JP2023528752A - Consumables for aerosol generator with information code and aerosol generator detecting information code - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a consumable (1) for an aerosol generating device (2), comprising a tobacco material configured to generate an aerosol, provided with an information code for storing information about the consumable, and an aerosol generating device for detecting the code. More specifically, a consumable for use in an aerosol-generating device includes an aerosol-generating substrate and a packaging material, and a pattern (101) representing an information code for storing information about the consumable is disposed on the packaging along a direction coinciding with the direction in which the consumable is inserted into or removed from the aerosol-generating device. [Selection drawing] Fig. 1

Description

The present invention provides a consumable for an aerosol generating device comprising tobacco material configured to generate an aerosol, comprising an information code for storing information about the consumable, and an aerosol for detecting the code. A generator, a method of using consumables, and a system thereof.

Aerosol generating devices, or E-cigarettes, are currently the predominant product that mimics traditional tobacco cigarettes. There are many types of aerosol generating devices, but still those with tobacco or volatile substrates inside are among the most popular types. The advantage of this type of aerosol generating device is that the user is still smoking a cigarette, i.e. the perception when smoking is similar to that of a conventional cigarette. Also, because the consumables are heated but not burned, the aerosol generator does not emit combustion by-products such as tar and carbon monoxide. The method of operation of the aerosol-generating device is such that the aerosol-generating carrier is contained inside the device and the aerosol-generating carrier is heated, but not heated to the point of combustion. There is also another type of E-cigarette, the method of operation of which is to evaporate a liquid to produce smoke. A high quality carrier is important for both types of aerosol generators, especially those with an internal substrate. Authentication or identification of aerosol-generating carriers (also called consumables or smoking articles, such as “sticks”) is therefore important for ensuring product identity for health and safety reasons. Furthermore, proper control of operating parameters, such as heating the carrier at a suitable temperature or temperature profile, may also provide a pleasant aerosol flavor and/or in delivering a controlled amount of aerosol. is important.

Authentication may be accomplished by including code-identifying information on the smoking article. For example, EP 2 201 850 relates to smoking articles having identifying information encoded thereon. The smoking article is configured for use with an electrically heated smoking system that includes a detector for detecting the presence of the smoking article and distinguishing the smoking article from other articles based on identification information. Information about the type of cigarette is encoded using circular lines placed on the portion of the cigarette that will be contained within the cavity, which is positioned as far from the heating end as possible to ensure Reduces the chance of the wire being damaged.

WO2019/185747A1 relates to optically detectable indicia provided in association with smoking articles and optical sensors configured to sense the indicia. The indicia are implemented as QR codes or barcodes. The indicia may extend around the entire perimeter of the item, thereby facilitating sensing of the indicia by the sensor device regardless of the particular orientation of the item within the device.

Similarly, WO2019/129378A1 relates to indicia on smoking articles, the indicia being optically readable and having the form of a one-dimensional barcode or a two-dimensional barcode. The indicia can be a pattern that repeats around the circumference of the consumable so that the optical reader can read the indicia regardless of the orientation of the consumable within the cavity.

However, the proposed solutions either require multiple sensors to be placed in the aerosol generating device to ensure detection of the pattern or patterns on the smoking article, or only one sensor When placed on the aerosol generating device, a sensor placed on the aerosol generating device will be able to detect a very limited area on the smoking device, i.e. a small pattern and less information.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a consumable for an aerosol generating device that solves some or all of the above problems.

A first embodiment of the present invention relates to a consumable for use in an aerosol generating device, comprising an aerosol-generating substrate and packaging material, wherein a pattern representing an information code for storing information about the consumable comprises a consumable is placed on the packaging material along a direction coinciding with the direction of insertion into or removal from the aerosol generating device. This placement of the pattern on the consumable allows more or larger patterns on the consumable to be read during insertion of the consumable.

According to a second embodiment, in the preceding embodiment, the consumable has a substantially cylindrical shape.

According to a third embodiment, in any one of the preceding embodiments, the consumable has an elongated shape, and a direction of inserting the consumable into or removing the consumable from the aerosol generating device substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the article. In other words, the pattern is arranged on the packaging material such that the pattern is readable along the longitudinal direction of the elongate shape.

According to a fourth embodiment, in any one of the preceding embodiments, the pattern is readable in a direction corresponding to the direction of inserting or removing the consumable from the aerosol generating device. Placed as is on the packaging material.

According to a fifth embodiment, in one of the preceding embodiments, the patterns are circumferentially separated from each other by at least 10°, preferably at least 20°, more preferably at least 30°, most preferably 60°. is readable on at least 2, preferably at least 3, more preferably at least 4, even more preferably at least 5 and most preferably at least 6 longitudinal regions within the longitudinal direction.

According to a sixth embodiment, in one of the preceding embodiments, the pattern is formed on the consumable at least two times, preferably at least three times, more preferably at least four times, even more preferably at least five times. , most preferably at least 6 times. Repeating the pattern can reduce the likelihood that the detector will miss the pattern.

According to a seventh embodiment, in any one of the preceding embodiments, the pattern is preferably repeated in the circumferential direction of the consumable and/or in the longitudinal direction of the consumable. Preferably, the number of repetitions of the pattern can be 2, 3, 4, preferably more. Preferably, the repetition of the pattern is at least 10% of the overall longitudinal dimension of the consumable, preferably at least 20% of the overall longitudinal dimension of the consumable, more preferably at least 30%, most preferably the longitudinal dimension of the consumable. It may extend longitudinally of the consumable over a longitudinal dimension of at least 40% of the total.

In this configuration, the consumable information can be read more easily. In particular, repeating a pattern in the longitudinal, or vertical, direction of the consumable causes repeated patterns in subsequent locations on the consumable to be repeated even if one of the preceding patterns is damaged or unrecognized. , can still be read correctly during dynamic loading and unloading of consumables. Furthermore, since the pattern can be detected during relative movement between the consumable and the detector, the pattern can occupy a relatively long portion of the consumable and still be suitable. Enables reliable reading. Accordingly, the information code storage capacity can be increased.

According to an eighth embodiment, in any one of the sixth or seventh embodiments, the pattern is repeated at different longitudinal positions and different circumferential positions.

According to a ninth embodiment, in any one of the sixth to eighth embodiments, the pattern is at least every 30° segment, preferably at least every 20° segment, more preferably at least 10° Circumferentially repeated every segment of °.

According to a tenth embodiment, in any one of the preceding embodiments, the pattern comprises an image, dots, lines, or preferably a barcode, or any combination thereof.

According to an eleventh embodiment, in any one of the preceding embodiments, the one or more reference units are arranged in or with the pattern on the packaging material such that the detector included in the aerosol generating device to detect patterns correctly.

According to a twelfth embodiment, in the preceding embodiment, the reference units are repeated circumferentially on the consumable.

According to a thirteenth embodiment, in any one of the eleventh or twelfth embodiments, the reference unit comprises an image, a dot, a line, or preferably a barcode, or any combination thereof.

According to a fourteenth embodiment, in any one of the eleventh to thirteenth embodiments, the reference unit is configured to: A slot or cavity configured to allow the consumable to be properly inserted into the aerosol generating device. By placing the reference unit on the consumable in this manner, the user can more easily orient the consumable with respect to the detector.

A fifteenth embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of using a consumable according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein a detector contained in the aerosol-generating device causes a including detecting a pattern of

According to a sixteenth embodiment, in the preceding embodiment, the pattern is formed by the detector upon insertion and/or removal of the consumable and during relative movement between the consumable and the detector. detected.

According to a seventeenth embodiment, in the fifteenth or sixteenth embodiment, the pattern is read in a direction coinciding with the direction of inserting and/or removing the consumable from the aerosol generating device.

According to an eighteenth embodiment, in the fifteenth to seventeenth embodiments, the consumable is a consumable according to any one of the tenth to thirteenth embodiments, and the pattern comprises one or more Detected with the help of a reference unit.

According to a nineteenth embodiment, in the preceding embodiments, pattern determination is triggered with the help of at least one of the reference units.

According to a twentieth embodiment, in the eighteenth or nineteenth embodiment, at least one of the reference units is used for determining the position of the pattern.

According to a twenty-first embodiment, in the twentieth embodiment at least one of the reference units is used for determining the angular orientation of the pattern with respect to the detector.

According to a twenty-second embodiment, in the eighteenth to twenty-first embodiments, at least one of the reference units is used to determine the start of the pattern, and at least another one of the reference units is Used to detect the end of a pattern.

A twenty-third embodiment of the present invention relates to an aerosol generating device for use with a consumable according to any one of the first to fourteenth embodiments, the device containing therein at least a portion of the consumable and a detector for performing the method according to any one of the fifteenth to twenty-second embodiments.

According to a twenty-fourth embodiment, in the twenty-third embodiment, the detector is provided inside or above the heating chamber, preferably outside the heating chamber, more preferably the detector is located at the opening of the housing. is provided between the heating chamber and an opening in the housing through which consumables can be inserted into the heating chamber.

According to a twenty-fifth embodiment, in the twenty-fourth embodiment, the detector is an opening in the housing of the aerosol generating device through which the consumable is inserted into or removed from the heating chamber. It is provided substantially in the opening. Such device configurations allow more or longer patterns to be read upon insertion of the consumable through the opening.

According to a twenty-sixth embodiment, in any of the twenty-third to twenty-fifth embodiments, the detector is an opening in the housing through which the consumable is inserted into or removed from the heating chamber. It is provided within 15 mm, preferably within 10 mm, more preferably within 8 mm, even more preferably within 6 mm, and most preferably within 4 mm from the part.

According to a twenty-seventh embodiment, in any of the twenty-third to twenty-sixth embodiments, the aerosol generating device comprises a light source configured to illuminate the pattern such that light is reflected by the pattern to the detector. .

According to a twenty-eighth embodiment, in the twenty-ninth embodiment, the light source is arranged in the vicinity of the detector.

According to a twenty-ninth embodiment, according to the twenty-seventh or twenty-eighth embodiment, the light source is provided inside or above the heating chamber.

According to a thirtieth embodiment, in the twenty-seventh to twenty-ninth embodiments, the main emitting direction of the light source is perpendicular or inclined to the inserting direction of the consumable.

A thirty-first embodiment of the invention relates to an aerosol generating system comprising a consumable according to any one of the first to fourteenth embodiments and a device according to any one of the twenty-third to thirtieth embodiments. , the system is configured such that patterns contained in the consumable are detected by the methods according to the fifteenth to twenty-second embodiments.

Preferred embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 2 shows a cross-section of an aerosol generating device and consumable according to one embodiment of the invention during insertion of the consumable; FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart of a method for detecting patterns on a consumable, according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a consumable for aerosol generation according to the present invention; FIG. FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a consumable for aerosol generation and an aerosol generation device according to the present invention; Fig. 2 shows a schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of a consumable for generating aerosols according to the present invention; Fig. 2 shows a schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of a consumable for generating aerosols according to the present invention; FIG. 3 shows schematic diagrams of consumables having different types of repeating patterns according to three embodiments of consumables for generating aerosols according to the present invention;

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

The present invention utilizes measurements of light intensity or frequency during the insertion and/or removal of the consumable 1 in the aerosol generating device 2, for example during relative movement between the consumable and the detector. A consumable 1 is provided having a readable code pattern 101 disposed thereon that is dynamically readable. When the user inserts the consumable 1 through the insertion opening of the device 2 in the insertion or removal direction 3 of the consumable 1 and places the aerosol portion of the consumable in the heating chamber, the device 2 generates the code to authenticate and/or identify the consumable as authenticated and/or appropriate aerosolization by the device 2 depending on the type of consumable inserted into the device 2. You can set parameters for

FIG. 1 shows how the aerosol generating device 2 accommodates the consumable 1 while the consumable 1 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 2 in the insertion direction 3 . The direction of insertion 3 of the consumable 1 into the aerosol-generating device 2 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated consumable 1 .

As used herein, the terms “aerosol generator,” “E-cigarette,” or “electronic cigarette” may include electronic cigarettes configured to deliver an aerosol, including a smoking aerosol, to a user. The illustrated embodiment of the aerosol generating system according to the invention is schematic and it is also possible to integrate some of the components into a single unit, such as a battery unit, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

According to this embodiment, the aerosol generator 2 comprises a housing, a heating chamber 24 for heating the consumable 1 during operation and optionally an opening in the aerosol generator 2 through which the and a ring element or collar 25 connecting the heating chamber 24 with an opening through which consumables are inserted into or removed from the heating chamber.

The detector 21 is provided inside or above the heating chamber 24, ie outside. In a preferred embodiment the detector 21 is provided substantially at the opening of the aerosol generating device 2 . Detector 21, preferably a photodetector such as one or more photodiodes or a camera (CCD), is an opening in the housing of aerosol generating device 2 through which consumables are inserted into the heating chamber. for example within 15 mm, preferably within 10 mm, more preferably within 8 mm, even more preferably within 6 mm, most preferably within 4 mm of the opening through which it enters or exits the heating chamber. In FIG. 1 the detector is placed in a ring element 25 above the heating chamber 24 and 4 mm from the opening. In other words, the detector is provided between the heating chamber and an opening in the housing through which the consumable can be inserted into the heating chamber. The detector is positioned on the packaging material of the consumable so that the pattern 101 is readable in an orientation coinciding with the direction 3 of inserting or removing the consumable 1 into or out of the aerosol-generating device 2 . The pattern 101 is configured to detect the pattern 101.

The light source 23 , preferably one or more LEDs, is arranged at an angle, i.e. the light is directed in the direction of insertion so as to illuminate the pattern 101 such that the light is reflected by the pattern 101 to the detector 21 . 3 are configured to radiate substantially perpendicular (or slightly oblique) to 3. The light source 23 is provided inside or above the heating chamber 24 . As shown in FIG. 1, the light source 23 is arranged near the detector 21 . The aerosol generating device 2 further comprises a cover 22 that covers the heating chamber 24 when not in use and opens to expose an opening when the consumable 1 is inserted. In some embodiments, the light source may be provided above the opening, such as on cover 22 .

In alternative embodiments, the photodetector 21 may be positioned remotely from the heating chamber 24 (eg, below the heating chamber 24), and the reflected optical signal may be transmitted through, for example, a light guide and/or mirror ( not shown).

Variations in light intensity or frequency may be detected by detector 21 . The emitted light is reflected from the surface of consumable 1 and returned to detector 21 . Light source 23 may be separate from detector 21, as shown in FIG. Light source 23 may simply emit light, which is reflected from pattern 101 . The light source 23 can emit ambient light, UV, infrared light or directional light. For example, the light source 23 may be a light emitting diode or laser diode that emits infrared light, and more particularly light having a wavelength of, for example, 350-850 nm. Detector 21 can perform image recognition using a camera or an image scanner, for example a barcode scanner. Detector 21 typically includes one or more photodiodes adapted to convert a received light beam into a current or voltage signal. The detector 21 is a processing means comprising a printed circuit board with an embedded processor, sensor signal amplifiers, signal filters and circuits, which connect the processing means to a light source 23 or photodiode or the like and to the control unit of the aerosol generating device 2. may also include circuitry for coupling. An output signal may be calculated or generated by measuring the intensity of the reflected beam over time. The output signal may be calculated or generated by determining changes in intensity or frequency of the reflected light beam over time.

In other embodiments where multiple patterns are encoded with different information about the consumable, once the pattern 101 for authenticating the consumable is determined, the detector 21 can be positioned at different locations on the consumable. It may initiate the detection of another pattern 101 arranged containing configuration information, eg the temperature profile of this consumable, which eg always reads different information during insertion. is printed next to the authentication pattern in the direction of inserting the consumable into the heating chamber so that The positioning of the different patterns can be the same in any one or combination of the above-described embodiments of the invention.

The pattern 101 may be repeated on the consumable 1 at least two times, preferably at least three times, more preferably at least four times, even more preferably at least five times, most preferably at least six times. The cover 22 can be manually moved between two stable positions, an open position in which the opening is uncovered to allow the insertion of consumables, and a closed position in which the opening is blocked. . The photodetector 21 can be activated before the consumable is inserted into the heating chamber of the device 2, for example by a consumable detection device. Consumable detector 21 can be an IR sensor, a mechanical sensor, an ultrasonic detection sensor, or the like. The photodetector may be activated when the cover is moved to the open position. In this case, the position of the cover may be sensed by suitable sensors such as IR sensors, mechanical sensors, ultrasonic detection sensors, magnetic sensors (eg Hall). Activation of the photodetector may occur both when an open position of the cover is sensed and when a consumable is detected by the consumable detector.

FIG. 2 shows a flow chart of a method of using the consumable 1 . To consume the consumable, the user opens the cover 22, which triggers and starts the detection of the photodetector (1001), and the consumable 1 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 2 along the insertion direction 3. . During insertion of consumable 1, photodetector 21 continuously detects pattern 101 on consumable 1 (1002). Detection preferably begins with detecting the start reference unit of the pattern 101 to indicate the position and start of the pattern 101 and/or ends with detecting the end reference unit. The detector checks (1003) whether the pattern 101 has been detected and the information contained in the pattern 101 has been recognized. If the detector 21 of the device 2 fails to detect and/or read information from the pattern 101, the photodetector will attempt to detect it by reading the repeated pattern 101 if a predetermined condition is not met. It may try to continue (1005). The process of detection stops (1006) if a predetermined condition is met, or if the pattern 101 is detected and the information contained in the pattern 101 is recognized, ie detected and/or read. In some embodiments, the predetermined condition is a timer period or the number of times information from pattern 101 has failed to be read. In other embodiments, the predetermined condition is that one or more reference units 102, 103 indicating the start or position of the pattern 101 are detected correctly.

With respect to reference units, in some embodiments, for example, reference units that indicate the presence and position of a pattern to an optical reader of the pattern may include figures, dots, lines, or any combination thereof. In other embodiments, a reference unit may include two or more lines that form at least part of the boundaries of the code unit. In still other embodiments, the pattern is at least partially superimposed on the reference unit.

In yet another embodiment, the predetermined condition is that the sensor placed within the aerosol device 2 is fully inserted and correctly positioned. More specifically, during the insertion of the consumable 1 as shown in FIG. The detector stops detecting pattern 101 when cavity 104, configured as a small cylindrical platform, touches a tactile sensor placed at the bottom in the direction in which detector 21 is placed (1006). In other words, if this platform replaces or is equipped with tactile or touch sensors arranged in the heating chamber, it can detect the complete insertion of the consumable 1 . In the step of detecting and recognizing pattern 101 (1003), once detector 21 reads information from pattern 101, pattern 101 is matched against signatures registered in the memory of aerosol generating device 2, and device 2 Authentication of consumable 1 is started.

In yet another embodiment, as shown in Figure 3b, the consumable 1 is in the shape of a SIM card or flat card, preferably elongated. The consumable 1 may comprise pressed tobacco material with two layers of wrapper. On the surface of the consumable 1 a slot is formed along the direction of insertion, for example formed by a roller or a press. A slot 104 is formed on one side of the insertion opening of the device so that the consumable can be properly inserted with the side with the code pattern facing the detector. Corresponds to a notch that is foolproof (eliminates room for failure). A code pattern is printed on the wrapping paper along a reference unit 104 which is a slot 104 . The slots or grooves reduce the surface area in contact with the heating chamber, providing the additional benefit of faster heating and releasing more aerosol. The slots or grooves also provide airflow between the heating chamber and the aerosol emitting substrate to facilitate air inflow and convective heating. In this embodiment, the code pattern can be on both sides of the consumable 1, since in this configuration the direction of insertion or sideways insertion is less of a concern. A touch sensor may also be provided in the notched portion of the device to sense the insertion of the projection of the consumable 1 which acts as a reference unit.

Figure 4a is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of a consumable 1 for an aerosol generating device 2 according to the invention. The consumable 1 is substantially cylindrical in shape and comprises a tobacco substrate (not shown) and tobacco wrapping material. Tobacco substrates may include tobacco material in various forms, such as cut tobacco and granulated tobacco, and/or the tobacco material may be in the form of tobacco leaves and/or sheets, strands, strips, or foam. May contain reprocessed tobacco. A pattern 101 in the form of a barcode representing an information code for authentication to store information about the consumable is provided on the surface of the consumable. The pattern 101 is arranged on the packaging material along a direction that corresponds to the direction in which the consumable is taken in and out of the aerosol generating device 2 . The pattern 101 may be printed on the visible side of the consumable's packaging material. The inside of the packaging material may be visible to the detector under certain light intensity conditions. Pattern 101 may encode information about a consumable, such as the type of consumable, or information about settings of aerosol generating device 2 for use with consumable 1 . Possible device settings information, such as temperature of the heating chamber, number of puffs, time of puffs, airflow conditions, user interface mode, etc., can be set by code information, either directly or via a lookup table.

The pattern 101 is oriented in the longitudinal direction of the consumable 1 such that the pattern 101 can be read in the longitudinal direction of the consumable 1 by the detector 21 of the aerosol generating device 2 . In this embodiment, pattern 101 is a barcode. Other types of patterns 101 such as QR codes or dot codes (e.g. matrixed or polar) may be provided on the surface of the consumable along the insertion direction 3 and As a result, the pattern 101 can be read by the detector 21 of the aerosol generator 2 while the consumable 1 is inserted.

Two reference units 102 , 103 are placed at the ends of the pattern 101 to mark the start and end of the pattern 101 . The pattern 101 is directed from the substrate end of the consumable to the mouthpiece end. The starting unit 102 is located at the end of the consumable closer to the substrate, and the ending unit 103 is located at the end closer to the mouthpiece of the consumable, so that the optical sensor is positioned from the substrate end to the mouthpiece. The pattern 101 of the aerosol generator is read longitudinally (or axially A) to the end. For example, the code pattern extends more than one-fifth of the total length of the consumable, preferably more than one-fourth, preferably more than one-third, and even more preferably more than half the length of the consumable. contains. In another embodiment, pattern 101 and reference units 102, 103 are oriented in reverse. A start reference unit 102 and an end reference unit 103 can indicate the position and orientation of the pattern 101 . In some embodiments, only a starting reference unit 102 or only an ending reference unit 103 is provided within pattern 101 . However, it is preferable to have both reference units 102, 103 within the pattern 101, as this improves the reliability of detection of the pattern 101. FIG.

Figure 4b shows an embodiment based on the embodiment of Figure 4a. However, unlike the embodiment of FIG. 4a, bars or lines of the barcode distributed longitudinally of the consumable can be captured by the detector 21 of the aerosol generating device 2 at one time. It extends along the circumferential direction (C) so as to be at least longer or greater than the longitudinal area or line. In this configuration, more information can be read by the detector, and patterns can be printed more easily because larger scale patterns can be used. The bars or lines of the bar code preferably extend around the entire surface along the circumferential direction so that the pattern 101 can be detected without having to orient the pattern 101 toward the detector 21 . In other words, the patterns 101 are at least two, preferably at least three, circumferentially separated from each other by at least 10°, preferably at least 20°, more preferably at least 30°, most preferably at least 60°, More preferably at least 4, even more preferably at least 5 and most preferably at least 6 longitudinal regions or lines within the longitudinal direction are readable. A longitudinal region or line is the region or line area on the consumable 1 that is covered by the detector 21 during detection. Thus, the pattern 101 can be detected from different views of the consumable 1 using only one detector 21 . Furthermore, pattern 101 may be repeated on consumable 1 in insertion direction 3 . The pattern, preferably the repetition of the pattern, is at least 10% of the overall longitudinal dimension or length of the consumable, preferably at least 20%, more preferably at least 30%, most preferably at least 30% of the overall longitudinal dimension of the consumable. extends over a longitudinal dimension or longitudinal length of the consumable that is at least 40% of the overall longitudinal dimension of the consumable, in a longitudinal direction of the consumable substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the consumable; There is

As an alternative to the embodiment of FIG. 4b, the pattern 101 may be repeated around the circumference of the consumable 1. FIG. As shown in Figure 5a, the pattern can be a dot matrix or other similar high density pattern. More specifically, the longitudinally oriented pattern 101 with reference units is repeated along the circumference of the consumable so that the pattern 101 does not need to be oriented toward the detector 21 . The pattern 101 can be detected during the insertion of 1's. The pattern 101 is formed every 30° segment, preferably every 25° segment, more preferably every 20° segment, even more preferably every 30° segment of the central angle of the cross-section of the consumable, shown as ∠a in Fig. 5a. It may be repeated every 15° segment, most preferably every 10° segment. In this way, successful detection of pattern 101 is guaranteed.

The pattern 101 with reference units may be repeated in other ways. In Figure 5b the pattern 101 is repeated stepwise. More specifically, the pattern 101 repeats at different longitudinal positions as well as at different circumferential positions, ie the repeating pattern 101 repeats in a spiral or spiral fashion. The pattern 101 is preferably repeated circumferentially every 30° segment, preferably every 20° segment, more preferably every 10° segment.

The pattern 101 may be repeated at different longitudinal positions and at different circumferential positions, as shown in Figure 5c. More specifically, pattern 101 is repeated to cover substantially the entire surface area of the consumable both longitudinally and circumferentially.

Alternatively, in the embodiment according to Figures 3a and 3b, the reference unit is a slot 104 on the surface of the consumable 1 along the insertion direction, or a cavity 104 at the substrate end of the consumable 1, or more. A trapezoidal cavity is preferred. In this way, the user can insert the consumable in the correct orientation through insertion and rotation, and is guided to insert the consumable so that the pattern 101 is pointed directly at the detector 21 of the aerosol generating device 2. be killed.

Claims (19)

A consumable for use in an aerosol-generating device comprising an aerosol-generating substrate and packaging material, wherein a pattern representing an information code for storing information about the consumable is used to transfer the consumable to the aerosol-generating device. A consumable that is placed on the packaging material along a direction coinciding with the direction of insertion or removal from the aerosol generating device. 2. The consumable of claim 1, wherein the consumable is substantially cylindrical in shape. the consumable has an elongated shape and the direction of inserting the consumable into the aerosol generating device or the direction of removing the consumable from the aerosol generating device is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the consumable; The consumable according to any one of claims 1-2. the pattern is disposed on the packaging material such that the pattern is readable in a direction that corresponds to the direction of the insertion of the consumable into the aerosol generating device or the direction of removal from the aerosol generating device; The consumable according to claim 3. Said patterns are at least 2, preferably at least 3, more preferably at least 10°, preferably at least 20°, more preferably at least 30°, most preferably 60° apart from each other in the circumferential direction. Consumable according to any one of the preceding claims, readable on four, even more preferably at least five, most preferably at least six longitudinal regions within the longitudinal direction. Consumable according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pattern is repeated in the circumferential direction of the consumable and/or in the longitudinal direction of the consumable. 6. The consumable of claim 5, wherein the pattern repeats at different longitudinal positions and different circumferential positions. Consumable according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said pattern comprises an image, dots, lines or preferably a barcode or any combination thereof. Claims 1-1 wherein one or more reference units are arranged in or with the pattern on the packaging material so that a detector included in the aerosol generating device can correctly detect the pattern. 9. The consumable product according to any one of 8. 9. The consumable of claim 8, wherein reference units are repeated circumferentially on the consumable. Said pattern is repeated, said repeated pattern representing at least 20% of the overall longitudinal dimension of said consumable, more preferably at least 30%, most preferably at least 40% of the overall longitudinal dimension of said consumable. A consumable according to any one of the preceding claims, extending in the longitudinal direction of the consumable over the same longitudinal dimension. A method of using a consumable according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein said pattern on said packaging material contained in said consumable is detected by a detector contained in said aerosol generating device (2). A method comprising detecting a 13. The pattern of claim 12, wherein the pattern is detected by the detector upon insertion and/or removal of the consumable and during relative movement between the consumable and the detector. Method. 14. A method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the pattern is read in a direction coinciding with the direction of insertion and/or removal of the consumable from the aerosol generating device. An aerosol generating device for use with a consumable according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising a heating chamber for containing therein at least a portion of said consumable and a detector, An aerosol generating device, wherein the detector is configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 12-14. 16. The aerosol generating device of claim 15, wherein the detector is provided inside or above the heating chamber. 17. The aerosol generating device of Claim 16, wherein the detector is provided external to the heating chamber. 18. The detector of claim 16 or 17, wherein the detector is provided between the heating chamber and an opening in a housing through which the consumable can be inserted into the heating chamber. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the clauses. An aerosol generating system comprising the consumable according to any one of claims 1 to 11 and the aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the consumable includes An aerosol generating system, wherein the pattern is arranged to be detected by the method of any one of claims 12-14.

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