Aerosol generator with object detection using identification patterns

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerosol generator comprising a cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generator further comprises an article detector. The article detector is configured to detect a reference pattern of the aerosol-generating article. The article detector is configured to detect an identification pattern of the aerosol-generating article. The present invention further relates to an aerosol-generating article comprising a reference pattern on or inside the aerosol-generating article, and further comprising an identification pattern on or inside the aerosol-generating article. The present invention further relates to an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol generator and an aerosol-generating article. The present invention further relates to a method for identifying an aerosol-generating article in an aerosol generator.

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 an inhalable vapor. Such a device may 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. A heating element may be disposed in or around a heating chamber for heating the aerosol forming substrate once the aerosol generating article is inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device. The 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 would be desirable to provide an aerosol generating device that can identify an aerosol generating article. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol generating device that can detect an approved aerosol generating article. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol generating device that can detect a reliable aerosol generating article. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol generating device having improved detection capabilities. It would be desirable to have an aerosol generating device that provides an optimized user experience. It would be desirable to have an aerosol generating article that enables improved identification by an aerosol generating device.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an aerosol generator is provided that comprises a cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating article containing an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generator may further comprise an article detector. The article detector may be configured to detect a reference pattern of the aerosol-generating article. The article detector may be configured to detect an identification pattern of the aerosol-generating article.

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an aerosol generator is provided, comprising a cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generator further comprises an article detector. The article detector is configured to detect a reference pattern of the aerosol-generating article. The article detector is configured to detect an identification pattern of the aerosol-generating article.

[0006] Detecting a baseline pattern of aerosol-generating articles can enable the generation of baseline data. This baseline data can, in particular, indicate the insertion rate of the aerosol-generating article into the cavity of the aerosol generator.

[0007] Detecting identification patterns of aerosol-generating articles can enable the generation of identification data. This identification data can, in particular, indicate the type of aerosol-generating article.

[0008] Insertion speed can be used to improve the quality of identification data. More specifically, detecting the identification pattern of an aerosol-generating article while it is being inserted into the cavity of the aerosol generator at an unknown speed may lead to ambiguous identification data. However, knowing the insertion speed of the aerosol-generating article into the cavity of the aerosol generator during insertion may allow for the detection of ambiguous identification data.

[0009] It is understood that the identification of aerosol-generating articles for use in an aerosol generator may be useful for a variety of different purposes, and that the present invention is not limited to one specific purpose for identifying aerosol-generating articles. For example, identifying an aerosol-generating article may enable the application of one of several predetermined heating profiles associated with the identified aerosol-generating article, identifying an aerosol-generating article may enable 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 enabling the aerosol generator to store a record of the consumption of each type of aerosol-generating article used in the aerosol generator, thereby helping the user monitor their usage habits.

[0010] The object detector may be positioned on the side wall of the cavity. The object detector may also be positioned in direct contact with the interior of the cavity.

[0011] The object detector may be disposed within a recess in the side wall of the cavity.

[0012] The object detector may include an optical emitter. The optical emitter may include a laser. The optical emitter may be configured as a laser. The optical emitter may be configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in one or more of the visible spectrum, infrared spectrum, and ultraviolet spectrum.

[0013] The object detector may include an optical detector. The optical detector may be configured to detect electromagnetic radiation emitted by an optical emitter. The optical detector may be arranged to detect electromagnetic radiation emitted by an optical emitter. The optical detector may be configured to detect electromagnetic radiation in one or more of the visible spectrum, infrared spectrum, and ultraviolet spectrum.

[0014] The optical emitter may be disposed adjacent to the optical detector. Both the optical emitter and the optical detector may be disposed in the side wall of the cavity. Both the optical emitter and the optical detector may be disposed in a recess in the side wall of the cavity. The optical emitter may be disposed in a first recess in the side wall of the cavity. The optical detector may be disposed in a second recess in the side wall of the cavity. The first recess may be disposed adjacent to the second recess. The first recess may be located laterally from the second recess. Alternatively, or additionally, the first recess may be located axially from the second recess.

[0015] A shielding wall may be placed between the optical emitter and the optical detector to prevent electromagnetic radiation emitted by the optical emitter from being directly received by the optical detector. The shielding wall may be placed between a first recess and a second recess. One or both of the first and second recesses may be recessed relative to the shielding wall.

[0016] The barrier wall may include an opaque shielding material. The barrier wall may consist of an opaque shielding material.

[0017] The barrier wall may have a radial inner wall. The radial inner wall may be recessed relative to the side wall of the cavity. The radial inner wall may be recessed by less than 1 millimeter relative to the side wall of the cavity. The radial inner wall may be disposed between the first recess and the second recess.

[0018] The article detector may comprise a first article detector and a second article detector. The first article detector may be configured to detect a reference pattern of an aerosol-generating article. The second article detector may be configured to detect an identification pattern of an aerosol-generating article. The first article detector may comprise a first optical emitter. The first article detector may comprise a first optical detector. The second article detector may comprise a second optical emitter. The second article detector may comprise a second optical detector. All disclosures herein relating to optical emitters may apply to one or both of the first and second optical emitters. All disclosures herein relating to optical detectors may apply to one or both of the first and second optical detectors.

[0019] One of the first optical emitter and the second optical emitter may be configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in either the infrared spectrum or the ultraviolet spectrum. One of the first optical emitter and the second optical emitter may be configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum. Preferably, one of the first optical emitter and the second optical emitter may be configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in either the infrared spectrum or the ultraviolet spectrum, and the other of the first optical emitter and the second optical emitter may be configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum.

[0020] One of the first and second optical detectors may be configured to detect electromagnetic radiation in either the infrared spectrum or the ultraviolet spectrum. One of the first and second optical detectors may be configured to detect electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum. Preferably, one of the first and second optical detectors may be configured to detect electromagnetic radiation in either the infrared spectrum or the ultraviolet spectrum, and the other of the first and second optical detectors may be configured to detect electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum. Preferably, the first optical detector may be configured to detect electromagnetic radiation in a spectrum corresponding to the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the first optical emitter. Preferably, the second optical detector may be configured to detect electromagnetic radiation in a spectrum corresponding to the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the second optical emitter.

[0021] Interference during the detection of aerosol-generating articles can be prevented by providing a first (or second) article detector configured to emit and detect electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum, and a second (or first) article detector for emitting and detecting electromagnetic radiation in the infrared or ultraviolet spectrum. Therefore, such a configuration may enable the simultaneous detection of a reference pattern and an identification pattern without compromising detection reliability.

[0022] The recess may comprise a first recess and a second recess. The first article detector may be located within the first recess. The second article detector may be located within the second recess. The first recess may be located in a first portion of the side wall of the cavity. The second recess may be located in a second portion of the side wall of the cavity. The first position on the side wall of the cavity may be different from the second position on the side wall of the cavity. The first position on the side wall of the cavity may be on the opposite side of the side wall from the second position on the side wall of the cavity. In other words, the first position may be on the opposite side from the second position. The first and second article detectors may be located adjacent to a reference pattern and an identification pattern, respectively, of an aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is received in the cavity.

[0023] The aerosol generator may include a heating element. The heating element may be an induction heating element. The induction heating element may include an induction coil and a susceptor. The susceptor may be configured to heat the aerosol generating article. The induction coil may be at least partially, preferably completely, disposed around the cavity. The susceptor may be at least partially, preferably completely, disposed around the cavity. The susceptor may be provided as part of the aerosol generating article. The induction coil may be at least partially, preferably completely, disposed around the cavity in proximity to the susceptor of the inserted aerosol generating article, preferably in an opposite position. The susceptor may be disposed on one or both of the central and distal portions of the aerosol generating article. The susceptor may be disposed inside the aerosol generating article. The susceptor may be disposed within one or both of the central and distal portions of the aerosol generating article. The susceptor may be configured as a metal piece along the central axis of the aerosol generating article's longitudinal axis.

[0024] The first and second article detectors may be located at the proximal end of the aerosol generator. The proximal end of the aerosol generator may be the opening of a cavity configured for the insertion of an aerosol-generating article. The open end of the cavity may be located proximal to the heating element. The open end of the cavity may be located proximal to the susceptor.

[0025] The first and second article detectors may be positioned near the opening of the cavity. Preferably, the first and second article detectors may be positioned at the opening of the cavity. The first and second article detectors may be positioned adjacent to the opening of the cavity. Providing the first and second detectors at the opening of the cavity can increase the axial distance between the susceptor and the first and second detectors. If the first and second detectors are temperature-sensitive, the heat generated by the susceptor may interfere with the first and second detectors during the detection of aerosol-generating articles. Therefore, increasing the axial distance between the susceptor and the first and second detectors may reduce or further prevent interference due to the heat generated by the susceptor. In other words, providing the first and second detectors at the opening of the cavity can improve the reliability of the detection of aerosol-generating articles.

[0026] The aerosol generator may further include a control device. The control device may be configured to detect the type of aerosol-generating article based on the article detector output. The article detector output may include one or both of reference data and identification data.

[0027] The control device may be configured to analyze one or both of the reference data and the identification data provided by the article detector. One or both of the reference data and the identification data may indicate the type of aerosol-generating article that has been inserted.

[0028] The control device may include a memory. The memory may include pre-stored article data. The article data may include reference article detector output data. Each such article detector output data may correspond to a specified type of the inserted aerosol-generating article.

[0029] The control device may be configured to compare the article detector output with pre-stored reference article detector output data. The control device may be configured to correlate the article detector output with pre-stored reference article detector output data. The control device may be configured to detect and identify the type of the inserted aerosol-generating article by correlating the article detector output with pre-stored reference article detector output data. In this way, the control device may be configured to identify the aerosol-generating article inserted into the cavity of the aerosol-generating device.

[0030] The control device may be configured to control the operation of the aerosol-generating device depending on the article detector output.

[0031] The present invention may enable the provision of an optimized user experience by adapting aerosol generation to the type of the article inserted into the device. By comparing the article detector output with pre-stored reference article detector output data, the aerosol-generating device may identify the type of the article inserted into the device. Accordingly, the device may adapt the generation of the aerosol and thereby optimize it. For example, a pre-stored type-specific heating profile may be employed. The type-specific heating profile may correspond to one or both of the type-specific configuration of the aerosol-forming substrate within the article and the article type.

[0032] The control device may include a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor. The control device may be configured to regulate the power supply to the heating element of the aerosol generator. Power may be supplied to the heating element continuously following the operation 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 control device may be configured to monitor the electrical resistance of the heating element, preferably by controlling the power supply to the heating element in accordance with the electrical resistance of the heating element.

[0033] The control device 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 control device may enable power to be supplied to the heating element. Upon identification of the type of aerosol-generating article, the control device may enable the provision of a user experience. Upon identification of the type of aerosol-generating article, the control device may adjust the power supply according to the identified article type. The control device may be configured to supply power to the heating element according to a predetermined heating profile for each identified article.

[0034] The control device may adjust the power supply magnitude according to the identified item type. The control device may adjust the duration of power supply according to the identified item type. The control device may adjust the temperature of the heating element according to the identified item type. The control device may adjust one or more of the amplitude and frequency of the current supplied to the heating element according to the identified item type. The control device may adjust the signal that supplies power to the heating element according to the identified item type.

[0035] The control unit's memory may include a database of pre-stored heating profiles for each known type of aerosol-generating article. The control unit may be configured to supply 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 may be optimized.

[0036] The aerosol generator may be configured to be used with multiple different types of aerosol generating articles.

[0037] The first item detector may be configured to read a reference pattern at the same time that the second item detector is configured to read an identification pattern. The control device may be configured to process the signals output from the first and second item detectors substantially simultaneously. The control device may be configured to perform a first processing step in which the signals output from the first and second item detectors are combined, for example, by multiplying, adding, or subtracting each other to form a combined signal. The control device may be configured to perform a second processing step in which the combined signal is analyzed to determine the type of item.

[0038] 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 aerosol generated by the aerosol generator by inhaling it through the proximal or mouth end of the aerosol generator. Alternatively, the user may inhale directly through 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 referred to as the downstream end, and the distal end of the aerosol generator may also be referred to as 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.

[0039] 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 through the user's mouth into the user's lungs. 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.

[0040] The term “smoking” as used herein in relation to the present invention, with respect to the 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.

[0041] The aerosol generator may have a length of 86 mm to 130 mm.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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 directly through the aerosol generating article. 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.

[0045] 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, metal alloys, and composite materials made of ceramic and metal 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 metal 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 optionally embedded in, encapsulated in, or coated with an insulating material, depending on the required energy transfer dynamics and external physicochemical properties.

[0046] 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; “internal” and “external” refer to the aerosol-forming substrate. The internal heating element may take any preferred 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, 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.

[0047] 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 shaped 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 to heat the external heating element and to monitor its temperature during operation.

[0048] 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 is mainly caused by the movement of magnetic domain blocks within the susceptor, because their magnetic orientations align with the magnetically induced magnetic field, and this occurs alternately. 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 way the susceptor is 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, resulting in the formation of an aerosol. Heat transfer may also occur primarily by conduction. Such heat transfer is best when the susceptor is in close thermal contact with the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0049] The 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 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 discontinuous operation of the heating element.

[0050] The present invention further relates to an aerosol generating article comprising a reference pattern on or inside the aerosol generating article, and further comprising an identification pattern on or inside the aerosol generating article.

[0051] The reference pattern may be configured as a uniform optical pattern. The reference pattern may include equidistant stripes. The reference pattern may consist of equidistant stripes. The stripes may have lateral extensions. The stripes may conform to the cylindrical shape of the aerosol-generating article. The stripes may be black. The stripes may be colored. The stripes may be separated from each other by white areas or stripes. A uniform optical pattern may include at least three stripes, preferably at least four stripes, more preferably at least five stripes, more preferably at least six stripes, more preferably at least seven stripes, and most preferably at least eight stripes. A uniform optical pattern may include multiple stripes. The stripes may be formed as stripes within a barcode. All stripes in a uniform optical pattern may have one or more of the same length, width, thickness, and color. All stripes in a uniform optical pattern may be identical.

[0052] The identification pattern may be configured as a non-uniform optical pattern. The identification pattern may include stripes. The identification pattern may consist of stripes. The stripes of the identification pattern may be arranged non-uniformly within the identification pattern. The stripes of the identification pattern may be arranged similarly to or identically to a barcode. The stripes of the identification pattern may form a barcode. One or more of the stripes of the identification pattern may differ from one or more of the following: length, width, thickness, distance to adjacent stripes, and color.

[0053] One or both of the reference pattern and the identification pattern may be placed around the aerosol-generating article. One or both of the reference pattern and the identification pattern may be placed around the aerosol-generating article so as to be in direct contact with the surrounding environment surrounding the aerosol-generating article. One or both of the reference pattern and the identification pattern may be visibly placed on the periphery of the aerosol-generating article.

[0054] The reference pattern may be placed on a first peripheral portion of the aerosol-generating article, and the identification pattern may be placed on a second peripheral portion of the aerosol-generating article. The first peripheral portion may be on the opposite side of the second peripheral portion.

[0055] The reference pattern may be positioned at least partially distal to or upstream of the identification pattern. The insertion speed may then be detected by an article detector that detects the reference pattern. This information can then be used to detect the identification pattern with improved accuracy.

[0056] The reference pattern and / or the identification pattern may include invisible ink. The reference pattern and / or the identification pattern may consist of invisible ink.

[0057] Invisible inks may be configured to absorb electromagnetic radiation in either the infrared or ultraviolet spectrum. Invisible inks may be configured to re-emit electromagnetic radiation in either the infrared or ultraviolet spectrum. Invisible inks may be configured to reflect electromagnetic radiation in either the infrared or ultraviolet spectrum. Invisible inks may be one or more of infrared inks, phosphorescent inks, fluorescent inks, and ultraviolet inks.

[0058] Preferably, the invisible ink may be permanently invisible. In other words, the invisible ink may always be invisible, i.e., never visible. Configuring the invisible ink to remain invisible may ensure that the identification pattern and / or reference pattern remain reliably detectable throughout the entire use of the aerosol-generating article.

[0059] One of the reference pattern and the identification pattern may include visible ink. One of the reference pattern and the identification pattern may consist of visible ink. The visible ink may be configured to absorb electromagnetic radiation in the visible light spectrum. The visible ink may be configured to re-emit electromagnetic radiation in the visible light spectrum. The visible ink may be configured to reflect electromagnetic radiation in the visible light spectrum. Preferably, the visible ink may be permanently visible. In other words, the visible ink may always be visible, i.e., never become invisible. Configuring the visible ink to remain visible may ensure that the identification pattern and / or reference pattern remain reliably detectable throughout the entire use of the aerosol-generating article.

[0060] One of the reference pattern and the identification pattern may contain invisible ink. One of the reference pattern and the identification pattern may consist of invisible ink. Preferably, one of the reference pattern and the identification pattern may contain visible ink, and the other of the reference pattern and the identification pattern may contain invisible ink. Preferably, one of the reference pattern and the identification pattern may consist of visible ink, and the other of the reference pattern and the identification pattern may consist of invisible ink. Since the invisible ink and the visible ink may have different electromagnetic absorption and re-emission properties, such a configuration may enable detection at different wavelengths or even different electromagnetic spectra. Detecting the identification pattern and the reference pattern at different wavelengths or spectra may further enable the prevention of interference during the detection of aerosol-generating articles. In other words, reliable detection of aerosol-generating articles can be provided by providing an aerosol-generating article having a reference pattern (or identification pattern) containing visible ink and an identification pattern (or reference pattern) containing invisible ink.

[0061] The reference pattern may overlap with the identification pattern. The reference pattern may partially or completely overlap with the identification pattern. The reference pattern may overlap with identification in one or both of the longitudinal and transverse directions. By providing the reference pattern and identification pattern in an overlapping arrangement, simultaneous detection of both patterns may be possible. In other words, such a configuration may enable faster detection of aerosol-generating articles.

[0062] In a preferred embodiment, the reference pattern and the identification pattern may overlap, with one of the reference pattern and the identification pattern containing visible ink and the other containing invisible ink. Such a configuration may provide a synergistic effect so that the reference pattern and the identification pattern can be detected simultaneously without compromising the reliability of detection. Furthermore, providing the reference pattern and the identification pattern in an overlapping arrangement, where one of the reference pattern and the identification pattern contains visible ink and the other contains invisible ink, may reduce or prevent counterfeiting. Because the invisible ink is not visible to the human eye, it may be more difficult for counterfeiters to replicate the overlapping arrangement of visible and invisible patterns on aerosol-generating articles. Counterfeit products may often contain cheap materials that impair the user experience. Some counterfeit products may even contain harmful materials. Therefore, reducing or preventing counterfeiting may ensure user safety and improve the user experience.

[0063] As used herein, “invisible ink” refers to ink that is not visible to the human eye. Furthermore, invisible ink refers to ink configured to absorb and re-emit light in the infrared or ultraviolet spectrum. Invisible ink may also include ink configured to be excited by light and to emit at least one wavelength of light shifted from the wavelength of the excitation light. In other words, invisible ink may include photoluminescent ink, such as phosphorescent ink or fluorescent ink. In this regard, photoluminescent ink may include ink that absorbs and re-emits light in the visible or ultraviolet spectrum.

[0064] As used herein, “visible ink” refers to ink that is visible to the human eye. Furthermore, visible ink refers to ink configured to absorb and re-emit light of the visible spectrum.

[0065] As used herein, "ultraviolet spectrum" refers to the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range of 50 nanometers to less than 380 nanometers. The ultraviolet spectrum may be related to the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range of 50 nanometers to 380 nanometers.

[0066] As used herein, "visible spectrum" refers to the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range greater than 380 nanometers and less than 780 nanometers. The visible spectrum may relate to the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range of 380 nanometers and less than 780 nanometers. The visible spectrum may relate to the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range greater than 380 nanometers and less than 780 nanometers.

[0067] As used herein, "infrared spectrum" refers to the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range of over 780 nanometers to 1 millimeter. The infrared spectrum may be related to the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range of 780 nanometers to 1 millimeter.

[0068] One or both of the reference pattern and the identification pattern may extend around the entire circumference of the aerosol-generating article. One or both of the reference pattern and the identification pattern may extend only partially around the entire circumference of the aerosol-generating article.

[0069] The reference pattern and / or the identification pattern may extend parallel to each other laterally. The reference pattern and / or the identification pattern may be arranged at a lateral distance from each other. The reference pattern and / or the identification pattern may extend along or parallel to the long axis of the aerosol generating article.

[0070] As used herein, in the context of reference patterns and identification patterns, "parallel to each other laterally" refers to an arrangement in which the reference pattern and identification pattern are parallel to each other in the later or tangential direction, while extending along the longitudinal axis.

[0071] The reference pattern and / or the identification pattern may include one or more of the following: barcodes, one-dimensional patterns, two-dimensional patterns, QR codes (registered trademarks), and checkerboard patterns.

[0072] The reference pattern and the identification pattern may be offset from each other with respect to the tangential and / or transverse direction of the aerosol-generating article. The reference pattern and the identification pattern may together form an identification marker. The reference pattern and the identification pattern may each form a part of an identification marker. The reference pattern and the identification pattern do not have to be offset from each other with respect to the tangential and / or transverse direction of the aerosol-generating article. The reference pattern and the identification pattern may be aligned with each other along the longitudinal axis. The reference pattern and the identification pattern may be continuous with each other. There may be a gap between the reference pattern and the identification pattern in the longitudinal and / or transverse direction.

[0073] 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. Aerosol-generating articles may be disposable.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" refers to a substrate having the ability to release one or more volatile compounds capable of forming 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] The aerosol generating substrate preferably comprises homogenized tobacco material, an aerosol forming body, and water. Providing homogenized tobacco material may improve aerosol generation, nicotine content, and the 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.

[0080] The present invention further relates to an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article as described herein.

[0081] 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.

[0082] The present invention further relates to a method for identifying aerosol-generating articles in an aerosol generator as described herein. The method is: A step of detecting a reference pattern of an aerosol-generating article using an article detector, The process may include detecting an identification pattern of an aerosol-generating article via an article detector.

[0083] The present invention further relates to a method for identifying an aerosol generating article in an aerosol generating device, such as the one described herein, and the method is: A step of detecting a reference pattern of an aerosol-generating article using an article detector, The process includes detecting an identification pattern of an aerosol-generating article via an article detector.

[0084] The method may include the step of identifying an aerosol-generating article based on the output of an article detector using a control device.

[0085] The method may include the step of controlling the operation of an aerosol generator based on the output of an article detector.

[0086] The process of controlling the operation of the aerosol generator may include stopping the operation of the aerosol generator if an unauthorized aerosol-generating article is detected.

[0087] 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 hardness detector. [Examples]

[0088] 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.

[0089] Example 1. Aerosol generator, A cavity for receiving an aerosol generating article equipped with an aerosol-forming substrate, Equipped with an object detector, An aerosol generator comprising an article detector configured to detect an identification pattern of an aerosol-generating article, preferably a barcode, and more preferably the article detector configured to detect a reference pattern of an aerosol-generating article. Example 2. The aerosol generator according to Example 1, wherein the object detector is arranged in the side wall of the cavity. Example 3. The aerosol generator according to Example 2, wherein the object detector is disposed in a recess in the side wall of the cavity. Example 4. The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the article detector comprises an optical emitter and an optical detector, and preferably a barrier wall is disposed between the optical emitter and the optical detector to prevent electromagnetic radiation emitted by the optical emitter from being directly received by the optical detector. Example 5. The aerosol generator according to Example 4, wherein the barrier wall includes an opaque shielding material. Example 6. The aerosol generator according to Example 4 or 5, wherein the barrier wall comprises a radial inner wall, the radial inner wall recessed relative to the side wall of the cavity, preferably the radial inner wall recessed by less than 1 mm relative to the side wall of the cavity. Example 7. The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 4 to 6, wherein the optical emitter includes a laser, and preferably the optical emitter is configured as a laser. Example 8. The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 4 to 7, wherein the optical emitter is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in one or more of the visible spectrum, infrared spectrum, and ultraviolet spectrum. Example 9. The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 8, further comprising a control device, the control device being configured to detect the type of aerosol-generating article based on the output of the article detector. Example 10. The aerosol generator according to Example 9, wherein the control device is configured to control the operation of the aerosol generator in accordance with the output of the article detector. Example 11. The aerosol generator according to Example 9 or 10, wherein the control device is configured to select a heating profile for the aerosol generator in response to the output of the article detector. Example 12. The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 9 to 11, wherein the control device is configured to stop the operation of the aerosol generator when an unauthorized aerosol-generating article is detected. Example 12a. The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 12, wherein the first article detector is configured to read a reference pattern at the same time that the second article detector is configured to read an identification pattern. Example 12b. The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 12a, wherein the control device is configured to process signals output from a first article detector and a second article detector substantially simultaneously. Example 12c. The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 12b, wherein the control device is configured to perform a first processing step in which the signals output from the first and second article detectors are combined, for example, multiplied, added, or subtracted from each other to form a combined signal. Example 12d. The aerosol generator according to Example 12c, wherein the control device is configured to perform a second processing step of analyzing the combined signals to determine the type of article. Example 12e. The apparatus is an aerosol generating device, such as an ultrasonic aerosol generating device, and preferably an aerosol generating device, such as an induction heating device, a resistance heating device, a dielectric heating device, or a microwave heating device, as described in any of Examples 1 to 12d. Example 13. An aerosol generating article comprising an identification pattern on or inside the aerosol generating article, preferably the identification pattern being a barcode, and more preferably the aerosol generating article further comprising a reference pattern on or inside the aerosol generating article. Example 14. The reference pattern is the aerosol-generating article described in Example 13, which is configured as a uniform optical pattern. Example 15. The identification pattern is configured as a non-uniform optical pattern in the aerosol-generating article according to Example 13 or 14. Example 16. An aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 13 to 15, wherein one or both of the reference pattern and the identification pattern are placed around the aerosol generating article. Example 17. The aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples 13 to 16, wherein one or both of the reference pattern and the identification pattern include invisible ink. Example 18. An aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples 13 to 17, wherein one or both of the reference pattern and the identification pattern extend around the entire circumference of the aerosol-generating article. Example 19. An aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples 13 to 18, wherein one or both of the reference pattern and the identification pattern extend parallel to each other laterally. Example 20. An aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples 13 to 19, wherein one or both of the reference pattern and the identification pattern include one or more of the following: a barcode, a one-dimensional pattern, a two-dimensional pattern, a QR code (registered trademark), and a checkerboard pattern. Example 20a. An aerosol generating article according to any of Examples 13 to 20, wherein the reference pattern and the identification pattern are offset from each other with respect to the tangential and / or transverse direction of the aerosol generating article, or the reference pattern and the identification pattern are not offset from each other with respect to the tangential and / or transverse direction of the aerosol generating article. Example 20b. The reference pattern and the identification pattern together form an identification marker in the aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples 13 to 20a. Example 20c. An aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 13 to 20b, wherein the reference pattern and the identification pattern each form a portion of the identification marker. Example 20d. The aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples 13 to 20c, wherein the reference pattern and the identification pattern are aligned with each other along the longitudinal axis. Example 20e. An aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples 13 to 20d, wherein the reference pattern and the identification pattern are continuous with each other, or there is a gap between the reference pattern and the identification pattern in the longitudinal direction and / or transverse direction. Example 21. An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device described in any of Examples 1 to 12, and preferably an aerosol generating article described in any of Examples 13 to 20. Example 22. Preferably, a method for identifying an aerosol generating article in an aerosol generating device using the aerosol generating system described in Example 21, A step of detecting a reference pattern of an aerosol-generating article using an article detector, A method comprising the step of detecting an identification pattern of an aerosol-generating article via an article detector. Example 23. The aerosol generator further comprises a control device, and the method comprises the step of identifying an aerosol-generating article based on the output of an article detector by the control device, according to the method of Example 22.

[0090] Features described in relation to one embodiment may be equally applicable to other embodiments of the present invention.

[0091] 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]

[0092] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a side cross-sectional view of the aerosol generator and the aerosol generating article. [Figure 2A] Figure 2A shows a side view of the aerosol generator and the aerosol generating article. [Figure 2B] Figure 2B shows another side cross-sectional view of the aerosol generator and the aerosol generating article. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a top cross-sectional view of the aerosol generator and the aerosol generating article. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a side cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of the aerosol generator and aerosol generating article. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0093] Figure 1 shows a side cross-sectional view of the aerosol generator 10 and the aerosol generating article 12 received in the cavity 14 of the aerosol generator 10. Figure 1 shows the proximal or downstream portion of the aerosol generator 10 in which the cavity 14 is located. An article detector 18 is located on the side wall 16 of the cavity 14. The article detector 18 comprises a first article detector 20 and a second article detector 22.

[0094] A first article detector 20 is configured to detect a reference pattern 24 of the aerosol-generating article 12. A second article detector 22 is configured to detect an identification pattern 26 of the aerosol-generating article 12. The reference pattern 24 includes uniform lines. The reference pattern 24 is positioned on the outer circumference of the aerosol-generating article 12. The reference pattern 24 is positioned parallel to the identification pattern 26. The identification pattern 26 is a barcode. The reference pattern 24 allows for the identification of the insertion speed of the aerosol-generating article 12 into the cavity 14. The insertion speed can be measured by detecting the number of lines detected by the first article detector 20 over time as the reference pattern 24 passes through the first article detector 20 during the insertion of the aerosol-generating article 12 into the cavity 14. The insertion speed can be used as a baseline for the second article detector 22 to accurately detect the identification pattern 26. The distal end of the reference pattern 24 is positioned distal to the distal end of the identification pattern 26.

[0095] Figure 1 further illustrates the heating arrangement, which in this embodiment is an induction coil 28. The induction coil 28 is arranged to surround a portion of the cavity 14. The induction coil 28 is positioned distal to or upstream of the article sensor. The induction coil 28 is configured to generate an alternating magnetic field. The alternating magnetic field is used to inductively heat a susceptor (not shown). The susceptor may be part of the aerosol generator 10. In this case, the susceptor may be disposed within the induction coil 28, which has a cylindrical hollow shape. The susceptor may be arranged to at least partially surround the cavity 14 or to form a side wall 16 of the cavity 14. Alternatively, the susceptor may be disposed inside the cavity 14, and the susceptor may have a pin or blade shape. As a further alternative, a resistance heating element may be used. The resistance heating element may be arranged to at least partially surround the cavity 14, or as a pin or blade shaped heating element inside the cavity 14. In other embodiments, the apparatus 10 may include dielectric heating or microwave heating. Any aerosol generating arrangement, such as a non-thermal aerosol generating arrangement like an ultrasonic aerosol generating arrangement, may be used.

[0096] The first optical detector 20 and the second optical detector 22 are also connected to the control device 46.

[0097] The control device 46 determines the insertion speed of the aerosol-generating article 12 based on the output of the first article detector 20. The output of the first article detector 20 includes data indicating a reference pattern 24. The control device 46 identifies the type of aerosol-generating article 12 based on the output of the second article detector 22. The output of the second article detector 22 includes data indicating an identification pattern 26. The identification of the aerosol-generating article 12 by the control device 46 becomes more accurate by utilizing the insertion speed information for evaluation of the data indicating the identification pattern 26.

[0098] Figure 2A shows the aerosol generating article 12 before it is inserted into the cavity 14 of the aerosol generating device 10. The device is equipped with a heating arrangement, which in this case is an induction coil 28 surrounding the cavity. Furthermore, Figure 2A shows more detail of the first article detector 20 and the second article detector 22. More specifically, the first article detector 20 preferably comprises a first optical emitter 30 and a first optical detector 32. The first optical emitter 30 is preferably configured as a laser. The second article detector 22 preferably comprises a second optical emitter 34 and a second optical detector 36. The second optical emitter 34 is preferably configured as a laser. The first optical emitter 30 is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation toward a reference pattern 24 of the aerosol generating article 12. The first optical detector 32 is configured to receive electromagnetic radiation reflected from the reference pattern 24 of the aerosol generating article 12. The first optical detector 32 is configured to receive electromagnetic radiation of a wavelength emitted by the first optical emitter 30. The second optical emitter 34 is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation toward the identification pattern 26 of the aerosol generating article 12. The second optical detector 36 is configured to receive electromagnetic radiation reflected from the identification pattern 26 of the aerosol generating article 12. The second optical detector 36 is configured to receive electromagnetic radiation of a wavelength emitted by the second optical emitter 34. The wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the first optical emitter 30 may be different from or the same as the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the second optical emitter 34.

[0099] In the embodiment shown in Figure 2A, the first optical detector 32 comprises a first light guide 38 and a first photodiode 40. The first light guide 38 is configured to guide electromagnetic radiation reflected from the reference pattern 24 of the aerosol generating article 12 toward the first photodiode 40. The second optical detector 36 comprises a second light guide 42 and a second photodiode 44. The second light guide 42 is configured to guide electromagnetic radiation reflected from the identification pattern 26 of the aerosol generating article 12 toward the second photodiode 44. The first light guide 38 and the second light guide 42 are connected to a control device 46. The first photodiode 40 and the second photodiode 44 are connected to a control device 46. The first optical detector 32 and the second optical detector 36 are also connected to a control device 46.

[0100] The control device 46 determines the insertion speed of the aerosol-generating article 12 based on the output of the first article detector 20. The output of the first article detector 20 includes data indicating a reference pattern 24. The control device 46 identifies the type of aerosol-generating article 12 based on the output of the second article detector 22. The output of the second article detector 22 includes data indicating an identification pattern 26. The identification of the aerosol-generating article 12 by the control device 46 becomes more accurate by utilizing the insertion speed information for evaluation of the data indicating the identification pattern 26.

[0101] The control device 46 described herein is operably connected to the heating arrangement. The control device 46 is configured to control the apparatus (in particular the heating arrangement) based on or in response to identifying the type of aerosol generating article 12.

[0102] In the embodiments described above, the reference pattern 24 and the identification pattern 26 are shown as being offset from each other with respect to the tangential and / or transverse directions of the aerosol-generating article 12. In another embodiment, the reference pattern 24 and the identification pattern 26 together form an identification marker. In this embodiment, the reference pattern 24 and the identification pattern 26 each form a portion of an identification marker. Here, the reference pattern 24 and the identification pattern 26 are not offset from each other with respect to the tangential and / or transverse directions of the aerosol-generating article 12. In other words, the reference pattern 24 and the identification pattern 26 are aligned with each other along the longitudinal axis. This is shown in Figure 2B, which shows the apparatus 10 and article 12 that operate in the same manner as those in Figures 1 and 2A, but with modified positions for patterns 24, 26 and detectors 20, 22.

[0103] In Figure 2B, the reference pattern 24 is positioned toward the distal end of the article 12, while the identification pattern 26 is positioned toward the proximal end of the article 12. The identification pattern 26 may be described as "above" the reference pattern when the proximal end of the article 12 is considered the "top" of the article 12 and the distal end of the article 12 is considered the "bottom" of the article 12.

[0104] Each of the reference pattern 24 and the identification pattern 26 extends completely or partially around the perimeter or width of the article 12. There may be a gap in the longitudinal direction between the reference pattern 24 and the identification pattern 26. Alternatively, the reference pattern 24 may be a continuation of the identification pattern 26, or vice versa. In other words, the reference pattern 24 and the identification pattern 26 may be continuous with each other.

[0105] In this embodiment, the reference pattern 24 and the identification pattern 26 are aligned along the long axis of the article 12. In other words, the reference pattern 24 and the identification pattern 26 are not offset from each other in the radial or widthwise direction of the article 12. However, the reference pattern 24 and the identification pattern 26 are offset from each other in the long axis direction. In this embodiment, the detectors are also offset from each other in the long axis direction so that the first detector 20 can read the reference pattern 24 and the second detector 22 can read the identification pattern. The detectors 20, 22 and patterns 24, 26 can be aligned with a gap so that the first detector 20 reads the reference pattern 24 at the same time as the second detector 22 reads the identification pattern 26. In this embodiment, the detectors 20, 22 are aligned along the long axis of the cavity. However, the detectors 20, 22 may be offset from each other with respect to the radial or widthwise direction of the cavity 14.

[0106] Similar to the embodiments described above, the control device 46 determines the insertion speed of the aerosol-generating article 12 based on the output of the first article detector 20. The output of the first article detector 20 includes data indicating a reference pattern 24. The control device 46 identifies the type of aerosol-generating article 12 based on the output of the second article detector 22. The output of the second article detector 22 includes data indicating an identification pattern 26. The identification of the aerosol-generating article 12 by the control device 46 becomes more accurate by utilizing the insertion speed information for evaluation of the data indicating the identification pattern 26. In embodiments in which the first detector 20 and the second detector 22 read the reference pattern 24 and the identification pattern 26 simultaneously, the control device 46 may process the signals output from the first detector 20 and the second detector 22 substantially simultaneously. The control device 46 may be configured to perform a first processing step in which the signals output from the first detector 20 and the second detector 22 are combined, for example, multiplied, added, or subtracted from each other to form a combined signal. The control device 46 may be configured to perform a second processing step of analyzing the combined signals to determine the type of article.

[0107] Figure 3 shows a top cross-sectional view of the aerosol generator 10 and the aerosol generating article 12. In particular, Figure 3 shows one embodiment in which a first article detector 20 is recessed into the side wall 16 of the cavity 14 to protect the first article detector 20. This arrangement in Figure 3 will be described with reference to the first article detector 20. The corresponding arrangement may also be used for a second article detector 22.

[0108] A first optical emitter 30 is disposed within a first recess 48 of the side wall 16. A first optical detector 32 (such as the first light guide 38 described herein) is disposed within a second recess 50 of the side wall 16. A barrier wall 52 is provided to prevent electromagnetic radiation emitted by the first optical emitter 30 from directly entering the first optical detector 32. The barrier wall 52 is disposed between the first recess 48 and the second recess 50. The barrier wall 52 does not protrude completely toward the received aerosol-generating article 12 such that a gap 54 is provided between the received aerosol-generating article 12 and the inner wall 56 of the barrier wall 52. Thus, electromagnetic radiation emitted by the first emitter is reflected by the reference pattern 24 and reaches the first optical detector 32. Preferably, one or more of the first recess 48, the second recess 50, the barrier wall 52, and the gap 54 are sized such that a single fragment of the reference pattern 24 is irradiated at once. In other words, preferably, one or more of the first recess 48, the second recess 50, the barrier wall 52, and the gap 54 are sized such that the resolution of the reference pattern 24 is improved. As described above, the second article detector 22 may be arranged similarly to the first article detector 20 as described herein.

[0109] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional side view of a further embodiment of the aerosol generator 10 and the aerosol generating article 12. In this embodiment, the aerosol generating article 12 comprises only an identification pattern 26. The identification pattern 26 is configured as a barcode. This embodiment may be selected when insertion speed information obtained by detecting a reference pattern 24 (described above with reference to Figures 1-3) is not required. In this embodiment, the aerosol generator 10 comprises only a single article detector 18 for identifying the identification pattern 26.

Claims

1. Aerosol generator, A cavity for receiving an aerosol generating article equipped with an aerosol-forming substrate, Equipped with an object detector, An aerosol generator wherein the article detector is configured to detect a reference pattern of the aerosol-generating article, and the article detector is configured to detect an identification pattern of the aerosol-generating article.

2. The aerosol generator according to claim 1, wherein the article detector comprises a first article detector and a different second article detector, the first article detector being configured to detect the reference pattern, the second article detector being configured to detect the identification pattern, the first article detector comprising a first optical emitter and a first optical detector, and the second article detector comprising a different second optical emitter and a different second optical detector.

3. The aerosol generator according to claim 2, wherein the first article detector is configured to detect the reference pattern at the same time that the second article detector is configured to detect the identification pattern.

4. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 2 and 3, wherein one of the first optical emitter and the second optical emitter is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in either the infrared spectrum or the ultraviolet spectrum, the other of the first optical emitter and the second optical emitter is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum, the first optical detector is configured to detect electromagnetic radiation in a spectrum corresponding to the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the first optical emitter, and the second optical detector is configured to detect electromagnetic radiation in a spectrum corresponding to the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the second optical emitter.

5. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first article detector and the second article detector are disposed in the opening of the cavity, and the first article detector is disposed adjacent to the second article detector, preferably laterally from the second article detector.

6. An aerosol generating article comprising a reference pattern on or inside the aerosol generating article, and further comprising an identification pattern on or inside the aerosol generating article.

7. The aerosol generating article according to claim 6, wherein one of the reference pattern and the identification pattern includes a visible ink, and the other of the reference pattern and the identification pattern includes an invisible ink.

8. The aerosol generating article according to claim 7, wherein the invisible ink and the visible ink are configured to absorb and re-emit electromagnetic radiation in different electromagnetic spectra.

9. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 7 and 8, wherein the invisible ink is permanently invisible.

10. The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the invisible ink is configured to absorb and re-emit electromagnetic radiation in the infrared spectrum or the ultraviolet spectrum.

11. The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the visible ink is configured to absorb and re-emit electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum.

12. The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the invisible ink comprises, preferably, one or more of infrared ink, phosphorescent ink, fluorescent ink, and ultraviolet ink.

13. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein the reference pattern and the identification pattern overlap at least partially, preferably completely.

14. An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, and preferably an aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 6 to 13.

15. Preferably, a method for identifying an aerosol generating article in an aerosol generating device using the aerosol generating system described in claim 14, The process involves detecting the reference pattern of the aerosol-generating article using the article detector, A method comprising the step of detecting the identification pattern of the aerosol-generating article via the article detector.

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