An aerosol generator that provides visual feedback on progress through a session

Abstract

An aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate is configured to generate the aerosol during a use session. The aerosol generating device includes a light-emitting indicator having at least one light-emitting unit and no more than two light-emitting units, and a controller. The light-emitting indicator is configured to display any one of at least four different display modes during the use session. The controller is configured to control the light-emitting indicator to display any one of the at least four display modes to indicate the progress of the use session.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device configured to generate an aerosol during a use session, and a method of using such a device.

Background Art

[0002] Aerosol generating devices configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate, such as a tobacco-containing substrate, are known in the art. Typically, an inhalable aerosol is generated by transferring heat from a heat source to a physically separated aerosol-forming substrate or material that may be located inside, around, or downstream of the heat source. The aerosol-forming substrate may be a liquid substrate contained within a reservoir. The aerosol-forming substrate may be a solid substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be a component part of a separate aerosol-generating article configured to engage with the aerosol generating device to form an aerosol. During consumption, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-forming substrate by heat transfer from the heat source and entrained in the air drawn through the aerosol-generating article. As the released compounds cool, they condense to form an aerosol, which is inhaled by the consumer.

[0003] Some aerosol generating devices are configured to provide a user experience with a finite duration. For example, the aerosol generating device may be configured to operate for a predetermined period of time during any single use session. An aerosol generating device configured to be used with a separate aerosol-generating article may be configured to operate in an individual use session for no longer than the time it takes for the aerosol-forming substrate within the individual aerosol-generating article to deplete.

[0004] Conventional combustible cigarettes have a combustion line that moves along the cigarette as it is consumed, thereby providing the user with a certain visual indication of progress through the user experience. Thus, the user can always determine the amount of cigarette available for consumption. In many aerosol generating devices, such determination is more difficult. Some devices provide an indication that the usage session is ending just prior to the end of such session, but this does not provide the user with information regarding the progress of the usage session during the session. Information regarding progress can be particularly useful to the user when the duration of the usage session is controlled by more than one parameter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generating device is configured to generate an aerosol during a usage session. The aerosol generating device may comprise a light emitting indicator having at least one light emitting unit. The aerosol generating device may comprise a light emitting indicator having at least one light emitting unit and no more than two light emitting units. The aerosol generating device may comprise a light emitting indicator having two light emitting units, for example, the aerosol generating device may comprise a light emitting indicator having two light emitting units and no more than two light emitting units. The light emitting indicator is configured to display any one of at least four different display modes during the usage session. The aerosol generating device comprises a controller configured to control the light emitting indicator to display any one of at least four display modes to indicate the progress of the usage session.

[0006] A usage session is a finite usage session that has a start and an end. The duration of the usage session, measured by time, can be affected by the usage during the usage session. The duration of the usage session can have a maximum duration determined by the maximum time from the start of the usage session. If one or more monitored parameters reach a predetermined threshold before the maximum time from the start of the usage session, the duration of the usage session can be shorter than the maximum duration.

[0007] An aerosol generating device is typically a handheld device. The aerosol generating device may have dimensions similar to, for example, a conventional cigar or a conventional cigarette. A handheld aerosol generating device has a limited surface area on which an information display such as an indicator is mounted or otherwise arranged. Thus, a display comprising a number of display units, such as a number of light emitting units, occupies a significant area of the surface of a typical aerosol generating device. Furthermore, a display comprising a number of display units also consumes a large amount of energy. Since a typical aerosol generating device has limited space for a power source such as a battery, a mechanism that requires high energy consumption requires a large capacity and thus a physically large power source. A more complex display, such as a screen, may be configured to display extensive information, but also consumes a large amount of energy and presents other associated design complexities due to the complex electronic architecture and requirements needed to supply appropriate power to the display and dissipate the heat generated by the display.

[0008] A light indicator including two or fewer light emitting units does not occupy a significant proportion of the space on the aerosol generating device. Each light emitting unit provides a single display area of the light indicator. The display area of each light emitting unit may be small relative to the dimensions of the aerosol generating device. A light indicator including two or fewer light emitting units may not consume a significant amount of energy and may not generate a significant amount of heat to dissipate, as compared to an indicator including three or more light emitting units or a display screen. An aerosol generating device comprising a light indicator with two or fewer light emitting units has fewer components and a less complex design, thereby reducing the overall cost of the aerosol generating device. Further, a light indicator with two or fewer light emitting units can present progress information in a relatively simple manner, thereby increasing user convenience.

[0009] A user may engage in other activities, such as conversation, while using the aerosol generating device. Thus, it can be advantageous if the user can monitor the progress of the usage session simply and non-intrusively. For example, it can be beneficial if the user can determine the progress of the usage session by looking at the display. If the user does not receive appropriate feedback, the user may tend to spend more time interacting with the aerosol generating device at a higher frequency. For example, if the user is unsure how much of the usage session remains, the user may smoke more frequently than would otherwise be possible, resulting in rapid depletion of the aerosol-forming substrate and potentially ending the usage session earlier than desired. The ability to monitor the progress of the usage session can make the user more relaxed during the usage session and thus make the user experience more enjoyable.

[0010] A usage session can be determined as a finite duration during which a user can obtain a user experience. A usage session can span, for example, from the start of the usage session, which can be called session start, to the end of the usage session, which can be called session stop, for example. Session start can be determined as the moment when the aerosol generating device is activated. For example, a user can manually start a usage session by activating the aerosol generating device, for example, by pressing a button to activate the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may be configured to automatically start a usage session, for example, in response to an aerosol article engaging with the aerosol generating device.

[0011] The aerosol generating device can be configured to have a maximum duration for the usage session determined by a timer. The maximum duration can ensure that the usage session ends without further input from the user. An aerosol generating device configured to provide a usage session with a maximum duration helps maintain the quality of the user experience by preventing the user from attempting to generate an aerosol when the aerosol forming substrate is depleted. A usage session with a maximum duration also helps ensure safety as an operating system, typically with a heater, is not left in an operating state if the user forgets that the usage session has started. A usage session with a maximum duration also requires the user to make a conscious decision to start a further usage session, which can help the user control aerosol intake.

[0012] The aerosol generating device can be configured to receive an aerosol article containing an aerosol forming substrate. For example, the aerosol generating device may be configured to receive a cartridge containing a liquid aerosol forming substrate, for example, as the aerosol forming substrate. The aerosol generating device can be configured to receive a heated aerosol article containing a solid aerosol forming substrate.

[0013] The aerosol generating device may be configured to detect the presence of an aerosol generating article. A sensor or detector within the device may detect the presence of the article and may be able to distinguish between one article configured to be used with the device and another article configured to be used with the device. The device may be able to distinguish between an article configured to be used with the device and other articles not configured to be used with the device. The device may be able to prevent the start of a use session if the aerosol generating article is not an article configured to be used with the device.

[0014] The aerosol generating device may be configured such that a use session ends when the aerosol generating article is removed from the aerosol generating device. Thus, in such a configuration, if the user removes the article from the device during a use session, the use session may end before the maximum duration. This may improve both safety and the user experience.

[0015] The aerosol generating device may be configured to monitor user interaction parameters indicative of the use of the aerosol generating device during a use session. The use session may be configured to end when the user interaction parameter reaches a predetermined threshold. Thus, in such a configuration, the use session may end before the maximum duration of the use session if the monitored user interaction parameter reaches the threshold before the maximum duration of the use session is reached. If the user overuses the device during a use session, the aerosol forming substrate may deplete more rapidly than if the user had not overused the device. Thus, the ability to monitor the use session and end the use session when the user interaction parameter reaches a predetermined threshold may improve the user experience by preventing the generation of aerosol from a depleted aerosol generating article. To continue use, the user may need to replace the article and start a further use session.

[0016] As an example, the user interaction parameter may indicate user smoking that occurred during the usage session. The aerosol generating device may comprise a smoking count mechanism for determining the number of user smoking events that occurred during the usage session. The aerosol generating device may be configured to end the usage session when the number of user smoking events that occurred during the usage session reaches a predetermined threshold. Thus, the usage session may include a limited number of smoking events that the user can perform. The usage session may end before the maximum duration determined by the timer if the number of smoking events that occurred during the usage session reaches the predetermined threshold before the maximum duration determined by the timer. Thus, if the user depletes the aerosol-forming substrate by taking a large number of puffs in a short period of time, the user experience is maintained by preventing puffs from being taken after the aerosol-forming substrate has been depleted.

[0017] It becomes more complex to represent the progression through the usage session if the length of the usage session is determined by multiple thresholds, such as the maximum duration determined by a time threshold and a threshold determined by one or more user interaction parameters.

[0018] The usage session may be determined to include at least four consecutive stages. The progression of the usage session as a whole may be determined relative to the progression through at least four consecutive stages. For example, the controller may be configured to control a light indicator to display a different one of at least four display modes between each of the at least four consecutive stages.

[0019] At least four consecutive stages may be five or more consecutive stages. For example, at least four consecutive stages may include at least five consecutive stages, or at least six consecutive stages. The greater the number of stages into which a usage session is divided, the higher the accuracy of the progress display during the session. However, if the number of stages is too large, the progress display may cause confusion and may not provide much practical benefit to the user.

[0020] The aerosol generating device may be configured such that any one or each of at least four consecutive stages has a stage duration defined by a stage start and a stage end. The aerosol generating device may be configured such that any one or each of at least four consecutive stages has a maximum stage duration determined by a timer. Thus, any one or each of at least four consecutive stages may end when a monitored period reaches a predetermined threshold value for that stage if the stage has not ended prematurely.

[0021] The first of at least four consecutive stages may have, for example, a first stage duration defined by a first stage start and a first stage end. The first stage may be considered to start at the start of the usage session.

[0022] If the aerosol generating device includes a heater, the first stage may include a heating period in which the heating element raises the temperature from the ambient temperature to the operating temperature in order to generate an aerosol.

[0023] The first of at least four consecutive stages may have, for example, a first stage duration defined by a first stage start and a first stage end, and the first stage may be considered to start at the end of a pre-stage heating period that starts at the start of the session. The pre-stage heating period may be a heating period in which the heating element raises the temperature from the ambient temperature to the operating temperature in order to generate an aerosol.

[0024] The second stage of at least four consecutive stages may have a second stage duration defined by a second stage start and a second stage end. The second stage may start at the end of the first stage.

[0025] The third stage of at least four consecutive stages may have a third stage duration defined by a third stage start and a third stage end. The third stage may start at the end of the second stage.

[0026] The fourth stage of at least four consecutive stages may have a fourth stage duration defined by a fourth stage start and a fourth stage end. The fourth stage may start at the end of the third stage.

[0027] The usage session may end at the end of the fourth stage. Thus, the usage session may be divided into four stages, each stage having a unique duration, and the usage session ends at the end of the fourth stage. Next, the progress through the usage session may be determined by determining which stage the usage session is in at any time during the usage session.

[0028] The usage session may be divided into five or more stages. The fifth stage of at least four consecutive stages may have a fifth stage duration and may be defined by a fifth stage start and a fifth stage end. The fifth stage may start at the end of the fourth stage. The usage session may end at the end of the fifth stage.

[0029] The usage session may be divided into six or more stages. The sixth stage of at least four consecutive stages may have a sixth stage duration defined by a sixth stage start and a sixth stage end. The sixth stage may start at the end of the fifth stage. The usage session may end at the end of the sixth stage.

[0030] The aerosol generating device may be configured to monitor user interaction parameters indicative of the use of the aerosol generating device during a use session. The duration of any one or each of at least four consecutive stages may be controlled with reference to the monitored user interaction parameters. Preferably, the duration of any one or each of at least four consecutive stages is controlled with reference to the user interaction parameters and at least one further parameter. The at least one further parameter is the passage of time determined by a timer.

[0031] Thus, the progression of the use session through each of at least four consecutive stages may be determined by reference to both a timer providing a maximum duration for each stage and the monitored user interaction parameters which, if they reach a predetermined threshold, may cause the stage to end earlier than the maximum possible duration for that stage.

[0032] The user interaction parameter may indicate user puffing during the use session.

[0033] The user interaction parameter may indicate the amount or volume of aerosol released by the aerosol-forming substrate. The user interaction parameter may indicate the amount or volume of aerosol delivered to the user. The user interaction parameter may be the cumulative volume of aerosol delivered to the user.

[0034] The user interaction parameter may indicate the power supplied to the heating element during the use session.

[0035] The aerosol generating device may comprise a smoking count mechanism for determining the number of user smoking events during a usage session. User smoking events may be determined, for example, by monitoring the power supplied by the power source during the usage session or by monitoring the temperature of the heating element during the usage session. User smoking events may also be determined by monitoring the air flow through the device during the usage session. Thus, any one or each of the durations of at least four consecutive stages may be controlled with reference to the number of user smoking events during the usage session.

[0036] The aerosol generating device may be configured such that the usage session has a maximum usage session duration determined by a timer, and the aerosol generating device is configured to record at least one user interaction parameter during the usage session. Any one or each of the durations of at least four consecutive stages may have a duration shorter than the maximum stage duration if the value of the user interaction parameter reaches a predetermined threshold before the end of that stage.

[0037] The usage session may include, for example, a first stage, a second stage, a third stage, and a fourth stage. The first stage may start at the start of the usage session. After the monitored period starting at the start of monitoring reaches a predetermined first stage time threshold, or when a first predetermined value reaches a time preceding the predetermined first stage time threshold, or after the recorded user interaction parameter reaches the first predetermined value, the first stage ends and thus the second stage may start.

[0038] After the monitored period starting at the start of monitoring reaches a predetermined second stage time threshold, or when a second predetermined value reaches a time preceding the predetermined second stage time threshold, or after the recorded user interaction parameter reaches the second predetermined value, the second stage ends and thus the third stage may start.

[0039] After the monitored period starting at the start of monitoring reaches a predetermined third stage time threshold, or when a third predetermined value reaches a time preceding the predetermined third stage time threshold, after the recorded user interaction parameter reaches the third predetermined value, the third stage ends and thus the fourth stage may start.

[0040] After the monitored period starting at the start of monitoring reaches a predetermined fourth stage time threshold, or when a fourth predetermined value reaches a time preceding the predetermined fourth stage time threshold, after the recorded user interaction parameter reaches the fourth predetermined value, the fourth stage may end.

[0041] The start time of monitoring may conveniently be the start of the usage session. The recorded user interaction parameter may represent the number of smoking times the user has made during the usage session.

[0042] The first stage time threshold may be a value from 75 seconds to 105 seconds from the start of the usage session. The first predetermined value may be 3 or 4 smoking times.

[0043] The second stage time threshold may be a value from 150 seconds to 210 seconds from the start of the usage session. The second predetermined value may be 6 or 7 smoking times.

[0044] The third stage time threshold may be a value from 225 seconds to 315 seconds from the start of the usage session. The third predetermined value may be 9 or 10 smoking times.

[0045] The fourth stage time threshold may be a value from 300 seconds to 420 seconds from the start of the usage session. The fourth predetermined value may be 12 or 13 smoking times.

[0046] In another example, the recorded user interaction parameter may represent the volume of aerosol delivered to the user during a usage session. This parameter can be calculated, for example, by monitoring a power signal, detecting the start and end points of user smoking, and integrating to determine the total power provided during user smoking. From this total power provided, it may be possible to calculate the volume of aerosol delivered.

[0047] For example, the device may be configured to monitor parameters indicating aerosol generation, such as the power supplied to the heater during operation of the aerosol generating device, analyze the monitored parameters to identify user smoking defined by the start and end of smoking, analyze the parameters monitored during user smoking to calculate the smoking volume, which is the volume of aerosol generated during user smoking, and use the smoking volume as the user interaction parameter.

[0048] The first stage time threshold may be a value from 75 seconds to 105 seconds from the start of the session of the usage session. The first predetermined value may be an aerosol of 50 ml to 200 ml.

[0049] The second stage time threshold may be a value from 150 seconds to 210 seconds from the start of the session of the usage session. The second predetermined value may be an aerosol of 100 ml and 400 ml.

[0050] The third stage time threshold may be a value from 225 seconds to 315 seconds from the start of the session of the usage session. The third predetermined value may be an aerosol of 150 ml to 600 ml.

[0051] The fourth stage time threshold may be a value from 300 seconds to 420 seconds from the start of the session of the usage session. The fourth predetermined value may be an aerosol of 200 ml to 800 ml.

[0052] The usage session may include a final stage which may be the fourth or a subsequent stage. The final stage may end after a period of monitoring, for example, after the time starting at the beginning of the usage session reaches a predetermined final stage time threshold, or when a final predetermined value reaches before the predetermined final stage time threshold, such as after the recorded user interaction parameters reach the final predetermined value.

[0053] Therefore, the usage session entering the final stage may indicate to the user that the usage session is about to end. The final stage may have a maximum duration shorter than that of the preceding stage.

[0054] The aerosol generating device comprises at least one light emitting unit and a light indicator having no more than two light emitting units. Each of the light emitting units may be a light emitting diode (LED) unit. The LED unit may include one or more LED chips configured to emit light.

[0055] Each of the light emitting units or the light emitting units may be configured to display in at least three operating states. The at least three operating states may be selected, for example, from the list consisting of always on, always off, blinking, and intensity modulation. Always on means that the switch of the light emitting unit is on and it is emitting light. Always off means that the light emitting unit is off and not emitting light. Blinking means that the light emitting unit is modulated between switch off and switch on, resulting in the emission of light in a blinking pattern or flash pattern. Intensity modulation means that the power supplied to a light source, for example, an LED unit, is modulated. The light emitting unit emits light whose intensity changes over a period of time and appears to vary between a bright appearance and a dim appearance.

[0056] Other operating states are also possible. For example, the frequency of switching the switch of the light emitting unit on / off may provide a rapid blinking state and a slow blinking state different from the rapid blinking state.

[0057] The light-emitting unit or each of them may have the ability to operate so as to emit light in a first color and a second color.

[0058] The light-emitting indicator may include a single light-emitting unit having the ability to operate so as to emit light in a first color and a second color, and the light-emitting unit is configured to display at least four operating states, whereby the light-emitting indicator has the ability to display in at least four display modes. The at least four operating states may be selected from a list including always off, always on in the first color, blinking in the first color, intensity modulation in the first color, always on in the second color, blinking in the second color, intensity modulation in the second color, and alternating blinking of the first color / second color.

[0059] The light-emitting unit may be configured to display in at least five operating modes, whereby the light-emitting indicator may have the ability to display in at least five display modes.

[0060] The aerosol generating device may be configured such that the light-emitting indicator consists of two light-emitting units, a first light-emitting unit and a second light-emitting unit. Each of the light-emitting units may be configured to display in a first operating state, a second operating state, and a third operating state. The controller may be configured to independently control the operating states of the first light-emitting unit and the second light-emitting unit with respect to any one of the first, second, or third operating states so that the light-emitting indicator displays in at least four display modes. The light-emitting indicator may be configured to display in at least five display modes or at least six display modes. The usage session may include at least four consecutive stages, and the light-emitting indicator may be configured to display different display modes between each of the consecutive stages.

[0061] During the first stage, the light-emitting indicator can be displayed in a first display mode resulting from a first light-emitting unit that displays a first operating state and a second light-emitting unit that displays the first operating state.

[0062] During the second stage, the light-emitting indicator can be displayed in a second display mode resulting from a first light-emitting unit that displays a first operating state and a second light-emitting unit that displays a second operating state.

[0063] During the third stage, the light-emitting indicator can be displayed in a third display mode resulting from a first light-emitting unit that displays a first operating state and a second light-emitting unit that displays a third operating state.

[0064] During the fourth stage, the light-emitting indicator can be displayed in a fourth display mode resulting from a first light-emitting unit that displays a second operating state and a second light-emitting unit that displays the second operating state.

[0065] If there is a fifth stage, during the fifth stage, the light-emitting indicator can be displayed in a fifth display mode resulting from a first light-emitting unit that displays a third operating state and a second light-emitting unit that displays the third operating state.

[0066] Accordingly, the aerosol generating device can be configured to generate aerosol during a finite usage session. The usage session may be divided into a plurality of consecutive stages. The controller may be configured to determine and control the duration of the usage session with reference to the monitored parameters. The controller may also determine and control the duration of each of the plurality of usage sessions with reference to the monitored parameters. The length of the usage session and the length of any stage within the usage session may have a maximum duration or a nearest end point determined by a timing threshold. The length of the usage session and the length of any stage within the usage session may have a duration shorter than the maximum duration allowed by the timing threshold when one or more of the monitored parameters reach a threshold. The controller may be able to determine at which stage of the usage session the device is and control a light emitting indicator to display an indication representing that stage. Therefore, by dividing the usage session into a plurality of consecutive stages, the user can determine at any point during the usage session which stage the usage session is at. Thereby, the user may have an indication of how much time of the usage session remains or how much further interaction with the device the user can have before the usage session ends. This can be particularly advantageous when the duration of the usage session depends on the level of interaction of the user with the device.

[0067] The aerosol generating device may comprise a heater for heating an aerosol forming substrate to form an aerosol. The heater may be an induction heater. The induction heater may include an inductor configured to generate a variable magnetic field designed to heat a susceptor. The heater may be a resistance heater.

[0068] The heater may include a heating element for heating the consumable aerosol generating article. The heating element may be an internal heater designed to be inserted into the consumable aerosol generating article, for example, a resistive heating element or susceptor in the form of a pin or blade that can be inserted into an aerosol-forming substrate located within the consumable aerosol generating article. The heating element may be an external heater designed to heat the outer surface of the consumable aerosol generating article, for example, a resistive heating element or susceptor located around or surrounding a substrate receiving recess for receiving the consumable aerosol generating article.

[0069] The aerosol generating device may comprise a replaceable substrate section containing an aerosol-forming substrate. The replaceable substrate section may form part of the body of the aerosol generating device and, for consumption, may itself locate or contain part of the aerosol-forming substrate within the device. The replaceable substrate section may be located distally of the proximal end of the device, for example, distally of the mouthpiece. The replaceable substrate section may be located proximally of the distal end of the device. The replaceable substrate section may be coupled to one or more other sections forming the body of the aerosol generating device by coupling means such as screw threads, or bayonet joints, or magnetic connections, or mechanical latching means such as snap fits or interference fits.

[0070] The replaceable substrate section may include a reservoir for the liquid aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the replaceable substrate section may include a reservoir for a liquid containing nicotine and an aerosol former such as propylene glycol or glycerin. Alternatively, the replaceable substrate section may include a container for a solid aerosol-forming substrate, or a container for a colloidal aerosol-forming substrate such as a gel substrate.

[0071] The aerosol generating device may comprise a replaceable substrate section that includes two or more components that, when combined, form an aerosol.

[0072] The replaceable substrate section may include an atomizer such as a heating element for heating the aerosol-forming substrate or at least one of two or more components that form an aerosol when combined. Thus, the replaceable substrate section may be in the form of a cartomizer and may include both the aerosol-forming substrate and the atomizing component. In such embodiments, the replaceable substrate section preferably includes electrical contacts configured to contact corresponding electrical contacts on the battery portion of the aerosol-generating device and supply power for operation of the atomizer.

[0073] In one example, the atomizer may be a resistive heater such as a resistive wire or a resistive track on the substrate. In other examples, the atomizer may be an inductive susceptor that can be heated when in a varying magnetic field generated by an induction coil.

[0074] The aerosol-generating device may be configured such that power is supplied to the heater to maintain the heater at a predetermined temperature during a usage session.

[0075] To generate an aerosol, power may be supplied to the heater to raise the temperature of the heater element to an operating temperature range, and the heater element remains within the operating temperature range until the end of the usage session. Power may be supplied to the heater during both usage sessions when the user is smoking and when the user is not smoking. In such a configuration, the power supplied during user smoking is likely to be greater than the power supplied when the user is not smoking, because less power is required to maintain the temperature of the heater between puffs.

[0076] An aerosol generating device may be configured to receive an aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol forming substrate. The aerosol forming substrate may be a solid aerosol forming substrate. The aerosol generating device may comprise, for example, a substrate receiving cavity for receiving a consumable aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol forming substrate. Examples of aerosol generating articles include a solid aerosol forming substrate contained within a wrapper such as cigarette paper for a roll-up cigarette, a capsule or container of a liquid aerosol forming substrate or a colloidal aerosol forming substrate, a roll-up cigarette, and a sachet filled with roll-up cigarette-like articles. The consumable aerosol generating article may comprise an exchangeable substrate section comprising two or more components which, when combined, form an aerosol.

[0077] The consumable aerosol generating article may comprise an atomizer, such as a heating element, for heating the aerosol forming substrate or at least one of two or more components which, when combined, form an aerosol. Thus, the consumable aerosol generating article may be in the form of a cartomizer and may comprise both an aerosol forming substrate and an atomizing component. In such embodiments, the consumable aerosol generating article preferably comprises electrical contacts configured to contact corresponding electrical contacts on the battery portion of the aerosol generating device and to supply power for operation of the atomizer.

[0078] In an example, the atomizer may be a resistive heater such as a resistive wire or a resistive track on a substrate. In other embodiments, the atomizer may be an inductive susceptor that can be heated when in a varying magnetic field generated by an induction coil.

[0079] Preferred consumable aerosol-generating articles may be in the form of a cigarette or cigarette-like article comprising a solid aerosol-forming substrate contained within a wrapper. Such articles preferably include a mouth-side end intended to be inserted into the user's mouth for consumption of the article. The mouth-side end preferably includes a filter that mimics a conventional formulated cigarette. The consumable aerosol-generating article is preferably configured to interact with an atomizer, preferably a heater, located within the body of the aerosol-generating device. Thus, heating means such as a resistive heating element may be located within or around a substrate receiving recess for receiving the consumable aerosol-generating article. The substrate receiving recess may be located at the proximal end of the device. For example, the opening to the substrate receiving recess may be located at the proximal end of the device.

[0080] The aerosol-generating system may comprise the aerosol generation described above and an aerosol-generating article configured to be received by the aerosol-generating device, the aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0081] The aerosol-generating system may further comprise a charging device for charging the aerosol-generating device. The charging device may include a primary power source and may have a docking arrangement configured to engage with the aerosol-generating device.

[0082] According to another aspect of the invention, a method of indicating the progress of a use session in an aerosol-generating device is provided. The aerosol-generating device is configured to generate an aerosol during a use session and comprises a controller and a light-emitting indicator. The light-emitting indicator has at least one light-emitting unit and no more than two light-emitting units. The light-emitting indicator is configured to display any one of at least four different display modes during the use session. The method includes determining a session start point of the use session, determining the progress of the use session, and controlling the light-emitting indicator to display different display modes to indicate the progress of the use session to the user.

[0083] By dividing the usage session into at least four consecutive stages, the device has the ability to determine the progress of the usage session and indicate it to the user. The user can, by looking at the visual display, determine at any point during the usage session which stage the usage session is in. Thereby, the user may have an indication of how much time of the usage session remains, or how much further interaction with the device the user can have before the usage session ends. This can be particularly advantageous when the duration of the usage session depends on the level of interaction of the user with the device.

[0084] The method may further include defining at least four consecutive stages between session start and session stop, and controlling a light emitter to display different display modes between each of the at least four consecutive stages.

[0085] The method may further include recording user interaction parameters during the usage session, and determining the duration of the usage session and / or each of the at least four consecutive stages based on the timing information and the values of the user interaction parameters.

[0086] The user interaction parameter represents the number of times the user smokes, and the total duration of the usage session may be determined as the maximum duration determined by a timer, or a duration shorter than the maximum duration if the number of smoking times during the usage session exceeds the maximum number of smoking times allowed during the user session.

[0087] The user interaction parameter represents the number of times the user smokes, and the total duration of each stage may be determined as the maximum stage duration determined by a timer, or a duration shorter than the maximum duration if the number of smoking times during the stage exceeds the maximum number of smoking times allowed during the stage.

[0088] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol during a use session, comprising at least one light emitting unit, and a light emitting indicator having two or less light emitting units, the light emitting indicator being configured to display any one of at least four different display modes during the use session. The aerosol generating device comprises a computer-readable medium including instructions for executing a method of determining a session start point of the use session, determining the progress of the use session, and controlling the light emitting indicator to display different display modes to indicate the progress of the use session to the user.

[0089] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating device" refers to a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol that can be directly inhaled into a user's lungs through the user's mouth. In certain embodiments, the aerosol generating device may heat the aerosol-forming substrate to facilitate the release of volatile compounds. The aerosol generating device may interact with an aerosol-generating article that includes the aerosol-forming substrate, or a cartridge that includes the aerosol-forming substrate. An electrically-operated aerosol generating device may include an atomizer, such as an electric heater, for heating the aerosol-forming substrate to form an aerosol.

[0090] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article that includes an aerosol-forming substrate having the ability to release a volatile compound that can form an aerosol. In certain embodiments, the aerosol-generating article may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate that can release a volatile compound that can form an aerosol when heated.

[0091] As used herein, the term "usage session" refers to the operating period of an aerosol generating device having a finite duration. A usage session can be initiated by a user action. A usage session can end after a predetermined period has elapsed since the start of the usage session. A usage session may end after a monitored parameter reaches a threshold value during the usage session. Typically, a usage session has a duration that allows a user to enjoy a single user experience. For example, in a particular aerosol generating device, a usage session may have a duration that allows a user to consume a single disposable aerosol article. After a usage session has ended, a further user action is required to initiate a subsequent usage session.

[0092] As used herein, the term "light indicator" refers to an element of an aerosol generating device having the ability to emit a display in the form of light visible to a user of the device.

[0093] As used herein, the term "light emitting unit" refers to an individual component of a light indicator having the ability to emit light. Each light emitting unit provides a single display area of the light indicator. A light emitting unit may be, for example, an individual light bulb or an individual LED. The light emitted by the light emitting unit is visible to a user of the aerosol generating device. The light emitting unit may be attached so as to protrude through the housing of the aerosol generating device. The light emitting unit may be enclosed within the housing of the aerosol generating device such that the light emitted from the light emitting unit is visible through a window of the aerosol generating device. The light emitted from the light emitting unit may be transmitted along a waveguide structure so as to be visible to a user of the device.

Example

[0094] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples is provided below. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more of the features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0095] Example i. An aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol generating device being configured to generate an aerosol during a usage session, the aerosol generating device comprising a controller configured to monitor the progress of the usage session and control an indicator to indicate the progress of the usage session. Example ii. An aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol generating device being configured to generate an aerosol during a usage session, the aerosol generating device comprising a light-emitting indicator and a controller configured to control the light-emitting indicator to indicate the progress of the usage session. Example iii. The aerosol generating device according to Example ii, wherein the light-emitting indicator includes at least one light-emitting unit, and the light-emitting unit is configured to operate in a plurality of operating modes such that the light-emitting indicator is configured to be displayed in any one of at least four display modes during a usage session. Example 1. An aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol generating device being configured to generate an aerosol during a usage session, The aerosol generating device is a light emitting indicator having one or more light emitting units, or at least one light emitting unit, and two or fewer light emitting units, and is configured to display any one of at least four different display modes during a usage session. A light emitting indicator, and a controller configured to control the light emitting indicator to display any one of at least four display modes to indicate the progress of a usage session. An aerosol generating device comprising the above. Example 1a. An aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol forming substrate, The aerosol generating device is configured to generate an aerosol during a usage session. The aerosol generating device Is a light emitting indicator having two light emitting units and is configured to display any one of at least four different display modes during a usage session, and a light emitting indicator, A controller configured to control the light emitting indicator to display any one of at least four display modes to indicate the progress of a usage session. An aerosol generating device comprising the above. Example 1b. An aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol forming substrate, The aerosol generating device is configured to generate an aerosol during a usage session. The aerosol generating device Is a light emitting indicator having two light emitting units and a light emitting indicator having two or fewer light emitting units, and is configured to display any one of at least four different display modes during a usage session, A controller configured to control the light emitting indicator to display any one of at least four display modes to indicate the progress of a usage session. An aerosol generating device comprising the above. Example 1c. In each of the display modes, the controller is configured to cause light to be emitted to the light emitter for at least a portion of the time during which the light emitter displays each display mode, an aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding embodiments. Example 2. A use session is an aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding embodiments, spanning between session start and session stop. Example 3. The aerosol generating device is an aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding embodiments, configured such that the use session has a maximum duration determined by a timer. Example 4. The aerosol generating device is an aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding embodiments, configured to receive an aerosol generating article including an aerosol forming substrate. Example 5. The aerosol generating device is an aerosol generating device according to Example 4, configured to detect the presence of an aerosol generating article. Example 6. A use session is an aerosol generating device according to Example 4 or 5, ending when the aerosol generating article is removed from the aerosol generating device. Example 7. The aerosol generating device is an aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding embodiments, configured to monitor user interaction parameters indicative of use of the aerosol generating device during a use session. Example 8. A use session is an aerosol generating device according to Example 7, configured to end when the user interaction parameter reaches a predetermined threshold. Example 9. The user interaction parameter indicates user smoking performed during a use session, or the user interaction parameter indicates the volume of aerosol released by or delivered to the user by the aerosol forming substrate during a use session, an aerosol generating device according to Example 7 or 8. Example 10. An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding embodiments, comprising a smoking count mechanism for determining the number of user smoking events during a usage session. Example 11. An aerosol generating device according to Example 10, configured to end the usage session when the number of user smoking events during the usage session reaches a predetermined threshold. Example 11A. An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding embodiments, comprising steps of monitoring parameters indicating aerosol generation during operation of the aerosol generating device, analyzing the monitored parameters to identify user smoking defined by a smoking start and a smoking end, analyzing the parameters monitored during user smoking to calculate a smoking volume which is the volume of aerosol generated during user smoking, and using the smoking volume as a user interaction parameter. Example 12. An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the usage session includes at least four consecutive stages. Example 13. An aerosol generating device according to Example 12, wherein the controller is configured to control a light emitting indicator to display a different one of at least four display modes between each of the at least four consecutive stages. Example 14. An aerosol generating device according to Example 12 or 13, wherein the at least four consecutive stages include at least five consecutive stages. Example 15. An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples 12 to 14, configured such that any or each of the at least four consecutive stages has a stage duration defined by a stage start and a stage end. Example 16. The aerosol generator is an aerosol generator according to any of Examples 12 to 15, configured such that any one or each of at least four consecutive stages has a maximum stage duration determined by a timer. Example 17. The aerosol generator is an aerosol generator according to any of Examples 12 to 16, wherein any one or each of at least four consecutive stages has a stage duration determined by stage start and stage end. Example 18. The aerosol generator is an aerosol generator according to Example 17, wherein any one or each of at least four consecutive stages has a maximum stage duration determined by a timer. Example 19. The aerosol generator is an aerosol generator according to Example 17 or 18, wherein any one or each of at least four consecutive stages ends when a monitored period reaches a predetermined threshold of the stage if the stage has not ended prematurely. Example 20. The aerosol generator is an aerosol generator according to any of Examples 12 to 19, wherein the first of at least four consecutive stages has a first stage duration defined by a first stage start and an end of the first stage, and the first stage starts at the start of a session. Example 21. The aerosol generator is an aerosol generator according to Example 20, wherein the first stage includes a heating period in which a heating element raises the temperature from the ambient temperature to the operating temperature to generate an aerosol. Example 22. The aerosol generator is an aerosol generator according to any of Examples 12 to 19, wherein the first of at least four consecutive stages has a first stage duration defined by a first stage start and an end of the first stage, and the first stage starts at the end of a pre-stage heating period that starts at the start of a session. Example 23. The aerosol generator is an aerosol generator according to Example 22, wherein the pre-stage heating period is a heating period in which a heating element raises the temperature from the ambient temperature to the operating temperature to generate an aerosol. Example 24. The second stage of at least four consecutive stages has a second stage duration defined by a second stage start and a second stage end, and the second stage starts at the end of the first stage, and is an aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 12 to 23. Example 25. The third stage of at least four consecutive stages has a third stage duration defined by a third stage start and a third stage end, and the third stage starts at the end of the second stage, and is an aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 12 to 24. Example 26. The fourth stage of at least four consecutive stages has a fourth stage duration defined by a fourth stage start and a fourth stage end, and the fourth stage starts at the end of the third stage, and is an aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 12 to 25. Example 27. The usage session ends at the end of the fourth stage, and is an aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 12 to 26. Example 28. The fifth stage of at least four consecutive stages has a fifth stage duration defined by a fifth stage start and a fifth stage end, and the fifth stage starts at the end of the fourth stage, and is an aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 12 to 26. Example 29. The usage session ends at the end of the fifth stage, and is an aerosol generating device according to Example 28. Example 30. The sixth stage of at least four consecutive stages has a sixth stage duration defined by a sixth stage start and a sixth stage end, and the sixth stage starts at the end of the fifth stage, and is an aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 12 to 28. Example 31. The usage session ends at the end of the sixth stage, and is an aerosol generating device according to Example 30. Example 32. The aerosol generating device is an aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 12 to 31, configured to monitor user interaction parameters indicating the use of the aerosol generating device during a use session. Example 33. The aerosol generating device according to Example 32, wherein any one or each of the durations of at least four consecutive stages is controlled with reference to user interaction parameters. Example 34. The aerosol generating device according to Example 32 or 33, wherein any one or each of the durations of at least four consecutive stages is controlled with reference to user interaction parameters and at least one further parameter. Example 35. The aerosol generating device according to Example 34, wherein at least one further parameter is the passage of time determined by a timer. Example 36. The aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 32 to 35, wherein the user interaction parameter indicates user smoking performed during a use session. Example 37. The aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 32 to 36, wherein the user interaction parameter indicates the power supplied to the heating element during a use session. Example 38. The aerosol generating device is provided with a smoking count mechanism for determining the number of times of user smoking performed during a use session, and any one or each of the durations of at least four consecutive stages is controlled with reference to the number of times of user smoking performed during a use session. The aerosol generating device is according to any one of Examples 12 to 37. Example 39. The aerosol generating device is configured to have a maximum usage session duration determined by a timer, and the aerosol generating device is configured to record at least one user interaction parameter during the usage session, and the duration of any one or each of at least four consecutive stages is shorter than the maximum stage duration when the value of the user interaction parameter reaches a predetermined threshold value, an aerosol generating device according to any of Examples 12 to 38. Example 40. The usage session includes a first stage, a second stage, a third stage, and a fourth stage, an aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples. Example 41. The first stage starts at the start of the usage session, an aerosol generating device according to Example 40. Example 42. After the monitored period starting at the start of monitoring reaches a predetermined first stage time threshold value, or when a first predetermined value reaches a time preceding the predetermined first stage time threshold value, after the recorded user interaction parameter reaches the first predetermined value, the first stage ends and the second stage starts, an aerosol generating device according to Example 40 or 41. Example 43. After the monitored time starting at the start of monitoring reaches a predetermined second stage time threshold value, or when a second predetermined value reaches a time preceding the predetermined second stage time threshold value, after the recorded user interaction parameter reaches the second predetermined value, the second stage ends and the third stage starts, an aerosol generating device according to any of Examples 40 to 42. Example 44. After the monitored time starting at the start of monitoring reaches a predetermined third stage time threshold value, or when a third predetermined value reaches a time preceding the predetermined third stage time threshold value, after the recorded user interaction parameter reaches the third predetermined value, the third stage ends and the fourth stage starts, an aerosol generating device according to any of Examples 40 to 43. Example 45. After the monitored period that starts at the start of monitoring reaches a predetermined fourth-stage time threshold, or when a fourth predetermined value reaches the time preceding the predetermined fourth-stage time threshold, the fourth stage ends after the recorded user interaction parameter reaches the fourth predetermined value. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 40 to 44. Example 46. The start time of monitoring is the start of the session of the usage session. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 42 to 45. Example 47. The first-stage time threshold is a value from 75 seconds to 105 seconds from the start of the session of the usage session. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 42 to 46. Example 48. The recorded user interaction parameter represents the number of smoking times performed by the user during the usage session, and the first predetermined value is 3 smoking times or 4 smoking times. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 42 to 47. Example 49. The second-stage time threshold is a value from 150 seconds to 210 seconds from the start of the session of the usage session. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 42 to 48. Example 50. The recorded user interaction parameter represents the number of smoking times performed by the user during the usage session, and the second predetermined value is 6 smoking times or 7 smoking times. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 42 to 49. Example 51. The third-stage time threshold is a value from 225 seconds to 315 seconds from the start of the usage session. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 42 to 50. Example 52. The recorded user interaction parameter represents the number of smoking times performed by the user during the usage session, and the third predetermined value is 9 smoking times or 10 smoking times. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 42 to 51. Example 53. The fourth stage time threshold is a value between 300 seconds and 420 seconds from the start of the usage session, and the aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 42 to 52. Example 54. The recorded user interaction parameter represents the number of smoking actions performed by the user during the usage session, and the first predetermined value is 12 smoking actions or 13 smoking actions, and the aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 42 to 52. Example 55. The usage session includes a final stage that may be the fourth stage or a subsequent stage. The final stage ends after the monitored time starting at the start of the session reaches a predetermined final stage time threshold, or when the final predetermined value is reached before the predetermined final stage time threshold, and after the recorded user interaction parameter reaches the final predetermined value, and the aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 42 to 54. Example 56. The final stage has a maximum duration that is shorter than the maximum duration of the preceding stage, and the aerosol generator according to Example 55. Example 57. The light emitting unit or each of them is an LED unit, and the aerosol generator according to any one of the preceding examples. Example 58. The light emitting unit or each of them is configured to display in at least three operating states, and the aerosol generator according to any one of the preceding examples. Example 59. At least three operating states are selected from a list including always on, always off, blinking, and intensity modulation, and the aerosol generator according to Example 58. Example 60. The light emitting unit or each of them has the ability to emit light in a first color and a second color, and the light emitting unit or each of them is configured to display in at least three operating states, and the aerosol generator according to any one of the preceding examples. Example 61. The light-emitting indicator includes a single light-emitting unit capable of operating to emit light in a first color and a second color, and the light-emitting unit is configured to display at least four operating states, whereby the light-emitting indicator has the ability to display in at least four display modes, an aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding embodiments. Example 62. The at least four operating states are selected from the list including always-on, always-on in the first color, flashing in the first color, intensity modulation in the first color, always-on in the second color, flashing in the second color, intensity adjustment in the second color, and alternating flashing of the first color / second color, an aerosol generating device according to Example 61. Example 63. The light-emitting unit is configured to display in at least five operating modes, whereby the light-emitting indicator has the ability to display in at least five display modes, an aerosol generating device according to any of Examples 60-62. Example 64. The light-emitting indicator consists of two light-emitting units, a first light-emitting unit and a second light-emitting unit, and each of the light-emitting units is configured to display in a first operating state, a second operating state, and a third operating state, and the controller is configured to independently control the operating states of the first light-emitting unit and the second light-emitting unit to any one of the first, second, or third operating states so that the light-emitting indicator displays in at least four display modes, an aerosol generating device according to any of Examples 1-60. Example 65. The light-emitting indicator is configured to display in at least five display modes, an aerosol generating device according to Example 64. Example 66. The usage session includes at least four consecutive stages, and the light-emitting indicator is configured to display different display modes between each of the consecutive stages, an aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding embodiments. Example 67. During the first stage, the light-emitting indicator is displayed in a first display mode resulting from a first light-emitting unit displaying a first operating state and a second light-emitting unit displaying a first operating state, an aerosol generating device according to Example 66. Example 68. During the second stage, the light-emitting indicator is displayed in a second display mode resulting from a first light-emitting unit displaying a first operating state and a second light-emitting unit displaying a second operating state, an aerosol generating device according to Example 66 or 67. Example 69. During the third stage, the light-emitting indicator is displayed in a third display mode resulting from a first light-emitting unit displaying a first operating state and a second light-emitting unit displaying a third operating state, an aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 66 to 68. Example 70. During the fourth stage, the light-emitting indicator is displayed in a fourth display mode resulting from a first light-emitting unit displaying a second operating state and a second light-emitting unit displaying a second operating state, an aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 66 to 69. Example 71. During the fifth stage, the light-emitting indicator is displayed in a fifth display mode resulting from a first light-emitting unit displaying a third operating state and a second light-emitting unit displaying a third operating state, an aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 66 to 70. Example 72. The device comprises a heater, an aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples. Example 73. The heater is an induction heater, an aerosol generating device according to Example 72. Example 74. The heater is a resistance heater, an aerosol generating device according to Example 72. Example 74i. Power is supplied to the heater to maintain the heater at a predetermined temperature during the usage session, an aerosol generating device according to any of Examples 72 to 74. Example 74ii. To generate an aerosol, power is supplied to a heater to raise the temperature of a heater element to an operating temperature range, and the heater element remains within the operating temperature range until the end of a use session, an aerosol generating device according to any of Examples 72 to 74i. Example 74iii. During both use sessions when the user is smoking and when the user is not smoking, power is supplied to the heater, an aerosol generating device according to any of Examples 72 to 74ii. Example 75. An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, configured to receive an aerosol generating article including an aerosol forming substrate. Example 76. The aerosol generating device according to Example 75, wherein the aerosol forming substrate is a solid aerosol forming substrate. Example 77. An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples and an aerosol generating article configured to be received by the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol forming substrate. Example 78. A method of indicating the progress of a use session of an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device being configured to generate an aerosol during a use session, comprising a controller and at least one light emitting unit, or at least one light emitting unit and a light emitting indicator having two or fewer light emitting units, the light emitting indicator being configured to display at least one of at least four different display modes during a use session, the method comprising: determining a session start point of the use session; determining the progress of the use session; and controlling the light emitting indicator to display different display modes to indicate the progress of the use session to the user. Example 78a. A method of indicating the progress of a use session in an aerosol generating device, The aerosol generating device is configured to generate an aerosol during a usage session, and includes a controller and a light emitting indicator having two light emitting units. The light emitting indicator is configured to display any one of at least four different display modes during the usage session. The method is a step of determining a session start point of the usage session, a step of determining the progress of the usage session, and a step of controlling the light emitting indicator to display different display modes to indicate the progress of the usage session to the user. The method includes these steps. Example 78b. A method for indicating the progress of a usage session in an aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to generate an aerosol during a usage session, and includes a controller, two light emitting units, and a light emitting indicator having two or fewer light emitting units. The light emitting indicator is configured to display any one of at least four different display modes during the usage session. The method is a step of determining a session start point of the usage session, a step of determining the progress of the usage session, and a step of controlling the light emitting indicator to display different display modes to indicate the progress of the usage session to the user. The method includes these steps. Example 79. A method for indicating the progress of a usage session according to Example 78, 78a, or 78b in an aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 76. The method is a step of determining a start point of the usage session, a step of determining the progress of the usage session, and a step of controlling the light emitting indicator to display different display modes to indicate the progress of the usage session. The method includes these steps. Example 80. Defining at least four consecutive stages between session start and session stop, and further steps of controlling a light-emitting indicator to display different display modes between each of the at least four consecutive stages, a method according to any of Examples 78-79. Example 81. Recording user interaction parameters during a usage session, and further steps of determining the duration of the usage session and / or each of the at least four consecutive stages based on the timing information and the values of the user interaction parameters, a method according to any of Examples 78-80. Example 82. The user interaction parameter represents the number of times the user smokes, and the total duration of the usage session is determined to be the maximum duration determined by a timer, or a duration shorter than the maximum duration if the usage session exceeds the maximum number of smokes allowed during the user session, a method according to Example 81. Example 83. The user interaction parameter represents the number of times the user smokes, and the total duration of each stage is determined to be the maximum stage duration determined by a timer, or a duration shorter than the maximum stage duration if the usage session exceeds the maximum number of smokes allowed during the user session, a method according to Example 81 or 82. Example 84. An aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol during a usage session, Comprising at least one light-emitting unit, or at least one light-emitting unit and a light-emitting indicator having two or fewer light-emitting units, the light-emitting indicator being configured to display any one of at least four different display modes during the usage session, the aerosol generating device A computer-readable medium comprising instructions for performing a method including determining a session start point of a usage session, determining the progress of the usage session, and controlling a light-emitting indicator to display different display modes to indicate the progress of the usage session to a user, an aerosol generating device. Example 85. An aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol during a usage session, A light-emitting indicator having two light-emitting units, the light-emitting indicator being configured to display any one of at least four different display modes during the usage session, The aerosol generating device, Determining a session start point of the usage session, Determining the progress of the usage session, Controlling the light-emitting indicator to display different display modes to indicate the progress of the usage session to a user, an aerosol generating device comprising a computer-readable medium including instructions for performing a method including the above. Example 86. An aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol during a usage session, Two light-emitting units, and a light-emitting indicator having two or fewer light-emitting units, the light-emitting indicator being configured to display any one of at least four different display modes during the usage session, The aerosol generating device, Determining a session start point of the usage session, Determining the progress of the usage session, Controlling the light-emitting indicator to display different display modes to indicate the progress of the usage session to a user, an aerosol generating device comprising a computer-readable medium including instructions for performing a method including the above. Example 87. An aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol during a usage session, At least one light-emitting unit, or a light-emitting indicator having at least one light-emitting unit and two or fewer light-emitting units, comprising a light-emitting indicator configured to display any one of at least four different display modes during a usage session. An aerosol generator comprising a computer-readable medium including instructions for performing the steps of the method according to any one of Examples 78 to 83. Example 87. An aerosol generator for generating an aerosol during a usage session, A light-emitting indicator having two light-emitting units, comprising a light-emitting indicator configured to display any one of at least four different display modes during a usage session. An aerosol generator comprising a computer-readable medium including instructions for performing the steps of the method according to any one of Examples 78 to 83. Example 87. An aerosol generator for generating an aerosol during a usage session, At least one light-emitting unit, or a light-emitting indicator having at least one light-emitting unit and two or fewer light-emitting units, comprising a light-emitting indicator configured to display any one of at least four different display modes during a usage session. An aerosol generator comprising a computer-readable medium including instructions for performing the steps of the method according to any one of Examples 78 to 83.

[0096] Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described herein with reference to the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0097]

Figure 1

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0098] The aerosol generating device 10 is a handheld aerosol generating device and has an elongated shape defined by a housing 20 in the form of a substantially circular cylinder. The aerosol generating device 10 includes an open cavity 25 located at the proximal end 21 of the housing 20 for receiving an aerosol generating article 30 comprising an aerosol forming substrate 31. The aerosol generating device 10 further includes a battery (not shown) located within the housing 20 of the device and an electrically operated heater 40 arranged to heat at least the aerosol forming substrate portion 31 of the aerosol generating article 30 when the aerosol generating article 30 is received within the cavity 25.

[0099] The aerosol generating device is configured to receive an aerosol generating article 30 which is a consumable. The aerosol generating article 30 is in the form of a cylindrical rod and includes an aerosol forming substrate 31. The aerosol forming substrate is a solid aerosol forming substrate containing tobacco. The aerosol generating article 30 further includes a mouthpiece such as a filter 32 arranged coaxially aligned with the aerosol forming substrate within the cylindrical rod. The aerosol generating article 30 has a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the cavity 25 of the device 10 and a length longer than the depth of the cavity 25 such that when the article 30 is received within the cavity 25 of the device 10, the mouthpiece 32 extends out of the cavity 25 and can be drawn out by the user, similar to a conventional cigarette.

[0100] When in use, the user inserts the article 30 into the cavity 25 of the aerosol generating device 10 and turns on the device 10 by pressing the user button 50, activating the heater 40 and starting a usage session. The heater 40 heats the aerosol-forming substrate of the article 30 such that the volatile compounds of the aerosol-forming substrate 31 are released and atomized to form an aerosol. The user sucks on the mouthpiece of the article 30 and inhales the aerosol generated from the heated aerosol-forming substrate. After activation, the temperature of the heater 40 rises from the ambient temperature to a predetermined temperature to heat the aerosol-forming substrate. The control electronic circuit of the device 10 supplies power from the battery to the heater to maintain the temperature of the heater at a substantially constant level when the user smokes on the aerosol-generating article 30. The heater continues to heat the aerosol-generating article until the end of the usage session when the heater is stopped and cooled.

[0101] At the end of the usage session, the article 30 is removed from the device 10 for disposal, and the device 10 can be connected to an external power source to charge the battery of the device 10.

[0102] The aerosol generating device 10 further comprises a light emitting indicator 60 having a first light emitting unit 61 and a second light emitting unit 62. The light emitted from the first light emitting unit 61 and the second light emitting unit 62 is visible through the housing 20 of the aerosol generating device 10. Both the first light emitting unit 61 and the second light emitting unit 62 are light emitting diode (LED) devices capable of emitting light in four colors: white, green, red, and yellowish-brown. The LEDs may be visible through the housing 20, or the light emitted from the LEDs may be visible from the outside of the housing 20 through a light transmission channel (e.g., via a waveguide or a similar structure). In addition to being able to emit light in different colors, both the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit have the ability to be independently controlled to be completely off, completely on, or blink.

[0103] Figure 4 provides a schematic diagram of the various electronic components of the aerosol generator and their interactions.

[0104] A controller 420 located within the housing 20 is connected to a battery 410, a heater 40, a timer 430, an accelerometer 440, a haptic motor 450, and a light-emitting indicator 60.

[0105] The battery 410 heats the heater 40 and supplies energy to operate the other electronic components. The battery 410 has sufficient energy to power two complete usage sessions of the aerosol generator when fully charged. The battery 410 is a rechargeable battery and can be recharged by connecting it to an external power source.

[0106] The heater 40 converts the energy supplied by the battery into heat to form an aerosol and sufficiently heats the aerosol generator. During operation, the controller controls the supply of energy from the battery to maintain the heater at a substantially constant aerosol generation temperature.

[0107] The timer 430 provides a timing signal to the controller.

[0108] The accelerometer 440 is configured to detect the movement of the device. When movement is detected, a signal is sent to the controller, and the controller determines whether the detected movement conforms to a predetermined pattern or gesture. Therefore, the user can interact with the device by moving the device in specific patterns and gestures.

[0109] The haptic motor 450 generates a haptic output for the user of the device. The haptic motor is configured to emit a haptic output in response to a control signal from the controller 420.

[0110] The light-emitting indicator 60 generates a visual display for the user. The light-emitting indicator is configured to emit a visual display in response to a control signal from the controller 420.

[0111] The aerosol generating device 10 of this particular embodiment is configured to receive a user query in the form of a particular gesture made by the user using the device 10. In response to the user query, the device 10 is configured to output a signal indicating the number of remaining use sessions before the device's battery needs to be recharged, and also to output a signal indicating the progress of the use session during the use session.

[0112] When fully charged, the battery can provide sufficient energy for at least one complete use session. The battery can provide sufficient energy for more than one use session (e.g., twenty use sessions). The user may wish to know the number of available use sessions before attempting to start a use session.

[0113] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the method steps involved in providing the user with a display of the number of remaining use sessions.

[0114] Step 500: When the aerosol generating device is not engaged in a use session, the user picks up the device and moves the device with a predetermined gesture.

[0115] Step 510: The movement of the device associated with the predetermined gesture is detected by the accelerometer, and the accelerometer sends a signal to the controller. The predetermined gesture may be, for example, lifting the device and orienting the device in a vertical position.

[0116] Step 520: Analyze the signal provided by the accelerometer to determine whether the detected gesture is a gesture indicating a battery status query.

[0117] Step 530: If it is determined that the detected signal is a battery status query, the controller communicates with the battery to determine the charge level of the battery.

[0118] Step 540: The controller sends a signal to the light-emitting indicator 60 to emit a display of the number of remaining usage sessions.

[0119] Step 550: The light-emitting indicator 60 emits a visual signal indicating the number of remaining usage sessions.

[0120] Figures 9 to 11 provide schematic diagrams of exemplary displays that may be provided by the light-emitting indicator 60 to indicate the number of remaining usage sessions. If the controller determines that the battery has sufficient charge for two usage sessions, the light-emitting indicator emits a display indicating that two usage sessions remain. For example, the first light-emitting unit 61 and the second light-emitting unit 62 may both be illuminated with white light.

[0121] If the controller determines that the battery has sufficient charge for one usage session, the light-emitting indicator 60 emits a display indicating that one usage session remains. For example, the first light-emitting unit 61 may both be illuminated with white light, and the second light-emitting unit 62 may not be lit.

[0122] If the controller determines that the battery has only insufficient charge for usage sessions, the light-emitting indicator emits a display indicating that no usage sessions are available and that recharging is necessary. For example, the first light-emitting unit 61 may both be illuminated with yellow light, and the second light-emitting unit 62 may not be lit.

[0123] An aerosol-generating article for use with a device has a finite amount of aerosol-forming substrate and, accordingly, the usage session needs to have a finite duration in order to prevent the user from attempting to generate aerosol when the aerosol-forming substrate has been depleted. The usage session is configured to have a maximum duration determined by the period from the start of the usage session. The usage session is also configured to have a duration shorter than the maximum duration if user interaction parameters recorded during the usage session reach a threshold value before the maximum duration determined by a timer.

[0124] In certain embodiments, the user interaction parameter is the number of puffs taken by the user during the usage session. Accordingly, the aerosol-generating device is configured such that each usage session has a duration of 6 minutes from the start of the usage session or the user takes 14 puffs within 6 minutes from the start of the usage session.

[0125] During the usage session, the user may wish to have an indication of the progress through the usage session. For example, the user may wish to know how many puffs approximately remain for the user in the usage session or how much time approximately remains at that point.

[0126] The controller includes a puff counter for monitoring the number of puffs taken during the usage session. The number of puffs taken by the user is determined by monitoring the power supplied to the heater during the usage session. When the user takes a puff, the air flow cools the heater and, accordingly, a larger amount of energy is supplied by the battery to maintain the temperature of the heater at its operating temperature. Accordingly, by monitoring the power supplied by the heater, the controller can determine the number of puffs taken during the usage session.

[0127] To monitor the progress, the usage session starts at the beginning of the first stage when the usage session starts and ends at the final stage when the usage session ends. The progression from one stage to the next is divided into several consecutive stages, which are determined by time and the number of smoking times in the same way as the usage session. As the usage session progresses through these consecutive stages, the controller commands the light-emitting indicator and the tactile motor to emit signals indicating each consecutive stage. Thus, the user knows the approximate progress of the usage session.

[0128] In a particular embodiment, the usage session may be divided into five consecutive stages for display purposes. Figure 6 shows the method steps involved in displaying the progress of the usage session to the user.

[0129] Step 600: The user inserts the aerosol-generating article 30 into the cavity 25 of the device 10 and starts the usage session by pressing the user button 50.

[0130] Step 605: Start a timer to record the elapsed time during the usage session and start a smoking counter to record the number of smokes performed during the usage session.

[0131] Step 610: The first stage of the usage session is considered to start when the usage session starts.

[0132] During the first stage, the controller commands the light-emitting indicator 60 to emit a signal indicating that the usage session is in the first stage. One example of such a signal is the first light-emitting unit 61 and the second light-emitting unit 62, both of which emit continuous white light, as shown in Figure 12.

[0133] During the first stage, the controller commands the tactile motor to emit a tactile signal indicating that the usage session is in the first stage. One example of such a signal is a tactile motor that emits 4 consecutive buzzing sounds.

[0134] Step 615: After the first stage ends and 1.5 minutes have elapsed since the start of the usage session, or if three smoking events occur before 1.5 minutes have elapsed since the start of the usage session, then after the user has smoked three times since the start of the usage session, the second stage begins.

[0135] Step 620: The second stage of the usage session is considered to start when the first stage ends.

[0136] During the second stage, the controller instructs the light emitter 60 to emit a signal indicating that the usage session is in the second stage. One example of such a signal is, as shown in FIG. 13, a first light emitting unit 61 that emits continuous white light and a second light emitting unit 62 that emits blinking white light.

[0137] During the second stage, the controller instructs the tactile motor to emit a tactile signal indicating that the usage session is in the second stage. One example of such a signal is a tactile motor that emits three consecutive buzzing sounds.

[0138] Step 625: After the second stage ends and 3 minutes have elapsed since the start of the usage session, or if six smoking events occur before 3 minutes have elapsed since the start of the usage session, then after the user has smoked six times since the start of the usage session, the third stage begins.

[0139] Step 630: The third stage of the usage session is considered to start when the second stage ends.

[0140] During the third stage, the controller instructs the light emitter 60 to emit a signal indicating that the usage session is in the third stage. One example of such a signal is, as shown in FIG. 14, a first light emitting unit 61 that emits continuous white light and a second light emitting unit 62 that is not lit.

[0141] During the third stage, the controller instructs the haptic motor to issue a haptic signal indicating that the usage session is in the third stage. One example of such a signal is a haptic motor that emits two consecutive buzzing sounds.

[0142] Step 635: After the third stage ends and 4.5 minutes have elapsed since the start of the usage session, or if 8 puffs have been taken before 4.5 minutes have elapsed since the start of the usage session, the fourth stage starts after the user has taken 8 puffs since the start of the usage session.

[0143] Step 640: The fourth stage of the usage session is considered to start when the third stage ends.

[0144] During the fourth stage, the controller instructs the light-emitting indicator 60 to issue a signal indicating that the usage session is in the fourth stage. One example of such a signal is the first light-emitting unit 61 that emits blinking white light and the second light-emitting unit 62 that is not lit, as shown in FIG. 15.

[0145] During the fourth stage, the controller instructs the haptic motor to issue a haptic signal indicating that the usage session is in the fourth stage. One example of such a signal is a haptic motor that emits a single buzzing sound.

[0146] Step 645: After the fourth stage ends and 5.5 minutes have elapsed since the start of the usage session, or if 11 puffs have been taken before 5.5 minutes have elapsed since the start of the usage session, the fifth stage starts after the user has taken 11 puffs since the start of the usage session.

[0147] Step 650: The fifth stage of the usage session is considered to start when the fourth stage ends.

[0148] During the fifth stage, the controller commands the light emitter 60 to emit a signal indicating that the usage session is in the fifth stage. One example of such a signal is a blinking yellow light emitted by a first light emitting unit 61 and an unlit second light emitting unit 62, as shown in FIG. 16.

[0149] Step 655: After 6 minutes have elapsed since the start of the usage session, or if 14 puffs have been taken before 6 minutes have elapsed since the start of the usage session, the fifth stage ends after the user has taken 14 puffs since the start of the usage session.

[0150] Step 660: At the end of the fifth stage, the usage session ends. The heater is stopped and no more aerosol is generated. The user can here remove the aerosol-generating article from the device and, if necessary, recharge the device.

[0151] In a further specific embodiment, the user interaction parameter calculates the volume of aerosol delivered to the user during the usage session. Therefore, the aerosol-generating device is configured such that each usage session has a duration of 6 minutes from the start of the usage session or a delivery of a predetermined maximum volume of aerosol if the predetermined volume of aerosol is delivered to the user within 6 minutes from the start of the usage session. The predetermined maximum volume of aerosol may be, for example, 660 ml of aerosol.

[0152] During the usage session, the user may wish to have an indication of the progress through the usage session. For example, the user may wish to know approximately how much potential deliverable aerosol remains for the user in the usage session or approximately how much time remains at that point.

[0153] The controller is configured to detect smoking that occurs during a usage session. The start point and end point of each detected smoking are determined by monitoring the power supplied to the heater during the usage session. When the user smokes, the air flow cools the heater, and thus, a larger amount of energy is supplied by the battery to maintain the temperature of the heater at its operating temperature. Therefore, by monitoring the power supplied by the heater, the controller can determine the start point and end point of the smoking that occurs during the usage session. By integrating the monitored power between the detected smoking start point and the detected smoking end point, a calculated value of the delivered aerosol can be obtained. By summing the calculated values of the aerosol delivered during the usage session, a cumulative value of the aerosol delivered during the usage session can be obtained.

[0154] To monitor the progress, the usage session starts at a first stage when the usage session starts and ends at a final stage when the usage session ends, and the transition from one stage to the next is determined by time and the cumulative volume of the aerosol delivered, and is divided into several consecutive stages. As the usage session progresses through its consecutive stages, the controller commands the light emitting indicator and the tactile motor to emit a signal indicating each consecutive stage. Thus, the user knows the approximate progress of the usage session.

[0155] In a particular embodiment, the usage session may be divided into five consecutive stages for display purposes. Figure 7 shows the method steps involved in displaying the progress of the usage session to the user.

[0156] Step 700: The user inserts the aerosol generating article 30 into the cavity 25 of the device 10 and starts the usage session by pressing the user button 50.

[0157] Step 705: A timer is started to record the time elapsed during the usage session, and a controller is started to identify the smoking actions performed during the usage session and calculate the volume of aerosol delivered between each smoking action.

[0158] Step 710: The first stage of the usage session is considered to start when the usage session starts.

[0159] During the first stage, the controller instructs the light emitter 60 to emit a signal indicating that the usage session is in the first stage. One example of such a signal is the first light emitting unit 61 and the second light emitting unit 62, both of which emit continuous white light as shown in FIG. 11.

[0160] During the first stage, the controller instructs the haptic motor to emit a haptic signal indicating that the usage session is in the first stage. One example of such a signal is a haptic motor that emits four consecutive buzzing sounds.

[0161] Step 715: After the first stage ends and 1.5 minutes have elapsed since the start of the usage session, or if a first predetermined volume of aerosol is delivered before 1.5 minutes have elapsed since the start of the usage session, a second stage starts after the first predetermined volume of aerosol is delivered from the start of the usage session. The predetermined volume of the first aerosol may be, for example, 150 ml.

[0162] Step 720: The second stage of the usage session is considered to start when the first stage ends.

[0163] During the second stage, the controller instructs the light emitter 60 to emit a signal indicating that the usage session is in the second stage. One example of such a signal is the first light emitting unit 61 that emits continuous white light and the second light emitting unit 62 that emits blinking white light as shown in FIG. 12.

[0164] During the second stage, the controller instructs the haptic motor to emit a haptic signal indicating that the usage session is in the second stage. One example of such a signal is a haptic motor that emits three consecutive buzzing sounds.

[0165] Step 725: After the second stage ends and three minutes have elapsed since the start of the usage session, or if a second predetermined volume of aerosol is delivered before three minutes have elapsed since the start of the usage session, a third stage of the usage session begins after the second predetermined volume of aerosol is delivered since the start of the usage session. The predetermined volume of the first aerosol may be, for example, 300 ml.

[0166] Step 730: The third stage of the usage session is considered to start when the second stage ends.

[0167] During the third stage, the controller instructs the light-emitting indicator 60 to emit a signal indicating that the usage session is in the third stage. One example of such a signal is the first light-emitting unit 61 that emits continuous white light and the second light-emitting unit 62 that is not lit, as shown in FIG. 13.

[0168] During the third stage, the controller instructs the haptic motor to emit a haptic signal indicating that the usage session is in the third stage. One example of such a signal is a haptic motor that emits two consecutive buzzing sounds.

[0169] Step 735: After the third stage ends and 4.5 minutes have elapsed since the start of the usage session, or if a third predetermined volume of aerosol is delivered before 4.5 minutes have elapsed since the start of the usage session, a fourth stage of the usage session begins after the third predetermined volume of aerosol is delivered since the start of the usage session. The predetermined volume of the third aerosol may be, for example, 450 ml.

[0170] Step 740: The fourth stage of the usage session is considered to start when the third stage ends.

[0171] During the fourth stage, the controller commands the light indicator 60 to emit a signal indicating that the usage session is in the fourth stage. One example of such a signal is the first light emitting unit 61 that emits a blinking white light and the second light emitting unit 62 that is not lit, as illustrated in FIG. 14.

[0172] During the fourth stage, the controller commands the tactile motor to emit a tactile signal indicating that the usage session is in the fourth stage. One example of such a signal is a tactile motor that emits a single buzzing sound.

[0173] Step 745: After the fourth stage ends and 5.5 minutes have elapsed since the start of the usage session, or if the fourth predetermined volume of aerosol is delivered before 5.5 minutes have elapsed since the start of the usage session, the fifth stage starts after the fourth predetermined volume of aerosol is delivered since the start of the usage session. The fourth volume of aerosol may be, for example, 600 ml.

[0174] Step 750: The fifth stage of the usage session is considered to start when the fourth stage ends.

[0175] During the fifth stage, the controller commands the light indicator 60 to emit a signal indicating that the usage session is in the fifth stage. One example of such a signal is the first light emitting unit 61 that emits a blinking yellow light and the second light emitting unit 62 that is not lit, as shown in FIG. 15.

[0176] Step 755: After 6 minutes have elapsed since the start of the usage session, or if the fifth predetermined volume of aerosol is delivered before 6 minutes have elapsed since the start of the usage session, the fifth stage ends after the fifth predetermined volume of aerosol is delivered since the start of the usage session. The predetermined volume of the fifth aerosol may be, for example, 660 ml.

[0177] Step 760: At the end of the fifth stage, the usage session ends. The heater is stopped and no more aerosol is generated. The user can here remove the aerosol-generating article from the device and, if necessary, recharge the device.

[0178] The indications of the different stages may be provided continuously. For example, the indication from the light-emitting indicator may remain continuously on during the usage session. Alternatively, the indications of the different stages may be provided only intermittently, for example, only when transitioning from one stage to another. As a further alternative, in response to a status query from the user during the usage session, the indications of the different stages may be provided.

[0179] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing method steps involved in providing the user with an indication of the progress of a usage session in response to a status query.

[0180] Step 800: When the aerosol-generating device is engaged in a usage session, the user moves the device with a predetermined gesture.

[0181] Step 810: The movement of the device associated with the predetermined gesture is detected by an accelerometer, and the accelerometer sends a signal to the controller. The predetermined gesture may be, for example, tapping the device twice clearly.

[0182] Step 820: Analyze the signal provided by the accelerometer to determine whether the detected gesture is a gesture indicating a usage session progress query.

[0183] Step 830: If the detected signal is determined to be a usage session progress query, the controller determines the current stage of the usage session.

[0184] Step 840: The controller sends a signal to the light-emitting unit to emit an indication of the progress of the usage session.

[0185] Step 850: The controller sends a signal to the tactile motor to issue an indication of the progress of the usage session.

[0186] The device may be configured such that visual and tactile display signals are automatically issued as an indication of progress. Alternatively, the device may be configured such that visual display signals are provided continuously during the usage session while tactile signals are provided only in response to a query from the user. For example, a tactile signal indicating the progress of use may be issued only after the user has initiated a status query by moving the device with a predetermined gesture. As a further alternative, the device may be configured such that signals related to the progress of the usage session are not issued continuously during use but only in response to a query from the user. For example, visual and / or tactile signals indicating the progress of use may be issued only after the user has initiated a status query by moving the device with a predetermined gesture.

Claims

1. An aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol generator being configured to generate the aerosol during a use session, the aerosol generator A light indicator having two light-emitting units, the light indicator being configured to display any one of at least four different display modes during the use session, a light indicator; A controller configured to control the light indicator to display any one of the at least four display modes to indicate the progress of the use session, comprising: The use session includes at least four consecutive stages, Any one or each of the at least four consecutive stages has a maximum stage duration determined by a timer, The aerosol generator is configured such that the use session has a maximum use session duration determined by a timer, the aerosol generator is configured to record at least one user interaction parameter during the use session, and any one or each of the at least four consecutive stages has a duration shorter than the maximum stage duration when the user interaction parameter reaches a predetermined threshold, an aerosol generator.

2. The aerosol generator according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol generator is configured such that the use session has a maximum duration determined by a timer.

3. The aerosol generator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the aerosol generator is configured to monitor a user interaction parameter indicating the use of the aerosol generator during the use session.

4. The aerosol generator according to claim 3, wherein the use session is configured to end when the user interaction parameter reaches a predetermined threshold.

5. The aerosol generator according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the user interaction parameter indicates user smoking performed during the use session.

6. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the controller is configured to control the light indicator to display a different one of the at least four display modes between each of the at least four consecutive stages.

7. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least four consecutive stages include at least five consecutive stages.

8. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein any one or each of the at least four consecutive stages has a stage duration determined by a stage start and a stage end.

9. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein any one or each of the at least four consecutive stages ends when a monitored period reaches a predetermined threshold of the stage if the stage has not ended prematurely.

10. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to monitor a user interaction parameter indicating use of the aerosol generating device during the usage session.

11. The aerosol generating device according to claim 10, wherein the duration of any one or each of the at least four consecutive stages is controlled with reference to the user interaction parameter.

12. The aerosol generating device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the user interaction parameter indicates user smoking performed during the usage session.

Images