阅读说明：本技术 具有色度识别的气溶胶生成系统 (Aerosol-generating system with colorimetric identification ) 是由 R·N·巴蒂斯塔 R·卡利 N·卡列林 于 2020-03-13 设计创作，主要内容包括：气溶胶生成系统(50)具有设置在气溶胶生成系统的外表面的一部分上的光学传感器(23)。光学传感器被配置成输出传感器数据。控制器(29)可操作地联接到光学传感器。控制器被配置成基于光学传感器数据操纵气溶胶生成系统的烟雾化器元件的一个或多个操作参数。(An aerosol-generating system (50) has an optical sensor (23) disposed on a portion of an outer surface of the aerosol-generating system. The optical sensor is configured to output sensor data. A controller (29) is operably coupled to the optical sensor. The controller is configured to manipulate one or more operating parameters of an aerosolizer element of the aerosol-generating system based on the optical sensor data.)

1. An aerosol-generating system comprising:

an optical sensor disposed on a portion of an outer surface of the aerosol-generating system, the optical sensor configured to output sensor data;

a controller operably coupled to the optical sensor, the controller configured to manipulate one or more operating parameters of an aerosolizer element of the aerosol-generating system based on the optical sensor data.

2. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol-generating system comprises an aerosol-generating device and a charging unit configured to charge the aerosol-generating device between uses and to house the aerosol-generating device, the optical sensor being provided on an outer surface of the charging unit.

3. An aerosol-generating system according to any preceding claim, wherein the optical sensor is a colorimetric sensor.

4. An aerosol-generating system according to any preceding claim, wherein the controller is configured to automatically modify one or more operating parameters of an aerosolizer element of the aerosol-generating system based on the optical sensor data.

5. An aerosol-generating system according to any preceding claim, wherein the optical sensor is optically coupled to a package of aerosol-generating articles, and the controller is configured to manipulate one or more operating parameters of an aerosolizer element of the aerosol-generating system based on a color of the package detected by the optical sensor.

6. An aerosol-generating system according to any preceding claim, further comprising a colouring element configured to apply a layer of colour to an outer surface of the aerosol-generating system.

7. An aerosol-generating system according to any preceding claim, wherein the optical sensor comprises a colorimetric sensor and a light source, for example a solid state light source.

8. An aerosol-generating system according to any preceding claim, wherein the optical sensor comprises a light transmissive layer forming part of an outer surface of the aerosol-generating system.

9. An aerosol-generating kit comprising:

an aerosol-generating system according to any preceding claim; and

two or more coloring elements configured to apply a layer of color to an outer surface of the aerosol-generating system.

10. An aerosol-generating kit comprising:

an aerosol-generating system according to any preceding claim; and

a package for containing an aerosol-generating consumable article, the package having a particular color associated with the aerosol-generating consumable article.

11. An aerosol-generating kit comprising:

an aerosol-generating system according to any preceding claim; and

a skin layer configured to be disposed onto the optical sensor, the skin layer having a particular color or being configured to be colored.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to systems, devices, kits and methods for colorimetric identification of aerosol-generating articles, and more particularly to optical sensors, such as colorimetric sensors, on elements of aerosol-generating systems. The optical sensor provides data to manipulate or modify one or more operating parameters of an element of the aerosol-generating system.

Background

There is an increasing demand for handheld aerosol-generating systems or devices that are capable of delivering an aerosol for inhalation by a user. Some aerosol-generating devices operate by heating an aerosol-forming substrate with a heating element. In particular, some devices operate by inserting an electric heater into the solid aerosol-forming substrate and supplying power to the heater from a battery contained in the device. The aerosol-generating device may generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating substrate in response to a user action, such as a puff. The user typically holds the aerosol-generating device during and between puffs.

Known hand-held electrically operated aerosol-generating systems typically comprise an aerosol-generating device or main unit comprising a battery, control electronics and an electric heater for heating aerosol-generating articles specifically designed for the aerosol-generating device. In some examples, the aerosol-generating article comprises an aerosol-generating substrate, for example, a tobacco rod or a tobacco filter segment. Aerosol-generating substrates such as tobacco typically comprise one or more volatile compounds which form an aerosol when heated inside an aerosol-generating device. When the aerosol-generating article is inserted into an aerosol-generating device, a heater contained within the aerosol-generating device is inserted into or around the aerosol-generating substrate. In some electrically operated aerosol-generating systems, the aerosol-generating article may comprise an enclosure containing an aerosol-generating substrate, for example loose tobacco.

Known hand-held electrically operated aerosol-generating systems typically comprise an aerosol-generating device and a charging unit. The charging unit is configured to charge the aerosol-generating device and may be configured to house, hold or store the aerosol-generating device between uses.

Disclosure of Invention

It is desirable to provide users with a convenient way to interact with their aerosol-generating systems by color recognition, appearance or design. It is desirable to provide users who wish to customize their aerosol-generating systems with a way to take advantage of color and modify the operation of the aerosol-generating system. It is desirable to provide a user with a convenient way of modifying the operation of an aerosol-generating system that is capable of distinguishing between a consumer article or an aerosol-generating article, based on the colour of the packaging of the consumer article. It is desirable to provide a kit to a user to allow the user to personalize the appearance of their aerosol-generating system.

Various aspects of the present disclosure relate to aerosol-generating systems with colorimetric identification. The present disclosure provides systems, devices, kits and methods for colorimetric identification of aerosol-generating articles, and more particularly relates to optical sensors, such as colorimetric sensors, on elements of aerosol-generating systems. The optical sensor provides data to manipulate one or more operating parameters of an element of the aerosol-generating system.

In one aspect of the disclosure, an aerosol-generating system includes an optical sensor disposed on a portion of an outer surface of the aerosol-generating system. The optical sensor is configured to output sensor data. The controller is operably coupled to the optical sensor. The controller is configured to manipulate one or more operating parameters of an aerosolizer element of the aerosol-generating system based on the optical sensor data.

An aerosol-generating system comprises an aerosol-generating device and a charging unit configured to charge the aerosol-generating device and to receive the aerosol-generating device between uses. The optical sensor may be disposed on an outer surface of the charging unit.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol-generating kit comprises an aerosol-generating system herein and two or more coloring elements configured to apply a color layer to an outer surface of the aerosol-generating system.

An aerosol-generating kit may comprise an aerosol-generating system herein and a package for containing an aerosol-generating consumable article. The package has a particular color associated with the aerosol-generating consumable article.

An aerosol-generating kit may comprise an aerosol-generating system herein and a skin layer configured to be disposed onto an optical sensor. The skin layer has a particular color or is configured to be colored.

The systems, devices and methods may provide a cost effective and simple way for users to customize their aerosol-generating systems in appearance and operation. The optical sensor on the outer housing provides non-directional identification and avoids possible contamination from the consumable or aerosol-generating article.

All scientific and technical terms used herein have the meanings commonly used in the art, unless otherwise indicated. The definitions provided herein are to facilitate understanding of certain terms used frequently herein.

The term "aerosol-generating article" or "aerosol-generating substrate" refers to a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol when heated. The aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating substrate of a smoking article according to the present disclosure may be visible or invisible, and may comprise vapour (e.g. fine particles of a substance in the gaseous state, which is typically a liquid or solid at room temperature) as well as droplets of gas and condensed vapour.

The terms "controller" and "processor" refer to any device or apparatus capable of providing suitable computing and control capabilities, such as, for example, a microprocessor, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), an equivalent discrete or integrated logic circuit, or any combination thereof, and capable of providing suitable data storage capabilities, including any medium (e.g., volatile or non-volatile memory, CD-ROM, magnetic recording media, such as a magnetic disk or tape, etc.) containing digital bits that may be readable and writeable (e.g., encoded in binary, ternary, etc.).

The term "communication interface" refers to any device or apparatus capable of providing suitable data communication capabilities between an aerosol-generating device and a user interface device, such as various telemetry circuits and antennas, and may use one or more wired or wireless (e.g., radio frequency) data transmission protocols, such as BLUETOOTH, WI-FI, any protocol in the Ultra High Frequency (UHF) band, any protocol in the ultra high frequency (SHF) band, low frequency, or combinations thereof.

The term "aerosol-generating device" refers to a device configured to generate an aerosol using an aerosol-generating article or substrate. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating device may be described as a smoking article or holder, in particular a tobacco rod holder. Preferably, the aerosol-generating device further comprises an aerosolizer. The aerosolizer may include an atomizer, an aerosol cartridge, a heater, or other aerosolizing component.

The term "aerosol-generating article or substrate" refers to a device or substrate that releases a compound that can form an aerosol for inhalation by a user. In some cases, the matrix may release volatile compounds upon heating. Preferably, the aerosol-generating substrate comprises nicotine. Suitable aerosol-forming substrates may comprise plant based materials. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise tobacco or a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavour compounds which are released from the aerosol-generating substrate upon heating. Additionally or alternatively, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a non-tobacco containing material. The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a homogenized plant-based material. The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise at least one aerosol-former. The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise other additives and ingredients, such as flavourants. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating substrate is a liquid at room temperature. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may be a liquid solution, suspension, dispersion or the like. The liquid aerosol-generating substrate may comprise glycerol, propylene glycol, water, nicotine, and optionally one or more flavourants. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating substrate is a solid at room temperature, for example, a tobacco rod or nicotine powder.

The term "tobacco material" refers to a material or substance that includes tobacco, for example, which includes a tobacco blend or flavored tobacco.

Having defined certain general terms above, the aerosol-generating system of the present disclosure will be described in more detail herein. In general, aerosol-generating systems each include an optical sensor configured to detect colorimetric information. The detected colorimetric data may be used to modify the aerosol delivery profile or may be used in other ways of interest to the user.

The aerosol-generating system may comprise one or more housings configured to be held by a user. In some embodiments, the system may include an aerosol-generating device having a housing. The system may include a charging unit having a separate housing. The housing of the aerosol-generating device may be configured to be coupled to, e.g. to be received by, a housing of a charging unit. The charging unit may surround the aerosol-generating device.

An aerosol-generating system comprises an aerosol-generating device and a charging unit configured to charge the aerosol-generating device and to receive the aerosol-generating device between uses. Preferably, the optical sensor is disposed on an outer surface of the charging unit.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a battery. When operably coupled together, the charging unit may recharge the aerosol-generating device. The charging unit may comprise a battery having a larger capacity than the battery of the aerosol-generating device.

The aerosol-generating device comprises an aerosolizer. The aerosolizer is contained by the housing in use. The aerosolizer is configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating substrate.

Any suitable type of aerosolizer may be used. In some cases, the aerosolizer may be thermally or fluidically coupled to the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosolizer may be compatible for use with various types of aerosol-generating substrates.

The aerosolizer may comprise a heated blade for use with a solid aerosol-generating substrate. The heating blade may be coupled to a housing of the aerosol-generating device to receive power from a power source (battery). For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may be provided in the form of a hot wand. A heating blade may be inserted into the hot rod and heated to generate an aerosol from the solid substrate. The solid substrate may be a smoking material, such as tobacco. The heat provided by the heater blades to the glow stick may not burn the smoking material.

The aerosolizer may comprise a heater, a heater coil, a chemical heat source (such as a carbon heat source), or any suitable means of heating a substrate to generate an aerosol. The aerosolizer may be coupled to a housing of the aerosol-generating device to receive power from a power source (battery), and may be disposed adjacent to the substrate. For example, a heating element of the heater may be disposed adjacent to the aerosol-generating substrate and heated to generate an aerosol from the liquid or solid substrate. The heater coil may comprise a susceptor adjacent to the aerosol-forming substrate, and when the energised induction coil is disposed adjacent the susceptor, electromagnetic energy may be delivered to the susceptor to heat the substrate.

The aerosolizer may comprise an atomizer. The liquid aerosol-generating substrate may be contained in a substrate housing and in fluid communication with the atomizer. Nebulizers can mechanically generate aerosols from liquid substrates, rather than relying solely on temperature.

The aerosolizer may be compatible for use with an aerosol-generating substrate having a nicotine source and a lactic acid source. The nicotine source may comprise an adsorbing element, such as a PTFE core having nicotine adsorbed thereon, which may be inserted into the chamber forming the first compartment. The lactic acid source may comprise an adsorbent element, such as a PTFE core, having lactic acid adsorbed thereon, which may be inserted into the chamber forming the second compartment. The aerosolizer may include a heater to heat the nicotine source and the lactic acid source. The nicotine vapour may then be reacted with the lactic acid vapour in the gas phase to form an aerosol.

The aerosol-generating substrate is at least partially disposed in the aerosol-generating device in use. The aerosol-generating substrate may be removable after being consumed. A new aerosol-generating substrate may be received by the aerosol-generating device to replace the consumed substrate.

The aerosol-generating system comprises one or more optical sensors configured to detect colorimetric information. The optical sensor may be placed on an outer surface of an element of the aerosol-generating system. Preferably, the optical sensor may be placed on an outer surface of a charging unit of the aerosol-generating system.

The aerosol-generating system includes a controller operably coupled to the optical sensor. The controller is configured to manipulate one or more operating parameters of an aerosolizer element of the aerosol-generating system based on the optical sensor data. The controller may be configured to automatically modify one or more operating parameters of an aerosolizer element of the aerosol-generating system based on the optical sensor data.

The optical sensor may be a colorimetric sensor configured to detect colorimetric information. The chrominance information refers to color information. The optical sensor may be configured to sense and output sensor data corresponding to a color detected by the optical sensor. The output sensor data may be utilized by the controller to manipulate or modify the operation of an aerosolizer element or an aerosol-generating device of the aerosol-generating system based on the output sensor data. For example, the output sensor data may increase or decrease a temperature rise or a temperature change or a temperature distribution change of an aerosolizer element or an aerosol-generating device of the aerosol-generating system based on the output sensor data.

In some embodiments, a user may place an aerosol-generating substrate or article in optical communication with an optical sensor. The optical sensor may detect a color of the aerosol-generating substrate or article (or its packaging) based on the output sensor data to modify operation of an aerosolizer element or aerosol-generating device of the aerosol-generating system. In this way, the operation of the aerosolizer element or aerosol-generating device of the aerosol-generating system may have a number of preset operating parameters for a particular aerosol-generating substrate or article, based on the color of the aerosol-generating substrate or article or the color of the packaging of the aerosol-generating substrate or article.

The optical sensor may be optically coupled to a package of the aerosol-generating article, and the controller is configured to manipulate one or more operating parameters of an aerosolizer element of the aerosol-generating system based on a color of the package detected by the optical sensor.

In some embodiments, a user may apply a color layer to the optical sensor. The color layer may be applied via a coloring element. The coloring element may comprise a color marker or a pen. The color layer may be applied via a skin layer or a mask layer or a template layer. Thus, a user may customize the housing or charging unit of the aerosol-generating system with color.

The user-applied color may be optically coupled to the optical sensor, and the optical sensor may detect the applied color based on the output sensor data to modify operation of an aerosolizer element or an aerosol-generating device of the aerosol-generating system. In this way, the operation of the aerosolizer element or aerosol-generating device of the aerosol-generating system may have a number of preset operating parameters that are utilized according to user instructions by applying a particular color to the optical sensor.

The optical sensor may be a board on chip (soc) type sensor. The optical sensor may be operatively coupled to an electronic control unit or controller. The controller may comprise a memory storing one or more aerosol delivery profiles or aerosol-forming heating profiles associated with colour or chromaticity data generated by the optical sensor. The controller may be contained within the charging unit. The controller may be comprised within the aerosol-generating device. Both the charging unit and the aerosol-generating device may include a controller.

The optical sensor may comprise a colorimetric sensor and a light source, e.g. a solid state light source. The colorimetric sensor may sense light from the light source that is reflected from the colored surface proximate the optical sensor. The optical sensor may comprise a light transmissive layer forming part of an outer surface of the aerosol-generating system.

The colored surface may be referred to as a "target" and may include any suitable colored surface, as described herein. The solid-state light source of the optical sensor may provide uniform, reproducible illumination of the target surface.

Once the reflected light reaches the optical sensor, the optical sensor may transmit a specific electronic signal accordingly, which is analyzed by an electronic control unit or controller, which then compares the match with the defined correlation data. If such data matches a defined target, the electronic signal will trigger a programmed action contained in the control unit. These trigger actions include one or more of the following: turning on a set of LED lights incorporated into the device, the set of LED lights capable of illuminating in different colors; or change the operating mode of the device in terms of temperature profile, duration of consumer experience (e.g., aerosol delivery profile); or unlocking or locking the device for use; or reset the device to the original manufacturing preset.

Thus, as described above, the present invention enables a consumer to customize a lid for a device having a given color, based on retro-illumination (retro-illumination) emitted by existing LEDs incorporated in the lid, which illumination may be dynamic in terms of different colors and light intensities over time.

In addition to bringing a given package having a particular color in at least one of its surfaces close to the sensors present in the device, the device will recognize this color as one of the preset colors, as programmed, and thus act accordingly based on the color of its package, thereby changing the operating mode of the device for that particular consumable.

One advantage is that when the colour of the packaging of the consumable is not recognised by the programming of the device, this means that it is a competitor's product or a counterfeit product, and therefore the device does not operate.

A specific coloring process can create and define specific pigmentation in the surface of the product packaging (target), including metal particles that provide specific light reflection and will create a unique color pattern and therefore also be unique in their reproducibility, difficult to replicate.

In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating kit comprises an aerosol-generating system as described herein and two or more coloring elements configured to apply a layer of color to an outer surface of the aerosol-generating system.

In one embodiment, an aerosol-generating kit comprises an aerosol-generating system as described herein and a package for containing an aerosol-generating consumable article. The package has a particular color associated with the aerosol-generating consumable article.

In one embodiment, an aerosol-generating kit comprises an aerosol-generating system as described herein and a skin layer configured to be disposed onto an optical sensor. The skin layer has a particular color or is configured to be colored.

The invention can provide non-oriented recognition of the target color. The present invention can provide a contamination-free method of sensing a color of a target. The present invention can provide the consumer with a unique method of customizing the system while also changing or interacting with the operating parameters of the system through the use or identification of color.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a controller. The controller may be operably coupled to the aerosolizer. The controller may also be operably coupled to the optical sensor, either directly or via a controller contained within the charging unit. The controller of the aerosol-generating device may be housed by a housing of the aerosol-generating device. The controller is configured to activate the aerosolizer to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosolizer can be activated to generate an aerosol according to an aerosol delivery profile.

The charging unit may comprise a controller separate from the controller of the aerosol-generating device. When the charging unit includes an optical sensor, the controller may also be operably coupled to the optical sensor. The controller of the charging unit may be housed by the housing of the charging unit.

The functions described herein with respect to the optical sensor may be performed by one or more controllers in, for example, an aerosol-generating device or a charging unit. In particular, the one or more controllers are configured to provide, when operatively connected to the optical sensor, an aerosol delivery profile regarding at least one color characteristic detected by the optical sensor.

The aerosol delivery profile (or other operating parameters of the device) determined by the detected color characteristics may be communicated between the aerosol-generating device and the charging unit. In one example, one or more of the controllers includes a communication interface configured to operatively communicate color data. For example, the communication interface of the aerosol-generating device may be configured to communicate the color data to at least one of the charging unit and a separate user interface. The separate user interface may be part of a device separate from the aerosol-generating system (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet, or a wearable device of a user, such as a smartwatch). A separate user interface may include a display or speaker to relay information to the user, for example using graphics or audio. The color data may also be used as input for one or more applications running on a separate user interface.

The separate user interface may be an internet-enabled device. The color data may be transmitted to an internet-enabled device that may transmit the color data over the internet for remote storage or use. For example, the color data may be stored on a remote server. The remote server may be used, for example, by a user on a cloud-based data interface to further process the data or to store the data for later access.

The communication interface may be any suitable wired or wireless interface configured to communicate data between devices, such as Universal Serial Bus (USB), power line, Wi-Fi, bluetooth, and cellular data networks.

Various devices may be connected to the communication interface or removed over time. The communication interface may be configured to receive data from other devices. Such received data may be provided to a user, for example using a user interface of the aerosol-generating system.

The aerosol-generating system may further comprise one or more user interfaces to provide colour data to a user. In some embodiments, a display or speaker is operably coupled to one or more of the controllers. The display may be configured to display graphics, for example, based on color data. The graphics may include alphanumeric characters or other images.

The one or more controllers can include memory. The memory may be used to store various types of data, such as color data. The stored color data may be used, displayed, or transmitted at a later time. In one example, the colour data may be determined and stored on a controller of the aerosol-generating device. In another example, color data may be determined and stored on a controller of the charging unit. In further examples, the color data may be transmitted from the aerosol-generating device to the charging unit and stored, or vice versa.

The controller may modify the aerosol delivery profile using the color data. Aerosol delivery profiles describe how an aerosol is generated from an aerosol-forming substrate and delivered to a user. For example, the aerosol delivery profile may adjust the activation of the aerosolizer to increase or decrease the amount of aerosol generated. In some embodiments, the aerosol delivery profile comprises a nicotine delivery profile. The nicotine delivery profile may describe how much nicotine is being delivered to the user.

The aerosol delivery profile may be selected from a plurality of pre-programmed aerosol delivery profiles. The pre-programmed aerosol delivery profile may be stored on a memory of the controller or transmitted to the controller, for example, from another controller or user device (e.g., a smartphone). Each aerosol delivery profile may be adapted for different color data sensed by the optical sensor.

The controller may be provided in any suitable form and may include, for example, a processor and memory. Typically, the controller includes a memory containing instructions that cause one or more components to perform functions or aspects of the controller. The functions that may be caused by the controller in the present disclosure may be embodied as one or more of software, firmware, and hardware.

In particular, one or more of the components described herein, such as a controller, may include a processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), computer, logic array, or other device capable of importing or exporting data outside of the controller. The controller may include one or more computing devices having memory, processing, and communication hardware. The controller may include circuitry for coupling various components of the controller together or with other components operatively coupled to the controller. The functions of the controller may be performed by hardware and/or as computer instructions on a non-transitory computer readable storage medium.

The processor of the controller may comprise any one or more of a microprocessor, microcontroller, Digital Signal Processor (DSP), Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), and/or equivalent discrete or integrated logic circuitry. In some examples, a processor may include multiple components, such as any combination of one or more microprocessors, one or more controllers, one or more DSPs, one or more ASICs, and/or one or more FPGAs, as well as other discrete or integrated logic circuitry. The functionality attributed to a controller or processor herein may be embodied as software, firmware, hardware, or any combination thereof. Although described herein as a processor-based system, alternative controllers may use other components (e.g., relays and timers) alone or in combination with a microprocessor-based system to achieve the desired results.

In one or more embodiments, the exemplary systems, methods, and interfaces may be implemented using one or more computer programs using a computing device that may include one or more processors and/or memory. The program code and/or logic described herein may be applied to input data/information to perform the functions described herein and generate desired output data/information. The output data/information may be applied as input to one or more other devices and/or methods, as described herein or to be applied in a known manner. In view of the above, it will be apparent that the controller functions described herein may be implemented in any manner known to those skilled in the art.

The controller may be configured to regulate the supply of electrical power. For example, the power supplied to the aerosolizer may be managed by the controller, e.g. to regulate the generation of an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate.

Drawings

Fig. 1A-1B are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of one charging unit of an aerosol-generating system in a closed position and an open position, respectively.

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of one aerosol-generating device of the aerosol-generating system in a cross-sectional view.

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an example of one controller of an aerosol-generating system.

Fig. 4 is an illustration of an example of an optical sensor in perspective view.

Fig. 5 is an illustration of an example of an optical sensor in a cross-sectional perspective view.

Figure 6 is a schematic view of an example of an optical sensor in cross-sectional view forming part of an outer surface of an element of an aerosol-generating system.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1A-1B show an aerosol-generating system 50 comprising a charging unit 52 comprising a lid 25 (lid) and a main charging unit 26 (main body). The lid 25 may be opened (fig. 2A) or closed (fig. 2B). The lid 25 opens smoothly at least up to about 90 degrees to provide sufficient clearance for the user's fingers. When the lid 25 is opened, the user may remove the aerosol-generating device 27 from the primary charging unit 26.

The aerosol-generating system 50 comprises an optical sensor 23. The optical sensor 23 may be provided on a portion of an outer surface of the aerosol-generating system 50. The optical sensor 23 may be disposed on a portion of an outer surface of the main charging unit 52. The optical sensor 23 may be disposed on a portion of the outer surface of the main charging unit main body 26.

The aerosol-generating system 50 comprises a controller 29. The controller 29 is operatively coupled to the optical sensor 23. Controller 29 is configured to manipulate one or more operating parameters of an aerosolizer element of aerosol-generating system 50 based on the optical sensor data.

The lid 25 defines a cavity having sufficient internal volume to accommodate an aerosol-generating device 27. As shown in fig. 2A, the aerosol-generating device 27 may be inserted into the charging unit 52. The lid 25 may be closed to contain and protect the aerosol-generating device 27 when charging.

The main charging unit 26 includes an electronic control unit 29 (controller) and a power supply 30, which may include a battery or batteries. The power supply 30 is typically larger than the power supply 7 (fig. 2) of the aerosol-generating device 27 and contains more charge. Although not shown, the charging unit 52 may comprise a wired or wireless communication interface that communicates with the aerosol-generating device 27, for example using the electrical unit 8 (fig. 2).

Fig. 2 shows an aerosol-generating device 27 comprising: a primary tobacco rod holder 1, or controller portion; and a lid 2 or mouth portion. The primary tobacco rod holder 1 and the lid 2 together define a housing of the aerosol-generating device 27. The lid 2 defines a cavity 3 configured to receive a tobacco hot rod (not shown). The tobacco hot rod can be pierced by the heating element 4 (aerosolizer) when inserted into the cavity 3. The heating element 4 is provided in the form of, for example, a blade or a pin and is heated resistively by means of a resistor or inductively by means of a susceptor.

The heating element 4, when activated, raises the temperature of the tobacco hot rod. The holder 5 or the base of the heating element 4 provides an electrical connection (operative coupling) between the heating element 4 and an electronic control unit 6 (controller). The electronic control unit 6 is operatively coupled to a power source 7, which may comprise a battery or several batteries. The electronic control unit 6 is used to activate or deliver power to the heating element. An electrical unit 8 (communication interface) with a printed circuit board is operatively connected to the electronic control unit 6 and the power supply 7. The electrical unit 8 is operatively coupled to an electrical or data contact pad 9, which may be used to couple to an external power source for charging and an external device for transferring data. The connection substrate 10 or the wiring of the flat flexible substrate may be used to operatively couple the electric unit 8 and the electronic control unit 6.

A light emitting diode 15 is provided along the primary tobacco rod holder 1 and provides a status indication, such as on/off or mode of operation. The light emitting diodes 15 may be color coded to provide such an indication. An operating button 16 or actuator is provided along the primary tobacco rod holder 1 and allows a user to turn the aerosol-generating device 1 on or off, as well as access certain menu modes. The light emitting diode 15 and the operation buttons 16 are operatively coupled to the printed circuit board 17. The printed circuit board 17 is operatively coupled to the electronic control unit 6 by means of wiring of a connection substrate 19 or a flat flexible substrate. A recessed surface 18 may be provided along the primary tobacco rod holder 1 to provide ergonomic contact with and protection of the light emitting diode 15 and the operating button 16 for the user's fingers. In particular, the recessed surface 18 provides some protection against accidental actuation of the operating button 16. The primary tobacco rod holder 1 may include a display 30 (user interface) which may display alphanumeric graphics or other graphics visible to the user.

The chamber housing 20 defines the chamber 3 and provides air management around the tobacco hot rod when inserted into the chamber 3. The cavity housing 20 may also be used to extract a tobacco hot rod from the aerosol-generating device 1.

Fig. 3 shows a controller 100 having an operative coupling 102 to an optical sensor 23, and an operative coupling 104 to other devices 110 using a communication interface 108. The controller 100 may be housed in the aerosol-generating device or the charging unit. The other device 110 may be the aerosol-generating device 27, the charging unit 52, or an internet-enabled external device separate from the aerosol-generating system.

The controller 100 includes a processor 112 and a memory 114. The processor 112 receives color or chroma data 116 and determines operational data 118 based on the color or chroma data 116. Processor 112 determines aerosol delivery profile 120 based on color data 118 and optionally using communication interface 108 or other input received by a user interface (not shown). Memory 114 stores a preprogrammed aerosol delivery profile 121. Aerosol delivery profile 120 may be selected by processor 112 from a preprogrammed aerosol delivery profile 121.

Fig. 4 is an illustration of an example of the optical sensor 23 in a perspective view. Fig. 5 is an illustration of an example of the optical sensor 23 in a cross-sectional perspective view. Figure 6 is a schematic view of an example of an optical sensor 23 in cross-sectional view, which forms part of an outer surface 26 of an element of an aerosol-generating system.

The optical sensor 23 or the colorimetric sensor 23 comprises a light sensitive sensor 123 and a light source 124 on a substrate or chip 126. The substrate or chip 126 may be referred to as a board-on-chip (BOC) and may provide electronic circuitry to enable components, such as the controller 29, to interface and connect with the optical sensor 23 or the light-sensitive sensor 123.

The photosensitive sensor 123 and the light source 124 may be arranged side by side. The light source housing 125 may contain and direct light toward the targets 309, 313. The polarizer element 122 may be disposed on the photosensitive sensor 123 to direct light onto the photosensitive sensor 123 in a parallel manner (unidirectional light 212).

Light 210 emitted from the light source 124 may be transmitted through the light transmissive layer 127 and then reflected off of the targets 309, 313. This reflected light 211 may be incident on the optical sensor 23 or the light sensitive sensor 123 via the light transmissive layer 127 and the optional polarizer element 122.

The specific embodiments described above are intended to be illustrative of the invention. However, other embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims, and it should be understood that the particular embodiments described above are not intended to be limiting.

As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" encompass embodiments having plural referents, unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, "or" is generally employed in its sense including "and/or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. The term "and/or" means one or all of the listed elements or a combination of any two or more of the listed elements.

As used herein, "having," "comprising," "including," and the like are used in their open sense and generally mean "including (but not limited to)". It is understood that "consisting essentially of … …", "consisting of … …", and the like are included in the "comprising" and the like.

The words "preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments of the invention that may provide certain benefits under certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred under the same or other circumstances. Furthermore, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the disclosure, including the claims.