Aerosol delivery devices, articles for use therewith, and methods for identifying articles - Patents.com

Abstract

Aerosol delivery devices, articles for use therewith, and systems and methods for identifying articles are provided. [Solution] The aerosol delivery device includes a chamber for receiving an article including an aerosolizable material for delivery by the aerosol delivery device, a transmitter, a receiver spaced from the transmitter, and a processor. The processor is configured to, in use, cause the transmitter to transmit a first signal through at least a portion of the article in the chamber to the receiver, such that the receiver receives a second signal, the second signal being the first signal modified by interaction with a signal-modifying component of the article, and to determine article data from the second signal. The article includes an aerosolizable material and the signal-modifying component. The signal-modifying component is configured to modify the first signal transmitted through at least a portion of the article into a second signal indicative of the article data.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol delivery device, an article for use therewith, and a system and method for identifying the article. [Background technology]

[0002] Articles such as cigarettes, cigars, etc., burn tobacco to produce tobacco smoke during use. Attempts have been made to provide an alternative to these articles that burn tobacco by creating products that release compounds without combustion. Examples of such products are the so-called non-combustion heating products, also known as tobacco heating products or tobacco heating devices, which release compounds by heating but not burning a material. The material can be, for example, a tobacco product or another non-tobacco product, or a combination, such as a mixture, which may or may not contain nicotine. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to some examples described herein, an aerosol delivery device is provided comprising: a chamber for receiving an article including an aerosolizable material for delivery by the aerosol delivery device; a transmitter; a receiver spaced apart from the transmitter; and a processor, the processor configured to cause the transmitter, in use, to transmit a first signal through at least a portion of the article in the chamber to the receiver such that the receiver receives a second signal, the second signal being the first signal modified by interaction with a signal-modifying component of the article, and to determine article data from the second signal.

[0004] According to some examples described herein, an article is provided that includes an aerosolizable material and a signal-modifying component, the signal-modifying component configured to modify a first signal transmitted through at least a portion of the article into a second signal indicative of article data.

[0005] According to some examples described herein, a system is provided that includes the aerosol delivery device described above and the article described above.

[0006] According to some examples described herein, a method for identifying an article in an aerosol delivery device is provided, the method including transmitting a first signal through at least a portion of the article from a transmitter to a receiver spaced apart from the transmitter, receiving a second signal at the receiver, the second signal being the first signal modified by interaction with a signal-modifying component of the article, and determining article data from the second signal.

[0007] In one example, an aerosol delivery device comprises a chamber into which a consumable can be inserted, a field generator, a field receiver spaced from the field generator, and a processor, the field generator configured to generate a field that extends across a portion of a receptacle to the field receiver, and the processor configured to identify a field change in the field receptor in response to insertion of a consumable including a field-modifying component into the receptacle, and to determine which of a plurality of field-modifying components the consumable includes based on the identified change.

[0008] Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, given by way of example only, made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an aerosol delivery device according to one example. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic internal side view of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an example aerosol delivery device. [Figure 4] 1 is a flow diagram of a method for identifying an article of an aerosol delivery device according to an example. [Diagram 5]1 is a flow diagram of a method for identifying an article of an aerosol delivery device according to an example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] 1, there is shown a schematic perspective view of an exemplary aerosol delivery device 100. The aerosol delivery device 100 is arranged to volatilize at least one component of an aerosolizable material.

[0011] The aerosol delivery device 100 includes a housing 180 and a receptacle 110, such as a chamber, cavity, or holder.

[0012] The receptacle 110 receives a consumable 200, such as an article including an aerosol-generating material (aerosolizable material), from which an aerosol can be generated, for example, by applying heat to the aerosolizable material. The consumable 200 can be an article including an aerosol-generating material for delivery by an aerosol delivery device. The consumable 200 can be a tobacco heating product (THP) article.

[0013] As used herein, the terms "aerosol-generating material" and "aerosolizable material" refer to a material that upon the application of energy (e.g., heating), provides volatilized components in the form of an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material can include a tobacco component, which is any material that includes tobacco or a derivative thereof. The tobacco component can include one or more of ground tobacco, tobacco fiber, cut tobacco, extruded tobacco, tobacco stems, reconstituted tobacco, and / or tobacco extract. Other types of aerosolizable materials can include leaf materials, grass materials, or organoleptic materials such as those used in aromatherapy. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material can include a tobacco substitute.

[0014] In this example, the aerosol delivery device 100 also has a cover 160. The cover 160 is movable to cover the receptacle 110 when no item, such as a consumable 200, is present in the receptacle 110. In other examples, the aerosol delivery device 100 may not include the cover 160.

[0015] The aerosol delivery device 100 also has a power button 150. In use, when the aerosol delivery device 100 is switched on using the power button 150, for example in response to pressing the power button 150, power from a power source (such as a battery within the device 100) is provided to various components of the device and power is allowed to flow to a heater, which results in heating of the consumable 200 and generation of an aerosol flow from the consumable 200.

[0016] As illustrated in FIG. 2, an example of an internal side view of the aerosol delivery device 100 of FIG. 1 is shown. The receptacle 110 of the aerosol delivery device 100 contains a consumable 200. The consumable 200 has a signal-modifying component 220. The signal-modifying component 220 of the consumable 200 can be at least one of a shield, a susceptor, a conductor, a grating / refractor, a signal reflector, and a polarizer. The signal-modifying component 220 can modify at least one of a signal strength (or intensity), a signal polarization, a signal frequency, a signal wavelength, and a signal direction. It should be understood that how the signal-modifying component 220 modifies the signal (discussed below) depends on the specific signal-modifying component 220 present in the consumable 200.

[0017] The aerosol delivery device 100 of this example includes a transmitter 120 and a receiver 130 spaced apart from the transmitter 120. The aerosol delivery device 100 also includes device circuitry 140 coupled to the transmitter 120 and the receiver 130. The device circuitry 140 can include a processor.

[0018] The terms "transmitter" and "receiver" are used to refer to components capable of transmitting and receiving signals in the general sense that a signal from a transmitter can be detected by a receiver. The transmitter 120 can transmit at least one of an electric field, a magnetic field, a radio frequency signal, an infrared signal, a visible light signal, an ultraviolet signal, and an audible or acoustic signal. For example, the transmitter 120 can be an LED transmitting visible light, infrared light, and / or ultraviolet light, or a radio frequency transmitter. In another example, the transmitter 120 can be a field generator including a charge carrying wire (to generate a magnetic field) or a capacitor plate (to generate an electric field). In another example, the transmitter 120 can be a transducer, for example a transducer for generating sound waves. The sound can be, for example, an ultrasonic wave having a frequency below about 20 kHz and audible to humans, or an ultrasonic wave having a frequency above about 20 kHz. It should be understood that the types of transmitters 120 and receivers 130 are selected to be receptive to changes in the signal affected by the selected signal modifying component 220 or by one or more signal modifying components 220 present in a single or multiple consumables 200.

[0019] In use, when the transmitter 120 generates an electric or magnetic field, a corresponding signal (first signal) is generated in the receiver. This first signal is the signal that would be generated without the signal-modifying component 220. The generated signal can be measured, for example, by measuring the current flow or the total capacitance between the transmitter 120 and the receiver 130. When the consumable 200 with the signal-modifying component 220 is positioned between the transmitter 120 and the receiver 130 in the receptacle 100 of the aerosol delivery device 100, the coupling of the electric or magnetic field to the receiver 130 is altered.

[0020] In one example, the dielectric constant between the plates of a capacitor formed by the transmitter 120 and receiver 130 is altered by the signal-modifying component 220, allowing a specific capacitance or change in capacitance to be detected.

[0021] In another example, the inductive coupling between the transmitter 120 and the receiver 130 is modified by a signal-modifying component, such as by changing the magnetic permeability of the medium between the elements. The change in coupling causes a change in the current induced in the receiver 130 (second signal), which can be used to determine consumable data.

[0022] A characteristic associated with the receiver 130, such as a current flowing through the receiver or a characteristic of the signal received, can be measured for only the second signal (i.e., the first signal modified by the signal modifying component 220) or can be measured both when the receiver receives the first signal (i.e., when there is no consumable in the chamber) and when the receiver receives the second signal. If both the first and second signals are measured by the receiver 130, a change in the characteristic associated with the receiver can be determined and associated consumable data can be derived from the change. A look-up table can be stored in memory and used to determine the consumable data associated with the second signal or the determined change. In other implementations, a processor in the device 100 can be configured to perform a similar comparison using a drive signal for the transmitter 120 (which can be the same as or at least correspond to the first signal) and the received signal (i.e., the second signal).

[0023] The receiver 130 may be at least one of an electric field receptor, a magnetic field receptor such as a susceptor, a signal receptor (such as an RF receptor), and an acoustic receptor. For example, the receiver may be at least one of a capacitor plate, a wire such as an uncharged carrying wire, an antenna, and a microphone.

[0024] 2 indicate communication couplings between the transmitter 120 and the device circuitry 140, and between the receiver 130 and the device circuitry 140. The couplings may be wired or wireless. The device circuitry 140 is discussed in more detail below in connection with FIG.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2, in this example, the transmitter 120 is located on one side of the receptacle 110 and the receiver 130 is on the opposite side of the receptacle 110. The transmitter 120 and the receiver 130 are directly opposite each other. In other examples, the transmitter and receiver can be in different relative locations, but still spaced apart from each other. For example, the transmitter and receiver can still be essentially on opposite sides of the receptacle 110, but offset from each other along the insertion axis of the consumable. The transmitter 120 and the receiver 130 can be positioned such that at least a portion of the receptacle is located between them, for example, the transmitter 120 and the receiver 130 can be radially offset from each other, such as radially offset about the insertion axis of the consumable. A radial offset can mean that a first line passing through the transmitter 120 perpendicular to the insertion axis, and a second line passing through the receiver perpendicular to the insertion axis, form an angle of less than 180° about the insertion axis.

[0026] In use, the transmitter 120 is configured to transmit a first signal S1 through at least a portion of the consumable 200 in the receptacle 110 to the receiver 130. The receiver 130 is configured to receive a second signal S2. The second signal S2 is the first signal S1 modified by interaction with the signal-modifying component 220 of the consumable 200.

[0027] The signal-modifying component 220 modifies the first signal S1 in a predetermined manner specific to the signal-modifying component 220. The modification can be a modification of a physical characteristic of the first signal. For example, the modification can be a change in at least one of the following: signal strength / intensity, signal frequency, signal wavelength, signal polarization, and signal direction. In some examples, the modification can depend on the type / strength of the signal S1. Throughout the system, there may be multiple signal-modifying components, each configured in a different predetermined manner, and a particular one of the multiple signal-modifying components can be identified based on the second signal. For example, different consumables 200 can be provided with different signal-modifying components such that the different consumables 200 can be distinguished from one another based on the modification to the first signal. This can be implemented, for example, when the different consumables include different aerosolizable materials (e.g., imparting different flavors). Thus, the device 100 is configured to identify the consumable inserted into the receptacle, and the device 100 can modify an aspect of its operation (such as a heating profile) based on the identified consumable. Exemplary signal modifying components are now described.

[0028] In a first example, the signal-modifying component 220 may include a polarizer, such as a linear polarizer, that changes the polarization of the signal S1 to a particular polarization, such as horizontal polarization, such that in this example the signal S2 is horizontally polarized. The signal S1 may be generated with a single polarization or multiple polarizations, and the signal-modifying component 220 may be configured to change the polarization(s). Each of the multiple signal-modifying components may change the polarization in a different way, such as vertical or horizontal polarization. The specific type of polarizer used depends on the wavelength of the signal S1. The wavelength of the signal S1 may be selected depending on the material used in the consumable 200 such that the signal S1 can penetrate at least a portion of the consumable 200 and the signal S1 interacts with the polarizer.

[0029] In a second example, the signal-modifying component 220 can include a component that changes the direction of at least a portion of the signal S1. For example, the signal-modifying component can be a diffraction grating or a component that causes refraction of the signal S1. The diffraction grating can change the direction of the first signal S1 by a predetermined amount or change the direction of various components of the first signal S1, which are detected by the receiver 130. The change in direction can be measured by an increase or decrease in signal power of the second signal S2 detected at the receiver 130 positioned at a known position relative to the transmitter 120. The receiver 130 can also include a sensor array, such as an image sensor, configured to sense a diffraction pattern resulting from the signal passing through the diffraction grating. The diffraction pattern can be measured by sensing a change in signal intensity in an area / plane (e.g., an area / plane of the sensing surface of the receiver 130). Each of the multiple signal-modifying components can generate a different diffraction pattern and / or change the direction of the signal by a different amount. The diffraction grating may have regular or irregular spacing (or a combination thereof) to produce a particular intensity pattern. For signal-modifying components that cause refraction of signal S1, the receiver 130 may be configured to sense the position at which signal S2 is received at the receiver 130 (again, the receiver may be a sensor array), or one or more sensors of a sensor array that includes the receiver 130 may be positioned relative to the transmitter 120 according to the amount of refraction expected for each of the different signal-modifying components 220.

[0030] In a third example, when the transmitter 120 transmits an electric field, the signal-modifying component 220 can include a dielectric material that changes the dielectric constant between the transmitter 120 (which transmits the electric field) and the receiver 130. In one example, the dielectric material changes the capacitance between the transmitter and receiver. In this implementation, the dielectric material includes the aerosolizable material and / or other materials of the consumable 200. In another example, the dielectric material is a different composition than the aerosolizable material and / or other materials of the consumable 200. Each of the multiple signal-modifying components can provide a different effective capacitance between the transmitter and receiver through the use of different materials and / or material dimensions.

[0031] In a fourth example, the transmitter 120 can be an inductor or similar component configured to generate a magnetic field, and the signal-modifying component can include a ferrite or the like to modify the relative permeability between the transmitter 120 and the receiver 130. Each of the multiple signal-modifying components can provide a different level of inductive coupling between the transmitter and receiver through the use of different ferrite materials and / or dimensions.

[0032] In a fifth example, the signal-modifying component 220 may include an attenuator, such as a shield, that predetermines the transparency of the signal-modifying component 220 to the first signal S1. The attenuator may be a radio frequency attenuator that attenuates the first signal S1 (in this example, a radio frequency signal) by a predetermine amount. For example, the signal-modifying component 220 may reduce the signal strength of the first signal S1 by one of 5 dB, 10 dB, and 20 dB. In another example, the attenuator may attenuate the signal from the LED (transmitter) by a predetermine amount, such as reducing the signal strength by 25%, 50%, or 75%. It should be understood that these values ​​are provided by way of example only, and different values ​​may apply in other implementations. Each of the multiple signal-modifying components may provide a different level of attenuation, for example, depending on the material and dimensions of the signal-modifying component.

[0033] In a sixth example, the signal-modifying component 220 can be a fluorescent material. In one example, the fluorescent material can fluoresce at a lower frequency and / or lower energy than a stimulus, such as incident light. In another example, the fluorescent material can fluoresce at a higher frequency than the stimulus. In one example, the fluorescent material can be such that it fluoresces at visible wavelengths in response to incident ultraviolet light. Thus, in this example, the signal-modifying component 220 receives the first signal S1 as ultraviolet light and emits the second signal S2 as visible light, such that the second signal S2 has a different wavelength (and frequency) than the first signal S1. Each of the multiple signal-modifying components can provide a different fluorescent response, such as by changing the excitation wavelength or the fluorescence wavelength, depending on the selection of the material of the signal-modifying component. An example of a fluorescent material is pyranine. Any other suitable material that exhibits fluorescence can be used. In some examples, the fluorescent material is a food additive, which can be beneficial for user safety. Examples of food additives that exhibit fluorescence include quinine and B2 riboflavin.

[0034] It should be understood that the above provides a non-exhaustive list of forms that signal-modifying component 220 may take, and that signal-modifying component 220 may be arranged to modify any other measurable / detectable parameter of a signal passing through at least a portion of consumable 200. For example, by choosing an appropriate signal-modifying component 220 for signal S1, the signal-modifying component 220 may be selected to modify the phase of signal S1 by a predetermined amount.

[0035] The signal-modifying component 220 may include at least two of the aforementioned signal-modifying components that modify multiple physical characteristics of the signal S1. This allows for a larger number of unique identifying characteristics to be provided. For example, if a first signal-modifying component can distinguish between four values ​​of the characteristic of the first signal and a second signal-modifying component can distinguish between another four values ​​of the characteristic of the second signal, a total of 16 unique combinations can be created. The number of values ​​may be different from this example, for example, 32 values ​​for each characteristic would allow for 1024 unique combinations. Combining characteristics in this way allows for a larger number of combinations to be provided while reducing the cost of the transmitter and receiver, and reduces overall cost since measuring two characteristics of the second signal requires less detection sensitivity for each characteristic than achieving the same number with only a single characteristic.

[0036] As discussed above, the modification of the first signal S1 by the signal modifying component 220 is a predetermined modification specific to the signal modifying component 220. Additionally, the device circuitry 140 is configured to determine item data, such as consumable data, from the second signal S2 received by the receiver 130. The specific modification to the first signal by the signal modifying component can be associated with the consumable data, or the specific second signal itself can be associated with the consumable data.

[0037] The consumable data is at least one of the type of consumable (e.g., type of aerosolizable material, such as gel, fluid, liquid, or solid), the flavor or flavoring of the consumable (or the aerosol that can be produced from the consumable), the strength of the active (e.g., nicotine) released from the aerosolizable material, an identifier for the consumable (e.g., a batch identifier or individual identifier), and the source of the consumable (e.g., one or more of a manufacturing facility, an assembly facility, a country, a manufacturing date, and a manufacturing time).

[0038] As an example, a signal modification of an increase in signal wavelength from ultraviolet to visible light may be associated with a unique signal modifying component. In this example, the unique signal modifying component may be associated with consumable data identifying that the consumable is a gel type and part of a particular batch sourced from a particular manufacturing facility.

[0039] As a further example, a signal modification such as a 10 dB increase in signal strength at a radially offset receiver may indirectly indicate a change in signal direction away from normal, which can be associated with some distinct unique signal modifying component and tied to a particular consumable item.

[0040] The device 100 can determine the presence of the consumable 200 in the receptacle 110. The presence of the consumable 200 can be detected using the transmitter 120 and receiver 130. The presence of the item in the receptacle changes the received signal in some way. However, only consumables with known, pre-determined signal-altering components will cause the signal to be altered in a pre-determined manner. Thus, the transmitter and receiver can operate in a first mode to detect the presence of the consumable and a second mode to interpret the unique signal received to identify the signal-altering component. Alternatively, the presence of the consumable 200 can be detected by a separate presence sensor, such as a capacitive sensor, located adjacent the receptacle 110.

[0041] Referring now to Figure 3, there is shown an exemplary functional block diagram of a device circuit of an aerosol delivery device, such as device circuit 140 of aerosol delivery device 100 of Figures 1 and 2. As in Figure 2, device circuit 140 is communicatively coupled to transmitter 120 and receiver 130. The dotted lines between components indicate that the coupling may be wired or wireless.

[0042] In this example, device circuitry 140 includes a processor 142, a memory 144, and a power supply (not shown).

[0043] The processor 142 is configured for the transmitter 120 to transmit a first signal S1 through at least a portion of the consumable 200 in the receptacle 110 to the receiver 130, and for the receiver 130 to receive a second signal S2. As described in connection with FIG. 2, the second signal S2 is the first signal S1 modified by interaction with the signal-modifying component 220 of the consumable 200. The processor 142 is configured to determine the consumable data from the second signal S2. In one example, the receiver 130 can send a signal representing the second signal S2 to the processor 142.

[0044] 2, the modifications to the first signal S are specific to the signal modifying component 220. Different signal modifying components modify the first signal in different ways, and thus it is possible to identify the signal modifying component (and associated consumable data) based on the determined modifications to the first signal.

[0045] The memory 144 stores consumable data for a number of consumables and corresponding signal modification data for a number of signal modifying components. In other implementations, the device 100 can be coupled to a communication network and the determination of the signal modifying components can be performed remotely from the device 100. A particular number of signal modifying components can be assigned to a particular group of consumables or to an individual consumable. Once the signal modifying components of the consumables are identified by identifying the signal modification made to the first signal or directly from the second signal, the consumable data for the consumables can be determined by searching the memory 144 for the predetermined signal modification or second signal.

[0046] For example, the signal modification data stored by memory 144 can be predetermined signal modifications resulting from configurations of various signal modifying components. The predetermined signal modifications can include modifications stored in memory 144, such as factory settings during manufacturing. Memory 144 can also store reference signal data that represents a signal received when a consumable 220 with a signal modifying component 220 is not present in a receptacle. In one example, the reference signal data can correspond to signal data associated with the first signal S1.

[0047] In use, to determine the consumable data from the second signal S2, the processor 142 can compare the first signal S1 to the second signal S2 to determine the modification of the first signal S1 by the signal-modifying component 220. Alternatively, the processor 142 can directly compare the second signal to a stored reference signal to determine the modification by the signal-modifying component. The stored reference signal can be a signal received by the receiver 130 when the consumable 220 with the signal-modifying component is not present in the receptacle of the delivery device 100, or can be (or be based on) a drive signal for generating the first signal S1.

[0048] The processor 142 compares the determined modification to a number of predetermined modifications stored by the memory 144. For example, the processor 142 may use a look-up table stored in the memory 144.

[0049] If the processor 142 confirms a match between the determined change and one of the plurality of predetermined changes, the processor 142 determines the consumable data based on the match. For example, if the determined change is an attenuation of signal power of 5 dB, the processor 142, in use, compares the determined change of 5 dB to a plurality of predetermined changes, such as 5 dB, 10 dB, and 12 dB. In this example, the plurality of predetermined changes includes 5 dB as one of the predetermined changes, and thus the processor confirms a match and determines the consumable data associated with the predetermined change of 5 dB.

[0050] The second signal can include an identifier for the signal modifying component 220, and the memory 144 can store predetermined identifiers for different signal modifying components and corresponding consumable data. If the processor identifies a match between the identifier of the second signal and one of the plurality of predetermined identifiers, the consumable data associated with the matching predetermined identifier can be determined.

[0051] Referring now to FIG. 4, a flow diagram of an exemplary method 300 for identifying a consumable, such as consumable 200, in an aerosol delivery device is shown.

[0052] The method 300 includes a first block 320 of transmitting a first signal S1 through at least a portion of the consumable 200 having a signal modifying component 220 from a transmitter 120 to a receiver 130 spaced apart from the transmitter 120.

[0053] After transmitting the first signal S1, the method 300 proceeds to block 340 where the second signal S2 is received at the receiver 130. The second signal S2 is the first signal S1 modified by interaction with the signal-modifying component 220 of the consumable 200.

[0054] Next, the method 300 proceeds to block 342 where the first signal S1 is compared to the second signal S2. After the comparison, in block 344, the modification made to the first signal S1 is determined.

[0055] After determining the alteration, the method 300 proceeds to block 346 where the determined alteration is compared to a number of predetermined alterations. The number of predetermined alterations are stored in memory 144 of the device circuitry 140. The comparison at block 346 may compare one or more of the signal strength, signal polarization, signal frequency, signal wavelength, and signal direction of the determined alteration to the signal strength, signal polarization, signal frequency, signal wavelength, and signal direction of the number of predetermined alterations.

[0056] A query is then made in block 348 as to whether a match can be found between the determined modification and one of a plurality of predefined modifications. If a match is not found, the method 300 ends as indicated by the negative (no) branch. In some embodiments, if a match is not found, a feedback signal can be generated to inform a user of the aerosol delivery device 100 that the consumable 200 is not recognized. This can help direct the user's attention to an incorrect or inauthentic consumable. The feedback signal can be, for example, a visual signal, an audio signal, or a tactile signal.

[0057] On the other hand, if a match is found, the method 300 proceeds to block 360 as indicated by the affirmative (YES) branch, where consumable data is determined based on the matching changes. The consumable data is stored in the memory 144 of the device circuitry 140.

[0058] The modification of the first signal S1 by the signal modifying component 220 to generate the second signal S2 is specific to the signal modifying component 220 of the consumable 200. Thus, identifying modifications to the first signal S1 by comparing the first signal S1 and the second signal S2, and then matching the identified modifications to predetermined modifications, allows identification of the signal modifying component 220 and subsequent determination of the consumable data of the consumable 200.

[0059] In some embodiments, if a match is found, a feedback signal can be generated to inform a user of the aerosol delivery device 100 that the consumable 200 has been recognized. The signal can be a visual signal, an audio signal, or a tactile signal.

[0060] 5, a flow diagram of another exemplary method 400 for identifying a consumable in an aerosol delivery device is shown. Method 400 is similar to method 300, but instead of determining a change in a signal, the second signal is used to directly determine the consumable data.

[0061] The method 400 includes a first block 420 of transmitting a first signal S1 through at least a portion of the consumable 200 having a signal modifying component 220 from a transmitter 120 to a receiver 130 spaced apart from the transmitter 120.

[0062] After the first signal S1 is transmitted, the method 400 proceeds to block 440 where the second signal S2 is received at the receiver 130. The second signal S2 is the first signal S1 modified by interaction with the signal-modifying component 220 of the consumable 220.

[0063] The method 400 then proceeds to block 445 where the second signal S2 is compared to a plurality of predetermined signals, the plurality of predetermined signals being stored in the memory 144 of the device circuitry 140. The comparison of block 445 may compare one or more of the signal strength, signal polarization, signal frequency, and signal direction of the second signal S2 to the signal strength, signal polarization, signal frequency, and signal direction of the plurality of predetermined signals.

[0064] After the comparison, the method 400 proceeds to block 448 where a query is made as to whether a match can be found between the second signal S2 and one of the plurality of predetermined signals. If a match is not found, the method 400 ends as indicated by the negative (no) branch. In some embodiments, if a match is not found, a feedback signal can be generated to inform a user of the aerosol delivery device 100 that the consumable 200 is not recognized. The feedback signal can generate at least one of an auditory, visual, or tactile feedback to the user.

[0065] On the other hand, if a match is found between the second signal S2 and one of the plurality of predetermined signals, the method 400 proceeds to block 460, as indicated by the affirmative (yes) branch, where consumable data is determined based on the matching predetermined signal.

[0066] Matching the second signal S2 with a unique one of the plurality of predetermined signals can be achieved because the signal modifying component 220 is one of the plurality of predetermined signal modifying components, each of which applies a unique modification to the first signal S1. Matching the second signal S2 with the predetermined signal thus allows for identification of the signal modifying component 220 and subsequent determination of the consumable data of the consumable 200.

[0067] As an example, in use, the processor compares the signal output of the second signal to a plurality of predetermined signals having different signal outputs. If the plurality of predetermined signals includes the signal output of the second signal as one of the predetermined signal outputs, the processor confirms a match and determines consumable data associated with the predetermined signal output. The consumable data associated with the signal output may indicate, as an example, that the flavor of the consumable is peach and the manufacturing date is January 1, 2018.

[0068] In some examples, the aforementioned methods can be performed by a processing system. Such examples can include a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium including a set of computer-readable instructions stored thereon, which when executed by a processor of an aerosol delivery device, cause the device to perform any of the aforementioned methods, for example, a method including transmitting a first signal through at least a portion of an article from a transmitter to a receiver spaced apart from the transmitter, receiving a second signal at the receiver, where the second signal is the first signal modified by interaction with a signal-modifying component of the article, and determining article data from the second signal.

[0069] As used herein, the terms "flavoring agent" and "flavoring agent" refer to materials that may be used to impart a desired taste or odor in products for adult consumers, where local law permits. These materials include extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, mint, aniseed, cinnamon, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Drambuie, bourbon, Scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, thyme, thyme extract, thyme syrup, thyme extract ... These include flavor enhancers such as oleaginous, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, pepper, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or peppermint oil from any species of the genus Mentha), flavor enhancers, bitter receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulants, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath fresheners. These can be imitation, synthetic, or natural ingredients or mixtures thereof. They can be in any suitable form, for example, oil, liquid, solid, or powder. For example, liquids, oils, or other such liquid flavorings can be infused into a porous solid material to impart flavor and / or other properties to the porous solid material. The liquid or oil thus becomes a component of the solid material in which it is infused.

[0070] The above-described embodiments should be understood as illustrative examples of the present invention. Further embodiments of the present invention are also possible. It should be understood that any feature described in connection with any one embodiment can also be used alone or in combination with other features described, and in combination with one or more features of any other embodiment, or in any combination of any other embodiment. Moreover, equivalents and modifications not described above can also be used without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. An aerosol delivery device comprising: a receptacle into which a consumable can be inserted; a heater for heating the consumable; A field generator; a field receiver spaced apart from the field generator; and A processor; Equipped with the field generator is configured to generate a field across a portion of the receptacle to the field receiver; The processor, identifying a field modification at the field receiver in response to insertion of the consumable including a field modification component into the receptacle; The aerosol delivery device configured to determine which of a plurality of field altering components the consumable includes based on the identified alteration.

2. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1 , wherein the field generator is configured to generate an electric field.

3. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the field generator is configured to generate a magnetic field.

4. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the consumable is a tobacco heating product article.

5. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the field modifying component comprises a ferrite to modify the relative permeability between the field generator and the field receiver.

6. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the device is configured to determine the presence of the consumable in the receptacle.

7. The aerosol delivery device of claim 6 , wherein the device is configured to determine the presence of the consumable in the receptacle using the field generator and the field receiver.

8. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the device is configured to identify the consumable inserted into the receptacle and to alter an aspect of operation of the device based on the identified consumable.

9. The aerosol delivery device of claim 8 , wherein the mode of operation is a heating profile.

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