JP2023529871A - Method and system for identifying smoking articles - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is a method for identifying a consumable (1) in an aerosol generating device (2), comprising the steps of receiving and identifying the consumable (1), wherein the consumable (1) is ) The present invention relates to a method for identifying a consumable (1), comprising the steps of: including identification information of the consumable (1) that can be identified by an identification means of (1); The identification information is encoded with at least one variable feature representing a different arrangement of the at least one layer (10) within the aerosol-generating consumable article (1), such as a glue, seam, bond, or separation layer (10). and said at least one variable feature representative is selected from at least one of a geometrical property and a physical property of the at least one layer (10). The invention also relates to an aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generation device (2) and an aerosol generation consumable article (1) inserted at least partially into the aerosol generation device (2). [Selection diagram] Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to the field of tobacco, and in particular to reconstituted tobacco and aerosol-generating articles. The invention further relates to smoking devices, particularly electrically heated e-liquid systems or electrically heated aerosol generating systems.

In recent years, electronic cigarettes based on aerosol-generating consumables have grown in popularity. There are two main types: liquid vaporizers and heated tobacco inhalers. Heated tobacco inhalers are referred to as "heat-not-burn" systems (HNB). HNB systems provide a more authentic tobacco flavor compared to e-cigarettes and deliver an inhalable aerosol by heating a liquid fill containing an aerosol forming agent, flavorant, and often nicotine. The working principle of the HNB system is to heat tobacco material containing an aerosol-forming substance (such as glycerin and/or propylene glycol), which evaporates during heating and extracts nicotine and flavor components from the tobacco material. produces steam that The tobacco material is heated to 200-350° C., which is below the normal burning temperature of conventional cigarettes. Inhalation devices are typically handheld heaters configured to receive rod-shaped consumables.

Illegal trade in aerosol-generating articles, whether e-liquids or HNB articles, is a problem. This is because counterfeit articles, which may be of particularly poor quality, may not guarantee controlled delivery of aerosols or may not be suitable for dedicated aerosol generating systems. In order to identify whether an aerosol-generating consumable article is genuine, a code or equivalent marking containing information about the article may be placed on the outer surface of the article so that it can be detected during or prior to use with a particular device. can be placed on. This allows the authenticity of the consumable item to be verified and appropriate controls such as turning off the heating system used with the consumable item or adjusting the heating system correctly in the event of non-authentication. enable you to do

Additionally, it may be necessary to distinguish between consumable items and other items in order to accommodate aerosol generation conditions. For example, certain consumable articles of various articles may contain different ingredients (e.g., different tobacco blends, forming agents, nicotine levels, etc.), and therefore different devices for optimizing the consumer experience. Parameter setting is required.

For accurate authentication of codes on consumable items such as HNB items, the recognition probability has to be very high so that proper items are not rejected. However, existing indicia are limited to the low-density information that can be contained in the indicia, and most known indicia are quantifiable by simply visualizing the code with the human eye, for example, without the use of special optical instruments. It relies on classical codes such as 1D or 2D barcodes that can be easily imitated.

Various attempts have already been proposed in the prior art to provide certifiable aerosol-generating articles.

WO2019185747 discloses an e-cigarette that includes an article that includes indicia disposed on the surface of the article that indicate encoding parameters associated with the article. The e-cigarette also includes a sensor arrangement for detecting indicia for identifying or recognizing the item. Applying the indicia onto the article is an additional step, complicates the production process, and poses challenges to ink stability in harsh environments, such as proximity to heaters, required in aerosol generators.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20190008206A1 discloses smoking articles that include indicia printed on the outer wrapper paper of the smoking article that indicate the type of smoking article and can be in the form of patterns or one-dimensional/two-dimensional barcodes. are doing. The indicia include different gray levels that can be produced by printing smaller sized dots. Such indicia are readily detectable and reproducible, may contain only low density information, or are provided in unacceptably large sizes. The system described in US Patent Application Publication No. 20190008206A1 uses printed It depends on signs. Having the indicia printed as an additional step on the article complicates the production process and also poses challenges regarding ink stability in harsh environments such as proximity to heaters required in aerosol generators. .

US Patent Application Publication No. 2015128969 describes that a mouthpiece embodied as a cartridge of a smoking article of an aerosol generating device is wrapped using a double layer tipping wrap. The outer layer of the double layer tipping wrap includes indicia that identify characteristics of the mouthpiece and smoking article. The outer layer can be in the form of an adhesive label. The outer layer of the double layer tipping wrap includes indicia that identify characteristics of the mouthpiece and smoking article. The indicia provide information such as flavor and product source identity. The application or printing of indicia on the layers of the article is an additional step making production complicated and more expensive. Applied indicia may also be easily identified and reproduced.

Accordingly, there is a need for improved techniques to enable authentication of aerosol-generating articles such as HNBs, inhalers and smoking articles. Further, there is a need for a much simpler method of identification than all prior art indicia markings. There is also a need for identification solutions that are more robust and less susceptible to deterioration or damage, such as from heat.

The inventors of the present invention have found a solution to the above problems by providing authentication methods and identification systems that do not require the use of indicia added or embedded on or within the consumable product. The present invention relies on unique geometric and physical properties of layers or structures that can be repetitive and systematic in the normal manufacturing process of aerosol-generating consumables.

The proposed solutions are based on the detection and/or imaging and identification of the arrangement and/or physical and/or dimensional properties of layers or structures or elements. This makes it possible to provide unique available criteria by which consumables can be recognized as they are consumed. Furthermore, the method makes it possible to provide inexpensive and highly secure identification of aerosol-generating consumables. Preferably, a layer such as a seam or glue layer or joint is used to identify the article.

In a first aspect, the invention provides a method of identifying consumables in an aerosol generating device, comprising:
- providing a consumable, the consumable comprising identification of the consumable, identifiable by identification means of the device;
- identifying the consumable by identification means on the basis of the identification information;
including
the identification information is encoded with at least one variable characteristic identifiable by the identification means of the device;
the features represent different arrangements of at least one layer within the aerosol-generating consumable article, the layer being selected from among a glue layer, a seam, a joint, or a separation layer;
A variable feature is
- the presence and/or shape of said at least one layer,
- thickness, width, cross-section, length of said at least one layer;
- the surface properties of said at least one layer;
- the optical and/or electrical properties of said at least one layer, and combinations thereof;
selected from
A method for identifying consumables.

Preferably, the identification information is information that arises during or as a result of the manufacturing process of the consumable, due to layer characteristics. For example, process parameters during manufacturing of the consumable article can be adapted or set to obtain repetitive defects or characteristic features in the layers. The advantage of this is that the manufacturing complexity for creating the authenticating indicia of the article is reduced.

In one embodiment, the feature is an adhesive seam. An advantage of using an adhesive seam as an article authentication feature is that the adhesive has properties that are unique and very difficult to replicate as they are inherent in the consumable manufacturing process. be. In practice, the article is typically manufactured in a back-to-back configuration by wrapping a wrapper sheet around a rod formed of first and second inner tubular elements positioned against the mouthpiece filter. be done. The adhesive seam need not be a continuous seam. An adhesive seam or glue layer or multiple attachments or glue dots may exhibit imperfections such as changes in its diameter, the shape of any cross-section thereof, or surface and/or volumetric defects such as wrinkles or the presence of particles. can exhibit fouling. This feature can be a defect or signature of the manufacturing process and can represent a unique identifying indicia of the machine and process used to make the consumable, thus providing an effective means of identifying the article. Information about said characteristics can be stored in the memory of the device so that the device can perform recognition detection of the item upon consumption of the item. The identification information described in the present invention may also be stored on a data chip incorporated in or on the packaging of the item.

In one embodiment, the variable feature is the identifiable shape of the cut edge of said at least one layer. This shape can for example be toothed, notched, wavy or designed at a non-zero angle to the direction of extension of the layer. The cutting edge can have a change in curvature and/or slope with respect to the longitudinal axis of the consumable. Patterns can vary in amplitude, period, width, and combinations thereof. The shape of the cutting edge can be made iteratively during the manufacturing process. The shape of the cut edge may vary depending on the type of article being identified, for example, to distinguish between different tobacco blends. For example, the optical properties of the cut edge can be identified with light by an optical detector, such as the photodiode of the aerosol generator.

In embodiments, the variable feature is wrinkling of said at least one layer.

The variable characteristic can also be at least a spectral characteristic of at least a portion of said at least one layer.

In an advantageous embodiment, the variable feature is non-uniformity of at least one of thickness, width and cross-section of said at least one layer.

In a variant, features can be combined, such as combinations of variable thickness, width, length, surface roughness or cross-sectional shape of said at least one layer. Combining information about different characteristics can improve the reliability of consumable identification.

In one embodiment, the characteristic is an electrical property of conductive yarns disposed in or on said at least one layer. The use of conductive threads makes counterfeiting of the article even more complicated and thus makes it possible to provide a further level of security. Additionally, the image correlation process described herein can be combined with additional detection for electrical detection of the presence of conductive yarns.

In one embodiment, the feature is an optical property of an insert disposed in or on said at least one layer. The inserts may reside within the article, for example within the stiffening layer described further.

In advantageous embodiments, the feature may be the variation or distribution of electrical and/or optical properties of the layers along the length and/or width of said at least one layer. In one example, the feature can be a specific difference in conductivity over the length of a glue layer containing conductive particles.

In one embodiment, said at least one layer is a plurality of glue bands, preferably an array of glue bands. The glue bands may be arranged, for example, in axially aligned relationship of the aerosol-generating article. Alignment of glue bands can be used as a variable feature.

In one alternative, the glue bands may be arranged side by side. Glue bands can belong to different components of the article (eg, tipping paper, plug wrap, paper tube, etc.) or can be located at different thickness levels of the same component. For example, pairs of parallel glue bands of different components may be arranged at repeatable circumferential distances. This distance may vary depending on the type of item being identified, and may serve to distinguish one type of item from another.

In one variation, at least one band may include a plurality of glue dots or glue lines. The particular arrangement of glue layers or joints or seams occurs during the manufacturing process of consumables, in particular HNB aerosol-generating articles, and therefore serves as an identifying indicia of the article, etc., without the need for additional elements. be able to.

In one embodiment, at least one layer has non-uniform geometries along its length and/or its width. Layer geometry changes can be implemented with less complexity in the manufacturing process. Thus, variable geometries can be used to identify an article, for example, to verify whether the article is authentic or to distinguish the article from other articles for setting device parameters. . In particular, non-uniform geometries can be variations in layer thickness and/or morphology.

In a second aspect, the invention also relates to an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating consumable article inserted at least partially within said aerosol-generating device. Consumables are
- an aerosol-generating substrate;
- a wrapper and/or stiffening component;
- identification information encoded to identify the consumable in said aerosol generation device, the identification information being encoded with at least one variable characteristic identifiable by the identification means of the aerosol generation device; identification information;
including.

The features represent different placements of at least one layer within the aerosol-generating consumable article.

The at least one layer is selected from among a glue layer, a seam, a joint, or a separation layer, and the variable feature is
- the presence and/or shape of said at least one layer,
- thickness, width, cross-section, length of said at least one layer;
- the surface properties of said at least one layer;
- the optical and/or electrical properties of said at least one layer, and combinations thereof;
is selected from

In embodiments, at least one layer may be at least partially a conductive layer.

In one embodiment, said at least one layer is an adhesive or bonding layer made at least partially of an intrinsically conductive polymer known as ICP. An advantage of such ICP layers is that they are electrically conductive without containing metal particles or metal compounds.

In one embodiment, the consumable article includes an aerosol-generating substrate and a wrapper and/or stiffening component, wherein the feature is an adhesive seam of the paper wrapper and/or stiffening component.

In a preferred form, the stiffening component is an inner tubular member covered by a wrapper. The inner tubular member can be a paper or polymer tube of thickness greater than the thickness of the wrapper. A tubular member may be disposed between the aerosol-generating portion and the filter portion of the consumable article. The tubular member may function to reduce the temperature of steam circulating therethrough. The tubular member may be hollow or filled with a porous filler material such as, for example, a lightweight mesh nonwoven material, honeycomb or open cell material. Insertion of a filler material can increase the contact surface within the tubular member to enhance the cooling effect. The aerosol-generating material can be a tobacco-based material such as reconstituted tobacco in any suitable form such as gathered sheets, strands, strips, powders, sponges, or foams.

In one embodiment, said feature is, for example, a cut edge of a layer as described above. The cutting edges can differ with respect to their morphology. For example, the cutting edge can have a change in curvature and/or slope with respect to the longitudinal axis of the consumable. The cutting edge can have variations in a wavy, rugged, or toothed pattern. Patterns can vary in amplitude, period, width, and combinations thereof.

The stiffening component is preferably a tubular component, for example made of paper or cardboard. A wrapper may be made of paper. Layers of glue, seams, or bonds on, within, or between wrappers or stiffening components, or separating layers are repeated during the manufacturing process of the aerosol-generating article. can be produced Thus, the characteristics of the layer produced can be used for identification of the aerosol-generating article by the detector of the aerosol-generating device. Variations in a feature may be intentionally created or inherent in the manufacturing process, or may be amplified or reduced to adjust the detectability of the feature.

In one variation, the feature is a reduction or increase in thickness of the wrapper or stiffening component. Variation in characteristics may allow different types of articles to be distinguished from other articles.

In one variant, at least one layer may comprise conductive yarns arranged in or on said at least one layer.

In one variant, said at least one layer comprises an insert having a detectable optical and/or electrical signature.

1 shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the aerosol generating device of the present invention, including optics for detecting and processing images of a seam or glue layer of a consumable; FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a glue layer or an aerosol-generating article comprising a glue layer, according to the present invention; FIG. 4 shows different embodiments of seam or glue layers of consumable articles according to the present invention. 4 shows different embodiments of seam or glue layers of consumable articles according to the present invention. 4 shows different embodiments of seam or glue layers of consumable articles according to the present invention. 4 shows different embodiments of seam or glue layers of consumable articles according to the present invention. 4 shows different embodiments of seam or glue layers of consumable articles according to the present invention. 4 shows different embodiments of seam or glue layers of consumable articles according to the present invention. 4 shows different embodiments of seam or glue layers of consumable articles according to the present invention. 4 shows different embodiments of seam or glue layers of consumable articles according to the present invention. 4 shows different embodiments of seam or glue layers of consumable articles according to the present invention. Figures 12a, 12b, 12c show light reflection and transmission configurations configured to detect the presence and/or detailed characteristics of a seam or glue layer in a consumable article according to the present invention. Fig. 3 shows an apparatus including a light source for illuminating an article, seam or glue layer; The apparatus includes an imaging system configured to detect the presence and/or detailed characteristics of the seam or glue layer of the consumable article according to the present invention. Figure 13 shows a modification of the apparatus of Figure 12 configured so that at least two seams or layers of glue can be detected; Fig. 3 illustrates detection of an article comprising a seam and/or glue layer composed of multiple seam and/or glue layer portions; Detection of the presence or shape of the least two seams or glue layer portions is performed by one detection system. Fig. 3 shows a detection arrangement comprising several detectors allowing to detect a seam or glue layer of an article independent of its angular orientation in the aerosol generating device; Fig. 3 shows a detection arrangement comprising several detectors allowing to detect a seam or glue layer of an article independent of its angular orientation in the aerosol generating device; 1 shows a detector configuration including a microlens array and a detector array; FIG. 12 illustrates a detector configuration configured to rotate the detector or detector system around the perimeter of the aerosol-generating article; FIG. Figure 3 shows an article with a seam or glue layer that includes light incoupling and light outcoupling regions. Figure 3 shows an article with a seam or glue layer that includes light incoupling and light outcoupling regions. 4 illustrates an exemplary cross-section of a seam or glue layer having optical properties such as light converging properties, light diverging properties; Figure 2 shows the shape of the detectable glue layer present in the manufactured aerosol-generating article.

The present invention will be described with respect to particular embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the invention is not limited thereto. The drawings described are only schematic and are non-limiting. In the drawings, the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn on scale for illustrative purposes. The dimensions and relative dimensions do not correspond to actual reductions in accordance with the practice of the invention.

Although the present invention will be described in the examples below in relation to tobacco-based consumable articles, the scope of the present invention is not to be construed as limited to tobacco-based consumable articles, such as an aerosol that can be inhaled when heated. any aerosol-generating consumable article, such as smoking articles, heated non-combustible articles, e-liquid cartridges, and cartomizers, which contain an aerosol-generating substrate capable of generating a The aerosol-generating article 1 or article 1 of the present invention is also defined herein as a consumable or expendable article.

As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating material" refers to a material that, upon heating, can release volatile compounds capable of forming an aerosol. Aerosols generated from the aerosol-generating materials of the aerosol-generating articles described herein can be visible or invisible and include vapors (e.g., fine particles of substances in a gaseous state that are normally liquids or solids at room temperature) as well as gases and condensed particles. It may contain vapor droplets. The aerosol-generating material can be a tobacco-based material such as reconstituted tobacco in any suitable form such as gathered sheets, chopped sponges or foams.

The term "wrapper" is broadly defined as any structure or layer that protects and contains a charge of aerosol-generating material and allows them to be handled. The wrapper has an inner surface that can contact the aerosol-generating material and an outer surface that is spaced from the aerosol-generating material. Wrapper 3 may preferably comprise paper and/or a cellulose-based material such as cellulose acetate. Wrapper 3 may also be made of a biodegradable polymer, or may be made of glass or ceramic. The wrapper 3 may be a porous material, may have a smooth or rough outer surface 5, and may be flexible or rigid.

As used herein, the term "ingredient" refers to the detailed composition of aerosol-generating substances such as tobacco, aerosol-forming agents, binders, flavorants, nicotine, and combinations thereof. Aerosol-forming substrates may be provided within a stable support. Such supports may be in the form of powders, granules, crumbs, sheets, or foams.

The manufactured aerosol-generating consumable article 1 may have any regular or irregularly shaped cross-section, for example an elliptical or circular cross-section defined in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. obtain. The article defines a lateral XY plane orthogonal to the imaginary insertion axis Z (FIG. 1).

As used herein, the term "enhanced image" or "processed image" means an image that has been modified with simple or complex image processing techniques, which can be 2D and/or 3D It can be any known image processing technique for extracting or enhancing or correlating image features. It is not limited to any particular image processing or correlation technique. The image processing techniques of the present invention can be simple contrast enhancement techniques or very sophisticated image processing methods such as those used in any high security detection system such as those used in banking or fingerprint recognition. As used herein, "template" means a processed reference image or frame of reference used for comparison or correlation with another processed image.

As used herein, the term “glue layer” is defined as an adhesive layer for adhering two surfaces or layers or elements within article 1 . The term "seam" refers to the area where superimposed layers are joined together, such as by glue or any other means of attachment. The term "bond" refers to the area where superimposed layers are attached to each other. Coupling can be achieved by purely mechanical or stiction effects. For example, a "Velcro-like" layer that includes microscopic Velcro®-type structures may be defined as a tie layer. Glue and seam layers may also be arranged as bond layers. The invention also includes a separating layer, which is a layer used as a spacer to separate layers or elements.

Layer 10 herein is also defined as a reference layer as it is used as a reference for its manufacturing characteristics. An article may have more than one reference layer used in the identification process. A layer herein can be an outer or inner wrapping layer of the article 1 . The sheet may be rolled to form a tubular element or wrapper forming several superimposed layers. The two layers can be formed by superposition of the wound elements.

FIG. 2 shows a typical cross-sectional aerosol-generating article 1 including a layer 10, typically a glue layer 10. FIG. The article 1 comprises further preferred elements 1a-1f, namely
- consumables section 1',
- a consumable paper wrap 1a, such as a tobacco paper wrap 1a,
- a stiffening element, preferably a paper tube 1b,
- a hollow filter segment 1c and a central hole segment 1c' also defined as a cavity 1c',
- combined additional wraps 1e placed on said wraps 1d', 1d'',
- filter segment 1h,
- plug wraps 1d', 1d'' covering filter segments 1c, 1c' and filter segments 1h,
- a tipping layer 1f, typically a paper tipping layer 1f, surrounding the central cavity 1g;
including.

As used herein, layer 10 of the present invention is generally understood to be a layer that is normally formed during the manufacturing process of article 1 .

Layer 10 of the present invention may typically be disposed between or within components or elements described above with respect to the example article shown in FIG. Other configurations of are also possible. For example, it is understood that the layer 10 described herein can be annular and have an extension along the circumference or length of the article. Layer 10 does not necessarily have a center of symmetry.

The fabrication layer 10 disclosed herein may be responsible for at least one of the following functions.
- bonding or gluing;
- spacing between layers or elements;
- mechanical or humidity protection, packaging, stiffening and/or separation,
- air flow or cooling,
- reducing or increasing friction on the user's skin,
- optical and/or aesthetic functions;

In a first aspect, the invention is accomplished by a method of identifying a consumable 1 within an aerosol generating device 2 . The method is
- receiving a consumable 1 containing identification information embedded on or in the device 2, the identification information being identifiable by identification means of the device 2;
- identifying the consumable 1 by identification means on the basis of the identification information;
including.

The identification information is encoded with at least one variable characteristic identifiable by identification means of the device.

In embodiments, the identification means comprises an optical reader comprising an image sensor comprising an image detector configured to create an image of at least a portion of said layer 10 . The identification means preferably comprise a control unit, which is arranged to read the information provided by the layer 10 and compare this information with a set of authorization information stored in the memory unit. In an advantageous embodiment, the memory unit may be arranged to provide a compensating signal to allow for slight deviations between the layer 10 read information and the layer 10 authorization information. By allowing small deviations, false rejections may be avoided.

In a variant, the identification means may use a detector array without using imaging optics. In this case the identification process is realized by interpretation of the intensity, color or polarization effect provided by the layers. Relying on a detector array without imaging optics, an identification means is more compact than an image identification means, but has a lower resolution. On the other hand, optical readers that rely on detector arrays can provide higher identification speeds than imaging systems that require focusing optics and more complex electronics for image acquisition and processing. . The choice between identification means based on simple detectors or detector arrays and identification means dependent on the imaging system depends on the type of layer 10 and its characteristics used to identify the consumable, and also the optical Trade-offs depending on other criteria such as desired resolution, speed, or cost of the reader.

In another variant, the identification means may comprise a wireless communication system for retrieving stored information stored in a data storage unit external to the aerosol generating device.

In an advantageous embodiment, said dentification means comprises image processing electronics and data processing means such as image processing algorithms as further described herein.

The variable feature can be the mere presence or orientation of one or more layers selected from a glue layer or seam, a joint, or a separating layer for separating two layers of the consumable. Variable features may be detailed geometric and/or physical and/or chemical features of such one or more layers 10 selected from among the following.
- the presence and/or shape of layer 10,
- thickness, width, cross-section, length of said at least one layer 10;
- surface or bulk properties of said at least one layer, such as roughness or gloss, or texture features on layer 10;
- the optical and/or electrical properties of said at least one layer 10, and combinations thereof;

In embodiments, non-uniform thicknesses or non-uniform widths or non-uniform cross-sections are detected. In one embodiment, the feature is the presence or shape or orientation of adhesive seam 10 .

An adhesive layer is a typical layer with various properties that are directly related to the particular manufacturing process. Parameters affecting the physical and geometric shape, size, volume, surface properties, location and distribution of the adhesive layer are, for example, the viscosity of the layer, the sequence and extent of heating, the presence of sizing agents, humidity, etc. Affected by process parameters including but not limited to. For example, the exact distance between the boundary of the adhesive layer and the top edge of the plug wrap paper is a variable feature that can be used as an indicator of the manufacturing process and its equipment.

In one embodiment, the adhesive or bonding layer may be an intrinsically conductive polymer known as ICP, which is a polymer that conducts without metal particles or metal compounds.

In one embodiment, the feature is a cut edge or detectable systematic defect in said at least one layer 10 . The glue layer or seam 10 can have systematically cut edges that can be used as an identifier for the article 1, for example. A feature can be the particular shape of such edges. Typical edges of glue layers or seams or bonds 10 are shown in variants 102-108 in FIG. Additionally, the edges may have optical functionality, as further described herein.

In one embodiment, the feature is the mechanical and/or electrical and/or magnetic properties of conductive yarns disposed in or on said at least one layer 10 .

In embodiments, layer 10 may be made at least partially conductive by adding or incorporating conductive particles. Conductivity along the length of layer 10 may be used as a variable characteristic. For example, an adhesive or glue layer can have a higher electrical conductivity through a first length of the layer than through a second length of the same layer. For example, the adhesive or glue layer may be conductive only over less than 30% of its length and non-conductive outside of this limited length. The length of this conductive portion may be used as a variable characteristic for identifying the consumable 1 .

In one variation, layer 10 may be electrically conductive over a first length L1 and have less optical reflection over a second length L2. Using a combination of information about the electrical properties of the first length L1 and the optical properties of the second length L2 as a more complex variable feature to identify whether the consumable 1 is an authentic product. can do.

In one embodiment, the feature is an optical property of an insert placed in or on said at least one layer 10 . The insert may be placed within the substrate of the article, or may be placed near or on the wrapper 3, 1f of the article 1. The inserts may have a mechanical function, for example to give the article 1 greater rigidity or to give the article 1 a particular shape or cross-section. The insert may be an at least partially conductive insert or may be made of an electrically insulating material.

In one embodiment, the consumable 1 comprises an aerosol-generating substrate and a wrapper and/or stiffening component characterized by one of the adhesive seams of the paper wrapper or the stiffening component. is one. In a preferred form, the stiffening component is an inner tubular member covered by a wrapper. The inner tubular member can be a paper or polymer tube of thickness greater than the thickness of the wrapper. A tubular member may be disposed between the aerosol-generating portion and the filter portion of the consumable article. The tubular member may function to longitudinally separate the aerosol-generating substrate and the filter and reduce the temperature of the vapor circulating therethrough. The tubular member may be hollow or filled with a porous filler material such as, for example, a lightweight mesh nonwoven material, honeycomb or open cell material. Insertion of a filler material can increase the contact surface within the tubular member to enhance the cooling effect.

In one embodiment, said at least one layer 10 is an array of glue bands as shown in the embodiments of FIGS.

In one embodiment, said at least one layer 10 has non-uniform geometries along its length and/or its width. 1, 10, and 11 show examples of layer 10 having portions 10a, 10b that have a greater width and/or thickness than the rest of layer 10. FIG. In a variant, layer 10 may have at least a portion with a conical shape in the horizontal XZ, YZ plane.

The layer 10 described herein can have several optical functions as follows.
- Light transmission. As shown in FIG. 12a, an incident light beam 220 on layer 10 is transmitted through the layer to provide a transmitted light beam 230, which may be a deviated transmitted light beam 230. As shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 12, the layer 10 has the shape of a parallel plate and deflects the light beam by a separation d due to the refraction effect of the parallel plate.
- deflection and reflection of the incident light beam 220; For example, layer 10 can deflect and reflect an incident light beam 220, as shown in FIG. 12b.
- As shown in Figure 12c, a wider layer than that shown in Figure 12b can enhance the effect of the deflection of the transmitted light beam 230, causing the reflected light beam 220 to exit the layer 10 further away from the incident light beam 220. A light beam 240 may be provided.

FIG. 15 shows an embodiment in which a light source 200 provides a light beam 200 that illuminates at least two portions of layer 20 to provide at least two identification signals. In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19, a detector configuration is provided that rotates the detector or detector system around the circumference of the aerosol-generating article.

In advantageous embodiments, layer 10 may be used to identify article 1 or may have light diffusing and/or diffractive properties.

The glue or seam or bond layer may have a non-uniform structure such that light may be deflected from layer 10 and directed to optical detector system 300 at repeat locations. Light may be provided by light source 200 . Light source 200 directs light beam 220 onto layer 10 that includes multiple or contiguous incoupling surfaces such that a portion of light beam 220 is incoupled into layer 10 . At least a portion of the incident light beam 220 is reflected within layer 10 up to twice on each side thereof and is further outcoupled within layer 10 . FIG. 20 schematically illustrates the transmission of a directional light beam 220 to the detector system 300 by one to four internal reflections of the light beam 221 inside the layer 10 close to the light sources 200,220. Limiting the number of reflections to a maximum of four makes it possible to provide a detector close to the light source. Detector system 300 may be configured to detect outcoupled light provided by more than one outcoupling region. At a first position of the article 1 , light is incoupled into the layer 10 by the first incoupling area A, the light beam 230 is outcoupled after one or two reflections, and the detector system 300 to provide a first detector signal IA (FIG. 21). Internal reflection of the light beam within layer 10 may be enhanced by a reflective layer that may be placed against the layer, such as a metal coating layer (not shown). The detector systems may be arranged at different positions along the glue layer 10 and in a variant more than one detector system 300 may be arranged in front of the outcoupling area of the light guiding layer 10 . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 21, light is transmitted within layer 10 by up to four internal reflections. The in-coupling regions and out-coupling regions (AD) can be configured in recognizable, unique patterns. For example, as shown in FIG. 21, detector system 300 may detect four outcoupled light beams and provide a signal comprising four intensity steps. The provision of different in-coupling and out-coupling areas makes it possible to reduce the reliance on the accuracy of insertion of articles in the device.

Embodiments such as the examples shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 can be readily realized by accommodating width and/or thickness and/or wrinkle variations of portions of glue layer 10 . For example, glue layer 10 can be implemented to include a regular pattern of simple ridges that can serve the functions of in-coupling regions and out-coupling regions (AD) during manufacture. Such in-coupled and out-coupled portions A, B, C, D located within the layer 10 of the article 1 are also in a slightly prismatic shape that can be easily replicated in the manufacturing process of the article 1. It can be realized by In a variant, the in-coupling surface can also function as an out-coupling surface. This applies to the example of FIG. In a variant, the in-couple portion and the out-couple portion may be different regions or shapes or structures arranged on said layer 10 .

It is understood herein that the light beam 220 used in the present invention can be ambient light or light provided by the lighting system 200 as shown in FIG. Lighting system 200 includes light source 210, which can be an ultraviolet, visible, or infrared light source. A light source having a wavelength shorter than that of ultraviolet light may be used. Due to the very limited space available in the aerosol generator, the light source 210 is preferably a solid state light source, such as an LED, SLED, or a solid state light source.

The light source 210 of the present invention may be an infrared light source, which may be the heater of the aerosol generator 2 .

The light sources and optical detectors may be an array of light sources (not shown) and an array of optical detectors 310 as shown in the embodiment of FIG.

The light source and detector may be arranged at different locations within the device 2 . For example, FIG. 13 shows a configuration in which at least one lighting system 200 is positioned opposite the detector system 300 . In such a configuration, layer 10 of the article is illuminated with light that traverses the diameter of article 1 . Said traversal of light may be achieved by specular transmission or diffusion of light, which is a function of optical properties of materials or layers in the optical path of the traversing light beam.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, more than one seam or glue layer 10 can be detected by detector system 300, which preferably includes an imaging system that provides an image in image plane 400. In the embodiment shown in FIG. The detection system may include a CCD camera.

FIG. 16 shows a plurality of detectors 302, 302', 302 such that the presence and properties of layer 10 can be detected independently of the angular orientation of the article, said orientation being defined in the transverse XY plane. '', 302''' showing a detection system. The detectors may be distributed circumferentially around the article, eg, in a particular angular path (eg, 90 degrees).

A brief description will now be given of how said features can be detected or imaged and used in a consumable 1 identification method.

Identification of identification information encoded by at least one variable feature described herein can be detected by identification means of the aerosol generating device 2 . The identification means are preferably, but not necessarily, optical detection means. Indeed, in embodiments, the optical detection means may suggest a simple detection unit or may require an imaging system 300 for providing and processing an image 400 of the features of the at least one layer 10. .

During the manufacturing process, the articles 1 can also be detected during or after putting them into packaging. The characteristics of said layer 10 are well known from the manufacturing process and may not change over time or may change according to a well defined production cycle.

Therefore, there are at least two methods (I, II) for generating a reference of the characteristics of said at least one layer 10 .
- I) The feature is well known and always present in the consumable. For example, the familiar width or shape or thickness that characterizes layer 10 and never changes. Information about it is preferably stored in a storage means in the device 2, or II) the features change according to the production run cycle and/or depending on time and the information about the features is updated in the device. be. For example, if a production machine needs to undergo maintenance or refurbishment, production parameters may lead to new characteristic changes in the properties of layer 10, for example new values of width or thickness of reference layer 10. Accordingly, an update can be provided to the device. This update may be provided by data transfer from the package to the device or, in a variant, by wireless transfer of information. This allows the device to recognize at least two typical features of the layer and identify the article as authentic. For example, if a layer 10 of authentic product 1 has a central blob 10a (as shown in FIG. 1) and this central blob 10 is displaced during a new production cycle, the apparatus The blob location can be recognized as valid and the item can be recognized as authentic even if it comes from a different production cycle.

In embodiments, the methods of the invention may include the following imaging steps.
- providing an imager 300 including image processing means and image correlation means;
- imaging a layer 10 within said at least one consumable section of the aerosol-generating article to form a 2D and/or 3D image of the layer 10 therein with said imager 300;
- processing said 2D and/or 3D image by said image processing means to form a digital 2D and/or 3D image representative of the characteristics of layer 10, said image being an optical characteristic of layer 10; process, including information
- correlating, by said image correlating means, said current digital image with a reference image of said layer 10 in said consumable section registered during its production, said reference image also being associated with said layer; a process, including characteristic optical information;
- Determining if the aerosol-generating article 1 is an authentic product based on previous correlation results and predetermined correlation criteria.

Typical features extracted from images of layer 10 or portions of layer 10 are typically lines, edges, ridges and corners, directions, curvatures, cross-sections, intersection lines, nodules or points, etc. is the local interest point of . The defects or systematic variations in properties of layer 10 within the article are typically sub-millimeter sized, preferably less than 200 μm, typically between 30 μm and 50 μm.

Typical feature extraction techniques include, but are not limited to: minutiae extraction, ridge and valley detection, direction extraction.

Image processing, including feature extraction techniques, is well known in the art of 2D and 3D image processing and will not be further described herein. As such, reference is made to the following publications, which are incorporated herein in their entirety.
-R. Szeliski, Computer vision: Algorithms and Applications, Springer Verlag, 2010, ISBN 978-1848829343,
-J. R. Parker, Algorithms for image processing and Computer Vision ( ^2nd ed.), Wiley, 2011, ISBN 978-0470643853,
-N. Mark, A. Aguado, Feature Extraction and Image Processing for Computer Vision (4th ed.), Academic Press, 2019, ISBN 978-0128149768.

After pre-processing and feature extraction, at some point during processing, a decision must be made as to which image points or regions of the image of layer 10 are relevant for further processing. Such determinations are made based on known properties of typical statistical properties of layer 10 as provided during manufacture of consumable article 1 .

Matching of sample images and production images may be based on data references stored in the device. Such data may be updated periodically, for example, by providing wireless information to the device. Matching is typically and preferably based on correlations of at least one of minutiae, lines or ridges, or black and white areas, 3D features (eg, pixel depth), number of branches, and the like. Matching 2D and 3D images is a well known technique and will not be further elaborated here.

The methods of the invention preferably also involve optical, capacitive, ultrasonic, thermal imaging detection techniques, or combinations thereof.

Capacitive sensing methods are based on capacitive coupling that can measure and recognize at least any layer 10 that is electrically conductive or has a dielectric.

Ultrasound imaging techniques are also used because by sending sound waves of a particular frequency and tuning that frequency to the reflection of this sound wave, it is possible to recognize the presence and shape of at least a portion of layer 10 . obtain.

Thermal imaging can also be performed, which is similar to optical methods, the difference being that thermal effects are detected. A heater within the aerosol generator may be used to generate a heat source to provide the thermal image.

In a second aspect, the invention also provides an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device 2 and an aerosol-generating consumable article 1, also defined as a consumable, inserted at least partially in said aerosol-generating device 2. offer. Consumable article 1 includes at least one layer 10 as described herein.

In another aspect, the invention is also achieved by a consumable 1 for use in an aerosol generating device 2. Consumables 1 are
- the aerosol-generating substrate located inside the stiffening tube 3; and - the wrapper and/or stiffening component; , the identification information is encoded with at least one variable characteristic identifiable by the identification means of the device;
including.

An aerosol-generating consumable article, wherein at least one variable feature is selected from among seams, joints, cuts, perforations, variable thickness, optical and/or electrical properties of said at least one layer, and combinations thereof. 1 represents different configurations of at least one layer in 1.

In one embodiment, the consumable 1 comprises an aerosol-generating substrate 3 and a wrapper and/or stiffening component, the feature being an adhesive seam 10 of the wrapper or stiffening component.

In one embodiment, a feature of the article 1 is a cut edge of the adhesive or bond or glue or seam layer 10 of the wrapper or stiffening component.

In one embodiment, the article feature may be one or more perforations or imperfections in layer 10 located in a wrapper or other layer or stiffening component present in the article.

The wrapper can be a paper wrapper such as tipping paper or plug wrap for wrapping different portions of articles such as tobacco rods, tubular members and/or filter segments. The stiffening member may be a paper tubular member and may be positioned between the tobacco and the filter or may be part of the filter.

In one embodiment, the article feature is a change in thickness reduction or increase of any layer 10 described herein. The thickness is preferably defined orthogonally to said imaginary axis of insertion Z, and may also be the thickness determined in said Z-axis.

In one embodiment, said at least one layer 10 comprises conductive threads arranged in or on said at least one layer 10 . The conductive thread does not necessarily have the shape of a wire, and may have a flat shape structure. In a variant, said at least one layer comprises an insert with characteristic optical and/or electrical properties.

Claims (18)

A method for identifying an aerosol-generating consumable (1) in an aerosol-generating device (2), comprising:
- providing a consumable item (1), said consumable item (1) comprising an identification of said consumable item (1) identifiable by identification means of said device (2);
- identifying said consumable item (1) by said identification means on the basis of said identification information;
including
Said identification information is encoded with at least one variable feature identifiable by an identification means of said device, said feature representing a different arrangement of at least one layer (10) within said aerosol-generating consumable (1). represents
said at least one layer (10) is selected from glue layers, seams, joints or separation layers disposed between two layers of said consumable article (1);
The variable feature is
- the presence and/or shape of said at least one layer (10),
- thickness, width, cross-section, length of said at least one layer;
- the surface properties of said at least one layer (10),
- the optical and/or electrical properties of said at least one layer (10) and combinations thereof;
selected from
A method of identifying an aerosol-generating consumable (1). A method of identifying a consumable article (1) according to claim 1, wherein said variable feature is the shape of a cut edge of said at least one layer (10). A method of identifying a consumable article (1) according to claim 1, wherein said variable feature is wrinkles in said at least one layer (10). A method of identifying a consumable article (1) according to claim 1, wherein said variable characteristic is a spectral characteristic of at least a portion of said at least one layer (10). 2. A method of identifying a consumable article (1) according to claim 1, wherein said variable characteristic is non-uniformity of at least one of thickness, width and cross-section of said at least one layer. 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said variable characteristic comprises electrical properties of conductive yarns arranged in or on said at least one layer (10). A method of identifying a consumable (1). 7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said variable feature is an optical property of an insert arranged in or on said at least one layer (10). A method of identifying a consumable (1). A method of identifying a consumable article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one layer (10) is a plurality of glue bands. 9. The at least one layer (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one layer (10) has variable geometry in the length and/or width and/or thickness of said at least one layer (10). A method of identifying a consumable (1). A method of identifying a consumable article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one layer (10) is at least partially made of an intrinsically conductive polymer (ICP). . An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device (2) and an aerosol generating consumable (1) inserted in said aerosol generating device (2),
The consumable goods (1) are
- an aerosol-generating substrate (3);
- a paper wrapper and/or a stiffening component;
- identification information coded to identify said consumable in said aerosol generator (2), said identification being at least one identifier identifiable by identification means of said aerosol generator (2); identification information encoded in a variable characteristic;
including
said variable feature represents a different arrangement of at least one layer (10) within said aerosol-generating consumable article (1);
said layer (10) is selected from a glue layer, a seam, a joint or a separation layer,
The variable feature is
- the presence and/or shape of said at least one layer (10),
- thickness, width, cross-section, length of said at least one layer (10),
- the surface properties of said at least one layer (10),
- the optical and/or electrical properties of said at least one layer (10) and combinations thereof;
selected from
Aerosol generation system. Said consumable article (1) comprises an aerosol-generating substrate (3) and a wrapper and/or stiffening component, said variable feature being the geometry of the seam or glue layer of said wrapper and/or said stiffening component. 12. The aerosol generating system of claim 11, wherein the aerosol generating system is a chemical characteristic. Said consumable article (1) comprises an aerosol-generating substrate (3) and a wrapper and/or stiffening component, said variable features being the presence of a cut edge of said wrapper and/or said stiffening component and 12. The aerosol generating system of claim 11, wherein the aerosol generating system is/or shaped. The consumable article (1) comprises an aerosol-generating substrate (3) and a wrapper and/or stiffening component, wherein the variable feature is non-uniformity in the geometry of the wrapper and/or the stiffening component. 12. The aerosol generating system of claim 11, wherein the aerosol generating system is 15. The aerosol generating system of claim 14, wherein the non-uniformity is thickness non-uniformity of the wrapper and/or the stiffening component. 16. Any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein said at least one layer (10) comprises conductive threads or layers arranged in or on said at least one layer (10). The aerosol generating system according to . Aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein said at least one layer (10) comprises inserts having detectable optical and/or electrical properties. 18. Aerosol generating system according to claim 17, wherein the insert is a stiffening element of the consumable (1).

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