Aerosol supply system with moisture sensor

Abstract

An aerosol delivery apparatus for generating an aerosol from a received aerosol-generating material, the aerosol delivery apparatus comprising at least a controller for controlling an amount of power provided to an aerosol generator to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material, and a sensor configured to estimate a moisture level of the aerosol-generating material, the controller configured to select an amount of power to provide to the aerosol generator based on the estimated moisture level.

Description

field 【0001】 This disclosure relates to aerosol delivery systems, such as nicotine delivery systems. Background 【0002】 An aerosol delivery system generally contains a reservoir of aerosol - forming material such as a solid, liquid, or part of a gel, or a feed liquid that may contain an active substance and / or flavor, and an aerosol or vapor is generated from this system for inhalation by a user, for example by thermal vaporization. For this reason, an aerosol supply system / electronic smoking system typically includes an aerosol generator configured to vaporize or aerosolize a part of an aerosolizable material (e.g., a solid material such as tobacco), to generate a vapor or aerosol in an aerosol - generating chamber, such as a heating chamber or aerosol - generating chamber that includes a heating element. When a user inhales with this device and power is supplied to the heating element, air is drawn into the device through an inlet hole and along an inlet air channel that connects to the aerosol - generating chamber, and a condensed aerosol is formed by the mixing of air and vaporized precursor material in the aerosol - generating chamber. The outlet air channel connects from the aerosol - generating chamber to an outlet in the mouthpiece, and the air drawn into the aerosol - generating chamber when the user inhales through the mouthpiece travels to the mouthpiece outlet along an outlet flow path that carries the aerosol with the air for inhalation by the user. Some aerosol delivery systems may also include a flavor element in the air flow path through the device to impart additional flavor. Such devices are sometimes also referred to as hybrid devices, and the flavor element may include, for example, a part of a solid aerosol - forming material such as tobacco and / or a flavor material disposed in the air flow path between the aerosol - generating chamber and the mouthpiece such that the aerosol / condensed aerosol drawn through the device passes through a part of the solid material and then exits the mouthpiece for inhalation by the user. In some aerosol delivery systems, the aerosol - forming material is housed in a cartridge or pod that also houses the heating element and the aerosol - generating chamber, and the cartridge is mechanically and electrically coupled to a control unit for use. The control unit includes a battery and a control circuit that collectively supply power to the heating element by the cartridge. 【0003】 The control methods of the aerosol delivery systems described above typically involve applying a predetermined amount of power to generate aerosols. This predetermined power is determined based on an ideal aerosol-generating material, but does not account for variations in the material's state (e.g., dryness). This can lead to suboptimal heating of the aerosol-generating material (for example, if the material is drier than expected, it may burn, resulting in a burnt taste). Similarly, users may apply an incorrect control method to the aerosol-generating material in the aerosol generator by selecting the wrong control method or failing to change it. 【0004】 This specification describes various techniques that attempt to address or help mitigate at least some of the problems described above. 【0005】 This disclosure is defined in the attached claims. 【0006】 According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol supply device is provided for generating an aerosol from a received aerosol-generating material, comprising: a controller for controlling the amount of power supplied to an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material; and a sensor configured to estimate the moisture level of the aerosol-generating material, wherein the controller is configured to select the amount of power to supply to the aerosol generator based on the estimated moisture level. 【0007】 According to a second aspect of this disclosure, an aerosol supply system is provided, comprising an aerosol supply device according to a first aspect and consumables for use with the aerosol supply device, wherein the consumables include an aerosol generating material. 【0008】 A third aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for controlling the amount of power supplied to an aerosol generator in an aerosol supply system for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, the method comprising the steps of: estimating the moisture level of the aerosol-generating material; selecting an amount of power based on the estimated moisture level; and supplying the selected amount of power to the aerosol generator. 【0009】 A fourth aspect of this disclosure provides a computer-readable storage medium that includes instructions, when executed by a processor, perform the method according to the third aspect. 【0010】 A fifth aspect of the present disclosure provides an aerosol supply means for generating an aerosol from a received aerosol-generating material, comprising: a control means for controlling the amount of electricity supplied to the aerosol-generating means for generating an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material; and a sensing means configured to estimate the moisture level of the aerosol-generating material, wherein the control means is configured to select the amount of electricity to supply to the aerosol-generating means based on the estimated moisture level. 【0011】 It will be understood that the features and embodiments of the present invention described above with respect to the first and other aspects of the present invention are equally applicable to and may be combined with other embodiments of the present invention as appropriate, as well as the specific combinations described above. [Brief explanation of the drawing] 【0012】 Herein, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described as mere examples with reference to the attached drawings. [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary aerosol supply system 1 according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary aerosol supply system 1 according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3]Figure 3 relates to a diagram of the packaging material before it is rolled up, for use in a consumable part of an exemplary aerosol supply system 1 according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a rolled-up diagram of packaging material for use in an exemplary aerosol supply system 1 consumable part according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for controlling one embodiment of an electron aerosol supply device according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed explanation 【0013】 Specific examples and embodiments are described herein. Some aspects and features of specific examples and embodiments may be carried out conventionally and are not described in detail for brevity. Therefore, it will be understood that aspects and features of apparatus and methods described herein that are not described in detail may be carried out according to any prior art for carrying out such aspects and features. 【0014】 As described below, this disclosure relates to an aerosol supply device comprising a controller and a moisture sensor, configured to control the amount of power supplied to an aerosol generator to produce an aerosol from an aerosol-producing material by selecting the amount of power based on an estimated moisture level measured by the moisture sensor (e.g., the moisture level of the aerosol-producing material). The amount (and level) of power supplied ensures that a sufficient amount of aerosol for inhalation is produced (e.g., throughout the entire usage session) while preventing adverse effects such as combustion or depletion of the aerosol-producing material during the session. In some examples, the controller selects the amount of power to supply by selecting an aerosol-producing profile based on the estimated moisture level. Selecting the amount of power based on the estimated moisture level (e.g., by selecting an aerosol-producing profile) makes it possible to supply appropriate (e.g., optimal) power in various situations. In some examples, selection based on the estimated moisture level makes it possible to identify different types of aerosol-producing materials, each of which may have a different aerosol-producing profile. In some examples, selection based on the estimated moisture level makes it possible for the device to compensate for the degradation of the aerosol-producing material during storage before use. In some cases, selection based on estimated moisture levels allows for the identification of the usage conditions of the aerosol-generating material (e.g., when the material is designed for multiple uses and / or when previous use has been interrupted), and enables the selection of an appropriate amount of power based on the residual moisture in the aerosol-generating material indicated by the estimated moisture level. 【0015】 This disclosure relates to aerosol delivery systems (which may also be referred to as vapor delivery systems or aerosol delivery systems). As used herein, the term “delivery system” is intended to encompass systems that deliver at least one substance to a user, and includes non-combustion aerosol delivery systems that release compounds from aerosol-generating materials without burning the aerosol-generating materials, such as hybrid systems that generate aerosols using a combination of e-cigarettes, tobacco heated products, and aerosol-generating materials. 【0016】 According to this disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol supply system is a system in which the aerosol-generating materials (or their components) that make up the aerosol supply system are not burned or incinerated in order to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to the user. 【0017】 In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol supply system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol supply system. 【0018】 In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol supply system is an e-cigarette, also known as a vaporizer or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), but it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement. 【0019】 In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol supply system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a non-combustion heating system. An example of such a system is a cigarette heating system. 【0020】 In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol supply system is a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or more of which can be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in solid or gel form and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may include, for example, tobacco or non-tobacco products. 【0021】 Typically, the non-combustion aerosol supply system may include a non-combustion aerosol supply device and a consumable for use with the non-combustion aerosol supply device. 【0022】 In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to consumables that contain an aerosol-generating material and are configured to be used with a non-combustion aerosol supply device. These consumables may sometimes be referred to as articles throughout the present disclosure. 【0023】 In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol supply system, such as the non-combustion aerosol supply device, may include a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, a power supply. 【0024】 In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol supply system may include a region for receiving a consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation region, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. 【0025】 In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the non-combustion aerosol supply device may include an aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage region, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation region, a housing, a packaging material, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol modifier. 【0026】 In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may be an aerosol - generating material or a material not intended to be aerosolized. Optionally, any of the materials may include one or more active ingredients, one or more flavors, one or more aerosol - forming materials, and / or one or more other functional materials. 【0027】 An aerosol - generating material is, for example, a material that can generate an aerosol when heated, irradiated, or supplied with energy by any other means. The aerosol - generating material may be in the form of a solid or a gel, which may or may not contain an active substance and / or a flavorant. In some embodiments, the aerosol - generating material may include an "amorphous solid", which may alternatively be referred to as a "monolithic solid" (i.e., non - fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dry gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material that can hold some fluid such as a liquid within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol - generating material may include, for example, from about 50 wt%, 60 wt%, or 70 wt% of amorphous solid to about 90 wt%, 95 wt%, or 100 wt% of amorphous solid. 【0028】 The aerosol - generating material may include one or more active substances and / or flavors, one or more aerosol - forming materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials. 【0029】 The active substances used herein may be legally authorized physiologically active materials, which are materials intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. Active substances may be selected from, for example, dietary supplements, nootropics, and psychostimulants. Active substances may be naturally occurring or obtained synthetically. Active substances may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or their components, derivatives, or combinations. Active substances may also include one or more components, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco, cannabis, or another plant. 【0030】 As used herein, the terms “flavoring” and “flavoring agent” refer to materials that may be used to create a desired taste, aroma, or other somatic sensation in a product intended for adult consumers, where local regulations permit it. These may include naturally occurring flavoring materials, plants, plant extracts, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof. 【0031】 The aerosol-forming material may contain one or more components capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material may contain one or more of the following: glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, mesoerythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a mixture of diacetins, benzyl benzoate, benzylphenyl acetate, tributyline, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate. 【0032】 One or more other functional materials may include one or more of the following: pH adjusters, colorants, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and / or antioxidants. 【0033】 Consumables are articles containing or consisting of aerosol-generating material, some or all of which are intended to be consumed during use by the user. Consumables may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, packaging material, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. Consumables may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, which releases heat to generate an aerosol in the aerosol-generating material during use. The heater may comprise, for example, a flammable material, an electrically conductive material, or a susceptor. 【0034】 A susceptor is a material that can be heated by penetration due to a fluctuating magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be a conductive material, and as a result, penetration of the conductive material by the fluctuating magnetic field causes inductive heating of the heating material. The heating material may be a magnetic material, and as a result, penetration of the magnetic material by the fluctuating magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both conductive and magnetic, and as a result, the susceptor can be heated by both heating mechanisms. A device configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator. 【0035】 Aerosol modifiers are typically substances located downstream of the aerosol generation region and are configured to modify the generated aerosol by altering, for example, the taste, flavor, acidity, or other properties of the aerosol. The aerosol modifier may be provided in an aerosol modifier release component that is operable to selectively release the aerosol modifier. 【0036】 The aerosol modifier may be, for example, an additive or an adsorbent. The aerosol modifier may contain, for example, one or more of the following: flavoring agents, coloring agents, water, and carbon adsorbents. The aerosol modifier may be, for example, a solid, a liquid, or a gel. The aerosol modifier may be in the form of a powder, thread, or granules. The aerosol modifier may not contain any filtration material. 【0037】 An aerosol generator is a device configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to supply thermal energy to the aerosol-generating material in order to produce an aerosol by releasing one or more volatile substances from the aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to supply one or more of the aerosol-generating material to vibration, pressure increase, or electrostatic energy. 【0038】 Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary aerosol supply system / non-combustion heating device 1 according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure. The aerosol supply system 1 comprises two main components, namely reusable device parts 2 and replaceable consumables / cartridges / cartomizer parts 4. 【0039】 During normal use, the reusable component 2 (i.e., the aerosol supply device) and the consumable component 4 (i.e., the consumables) are integrally and removably coupled / attached by partially or completely inserting the consumable component 4 into the chamber 50 of the reusable device component 2, which comprises a heater chamber region / heating region 53. Figure 1 schematically shows the reusable device component 2 with the consumable component 4 partially received within the chamber 50. The chamber 50 comprises a cylindrical tube extending into the reusable device component from the outer housing surface of the reusable device component 2. In this example, the chamber extends into the device from the outer surface of the mouthpiece end of the reusable device component, which is defined as the top of the device component when the user holds the reusable device component 2 in their hand for use, and the chamber 50 extends parallel to the long axis of the reusable device component 2. An aperture 51 connects the chamber 50 to the outside of the device. 【0040】 In general, the reusable device component 2 is configured to generate an aerosol for the user to inhale by directly heating one or more aerosol-generating materials within the consumable component 4 via one or more heating elements associated with a heating region 53 in the chamber 50, or by transmitting electrical energy or a magnetic field to the consumable component 4 to activate an aerosol generator, such as a heating element, within or above the consumable component 4. When in use, the user inserts the consumable component 4 into the chamber 50 of the reusable device component via the aperture 51, and then activates the reusable device component 2, for example using a button 14, to supply power to the aerosol-generating element from the power supply / battery 26, causing the aerosol-generating material contained in the consumable component 4 to aerosolize for the user's inhalation. Subsequently, the user pulls out the mouthpiece 41 of the consumable component 4, which extends from the aperture 51 at the mouthpiece end of the reusable device component 2, in order to inhale the aerosol generated by the reusable device component 2. When the user pulls out the mouthpiece 41 of the consumable part 4, air is drawn in through an air inlet 24 on the outer surface of the reusable part 2, through an air inlet channel 25, and toward the heating region 53 of the chamber 50, where the air enters at least one air inlet 42 of the consumable part 4 and entrains vapor / aerosol generated by the aerosolization / heating of a portion of the aerosol-generating material 43 contained in the consumable part 4. As a specific example, Figure 1 schematically shows a heating element 48 positioned around the heating region 53 of the chamber 50, which is further described herein, and this heating element transfers heat to a portion of the consumable part 4 containing the aerosol-generating material 43. The entrained vapor / aerosol moves through the consumable part 4 toward the mouthpiece end of the reusable device part 2 (from which the mouthpiece 41 of the consumable part 4 extends), at which point aerosol droplets condense or further condense from the vapor / aerosol to form a condensed aerosol that exits the mouthpiece 41 of the consumable part 4 for inhalation by the user. 【0041】 The reusable component 2 comprises an outer housing having an opening defining an air inlet 24, a power supply 26 (e.g., a battery) for supplying operating power to the aerosol supply system, a control circuit 22 for controlling and monitoring the operation of the aerosol supply system, an optional user input button 14, an optional display 16, and a visual display / visual feedback indicator 28. The outer housing of the reusable device component 2 may be formed from, for example, a plastic or metal material, or any other material known to those skilled in the art. To provide a specific example, the reusable device component 2 may be about 80 mm in length in some embodiments, and the consumable component 4 extends about 10 to 30 mm from the mouthpiece end of the reusable device component when fully inserted into the chamber 50, so the total length of the aerosol supply system 1 when the consumable component and the reusable device component are coupled together is about 90 to 110 mm. The consumable component 4 may be about 8 mm in diameter. However, as already stated, it will be understood that the overall shape and scale of the aerosol supply system implementing one embodiment of the present disclosure are not important to the principles described herein. 【0042】 In this example, the power supply 26 is rechargeable and may be of the type commonly used in aerosol supply systems, such as non-combustion heating devices, tobacco heating devices, e-cigarettes, and other applications requiring a relatively high current supply for relatively short periods (e.g., lithium-ion batteries). The power supply 26 may be charged via a charging connector, for example, a micro USB or USB-C connector, located within a housing of reusable components, which may also provide an interface for data transfer between the controller 22 and an external processing device such as a smartphone or personal computer. 【0043】 A user input button 14 may be optionally provided, which in this example is a conventional mechanical button with a spring-loaded component that can be pressed by the user to establish an electrical contact. In this regard, the input button 14 may be considered an input device for detecting user input, but the specific method of implementation of the button is not important (for example, it may include a capacitive touch sensor and / or a touch-sensitive display element). Multiple such buttons may be provided, and one or more buttons may be assigned to functions such as switching the aerosol supply system 1 on and off, adjusting user settings such as the power supplied from the power supply 26 to the aerosol generator 48, and / or selecting one or more device modes. However, providing a user input button is optional, and in some embodiments, such a button may not be provided. 【0044】 In some examples, an optional display unit 16 may be provided on the outer surface of the housing of a reusable device component 2. The display unit 16 may, if provided, include a pixelated or non-pixelated display unit connected to the controller 22 (e.g., a single LED, an array of LEDs, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode (LED) display, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) display, an electroluminescent display (ELD), a plasma display panel (PDP), or an electronic ink display). Those skilled in the art may implement such a display in any manner known in the art. Such a display may be used to show a user usage information relating to the use of the aerosol supply system 1. Exemplary forms of usage information that may be shown to a user by the optional display unit 16 are further described herein. 【0045】 At least one visual feedback indicator 28 is provided, the display area being visible on the outer surface of the housing of the reusable device component 2, and the visual feedback indicator 28 is configured to provide the user with visual feedback regarding one or more aspects of the operation or state of the device. Such visual feedback may include, for example, information regarding whether the system is on or off, the selected operating mode, how much charge or aerosol-generating material remains in the aerosol supply system, the temperature of the heating element, or the intensity of inhalation performed by the user with the device (e.g., obtained from an airflow sensor further described herein). Such information may be shown before, during, and / or after a smoke inhalation or session with the aerosol supply device. The visual feedback indicator used to display such information may comprise a display panel having multiple pixels, including, for example, an LCD, LED, OLED, AMOLED, ELD, PDP, electronic ink display, or any other form of pixelated display panel known to those skilled in the art. Additionally or alternatively, the visual feedback indicator 28 may comprise one or more non-pixelated display elements, such as one or more LEDs. As further specified herein, at least one visual feedback indicator 28 may further comprise one or more light guide elements, such as one or more optical pipes, optical fibers, or other transparent or translucent optical transmission elements, configured to guide a visual feedback signal from one or more light-emitting visual feedback elements located within the housing of the reusable device component 2 to one or more display areas visible on, within, or across the surface of the housing of the reusable device component 2. 【0046】 Controller 22 is preferably configured / programmed to control the operation of the aerosol supply system in order to provide functionality according to embodiments of the present disclosure further described herein, and to provide conventional operating functions of the aerosol supply system in accordance with established techniques for controlling such devices. Controller (processor circuit) 22 may be considered to logically comprise various subunits / circuit elements associated with different modes of operation of the aerosol supply system 1. In this example, controller 22 comprises a power control circuit for controlling the supply of power from power supply 26 to the aerosol generator 48 in response to user input, a user programming circuit for establishing configuration settings (e.g., user-defined power settings) in response to user input, as well as other functional unit / circuit-related functions according to the principles described herein and conventional operating modes of the aerosol supply system, such as a display drive circuit and a user input detection circuit. It will be understood that the functionality of controller 22 may be provided in various different ways, for example, by using one or more preferably programmed programmable computers and / or one or more preferably configured application-specific integrated circuits / circuits / chips / chipsets configured to provide the desired functionality. The controller 22 may include a wireless transceiver and associated control circuits that enable data transfer between the reusable device component 2 and an external computing device (not shown), such as a smartphone or personal computer, via a wireless transfer protocol such as Bluetooth®, Near Field Communication (NFC), or Zigbee®. The controller 22 also includes one or more data storage elements (e.g., memory elements such as ROM or RAM elements) that can be used to store data associated with the use of the aerosol supply system in accordance with established techniques for data storage and transfer. 【0047】 In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the reusable device component 2 may include an airflow sensor 30, such as a pressure sensor or flow sensor (e.g., a hot-wire anemometer), which is electrically connected to a controller 22 and is in fluid communication with a portion of the airflow path between the air inlet 24 and the mouthpiece 41. The airflow sensor 30 may be, for example, provided on the wall of the air inlet channel 25 or chamber 50 and / or extend at least partially in or over a portion of the airflow path defined by the air inlet channel 25 or chamber 50. In some embodiments, an airflow-temperature combined sensor is used, which allows the temperature of the airflow in a portion of the airflow path within the device to be determined. In some embodiments, the airflow sensor is a so-called "fumigation sensor," in which the signal from the airflow sensor 30 is used by the controller 22 to detect the amount of time the user is performing fumigation in the device. In some embodiments, detection of user inhalation (for example, by a controller 22 that detects a signal from an airflow sensor 30 indicating the pressure and / or flow rate in the air passage between the air inlet 24 and the mouthpiece 41, and determines whether the signal is above or below a predetermined threshold) is used by the controller 22 to control the power supply to the aerosol generator / heater 48. Thus, the controller 22 may distribute power from the power supply 26 to the aerosol generator 48 in accordance with at least the signal received by the controller 22 from the airflow sensor 30. In a specific form, the signal output from the airflow sensor 30 (which may include measurements of the capacitance, resistance, or other characteristics of the airflow sensor, made by the controller 22) is used by the controller 22 to control the power supply from the power supply 26 to the aerosol generator 48. In some examples, the signal received from the pressure sensor (i.e., the aerosol generator 48 is “fum-sucking activated”) is used by the controller 22 to switch the power supply to the aerosol generator 48 on and / or off (for example, by supplying power when the airflow parameter value determined based on the signal received from the airflow sensor 30 is on one side of a predetermined threshold, and not supplying power when the airflow parameter value is on the other side of the predetermined threshold). 【0048】 In other embodiments, power supply to the aerosol generator 48 is controlled by other means (e.g., by button 14), and power delivery is modified based on signals received by the controller 22 from the airflow sensor (e.g., adjusted in proportion to airflow parameters determined based on signals received from the airflow sensor 30). However, it will be understood that the inclusion of an airflow sensor is optional, and in some embodiments, an airflow sensor may not be provided. In such embodiments, power supply to the aerosol generator 48 may be switched on and off by button 14, or switched on by button 14, and power supply to the aerosol generator 48 may be switched off by the controller 22 after a predetermined or specified period of time has elapsed. For example, when the controller 22 detects a predetermined or specified input signal (e.g., supplied via button 14, or including detection by a suitable sensor that the user has inserted a consumable part 4 into the chamber 50). 【0049】 The rate at which the aerosol-generating material in the consumable part is vaporized by the aerosol generator / heater 48 depends on the amount of power supplied to the aerosol generator 48 as well as the properties of the aerosol-generating material 43. Therefore, by applying power to the aerosol generator 48, aerosols can be selectively generated from the aerosol-generating material in the consumable part 4. Furthermore, the rate of aerosol generation can be changed under the control of the controller 22, for example, by changing the amount of power supplied to the aerosol generator 48 using pulse width and / or frequency modulation techniques. 【0050】 The controller 22 may supply power according to one of several predetermined aerosol generation profiles. The controller 22 may embody (and implement) one or more aerosol generation profiles for use with a heater, such profiles determine the change over time in the power level supplied to the aerosol generator (or aerosol generators). For example, in an aerosol generator that is a heater, the controller 22 may supply most of the power from the power source 26 to the heater at the start of fume extraction to quickly heat the heater to its operating temperature, and thereafter the controller 22 may supply a low level of power to the heater sufficient to maintain this operating temperature. The aerosol generation profile of a heater may be called a heating profile. A particular aerosol generation profile may be associated with a particular consumable 4, and may improve aerosol generation from a particular aerosol-generating material of the consumable based on the characteristics of the consumable. It will be understood that the terms “operational profile” or “operational profile” may be used instead of “aerosol generation profile” in that the profile determines how aerosol generation operates or is operated during use. 【0051】 The reusable component 2 typically includes an aerosol generator 48 located near the heating region 53 of the consumable chamber 50. The aerosol generator is an element or device configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material within the consumable component 4, for example, by heating. Thus, in some embodiments, the aerosol generator 48 is a heater configured to provide thermal energy to the aerosol-generating material within the consumable component 4 to produce an aerosol by releasing one or more volatile substances from the aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator 48 may be configured to volatilize the aerosol-generating material within the consumable component 4 by providing one or more of the following: vibration, pressure increase, or electrostatic energy. In some examples, an aerosol generator 48 having at least one heating element can be formed as a cylindrical tube having a hollow internal heating chamber from which the aerosol-generating material 43 is provided, and the system is configured to heat the cylindrical tube by either induction heating or resistance heating. In some of these examples, the aerosol generator 48 is in the form of a hollow cylindrical tube comprising, embedded in, or surrounding a heating region 53 of the chamber 50. 【0052】 In some examples, the temperature of a portion of the aerosol generator 48 and / or a portion of the heated area 53 of the chamber 50, or of a consumable part 4, or of a reusable device part 2, can be detected by the controller 22 using one or more temperature sensors. For example, a heating element provided in the aerosol generator 48 may include a material having a temperature coefficient of resistance such that its resistance varies with temperature. The controller 22 may determine the resistance of the heating element by known methods to estimate the temperature of the aerosol generator 48 based on the measured resistance, and compare this result with a lookup table derived by experiment or modeling relating the resistance of the heating element to temperature. Alternatively or additionally, one or more temperature sensing elements, such as a thermistor, may be located near the heated area 53 (for example, mounted on or embedded in a tube containing the heated area 53 of the chamber 50), and the thermistor may be connected to the controller 22 to enable the controller to monitor the temperature of the consumable part 4 and / or the heated area 53. The temperature of the air in the air inlet channel 25 can also be monitored by one or more temperature sensors (e.g., a temperature-pressure combined sensor or a thermistor). 【0053】 In a two-part device as shown in Figure 1, it will be understood that part of the aerosol generator 48 may be located in either the reusable device component 2 or / or the consumable component 4. In some examples, the consumable component 4 may comprise a cartridge housing an electric aerosol generator (e.g., a heater), and it will be further understood that, in addition to or instead of the aerosol generator 48 in the reusable device component 2, the reusable device component 2 may also comprise an electrical interface provided in the chamber 50 that electrically connects the aerosol generator in the consumable component 4 with the power supply 26 and controller 22 in the reusable device component 4 once the consumable component 4 is fully received in the chamber 50. 【0054】 In some embodiments, the consumable part 4 is in the form of a cylindrical rod having or containing an aerosol-generating material 43 at an end distal to the mouthpiece 41 in a section of the consumable part 4 that is within the heating region 53 of the chamber 50 when the consumable part 4 is fully inserted into the reusable device part 2. To provide a specific example, in one embodiment, the consumable part 4 is approximately 8 mm in diameter and approximately 84 mm in length. The depth of the chamber 50 of the reusable device part is sized relative to the length of the consumable part 4 such that when the consumable part 4 is fully inserted into the chamber 50, the mouthpiece end 41 of the consumable part 4 typically extends from the aperture (e.g., 10 mm, 20 mm, 30 mm, or longer than 30 mm). 【0055】 Therefore, the mouthpiece end of the consumable part 4 typically extends out of the aperture 51 from the reusable device part 2. The consumable part 4 may include a filter / cooling element 44 for filtering / cooling the aerosol, provided between the mouthpiece 41 and the region of the aerosol-generating material 43. The consumable part 4 is typically wrapped circumferentially around a packaging material / outer layer (not shown) which may include paper material and / or metal foil and / or a polymer film such as Natureflex®. The outer layer of the consumable part 4 may be permeable to allow some heated volatile components from the aerosol-generating material 43 to leak out of the consumable part 4 before reaching the mouthpiece 41. In some embodiments, the packaging material may include a metallic material configured to function as a susceptor near the aerosol-generating material 43, which is heated by induction via one or more magnetic field generators / drive coils (not shown) in the reusable device part 2 to heat the aerosol-generating material 43 by induction heating. For example, in such an embodiment, the aerosol generator 48 may include one or more magnetic field generators / drive coils configured to induce induction heating of the metal packaging material of the consumable part 4, and / or one or more susceptor elements embedded in the aerosol generating material 43 within the consumable part 4, in order to induce heating of the aerosol generating material 43 within the consumable part 4. The above configuration of the consumable part 4 is illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that the overall structure of the consumable part can be modified by methods known in the art. 【0056】 Typically, the primary channel for heated volatile components generated by heating the aerosol-generating material 43 by the heater 48 passes axially through the consumable part 4, through the filter / cooling element 44 (if provided), and through the open end of the mouthpiece 41 towards the user's mouth. However, some of the volatile components may leak from the consumable part 4, through its permeable outer packaging, and into the space surrounding the consumable part 4 in the unheated chamber region 52 (for example, the space formed by an optional gap (not shown) between the outer surface of the consumable part 4 and the inner surface of the chamber 50 in the flared portion of the unheated / expansion chamber region 53). 【0057】 When all or nearly all of the volatile components of the aerosol-generating material in the consumable part 4 have been used up, the user may remove the consumable part 4 from the reusable device part 1 and discard the consumable part 4. The user may then reuse the reusable device part 2 together with another consumable part 4. However, in each of the other embodiments, the consumable part 4 and the reusable device part 2 may be discarded together after the volatile components of the aerosol-generating material have been consumed. The consumable part 4 may consist of a fixed amount of aerosol-generating material 43 configured to be heated and used up over a single heating cycle (e.g., an operating period of 210 seconds), or it may consist of a fixed amount of aerosol-generating material 43 configured to be used up over multiple heating cycles (i.e., implementation of heating profiles). 【0058】 In some embodiments, the consumable parts 4 may be sold, supplied, or otherwise provided separately from the reusable device parts 2 which are used together with the consumable parts 4. However, in some embodiments, the reusable device parts 2 and one or more of the consumable parts 4 may be provided together as a system, such as a kit or assembly, along with additional components, such as cleaning equipment, if applicable. 【0059】 As further described herein, the reusable device component 2 comprises a sensor 60 configured to estimate the moisture level of an aerosol-generating material 43. This sensor may estimate the moisture level of a portion, section, or part of the aerosol-generating material. For example, the sensor 60 may be configured to estimate the moisture level in or adjacent to the aerosol-generating material, such as the moisture level between two contacts on either side (or near) the aerosol-generating material, so that the measurement of moisture within the aerosol-generating material and any moisture on the surface of the material is performed between the contacts. Such a sensor 60 may be referred to as a moisture sensor and may estimate the moisture level based on any preferred parameter (or combination of parameters). Moisture level means that the liquid content or moisture content of the aerosol-generating material is estimated. 【0060】 In some examples, aerosol-generating materials include solid aerosol-generating materials or gel aerosol-generating materials. For example, aerosol-generating materials may be solid or gel-like substances such as tobacco-based materials or different plant-based materials, containing liquids such as water, glycerol, propylene glycol, or a combination thereof. For example, aerosol-generating materials may absorb a certain amount of liquid during the growth, manufacture, and / or preparation of the material. Moisture sensors are configured to measure (e.g., sense) the liquid content (e.g., the content of fluid or water) and / or to provide a measurement indicating the liquid content without directly measuring the amount of liquid. 【0061】 Estimates mean that the sensor 60 measures a parameter (or a set of parameters) that indicate an aerosol-generating material having a specific moisture level (for example, a lookup table of moisture levels for specific values ​​of the parameter may be provided to the sensor 60 during manufacturing, with the values ​​in the lookup table being based on empirical measurements). For example, a first value of the parameter may correspond to a high or maximum liquid level, a second value of the parameter may correspond to a low or minimum liquid level, and several intermediate values ​​of the parameter may correspond to several liquid levels between the high liquid level of the first value and the low liquid level (minimum and maximum) of the second value. In some examples, the measured parameter may be processed to calculate or otherwise determine the moisture level that may correspond to the measured parameter (for example, based on a predetermined formula). For example, the parameter value can be used as input to a formula to generate an estimated moisture level as an output. The sensor 60 is configured to provide (e.g., transmit or transmit) the estimates to the controller 22. In some examples, the sensor 60 may store the estimates in the controller 22's memory or in memory accessible by the controller 22. 【0062】 In some examples, the moisture sensor 60 may measure electrical properties associated with at least a portion of the aerosol-generating material 43. Preferred electrical properties may be resistance, conductance, impedance, or capacitance across at least a portion of the aerosol-generating material 43. In some of these examples, the electrical properties may be further measured across a portion of different components of the consumable 4, such as the housing or packaging material of the consumable 4. In some embodiments, preferred techniques known in the art may be employed to compensate for the presence of these other components (e.g., to eliminate background effects). A preferred moisture sensor 60 may be implemented in the system according to any method known in the art. 【0063】 In some examples, the moisture sensor 60 can measure at least some of the optical properties of the aerosol-generating material 43. In some examples, the moisture sensor 60 can measure parameters related to the surface reflectivity of at least some of the aerosol-generating material 43. In some examples, the moisture sensor 60 can measure parameters related to transmission through at least some of the aerosol-generating material 43. 【0064】 In some examples, the moisture sensor 60 may be configured to acquire a measurement of a single portion of the aerosol-generating material 43. In some examples, the moisture sensor 60 may comprise multiple components, each configured to acquire a measurement of a corresponding portion of the aerosol-generating material 43. In these examples, the moisture sensor 60 transmits either a signal from each component or a moisture level estimated based on the signal measured from each component to the controller 22. In some examples, additional moisture sensors may be provided to measure different corresponding portions of the aerosol-generating material 43. Each moisture sensor is configured to communicate directly with the controller 22. In some of the examples above, the portions are separate and not adjacent, but in other examples, the portions may be adjacent or overlapping to some extent. 【0065】 As described above, the controller is configured to control the amount of power supplied to the aerosol generator to produce aerosols from the aerosol-generating material. In some examples, the amount of power supplied to the aerosol generator 48 depends on an aerosol generation profile selected by the controller 22 based on an estimated moisture level. The aerosol generation profile determines the change over time in the power level supplied to the aerosol generator. In some examples, the profiled aerosol generation determines the power levels supplied to multiple generators, each of which may be supplied with an inherent amount of power. In some examples, the aerosol generation profile shows a first power level that will be supplied during the initial period and at least one further power level that will be supplied during subsequent periods. In some examples, the aerosol generation profile shows corresponding power levels that will be supplied during several subsequent periods after the initial period, with the number of subsequent periods being greater than one. 【0066】 In some examples, the aerosol generation profile is associated with a session cycle, or may otherwise be related to a session cycle. A session cycle (e.g., a heating cycle) refers to a fixed amount of time corresponding to a user session. In some examples, a session cycle corresponds to the period required to aerosolize almost all of the aerosol-generating material in the consumable part 4. In some examples, the controller supplies a fixed amount of power to the aerosol generator based on the selected aerosol generation profile by initiating a session cycle. The controller is configured to supply a fixed amount of power to the aerosol generator during the duration of the session cycle, and this fixed amount of power is determined by the selected aerosol generation profile. For example, the aerosol generation profile may be divided into a predetermined number of periods, each in which a corresponding power level is supplied during that period. 【0067】 In some examples, the controller 22 is configured to supply a constant amount of power to the aerosol generator for a period of time at least partially determined by the user. For example, the controller 22 may supply a constant amount of power to the aerosol generator as long as the user is inhaling smoke (as determined by the airflow sensor 30), or as long as the user is pressing down button 14, or between the first press of button 14 to start power supply and the second press of button 14 to stop power supply. In some examples, the aerosol generation profile may indicate the power to be supplied for the initial period and one or more subsequent periods, and for at least the last of the one or more subsequent periods, there is no upper limit to the power being continuously applied as long as the user is considered to still be operating the device (e.g., still inhaling smoke), or a final cutoff is implemented so that the controller stops supplying power to the aerosol generator 48 regardless of whether the user has stopped operating the device (e.g., has not stopped inhaling smoke) when the final period is reached. 【0068】 In some examples, the controller 22 is configured to select an aerosol generation profile from a plurality of predetermined aerosol generation profiles. For example, the controller 22 may receive an estimated moisture level from the sensor 60 and identify a specific aerosol generation profile from a plurality of predetermined aerosol generation profiles. "Predetermined" means that a plurality of aerosol generation profiles are available before selection. In some examples, the controller 22 is provided with relevant values ​​or parameters during manufacturing (e.g., as part of software installation) or during software updates. For this reason, the controller 22 may retrieve the relevant values ​​from a memory that stores the relevant values. The controller 22 is configured to select a predetermined aerosol generation profile suitable for the estimated moisture level. For example, the controller 22 may select a predetermined aerosol generation profile that provides optimal heating for an aerosol-generating material 43 having an estimated moisture level. 【0069】 In some examples, the controller 22 is configured to select an aerosol generation profile by calculating an aerosol generation profile based on an estimated moisture level. For example, the controller 22 may receive an estimated moisture level from the sensor 60 and select an aerosol generation profile by calculating how the power should change over time based on one or more predetermined formulas. In some examples, the controller 22 may calculate the number of power levels that will be supplied over several corresponding periods. 【0070】 Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary aerosol supply system / non-combustion heating device 1 according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure. The aerosol supply system 1 comprises two main components, namely reusable device parts 2 and replaceable consumables / cartridges / cartomizer parts 4. The components of Figure 2 are substantially the same as those described with respect to Figure 1. Figure 2 differs from Figure 1 in that the consumable parts 4 include a conductive material 61. 【0071】 The conductive material 61 facilitates the measurement of moisture levels by the sensor 60. Therefore, the conductive material 61 can be aligned with a portion of the sensor 60 (e.g., one or more electrical contacts of the sensor) when the consumable part 4 is precisely positioned within the reusable device part 2. For example, the consumable part 4 may be inserted into the reusable part 2 with the conductive material 61 positioned adjacent to a portion of the sensor 60. The conductive material 61 can facilitate electrical measurements across a portion of the aerosol-generating material. Conductivity means that the material is a good electrical conductor. In some examples, the conductive material may be in the form of a conductive plate, a conductive wire, or a conductive ink. 【0072】 In some examples, the moisture sensor 60 may measure electrical properties associated with at least a portion of the aerosol-generating material 43. Preferred electrical properties may be resistance, conductance, impedance, or capacitance across at least a portion of the aerosol-generating material 43. In some examples, a conductive component 61 is provided to enable measurement across a portion of the aerosol-generating material 43 without requiring additional measurements across different components of the consumable 4. In other words, the conductive component 61 may provide an electrical path through other components of the consumable 4. As a result, electrical measurements by the moisture sensor 60 performed via the conductive material 61 are less susceptible to background effects caused by other components, if any. Therefore, it is beneficial that the sensor 60 is configured to estimate the moisture level by measuring electrical properties via the conductive material 61 as described above. 【0073】 In some examples, the conductive material 61 is configured not to come into contact with the aerosol-generating material 43 until the consumable part 4 is inserted into or otherwise connected to the reusable device part 2. For example, the conductive material 61 may be separated from the aerosol-generating material 43 by the housing of the consumable part 4 or by a barrier material. In these examples, the conductive material 61 is configured to move and come into contact with the aerosol-generating material 43 when the consumable part 4 is inserted into or attached to the aerosol supply device 2. For example, when inserted, the conductive material 61 comes into contact with the aerosol-generating material 43 when pressed through the housing or barrier material. By configuring the consumable part 4 so that the conductive material 61 does not come into contact with the aerosol-generating material 43, corrosion of the conductive material 61 and / or degradation of the aerosol-generating material 43 can be prevented. 【0074】 Figures 3 and 4 relate to a pre-rolled and post-rolled diagram of a packaging material 300 for use in a consumable part 4 of an exemplary aerosol supply system 1 according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure, respectively. For example, the packaging material 300 can be used to enclose the aerosol-generating material 43 of the consumable part 4, as well as optionally other components of the consumable part 4. The packaging material 300 may be wrapping paper (e.g., cigarette paper) or any other suitable material (e.g., polymer). The packaging material 300 comprises a pair of electrodes 310 printed on the (outer) surface of the packaging material 300. Each electrode 310 is printed using conductive ink (e.g., graphene ink or silver ink). In other words, each electrode 310 comprises a layer of conductive ink printed on the surface of the packaging material 300. Thus, the electrodes 310 provide an example of a conductive material 61 for use with the moisture sensor 60 described above in relation to Figure 1. Using electrodes 310 printed on the packaging material 300, the moisture sensor 60 can monitor moisture not only at the start of a session but also throughout the session. Therefore, the controller 22 can adjust the power supplied to the heater accordingly based on the measured moisture content. 【0075】 As shown in Figures 3 and 4, each electrode 310 may have a branched pattern. The branches of each electrode 310 may be arranged alternately such that the branches extending alternately in the circumferential direction of each electrode 310 alternate along the longitudinal axis of the packaging material when wound (i.e., Figure 4). This arrangement is convenient for performing measurements over substantially the entire longitudinal extension of the electrode 310 (i.e., within the area of ​​the packaging material 300 on which the electrode 310 is printed) so that the measured moisture level can be performed regardless of the orientation of the system 1 and so that the measured moisture level more accurately represents the overall moisture content of the aerosol-generating material 43. 【0076】 Each electrode 310 further includes an electrical connection 320 at each end of the electrode 310. The other end of the electrode 310 does not necessarily have an electrical connection 320. Furthermore, while Figures 3 and 4 show that the electrical connections 320 of each electrode 310 are at the same end of the electrode 310 (for example, toward the same end of the rolled cigarette paper in Figure 4), in other examples the electrical connections 320 may be at both ends of their corresponding electrodes 310, or one or both may be at the midpoint of the corresponding electrodes 310. 【0077】 The electrical connection of the electrical connection portion 320 of the packaging material to the device component 2 is made via two electrical pads (not shown) positioned on the device component 4 (for example, provided by a moisture sensor 60). The electrical pads may be designed and positioned to create a connection with the consumable component 4 regardless of orientation. The moisture sensor 60 is capable of measuring a signal indicating the moisture level, which depends on the liquid level between adjacent branches of each electrode 310. 【0078】 Figures 3 and 4 depict two electrodes with a branched configuration, but in other examples, different electrode patterns may be used, and / or more than two electrodes may be provided, each of which has an electrical connection. For example, instead of an alternating arrangement pattern, simple tracks or lines using conductive ink can be provided on each side of the consumable. 【0079】 Figure 5 schematically illustrates a method 200 for controlling an embodiment of an electronic aerosol supply system / apparatus 1 for generating an aerosol, according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure. This method can be carried out by preferred electronic equipment described above, as well as comprising a moisture sensor 60 and a controller 22. 【0080】 The first step 210 of Method 200 is to estimate the moisture level in the aerosol-generating material. Step 210 is performed by a moisture sensor that estimates the moisture level by sensing (e.g., measuring) one or more values ​​of one or more parameters that indicate the moisture level of at least a portion of the aerosol-generating material. The estimated level provides an estimated water content (e.g., liquid content) of the aerosol-generating material. The estimate means that the moisture level of the entire aerosol-generating material is predicted based on the measured value (e.g., sensed value). The moisture level can be estimated as detailed above in relation to Figures 1 and 2. In some examples, the moisture sensor is configured to provide (e.g., transmit or transmit) the estimate to the controller 22. In some examples, the sensor 60 may store the estimate in the memory of the controller 22 or in a memory accessible by the controller 22. 【0081】 In some cases, the estimated moisture level allows for the identification of specific types of aerosol-generating materials that may be present in different consumable parts. For example, a first aerosol-generating material may have a first moisture level, and a second aerosol-generating material may have a second moisture level. Furthermore, the aerosol-generating material may have its own corresponding moisture level. There may be some variation in moisture levels between consumable parts having the same type of aerosol-generating material, but this variation is smaller than the difference between consumable parts having different types of aerosol-generating materials, thereby making it possible to use the estimated moisture level for identification. 【0082】 In some cases, the estimated moisture level provides an indicator of the level of degradation (e.g., drying) of the aerosol-generating material. For example, consumable parts may be stored for long periods (e.g., several months to a year) while being transported and stored before purchase and use by the user. During this period, the moisture level of the aerosol-generating material may change (e.g., the aerosol-generating material will dry out if not stored properly). The estimated moisture level can be used to identify how the aerosol-generating material compares to a reference moisture level. 【0083】 In some cases, the estimated moisture level allows for the identification of the usage status of the aerosol-generating material. Usage status means that the estimated moisture level allows for the identification of how much of the aerosol-generating material has been used. For example, when aerosols are generated from the aerosol-generating material, the moisture level of the material changes. A moisture sensor can detect an estimated moisture level that corresponds to the remaining liquid level in the aerosol-generating material. 【0084】 The second step 220 of Method 200 is to select an energy quantity based on the estimated moisture level. Step 220 is performed by a controller that performs one or more processes detailed above in relation to Figures 1 and 2 in order to select an energy quantity appropriate for the estimated moisture level. In some examples, the energy quantity is selected by selecting an aerosol generation profile. In some examples, the aerosol generation profile is a heating profile, in which case the aerosol generator is a heater (i.e., configured to generate aerosols by applying heat to the aerosol-generating material). 【0085】 As detailed above, the estimated moisture levels can be used to distinguish between different types of aerosol-generating materials, since each aerosol-generating material may have substantially different target moisture levels. The controller can use the estimated moisture levels to determine which aerosol-generating material is being used and select the amount of power to supply to that material. In some examples, a suitable or optimal aerosol-generating profile is selected for the aerosol-generating material. For example, each aerosol-generating material intended for use in this system may have its own aerosol-generating profile. Each such profile may be pre-installed or downloaded into memory accessible by the controller. 【0086】 As detailed above, the selection of an aerosol generation profile allows the controller to compensate for the degradation of the aerosol-generating material over time (e.g., during storage, before use). The controller can use the estimated moisture level to determine whether the moisture level of the aerosol-generating material differs from the expected or reference moisture level. If the estimated moisture level is substantially similar to the expected moisture level (e.g., within the threshold range or within the sensitivity of the moisture sensor), the controller can select a first energy level. If the estimated moisture level is substantially different (e.g., above the threshold range or by a detectable amount), the controller can select a different energy level. In some examples, to select an energy level, the controller may select a different aerosol generation profile from several different aerosol generation profiles (e.g., depending on whether the difference falls within a first range, a second range, etc.). 【0087】 As described above, the selection of an aerosol generation profile allows the controller to compensate for aerosol-generating material that has already been used to some extent. For example, the controller can use the estimated moisture level to infer the usage status of the aerosol-generating material and select an appropriate aerosol generation profile based on that usage status. For example, if the estimated moisture level is above a threshold, the controlled system can identify that the aerosol-generating material is not being used or is being used very little, and can select a first amount of power (for example, by selecting a first aerosol generation profile) that is typically used with new consumables and / or aerosol-generating material. However, if the estimated moisture level is below a threshold, the controlled system can identify that the aerosol-generating material is being used, and can select a different amount of power (for example, by selecting a different aerosol generation profile) that is suitable for the aerosol-generating material that is already being used. For example, if the mass relative to heat in the aerosol-generating material is low (i.e., there is little liquid), a different amount of power may result in power not being supplied over time. Alternatively, a larger amount of power may be supplied initially to ensure that an equal amount of aerosol is provided to the user at the start of the session. It will be understood that the controller may be selected from two or more aerosol generation profiles, each appropriate for the corresponding range of estimated moisture levels. 【0088】 The third step 230 of Method 200 is to supply a selected amount of power to the aerosol generator. Step 230 is performed by a controller that causes the selected amount of power to be supplied to the aerosol generator. In some examples, the power level may vary over time, as determined by the selected aerosol generation profile. The amount of power can be applied as detailed above in relation to Figures 1 and 2. As described above, the supplied power is suitable for aerosol-generating materials having an estimated moisture level. For example, the amount (and level) of power supplied according to the aerosol generation profile can ensure that a sufficient amount of aerosol is generated for inhalation (e.g., throughout a usage session) while preventing adverse effects such as combustion or depletion of the aerosol-generating material during the session. 【0089】 Method 200, illustrated in Figure 5, may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium as an instruction that, when executed by a processor, performs Method 200 as described above. The computer-readable storage medium may be non-temporary. 【0090】 In this way, we have described an aerosol supply device for generating aerosols from a received aerosol-generating material, comprising a controller for controlling the amount of power supplied to an aerosol generator for generating aerosols from the aerosol-generating material, and a sensor configured to estimate the moisture level of the aerosol-generating material, wherein the controller is configured to select the amount of power to supply to the aerosol generator based on the estimated moisture level. 【0091】 The various embodiments described herein are presented solely to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative examples of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limitations to the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or to equivalents of the claims, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modified without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may preferably include, consist of, or essentially consist of, appropriate combinations of disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. Furthermore, this disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future. [Item of the invention] [Item 1] An aerosol supply device for generating aerosols from a received aerosol-generating material, A controller for controlling the amount of power supplied to an aerosol generator to generate aerosols from the aerosol generating material, A sensor configured to estimate the moisture level of the aerosol-generating material, Equipped with, An aerosol supply device in which the controller is configured to select the amount of power to supply to the aerosol generator based on the estimated moisture level. [Item 2] The aerosol supply device according to item 1, wherein the controller is configured to control the amount of power supplied to the aerosol generator by applying power according to an aerosol generation profile, and the controller is configured to select the aerosol generation profile based on the estimated moisture level. [Item 3] The aerosol supply device according to item 2, wherein the controller is configured to select the aerosol generation profile from a plurality of default aerosol generation profiles. [Item 4] The aerosol supply device according to item 2, wherein the controller is configured to select the aerosol generation profile by generating the aerosol generation profile using the estimated moisture level. [Item 5] The aerosol supply device according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the aerosol generator is a heater and the aerosol generation profile is a heating profile. [Item 6] An aerosol supply system comprising an aerosol supply device described in any one of items 1 to 5, and consumables for use with the aerosol supply device, wherein the consumables include an aerosol generating material. [Item 7] The aerosol supply system according to item 6, wherein the aerosol generating material includes a solid aerosol generating material or a gel aerosol generating material. [Item 8] The aerosol supply system according to item 6 or 7, wherein the consumable includes a conductive material, and the sensor is configured to estimate the moisture level by measuring electrical properties through the conductive material. [Item 9] The aerosol supply system according to item 8, wherein the conductive material is configured to move and come into contact with the aerosol generating material when the consumable is inserted into or attached to the aerosol supply device. [Item 10] The aerosol supply system according to item 8 or 9, wherein the conductive material is a conductive ink. [Item 11] A method for controlling the amount of electricity supplied to an aerosol generator in an aerosol supply system for generating aerosols from aerosol-generating material, A step of estimating the moisture level of the aerosol-generating material, A step of selecting an amount of electricity based on the estimated moisture level, The steps include supplying the selected amount of electricity to the aerosol generator, A method that includes this. [Item 12] A computer-readable storage medium containing instructions that, when executed by a processor, perform the actions described in item 11. [Item 13] An aerosol supply means for generating aerosols from a received aerosol-generating material, A control means for controlling the amount of electricity supplied to the aerosol generating means in order to generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating material, A sensing means configured to estimate the moisture level of the aerosol generating material, Includes, Aerosol supply means wherein the control means is configured to select the amount of electricity to supply to the aerosol generating means based on the estimated moisture level.

Claims

[Claim 1] An aerosol supply system for generating aerosols from aerosol-generating material received by an aerosol supply device, The aerosol supply device is A controller for controlling the amount of power supplied to an aerosol generator to generate aerosols from the aerosol generating material, A sensor configured to estimate the moisture level of the aerosol-generating material, Equipped with, The controller is configured to select the amount of power to supply to the aerosol generator based on the estimated moisture level. A consumable for use with the aerosol supply device, wherein the consumable includes the aerosol generating material, and the aerosol generating material includes a solid aerosol generating material or a gel aerosol generating material. Equipped with, The consumable includes a conductive material, and the sensor is configured to estimate the moisture level by measuring electrical properties through the conductive material. The conductive material is a conductive ink, The controller is configured to control the amount of power supplied to the aerosol generator by applying power according to an aerosol generation profile, and the controller is configured to select the aerosol generation profile based on the estimated moisture level. An aerosol supply system in which the controller is configured to select the aerosol generation profile by generating the aerosol generation profile using the estimated moisture level. [Claim 2] The aerosol supply system according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol generator is a heater and the aerosol generation profile is a heating profile. [Claim 3] The aerosol supply system according to claim 1, wherein the conductive material is configured to move and come into contact with the aerosol generating material when the consumable is inserted into or attached to the aerosol supply device. [Claim 4] A method for controlling the amount of power supplied to an aerosol generator of an aerosol supply system according to claim 1 in order to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material, A step of estimating the moisture level of the aerosol-generating material, A step of selecting an amount of energy according to the aerosol generation profile generated using the estimated moisture level, The steps include supplying the selected amount of electricity to the aerosol generator, A method that includes this. [Claim 5] A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions, when executed by a processor, that perform the method described in claim 4.