Aerosol generating device

Abstract

The aerosol generating device (1) includes a removable panel (1b) or cover that incorporates at least one sensing area (10) and fits onto the body (1a) of the aerosol generating device (1). The at least one sensing area is useful for performing an authentication process before the aerosol generating device (1) is used by a user. The authentication process ensures that the user is authorized to use the aerosol generating device (1), and if not, prohibits the use of the aerosol generating device (1) or issues a warning. A closing detector (23) senses whether the removable panel or cover is positioned on the body. The aerosol generating device (1) is configured to supply power to at least one sensing area, or a sensing circuit (18) coupled to at least one sensing area, only when the closing detector detects that the removable panel or cover is positioned on the body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device.

Background Art

[0002] An aerosol generating device is designed for a user to inhale air containing an aerosol.

[0003] However, in some countries, there may be regulations to prevent minors from using these devices for vaping. However, it is possible to use someone else's aerosol generating device without the owner's permission or consent. Therefore, hygienic problems may occur.

[0004] Considering this problem, it is necessary to ensure that an aerosol generating device owned by a person cannot be used by others without the owner's consent or permission.

[0005] International Publication No. WO 2022 / 230348 A1 discloses an aerosol generating device provided with control means for detecting an input operation performed by a user and releasing the locked state of the device according to whether the input operation satisfies operation conditions set by the user.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to enable quick and efficient user authentication for a user of an aerosol generating device.

[0007] Yet another object of the present invention is to integrate components implemented for user authentication in an optimized manner within an aerosol generating device, including optimized integration of these components with other components of the device, particularly with regard to the problem of unit cost.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] To achieve these or at least one of the other objectives, a first aspect of the present invention proposes a novel aerosol generating device comprising a housing and a heater or induction coil disposed within the housing for heating an aerosol precursor material during use of the device by a user. The housing is provided with at least one sensing area suitable for input by the user in an access sequence, and the device is configured to enable use if the access sequence entered when using at least one sensing area matches a stored reference access sequence, and to prohibit use of the device or issue a warning otherwise.

[0009] In the present invention, the access sequence may be, but is not limited to, a code, a pattern, a touch sequence, or any combination thereof. Preferably, although not strictly required, at least one sensing region may consist of multiple sensing regions arranged in a matrix array, for example, a 3x3 or 4x4 array.

[0010] According to the features of the first invention, the housing includes a removable panel or cover that incorporates at least one sensing area and conforms to the main body of the device. Thanks to this feature, at least one sensing area can be customized by selecting a removable panel or cover as needed.

[0011] According to a feature of the second invention, the device further comprises a closure detector suitable for sensing whether a removable panel or cover is positioned on the main body. The device is then configured to supply power to at least one sensing area, or a sensing circuit coupled to this at least one sensing area, if the closure detector senses that a removable panel or cover is positioned on the body; otherwise, the device is further configured to prohibit the supply of power to at least one sensing area, or a sensing circuit coupled thereto. In this way, when a removable panel or cover is not positioned on the main body, energy consumption by the sensing area or sensing circuit is prevented. Thus, the operating time of the device until the next battery charge is saved.

[0012] For example, the closing detector may be, but is not limited to, a Hall sensor or any contact sensor, such as an electrical or mechanical contact sensor.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, at least one sensing area may be formed from a flexible printed circuit, and a removable panel or cover includes a film that covers the flexible printed circuit from the outside of the housing. The at least one sensing area then functions through the film of the removable panel or cover. Such an embodiment is cost-effective for manufacturing the at least one sensing area, and the film provides mechanical protection for the flexible printed circuit, thereby preventing it from being scratched and damaged during the lifespan of the device.

[0014] Advantageously, the aerosol generating device of the present invention may further comprise at least one light-emitting system located within the housing to generate light information visible to the user of the device. The device may then be configured so that the light information indicates the current state of the device, particularly during an authentication process that requires an access sequence to be entered when using at least one sensing area, or during a registration process dedicated to storing a reference access sequence. Such light information may be useful in assisting the user as they proceed through the authentication or registration process. Preferably, such a light-emitting system may comprise at least one light source integrated into a removable panel or cover, and a drive circuit configured to control the operation of at least one light source. The drive circuit may then also be integrated into a removable panel or cover. The integration of both the light source and the drive circuit into a removable panel or cover results in precise control of the light source by the drive circuit. In particular, both may be mounted on a flexible printed circuit board.

[0015] Alternatively, at least one light source may be integrated into a removable panel or cover, while the drive circuit configured to control the operation of at least one light source may be integrated into the main body. This allows for the replacement of the removable panel or cover without the need to simultaneously provide another unit of the drive circuit. This results in a reduction in the cost of the removable panel or cover. Therefore, the removable panel or cover may be offered as an accessory part that can be replaced at a more affordable price according to the user's preference.

[0016] In the first implementation form, at least one sensing region may be of the capacitive sensing region type. Then the device, Each sensing region has at least one dedicated sensor electrode, A capacitive-to-digital converter is electrically connected to each sensor electrode and configured to output a digital detection signal. A microcontroller unit located within the main body may further comprise a microcontroller unit configured to control the operation of a device, which is connected to a capacitive-to-digital converter to receive a digital detection signal and enables the use of the device only when an access sequence input when using at least one sensing area matches a reference access sequence.

[0017] In some cases, the capacitive-to-digital converter may be integrated into a removable panel or cover, and each sensor electrode may also be integrated into a removable panel or cover. The integration of both the capacitive-to-digital converter and each sensor electrode into a removable panel or cover results in accurate sensing by the sensor electrodes. In particular, they can all be mounted on a flexible printed circuit board.

[0018] Alternatively, in the case of capacitive sensing area types, the capacitive-to-digital converter can be integrated into the main body, while each sensor electrode can be reintegrated into a removable panel or cover. Therefore, the removable panel or cover can be replaced more easily without the need to simultaneously provide a new capacitive-to-digital converter. This results in a reduction in the cost of the removable panel or cover.

[0019] Alternatively, in the case of a capacitive sensing area type, the capacitive-to-digital converter can be integrated into the main body along with each sensor electrode. Thus, removable panels or covers can be replaced inexpensively and easily.

[0020] In the second embodiment, at least one sensing region may be of the light sensing region type. The device then Each sensing area is provided with at least one dedicated photodetector, positioned to detect changes in light caused by the user touching the sensing area, Each photodetector is electrically connected to at least one amplifier adapted to output an amplified detection signal, A microcontroller unit configured to control the operation of a device, including enabling the use of the device only when an access sequence input when using at least one sensing area, which is connected to each amplifier to receive an amplified detection signal, matches a reference access sequence, and the microcontroller unit is located within the main body.

[0021] In some cases, each photodetector and each amplifier can be integrated into a removable panel or cover. Integrating the photodetector and amplifier into a removable panel or cover results in accurate sensing by the photodetector. In particular, they can all be mounted on a flexible printed circuit.

[0022] Alternatively, in the case of a light sensing area type, each photodetector and each amplifier can be integrated into the main body. Thus, the removable panel or cover can be inexpensive and easily replaceable. In such a case, the removable panel or cover can include at least one light transmission path that is transparent so that changes in light due to the user's contact with the sensing area are transmitted through the light transmission path to the corresponding photodetector.

[0023] In particular, each photodetector can include a photodiode.

[0024] In an embodiment using a light sensing area type and including at least one light emitting system to generate light information, the light source can be common to at least one light emitting system that is arranged to illuminate to function at least one sensing area and to generate light information.

[0025] In a third embodiment, at least one sensing area can be of an ultrasonic sensing area type. Then, the device at least one ultrasonic transducer dedicated to each sensing area, and at least one ultrasonic sensor circuit electrically connected to each ultrasonic transducer and configured to output a detection signal. A microcontroller unit configured to control the operation of a device, connected to each ultrasonic sensor circuit for receiving a detection signal, and enabling the use of the device only when an access sequence input when using at least one sensing area matches a reference access sequence, and located within the main body.

[0026] In some cases, each ultrasonic sensor circuit, together with each ultrasonic transducer, can be integrated into a removable panel or cover. Integrating all the ultrasonic sensor circuits and ultrasonic transducers into a removable panel or cover results in cost savings in manufacturing. In particular, they can all be mounted on a flexible printed circuit.

[0027] Alternatively, in the case of an ultrasonic sensing area type, each ultrasonic sensor circuit can be integrated into the main body, but each ultrasonic transducer can be re-integrated into a removable panel or cover. Thus, the removable panel or cover can be more easily replaced without the need to simultaneously provide a new ultrasonic sensor circuit.

[0028] Alternatively, again in the case of an ultrasonic sensing area type, each ultrasonic sensor circuit and also each ultrasonic transducer can be integrated into the main body. Thus, the removable panel or cover can be inexpensive and easily replaced.

[0029] Generally, in the case of the present invention, the aerosol generating device can include an inertial measurement unit. In such a case, the device can be configured to generate an authentication request signal indicating that an input of an access sequence for using at least one sensing area is required after the inertial measurement unit detects the movement of the device. Such an authentication request signal can be, but is not limited to, an optical signal or a vibration signal.

[0030] Again, generally speaking, in the present invention, the aerosol generating device may further comprise short-range wireless communication means and be further configured to perform an additional authentication process using communication between the device and a terminal located outside the device and wirelessly connected to the device. Such an additional authentication process may provide dual authentication of the user for an access sequence entered in the device, thereby improving the reliability of authentication. Then, when the aerosol generating device receives a command from the terminal via the short-range wireless communication means, it performs the following actions, namely: The device stores a reference access sequence received from a terminal via short-range wireless communication, and Unlocking the device after it has been locked due to multiple access sequence input operations that do not match the reference access sequence. It may be further configured to perform at least one of the following: [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0031] [Figure 1a] This figure shows an aerosol generating device that implements the present invention. [Figure 1b-1c] Figure 1a shows the removable panel and main body of the aerosol generating device, respectively. [Figure 2a-2c] This figure shows a first embodiment in which the sensing area is of the capacitive sensing area type. [Figure 3a-3c] This figure shows a second embodiment in which the sensing area is of the light sensing area type. [Figure 4a-4c] This figure shows a third embodiment in which the sensing area is of the ultrasonic sensing area type. [Figure 5] This figure shows an optional improved form of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0032] For clarity, the sizes of the elements shown in these diagrams do not correspond to actual dimensions or dimensional ratios. Furthermore, the same reference number shown in different diagrams refers to the same element having the same function.

[0033] Referring to Figures 1a and 1c, the aerosol generating device 1 comprises a main body 1a and a removable panel 1b. The removable panel 1b can be positioned and clipped onto the front of the main body 1a. The main body 1a includes components that provide operation for the aerosol generating device 1, including a heating chamber for housing a stick containing a certain amount of aerosol precursor material, a heater, electrical circuits, etc. Thus, although the removable panel 1b is part of the housing of the device 1, it can be replaced with another one of a different model (e.g., a different color) that also fits the main body 1a for customization by the owner of the device 1.

[0034] According to the present invention, the removable panel 1b is provided with at least one sensing area 10, for example, a 3x3 matrix array consisting of nine sensing areas 10. These sensing areas 10 are useful for implementing an authentication process to prevent unauthorized persons from using the aerosol generating device 1. Typically, the authentication process may include requesting the device 1 to input an access code or pattern, then the user to input a code or pattern using the sensing areas 10, then the device 1 comparing the entered code or pattern with a stored reference access code or pattern, and unlocking the device 1 only if the entered code or pattern matches a stored reference. Preventing a user from using the device 1 when user authentication may fail may include, for example, cutting off the power supply to the heater inside the device 1.

[0035] According to Figure 2a or either of the following figures, the removable panel 1b may comprise a film 11 of, for example, a plastic material, a magnet 12, a flexible printed circuit board 13 (indicated as FPC), and a first electrical connector element 14 forming the outer surface S of the removable panel 1b. The magnet 12, the flexible printed circuit board 13, and the first electrical connector element 14 may be fixedly mounted on the inner surface of the removable panel 1b so as to face the main body 1a inside the device 1 when the removable panel 1b is fitted onto the main body 1a. The first electrical connector element 14 may be a model designed to connect two circuit boards and is therefore indicated as a BtoB connector in the figure. As will be described later, the flexible printed circuit board 13 is also dedicated to forming an electrical connection and, optionally, to supporting components specific to the sensing area 10. The first electrical connector element 14 is permanently connected to the electrical track of the flexible printed circuit 13 to transmit power from the main body 1a, transfer detection signals from components located on the removable panel 1b to the main body 1a, and / or carry control signals between the components located on the removable panel 1b and the main body 1a. The magnet 12 is part of a closed detector located on the main body 1a. In addition, the film 11 is thin enough for the sensing components forming the sensing area 10 to function through this film.

[0036] The main body 1a is provided with a microcontroller unit 21 (referred to as MCU), a metal element 22, a Hall sensor 23, and a second electrical connector element 24. When the removable panel 1b is fitted onto the main body 1a, the magnet 12 makes contact with the metal element 22, and this contact is detected by the Hall sensor 23, thereby providing a closure detector operation. At the same time, the first electrical connector element 14 and the second electrical connector element 24 are connected to each other, and as a result, the electrical connection from the flexible printed circuit 13 is extended to the microcontroller unit 21 and other electrical components located within the main body 1a. When the removable panel 1b is fitted onto the main body 1a, the Hall sensor 23 transmits a positive closure detection signal to the microcontroller unit 21, which is configured to activate the sensing region 10 once it receives such a positive closure detection signal. Activation of the sensing region 10 includes enabling power supply from the main body 1a to the components supported by the flexible printed circuit 13. Conversely, when the removable panel 1b is not fitted onto the main body 1a, the Hall sensor 23 transmits a negative closure detection signal to the microcontroller unit 21, which is configured to disable the sensing region 10 upon receiving such a negative closure detection signal. Disabling the sensing region 10 includes cutting off the power supply from the main body 1a to the components supported by the flexible printed circuit 13. The positive and negative nature of the closure detection signal can vary. In this alternative embodiment, a positive closure detection signal means that the removable panel 1b is not properly fitted onto the main body 1a, and a negative closure detection signal means that the removable panel 1b is fitted onto the main body 1a.

[0037] The aerosol generating device 1 preferably further comprises at least one light-emitting system located within the device housing for delivering light information to the device user. Preferably, at least a portion of such a light-emitting system may be located within a removable panel 1b. It may comprise at least one light source 15 (e.g., LED type), a light source driver circuit 16 labeled as an LED driver in the figure, and optionally at least one light guide 17 located within a film 11 for delivering light information at a desired location on the outer surface S of the removable panel 1b. The light source driver circuit 16 may be provided as an integrated circuit. This light-emitting system forms a dedicated user interface for informing the device user about the current state of the device, particularly the availability of aerosols for vaping, during an authentication process or a registration process for storing a reference access code or pattern. Each light source 15 is preferably located on a flexible printed circuit 13 within the removable panel 1b. The light source driver circuit 16 may also be located on the flexible printed circuit 13 and controlled by a microcontroller unit 21, and connected to be powered through electrical connector elements 14 and 24. Alternatively, the light source driving circuit 16 may be located within the main body 1a and connected to each light source 15 through electrical connector elements 14 and 24. In some cases, nine light sources 15 may be provided and optically coupled to nine sensing regions 10 through appropriate light guides 17 to indicate the location of the sensing regions 10 within the outer surface S in a user-friendly manner.

[0038] Figures 2a to 2c relate to embodiments of the present invention in which the sensing region is of the capacitive sensing region type. Each sensing region 10 then includes its respective sensor electrode, indicated by reference numeral 10c. In such embodiments, device 1 comprises a capacitive-to-digital converter 18, denoted as CDC, electrically connected to each sensor electrode 10c. The capacitive-to-digital converter 18 may be provided as an integrated circuit. In a well-known manner, each sensor electrode 10c needs to be supplied with an excitation signal by the converter 18, which collects detection signals from each sensor electrode 10c and converts these detection signals into digital detection signals to be transmitted to the microcontroller unit 21. To perform this signal conversion, the converter 18 includes a multiplexer 18a (denoted as MUX) for multiplexing the detection signals generated individually from all sensor electrodes 10c, a Σ-Δ modulator 18b, a digital filter 18c, and, for example, I 2 Type C (I 2 C may include connected components consisting of a serial communication interface 18d (C is an abbreviation for inter-integrated circuit interface). One operation of the sensing region 10 includes supplying an excitation signal to the corresponding sensor electrode 10c and using the transducer 18 to detect whether the user's finger 100 generates a change in current flowing back from the sensor electrode 10c in the same sensing region 10. The transducer 18 constitutes a sensing circuit in the sense used as in the general description of the present invention.

[0039] The converter 18 can be powered from a power supply 25 in the main unit 1a via a dedicated control switch 20. For example, the control switch 20 may be a MOSFET. Then, the source terminal of the MOSFET 20 is connected to the VDD terminal of the converter 18, the drain terminal of the MOSFET 20 is connected to the power supply 25, and the gate terminal of the MOSFET 20 is connected to the control output I / O of the microcontroller unit 21. Thus, by appropriately configuring the microcontroller unit 21, it is possible to conditionally allow power supply to the converter 18 based on a closed detection signal issued by the Hall sensor 23.

[0040] Figure 2a corresponds to an embodiment of the present invention having a capacitive sensing region, in which the sensor electrode 10c and the transducer 18 are integrated into a removable panel 1b on the flexible printed circuit board 13. The light source driver circuit 16 and MOSFET 20 are also integrated again into the removable panel 1b on the flexible printed circuit board 13.

[0041] Figure 2b corresponds to another embodiment having a capacitive sensing region, but only the sensor electrode 10c is integrated into a removable panel 1b on the flexible printed circuit 13. The converter 18, light source drive circuit 16, and MOSFET 20 are integrated into the main body 1a.

[0042] Figure 2c corresponds to yet another embodiment having a capacitive sensing region, in which all the following components, namely the sensor electrode 10c, the transducer 18, the light source driving circuit 16, and the MOSFET 20, are integrated into the main body 1a. In such an embodiment, the function of the flexible printed circuit 13 is limited to electrically connecting each light source 15 to the first electrical connector element 14.

[0043] Figures 3a to 3c relate to embodiments of the present invention in which the sensing regions are of the photosensing region type. Each sensing region 10 is then denoted using the reference symbol 10p. Each includes a photodetector. Such a photodetector 10p may be, for example, a photodiode. It is connected to the input terminal of each amplifier 10', which outputs an amplified detection signal and transmits it to the respective input terminal of the microcontroller unit 21. The amplifiers 10' together constitute at least one sensing circuit in the sense used as used in the general description of the present invention. The microcontroller unit 21 may also have output control terminals, each connected to an additional light source 10'' which is dedicated one-to-one with the photodetector 10p. The operation of one of the sensing regions 10 includes activating the corresponding additional light source 10'' for emission and detecting whether the user's finger 100 produces a reflection of some of the light generated by this additional light source 10'' to the photodetector 10p of the same sensing region 10. In such embodiments, the cutting off of power to the amplifiers 10' can be controlled by the microcontroller unit 21 in a similar manner to that described above for the transducer 18.

[0044] Figure 3a corresponds to an embodiment of the present invention by light-sensing region type, in which a photodetector 10p, an amplifier 10', and an additional light source 10'' are integrated into a flexible printed circuit 13 on a removable panel 1b. The light source drive circuit 16 is integrated into the main body 1a.

[0045] Figure 3b corresponds to another embodiment of the present invention by light sensing region type, in which each additional light source 10'' is suppressed and replaced by one of the light sources 15 for the operation of the corresponding sensing region 10. In this embodiment, the photodetector 10p, amplifier 10', and light sources 15 are all integrated again into a removable panel 1b. The light source drive circuit 16 is integrated again into the main body 1a.

[0046] Figure 3c corresponds to yet another embodiment of the present invention by light-sensing area type, derived from the embodiment in Figure 3b, but the photodetector 10p and amplifier 10' have been moved from the removable panel 1b to the main body 1a. Thus, the function of the flexible printed circuit 13 is again limited to electrically connecting each light source 15 to the first electrical connector element 14. In such an arrangement where the light sources 15 and photodetector 10p are on both sides of the flexible printed circuit 13, the light transmission path 17' is provided through the flexible printed circuit 13. The light transmission path 17' is transparent to the light generated by the light sources 15. For each sensing area 10, the corresponding light sources 15 and transmission paths 17' are arranged such that at least a portion of the light generated by the light sources 15 and reflected by the user's finger 100 in contact with the sensing area is transmitted to the corresponding photodetector 10p.

[0047] Figures 4a to 4c relate to embodiments of the present invention in which the sensing region is of the ultrasonic sensing region type. Each sensing region 10 then includes an ultrasonic transducer, denoted using the reference symbol 10u, and an ultrasonic sensor integrated circuit 19. For each sensing region 10, the ultrasonic sensor integrated circuit 19 is electrically connected to the ultrasonic transducer 10u in a suitable manner to enable control operation of the ultrasonic transducer 10u. One operation of the sensing region 10 then includes supplying a source signal from the corresponding ultrasonic sensor integrated circuit 19 to the corresponding ultrasonic transducer 10u, generating ultrasonic radiation by the ultrasonic transducer 10u toward the outer surface S, and using the ultrasonic transducer 10u and the circuit 19 to detect whether the user's finger 100 generates a change in ultrasonic waves reflected back from the outer surface S in the sensing region of interest. The circuit 19 then outputs a detection signal that is transmitted to the microcontroller unit 21. Each ultrasonic sensor integrated circuit 19 constitutes a sensing circuit in the sense used in the general description of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 4a corresponds to an embodiment of the present invention by ultrasonic sensing area type, in which the ultrasonic transducer 10u and the ultrasonic sensor integrated circuit 19 are integrated on a removable panel 1b on a flexible printed circuit board 13. The light source driving circuit 16 is integrated into the main body 1a. Figure 4a also shows that the power supply to each of the ultrasonic sensor integrated circuits 19 is controlled by the respective MOSFETs 20 in the same manner as described above in Figures 2a and 2c. In the embodiment of Figure 4a, all of the MOSFETs 20 are integrated into the main body 1a.

[0049] Figure 4b corresponds to another embodiment of the present invention based on the ultrasonic sensing area type, in which only the ultrasonic transducer 10u is integrated into a removable panel 1b on the flexible printed circuit 13, while the ultrasonic sensor integrated circuit 19 is integrated into the main body 1a. The light source driving circuit 16 and MOSFET 20 are again integrated into the main body 1a.

[0050] Figure 4c corresponds to yet another embodiment of the present invention according to the ultrasonic sensing area type, in which all the following components, namely the ultrasonic transducer 10u, ultrasonic sensor integrated circuit 19, light source driving circuit 16, and MOSFET 20, are integrated into the main body 1a. In such an embodiment, the function of the flexible printed circuit 13 is solely to electrically connect each light source 15 to the first electrical connector element 14.

[0051] Although the embodiments described above relate to three different types of sensing regions, other types of sensing regions can still be implemented in combination with the present invention. For example, another embodiment of the present invention may use a resistive sensing region.

[0052] In all the embodiments described above, the microcontroller unit 21 is integrated into the main body 1a. In addition to controlling the operation of the aerosol generating device 1 to deliver aerosols to the user and to control the power supply to each sensing area and / or sensing circuit based on a closure detection signal, the microcontroller unit 21 may have the function of performing user authentication and allowing or blocking the use of the device based on the result of the authentication process. For example, the device 1 may be provided with an inertial measuring unit (not shown) which may be configured to trigger a new authentication process each time the inertial measuring unit detects movement after a predetermined duration. In this case, the use of the device 1 is prevented by the microcontroller unit 21, for example, by cutting off the power supply to the heater. The authentication process may be initiated by activating a light source 15 that emits a light signal visible to the user, which signifies that an authentication code or pattern is expected to be entered. If the user does not enter an authentication code or pattern using the sensing area 10, or if the code or pattern entered by the user does not match a pre-stored reference access code or pattern, the power supply to the heater is kept cut off. Power to the heater is restored only if the authentication code or pattern entered by the user using the sensing area 10 matches a previously stored reference access code or pattern, thereby enabling the use of the device. Device 1 may be locked for a predetermined prevention duration (e.g., 3 hours) after a predetermined number of (e.g., 3) incorrect authentication codes or patterns are entered as consecutive authentication attempts. Unlocking of Device 1 may occur automatically at the end of the predetermined prevention duration, or it may be triggered in another way, for example, using an external communication device connected to the aerosol generating device 1.

[0053] In fact, as shown in Figure 5 using reference numeral 26, it may be advantageous to provide short-range wireless communication means with the aerosol generating device 1. These communication means 26 are suitable for connecting to an external terminal 200. Reference numeral C indicates a wireless link between the aerosol generating device 1 and the external terminal 200, and one example of this wireless link is the Bluetooth® method. The external terminal 200 may be a smartphone equipped with a dedicated application for controlling the use of the aerosol generating device 1. Therefore, the external terminal 200 has the following functions, namely, - After multiple consecutive failed authentication attempts are performed using the sensing area 10 of device 1, the unlocking of the aerosol generating device 1 is triggered. - The process involves inputting and storing a reference access code or pattern through the registration process, and then transmitting this stored reference access code or pattern to the aerosol generating device 1 for implementation in the execution of the authentication process by device 1. - The user enters an access code or pattern using the sensing area 10 in the aerosol generating device 1, but the system allows the user to proceed to a two-factor authentication process by additionally checking that the user can simultaneously access an external terminal 200. This can be done. Such a check that the user of aerosol generating device 1 can access the external terminal 200 constitutes an additional authentication process. This improves the reliability of authentication compared to simply entering an access code or pattern on device 1.

[0054] Finally, it is shown that blocking device use during consecutive failed authentication attempts can be replaced by sending a warning signal to the user. Such a warning signal may be emitted by the device's light emission system, for example, by generating a flashing red light.

Claims

1. an aerosol generating device (1) comprising a housing and a heater or induction coil disposed within the housing for heating an aerosol precursor material during use by a user, The housing is provided with at least one sensing area (10) suitable for input by the user in an access sequence, and the aerosol generating device (1) is configured to enable the use of the aerosol generating device (1) if the access sequence input when using the at least one sensing area matches a stored reference access sequence, and to prohibit the use of the aerosol generating device (1) or issue a warning otherwise. The housing includes a removable panel (1b) or cover that incorporates the at least one sensing area (10) and fits the main body (1a) of the aerosol generating device (1), Aerosol generating device (1) further comprises a closed detector (23) suitable for sensing whether the removable panel (1b) or cover is positioned on the main body (1a), and the aerosol generating device (1) is configured to supply power to the at least one sensing region (10) or a sensing circuit (18; 10'; 19) coupled to the at least one sensing region when the closed detector senses that the removable panel or cover is positioned on the main body (1a), and is further configured to prohibit the supply of power to the at least one sensing region or the sensing circuit coupled thereto when the closed detector does not sense that the removable panel or cover is positioned on the main body (1a).

2. The aerosol generating device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sensing region (10) is formed from a flexible printed circuit (13), the removable panel (1b) or cover includes a membrane (11) that covers the flexible printed circuit from the outside of the housing, and the at least one sensing region functions through the membrane of the removable panel or cover.

3. The aerosol generating device (1) according to claim 1, further comprising at least one light-emitting system disposed within the housing to generate light information visible to the user of the aerosol generating device (1), wherein the light information is configured to indicate the current state of the aerosol generating device (1) during an authentication process in which the access sequence is required to be entered when the aerosol generating device (1) is using the at least one sensing area (10), or during a registration process dedicated to storing the reference access sequence.

4. The aerosol generating device (1) according to claim 3, wherein the at least one light-emitting system comprises at least one light source (15) integrated into the removable panel (1b) or cover, and a drive circuit (16) configured to control the operation of the at least one light source, the drive circuit being integrated into the removable panel or cover.

5. The aerosol generating device (1) according to claim 3, wherein the at least one light-emitting system comprises at least one light source (15) integrated into the removable panel (1b) or cover, and a drive circuit (16) configured to control the operation of the at least one light source, the drive circuit being integrated into the main body (1a).

6. The at least one sensing region (10) is of the capacitive sensing region type, and the aerosol generating device (1) is Each sensing region (10) has at least one dedicated sensor electrode (10c), A capacitive-to-digital converter (18) is electrically connected to each sensor electrode (10c) and configured to output a digital detection signal, A microcontroller unit (21) is connected to the capacitive-to-digital converter (18) to receive the digital detection signal and is configured to control the operation of the aerosol generating device (1), including enabling the use of the aerosol generating device (1) only when the access sequence input when using the at least one sensing area (10) matches the reference access sequence, the microcontroller unit (21) is located within the main body (1a), Furthermore, The aerosol generating device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the capacitive-to-digital converter (18) is integrated into the removable panel (1b) or cover, and each sensor electrode (10c) is integrated into the removable panel or cover.

7. The at least one sensing region (10) is of the capacitive sensing region type, and the aerosol generating device (1) is Each sensing region (10) has at least one dedicated sensor electrode (10c), A capacitive-to-digital converter (18) is electrically connected to each sensor electrode (10c) and configured to output a digital detection signal, A microcontroller unit (21) is connected to the capacitive-to-digital converter (18) to receive the digital detection signal and is configured to control the operation of the aerosol generating device (1), including enabling the use of the aerosol generating device (1) only when the access sequence input when using the at least one sensing area (10) matches the reference access sequence, the microcontroller unit (21) is located within the main body (1a), Furthermore, The aerosol generating device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the capacitance-to-digital converter (18) is integrated into the main body (1a), and each sensor electrode (10c) is integrated into the removable panel (1b) or cover.

8. The at least one sensing region (10) is of the capacitive sensing region type, and the aerosol generating device (1) is Each sensing region (10) has at least one dedicated sensor electrode (10c), A capacitive-to-digital converter (18) is electrically connected to each sensor electrode (10c) and configured to output a digital detection signal, A microcontroller unit (21) is connected to the capacitive-to-digital converter (18) to receive the digital detection signal and is configured to control the operation of the aerosol generating device (1), including enabling the use of the aerosol generating device (1) only when the access sequence input when using the at least one sensing area (10) matches the reference access sequence, the microcontroller unit (21) is located within the main body (1a), Furthermore, The aerosol generating device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the capacitance-to-digital converter (18) is integrated into the main body (1a), and each sensor electrode (10c) is integrated into the main body.

9. The at least one sensing region (10) is of the light sensing region type, and the aerosol generating device (1) is Each sensing area (10) is provided with at least one photodetector (10p) dedicated to detecting changes in light caused by the user touching the sensing area, Each photodetector (10p) is electrically connected to at least one amplifier (10') adapted to output an amplified detection signal, A microcontroller unit (21) is connected to each amplifier (10') to receive the amplified detection signal and is configured to control the operation of the aerosol generating device (1), including enabling the use of the aerosol generating device (1) only when the access sequence input when using the at least one sensing region (10) matches the reference access sequence, the microcontroller unit (21) is located within the main body (1a), Furthermore, The aerosol generating device (1) according to claim 1, wherein each photodetector (10p) and each amplifier (10') is integrated into the removable panel (1b) or cover.

10. The at least one sensing region (10) is of the light sensing region type, and the aerosol generating device (1) is Each sensing area (10) is provided with at least one photodetector (10p) dedicated to detecting changes in light caused by the user touching the sensing area, Each photodetector (10p) is electrically connected to at least one amplifier (10') adapted to output an amplified detection signal, A microcontroller unit (21) is connected to each amplifier (10') to receive the amplified detection signal and is configured to control the operation of the aerosol generating device (1), including enabling the use of the aerosol generating device (1) only when the access sequence input when using the at least one sensing region (10) matches the reference access sequence, the microcontroller unit (21) is located within the main body (1a), Furthermore, Each photodetector (10p) and each amplifier (10') is integrated into the main body (1a). The aerosol generating device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the removable panel (1b) or cover is transparent so that the change in light caused by the user contacting the sensing area (10) is transmitted by the light transmission path to the corresponding photodetector (10p).

11. The aerosol generating device (1) according to claim 3, wherein the light source (15) is common to the at least one light-emitting system, which is arranged to illuminate the at least one sensing area (10) in order to make the sensing area functional, and to generate the light information.

12. The at least one sensing region (10) is of the ultrasonic sensing region type, and the aerosol generating device (1) is Each sensing region (10) is provided with at least one dedicated ultrasonic transducer (10u), Each ultrasonic transducer (10u) is electrically connected to at least one ultrasonic sensor circuit (19) configured to output a detection signal, A microcontroller unit (21) is connected to each ultrasonic sensor circuit (19) to receive the detection signal and is configured to control the operation of the aerosol generating device (1), including enabling the use of the aerosol generating device (1) only when the access sequence input when using the at least one sensing area (10) matches the reference access sequence, the microcontroller unit (21) is located within the main body (1a), Furthermore, The aerosol generating device (1) according to claim 1, wherein at least one ultrasonic sensor circuit (19) is integrated into the removable panel (1b) or cover, and each ultrasonic transducer (10u) is integrated into the removable panel or cover.

13. The at least one sensing region (10) is of the ultrasonic sensing region type, and the aerosol generating device (1) is Each sensing region (10) is provided with at least one dedicated ultrasonic transducer (10u), Each ultrasonic transducer (10u) is electrically connected to at least one ultrasonic sensor circuit (19) configured to output a detection signal, A microcontroller unit (21) is connected to each ultrasonic sensor circuit (19) to receive the detection signal and is configured to control the operation of the aerosol generating device (1), including enabling the use of the aerosol generating device (1) only when the access sequence input when using the at least one sensing area (10) matches the reference access sequence, the microcontroller unit (21) is located within the main body (1a), Furthermore, The aerosol generating device (1) according to claim 1, wherein each ultrasonic sensor circuit (19) is integrated into the main body (1a), and each ultrasonic transducer (10u) is integrated into the removable panel (1b) or cover.

14. The at least one sensing region (10) is of the ultrasonic sensing region type, and the aerosol generating device (1) is Each sensing region (10) is provided with at least one dedicated ultrasonic transducer (10u), Each ultrasonic transducer (10u) is electrically connected to at least one ultrasonic sensor circuit (19) configured to output a detection signal, A microcontroller unit (21) is connected to each ultrasonic sensor circuit (19) to receive the detection signal and is configured to control the operation of the aerosol generating device (1), including enabling the use of the aerosol generating device (1) only when the access sequence input when using the at least one sensing area (10) matches the reference access sequence, the microcontroller unit (21) is located within the main body (1a), Furthermore, The aerosol generating device (1) according to claim 1, wherein each ultrasonic sensor circuit (19) is integrated into the main body (1a), and each ultrasonic transducer (10u) is integrated into the main body.

15. The aerosol generating device (1) is further equipped with short-range wireless communication means (26) and is further configured to perform an additional authentication process using communication between the aerosol generating device (1) and a terminal (200) located outside the aerosol generating device (1) and wirelessly connected to the aerosol generating device (1). When the aerosol generating device (1) receives a command from the terminal (200) via the short-range wireless communication means (26), it performs the following actions, namely: The reference access sequence received from the terminal (200) via the short-range wireless communication means (26) is stored in the aerosol generating device (1), and After the aerosol generating device (1) is locked by multiple access sequence input operations that do not match the aforementioned reference access sequence, the aerosol generating device (1) is unlocked. The aerosol generating device (1) according to claim 1, further configured to perform at least one of the following.

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