Aerosol delivery device, articles for use with the same, and method for identifying articles

Abstract

To provide an aerosol delivery device, an article for use therewith, and a system and method for identifying an article.SOLUTION: An aerosol delivery device 100 comprises a chamber for receiving an article comprising an aerosolizable material for delivery by the aerosol delivery device, a transmitter 120, a receiver 130 spaced apart from the transmitter, and a processor. The processor is configured to cause the transmitter to transmit, in use, a first signal S1 through at least a portion of an article in the chamber to the receiver so that the receiver receives a second signal S2 that is the first signal modified by interacting with a signal-modifying component of the article and article data are determined by the second signal. The article includes an aerosolizable material and a signal altering component. The signal modification component is configured to modify a first signal transmitted through at least a portion of the article to a second signal indicative of the article data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Articles such as cigarettes and cigars generate tobacco smoke by burning tobacco during use. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to such articles that burn tobacco by creating products that release compounds without burning. Examples of such products are so-called non-combustion heating products, also known as tobacco heating products or tobacco heating devices, which heat materials but release compounds without burning. The materials can be, for example, tobacco products or other non-tobacco products, or combinations such as mixtures, which may or may not contain nicotine.

Summary of the Invention

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

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

[0005] According to some examples described in this book, a system comprising the aforementioned aerosol delivery device and the aforementioned article is provided.

[0006] As described in some examples in this book, a method is provided for identifying an article in an aerosol delivery device, the method comprising: transmitting a first signal from a transmitter to a receiver located at a distance from the transmitter, through at least a portion of the article; receiving a second signal at the receiver, the second signal being the first signal modified by interaction with a signal-modifying component of the article; and determining article data from the second signal.

[0007] In one example, the aerosol delivery device comprises a chamber into which a consumable can be inserted, a field generator, a field receiver spaced apart from the field generator, and a processor, wherein the field generator is configured to generate a field that extends beyond a portion of the receptacle to the field receiver, and the processor is configured to identify a field change at the field receiver in response to the insertion of a consumable containing a field modification component into the receptacle, and to determine, based on the identified change, which of a plurality of field modification components the consumable contains.

[0008] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description relating to preferred embodiments of the invention, provided for illustrative purposes only and with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view of an example of an aerosol delivery device. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic internal side view of the aerosol delivery device. [Figure 3] This is a functional configuration diagram of an example aerosol delivery device. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart illustrating a method for identifying articles in an aerosol delivery device, as an example. [Figure 5]This is a flowchart illustrating a method for identifying articles in an aerosol delivery device, as an example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

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

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

[0012] The receptacle 110 accepts consumables 200, such as articles containing aerosol-generating material (aerosolizable material), and can generate aerosols from the aerosol-generating material by, for example, applying heat to the aerosolizable material. The consumables 200 can be articles containing aerosol-generating material for delivery by an aerosol delivery device. The consumables 200 can be tobacco heating product (THP) articles.

[0013] As used in this book, the terms “aerosol-generating material” and “aerosolizable material” refer to a material that, when energy is applied (e.g., by heating), provides volatile components in the form of an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may include tobacco components, which are any material containing tobacco or its derivatives. Tobacco components may include one or more of ground tobacco, tobacco fibers, shredded tobacco, extruded tobacco, tobacco stems, re-fed tobacco, and / or tobacco extracts. Other types of aerosolizable materials may include leafy materials, herbs, or sensory stimulants used in aromatherapy, etc. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may include tobacco substitutes.

[0014] In this example, the aerosol delivery device 100 also has a cover 160. The cover 160 can move to cover the receptacle 110 when there are no items such as consumables 200 inside the receptacle 110. In other examples, the aerosol delivery device 100 may not include the cover 160.

[0015] The aerosol delivery device 100 also has a power button 150. When the aerosol delivery device 100 is switched on using the power button 150, power from a power source (such as a battery inside the device 100) is supplied to various components of the device in response to the press of the power button 150, allowing power to flow to the heater. As a result, the consumable 200 is heated, and an aerosol flow is generated from the consumable 200.

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

[0017] The aerosol delivery device 100 in this example includes a transmitter 120 and a receiver 130 positioned at a distance from the transmitter 120. The aerosol delivery device 100 also includes a device circuit 140 coupled to the transmitter 120 and the receiver 130. The device circuit 140 may include a processor.

[0018] The terms “transmitter” and “receiver” are used to refer to components capable of transmitting and receiving signals, in the general sense that a signal from a transmitter can be detected by a receiver. Transmitter 120 can transmit at least one of the following: electric fields, magnetic fields, radio frequency signals, infrared signals, visible light signals, ultraviolet signals, and auditory or acoustic signals. For example, transmitter 120 may be an LED transmitting visible light, infrared light, and / or ultraviolet light, or a radio frequency transmitter. In other examples, transmitter 120 may be a field generator including a charge transport wire (which generates a magnetic field) or a capacitor plate (which generates an electric field). In other examples, transmitter 120 may be a transducer, for example, a transducer for generating sound waves. The sound may have a frequency lower than, for example, about 20 kHz and be audible to humans, or it may be ultrasound having a frequency higher than about 20 kHz. It should be understood that the types of transmitter 120 and receiver 130 are selected to be able to accept the influence of selected signal-modifying components 220, or signal changes affected by one or more signal-modifying components 220 present in one or more consumables 200.

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

[0020] In one example, the dielectric constant between the plates of the capacitor formed by the transmitter 120 and the receiver 130 is changed by the signal modification component 220, making it possible to detect a specific capacitance or a change in capacitance.

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

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

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

[0024] The dotted lines in FIG. 2 show the communication couplings between the transmitter 120 and the device circuit 140, and between the receiver 130 and the device circuit 140. This coupling can be either wired or wireless. The device circuit 140 will be discussed in more detail below in relation to FIG. 3.

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

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

[0027] The signal modification component 220 modifies the first signal S1 in a predetermined manner specific to the signal modification component 220. The modification can be a change in the physical properties of the first signal. For example, the modification can be a change in at least one of the following: signal strength / intensity, signal frequency, signal wavelength, signal polarization, and signal direction. In some examples, the modification can be determined by the type / strength of the signal S1. The system as a whole may have multiple signal modification components, each configured in a different predetermined manner, and a particular one of the multiple signal modification components can be identified based on the second signal. For example, different consumables 200 can be distinguished from each other based on their modification to the first signal, by having different signal modification components. This can be done, for example, when different consumables contain different aerosolizable materials (e.g., giving different flavors). Thus, the device 100 is configured to identify the consumable inserted into the receptacle, and the device 100 can change its mode of operation (e.g., heating profile) based on the identified consumable. Next, we will describe some example signal modification components.

[0028] In the first example, the signal modification component 220 may include a polarizer, such as a linear polarizer, which changes the polarization of signal S1 to a specific polarization, such as horizontal polarization, resulting in signal S2 being horizontally polarized in this example. Signal S1 can be generated with single or multiple polarizations, and the signal modification component 220 may be configured to change (one or more) polarizations. Multiple signal modification components may each change the polarization in a different way, such as vertical or horizontal polarization. The specific type of polarizer used is determined by the wavelength of signal S1. The wavelength of signal S1 may be selected depending on the material used in the consumable 200, such that signal S1 can penetrate at least a portion of the consumable 200 and that signal S1 interacts with the polarizer.

[0029] In the second example, the signal modification component 220 may include a component that modifies the direction of at least a portion of the signal S1. For example, the signal modification component may be a diffraction grating or a component that causes refraction of the signal S1. The diffraction grating can change the direction of the first signal S1 by a predetermined amount, or change the direction of various components of the first signal S1, which is detected by the receiver 130. The change in direction can be measured by increasing or decreasing the signal output of the second signal S2 detected by the receiver 130, which is positioned at a known position relative to the transmitter 120. The receiver 130 may further include a sensor array, such as an image sensor, configured to sense the diffraction pattern resulting from the signal passing through the diffraction grating. The diffraction pattern can be measured by sensing a change in signal intensity in a certain area / plane (e.g., an area / plane of the sensing surface of the receiver 130). Each of the multiple signal modification components can generate a different diffraction pattern and / or change the direction of the signal by a different amount. A diffraction grating can have regular or irregular spacing (or a combination thereof) to produce a specific intensity pattern. In the case of a signal-modifying component that causes refraction of signal S1, the receiver 130 can be configured to sense the position where signal S2 is received by the receiver 130 (in this case, the receiver can also be a sensor array), or one or more sensors of the sensor array including the receiver 130 can be positioned relative to the transmitter 120 by the predicted amount of refraction for each of the different signal-modifying components 220.

[0030] In a third example, when the transmitter 120 transmits an electric field, the signal modification component 220 may include a dielectric material that changes the dielectric constant between the transmitter 120 (which transmits the electric field) and the receiver 130. In one example, the dielectric material changes the capacitance between the transmitter and the receiver. In this implementation, the dielectric material includes an aerosolizable material and / or other materials of the consumable 200. In another example, the dielectric material is a different component from the aerosolizable material and / or other materials of the consumable 200. Each of the multiple signal modification components can result in a different effective capacitance between the transmitter and the receiver by using different materials and / or material dimensions.

[0031] In the fourth example, the transmitter 120 may be an inductor or similar component configured to generate a magnetic field, and the signal-modifying component may include ferrite or the like to change the relative permeability between the transmitter 120 and the receiver 130. Each of the multiple signal-modifying components can result in different levels of inductive coupling between the transmitter and the receiver by using different ferrite materials and / or dimensions.

[0032] In the fifth example, the signal modification component 220 may include an attenuator such as a shield, which predetermines the transparency of the signal modification component 220 to the first signal S1. The attenuator may be a radio frequency attenuator that reduces the first signal S1 (in this example, a radio frequency signal) by a predetermined amount. For example, the signal modification component 220 can reduce the signal strength of the first signal S1 by one of 5 dB, 10 dB, and 20 dB. In another example, the attenuator can reduce the signal from the LED (transmitter) by a predetermined amount, such as reducing the signal strength by 25%, 50%, or 75%. These values ​​are shown as examples only, and it should be understood that different values ​​may be applied in other implementations. Multiple signal modification components can each provide different levels of attenuation, for example, depending on the material and dimensions of the signal modification component.

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

[0034] The above is a non-exhaustive list of possible forms of the signal modification component 220, and it should be understood that the signal modification component 220 can be configured to modify any other measurable / detectable parameter of the signal passing through at least a portion of the consumable 200. For example, by selecting an appropriate signal modification component 220 for signal S1, the signal modification component 220 can be selected to change the phase of signal S1 by a predetermined amount.

[0035] The signal modification component 220 may include at least two of the aforementioned signal modification components that modify multiple physical properties of the signal S1. This makes it possible to provide a larger number of unique identifying properties. For example, if the first signal modification component can distinguish four values ​​of the properties of the first signal, and the second signal modification component can distinguish another four values ​​of the properties of the second signal, a total of 16 unique combinations can be created. The number of values ​​may differ from this example; for example, 32 values ​​for each property would allow for 1024 unique combinations. By combining properties in this way, it is possible to provide a larger number of combinations while reducing the cost of the transmitter and receiver, and the overall cost can be reduced because measuring two properties for the second signal requires less detection sensitivity for each property than achieving the same number with a single property.

[0036] As described above, the modification of the first signal S1 by the signal modification component 220 is a predetermined modification specific to the signal modification component 220. Furthermore, the device circuit 140 is configured to determine item data, such as consumable data, from the second signal S2 received by the receiver 130. It is possible to associate the specific modification of the first signal by the signal modification component with the consumable data, or to associate the specific second signal itself with the consumable data.

[0037] Consumable data includes at least one of the following: the type of consumable (e.g., the type of aerosolizable material such as a gel, fluid, liquid, or solid); the flavor or aroma of the consumable (or aerosol that can be generated from the consumable); the strength of the active substance (such as nicotine) released from the aerosolizable material; the identifier of the consumable (e.g., a batch identifier or individual identifier); and the source of the consumable (e.g., one or more of the following: manufacturing facility, assembly facility, country, manufacturing date, and manufacturing time).

[0038] For example, a change in signal wavelength, such as an increase from ultraviolet to visible light, can be associated with a specific signal-changing component. In this example, the specific signal-changing component can be associated with consumable data that identifies the consumable as being of gel type and part of a specific batch supplied from a particular manufacturing facility.

[0039] As a further example, a signal change such as a 10 dB increase in signal intensity in a radially offset receiver can indirectly represent a change in the direction of the signal moving away from the perpendicular. This signal change can be associated with a different, unique signal-changing component and linked to a specific consumable item.

[0040] Device 100 can determine the presence of a consumable 200 within the receptacle 110. The presence of the consumable 200 can be detected using the transmitter 120 and receiver 130. When an item is present in the receptacle, the received signal changes in some way. However, if the consumable has known, predetermined signal-changing components, the signal will change in a predetermined way. Therefore, the transmitter and receiver can operate in a first mode of detecting the presence of a consumable, and a second mode of interpreting the received unique signal to identify the signal-changing components. Alternatively, the presence of the consumable 200 can be detected by an independent presence sensor, such as a capacitive sensor located adjacent to the receptacle 110.

[0041] Next, referring to Figure 3, an exemplary functional configuration diagram of the device circuit of an aerosol delivery device is shown, including the device circuit 140 of the aerosol delivery device 100 in Figures 1 and 2. Similar to Figure 2, the device circuit 140 is communicatively coupled to the transmitter 120 and the receiver 130. The dotted lines between components indicate that the coupling may be wired or wireless.

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

[0043] The processor 142 is configured such that the transmitter 120 transmits a first signal S1 to the receiver 130 through at least a portion of the consumable 200 in the receptacle 110, and the receiver 130 receives a second signal S2. As described in relation to Figure 2, the second signal S2 is the first signal S1 modified by interaction with the signal modification component 220 of the consumable 200. The processor 142 is configured to determine the consumable data from the second signal S2. In one example, the receiver 130 may send a signal representing the second signal S2 to the processor 142.

[0044] As discussed in relation to Figure 2, the changes to the first signal S are specific to the signal modification component 220. Different signal modification components modify the first signal in different ways, and therefore, it is possible to identify the signal modification component (and associated consumable data) based on the determined changes to the first signal.

[0045] Memory 144 stores consumable data for multiple consumables and corresponding signal change data for multiple signal change components. In other implementations, device 100 can be connected to a communication network, and the determination of signal change components can be performed remotely from device 100. A specific set of signal change components can be assigned to a specific group of consumables or to individual consumables. If the identification of a consumable's signal change component is performed by identifying a signal change made to a first signal, or by directly identifying it from a second signal, then it becomes possible to determine the consumable data for the consumable by searching for a predetermined signal change or the second signal in memory 144.

[0046] For example, the signal change data stored in memory 144 can be predetermined signal changes resulting from the configuration of various signal change components. These predetermined signal changes may include changes stored in memory 144, such as factory settings during manufacturing. Memory 144 can also store reference signal data representing the signal received when a consumable 220 equipped with a signal change component 220 is not present in the receptacle. In one example, the reference signal data may correspond to signal data associated with the first signal S1.

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

[0048] The processor 142 compares the determined change with a set of predetermined changes stored in memory 144. For example, the processor 142 can use a reference table stored in memory 144.

[0049] When processor 142 confirms a match between the determined change and one of several predetermined changes, processor 142 determines the consumable data based on that match. For example, if the determined change is a 5dB attenuation of the signal output, processor 142 compares the determined 5dB change with several predetermined changes, such as 5dB, 10dB, and 12dB, during use. In this example, the several predetermined changes include 5dB as one of the predetermined changes, and therefore the processor confirms the match and determines the consumable data associated with the 5dB predetermined change.

[0050] The second signal may include an identifier for the signal modification component 220, and the memory 144 may store predetermined identifiers for different signal modification components and corresponding consumable data. If the processor confirms a match between the identifier of the second signal and one of the predetermined identifiers, it can determine the consumable data associated with the matched predetermined identifier.

[0051] Next, referring to Figure 4, a flowchart of an exemplary method 300 for identifying consumables such as consumables 200 in an aerosol delivery device is shown.

[0052] Method 300 includes a first block 320 that transmits a first signal S1 from a transmitter 120 to a receiver 130 located at a distance from the transmitter 120, through at least a portion of a consumable 200 having a signal changing component 220.

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

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

[0055] After determining the change, method 300 proceeds to block 346, where the determined change is compared with a plurality of predetermined changes. The plurality of predetermined changes are stored in the memory 144 of the device circuit 140. In the comparison in block 346, one or more of the signal strength, signal polarization, signal frequency, signal wavelength, and signal direction of the determined change can be compared with the signal strength, signal polarization, signal frequency, signal wavelength, and signal direction of the plurality of predetermined changes.

[0056] Next, in block 348, a query is generated to determine whether a match can be found between the determined change and one of several predetermined changes. If no match is found, method 300 terminates as indicated by a negative (no) branch. In some embodiments, if no match is found, a feedback signal can be generated to inform the user of the aerosol delivery device 100 that the consumable 200 has not been recognized. This helps to direct the user's attention to the incorrect or non-genuine consumable. The feedback signal can be, for example, a visual signal, an auditory signal, or a tactile signal.

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

[0058] The modification of the first signal S1 by the signal modification component 220 for generating the second signal S2 is specific to the signal modification component 220 of the consumable 200. In this way, by comparing the first signal S1 and the second signal S2, the modification to the first signal S1 can be identified, and then by matching the identified modification with a predetermined modification, it becomes possible to identify the signal modification component 220 and subsequently determine the consumable data of the consumable 200.

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

[0060] Next, referring to Figure 5, a flowchart of another exemplary method 400 for identifying consumables in an aerosol delivery device is shown. Method 400 is similar to method 300, but instead of determining a change in the signal, it uses a second signal to directly determine the consumable data.

[0061] Method 400 includes a first block 420 that transmits a first signal S1 from the transmitter 120 to a receiver 130 located at a distance from the transmitter 120, through at least a portion of a consumable 200 having a signal changing component 220.

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

[0063] Next, method 400 proceeds to block 445, where the second signal S2 is compared with a plurality of predetermined signals. The plurality of predetermined signals are stored in the memory 144 of the device circuit 140. In the comparison in block 445, one or more of the signal strength, signal polarization, signal frequency, and signal direction of the second signal S2 can be compared with the signal strength, signal polarization, signal frequency, and signal direction of the plurality of predetermined signals.

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

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

[0066] The reason why matching the second signal S2 with a specific one among a plurality of predetermined signals can be achieved is that each of the signal modification components 220 is one of a plurality of predetermined signal modification components that makes a specific modification to the first signal S1. In this way, by matching the second signal S2 with the predetermined signal, it becomes possible to identify the signal modification component 220 and subsequently determine the consumable data of the consumable 200.

[0067] For example, during use, the processor compares the signal output of the second signal with a set of predetermined signals, each having a different signal output. If the set of predetermined signals includes the signal output of the second signal as one of its predetermined signals, the processor checks for a match and determines the consumable data associated with the predetermined signal output. For example, the consumable data associated with the signal output might indicate that the flavor of the consumable is peach and that the manufacturing date is January 1, 2018.

[0068] In some examples, the methods described above can be carried out by a processing system. Such examples may include a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium containing a set of stored computer-readable instructions, and when the computer-readable instructions are executed by a processor of an aerosol delivery device, the device performs any of the methods described above, for example, the method includes the steps of: transmitting a first signal through at least a portion of an article from a transmitter to a receiver located at a distance from the transmitter; receiving a second signal at the receiver, wherein the second signal is the first signal modified by interaction with a signal-modifying component of the article; and determining article data from the second signal.

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

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

Claims

1. A system comprising an article and an aerosol delivery device, The article is an article for insertion into the aerosol delivery device, comprising an aerosolizable material and a signal-modifying component. The aerosol delivery device is A receptacle for receiving the aforementioned article, Transmitter and, A receiver positioned at a distance from the aforementioned transmitter, Processor and Equipped with, The aforementioned processor, The transmitter is instructed to transmit a first signal to the article in the receptacle when in use. As a result, the receiver receives a second signal, which is the first signal, that has been modified by interaction with the signal modification component of the article. The system is configured to determine item data from the second signal, A system in which the transmitter is configured to transmit at least one of an infrared signal, a visible light signal, and an ultraviolet signal.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the receiver is radially offset from the transmitter.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the receiver includes a sensor array.

4. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second signal includes an identifier of the signal modification component, and the processor is configured to determine the article data based on the identifier.

5. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the processor is configured to determine a change to the first signal by comparing the first signal with the second signal, and the determined change is associated with the article data.

6. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the processor determines the article data from at least one of a decrease in the intensity of the second signal, a change in direction, or a diffraction pattern.

7. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the processor is configured to determine whether a match can be confirmed between the second signal and one of a plurality of predetermined signals, and if no match is found, it is determined that the article is not recognized, and if a match is found, it identifies the signal changing component.

8. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the signal changing component is configured to change the direction of at least a portion of the first signal.

9. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the signal modification component includes a signal reflector or a diffraction grating.

10. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the signal modification component includes an attenuator.

11. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the article data includes at least one of type, fragrance, active ingredient strength, identifier, and supplier.

12. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the transmitter is configured to transmit at least one of an infrared signal, a visible light signal, and an ultraviolet signal.

13. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the signal modification component includes at least two signal modification elements, and the at least two signal modification elements are configured to modify a plurality of physical characteristics of the first signal.

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein the plurality of physical properties include at least one of the signal intensity and the signal wavelength.

15. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the aerosol delivery device is configured to change its mode of operation based on the article data.

16. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the aerosol delivery device is configured to detect the presence of the article in the receptacle based on the second signal.

17. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the signal-changing component includes a fluorescent material.

18. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 17, comprising a plurality of articles, each of which has a different signal modification component corresponding to a different article data.

19. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the aerosolizable material is solid.

20. The system according to claim 19, wherein the article is a heated tobacco product (THP) article.

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