Cigarette detection method for aerosol provision device and aerosol provision device

Abstract

There is provided a cigarette detection method for an aerosol provision device, an aerosol provision device, a computer device, and a computer-readable storage medium. The method comprises: detecting whether an object is inserted into the heating chamber of the device, and detecting whether the object possesses cigarette characteristics; determining that a cigarette is inserted into the heating chamber when detecting that an object is inserted into the heating chamber and the object is detected to possess cigarette characteristics.

Description

[0001] CIGARETTE DETECTION METHOD FOR AEROSOL PROVISION DEVICE AND AEROSOL PROVISION DEVICE

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the field of aerosol provision technology, and more particularly relates to a cigarette detection method for an aerosol provision device and an aerosol provision device.

[0004] Background

[0005] Heat-not-burn aerosol provision devices are electronic products designed to mimic traditional cigarettes in terms of smoke, taste, and sensation. These products, also known as "heat-not-burn" products or tobacco heating devices, generate aerosols by heating — rather than combusting — an aerosol generating material, such as a tobacco substrate, which is then inhaled by the user.

[0006] Summary

[0007] In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a method for detecting an article comprising aerosol generating material in an aerosol provision device heating chamber. The method comprises: detecting whether an object is at least partially inserted into the heating chamber; detecting whether the object possesses an article characteristic; and determining that an article comprising aerosol generating material is inserted into the heating chamber in response to detecting that an object is inserted into the heating chamber and detecting that the object possesses an article characteristic.

[0008] In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a cigarette detection method for an aerosol provision device. The method comprises: detecting whether an object is inserted into the heating chamber of the device, and detecting whether the object possesses cigarette characteristics; and determining that a cigarette is inserted into the heating chamber when detecting that an object is inserted into the heating chamber and the object is detected to possess cigarette characteristics.

[0009] By detecting whether an object enters the heating chamber of the device and by detecting whether the object that enters the heating chamber possesses cigarette characteristics, it can be determined whether the object that enters the heating chamber is a cigarette, which can improve the accuracy of cigarette detection. This may be achieved without auxiliary detection components such as metal sheets in the cigarette. This may reduce the chance of generating undesired substances during the heating process of the cigarette In some embodiments of any of the above, the method further comprises: allowing the heating device of the device to activate or be activated to heat when determining that a cigarette has been inserted into the heating chamber.

[0010] By setting that the heating device of the device is allowed to activate or be activated to heat only when it is determined that a cigarette is inserted into the heating chamber, the triggering of heating due to foreign objects entering the heating chamber can be avoided.

[0011] In some embodiments of any of the above, detecting whether an object is inserted into the heating chamber of the device comprises: determining whether an object is inserted into the heating chamber of the device by detecting whether a first detection mechanism is triggered to change on-off state, and if the first detection mechanism is triggered to change on-off state, determining that the object is inserted into the heating chamber of the device. The first detection mechanism is configured to be triggered by mechanical action to change on-off state when the object is inserted into the heating chamber.

[0012] In some embodiments of any of the above, detecting whether the object possesses cigarette characteristics comprises: monitoring the number of triggers the first detection mechanism is triggered within a preset time window; when the number of triggers is not less than a first preset threshold, determining that the object possesses cigarette characteristics. In some embodiments of any of the above, the preset time window is a time window defined in advance within the object's insertion time interval.

[0013] In some embodiments of any of the above, the method further comprises the step of determining the insertion time interval of the object, comprising: monitoring the time when the first detection mechanism is triggered for the first time and recording the time as the starting moment of the object’s insertion; and considering the time interval from the starting moment and extending for a preset duration as the insertion time interval.

[0014] In some embodiments of any of the above, the method further comprises the step of determining the insertion time interval of the object, comprising: monitoring the time when the first detection mechanism is triggered for the first time and recording the time as the starting moment of the object’s insertion; detecting the time when the object is inserted into the preset position in the heating chamber and recording the time as the completion moment of the object’s insertion; and considering the time interval from the starting moment to the completion moment as the insertion time interval.

[0015] In some embodiments of any of the above, the number of the preset time windows is more than one, wherein different time windows do not overlap with each other. In some embodiments of any of the above, each preset time window is within the insertion time interval. In some embodiments of any of the above, the number of triggers is the total number of times triggered within multiple preset time windows.

[0016] In some embodiments of any of the above, detecting whether the object possesses cigarette characteristics further comprises: using a second detection mechanism to measure the measured value M1 of a preset parameter item; and determining that the object possesses cigarette characteristics if the measured value M1 is not higher than a second preset threshold and the number of triggers is not less than the first preset threshold.

[0017] In some embodiments of any of the above, detecting whether the object possesses cigarette characteristics comprises: using a second detection mechanism to measure the measured value M1 of a preset parameter item; and determining that the object possesses cigarette characteristics if the measured value M1 is not higher than a second preset threshold.

[0018] In some embodiments of any of the above, detecting whether an object is inserted into the heating chamber of the device and detecting whether the object possesses cigarette characteristics comprises: determining whether the object is inserted into the heating chamber of the device by detecting whether a first detection mechanism is triggered to change on-off state, and if the first detection mechanism is triggered, determining that the object is inserted into the heating chamber of the device, wherein the first detection mechanism is configured to be triggered by mechanical action to change on-off state when the object is inserted into the heating chamber; measuring the measured value M1 of a preset parameter item by using a second detection mechanism after determining that the object is inserted into the heating chamber of the device; and determining that the object possesses cigarette characteristics if the measured value M1 is not higher than a second preset threshold.

[0019] In some embodiments of any of the above, detecting whether an object is inserted into the heating chamber of the device and detecting whether the object possesses cigarette characteristics further comprises: simultaneously obtaining the number of triggers the first detection mechanism is triggered within a preset time window upon determining that the object is inserted into the heating chamber of the device; and measuring the measured value M1 of the preset parameter item by using the second detection mechanism when the number of triggers is not less than the first preset threshold.

[0020] In some embodiments of any of the above, detecting whether an object is inserted into the heating chamber of the device and detecting whether the object possesses cigarette characteristics comprises: measuring the measured value M1 of a preset parameter item by using a second detection mechanism; obtaining the number of triggers a first detection mechanism is triggered within a preset time window when the measured value M1 is not higher than a second preset threshold; and determining that the object is inserted into the heating chamber of the device and that the object possesses cigarette characteristics when the number of triggers is not less than the first preset threshold.

[0021] In some embodiments of any of the above, measuring the measured value M1 of a preset parameter item by using the second detection mechanism comprises: sequentially detecting whether the measured value M1 within multiple consecutive preset time windows is not higher than a second preset threshold in chronological order, and if so, stopping the cycle. In some embodiments of any of the above, the multiple consecutive preset time windows are time windows defined in advance within the object's insertion time interval, the object's insertion time interval is determined based on the starting time of the object's insertion and the duration of the insertion process.

[0022] In some embodiments of any of the above, obtaining the number of triggers a first detection mechanism is triggered within the preset time window comprises: obtaining the number of triggers the first detection mechanism is triggered within the preset time window when the measured value M1 is not higher than the second preset threshold.

[0023] In some embodiments of any of the above, obtaining the number of triggers a first detection mechanism is triggered within the preset time window comprises: obtaining the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within the next adjacent preset time window of the preset time window when the measured value M1 is not higher than the second preset threshold.

[0024] In some embodiments of any of the above, obtaining the number of triggers a first detection mechanism is triggered within the preset time window comprises: obtaining the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within any subsequent preset time window of the preset time window when the measured value M 1 is not higher than the second preset threshold.

[0025] In some embodiments of any of the above, obtaining the number of triggers the first detection mechanism is triggered within the preset time window comprises: obtaining the total number of triggers the first detection mechanism is triggered within the insertion time interval.

[0026] In some embodiments of any of the above, obtaining the number of triggers a first detection mechanism is triggered within the preset time window comprises: obtaining the total number of triggers the first detection mechanism is triggered within the subsequent remaining preset time windows after the preset time window when the measured value M1 is not higher than the second preset threshold.

[0027] In some embodiments of any of the above, after allowing the heating device of the device to activate or be activated to heat, the method further comprises: monitoring the on- off state of the first detection mechanism being triggered, and determining that the cigarette has been removed and stopping the heating device from heating when the on-off state of the first detection mechanism changes and persists for a first preset duration.

[0028] In some embodiments of any of the above, the step of monitoring the on-off state of the first detection mechanism being triggered is performed during the temperature rise stage.

[0029] In some embodiments of any of the above, after allowing the heating device of the device to activate or be activated to heat, the method further comprises: using the second detection mechanism to continuously detect the measured value M2 of the preset parameter item and determining that the cigarette has been removed and stopping the heating device from heating when the measured value M2 satisfies a first preset condition.

[0030] In some embodiments of any of the above, the step of using the second detection mechanism to continuously detect the measured value M2 of the preset parameter item is performed during the puffing session.

[0031] In some embodiments of any of the above, the measured value M2 satisfies the first preset condition, which comprises at least one of the following: the measured value M2 is less than a third preset threshold; the variation of the measured value M2 within a second preset duration is greater than the preset variation amount, and the measured value M2 at the preset time is less than a fourth preset threshold.

[0032] In some embodiments of any of the above, the fourth preset threshold is greater than the third preset threshold.

[0033] In some embodiments of any of the above, the preset parameter item comprises a dielectric constant.

[0034] In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a method for detecting an article comprising aerosol generating material in an aerosol provision device heating chamber, the method comprising: obtaining a first detection information for detecting whether an object is at least partially inserted into the heating chamber, and obtaining a second detection information for detecting whether the object possesses an article characteristic; determining that an article comprising aerosol generating material is at least partially inserted into the heating chamber when the first detection information satisfies a second predetermined condition and the second detection information simultaneously satisfies a third predetermined condition.

[0035] In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a cigarette detection method for an aerosol provision device. The method comprises: obtaining first detection information for detecting whether an object is inserted into a heating chamber of the device, and obtaining second detection information for detecting whether the object possesses cigarette characteristics; and determining that a cigarette is inserted into the heating chamber when the first detection information satisfies a second preset condition and the second detection information simultaneously satisfies a third preset condition.

[0036] By detecting whether an object enters the heating chamber of the device and by detecting whether the object that enters the heating chamber possesses cigarette characteristics, it is possible to determine whether the object that enters the heating chamber is a cigarette. This can improve the accuracy of cigarette detection. This may be achieved without auxiliary detection components such as metal sheets in the cigarette. This may reduce the chance of generating undesired substances during the heating process of the cigarette.

[0037] In some embodiments of any of the above, the method further comprises: allowing the heating device of the device to activate or be activated to heat when determining that the cigarette has been inserted into the heating chamber.

[0038] In some embodiments of any of the above, the first detection information comprises information on whether a first detection mechanism is triggered. In some embodiments of any of the above, the method further comprises: determining whether the first detection information satisfies the second preset condition to determine whether the object is inserted into the heating chamber of the device, comprising: determining whether the first detection mechanism is triggered to change the on-off state, and if the first detection mechanism is triggered to change the on-off state, determining that the object is inserted into the heating chamber of the device. In some embodiments of any of the above, the first detection mechanism is configured to be triggered by mechanical action to change the on-off state when the object is inserted into the heating chamber.

[0039] In some embodiments of any of the above, the second detection information comprises the number of triggers the first detection mechanism is triggered within a preset time window. In some embodiments of any of the above, the method further comprises: determining whether the second detection information satisfies the third preset condition to determine whether the object possesses cigarette characteristics, comprising: obtaining the number of triggers the first detection mechanism is triggered within the preset time window; and determining that the object possesses cigarette characteristics when the number of triggers is not less than a first preset threshold. In some embodiments of any of the above, the preset time window is a time window defined in advance within the object's insertion time interval.

[0040] In some embodiments of any of the above, the method further comprises the step of determining the insertion time interval of the object, comprising: monitoring the time when the first detection mechanism is triggered for the first time and recording the time as the starting moment of the object’s insertion; and considering the time interval from the starting moment and extending for a preset duration as the insertion time interval.

[0041] In some embodiments of any of the above, the method further comprises the step of determining the insertion time interval of the object, comprising: monitoring the time when the first detection mechanism is triggered for the first time and recording the time as the starting moment of the object’s insertion; detecting the time when the object is inserted into a preset position in the heating chamber and recording the time as the completion moment of the object’s insertion; and considering the time interval from the starting moment to the completion moment as the insertion time interval.

[0042] In some embodiments of any of the above, the number of the preset time windows is more than one, wherein different time windows do not overlap with each other. In some embodiments of any of the above, the number of triggers is the total number of times triggered within multiple preset time windows.

[0043] In some embodiments of any of the above, the second detection information further comprises a measured value M1 of a preset parameter item detected by a second detection mechanism. In some embodiments of any of the above, determining whether the second detection information satisfies the third preset condition to determine whether the object possesses cigarette characteristics further comprises: obtaining the measured value M1 of the preset parameter item detected by the second detection mechanism; and determining that the object possesses cigarette characteristics when the measured value M1 is not higher than a second preset threshold and the number of triggers is not less than the first preset threshold.

[0044] In some embodiments of any of the above, the method further comprises: determining whether the second detection information satisfies the third preset condition to determine whether the object possesses cigarette characteristics comprises: obtaining the measured value M1 of the preset parameter item detected by the second detection mechanism; and determining that the object possesses cigarette characteristics when the measured value M1 is not higher than a second preset threshold.

[0045] In some embodiments of any of the above, the first detection information comprises information on whether a first detection mechanism is triggered; a second detection information comprises the number of triggers the first detection mechanism is triggered within a preset time window. In some embodiments of any of the above, the method further comprises: determining whether the first detection information satisfies the second preset condition to determine whether the object is inserted into the heating chamber of the device, and determining whether the second detection information satisfies the third preset condition to determine whether the object possesses cigarette characteristics, comprising: determining whether the first detection mechanism is triggered to change the on-off state, and if the first detection mechanism is triggered to change the on-off state, determining that the object is inserted into the heating chamber of the device; the first detection mechanism is configured to be triggered by mechanical action to change the on-off state when the object is inserted into the heating chamber; after determining that the object is inserted into the heating chamber of the device, obtaining the measured value M1 of a preset parameter item detected by the second detection mechanism; and determining that the object possesses cigarette characteristics if the measured value M1 is not higher than a second preset threshold.

[0046] In some embodiments of any of the above, the second detection information further comprises the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered. In some embodiments of any of the above, determining whether the second detection information satisfies the third preset condition to determine whether the object possesses cigarette characteristics, comprises: simultaneously obtaining the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within the preset time window upon determining that the object is inserted into the heating chamber of the device; and when the number of triggers is not less than the first preset threshold, obtaining the measured value M1 of the preset parameter item detected by the second detection mechanism.

[0047] In some embodiments of any of the above, the first detection information comprises information on whether a first detection mechanism is triggered; the second detection information comprises the measured value M1 of a preset parameter item detected by a second detection mechanism. In some embodiments of any of the above, the method further comprises: determining whether the first detection information satisfies the second preset condition and whether the second detection information satisfies the third preset condition to determine if the cigarette is inserted into the heating chamber of the device, comprising: obtaining the measured value M1 of the preset parameter item detected by the second detection mechanism; obtaining the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within a preset time window when the measured value M1 is not higher than a second preset threshold; and determining that a cigarette is inserted into the heating chamber of the device when the number of triggers is not less than the first preset threshold.

[0048] In some embodiments of any of the above, obtaining the measured value M1 of the preset parameter item detected by the second detection mechanism comprises: sequentially detecting whether the measured value M1 within multiple consecutive preset time windows is not higher than a second preset threshold in chronological order, and if so, stopping the cycle. In some embodiments of any of the above, the multiple consecutive preset time windows are time windows defined in advance within the object's insertion time interval, the object's insertion time interval is determined based on the starting time of the object's insertion and the duration of the insertion process.

[0049] In some embodiments of any of the above, obtaining the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within the preset time window comprises: obtaining the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within the preset time window when the measured value M1 is not higher than the second preset threshold.

[0050] In some embodiments of any of the above, obtaining the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within the preset time window comprises: obtaining the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within the next adjacent preset time window of a preset time window when the measured value M1 is not higher than the second preset threshold.

[0051] In some embodiments of any of the above, obtaining the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within the preset time window comprises: obtaining the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within any subsequent preset time window of a preset time window when the measured value M1 is not higher than the second preset threshold.

[0052] In some embodiments of any of the above, obtaining the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within the preset time window comprises: obtaining the total number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within the insertion time interval.

[0053] In some embodiments of any of the above, obtaining the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within the preset time window comprises: obtaining the total number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within the subsequent remaining preset time windows after a preset time window when the measured value M1 is not higher than the second preset threshold.

[0054] In some embodiments of any of the above, after allowing the heating device of the aerosol provision device to activate or be activated to heat, the method further comprises: monitoring the on-off state of the first detection mechanism being triggered, and determining that the cigarette has been removed and stopping the heating device from heating when the on-off state of the first detection mechanism changes and persists for the first preset duration.

[0055] In some embodiments of any of the above, the step of monitoring the on-off state of the first detection mechanism being triggered is performed during the temperature rise stage.

[0056] In some embodiments of any of the above, after allowing the heating device of the aerosol provision device to activate or be activated to heat, the method further comprises: obtaining the measured value M2 of the preset parameter item continuously detected by the second detection mechanism, and when the measured value M2 satisfies the first preset condition, determining that the cigarette has been removed and stopping the heating device from heating.

[0057] In some embodiments of any of the above, the step of obtaining the measured value M2 of the preset parameter item continuously detected by the second detection mechanism is performed during the puffing session.

[0058] In some embodiments of any of the above, the measured value M2 satisfies the first preset condition, which comprises at least one of the following: the measured value M2 is less than a third preset threshold; and the variation of the measured value M2 within the second preset duration is greater than the preset variation amount, and the measured value M2 at the preset time is less than a fourth preset threshold.

[0059] In some embodiments of any of the above, the fourth preset threshold is greater than the third preset threshold.

[0060] In some embodiments of any of the above, the preset parameter item comprises a dielectric constant.

[0061] In accordance with an aspect, there is provided an aerosol provision device. The device is configured to perform the cigarette detection method for an aerosol provision device according to any of the above. In some embodiments of any of the above, the aerosol provision device comprises a heating chamber. In some embodiments of any of the above, the heating chamber is configured to receive at least a portion of an article comprising aerosol generating material. In some embodiments of any of the above, the aerosol provision device comprises a heating device configured to heat an article comprising aerosol generating material at least partially received in the heating chamber. In some embodiments of any of the above, the aerosol provision device comprises a processor configured to perform the methods of any of the above. In some embodiments of any of the above, the aerosol provision device comprises a determination module configured to determine whether an object inserted in the aerosol provision device is an article comprising aerosol generating material. In some embodiments of any of the above, the aerosol provision device comprises a first detection mechanism. In some embodiments of any of the above, the first detection mechanism is configured to change between an on state and an off state by mechanical action when an object is inserted into the heating chamber. In some embodiments of any of the above, the aerosol provision device comprises a second detection mechanism. In some embodiments of any of the above, the second detection mechanism is configured to measure a measured value M1 of a preset parameter item.

[0062] In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a computer device. The computer device comprises a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program executable on the processor, and when the computer program is executed by the processor, the device performs the cigarette detection method for an aerosol provision device according to any of the above.

[0063] In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program. When the computer program is executed, the computer-readable storage medium performs the cigarette detection method for an aerosol provision device according to any of the above.

[0064] The cigarette detection method for an aerosol provision device comprises: detecting whether an object is inserted into the heating chamber of the device, and detecting whether the object possesses cigarette characteristics; determining that a cigarette is inserted into the heating chamber when detecting that an object is inserted into the heating chamber and the object is detected to possess cigarette characteristics. The accuracy of cigarette detection may thus be improved, and the failure or misactivation of subsequent operations such as the self-activation of the aerosol provision device may be made less likely or avoided. This can be achieved without auxiliary detection components such as metal sheets in the cigarette. This may reduce the chance of generating undesired substances. Additional aspects and advantages will be described in the following description.

[0065] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0066] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0067] Figure 1 is a flowchart of a cigarette detection method for an aerosol provision device;

[0068] Figure 2 is a flowchart of a cigarette detection method for an aerosol provision device; and

[0069] Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of a computer device.

[0070] Detailed Description

[0071] 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 not intended to limit the scope of protection.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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. 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B12.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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. 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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. 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] The one or more other functional materials may comprise one or more of pH regulators, colouring agents, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and / or antioxidants.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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 aerosolmodifying agent may be in powder, thread or granule form. The aerosol-modifying agent may be free from filtration material.

[0102] 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 aerosol-generating 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. 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.

[0103] 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 "cartomizer") 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.

[0104] 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. Existing cigarette insertion detection schemes include adding a metal sheet conductor inside the cigarette and using an electromagnetic coil correspondingly arranged inside the aerosol provision device to detect whether a cigarette is inserted. This method may cause the generation of undesired substances after the cigarette is heated. It is also known to add a capacitance detection sensor inside the aerosol provision device to detect whether a cigarette is inserted. However, when the humidity of the cigarette is low, the change in the capacitance value is not obvious, which may cause the capacitance detection sensor to fail to detect whether a cigarette is inserted, thus affecting subsequent operations such as the self-activation of the aerosol provision device.

[0105] A new cigarette detection method for an aerosol provision device is provided. This method determines whether the object that enters the heating chamber of the device is a cigarette by detecting whether an object enters the heating chamber of the device and by detecting whether the object that enters the heating chamber possesses cigarette characteristics. This can improve the accuracy of cigarette detection. At the same time, there is no need to additionally add auxiliary detection components such as metal sheets in the cigarette. Therefore, no unknown harmful substances will be generated during the heating process of the cigarette, preventing the impact on the health of users.

[0106] A cigarette is an example of an article comprising aerosol generating material. The term ‘cigarette’ is used in this specification as interchangeable with the terms ‘article comprising aerosol generating material’ and ‘article’. References herein to a cigarette may be construed as references to an article comprising aerosol generating material.

[0107] Figure 1 is a flowchart of a cigarette detection method for an aerosol provision device. This method is applied to the side of the cigarette detection system. Referring to Figure 1, the method comprises the following steps:

[0108] Step S110 comprises detecting whether an object is inserted into the heating chamber of the device, and detecting whether the object possesses cigarette characteristics.

[0109] In embodiments, the cigarette detection system comprises a first detection mechanism and a second detection mechanism arranged inside the aerosol provision device. The first detection mechanism is configured to detect whether an object enters the heating chamber of the device, and the second detection mechanism is configured to detect whether the object that enters the heating chamber possesses cigarette characteristics. Any suitable object detection mechanism that can be used for an aerosol provision device can be used as the first detection mechanism or the second detection mechanism. For example, the first detection mechanism can adopt any one or a combination of several of a microswitch, an infrared detection device, an ultrasonic detection device, and an optical detection device. In embodiments, the first detection mechanism is a detection mechanism using the reliable dichotomy method. That is, the first detection result obtained by the detection of the first detection mechanism must be one of the two detection results of insertion or noninsertion, and there is no third detection result. In embodiments, the first detection mechanism has a binary output.

[0110] In embodiments, the cigarette comprises one of various rod-shaped or strip-shaped structures that are used to be inserted into the heating chamber and can be heated and atomized to generate an aerosol, such as those containing tobacco, those without tobacco but containing nicotine, and those without tobacco and without nicotine.

[0111] In embodiments, the first detection mechanism independently determines whether an object is inserted into the heating chamber of the device according to the detected first detection information; and / or, the second detection mechanism independently determines whether the object possesses cigarette characteristics according to the detected second detection information.

[0112] In embodiments, the cigarette detection system comprises a controller. The detection mechanism (including the first detection mechanism and the second detection mechanism) generates detection information and sends it to the controller, or the controller monitors the state of the detection mechanism to generate detection information. The controller determines whether an object is inserted into the heating chamber of the device and whether the object possesses cigarette characteristics according to the detection information.

[0113] Step S120 comprises determining that a cigarette is inserted into the heating chamber when detecting that an object is inserted into the heating chamber and the object is detected to possess cigarette characteristics.

[0114] When it is detected that an object is inserted into the heating chamber and it is detected that the object possesses cigarette characteristics, it is determined that a cigarette is inserted into the heating chamber. Otherwise, it is determined that no cigarette is inserted into the heating chamber or other objects except cigarettes are inserted into the heating chamber.

[0115] In embodiments, the controller determines whether a cigarette is inserted into the heating chamber according to the relevant information. In embodiments, the function of the controller is realized by a microcontroller (MCU) configured in the aerosol provision device itself, so that there is no need to additionally increase the hardware cost of the aerosol provision system. In embodiments, the controller can be an independent functional module, which can be integrated in the aerosol provision device, or can be an external device that can perform information interaction with the aerosol provision device.

[0116] The aerosol provision device comprises a judgment module. The judgment module determines whether a cigarette is inserted into the heating chamber. In embodiments, the judgment module is configured to use a matching algorithm to determine whether a cigarette is inserted into the heating chamber. Any suitable matching algorithm can be used in the present application.

[0117] In embodiments, the judgment module is a determination module. The determination module is configured to determine whether a cigarette is inserted into the heating chamber.

[0118] In embodiments, the method further comprises: when determining that a cigarette is inserted into the heating chamber, allowing the heating device of the device to activate or be activated to heat. the aerosol provision device comprises a heating device. Only when it is determined that a cigarette is inserted into the heating chamber is the aerosol provision device allowed to start. At this time, setting the heating device of the aerosol provision device to be automatically activated or allowed to be activated (such as being activated by an external instruction) for heating can prevent the aerosol provision device from malfunctioning due to incorrect judgment and improve safety performance.

[0119] In embodiments, the control instruction for controlling the activation or being activated for heating of the heating device is executed by the controller.

[0120] The aerosol provision device comprises a power supply to supply power to the heating device. Any known power supply suitable for use in an aerosol provision device can be used.

[0121] In embodiments, the aerosol provision device also comprises an indicator light. The indicator light is configured to prompt the judgment module to determine whether the object inserted into the heating chamber is a cigarette. In embodiments, the indicator light is configured to display different colors or different brightness levels. In embodiments, the indicator light is configured to prompt the judgment module to determine whether the object inserted into the heating chamber is a cigarette by displaying different colors. In embodiments, when the judgment module determines that the object inserted into the heating chamber is a cigarette, the indicator light displays one color, and when the judgment module determines that the object inserted into the heating chamber is not a cigarette, the indicator light displays another color. In embodiments, when the judgment module determines that the object inserted into the heating chamber is a cigarette, the indicator light displays a color with one brightness level, and when the judgment module determines that the object inserted into the heating chamber is not a cigarette, the indicator light displays a color with another brightness level.

[0122] In embodiments, detecting whether an object is inserted into the heating chamber of the device comprises: determining whether an object is inserted into the heating chamber of the device by detecting whether the first detection mechanism is triggered to change an on- off state. If the first detection mechanism is triggered to change the on-off state, it is determined that an object is inserted into the heating chamber of the device. The first detection mechanism is configured to be triggered by mechanical action to change the on-off state when the object is inserted into the heating chamber.

[0123] In embodiments, the above steps are executed by the controller. The on-off state is the first detection information, and the controller determines whether an object is inserted into the heating chamber of the device according to the first detection information.

[0124] In embodiments, the first detection mechanism comprises a microswitch. Using a microswitch as the first detection mechanism, compared with an infrared detection device and an ultrasonic detection device, may have a lower cost, and the detection sensitivity may be less affected by external factors (such as high temperature, e-liquid, ash, etc.). The aerosol provision device is configured to heat the cigarette at a high temperature during operation, and too high a temperature may damage the precision components in the infrared detection device and the ultrasonic detection device. Substances such as e-liquid and ash may be generated during the heating process of the cigarette, and if the e-liquid and ash adhere to the detection heads of the infrared detection device or the ultrasonic detection device, it may affect the detection sensitivity.

[0125] Any suitable microswitch that can be used for an aerosol provision device can be used as the first detection mechanism. In embodiments, the first detection mechanism is configured to be triggered by mechanical action to change the on-off state when the object is inserted into the heating chamber. For example, the first detection mechanism comprises an elastic member arranged in the heating chamber and a detection circuit. The elastic member can move along the heating chamber under the action of an external force (such as the squeezing force of the object on it), that is, when the object squeezes the elastic member, the elastic member will move in a direction away from the object. The detection circuit comprises an on-off point, and the on-off point is set at a position opposite to the elastic member, so that the elastic member acts on the on-off point when it is squeezed by the object, causing the on-off state of the detection circuit to change. In embodiments, the direction in which the elastic member is away from the object is the same as the direction close to the detection circuit.

[0126] In embodiments, the change in the on-off state of the detection circuit of the first detection mechanism (i.e., the microswitch) is that the detection circuit changes from the original unconnected state to the connected state, or that the detection circuit changes from the original connected state to the unconnected state. When the on-off state of the detection circuit changes, it is considered that an object is inserted into the heating chamber of the device.

[0127] In embodiments, detecting whether the object possesses cigarette characteristics comprises detecting the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within a preset time window. When the number of triggers is not less than a first preset threshold, it is determined that the object possesses cigarette characteristics. In embodiments, the preset time window is a preset time window beginning with the insertion of the object.

[0128] In embodiments, detecting whether the object possesses cigarette characteristics comprises using a microswitch. T that is, the second detection mechanism can also employ a microswitch. When both detecting whether an object is inserted into the heating chamber and detecting whether the object possesses cigarette characteristics are realized by using a microswitch, the first detection mechanism and the second detection mechanism can be realized by using the same microswitch, which can reduce the hardware cost of the product.

[0129] Due to the structural characteristics of the objects, the situations in which the microswitch is triggered are different during the process of inserting different objects into the heating chamber. For example, due to the structural characteristics of the cigarette itself, during the process of inserting it into the heating chamber, the microswitch will fluctuate due to the non-absolutely stable contact. Based on this, by monitoring the number of times the microswitch is triggered within a preset time window, when the number of triggers is not less than the first preset threshold, it is determined that the object possesses cigarette characteristics.

[0130] The specific size of the preset time window is not limited. In embodiments, the preset time window can be 0.5s, 1s, 1.5s, 2s, 2.5s, 3s, 3.5s, 4s.

[0131] The first preset threshold can be set according to the structural characteristics of the cigarette itself, the relevant parameters of the microswitch, and the preset time window. The longer the duration of the preset time window, the larger the value of the first preset threshold. Conversely, the shorter the duration of the preset time window, the smaller the value of the first preset threshold. In embodiments, when the preset time window is 2s, the first preset threshold can be 63 to 125. For example, the first preset threshold can be 63, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125. In embodiments, the first preset threshold is 75.

[0132] In embodiments, the method comprises determining the insertion time interval of the object. In embodiments, determining the insertion time interval of the object includes: monitoring the time when the first detection mechanism is triggered for the first time, and recording it as the starting moment of the object's insertion; regarding the time interval from the starting moment and lasting for a preset duration as the insertion time interval.

[0133] The preset duration is not specifically limited. In In embodiments, determining the insertion time interval of the object includes: monitoring the time when the first detection mechanism is triggered for the first time, and recording it as the starting moment of the object's insertion; detecting the time when the object is inserted into the predetermined position of the heating chamber, and recording it as the completion moment of the object's insertion; and regarding the time interval from the starting moment to the completion moment as the insertion time interval.

[0134] The predetermined position of the heating chamber is not specifically limited. In embodiments, the predetermined position can be the position reached after the object is completely inserted into the heating chamber.

[0135] In embodiments, there are multiple preset time windows, and different preset time windows do not overlap with each other. The number of triggers is the total number of times triggered within multiple preset time windows.

[0136] As described above, due to the structural characteristics of the cigarette itself, during the process of inserting it into the heating chamber, the microswitch (i.e. , the first detection mechanism) will fluctuate due to the non-absolutely stable contact. Therefore, within certain time periods of the insertion time interval, the number of times the microswitch (i.e., the first detection mechanism) is triggered may not reach the first preset threshold. Based on this, in order to improve the accuracy of detection, multiple preset time windows can be defined in advance within the insertion time interval of the object.

[0137] In embodiments, the different preset time windows do not overlap with each other, and the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within the preset time window monitored is the total number of times triggered within multiple preset time windows.

[0138] In embodiments, the different preset time windows may overlap with each other, and the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within the preset time window monitored is the number of times triggered within each preset time window. In embodiments, the durations of different preset time windows are equal, and the first preset thresholds corresponding to different preset time windows are equal.

[0139] In embodiments, the durations of different preset time windows are not equal, and the first preset thresholds corresponding to different preset time windows are not equal.

[0140] In embodiments, detecting whether the object possesses cigarette characteristics comprises using the second detection mechanism to detect the measured value M1 of a preset parameter item. When the measured value M1 is not higher than a second preset threshold and the number of triggers is not less than the first preset threshold, determining that the object possesses cigarette characteristics.

[0141] In embodiments, the second detection mechanism comprises a capacitance detection device. Any suitable capacitance detection device that can be used for an aerosol provision device can be used as the second detection mechanism.

[0142] In embodiments, the preset parameter item comprises the dielectric constant. Since different objects have different dielectric constants, when the second detection mechanism is a capacitance detection device, the category of the object entering the heating chamber can be identified by detecting the dielectric constant of the object. The objects that may enter the heating chamber comprise but are not limited to cigarettes, cleaning brushes, etc. The dielectric constant of tobacco is varies with the humidity of the tobacco, especially when the humidity of the tobacco is low. The dielectric constant of tobacco is higher when the humidity of the tobacco is higher. This may make it more difficult for the second detection mechanism to identify the cigarette. In embodiments, the cigarette is detected by combining the first detection mechanism and the second detection mechanism. In embodiments, first, the first detection mechanism detects whether an object enters the heating chamber of the device, then the combination of the first detection mechanism and the second detection mechanism is used to identify the category of the object that enters the heating chamber, and finally it is determined whether the object that enters the heating chamber is a cigarette by combining the detection results of the first detection mechanism and the second detection mechanism. This may improve the accuracy of cigarette detection.

[0143] The second preset threshold is not specifically limited. In embodiments, it can be set according to factors such as the parameters of the cigarette to be detected. In embodiments, the second preset threshold can be 25000 to 35000. For example, the second preset threshold can be 25000, 26000, 27000, 28000, 29000, 30000, 31000, 32000, 33000, 34000, 35000. In embodiments, the second preset threshold is 30000. In embodiments, detecting whether the object possesses cigarette characteristics comprises using the second detection mechanism to detect the measured value M1 of a preset parameter item. If the measured value M1 is not higher than the second preset threshold, it is determined that the object possesses cigarette characteristics.

[0144] In embodiments, when detecting the cigarette by combining the first detection mechanism and the second detection mechanism, the first detection mechanism is first used to detect whether an object enters the heating chamber of the device, then the second detection mechanism identifies the category of the object that enters the heating chamber, and determines whether the object that enters the heating chamber is a cigarette by combining the detection results of the first detection mechanism and the second detection mechanism.

[0145] In embodiments, detecting whether an object is inserted into the heating chamber of the device and detecting whether the object possesses cigarette characteristics comprise determining whether an object is inserted into the heating chamber of the device by detecting whether the first detection mechanism is triggered to change the on-off state. If the first detection mechanism is triggered, it is determined that an object is inserted into the heating chamber of the device. The first detection mechanism is configured to be triggered by mechanical action to change the on-off state when the object is inserted into the heating chamber. After determining that an object is inserted into the heating chamber of the device, the second detection mechanism is used to detect the measured value M1 of a preset parameter item. When the measured value M1 is not higher than the second preset threshold, it is determined that the object possesses cigarette characteristics.

[0146] In embodiments, in order to reduce the workload of the detection mechanism during the detection process and improve the detection efficiency, it is possible to first determine whether an object is inserted into the heating chamber of the device by detecting whether the first detection mechanism is triggered to change the on-off state. If the first detection mechanism is triggered, it is determined that an object is inserted into the heating chamber of the device. The second detection mechanism can then be used to detect the measured value M1 of the preset parameter item to determine whether the object possesses cigarette characteristics. Otherwise, if the first detection mechanism is not triggered, it is determined that no object is inserted into the heating chamber of the device. In this case, the detection process is directly ended, and the second detection mechanism is no longer activated to determine whether the object possesses cigarette characteristics.

[0147] In embodiments, detecting whether an object is inserted into the heating chamber of the device and detecting whether the object possesses cigarette characteristics comprise: simultaneously obtaining the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within a preset time window upon determining that an object is inserted into the heating chamber of the device. When the number of triggers is not less than the first preset threshold, the second detection mechanism is used to detect the measured value M1 of a preset parameter item.

[0148] As described above, in order to improve the accuracy of cigarette detection, when determining whether the object that enters the heating chamber possesses cigarette characteristics, the combination of the first detection mechanism and the second detection mechanism can be used., That is, determining whether the object that enters the heating chamber is a cigarette may comprise combining the detection results of the first detection mechanism and the second detection mechanism.

[0149] In embodiments, detecting whether an object is inserted into the heating chamber of the device and detecting whether the object possesses cigarette characteristics comprise: using the second detection mechanism to detect the measured value M1 of a preset parameter item; when the measured value M1 is not higher than the second preset threshold, obtaining the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within a preset time window; and when the number of triggers is not less than the first preset threshold, determining that an object is inserted into the heating chamber of the device and that the object possesses cigarette characteristics.

[0150] In embodiments, the second detection mechanism can be first used to detect the measured value M1 of the preset parameter item. When the measured value M1 is not higher than the second preset threshold, it can be preliminarily determined that a cigarette has entered the heating chamber. However, based on the fact that the dielectric constant of tobacco varies with the humidity of the tobacco, especially when the humidity of the tobacco is low, it may be difficult for the second detection mechanism to identify the cigarette. This may reduce the accuracy of the detection result when only the second detection mechanism is used for cigarette detection. The accuracy may be increased by obtaining the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within the preset time window. If the number of triggers is not less than the first preset threshold, it is determined that an object is inserted into the heating chamber of the device and the object possesses cigarette characteristics. In this way, not only may the accuracy of the detection result be improved, but also the workload of the detection mechanism during the detection process may be reduced, and the detection efficiency may be improved.

[0151] In embodiments, using the second detection mechanism to detect the measured value M1 of the preset parameter item comprises: sequentially detecting in a loop whether the measured value M1 within multiple consecutive preset time windows is not higher than the second preset threshold in chronological order, and if so, stopping the loop. In embodiments, the multiple consecutive preset time windows are time windows defined in advance within the insertion time interval of the object; the insertion time interval of the object is determined according to the starting moment of the object's insertion and the duration of the insertion process.

[0152] As described above, there can be multiple preset time windows in embodiments. In embodiments, when using the second detection mechanism to detect the measured value M1 of the preset parameter item, it is possible to sequentially detect in a loop whether the measured value M1 within multiple consecutive preset time windows is not higher than the second preset threshold in chronological order. If so, the loop is stopped. Otherwise, the method continues to detect the measured value M1 of the preset parameter item within the next preset time window.

[0153] In embodiments, obtaining the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within the preset time window comprises obtaining the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within the preset time window when the measured value M1 is not higher than the second preset threshold. That is, the preset time window for obtaining the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered is the same time window as the preset time window for detecting the measured value M1 of the preset parameter item.

[0154] In embodiments, obtaining the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within the preset time window comprises: obtaining the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within the next adjacent preset time window of the preset time window when the measured value M1 is not higher than the second preset threshold.

[0155] In embodiments, the preset time window for obtaining the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered is the next time window of the preset time window for detecting the measured value M1 of the preset parameter item.

[0156] In embodiments, obtaining the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within the preset time window comprises: obtaining the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within any subsequent preset time window of the preset time window when the measured value M1 is not higher than the second preset threshold. That is, the preset time window for obtaining the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered is any one of the subsequent time windows of the preset time window for detecting the measured value M1 of the preset parameter item. In embodiments, obtaining the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within the preset time window comprises: obtaining the total number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within the insertion time interval.

[0157] In embodiments, obtaining the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within the preset time window comprises: obtaining the total number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within the subsequent remaining preset time windows after the preset time window when the measured value M1 is not higher than the second preset threshold.

[0158] In embodiments, after allowing the heating device of the device to activate or be activated to heat, the method comprises: monitoring the on-off state of the first detection mechanism being triggered, and when the on-off state of the first detection mechanism changes and persists for the first preset duration, determining that the cigarette has been removed and stopping the heating device from heating.

[0159] The first preset duration is not specifically limited, and the user can set it according to actual detection needs. For example, the first preset duration can be 2s.

[0160] In embodiments, the step of monitoring the on-off state of the first detection mechanism being triggered is performed during the temperature rise stage.

[0161] The temperature rise stage refers to the process in which the heating device heats the cigarette after it is inserted into the heating chamber until an aerosol sufficient for the user to inhale is generated. By monitoring the on-off state of the first detection mechanism being triggered during the temperature rise stage, when the on-off state of the first detection mechanism changes and persists for the first preset duration, it can be determined that the cigarette has been removed and the heating device can be stopped from heating, which can timely detect and stop the heating device from heating when the cigarette is removed. This may reduce the chance that the heating device continues to heat without a cigarette, which mayreducing energy waste.

[0162] In embodiments, after allowing the heating device of the device to activate or be activated to heat, the method comprises: using the second detection mechanism to continuously detect the measured value M2 of the preset parameter item, and when the measured value M2 satisfies the first preset condition, determining that the cigarette has been removed and stopping the heating device from heating.

[0163] In embodiments, the step of using the second detection mechanism to continuously detect the measured value M2 of the preset parameter item is performed during the puffing session. The puffing session is the process of the user inhaling. By using the second detection mechanism to detect the measured value M2 of the preset parameter item during the puffing session, when the measured value M2 satisfies the first preset condition, it is determined that the cigarette has been removed and the heating device is stopped from heating. This may timely detect and stop the heating device from heating when the cigarette is removed, which may avoid the heating device continuing to heat without a cigarette and reducing energy waste.

[0164] In embodiments, the measured value M2 satisfying the first preset condition comprises at least one of the following:

[0165] The measured value M2 is less than the third preset threshold;

[0166] The variation of the measured value M2 within the second preset duration is greater than a preset variation, and the measured value M2 at the preset moment is less than a fourth preset threshold.

[0167] In embodiments, the fourth preset threshold is greater than the third preset threshold.

[0168] The preset variation, the third preset threshold, and the fourth preset threshold are not specifically limited, and the user can set them according to actual detection needs. In embodiments, the preset variation can be 22000 to 28000. In embodiments, the preset variation can be 22000, 23000, 24000, 25000, 26000, 27000, 28000. In embodiments, the preset variation is 25000; the third preset threshold can be -7500 to -6500. In embodiments, the third preset threshold can be -7500, -7200, -7000, -6800, -6500. In embodiments, the third preset threshold may be -7000; the fourth preset threshold can be 800 to 1200. In embodiments, the fourth preset threshold may be 800, 850, 900, 950, 1000, 1050, 1100, 1150, 1200. In embodiments, the fourth preset threshold may be 1000.

[0169] The second preset duration is not specifically limited, and the user can set it according to actual detection needs. In embodiments, the second preset duration can be 2s, etc. The preset moment can be any moment after it is detected that the variation of the measured value M2 is greater than the preset variation, or any moment within the second preset duration after it is detected that the variation of the measured value M2 is greater than the preset variation.

[0170] Figure 2 shows a cigarette detection method for an aerosol provision device. The method is similar to the above described method, except that the cigarette detection method is applied to the controller side. Referring to Figure 2, the method comprises the following steps: Step S210 comprises obtaining the first detection information for detecting whether an object is inserted into the heating chamber of the device, and obtaining the second detection information for detecting whether the object possesses cigarette characteristics.

[0171] The method is applied to the controller side. In embodiments, the controller can be a microcontroller (MCU) configured in the aerosol provision device itself, so that there is no need to additionally increase the hardware cost of the aerosol provision system. In embodiments, the controller can be an independent functional module, which can be integrated in the aerosol provision device, or can be an external device that can perform information interaction with the aerosol provision device.

[0172] In embodiments, the first detection information can be obtained through the first detection mechanism, and the second detection information can be obtained through the second detection mechanism. Any suitable first detection mechanism and second detection mechanism may be used.

[0173] Step S220 comprises when the first detection information satisfies the second preset condition and the second detection information simultaneously satisfies a third preset condition, determining that a cigarette is inserted into the heating chamber.

[0174] When the first detection information satisfies the second preset condition, it is determined that an object is inserted into the heating chamber of the device. When the second detection information satisfies the third preset condition, it is determined that the object inserted into the heating chamber of the device possesses cigarette characteristics. Therefore, when the first detection information satisfies the second preset condition and the second detection information simultaneously satisfies the third preset condition, it is determined that a cigarette is inserted into the heating chamber.

[0175] In embodiments, the method comprises: when determining that a cigarette is inserted into the heating chamber, allowing the heating device of the device to activate or be activated to heat.

[0176] In embodiments, the aerosol provision device comprises a heating device. Only when it is determined that a cigarette is inserted into the heating chamber is the aerosol provision device allowed to start. At this time, setting the heating device of the aerosol provision device to be automatically activated or allowed to be activated (such as being activated by an external instruction) for heating can prevent the aerosol provision device from malfunctioning due to incorrect judgment and improve safety performance.

[0177] In embodiments, the first detection information comprises information on whether the first detection mechanism is triggered. The method comprises: determining whether the first detection information satisfies the second preset condition to determine whether an object is inserted into the heating chamber of the device, including: determining whether the first detection mechanism is triggered to change the on-off state. If the first detection mechanism is triggered to change the on-off state, it is determined that an object is inserted into the heating chamber of the device; and the first detection mechanism is configured to be triggered by mechanical action to change the on-off state when the object is inserted into the heating chamber.

[0178] In embodiments, the first detection mechanism is a microswitch. When the first detection mechanism is triggered to change the on-off state, it is considered that the first detection information satisfies the second preset condition, and at this time, it is considered that an object is inserted into the heating chamber of the device.

[0179] In embodiments, the second detection information comprises the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within a preset time window. The method comprises: determining whether the second detection information satisfies the third preset condition to determine whether the object possesses cigarette characteristics, including: obtaining the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within a preset time window; when the number of triggers is not less than the first preset threshold, determining that the object possesses cigarette characteristics. Wherein the preset time window is a time window defined in advance within the insertion time interval of the object.

[0180] When the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered is not less than the first preset threshold, it is considered that the second detection information satisfies the third preset condition, and at this time, it is considered that the object possesses cigarette characteristics.

[0181] In embodiments, the method comprises the step of determining the insertion time interval of the object, including: monitoring the time when the first detection mechanism is triggered for the first time, and recording it as the starting moment of the object's insertion; and regarding the time interval from the starting moment and lasting for a preset duration as the insertion time interval.

[0182] In embodiments, the method comprises determining the insertion time interval of the object, including: monitoring the time when the first detection mechanism is triggered for the first time, and recording it as the starting moment of the object's insertion; detecting the time when the object is inserted into a predetermined position of the heating chamber, and recording it as the completion moment of the object's insertion; and regarding the time interval from the starting moment to the completion moment as the insertion time interval. In embodiments, there are multiple preset time windows, and different preset time windows do not overlap with each other. The number of triggers is the total number of times triggered within multiple preset time windows.

[0183] In embodiments, the second detection information comprises the measured value M1 of a preset parameter item detected by the second detection mechanism and determining whether the second detection information satisfies the third preset condition to determine whether the object possesses cigarette characteristics comprises: obtaining the measured value M1 of the preset parameter item detected by the second detection mechanism; and when the measured value M1 is not higher than the second preset threshold and the number of triggers is not less than the first preset threshold, determining that the object possesses cigarette characteristics.

[0184] In embodiments, the second detection information comprises the measured value M1 of a preset parameter item detected by the second detection mechanism and the method comprises: determining whether the second detection information satisfies the third preset condition to determine whether the object possesses cigarette characteristics, including: obtaining the measured value M1 of the preset parameter item detected by the second detection mechanism; and if the measured value M1 is not higher than the second preset threshold, determining that the object possesses cigarette characteristics.

[0185] In embodiments, the first detection information comprises information on whether the first detection mechanism is triggered; the second detection information comprises the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within a preset time window. The method comprises: determining whether the first detection information satisfies the second preset condition to determine whether an object is inserted into the heating chamber of the device, and determining whether the second detection information satisfies the third preset condition to determine whether the object possesses cigarette characteristics, including: determining whether the first detection mechanism is triggered to change the on-off state. If the first detection mechanism is triggered to change the on-off state, it is determined that an object is inserted into the heating chamber of the device; the first detection mechanism is configured to be triggered by mechanical action to change the on-off state when the object is inserted into the heating chamber; after determining that an object is inserted into the heating chamber of the device, obtaining the measured value M1 of a preset parameter item detected by the second detection mechanism; and when the measured value M1 is not higher than the second preset threshold, determining that the object possesses cigarette characteristics. In embodiments, the second detection information comprises the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered, determining whether the second detection information satisfies the third preset condition to determine whether the object possesses cigarette characteristics comprises: simultaneously obtaining the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within a preset time window upon determining that an object is inserted into the heating chamber of the device; and when the number of triggers is not less than the first preset threshold, obtaining the measured value M1 of a preset parameter item detected by the second detection mechanism.

[0186] In embodiments, the first detection information comprises information on whether the first detection mechanism is triggered; the second detection information comprises the measured value M1 of a preset parameter item detected by the second detection mechanism. The method comprises: determining whether the first detection information satisfies the second preset condition and determining whether the second detection information satisfies the third preset condition to determine whether a cigarette is inserted into the heating chamber of the device, including: obtaining the measured value M1 of the preset parameter item detected by the second detection mechanism. When the measured value M1 is not higher than the second preset threshold, obtaining the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within a preset time window. When the number of triggers is not less than the first preset threshold, determining that a cigarette is inserted into the heating chamber of the device.

[0187] In embodiments, obtaining the measured value M1 of the preset parameter item detected by the second detection mechanism comprises: sequentially detecting in a loop whether the measured value M1 within multiple consecutive preset time windows is not higher than the second preset threshold in chronological order, and if so, stopping the loop. Wherein the multiple consecutive preset time windows are time windows defined in advance within the insertion time interval of the object; the insertion time interval of the object is determined according to the starting moment of the object's insertion and the duration of the insertion process.

[0188] In embodiments, obtaining the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within the preset time window comprises: obtaining the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within the preset time window when the measured value M1 is not higher than the second preset threshold.

[0189] In embodiments, obtaining the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within the preset time window comprises: obtaining the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within the next adjacent preset time window of the preset time window when the measured value M1 is not higher than the second preset threshold.

[0190] In embodiments, obtaining the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within the preset time window comprises: obtaining the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within any subsequent preset time window of the preset time window when the measured value M1 is not higher than the second preset threshold.

[0191] In embodiments, obtaining the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within the preset time window comprises: obtaining the total number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within the insertion time interval.

[0192] In embodiments, obtaining the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within the preset time window comprises: obtaining the total number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within the subsequent remaining preset time windows after the preset time window when the measured value M1 is not higher than the second preset threshold.

[0193] In embodiments, after allowing the heating device of the device to activate or be activated for heating, the method comprises: monitoring the on - off state of the first detection mechanism when it is triggered. When the on - off state of the first detection mechanism changes and lasts for the first preset duration, it is determined that the cigarette has been removed, and the heating device is stopped from heating.

[0194] In embodiments, the step of monitoring the on - off state of the first detection mechanism when it is triggered is carried out during the temperature - rising stage.

[0195] In embodiments, after allowing the heating device of the device to activate or be activated for heating, the method comprises: obtaining the measured value M2 of the preset parameter item continuously detected by the second detection mechanism. When the measured value M2 meets the first preset condition, it is determined that the cigarette has been removed, and the heating device is stopped from heating.

[0196] In embodiments, the step of obtaining the measured value M2 of the preset parameter item continuously detected by the second detection mechanism is carried out during the puffing session.

[0197] In embodiments, the measured value M2 meeting the first preset condition comprises at least one of the following: the measured value M2 is less than the third preset threshold; the change in the measured value M2 within the second preset duration is greater than the preset change, and the measured value M2 at the preset moment is less than the fourth preset threshold.

[0198] In embodiments, the fourth preset threshold is greater than the third preset threshold.

[0199] In the method of Figure 2, the first detection information and the second detection information can be generated by the first detection mechanism and the second detection mechanism respectively and sent to the controller, or monitored and generated by the controller from the first detection mechanism and the second detection mechanism.

[0200] For the controller, the first detection mechanism, and the second detection mechanism in Embodiment 2, reference can be made to the relevant descriptions in Embodiment 1 , and details are not repeated here.

[0201] Also disclosed is an aerosol provision device, which is configured to implement the cigarette detection methods for an aerosol provision device described above.

[0202] Also disclosed is a computer device, including: a processor and a memory. The memory stores a computer program that can run on the processor. When the computer program is executed by the processor, it executes one or more of the cigarette detection methods for an aerosol provision device described above.

[0203] Figure 3 shows a computer device 1500, comprising a processor 1510, a video display adapter 1511 , a disk drive 1512, an input / output interface 1513, a network interface 1514, and a memory 1520. The processor 1510, video display adapter 1511 , disk drive 1512, input / output interface 1513, network interface 1514, and memory 1520 are communicatively connected through a communication bus 1530.

[0204] The processor 1510 can be implemented by using a general-purpose CPU (Central Processing Unit), a microprocessor, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits, etc., and is used to execute relevant programs.

[0205] The memory 1520 can be implemented in the forms of ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), a static storage device, a dynamic storage device, etc. The memory 1520 can store an operating system 1521 for controlling the operation of the electronic device and a Basic Input Output System (BIOS) for controlling the low-level operations of the electronic device. In addition, it can also store a web browser 1523, a data storage management system 1524, a device identification information processing system 1525, and so on. The device identification information processing system 1525 can be the application program that implements the operations of the steps in the above described methods. In short, when the above described methods are implemented by software or firmware, the relevant program code is stored in the memory 1520 and called and executed by the processor 1510.

[0206] The input / output interface 1513 is used to connect an input / output module to achieve information input and output. The input / output module can be configured as a component in the device (not shown in the figure), or can be externally connected to the device to provide corresponding functions. The input device can comprise a keyboard, a mouse, a touch screen, a microphone, various sensors, etc., and the output device can comprise a display, a speaker, a vibrator, an indicator light, etc.

[0207] The network interface 1514 is used to connect a communication module (not shown in the figure) to achieve communication interaction between this device and other devices. The communication module can achieve communication through a wired method (such as USB, a network cable, etc.) or a wireless method (such as a mobile network, WIFI, Bluetooth, etc.).

[0208] The bus comprises a path for transmitting information among various components of the device (such as the processor 1510, video display adapter 1511 , disk drive 1512, input / output interface 1513, network interface 1514, and memory 1520).

[0209] The electronic device can obtain information about specific claiming conditions from the virtual resource object claiming condition information database for condition judgment.

[0210] Although the above device only shows the processor 1510, video display adapter 1511, disk drive 1512, input / output interface 1513, network interface 1514, memory 1520, bus, etc., the device may also comprise other components necessary for normal operation. In addition, those skilled in the art can understand that the above device may also only comprise the components necessary for implementing the solution of the present invention, and does not necessarily comprise all the components shown in the figure.

[0211] Also disclosed is a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium has stored thereon a computer program. When the computer program is executed by a processor, one or more of the above described methods are implemented.

[0212] The above described methods can be implemented by means of software and a general hardware platform. The software can be stored in a storage medium, such as a ROM / RAM, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, etc., and comprises several instructions for causing a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute one or more of the methods described above. The embodiments have been described in a progressive manner. For the same or similar parts among the various embodiments, reference can be made to each other, and each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments. In particular, for the system or system embodiments, since they are basically similar to the method embodiments, the description is relatively simple, and for the relevant parts, reference can be made to the partial description of the method embodiments. The systems and system embodiments described above are only illustrative. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components displayed as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place, or may be distributed on multiple network units. Some or all of the modules can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution of this embodiment. Each part of embodiments may be implemented by hardware, software, firmware or combinations thereof. In the above implementations, multiple steps or methods may be implemented with software or firmware stored in memory and executed by an appropriate instruction execution system. For example, if it is implemented by hardware, as in another implementation, it can be implemented by any one of the following technologies known in the art or combinations thereof: discrete logic circuits with logic gate circuits for implementing logic functions for data signal, special integrated circuits with appropriate combined logic gate circuits, programmable gate arrays (PGAs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc.

[0213] In the above, 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. In the above, the indicative expression of the above-mentioned terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the described specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable way in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0214] 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 of the present application, the term "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0215] Unless explicitly defined and limited, terms such as "mounting," "connecting," "connection," "fixing," etc., should be understood broadly. 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. 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 the application. Those skilled in the art within the scope of the application can make variations, modifications, replacements, and variations to the above-described embodiments.

Claims

Claims1. A method for detecting an article comprising aerosol generating material in an aerosol provision device heating chamber, the method comprising: detecting whether an object is at least partially inserted into the heating chamber; detecting whether the object possesses an article characteristic; and determining that an article comprising aerosol generating material is at least partially inserted into the heating chamber in response to detecting that an object is inserted into the heating chamber and detecting that the object possesses an article characteristic.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol provision device comprises a heating device, the method further comprising: allowing the heating device to activate or be activated to heat responsive to the determination that an article comprising aerosol generating material has been at least partially inserted into the heating chamber.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein detecting whether an object is at least partially inserted into the heating chamber comprises: detecting whether a first detection mechanism is triggered to change between an on state and an off state, and if the first detection mechanism is triggered to change between the on state and the off state, determining that the object is inserted into the heating chamber; wherein the first detection mechanism is configured to be triggered by mechanical action to change between the on state and the off state when an object is inserted into the heating chamber.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the detecting whether the object possesses an article characteristic comprises: calculating a number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within a time window; and if the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within the time window is not less than a first predetermined threshold, determining that the object possesses an article characteristic, wherein the time window is a time window of a predetermined duration within an insertion time interval of the object.

5. The method according to claim 3, wherein the detecting whether the object possesses an article characteristic comprises: calculating a total number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within a plurality of time windows; and if the total number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within the time windows is not less than a first predetermined threshold, determining that the object possesses an article characteristic, wherein each time window is a time window of a predetermined duration within an insertion time interval of the object wherein the time windows do not overlap with each other.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, the method comprising a step of determining the insertion time interval of the object, comprising: monitoring a time when the first detection mechanism is triggered for the first time and recording the time when the first detection mechanism is triggered for the first time as a starting time of the insertion time interval; and calculating the insertion time interval as extending for a predetermined duration from the starting time.

7. The method according to any of claims 4 to 6, the method comprising a step of determining the insertion time interval of the object, comprising: monitoring a time when the first detection mechanism is triggered for the first time and recording the time when the first detection mechanism is triggered for the first time as a starting time of the insertion time interval; detecting a time when the object is inserted into a predetermined position in the heating chamber and recording the time when the object is inserted into the predetermined position as an end time of the insertion time interval; calculating the insertion time interval as extending from the starting time to the end time.

8. The method according to any of claims 4 to 7, wherein detecting whether the object possesses an article characteristic comprises: using a second detection mechanism to measure a value M1 of a parameter item; determining that the object possesses the article characteristic if the value M1 is not higher than a second predetermined threshold and the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within the time window or the plurality of time windows is not less than the first predetermined threshold.

9. The method according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the detecting whether the object possesses an article characteristic comprises: using a second detection mechanism to measure a value M1 of a parameter item; determining that the object possesses the article characteristic if the value M1 is not higher than a second predetermined threshold.

10. The method according to claim 9 when dependent on claim 3, wherein the value M1 is measured after the determining that the object is at least partially inserted into the heating chamber.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the detecting whether an object is at least partially inserted into the heating chamber and the detecting whether the object possesses an article characteristic comprises: immediately obtaining the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within the time window upon determining that the object is at least partially inserted into the heating chamber; and measuring the value M1 of the parameter item by using the second detection mechanism when the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within the time window is not less than the first predetermined threshold.

12. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the detecting whether an object is at least partially inserted into the heating chamber and the detecting whether the object possesses an article characteristic comprises: measuring a value M1 of a parameter item by using a second detection mechanism; obtaining a number of times a first detection mechanism is triggered within a time window when the value M1 is not higher than a second predetermined threshold; determining that the object is at least partially inserted into the heating chamber and that the object possesses an article characteristic when the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within the time window is not less than the first predetermined threshold.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the measuring the value M1 comprises: sequentially detecting whether the value M1 within multiple consecutive time windows is not higher than a second predetermined threshold in chronological order, and if so, stopping the sequentially detecting;wherein the multiple consecutive time windows are time windows of predetermined duration within an insertion time interval of the object, and wherein the insertion time interval is determined based on a starting time of the object's insertion and a duration of the object’s insertion process.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the obtaining the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within the time window comprises: obtaining a number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within a time window when the measured value M1 is not higher than the second preset threshold.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein the obtaining the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within the time window comprises: obtaining a number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within a time window adjacent to a time window when the value M1 is not higher than the second predetermined threshold.

16. The method according to claim 13, wherein the obtaining the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within the time window comprises: obtaining a number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within any of a plurality of time windows subsequent to time window when the value M1 is not higher than the second predetermined threshold.

17. The method according to claim 13, wherein the obtaining the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within the time window comprises: obtaining a total number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within the insertion time interval.

18. The method according to claim 13, wherein the obtaining the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within the time window comprises: obtaining a total number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within a plurality of subsequent remaining time windows after a time window when the measured value M1 is not higher than the second preset threshold.

19. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 18, wherein after allowing the heating device to activate or be activated to heat, the method comprises: monitoring an on-off state of the first detection mechanism, and determining that the article has been removed and stopping the heating device from heating when the on-offstate of the first detection mechanism changes and persists for a first duration of predetermined length.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the step of monitoring the on-off state of the first detection mechanism is performed during a temperature rise stage.

21. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 18, wherein after allowing the heating device to activate or be activated to heat, the method comprises: using the second detection mechanism to continuously detect the value M2 of the parameter item and determining that the article has been removed from the heating chamber and stopping the heating device from heating when the value M2 satisfies a first predetermined condition.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein the step of using the second detection mechanism to continuously detect the value M2 of the preset parameter item is performed during a puffing session.

23. The method according to claim 21, wherein the first predetermined condition comprises at least one of the following: the value M2 is less than a third predetermined threshold; and a variation of the value M2 within a second predetermined duration is greater than a predetermined variation amount, and the value M2 at any time after detecting that the variation of the value M2 is greater than the predetermined variation or at any time within a second predetermined duration after detecting that the variation of the value of M2 is greater than the predetermined variation, is less than a fourth predetermined threshold.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein the fourth predetermined threshold is greater than the third predetermined threshold.

25. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 24, wherein the parameter item comprises a dielectric constant.

26. A method for detecting an article comprising aerosol generating material in an aerosol provision device heating chamber, the method comprising: obtaining a first detection information for detecting whether an object is at least partially inserted into the heating chamber, and obtaining a second detection information for detecting whether the object possesses an article characteristic;determining that an article comprising aerosol generating material is at least partially inserted into the heating chamber when the first detection information satisfies a second predetermined condition and the second detection information simultaneously satisfies a third predetermined condition.

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein the aerosol provision device comprises a heating device and the method comprises: allowing the heating device to activate or be activated to heat responsive to the determination that the article comprising aerosol generating material has been at least partially inserted into the heating chamber.

28. The method according to claim 27, wherein the first detection information comprises information on whether a first detection mechanism is triggered; the method comprising: determining whether the first detection information satisfies the second predetermined condition, by: determining whether the first detection mechanism is triggered to change between an on state and an off state and, if the first detection mechanism is triggered to change between the on state and the off state, determining that the object is at least partially inserted into the heating chamber of the device, wherein the first detection mechanism is configured to be triggered by mechanical action to change between the on state and the off state when the object is at least partially inserted into the heating chamber.

29. The method according to claim 28, wherein, the second detection information comprises a number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within a time window; the method comprising: determining whether the second detection information satisfies the third predetermined condition, by: obtaining the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within the time window; determining that the object possesses an article characteristic when the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within the time window is not less than a first predetermined threshold; wherein the time window is a time window of a predetermined duration within an insertion time interval of the object.

30. The method according to claim 28, wherein, the second detection information comprises a total number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within a plurality of time windows; the method comprising: determining whether the second detection information satisfies the third predetermined condition, by: obtaining the total number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within the plurality of time windows; determining that the object possesses an article characteristic when the total number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within the plurality of time windows is not less than a first predetermined threshold; wherein each time window is a time window of a predetermined duration within an insertion time interval of the object, wherein the time windows do not overlap with each other.

31. The method according to claim 29 or 30, the method comprising a step of determining the insertion time interval of the object, comprising: monitoring a time when the first detection mechanism is triggered for the first time and recording the time when the first detection mechanism is triggered for the first time as a starting time of the insertion time interval; calculating the insertion time interval as extending for a predetermined duration from the starting time.

32. The method according to claim 29 or 30, the method comprising a step of determining the insertion time interval of the object, comprising: monitoring a time when the first detection mechanism is triggered for the first time and recording the time when the first detection mechanism is triggered for the first time as a starting time of the insertion time interval; detecting a time when the object is inserted into a predetermined position in the heating chamber and recording the time when the object is inserted into the predetermined position as an end time of the insertion time interval; calculating the insertion time interval as extending from the starting time to the end time.

33. The method according to claim 29 or 30, wherein, the second detection information comprises a measured value M1 of a parameter item detected by a second detection mechanism; the method comprising:determining whether the second detection information satisfies the third preset condition by: obtaining the measured value M1 of the parameter item detected by the second detection mechanism; and determining that the object possesses an article characteristic when the measured value M 1 is not higher than a second predetermined threshold and the total number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within the time window or the plurality of time windows is not less than the first predetermined threshold.

34. The method according to claim 28, wherein: the second detection information comprises a measured value M1 of a parameter item detected by a second detection mechanism; the determining whether the second detection information satisfies the third predetermined condition comprises: obtaining the measured value M1 of the parameter item detected by the second detection mechanism; and determining that the object possesses an article characteristic when the measured value M1 is not higher than a second predetermined threshold.

35. The method according to claim 27, wherein the first detection information comprises information on whether a first detection mechanism is triggered; the second detection information comprises a number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within a time window; wherein the method further comprises: determining whether the first detection information satisfies the second predetermined condition, and determining whether the second detection information satisfies the third preset condition by: determining whether the first detection mechanism is triggered to change between an on state and an off state, and if the first detection mechanism is triggered to change between the on state and the off state, determining that the object is at least partially inserted into the heating chamber; wherein the first detection mechanism is configured to be triggered by mechanical action to change between the on state and the off state when the object is at least partially inserted into the heating chamber; after determining that the object is at least partially inserted into the heating chamber, obtaining the measured value M1 of the parameter item detected by the second detection mechanism; and determining that the object possesses an article characteristic if the measured value M1 is not higher than a second predetermined threshold.

36. The method according to claim 35, wherein the second detection information comprises a number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered, and determining whether the second detection information satisfies the third predetermined condition comprises: obtaining a number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within a time window immediately upon determining that the object is at least partially inserted into the heating chamber; and when the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within the time window is not less than the first predetermined threshold, obtaining the measured value M1 of the parameter item detected by the second detection mechanism.

37. The method according to claim 27, wherein the first detection information comprises information on whether a first detection mechanism is triggered; the second detection information comprises a measured value M1 of a parameter item detected by a second detection mechanism; the method further comprising: determining whether the first detection information satisfies the second predetermined condition and whether the second detection information satisfies the third predetermined condition by: obtaining the measured value M1 of the parameter item detected by the second detection mechanism; obtaining a number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within a time window when the measured value M1 is not higher than a second predetermined threshold; and determining that an article comprising aerosol generating material is at least partially inserted into the heating chamber when the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within the time window is not less than the first predetermined threshold.

38. The method according to claim 37, wherein, obtaining the measured value M1 of the parameter item detected by the second detection mechanism comprises: sequentially detecting whether the value M1 within multiple consecutive time windows is not higher than a second predetermined threshold in chronological order, and if so, stopping the sequentially detecting; wherein the multiple consecutive time windows are time windows of predetermined duration within an insertion time interval of the object, and wherein insertion time interval is determined based on a starting time of the object's insertion and a duration of the object’s insertion process.

39. The method according to claim 38, wherein obtaining the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within the time window comprises: obtaining a number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within a time window when the measured value M1 is not higher than the second predetermined threshold.

40. The method according to claim 38, wherein obtaining the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within the time window comprises: obtaining a number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within a time window adjacent to a time window when the measured value M1 is not higher than the second predetermined threshold.

41. The method according to claim 38, wherein obtaining the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within the time window comprises: obtaining a number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within any of a plurality of time windows subsequent to a time window when the value M1 is not higher than the second predetermined threshold.

42. The method according to claim 38, wherein obtaining the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within the time window comprises: obtaining a total number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within the insertion time interval.

43. The method according to claim 38, wherein obtaining the number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within the time window comprises: obtaining a total number of times the first detection mechanism is triggered within a plurality of subsequent remaining time windows after a time window when the value M1 is not higher than the second preset threshold.

44. The method according to any one of claims 28 to 43, wherein after allowing the heating device to activate or be activated to heat, the method comprises: monitoring the on-off state of the first detection mechanism, and determining that the article comprising aerosol generating material has been removed from the heating chamber and stopping the heating device from heating when the on-off state of the first detection mechanism changes and persists for a first predetermined duration.

45. The method according to claim 44, wherein the step of monitoring the on-off state of the first detection mechanism is performed during a temperature rise stage.

46. The method according to any one of claims 33 to 43, wherein after allowing the heating device to activate or be activated to heat, the method comprises: obtaining the value M2 of the parameter item continuously detected by the second detection mechanism, and when the measured value M2 satisfies the first predetermined condition, determining that the article comprising aerosol generating material has been removed from the heating chamber and stopping the heating device from heating.

47. The method according to claim 46, wherein the step of obtaining the value M2 of the parameter item continuously detected by the second detection mechanism is performed during a puffing session.

48. The method according to claim 46, wherein the first predetermined condition comprises at least one of the following: the value M2 is less than a third predetermined threshold; and a variation of the value M2 within a second predetermined duration is greater than a predetermined variation amount, and the value M2 at any time after detecting that the variation of the value M2 is greater than the predetermined variation or at any time within a second predetermined duration after detecting that the variation of the value of M2 is greater than the predetermined variation, is less than a fourth predetermined threshold.

49. The method according to claim 48, wherein the fourth predetermined threshold is greater than the third predetermined threshold.

50. The method according to any one of claims 33 to 43, wherein the parameter item comprises a dielectric constant.

51. An aerosol provision device configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 50.

52. A computer device comprising a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program executable on the processor, and when the computer program is executed by the processor, the device performs the method according to any one of claims 1 50.

53. A computer-readable storage medium, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, wherein, when the computer program is executed, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 50 is performed.

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