Aerosol generating system with consumption monitoring and feedback

European).

THE AEROSOL MANUFACTURING SYSTEM WITH THE MONITORING OF CONSUMPTION AND

REVERSE MECHANISM

The description relates to aerosol generating systems, and more particularly to systems containing inhalation devices for the inhalation of a user, such as smoking devices. The description refers to the device and how to monitor the use of the device and provide the user with an indication of the aerosol consumption or consumption of a specific ingredient or aerosol components.

Conventional cigarettes with lit ends deliver smoke due to the combustion of tobacco and wrappers that take place at temperatures that can exceed 800 degrees Celsius when puffed. At these temperatures, tobacco is thermally degraded by pyrolysis and combustion. The heat of combustion releases and generates a variety of gaseous combustion products and tobacco distillates. The products are sucked in by the cigarette and cooled and condensed to form a smoke containing the flavors and aromas associated with smoking. At combustion temperatures, not only flavors and aromas are generated, but also many undesirable compounds.

Electric heating devices are known, which are essentially aerosol generating devices that operate at lower temperatures than conventional cigarettes with lit ends. An example of such an electric smoking device is disclosed in WO2009 / 118085. WO2009 / 118085 discloses an electric smoking device in which a substrate for generating an aerosol is heated by a heating element to generate an aerosol.

The temperature of the heating element is regulated within a certain temperature range to ensure that undesirable volatile compounds are not generated and released from the substrate while other desired volatile compounds are released.

US 2011/0265806 discloses an electronic smoking device containing a memory that can store information about the amount of nicotine consumed and which can transmit this data to an external device. However, it is not clear how the nicotine data is obtained and how much nicotine has actually been delivered to the user.

It is desirable to provide an aerosol generating system that can provide the user with information on the consumption of the aerosol or individual aerosol compounds, such as nicotine. This allows a better understanding and regulation of their consumption. It is also desirable to collect data on system wear and aerosol consumption for clinical trials and statistics at the population level.

In the aspect of the disclosure of this specification, an aerosol generating system configured for oral or nasal delivery of the generated aerosol to a user is provided, the system comprising:

a heating element configured to heat a substrate for generating an aerosolizing aerosol; power source connected to the heating element; a controller connected to the heating element and to a power source, the controller being configured to control the operation of the heating element, the controller includes or is connected to means for detecting changes in the air flow next to the heating element;

first data storage means connected to the controller for recording the detected changes in airflow in addition to the heating element and data regarding the operation of the heating element; and the second data storage means comprise a database on changes in air flow and heating element work data for the aerosol properties delivered to the user; and indicating means, such as a display, connected to a second data storage means to indicate to the user the properties of the aerosol delivered to him.

The indicating means can be a display that can display detailed information about the aerosol properties provided to the user, such as the amounts of individual compounds delivered to the user over a given time interval. However, the indicating means may be more basic and may be an audible or visual alarm that is activated when the consumption of a particular compound over a given period exceeds the threshold level. The threshold level can be set by the user. As will be described, the indicating means may be provided to an aerosol generating device comprising a heating element or may be provided to an additional device to which data is sent from the aerosol generating device.

As used herein, an aerosol "provided" to a user means an aerosol that is inhaled by a user during use. Inhaling within the meaning of this document means sucking into the body through the mouth or nose and includes a situation where the aerosol is sucked into the user's lungs, and also when the aerosol is only sucked into the mouth or nasal cavity of the user before being expelled.

The first data storage means may be configured to record detected changes in air flow or puffs by the user or inhalation. The first means for storing the data may register the number of user puffs or the time of each puff. The first data storage means may also be configured to register the temperature of the heating element and the power supplied during each puff. The first means for data storage can register any available data from the controller.

The database may contain data specific to a particular type of aerosol-forming substrate. The system may further include identifying means for identifying the substrate for generating the aerosol obtained in the device. The identifying means may comprise an optical scanner for reading indicia on the aerosol generating substrate or electronic circuits configured to detect the electrical characteristics of the aerosol generating substrate, such as resistance characteristics. Alternatively or additionally, the system may include a user interface configured to allow the consumer to enter substrate identification data for generating the aerosol in the device.

The work data of the aerosolization element may include the temperature of the heating element or the power supplied to the heating element. This information together with air flow data and optionally substrate identification can be compared to stored data in the second data storage means to extract data describing the aerosol properties provided to the user. The aerosol properties provided to the user can contain the amount of specific chemical compounds.

The database may contain the amount of appropriate components provided by the system under specific conditions for specific substrates. The database may contain formulas for specific operating parameters of the aerosol generating device, such as temperature and air flow to the amount of the actual compounds provided by the system. Quantities and formulas can be calculated or extrapolated from experimental data.

The system can be an electric smoking system. In the case of an electric smoking system, the second data storage means can store information computed from the smoking session using a standardized smoking device under different smoking regimes and in a controlled smoking environment and controlled humidity for specific aerosol generating substrates. These experimentally calculated data can be used to extrapolate

Benzo [a] anthracene,

Benzo [b] fluoranthene, the probable volume of the inhaled main smoke stream from changes in air flow and heater operation. Smoking procedures using a standardized smoking machine can be, for example, a standard ISO system or a Canadian intensive combustion method.

In this case, the smoking system data stored in the second data storage means may include, but are not limited to, the amounts of the following compounds contained in the supplied aerosol: Acetaldehyde, Acetamide, Acetone, Acrolein, Acrylamide, Acrylonitrile, 4-Aminobiphenyl,

1-Aminonaphthalene, 2-Aminonaphthalene, Ammonia, AnabaZine, Citizin, Arsenic, Α-α-C (2-Amino-9H-pyrido [2,3-b] indo),

Benz [j] aceantrylen, Benzene,

Benzo [k] fluoranthene, Benzo [b] furan,

Benzo [a] pyrene, Benzo [c] phenanthrene, Beryl, 1,3-Butadiene, Cadmium,

Kaffenic acid, carbon monoxide, catechol, chlorinated dioxins / furans, chromium, chrysler, cobalt, cresols (o-, m-, and p-cresol), crotonaldehyde, cyclopent [c, d] -piren,

Dibenzo [a, h] anthracene, Dibenzo [c, d] pyrene, Dibenzo [a, h] pyrene, Dibenzo [a, i] pyrene, Dibenzo [a, l] pyrene, 2,6-Dimethylaniline, Ethyl carbamate (urethane) ), Ethylbenzene, Ethylene Oxide, Formaldehyde, Furan, Glu-P-1 (2-Amino-6-methyldipyrido [1,2a: 3 ', 2'-d] imidazole), Glu-P-2

2-Aminodipirydo [1,2-a: 3 ', 2'd] imidazole), Hydrazine, Hydrogen cyanide, Inden [1,2,3-cd] pyrene, IQ (2-Amino-3-methylimidazo [4,5-] f] quinoline), Izoprene, Lead, MeA-aC (2-Amino-3-methyl) -9H-pyrido [2,3-b] indole), Mercury, Ethyl methyl ketone, 5-methylbrucene, 4- methylnonitroamino-1 (3-pyridine) -1-butanone (NNK), Naphthalene, Nickel, Nicotine,

Nitrobenzene, Nitromethane, 2-Nitropropane, N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDELA), N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), N-nitroso-methylethylamine, N-nitrosomorpholine (NMOR), Nnitrosonicnicotin (NNN), N-nitrosopiperidine (NPIP), Nnitrozopyrrolidine (NPYR), N-nitrososemarine (NSAR), Norianicine, Phenol, PhIP (2-Amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazole [4,5-b] pyridine), Polon-210, propionic aldehyde, Propylene oxide, Chinolina, Selenium, Styrene, oToluidine, Toluene, Trp-P-1 (3-Amino-1,4-dimethyl-5H pyrido [4,3-b] indole), Trp-P-2 (1-Methyl-3-amino-5H-pyrido [4,3b] ] indole), Uranium-235, Uranium-238, Vinyl Acetate or Vinyl Chloride.

The system may comprise one aerosol generating device comprising all components of the system. Alternatively, the system may comprise an aerosol generating device and one or more accessory devices with which the aerosol generating device may directly or indirectly connect, i.e. to this one or more accessory devices comprising some components of the system. Thus, in the case of a system comprising one device, the second storage means or display or both of the second data storage means and the display are included in one housing together with the heating element and the power supply. The first means for storing data and the second means for storing data may be part of one physical memory. In alternative embodiments, the second data storage means or display or both second data storage means as well as the display may be part of one or more additional devices. For example, a portable computer may be part of the system and may be connected to an aerosol generating device. The portable computer may include second data storage and display means and may perform a data comparison from the first data storage means with the second data storage means.

As used herein, the term "aerosol generating device" means a device that acts on a substrate to produce an aerosol to form an aerosol. The aerosol generating device may include a power source, which may be an external power source or an on-board power source forming part of an aerosol generating device.

One or more additional devices may be a charging device configured to replenish the power source in the aerosol generating device. Alternatively or additionally, the one or more additional devices may comprise a laptop, a desktop computer, a mobile telephone or other electronic consumer device. In one embodiment, the second data storage means may comprise a remote server with which the aerosol generating device or other accessory device may connect via the communication network. The user may be asked to send the detected changes in the air flow past the heating element and the heating element operation data (hereinafter referred to as use data) on the remote server in order to obtain from the server the aerosol properties provided to the user.

Data can be transferred between different devices in the system by any suitable means. For example, a wired connection such as a USB connection can be used. Alternatively, you can use a wireless connection. The data may also be transferred via a communication network such as the Internet. In one embodiment, the aerosol device may be configured to carry data from the first data storage means to the second data storage means in the charging device battery each time the aerosol device is recharged, by appropriate data connection.

Any suitable type of memory can be used for the first and second storage means, such as RAM or flash memory.

The identification or one of the larger characteristics of the aerosol-generating substrate can be provided before or after recording the use data. As described, the identification or one of the larger characteristics of the aerosol-generating substrate can be provided by the data input by the user of the system or can be provided by an automatic substrate detection process.

The system may be configured to provide an alarm when the user has received a threshold amount of one or more compounds by the system in a predetermined time interval. Different thresholds can be set for different compounds and different periods. The alarm may be provided in an aerosol generating device comprising a heating element or in one or more additional devices. The alarm can be a simple visual or audible signal or it can provide more detailed information on the screen. An alarm can be provided to warn the user that consumption of a particular compound has reached the desired limit or a predetermined dose.

The user password or user name can be entered into the user interface in the system to ensure that the recorded data is matched to previous recorded data from the same user. Alternatively, if the system includes one or more additional devices in which the second data storage means are located, it can be assumed that each aerosol device is used by a unique user and the device identifier may be included in the usage data or other data transmitted from an aerosol device.

In a second aspect of disclosing the description, a method is provided for providing aerosol delivery data to an end user of an electric aerosol generating device, the device includes a heating element and a power source for feeding the heater element, and means for detecting a change in airflow in addition to the heater element include:

recording of detected changes in the air flow next to the heating element and data regarding the operation of the heating element; and extracting from the database based on the detected changes in air flow and heating element work data, the aerosol properties provided to the user; and an indication, for example, of displaying the isolated properties of the aerosol provided to the user.

The method may further comprise the step of detecting or providing at least one substrate characteristic for generating the aerosol obtained in the device, wherein the isolation step is also based on at least one characteristic of the aerosol-forming substrate obtained in the device.

The separated aerosol properties delivered to the user may contain amounts of specific chemical compounds. The aerosol generating device can be a smoking device.

In a third aspect of disclosing the description, a computer program is provided that is executed on a computer or other suitable processing device, carries out the method of the second aspect or at least the isolation and displaying steps.

The fourth aspect of disclosing the description provides a computer readable data medium carrying computer memory executable instructions that, when executed on a computer or other suitable processing device, performs the method of the second aspect or at least the isolation and displaying steps.

Computer-executable instructions may be provided as an application or computer program for a personal computer or a portable computing device such as a mobile phone or other computing device with which the aerosol device could be connected. The application or computer program may be downloaded by the user via a communication network such as the Internet. Computer-executable instructions may contain a database or may contain means to access a database stored in a remote device.

In a fifth aspect of the disclosure there is provided an aerosol generating device configured for oral or intranasal delivery of the generated aerosol to the user, the device includes:

a heating element configured to heat the aerosol generating substrate to form an aerosol;

power source connected to the heating element; a controller connected to the heating element and a power source, the controller being configured to control the operation of the heating element, the controller includes or is connected to the means to detect a change in the air flow next to the heating element;

first means for storing data connected to the controller for recording detected changes in air flow in addition to the heating element and heating element work data; and output data means configured to allow data from the first means to store data to the external device.

In a sixth aspect of the disclosure, there is provided an apparatus comprising: an apparatus for generating an aerosol with electric heating, the device comprising a heating element and a power source for feeding the heating element and means for detecting a change in the air flow in addition to the heating element; and computer readable data medium carrying computer memory executable instructions or codes for downloading computer executable instructions from a remote device, computer executable instructions that, when executed on a computer or other appropriate processing device, perform the method of the second aspect or at least the steps of separating and pointing .

In all aspects of the disclosure, means for detecting the change in air flow through the heater can be a dedicated flow sensor, such as a microphone or thermocouple, connected to the controller. Alternatively, the controller may be configured to control the power supplied to the heating element from the power source to maintain the heating element at the target temperature and may be configured to monitor changes in the temperature of the heating element or changes in the supply provided to the heating element to detect changes in air flow next to the heating element.

The controller can assess, on the basis of predetermined thresholds or based on a control loop, such as the Schmitt trigger, whether the detected changes in the air flow are the result of a user being contracted. For example, the controller may be whether the difference between the target temperature in one embodiment configured to be monitored, the temperature of the heating element exceeds the threshold to detect a change in airflow next to the heating element indicative of the user's inspiration. The controller may be configured to monitor whether the difference between the temperature of the heating element and the target temperature exceeds a predetermined period of time or predetermined number of measuring cycles to detect a change in air flow past the heating element indicative of a user's inspiration. It guarantees that

In another embodiment, a controller configured to monitor the difference provided to the heating element and the expected power level to detect a change in the air flow next to the indicator heating element

Alternatively or additionally, configured to compare the rate of temperature change or the rate of power change provided from the threshold level to detect a change in the air flow next to the heating element indicative of the user's inspiration.

it can be powered by the user's inspiration.

the driver can be

The controller can be adapted to regulate the target temperature after detecting a change in the air flow next to the heater. Increased air flow brings more oxygen in contact with the substrate. This increases the probability of burning the substrate at a given temperature. Combustion of the substrate is undesirable. Thus, the target temperature can be lowered as the air flow is increased to reduce the likelihood of burning the substrate. Alternatively or additionally, the controller may be configured to adjust the power supplied to the heating element when a change in the air flow is detected next to the heating element. The air flow next to the heating element usually has the effect of cooling the heating element. The heating element can be temporarily increased to compensate for cooling.

In one embodiment, configured for heating monitoring based on the measurement of the heating resistance. This allows the detection of heating without the need for measuring.

The temperature of the heating element can be monitored at predetermined intervals, e.g. every few milliseconds. This can be done continuously or in periods when the power is supplied to the heating element.

The controller can be configured to be ready to detect the next user puff when the difference

<td colspan="2">the driver can be</td>

<td>temperature</td><td>element</td>

<td>electrical</td><td>element</td>

<td>temperature</td><td>element</td>

<td>additional</td><td>equipment</td>

between the detected temperature and the target temperature is less than the threshold value. The controller can be adapted to the requirements so that the difference between the detected temperature and the target temperature is less than the threshold value for a predetermined time or number of measuring cycles.

In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to compare a power measurement provided to a heating element or energy provided to a heating element from a power or energy threshold power supply to detect the presence of a substrate for generating an aerosol near a heating element or material property near the substrate for generating an aerosol in the vicinity of the heating element.

The measurement of power or energy can be any power or energy measurement, including the average power in a predetermined time period or pre-determined number of cycles, the rate of power or energy changes or a cumulative measurement of power or energy delivered in a predetermined period or pre-determined number of cycles .

In one embodiment, the energy measurement is normalized energy in a predetermined period of time. In another embodiment, the energy measurement is the rate of reduction of normalized energy in a predetermined period of time.

The amount of power or energy needed to achieve and maintain the heating element at the target temperature depends on the heat loss rate from the heating element. This is strongly dependent on the environment surrounding the heating element. If the substrate is close or in contact with a heating element, this affects the rate of heat loss from the heating element compared to a situation in which there is no substrate close to the heating element. In one embodiment, the device is configured to obtain a substrate for generating an aerosol in contact with a heating element. The heating element then loses heat on the substrate through conduction. The device may be configured such that the substrate surrounds the heating element during use.

The controller may be configured to reduce to zero the power supply to the heating element from the power source if the power or energy measurement is less than the power or energy threshold measurement. If the amount of energy needed to maintain the temperature of the heating element at the target temperature is less than expected, perhaps because the aerosol-forming substrate is not present in the device or it may be that the unsuitable substrate, such as the previous substrate used, is in the device. The substrate used before will usually have a lower water content and lower aerosol content than the new substrate, and thus less energy from the heating element. In both cases it is usually desirable to stop supplying power to the heater.

In all aspects of the disclosure, the power source may be any suitable power supply, such as a gas, chemical or power source. The power source can be a battery. In one embodiment, the power source is a lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the power supply may be a nickel-metal hydride battery, nickel-cadmium battery or a lithium-based battery, for example a lithium-cobalt, lithium-iron-phosphate or lithium-polymer battery. The power can be supplied to the heating element as an impulse signal. The amount of power supplied to the heating element can be adjusted by changing the duty cycle factor or the pulse width of the power signal.

The heating element may comprise one heating element.

Alternatively, the heating element may comprise more than one heating element. The heating element or heating elements may be arranged in order to heat the substrate for aerosol production most efficiently.

The heating element may comprise a material that causes electrical resistance. Suitable materials for causing electrical resistance include, but are not limited to: semiconductors, such as doped ceramics, electrically conductive ceramics (such as, for example, molybdenum disilicate), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys, and composite materials made of ceramic material and metallic material . Such composite materials may comprise doped or non-doped ceramics. Examples of suitable doped ceramics include doped silicon carbides. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum, gold, silver and platinum group metals. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, alloys containing nickel, cobalt, chromium, aluminum, titanium, zirconium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tantalum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, gold and iron and superalloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel, Timetal® and alloys based on iron-manganese-aluminum. In composite materials, the electrical resistance material can optionally be embedded, encapsulated or coated with insulating material or vice versa, depending on the energy transfer kinetics and the required external physicochemical properties. Ceramic and / or insulating materials may include, for example, alumina or zirconia (ZrO2). Alternatively, the electric heater may comprise a heating infrared heater of a heating element, a photon source or an induction heating element. In composite materials, the electrical resistance material can optionally be embedded, encapsulated or coated with insulating material or vice versa, depending on the energy transfer kinetics and the required external physicochemical properties. Ceramic and / or insulating materials may include, for example, alumina or zirconia (ZrO2). Alternatively, the electric heater may comprise a heating infrared heater of a heating element, a photon source or an induction heating element. In composite materials, the electrical resistance material can optionally be embedded, encapsulated or coated with insulating material or vice versa, depending on the energy transfer kinetics and the required external physicochemical properties. Ceramic and / or insulating materials may include, for example, alumina or zirconia (ZrO2). Alternatively, the electric heater may comprise a heating infrared heater of a heating element, a photon source or an induction heating element.

The heating element may have any suitable form. For example, the heating element may be in the form of a heating blade. Alternatively, the heating element may be in the form of a sheath or substrate having different electrically conductive parts or a metallic tube for causing electrical resistance. Alternatively, there may also be one or more heating pins or rods that run through the substrate of the aerosol-generating substrate as already described. Alternatively, the heating element may be a disk heater (terminally) or a combination of a disc heater with heating pins or rods. Other possibilities include a heating wire or fiber, e.g. a Ni-Cr (Nickel-Chrome), platinum, tungsten wire or alloy wire or a hot plate. Optionally, the heating element may be embedded in or on the rigid carrier material. In one such embodiment, the heating element may be formed using a metal with a defined relationship between temperature and resistivity. In such an exemplary apparatus, the metal may be in the form of a strip of a suitable insulating material, such as a ceramic material, and then pressed into another insulating material, such as glass. Heating elements formed in this way can be used for both heating and temperature monitoring of heating elements during operation.

The heating element may heat the substrate for generating the aerosol by means of conduction. The heating element may be at least partially in contact with the substrate or carrier on which the substrate is deposited. Alternatively, the heat from the heating element can be conducted to the substrate by means of a heat conducting element.

Alternatively, the heating element may transfer heat to the incoming ambient air, which is sucked in by the system during use, which in turn heats the substrate for generating the aerosol by convection. The surrounding air can be heated before it passes through the aerosol-generating substrate.

In one embodiment, the power is supplied to the heating element reaching a temperature between about 250 ° C and 440 ° C to produce an aerosol from the aerosol-generating substrate. Any suitable temperature sensor and control circuit may be used to control heating of the heating element to a temperature between about 250 ° C and 440 ° C, including using one or more heaters. This is in contrast to traditional cigarettes where tobacco and cigarette wrap can reach 800 ° C.

The aerosol-generating substrate may be included in the smoking article. During operation, the smoking article containing the aerosol-forming substrate can be completely contained in the aerosol generating system. In this case, the user may enlist through the mouthpiece of the aerosol generating system. Alternatively, during operation, the smoking article containing the aerosol-forming substrate may be partially contained in the aerosol generating system. In this case, the user may enlist directly through the smoking article.

The smoking article may have a substantially cylindrical shape. The smoking article may be substantially elongated. The smoking article may have a length and perimeter substantially perpendicular to length. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a substantially cylindrical shape. The aerosol-generating substrate may be substantially elongated. The aerosol-generating substrate may also have a length and circumference substantially perpendicular to length. The aerosol-generating substrate may be picked up in the sliding tank of the aerosol-generating device so that the length of the substrate for generating the aerosol is substantially parallel to the direction of the air flow in the aerosol-generating device.

The total length of the smoking article can be between approximately 30 mm and approximately 100 mm. The outer diameter of the smoking article can be between approximately 5 mm and approximately 12 mm. The smoking article may comprise a filter plug. The filter plug may be located in the lower end of the smoking article. The filter plug can be a cellulose acetate filter plug. In one embodiment, the length of the filter plug is approximately 7 mm, but its length can be between approximately 5 mm and approximately 10 mm.

In one embodiment, the total length of the smoking article is approximately 45 mm. The outer diameter of the smoking article may be approximately 7.2 mm. In addition, the aerosol-forming substrate may have a length of about 10 mm. Alternatively, the substrate length for generating the aerosol may be approximately 12 mm. Furthermore, the diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate can be between approximately 5 mm and approximately 12 mm. The smoking article may comprise an outer tissue paper. Furthermore, the smoking article may comprise a separation between the aerosol forming substrate and the filter plug. The separation may be approximately 18 mm, but may be in the range of approximately 5 mm to approximately 25 mm.

As used herein, the term "substrate for the production of an aerosol" means a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that form an aerosol. Such volatile compounds may be released by heating or burning the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating substrate may contain nicotine.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be a solid substrate for the generation of an aerosol. Alternatively, the aerosol-generating substrate may contain both solid and liquid components. The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco aromatic compounds which upon heating are released from the substrate. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a non-titer material. The aerosol-forming substrate may also include an aerosol former which facilitates the formation of a dense and stable aerosol. Examples of suitable aerosol forming agents are glycerol and propylene glycol.

If the aerosol-forming substrate is a solid substrate for the production of an aerosol, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may contain, for example, one or more of: powder, granules, pellets, scraps, threads, strips or sheets containing one or more: plant leaf, tobacco leaf, fragments of a tobacco vein, reconstituted tobacco, homogenised tobacco, extruded tobacco and expanded tobacco. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may be in bulk form or it may be provided in a suitable container or cartridge. Optionally, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise additional tobacco or tobacco-free volatile aromatics that will be released upon heating of the substrate.

The solid substrate for aerosol formation may also include capsules, which, for example, include additional tobacco or tobacco-free volatile aromatics and such capsules may melt while heating a solid aerosol generating substrate.

As used herein, the term homogenised tobacco includes material formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco and may be in the form of a sheet. The content of the aerosol former in the homogenised tobacco material may be greater than 5% by weight based on dry matter. The content of the aerosol former in the homogenised tobacco material can alternatively be between 5% and 30% by weight based on the dry matter. The sheets of homogenised tobacco material may be formed by agglomerating the particulate tobacco obtained by milling or otherwise grinding one or both of the tobacco leaf blades and the tobacco strands; alternatively or additionally, the sheets of homogenised tobacco material may contain one or more tobacco dust, tobacco pieces and other by-products of molecular tobacco formed during, for example, the processing, handling and dispatch of tobacco. The sheets of homogenised tobacco material may contain one or more internal binders, i.e. endogenous tobacco binders, one or more external tobacco binding agents, i.e. exogenous tobacco binding agents or combinations thereof to facilitate agglomeration of molecular tobacco; alternatively or additionally, the sheets of homogenised tobacco material may contain other additives including, but not limited to, tobacco and tobacco-free fibers, aerosol forming agents, humectants, plasticizers, flavorings, fillers, aqueous and anhydrous solvents, and combinations thereof. for example, processing, handling and shipping of tobacco. The sheets of homogenised tobacco material may contain one or more internal binders, i.e. endogenous tobacco binders, one or more external tobacco binding agents, i.e. exogenous tobacco binding agents or combinations thereof to facilitate agglomeration of molecular tobacco; alternatively or additionally, the sheets of homogenised tobacco material may contain other additives including, but not limited to, tobacco and tobacco-free fibers, aerosol forming agents, humectants, plasticizers, flavorings, fillers, aqueous and anhydrous solvents, and combinations thereof. for example, processing, handling and shipping of tobacco. The sheets of homogenised tobacco material may contain one or more internal binders, i.e. endogenous tobacco binders, one or more external tobacco binding agents, i.e. exogenous tobacco binding agents or combinations thereof to facilitate agglomeration of molecular tobacco; alternatively or additionally, the sheets of homogenised tobacco material may contain other additives including, but not limited to, tobacco and tobacco-free fibers, aerosol forming agents, humectants, plasticizers, flavorings, fillers, aqueous and anhydrous solvents, and combinations thereof. The sheets of homogenised tobacco material may contain one or more internal binders, i.e. endogenous tobacco binders, one or more external tobacco binding agents, i.e. exogenous tobacco binding agents or combinations thereof to facilitate agglomeration of molecular tobacco; alternatively or additionally, the sheets of homogenised tobacco material may contain other additives including, but not limited to, tobacco and tobacco-free fibers, aerosol forming agents, humectants, plasticizers, flavorings, fillers, aqueous and anhydrous solvents, and combinations thereof. The sheets of homogenised tobacco material may contain one or more internal binders, i.e. endogenous tobacco binders, one or more external tobacco binding agents, i.e. exogenous tobacco binding agents or combinations thereof to facilitate agglomeration of molecular tobacco; alternatively or additionally, the sheets of homogenised tobacco material may contain other additives including, but not limited to, tobacco and tobacco-free fibers, aerosol forming agents, humectants, plasticizers, flavorings, fillers, aqueous and anhydrous solvents, and combinations thereof. that is, exogenous tobacco binding agents or combinations thereof to facilitate agglomeration of molecular tobacco; alternatively or additionally, the sheets of homogenised tobacco material may contain other additives including, but not limited to, tobacco and tobacco-free fibers, aerosol forming agents, humectants, plasticizers, flavorings, fillers, aqueous and anhydrous solvents, and combinations thereof. that is, exogenous tobacco binding agents or combinations thereof to facilitate agglomeration of molecular tobacco; alternatively or additionally, the sheets of homogenised tobacco material may contain other additives including, but not limited to, tobacco and tobacco-free fibers, aerosol forming agents, humectants, plasticizers, flavorings, fillers, aqueous and anhydrous solvents, and combinations thereof.

Preferably, assembled,

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises a folded corrugated sheet of homogenised tobacco material. The term "fluted sheet" as used herein, means a sheet having a plurality of substantially parallel edges or corrugations. when the aerosol generating article is substantially parallel, the edges or corrugations extend longitudinally or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating article. This advantageously facilitates collecting a sheet of corrugated homogenised tobacco material to form a substrate for the production of an aerosol. However, it is understandable that the corrugated sheets of the homogenised tobacco material to be included in the aerosol-generating article may alternatively or additionally have a plurality of substantially parallel edges or corrugations placed at an acute or obtuse angle to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article after assembling the aerosol-generating article. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a sheet of homogenised tobacco material that is substantially uniformly textured over its substantially entire surface. For example, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a collimated corrugated sheet of homogenised tobacco material comprising a plurality of substantially parallel edges or corrugations that are substantially uniformly spaced from each other over the entire width of the sheet.

Optionally, a solid aerosol-forming substrate may be provided on a thermally stable support or may be incorporated therein. The carrier may be in the form of powder, granules, pellets, fragmented scraps, threads, strips or sheets. Alternatively, the carrier may be a tubular carrier having a thin layer of a solid substrate applied on its interior surface or on its exterior surface or both on its internal and external surface. Such a tubular carrier can be formed, for example, of paper or paper-like material, carbon fiber nonwoven mat, low-weight open mesh metallic screen or perforated metallic foil or any other thermally stable polymer matrix.

The solid substrate for aerosol formation can be applied to the surface of the carrier in the form of, for example, a sheet, foam, gel or suspension. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may be deposited over the entire surface of the carrier or alternatively may be embedded in the pattern to provide uneven aroma delivery during use.

Despite the above reference to aerosol forming solid substrates for one of ordinary skill in the art, it is evident that other embodiments of the aerosol-forming substrate may be used in other embodiments. For example, the aerosol-forming substrate may be a liquid substrate for the generation of an aerosol. If liquid is provided

<td>substrate for</td><td colspan="2">aerosol production, it</td><td>device</td><td>down</td>

<td>preparation</td><td>aerosol</td><td>preferably contains</td><td>items</td><td>down</td>

<td>maintaining</td><td>fluid.</td><td>Liquid, for example</td><td>substratum</td><td>down</td>

<td>preparation</td><td>aerosol</td><td>can be maintained</td><td colspan="2">in a container.</td>

Alternatively or additionally, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be absorbed by the porous carrier material. The porous carrier material can be made of any suitable absorbent plug or mass, e.g. foamed metal or plastic, polypropylene, terylene, nylon or ceramic fibers. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be held in the porous carrier material prior to application of the aerosolization system, or alternatively, the aerosol-liquid substrate material may be released into the porous carrier material during or immediately prior to use. For example, a liquid aerosol-forming substrate can be provided in a capsule. The capsule shell preferably melts when heated and releases a liquid aerosol-forming substrate into the porous carrier material. The capsule optionally may comprise a solid in combination with a liquid.

Alternatively, the support may be a nonwoven or bundle of fibers in which the tobacco constituents are incorporated. The nonwoven or bundle of fibers may comprise, for example, carbon fibers, natural cellulosic fibers or cellulose derivative fibers.

The aerosol generating system may comprise an air inlet.

The aerosol generating system may include air outlets. The aerosol generating system may comprise a condensing chamber allowing the formation of an aerosol having the desired characteristics.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a schematic drawing illustrating the basic elements of an aerosol device according to one embodiment;

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing control elements of one embodiment;

Fig. 3 is a graph showing changes in heater temperature and power supply during a user's puff in accordance with another embodiment;

Fig. 4 shows a control sequence for determining whether a user's puff takes place according to yet another embodiment;

Fig. 5 is a graph showing different normalized energy needed for delivery to a heating element in order to keep the temperature at the target level for new or old substrate next to the heating element; and

Fig. 6 shows a control sequence for determining whether a suitable substrate is in the device.

In Fig. 1, the interior of one embodiment of the aerosol device 100 is shown in a simplified manner.

In particular, the components of the aerosol device 100 are not made to scale. For the sake of simplicity, Figs. 1 are omitted that are not essential for understanding the embodiment presented herein.

The aerosol generating device 100 includes a housing 10 and a substrate for generating an aerosol 2, e.g. a cigarette.

The aerosol-forming substrate 2 is pressed into the housing 10 so that it is in thermal proximity with the heater 20. The substrate for the production of aerosol 2 will release the volatile compounds set at different temperatures. Some of the volatile compounds released from the aerosol-forming substrate 2 are produced only in the heating process. Each volatile compound is released above the characteristic release temperature. By controlling the maximum operating temperature of the aerosol device 100 to be below the release temperature of some volatile compounds, the release or formation of these smoke constituents can be avoided.

In addition, the aerosol generating apparatus 100 includes an electric power source 40, e.g. a rechargeable lithium battery in the housing 10. The aerosol generating apparatus 100 further includes a controller 30 that is connected to the heating element 20, an electric power source 40, a substrate detector for aerosol generating 32 and user interface 36, e.g. a graphic display or a combination of an LED indicator light that transmits information about the device 100 to the user.

The aerosol detector substrate detector 32 can detect the presence and identification of a substrate for generating aerosol 2 in thermal proximity with the heater element 20 and transmit signals to the controller 30 for the presence of a substrate for generating aerosol 2. Protecting the substrate detector is optional.

The controller 30 controls the user interface 36 to display layout information, e.g. about battery power, temperature, substrate state for aerosol production 2, other messages or combinations of the aforementioned.

The controller 30 additionally controls the maximum operating temperature of the heating element 20. The temperature of the heating element can be detected by a temperature sensor specially designed for this purpose. Alternatively, in another example, the temperature of the heating element is determined by monitoring its electrical resistivity. The electrical resistivity of a wire's length depends on its temperature. The resistivity increases with increasing temperature. The characteristics of the actual resistivity will vary depending on the exact composition of the alloy and the geometric configuration of the heating element 20 and an empirically determined compound that can be used in the controller. Thus, the knowledge of the resistivity p at a given time can be used to derive the actual operating temperature of the heating element 20.

Resistance of heating element R = V / I; where V is the voltage flowing through the heating element and I is the current flowing through the heating element 20. The resistance R depends on the configuration of the heating element 20 and also on the temperature and is expressed by the following relationship:

R = p (T) * L / S equation 1

Where p (T) is the temperature dependent on the resistivity, L is the length, S the cross-sectional area of ​​the heating element 20. L and S are constant for a given configuration of the heating element 20 and can be measured. Thus, for a given heating element, the formula R is proportional to p (T). The resistivity of the heating element may be expressed in the form of a polynomial as follows:

p (T) = po * (1 + a and T + a, 2 T²) equation 2

Where after is the resistivity at the reference temperature To and a1 and a2 are polynomial coefficients.

In this way, knowing the length and cross-section of the heating element 20, it is possible to determine the resistance R, and thus the resistivity p at a given temperature by measuring the voltage of the heating element V and the current I. The temperature can be obtained directly from the table of LUT values ​​characteristic resistivity versus temperature for the heating element used or by evaluating the polynomial equation (2) above. In one embodiment, the process can be simplified by presenting a resistivity p depending on the temperature curve for one or more, preferably two linear approximations in the temperature range that applies to tobacco. This facilitates the assessment of the temperature that is desired in the controller 30 having limited computational resources.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating system control elements comprising the apparatus of Fig. 1 together with other components of the system. The system includes an aerosol device 100, ancillary device 58, and optionally one or more remote devices 60. An apparatus for generating an aerosol 100 is shown in FIG. 1, but only the controls of an aerosol device are shown in FIG. 2. As will be described, the accessory device 58 and one or more remote devices 60 operate to compare the usage data from the aerosol generating device with the experimental use data maintained in the database 57, which relate to the wear of the aerosol device to the aerosol property provided to the user.

Referring to Fig. 2, the controller 30 includes a measuring unit 50 and a control unit 52. The measuring unit is configured to determine the resistance R of the heating element 20. The measuring unit 50 undergoes resistance measurements to the control unit 52. The control unit 52 controls the supply of battery power 40 to the heating element 20 via a toggle switch 54. The controller may include a microprocessor, an electronic control circuit.

The microprocessor may include a standard assembly such as an internal clock next to other units.

When preparing the temperature control, the target operating temperature of the manufacturing device is selected as well as the separate one. In one example of the aerosol 100. The selection is based on the release temperature of the volatile compounds that should and should not be released. This predetermined value is then stored in the control unit 52. The control unit 52 includes non-volatile memory 56.

The controller 30 controls the heat of the heating element 20 by controlling the power supply from the battery to the heating element 20. The controller 30 only allows power to be supplied to the heating element 20 when the substrate detector 32 has detected a substrate for generating the aerosol 20 and the user has activated the device. By switching on the switch 54, the power supply is provided as a pulse signal. The pulse width or duty cycle of the signal may be modulated by the control unit 52 to vary the amount of energy supplied to the heating element. In one embodiment, the duty cycle may be limited to 60-80%. This may provide additional security and prevent the user from accidentally raising the compensated temperature of the heater so that the substrate reaches a temperature above the combustion temperature. In use, the controller 30 measures the resistivity p of the heating element 20. The controller 30 then converts the resistivity of the heating element 20 to the actual operating temperature of the heating element by comparing the measured resistivity p with the table of LUT (Look-up Table) values. This can be done in the measuring unit 50 or by the control unit 52. In the next step, the controller 30 compares the actual calculated operating temperature with the target operating temperature. Alternatively, the temperature values ​​in the heating profile are pre-converted to a resistance value so the controller regulates resistance instead of temperature, this prevents real-time calculations to convert the resistance to temperature during the smoking session. The controller 30 then converts the resistivity of the heating element 20 to the actual operating temperature of the heating element by comparing the measured resistivity p with the table of values ​​of the function LUT (Look-up Table). This can be done in the measuring unit 50 or by the control unit 52. In the next step, the controller 30 compares the actual calculated operating temperature with the target operating temperature. Alternatively, the temperature values ​​in the heating profile are pre-converted to a resistance value so the controller regulates resistance instead of temperature, this prevents real-time calculations to convert the resistance to temperature during the smoking session. The controller 30 then converts the resistivity of the heating element 20 to the actual operating temperature of the heating element by comparing the measured resistivity p with the table of values ​​of the function LUT (Look-up Table). This can be done in the measuring unit 50 or by the control unit 52. In the next step, the controller 30 compares the actual calculated operating temperature with the target operating temperature. Alternatively, the temperature values ​​in the heating profile are pre-converted to a resistance value so the controller regulates resistance instead of temperature, this prevents real-time calculations to convert the resistance to temperature during the smoking session.

If the actual operating temperature is lower than the target operating temperature, then the control unit 52 provides additional electric power to the heating element 20 to increase the actual operating temperature of the heating element 20. If the actual operating temperature is above the target operating temperature, the control unit 52 reduces the electrical energy supplied to the heating element 20 to lower the actual operating temperature back to the target operating temperature.

The control unit may perform any suitable control technique to control the temperature, such as a simple thermostatic feedback loop or a proportional, integral, differentiating (PID) control technique.

Only the supplied power does not flow to the temperature of the heating element 20. The air flow past the heating element 20 cools the heating element, which reduces its temperature. This cooling effect can be used to detect changes in the air flow through the device. The temperature of the heating element as well as its electrical resistance will decrease as the air flow increases before the control unit 52, bringing the heating element back to the target temperature.

Fig. 3 shows a typical evolution of the heating element temperature and the power used when using the aerosol device of the type shown in Fig. 1. The level of power supplied is shown as line 61 and the temperature of the heating element as line 62.

The target temperature is shown as dashed line 64.

The initial high power period is necessary initially to bring the heating element to the target temperature as quickly as possible. Once the target temperature has been reached, the applied voltage will drop to the level required to maintain the heating element at the target temperature. However, when the user enters with the substrate 2, the air is sucked past the heating element and cools it until it reaches a temperature below the target temperature. This is shown as feature 66 in Fig. 3. In order to restore the heating element 20 to the target temperature, there is a corresponding spike in the power supply used, shown as feature 68 in Fig. 3. This pattern is repeated throughout the life of the product, in this example in a smoking session in which four puffs are taken.

By detecting temporary changes in the flow temperature or the rate at which the flow temperature changes, the user's incursion or other events related to the air flow can be detected. Fig. 4 illustrates an example of a control process using a Schmitt trigger which can be used within a control unit 52 to determine when a puff takes place. The process in Fig. 4 is based on detecting changes in the temperature of the heating element. In step 400, any state variable that is initially set to 0 is modified to three-quarters of the original value. In step 410, the delta value is determined as the difference between the measured temperature of the heating element and the target temperature. Steps 400 and 410 may be performed in reverse order or simultaneously. In step 415, the delta value is compared to the threshold delta delta. If the delta value is greater than the delta threshold then the state variable is increased by a quarter before moving to step 425. This is shown as step 420. If the delta value is less than the state variable threshold is invariable and the process proceeds to step 425. State variable it is then compared with the status threshold. The threshold for the state of use varies depending on whether the device is fixed when puffing or not pulling. In step 430, the control unit determines whether the device is in a puffing or non-pulling state. At the beginning, i.e. in the first control cycle, the device assumes that it is not able to take. If the delta value is greater than the delta threshold then the state variable is increased by a quarter before moving to step 425. This is shown as step 420. If the delta value is less than the state variable threshold is invariable and the process proceeds to step 425. State variable it is then compared with the status threshold. The threshold for the state of use varies depending on whether the device is fixed when puffing or not pulling. In step 430, the control unit determines whether the device is in a puffing or non-pulling state. At the beginning, i.e. in the first control cycle, the device assumes that it is not able to take. If the delta value is greater than the delta threshold then the state variable is increased by a quarter before moving to step 425. This is shown as step 420. If the delta value is less than the state variable threshold is invariable and the process proceeds to step 425. State variable it is then compared with the status threshold. The threshold for the state of use varies depending on whether the device is fixed when puffing or not pulling. In step 430, the control unit determines whether the device is in a puffing or non-pulling state. At the beginning, i.e. in the first control cycle, the device assumes that it is not able to take. The state variable is then compared to the status threshold. The threshold for the state of use varies depending on whether the device is fixed when puffing or not pulling. In step 430, the control unit determines whether the device is in a puffing or non-pulling state. At the beginning, i.e. in the first control cycle, the device assumes that it is not able to take. The state variable is then compared to the status threshold. The threshold for the state of use varies depending on whether the device is fixed when puffing or not pulling. In step 430, the control unit determines whether the device is in a puffing or non-pulling state. At the beginning, i.e. in the first control cycle, the device assumes that it is not able to take.

If the device is in a non-puffed state, the state variable is compared to the UPPER state threshold in step 440. If the state variable is higher than the UPPER state threshold then the device is determined to be in a puffed state. If not, it is set as being in a non-contracting state. In both cases, the process goes to step 460 and then returns to 400.

If the device is in a puff state, the state variable is compared to the LOW state threshold at step 450. If the state variable is lower than the LOW status threshold then the device is set in a non-puffed state. If not, it is set as being able to be hauled. In both cases, the process proceeds to step 460 and then returns to step 400.

UPPER and LOWER threshold values ​​have a direct effect on the number of cycles required by the process to pass between non-taking and pumping states, and vice versa. In this way, it can be prevented that very brief fluctuations in temperature and noise in the system that are not the result of a user's contract were not detected as a puff. Short fluctuations are effectively filtered. However, the number of cycles needed is preferably selected so that the puff detection transition can occur before the device compensates for the temperature drop by increasing the power supplied to the heating element. Alternatively, the controller may suspend the compensation process when deciding whether or not a pending action will be taken. In one example

BOTTOM = 0.06 and UPPER = 0.94, which means that the system will have to go through at least 10 repetition activities when the delta value is greater than the threshold of the delta values ​​to change from not taking to puffing.

The arrangement shown in Fig. 4 can be used to provide counting puffs and if the controller includes a clock for the purpose of a substrate.

indication of the time at which each puff takes place. The puffing and non-puffing states can also be used for dynamic control of the target temperature. Increased air flow brings more oxygen in contact with the substrate. This increases the probability of burning the substrate at a given temperature. Combustion of the substrate is undesirable. Thus, the target temperature can be lowered when the puffing state is set to reduce the likelihood of combustion

The target temperature may return to its original value when the non-taking state is determined.

The process shown in Fig. 4 is just one example of a puff detection process. For example, similar processes that illustrate that Figure 4 can be performed using the power used as a measurement or by the rate of change in temperature or the rate of change of the power used. It is also possible to use a process similar to that shown in Fig. 4, but using only one status threshold instead of different TOP and LOW thresholds.

The system can also automatically detect if the expected substrate is present or not. The amount of energy needed to reach the target temperature and maintain the heating element at the target temperature depends on the presence or absence of the substrate material 2 close to the heating element 20 and the properties of the substrate. Fig. 5 shows the evolution of the normalized energy delivered to the heating element as a function of time. The curve 70 is the normalized energy when the device has a new substrate and the curve 72 is the normalized energy when no substrate is in the device. Normalized energy is energy supplied in a constant time interval normalized to the initial energy measurement. Normalized energy measurement minimizes the impact of environmental conditions, such as ambient temperature,

It can be seen that in both cases, the power supplied to the heating element monotonically decreases with the elapse of the initial high-power period to bring the heating element to the target temperature. However, Fig. 5 shows that at T = 10 seconds the amount of energy provided with the new substrate in the device is about twice as large as the amount of energy delivered when no substrate is present in the device. The difference in energy supplied between the new and pre-heated substrate is smaller but still detectable. In one embodiment, the difference in normalized energy can be measured at T = 5 seconds and exactly determined whether the substrate is present or not. The controller is able to calculate the normalized energy supplied to the heating element for a predetermined time,

Fig. 6 shows an example of a control process that can be performed by the control unit 52 to determine if the substrate is in the device or not. The process is a loop process and starts in step 600. In step 610, the circular number is incremented. At the beginning of the process, the round number is set to zero. Each time the control loop passes through, the circular number is increased in step 610. In step 620, the process branches out depending on the value of the circular number. In the initial loop, when the circular number is one, the process proceeds to step 630. In step 630, the initial energy, i.e. the energy supplied to this heater, is set as energy. The initial energy is used to normalize subsequent energy measurements. The process then proceeds to step 640 and back to step 610. Subsequent roundings pass directly from step 620 to step 640 until a decision circle is reached. Each rounding can be carried out in a fixed time interval, for example every two seconds. The decision rounding corresponds to the time at which the controller is configured to compare the normalized energy with the expected or threshold value, to determine whether the substrate is present or not. The threshold value of normalized energy is represented by the dashed line 74 in Fig. 3. In this example, the decision rounding is round 5, and occurs 10 seconds after the device is turned on. In the decision rounding, the process proceeds from step 620 to step 650. In step 650, the normalized energy is calculated as energy supplied from the moment the device is turned on, divided by the product of the initial energy and the number of decision rounding (in this example five). The calculated normalized energy is then compared to the threshold value in step 660. If the normalized energy exceeds a threshold value, the control unit determines whether the corresponding substrate is present and the device can still be used. If the normalized energy does not exceed the threshold, the control unit determines whether the lack of substrate (or an inadequate substrate) is present and the control unit provides power supply to the heating element by opening the switch 54. the control unit determines if the corresponding substrate is present and the device can still be used. If the normalized energy does not exceed the threshold, the control unit determines whether the lack of substrate (or an inadequate substrate) is present and the control unit provides power supply to the heating element by opening the switch 54. the control unit determines if the corresponding substrate is present and the device can still be used. If the normalized energy does not exceed the threshold, the control unit determines whether the lack of substrate (or an inadequate substrate) is present and the control unit provides power supply to the heating element by opening the switch 54.

The process shown in Fig. 6 is just one example of a process for determining whether a suitable substrate is present in the aerosol generating device. Other measurements of the power or energy supplied to the heating element can be used and standardized or non-normalized data can be used. The time at which the determination is made is also a matter of choice. The advantage of a quick fix for early action, if necessary, must be balanced with the need to obtain a reliable result.

Power or energy measurement can be compared to many thresholds. This can be useful for distinguishing between different types of substrate or between the wrong substrate and the lack of any substrate.

Equally useful for dynamically controlling the aerosol generating device, puff detection data and substrate detection data determined by the controller 30 may be useful for analysis purposes. In particular, puff detection data together with temperature data of the heating element and / or the power supplied to the heating element (collectively referred to as operating data herein) can be compared to stored, empirically calculated data on the use data for the aerosol property provided by the device under various consumption scenarios. The properties of the delivered aerosol may be provided to the user as feedback on his or her use of the aerosol and essential components of the aerosol.

Stored, empirically calculated data on the use data for the aerosol properties provided by the device under various usage scenarios can be included in the database and can be maintained on the aerosol device or on an additional device to which the aerosol device can be connected. The accessory device may be any processing device, such as a laptop computer or a mobile phone. In one embodiment, the accessory device is a charging device for charging a battery in an aerosol generating device.

It will now be obvious to the average person skilled in the art that, to the extent that additional environmental data is required, to accurately compare the actual user data and experimentally calculated data, the control unit 52 may include additional detection functions to provide such environmental data. . For example, the control unit 52 may comprise a humidity sensor 55 and the humidity data may be included as part of the data possibly provided to the external device

58. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor 55 may be an ambient temperature sensor.

The consumption of the device can also be analyzed by an external device 58, 60 to determine which experimentally calculated data closely corresponds to wear behavior, e.g. in terms of inhalation length and frequency and the number of inhalations. The data obtained experimentally with the strictest wear behavior can then be used as the basis for further analysis and display.

Fig. 2 shows the connection of the controller 30 to an external accessory device 58 comprising a display 59. The number of puffs and time data can be exported to the external device 58 together with other captured usage data and can be further transferred from the additional device 58 to other external processing or storing devices. data 60. The aerosol generating device may comprise any suitable output data means. For example, the aerosol generating device may include a wireless transmitter module connected to a controller 30 or memory 56 or to a universal serial bus (USB) connected by a socket to the controller 30 or memory 56. Alternatively, the aerosol generating device may be configured to transfer data from the memory to the external memory in the battery charging device whenever the aerosol device is recharged using appropriate data links. The battery charging device can provide more memory for long-term storage of puff data and can then be attached to a corresponding data processing device or to the communication network. In addition, data such as instructions to the controller 30 can be sent, e.g. to the control unit 52, when the controller 30 is connected to an external device 58. The battery charging device can provide more memory for long-term storage of puff data and can then be attached to a corresponding data processing device or to the communication network. In addition, data such as instructions to the controller 30 can be sent, e.g. to the control unit 52, when the controller 30 is connected to an external device 58. The battery charging device can provide more memory for long-term storage of puff data and can then be attached to a corresponding data processing device or to the communication network. In addition, data such as instructions to the controller 30 can be sent, e.g. to the control unit 52, when the controller 30 is connected to an external device 58.

Additional data may also be obtained during operation of the aerosol device 100 and transferred to an external device 58. Such data may include, for example, a serial number or other information identifying the aerosol generating device; time to start a smoking session; the end time of the smoking session and information about the reason for the end of the smoking session.

In one embodiment, a serial number or other identifying information or information for tracking associated with the aerosol device 100 may be stored in the controller 30. For example, such tracking information may be stored in the memory 56. Because the aerosol device 100 may not always be connected to the same external device 58 for loading or data transfer purposes, said tracking information may be exported to external data processing or storing devices 60 and collected to provide a more complete picture of the user's behavior. The serial number or other identifying information allows a given use of the device to be associated with previous usage data from the same device.

This will now be evident to the average person skilled in the art that knowledge of the operating time of the aerosol generating device, such as starting and stopping a smoking session, can also be captured using the methods and devices described herein. For example, using the controller timer 30 or control unit 52, the start time of the smoking session can be captured and stored by the controller 30. Similarly, the stop time can be registered when the user or the aerosol device 100 completes the session by stopping the power to the heating element 20. The accuracy of these start and stop times can also be increased, if a more accurate time is sent to the controller 30 by an external device 58 to correct any losses or inaccuracies. For example, when connecting the controller 30 to an external device 58, the device 58 may examine the controller's internal clock assembly 30 to compare the received time value with the clock provided in the external device 58 or one or more external processing or storing devices 60 and provide an updated clock signal to the controller thirty.

The reason for terminating the smoking session or operating the aerosol device 100 can also be recognized and captured. For example, the controller 52 may include an array of LUT functions (Look-up Table) that includes various reasons for the end of a smoking or work session. An exemplary list of such reasons can be found here.

<td>Session code</td><td colspan="2">The reason for ending session</td><td>A reason description</td>

<td>0</td><td>(normal end)</td><td></td><td>End of session achieved</td>

<td>1</td><td>(stopping user)</td><td>by</td><td>The user interrupts experience (after pressing target power button end of session through placing the device into aerosol production external device 58, or by command remote control.</td>

<td>2</td><td>(corruption heater)</td><td>himself</td><td>Damage is suspected heater in the light temperature measurements being beyond the previously specified one range for heating</td>

<td>3</td><td>(incorrect</td><td></td><td>A fault occurs when</td>

<td></td><td colspan="2">heating level)</td><td>element temperature heating is above or below specified earlier working temperatures being outside the acceptable range</td>

<td colspan="3">tolerance</td>

<td>4</td><td>(heating</td><td>The temperature of the element</td>

<td></td><td>Outside)</td><td>the heating stays higher than the target one, even when the power supply is supplied smaller.</td>

The above table shows the number of reasons why the operation or smoking session can be terminated. It will now be evident to the average person skilled in the art that using such a device, using the various indications provided by the measuring unit 50 and the control unit 52 provided in the controller 30 alone or in combination with the recorded indications communicated in response to the heater heater control controller 30 20, the controller 30 may assign session code to the cause of termination of the aerosol device 100 or smoking session using such a device. Other reasons that may be determined from the available data using the methods and devices described above,

The final results of the aerosol user's consumption may be closely related, because the aerosol device 100 described herein can accurately control the temperature of the heating element 20 and therefore data can be collected by the controller 30 as well as the units 50 and 52 contained in the controller 30 and the exact profile of the actual use of the device 100 during the session can be obtained.

In one exemplary embodiment, the usage data captured by the controller 30 can be compared to data determined during the session being inspected to further facilitate understanding of the user's use of the device 100. For example, first by collecting data with a smoking device under controlled environmental conditions and measurement data, such as puff numbers, puff volume, puff intervals, and resistance of the heater element, a database 57 may be constructed that provides, for example, nicotine levels or other information provided under experimental conditions. Such experimental data can then be compared with the data received by the controller during actual use and used to determine, for example, information about it, how much the user inhaled. In one embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2, such a database 57 including experimental data can be stored in one or more remote devices 60 and additional comparison and data processing can take place in one or more devices 60. For example, remote devices 60 may be one or more servers operated by the manufacturer of aerosol devices connected to the Internet and available from

Benzo [a] anthracene,

Benzo [b] fluoranthene, them. Alternatively, the database 57 may be located in an external device 58, as illustrated by the dashed line in Figure 2.

The database 57 may include data from a wide variety of substrate types for aerosol production and for many different types of aerosol devices. Indication of the type of substrate and type of device may be provided by the user before the smoking session or after the smoking session and may be entered into the aerosol device or into one of the accessory devices. Alternatively, the indication of the type of substrate and the type of device may be provided automatically by the aerosol generating device as part of the use data.

The data stored in the database 57 may contain the amount of elapsing components contained in the aerosol delivered under specific operating conditions: Acetaldehyde, Acetamide,

Acetone, Acrolein, Acrylamide, Acrylonitrile, 4-Aminobiphenyl,

1-Aminonaphthalene, 2-Aminonaphthalene, Ammonia, AnabaZine, Citizin, Arsenic, Α-α-C (2-Amino-9H-pyrido [2,3-b] indo),

Benz [j] aceantrylen, Benzene,

Benzo [k] fluoranthene, Benzo [b] furan,

Benzo [a] pyrene, Benzo [c] phenanthrene, Beryllium, 1,3-Butadiene, Cadmium, Kaffenic acid, Carbon monoxide, Catechol, Chlorinated dioxins / furans, Chromium, Chrysene, Cobalt, Cresols (o-, m-, and p-cresol), crotonaldehyde, Cyclopenta [c, d] -piren,

Dibenzo [a, h] anthracene, Dibenzo [c, d] pyrene, Dibenzo [a, h] pyrene, Dibenzo [a, i] pyrene, Dibenzo [a, l] pyrene, 2,6-Dimethylaniline,

Ethyl carbamate (urethane), ethyl benzene, ethylene oxide,

Formaldehyde, Furan, Glu-P-1 (2-Amino-6-methyldipyrido [1,2a: 3 ', 2'-d] imidazole), Glu-P-2 (2-Aminodipyrido [1,2-a: 3 ', 2'd] imidazole), Hydrazine, Hydrogen cyanide, Inden [1,2,3-cd] pyrene, IQ (2-Amino-3-methylimidazo [4,5-f] quinoline), Isoprene, Lead, MeA- aC (2-Amino-3-methyl) -9H-pyrido [2,3-b] indole), Mercury, Ethyl methyl ketone, 5-Methyl chryzene, 4- Methylitroamino 1- (3-pyridine) -1-butanone (NNK) ), Naphthalene, Nickel, Nicotine, Nitrobenzene, Nitromethane, 2-Nitropropane, N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDELA), N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), N-nitroso-methylethylamine, N-nitrosomorpholine (NMOR), Nnitro-nicotinotine (NNN), N-nitrosopiperidine ( NPIP), Nnitro-pyrrolidine (NPYR), N-nitrosoarosine (NSAR),

Nuthinotine, Phenol, PhIP (2-Amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazole [4,5-b] pyridine), Polon-210, propionic aldehyde, Propylene oxide, Chinolina, Selenium, Styrene, oToluidine, Toluene, Trp-P-1 (3-Amino-1,4-dimethyl-5H pyrido [4,3-b] indole), Trp-P-2 (1-Methyl-3-amino-5H-pyrido [4,3b] indole), Uranium-235 , Uranium-238, Vinyl Acetate or Vinyl Chloride.

Information on the aerosol properties delivered to the user may be displayed on the aerosol device 100 or may be displayed on the display 59 of an additional device 58, such as a mobile phone or charging device or remote external devices 60. This will now be obvious to the average person skilled in the art. in the field that, using the methods and devices discussed herein, almost any desired information can be captured in such a way that its comparison with experimental data is possible and the various features associated with the user's operation of the aerosol device 100 can be closely related.

The examples presented above illustrate embodiments, but are not limited to them. In view of the above exemplary embodiments, the ordinary skill in the art will be apparent from other embodiments in accordance with the foregoing embodiments.