Aerosol generation device with a tristimulus colour sensor

Abstract

There is disclosed an aerosol generation device for receiving a consumable article comprising aerosol precursor material, the aerosol generation device comprising: a consumable article receiving region for receiving the consumable article; an electromagnetic radiation source configured to radiate detection electromagnetic radiation into the consumable article receiving region; and a tristimulus colour sensor configured to sense, in use, reflected electromagnetic radiation, the reflected electromagnetic radiation resulting from the detection electromagnetic radiation being reflected by a reflection surface present in the consumable article receiving region.

Description

[0001] AEROSOL GENERATION DEVICE WITH A TRISTIMULUS COLOUR SENSOR

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generation device for receiving a consumable article comprising aerosol precursor material, and a method of use of an aerosol generation device.

[0003] Background

[0004] Various devices and systems are available that heat aerosol precursor material to release aerosol / vapour for inhalation. For example, these devices and systems do not rely on burning the aerosol precursor material. In some examples, e-cigarettes vaporize an e-liquid from a consumable article to an inhalable vapour / aerosol. In some other examples, there is a device which heats a solid aerosol precursor material to generate an aerosol.

[0005] In some examples, the solid aerosol precursor material is provided as part of a consumable article. The consumable article may be inserted or otherwise engaged with a respective aerosol generation device designed specifically for that kind of consumable article. Various configurations of aerosol generation device and corresponding consumable articles are available. Accordingly, it is desired that the correct consumable articles be used for a given aerosol generation device.

[0006] It may be desired that there is provided a way of sensing a characteristic of a consumable article inserted into the aerosol generation device, and / or a way of sensing a characteristic of the aerosol generation device itself. For example, it will be appreciated that consumable articles may have several varying characteristics. Accordingly, it may be desirable to sense a high density of information regarding a consumable article inserted in the aerosol generation device.

[0007] In addition, as the aerosol generation device continues to be used by a user, certain characteristics of the aerosol generation device may change, and the aerosol generation device may require up-keep. It may be desired that such characteristics can be detected such that the required up-keep may be performed at appropriate times. Summary

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generation device for receiving a consumable article comprising aerosol precursor material, the aerosol generation device comprising: a consumable article receiving region for receiving the consumable article; an electromagnetic radiation source configured to radiate detection electromagnetic radiation into the consumable article receiving region; and a tristimulus colour sensor configured to sense, in use, reflected electromagnetic radiation, the reflected electromagnetic radiation resulting from the detection electromagnetic radiation being reflected by a reflection surface present in the consumable article receiving region.

[0009] Advantageously, provision of the tristimulus colour sensor within the aerosol generation device means that a significantly higher density of information is capable of being optically sensed. For example, not only can the presence of certain optical features on the reflection surface be detected, but colour information of those features can also be detected. For example, information may be encoded in the arrangement of the optical features. Examples of such encoding include bar codes, QR codes, and the like. However, advantageously, additional information may be encoded in the colour of the optical features. Furthermore, even if there are no specific optical features provided which encode information, colour information of the reflection surface can nevertheless be sensed. This may allow characteristics of the reflection surface and / or characteristics of the medium (through which electromagnetic radiation traverses) between the reflection surface and the tristimulus colour sensor to be determined. Accordingly, the surprising combination of the tristimulus colour sensor and aerosol generation device leads to many applications not conventionally provided by the use of either prior art aerosol generation devices and prior art tristimulus colour sensors by themselves.

[0010] Optionally, the tristimulus colour sensor comprises three detection channels in the visible wavelength range of the electromagnetic spectrum, and at least one infrared wavelength detection channel.

[0011] Advantageously, three detection channels in the visible wavelength range provide that all the visible colour data can be sensed contemporaneously (i.e., substantially at the same time - within acceptable tolerances), as compared to a case of one photodetector and filters which move with respect to said one photodetector. In this way, data may be gathered more quickly. The tristimulus colour sensor is also simplified in that moving parts are reduced. In addition, the at least one infrared wavelength detection channel provides addition information about the light impinging on the tristimulus colour sensor, thereby increasing the amount of information sensed. More particularly, the infrared detection channel may be used to detect characteristics about the reflection surface (or the medium between the reflection surface and the tristimulus colour sensor) which are not probed with visible light, due to the different light matter interactions that may occur with the infrared light.

[0012] Optionally, the electromagnetic radiation source is configured to flicker between an on state and an off state at a frequency such that resultant electromagnetic radiation is not detectable by a human user of the aerosol generation device.

[0013] The source for the purpose of sensing using the tristimulus colour sensor would generate visible light. Advantageously using such a frequency would avoid disturbing or causing discomfort to the user while performing sensing operations during use. Furthermore, if sensing occurs in a non-detectable manner, the user may be provided with a more seamless human-device interaction without unnecessary sensory inputs for the user.

[0014] Optionally, the consumable article receiving region comprises an insertion opening, a reception section and a heat provision section, the heat provision section comprising a heat generator; the reception section is positioned between the insertion opening and the heat provision section along a longitudinal axis of the aerosol generation device; and the tristimulus colour sensor is configured to sense the reflected electromagnetic radiation reflected by the reflection surface, which reflection surface is present in the reception section.

[0015] Advantageously, the reflection surface is provided in a section of the receiving region other than the heat provision region. Accordingly, sensing of the reflection surface is not interfered directly with by heat meant for aerosolizing the precursor material.

[0016] Optionally, the reception section comprises a reference surface having a reference colour; the electromagnetic radiation source is positioned and oriented to radiate the detection electromagnetic radiation onto the reference surface; and the tristimulus colour sensor is positioned and oriented to sense reflected electromagnetic radiation reflected by the reference surface.

[0017] Advantageously, colour sensing can be performed on the reference surface to determine colour characteristics according to the prevailing condition on the reference surface and inside the receiving region.

[0018] Optionally, the reference colour is white. Advantageously, by detecting changes in the colour data measured against the white reference surface (as opposed to a non-white surface) various information may be obtained about the condition inside the receiving region. For example, certain particulate / residue may be easier to detect against a white surface which does not have its own significant wavelength dependent absorption / reflection. Also, for example, colour changes of the intervening medium may also be sensed more easily on the basis of the reflection surface being white.

[0019] Optionally, both the electromagnetic radiation source and the tristimulus colour sensor are positioned in the reception section.

[0020] Advantageously, the source and sensor, is provided in a different section to the heat provision section. This may reduce adverse impact of heat generation on the source and tristimulus colour sensor. For example, it may not be desired for maintaining the integrity of the tristimulus colour sensor to place it very close to a heater. Furthermore, the heat provision section can be used exclusively for heat provision, providing for more efficient heating, while the benefits of the tristimulus colour sensor are also provided.

[0021] Optionally, the aerosol generation device comprises a controller configured to control the operation of the electromagnetic radiation source and the tristimulus colour sensor. Advantageously, there is provided local, in-device control of the source and sensor for efficient operation according to the programming of the aerosol generation device.

[0022] Optionally, the aerosol generation device comprises a lid configured to transition between an open state in which it provides access into the consumable article receiving region, and a closed state in which it inhibits access into the consumable article receiving region, wherein: the controller is configured to detect a cleanliness level of the consumable article receiving region when the lid is in the closed state. Advantageously, the cleanliness level is detected when the lid is closed to reduce the influence of external light on the detection. This provides for more reliable detection of the cleanliness level because environmental light may vary drastically.

[0023] Optionally, the aerosol generation device comprises a signalling system configured to provide a signal to a user of the aerosol generation device, wherein: the controller is configured to provide a signal via the signalling system based on a detection of the cleanliness level of the consumable article receiving region.

[0024] Advantageously, there is provided a mechanism for indicating to the user the cleanliness level of the aerosol generation device. Accordingly, the user may perform appropriate maintenance actions such as a cleaning operation.

[0025] Optionally, the electromagnetic radiation source and the tristimulus colour sensor are both provided as part of an integrated colour detection module. Advantageously, construction of the aerosol generation device is made simpler.

[0026] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of use of the aerosol generation device according to the first aspect, the method comprising: causing the electromagnetic radiation source to radiate detection electromagnetic radiation; and sensing, using the tristimulus colour sensor, reflected electromagnetic radiation resulting from the detection electromagnetic radiation being reflected by the reflection surface.

[0027] Advantageously, the advantages of the aerosol generation device may be realised.

[0028] Optionally, the method according to the second aspect comprises: causing the detection electromagnetic radiation to impinge on a consumable article received in the consumable articles receiving region; sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation resulting from the detection electromagnetic radiation being reflected by the consumable article; and identifying the consumable article on the basis of the sensed reflected electromagnetic radiation.

[0029] Advantageously, the method allows the inserted consumable article to be identified. For example, the identification may reveal whether the correct type of consumable article has been inserted for the given aerosol generation device. For example, the aerosol generation device may not be further operated if an incorrect consumable article is inserted. The identification is based on sensing performed by the tristimulus colour sensor, and can therefore be even more information rich. For example, additional information, such as an appropriate heating profile (among many other examples) may be identified to enhance the operation of the aerosol generation device together with the consumable article.

[0030] Optionally, the method according to the second aspect comprises: sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation reflected by a reference surface in the consumable article receiving region, the reference surface having a reference colour; and detecting a cleanliness level of the consumable article receiving region on the basis of the sensed reflected electromagnetic radiation reflected by the reference surface.

[0031] Advantageously, there is provided a method for determining the cleanliness level inside of the receiving region. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that as the device continues to be used, this involves consumable articles being inserted and removed, and precursor material being heated inside the receiving region for aerosol generation. Over time, dust, particulate and the like is likely to build up. It is advantageous for the device to itself be able to detect and e.g., report on its internal condition. In this way, maintenance actions such as cleaning can be advised at appropriate times to keep the device running optimally.

[0032] Optionally, the method according to the second aspect comprises: causing the electromagnetic radiation source to flicker between an on state and an off state at a frequency such that resultant electromagnetic radiation is not detectable by a human user of the aerosol generation device.

[0033] Advantageously, using such a frequency would avoid disturbing or causing discomfort to the user while performing sensing operations during use. Furthermore, if sensing occurs in a non-detectable manner, the user may be provided with a more seamless human-device interaction without unnecessary sensory inputs for the user.

[0034] Various combinations of the above referenced features are envisaged.

[0035] Brief Description of the Drawings Examples of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0036] Figure 1 is a simplified schematic sketch of an aerosol generation device, according to examples;

[0037] Figure 2 is a simplified schematic sketch of a consumable article, according to examples;

[0038] Figure 3 is a simplified schematic sketch of a receiving region of the aerosol generation device, according to examples;

[0039] Figure 4 is a simplified schematic perspective view of the aerosol generation device, according to examples;

[0040] Figure 5 is a simplified schematic sketch of the receiving region with a consumable article received therein, according to examples; and

[0041] Figure 6 is a graph indicating sensor response as a function of wavelength, according to examples.

[0042] Detailed Description

[0043] As used herein, the term “aerosol precursor material”, “vapour precursor material” or “vaporizable material” may refer to a smokable material which may for example comprise nicotine, tobacco, rye, or one or more herbs, in addition to a vaporising agent. The aerosol precursor material is configured to release an aerosol when heated. Tobacco may take the form of various materials such as shredded tobacco, granulated tobacco, tobacco leaf and / or reconstituted tobacco. Nicotine may be in the form of nicotine salts. Rye may be in the form of various materials such as shredded rye, granulated rye, rye leaf and / or reconstituted rye. The one or more herbs may be in the form of various materials such as shredded herbs, granulated herbs, herb leaf, ground herbs and / or reconstituted herbs. Suitable aerosol precursor materials include: a polyol such as sorbitol, glycerol, and glycols like propylene glycol or triethylene glycol; a nonpolyol such as monohydric alcohols, acids such as lactic acid, glycerol derivatives, esters such as triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate, glycerin or vegetable glycerin. In some examples, the aerosol precursor material is substantially a liquid or a gel that holds or comprises one or more solid particles, such as tobacco particles extracted from tobacco materials. For example, the aerosol precursor material comprises tobacco particles suspended in a solution or gel. As used herein, the term “aerosol generation device” is synonymous with “aerosol provision device” or “device” may include a device configured to heat an aerosol precursor material and deliver an aerosol to a user. In some examples, the aerosol precursor material is a solid. In other words, the aerosol precursor material is not configured to flow in an unheated state. The device may be portable. “Portable” may refer to the device being for use when held by a user. The device may be adapted to generate a variable amount of aerosol, which can be controlled by a user input.

[0044] As used herein, the term “aerosol” may include a suspension of vaporizable material as one or more of: solid particles; liquid droplets; gas. Said suspension may be in a gas including air. Aerosol herein may generally refer to / include a vapour. Aerosol may include one or more components of the vaporizable material.

[0045] In examples, there is provided an aerosol generation device for receiving a consumable article comprising aerosol precursor material. The aerosol generation device comprises a consumable article receiving region for receiving the consumable article. The aerosol generation device also comprises an electromagnetic radiation source configured to radiate detection electromagnetic radiation into the consumable article receiving region. The aerosol generation device also comprises a tristimulus colour sensor configured to sense, in use, reflected electromagnetic radiation, the reflected electromagnetic radiation resulting from the detection electromagnetic radiation being reflected by a reflection surface present in the consumable article receiving region.

[0046] Figure 1 is a simplified schematic sketch of an aerosol generation device 100, according to examples. Figure 1 also shows a simplified example of a consumable article 108. In these examples, the aerosol generation device 100 is provided with the consumable article receiving region 102, as described above. The consumable article receiving region 102 may more concisely be referred to as the receiving region 102. The receiving region 102 provides a cavity 302 within the aerosol generation device 100 into which the consumable article can be received. The receiving region 102 may also comprise other components adjacent the cavity, for example. In other words, the receiving region 102 may not be limited only to the cavity 302, and may be a region of the device 100 where the cavity 302 is provided along with other components which, for example, interact with the received consumable article 108 in some way. In these examples, there is provided the electromagnetic radiation source 104 and the tristimulus colour sensor 106, as described above. In the examples of Figure 1 , components present within a body of the aerosol generation device 100 are indicated in broken line. For example, the cavity 302 is a region inside the body of the aerosol generation device 100.

[0047] In these examples, the electromagnetic radiation source 104 (hereafter simply referred to as the source 104) is configured to radiate the detection electromagnetic radiation. For example, the source 104 may be a light emitting diode (LED). For example, the source 104 may emit electromagnetic radiation in a wavelength range which at least partly encompasses the visible wavelength range. The detection electromagnetic radiation is radiated for the purpose of interacting with the reflection surface. Electromagnetic radiation is also referred to herein simply as light. It should be appreciated that references to light may include visible light and also wavelength of electromagnetic radiation which are not visible (such as infrared, for example). Accordingly, references to “light” should not be construed as limiting to a particular wavelength necessarily. For example, when particular wavelengths / wavelength ranges are intended, terms such as visible light or infrared light, and the like are used.

[0048] It will be appreciated that the term “tristimulus colour sensor” has a specific meaning to the person skilled in the art, and said term does not merely refer to any kind of light sensor generally. Instead, a tristimulus colour sensor is specifically provided with components and configured so as to sense light according to at least three different electromagnetic wavelength responses.

[0049] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a tristimulus colour sensor, such as the tristimulus colour sensor 106, can measure ambient light and sense colour. For example, those skilled in the art appreciate that a tristimulus colour sensor can measure the colour and the brightness of ambient light. For example, differently to simple single channel sensors such as a photodiode alone and the like, the tristimulus colour sensor 106 is configured to detect the reflected light (referred to above as the reflected electromagnetic radiation) through at least three different detection filters. A simple way in which the tristimulus colour sensor may be so configured is by providing a single photodetector with a set of filters which can move relative to the photodetector. For example, three different detection filters may be sequentially positioned in front of the single photodetector so as to measure the wavelength profiles of the reflected light using the three different detection filters. The reflected light passing through each filter may be considered as a different detection channel.

[0050] It will be appreciated that the at least three detection filters may include three filters, each of a visible colour. In this way, the tristimulus colour sensor 106 may sense visible colour information using three detection channels. In some examples, one or more detection channels (in addition to the three visible colour channels) may be provided, as described further below.

[0051] In other examples, there may be dedicated detection channels. For example, there may be a photodetector configured permanently with a respective detection filter for each of the at least three detection channels that are desired. In either case, data corresponding to the reflected light passing through at least three different detection filters may be measured.

[0052] It will be appreciated that the actual wavelength versus intensity profile of light passing through a filter will depend both on the wavelength response of said filter, and also the wavelength spectrum of the light (in other words, the colour characteristics of the light) passing through said filter. It will be appreciated that a detection filter will change the wavelength profile of light which propagates through said filter by absorbing certain wavelengths, while allowing certain other wavelengths to be transmitted therethrough. In this way, three different filters may provide three different wavelength profiles to be measured.

[0053] Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that tristimulus colour sensors are intended to provide, as data resulting from measurements, tristimulus values in a desired colour space. The tristimulus values are three dimensional coordinates in the desired colour space and provide an indication of the colour of the light present in the environment in vicinity of the tristimulus colour sensor 106, or directed at the tristimulus colour sensor 106. Certain colour spaces are intended to correlate in some way to colour perceived by the human eye. However, for the purpose of use in the aerosol generation device 100, the colour space for which the tristimulus colour sensor 106 is configured may be any colour space and may not necessarily be a colour space which correlates well to human colour perception (although in some example, the colour space may indeed correlate well to the human colour perception). Examples of colour spaces are LMS, CIE XYZ, RGB, CMY, CMYK, etc. For example, the particular photodetector(s) and filters of the tristimulus colour sensor 106 may be chosen in accordance with the desired colour space to be used. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that a tristimulus colour sensor is not the same as a spectrometer (or other multichannel sensor) which provides a wavelength spectrum of the sensed light.

[0054] Advantageously, provision of the tristimulus colour sensor 106 within the aerosol generation device 100 means that a significantly higher density of information is capable of being optically sensed. For example, colour information can be sensed. The tristimulus colour sensor 106 is interchangeably referred to herein simply as the sensor 106.

[0055] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that tristimulus colour sensors are not deployed in aerosol generation devices, and are instead intended and designed for applications, such as in smartphones, and the like. For example, a smartphone may incorporate a tristimulus colour sensor to sense the colour characteristics of ambient light in the vicinity of the smartphone, and then adjust the display characteristics (e.g., colour temperature and the like) to be suitable for said ambient light. This is the reason why the output of a tristimulus colour sensor is in a colour space which may correlate with human colour perception.

[0056] Surprisingly, the inventors have found that incorporating a tristimulus colour sensor specifically into an aerosol generation device provides not before realised advantages. For example, the tristimulus colour sensor 106 is coupled with the source 104 so that the tristimulus colour sensor 106 is not being used merely to detect ambient light. Instead, the reflection surface is specifically illuminated so as to be sensed by the tristimulus colour sensor 106. Differently to its known use, the tristimulus colour sensor 106 senses colour information of the reflection surface, rather than ambient light.

[0057] Information can be obtained from the sensed colour information. For example, the tristimulus colour values / coordi nates may be mapped to particular information regarding the reflection surface. For example, the tristimulus colour values from optical features on the consumable article may be used to determined further information about the consumable article. For example, colour of the optical features may be selected to indicate particular information, such that the tristimulus values of said colour correspond to said particular information. For the sake of example, said particular information may be a suggested heating profile for the consumable article, although the particular information is not so limited. The tristimulus colour values output by the tristimulus colour sensor may then be used to determine the heating profile, for example.

[0058] Other examples of the type of information which may be encoded in the tristimulus colour values are an expiry date of the consumable article, a batch of the consumable article, a quantity of precursor material, special ingredients in the precursor material, an amount of aerosol to be expected from the consumable article, and the like.

[0059] As described above, in some examples, there may be provided three detection channels in the tristimulus colour sensor 106. However, the tristimulus colour sensor 106 is not limited to just three channels. In some examples, the tristimulus colour sensor 106 comprises three detection channels in the visible wavelength range of the electromagnetic spectrum, and at least one infrared wavelength detection channel. The detection channels in the visible wavelength range may be referred to as colour channels.

[0060] In addition, the at least one infrared wavelength detection channel provides additional information about the reflected light impinging on the tristimulus colour sensor 106. As previously described, the reflected electromagnetic radiation results from the detection electromagnetic radiation being reflected by the reflection surface present in the consumable article receiving region. Various different surfaces can act as the “reflection surface”. For example, the reflection surface may be a surface of the consumable article to be received in the receiving region 102. However, in some examples, the reflection surface may be a surface of the inside of the receiving region. From whichever surface the detection light is reflected and measured as reflected light by the tristimulus colour sensor 106 in order to make a determination, may be termed the ’’reflection surface”.

[0061] In some examples, the consumable article 108 may comprise a paper cover wrapped around the outside of the consumable article 108. In examples where there is a paper cover, inclusion of one or more infrared channels in the tristimulus colour sensor 106 may be advantageous. For example, the infrared channel(s) may be used to detect characteristics of the paper cover. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that infrared light may penetrate paper. Accordingly, in some examples, the infrared channel(s) may be used to detect characteristics of components / materials of the consumable article 108 present inside of the paper cover.

[0062] Referring again to Figure 1 , there is shown an example consumable article 108. In some examples, the receiving region 106 comprises an insertion opening 110, a reception section 112 and a heat provision section 114. The heat provision section 114 comprises a heat generator (not shown in Figure 1). For example, the heat generator is for providing heat to the consumable article in order that precursor material 116 may generate aerosol. In these examples, the reception section 112 is positioned between the insertion opening 110 and the heat provision section 114 along a longitudinal axis 118 of the aerosol generation device 100. The double-sided arrow 118 in Figure 1 indicates the orientation of the longitudinal axis, but not necessarily it’s position relative to the aerosol generation device 100.

[0063] The reception section 112 is the section of the receiving region 102 which is immediately adjacent the insertion opening 110. The consumable article 108 is inserted via the insertion opening 110, for use, for example.

[0064] In these examples, the tristimulus colour sensor 106 is configured to sense the reflected light by the reflection surface which is present in the reception section 112. For example, when the consumable article 108 is received in the receiving region 102, the reflection surface may correspond to a part of the consumable article 108 which is positioned in the reception section 112.

[0065] For example, the part of the consumable article 108 which is positioned in the reception section 112 when received in the receiving region 102 in the in-use position, may be referred to as the indication section 120 of the consumable article 108. The indication section 120 may be provided with an optically detectable indication. The optically detectable indication comprises optical features which, for example, modify light reflected from them, as compared to light reflected from the same surface without the presence of said optical features. The optically detectable indication is, for example, encoded with information which the aerosol generation device can read via that source 104 and tristimulus colour sensor 106. Figure 2 is a simplified schematic sketch of the consumable article 108, according to examples. In these examples, there is provided the optically detectable indication 202. For example, the optically detectable indication 202 may be in the form of a barcode, a QR code, a pattern, an indication comprising alpha numeric script, and the like. The optically detectable indication 202 is not limited to the diagonal line pattern depicted in Figure 2, which is merely one example. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are various ways of providing an optically detectable indication 202. The optically detectable indication 202 may be provided on the paper cover. For example, the optically detectable indication 202 may be printed on the paper cover using one or more inks, and the like.

[0066] For example, the optically detectable indication 202 may encode information by using colour. One advantage, among other advantages, of the tristimulus colour sensor 106 in the aerosol generation device 100 is that colour information can be sensed, as described above. In this manner, additional information may be encoded into the optically detectable indication 202 using colour, and said information may be read by the aerosol generation device 100 (as described further below) using the colour information sensed by the tristimulus colour sensor 106. Encoding information by using colour may, is some simple cases, simply involve selecting a single colour for the optically detectable indication 202. As a mere example, a blue indication may identify the consumable article 108 as Type 1 , whereas a red indication may identify the consumable article as Type 2, and the like. In other examples, more than one colour may be used to encode information.

[0067] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that when the detection light impinges on the optically detectable indication, depending on the colour and the pattern, the reflected light is modified due to the light matter interaction that has occurred between the detection light and the optically detectable indication. As a simple example, if the colour blue is used in the optically detectable indication 202, other colours (i.e., other wavelengths) will be absorbed at the relevant location of the indication 202, and wavelengths corresponding to blue will be reflected.

[0068] As described above, there may be one or more infrared channels in some examples. In some examples, some of the precursor material may be present in the indication section 120, and the characteristics of the precursor material may be determined based on the infrared channel information sensed by the tristimulus colour sensor 106. Figure 6 is a graph 600 indicating wavelength of light on the horizontal axis and sensor response on the vertical axis. The graph 600 shows a curve representing the response of each of five channels, in these examples. Graph 600 relates to examples of the sensor 106 comprising a red channel 602, a green channel 604, a blue channel 606, a first infrared channel 608 and a second infrared channel 610. There is shown a curve for each channel. The curves representing their respective channels are referred to using the same reference numerals as described above to describe said respective channel.

[0069] In these examples, all curves are normalized relative to the green channel 604. Therefore, the green channel curve 604 peaks at 100% response and the other responses are indicated relative to the green channel 604. The graph 600 shows a reference sensor response, which may be expected, for example, under ideal conditions based on reflected light from a white reference surface, and the like. For example, for an in-use measurement, based on the characteristics of the reflection surface to be measured, the response output by each channel would change in accordance with the reflection surface. Based on this change, colour information of the reflection surface may be determined in the form of tristimulus colour values, for example.

[0070] In some examples, the data produced responsive to the tristimulus colour sensor 106 performing a sensing operation (tristimulus colour values) may be communicated to a controller which can utilise said data to make a determination. For example, the controller may determine the type of the consumable article based on the colour information of the optically detectable indication 202 sensed by the tristimulus colour sensor 106. In some examples, said controller is outside of the aerosol generation device 100, and the aerosol generation device 100 comprises a data communication module for communicating the data to the controller. For example, the data communication module may be a wireless communication module, using technologies such as Bluetooth, Wifi, and the like. For example, the controller to which the data is communicated may be a controller of a smartphone, smartwatch, a remote server, a personal computer, and the like.

[0071] However, in some examples, the aerosol generation device 100 comprises the controller 124 as depicted in Figure 1. In such examples, the controller 124 of the device 100 may receive the data from the tristimulus colour sensor 106 and make a determination based on the data.

[0072] In some examples, the controller 124 is configured to control the operation of the source 104 and the tristimulus colour sensor 106. For example, the controller 124 may cause the source 104 to emit the detection light and may cause the tristimulus colour sensor 106 to perform a sensing operation. For example, the information encoded in the optically detectable indication 202 of the consumable article 108 may be determined locally within the aerosol generation device 100. While the present disclosure is not so limited, for ease of explanation, the following description is in the context of the controller 124 of the aerosol generation device 100 controlling the source 104 and the sensor 106, and receiving the data from the sensor 106.

[0073] In some examples, the reflection surface is a surface of the receiving region 102. In some such examples, the reception section 112 comprises a reference surface 122 having a reference colour. In such examples, the source 104 may be positioned and oriented to radiate the detection light onto the reference surface, and the tristimulus colour sensor 106 is positioned and oriented to sense reflected light reflected by the reference surface 122. In these examples, the reference surface 122 acts as the abovedescribed reflection surface.

[0074] Accordingly, in these examples, the colour of the reference surface 122 may be sensed by the tristimulus colour sensor 106. It is advantageous that the reference surface 122 is of a known reference colour. In some examples, the reference colour is white.

[0075] In some examples, both the source 104 and the tristimulus colour sensor 106 are positioned in the reception section 112. In this manner, a simple arrangement to direct light to and sense reflected light from the reference surface 122 is provided. In some examples, both the source 104 and the tristimulus colour sensor 106 are provided on the same printed circuit board as an integrated colour detection module.

[0076] In some examples, the source 104 and sensor 106 may be provided at a surface of the cavity 302 provided by the receiving region 102. However, in some examples, it may be desirable that the source 104 and sensor 106 are not directly exposed to the cavity 302. Figure 3 is a schematic sketch of the receiving region 102, according to examples. In these examples, the receiving region 102 comprises the cavity 302 where the consumable article 108 can be accommodated. In these examples, the source 104 and the sensor 106 are provided on a single printed circuit board (PCB) to provide the integrated colour detection module 304. The integrated colour detection module 304 is hereafter referred to as the detection module 304, for brevity.

[0077] In these examples, the reception section 112 comprises a window 306 which is provided so as to face into the cavity 302. The window 306 comprises a material which allows the detection and reflected light to pass through it. In other words, the window 306 comprises a material which does not attenuate and / or modify the light passing through it, within acceptable tolerances for the purpose of the sensing to be performed by the tristimulus colour sensor 106.

[0078] In these examples, the detection unit 304 is positioned adjacent to the window 306 in a manner so that the source 104 directs the detection light through the window 306 and into the cavity 302 of the receiving region 102. The detection unit 304 is also positioned adjacent to the window 306 in a manner so that the sensor 106 can have impinge upon it the reflected light passing back through the window 306 from inside the cavity 302. This is depicted in a simplistic manner by dashed arrows in Figure 3. Figure 3 relates to some examples of how the source 104 and the sensor 106 may be positioned in the reception section 112.

[0079] Advantageously, in this manner, the sensor 106 and source 104 may not be exposed to the cavity 302, and therefore may not be exposed to particulate and the like which may be generated when the precursor material 116 is heated or dirt and the like from the outside environment.

[0080] In the examples of Figure 3, the reception section 112 has an inner cavity wall portion which acts as the reference surface 122.

[0081] In some examples, the controller is configured to detect a cleanliness level of the consumable article receiving region 102. More specifically, the controller may determine the cleanliness level inside the cavity 302 of the receiving region 102.

[0082] For example, the controller 124 may access reference data indicative of the output data from the sensor 106 which is to be expected from the reflected light from the reference surface 122, when the cleanliness level is high (in other words, the cavity 302 can be considered clean). For example, the controller 124 may access the reference data from a computer readable memory (not shown) comprised in the aerosol generation device 100. For example, the reference data may comprise tristimulus colour values corresponding to the reference surface in a state which is considered clean.

[0083] It will be appreciated that the colour information sensed by the sensor 106 will depend on the cleanliness of the reference surface (e.g., the presence or not of residue on the reference surface 122), the cleanliness of the window 306 in the examples of Figure 3, and what particles are present in the air within the cavity 302 in the reception section 112. Therefore, when performing a cleanliness determination, the controller 124 may compare the reference data to output data acquired as part of a cleanliness determination operation. For example, the controller 124 may determined the cleanliness level by comparing the reference data with the output data acquired as part of a cleanliness determination operation. For example, if there is a difference between the reference data and the output data acquired as part of a cleanliness determination operation, which difference is greater than a cleanliness threshold, the controller 124 may determine that a cleaning operation should be performed.

[0084] In some examples, the aerosol generation device 100 comprises a lid configured to transition between an open state in which it provides access into the receiving region 102, and a closed state in which it inhibits access into the receiving region 102. Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of the aerosol generation device 100, according to examples. In these examples, the device 100 comprises the lid 402. For example, the purpose of the lid 402 is to cover up the insertion opening 110 to inhibit entry of dust and the like, when the device 100 is not in use.

[0085] In some examples, the lid 402 may be a hinged lid. In some examples, the lid 402 may be a sliding lid. However, these are merely examples, and any suitable construction for temporarily covering up the insertion opening 110 may be used. When in the closed state, the lid 402 inhibits access by covering up / closing the insertion opening 110. On the other hand, in the open state, the position and / or orientation of the lid 402 is changed compared to the closed state so that the insertion opening 110 is covered to a lesser extent than in the closed state. It may be considered that Figure 4 illustrates the lid 402 in a partially open state. In some examples, the controller 124 is configured to detect the cleanliness level of the receiving region 102 when the lid 402 is in the closed state. For example, when the lid 402 is in the closed state, external light within the receiving region 102 may be minimized. Accordingly, acquisition of output data as part of the cleanliness determination operation may be performed without interference from external light, and based on the light from the source 104, thereby improving the reliability of the cleanliness determination. For example, external light may vary, e.g., due to different times of day, indoor lighting conditions and the like. It would be advantageous to remove the influence of such variation so that data for the cleanliness determination is acquired in a consistent manner.

[0086] In some examples, the aerosol generation device 100 comprises a signalling system configured to provide a signal to a user of the aerosol generation device 100. For example, the signalling system may comprise components which operate to provide an output which can be detected by the user. For example, the output may be a tactile output, an audible output, a visual output, a signal / data transmission to an external device, and the like. In examples where there is a signal / data transmission to an external device, the signal / data may be transmitted to a smartphone, other personal device of the user, and the like. In these examples, information according to the signal / data may be displayed to the user, for example, via a software application related to the aerosol generation device 100.

[0087] In some examples, there may be a combination of outputs. In the examples, of Figure 4, there is provided a visual signalling indicator 404, which is part of the described signalling system. For example, the visual signal indicator 404 comprises one or more LEDs which light up to output the desired signal.

[0088] In some examples, the controller 124 is configured to provide a signal via the signalling system based on a detection of the cleanliness level of the receiving region 102. For example, if the controller 124 has determined that the cleaning operation should be performed, the corresponding signal may be provided through the signalling system (e.g., via the visual signal indicator 404). The signal to indicate that the cleaning operation should be performed may be referred to as the cleaning signal. In this manner, the described features assist in the proper maintenance of the aerosol generation device 100. Said features provide an indication of the internal state of the device 100 to the user.

[0089] As previously described, the reflection surface may be a surface of the consumable article 108. For example, the consumable article 108 may comprise the indication section with the optically detectable indication 202. Figure 5 is a schematic sketch of the receiving region 102 with the consumable article 108 received therein, according to examples. For example, it can be seen that with the same configuration as shown in Figure 3, detection light can be directed at the optically detectable indication 202, and the reflected light therefrom can be sensed by the sensor 106. In this manner, colour information from the optically detectable indication 202 may be sensed and the information encoded in the optically detectable indication 202 may be determined by the controller 124, for example.

[0090] In some examples, the tristimulus colour sensor 106 is configured to produce tristimulus values for the colour space which corresponds with the colour space according to which the optically detectable indication 202 has been generated. For example, the optically detectable indication 202 may be printed using cyan, yellow, magenta and black inks (referred to as CYMK). In such examples, the tristimulus colour sensor may be configured for the CMY or CMYK colour space.

[0091] As one among many examples, a particular heating profile may be encoded in the optically detectable indication 202. Once determined, the controller 124 may operate the described heat generator according to the heating profile. Other information such as the type of the consumable article 108, the age of the consumable article 108, the flavour of the precursor material 116, materials comprised in the consumable article 108, and the like may be indicated. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are various pieces of information which may be useful for the controller 124 to determine for improved operation of the device 100 and / or to enhance the user-device interaction.

[0092] In some examples, the source 104 may be configured to operate in a way such that the detection light is not detectable to a human user. For example, the source 104 may be configured to flicker between an on state and an off state at a frequency such that resultant electromagnetic radiation is not detectable by the human user of the aerosol generation device 100. For example, the controller 124 may perform various operations and / or control other components on the basis of computer readable instructions stored in a computer readable memory with which the controller 124 is in data communication. In some examples, the controller 124 may retrieve and use reference data, for example, in the form of look-up tables which is merely one example, and the like. For example, the reference data may be a look-up table in which tristimulus colour values are stored in correspondence with characteristics of the consumable article.

[0093] In accordance with the present disclosure, there may be provided a method of use of an aerosol generation device, wherein the aerosol generation device is according to any of the described examples. For example, the method may comprise causing the source 104 to radiate the detection radiation. For example, the controller 124 may perform such control. For example, the source 104 may be controlled to flicker in the manner described above.

[0094] The method may also comprise sensing, using the tristimulus colour sensor 106, reflected light resulting from the detection light being reflected by the reflection surface.

[0095] As previously described, a surface of the consumable article 108 may act as the reflection surface, however, a surface of the receiving region 102 may also act as the reflection surface. In some examples, the method comprises causing the detection light to impinge on the consumable article 108 received in the receiving region 102. For example, a determination may be made as to whether a consumable article has been received in the receiving region. If it is determined that a consumable article has been received, the controller 124 may operate the source 104 to cause the detection light to impinge on the received consumable article.

[0096] The method may also comprise sensing reflected light resulting from the detection light being reflected by the consumable article. For example, the detection light may reflect from the optically detectable indication 202 provided in the indication section 120. For example, the detection light is modified as a result of being reflected from the consumable article at the location of the optically detectable indication 202, resulting in the reflected light. The method may also comprise identifying the consumable article 108 on the basis of the sensed reflected light. In these examples, an identity of the consumable article 108 (e.g., what type, flavour, etc., of consumable article it is) may be encoded in the optically detectable indication 202. The controller may use the data resulting from the sensing to determine said encoded information, and thereby identify the consumable article.

[0097] As previously described, while the reflection surface can be a surface of the consumable article, the reflection surface may also be a surface of the receiving region 102. Accordingly, in some examples, the method comprises sensing reflected light reflected by the reference surface in the receiving region 102, and detecting a cleanliness level of the receiving region 102 on the basis of the sensed reflected light reflected by the reference surface. For example, the method may comprise making such a detection when the device 100 is not in the middle of a session of use by the user, e.g., when the lid 402 is in the closed state.

[0098] In some examples, the method comprises causing the source 104 to flicker between an on state and an off state at a frequency such that the resultant light is not detectable by a human user of the device 100.

[0099] While certain components such as the consumable article and others, are depicted in the Figures as cylindrical, the disclosure is not limited to this. It will be appreciated that the aerosol generation device and the consumable article may be supplied in various other shapes and configurations.

[0100] It is important to note that the various features described above may be used in various combinations. Although preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims and as described above.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An aerosol generation device (100) for receiving a consumable article (108) comprising aerosol precursor material (116), the aerosol generation device (100) comprising: a consumable article receiving region (102) for receiving the consumable article (108); an electromagnetic radiation source (104) configured to radiate detection electromagnetic radiation into the consumable article receiving region (102); and a tristimulus colour sensor (106) configured to sense, in use, reflected electromagnetic radiation, the reflected electromagnetic radiation resulting from the detection electromagnetic radiation being reflected by a reflection surface present in the consumable article receiving region.

2. The aerosol generation device (100) according to claim 1 , wherein: the tristimulus colour sensor (106) comprises three detection channels in the visible wavelength range of the electromagnetic spectrum, and at least one infrared wavelength detection channel.

3. The aerosol generation device (100) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: the electromagnetic radiation source (104) is configured to flicker between an on state and an off state at a frequency such that resultant electromagnetic radiation is not detectable by a human user of the aerosol generation device (100).

4. The aerosol generation device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the consumable article receiving region (102) comprises an insertion opening (110), a reception section (112) and a heat provision section (114), the heat provision section (114) comprising a heat generator; the reception section (112) is positioned between the insertion opening (110) and the heat provision section (114) along a longitudinal axis (118) of the aerosol generation device (100); and the tristimulus colour sensor (106) is configured to sense the reflected electromagnetic radiation reflected by the reflection surface, which reflection surface is present in the reception section (112).

5. The aerosol generation device (100) according to claim 4, wherein: the reception section comprises a reference surface (122) having a reference colour; the electromagnetic radiation source (104) is positioned and oriented to radiate the detection electromagnetic radiation onto the reference surface (122); and the tristimulus colour sensor (106) is positioned and oriented to sense reflected electromagnetic radiation reflected by the reference surface (122).

6. The aerosol generation device according to claim 5, wherein: the reference colour is white.

7. The aerosol generation device according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein: both the electromagnetic radiation source (104) and the tristimulus colour sensor are positioned in the reception section (112).

8. The aerosol generation device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims comprising: a controller (124) configured to control the operation of the electromagnetic radiation source (104) and the tristimulus colour sensor (106).

9. The aerosol generation device (100) according to claim 8, comprising: a lid (402) configured to transition between an open state in which it provides access into the consumable article receiving region (102), and a closed state in which it inhibits access into the consumable article receiving region (102), wherein: the controller (124) is configured to detect a cleanliness level of the consumable article receiving region (102) when the lid (402) is in the closed state.

10. The aerosol generation device according to claim 9, comprising: a signalling system configured to provide a signal to a user of the aerosol generation device (100), wherein: the controller (124) is configured to provide a signal via the signalling system based on a detection of the cleanliness level of the consumable article receiving region (102).

11. The aerosol generation device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the electromagnetic radiation source (104) and the tristimulus colour sensor (106) are both provided as part of an integrated colour detection module (304).

12. A method of use of an aerosol generation device (100), the aerosol generation device (100) comprising: a consumable article receiving region (102) for receiving a consumable article (108); an electromagnetic radiation source (104) configured to radiate detection electromagnetic radiation into the consumable article receiving region (102); and a tristimulus colour sensor (106) configured to sense, in use, reflected electromagnetic radiation, the reflected electromagnetic radiation resulting from the detection electromagnetic radiation being reflected by a reflection surface present in the consumable article receiving region (102), wherein the method comprises: causing the electromagnetic radiation source (104) to radiate detection electromagnetic radiation; and sensing, using the tristimulus colour sensor (106), reflected electromagnetic radiation resulting from the detection electromagnetic radiation being reflected by the reflection surface.

13. The method according to claim 12, comprising: causing the detection electromagnetic radiation to impinge on a consumable article (108) received in the consumable articles receiving region (102); sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation resulting from the detection electromagnetic radiation being reflected by the consumable article (108); and identifying the consumable article (108) on the basis of the sensed reflected electromagnetic radiation.

14. The method according to claim 12 or claim 13, comprising: sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation reflected by a reference surface (122) in the consumable article receiving region, the reference surface (122) having a reference colour; anddetecting a cleanliness level of the consumable article receiving region (102) on the basis of the sensed reflected electromagnetic radiation reflected by the reference surface (122).

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, comprising: causing the electromagnetic radiation source (104) to flicker between an on state and an off state at a frequency such that resultant electromagnetic radiation is not detectable by a human user of the aerosol generation device (100).

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