Heating method for aerosol provision system and aerosol provision system

Abstract

The present application discloses a heating method for an aerosol provision system and an aerosol provision system. The heating method comprises: a sensor of the system obtains sensor data used to characterize user's heating intention; a controller of the system receives the sensor data and determines the user's heating intention based on the sensor data, identifies a target heating profile from a pre-stored heating profile library based on the heating intention; the controller controls a heater of the system to heat articles within the system based on the target heating profile.

Description

[0001] Heating method for aerosol provision system and aerosol provision system

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the field of aerosol provision technology, particularly to a heating method for an aerosol provision system and an aerosol provision system.

[0004] Background

[0005] An aerosol provision system refers to a system that houses aerosol-generating material internally and generates aerosol for users to puff by heating the material (e.g., tobacco) to a certain temperature without combustion.

[0006] Currently, an aerosol provision system typically comprises a housing, a heater arranged within the housing, a power source, and a controller. The controller is preprogrammed with a fixed heating profile, which is a single temperature profile. During a puffing session, the controller regulates the power supply to the heater based on this heating profile, ensuring the heater provides heat at the specified temperature profile. A commonly used heating profile is shown in Figure 1 , where the temperature rises from room temperature (e.g., 25°C) to a preset temperature (e.g., 300°C) and then remains constant at the preset temperature.

[0007] However, this heating profile may not align with the preferences of some users, or users may desire different heating profiles at various moments during a puffing session. For instance, some users might prefer heating at a higher temperature to achieve a denser puffing, while others may want distinct heating modes for puffing and non-puffing phases to strike a balance between energy efficiency and optimal puffing. These diverse needs cannot be met by current aerosol provision systems, which diminishes the user experience.

[0008] Summary

[0009] According to a first aspect, there is provided a heating method for an aerosol provision system, comprising: a sensor of the system obtains sensor data used to characterize user's heating intention; a controller of the system receives the sensor data and determines the user's heating intention based on the sensor data, identifies a target heating profile from a pre-stored heating profile library based on the heating intention; the controller controls a heater of the system to heat articles within the system based on the target heating profile. The system can automatically determine the user's heating intention through the data obtained by the sensor and determine a corresponding heating profile for heating based on the determined intention. Compared to the prior art, this eliminates the limitation of inherent heating modes in the system, meeting users' diverse and personalized needs and enhancing user experience. Furthermore, by obtaining data through the sensor, the system reduces additional user operations, making it more automated and convenient.

[0010] Optionally, the pre-stored heating profile library comprises a heating profile for puffing and / or a heating profile for non-puffing; the heating intention comprises non-puffing intention and / or puffing intention; the controller, when determining the non-puffing intention based on the sensor data, determines the heating profile for non-puffing from the heating profile library as the target heating profile based on the non-puffing intention; the controller, when determining the puffing intention based on the sensor data, determines the heating profile for puffing from the heating profile library as the target heating profile based on the puffing intention.

[0011] Optionally, the heating profile for puffing is a positive heating profile, and the heating profile for non-puffing is a preheating profile; the positive heating profile corresponds to an atomization process of the article, and the preheating profile corresponds to a preheating process of the article.

[0012] By determining a preheating profile when the user’s intention is non-puffing, the system can maintain a preheating temperature when the user’s intention is non-puffing, thus saving energy. Meanwhile, it can quickly increase the temperature to the positive heating profile corresponding to the atomization process when the user intends to puff. This achieves a balance between energy conservation and efficient puffing.

[0013] Optionally, the positive heating profile and the preheating profile are temperature profiles related to time, the start and end time of the positive heating profile are T1hea and T2hea, the start and end time of the preheating profile are T1pre and T2pre.

[0014] Optionally, during a puffing session, when the controller determines the preheating profile as the target heating profile based on the heating intention, the controller controls the heater of the system to start heating from the T1pre time of the preheating profile.

[0015] Optionally, during a puffing session, when the controller determines the positive heating profile as the target heating profile based on the heating intention, the controller controls the heater of the system to start heating from the T1hea time of the positive heating profile.

[0016] Optionally, a puffing session comprises an operation segment where the article is heated to a preset temperature as the start to the end of the puffing session, the start and end time of the operation segment are T1opr and T2opr respectively; during a puffing session, T 1 hea, T 1 pre, and T 1 opr correspond to the same clock, and T2hea, T2pre, and T2opr correspond to the same clock.

[0017] As used herein, “correspond to the same clock” means that the time is the same. For instance, in the above described example, during a puffing session, T1 hea, T1 pre, and T1 opr are the same point in time, and T2hea, T2pre, and T2opr are the same point in time.

[0018] Optionally, during a puffing session, when the controller determines the preheating profile as the target heating profile at time Tn based on the heating intention, the controller controls the heater of the system to start heating from the T npre time of the preheating profile; where T n corresponds to the same clock as T npre, and T 1 opr < Tn < T2opr.

[0019] Optionally, during a puffing session, when the controller determines the positive heating profile as the target heating profile at time Tn based on the heating intention, the controller controls the heater of the system to start heating from the Tnhea time of the positive heating profile; where T n corresponds to the same clock as T nhea, T 1 opr < Tn < T2opr.

[0020] During a puffing session process, there may be different temperature requirements corresponding to different moments. The heating profile may be a temperature profile corresponding to the time axis of the session process, such as a profile that gradually rises as the session process progresses over time. By setting the heating profile to be related to time and enabling the controller to perform heating control by switching the temperature corresponding to the time based on the heating profile, the heating temperature may be made to more closely meet the requirements of the puffing session process, thereby enhancing the user experience.

[0021] Optionally, a puffing session comprises a ramping segment where the article is heated from room temperature to the preset temperature; the heating profile library comprises a ramping profile corresponding to the ramping segment, the start and end time of the ramping profile are TO and T 1 respectively.

[0022] T 1 and T 1 hea, T1 pre, T1 opr may correspond to the same clock.

[0023] Optionally, the heating profile library comprises a warming segment profile and a cooling segment profile; the warming segment profile is used for the transition from the preheating profile to the positive heating profile when the target heating profile shifts from the preheating profile to the positive heating profile; the cooling segment profile is used for the transition from the positive heating profile to the preheating profile when the target heating profile shifts from the positive heating profile to the preheating profile.

[0024] The temperature range of the preheating profile may be 50°C to 230°C. Within this temperature range, the aerosol-generating material does not generate aerosol, but it can quickly switch to the temperature at which aerosol is generated, achieving a balance between energy efficiency and rapid aerosol generation.

[0025] The temperature range of the positive heating profile may be 240°C to 300°C. Within this temperature range, the aerosol-generating material is heated and atomized for the user to puff.

[0026] Optionally, the positive heating profile comprises a high-temperature positive heating profile and a low- temperature positive heating profile; the puffing intention comprises a high- concentration puffing intention and a low-concentration puffing intention; the controller, when determining a high-concentration puffing intention based on the sensor data, determines the high-temperature positive heating profile from the pre-stored heating profile library as the target heating profile; the controller, when determining a low-concentration puffing intention based on the sensor data, determines the low-temperature positive heating profile from the pre-stored heating profile library as the target heating profile; the atomization concentration of the article corresponding to the high-temperature positive heating profile is higher than the atomization concentration of the article corresponding to the low-temperature positive heating profile.

[0027] Optionally, the controller determines the heating intention based on the sensor data and the heating profile corresponding to the current operation state of the system.

[0028] Optionally, the pre-stored heating profile library comprises a first heating profile and a second heating profile that is different from the first heating profile; the controller, when the sensor data satisfies the first characteristic and the heating profile corresponding to the current operation state is the first heating profile, determines the first heating intention, and determines the second heating profile as the target heating profile based on the first heating intention; the controller, when the sensor data satisfies the first characteristic and the heating profile corresponding to the current operation state is the second heating profile, determines the second heating intention, and determines the first heating profile as the target heating profile based on the second heating intention.

[0029] Accordingly, different heating intentions can be determined based on the same data characteristics and the currently active heating profile to achieve the selection and switching of different heating profiles.

[0030] Optionally, the controller, before initiating the puffing session, receives the sensor data, initiates the puffing session based on the sensor data and determines the target heating profile from the heating profile library. In this embodiment, it is also possible to start the puffing session based on the sensor data and simultaneously determine the target heating profile, which is more rapid and efficient. The sensor data may comprise at least one of the following: distance between a user and the system; puffing status of a user; gestures of a user.

[0031] The pre-stored heating profile library may be located either within the system or in an external device.

[0032] According to a second aspect, there is provided an aerosol provision system, comprising: a housing, the housing comprises a chamber; the chamber is designed to accommodate the article, and the article comprises aerosol-generating materials; a sensor, configured to acquire characteristics of sensor data; a controller, configured to receive and determine the user's heating intention based on the sensor data, and determine the target heating profile from the pre-stored heating profile library based on the heating intention, and control the heater to heat the aerosol-generating materials based on the target heating profile; the heater, configured to heat the aerosol-generating materials based on the target heating profile under the control of the controller.

[0033] The controller may be configured to implement the heating method for the aerosol provision system as described in the first aspect.

[0034] The sensor may comprise at least one of the following: a distance sensor; a infrared sensor; a radar sensor; an airflow sensor; a temperature sensor; a motion sensor; an image sensor.

[0035] The sensor may be arranged on or partially on the housing, within the housing, on the article, or within the article.

[0036] The sensor may be arranged on the side and / or top surface of the housing.

[0037] The sensor may be arranged on a top surface of the housing and are covered by an upper cover of the top surface of the housing.

[0038] The upper cover may be configured to be made of optically transparent material or infrared-penetrable material.

[0039] The heater may be configured to heat the aerosol-generating materials in a noncombustion manner. Based on the aforementioned embodiments, during a puffing session, the user's heating intention can be determined based on the data automatically obtained by the sensors, and the corresponding heating profile can be determined based on the heating intention for heating. Compared to the prior art, this eliminates the limitation of inherent heating modes in the system, meeting users' diverse and personalized needs and enhancing user experience. Furthermore, by obtaining data through the sensor, the system reduces additional user operations, making it more automated and convenient.

[0040] Additional aspects and advantages will be partially described in the following description, some will become apparent from the following description.

[0041] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0042] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the disclosed content of the present application will become more understandable. It should be easily understood by those skilled in the art that these drawings are only for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application. Moreover, similar numbers in the figures are used to represent similar components, wherein:

[0043] Figure 1 is a heating profile diagram of an aerosol provision system in the prior art;

[0044] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of an aerosol provision system;

[0045] Figure 3 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an aerosol provision system;

[0046] Figure 4 is a flowchart of a heating method of an aerosol provision system;

[0047] Figure 5 is a flowchart of another heating method of an aerosol provision system;

[0048] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a heating profile without a clock correspondence relationship with a puffing session;

[0049] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a heating profile with a clock correspondence relationship with a puffing session;

[0050] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of an overall heating profile in a puffing session;

[0051] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a heating profile corresponding to a part of an operation segment in a puffing session; and

[0052] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of another heating profile corresponding to a part of an operation segment in a puffing session.

[0053] Description of Reference Signs:

[0054] 100: Housing; 101 : Mouthpiece; 102: Article insertion opening; 103: Air inlet; 104: Upper cover; 200: Chamber; 300: Heater; 400: Power supply; 500: Controller; 600: Sensor; 700: Article. Detailed Description

[0055] The following describes some embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that these embodiments are only for explaining the technical principles and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application.

[0056] As used herein, the term “delivery system” is intended to encompass systems that deliver at least one substance to a user in use, and includes: combustible aerosol provision systems, such as cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, and tobacco for pipes or for roll-your-own or for make-your-own cigarettes (whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes or other smokable material); non-combustible aerosol provision systems that release compounds from an aerosolgenerating material without combusting the aerosol-generating material, such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials; and aerosol-free delivery systems that deliver the at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, transdermally or in another way without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to, lozenges, gums, patches, articles comprising inhalable powders, and oral products such as oral tobacco which includes snus or moist snuff, wherein the at least one substance may or may not comprise nicotine.

[0057] According to the present disclosure, a “combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is combusted or burned during use in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0058] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a combustible aerosol provision system, such as a system selected from the group consisting of a cigarette, a cigarillo and a cigar.

[0059] In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to a component for use in a combustible aerosol provision system, such as a filter, a filter rod, a filter segment, a tobacco rod, a spill, an aerosol-modifying agent release component such as a capsule, a thread, or a bead, or a paper such as a plug wrap, a tipping paper or a cigarette paper.

[0060] According to the present disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0061] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

[0062] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosolgenerating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0063] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0064] Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non- combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device.

[0065] In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosolgenerating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

[0066] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a non- combustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may, for example, be an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energised so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or to a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source.

[0067] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol-modifying agent.

[0068] In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosolmodifying agent.

[0069] In some embodiments, the delivery system is an aerosol-free delivery system that delivers at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, transdermally or in another way without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to, lozenges, gums, patches, articles comprising inhalable powders, and oral products such as oral tobacco which includes snus or moist snuff, wherein the at least one substance may or may not comprise nicotine.

[0070] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may be an aerosol-generating material or a material that is not intended to be aerosolised. As appropriate, either material may comprise one or more active constituents, one or more flavours, one or more aerosolformer materials, and / or one or more other functional materials.

[0071] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises an active substance. The active substance as used herein may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may for example be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics, psychoactives. The active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active substance may comprise for example nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, cannabis or another botanical.

[0072] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B12.

[0073] As noted herein, the active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes.

[0074] As noted herein, the active substance may comprise or be derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof. As used herein, the term "botanical" includes any material derived from plants including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibres, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husk, shells or the like. Alternatively, the material may comprise an active compound naturally existing in a botanical, obtained synthetically. The material may be in the form of liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, shreds, strips, sheets, or the like.

[0075] Example botanicals are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, licorice (liquorice), matcha, mate, orange skin, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed (anise), basil, bay leaves, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, Wintergreen, beefsteak plant, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab or any combination thereof. The mint may be chosen from the following mint varieties: Mentha Arventis, Mentha c.v., Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata c.v., Mentha piperita c.v, Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cardifolia, Memtha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata c.v. and Mentha suaveolens.

[0076] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is tobacco. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and hemp.

[0077] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from rooibos and fennel.

[0078] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises a flavour. As used herein, the terms "flavour" and "flavourant" refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensorial sensation in a product for adult consumers. They may include naturally occurring flavour materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice (liquorice), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed (anise), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herb, Wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, piment, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, mate, orange skin, rose, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, beefsteak plant, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavour enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, liquid such as an oil, solid such as a powder, or gas. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises menthol, spearmint and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and / or redberry. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from cannabis.

[0079] In some embodiments, the flavour may comprise a sensate, which is intended to achieve a somatosensorial sensation which are usually chemically induced and perceived by the stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or in place of aroma or taste nerves, and these may include agents providing heating, cooling, tingling, numbing effect. A suitable heat effect agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether and a suitable cooling agent may be, but not limited to eucolyptol, WS-3.

[0080] Aerosol-generating material is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain an active substance and / or flavourants. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may comprise 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 dried gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may for example comprise from about 50wt%, 60wt% or 70wt% of amorphous solid, to about 90wt%, 95wt% or 100wt% of amorphous solid.

[0081] The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and / or flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional material.

[0082] The aerosol-former material may comprise one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-former material may comprise one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1 ,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-Erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, a diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0083] The one or more other functional materials may comprise one or more of pH regulators, colouring agents, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and / or antioxidants.

[0084] The material may be present on or in a support, to form a substrate. The support may, for example, be or comprise paper, card, paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted material, a plastics material, a ceramic material, a composite material, glass, a metal, or a metal alloy. In some embodiments, the support comprises a susceptor. In some embodiments, the susceptor is embedded within the material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one or either side of the material. A consumable is an article comprising or consisting of aerosol-generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. A consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol-modifying agent. A consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate aerosol in use. The heater may, for example, comprise combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

[0085] A susceptor is a material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically-conductive material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be magnetic material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both electrically-conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms. The device that is configured to generate the varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator, herein.

[0086] An aerosol-modifying agent is a substance, typically located downstream of the aerosol generation area, that is configured to modify the aerosol generated, for example by changing the taste, flavour, acidity or another characteristic of the aerosol. The aerosolmodifying agent may be provided in an aerosol-modifying agent release component, that is operable to selectively release the aerosol-modifying agent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be an additive or a sorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, comprise one or more of a flavourant, a colourant, water, and a carbon adsorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be a solid, a liquid, or a gel. The aerosol-modifying agent may be in powder, thread or granule form. The aerosol-modifying agent may be free from filtration material.

[0087] An aerosol generator is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosolgenerating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

[0088] The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery systems (which may also be referred to as vapour delivery systems) such as nebulisers or e-cigarettes. Throughout the following description the term "e-cigarette" or "electronic cigarette" may sometimes be used, but it will be appreciated this term may be used interchangeably with aerosol delivery system I device and electronic aerosol delivery system I device. Furthermore, and as is common in the technical field, the terms "aerosol" and "vapour", and related terms such as "vaporise", "volatilise" and "aerosolise", may generally be used interchangeably.

[0089] Aerosol delivery systems (e-cigarettes) often, though not always, comprise a modular assembly comprising a reusable device part and a replaceable (disposable / consumable) cartridge part. Often, the replaceable cartridge part will comprise the aerosol generating material and the vaporiser (which may collectively be called a “cartom izer”) and the reusable device part will comprise the power provision (e.g. rechargeable power source) and control circuitry. It will be appreciated these different parts may comprise further elements depending on functionality. For example, the reusable device part will often comprise a user interface for receiving user input and displaying operating status characteristics, and the replaceable cartridge device part in some cases comprises a temperature sensor for helping to control temperature. Cartridges are electrically and mechanically coupled to the control unit for use, for example using a screw thread, bayonet, or magnetic coupling with appropriately arranged electrical contacts. When the aerosol generating material in a cartridge is exhausted, or the user wishes to switch to a different cartridge having a different aerosol generating material, the cartridge may be removed from the reusable part and a replacement cartridge attached in its place. Systems and devices conforming to this type of two-part modular configuration may generally be referred to as two-part systems / devices.

[0090] It is common for electronic cigarettes to have a generally elongate shape. For the sake of providing a concrete example, certain embodiments of the disclosure will be taken to comprise this kind of generally elongate two-part system employing disposable cartridges. However, it will be appreciated that the underlying principles described herein may equally be adopted for different configurations, for example single-part systems or modular systems comprising more than two parts, refillable devices and single-use disposables, as well as other overall shapes, for example based on so-called box-mod high performance devices that typically have a boxier shape. More generally, it will be appreciated certain embodiments of the disclosure are based on aerosol delivery systems which are operationally configured to provide functionality in accordance with the principles described herein and the constructional aspects of systems configured to provide the functionality in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure is not of primary significance.

[0091] As described in the background, the current heating profiles of aerosol provision systems are fixed, making it difficult for users to adjust the heating mode of the system according to their own expectations during the puffing session. For this reason, the embodiments of the present application creatively propose to install sensors in the system to obtain sensor data and determine the user's heating intention based on the sensor data, so as to determine the corresponding heating profile from a pre-stored heating profile library for heating based on the heating intention. Through this solution, the personalized and diversified heating needs of users can be met, the user experience can be enhanced, and the implementation method is more automatic and efficient.

[0092] The following will introduce the proposed aerosol provision system and its heating method in detail through specific embodiments.

[0093] Embodiment One

[0094] Embodiment One discloses an aerosol provision system. In Figure 2, the internal components of the aerosol provision system 10 are shown in a simplified manner, where the various component parts are not drawn to scale, and the components that are not relevant to the understanding of the embodiments are omitted. Figure 3 is the three-dimensional structural diagram of the aerosol provision system.

[0095] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the aerosol provision system 10 comprises a housing 100. The housing 100 is provided with a mouthpiece 101 , and an article insertion opening 102 is arranged on the mouthpiece 101. An air inlet 103 is also arranged on the housing 100. The air inlet 103 may be arranged at the end far away from the mouthpiece 101 , or it may also be arranged at other positions on the housing 100.

[0096] An accommodating space and an air passage are formed within the housing 100. A chamber 200 for accommodating the article 700, a heater 300, a power source (battery assembly) 400, and a controller 500 are arranged in the accommodating space. The power source 400 is configured to supply power to the heater 300 under the control of the controller 500, and the heat generated by the energized heater 300 atomizes the aerosol-generating material.

[0097] The air inlet 103 and the interior of the heater 300 are connected internally to form the air passage within the housing 100. When the user puffs, the external air enters from the air inlet 103, passes through the interior of the heater 300, and then flows out from the article 700 to the user.

[0098] The mouthpiece 101 may be integrally formed with the housing 100, or it may be removably separated from the housing 100. The detachable mouthpiece 101 is helpful for cleaning the mouthpiece 101. In addition, setting a detachable mouthpiece 101 can help to access the interior of the housing 100 to facilitate the replacement of the aerosol-generating material within the housing 100.

[0099] The power source 400 is configured to provide electric power to the heater 300 and may specifically be a battery assembly. In other embodiments, the battery may be replaced by a portable power source (for example, a capacitive power storage device such as a supercapacitor or ultracapacitor), a mechanical power source (a mechanical power spring or a generator), or an alternative chemical energy source (for example, a fuel cell). The article contains aerosol-generating material, which may be in solid, powder or liquid forms, such as e-liquid, solid cigarettes, etc.

[0100] In embodiments, in order to meet the personalized and diversified heating needs of users, as shown in Figure 2, a sensor 600 is also provided on the aerosol provision system 10 to obtain sensor data used to characterize the user's heating intention through the sensor 600. The controller 500 is configured to receive and determine the user's heating intention based on the sensor data, and determine the target heating profile from a prestored heating profile library based on the heating intention, and control the heater 300 to heat. The heater 300 is configured to heat the aerosol-generating material based on the target heating profile under the control of the controller.

[0101] In embodiments, the sensor data used to characterize the user's heating intention may be obtained through the sensor 600, which can achieve the automatic and efficient determination of the user's heating intention.

[0102] The sensor 600 may be any suitable sensor. As an example rather than a limitation, the sensor 600 may be one or more of a distance sensor, an infrared sensor, a radar sensor, an airflow sensor, a temperature sensor, and a motion sensor. Each of them is used to obtain the corresponding type of sensor data, such as the distance data between the user and the aerosol provision system, the user's gesture data, the user's puffing data, and so on. In an embodiment, the sensor 600 may be a plurality of types of sensors used to obtain different types of sensor data. Correspondingly, the controller 500 is used to comprehensively judge the user's heating intention based on the multiple types of sensor data.

[0103] In the present application, each type of sensor 600 may be one or more. In an embodiment, there may be multiple sensors 600, which are used to obtain the sensor data of the same type. Correspondingly, the controller 500 is used to comprehensively judge the user's heating intention based on the sensor data from multiple sensors.

[0104] The sensor 600 may be arranged at any suitable position of the system. As an example rather than a limitation, the sensor 600 may be arranged on or partially on the housing 100, within the housing 100, on the article 700 or within the article 700.

[0105] The sensor 600 may be arranged at any suitable position on the housing 100. In one embodiment, the sensor 600 is arranged on the side surface of the housing 100. For example, when an image sensor is set to detect the user's gestures, since the sensor needs to occupy a relatively large area in this case, it may be arranged on the side of the housing 100. In another embodiment, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the sensor 600 is arranged on the top surface of the housing 100.

[0106] As shown in Figure 3, considering the requirements for waterproofing and dustproofing of the sensor, in an embodiment, the aerosol provision system 10 may also comprise an upper cover 104 to cover the sensor 600 arranged on the top surface. Regarding the upper cover 104, it may be set as a slidable upper cover to move between the position of opening the article insertion opening 102 and the position of closing the article insertion opening 102. To ensure the waterproof and dustproof effects, the upper cover 104 may be arranged to cover the sensor 600 regardless of whether it is in the position of opening the article insertion opening 102 or the position of closing the article insertion opening 102.

[0107] The functions of some sensors 600 are less affected by the covering of the upper cover 104, and in this case, the upper cover 104 can always cover the sensors 600. The functions of some other sensors 600 are more affected by the covering of the upper cover 104, such as an image sensor, an infrared sensor, etc. To avoid affecting the monitoring effect of the sensors 600, in an embodiment, the upper cover 104 may be set as a slidable upper cover to move between the position of covering the sensors 600 and the position of exposing the sensors 600. In an alternative embodiment, the upper cover 104 may always cover the sensors 600 to ensure waterproof and dustproof effects, but the upper cover 104 may be made of optically transparent material (as shown in Figure 3) or made of infrared-penetrable material so that the sensors 600 can work normally without being affected by the upper cover 104.

[0108] The above embodiments as well as Figures 2 and 3 are all structural examples of heat- not-burn products in the aerosol provision system. It should be understood that the aerosol provision system of the present application may also include e-cigarette systems that atomize e-liquid or similar products. The present application does not impose specific restrictions on this.

[0109] Embodiment Two

[0110] Based on the structure of the aerosol provision system in Embodiment One above, Embodiment Two of the present application discloses a heating method for an aerosol provision system. As shown in Figure 4, the method specifically comprises the following steps:

[0111] S41 : a sensor of the system obtains sensor data used to characterize user's heating intention.

[0112] The sensor in Embodiment Two of the present application may refer to the relevant description in Embodiment One. It will not be elaborated here.

[0113] The user's heating intention represents a heating mode expected by the user. For example, the user expects to start heating, to not heat or maintain preheating, or to heat at a higher temperature, etc. Such intentions can be expressed and obtained in multiple possible ways. For example, they may be expressed through the user's gestures, the user's puffing state, the distance between the user and the system, the ambient temperature, etc.; correspondingly, such data may be obtained through an image sensor, an airflow sensor, a distance sensor, a temperature sensor, etc. As shown above, the sensor data may be of one or more types. Generally speaking, multiple types of data can enhance the accuracy of the controller's judgment. For example, a distance sensor and a temperature sensor are set to obtain the distance between the user and the system and the temperature data of the system. When the distance decreases and the temperature rises, it indicates that the user is bringing the aerosol provision system closer to themselves. At this time, it can characterize the user's puffing, that is, the user's intention to start heating. Compared with relying solely on temperature, the judgment error of the controller caused by temperature rises due to other reasons can be reduced.

[0114] As shown above, the sensor data may be the same type of data obtained by multiple sensors of the same type at different measurement points. For example, multiple distance sensors may be set to obtain multiple distance data. Through multiple distance data, the data with large errors can be excluded, and more accurate data after averaging multiple data can be obtained.

[0115] S42: a controller of the system receives the sensor data and determines the user's heating intention based on the sensor data, identifies a target heating profile from a pre-stored heating profile library based on the heating intention;

[0116] To meet the users' needs for personalized and diversified heating profiles, a heating profile library is pre-stored in the embodiments of the present application. The heating profile library is configured with at least two different heating profiles, and these heating profiles correspond to different heating intentions of the users.

[0117] In one embodiment, the heating profile library and the heating profiles therein are prestored in the aerosol provision system; in an alternative embodiment, the heating profile library and the stored heating profiles are stored in an external device, and are obtained by the aerosol provision system through communication with the external device.

[0118] The heating profiles inside the heating profile library may be pre-configured during manufacturing, or may be selected or modified by the user after purchase. Therefore, in one embodiment, the user is allowed to select a heating profile from multiple pre-configured options or customize a heating profile by inputting parameters.

[0119] In the embodiments of the present application, on the premise of configuring the above heating profile library, the controller can match the corresponding target heating profile from the above heating profile library based on the user's heating intention, so as to provide the user with the expected experience.

[0120] The controller is configured to determine the user's heating intention through the sensor data obtained by the sensors.

[0121] In an embodiments, the sensor data may be used to characterize whether the user is puffing or is about to puff, so as to further determine the user's heating intention through whether the user is puffing or about to puff. For example, when the sensor data is the distance data between the user and the aerosol provision system, when the distance is small, meaning the user is close to the aerosol provision system, it indicates that the user is about to puff. At this time, the controller judges that the user has the heating intention of expecting to heat to the temperature at which the aerosol can be atomized. When the user moves farther from the aerosol provision system, it indicates that the user has finished puffing. At this time, the controller judges that the user has the heating intention of expecting to reduce the temperature.

[0122] In another embodiment, the sensor data is directly used to characterize the user's heating intention. Such sensor data may be, for example, the user's gestures. For instance, when the user's gesture is a clenched fist, the controller determines that the user has the heating intention of expecting to heat to the temperature at which aerosol can be atomized. When the user's gesture is an open palm, the controller determines that the user has the heating intention of expecting to reduce the temperature.

[0123] The controller may directly and uniquely determine the heating intention based on the sensor data. In an alternative embodiment, the controller determines the target heating profile based on the sensor data and the heating profile corresponding to the current operation state of the system. It is assumed that the pre-stored heating profile library comprises a first heating profile and a second heating profile different from the first heating profile. At this time, when the sensor data satisfies the first characteristic and the heating profile corresponding to the current operation state is the first heating profile, the controller determines the first heating intention and determines the second heating profile as the target heating profile based on the first heating intention; when the sensor data satisfies the first characteristic and the heating profile corresponding to the current operation state is the second heating profile, the controller determines the second heating intention and determines the first heating profile as the target heating profile based on the second heating intention.

[0124] The above situation where the sensor data satisfies the same first characteristic may mean that the sensor data are exactly the same, for example, the sensor data are all clenched fists; it may also mean that the sensor data are within the same numerical range. For example, if the sensor data is the distance between the user and the system, and the first characteristic indicates that the distance is between 0 and 10 cm, then both 2 cm and 10 cm satisfy the first characteristic.

[0125] In an embodiment, the controller may determine multiple preliminary heating profiles based on the first characteristic of the sensor data, and further needs to determine the target heating profile from the multiple preliminary heating profiles based on the heating profile corresponding to the current operation state of the system. For example, the system has a high-temperature heating profile and a low-temperature heating profile, both of which can heat the article to the atomizable temperature. Based on the distance between the user and the system, it is determined that the user has the heating intention to heat to the atomizable temperature. At this time, the high-temperature heating profile and the low- temperature heating profile are determined as the preliminary heating profiles. Then, based on the low- temperature heating profile corresponding to the current operation state of the system, the high-temperature heating profile is determined as the target heating profile. Compared with the method of determining the target heating profile solely based on the sensor data, in this embodiment, it may determine a greater number of target heating profiles based on the same number of sensor data characteristics.

[0126] The above first heating profile and second heating profile can respectively be the heating profile for puffing and the heating profile for non-puffing, corresponding to the user's puffing intention and non-puffing intention. That is, when the user's puffing intention is determined based on the sensor data, the heating profile for puffing is taken as the target heating profile; when the user's non-puffing intention is determined based on the sensor data, the heating profile for non-puffing is taken as the target heating profile. As an example rather than a limitation, the heating profile for puffing is the positive heating profile mentioned hereinafter, and the heating profile for non-puffing is the preheating profile mentioned hereinafter. The positive heating profile may be set to include a high-temperature positive heating profile that may generate a high-concentration aerosol and a low-temperature positive heating profile that may generate a low-concentration aerosol, respectively corresponding to the user's high-concentration puffing intention and low-concentration puffing intention. The terms "high temperature" and "low temperature" are relative when comparing the two.

[0127] Specifically, the controller controls the power supply power to the heater so that the temperature of the heater follows the target heating profile, thereby realizing the heating of the article within the system.

[0128] Based on the above embodiments, the user's heating intention is determined based on the sensor data, the corresponding heating profile is determined based on the heating intention, and heating based on the corresponding heating profile. Compared with the prior art, this eliminates the limitation of inherent fixed heating profile of the system, the personalized and diversified heating needs of users can be met, and the user experience can be enhanced. Moreover, the way of obtaining data through sensors to determine the user's heating intention can further reduce the additional operations of users, making the system more automatic, efficient and convenient.

[0129] In an embodiment, the heating profiles in the heating profile library may comprise a positive heating profile and a preheating profile. The positive heating profile corresponds to the atomization process of the aerosol-generating material. Under the positive heating profile, the aerosol-generating material is heated to generate aerosol. The preheating profile corresponds to the preheating process of the aerosol-generating material. Under the preheating profile, the aerosol-generating material is heated but not enough to generate aerosol or the generated aerosol concentration is low, which is below the preset concentration and not sufficient to meet the user's basic puffing. In an embodiment, the temperature range of the positive heating profile is 240°C - 300°C, and / or the temperature range of the preheating profile is 50°C - 230°C.

[0130] Corresponding to the positive heating profile and the preheating profile, the user's heating intention comprises puffing intention and non-puffing intention. As shown in Figure 5, a heating method for an aerosol provision system based on the premise of setting the positive heating profile and the preheating profile is provided, which specifically comprises:

[0131] S51 : a sensor of the system obtains sensor data used to characterize user's heating intention.

[0132] S52: a controller of the system receives the sensor data and determines the user's heating intention based on the sensor data.

[0133] S531 : when the controller determines that the heating intention is the non-puffing intention, the preheating profile is determined as the target heating profile from the heating profile library based on the non-puffing intention.

[0134] S532: when the controller determines that the heating intention is the puffing intention, the positive heating profile is determined as the target heating profile from the heating profile library based on the puffing intention.

[0135] As mentioned above, the controller may determine the user's heating intention based on factors such as distance, temperature, and the user's puffing state. Considering that the user will approach the aerosol provision system when intending to puff and will move away from it when not puffing, in an embodiment, the sensor may be set as a distance sensor, and the sensor data may be the distance between the user and the system obtained by the distance sensor. The controller is configured to determine the heating intention based on the magnitude relationship between the distance between the user and the system and the preset distance threshold. When the distance between the user and the system is less than the preset distance threshold, the puffing intention may be determined; when the distance between the user and the system is greater than the preset distance threshold, the non-puffing intention may be determined. The preset distance threshold can be any suitable value. As an example rather than a limitation, the preset distance threshold is 40 cm or 20 cm or 10 cm.

[0136] Considering that the user will approach the aerosol provision system when intending to puff it will lead to an increase in the ambient temperature sensed by the sensor, and when the user moves away from the aerosol provision system when not puffing, it will lead to a decrease in the ambient temperature sensed by the sensor. Therefore, in an embodiment, the sensor may be a temperature sensor, and the sensor data may be the ambient temperature obtained by the sensor. The controller is configured to determine the heating intention based on the magnitude relationship between the ambient temperature and the preset temperature threshold. When the ambient temperature is greater than a preset temperature threshold, the puffing intention may be determined; when the ambient temperature is less than another preset temperature threshold, the non-puffing intention may be determined. The preset temperature threshold may be any suitable value.

[0137] S54: the controller controls a heater of the system to heat an article within the system based on the target heating profile.

[0138] Based on the embodiment shown in Figure 5, when the user has the puffing intention, determining the positive heating profile as the target heating profile enables the user to puff. When the user has the non-puffing intention, determining the preheating profile as the target heating profile can save energy compared with the positive heating profile. Meanwhile, by maintaining the preheating temperature, it can quickly rise to the temperature of the positive heating profile when the user intends to puff, thus achieving a balance between energy saving and efficient puffing.

[0139] The following takes the positive heating profile and the preheating profile as examples to illustrate in detail how the controller controls the heater to heat based on the target heating profile in a puffing session.

[0140] Generally, a puffing session comprises a ramping segment where the article is heated from room temperature to the preset temperature and an operation segment where the article is heated to a preset temperature as the start to the end of the puffing session. Considering that the ramping segment is just a preparatory stage for puffing and only occurs once in a puffing session, unlike positive heating and preheating which may occur and switch multiple times in a puffing session. Therefore, in an embodiment, a special ramping profile may be set in the heating profile library. This ramping profile corresponds to the ramping segment clock, with the start and end times being TO and T 1 respectively, and is used to complete the ramping segment after the start of the puffing session. After entering the operation segment, the controller then controls the switching between the preheating profile and the positive heating profile. The temperature at the end time of the ramping profile may be set to be the same as the starting temperature of the preheating profile.

[0141] The positive heating profile and the preheating profile are temperature profiles related to time. When the controller controls the heater based on the positive heating profile and the preheating profile, a heating method that is independent of the clock of the puffing session or a heating method that is related to the clock of the puffing session may be adopted.

[0142] As shown in Figure 6, the start and end time of the positive heating profile are T1 hea and T2hea respectively, the start and end time of the preheating profile are T1 pre and T2pre respectively. In an embodiment of the heating method that is independent of the clock of the puffing session, in one puffing session, each time the controller switches the target heating profile based on the heating intention, it controls the heater of the system to start heating from the starting time of the target heating profile. Specifically, in one puffing session, when the controller determines the preheating profile as the target heating profile based on the heating intention, the controller controls the heater of the system to start heating from the T1pre time of the preheating profile; when the controller determines the positive heating profile as the target heating profile based on the heating intention, the controller controls the heater of the system to start heating from the T1 hea time of the positive heating profile.

[0143] A puffing session generally lasts about 3 to 5 minutes (the empirical time for smoking a traditional cigarette), and the operation segment takes up the vast majority of the time. Considering extreme cases where the same heating profile is run throughout an entire puffing session or the entire operation segment, in an embodiment, the duration of each heating profile may be not less than the time of a puffing session or the time of the entire operation segment. In an alternative embodiment, the duration of each heating profile is less than the time of a puffing session or the entire operation segment. In this case, if the target heating profile runs to the end time, it can loop again from the starting time of this target heating profile until it is switched to another heating profile.

[0144] In a puffing session, the same heating profile may be selected multiple times. Taking a puffing session lasting 5 minutes as an example, at the 1st minute and the 3rd minute of the puffing session, the positive heating profile is determined as the target heating profile. If, according to the above method, each selection starts from the starting moment of the heating profile, it means that the same temperature is used at different moments of the puffing session. However, the aerosol provision system has such a characteristic: as time passes, the aerosolgenerating material gradually decreases. To achieve the same concentration of aerosol, a higher temperature needs to be provided. That is, in order to maintain the stability of the aerosol concentration and bring the same taste experience to the user throughout the puffing session, the heating temperature of the heater needs to be continuously increased as time passes. If each selection of a heating profile starts from the beginning moment, it implies that different temperatures cannot be provided at different moments of the puffing session.

[0145] For this reason, in an embodiment of the heating method related to the clock of the puffing session in the present application, as shown in Figure 7, the positive heating profile and the preheating profile are temperature profiles related to time, the start and end time of the positive heating profile are T1 hea and T2hea respectively, and the start and end time of the preheating profile are T1pre and T2pre respectively. The start and end time of the operation segment are T 1 opr and T2opr respectively. During a puffing session, T 1 hea, T 1 pre, and T1opr correspond to the same clock, and T2hea, T2pre, and T2opr correspond to the same clock. In a puffing session, each time the controller switches the target heating profile based on the heating intention, it always controls the heater of the system to start heating from the current time corresponding to the target heating profile and the puffing session. Specifically, during a puffing session, when the controller determines the preheating profile as the target heating profile at time Tn based on the heating intention, the controller controls the heater of the system to start heating from the Tnpre time of the preheating profile; where Tn corresponds to the same clock as Tnpre, and T1opr < Tn < T2opr. When the controller determines the positive heating profile as the target heating profile at time Tn based on the heating intention, the controller controls the heater of the system to start heating from the Tnhea time of the positive heating profile; where Tn corresponds to the same clock as Tnhea, T1opr < Tn < T2opr.

[0146] As shown in Figure 7, in an embodiment, the positive heating profile and the preheating profile are temperature change profiles, and may be profiles with gradually increasing temperatures. The temperature can change in a stepwise manner or a smooth manner. When the controller determines the target heating profile at time Tn and controls the heater to start heating from the Tnpre / Tnhea time of the heating profile. In this way, different temperatures can be used for heating or preheating at different moments of the puffing session, so as to enhance the user experience.

[0147] In an embodiment of the heating method related to the clock of the puffing session, the fact that the positive heating profile and the preheating profile are temperature change profiles can bring about the above-mentioned beneficial effects. However, this does not mean that the present application must adopt this way. In embodiments, the above-mentioned positive heating profile and preheating profile can both be set as constant temperature profiles or temperature change profiles according to requirements.

[0148] It can be understood that in embodiments of the heating method related to the clock of the puffing session, as shown in Figure 7, T1 of the ramping profile corresponds to the same clock as T1 hea, T 1 pre, and T 1 opr. The ramping profile may be set separately from the positive heating profile and the preheating profile. In an alternative embodiment, the positive heating profile and the ramping profile are set as one profile, and the preheating profile and the ramping profile are set as one profile.

[0149] There is a temperature difference between the positive heating profile and the preheating profile, and the temperature transition between the two needs to be completed when switching profiles. In embodiments, the heating profile library may further comprise a warming segment profile and a cooling segment profile. The warming segment profile is used for the transition from the preheating profile to the positive heating profile when the target heating profile shifts from the preheating profile to the positive heating profile. The cooling segment profile is used for the transition from the positive heating profile to the preheating profile when the target heating profile shifts from the positive heating profile to the preheating profile. The warming segment profile / cooling segment profile may be set independently of the positive heating profile / preheating profile, or may be combined with the positive heating profile / preheating profile into one profile. For example, if the warming segment profile and the positive heating profile are set as one profile in chronological order, when the preheating profile is switched to the positive heating profile, this combined profile of the warming segment and the positive heating profile will be directly selected for heating.

[0150] It can be understood that when the controller needs to switch from the preheating profile to the positive heating profile based on the user's heating intention, the warming segment profile may be determined simultaneously. Similarly, when the controller needs to switch from the positive heating profile to the preheating profile based on the user's heating intention, the cooling segment profile may be determined simultaneously.

[0151] Figure 8 shows an example of heating based on the positive heating profile and the preheating profile in Figure 6. The ramping segment of the puffing session is from TO to T1 , and the time from TO to T1 is very short. The operation segment lasts from T1opr to T2opr, and T1 is the same as T1opr. The sensor is a distance sensor, and the sensor data is the distance between the user and the system, with the preset distance threshold being 10 cm. Once the system is powered on, the controller will control the heater to complete the ramping segment based on the ramping profile from TO to T1 during the puffing session. After that, at T 1 and T3 moments, the controller respectively receives the distance between the user and the system sent by the sensor as 12 cm and 14 cm, determines the user's non-puffing intention, and determines the preheating profile as the target heating profile. At T2 and T4 moments, the controller receives the distance between the user and the system sent by the sensor as 5 cm and 3 cm respectively, determines the user's puffing intention, and determines the positive heating profile as the target heating profile. The transition between the positive heating profile and the preheating profile is achieved through the warming segment profile and the cooling segment profile. Figure 8 shows the temperature profile corresponding to the entire puffing session process.

[0152] The above has been illustrated taking the positive heating profile and the preheating profile as examples. It can be understood that other heating profiles may be set in the heating profile library in embodiments, and the above methods are also applicable when using other heating profiles.

[0153] It should be noted that the temperature corresponding to the heating profile for nonpuffing may be lower than that corresponding to the heating profile for puffing. For instance, the temperature range of the heating profile for puffing is set to be 240°C - 300°C, and the temperature range of the heating profile for non-puffing is set to be 150°C - 230°C. In another embodiment, the temperature corresponding to the heating profile for non-puffing is higher than that corresponding to the heating profile for puffing. For example, the temperature range of the heating profile for puffing is set to be 150°C - 230°C, and the temperature range of the heating profile for non-puffing is set to be 240°C - 300°C, so as to achieve heat preservation in a high-temperature state. Figures 9 and 10 show the heating profiles corresponding to part of the operation segment process of the puffing session when heating is based on the heating profile for puffing and the heating profile for non-puffing. The system is provided with sensors. The sensors of the system obtain sensor data indicating that the distance between the system and the user is less than 10 cm at T2' and T4' moments, and the controller determines the user's puffing intention based on this and determines the heating profile for puffing as the target heating profile. The sensors of the system obtain sensor data indicating that the distance between the system and the user is greater than 10 cm at T1' and T3' moments, and the controller determines the user's non-puffing intention based on this and determines the heating profile for non-puffing as the target heating profile. The transition between the two heating profiles is achieved through the warming segment profile and the cooling segment profile. The difference between Figure 9 and Figure 10 lies in that in Figure 9, the heating profile for puffing corresponds to a relatively high temperature, specifically 280°C, and the heating profile for non-puffing corresponds to a relatively low temperature, specifically 230°C. While in Figure 10, the heating profile for puffing corresponds to a relatively low temperature, specifically 230°C, and the heating profile for non-puffing corresponds to a relatively high temperature, specifically 280°C.

[0154] In the above embodiment, the target heating profile is determined after the start of the puffing session. In another embodiment, before the start of the puffing session, the controller receives the sensor data, starts the puffing session based on the sensing data and determines the target heating profile from the heating profile library. For example, if the sensor is set to work continuously and obtains the sensor data which is the distance between the user and the system, and this distance is less than the preset distance threshold, the controller starts the puffing session based on the sensor data and determines the ramping profile and the positive heating profile as the target heating profile from the heating profile library, so as to control the heater to heat based on the target heating profile.

[0155] In the description of this specification, the referential terminology "an embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples" means that specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment or example are comprised in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. In this specification, the indicative expression of the above-mentioned terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the described specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable way in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0156] Moreover, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used merely for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, the characteristics defined as "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly comprise at least one such characteristic. In the description, the term "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0157] In the present application, unless explicitly defined and limited, terms such as "mounting," "connecting," "connection," "fixing," etc., should be understood in a broad sense. For instance, the connection can be a fixed connection or a detachable connection, or integrated; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediary medium, it can be the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless explicitly defined otherwise. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meanings of these terms in the context of the disclosure based on the circumstances.

[0158] Although the embodiments have been shown and described above, it should be understood that the above-described embodiments are exemplary and should not be considered as limiting. Those skilled in the art within the scope of protection can make variations, modifications, replacements, and variations to the above-described embodiments.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A heating method for an aerosol provision system, comprising: obtaining, using a sensor of the system, sensor data used to characterize a user's heating intention; receiving, at a controller of the system, the sensor data, determining, using the controller, the user's heating intention based on the sensor data, and identifying, using the controller, a target heating profile from a pre-stored heating profile library based on the heating intention; controlling, using the controller, a heater of the system to heat an article within the system based on the target heating profile.

2. The heating method for an aerosol provision system according to claim 1 , wherein, the pre-stored heating profile library comprises a heating profile for puffing and / or a heating profile for non-puffing; the heating intention comprises a non-puffing intention and / or a puffing intention; the controller, when determining the non-puffing intention based on the sensor data, determines the heating profile for non-puffing from the heating profile library as the target heating profile based on the non-puffing intention; and the controller, when determining the puffing intention based on the sensor data, determines the heating profile for puffing from the heating profile library as the target heating profile based on the puffing intention.

3. The heating method for an aerosol provision system according to claim 2, wherein, the positive heating profile corresponds to an atomization process of the article, and the preheating profile corresponds to a preheating process of the article.

4. The heating method for an aerosol provision system according to claim 3, wherein, the positive heating profile and the preheating profile are temperature profiles related to time, wherein the start and end time of the positive heating profile are T1 hea and T2hea respectively, and the start and end time of the preheating profile are T1pre and T2pre respectively.

5. The heating method for an aerosol provision system according to claim 4, wherein, during a puffing session, when the controller determines the preheating profile as the target heating profile based on the heating intention, the controller controls the heater of the system to start heating from the T 1 pre time of the preheating profile.

6. The heating method for an aerosol provision system according to claim 4, wherein, during a puffing session, when the controller determines the positive heating profile as the target heating profile based on the heating intention, the controller controls the heater of the system to start heating from the T1hea time of the positive heating profile.

7. The heating method for an aerosol provision system according to claim 4, wherein a puffing session comprises an operation segment where the article is heated to a preset temperature from the start to the end of the puffing session, wherein the start and end time of the operation segment are T1opr and T2opr respectively; and wherein during a puffing session, T1hea, T1pre, and T1opr correspond to the same clock, and T2hea, T2pre, and T2opr correspond to the same clock.

8. The heating method for an aerosol provision system according to claim 7, wherein, during a puffing session, when the controller determines the preheating profile as the target heating profile at time Tn based on the heating intention, the controller controls the heater of the system to start heating from the Tnpre time of the preheating profile; where T n corresponds to the same clock as T npre, and T 1 opr < Tn < T2opr.

9. The heating method for an aerosol provision system according to claim 7, wherein, during a puffing session, when the controller determines the positive heating profile as the target heating profile at time Tn based on the heating intention, the controller controls the heater of the system to start heating from the T nhea time of the positive heating profile; where T n corresponds to the same clock as T nhea, T 1 opr < Tn < T2opr.

10. The heating method for an aerosol provision system according to claim 7, wherein a puffing session further comprises a ramping segment where the article is heated from room temperature to the preset temperature; and the heating profile library further comprises a ramping profile corresponding to the ramping segment, wherein the start and end time of the ramping profile are TO and T1 respectively.11 . The heating method for an aerosol provision system according to claim 10, wherein T 1 and T 1 hea, T 1 pre, T 1 opr correspond to the same clock.

12. The heating method for an aerosol provision system according to claim 3, wherein the heating profile library further comprises a warming segment profile and a cooling segment profile; wherein the warming segment profile is used for the transition from the preheating profile to the positive heating profile when the target heating profile shifts from the preheating profile to the positive heating profile; and wherein the cooling segment profile is used for the transition from the positive heating profile to the preheating profile when the target heating profile shifts from the positive heating profile to the preheating profile.

13. The heating method for an aerosol provision system according to claim 3, wherein, the temperature range of the preheating profile is 50°C to 230°C; and / or the temperature range of the positive heating profile is 240°C to 300°C.

14. The heating method for an aerosol provision system according to claim 3, wherein: the positive heating profile comprises a high-temperature positive heating profile and a low-temperature positive heating profile; the puffing intention comprises a high-concentration puffing intention and a low- concentration puffing intention; the controller, when determining a high-concentration puffing intention based on the sensor data, determines the high-temperature positive heating profile from the pre-stored heating profile library as the target heating profile; the controller, when determining a low-concentration puffing intention based on the sensor data, determines the low-temperature positive heating profile from the pre-stored heating profile library as the target heating profile; and an atomization concentration of the article corresponding to the high-temperature positive heating profile is higher than an atomization concentration of the article corresponding to the low-temperature positive heating profile.

15. The heating method for an aerosol provision system according to claim 1 , wherein, the controller determines the heating intention based on the sensor data and the heating profile corresponding to the current operation state of the system.

16. The heating method for an aerosol provision system according to claim 15, wherein, the pre-stored heating profile library comprises a first heating profile and a second heating profile that is different from the first heating profile;the controller, when the sensor data satisfies the first characteristic and the heating profile corresponding to the current operation state is the first heating profile, determines the first heating intention, and determines the second heating profile as the target heating profile based on the first heating intention; and the controller, when the sensor data satisfies the first characteristic and the heating profile corresponding to the current operation state is the second heating profile, determines the second heating intention, and determines the first heating profile as the target heating profile based on the second heating intention.

17. The heating method for an aerosol provision system according to any one of claims 1- 16, wherein, the controller, before initiating the puffing session, receives the sensor data, initiates the puffing session based on the sensor data and determines the target heating profile from the heating profile library.

18. The heating method for an aerosol provision system according to any one of claims 1- 16, wherein the sensor data comprises at least one of the following: a distance between a user and the system; a puffing status of a user; and a gestures of a user.

19. The heating method for an aerosol provision system according to any one of claims 1- 16, wherein the pre-stored heating profile library is located either within the system or in an external device.

20. An aerosol provision system, comprising: a housing comprising a chamber designed to accommodate an article comprising aerosol-generating materials; a sensor configured to acquire characteristics of sensor data; a controller configured to receive and determine a user's heating intention based on the sensor data, and determine a target heating profile from a pre-stored heating profile library based on the heating intention; and a heater configured to heat the aerosol-generating materials based on the target heating profile under the control of the controller; wherein the controller is configured to control the heater to heat the aerosol-generating materials based on the target heating profile.

21. The aerosol provision system according to claim 20, wherein the controller is configured to implement the heating method for the aerosol provision system as described in any one of claims 1-19.

22. The aerosol provision system according to claim 20, wherein the sensor comprises at least one of the following: a distance sensor; an infrared sensor; a radar sensor; an airflow sensor; a temperature sensor; a motion sensor; and an image sensor.

23. The aerosol provision system according to claim 20, wherein the sensor is arranged on or partially on the housing, within the housing, on the article, or within the article.

24. The aerosol provision system according to claim 23, wherein the sensor is arranged on a side and / or top surface of the housing.

25. The aerosol provision system according to claim 24, wherein the sensor is arranged on a top surface of the housing and is covered by an upper cover of the top surface of the housing.

26. The aerosol provision system according to claim 25, wherein the upper cover is configured to be made of optically transparent material or infrared-penetrable material.

27. The aerosol provision system according to claim 21 , wherein the heater is configured to heat the aerosol-generating materials in a non-combustion manner.

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