percent, 75 percent, 70 percent, 65 percent, 60 percent, 55 percent, 50 percent, 45 percent, 40 percent, 35 percent, 30 percent, 25 percent, 20 percent, 15 percent, 10 percent, and less than 5 percent.

[0074] According to a third aspect of the present invention, the present invention relates to an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article as described herein.

[0075] The aerosol-generating article may be configured as described above.

[0076] The aerosol generator may be configured to be used with multiple different types of aerosol generating articles.

[0077] In a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a method for identifying an aerosol generating article in an aerosol generating device of an aerosol generating system, such as the aerosol generating device of the aerosol generating system described herein. The method includes detecting the transparency of a portion of the aerosol generating article, optionally its distal portion, using an optical detector.

[0078] The method may be used in conjunction with an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating article having a front plug having a predetermined transparency. The method may further include the step of identifying an aerosol generating article by determining the transparency of the front plug of the article.

[0079] The method may include the step of identifying an aerosol-generating article by using an optical detector to detect the transparency of a portion of the article, optionally its distal portion, and by comparing the output of the detector with reference data.

[0080] The method may further include the step of controlling the operation of an aerosol generator in accordance with the output of an optical detector.

[0081] The process of controlling the operation of the aerosol generator may include preventing the aerosol generator from operating if an uncertified aerosol-generating article is detected.

[0082] The process of controlling the operation of the aerosol generator may include selecting a heating profile for the aerosol generator in accordance with the output of the optical detector.

[0083] As used herein, the term “transparency” refers to the ability of an object to allow light to pass through it. The term “light” refers to both the visible spectrum (about 400 nanometers to about 700 nanometers) and the invisible spectrum, including the ultraviolet spectrum (about 10 nanometers to about 400 nanometers) and the infrared spectrum (about 700 nanometers to about 1 millimeter). As is well known, the “transparency” of an object is measured by its measured “transmittance.” Thus, the terms “transparency” and “transmittance” are used interchangeably herein. The “transmittance” of an object is measured as the ratio of light transmitted through the object to light incident on the object, i.e., transmittance = transmitted light / incident light.

[0084] As used herein, and as used in relation to an object, the term “transparent” refers to an object through which light can be transmitted at least partially. Thus, the term “transparent” refers to a transparent, translucent, or semi-transparent object, such as an opaque object.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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 has 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 or parts of the aerosol generating system 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] The aerosol generator may have a length of 86 mm to 130 mm.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] In any aspect of this disclosure, the heating element may include an electrically resistive material. Suitable electrically 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.

[0095] As described, in any aspect of the present disclosure, a 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 parts 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, e.g., 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 an exemplary device, 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 can be used during operation to both heat a heating element and to monitor its temperature.

[0096] The external heating element can 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 may be molded to fit around a substrate receiving cavity. Alternatively, the external heating element may take the form of a metal grid, a flexible printed circuit board, a molded interconnect (MID), a ceramic heater, a flexible carbon fiber heater, or may be formed on a substrate of a 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 an exemplary device, the metal may be formed as a track between two layers of a 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.

[0097] As an alternative to electrically resistive heating elements, heating elements can be configured as inductive heating elements. Inductive heating elements may comprise an 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. This is because the magnetic orientations of these domains align with the alternating inductive 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 contribute to the heating of the susceptor. If the susceptor is magnetic but not conductive, hysteresis loss is the only means of heating the susceptor 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 so that an aerosol is formed. Heat transfer may be mainly by conduction. Such heat transfer is best when the susceptor is in close thermal contact with the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0098] The aerosol generator may include 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 a capacity sufficient to continuously generate aerosols for a period of about six minutes, or for periods of multiples of six minutes. In another embodiment, the power source may have a capacity sufficient to provide a predetermined number of fume extractions or to activate individual heating elements.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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 also have a length and a circumference substantially perpendicular to that length. The aerosol-forming substrate may be substantially rod-shaped.

[0104] 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.

[0105] The aerosol generating article may have a separation section between the aerosol forming substrate and the filter plug. The separation section may be approximately 18 millimeters in diameter, but may also be in the range of approximately 5 millimeters to approximately 25 meters. [Examples]

[0106] A non-exclusive list of non-limiting embodiments is provided below. Any one or more features of these embodiments may be combined with any one or more features of other embodiments, forms, or aspects described herein.

[0107] Example 1. An aerosol generating device comprising a cavity for receiving an aerosol generating article containing an aerosol-forming substrate, and an optical detector configured to detect the transparency of a portion of the aerosol generating article, optionally its distal portion. Example 2. The aerosol generator according to Example 1, wherein the optical detector comprises a light-emitting unit and a light-detecting unit. Example 3. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 2, wherein a light-emitting unit and a light-detecting unit are disposed within a cavity, preferably at the distal end of the cavity. Example 4. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the light-emitting unit and the light-detecting unit are arranged on both sides of the cavity and face each other in a linear direction in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cavity of the aerosol generator. Example 5. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the light-emitting unit and the light-detecting unit are arranged such that light emitted from the light-emitting unit passes through a portion of an aerosol-generating article received in a cavity, optionally its distal portion, and the transmitted light is detected by the light-detecting unit. Example 6. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the light-emitting unit is configured to emit parallel or nonparallel monochromatic light having a predetermined wavelength. Example 7. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the predetermined wavelength is visible, UV, or IR light, in the range of approximately 400 nanometers to 1 millimeter. Example 8. The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the photodetector is a flat-field detector such as a photodetector having a flat receiving interface, or the photodetector is a spherical detector configured to collect radiation entering from different angles of incidence. Example 9. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the aerosol generator comprises a plurality of light-emitting units and / or photodetection units. Example 10. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 9, wherein the light-emitting unit is a laser diode, microlaser diode, or semiconductor-based micron-sized light-emitting diode based on gallium nitride (GaN), indium gallium nitride (InGaN), or aluminum gallium phosphide (AlGaInP), or a vertical cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL). Example 11. The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 10, wherein the photodetection unit is a semiconductor-based photodetector such as an infrared detector based on cadmium mercury telluride (HgCdTe) or a radiation detector based on cadmium zinc telluride (CdZnTe), a phototransistor, or a photodiode such as a PIN photodiode. Example 12. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 11, further comprising a controller electrically coupled to an optical detector, wherein the controller is configured to analyze an electrical signal provided by the optical controller to identify an aerosol generating article. Example 13. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 12, wherein the identification of an aerosol-generating article is performed by comparing the measured data with pre-stored reference data. Example 14. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 13, wherein a portion of the aerosol generating article, optionally its distal portion, is equipped with a front plug, and an optical detector is configured to detect the transparency of the front plug of the aerosol generating article. Example 15. An aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate within an aerosol-forming substrate portion and a substrate wrapper that at least partially surrounds the aerosol-forming substrate portion, wherein a portion of the aerosol generating article, optionally its distal portion, is formed to have a predetermined degree of transparency. Example 16. The aerosol generating article according to Example 15, wherein a portion of the aerosol generating article is formed from a front plug, and the front plug is transparent or translucent and has a predetermined degree of transparency. Example 17. The aerosol-generating article according to Example 16, wherein the transparency of the front plug is defined according to ASTM D1003-13. Example 18. The aerosol generating article according to Example 17, wherein the front plug comprises a cellulose acetate tow formed from a transparent or translucent continuous crimped band of cellulose acetate fibers having a predetermined transparency. Example 19. The aerosol generating article according to Example 18, wherein the front plug has a transparent wrapper, and the aerosol generating article has an outer wrapper that surrounds the front plug and connects it to further components of the aerosol generating article. Example 20. The aerosol generating article according to Example 19, wherein the outer wrapper has a cutout positioned around the front plug such that the front plug is visually exposed through the cutout of the outer wrapper. Example 21. An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1 to 14, and an aerosol generating article, preferably an aerosol generating article described in any one of Examples 15 to 20. Example 22. An aerosol generating system, a method for identifying an aerosol generating article in the aerosol generating apparatus thereof as described in Example 21, the method comprising detecting the transparency of a portion of the aerosol generating article, optionally its distal portion, using an optical detector. Example 23. The method according to Example 22, further comprising the step of identifying an aerosol-generating article by comparing the detected optical transparency with reference data. Example 24. The method according to any one of Examples 22 to 23, further comprising the step of controlling the operation of an aerosol generator in accordance with the output of an optical detector. Example 25. The method according to any one of Examples 22 to 24, wherein the operation of the aerosol generator is controlled to stop the operation of the aerosol generator when an uncertified aerosol-generating article is detected. Example 26. The method according to any one of Examples 22 to 25, wherein controlling the operation of the aerosol generator includes selecting a heating profile for the aerosol generator in accordance with the output of the optical detector.

[0108] Features described in relation to one embodiment may be equally applicable to other embodiments of the present invention.

[0109] The present invention will be further explained with reference to the following attached drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0110] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating object. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an aerosol generating article with a transparent front plug. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an aerosol generator equipped with an optical detector. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows optical detection in an aerosol generator. [Figure 5] Figures 5a and 5b show various configurations of optical detectors. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0111] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating article 10. The aerosol generating article 10 comprises a mouth-end filter 12 located at the proximal end of the article 10. The article 10 further comprises a PLA (polylactic acid) plug 14, a hollow acetate tube 16, and an aerosol-forming substrate portion 18, which includes an aerosol-forming substrate such as an aggregate of homogenized tobacco sheets. A front plug 20 is provided at the distal end of the article 10. A central axis 24 extends centrally along the long axis of the aerosol generating article 10.

[0112] The front plug 20 is formed from a cellulose acetate tow consisting of a translucent, continuous crimped fiber band containing cellulose acetate fibers. The front plug is surrounded by a transparent front plug wrapper 21. The overall transparency of the front plug is less than 50 percent (but greater than zero percent). The aerosol generating article 10 is surrounded by an outer wrapper 22. A cutout is provided at the distal end of the outer wrapper 22.

[0113] The cutout portion 26 is shown in detail in Figure 2, which depicts a simplified aerosol generating article 10 including a transparent front plug 20 at its distal end. Figure 2 shows the transparent front plug 20 surrounded by a transparent front plug wrapper 21. The entire aerosol generating article 10 is wrapped by an outer wrapper 22. At the distal end and coinciding with the position of the transparent front plug 20, the outer wrapper 22 is provided with a cutout portion 26. The cutout portion 26 allows incident light to pass through the front plug 20. In the fully assembled aerosol generating article 10, the cutout portion 26 is positioned around the front plug 20 and along the longitudinal axis 24 of the aerosol generating article 10. Thus, the transparent front plug 22 is exposed through the cutout portion 26 of the outer wrapper 22.

[0114] To generate an aerosol, the aerosol-generating article 10 is inserted into a cavity 32 of the aerosol generator 30. Such an aerosol generator 30 is schematically illustrated in Figure 3. The aerosol generator 30 may define a cavity 30 configured to receive the aerosol-generating article 10. Part of the cavity 30 is surrounded by a heating element 34. In the embodiment of Figure 3, the heating element 34 is an external, resistive heating element. A controller 36 is configured to supply power from a power source (not shown) to heat the heating element 34.

[0115] An optical detector 40 is provided at the bottom of the cavity 32 of the aerosol generator 30. The optical detector 40 comprises a light-emitting unit 42 and a light-detecting unit 44. The light-emitting unit 42 and the light-detecting unit 44 are positioned on both sides of the cavity 32 of the aerosol generator 30. The light-emitting unit 42 and the light-detecting unit 44 are positioned to enable detection of the optical transparency of the front plug 20 of the inserted aerosol-generating article 10.

[0116] As shown in the enlarged cross-sectional view on the right side of Figure 3, the light-emitting unit 42 and the light-detecting unit 44 are arranged on both sides of the cavity 32 and face each other in a linear direction on a horizontal plane perpendicular to the long axis of the aerosol generator 30.

[0117] The optical detector 40 is positioned upstream of the heating element 34. In this way, the optical detector 40 and the forward plug 20 can be largely prevented from coming into contact with the aerosols generated in the cavity 32 in the area adjacent to the heating element 34. Therefore, the transparency of the forward plug 22 does not change, or only changes slightly, during use of the aerosol generator 30. Furthermore, the possibility of contamination of the optical components of the optical detector 40 can be reduced in this configuration.

[0118] Figure 4 shows details of the operation of an aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generator 30 and an aerosol generating article 10. First, as shown in the left-hand view of Figure 4, the aerosol generating article 10 is inserted into the cavity 32 of the aerosol generator 30 along the long axis of the aerosol generator. The fully inserted aerosol generating article 10 is shown in the center view of Figure 4. Once the aerosol generating article 10 is fully inserted, the transparent front plug 20 is positioned between the light-emitting unit 42 and the photodetection unit 44 of the optical detector 40. After the aerosol generating article 10 is positioned in the cavity 32, the controller 36 activates the light-emitting unit 42 to emit a parallel ray of light 46 toward the front plug 20. A portion of the parallel ray of light 46 is reflected, scattered, or absorbed by the front plug 20. A portion of the parallel ray of light 46 is transmitted and passes through the front plug 20. The transmitted portion of the parallel ray of light 46 reaches the photodetection unit 44. The photodetector unit 44 generates an electrical output signal corresponding to the amount of transmission of parallel light rays 46. This output signal is transmitted to the controller 36 of the aerosol generator 30. The controller 36 evaluates the output signal of the optical detector 40. Such evaluation includes verifying whether the inserted article 10 is a genuine article. Furthermore, the evaluation may include identifying the type of inserted aerosol-generating article 10. The controller 36 may be further configured to supply power to the heating element 34 according to a predetermined heating protocol for the identified type of aerosol-generating article 10.

[0119] For this purpose, a specific type of aerosol-generating article 10 is manufactured to have a front plug 20 having a specific transparency. The controller 36 is configured to determine the type of inserted aerosol-generating article 10 by comparing the measured transparency value with a set of datasets stored in the controller 36's memory. The controller 36 further includes a database of pre-stored heating profiles for each type of aerosol-generating article 10.

[0120] When the user starts generating aerosols, the controller 36 is configured to supply power to the heating element 34 according to a specific heating profile for the type of aerosol generating article 10 inserted. In this way, the power supply to the heating element 34 can be adjusted to match the configuration of a specific type of aerosol generating article 10. Thus, aerosol generation and the user experience can be optimized.

[0121] Figure 5 illustrates various configurations of the optical detector 40.

[0122] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 5a, the optical detector comprises three light-emitting units 42A, 42B, and 42C and three photodetector units 44A, 44B, and 44C. The light-emitting units 42A, 42B, and 42C and the three photodetector units 44A, 44B, and 44C are arranged in pairs. Thus, each photodetector unit 44A, 44B, and 44C is positioned on a horizontal plane perpendicular to the long axis of the aerosol generator 30, facing linearly with one of the corresponding light-emitting units 42A, 42B, and 42C. The light-emitting units 42A, 42B, and 42C emit light rays of the same wavelength, either 520 nanometers or greater than 700 nanometers. Each photodetector unit 44A, 44B, and 44C is sufficiently photosensitive to detect the spectral difference of the light rays emitted from each of the corresponding light-emitting units 42A, 42B, and 42C.

[0123] Figure 5b shows another exemplary embodiment in which the optical detector 40 comprises three light-emitting units 42A, 42B, and 42C and a single photodetector unit 44. The light-emitting units 42A, 42B, and 42C are each configured to emit light rays having different wavelengths. The photodetector unit 44 is shaped into a long, curved semicircular band. Thereafter, the photodetector unit 44 is designed to have an enlarged photoreceiving interface and is positioned to face the multiple light-emitting units 42A, 42B, and 42C on a horizontal plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generator 30. The photodetector unit 44 is photosensitive enough to detect the transmittance of the front plug 20 with respect to each of the light rays emitted from each of the light-emitting units 42A, 42B, and 42C.

Claims

1. A cavity for receiving an aerosol generating article containing an aerosol-forming substrate, An aerosol generating device comprising an optical detector configured to detect the transparency of a portion of the aerosol generating article.

2. The aerosol generator according to claim 1, wherein the optical detector comprises a light-emitting unit and a photodetection unit, and preferably the aerosol generator comprises a plurality of light-emitting units and / or photodetection units.

3. The aerosol generator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light-emitting unit and the light-detecting unit are preferably arranged on both sides of the cavity and facing each other in a linear direction in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cavity of the aerosol generator, and the light-emitting unit and the light-detecting unit are preferably arranged such that light emitted from the light-emitting unit passes through a portion of the aerosol-generating article received in the cavity, and the transmitted light is detected by the light-detecting unit.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the distal portion of the aerosol generating article is provided with a front plug, and the optical detector is configured to detect the transparency of the front plug of the aerosol generating article.

5. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a controller electrically connected to the optical detector, wherein the controller is configured to analyze an electrical signal provided by the optical controller to identify the aerosol generating article.

6. Aerosol-generating article, Aerosol-forming substrate within the aerosol-forming substrate portion, The aerosol-forming substrate portion comprises a substrate wrapper that at least partially surrounds the aerosol-forming substrate portion, An aerosol generating article in which a portion of the aerosol generating article is formed to have a predetermined degree of transparency.

7. The aerosol generating article according to claim 6, wherein the portion of the aerosol generating article is formed from a front plug, and the front plug is transparent or translucent and has a predetermined degree of transparency.

8. The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 6 or 7, wherein the front plug comprises a transparent wrapper, and the aerosol generating article comprises an outer wrapper that surrounds the front plug and connects it to further components of the aerosol generating article.

9. The aerosol generating article according to claim 8, wherein the outer wrapper includes a cutout portion positioned around the front plug, and the front plug is visually exposed through the cutout portion of the outer wrapper.

10. An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, and an aerosol generating article, preferably an aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 6 to 9.

11. Aerosol generating system, optionally a method for identifying an aerosol generating article in the aerosol generating device of the aerosol generating system according to claim 10, A method comprising detecting the transparency of a portion of the aerosol-generating article using an optical detector.

12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising the step of identifying the aerosol-generating article by comparing the detected optical transparency with reference data.

13. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 12, further comprising the step of controlling the operation of the aerosol generator in accordance with the output of the optical detector.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein controlling the operation of the aerosol generator includes stopping the operation of the aerosol generator when an uncertified aerosol generating article is detected.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein controlling the operation of the aerosol generator includes selecting a heating profile for the aerosol generator in accordance with the output of an optical detector.

Images