Heating status indicator and heating method for an aerosol generating device - Patents.com

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device (1), comprising: a heating chamber (2) arranged to hold an aerosol generating medium (5); a heater (6) arranged to heat the heating chamber (2) during use; temperature measuring means (7) arranged to measure the temperature of the heater or the heating chamber; at least one indicator (11-14) configured to indicate when the measured temperature has reached an operating temperature and / or when an initial heating time has elapsed; a memory (3) storing one or more rules, each rule defining an operating process for the heater and the indicators; and a control circuit configured to select a rule to be stored in the memory (3) and to operate the heater (6) and the indicators (11-14) in accordance with the selected rule, wherein the indicators (11-14) are operated to indicate when the measured temperature has reached an operating temperature and / or when the initial heating time has elapsed, thereby indicating when the aerosol generating device is ready for use.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to aerosol generating devices, such as electronic cigarettes, vaporizers, or non-combustion heating devices. [Background technology]

[0002] The popularity and use of risk reduction or risk modification devices (also known as vaporizers) has grown rapidly in recent years as an aid to assist regular smokers wishing to quit smoking traditional tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, and roll-in cigarettes. Rather than relying on the combustion of tobacco, a variety of devices and systems are available that heat an aerosolizable substance to release a vapor for inhalation.

[0003] A commonly available risk reduction or risk modification device is the heated substrate aerosol generator or heat-not-burn device. This type of device generates an aerosol or vapor by heating an aerosol substrate, which typically includes moist tobacco or other suitable aerosolizable material, to a temperature typically in the range of 150°C to 300°C. By heating, rather than burning or combusting, the aerosol substrate releases an aerosol that includes the ingredients desired by the user, but without the toxic and carcinogenic by-products of combustion and burning. Furthermore, the aerosols generated by heating tobacco or other aerosolizable material typically do not include the burnt or bitter taste that can result from combustion and burning, which can be unpleasant to the user. Thus, the substrate does not require sugars and other additives that are typically added to such materials to make the smoke and / or vapor more palatable to the user.

[0004] Known aerosol generating devices generally include a heating chamber for receiving a consumable aerosol generating substrate, a power source, and control circuitry for controlling the supply of power from the power source to the heating chamber.

[0005] Different types of aerosol generating devices have been considered in the state of the art, for example PCT Publication WO 2007 / 012007 discloses a method and system for the vaporization of a substance, the substance being a cigarette cartridge.

[0006] Another example is shown in PCT Publication WO 2017 / 191176, which discloses a cartridge for use with an aerosol generating system including a reservoir for storing an aerosol-forming liquid and an inductively heatable element. The cartridge utilizes a capillary element to transport the aerosol-forming liquid from the reservoir to the inductively heatable element, which is arranged to heat the transported aerosol-forming liquid to vaporize it. An embodiment of this system uses the aerosol-forming liquid or a non-liquid flavor-releasing medium.

[0007] At a general level, aerosol generating devices can use one of a number of different approaches to provide heat to a substance to generate vapor or aerosol. One such approach is an aerosol generating device that provides heat to a removable body, a so-called "stick," that contains tobacco material. In such devices, to maximize the thermal energy transferred from the heat source of the device to the aerosol generating material, close proximity of the heat source to the body, i.e., the tobacco stick, is usually desired. Ideally, the removable body is in contact with the heat source to maximize the efficiency of heat transfer. Examples of such products are commercialized under the trade names Ploom TECH™ and Ploom+™, with Ploom TECH™ products using a low-temperature heating process, while Ploom+™ products use a high-temperature heating process.

[0008] In general, the device comprises a main body, an oven with a heating chamber for the tobacco sticks, electronic means such as a PCB for operating the device, and an energy source such as a battery (rechargeable or not).

[0009] One of the problems faced by users in using such devices is adequate indication of the pre-heat (or heating) state of the device so as to inform the user accurately when the device is ready for use, i.e., for vaping.

[0010] The requirements of the heating process may depend on several factors, such as time, remaining battery power, effective temperature of the device (whether it has just been used for vaping or has not been used for a certain period of time and is now cold), environmental temperature (e.g., external ambient temperature), and the particular choice of aerosol-generating product used with the device for vaping. This large number of factors, and the fact that these parameters may change during use, make it difficult to identify appropriate heating parameters (e.g., heating duration, temperature, or temperature sequence) to ensure that the aerosol-generating product is heated to the correct temperature and the device is ready for use. In some cases, the aerosol-generating device may erroneously inform the user that the device is ready for use, resulting in under- or overheating of the aerosol-generating consumables and a poor user experience. It is also important that the device is initialized for use as quickly and efficiently as possible to improve the user's experience.

[0011] In view of the shortcomings of the state of the art discussed above, the present invention aims, among other objectives, to address at least one of the above problems, in particular to take into account the various parameters influencing the heating procedure and to effectively indicate when the device is ready for use. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generation device comprising a heating chamber arranged to hold an aerosol generation medium, a heater arranged to heat the heating chamber in use, temperature measuring means arranged to measure the temperature of the heater or the heating chamber, at least one indicator configured to indicate when the measured temperature has reached an usage temperature and / or when an initial heating time has elapsed, a memory storing one or more rules, each rule defining an operation process of the heater and the indicator, and a control circuit configured to select a rule to be stored in the memory and to operate the heater and indicator in accordance with the selected rule, wherein the indicator is operated to indicate when the measured temperature has reached an usage temperature and / or when the initial heating time has elapsed, thereby indicating when the aerosol generation device is ready for use.

[0013] Since the aerosol generating device stores one or more rules for operating the heater and the indicator, the aerosol generating device can adapt to changing parameters affecting the heating procedure by selecting an appropriate rule that provides optimal heating of the aerosol generating medium for the current parameters. Furthermore, since the control of both the heater and the indicator is governed by rules, it can be ensured that the user is accurately notified when the device is ready for use so as to avoid overheating or underheating of the aerosol generating medium and the associated detrimental effects on the user experience. Thus, it can be ensured that an optimal user experience is provided when the indicator is operated to indicate that the aerosol generating device is ready for use. In some embodiments, the control circuitry can only enable the device for use if an appropriate condition is met, for example, if the measured temperature has reached an operating temperature or if an initial heating time has elapsed.

[0014] The aerosol-generating medium may be in the form of a consumable that is heated to emit the aerosol.The heating chamber is preferably arranged to receive a tobacco rod (or tobacco stick).

[0015] By "ready for use" it is meant that the aerosol-generating medium has reached the required temperature for the required duration to effectively generate an aerosol, in other words, the aerosol-generating medium has reached the operating temperature.

[0016] Preferably, operating the indicator to indicate when the measured temperature has reached the use temperature and / or when the initial heating time has elapsed, thereby indicating when the aerosol generating device is ready for use, further comprises operating the indicator to provide a unique signal associated with the device being ready for use. For example, the indicator may be operated one or more times during the heating period before the measured temperature reaches the use temperature and / or before the initial heating time has elapsed, but then operated to provide a different signal indicating the device is ready for use. For example, a light emitting indicator may illuminate gradually during the heating period, but illuminate fully when the measured temperature has reached the use temperature and / or when the initial heating time has elapsed, indicating the device is ready for use.

[0017] Preferably, the memory stores a first rule and the control circuit is configured to operate the heater and the indicator according to the first rule, the first rule including operating the heater to heat the heating chamber to a usage temperature during a heating period and then maintaining the heating chamber at the usage temperature, and operating the indicator to indicate that the device is ready for use when an initial heating time has elapsed, the initial heating time being longer than the heating period. In this way, the indication that the device is ready for use is not associated with the temperature of the heater, but with the initial heating time, i.e., the specific heating duration. With certain aerosol generating media, e.g., tobacco-based consumables, and in some environments, e.g., at low ambient temperatures, there is a delay after the heater reaches the usage temperature before the aerosol generating medium effectively releases aerosol. By configuring the device in this way, the aerosol generating medium is held at the usage temperature for a predetermined time to ensure that it is ready for use. The initial heating time may be selected based on one or more of the measured initial heating temperature, the ambient temperature, the particular aerosol generating medium being heated, or a user selection.

[0018] The heating period is the time from the initial heater activation time until the measured temperature reaches the use temperature. Maintaining the use temperature means maintaining the use temperature for the duration of the session, i.e., for a period sufficient for the user to use the device to substantially exhaust the aerosol generating medium. The session duration can be, for example, 2 to 10 minutes, more preferably 3 to 6 minutes.

[0019] The initialization time may be the duration of heating from the initial heater start time until the indicator operates to indicate the device is ready for use. The initialization time is preferably 5 to 60 seconds longer than the heating period, preferably 15 to 45 seconds, and most preferably about 30 seconds longer. The heating chamber in these examples is preferably arranged to receive a consumable comprising tobacco material, such as a tobacco rod. It has been found that the heating of such consumables is particularly dependent on environmental factors, such as ambient temperature.

[0020] Preferably, the first rule includes activating an indicator to indicate that the device is ready for use if the operating temperature is maintained for a heating period of 10 to 60 seconds. In this case, the initial heating period is the heating period plus an additional heating period of 10 to 60 seconds, preferably 20 to 40 seconds. The additional heating period may be selected based on one or more of a user input, the initial temperature measured by the temperature measuring means, the heater characteristics, the measured ambient temperature, and the remaining energy level of the battery of the aerosol generating device.

[0021] Preferably, the memory additionally stores a second rule, and the control circuitry is further configured to operate the heater and the indicator according to the second rule, which includes operating the heater to heat the heating chamber to the use temperature during the heating period, and then maintaining the heating chamber at the use temperature, and activating the indicator when the use temperature is first reached to indicate that the device is ready for use. In this way, the control circuitry can choose between a first process in which the indicator is activated to indicate that the device is ready for use when the measured temperature reaches the use temperature, and a second process in which the indicator is activated after an initialization time has elapsed. This allows the user to choose between a process in which the device is indicated as soon as possible as well as a process in which further heating is performed to provide an optimal experience at the expense of a longer waiting time. Furthermore, the process may be selected based on ambient conditions to ensure that the device is ready for use. Maintaining the use temperature means maintaining the use temperature for the duration of a session, for example long enough for the user to use the device to exhaust the consumables.

[0022] The device preferably further comprises a user input operable to instruct the control circuit to select the first rule or the second rule. The user input may be a switch or a button. The first rule is selected by holding the button for a first duration and the second rule is selected by holding the button for a second duration, preferably different from the first duration and the second duration. An indicator such as a vibrator may be used to inform the user which rule has been selected. In this way, the user may select the heating mode based on current ambient conditions, e.g., local temperature, e.g., to select the first rule when in colder weather.

[0023] Preferably, the one or more rules define an operation process of the indicator, in which the indicator is operated when the heating temperature reaches one or more intermediate temperatures between the initial temperature and the use temperature, and / or when one or more intermediate heating times between the heater start time and the initialization heating time have elapsed. The indicator is preferably configured to generate a different signal when the measured temperature reaches the use temperature than when the measured temperature reaches one or more intermediate temperatures. The indicator is preferably configured to generate a different signal when the initialization time has elapsed than when one or more intermediate heating times have elapsed. In this way, the progress of the device during the heating process can be informed to the user. The intermediate temperature may be referred to as "threshold temperature" or the like in this specification. The intermediate heating duration may be referred to as time interval or the like.

[0024] Preferably, the control circuitry is configured to select the rule according to one or more of the following: a user input, an initial temperature measured by the temperature measuring means, a characteristic of the heater, a measured ambient temperature, and a remaining energy level of the battery of the aerosol generating device. In a particular embodiment, the control circuitry is configured to select the rule based on both the user input and the initial temperature measured by the heater. For example, the control circuitry may be configured to select the first rule or the second rule based on the user input, and then select a sub-rule that defines the operation of the heater based on the measured initial temperature of the heater. In this way, the user can select which heating mode to use, and the device automatically calibrates the heating of the heating chamber based on the measured initial temperature (which may vary depending on, for example, when the device was last used).

[0025] The one or more rules preferably comprise a heating curve defining a change in heating temperature over time, the control circuit being configured to select a heating curve and operate the heater to heat the heating chamber according to the selected heating curve. The heating curve may define a target temperature profile, i.e. a target temperature change over time. The control circuit is preferably configured to periodically receive measurements from the temperature measurement means to control operation of the heater to follow the selected heating curve. The one or more rules may be selected based on the measured initial temperature, for example the heating curve profile may be a function of the measured initial temperature received from the temperature measurement means. The one or more rules may additionally comprise operating an indicator to provide a signal that changes as the measured heating temperature follows the heating curve. For example a visual indicator may be gradually illuminated as the heating temperature follows the heating curve. The rules may comprise operating the indicator as defined in the first rule or the second rule.

[0026] Preferably, the one or more rules comprise a table including a plurality of intermediate and use temperatures, and the control circuitry is configured to operate the heater to heat the heating chamber to each intermediate and use temperature. The control circuitry may operate the heater to heat the heating chamber to each of the intermediate and use temperatures in sequence. The rule may include operating an indicator to signal when each of the intermediate temperatures is reached. For example, the indicator may be a visual indicator, and the control circuitry is configured to gradually illuminate the indicator when each of the intermediate temperatures is reached. The rule may include operating the indicator as defined in the first rule or the second rule.

[0027] The one or more intermediate temperatures are preferably determined by the control circuit according to an initial temperature measured by the temperature measurement means. In particular, each intermediate temperature may be stored as a function of the measured initial temperature. In this way, the intermediate temperatures may be selected to suit different ambient or starting temperatures of the heater.

[0028] Preferably, the aerosol generating device further comprises a battery, the control circuitry configured to measure the power supplied by the battery, and the one or more rules comprise a plurality of heating rates each corresponding to a power level supplied by the battery, and the control circuitry configured to select a heating rate based on the measured power supplied by the battery. The plurality of heating rates may be stored as a function of both the measured power level supplied by the battery and the measured initial temperature. The rule may include operating the indicator as defined in the first rule or the second rule.

[0029] The control circuit is preferably configured to select the rule depending on the initial temperature measured by the temperature measurement means. In particular, the operation of the heater may be controlled depending on the initial temperature. In this way, the heating process can be adjusted to the environmental temperature and based on the time when the device was last used (and therefore the resulting temperature remaining in the heating chamber).

[0030] Preferably, the indicator comprises one or more of a visual indicator, a tactile indicator, and an audible indicator. For example, the indicator may be one or more of a vibrator, an optical display, a light emitting display, and an array of light emitting diodes.

[0031] The indicator comprises a visual indicator, preferably said visual indicator comprises a luminescent indicator that changes colour and / or glows gradually during heating.

[0032] Preferably, the light-emitting indicator changes color and / or gradually lights up when the heating temperature reaches one or more intermediate temperatures between the initial temperature and the use temperature and / or when one or more intermediate heating times between the heater start time and the initialization heating time have elapsed.

[0033] Preferably, the light-emitting indicator changes color and / or gradually lights up when one or more intermediate heating times between the heater start time and the initialization heating time have elapsed. The light-emitting indicator preferably comprises a plurality of LEDs, which are sequentially lit as the plurality of intermediate heating times elapse. The plurality of heating times preferably span a period of more than 15 seconds. These aspects of the invention are particularly advantageous when the aerosol generating device is a non-combustion heated device, for example, the heater is arranged to heat the heating chamber to a temperature suitable for releasing vapour without combusting the aerosol generating medium. Preferably, the heater is configured to provide controlled heating of the heating chamber, the heating chamber being heated to a temperature of use sustained over an initialization period. In such embodiments, this may be for example a duration of more than 20, 30 or 50 seconds, so providing feedback to the user regarding the progression of the initialization heating time is particularly important.

[0034] The control circuitry is preferably configured to operate the light emitting indicator to emit a particular color of light when the use temperature is reached and / or the initial heating time has elapsed, and to operate the light emitting indicator to emit a different color of light when one or more intermediate temperatures are reached and / or one or more intermediate heating times have elapsed. For example, the light emitting indicator may be operated to gradually change color when one or more intermediate temperatures are reached and / or one or more intermediate heating times have elapsed, and to emit a particular color of light when the device is ready for use.

[0035] The control circuitry is preferably configured to operate the light emitting indicator to fully illuminate the light emitting indicator when the use temperature is reached and / or the initial heating time has elapsed, and to gradually partially illuminate the light emitting indicator when one or more intermediate temperatures are reached and / or one or more intermediate heating times have elapsed. For example, the light emitting indicator may be controlled to gradually illuminate a region of the light emitting indicator when one or more intermediate temperatures are reached and / or one or more intermediate heating times have elapsed, and to fully illuminate a region of the light emitting indicator to indicate that the device is ready for use.

[0036] In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control circuit for an aerosol generating device as defined in the accompanying claims, the control circuit being configured to receive a temperature measurement of the heater or heating chamber from a temperature measurement means, select a rule from a memory storing one or more rules defining an operation process of the heater and indicator, and operate the heater and indicator in accordance with the selected rule such that the indicator operates to indicate when the measured temperature has reached an operating temperature and / or an initial heating time has elapsed, thereby indicating that the aerosol generating device is ready for use.

[0037] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a vapor generating device is provided, which preferably includes a heating chamber arranged to hold a tobacco stick, a heater configured to provide heating to the heating chamber, and a visual indicator for indicating when the heating of the chamber has reached a use temperature. Of course, the indicator is not limited to the above-mentioned functions and may be used for other purposes as described herein (e.g. charging the device, device malfunction, vaping progress, device energy level, need for cleaning, etc.). In addition, there may be other means such as a button to turn the device on or off to start the heating process, a tactile function (such as vibration) or sound to inform the user of the device's status, a connection means (such as USB), and a communication means (such as an antenna). All of these aspects are described in more detail herein.

[0038] In an embodiment, the invention relates to an aerosol generating device comprising a heating chamber arranged to hold an aerosol generating medium, a heater arranged to provide heating to the heating chamber in use, temperature measuring means for measuring the temperature of the heater, and at least one indicator for indicating when the heating of the heater reaches an operating temperature, the device further comprises memory means comprising rules for operating the heater, and operating means for selecting at least one rule and for operating the heater according to said selected rule, the operating means further determining from the selected rule the operation of at least an indicator intended to indicate when said operating temperature is reached, such that when said operating temperature is reached, an operating means is activated which is intended to indicate that the operating temperature is reached.

[0039] In an embodiment, the rules comprise curves describing a temperature profile of the heater, and the operating means is configured to select one curve based on a characteristic of the heater and to specify an operation of the indicator according to the selected curve.

[0040] In an embodiment, the rule comprises a table including a plurality of threshold temperatures and an operating temperature, and the operating means is configured to select at least one threshold temperature based on a characteristic of the heater and to specify an operation of the indicator according to the selected threshold temperature.

[0041] In an embodiment, the rule comprises a table including a plurality of time intervals, and the operating means is configured to select one time interval based on a characteristic of the heater and to specify an operation of the indicator according to the selected time interval.

[0042] In an embodiment, the characteristic of the heater is a starting temperature measured by a temperature measuring means at the start of a vaping session.

[0043] In an embodiment, the rules consider the temperature of the device as a parameter, said temperature of the device comprising the temperature of the heating means.

[0044] In an embodiment, the rules take into account the user's preferences and / or the energy level of the device.

[0045] In an embodiment, the rules comprise a plurality of heating rates each corresponding to a power level supplied to the heating means, and the operating means is configured to select a heating rate based on a measurement of the power output from a battery of the aerosol generating device, and to determine the operation of the indicator according to the selected heating rate.

[0046] In an embodiment, the indicator comprises at least a visual indicator and / or a tactile indicator and / or an audio indicator.

[0047] In an embodiment, the visual means comprises a light indicator that changes colour and / or glows gradually during heating.

[0048] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a control circuit for an aerosol generating device as defined in the present specification, said control circuit operating at least one indicator according to at least one rule selected from a rule set, the circuit taking into account at least one parameter, searching for and selecting at least one rule, and operating the device according to the selected rule.

[0049] In an embodiment, the parameters comprise an initial temperature of the device, preferably the heating means.

[0050] In an embodiment, the parameters comprise the energy level of the device, or a user's personalized parameters.

[0051] The aerosol generating device of the various embodiments disclosed above may of course employ any combination of features of any of the other embodiments as described above, and those features may be applied to one or more of the corresponding components to provide similar advantages.

[0052] Embodiments of the aerosol generating device and heating assembly will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0053] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 shows an embodiment of an indicator according to the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1 shows an embodiment of an indicator according to the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 shows an embodiment of an indicator according to the present invention. [Diagram 5] 1 shows an embodiment of an indicator according to the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 shows an embodiment of an indicator according to the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a curve in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a curve in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a curve in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a heating table according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a heating table according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12]FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a control circuit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0054] In this specification, the same reference numbers are used, whenever possible, to designate identical elements common to the drawings, which are simplified for purposes of illustrating features of the invention and may not be drawn to scale.

[0055] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device according to the invention, comprising a heating chamber 2 arranged to hold an aerosol generating medium 5, a heater 6 arranged to heat the heating chamber 2 in use, temperature measuring means (e.g. a temperature sensor such as a thermistor) 7 arranged to measure the temperature of the heater or the heating chamber, at least one indicator 11-14 arranged to indicate when the measured temperature has reached an operating temperature and / or when an initial heating time has elapsed, a memory 3 storing one or more rules each defining an operating process of the heater and the indicator, and a control circuit arranged to select a rule stored in the memory 3 and operate the heater 6 and the indicators 11-14 in accordance with the selected rule, such that the indicators 11-14 are operative to indicate when the measured temperature has reached an operating temperature and / or when an initial heating time has elapsed, thereby signalling when the aerosol generating device is ready for use.

[0056] In particular, the control circuitry can select rules in the memory to control both the heater and the indicator, which allows the device to ensure that (1) appropriate heater parameters are selected based on environmental factors such as the particular consumable, the last use of the device, and temperature, and (2) that the indicator is operated to signal the user when the device is ready for use, to ensure that optimal conditions are provided at the start of use. At the same time, this solves the problem that the point at which optimal aerosol generation is provided varies based on a number of parameters, such as ambient temperature, time since last use, and the particular consumable. The device according to the invention can therefore take these parameters into account to control the heater temperature and signal the user when the device is ready for use. This allows the device to be used with uniform performance, for example, across countries with different climates and different consumables.

[0057] A device is considered ready for use when the aerosol generating medium reaches the correct temperature for a sufficient period of time to generate enough vapor to provide a good user experience. In particular, the consumable should be heated sufficiently so that the water inside the consumable evaporates and produces mostly vapor. Before this, much of the vapor produced is water vapor and therefore does not provide a good user experience. Because the temperature inside the consumable is not measured directly, when the device is ready for use can be inferred from one or both of (1) the heating chamber (or heater) measurements and (2) the duration of heating. Understanding the values ​​of these parameters (1) and (2) to provide efficient aerosol generation for a particular consumable in particular conditions can reliably identify when the device is ready for use. These parameters can be stored in the device's memory and organized by rules selected by the user or automatically based on sensed parameters to control the heater and indicators to signal the user when the device is ready for use.

[0058] Referring initially to Figure 1, an aerosol generating device 1 according to the present invention is shown in a schematic diagram. The aerosol generating device comprises a heating chamber 2 having heating means (i.e. a heater) 6 and preferably temperature measuring means 7 for measuring the temperature of the heating means 6 and / or the heating chamber 2. The device 1 further comprises a control circuit including a PCB 3 for electronic management of the device and its components and an energy source 4 (e.g. a preferably rechargeable battery). The heating chamber 2 is adapted to receive and hold an aerosol generating medium in the form of a consumable such as a tobacco stick 5 that may be replaced once depleted. For example, the consumable may be introduced into the heating chamber 2 by manual insertion into the chamber 2. The aerosol generating device in this embodiment further comprises a connection facility 8 (e.g. a USB connector such as USB-B or USB-C) that may be used to charge the energy source 4 and / or to download / upload information such as heating parameters and other data and programs / instructions to the PCB 3.

[0059] The device 1 may also use wireless technology to download / upload information by wireless communication means (such as antenna 9 as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 1). The heating means 6 may use induction in one embodiment as an example of a possible technology. The heating means 6 is preferably a thin film heater arranged to heat a heating chamber. For example, the heating chamber may be a tubular heating chamber configured to receive a consumable and the thin film heater may be wrapped circumferentially around the outer surface of the heating chamber.

[0060] All elements are interconnected by wires, for example via a PCB, to ensure functionality of the device. This general configuration and its features are applicable to the embodiments described herein, even if any of these elements are not specifically identified / illustrated in each embodiment.

[0061] There is an increasing demand for devices that allow users to quickly replace exhausted aerosol generating material (e.g., tobacco sticks 5) to ensure freshness and high quality vapor / aerosol production. However, it can often be difficult for consumers to determine when the current aerosol generating material is exhausted and must be replaced. One solution is to implement a puff counter, which helps inform the user of the extent to which the aerosol generating material has been used. However, such puff counters often do not have the capability to detect the insertion of a new body of aerosol generating material, as the coefficient operation may not be accurate.

[0062] In some embodiments, when a user of the device wishes to remove the aerosol generating medium during use, he can simply activate the ejector to eject the aerosol generating medium from the heating chamber of the device, or remove it by manual operation. This allows for quick and easy removal of the aerosol generating medium without the user having to interact too much with the device. The use of an ejector also avoids the risk of the user having to get close to any heated elements. This allows the aerosol generating medium to be placed close to or in contact with the heating chamber surface, while at the same time mitigating some of the problems identified above.

[0063] The aerosol-generating medium may be provided in one or more of several different forms. The aerosol-generating medium may be a capsule containing the aerosol-generating substance inside a breathable material. Any material that encapsulates the aerosol-generating substance may be highly breathable to allow air to flow through the material with resistance to high temperatures. Examples of suitable breathable materials include cellulose fibers, paper, cotton and silk. The breathable material may also function as a filter. Alternatively, the aerosol-generating medium may be an aerosol-generating substance wrapped in paper, most preferably a tobacco rod wrapped in paper.

[0064] Alternatively, the medium may be an aerosol-generating material that is not breathable but is held within a material that includes suitable perforations or holes to allow air to flow through. Alternatively, the medium may be a body that is the aerosol-generating material itself. The body is preferably a mousse or foam of the aerosol-generating material. Alternatively, the medium may be formed into a generally stick shape that may have a mouthpiece filter. In such a case, the medium may be a sheet, such as aerosol-generating material wrapped in paper. Examples and embodiments as described herein use such a stick, see reference number 5 in the figures. Preferably, the aerosol-generating medium may be a body that includes the aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating material may be any suitable material capable of forming an aerosol. Preferably, the aerosol-generating material is capable of forming an aerosol when heated. The material may be a solid or semi-solid material. Typically, the material may include a plant-derived material, in particular, the material may include tobacco. Exemplary types of vapour-generating solids include powders, granules, pellets, strands, porous materials, foams, or sheets. Alternatively, the aerosol generating medium may comprise a cartridge or capsule containing a solid, semi-solid, or liquid substance.

[0065] The aerosol generating material may preferably contain an aerosol forming agent. Examples of the aerosol forming agent include polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin or propylene glycol and mixtures thereof. When the aerosol generating material contains an aerosol forming agent, the aerosol generating material may typically contain between about 5% and about 50% aerosol forming agent content on a dry weight basis. The aerosol generating material may preferably contain about 15% aerosol forming agent content on a dry weight basis.

[0066] Typically, the body comprises a humectant or tobacco containing moisture. Preferably, the body comprises one or more of a humectant, tobacco, glycerin, and propylene glycol. Typically, the body may comprise a percentage of vaporizable or aerosolizable liquid, preferably greater than 20% by weight, including humectants such as propylene glycol and / or glycerin, but possibly also other aerosolizable liquids such as water or ethanol. In this context, 100% by weight is equal to the total weight of liquids and vaporizable or aerosolizable substances, such as tobacco, humectants, and / or plant-derived materials.

[0067] Examples of aerosol-generating media are given in the prior art cited above and are envisaged within the framework of the present invention as non-limiting possibilities.

[0068] According to one aspect, the invention is directed to determining the heating time and / or profile of the product / medium and communicating to the user that the system is ready for use. In practice, for optimal use of the device, it is necessary to reach the appropriate temperature, which depends among other things on the aerosol generating medium, to inform the user of the heating status so that he can start using the device when appropriate, or to warn the user when the device is not (or cannot be) ready for use. The state of the device (after a period of non-use or immediately after use) can also affect the heating process and should therefore be taken into account when performing a heating operation or step.

[0069] In an embodiment, the device 1 uses indicators 11, 12, 13, 14 (see figures 2-6 for different examples) to inform the user of the status of the device. For example, the indicators 11, 12, 13, 14 may be operated to indicate a temperature, such as the temperature of the heating chamber 2 or heater 6, i.e. the current temperature measured by the temperature measuring means 7. In another embodiment, the indicators may be used to indicate the heating time that has elapsed since the heater was activated. Alternatively, both the measured temperature of the heating chamber and the heating duration may be used to identify when the consumable is sufficiently heated and ready for use.

[0070] The indicators may be visual (e.g., light, LED, etc., or multiples thereof, screen), audible (such as sound, buzzer, etc.), or tactile / kinesthetic (e.g., vibration, etc.), or a combination thereof. The indicators described herein can disclose a number of information, such as heating (or pre-heating) status, the remaining heating time until ready for use (vape inhalation), an indication of the heating speed, and other device related information (energy level, need for cleaning, etc.). Of course, these means may be used alone or in combination, and the user may configure this aspect to personalize the product to his or her preferences. In addition, the system also comprises a button 10, for example, for its activation or for the activation of different functions of the device as described herein.

[0071] For example, in one embodiment, the indicator 11 is a visual indication to indicate to the user that the steam generating device or system 1 is ready, for example to indicate that an operational heating temperature has been reached to allow vaporization of the aerosol generating material, in the form of a linearly extending indication 11, for example, but not limited to, a line of multiple lighting devices such as LEDs, a longitudinal display screen, a light bar, see the designs shown in Figures 2-6. This visual indication 11 can be arranged to be parallel to the longitudinal extension axis of the steam generating device or system 1. In a variant, it can be arranged to completely or partially surround or enclose the device 10, see Figure 6. In this figure, the indicator 11 may be replaced by any other indicator 12, 13 or an indicator having a different shape, thereby providing a gradual visual feedback to the user and allowing a direct view of the heating state. For example, after a user turns on the vapor generating device or system 1, e.g., by pressing button 10, the visual display is controlled so that gradually more elements, pixels or surfaces light up until eventually, after a full display period TPD, a fully lit linear visual display is reached which may indicate that the vapor generating device 1 is ready for inhalation of vaporized material by the user.

[0072] The arrival of the fully lit linear display with full display period TPD can be timed precisely to the moment when the steam generating device or system 1 and its heating element are ready for vaporization, i.e. it can coincide with the period for heating TPH, or it can be at a selected time after the steam generating device or system 1 is actually ready, such that TPD>TPH. This can be confirmed by a temperature sensor, or by a fixed or variable period for TPD to increase the display surface of the visual display, so as to ensure that the heating element 2 is ready.

[0073] Also, if several lights are used, they may or may not be of the same color. They may or may not change color. For example, they may transmit a red light as long as the system is not ready for use, at which point the light becomes green. Other colors may be used as well, with the aim of providing easy-to-understand information. The lights may be formed as bars 11, 12 or may comprise several individual elements 13 (for example four as in FIG. 4). Also screens may be used.

[0074] In an embodiment, the device comprises at least one indicator (such as an LED) that gradually lights up over a certain time interval (e.g., up to 20 seconds) and may optionally provide a vibration feeling when heating is finished and the device is ready to use (e.g., to inhale vapor). The indicator may change color (e.g., from red to green) or have multiple lights that light up one after the other over time. For example, in FIG. 2, the system 1 comprises a light bar 11 that can gradually light up to indicate heating status with the same or different colors. For example, the light may start at the bottom of the bar (near the button 10) and then gradually fill the bar 11 as the heating process takes place. When the bar 11 is fully lit, this indicates that the heating process is finished and the device may be used. The color of the bar may be the same or may change over time, for example red initially (at the beginning of the heating process) and then green when fully lit, meaning that the device is ready to use. FIG. 3 shows another variation in which the indicator 12 has a different shape. Its functionality may be the same as the bar 11 in figure 2, gradually lighting up and / or with a colour change. However, such an embodiment may be inaccurate if it does not take into account the initial temperature of the heating means 6, since the time interval is fixed and the device may be ready for use before the indicator indicates it is ready for use. In such cases, the user may wait longer than necessary or the device may provide conflicting information to the user.

[0075] In an indicator embodiment, as shown for example in FIG. 4, the device 1 may for example comprise a certain number (i.e. four) of aligned light indicators 13 (e.g. LEDs) rows forming an indication, where a first row of a certain number of LEDs is intended to light up at the start of the heating step and a last row of a certain number of LEDs is intended to light up when the heating has reached for example the use (i.e. vaping) temperature of the heating chamber.

[0076] In this embodiment, as well as in the variants, a light indicator may be used that changes its color (e.g. instead of using several lights, i.e. LEDs), combined with an auditory or physical / tactile signal when the desired temperature is reached. If several lights are used, they may or may not be of the same color. They may also change color or not. For example, they may transmit a red light as long as the device is not ready for use, when the device is ready for use the light becomes green. In variants, the indicators may have the same or different sizes (e.g. increasing sizes), the same or different shapes, as shown in the examples.

[0077] In an embodiment, as shown for example in Figure 5, the indicator 14 has a disk shape (rather than a rectangular shape as shown in other figures of the present application). In the variation shown in Figure 5, the button 10 is located inside the indicator 14, but this is by way of example only and the button may be located as shown in Figures 2 to 4, for example. In the variation of Figure 5, the indicator 14 may comprise an LED, which gradually lights up depending on the heating state.

[0078] The button 10 may be arranged as shown in the figure or elsewhere on the main body 1, for example on the side of the main body 1, see reference number 10' in figure 6. In a variant, the device 1 may comprise more than one button 10, for example two buttons 10, 10' arranged in different positions on the main body 1 as shown in figure 6. As will be easily understood by a person skilled in the art, many embodiments and combinations are possible within the framework of the present invention.

[0079] Furthermore, to overcome the above-mentioned problems, it would be desirable to better take into account the availability status of the device, improve its functionality as discussed above, and provide accurate information to the user, i.e., when the device is ready for use.

[0080] For this purpose, the device stores in a memory (e.g. in the PCB 3) a rule set that is used to operate the device. The rule set may take into account different parameters to optimize the operation of the device. For example, it may take into account the initial temperature of the device, preferably the heating means 6, and / or the aerosol generating material 5, and / or some preferences of the user (fast heating or moderate heating), etc. Generally, a rule set used in the framework of the invention may be a correspondence table between heating times / temperatures, and / or a heating curve as a function of an initial starting temperature, and / or a fixed heating rate. According to the invention, at the start of the heating step, the device preferably measures the starting temperature of the heating means 6 and searches and selects in the correspondence table or curves or rates, in which the heating time and / or curve and / or rate are applied as a function of the measured starting temperature, and / or using not only the above defined but also other parameters. This allows the device to operate in such a way that it provides the user with accurate information about the state of the device, the indicators operating according to the selected rules.

[0081] The system then determines from the selected heating time and / or curve and / or speed when or how to light the indicator, so that the last of the indicators intended to indicate the temperature of use (e.g. vaping temperature) lights up at the same time as the haptic signal is triggered (if this indicating means is desired by the user). This determination, monitoring and operation of the device is preferably done within PCB3 via suitable programming stored within, for example, its memory.

[0082] In an embodiment, the device may check the temperature on a time basis (e.g., every second, or the time basis may vary over time) and then calculate on the fly what the heating rate is and operate the indicator accordingly (e.g., by lighting the LEDs in sequence). In this way, the device ensures that the LEDs are all lit at the same time that a vibration is felt, indicating that the device is ready to be used (i.e., to vape).

[0083] In embodiments, each indicator or a percentage of indicators may be set to correspond to a set temperature such that when the temperature is reached and measured, a corresponding number of indicators or a portion of the indicators will activate. For example, if the measured temperature is half the desired temperature, half of the indicators will activate, or only half of a single indicator will activate. Other behaviors of the indicators may also be selected.

[0084] The rules may be adapted to the medium used (semi-solid, solid, or combination), the heating means technology (induction, resistive heating, etc.), and may also take into account external parameters, such as air or ambient temperature or temperature of the device.

[0085] In an embodiment, some rules may be tailored to some desires of a user. For example, a user may want to use an accelerated heating process to buy time, or alternatively, a user may want to use a slower heating process. In such cases, the user may define his / her preference on the system, which then uses the appropriate rules.

[0086] In an embodiment, the selection of the rule may be imposed by the system itself based on certain parameters, for example the energy level status of the system or the stick 5 (cigarette) used. For example, in case of low energy, a dedicated heating rule may be selected. In such a case, if the energy level is high, a fast heating (for example with a high heating rate) may be performed. Alternatively, in case of low energy level, a slow heating (with a low heating rate) may be selected. For example, some sticks 5 may require a higher temperature than other sticks, so that if the heating time is set to a fixed value, the heating time may be longer or the heating curve may be steeper. Alternatively, if the user wants to maintain a certain heating time, the heating curve may be steeper to reach the appropriate (higher) temperature within the set time. The user may also personalize and use the rules to meet his wishes.

[0087] The above mentioned rules may be set in the system or may be adaptable by the user and / or to the medium used. In a variant, they may be downloadable and / or uploadable from / to a network (such as the Internet) or from / to a dedicated application (e.g. on a device such as a smartphone or a computer / tablet). For this, the system is equipped with suitable connection means (wireless such as Bluetooth, via antenna 9, via NFC or hardware such as USB connection 8) preferably with suitable hardware and / or software in the PCB 3. New rules may be made available, for example, when a new product is available or as an update. The new product may be, as an example, an aerosol generating device or stick 5, or an aerosol generating substance.

[0088] Some consumables require sustained heating until they reach a point where they produce enough vapor to begin use. The duration of heating and the type of consumable, among other things, affect the point at which vaping of acceptable characteristics can begin. For example, in cold countries, devices that heat tobacco sticks to produce vapor have been found to require significant initial heating times to evaporate water and begin producing the target vapor level. In such cases, the measured temperature does not provide a reliable indication of when the device is ready for use.

[0089] With this in mind, one embodiment of the present invention employs rules whereby the heater operates to provide an initial heating phase where the heater chamber temperature is gradually increased to and then maintained (i.e., for the duration of the vaping session) at a temperature of use. The indicator operates to provide a signal some time after the temperature of use is reached to indicate that vaping can commence. That is, the indicator only operates to inform the user that vaping can commence after an initial heating time. This initial time can be selected depending on factors such as the particular consumable, the ambient temperature, and the end use of the device. For tobacco sticks, it has been found that increasing the temperature to a temperature of use of 200-250°C (preferably about 230°C) and then maintaining the temperature of use for 10-60 seconds (preferably about 30 seconds) ensures that the tobacco stick produces sufficient vapor to optimise the user experience.

[0090] Because this initialization heat-up time may be more required in colder climates or with certain consumables, this embodiment of the device may include an alternative mode in which the indicator operates to indicate that the device is ready for use as soon as the heat-up period is complete, i.e. when the measured temperature equals the use temperature, or after a predetermined heat-up period has elapsed (preferably 10-30 seconds, more preferably about 20 seconds). In this way, the user can select the required mode depending on the ambient conditions and consumables selected.

[0091] The device may include a button that can be used to select a mode, for example, a user may hold the button for a shorter duration to select one mode and a longer duration to select a second mode, for example, 1 second to indicate after a heating period (mode 1) and 2 seconds to indicate after an initialization heating period (mode 2). In each case, the indicator may be an LED display that gradually lights up to full illumination when the device is ready for use. Thus, for mode 1, the LED display may gradually light up during the heating period until it is fully illuminated when the measured temperature reaches the use temperature, and in mode 2, the LED display may gradually light up during the initialization heating period, such that it is only fully illuminated some time after the use temperature is reached, for example about 20-40 seconds.

[0092] Rules stored in memory may define a variety of different control processes for the heaters and indicators, which may be selected by user selection or automatically based on sensed inputs (current measured temperature, sensed consumable type, ambient temperature, etc.) to ensure optimal functioning of the heaters and accurate indication of device readiness status.

[0093] Figures 7-10 show possible curves according to the framework of the present invention. Such curves may be stored (as part of the operating rules), for example, in a memory inside the PCB 3 of the device. In particular, these heating curves may define a target heating temperature over time, and the control circuit may be configured to select a heating curve and operate the heater such that the measured temperature tracks the target temperature, i.e., to implement a feedback loop. The heating temperature in each curve may be stored as a function of one or more parameters, such as the initial measured temperature, so that it may be adjusted based on current conditions.

[0094] As a first example, FIG. 7 shows a first example of a heating curve C1. 0 is the ambient temperature, and the functional temperature (i.e. "operating temperature") Temp 1 is about 230°C, and the heating time t 1The heating time may be 20 seconds or less. However, these are just examples and the temperature may be, for example, in the range of 150° C. to 350° C. The heating time may also be 20 seconds or less as mentioned above. These values ​​may also depend on external parameters, for example the state of charge of the product or device used to inhale the vapor.

[0095] FIG. 8 shows a second initial temperature Temp. 0 8 shows a second heating curve starting from time t of FIG. 7. This higher initial temperature may result, for example, from the fact that the device has been used recently and the heating means 6 is not at the ambient temperature but at a higher temperature as a result of previous use of the device. In this case, if one follows the heating curve C1 (i.e. the line) of FIG. 7, the usage temperature will increase from time t of FIG. 7 as shown in FIG. 1 A time shorter than t 1’ Heating reaches t 1’ If it does not stop after 1 Alternatively, another curve C2, which is flatter than C1, can be followed to reach the same temperature Temp 1 but at a longer time t 2 It may be decided to reach

[0096] 9 shows another heating curve C3 that has a non-constant but steeper onset, which may be selected, for example, based on a particular consumable that is best heated by a rapid initial heating before slowing down the heating rate.

[0097] FIG. 10 shows an example of a table with heating times in corresponding curves C4 and C5. For example, the device may have four LEDs to indicate the heating progress (e.g., the device of FIG. 4 with four indicators 13), and the LEDs light up in sequence when it is detected that the heater has reached a temperature threshold in the look-up table of FIG. 11. The device may start at a relatively low temperature, e.g., 10° C., and take 20 seconds to heat up until the vapor can be inhaled. The table may include temperature thresholds of 120, 185, 215, and 230° C. In this example, the first LED 13 lights up when the heater 6 reaches 120° C., the second LED 13 lights up when the heater 6 reaches 185° C., the third LED 13 lights up at 215° C., and all four LEDs 13 light up when the heater 6 reaches 230° C. Similarly, a vibration or sound may be optionally provided to indicate that the operating temperature has been reached. In the second example of this table, the device starts at a relatively high temperature, for example 60°C, when the oven is hot and has not yet completely cooled down from a previous vaping session. In this case, the heating time is shorter, for example 18 seconds to heat up to a state where the vapor can be inhaled. In this case, the table may include thresholds of 140, 195, 217, and 230°C. Then, the first LED 13 lights up when the heater 6 reaches 140°C, the second LED 13 lights up when the heater 6 reaches 195°C, the third LED 13 lights up at 215°C, and all four LEDs 13 light up when the heater 6 reaches 230°C. Similarly, vibrations and sounds may be added as tactile indicators. The sequence of the LEDs may start with the one closest to the button 10 in FIG. 4. Other sequences are of course possible depending on the shape of the indicator. This example and the associated tables / curves may be used on other devices such as those shown in Figures 2, 3, 5 and 6, and indicators may be managed in an appropriate manner to indicate thresholds reached by the device. In this example, the rules created by the tables are used to control the indicators and the device is adapted to reach a desired temperature in a set time. The values ​​shown in Figure 11 are of course only an example, other values ​​are possible and may be used in other tables (e.g. initial temperature, time interval and temperature to be reached).

[0098] An embodiment using time control is shown in the table of FIG. 11. Here, as an example, in the first row, the starting temperature is 10° C. and the indicator may be activated every 5 seconds until the use temperature is reached, usually after 20 seconds. The time intervals are therefore 5, 10, 15, and 20 seconds. The second row shows another example where the initial temperature is 100° C. In this case, the heating time may be 12 seconds, with the interval being every 3 seconds to activate the indicator. Of course, these values ​​are non-limiting illustrative examples and other values ​​are within the scope of the invention.

[0099] One embodiment of the control circuit 20 is shown in Figure 12. The circuit is used to take at least one parameter as input and, based on said parameter, select one rule from a set of rules to operate the device, in particular the indicator at the output, as described in detail above.

[0100] Many other rules are possible depending on several parameters (heating temperature, time, initial system temperature, etc.) that can be stored in the system and selected according to the situation and / or from the user, the figure only gives a non-limiting example. Other parameters could be the energy level (battery power) of the device or the aerosol generating substance.

[0101] Although the present invention has been disclosed with reference to certain preferred embodiments, numerous modifications, variations, and alterations to the described embodiments, and their equivalents, are possible without departing from the sphere and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the present invention not be limited to the described embodiments, but rather be accorded the broadest reasonable interpretation in accordance with the language of the appended claims.

[0102] As explained above, the indicator gives the user an indication regarding the heating process and its status. The indicator may light up gradually as heating occurs or may change color over time. In a variant, the indicator may have one color (e.g. red) at the start of the heating operation and then gradually change to another color (e.g. green) as the heating progresses. The indicator may also flash or blink during the heating process or may have a constantly lit end when the device is ready for use. There are many different possibilities to give a signal to the user. As mentioned above, the visual indication may be combined with tactile or kinesthetic information or even sound.

[0103] Exemplary embodiments have been described to provide a general understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the systems and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the systems and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments, and that the scope of the present invention is not limited solely by the claims. Features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. Many problems with conventional methods and systems have been pointed out herein, and the methods and systems disclosed herein may address one or more of these problems. By describing these problems, no admissions are intended regarding their knowledge in the art. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, although certain methods and systems have been described herein with reference to exemplary embodiments, the scope of the present invention is not so limited. Moreover, while the present invention has been described in connection with several embodiments, it is apparent that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be or will be apparent to those skilled in the applicable art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, equivalents and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of this invention.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device (1), comprising: a heating chamber (2) arranged to hold an aerosol generating medium (5); a heater (6) arranged in use to heat the heating chamber (2); temperature measuring means (7) arranged to measure the temperature of said heater or heating chamber; at least one indicator (11-14) configured to indicate when the temperature measured by said temperature measuring means has reached a use temperature and / or when an initial heating time has elapsed; a memory (3) for storing one or more rules, each rule defining an operating process of the heater and the indicator; a control circuit configured to select a rule stored in the memory (3) and to operate the heater (6) and the indicators (11-14) in accordance with the selected rule; said indicators (11-14) are operable to indicate when the temperature measured by said temperature measuring means has reached a use temperature and / or when an initial heating time has elapsed, thereby indicating when the aerosol generating device is ready for use; Aerosol generating device.

2. The memory stores a first rule, and the control circuit is configured to operate the heater and the indicator according to the first rule, the first rule comprising: operating the heater to heat the heating chamber to a usage temperature during a heating period and then maintaining the heating chamber at the usage temperature; and operating the indicator to indicate that the device is ready for use when the initialization heating time has elapsed, the initialization heating time being greater than the heating period. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 .

3. The first rule is: activating said indicator when said use temperature is maintained for a heating period of 10 to 60 seconds to indicate that said device is ready for use. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2 .

4. The memory additionally stores a second rule, and the control circuit is further configured to operate the heater and the indicator in accordance with the second rule, the second rule comprising: operating the heater to heat the heating chamber to a usage temperature during a heating period and then maintaining the heating chamber at the usage temperature; and activating the indicator when the operating temperature is first reached to indicate that the device is ready for use. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The aerosol generating device of claim 4 , further comprising a user input operable to instruct the control circuit to select the first rule or the second rule.

6. One or more rules can be and / or, the temperature measured by the temperature measuring means reaches one or more intermediate temperatures, the one or more intermediate temperatures being between the initial temperature and the use temperature; When one or more intermediate heating times have elapsed, the one or more intermediate heating times being between the heater start time and the initialization heating time, The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a process for determining an operation of the indicator by which the indicator is operated.

7. The control circuit includes: User input; an initial temperature measured by the temperature measuring means; A characteristic of the heater; The measured ambient temperature; a remaining energy level of a battery of the aerosol generating device; and 7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , configured to select a rule according to one or more of the following:

8. The aerosol generating device of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the one or more rules comprise a heating curve defining a change in heating temperature over time, and the control circuit is configured to select a heating curve and operate the heater to heat the heating chamber in accordance with the selected heating curve.

9. The aerosol generating device of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the one or more rules comprise a table including a plurality of intermediate temperatures and the use temperature, and the control circuit is configured to operate the heater to heat the heating chamber to each intermediate temperature and the use temperature.

10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 9 , wherein the plurality of intermediate temperatures are determined by the control circuit according to an initial temperature measured by the temperature measuring means.

11. Furthermore, a battery, the control circuit being configured to measure power provided by the battery; the one or more rules include a plurality of heating rates each corresponding to a power level supplied by the battery, and the control circuitry is configured to select a heating rate based on a measurement of the power supplied by the battery.

11. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. 12. The aerosol generating device according to claim 8, wherein the control circuit is configured to select a rule depending on an initial temperature measured by the temperature measuring means.

13. The indicator is A visual indicator; A tactile indicator; an audio indicator; and 13. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. 14. The aerosol generating device of claim 13, comprising a visual indicator, the visual indicator comprising a luminescent indicator that changes color and / or glows gradually during heating.

15. The light emitting indicator is when the temperature measured by the temperature measuring means reaches one or more intermediate temperatures between the initial temperature and the use temperature, 15. The aerosol generating device of claim 14, which changes color and / or glows gradually.

16. The light emitting indicator is When one or more intermediate heating times have elapsed, the one or more intermediate heating times being between the heater start time and the initialization heating time, 16. An aerosol generating device as claimed in claim 14 or 15, which changes colour and / or lights up gradually.

17. 17. The aerosol generating device of claim 16, wherein the light-emitting indicator comprises a plurality of LEDs, the plurality of LEDs being illuminated in sequence as a plurality of intermediate heating periods elapse.

18. An aerosol generating device as described in claim 17, wherein the period from the heater start time to the end of all of the multiple intermediate heating times exceeds 15 seconds.

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