Multi-portion consumable article and aerosol generation device

Abstract

According to the present disclosure there is provided a multi-portion consumable article (200) configured to be received at an aerosol generation device (100), the multi-portion consumable article comprising: a plurality of portions of consumable substrate (210); and an indicator arrangement (250) configured to provide an indication of a use condition of each portion of the consumable article, wherein the indicator arrangement comprises: one or more indicator devices and / or one or more indicator regions. The present disclosure also provides an aerosol generation device, an aerosol generation system (1000), and a method.

Description

[0001] AL Ref: P46782WO | JTI Ref: 6717 / WO 1

[0002] MULTI-PORTION CONSUMABLE ARTICLE AND AEROSOL GENERATION DEVICE

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a multi-portion consumable article, and also to an aerosol generation device.

[0004] Background

[0005] Various devices and systems are available that heat an aerosol precursor material to release aerosol / vapour for inhalation. For example, these devices and systems do not rely on burning the aerosol precursor material. In examples, there is a device which heats a solid aerosol precursor material to generate an aerosol.

[0006] In some examples, the solid aerosol precursor material is provided as part of a consumable article. The consumable article may be inserted or otherwise engaged with a respective aerosol generation device designed specifically for that kind of consumable article. Various configurations of aerosol generation device and corresponding consumable article articles are available.

[0007] In multi-portion consumable articles, portions of consumable substrate may be consumed individually. In contrast to a traditional heated tobacco stick, a multi-portion consumable article can be in a state where it is only partially used. However, this poses problems in enabling the user to determine whether the multi-portion consumable article is used, to what extent, and also whether the multi-portion consumable article is suitable for insertion into an aerosol generation device for a further aerosol inhalation session.

[0008] Similar problems are faced in control of the aerosol generation device to heat the multiportion consumable. Reheating of an already consumed consumable article, or consumable substrate portion thereof, is problematic. In particular, the generated aerosol may not be suitable for inhalation, e.g., it may have a poor taste or aroma.

[0009] It is the object of the invention to overcome at least some of the above referenced problems.

[0010] Summary AL Ref: P46782WO | JTI Ref: 6717 / WO 2

[0011] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a multi-portion consumable article configured to be received at an aerosol generation device, the multiportion consumable article comprising: a plurality of portions of consumable substrate; and an indicator arrangement configured to provide an indication of a use condition of each portion of the consumable article, wherein the indicator arrangement comprises: one or more indicator devices and / or one or more indicator regions.

[0012] A conventional consumable article is a heated tobacco stick for insertion into an aerosol generation device. This form of consumable article may be either used, or unused. In contrast, in context of multi-portion consumable articles, which can be in a partially used state, it is highly advantageous to be able to indicate the use condition of each portion of the consumable article. The use condition may indicate or reflect how many portions of the multi-portion consumable article have been used.

[0013] By the present construction, numerous advantages are realised. The user is able to better understand the use condition of the multi-portion consumable article. They are thereby able to make an informed decision as to whether the consumable article is suitable for further use in the aerosol generation device. Furthermore, the use condition can be used by the aerosol generation device to control the heating process. In this way, heating of already used portions can be avoided, thereby avoiding re-heating of consumable portions which may lead to generation of poor-quality aerosol having a poor aroma and / or taste. Furthermore, risk of damage to the aerosol generation device by overheating, deposition of particulates / clogging, or other adverse effects as a result of re-heating, may be avoided.

[0014] By providing one or more indicator devices and / or one or more indicator regions, the use condition can be interpreted by the device and / or by the user by reference thereto. The indicator devices and / or indicator regions may facilitate “indexing” - that is, conveying the use condition information to the user and / or the device in a manner which allows understanding of which portions are used and which portions are unused. Numerous examples of suitable indicator device and / or indicator regions are possible.

[0015] In one example, the indicator arrangement comprises one or more indicator devices comprising a read-only chip, a read-write chip, and / or a chipless tag. AL Ref: P46782WO | JTI Ref: 6717 / WO 3

[0016] By incorporating a read-only chip, means of writing to the chip is not required to be incorporated in the device, reducing device cost and complexity. The read-only chip may be relatively low cost to incorporate in the consumable and may have low power consumption.

[0017] By incorporating a read-write chip, cross-device robustness is facilitated. That is, the use condition of the consumable may be recorded in the chip, such that if the consumable is inserted into a different device the use condition of the consumable can be readily understood and the heating process can consider the use condition.

[0018] By incorporating a chipless tag, means of writing to the tag is not required to be incorporated in the device, reducing device cost and complexity. Furthermore, chipless tags, e.g., chipless RFID, is a low-cost solution (e.g., compared with a read-write chip) and is therefore well-suited to use with consumable articles.

[0019] In one example, the one or more indicator devices may be provided within the body of the consumable article such that the one or more indicator devices are readable regardless of orientation of insertion into the aerosol generation device.

[0020] In one example, the one or more indicator devices are provided centrally within the body of the consumable.

[0021] The one or more indicator devices being provided centrally within the body of the consumable may enable the one or more indicator devices (e.g., the read-only chip, the read-write chip, and / or the chipless tag) to be readable from either side of the consumable article. In this way, the one or more indicator devices can be read regardless of orientation of insertion into the aerosol generation device.

[0022] In one example, the one or more indicator devices comprises the read-only chip and / or the chipless tag, and the read-only chip and / or the chipless tag are configured to store an identification code to access information regarding the use condition of each portion of the consumable article.

[0023] The read-only chip and / or the chipless tag being configured to store an identification code to access information regarding the use condition of each portion of the AL Ref: P46782WO | JTI Ref: 6717 / WO 4 consumable article may enable the use condition of each portion of the consumable article to be accessed (e.g., by an aerosol generation device).

[0024] In one example, the one or more indicator devices comprises the read-write chip, and the read-write chip is configured to store the use condition of each portion of the consumable article.

[0025] The one or more indicator devices comprising the read-write chip, and the read-write chip being configured to store the use condition of each portion of the consumable article may enable the use condition of each portion of the consumable article to be accessed (e.g., by an aerosol generation device).

[0026] In one example, the chipless tag comprises a chipless RFID tag. In one example, the chipless RFID tag is formed from conductive ink and / or electromagnetic ink. In one example, the conductive ink and / or electromagnetic ink are arranged on a surface of the consumable article to form an antenna.

[0027] Chipless RFID tags are a low-cost solution (e.g., compared with a read-write chip) and is therefore well-suited to use with consumable articles.

[0028] In one example, the consumable article (e.g., the one or more indicator devices) may be configured to wirelessly communicate with an aerosol generation device. Although it should be understood that wireless communication between the consumable article and the aerosol generation device may not be required to provide an indication of a use condition of each portion of the consumable article.

[0029] The consumable article (e.g., the one or more indicator devices) being configured to wirelessly communicate with an aerosol generation device may enable the consumable article to communicate with the aerosol generation device without a direct (physical) connection between the consumable article and aerosol generation device.

[0030] In one example, the indicator arrangement comprises one or more indicator devices comprising an indicator mechanism configured to indicate the use condition of each portion of the consumable article. AL Ref: P46782WO | JTI Ref: 6717 / WO 5

[0031] In this way, the indicator mechanism provides a simple and robust means of indicating the use condition. In an example, the use condition may be understood by both the user and the device, making the indicator mechanism a versatile solution.

[0032] In one example, the indicator arrangement comprises one or more indicator regions, and wherein the indicator regions comprise one or more of: a material configured to exhibit a change in an optical property upon use of the consumable article; a material configured to exhibit a change in an electrical property upon use of the consumable article; a markable region arranged to be marked by an actuator of the aerosol generation device; one or more portions of consumable substrate.

[0033] Advantageously, by the above approaches, the use condition can be understood by the user and / or the aerosol generation device, facilitating improved control of the heating process, that is, of the process for generation of aerosol.

[0034] Advantageously, by providing a material configured to exhibit a change in optical property upon use of the consumable article, the user can understand the use condition prior to, or without, insertion of the consumable article into the aerosol generation device. Furthermore, specific apparatus for recording the use condition is not necessary to be incorporated in the aerosol generation device, and instead may be recorded by material of the consumable. This simplifies device construction. Furthermore, by this approach, cross-device robustness is facilitated. That is, the use condition of the consumable may be recorded in the material (i.e. , by the change in the optical property thereof), such that if the consumable is inserted into a different device the use condition of the consumable can be readily understood and the heating process can consider the use condition.

[0035] Advantageously, by providing a material configured to exhibit a change in an electrical property upon use of the consumable, cross-device robustness is facilitated. That is, AL Ref: P46782WO | JTI Ref: 6717 / WO 6 the use condition of the consumable may be recorded in the material (i.e., by the change in the electrical property thereof), such that if the consumable is inserted into a different device the use condition of the consumable can be readily understood and the heating process can consider the use condition.

[0036] Advantageously, by providing a markable region arranged to be marked by an actuator of the aerosol generation device, the user can understand the use condition prior to, or without, insertion of the consumable article into the aerosol generation device. Crossdevice robustness is also facilitated. Such an approach is also low cost per consumable, as the actuator is provided at the aerosol generation device.

[0037] Advantageously, by the indicator region comprising one or more portions of consumable substrate, a low cost solution is presented as further apparatus for indicating use condition need not be necessary. The consumable substrate itself may, for example, incorporate a compound configured to change optical property, electrical property, or other property upon use (i.e., heating).

[0038] In one example, the markable region comprises a region arranged to be perforated by the actuator of the aerosol generation device.

[0039] The markable region comprising a region arranged to be perforated by the actuator of the aerosol generation device may enable the actuator of the aerosol generation device to easily perforate the markable region.

[0040] In one example, the indicator regions comprise a material configured to exhibit a change in an optical property upon use, and wherein the material is in the form of a cover layer provided over the plurality of portions of consumable substrate.

[0041] In this way, the cover layer may provide the indication of the use condition of the consumable article. Once the consumable is used, in an example, the cover layer may exhibit a form having an array of patches or markings thereon at locations corresponding to the substrate portions. Heating of the portions causes the material to change optical property in the regions corresponding to the portions. In this way, a robust, low cost approach to indicating the use condition is provided, and may be discernible by the user and / or aerosol generation device. AL Ref: P46782WO | JTI Ref: 6717 / WO 7

[0042] In one example, the material configured to exhibit a change in an optical property upon use comprises thermochromic ink.

[0043] The material configured to exhibit a change in an optical property upon use, and comprising thermochromic ink, may enable the material to change colour upon heating.

[0044] In one example, the indicator arrangement is configured to indicate the use condition of the consumable article in a manner which is visually discernible by a user of the consumable.

[0045] In this way, the user may make an informed decision as to whether to insert the consumable article into the device, for use in an aerosol inhalation session. In an example, the user may recognise from the indicator arrangement that the consumable article is completely used, and therefore decide to dispose of it. In another example, the user may recognise from the indicator arrangement that the consumable article is only partially used, and therefore decide to insert it into the aerosol generation device for use in an aerosol inhalation session.

[0046] In one example, the multi-portion consumable article may be in the form of a cassette.

[0047] The multi-portion consumable article being in the form of a cassette may enable the consumable article to be compatible with aerosol generation devices that are arranged to receive cassette type consumable articles.

[0048] In one example, the portions of consumable substrate are spatially separated.

[0049] In this way, determination of use condition of the portions may be simplified. Additionally, heating of, or addressing of, individual portions may be simplified, and it may be ensured that neighbouring portions are not consumed unnecessarily or when not desired.

[0050] In one example, the portions of consumable substrate are provided by a unitary region of consumable substrate. The portions may not be spatially separated. The portions may be connected to one another. The unitary region of consumable substrate may be configured to prevent or inhibit consumption of one or more neighbouring, or adjacent, first type portions when a target portion is addressed. One or more grooves or AL Ref: P46782WO | JTI Ref: 6717 / WO 8

[0051] “firebreaks” may be provided. The grooves or “firebreaks” may be provided to extend at least partially through the thickness of the substrate. In other words, the depth of the grooves is preferably less than the thickness of the substrate

[0052] In this way, provision of the portions may be simplified. The heating element arrangement may also be simplified, or made more compact, by such a construction. The reader apparatus, and / or overall device, may be simplified or may be more compact, by such a construction.

[0053] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generation device configured to receive a multi-portion consumable article according to the first aspect of the present disclosure.

[0054] The second aspect may incorporate any or all of the features of the first aspect, as desired or as appropriate.

[0055] In one example, the aerosol generation device further comprises a reader apparatus configured to read the one or more indicator devices and / or one or more indicator regions, thereby to determine the use condition of each portion of the consumable article.

[0056] In this way, operation of the aerosol generation device can be controlled based on the use condition. For example, the aerosol generation device may be controlled to prevent initiation of a heating process, where it is determined that the consumable article is used. This avoids reheating of aerosol generation device portions, which may generate aerosol having poor taste or aroma. Alternatively, the aerosol generation device may be controlled to allow initiation of a heating process, where it is determined that the consumable article is unused or only partially used. Highly advantageously, by determining the use condition of each portion, where the consumable article is partially used, the aerosol generation device may operate to heat only unused portions, and avoid re-heating portions which are already used.

[0057] In one example, the reader apparatus comprises a chip reader and / or a reader configured to read the chipless tag (i.e. , the chipless tag of the one or more indicator devices). AL Ref: P46782WO | JTI Ref: 6717 / WO 9

[0058] Advantageously, in this way, a consumable identification code may be obtained from the chip at the consumable to access information regarding use condition of the consumable article (i.e., each portion of the consumable article). Additionally, or alternatively, information regarding use condition may obtained directly from chip at the consumable article. Additionally, or alternatively, a consumable identification code may be obtained from the tag at the consumable to access information regarding use condition of the consumable article.

[0059] In one example, the aerosol generation device is configured to: obtain an identification code of a read-only chip and / or a chipless tag of the one or more indicator devices; and access information regarding the use condition of each portion of the consumable article using the obtained identification code.

[0060] The aerosol generation device being configured to: obtain an identification code of a read-only chip and / or a chipless tag of the one or more indicator devices; and access information regarding the use condition of each portion of the consumable article using the obtained identification code may enable the use condition of each portion of the consumable article to be accessed by aerosol generation device.

[0061] In one example, the aerosol generation device is configured to: store the use condition of each portion of the consumable article; and read the stored use condition of each portion of the consumable article.

[0062] The aerosol generation device is configured to: store the use condition of each portion of the consumable article; and read the stored use condition of each portion of the consumable article may enable the use condition of each portion of the consumable article to be accessed by aerosol generation device.

[0063] In one example, the reader apparatus comprises an optical sensor for reading the indicator mechanism (i.e., the indicator mechanism of the indicator arrangement).

[0064] In this way, the use condition can be determined from the indicator mechanism, for use in control of the heating process. AL Ref: P46782WO | JTI Ref: 6717 / WO 10

[0065] In one example, the aerosol generation device further comprises an actuator configured to adjust the indicator mechanism.

[0066] In this way, the indicator mechanism can be adjusted, incremented, or otherwise changed, to store information relating to the use condition. The consumable may therefore be suitable for removal and user reading of the use condition, or enabling determination of the use condition following insertion into a different aerosol generation device.

[0067] In one example, the reader apparatus comprises one or more of: an optical sensor configured to detect a change in an optical property of a material of an indicator region (i.e., the indicator region of the indicator arrangement); an electrode sensing arrangement configured to detect a change in an electrical property of a material of an indicator region (i.e., the indicator region of the indicator arrangement); a marking reader for detecting marking of a markable region (i.e., the markable region of the indicator arrangement).

[0068] Such approaches are highly advantageous to enable determination of the use condition of the consumable article.

[0069] In one example, the aerosol generation device may comprise an actuator configured to mark the markable region of the indicator arrangement. For example, the actuator configured to mark the markable region may be configured to perforate the markable region of the indicator arrangement.

[0070] In one example, the aerosol generation device further comprises a heating element arrangement; and a controller configured to: control operation of the heating element arrangement to heat the multi-portion consumable based on an output of the reader apparatus. AL Ref: P46782WO | JTI Ref: 6717 / WO 11

[0071] Highly advantageously, in this way, re-heating of portions of consumable substrate can be avoided, mitigating both the generation of poor-quality aerosol and also risk of damage to the aerosol generation device.

[0072] In one example, the heating element arrangement is configured to heat one or more of the portions of consumable substrate to a reading temperature, and wherein the reader apparatus is configured to determine the use condition based on the heating.

[0073] Highly advantageously, in this way, the use condition can be determined using a device having a simple construction. Cross-device robustness is facilitated. This also provides a low-cost solution, as the consumable need not incorporate a mechanism or the like in order to indicate the use condition.

[0074] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generation device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, and a multi-portion consumable according to the first aspect of the present disclosure.

[0075] The third aspect may incorporate any or all of the features of the first aspect and / or second aspect, as desired or as appropriate.

[0076] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of determining a use condition of a multi-portion consumable article according to the first aspect. The method comprises reading one or more indicator devices and / or one or more indicator regions of the consumable article. The method further comprises determining the use condition of each portion of the consumable article from the reading.

[0077] The fourth aspect may incorporate any or all of the features of the first aspect, second aspect, and / or third aspect, as desired or as appropriate.

[0078] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0079] Examples of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: AL Ref: P46782WO | JTI Ref: 6717 / WO 12

[0080] Figure 1 shows a schematic aerosol generation system;

[0081] Figure 2 shows a multi-portion consumable article;

[0082] Figure 3 shows a schematic aerosol generation system comprising a multi-portion consumable article in the form of a cassette;

[0083] Figure 4 shows a part of an aerosol generation device and a multi-portion consumable article;

[0084] Figure 5 shows a flowchart of operation of an aerosol generation device;

[0085] Figure 6 shows a multi-portion consumable article;

[0086] Figure 7 shows a multi-portion consumable article;

[0087] Figure 8 shows a reader apparatus;

[0088] Figure 9 shows a reader apparatus;

[0089] Figure 10 shows a multi-portion consumable article;

[0090] Figure 11 shows a portion of a multi-portion consumable article and a heating / reading module;

[0091] Figure 12 shows an indicator arrangement and a reader apparatus;

[0092] Figure 13 shows a plot of temperature vs. time for a used portion and an unused portion;

[0093] Figure 14 shows a schematic aerosol generation system; and

[0094] Figure 15 shows general methodology principles.

[0095] Detailed Description

[0096] As used herein, the term “aerosol precursor material”, “vapour precursor material” or “vaporizable material” are used synonymously and may refer to a material and / or composition, which may for example comprise nicotine, cellulose-based sheet material, paper, tobacco, rye, or one or more herbs or botanicals in addition to a vaporising agent. The aerosol precursor material is configured to release an aerosol when heated or otherwise mechanically stimulated (such as by vibrations). Tobacco may take the form of various materials such as shredded tobacco, granulated tobacco, tobacco leaf and / or reconstituted tobacco in any one of shredded, crimped or gathered reconstituted tobacco sheet form. Nicotine may be in the form of nicotine salts. Rye may be in the form of various materials such as shredded rye, granulated rye, rye leaf and / or reconstituted rye. Suitable vaporising agents include: a polyol such as sorbitol, glycerol, and glycols like propylene glycol or triethylene glycol; a non-polyol such as monohydric alcohols, acids such as lactic acid, glycerol derivatives, esters such as triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate, glycerin or vegetable glycerin. In some examples, the aerosol precursor material may comprise a liquid or a gel, which may AL Ref: P46782WO | JTI Ref: 6717 / WO 13 comprise nicotine and / or one or more solid particles. For example, the aerosol precursor material comprises tobacco particles suspended in a solution or gel.

[0097] An aerosol generation device is configured to aerosolise an aerosol precursor material without combustion in order to facilitate delivery of an aerosol to a user. Furthermore, and as is common in the technical field, the terms “vapour” and “aerosol”, and related terms such as “vaporize”, “volatilize” and “aerosolise”, may generally be used interchangeably.

[0098] As used herein, the term “aerosol generation device” is synonymous with “aerosol generating device” or “device” and may include a device configured to heat an aerosol precursor material and deliver an aerosol to a user, typically without combusting the aerosol precursor material. The device may be portable. “Portable” may refer to the device being for use when held by a user. The device may be adapted to generate a variable amount of aerosol, which can be controlled by a user input.

[0099] As used herein, the term “aerosol” may include a suspension of vaporizable material as one or more of: solid particles; liquid droplets; gas. Said suspension may be in a gas including air. Aerosol herein may generally refer to / include a vapour. Aerosol may include one or more components of the vaporizable material.

[0100] Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generation system 1000 according to an example. The aerosol generation device 100 is suitable for receiving a consumable article 200, at least partially, or completely (as for the example shown in the figure) therein. For example, the aerosol generation device 100 may include a chamber 104 in which the consumable article 200 is received, at least partially.

[0101] The aerosol generation system 1000 comprises an aerosol generation device 100 and a consumable article 200.

[0102] The invention is not limited to the specific aerosol generation system 1000, aerosol generation device 100 or consumable article 200 described herein. That is, the description of the aerosol generation system 1000, aerosol generation device 100 and consumable article 200 is provided for illustrative purposes only. The skilled person will appreciate that alternative constructions of aerosol generation systems, devices and consumable articles will be compatible with the present invention. AL Ref: P46782WO | JTI Ref: 6717 / WO 14

[0103] The consumable article 200 comprises an aerosol precursor material. The term aerosol precursor material is a label used to mean a medium that generates an aerosol or vapour when heated.

[0104] In one example, the consumable article 200 contains a liquid precursor material. In some examples, the aerosolised liquid may pass through a solid substrate within the aerosol generation device 100. In other examples, the consumable article 200 may comprise a solid precursor material. In examples which are highly relevant to aspects of the present disclosure, the consumable article 200 may comprise a plurality of consumable article portions. Each consumable article portion may contain or provide aerosol precursor material. In some examples, the aerosol precursor material is capable of electrical conduction. For example, the aerosol precursor material may contain conducting particles, called susceptors, or a conducting substance, such as charcoal. For example, the aerosol precursor material may comprise electrically conductive material in particulate form. The electrically conductive material may be arranged and configured to heat to a temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol. The aerosol precursor material may comprise a porous carbon-based foam, configured to hold a vapour precursor. The porous carbon-based foam may be electrically conductive.

[0105] The aerosol generation device 100 comprises a heating element arrangement 110. The heating element arrangement 110 is configured to heat the consumable article 200. The heating element arrangement 110 may be of any suitable type or construction. In examples described herein, the heating element arrangement 110 may be, or may comprise, an electrode assembly. In other examples, the heating element arrangement 110 includes one or more inductors. In other examples, the heating element arrangement 110 includes one or more radiators, one or more resistive heaters, one or more photonic heaters (e.g., LED or laser or infrared heaters). The invention in its broadest sense is not limited to the specific heating element arrangement 110 described herein. The heating element arrangement 110 may comprise a plurality of heating elements. The heating element arrangement 110 may otherwise be referred to as an “energy provision assembly”.

[0106] The heating element arrangement 110 may be configured to heat (i.e., provide thermal energy) one or more portions of a consumable article 200. That is, the heating element arrangement 110 is operable to individually, and possibly independently, heat portions AL Ref: P46782WO | JTI Ref: 6717 / WO 15 of the consumable article 200, as desired. The heating element arrangement 110 may comprise an array of heaters. Each heater of the array may be individually operable. Such control facilitates selective heating of portions of the consumable article 200. The heating element arrangement 110 may comprise one heater for each portion of the consumable article 200. In this way, portions can be individually heated and / or addressed.

[0107] The aerosol generation device 100 may comprise a mouthpiece 116 through which a user may draw on the aerosol generation device 100 to inhale generated aerosol. The mouthpiece 116 includes a vent or channel 118 that may be connected to a region close to the consumable article 200 for passage of any generated aerosol from the consumable article 200, during use. The generated aerosol may pass from the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article 200, through the channel 118 along the path 119.

[0108] For example, the channel 118 may extend between an opening in the mouthpiece 116 and the chamber 104 in which the consumable article 200 is at least partially receivable. The mouthpiece 116 is arranged such it may be received in a user’s mouth in use. In other examples, a mouthpiece 116 is not required and a portion of the consumable article 200 may protrude from the aerosol generation device 100. In this example, the protruding portion of the consumable article 200 may work as the mouthpiece. In some other examples, the protruding portion of the consumable article 200 may be received in the channel 118 of the mouthpiece 116.

[0109] The aerosol generation device 100 may comprise a controller 108 (or control unit or control circuitry) for electronic management of the device. The controller 108 may include a PCB or the like (not shown). The controller 108 is configured to control the heating element arrangement 110.

[0110] The aerosol generation device 100 may comprise an activation input sensor 120. The activation input sensor 120 may be a button, a touchpad, or the like for sensing a user’s input, such as a tap or swipe. In other examples, the activation input sensor 120 comprises an article sensor configured to detect if a consumable article 200 has been inserted into the aerosol generation device 100. For example, the input sensor 120 may comprise an authenticity detector that is configured to detect if an authentic article 200 AL Ref: P46782WO | JTI Ref: 6717 / WO 16 has been inserted into the aerosol generation device 100. Additionally, or alternatively, the user input may also comprise an inhalation action by a user.

[0111] The aerosol generation device 100 may comprise a puff sensor 122 (otherwise known as an inhalation sensor). The puff sensor 122 is configured to detect an inhalation action (or puff) by a user on the aerosol generation device 100. In one example, the puff sensor 122 comprises a microphone or a flow sensor configured to detect an airflow within the chamber 104 and / or the airflow channel 118 extending from the chamber 104 through the mouthpiece 116 to an inhalation outlet thereof, the airflow being associated with a user’s inhalation action. In other examples, the puff sensor 122 is configured to detect a change in pressure indicative of a beginning of an inhalation action on the aerosol generation device by the user. In this case, the puff sensor 122 may be located anywhere on the aerosol device 100 in which there would be a change in pressure due to an inhalation action of the user. In one example, the puff sensor 122 is located in the channel 118 between the chamber 104 and the mouthpiece 116 of the aerosol generation device 100. The puff sensor 122 may also detect the end of an inhalation action by the user. For example, the puff sensor 122 may be configured to detect a further change in pressure due to the end of an inhalation action of a user.

[0112] The aerosol generation device 100 may include one or more temperature sensors 124. The one or more temperature sensors 124 may be configured to sense a temperature of the consumable article 200 and provide a sensing temperature output. The sensing temperature output may be the temperature of the consumable article 200 and / or of the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article 200. The sensing temperature output may be indicative of the temperature of the consumable article 200 and / or of the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article 200. The one or more temperature sensors 124 may be configured to directly or indirectly measure the temperature of the consumable article 200 in the aerosol generation device 100. The one or more temperature sensors 124 may comprise a temperature sensor, such as a thermocouple or thermistor, configured to be located within or adjacent to the consumable article 200 when it is received in the aerosol generation device 100. For example, the one or more temperature sensors 124 may be located within the chamber 104 of the aerosol generation device 100. In other examples, the temperature of the consumable article 200 may be indirectly measured by the use of thermal imaging sensors. In other examples, the temperature sensors 124 may measure the temperature of the heating AL Ref: P46782WO | JTI Ref: 6717 / WO 17 element arrangement 110 (e.g., one or more heaters and / or electrodes thereof), and may be in contact therewith.

[0113] The aerosol generation device 100 may include a power supply (not shown) such as a battery. The power supply may provide the aerosol generation device 100 with electrical energy providing a voltage in the range of 3 V and 4.2 V. In a preferred embodiment the voltage source is a lithium-ion secondary battery delivering a value of 3.7 V. Such a voltage source is particularly advantageous for a modern aerosol generation device in view of rechargeability, high energy density and large capacity.

[0114] The aerosol generation device 100 may further comprise a body 126. The body 126 may be configured to connect to the consumable article 200. Alternatively, the body 126 may be configured to receive or engage with the consumable article 200. The heating element arrangement 110 may be connected to the body 126.

[0115] Referring to Figure 2, a consumable article 200 is shown. The consumable article 200 is a multi-portion consumable article (MPCA) 200. The MPCA 200 comprises a plurality of consumable article portions 210. In other words, the consumable article 200 comprises, holds, or is provided with, a plurality of portions of aerosol precursor material.

[0116] The consumable article can be provided with a base portion 200a, preferably having a flat shape, to hold the plurality of consumable article portions 210. The base portion 200a can be made of the same material of one or more of the plurality of consumable article portions 210. Alternatively, the base portion 200a may be made of a different material, for example a material that is not intended to generate aerosol, e.g. fabric, paper, cardboard, non-woven textile.

[0117] The consumable article portions 210 may be configured to be individually heated (or “addressed”) by the heating element arrangement 110. In an example, the consumable article portion 210 are spatially separated. Each portion 210 may be of a size sufficient for use in a single inhalation action or “puff’. Each portion 210 of aerosol precursor material may be of a particular material type. That is, the aerosol precursor material of each portion may be the same. For example, each portion 210 may have the same nicotine strength, flavour, glycerin content, or other characteristic. AL Ref: P46782WO | JTI Ref: 6717 / WO 18

[0118] Whilst the consumable article portions 210 are shown as spatially separated in the example of Figure 2, alternative constructions are possible.

[0119] In one example, the portions 210 may not be spatially separated. Instead, the portions 210 are provided by a unitary region of consumable substrate, containing a plurality of, or all of, the portions 210. That is, the MPCA 200 may comprise a unitary region of consumable substrate. This may be understood to be the case in the example of a “cassette” and “tape” described above. The unitary region of consumable substrate can be subdivided, for example by grooves formed therein. Alternatively, the unitary region of consumable substrate need not be physically marked or subdivided, but portions thereof can be individually addressed by the heating element arrangement 110. Furthermore, portions thereof can be individually read by a reader apparatus 150 (described in greater detail below).

[0120] According to possible embodiments, one or more heating elements are movable with respect to the consumable article, or vice versa. Embodiments wherein both the one or more heating elements and the consumable article are both movable can be provided. According to possible embodiments, the number of heating elements can be less than the number of the aerosol generating portions and the relative movement between the consumable article and the one or more aerosol generating portions allow to provide heat to the portion intended to be aerosolized.

[0121] Referring to Figure 3, an example of an aerosol generation device 100 is schematically shown. The aerosol generation device 100 of Figure 3 may incorporate any or all of the features of the aerosol generation device 100 described in relation to Figure 1 , as desired or as appropriate.

[0122] In this example, the MPCA 200 is provided in the form of a cassette, which resembles a tape cassette of the type used in a microcassette tape recorder. The consumable article portions 210 are provided on a base portion 200a in the form of a web or “tape”. The tape 200a is wound on a supply reel 201 and attached to a take- up reel 203 which rotates to advance the tape 200a. In use, the tape 200a may be advanced as portions 210 thereof are consumed and / or for purposes of determination of the use condition. The tape 200a may be provided with a cover layer (e.g., cover layer 230 described below). AL Ref: P46782WO | JTI Ref: 6717 / WO 19

[0123] In this way, a MPCA 200 is provided which is movable with respect to heating element(s) 110. A reader apparatus 150 is provided, further detail of which will be provided below. In summary, the reader apparatus 150 may enable determination (and indication to the user) of the use condition of each portion 210 of consumable substrate provided on the tape. It is highly advantageous to enable determination of use condition of the MPCA 200 having a form of a tape provided in a cassette. The teaching below in relation to determination of use condition by reading the one or more indicator devices and / or the one or more indicator regions is also applicable to the example of Figure 3, as will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art. By doing so, the reader apparatus is able to determine the use condition of each portion 210 of the consumable article 200.

[0124] The output of the reader apparatus 150 may be used by the controller 108 to control the heating process - that is, in control of operation of the heating element arrangement 110.

[0125] As mentioned above, whilst the portions 210 are shown in a spatially separated formation, the portions 210 may not be spatially separated. Instead, the portions 210 may be provided by a unitary region of consumable substrate, in the form of a continuous web or tape of consumable substrate.

[0126] In overview of the problem addressed by the present disclosure, in an ideal case, when a new multi-portion consumable article is inserted into an aerosol generation device, the device detects the new consumable article, and a heating process is performed in which each portion of the consumable article is heated in order.

[0127] However, the ideal case is not guaranteed. In reality, a situation may occur in which a user inserts a partially used multi-portion consumable article. The aerosol generation device, if not appropriately configured, may be unable to detect or determine that the multi-portion consumable is partially used. Additionally, in some situations, the aerosol generation device may fail to detect that the multi-portion consumable has been replaced in the aerosol generation device. Furthermore, in the event that the aerosol generation device is reset during a heating process, or otherwise whilst the consumable article is retained therein, the aerosol generation device may not be able to determine which portions have or have not been consumed (e.g., heated so as to generate aerosol). AL Ref: P46782WO | JTI Ref: 6717 / WO 20

[0128] In such situations, the aerosol generation device may heat an already used portion. This may result in poor quality aerosol generation (e.g., low aerosol volume, poor taste or aroma) or, indeed, result in no aerosol generation. Furthermore, in such situations, the aerosol generation device may terminate the heating process, despite the consumable article not being fully utilised (e.g., having consumable portions which have not been heated to generate aerosol). This results in a poor user experience. Reheating of already used portions may occur if the partially used consumable article is reinserted to commence a new heating process.

[0129] Referring again to Figure 2, in overview of the disclosure, a multi-portion consumable article (MPCA) 200 is shown. The MPCA 200 is configured to be received at (e.g., in, or inserted in) an aerosol generation device 100.

[0130] The MPCA 200 comprises a plurality of portions of consumable substrate 210.

[0131] The MPCA 200 comprises an indicator arrangement 250. The indicator arrangement 250 is configured to provide an indication of a use condition of the MPCA 200. In particular, the indicator arrangement 250 is configured to provide an indication of a use condition of each portion (e.g., every, or all portions) of the MPCA 200. The use condition may otherwise be known as a “use state”, or “use status”.

[0132] In providing a use condition of the MPCA 200, the use condition may reflect the state of use of the MPCA 200. The use condition may simply indicate “unused (i.e., new) MPCA”, “used MPCA”, or “partially used MPCA”. Additionally, or alternatively, the use condition may provide further information, for example indicating which portions of the MPCA 200 have been used, which portions of the MPCA 200 are unused, and / or which portions of the MPCA 200 are partially used.

[0133] In providing a use condition of each portion of the MPCA 200, the use condition may reflect the state of use of each portion of the MPCA 200. The use condition may simply indicate “unused (i.e., new) portion”, “used portion”, or “partially used portion”. Additionally, or alternatively, the use condition may provide further information, for example indicating which portions of the MPCA 200 have been used, which portions of the MPCA 200 are unused, and / or which portions of the MPCA 200 are partially used. AL Ref: P46782WO | JTI Ref: 6717 / WO 21

[0134] In an example, output of the indicator arrangement 250 may indicate the use condition of each portion of the MPCA 200. Each portion 210 may be indexed, or assigned a numerical value. In this way, the output of the indicator arrangement 250 can be interrogated to establish the use condition of each portion 210 of the MPCA 200. For example, the MPCA 200 may comprise six portions 210, and the output of the indicator arrangement may indicate the use condition of each portion 210 (e.g., portion 1 - used; portion 2 - used; portion 3 - unused; portion 4 - unused; portion 5 - unused; portion 6 - unused).

[0135] The indicator arrangement 250 comprises one or more indicator devices and / or one or more indicator regions. Indicator devices and indicator regions will be discussed in greater detail below. Numerous examples of indicator devices and indicator regions are envisioned, and whilst examples are described below, other indicator devices and indicator regions may be employed to provide an indication of a use condition. Indicator devices and indicator regions may be combined to improve the establishment of the use condition of each portion of the MPCA 200.

[0136] In overview, an indicator device is a device configured to indicate the use condition of each portion 210 of the MPCA 200, and may store or output data (in any appropriate manner, including visual output, or electrical signals) indicating the use condition.

[0137] In overview, an indicator region includes any region which corresponds with a portion, such that looking at the indicator region, sensing the indicator region, and / or interacting with the indicator region, the use condition of the portion that said region corresponds with can be determined. The looking, sensing and / or interacting may be performed by any suitable means, and may include an optical sensor, or even a user of the aerosol generation device. The indicator region may correspond with the portion by being directly above the respective portion, spatially correlated with said portion, or indexed (e.g. , numbered to represent a portion) in a manner so as to correspond with the portion. Indeed, the indicator region may actually be the portion itself - that is, the indicator region may be a region, or area, of the portion.

[0138] In the exemplary MPCA 200 illustrated in Figure 2, a cover layer 230 may be provided over the plurality of portions of consumable substrate 210. The cover layer 230 may extend over the portions 210 and may prevent visual inspection of the portions 210 themselves. In an example, the cover layer 230 is a layer of paper or other suitable AL Ref: P46782WO | JTI Ref: 6717 / WO 22 material. In Figure 2, only the outline of the cover layer 230 is indicated, to reveal the portions 210 beneath.

[0139] Referring back to Figure 1 , the aerosol generation device 100 is configured to receive an MPCA 200. The MPCA 200 may be according to any of the examples described herein, as desired or as appropriate.

[0140] The aerosol generation device 100 may comprise a reader apparatus 150. The reader apparatus 150 is configured to obtain information from the indicator arrangement 250 relating to the use condition of the MPCA 200, or relating to the use condition of each portion 210 of the MPCA 200. The reader apparatus 150 may do so by reading (e.g., interrogating or interacting with) the indicator arrangement 250.

[0141] The reader apparatus 150 is configured to read the one or more indicator devices and / or the one or more indicator regions, as desired or as appropriate given the construction of the MPCA 200. By doing so, the reader apparatus is able to determine the use condition of each portion 210 of the consumable article 200.

[0142] The output of the reader apparatus 150 may be used by the controller 108 to control the heating process - that is, in control of operation of the heating element arrangement 110.

[0143] Figure 4(a) shows a part of the aerosol generation device 100, and Figure 4(b) shows an MPCA 200 according to an example.

[0144] The MPCA 200 comprises an indicator arrangement 250. The indicator arrangement comprises an indicator device. In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the MPCA 200 (e.g., the indicator device of the MPCA 200) may be configured to wirelessly communicate with the aerosol generation device 100. The indicator device may be, or comprise, a chip 252. The chip 252 may be a read-only chip. Alternatively, the chip 252 may be a read-write chip, or may be a chip comprising a read-write memory (RWM). The chip 252 is provided on the MPCA 200, and may be integrated therein. In an example applicable to Figure 3, the chip 252 may be provided in, or at, the cassette. AL Ref: P46782WO | JTI Ref: 6717 / WO 23

[0145] The chip 252 stores data relating to the use condition of each portion of the MPCA 200. This may be known as the chip 252 storing indexing data. In other words, the chip 252 stores data relating to the use condition of each portion 210.

[0146] The chip 252 may be an RFID chip, NFC chip, or the like. In this way, the chip 252 may facilitate wireless communication therewith. Advantageously, RFID or NFC chips are low cost, are small and flexible. They are also low power and may be powered by the electromagnetic field of the reader apparatus 150. The chip 252 may provided centrally within the body of the consumable, such that the chip 252 is readable from either side of the MPCA 200. In this way, the chip 252 can be read regardless of orientation of insertion into the aerosol generation device 100.

[0147] The aerosol generation device 100 comprises a reader apparatus 150 in the form of a chip reader 152. The chip reader 152 may be in the form of an antenna, or other suitable reader, to interact with the chip 252 to obtain information therefrom. The antenna may be a flexible antenna.

[0148] In an alternative example, the reader apparatus 150 may comprise a first part of a physical electrical connection, and the indicator device may comprise a second part of a physical electrical connection. This construction may be known as a direct electrical interface. The reader apparatus 150 may comprise a first set of electrical contacts (e.g., pogo pins) and the indicator device may comprise a second set of electrical contacts (e.g., contact points). The reader apparatus 150 may electrically connect with the indicator device by connection of the first set and second set of electrical contacts. In this way, a direct electrical connection may be formed between the consumable 200 and the aerosol generation device 100.

[0149] In an example of a read-only chip 252, the chip 252 stores an identification code (ID, or “identifier”) for that particular MPCA 200. Preferably, the ID is a unique ID. If a unique ID is not feasible, the number of possible IDs should be sufficiently large to ensure a low probability of two consumables used with the same aerosol generation device 100 having the same ID.

[0150] As the chip 252 is read-only, it is not possible to store data about the use condition directly on the chip 252. Nevertheless, by interacting with the chip 252, the ID can be established and compared with data stored at the aerosol generation device 100 AL Ref: P46782WO | JTI Ref: 6717 / WO 24 relating to the use condition of the MPCA 200 having that particular ID. In an example, as the MPCA 200 is used, the use condition is stored in local memory at the aerosol generation device 100, or at a server, and the use condition is associated with the MPCA 200 having that particular ID. The aerosol generation device 100 may maintain a usage table in memory for each ID of MCPA 200 used in the device 100.

[0151] In an example, the indicator device may be, or comprise, a chipless tag. The chipless tag may be a chipless RFID tag. The chipless RFID tag may be formed from conductive ink or electromagnetic ink, which may be applied to a surface of the MPCA 200 to form an antenna. The corresponding reader apparatus 150 may be configured to read the chipless tag. The reader apparatus 150 may interrogate, or question, the tag and recover information from it, such as an ID (in a similar manner to that described in relation to the chip 252 above). In an example applicable to Figure 3, the chipless tag may be provided in, or at, the cassette. The chipless RFID tag may support read-only functionality. Advantageously, chipless RFID is low cost, and thus is highly beneficial in use with MPCA 200 which may be disposed following use.

[0152] In a further example, the indicator device may be, or comprise, a QR code. The QR code may be applied to or provided on a surface of the MPCA 200. In an example applicable to Figure 3, the QR code may be provided on, or at, the cassette. The corresponding reader apparatus 150 may be configured to read the QR code. The QR code is used to identify the particular MPCA 200, and the device 100 can compare the ID of the MPCA 200 against use condition of that particular MPCA 200 stored in memory, or access a record of the use condition of that particular MPCA 200 from a remote server. The example of the QR code may correspond with the examples of the read-only chip 252 or chipless tag, as described above.

[0153] As mentioned above, the chip 252 may be a read-write chip, or may be a chip comprising a read-write memory (RWM). The chip 252 may store the use condition of each portion of the MPCA 200, and may provide the indication thereof when interrogated by the reader apparatus 150, or by another module of the aerosol generation device 100. The aerosol generation device 100 (e.g., the reader apparatus 150, which may be a read-write apparatus) is configured to update the memory of the read-write chip 252 when portions are consumed. When an MPCA 200 is inserted into aerosol generation device 100, the reader apparatus 150 reads the consumable use condition and adapts its heating process and user interface accordingly. Each time a AL Ref: P46782WO | JTI Ref: 6717 / WO 25 portion 210 is used, the data stored in the chip 252 is updated accordingly. Again, the read-write chip 252 may use a wireless communication interface (e.g., RFID, NFC, as described above) or a physical connection (e.g., electrical contacts between device 100 and MPCA 200, as described above).

[0154] For purpose of illustration, Figure 5 shows a flowchart relating to operation of an aerosol generation device 100 based on the chip being a read-write chip 252 and the reader apparatus 150 being a chip reader.

[0155] At S510, prior to insertion of an MPCA 200, the device is in “idle” mode.

[0156] At S520, following insertion of an MPCA 200, the reader apparatus 150 reads the indicator device to determine the use condition of each portion 210.

[0157] At S530, it is determined if the MPCA 200 has been completely used. That is, it is determined whether there are any portions 210 of the MPCA 200 which have not been heated to generate aerosol.

[0158] If there are unused portions, the process proceeds to S540, and an unused portion is heated to generate aerosol for inhalation in an inhalation action. At S550, following the generation of aerosol, the use condition of the MPCA 200 is updated in the chip 252.

[0159] If there are no unused portions, the process proceeds to S560, at which point the MPCA 200 is rejected, and extraction of the MPCA 200 is enabled.

[0160] If, following the generation of aerosol, the updated use condition of the MPCA 200 is such that further unused portions are present in the MPCA 200, the process returns to S530. However, if the updated use condition of the MPCA 200 is such that no unused portions are present in the MPCA 200, extraction of the MPCA 200 is enabled.

[0161] After enabling extraction of the MPCA 200, the process returns to S510, to await insertion of an MPCA 200 into the aerosol generation device 100.

[0162] Referring to Figure 6, in examples, the indicator arrangement 250 comprises one or more indicator devices. The one or more indicator devices comprise an indicator mechanism 254. The indicator mechanism 254 is configured to indicate the use AL Ref: P46782WO | JTI Ref: 6717 / WO 26 condition of each portion of the MPCA 200. In an example applicable to Figure 3, the indicator mechanism 254 may be provided on, or at, the cassette.

[0163] The indicator mechanism 254 is in the form of a dial counter. The dial counter 254 counts increments and provides an indication of the use condition of the MPCA 200 by outputting information relating to the number of portions 210 of the MPCA 200 which have been used. The dial counter 254 may be incremented by one upon use of a portion 210 of the MPCA 200. The dial counter 254 on a new MPCA 200 (i.e. , an MPCA 200 in which no portions 210 have been used) will read zero.

[0164] In examples, in order to increment the dial counter 254, an actuator may be provided as part of the aerosol generation device 100. The actuator is configured to adjust the indicator mechanism 254. In examples, the actuator may be a stepper motor or a solenoid. Advantageously, the stepper motor is able to move the dial in precise steps for accurate positioning, and the solenoid advances the dial by one increment each time it is activated. Operation of the actuator may be controlled by the controller 108, and based on input from the heating element arrangement 110 of the aerosol generation device 100.

[0165] The reader apparatus 150 may be configured in a number of different ways in order to read the dial counter 254. In one example, the reader apparatus 150 may comprise an optical sensor. The optical sensor may be in the form of an optical encoder configured to detect the position of the dial counter 254 using light and a coded disk. Alternatively, the optical sensor may be in the form of a micro-camera configured to capture an image of the dial counter 254 to determine its position. In another example, the reader apparatus 150 may comprise a potentiometer. The potentiometer may measure a change in resistance as the dial counter 254 is rotated, and thereby determine position of the dial counter 254 to infer the number of portions 210 that have been used. It will be appreciated from this example that the count of the dial counter 254 need not necessarily be visually discernible.

[0166] Referring to Figures 7 to 9, in examples, the indicator arrangement 250 comprises one or more indicator regions. The indicator region comprises a markable region 256. The markable region 256 is arranged to be marked by an actuator 156 of the aerosol generation device 100. In an example applicable to Figure 3, the markable region 256 may be provided on, or at, the cassette. AL Ref: P46782WO | JTI Ref: 6717 / WO 27

[0167] The markable region 256 is a region of the MPCA 200 which is arranged to be marked by the actuator 156. In one example, the markable region comprises a numbered grid printed thereon, and upon use of a portion 210 of the MPCA 200 a corresponding mark (e.g., a perforation, or hole punch) is created in the markable region 256. The number of portions 210 of the MPCA 200 that are unused may be determined by the user by reference to the highest number of the grid that has not been marked. Alternatively, it is possible to encode the data for reading only by the aerosol generation device 100, however by such an approach it is not possible for the user to readily determine the number of unused portions of the MPCA 200. In other words, the marks on the markable region 256 correspond with the used portions 210 of the MPCA 200. For example, in Figure 7, portions 210a, b, c, d are used, and the markable region 256 is marked in corresponding locations.

[0168] The actuator 156 is a device or assembly configured to mark the markable region 256. In an example, the actuator 156 is configured to perforate (that is, provide holes in) the markable region 256. Referring to Figures 8 and 9, the actuator 156 is shown in greater detail. The actuator 156 comprises a series of pins 157. The position of the pins 157 are controlled by a corresponding series of solenoids 158. By adjusting the vertical position of the pins 157, perforations in the markable region 256 can be created. The perforations may be interpreted to indicate the use condition of the MPCA 200.

[0169] The reader apparatus 150 may be configured in a number of different ways in order to read the markable region.

[0170] In an example, the reader apparatus 150 is in the form of a marking reader for detecting marking of the markable region. The reader apparatus 150 may utilise a variety of sensor technologies to detect and interpret the presence of marks (e.g., perforations). The reader apparatus 150 provides a digital output representative of the physical pattern of marks provided at the markable region 256. The digital output from the reader apparatus 150 may be provided to the controller 108 for processing and control of the heating process.

[0171] Referring to Figure 8, in an example, the reader apparatus 150 comprises a light emitting arrangement 160 comprising one or more light emitters and a light sensing arrangement 162 comprising one or more light sensors. The light emitting arrangement AL Ref: P46782WO | JTI Ref: 6717 / WO 28

[0172] 160 may be provided on a first side of the MPCA 200, when the MPCA 200 is inserted in the device 100, and the light sensing arrangement 162 may be provided on a second, opposite, side of the MPCA 200.

[0173] In an example, the light sensors of the light sensing arrangement 162 are aligned with the pins 157 such that perforation of the markable region 256 creates holes which are aligned with the sensors.

[0174] In reading the markable region, light emitted from the light emitting arrangement 160 can pass through the holes generated by marking the MPCA 200, and is sensed by the light sensing arrangement 162. In this way, the light sensing arrangement 162 may provide an output indicating that the markable region 256 has been marked, and in what manner (i.e., which parts of the grid have been marked, corresponding to use of which portions 210), and from this output the use condition can be determined.

[0175] Referring to Figure 9, in another example, the reader apparatus 150 may be provided by the actuator 156. The solenoids 158 may be controllable to drive the pins 157 with variable force. A position sensing arrangement 159 may be provided for sensing the position of (e.g., each of) the pins 157. The actuator 156 reads the markable region 256 by driving the pins 157 with a lower level of force to that required to perforate the markable region 256. The position of the pins 157 are measured by the position sensing arrangement 159.

[0176] From the output of the position sensing arrangement 159, it can be determined that no perforations have yet been provided at locations 1 , 3, 4 due to the position sensing arrangement 159 indicating the pins 157a, c, d in a non-fully extended position as they do not extend through the markable region 256. Similarly, from the output of the position sensing arrangement 159, it can be determined that perforations are provided at locations 2, 5, 6 due to the position sensing arrangement 159 indicating the pins 157b, e, f in a fully extended position through the markable region 256. As the pin locations correspond with portions 210 of the MPCA 200, the use condition is thereby indicated by the markable region 256.

[0177] Referring to Figure 10 and 11 , in an example, the indicator arrangement 250 comprises one or more indicator regions comprising a material configured to exhibit a change in an optical property upon use of the MPCA 200. In other words, upon heating of a portion AL Ref: P46782WO | JTI Ref: 6717 / WO 29

[0178] 210 of the MPCA 200, an optical property of a material of the indicator region may exhibit a change. That change can be detected by an optical sensor of the reader apparatus 150. Preferably, the optical property is colour. The teaching provided here with reference to Figures 10 and 11 may be applicable to the example of the MPCA 200 in the form of a cassette shown and described with reference to Figure 3.

[0179] Referring to Figure 10, in an example, the material configured to exhibit said change is in the form of a cover layer 230 provided over the plurality of portions 210 of consumable substrate. The cover layer 230 may be similar or identical in construction to the cover layer 230 described above in relation to Figure 2. As shown in Figure 10, a plurality of portions have been heated to generate aerosol, and thus a colour change is exhibited in the cover layer 230 at respective locations of the used portions. From Figure 10, it can be seen that 10 portions remain unused in the MPCA 200.

[0180] In one example, the cover layer 230 may exhibit a change in colour upon heating due to inherent properties of the paper. In another example, the cover layer 230 may exhibit a change in colour upon heating due to inclusion of thermochromic ink in the material, or the change in colour may occur due to inherent properties of the paper but be enhanced by inclusion of thermochromic ink. In another example, a colour-changing compound may be included in the consumable substrate portion 210, which, when heated, may cause a change in the colour of the part of the cover layer 230 provided over said portion 210.

[0181] From the presence of a colour change at locations which correspond with portions 210 of the MPCA 200, the user can readily determine which portions are used or unused, thereby enhancing their experience and improving understanding of use condition of the MPCA 200.

[0182] Referring to Figure 11 , a heating / reading module 111 of an aerosol generation device 100 is illustrated. The device 100 may incorporate a plurality of heating / reading modules 111. The heating / reading module 111 may incorporate a reader apparatus 150 in the form of an optical sensor 164. The optical sensor 164 is configured to detect the change in optical property (e.g., colour) of the material of the indicator region. In this example, a plurality of LEDs 115 are provided. The LEDs 115 form part of the heating element arrangement 110, and are configured to heat the portion 210. Additionally, the LEDs AL Ref: P46782WO | JTI Ref: 6717 / WO 30

[0183] 115 may be used to illuminate the cover layer 230 for colour measurement / detection by the optical sensor 164.

[0184] In use, the LEDs 115 heat the portion 210 of consumable substrate, which results in a change in colour of the cover layer 230 (or layers, either side of the portion 210). The change in colour is detected by the optical sensors 164. One or more lenses 165 may be provided, for use in directing light from the LEDs 115 toward the portion 210 and / or in directing light from the cover layer 230 toward the optical sensors 164.

[0185] Referring to Figure 12, in an example, the indicator arrangement 250 comprises one or more indicator regions comprising a material configured to exhibit a change in an electrical property upon use of the MPCA 200. In other words, upon heating of a portion 210 of the MPCA 200, an electrical property of a material of the indicator region may exhibit a change. That change can be detected by an electrode sensing arrangement of the reader apparatus 150. Preferably, the electrical property is conductivity. The teaching provided here with reference to Figure 11 may be applicable to the example of the MPCA 200 in the form of a cassette shown and described with reference to Figure 3.

[0186] In a similar manner to the example described above in relation to Figures 10 and 11 , the material configured to exhibit the change is the cover layer 230. The cover layer 230 may be similar or identical in construction to the cover layer 230 described above in relation to Figure 2, 10 and / or 11 .

[0187] A conductive ink may be applied to, or incorporated in, the cover layer 230. A conductive ink is an ink which is able to conduct electricity, and may contain fine metal particulates such as silver, carbon, graphite or copper, which may be dispersed in a liquid medium. When printed on a substrate, such as paper or plastic, the ink forms a conductive path. The conductive ink employed in this example is thermally responsive (e.g., activatable or adjustable, by application of heat). That is, the conductivity of the conductive ink is changed due to application of heat. In this way, by measuring conductivity of the conductive ink at the cover layer 230, it is possible to determine if a portion 210 of the MPCA 200 has been used (i.e., heated). The change in conductivity is preferably permanent, or non-reversible. AL Ref: P46782WO | JTI Ref: 6717 / WO 31

[0188] In this example, the reader apparatus 150 comprises an electrode sensing arrangement 166. The electrode sensing arrangement 166 is configured to detect a change in the electrical property of the material of the indicator region. In other words, the electrode sensing arrangement 166 is configured to detect a change in conductivity of the cover layer 230, or a region of the cover layer 230 (e.g., corresponding with one or more portions 210), caused by use of the one or more portions 210.

[0189] The electrode sensing arrangement 116 may comprise a suitable arrangement of electrodes for detecting conductivity of the cover layer 230 in respect of all portions 210 of the MPCA 200. That is, the electrode sensing arrangement 116 is configured to determine the use condition of each (i.e., every) portion of the MPCA 200, by measurement of conductivity of the cover layer 230 at locations corresponding with portions 210.

[0190] In an example, the electrode sensing arrangement 116 may sense a conductivity of an indicator region above a threshold (a “high” conductivity), and determine that indicator region to be a region corresponding with an unused portion 210. Conversely, the electrode sensing arrangement 116 may sense a conductivity of an indicator region below a threshold (a “low” conductivity), and determine that indicator region to be a region corresponding with a used portion 210.

[0191] In an example, the indicator arrangement 250 comprises one or more indicator regions comprising one or more portions of consumable substrate. In other words, the indicator regions may be provided by portions 210 of consumable substrate. In this way, no specifically configured material such as those described above may be required, and the use condition may be determinable or discernible simply by reference to the portions 210. An example of this may be detecting change in colour of the portions 210 upon heating, which may be with or without the inclusion of a colour-changing compound.

[0192] In an example, the indicator arrangement 250 is configured to indicate the use condition of the MPCA 200 in a manner which is visually discernible by a user of the MPCA 200. In this way, the user may be able to readily interpret the use condition of the MPCA 200 without using the output of a reader apparatus 150. The use condition may be discernible by reference to colour, markings, or any other suitable means, whether described herein or elsewhere. This allows the user to make an informed decision as AL Ref: P46782WO | JTI Ref: 6717 / WO 32 to whether to insert the MPCA 200 into the device 100 for use in an aerosol inhalation session.

[0193] As described in greater detail elsewhere, the aerosol generation device 100 comprises a heating element arrangement 110 and a controller 108.

[0194] In an example, the controller 108 is configured to control operation of the heating element arrangement 110 to heat the MPCA 200 based on an output of the reader apparatus 150. That is, the output of any of the reader apparatus 150 described herein may be used by the controller 108 to control operation of the heating element arrangement 110.

[0195] As above, the output of the reader apparatus 150 indicates the use condition, and the controller 108 uses the output to control operation of the heating element arrangement 110. Based on said output, the controller 108 can control the heating element arrangement 110 to heat an unused portion 210 of the MPCA 200. Based on said output, the controller 108 can control the heating element arrangement 110 to prevent heating of a used portion 210 of the MPCA 200. Said heating may be heating so as to generate aerosol.

[0196] It is conceived that by monitoring the heating of the portions 210, the use condition of each portion 210 of the MPCA 200 can be determined. In other words, feedback from the heating process itself can be used to determine use condition.

[0197] As above, the aerosol generation device 100 may comprise one heater for each portion 210 of the MPCA 200. In a process of reading the MPCA 200, the heating element arrangement 110 may be operated to heat all portions 210 to a reading (or indexing) temperature. The reading temperature is a predetermined temperature. The reading temperature is below the temperature required for aerosol generation. Heating a portion 210 to the reading temperature may have no impact on the ability of that portion to generate aerosol.

[0198] The use condition of each portion of the consumable can be determined (e.g., by the controller) by reference to: AL Ref: P46782WO | JTI Ref: 6717 / WO 33 a. time taken to reach the reading temperature - unused (i.e., new) portions have higher thermal inertia due to their moisture content, and therefore require more energy to heat up. In contrast, used portions are drier, and thus heat up faster with less energy input. Therefore, the time taken for the portion to reach the reading temperature can be measured, and a shorter time indicates a used portion. b. slope of the temperature curve - the rate of temperature increase can be used to determine use condition. A steeper slope suggests lower thermal inertia, indicating a used portion. c. energy consumption - the total energy required to heat the portion to the reading temperature is calculated. A used portion requires less energy to heat to the reading temperature, whereas a new portion requires more.

[0199] Referring to Figure 13, a plot of portion temperature 1312 vs. time 1314 is shown. The profile of a used portion is indicated at 1316, and the profile of an unused portion is indicated at 1318. As can be seen in the plot, the used portion 1216 is heated from ambient temperature 1320 to the reading temperature 1322 in a shorter amount of time that the unused portion 1318. The slope of the temperature curve for the used portion 1316 is steeper.

[0200] In this way, the reader apparatus 150 is configured to determine the use condition based on the heating of the portions 210 of consumable substrate to the reading temperature 1322.

[0201] In an example, the heating element arrangement 110 may incorporate an array of resistive heaters. Resistive heaters can integrate both heating and temperature sensing capabilities. In this way, the array of resistive heaters can function both as the heating element arrangement 110 and also as the reader apparatus 150. Complexity of the aerosol generation device 100 can be reduced, as it is necessary to integrate fewer components in the device 100.

[0202] In a further example, the heating element arrangement 110 may use induction or radiative heating, and an array of temperature sensors may be incorporated to measure the temperature of each portion 210. The temperature sensors may be in direct contact with the portion 210, or a cover layer 230 of the portion 210. The temperature sensors AL Ref: P46782WO | JTI Ref: 6717 / WO 34 may be, for example, Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) sensors, Positive Temperature Coefficient Sensors (PCT), or any other suitable temperature sensor.

[0203] Referring back to Figure 3, the reader apparatus 150 is configured to read the one or more indicator devices and / or the one or more indicator regions of the MPCA 200 to determine the use condition of each portion 210 of the consumable article 200. This may achieved according to any of the examples described above.

[0204] In a particular example, on insertion of the MPCA 200 having the form of a cassette, the tape 200a may be advanced so that all portions 210 are moved past the reader apparatus 150. The reader apparatus 150 may thereby determine the use condition of each portion 210 of the consumable article 200. An initial use condition may thereby be determined. In particular, the techniques or methods described above may be used in the determination, including optical sensing, electrode sensing, reference to one or more indicator regions comprising one or more portions of consumable substrate, visual discernment, and / or monitoring of heating, may be used to determine the use condition of each portion 210 of the consumable article 200.

[0205] Referring to Figure 14, a schematic aerosol generation system 1000 is shown. The aerosol generation system 1000 comprises an aerosol generation device 100 and a multi-portion consumable article (MPCA) 200. The aerosol generation system 1000 may incorporate any or all of the features of the aerosol generation device 100 and / or of the MPCA 200 described herein. That is, the aerosol generation device 100 may be in accordance with any of the examples described herein, and / or the MPCA 200 may be in accordance with any of the examples described herein.

[0206] Referring to Figure 15, a schematic method is shown. The method is a method of determining a use condition of an MPCA 200. The MPCA 200 may be in accordance with any of the examples described herein. Step S1510 comprises reading one or more indicator devices and / or one or more indicator regions of the consumable article. Step S1520 comprises determining the use condition of each portion of the consumable article from the reading.

[0207] The method may incorporate any or all of the features of the aerosol generation device 100, MPCA 200, and / or system 100 described herein, as desired or as appropriate. AL Ref: P46782WO | JTI Ref: 6717 / WO 35

[0208] Although preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims and as described above.

[0209] Aspects are described in the following clauses:

[0210] Clauses:

[0211] 1. A multi-portion consumable article configured to be received at an aerosol generation device, the multi-portion consumable article comprising: a plurality of portions of consumable substrate; and an indicator arrangement configured to provide an indication of a use condition of each portion of the consumable article, wherein the indicator arrangement comprises: one or more indicator devices and / or one or more indicator regions.

[0212] 2. The multi-portion consumable article according to clause 1, wherein the indicator arrangement comprises one or more indicator devices comprising a read-only chip, a read-write chip, and / or a chipless tag.

[0213] 3. The multi-portion consumable article according to clause 1 or clause 2, wherein the indicator arrangement comprises one or more indicator devices comprising an indicator mechanism configured to indicate the use condition of each portion of the consumable article.

[0214] 4. The multi-portion consumable article according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the indicator arrangement comprises one or more indicator regions, and wherein the indicator regions comprise one or more of: a material configured to exhibit a change in an optical property upon use of the consumable article; a material configured to exhibit a change in an electrical property upon use of the consumable article; a markable region arranged to be marked by an actuator of the aerosol generation device; one or more portions of consumable substrate. AL Ref: P46782WO | JTI Ref: 6717 / WO 36

[0215] 5. The multi-portion consumable article according to clause 4, wherein the indicator regions comprise a material configured to exhibit a change in an optical property upon use, and wherein the material is in the form of a cover layer provided over the plurality of portions of consumable substrate.

[0216] 6. The multi-portion consumable article according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the indicator arrangement is configured to indicate the use condition of the consumable article in a manner which is visually discernible by a user of the consumable.

[0217] 7. An aerosol generation device configured to receive a multi-portion consumable article according to any one of the preceding clauses.

[0218] 8. The aerosol generation device according to clause 7, wherein the aerosol generation device further comprises a reader apparatus configured to read the one or more indicator devices and / or one or more indicator regions, thereby to determine the use condition of each portion of the consumable article.

[0219] 9. The aerosol generation device according to clause 8 when dependent directly or indirectly on clause 2, wherein the reader apparatus comprises a chip reader and / or a reader configured to read the chipless tag.

[0220] 10. The aerosol generation device according to clause 8 or clause 9, when dependent directly or indirectly on clause 3, wherein the reader apparatus comprises an optical sensor for reading the indicator mechanism, optionally wherein the aerosol generation device further comprises an actuator configured to adjust the indicator mechanism.

[0221] 11. The aerosol generation device according to any one of clauses 8 to 10, when dependent directly or indirectly on clause 4, wherein the reader apparatus comprises: an optical sensor configured to detect a change in an optical property of a material of an indicator region; an electrode sensing arrangement configured to detect a change in an electrical property of a material of an indicator region; AL Ref: P46782WO | JTI Ref: 6717 / WO 37 a marking reader for detecting marking of a markable region.

[0222] 12. The aerosol generation device according to any one of clauses 7 to 11 , further comprising: a heating element arrangement; and a controller configured to: control operation of the heating element arrangement to heat the multi-portion consumable based on an output of the reader apparatus.

[0223] 13. The aerosol generation device according to clause 12, wherein the heating element arrangement is configured to heat one or more of the portions of consumable substrate to a reading temperature, and wherein the reader apparatus is configured to determine the use condition based on the heating.

[0224] 14. An aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generation device according to any one of clauses 7 to 13, and a multi-portion consumable according to any one of clauses 1 to 6.

[0225] 15. A method of determining a use condition of a multi-portion consumable article according to any one of clauses 1 to 6, the method comprising: reading one or more indicator devices and / or one or more indicator regions of the consumable article; determining the use condition of each portion of the consumable article from the reading.

[0226] End of detailed description.

Claims

AL Ref: P46782WO | JTI Ref: 6717 / WO 38CLAIMS1. A multi-portion consumable article configured to be received at an aerosol generation device, the multi-portion consumable article comprising: a plurality of portions of consumable substrate; and an indicator arrangement configured to provide an indication of a use condition of each portion of the consumable article, wherein the indicator arrangement comprises: one or more indicator devices and / or one or more indicator regions.

2. The multi-portion consumable article according to claim 1 , wherein the one or more indicator devices are provided within the body of the consumable article such that the one or more indicator devices are readable regardless of orientation of insertion into the aerosol generation device.

3. The multi-portion consumable article according to claim 2, wherein the one or more indicator devices are provided centrally within the body of the consumable.

4. The multi-portion consumable article according to claim 1 , claim 2, or claim 3, wherein the indicator arrangement comprises one or more indicator devices comprising a read-only chip, a read-write chip, and / or a chipless tag.

5. The multi-portion consumable article according to claim 4, wherein the one or more indicator devices comprises the read-only chip and / or the chipless tag, and the read-only chip and / or the chipless tag are configured to store an identification code to access information regarding the use condition of each portion of the consumable article.

6. The multi-portion consumable article according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the one or more indicator devices comprises the read-write chip, and the read-write chip is configured to store the use condition of each portion of the consumable article.AL Ref: P46782WO | JTI Ref: 6717 / WO 397. The multi-portion consumable article according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the chipless tag comprises a chipless radio-frequency identification, RFID, tag.

8. The multi-portion consumable article according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the chipless RFID tag is formed from conductive ink and / or electromagnetic ink.

9. The multi-portion consumable article according to claim 8, wherein the conductive ink and / or electromagnetic ink are arranged on a surface of the consumable article to form an antenna.

10. The multi-portion consumable article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the indicator arrangement comprises one or more indicator devices comprising an indicator mechanism configured to indicate the use condition of each portion of the consumable article.

11. The multi-portion consumable article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the indicator arrangement comprises one or more indicator regions, and wherein the indicator regions comprise one or more of: a material configured to exhibit a change in an optical property upon use of the consumable article; a material configured to exhibit a change in an electrical property upon use of the consumable article; a markable region arranged to be marked by an actuator of the aerosol generation device; one or more portions of consumable substrate.

12. The multi-portion consumable article according to claim 11 , wherein the markable region comprises a region arranged to be perforated by the actuator of the aerosol generation device.

13. The multi-portion consumable article according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the indicator regions comprise a material configured to exhibit a change in an optical property upon use, and wherein the material is in the form of a cover layer provided over the plurality of portions of consumable substrate.AL Ref: P46782WO | JTI Ref: 6717 / WO 4014. The multi-portion consumable article according to claim 13, wherein the material configured to exhibit a change in an optical property upon use comprises thermochromic ink.

15. The multi-portion consumable article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the indicator arrangement is configured to indicate the use condition of the consumable article in a manner which is visually discernible by a user of the consumable.

16. The multi-portion consumable article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the multi-portion consumable article is in the form of a cassette.

17. An aerosol generation device configured to receive a multi-portion consumable article according to any one of the preceding claims.

18. The aerosol generation device according to claim 17, wherein the aerosol generation device further comprises a reader apparatus configured to read the one or more indicator devices and / or one or more indicator regions, thereby to determine the use condition of each portion of the consumable article.

19. The aerosol generation device according to claim 18, wherein the reader apparatus comprises a chip reader and / or a reader configured to read a chipless tag of the one or more indicator devices.

20. The aerosol generation device according to claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the aerosol generation device is configured to: obtain an identification code of a read-only chip and / or a chipless tag of the one or more indicator devices; and access information regarding the use condition of each portion of the consumable article using the obtained identification code.

21. The aerosol generation device according to claim 18, claim 19, or claim 20, wherein the aerosol generation device is configured to: store the use condition of each portion of the consumable article; and read the stored use condition of each portion of the consumable article.AL Ref: P46782WO | JTI Ref: 6717 / WO 4122. The aerosol generation device according to any one of claims 18 to claim 21 , , wherein the reader apparatus comprises an optical sensor for reading an indicator mechanism of the indicator arrangement.

23. The aerosol generation device according to claim 22, comprising an actuator configured to adjust the indicator mechanism.

24. The aerosol generation device according to any one of claims 18 to 23, wherein the reader apparatus comprises one or more of: an optical sensor configured to detect a change in an optical property of a material of an indicator region of the indicator arrangement; an electrode sensing arrangement configured to detect a change in an electrical property of a material of an indicator region of the indicator arrangement; a marking reader for detecting marking of a markable region of the indicator arrangement.

25. The aerosol generation device according to claim 24, comprising an actuator configured to mark the markable region of the indicator arrangement.

26. The aerosol generation device according to claim 25, wherein the actuator configured to mark the markable region is configured to perforate the markable region of the indicator arrangement.

27. The aerosol generation device according to any one of claims 17 to 26, further comprising: a heating element arrangement; and a controller configured to: control operation of the heating element arrangement to heat the multi-portion consumable based on an output of the reader apparatus.

28. The aerosol generation device according to claim 27, wherein the heating element arrangement is configured to heat one or more of the portions of consumable substrate to a reading temperature, and wherein the reader apparatus is configured to determine the use condition based on the heating.AL Ref: P46782WO | JTI Ref: 6717 / WO 4229. An aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generation device according to any one of claims 17 to 28, and a multi-portion consumable according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

30. A method of determining a use condition of a multi-portion consumable article according to any one of claims 1 to 16, the method comprising: reading one or more indicator devices and / or one or more indicator regions of the consumable article; determining the use condition of each portion of the consumable article from the reading.

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