RU2836340C1 - Device for generating aerosol with visual feedback on course of session of use - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: smoking accessories.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to tobacco industry, in particular, to devices simulating tobacco smoking process. Apparatus for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate comprises a light-emitting indicator having two light-emitting units configured to display any of at least four different indication modes during a session of use. Controller is configured to control the light-emitting indicator to display any of the at least four indication modes to indicate the progress of the usage session. Usage session comprises at least four successive phases. Any or each of the at least four successive phases has a maximum phase duration determined by the timer. Device is configured in such a way that a session of use has a maximum duration determined by a timer. Device is configured to record at least one parameter of interaction with the user during a usage session. Duration of the phase of any or each of the at least four successive phases has a duration less than the maximum duration of the phase when the value of the parameter of interaction with the user reaches a given threshold.

EFFECT: preventing an attempt to generate an aerosol when the aerosol-forming substrate is consumed, as well as improved safety owing to switching the heater to a deactivated state if the user forgets that a session of use has started.

10 cl, 16 dwg

Description

The present invention relates to aerosol generating devices (aerosol generating devices) capable of generating an aerosol during a usage session, and to methods of using such devices.

In the technical field to which the present invention pertains, aerosol generating devices are known that are capable of generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating substrate, such as a tobacco-containing substrate. Typically, an inhalable aerosol is generated as a result of heat transfer from a heat source to a physically separate aerosol-generating substrate or material that may be located within, around, or downstream of the heat source. The aerosol-generating substrate may be a liquid substrate contained in a reservoir. The aerosol-generating substrate may be a solid substrate. The aerosol-generating substrate may be a component of a separate aerosol-generating article that is capable of engaging with the aerosol-generating device to form an aerosol. During consumption, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-forming substrate by heat transfer from the heat source and are released into the air drawn through the aerosol-generating product. As the released compounds cool, they condense to form an aerosol that is inhaled by the consumer.

Some aerosol generating devices are configured to provide user usage sessions that are of limited duration. For example, an aerosol generating device may be configured to operate for a predetermined period of time in any single usage session. Aerosol generating devices configured to be used with separate aerosol generating articles may be configured to operate in intermittent usage sessions that do not exceed the time required to exhaust the aerosol forming substrate in the separate aerosol generating article. A traditional combustible cigarette has a burn line that moves along the cigarette as it is consumed and thus provides the user with a continuous visual indication of the progress of the user's usage session. In this way, the user can estimate at any given time how much of the cigarette is available for consumption. In many aerosol generating devices, such an estimate is more difficult. Some devices provide an indication that a usage session will end shortly before the end of such a session, but this does not provide the user with information about the progress of the usage session during the usage session. Progress information can be especially useful to the user when the duration of the usage session is controlled by more than one parameter.

Document EP 3610747 A2 describes a device comprising a battery which is adapted to supply power, a heater adapted to heat an aerosol generating material by receiving power from said battery, a sensor, at least one output unit and a controller, wherein the controller determines the fact of a puff by the user using the sensor and controls the at least one output unit based on information about the puff characteristic based on the result of the determination. Document EP 3610747 A2 does not describe the fact that any or each of at least four successive phases has a maximum phase duration determined by a timer. Document EP 3610747 A2 also does not describe the fact that the phase duration of any or each of the at least four successive phases has a duration shorter than the maximum phase duration when the value of the user interaction parameter reaches a predetermined threshold.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate is proposed. The aerosol-generating device is configured to generate the aerosol during a usage session. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a light-emitting indicator having at least one light-emitting unit. The aerosol-generating device (for generating the aerosol) may comprise a light-emitting indicator having at least one light-emitting unit and no more than two light-emitting units. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a light-emitting indicator having two light-emitting units, for example, the aerosol-generating device may comprise a light-emitting indicator having two light-emitting units and no more than two light-emitting units. The light-emitting indicator is configured to display any of at least four different indication modes during a usage session. The aerosol generating device comprises a controller configured to control a light emitting indicator for displaying any of at least four indication modes for indicating the progress of a usage session.

A usage session is limited to a given usage session, i.e. a usage session with a beginning and an end. The duration of a usage session, measured in time, may depend on the usage during the usage session. The duration of a usage session may have a maximum duration, determined by the maximum time from the start of the usage session. The duration of a usage session may be shorter than the maximum duration if one or more monitored parameters reach a given threshold before the maximum time from the start of the usage session has elapsed.

The aerosol generating device is typically a hand-held device. The aerosol generating device may, for example, have dimensions similar to a traditional cigar or a traditional cigarette. The hand-held aerosol generating device has a limited surface area on which information displays, such as indicators, can be mounted or otherwise arranged. Thus, displays that contain a large number of display units, such as a large number of light-emitting units, occupy a significant area on the surface of a conventional aerosol generating device. In addition, displays consisting of a large number of display units also consume a large amount of power. A conventional aerosol generating device has limited space for a power supply unit, such as a battery, and thus functions that require high power consumption require larger capacity and, therefore, physically larger power supplies. More complex displays, such as screens, can be designed to display a wide range of information, but also consume large amounts of power and present other associated design complexities due to the need for complex electronic architecture and the requirements for providing sufficient display power and dissipating the heat generated by the display.

A light emitting indicator comprising no more than two light emitting units does not occupy a significant portion of the space on the aerosol generating device. Each light emitting unit provides a single display area of the light emitting indicator. The display area of each light emitting unit may be small compared to the dimensions of the aerosol generating device. A light emitting indicator comprising no more than two light emitting units may not consume a significant amount of power compared to an indicator comprising more than two light emitting units or a display screen, and may not generate a significant amount of heat to be dissipated. An aerosol generating device comprising a light emitting indicator comprising no more than two light emitting units may have a smaller number of components and a less complex structure, thereby reducing the overall cost of the aerosol generating device. In addition, a light emitting indicator comprising no more than two light emitting units may present information on the progress of execution in a relatively simple manner, thereby increasing user convenience.

The user may be engaged in other activities, such as conversation, while using the aerosol-generating device. Therefore, it may be convenient if the user can track the progress of the usage session in a simple, non-intrusive way. For example, it may be useful if the user can determine the progress of the usage session by looking at an indicator. Without adequate feedback, the user may be inclined to interact with the aerosol-generating device more frequently. For example, if the user is unsure of how much time is left in the usage session, the user may puff more frequently than they otherwise would, which will result in the aerosol-generating substrate being depleted more quickly and possibly ending the usage session earlier than they would otherwise want. The ability to track the progress of the usage session may make the user more relaxed during the usage session and therefore make the user experience more enjoyable.

A usage session may be defined as a period of limited duration during which a user may obtain a user experience. A usage session may, for example, last between the start of a usage session, which may be referred to, for example, as a session start, and the end of a usage session, which may be referred to, for example, as a session termination. The start of a session may be defined as the moment of actuation of an aerosol-generating device. For example, a user may manually initiate a usage session by actuating an aerosol-generating device, for example, by pressing a button that actuates the aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may be configured to initiate a usage session automatically, for example, in response to an aerosol-generating article (for generating an aerosol) interacting with an aerosol-generating device (for generating an aerosol).

The aerosol generating device may be configured such that the usage session has a maximum duration determined by a timer. The maximum duration may ensure that the usage session ends without additional input from the user. An aerosol generating device configured to provide a usage session having a maximum duration helps maintain the quality of the user experience by preventing the user from attempting to generate an aerosol when the aerosol-forming substrate is exhausted. A usage session having a maximum duration also helps ensure safety because the actuation system, typically including a heater, does not remain in an activated state if the user forgets that the usage session has begun. A usage session having a maximum duration also requires the user to make a conscious decision about starting the next usage session, which may help the user control the consumption of the aerosol.

An aerosol generating device (for generating an aerosol) may be configured to accommodate an aerosol generating article (for generating an aerosol) that contains an aerosol generating substrate. For example, an aerosol generating device may be configured to accommodate a cartridge containing an aerosol generating substrate, such as a liquid aerosol generating substrate. An aerosol generating device may be configured to accommodate a heated aerosol generating article that contains a solid aerosol generating substrate.

The aerosol generating device may be configured to detect the presence of an aerosol generating article. Sensors or detectors in the device may detect the presence of the article and may be capable of distinguishing between one article configured to be used with the device and another article configured to be used with the device. The device may be capable of distinguishing between articles configured to be used with the device and other articles not configured to be used with the device. The device may be capable of preventing the initiation of a usage session if the aerosol generating article is not an article configured to be used with the device.

The aerosol generating device may be configured such that the usage session is terminated if the aerosol generating article is removed from the aerosol generating device. Thus, in such a configuration, the usage session may be terminated before the maximum duration is reached if the user removes the article from the device during the usage session. This may improve both security and user experience.

The aerosol generating device may be configured to track a user interaction parameter indicating the use of the aerosol generating device during a usage session. The usage session may be configured to terminate if the user interaction parameter reaches a predetermined threshold. Thus, in such a configuration, the usage session may be terminated before reaching the maximum duration in the event that the tracked user interaction parameter reaches the threshold before reaching the maximum duration of the usage session. In the event that the user actively used the device during the usage session, the aerosol generating substrate may be consumed faster than it would be in the event that the user did not actively use the device. Thus, the ability to track and terminate a usage session when the user interaction parameter reaches a predetermined threshold may improve the user experience by preventing the generation of an aerosol from a spent aerosol generating article. In order to continue usage, the user may need to replace the article and begin a further usage session.

As an example, the user interaction parameter may indicate the puffs of the user made during the usage session. The aerosol generating device may comprise a puff counting mechanism for determining the number of puffs of the user made during the usage session. The aerosol generating device may be configured to terminate the usage session when the number of puffs of the user made during the usage session reaches a predetermined threshold. Thus, the usage session may comprise a limited number of puffs that the user can make. The usage session may be terminated before the maximum duration determined by the timer if the number of puffs made during the usage session reaches a predetermined threshold before the maximum duration determined by the timer. Thus, in the event that the user uses up the aerosol-forming substrate by making a large number of puffs in a short period of time, the usage session of the user is preserved by preventing puffs after the aerosol-forming substrate is used up.

When the duration of a usage session is defined by more than one threshold, such as a maximum duration defined by a time threshold and a threshold defined by one or more user interaction parameters, a representative indication of progress during a usage session becomes more complex.

A usage session may be defined as consisting of at least four successive phases. The progress of the usage session as a whole may be defined relative to the progress through at least four successive phases. For example, the controller may be configured to control the light-emitting indicator to display another of at least four indication modes during each of the at least four successive phases.

At least four consecutive phases may be more than four consecutive phases. For example, at least four consecutive phases may contain at least five consecutive phases or at least six consecutive phases. The more phases a usage session is divided into, the more accurate the progress indication during the session. However, if the number of stages is too large, the progress indication may be misleading and of little practical use to the user.

The aerosol generating device may be configured such that any or each of at least four successive phases has a phase duration defined by a phase start and a phase end. The aerosol generating device may be configured such that any or each of the four successive phases has a maximum phase duration defined by a timer. Thus, any or each of the at least four successive phases may end when the monitored time period reaches a predetermined threshold for the phase, unless the phase has ended earlier.

The first phase of at least four consecutive phases may have a first phase duration, for example defined by the start of the first phase and the end of the first phase. The first phase may be considered to begin at the start of the usage session.

If the aerosol generating device comprises a heater, the first phase may comprise a heating period during which the temperature of the heating element is increased from the ambient temperature to an operating temperature to generate the aerosol.

The first phase of at least four consecutive phases may have a first phase duration, for example defined by the start of the first phase and the end of the first phase, wherein the first phase may be considered to start at the end of the pre-phase heating period, wherein the pre-phase heating period starts at the beginning of the session. The pre-phase heating period may be a heating period during which the temperature of the heating element increases from the ambient temperature to the operating temperature for generating an aerosol.

The second phase of at least four consecutive phases may have a second phase duration defined by the beginning of the second phase and the end of the second phase. The second phase may begin at the end of the first phase.

The third phase of at least four consecutive phases may have a third phase duration defined by the beginning of the third phase and the end of the third phase. The third phase may begin at the end of the second phase.

A fourth phase of at least four consecutive phases may have a fourth phase duration defined by a fourth phase start and a fourth phase end. The fourth phase may begin at the end of the third phase.

The usage session may end at the end of the fourth phase. Thus, the usage session may be divided into four phases, each phase having its own duration, with the usage session ending at the end of the fourth phase. The progress of the usage session may then be determined by determining the phase the usage session is in at any time during the usage session.

A usage session may be divided into more than four phases. The fifth phase of at least four consecutive phases has a fifth phase duration, which may be defined by the beginning of the fifth phase and the end of the fifth phase. The fifth phase may begin at the end of the fourth phase. A usage session may end at the end of the fifth phase.

A usage session may be divided into more than five phases. A sixth phase of at least four consecutive phases may have a sixth phase duration defined by the start of the sixth phase and the end of the sixth phase. The sixth phase may begin at the end of the fifth phase. A usage session may end at the end of the sixth phase.

The aerosol generating device may be configured to track a user interaction parameter indicating the use of the aerosol generating device during a usage session. The duration of any or each of at least four successive phases may be controlled with reference to the tracked user interaction parameter. Preferably, the duration of any or each of at least four successive phases is controlled with reference to the user interaction parameter and at least one additional parameter. At least one additional parameter is the passage of time determined by a timer.

Thus, the flow of a usage session through each of at least four successive phases may be determined by reference to both a timer that provides a maximum duration for each phase, and a monitored user interaction parameter that may terminate a phase earlier than the maximum possible duration for that phase if the monitored user interaction parameter reaches a given threshold.

The user interaction parameter may indicate the puffs the user made during the usage session.

The user interaction parameter may indicate the amount of aerosol or the volume of aerosol emitted by the aerosol-forming substrate. The user interaction parameter may indicate the amount of aerosol or the volume of aerosol delivered to the user. The user interaction parameter may be the total volume of aerosol delivered to the user.

The user interaction parameter may indicate the power supplied to the heating element during a usage session.

The aerosol generating device may comprise a puff counting mechanism for determining the number of puffs taken by the user during a usage session. The puffs taken by the user may be determined, for example, by monitoring the power supplied by the power supply during a usage session or by monitoring the temperature of the heating element during a usage session. The puffs taken by the user may be determined by monitoring the air flow through the device during a usage session. The duration of any or each of the at least four successive phases may therefore be controlled depending on the number of puffs taken by the user during a usage session.

The aerosol generating device may be configured such that the usage session has a maximum usage session duration determined by a timer, and wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to record at least one user interaction parameter during the usage session. The duration of a phase of any or each of at least four consecutive phases may have a duration shorter than the maximum phase duration if the value of the user interaction parameter reaches a specified threshold before the end of this phase.

A usage session may, for example, comprise a first phase, a second phase, a third phase, and a fourth phase. The first phase may begin with the start of the usage session. The first phase may end, and therefore the second phase may begin, after the tracked time period starting with the start of tracking reaches a predetermined time threshold of the first phase, or after the recorded user interaction parameter reaches a first predetermined value, if the first predetermined value is reached at a time prior to the predetermined time threshold of the first phase.

The second phase may end, and therefore the third phase may begin, after the tracked time, starting from the start of tracking, reaches the specified time threshold of the second phase, or after the recorded user interaction parameter reaches a second specified value, if the second specified value is reached at a time prior to the specified time threshold of the second phase.

The third phase may end, and therefore the fourth phase may begin, after the tracked time, starting from the start of tracking, reaches the specified time threshold of the third phase, or after the recorded user interaction parameter reaches the third specified value, if the third specified value is reached at a time prior to the specified time threshold of the third phase.

The fourth phase may end either after the tracked time, starting from the start of tracking, reaches the specified time threshold of the fourth phase, or after the recorded user interaction parameter reaches the fourth specified value, if the fourth specified value is reached at a time preceding the specified time threshold of the fourth phase.

For convenience, the start of time tracking may be the start of a usage session. The recorded user interaction parameter may be representative of the number of puffs taken by the user during the usage session.

The first phase time threshold can be set to a value between 75 seconds and 105 seconds from the start of the use session. The first set value can be 3 puffs or 4 puffs.

The second phase time threshold can be a value between 150 seconds and 210 seconds from the start of the use session. The second set value can be 6 puffs or 7 puffs.

The third phase time threshold can be a value between 225 seconds and 315 seconds from the start of the use session. The third set value can be 9 puffs or 10 puffs.

The fourth phase time threshold can be a value between 300 seconds and 420 seconds from the start of the use session. The fourth set value can be 12 puffs or 13 puffs.

In another example, the recorded user interaction parameter may represent the volume of aerosol delivered to the user during a usage session. This parameter may be calculated, for example, by monitoring the power signal, determining the start point and end point of the user's puffs, and integrating to determine the total power delivered during the user's puffs. Based on this total delivered power, the volume of aerosol delivered may be calculated.

For example, the device may be configured to monitor a parameter indicative of aerosol generation, such as power supplied to a heater during operation of the aerosol generating device, analyze the monitored parameter to identify a user puff, the user puff defined by the start of the puff and the end of the puff, analyze the monitored parameter during the user puff to calculate a puff volume, wherein the puff volume is the volume of aerosol generated during the user puff, and use the puff volume as a user interaction parameter.

The first phase time threshold can be a value from 75 seconds to 105 seconds from the start of the use session. The first set value can be from 50 ml to 200 ml of aerosol.

The second phase time threshold can be a value from 150 seconds to 210 seconds from the start of the use session. The second set value can be from 100 ml to 400 ml of aerosol.

The third phase time threshold can be a value from 225 seconds to 315 seconds from the start of the use session. The third set value can be from 150 ml to 600 ml of aerosol.

The fourth phase time threshold can be a value from 300 seconds to 420 seconds from the start of the use session. The fourth set value can be from 200 ml to 800 ml of aerosol.

A usage session may contain a final phase, which may be a fourth phase or a subsequent phase, and the final phase may end after a tracked period of time, such as after the time starting from the start of the usage session reaches a specified time threshold of the final phase, or after a recorded user interaction parameter reaches a final set value, if the final set value is reached before a specified time threshold of the final phase.

A usage session entering a final phase may therefore be an indication to the user that the usage session is about to end. The final phase may have a maximum duration that is shorter than the maximum duration of the previous phases.

The aerosol generating device comprises a light emitting indicator having at least one light emitting unit and no more than two light emitting units. The specific or each light emitting unit may be a light emitting diode (LED). The light emitting diode may comprise one or more LED chips configured to emit light.

The or each light-emitting unit may be configured to be displayed in at least three operating states. The at least three operating states may, for example, be selected from a list comprising: constantly on, constantly off, flashing, and intensity-modulated. "Constantly on" means that the light-emitting unit is turned on and emits light. "Constantly off" means that the light-emitting unit is turned off and does not emit light. "Flashing" means that the light-emitting unit is modulated between being turned off and on, resulting in the light being emitted in a flashing pattern. "Intensity-modulated" means that the power supplied to the light-emitting source, such as the LED unit, is modulated. The light-emitting unit emits light whose intensity varies over a certain period of time, and it appears to fluctuate between a bright and a dim appearance.

Other operating states are possible. For example, the frequency at which the light-emitting unit is turned on and off can provide a fast flashing state and a slow flashing state that is different from the fast flashing state.

The or each light emitting unit may be capable of emitting light in a first color and a second color.

The light-emitting indicator may comprise one light-emitting unit capable of operating to emit light in the first colour and in the second colour, wherein the light-emitting unit is configured to display at least four operating states, wherein the light-emitting indicator is thus capable of displaying at least four indication modes. At least four operating states may be selected from a list comprising: constantly off, the first colour constantly on, the first colour flashing, modulated by the intensity of the first colour, the second colour sequentially on, the second colour flashing, modulated by the intensity of the second colour, and alternating flashing of the first colour/second colour.

The light emitting unit may be configured to display in at least five operating modes, and the light emitting indicator may thus be capable of displaying in at least five indication modes.

The aerosol generating device can be configured in such a way that the light emitting indicator consists of two light emitting units, the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit. Each of the light emitting units can be configured to be displayed in the first operating state, the second operating state and the third operating state. The controller can be configured to independently control the operating state of the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit in any of the first, second or third operating states so that the light emitting indicator is displayed in at least four indication modes. The light emitting indicator can be configured to be displayed in at least five indication modes or at least six indication modes. The usage session can contain at least four successive phases and the light emitting indicator can be configured to display a different indication mode during each of the successive phases.

During the first phase, the light emitting indicator may be displayed in a first indication mode, which is a result of the first light emitting unit displaying a first operating state and the second light emitting unit displaying a first operating state.

During the second phase, the light emitting indicator may be displayed in a second indication mode, which is a result of the first light emitting unit displaying a first operating state and the second light emitting unit displaying a second operating state.

During the third phase, the light emitting indicator may be displayed in a third indication mode, which is a result of the first light emitting unit displaying a first operating state and the second light emitting unit displaying a third operating state.

During the fourth phase, the light emitting indicator may be displayed in a fourth indication mode, which is a result of the first light emitting unit displaying a second operating state and the second light emitting unit displaying a second operating state.

During the fifth phase, if the fifth phase is present, the light emitting indicator may be displayed in the fifth indication mode, which is a result of the first light emitting unit displaying the third operating state and the second light emitting unit displaying the third operating state.

Thus, the aerosol generating device may be configured to generate the aerosol during a limited usage session. The usage session may be divided into a plurality of successive phases. The controller may be configured to determine and control the duration of the usage session with reference to the monitored parameters. The controller may also determine and control the duration of each of the plurality of usage sessions with reference to the monitored parameters. The length of the usage session and of any phase in the usage session may have a maximum duration or a last end point determined by a synchronization threshold. The length of the usage session and of any phase during the usage session may be less than the maximum duration allowed by the synchronization threshold if one or more monitored parameters reach the threshold. The controller may be able to determine which phase of the usage session the device is in and control the light emitting indicator to display an indication representing this phase. Thus, by dividing the usage session into a plurality of successive phases, the user can determine the phase in which the usage session is at any time during the usage session. In this way, the user can have an indication of how long they remain in a usage session or how much additional interaction they can have with the device before the usage session ends. This can be a particular advantage when the duration of the usage session is somewhat dependent on the user's level of interaction with the device.

The aerosol generating device may comprise a heater for heating the aerosol forming substrate to form the aerosol. The heater may be an induction heater. The induction heater may comprise an inductor configured to generate a changing magnetic field intended to heat the current collector. The heater may be a resistive heater.

The heater may comprise a heating element for heating the aerosol-generating consumable article. The heating element may be an internal heater intended for insertion into the aerosol-generating consumable article, for example, a resistive heating element or a current collector (suspender) in the form of a pin or plate that can be inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate located in the aerosol-generating consumable article. The heating element may be an external heater configured to heat the outer surface of the aerosol-generating consumable article, for example, a resistive heating element or current collector (suspender) located on the periphery of the substrate receiving cavity or surrounding it, for accommodating the aerosol-generating consumable article.

The aerosol generating device may comprise a section for a replaceable substrate comprising an aerosol forming substrate. The section for the replaceable substrate may form a portion of the main part of the aerosol generating device and may itself accommodate or contain a portion of the aerosol forming substrate for dispensing in the device. The section for the replaceable substrate may be located remotely from the proximal end of the device, for example remotely from the mouthpiece. The section for the replaceable substrate may be located close to the distal end of the device. The section for the replaceable substrate may be connected to one or more other sections forming the main part of the aerosol generating device by means of connecting means such as screw threads or a bayonet connection, or a magnetic connection, or mechanical latching means such as snap connections or an interference fit.

The replaceable substrate section may comprise a reservoir for a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the replaceable substrate section may comprise a reservoir for a liquid containing nicotine and an aerosol-forming substance such as propylene glycol or glycerin. Alternatively, the replaceable substrate section may comprise a container for a solid aerosol-forming substrate or a container for a colloidal aerosol-forming substrate such as a gel substrate.

The aerosol generating device may comprise a replaceable substrate section comprising two or more components that form an aerosol when combined.

The section for the replaceable substrate may comprise a sprayer, such as a heating element for heating the aerosol-forming substrate or for heating at least one of two or more components that form an aerosol when combined. Thus, the section for the replaceable substrate may be in the form of a cartomizer and comprise both the aerosol-forming substrate and the sprayer component. In such embodiments, the section for the replaceable substrate will preferably comprise electrical contacts configured to contact corresponding electrical contacts on the battery-like portion of the aerosol-generating device to supply power for driving the sprayer.

In one example, the atomizer may be a resistive heater, such as a resistive wire or a resistive track on a substrate. In other examples, the atomizer may be an inductive susceptor capable of heating while within a pulsating magnetic field generated by an induction coil.

The aerosol generating device may be configured such that power is supplied to the heater to maintain the heater at a predetermined temperature during a use session.

Power may be supplied to the heater to raise the temperature of the heating element to an operating temperature range to generate an aerosol, while the heating element remains within the operating temperature range until the end of the use session. Power may be supplied to the heater during a use session both when the user is puffing and when the user is not puffing. In such a configuration, the power supplied during a puff by the user is likely to be greater than the power supplied when the user is not puffing, since less power will be required to maintain the temperature of the heater between puffs.

An aerosol generating device may be configured to accommodate an aerosol generating article that contains an aerosol forming substrate. The aerosol forming substrate may be a solid aerosol forming substrate. The aerosol generating device may, for example, comprise a substrate receiving cavity for accommodating a consumable aerosol generating article that contains the aerosol forming substrate. Examples of aerosol generating articles include sachets filled with solid aerosol forming substrates, cigarettes and cigarette-like articles that contain an aerosol forming substrate located inside a wrapper such as cigarette paper, capsules or containers for a liquid aerosol forming substrate or a colloidal aerosol forming substrate. The consumable aerosol generating article may comprise a section for a replaceable substrate that contains two or more components that form an aerosol when combined.

The aerosol-generating consumable article may comprise a nebulizer, such as a heating element for heating the aerosol-forming substrate or for heating at least one of two or more components that form the aerosol when combined. Thus, the aerosol-generating consumable article may be a form of a cartomizer and comprise both the aerosol-forming substrate and the nebulizer component. In such embodiments, the aerosol-generating consumable article will preferably comprise electrical contacts configured to contact corresponding electrical contacts on the battery-like portion of the aerosol-generating device to supply power for driving the nebulizer.

In examples, the atomizer may be a resistive heater, such as a resistive wire or a resistive track on a substrate. In other embodiments, the atomizer may be an inductive current collector (susceptor) capable of heating while inside a pulsating magnetic field generated by an induction coil.

A preferred aerosol-generating consumable article may have the form of a cigarette or a cigarette-like article containing a solid aerosol-forming substrate located inside a wrapper. Preferably, such an article comprises a mouthpiece end intended for insertion into the user's mouth for using the article. Preferably, the mouthpiece end comprises a filter for simulating a conventional cigarette with specified properties. Preferably, the aerosol-generating consumable article is configured to interact with an atomizer, preferably a heater, located in the main part of the aerosol-generating device. Thus, a heating means, such as a resistive heating element, can be located in or around the substrate receiving cavity for accommodating the aerosol-generating consumable article. The substrate receiving cavity can be located at the proximal end of the device. For example, an opening relative to the substrate receiving cavity can be located at the proximal end of the device.

The aerosol generating system may comprise an aerosol generating device as described above and an aerosol generating article configured to be received by the aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises an aerosol forming substrate.

The aerosol generating system may further comprise a charging device for charging the aerosol generating device. The charging device may comprise a primary power source and may have a docking arrangement configured to engage with the elongated aerosol generating device.

According to one aspect of the invention, a method for indicating the progress of a usage session in an aerosol generating device is provided. The aerosol generating device is configured to generate an aerosol during a usage session and comprises a controller and a light emitting indicator. The light emitting indicator has at least one light emitting unit and no more than two light emitting units. The light emitting indicator is configured to display any of at least four different indication modes during a usage session. The method includes the steps of: determining the starting point of a usage session, determining the progress of a usage session, and controlling the light emitting indicator to display different indication modes to indicate the progress of a usage session to the user.

By dividing a usage session into at least four consecutive phases, the device is able to determine and indicate to the user the progress of the usage session. The user can determine the phase the usage session is in at any time during the usage session by looking at the visual indication. In this way, the user can have an indication of how much time remains in the usage session or how much further interaction he or she can have with the device before the usage session ends. This can be of particular benefit when the duration of the usage session is to some extent dependent on the user's level of interaction with the device.

The method may include the additional steps of determining at least four consecutive phases between the start of the session and the end of the session, and controlling the light emitting indicator to display a different indication mode during each of the at least four consecutive phases.

The method may include additional steps of recording the user interaction parameter during the usage session and determining the duration of the usage session and/or at least four consecutive phases based on information about the time and value of the user interaction parameter.

The user interaction parameter may represent the number of puffs of the user and the total duration of the usage session may be defined with a maximum duration determined by a timer or a duration lower than the maximum duration if the number of puffs during the usage session exceeds the maximum number of puffs allowed during the user session.

The user interaction parameter may represent the number of puffs the user takes and the total duration of each phase may be defined with a maximum phase duration determined by a timer or a duration lower than the maximum phase duration if the number of puffs during the phase exceeds the maximum number of puffs allowed during the phase.

According to one aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating device is provided for generating an aerosol during a usage session, comprising: a light emitting indicator having at least one light emitting unit and no more than two light emitting units, wherein the light emitting indicator is configured to display any of at least four different indication modes during the usage session, the aerosol generating device comprising a machine-readable medium containing instructions for implementing a method: determining a starting point of a usage session, determining the progress of the usage session, and controlling the light emitting indicator to display different indication modes to indicate to the user the progress of the usage session.

In the context of this document, the term "aerosol generating device" refers to a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol that is directly inhaled into the user's lungs through the user's mouth. In certain embodiments, the aerosol generating device may heat the aerosol-forming substrate to facilitate the release of volatile compounds. The aerosol generating device may interact with an aerosol-generating article containing an aerosol-forming substrate or a cartridge containing an aerosol-forming substrate. An electrical aerosol generating device may comprise a nebulizer, such as an electrical heater, for heating the aerosol-forming substrate to form an aerosol.

As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article comprising an aerosol-generating substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. In certain embodiments, an aerosol-generating article may comprise an aerosol-generating substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol when heated.

As used herein, the term "use session" refers to a period of operation of an aerosol-generating device that has a limited duration. A use session may be initiated by an action by the user. A use session may be terminated after a specified period of time has passed since the use session was initiated. A use session may be terminated after a monitored parameter has reached a threshold during the use session. Typically, a use session has a duration that allows the user to enjoy a single use session by the user. For example, in certain aerosol-generating devices, a use session may have a duration that allows the user to consume a single disposable aerosol-generating product. After a use session has been terminated, further action by the user is required to initiate a subsequent use session.

As used herein, the term "light emitting indicator" refers to a component of an aerosol generating device that is capable of emitting an indication in the form of light that is visible to a user of the device.

The term "light emitting unit" as used in this document refers to a discontinuous component of a light emitting indicator capable of emitting light. Each light emitting unit provides a single display area of the light emitting indicator. The light emitting unit may, for example, be a separate electric bulb or a separate light-emitting diode. The light emitted by the light emitting unit is visible to the user of the aerosol generating device. The light emitting unit may be mounted in such a way that it projects through the housing of the aerosol generating device. The light emitting unit may be enclosed in the housing of the aerosol generating device in such a way that the light emitted by the light emitting unit is visible through the gap of the aerosol generating device. The light emitted by the light emitting unit may be transmitted along the waveguide structure in such a way that it is visible to the user of the device.

The present invention is defined in the claims. However, a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples is provided below. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment or aspect described herein.

Example i. An aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate,

wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to generate the aerosol during a session of use,

wherein the aerosol generating device comprises:

a controller configured to monitor the progress of a usage session and control an indicator to indicate the progress of the usage session.

Example ii. An aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate,

wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to generate the aerosol during a session of use,

wherein the aerosol generating device comprises:

light emitting indicator and

a controller configured to control a light-emitting indicator to indicate the progress of a usage session.

Example iii. An aerosol generating device according to example ii, wherein the light emitting indicator comprises at least a light emitting unit, wherein the light emitting unit is configured to operate in a plurality of operating states, so that the light emitting indicator is configured to be displayed in any of at least four indication modes during a usage session.

Example Ex1. An aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate,

wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to generate the aerosol during a session of use,

wherein the aerosol generating device comprises:

a light-emitting indicator having one or more light-emitting units or at least one light-emitting unit and no more than two light-emitting units, wherein the light-emitting indicator is configured to display any of at least four different indication modes during a usage session, and

a controller configured to control a light-emitting indicator to display any of at least four indication modes to indicate the progress of a usage session.

Example Ex1a. An aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate,

wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to generate the aerosol during a session of use,

wherein the aerosol generating device comprises:

a light emitting indicator having two light emitting units, wherein the light emitting indicator is configured to display any of at least four different indication modes during a usage session, and

a controller configured to control a light-emitting indicator to display any of at least four indication modes to indicate the progress of a usage session.

Example Ex1b. An aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate,

wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to generate the aerosol during a session of use,

wherein the aerosol generating device comprises:

a light emitting indicator having two light emitting units and no more than two light emitting units, wherein the light emitting indicator is configured to display any of at least four different indication modes during a usage session, and

a controller configured to control a light-emitting indicator to display any of at least four indication modes to indicate the progress of a usage session.

Example Ex1c. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding example, wherein in each of the indication modes the controller is configured to cause the light emitting indicator to emit light for at least a portion of the time during which the light emitting indicator displays each indication mode.

Example Ex2. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding example, wherein a session of use extends between a session start and a session end.

Example Ex3. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol generating device is configured such that a usage session has a maximum duration determined by a timer.

Example Ex4. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to accommodate an aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol forming substrate.

Example Ex5. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex4, in which the aerosol generating device is configured to detect the presence of an aerosol generating article.

Example Ex6. An aerosol-generating device according to example Ex4 or Ex5, in which the usage session is terminated if the aerosol-generating article is removed from the aerosol-generating device.

Example Ex7. An aerosol generating device according to the previous example, wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to track a user interaction parameter indicating the use of the aerosol generating device during a usage session.

Example Ex8. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex7, in which the usage session is configured to be terminated if the user interaction parameter reaches a specified threshold.

Example Ex9. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex7 or Ex8, wherein the user interaction parameter indicates the puffs of the user taken during the usage session, or wherein the user interaction parameter indicates the volume of aerosol emitted by the aerosol-forming substrate or delivered to the user during the usage session.

Example Ex10. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a puff counting mechanism for determining the number of puffs taken by the user during a usage session.

Example Ex11. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex10, wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to terminate a usage session when the number of puffs taken by the user during the usage session reaches a predetermined threshold.

Example 11A. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding example, comprising the steps of monitoring a parameter indicative of aerosol generation during operation of the aerosol generating device, analyzing the monitored parameter to identify a user puff, the user puff defined by a start of a puff and an end of a puff, analyzing the monitored parameter during the user puff to calculate a puff volume, wherein the puff volume is a volume of aerosol generated during the user puff and using the puff volume as a user interaction parameter.

Example Ex12. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding example, wherein the usage session comprises at least four successive phases.

Example Ex13. An aerosol generating device according to Ex12, wherein the controller is configured to control the light emitting indicator to display another of at least four indication modes during each of at least four successive phases.

Example Ex14. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex12 or Ex13, in which at least four successive phases comprise at least five successive phases.

Example Ex15. An aerosol generating device according to any of examples Ex12-Ex14, wherein the aerosol generating device is configured such that any or each of at least four successive phases has a phase duration defined by a phase start and a phase end.

Example Ex16. An aerosol generating device according to any of examples Ex12-Ex15, wherein the aerosol generating device is configured such that any or each of at least four consecutive phases has a maximum phase duration determined by a timer.

Example Ex17. An aerosol generating device according to any of examples Ex12-Ex16, wherein any or each of at least four successive phases has a phase duration defined by a phase start and a phase end.

Example Ex18. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex17, wherein any or each of at least four successive phases has a maximum phase duration determined by a timer.

Example Ex19. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex17 or Ex18, wherein any or each of at least four successive phases ends when the monitored period of time reaches a predetermined threshold for the phase, unless the phase has ended earlier.

Example Ex20. An aerosol generating device according to any of examples Ex12-Ex19, in which

the first phase of at least four consecutive phases has a first phase duration defined by a first phase start and a first phase end, wherein the first phase begins at the beginning of the session.

Example Ex21. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex20, wherein the first phase comprises a heating period during which the temperature of the heating element is increased from the ambient temperature to the operating temperature to generate the aerosol.

Example Ex22. An aerosol generating device according to any of examples Ex12-Ex19, in which

the first phase of at least four consecutive phases has a first phase duration defined by the beginning of the first phase and the end of the first phase, wherein the first phase begins at the end of the pre-phase heating period, wherein the pre-phase heating period begins from the beginning of the session moment.

Example Ex23. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex22, wherein the pre-phase heating period may be a heating period during which the temperature of the heating element is increased from the ambient temperature to the operating temperature for generating the aerosol.

Example Ex24. An aerosol generating device according to any of examples Ex12-Ex23, in which

the second phase of at least four consecutive phases has a second phase duration defined by a start of the second phase and an end of the second phase, wherein the second phase begins at the end of the first phase.

Example Ex25. An aerosol generating device according to any of examples Ex12 to Ex24, in which

the third phase of at least four consecutive phases has a third phase duration defined by a third phase start and a third phase end, wherein the third phase begins at the end of the second phase.

Example Ex26. An aerosol generating device according to any of examples Ex12 to Ex25, in which

the fourth phase of at least four consecutive phases has a fourth phase duration defined by a fourth phase start and a fourth phase end, wherein the fourth phase begins at the end of the third phase.

Example Ex27. An aerosol generating device according to any of the examples Ex12-Ex26, wherein the usage session ends at the end of the fourth phase.

Example Ex28. An aerosol generating device according to any of examples Ex12-Ex26, in which

the fifth phase of at least four consecutive phases has a fifth phase duration defined by a fifth phase start and a fifth phase end, wherein the fifth phase begins at the end of the fourth phase.

Example Ex29. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex28, wherein the usage session ends at the end of the fifth phase.

Example Ex30. An aerosol generating device according to any of examples Ex12 to Ex28, in which

the sixth phase of at least four consecutive phases has a sixth phase duration defined by a sixth phase start and a sixth phase end, wherein the sixth phase begins at the end of the fifth phase.

Example Ex31. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex30, in which the usage session ends at the end of the sixth phase.

Example Ex32. An aerosol generating device according to any of examples Ex12-Ex31, wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to track a user interaction parameter indicating the use of the aerosol generating device during a usage session.

Example Ex33. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex32, wherein the duration of any or each of the plurality of successive phases is controlled with reference to a user interaction parameter.

Example Ex34. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex32 or Ex33, wherein the duration of any or each of at least four successive phases is controlled with reference to a user interaction parameter and at least one additional parameter.

Example Ex35. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex34, wherein at least an additional parameter is the passage of time determined by a timer.

Example Ex36. An aerosol generating device according to any of the examples Ex32-Ex35, wherein the user interaction parameter indicates the user's puffs taken during the usage session.

Example Ex37. An aerosol generating device according to any of examples Ex32-Ex36, wherein the user interaction parameter indicates power supplied to the heating element during the usage session.

Example Ex38. An aerosol generating device according to any of the examples Ex12-Ex37, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a puff counting mechanism for determining the number of puffs of the user taken during a usage session, and wherein the duration of any or each of at least four successive phases is controlled depending on the number of puffs of the user taken during a usage session.

Example Ex39. An aerosol generating device according to any of examples Ex12-Ex38, wherein the aerosol generating device is configured such that the usage session has a maximum usage session duration determined by a timer, and wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to record at least one user interaction parameter during the usage session, the duration of a phase of any or each of at least four consecutive phases has a duration shorter than the maximum phase duration if the value of the user interaction parameter reaches a predetermined threshold.

Example Ex40. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding example, wherein the usage session comprises a first phase, a second phase, a third phase and a fourth phase.

Example Ex41. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex40, wherein the first phase begins at the start of the use session.

Example Ex42. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex40 or Ex41, where the first phase ends and the second phase begins after the monitored time period, starting from the moment of the start of monitoring, reaches a predetermined time threshold of the first phase, or after the recorded user interaction parameter reaches a first predetermined value, if the first predetermined value is reached at a moment preceding the predetermined time threshold of the first phase.

Example Ex43. An aerosol generating device according to any of the examples Ex40-Ex42, wherein the second phase ends and the third phase begins after the monitored time, starting from the moment of the start of monitoring, reaches a predetermined time threshold of the second phase, or after the recorded user interaction parameter reaches a second predetermined value, if the second predetermined value is reached at a moment preceding the predetermined time threshold of the second phase.

Example Ex44. An aerosol generating device according to any of the examples Ex40-Ex43, wherein the third phase ends and the fourth phase begins after the monitored time, starting from the moment of the start of monitoring, reaches a predetermined time threshold of the third phase, or after the recorded user interaction parameter reaches a third predetermined value, if the third predetermined value is reached at a moment preceding the predetermined time threshold of the third phase.

Example Ex45. An aerosol generating device according to any of examples Ex40-Ex44, wherein the fourth phase ends after the monitored time, starting from the moment of the start of monitoring, reaches a predetermined time threshold of the fourth phase, or after the recorded user interaction parameter reaches a fourth predetermined value, if the fourth predetermined value is reached at a moment preceding the predetermined time threshold of the fourth phase.

Example Ex46. An aerosol generating device according to any of the examples Ex42-Ex45, wherein the start of time tracking is the moment of the start of the usage session.

Example Ex47. An aerosol generating device according to any of the examples Ex42-Ex46, wherein the first phase time threshold is a value from 75 seconds to 105 seconds from the start of the use session.

Example Ex48. An aerosol generating device according to any of the examples Ex42-Ex47, wherein the recorded user interaction parameter is representative of the number of puffs made by the user during the usage session, the first predetermined value being 3 puffs or 4 puffs.

Example Ex49. An aerosol generating device according to any of the examples Ex42-Ex48, wherein the second phase time threshold is a value from 150 seconds to 210 seconds from the start of the use session.

Example Ex50. An aerosol generating device according to any of the examples Ex42-Ex49, wherein the recorded user interaction parameter is representative of the number of puffs made by the user during the usage session, the second predetermined value being 6 puffs or 7 puffs.

Example Ex51. An aerosol generating device according to any of the examples Ex42-Ex50, wherein the time threshold of the third phase is a value from 225 seconds to 315 seconds from the start of the use session.

Example Ex52. An aerosol generating device according to any of the examples Ex42-Ex51, wherein the recorded user interaction parameter is representative of the number of puffs made by the user during the usage session, the third predetermined value being 9 puffs or 10 puffs.

Example Ex53. An aerosol generating device according to any of the examples Ex42-Ex52, wherein the fourth phase time threshold is a value from 300 seconds to 420 seconds from the start of the use session.

Example Ex54. An aerosol generating device according to any of the examples Ex42-Ex52, wherein the recorded user interaction parameter is representative of the number of puffs made by the user during the usage session, the first predetermined value being 12 puffs or 13 puffs.

Example Ex55. An aerosol generating device according to any of examples Ex42-Ex54, in which

the usage session contains a terminal phase, which may be the fourth phase or a subsequent phase, and the terminal phase ends after the tracked time, starting from the start of the usage session, reaches the specified terminal phase time threshold, or after the recorded user interaction parameter reaches the final specified value, if the final specified value is reached before the specified terminal phase time threshold.

Example Ex56. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex55, in which the final phase has a maximum duration that is shorter than the maximum duration of the previous phases.

Example Ex57. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding example, wherein the or each light emitting unit is an LED unit.

Example Ex58. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding example, wherein the or each light emitting unit is configured to be displayed in at least three operating states.

Example Ex59. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex58, wherein at least three operating states are selected from a list comprising: constantly on, constantly off, flashing and intensity modulated.

Example Ex60. An aerosol generating device according to any previous example, wherein the or each light emitting unit is operable to emit light in a first colour and in a second colour, the or each light emitting unit is configured to be displayed in at least three operating states.

Example Ex61. An aerosol generating device according to any previous example, wherein the light emitting indicator comprises one light emitting unit capable of operating to emit light in a first colour and in a second colour, wherein the light emitting unit is configured to display at least four operating states, wherein the light emitting indicator is thus capable of displaying in at least three indication modes.

Example Ex62. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex61, where at least four operating states are selected from a list comprising: the first colour is constantly off, the first colour is constantly on, the first colour is flashing, the first colour is modulated in intensity, the second colour is sequentially on, the second colour is flashing, the second colour is modulated in intensity, and the first colour/second colour is alternating flashing.

Example Ex63. An aerosol generating device according to any of examples Ex60-Ex62, wherein the light emitting unit is configured to display in at least five operating modes, and the light emitting indicator is thus capable of displaying in at least five indication modes.

Example Ex64. An aerosol generating device according to any of the examples Ex1-Ex60, in which the light emitting indicator consists of two light emitting units, a first light emitting unit and a second light emitting unit, each of the light emitting units is configured to be displayed in a first operating state, a second operating state and a third operating state, and in which the controller is configured to independently control the operating state of the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit in any of the first, second or third operating states so that the light emitting indicator is displayed in at least four indication modes.

Example Ex65. The aerosol generating device according to example Ex64 is designed such that the light emitting indicator is displayed in at least five indication modes.

Example Ex66. An aerosol generating device according to any previous example, wherein the usage session comprises at least four successive phases and the light emitting indicator is configured to display a different indication mode during each of the successive phases.

Example Ex67. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex66, wherein during the first phase the light emitting indicator is displayed in a first indication mode resulting from the first light emitting unit displaying a first operating state and the second light emitting unit displaying a first operating state.

Example Ex68. An aerosol generating device according to example EX66 or example EX67, wherein during the second phase the light emitting indicator is displayed in a second indication mode resulting from the first light emitting unit displaying a first operating state and the second light emitting unit displaying a second operating state

example Ex69. An aerosol generating device according to any of examples Ex66-Ex68, wherein during the third phase the light emitting indicator is displayed in a third indication mode resulting from the first light emitting unit displaying a first operating state and the second light emitting unit displaying a third operating state

example Ex70. An aerosol generating device according to any one of examples Ex66-Ex69, wherein during the fourth phase the light emitting indicator is displayed in a fourth indication mode resulting from the first light emitting unit displaying a second operating state and the second light emitting unit displaying a second operating state.

Example Ex71. An aerosol generating device according to any one of examples Ex66 to Ex70, wherein during the fifth phase the light emitting indicator is displayed in a fifth indication mode resulting from the first light emitting unit displaying a third operating state and the second light emitting unit displaying a third operating state.

Example Ex72. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding example, wherein the device comprises a heater.

Example Ex73. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex72, wherein the heater is an induction heater.

Example Ex74. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex72, wherein the heater is a resistive heater.

Example Ex74i. An aerosol generating device according to any of examples Ex72-Ex74, in which power is supplied to the heater to maintain the heater at a predetermined temperature during a use session.

Example 74ii. An aerosol generating device according to any of examples Ex72-Ex74i, wherein power is supplied to the heater to increase the temperature of the heating element to an operating temperature range for generating the aerosol, wherein the heating element remains within the operating temperature range until the end of the use session.

Example 74iii. An aerosol generating device according to any of examples Ex72-Ex74ii, wherein power is supplied to the heater during a usage session both when the user is puffing and when the user is not puffing.

Example Ex75. An aerosol generating device according to any previous example is configured to accommodate an aerosol generating article containing an aerosol forming substrate.

Example Ex76. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex75, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate is a solid aerosol-forming substrate.

Example Ex77. An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device according to any preceding example and an aerosol generating article adapted to be received by the aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises an aerosol forming substrate.

Example Ex78. Method for indicating the progress of a usage session in an aerosol generating device,

wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to generate the aerosol during a usage session and comprises a controller and a light emitting indicator having at least one light emitting unit, or at least one light emitting unit and no more than two light emitting units, wherein the light emitting indicator is configured to display any of at least four different indication modes during a usage session,

the method includes the following steps:

defining the starting point of a usage session,

determining the progress of a usage session and

control of the light emitting indicator to display different indication modes to indicate to the user the progress of the usage session.

Example Ex78a. Method for indicating the progress of a usage session in an aerosol generating device,

wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to generate the aerosol during a usage session and comprises a controller and a light emitting indicator having two light emitting units, wherein the light emitting indicator is configured to display any of at least four different indication modes during a usage session,

the method includes the following steps:

defining the starting point of a usage session,

determining the progress of a usage session and

control of the light emitting indicator to display different indication modes to indicate to the user the progress of the usage session.

Example Ex78b. Method for indicating the progress of a usage session in an aerosol generating device,

wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to generate the aerosol during a usage session and comprises a controller and a light emitting indicator having two light emitting units and no more than two light emitting units, wherein the light emitting indicator is configured to display any of at least four different indication modes during a usage session,

the method includes the following steps:

defining the starting point of a usage session,

determining the progress of a usage session and

control of the light emitting indicator to display different indication modes to indicate to the user the progress of the usage session.

Example Ex79. A method for indicating the progress of a usage session according to any of examples Ex78, Ex78a, or Ex78b in an aerosol generating device according to any of examples Ex1-Ex76, the method includes the steps of;

defining the starting point of a usage session,

determining the progress of a usage session and

control of the light emitting indicator to display different indication modes to indicate to the user the progress of the usage session.

Example Ex80. The method according to any of the examples Ex78-Ex79, comprising additional steps

defining at least four consecutive phases between the start of a session and the end of a session, and

control of the light emitting indicator for displaying a different indication mode during each of at least four successive phases.

Example Ex81. The method according to any of the examples Ex78-Ex80, comprising additional steps

recording the user interaction parameter during the usage session and

determining the duration of a usage session and/or at least four consecutive phases based on information about the time and value of the user interaction parameter.

Example Ex82. The method according to example Ex81, wherein the user interaction parameter represents the number of puffs of the user and the total duration of the usage session is determined with a maximum duration determined by a timer, or a duration lower than the maximum duration if the number of puffs during the usage session exceeds the maximum number of puffs allowed during the user session.

Example Ex83. The method according to example Ex81 or Ex82, wherein the user interaction parameter represents the number of puffs of the user and the total duration of each phase is determined with a maximum duration of the phase determined by a timer, or a duration lower than the maximum duration of the phase if the number of puffs during the phase exceeds the maximum number of puffs allowed during the phase.

Example Ex84. An aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol during a usage session, comprising:

a light-emitting indicator having at least one light-emitting unit, or at least one light-emitting unit and no more than two light-emitting units, wherein the light-emitting indicator is configured to display any of at least four different indication modes during a usage session,

the aerosol generating device comprises a machine-readable medium containing instructions for implementing the method:

defining the starting point of a usage session,

determining the progress of a usage session and

control of the light emitting indicator to display different indication modes to indicate to the user the progress of the usage session.

Example Ex85. An aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol during a usage session, comprising:

a light emitting indicator having two light emitting units, wherein the light emitting indicator is configured to display any of at least four different indication modes during a usage session,

an aerosol generating device comprising a machine-readable medium containing instructions for implementing the method:

defining the starting point of a usage session,

determining the progress of a usage session and

control of the light emitting indicator to display different indication modes to indicate to the user the progress of the usage session.

Example Ex86. An aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol during a usage session, comprising:

a light emitting indicator having two light emitting units and no more than two light emitting units, wherein the light emitting indicator is configured to display any of at least four different indication modes during a usage session,

an aerosol generating device comprising a machine-readable medium containing instructions for implementing the method:

defining the starting point of a usage session,

determining the progress of a usage session and

control of the light emitting indicator to display different indication modes to indicate to the user the progress of the usage session.

Example Ex87. An aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol during a usage session, comprising:

a light-emitting indicator having at least one light-emitting unit, or at least one light-emitting unit and no more than two light-emitting units, wherein the light-emitting indicator is configured to display any of at least four different indication modes during a usage session,

the aerosol generating device comprises a machine-readable medium containing instructions for performing the steps of the method according to any of the examples Ex78-Ex83.

Example Ex87. An aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol during a usage session, comprising:

a light emitting indicator having two light emitting units, wherein the light emitting indicator is configured to display any of at least four different indication modes during a usage session,

an aerosol generating device comprising a machine-readable medium containing instructions for performing the steps of the method according to any of examples Ex78-Ex83.

Example Ex87. An aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol during a usage session, comprising:

a light-emitting indicator having at least one light-emitting unit, or at least one light-emitting unit and no more than two light-emitting units, wherein the light-emitting indicator is configured to display any of at least four different indication modes during a usage session,

an aerosol generating device comprising a machine-readable medium containing instructions for performing the steps of the method according to any of examples Ex78-Ex83.

Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the figures, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of an aerosol generating device;

Fig. 2 shows a schematic view from the upper end of the aerosol generating device of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a schematic side sectional view of the aerosol generating device of Fig. 1 and an aerosol generating article for use with the device;

Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic representation of the various electronic components of the aerosol generating device and their interactions;

Fig. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the steps of the method associated with providing the user with an indication of the number of remaining usage sessions;

Fig. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the steps of the method associated with an indication indicating to the user the progress of a usage session, where the progress is determined by the time and number of puffs;

Fig. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the steps of the method associated with an indication indicating to the user the progress of a usage session, where the progress is determined by time and the generated volume of aerosol;

Fig. 8 is a block diagram illustrating the steps of the method associated with providing the user with an indication of the progress of a usage session in response to a status request;

Fig. 9-11 shows a schematic representation of illustrative indications that may be provided by a light emitting indicator to indicate the number of remaining usage sessions; and

Fig. 12-16 shows a schematic representation of illustrative indications that may be provided by the light emitting indicator to indicate the progress of a usage session.

The aerosol generating device 10 (aerosol generating) is a hand-held aerosol generating device and has an elongated shape formed by a housing 20, which has a substantially circular cylindrical shape. The aerosol generating device 10 comprises an open cavity 25, located at the near end 21 of the housing 20 for accommodating an article 30 for generating an aerosol (aerosol generating) containing an aerosol-forming substrate 31. The aerosol generating device 10 further comprises a battery (not shown), housed in the housing 20 of the device, and an electrically operated heater 40, located with the possibility of heating at least a part 31 in the form of an aerosol-forming substrate, of the aerosol generating article 30, when the aerosol generating article 30 is placed in the cavity 25.

The aerosol generating device is configured to accommodate a consumable aerosol generating article 30. The aerosol generating article 30 has the shape of a cylindrical rod and comprises an aerosol forming substrate 31. The aerosol forming substrate is a solid aerosol forming substrate containing tobacco. The aerosol generating article 30 further comprises a mouthpiece, such as a filter 32, located in coaxial alignment with the aerosol forming substrate in the cylindrical rod. The aerosol generating article 30 has a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the cavity 25 of the device 10 and a length greater than the depth of the cavity 25, so that when the article 30 is placed in the cavity 25 of the device 10, the mouthpiece 32 extends beyond the cavity 25 and the user can puff on it in analogy with a conventional cigarette.

During use, the user inserts the article 30 into the cavity 25 of the aerosol-generating device 10 and switches on the device 10 by pressing the user button 50 in order to activate the heater 40 to begin the use session. The heater 40 heats the aerosol-forming substrate of the article 30 so that the volatile compounds of the aerosol-forming substrate 31 are released and sprayed to form an aerosol. The user puffs on the mouthpiece of the article 30 and inhales the aerosol generated from the heated aerosol-forming substrate. After activation, the temperature of the heater 40 increases from the ambient temperature to a predetermined temperature to heat the aerosol-forming substrate. The control electronics of the device 10 supplies power to the heater from the battery to maintain the temperature of the heater at an approximately constant level when the user puffs on the aerosol-generating article 30. The heater continues to heat the aerosol generating product until the end of the use session, when the heater is deactivated and cooled.

At the end of the use session, the article 30 is removed from the device 10 for disposal, and the device 10 may be connected to an external power source to charge the battery of the device 10.

The aerosol generating device 10 further comprises a light emitting indicator 60 having a first light emitting unit 61 and a second light emitting unit 62. The light emitted by the first light emitting unit 61 and the second light emitting unit 62 is visible through the housing 20 of the aerosol generating device 10. The first light emitting unit 61 and the second light emitting unit 62 are both light emitting diode (LED) devices capable of emitting light in four colours; white, green, red and amber. The LEDs may be visible through the housing 20, or the light emitted by the LEDs may be visible outside the housing 20 through a light transmission channel (e.g. through a waveguide or a similar structure). In addition to each being capable of emitting light of different colors, the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit can both be independently controlled to be completely off, completely on, or flashing on and off.

Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of the various electronic components of the aerosol generating device and their interactions.

The controller 420, located inside the housing 20, is connected to the battery 410, the heater 40, the timer 430, the accelerometer 440, the tactile motor 450 and the light emitting indicator 60.

Battery 410 supplies electrical energy to heat heater 40 and operate other electrical components. Battery 410, when fully charged, has sufficient electrical energy to power two full sessions of use of the aerosol generating device. Battery 410 is a rechargeable battery and can be connected to an external power source for recharging.

The heater 40 converts electrical energy supplied by the battery into heat to heat the aerosol generating device sufficiently to form an aerosol. During operation, the controller controls the supply of electrical energy from the battery to maintain the heater at a substantially constant aerosol generating temperature.

The 430 timer provides timing signals to the controller.

The accelerometer 440 is configured to detect movement of the device. When movement is detected, a signal is sent to the controller, and the controller determines whether the detected movement corresponds to a given pattern or gesture. In this way, the user can interact with the device, causing it to move in certain patterns and gestures.

The haptic motor 450 generates a haptic output to the user of the device. The haptic motor is configured to emit a haptic output in response to a control signal from the controller 420.

The light-emitting indicator 60 generates a visual indication for the user. The light-emitting indicator is configured to issue a visual indication in response to a control signal from the controller 420.

The aerosol generating device 10 in this particular embodiment is configured to receive user requests in the form of specific gestures performed by the user using the device 10. In response to the user requests, the device 10 is configured to output signals indicating the number of usage sessions remaining before the battery of the device must be recharged and, during a usage session, signals indicating the progress of the usage session.

When fully charged, the battery can provide sufficient electrical energy for at least one full usage session. The battery can provide sufficient electrical energy for two or more usage sessions (e.g., twenty usage sessions). The user may want to know how many usage sessions are available before attempting to start a usage session.

Fig. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the steps of the method associated with providing the user with an indication of the number of remaining usage sessions.

Step 500: When the aerosol generating device is not engaged in a usage session, the user picks up the device and moves the device with a predetermined gesture.

Step 510: The movement of the device associated with the specified gesture is detected by the accelerometer, which sends a signal to the controller. The specified gesture may consist, for example, of lifting the device and orienting the device in a vertical position.

Step 520: The signal supplied by the accelerometer is analyzed to determine whether the detected gesture is a gesture indicating a battery status request.

Step 530: If the detected signal is determined to be a battery status request, the controller communicates with the battery to determine the battery charge level.

Step 540: The controller sends a signal to the light emitting indicator 60 to provide an indication of the number of remaining usage sessions.

Step 550: The light emitting indicator 60 emits a visual signal indicating the number of remaining usage sessions.

Fig. 9-11 shows a schematic representation of exemplary indications that may be provided by the light emitting indicator 60 to indicate the number of remaining usage sessions. If the controller determines that the battery charge is sufficient for 2 usage sessions, then the light emitting indicator provides an indication indicating that two usage sessions remain; for example, the first light emitting unit 61 and the second light emitting unit 62 may both be illuminated with white light.

If the controller determines that the battery charge is sufficient for 1 usage session, then the light emitting indicator 60 gives an indication indicating that one usage session remains; for example, the first light emitting unit 61 may be illuminated with white light, and the second light emitting unit 62 may not be illuminated.

If the controller determines that the battery charge is insufficient for a usage session, the light emitting indicator provides an indication indicating that usage sessions are not available and the battery needs to be recharged; for example, the first light emitting unit 61 may be illuminated with yellow light, and the second light emitting unit 62 may not be illuminated.

An aerosol generating article for use with a device has a limited amount of aerosol forming substrate, and thus the usage session must have a limited duration to prevent the user from attempting to generate an aerosol when the aerosol forming substrate has been used up. The usage session is configured to have a maximum duration determined by a period of time from the start of the usage session. The usage session is also configured to have a duration shorter than the maximum duration if the user interaction parameter recorded during the usage session reaches a threshold of up to the maximum duration determined by a timer.

In a particular embodiment, the user interaction parameter is the number of puffs made by the user during the usage session. Thus, the aerosol generating device is configured such that each usage session has a duration of 6 minutes from the initiation of the usage session, or 14 puffs made by the user if 14 puffs are made within 6 minutes from the initiation of the usage session.

During a usage session, the user may wish to have an indication of progress during the usage session. For example, the user may wish to know approximately how many puffs they have left, or approximately how much time is left in the usage session.

The controller contains a puff counter to track the number of puffs taken during a usage session. The number of puffs taken by the user is determined by monitoring the power supplied to the heater during a usage session. When the user takes a puff, the air flow cools the heater and therefore the battery supplies more power to maintain the heater at its operating temperature. Thus, by monitoring the power supplied to the heater, the controller is able to determine the number of puffs taken during a usage session.

In order to track the progress of the usage session, the usage session is divided into a number of successive phases, starting with the first phase, which begins when the usage session begins, and ending with the final phase, when the usage session ends, the transition from one phase to the next phase is determined by the time and number of puffs in the same way as the usage session. As the usage session progresses through its successive phases, the controller commands the light-emitting indicator and the haptic motor to emit signals indicating each subsequent phase. In this way, the user knows approximately the progress of the usage session.

In a specific example, a usage session may be divided into five successive phases for indication purposes. Fig. 6 shows the steps of the method associated with the indication indicating to the user the progress of the usage session.

Step 600: The user inserts the aerosol generating article 30 into the cavity 25 of the device 10 and initiates a usage session by pressing the user button 50.

Step 605: A timer is initiated to record the time elapsed during the usage session, and a puff counter is initiated to record the number of puffs taken during the usage session.

Step 610: The first phase of the usage session is considered to have begun when the usage session began.

When in the first phase, the controller commands the light-emitting indicator 60 to emit a signal indicating that the usage session is in the first phase. An example of such a signal is the first light-emitting unit 61 and the second light-emitting unit 62, both emitting a continuous white light, as shown in Fig. 12.

When in phase one, the controller instructs the haptic motor to emit a haptic signal indicating that the usage session is in phase one. An example of such a signal is the haptic motor emitting 4 consecutive beeps.

Step 615: The first phase ends and the second phase begins after 1.5 minutes have passed since the start of the usage session or after the user has taken 3 puffs since the start of the usage session, if these 3 puffs are taken before 1.5 minutes have passed since the start of the usage session.

Step 620: The second phase of the usage session is considered to have started when the first phase has ended.

When in the second phase, the controller commands the light-emitting indicator 60 to emit a signal indicating that the usage session is in the second phase. An example of such a signal is the first light-emitting unit 61 emitting a continuous white light and the second light-emitting unit 62 emitting a flashing white light, as shown in Fig. 13.

While in phase 2, the controller instructs the haptic motor to emit a haptic signal indicating that the usage session is in phase 2. An example of such a signal is the haptic motor emitting 3 beeps in a row.

Step 625: The second phase ends and the third phase begins after 3 minutes have passed since the start of the usage session or after the user has taken 6 puffs since the start of the usage session, if these 6 puffs are taken before 3 minutes have passed since the start of the usage session.

Step 630: The third phase of the usage session is considered to have begun when the second phase has ended.

When in the third phase, the controller commands the light-emitting indicator 60 to emit a signal indicating that the usage session is in the third phase. An example of such a signal is the first light-emitting unit 61 emitting a continuous white light, and the second light-emitting unit 62 is not illuminated, as shown in Fig. 14.

While in phase 3, the controller instructs the haptic motor to emit a haptic signal indicating that the usage session is in phase 3. An example of such a signal is the haptic motor emitting 2 beeps in succession.

Step 635: The third phase ends and the fourth phase begins after 4.5 minutes have passed since the start of the usage session or after the user has taken 8 puffs since the start of the usage session, if these 8 puffs are taken before 4.5 minutes have passed since the start of the usage session.

Step 640: The fourth phase of the usage session is considered to have begun when the third phase has ended.

When in the fourth phase, the controller commands the light-emitting indicator 60 to emit a signal indicating that the usage session is in the fourth phase. An example of such a signal is the first light-emitting unit 61 emitting a flashing white light, and the second light-emitting unit 62 is not illuminated, as shown in Fig. 15.

While in phase 4, the controller instructs the haptic motor to emit a haptic signal indicating that the usage session is in phase 4. An example of such a signal is the haptic motor emitting a single beep.

Step 645: The fourth phase ends and the fifth phase begins after 5.5 minutes have passed since the start of the usage session or after the user has taken 11 puffs since the start of the usage session, if these 11 puffs are taken before 5.5 minutes have passed since the start of the usage session.

Stage 650: The fifth phase of the usage session is considered to have begun when the fourth phase has ended.

When in the fifth phase, the controller commands the light-emitting indicator 60 to emit a signal indicating that the usage session is in the fifth phase. An example of such a signal is the first light-emitting unit 61 emitting a flashing yellow light, and the second light-emitting unit 62 is not illuminated, as shown in Fig. 16.

Step 655: The fifth phase ends after 6 minutes have passed since the start of the usage session, or after the user has taken 14 puffs since the start of the usage session, if these 14 puffs are taken before 6 minutes have passed since the start of the usage session.

Step 660: At the end of the fifth phase, the usage session ends. The heater is switched off and the aerosol is no longer generated. The user can now remove the aerosol-generating article from the device and, if necessary, charge the device.

In a further specific embodiment, the user interaction parameter is a calculated volume of aerosol delivered to the user during a usage session. Accordingly, the aerosol generating device is configured such that each usage session has a duration of 6 minutes from the initiation of the usage session, or from the delivery of a predetermined maximum volume of aerosol, if this predetermined volume of aerosol is delivered to the user within 6 minutes from the initiation of the usage session. The predetermined maximum volume of aerosol may be, for example, 660 ml of aerosol.

During a usage session, the user may wish to have an indication of progress during the usage session. For example, the user may wish to know approximately how much potentially deliverable aerosol is left, or approximately how much time is left in the usage session.

The controller is configured to detect puffs made during a usage session. The starting point of a puff and the ending point of a puff for each detected puff are determined by monitoring the power supplied to the heater during the usage session. When the user puffs, the air flow cools the heater, and therefore the battery supplies more power to maintain the temperature of the heater at its operating temperature. Thus, by monitoring the power supplied by the heater, the controller is able to determine the starting point and the ending point of the puffs made during the usage session. By integrating the monitored power between the detected starting point of a puff and the detected ending point of a puff, a calculated value for the delivered aerosol can be obtained. By summing the calculated values of the aerosol delivered during the usage session, a total value of the aerosol delivered during the usage session can be obtained.

In order to track the progress of the usage session, it is divided into a number of successive phases, starting with a first phase, which begins when the usage session begins, and ending with a final phase, when the usage session ends, the transition from one phase to the next phase is determined by time and the total value of the delivered aerosol. As the usage session progresses through its successive phases, the controller commands the light-emitting indicator and the haptic motor to emit signals indicating each subsequent phase. In this way, the user knows approximately the progress of the usage session.

In a specific example, a usage session may be divided into five successive phases for indication purposes. Fig. 7 shows the steps of the method associated with the indication indicating to the user the progress of the usage session.

Step 700: The user inserts the aerosol generating article 30 into the cavity 25 of the device 10 and initiates a usage session by pressing the user button 50.

Step 705: a timer is initiated to record the time elapsed during a usage session, and a controller is initiated to identify puffs taken during the usage session and calculate the volume of aerosol delivered during each of the puffs.

Step 710: The first phase of the usage session is considered to have begun when the usage session began.

When in the first phase, the controller commands the light-emitting indicator 60 to emit a signal indicating that the usage session is in the first phase. An example of such a signal is the first light-emitting unit 61 and the second light-emitting unit 62, both emitting a continuous white light, as shown in Fig. 11.

When in phase one, the controller instructs the haptic motor to emit a haptic signal indicating that the usage session is in phase one. An example of such a signal is the haptic motor emitting 4 consecutive beeps.

Step 715: The first phase ends and the second phase begins after 1.5 minutes have passed since the start of the usage session or after the first predetermined volume of aerosol has been delivered since the start of the usage session, if the first predetermined volume of aerosol has been delivered before 1.5 minutes have passed since the start of the usage session. The first predetermined volume of aerosol may be, for example, 150 ml.

Step 720: The second phase of the usage session is considered to have started when the first phase has ended.

Being in the second phase, the controller gives a command to the light-emitting indicator 60 to emit a signal indicating that the usage session is in the second phase. An example of such a signal is the first light-emitting unit 61 emitting a continuous white light and the second light-emitting unit 62 emitting a flashing white light, as shown in Fig. 12.

While in phase 2, the controller instructs the haptic motor to emit a haptic signal indicating that the usage session is in phase 2. An example of such a signal is the haptic motor emitting 3 beeps in a row.

Step 725: The second phase ends and the third phase begins after 3 minutes have passed since the start of the usage session or after the second predetermined volume of aerosol has been delivered since the start of the usage session, if the second predetermined volume of aerosol is delivered before 3 minutes have passed since the start of the usage session. The first predetermined volume of aerosol may be, for example, 300 ml.

Step 730: The third phase of the usage session is considered to have begun when the second phase has ended.

When in the third phase, the controller commands the light-emitting indicator 60 to emit a signal indicating that the usage session is in the third phase. An example of such a signal is the first light-emitting unit 61 emitting a continuous white light, and the second light-emitting unit 62 is not illuminated, as shown in Fig. 13.

While in phase 3, the controller instructs the haptic motor to emit a haptic signal indicating that the usage session is in phase 3. An example of such a signal is the haptic motor emitting 2 beeps in succession.

Step 735: The third phase ends and the fourth phase begins after 4.5 minutes have passed since the start of the usage session or after the third predetermined aerosol volume has been delivered since the start of the usage session, if the third predetermined aerosol volume is delivered before 4.5 minutes have passed since the start of the usage session. The third predetermined aerosol volume may be, for example, 450 ml.

Step 740: The fourth phase of the usage session is considered to have begun when the third phase has ended.

When in the fourth phase, the controller commands the light-emitting indicator 60 to emit a signal indicating that the usage session is in the fourth phase. An example of such a signal is the first light-emitting unit 61 emitting a flashing white light, and the second light-emitting unit 62 is not illuminated, as shown in Fig. 14.

While in phase 4, the controller instructs the haptic motor to emit a haptic signal indicating that the usage session is in phase 4. An example of such a signal is the haptic motor emitting a single beep.

Step 745: The fourth phase ends and the fifth phase begins after 5.5 minutes have passed since the start of the use session or after the fourth predetermined aerosol volume has been delivered since the start of the use session, if the fourth predetermined aerosol volume is delivered before 5.5 minutes have passed since the start of the use session. The fourth predetermined aerosol volume may be, for example, 600 ml.

Stage 750: The fifth phase of the usage session is considered to have begun when the fourth phase has ended.

When in the fifth phase, the controller commands the light-emitting indicator 60 to emit a signal indicating that the usage session is in the fifth phase. An example of such a signal is the first light-emitting unit 61 emitting a flashing yellow light, and the second light-emitting unit 62 is not illuminated, as shown in Fig. 15.

Step 755: The fifth phase ends after 6 minutes have passed since the start of the usage session or after the fifth predetermined volume of aerosol has been delivered since the start of the usage session, if the fifth predetermined volume of aerosol is delivered before 6 minutes have passed since the start of the usage session. The fifth predetermined volume of aerosol may be, for example, 660 ml.

Step 760: At the end of the fifth phase, the usage session ends. The heater is switched off and the aerosol is no longer generated. The user can now remove the aerosol-generating article from the device and, if necessary, charge the device.

The indication of the different phases can be provided continuously. For example, the indication from the light-emitting indicator can remain permanently on during the usage session. As an alternative, the indication of the different phases can be provided only intermittently, for example when changing from one phase to another. As a further alternative, the indication of the different phases can be provided in response to a status request from the user during the usage session.

Fig. 8 is a flow chart illustrating the steps of the method associated with providing the user with an indication of the progress of a usage session in response to a status request.

Step 800: When the aerosol generating device is engaged in a usage session, the user moves the device with a predetermined gesture.

Step 810: The movement of the device associated with the specified gesture is detected by the accelerometer, which sends a signal to the controller. The specified gesture may consist, for example, of a double sharp press on the device.

Step 820: The signal supplied by the accelerometer is analyzed to determine whether the detected gesture is a gesture indicating a request for progress of a usage session.

Step 830: If the detected signal is determined to be a request for progress of a usage session, the controller determines the current phase of the usage session.

Step 840: The controller sends a signal to the light emitting unit to indicate the progress of the usage session.

Step 850: The controller sends a signal to the haptic motor to provide an indication of the progress of the usage session.

The device may be designed such that both visual and tactile indication signals are automatically emitted as an indication of progress. Alternatively, the device may be designed such that visual indication signals are provided continuously during a usage session, while tactile signals are provided only in response to a request from the user. For example, tactile signals indicating progress of usage may be emitted only after the user has initiated a status request by moving the device with a given gesture. As a further alternative, the device may be designed such that signals related to the progress of a usage session are not emitted continuously during usage, but are emitted only in response to a request from the user. For example, visual signals and/or tactile signals indicating progress of usage may be emitted only after the user has initiated a status request by moving the device with a given gesture.

Claims (15)

1. A device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate, configured to generate the aerosol during a session of use, wherein the device comprises: a light emitting indicator having two light emitting units, configured to display any of at least four different indication modes during a usage session, and a controller configured to control a light-emitting indicator to display any of at least four indication modes to indicate the progress of a usage session, wherein the session of use contains at least four consecutive phases, any or each of at least four consecutive phases has a maximum phase duration determined by a timer, and the device is configured such that the usage session has a maximum duration determined by a timer, wherein the device is configured to record at least one user interaction parameter during the usage session, and the duration of the phase of any or each of at least four consecutive phases has a duration shorter than the maximum duration of the phase when the value of the user interaction parameter reaches a specified threshold. 2. The device according to claim 1, configured in such a way that the usage session has a maximum duration determined by a timer. 3. A device according to any one of paragraphs 1, 2, configured to track a user interaction parameter indicating the use of the device during a usage session. 4. The device according to item 3, in which the usage session is designed with the possibility of terminating it when the interaction parameter with the user reaches a specified threshold. 5. The device according to any one of paragraphs 3, 4, in which the user interaction parameter indicates the user's puffs taken during the usage session. 6. A device according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the controller is configured to control the light-emitting indicator to display another of at least four indication modes during each of at least four successive phases. 7. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least four successive phases comprise at least five successive phases. 8. The device of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein any or each of the at least four successive phases has a phase duration defined by a phase start and a phase end. 9. The device of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein any or each of the at least four successive phases terminates when the monitored period of time reaches a predetermined threshold for the phase, unless the phase has terminated earlier. 10. The device of claim 3, wherein the duration of any or each of the at least four successive phases is controlled based on a user interaction parameter.