Method of authentication of a consumable for use with an aerosol generating device

Abstract

The invention relates to a method of authenticating a consumable for use with an aerosol generation device, the method comprising: initiating communication between the aerosol generation device and a first entity to obtain, from the first entity, a consumable for use with the aerosol generation device, the aerosol generation device being associated with a device ID and the consumable being associated with a consumable ID; sending the device ID and the consumable ID from the first entity to a second entity, wherein the second entity is configured to associate and store the device ID with the consumable ID; and verifying use of the consumable with the aerosol generation device.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to an aerosol generating device, such as an electronic cigarette. In particular, the present invention relates to an electronic cigarette capable of contactless payment. BACKGROUND

[0002] Aerosol generating devices, such as electronic cigarettes, are becoming increasingly popular. At the same time, there is an increasing demand for making such devices more intelligent and improving their usability. However, the introduction of additional features on these devices can make them more complex and expensive. Additionally, enabling some of these features can require storing sensitive information on the device, which can lead to potential security issues.

[0003] In some aerosol generating devices, a precursor for generating an aerosol is stored in a removable consumable article, such as a cartridge. Thus, when the precursor is consumed, the cartridge can be easily removed and replaced. Some unauthorised entities produce counterfeit cartridges for use with aerosol generating devices. Such cartridges can be of poor quality and can cause damage to the device and the user. A user can not be able to distinguish between a genuine and a counterfeit cartridge. Thus, a user can unknowingly use a counterfeit cartridge with their device. This is clearly undesirable for both the consumer and the manufacturer of such aerosol generating devices and genuine cartridges.

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to address the above problems. SUMMARY

[0005] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of authenticating a consumable for use with an aerosol generating device, the method comprising: initiating communication between the aerosol generating device and a first entity to obtain, from the first entity, a consumable for use with the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device being associated with a device ID and the consumable being associated with a consumable ID; sending the device ID and the consumable ID from the first entity to a second entity, wherein the second entity is configured to associate and store the device ID with the consumable ID; and verifying use of the consumable with the aerosol generating device.

[0006] Advantageously, using the above method, an aerosol generating device, such as an electronic cigarette, can be used to purchase a cartridge for use from a merchant. The use of the purchased cartridge with the electronic cigarette can also be verified with the help of the merchant and a remote server. In this way, counterfeit cartridges can be identified and the interests of both the manufacturer and the user can be protected.

[0007] Preferably, the use of the consumable with the aerosol generating device is verified based on the association between the device ID and the consumable ID.

[0008] Preferably, the method further comprises storing, at the aerosol generation device, a consumable ID of a consumable for use with the aerosol generation device, whether or not the consumable is authenticated; and transmitting the consumable ID stored at the aerosol generation device from the aerosol generation device to the second entity together with the device ID.

[0009] Preferably, the method further comprises comparing the device ID and the consumable ID received from the aerosol generation device with an association between the device ID and the consumable ID received from the first entity to determine whether use of the consumable with the aerosol generation device is verified; and transmitting a notification to the aerosol generation device if use of the consumable with the aerosol generation device is not verified.

[0010] Preferably, the method further comprises transmitting, by the first entity, the consumable ID to the aerosol generation device after successful acquisition of the consumable.

[0011] Preferably, the method further comprises storing the consumable ID in the aerosol generation device and unlocking the aerosol generation device for use based on the stored consumable ID.

[0012] Preferably, the method further comprises scanning the consumable ID for comparison with the consumable ID received from the first entity and stored at the aerosol generation device; and deleting the consumable ID from the aerosol generation device if the comparison is a match.

[0013] Preferably, the method further comprises transmitting, by the first entity, an unlock command to the aerosol generation device after successful acquisition of the consumable, wherein the unlock command comprises information indicating a number of items in a package of the consumable that are permitted for use with the aerosol generation device.

[0014] Preferably, the unlock command further comprises information indicating a period of use associated with the consumable.

[0015] Preferably, the method further comprises automatically locking the aerosol generation device when the number of items in the package of the consumable are used or when the period of use associated with the consumable expires.

[0016] Preferably, the method further comprises initiating a contactless payment using a contactless payment interface to provide an identity of the aerosol generation device to the first entity when a security condition is met.

[0017] Preferably, the method further comprises wirelessly communicating with a personal computing device, wherein the security condition comprises detecting that the personal computing device is located in proximity to the aerosol generation device.

[0018] According to another aspect of the application, there is provided an aerosol generation device comprising: a processor for performing the steps of the above method; a memory for storing the device ID and / or the consumable ID; and a communication unit configured to communicate with at least one of the first entity, the second entity and the personal computing device.

[0019] According to another aspect of the application, there is provided a remote server comprising: a memory; a communication interface configured to receive a first device ID of an aerosol generation device and a first consumable ID of a consumable from a first entity, and to receive a second device ID of the aerosol generation device and a second consumable ID of the consumable from a personal computing device; and a processor configured to compare the first device ID and the first consumable ID with the second device ID and the second consumable ID, respectively, to verify the authenticity of the consumable.

[0020] According to another aspect of the application, there is provided a computer readable medium comprising software instructions which, when executed by a processor, implement the method as described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0021] Embodiments of the application will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] Figure 1 is an exemplary aerosol generation device with increased availability according to an aspect of the application;

[0023] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing various modules in the device of Figure 1 ;

[0024] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a system in which the device of Figure 1 communicates with other entities in the system;

[0025] Figure 4 is a flowchart of a method performed by the device of Figure 1 according to an aspect of the application;

[0026] Figure 5 is an exemplary user database of various aerosol generation devices;

[0027] Figure 6 is a block diagram of a remote server in the system of Figure 3 ; and

[0028] Figure 7 is a flowchart of a method implemented in the system of Figure 3 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Next, various aspects of the present application will be described. Note that, in the description of the following drawings, the same or similar parts are identified with the same or similar reference numerals. Note that the drawings are schematic, and the ratio of each size is different from the actual size. Therefore, specific sizes and the like should be judged in consideration of the following description. Needless to say, parts including the ratio of sizes and the proportions between the drawings are different from each other.

[0030] Figure 1 A non-combustion aerosol generating device 100, which is an apparatus for inhaling a flavor and / or a stimulant without combustion, is shown. The device 100 has a rod-like shape with a main body 101 extending from a non-mouth end 102 to a mouth end 103. An air passage or path is defined in the main body 101 between the opposite ends 102, 103. The device 100 in the present example is an aerosol generating device or a smoking device, and is hereinafter referred to as an electronic cigarette 100. The electronic cigarette 100 releases a flavor or a stimulant for a user to inhale through the mouth end 103 by vaporizing or heating an aerosol source contained inside the electronic cigarette 100. The aerosol source in the electronic cigarette 100 preferably includes a removable consumable article such as a cartomizer, which the user can place inside a cavity provided in the main body 101, where heating can be provided by a heating element. A temperature sensor can also be provided at the cavity in the main body 101. The construction and operation of such a device are well known in the art and will be understood by the skilled person.

[0031] The electronic cigarette 100 also includes an activation switch 104, which can be configured to perform at least one of turning on and off a power supply of the electronic cigarette 100. The activation switch 104 can be a push button or a touch button provided at any convenient location on the surface of the main body 101 of the electronic cigarette 100. The switch 104 can also include a vibration sensor, a touch screen, a biometric sensor, a voice recognition unit, or any other unit for recognizing an input from a user.

[0032] The electronic cigarette 100 also includes a near field communication (NFC) module 105 in the form of a chip or a tag, which is preferably placed inside the main body 101. The electronic cigarette 100 can have more than one NFC tag 105, for example one placed on the main body 101 of the electronic cigarette 100 and others placed on a cartridge.

[0033] The electronic cigarette 100 preferably also includes a visual indicator 106 placed on the surface of the body 101. The visual indicator 106 can be an adjacent LED in the form of an elongated bar. Likewise, any indicator or feedback method can be used, such as other light sources, mechanical indicators, LCD displays, sound emitters, vibration units, or any other LED configuration, such as a circular array of LEDs. The LED light bar 106 can include multiple LED light bars, where each light bar can optionally be a different color LED. The LED light bar 106 can indicate any status of the device, such as indicating that a Bluetooth-enabled device is being scanned, the battery is low, an error has occurred, or a wireless link cannot be found. Additionally, the light bar can indicate the progress of a continuous operation, such as a pre-heat progress, a scan progress, or a charge progress. This can be accomplished by turning on or off one or more LEDs, turning on or off LEDs of a particular color, or any such convenient LED selection that conveniently informs the user of the status of the device. The LED light bar 106 can be used to communicate to the user the remaining available resources of the device, such as the remaining battery charge or the remaining aerosol-forming substrate, by proportionally or otherwise correspondingly turning on or off multiple consecutive LEDs in the light bar. The progress of any operation as described above can also be indicated in this manner. Alternatively or additionally, information can be communicated to the user by varying the brightness of one or more LEDs or by flashing the LEDs at a predetermined frequency.

[0034] Figure 2 Various components of the electronic cigarette or device 100 are shown. The electronic cigarette 100 includes a consumable module 201a and a heating element 202 that heats to vaporize a consumable article 201b or cartridge placed in the consumable module 201a to release an aerosol containing flavor and / or stimulants for inhalation by a user. In the present example, the consumable article 201b is a nicotine-containing substance. The consumable article 201b can be in the form of a solid or a liquid and is heated by the heating element 202 to release an aerosol without combustion. The heating element 202 can be powered by a power source 203. The power source 203 is, for example, a lithium-ion battery. The power source 203 supplies the power necessary for the actions of the electronic cigarette 100. For example, the power source 203 supplies power to all other components or modules included in the electronic cigarette 100. In alternative examples, the heating element is arranged in a consumable in liquid form.

[0035] The consumable article 201b can include an additional flavor source (not shown) disposed on a side of the mouth end 103, outside of the consumable module 201a holding the consumable article 201b, and generating a flavor to be inhaled by the user together with the aerosol generated from the consumable article 201b. Examples of the flavor source that can be used include tobacco shreds, a formed body including granulated matter formed of a tobacco raw material, a formed body including a tobacco raw material formed to have a sheet shape. The flavor source can include a herbal plant other than a plant such as peppermint or tobacco. A flavor such as menthol can be added to the flavor source.

[0036] The electronic cigarette 100 further includes a first communication module, which can include a contactless payment interface. In the present example, the contactless payment interface is the NFC module 105, as described above. Through the NFC module 105, the electronic cigarette 100 is able to communicate with any other NFC-enabled device. Preferably, the NFC module 105 in the present invention is used for contactless payment using the electronic cigarette 100 to purchase a product or service from a merchant. This will be described in further detail below with reference to Figure 3 and Figure 4 in further detail.

[0037] The electronic cigarette 100 further includes a second communication module, which is preferably a Bluetooth module 204. The Bluetooth module 204, typically in the form of a chip or tag, can be placed anywhere in the main body 101 of the electronic cigarette 100. Using the Bluetooth module 204, the electronic cigarette 100 is able to establish short-range and secure communication with another Bluetooth-enabled device, such as a smartphone. This will be described in further detail below with reference to Figure 3 and Figure 4 in further detail. It should be noted that the second communication module 204 is also able to perform communication using one of the known long-range protocols such as Wi-Fi, 3G, 4G, 5G, etc.

[0038] The electronic cigarette 100 further includes a controller 205 configured to control the various modules or components in the electronic cigarette. The controller 205 can also process data captured by the NFC module 105 and the Bluetooth module 204.

[0039] The electronic cigarette 100 can include a memory 206 and other modules 207 such as additional visual light emitting elements, a display, and a sound emitter. The memory 206 is configured to store the device ID, the consumable ID, and data received from various sensors, as well as usage history and information such as user settings and preferences. A visual light emitting element such as an LED can be provided at the tip of the non-mouth end 102. Such an LED can exhibit a first light emission pattern in a puff state in which aerosol has been inhaled, and a second light emission pattern different from the first light emission pattern in a non-puff state in which aerosol has not been inhaled. Here, the light emission pattern is defined by a combination of parameters such as the amount of light of the light emitting element, the number of light emitting elements in the illuminated state, the color of the light emitting element, and the period of repetition of illumination of the light emitting element and non-illumination of the light emitting element. Different light emission patterns mean that at least one of the above parameters is different.

[0040] Figure 3 A system 300 including the electronic cigarette 100 and various other interconnected entities is shown. The system 300 includes a personal computing device 301, which can be a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop, or a wearable device owned by the user of the electronic cigarette 100. The electronic cigarette 100 can be connected to the device 301 via the Bluetooth module 205. For brevity, the personal computing device 301 is hereinafter referred to as the smartphone 301. To connect the electronic cigarette 100 to the smartphone 301, the user preferably presses the switch 104 on the electronic cigarette 100 for a set period of time or a predetermined number of times. This activates the Bluetooth module 205, which then scans for Bluetooth signals from nearby devices. If the Bluetooth interface on the smartphone 301 is turned on and in discoverable mode, the electronic cigarette 100 finds the smartphone 301 and requests the smartphone 301 to connect or pair with it. When the user of the smartphone 301 accepts the request from the electronic cigarette 100, the two devices pair. Alternatively, the pairing operation can be initiated or requested on the smartphone 301, and the user operates the electronic cigarette 100 to accept and complete the pairing between the electronic cigarette 100 and the smartphone 301. The electronic cigarette 100 preferably stores the device ID, such as the MAC address of the smartphone 301, in the memory 206 so as to be able to automatically connect to it when the smartphone 301 is within Bluetooth range. The electronic cigarette 100 can periodically check the Bluetooth connection with the smartphone 301. The smartphone 301 can run an application (App) through which the user can monitor and control the functions of the electronic cigarette 100.

[0041] The system 300 further comprises a merchant terminal 303, which can be an NFC-enabled point of sale (POS) terminal in a merchant outlet or placed on a vending machine. The merchant terminal 303 has a merchant payment interface, such as an NFC tag similar to the NFC module 105 in the electronic cigarette 100, through which the merchant terminal can communicate with the electronic cigarette 100. As is known in the art, for NFC communication, the devices must be in close proximity to each other to enable communication. In the present application, the user uses the electronic cigarette 100 to pay for a product or service at a merchant outlet or vending machine. To do so, the user brings the electronic cigarette 100 close enough to the merchant terminal 303 and can press the switch 104 or shake the electronic cigarette 100 to enable the NFC module 105 to communicate with the NFC tag on the merchant terminal 303. The electronic cigarette 100 receives data such as the transaction amount, merchant ID, etc. from the merchant terminal 303 and passes the data to the smartphone 301 via the Bluetooth connection established between the two devices. The controller 205 can facilitate this data transfer.

[0042] The merchant terminal 303 can also comprise means for reading the unique device identifier or device ID associated with the electronic cigarette 100 and the cartridge unique identifier or consumable ID associated with the cartridge 201b.

[0043] The system 300 further comprises a financial settlement center 304, which is essentially the issuer server of the bank where the user holds an account. The financial settlement center 304 is able to verify the user details passed to it by the merchant terminal 303 and approve the payment. For brevity, the financial settlement center 304 is referred to hereinafter as the issuer 304.

[0044] The system 300 further comprises an e-vaping server 305 communicably connected to the merchant terminal 303. The e-vaping server 305 is a remote server operated and managed by the manufacturer of the e-vaping device 100 or by a trusted third party authorized by the manufacturer of the e-vaping device 100. The e-vaping server 305 can also be communicably connected to the e-vaping device 100 and to the smartphone 301. The user can access the e-vaping server 305 via the e-vaping device 100 and / or the smartphone 301 connected to the e-vaping device 100 and the merchant terminal 303. In some cases, the e-vaping server 305 can determine adjustable operating settings for the e-vaping device 100 in need of service. In some embodiments, the e-vaping server 305 can determine the composition of the emissions of aerosol using only, for example, the brand and / or model of the e-vaping device 100 or any other device characteristic (e.g. its identifier). In such a case, the e-vaping server 305 has, for example, access to emission test reports related to the brand and / or model of such e-vaping device 100 or any other device characteristic. In some embodiments, the e-vaping server 305 can store device and cartridge information, as explained below. The e-vaping server 305 can also store personal data of the user, such as the user’s ID, user identifier, age, photo, location, preferences, list of authorized users, etc.

[0045] The various entities in the system 300 are preferably connected through a network 306. The network 306 can be a public network such as the Internet. Some communications in the system 300 can occur over a secure private link, such as between the e-vaping server 305 and the issuer 304.

[0046] As used herein, a device ID is a device unique identifier that can be a number or a string of alphanumeric characters or any other form of identification such that it can uniquely identify each aerosol generating device, such as the e-vaping device 100, in a preferred manner. For example, the device ID can be assigned to each aerosol generating device at the time of its manufacture or purchase. In some cases, the device ID can correspond to a product serial number.

[0047] As used herein, the term consumable ID is a cartridge unique identifier that can be a number or a string of alphanumeric characters or any other form of identification such that it can uniquely identify and authenticate each cartridge, such as the cartridge 201b, in a preferred manner. For example, the consumable ID can be assigned to each cartridge at the time of its manufacture or purchase. In some cases, the consumable ID can correspond to a product serial number. In some embodiments, the consumable ID enables the determination of the properties of the precursor and / or its components stored in the cartridge.

[0048] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other entities such as a directory server, tokenization platform, merchant bank, etc. can also exist in the system 300. Furthermore, the entities in the system 300 can communicate with each other through wired channels or wirelessly. The system 300 also complies with known security protocols and standards established in online banking systems.

[0049] Figure 4 A method of using the aerosol generating device or e-vaping 100 for contactless payment is shown. At step 601, the aerosol generating device is enabled. In this example, the user presses the switch 104 once to turn on the e-vaping 100. The visual indicator 106 can light up to indicate the activation of the e-vaping 100. At this point, the e-vaping 100 is preferably not activated for vaping (e.g., by turning on the heater), but only for turning on the NFC module 105 and the Bluetooth module 204. Alternatively, the e-vaping 100 can be activated by shaking the device or via voice commands. Additionally, a biometric feature can be used to authenticate the user, such as by scanning his or her fingerprint with a fingerprint sensor disposed on the switch 104.

[0050] At step 402, a wireless communication (e.g., NFC communication) is established with the merchant terminal. This can be achieved, for example, when the device is brought near the contactless payment interface. In this example, the user sends a request to a merchant (e.g., a cashier in a store) or makes a selection on a vending machine (e.g., a ticket machine at a station) to initiate a payment process using the merchant terminal 303. For example, the user can request and select a specific flavor of consumable compatible with the e-vaping 100 at an e-vaping merchant location. Subsequently, the user brings the e-vaping 100 near the merchant terminal 303 to establish an NFC connection.

[0051] At step 403, it is determined whether a signal is received from the payment interface. In this example, under normal circumstances, the NFC module 105 in the e-vaping 100 detects the NFC tag in the merchant terminal 303, and vice versa. The merchant terminal 303 sends a signal to the e-vaping 100 via the established NFC connection to solicit the user's payment credentials from the e-vaping 100. If the e-vaping 100 does not receive the signal, the user can need to bring the device closer to the merchant terminal 602 to establish the connection.

[0052] At step 404, it is determined whether the aerosol generating device can detect the user electronic device. In the present example, upon receiving the signal from the merchant terminal 303, the controller 205 scans for Bluetooth enabled devices in its vicinity via the Bluetooth module 204 to determine whether the smartphone 301 is in the vicinity of the electronic cigarette 100. If the smartphone 301 is previously authenticated and connected to the electronic cigarette 100, the electronic cigarette 100 matches the MAC address of the smartphone 301 stored in the memory 206. The electronic cigarette 100 can also quickly establish a connection with the smartphone 301. However, establishing a connection or communication with the smartphone 301 is optional. As long as the electronic cigarette 100 can detect the previously authenticated smartphone 301 in its vicinity, the flow proceeds to step 606. However, if the electronic cigarette 100 fails to detect the smartphone 301 to authenticate the user, the flow proceeds to step 605. At step 405, the transaction is declined. In the present example, the smartphone 301 fails to be detected and the electronic cigarette 100 is unable to authenticate the user. The merchant terminal 303 waits for a set amount of time (typically a few seconds) to receive payment credentials, after which the transaction is aborted.

[0053] At step 406, the identity of the aerosol generating device is sent to the merchant terminal. In the present example, upon detecting the smartphone 301, the electronic cigarette 100 sends its device ID to the merchant terminal 303. The controller 205 can facilitate sending the device ID to the merchant terminal 303 via the NFC module 105.

[0054] At step 407, the device identity is forwarded to the server. In the present example, upon receiving the device ID from the electronic cigarette 100, the merchant terminal 303 sends the device ID to the electronic cigarette server 305. The electronic cigarette server 100 stores user profiles of users, including usernames, ages, registered vaping devices (one or more) and their corresponding device IDs, registered payment methods (e.g. credit card information), etc.

[0055] At step 408, the payment credentials of the user are retrieved from the server using the device identity. In the present example, the electronic cigarette server 305 maintains a database of all users registered with it and securely stores user profiles of these users, including payment credentials. The electronic cigarette server 305 searches for the device ID of the associated user in the database and retrieves the payment credentials of the user, such as the registered credit card information associated with the device ID. Figure 5 An example of such a database 500 is shown.

[0056] In the database 500, a profile of each user registered with the e-Cig server 305 is stored. In each user profile, information such as a user name, associated e-Cig device IDs, payment credentials, vaping history, home address, etc. are stored. For example, the second row of the database 500 stores a profile of a user named Tim, who has three e-Cig IDs associated with his profile, a Visa credit card associated with his profile, and his home address is stored in the database. After authenticating the user, the e-Cig server 305 can allow the user to edit or add information to the profile stored in the database 500. It should be understood that the fields shown in the database 500 are non-limiting, and more fields can be stored in the database as known to those skilled in the art.

[0057] At step 409, the payment credentials are sent to the financial clearing house. In the present example, the e-Cig server 305 sends the retrieved payment credentials of the user back to the merchant terminal 303 to process the payment, and subsequently the merchant terminal 303 transmits the received payment credentials to the issuer 304. Alternatively, the e-Cig server 305 sends the retrieved payment credentials of the user directly to the issuer 304 to process the payment. The e-Cig server 305 preferably sends the payment credentials to the issuer 304 through a secure channel to minimize any risk of network fraud.

[0058] At step 410, an approval is received from the financial clearing house. In the present example, the issuer 304 verifies the payment credentials received from the e-Cig server 305 in order to approve the payment. If the issuer 304 is unsure of the payment, the issuer can use one or more known methods to authenticate the user, such as sending a one-time password (OTP) to the smartphone 301 or requiring the user to confirm the transaction via a banking application on the smartphone 301. If the issuer 304 is confident of the transaction and there are sufficient funds in the user's account, the issuer approves the payment and sends a confirmation to the e-Cig server 305, which in turn sends a confirmation signal to the merchant terminal 303. Upon receiving the confirmation, the merchant terminal 303 can display a payment approval message for the merchant on its screen. The user can also receive a confirmation directly from the issuer 304 via the smartphone 301. This can take the form of a recent message on the banking application from the issuer 304 or a text on the smartphone 301.

[0059] However, if the verification fails or the user's account is not funded, the issuer 304 declines the transaction and also communicates the transaction to the merchant terminal 303 in the same manner as above.

[0060] In the above method, the electronic cigarette 100 is used as a contactless payment device for initiating a payment process with the merchant terminal 303. However, the electronic cigarette 100 uses the user's smartphone 301 to authenticate the user and sends the device ID to the merchant terminal via the electronic cigarette server 305 for further processing of the payment. Subsequently, the electronic cigarette server 100 uses the device ID to retrieve the user's payment credentials and completes the payment process with the issuer 304. In the event that the smartphone 301 is not detected, the electronic cigarette 100 is unable to process the payment, making the payment process more secure. Furthermore, since the electronic cigarette 100 does not store the user's payment credentials, there is no data security issue with using the electronic cigarette 100 to make payments. By acting as an intermediary payment initiation device between the merchant terminal 303 and the smartphone 301, the aerosol generating device 100 of the present application provides convenience and higher usability without increasing complexity or compromising the security of online transactions.

[0061] In an alternative embodiment, the smartphone 301 stores the user's payment credentials and is capable of processing payments between the merchant terminal 303 and the issuer 304. In this embodiment, the electronic cigarette 100 connects with the merchant terminal 303 using NFC and sends the signal received from the merchant terminal 303 to the smartphone 301. The electronic cigarette 100 receives the user's payment credentials from the smartphone 301 using Bluetooth connection and sends the received payment credentials to the merchant terminal 303 using NFC. Subsequently, the merchant terminal 303 sends the payment credentials of the issuer 304 to process the payment. Thus, payments are made using the smartphone 301, but via the electronic cigarette 100 as an intermediary to increase security.

[0062] Figure 6 A block diagram showing various components in the electronic cigarette server 305 is shown. The electronic cigarette server 305 includes a processor 301, which can include one or more processing units to execute various instructions (such as associating device IDs and consumable IDs), and a memory 602 to store these instructions and other information. The memory 602 can include, but is not limited to, random access memory (RAM) such as dynamic RAM (DRAM) or static RAM (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), and non-volatile RAM (NVRAM). The above memory types are merely exemplary and thus do not limit the type of memory usable to store computer program.

[0063] The memory 602 comprises a database 500 storing device and user information such as user ID, device ID, consumable ID, etc. The database 500 can be integrated in the remote server 305 or it can be external to the remote server 305 and can be remotely located. For example, the remote server 305 can comprise one or more hard drives as storage devices.

[0064] The processor 601 is operatively coupled to the communication interface 604 so that the remote server 305 is able to communicate with other devices of the system 300 such as the smartphone 301 and the merchant terminal 303. For example, the communication interface 604 can receive a communication from another component of the system 300 over the network 306 depending on the function of the e-vaping server 305 in the context of the system 300.

[0065] Figure 7 A flowchart 700 of a method according to another aspect of the application as implemented in the system 300 is shown. It should be noted that not all steps are shown in the figure and that the steps do not have to be executed in the order shown.

[0066] At step 701, a consumable item associated with a consumable ID is obtained from a first entity for use with an aerosol generating device associated with a device ID. In the present example, a user uses a consumable item such as a cartridge 201b with an e-vaping device 100. When the cartridge used with the e-vaping device 100 is depleted or a replacement cartridge is needed, the user can purchase a new cartridge from a merchant who is authorized to sell such cartridges. As explained above, the user can walk into a store and use the e-vaping device 100 as a payment device to purchase a new cartridge such as the cartridge 201b. When the user brings the e-vaping device 100 near the merchant terminal 303, the NFC reader in the merchant terminal 303 engages or communicates with the NFC module in the e-vaping device 100 to initiate a payment using contactless payment technology. It should be noted that the merchant terminal 303 can be a point-of-sale (PoS) terminal in a store or a vending machine located in any public place.

[0067] The electronic cigarette 100 can further comprise a device identification element configured to provide a device identifier (device ID) to the merchant terminal 303. The identification element can be integrated into the electronic cigarette 100 or be provided on the outer surface of the electronic cigarette body. In case the identification element is integrated into the electronic cigarette 100, the element can be formed by a chip comprising a memory storing the device ID and being able to communicate with external devices, like the merchant terminal 303, to transmit the identifier using a known short-range communication protocol, like for example NFC. In case the identification element is provided on the outer surface of the electronic cigarette body, the identification element can be formed by a label comprising for example a QR code or a barcode encrypting the device ID. In variants, the device identifier is written on the label using for example alphanumeric characters.

[0068] The cartridge 201b can also comprise a cartridge identification element configured to provide a cartridge unique identifier or consumable ID. Like the device identification element of the electronic cigarette 100, the cartridge identification element can be formed by a chip comprising a memory storing the consumable ID so as to be able to communicate with external devices to transmit the identifier using a known short-range communication protocol, like for example NFC. According to other embodiments, the cartridge identification element can be formed by a label comprising for example a QR code or a barcode encrypting the consumable ID. In variants, the consumable ID is written on the label using for example alphanumeric characters.

[0069] The consumable ID provided by the cartridge identification element can be read using identification devices. Depending on the nature of the element, these identification devices comprise a camera / cine camera and / or an RF reader and / or an optical reader and / or a mechanical / electronic contact surface. In some cases, such identification devices can be integrated into the electronic cigarette 100 so that the consumable ID can be read by the consumable module 201a. In some other embodiments, the identification devices can be integrated into a mobile device associated with the electronic cigarette 100, like a smartphone 301, or any other external device, like the merchant terminal 303.

[0070] At step 702, the device ID and consumable ID are sent from the first entity to a second entity that associates and stores the device ID with the consumable ID. In the present example, when a cartomiser 201b is purchased using the e-cigarette 100, the merchant terminal 303 reads the device ID from the e-cigarette 100 and the consumable ID from the cartomiser 201b. If payment is not made using the e-cigarette 100, the merchant can still require the user to scan the e-cigarette 100 at the merchant terminal 303 or other scanning terminal to read the device ID. Once the transaction is confirmed, the merchant terminal 303 sends the device ID and consumable ID to the e-cigarette server 305. Subsequently, the e-cigarette server 305 associates the device ID with the consumable ID and stores them together in the database 500. It should be noted that a consumable or cartomiser 201b can be purchased within a package that includes multiple individual cartomisers or tobacco rods.

[0071] At step 703, the consumable ID is verified to authenticate the consumable. In the present example, the cartomiser 201b for use with the e-cigarette 100 is verified, i.e. it is ensured that the cartomiser 201b is not counterfeit and suitable for inhalation. This can be achieved in a number of ways, as explained below.

[0072] In a first embodiment, the user purchases a cartomiser 201b within a package having multiple cartomisers, and the consumable ID or package ID is provided on the package, for example in the form of a barcode or QR code. Alternatively, the consumable ID or package ID can be sent directly to the e-cigarette 100 by the merchant terminal 303. This is then stored by the e-cigarette 100. Later, when the user needs to use the purchased cartomiser 201b with the e-cigarette 100, the e- cigarette 100 reads the consumable ID to determine whether the cartomiser 201b is genuine and uses the cartomiser to enable or unlock the e-cigarette 100 for use. Once the data is read, the consumable ID stored on the e-cigarette 100 can be deleted or invalidated so that it can only be used once. In this way, it is prevented that an unauthorised party subsequently uses the package to store consumables that are not necessarily authorised or safe, thereby reducing the likelihood of counterfeiting.

[0073] In a second embodiment, the merchant terminal 303 sends an unlock command containing information indicating the number of cartridges in a pack or the time period of cartridge usage. The electronic cigarette 100 has an internal counter, included in another module 207, to monitor usage consumption and the controller 205 locks the device upon determining that the cartridge 201b is exhausted. For example, if a user purchases 2 packs (each containing 30 individual cartridges), an unlock command is sent to the electronic cigarette 100, allowing it to authorise 60 cartridges for use with the electronic cigarette 100. After all 60 cartridges are consumed, the electronic cigarette 100 automatically locks the device. Advantageously, this prevents unauthorised users from using the electronic cigarette 100 unless they have the device at the time of purchasing cartridges. This also helps to prevent the use of counterfeit consumables, as only the number of packs purchased from an authorised merchant are allowed for use with the electronic cigarette 100.

[0074] In a third embodiment, no information or unlock command is sent back to the electronic cigarette 100. At the time of purchase, the device ID and consumable ID are only sent to the electronic cigarette server 305 to store the association in the database 500. As described above, each time the user unlocks the device with a consumable ID or pack ID, the electronic cigarette 100 records and stores the consumable ID or pack ID internally in the memory 206, regardless of the authentication of the consumable. Subsequently, when the user connects the electronic cigarette 100 to the smartphone 301, the information about the device, the cartridges or packs consumed, and the information about the puff records and usage history are uploaded to the electronic cigarette server 305. The electronic cigarette server 305 then compares the uploaded device and consumable information with the association information stored in the database 500 at the time of purchase. In other words, the device ID and consumable ID stored on the electronic cigarette 100 are compared with the device ID and consumable ID stored on the electronic cigarette server 305. This comparison can be used to identify any unauthorised packs (e.g. packs stolen from the merchant terminal 303, counterfeit packs with a fake ID), unauthorised devices (e.g. stolen electronic cigarettes), or for regulatory purposes. In this case, the electronic cigarette server 305 preferably sends a warning message to the owner of the electronic cigarette 100 that the electronic cigarette 100 has used non-genuine consumables.

[0075] The foregoing description of illustrative embodiments has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or from practice of the disclosed embodiments.

[0076] The processing steps described herein as being carried out by a master control unit or controller can be stored in a non-transitory computer readable medium or storage associated with the master control unit. The computer readable medium can include non-volatile and volatile media. Volatile media can include semiconductor memories and dynamic memories, among others. Non-volatile media can include optical and magnetic disks, among others.

[0077] The skilled person will readily appreciate that the foregoing description of the preceding embodiments is not limiting; features of each embodiment can be incorporated into other embodiments as appropriate.

Claims

1. A method of authenticating a consumable for use with an aerosol generation device, the method comprising: initiating communication between the aerosol generation device and a first device to obtain, from the first device, a consumable for use with the aerosol generation device, the aerosol generation device being associated with a device ID and the consumable being associated with a consumable ID; sending the device ID and the consumable ID from the first device to a second device, wherein the second device is configured to associate and store the device ID with the consumable ID; and verifying use of the consumable with the aerosol generation device, wherein the use of the consumable with the aerosol generation device is verified based on the association between the device ID and the consumable ID.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: storing a consumable ID of the consumable for use with the aerosol generation device at the aerosol generation device, whether the consumable is authenticated or not; and sending the consumable ID stored at the aerosol generation device from the aerosol generation device to the second device along with the device ID.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, further comprising: comparing the device ID and consumable ID received from the aerosol generation device with the association between the device ID and consumable ID received from the first device to determine whether the use of the consumable with the aerosol generation device is verified; and sending a notification to the aerosol generation device if the use of the consumable with the aerosol generation device is not verified.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising sending, by the first device, the consumable ID to the aerosol generation device upon successful obtaining of the consumable.

5. The method of claim 4, further comprising storing the consumable ID in the aerosol generation device and unlocking the aerosol generation device for use based on the stored consumable ID.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising scanning the consumable ID for comparison with the consumable ID received from the first device and stored at the aerosol generation device; and deleting the consumable ID from the aerosol generation device if the comparison is a match.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising sending, by the first device to the aerosol generating device, an unlock command after successfully obtaining the consumable, wherein, the unlock command includes information indicating a number of items in a package of the consumable that are allowed for use with the aerosol generation device.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, the unlock command further includes information indicating a period of use associated with the consumable.

9. The method of any one of claims 7 or 8, further comprising automatically locking the aerosol generation device when the number of items in the package of the consumable are used or when the period of use associated with the consumable expires.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising initiating a contactless payment using a contactless payment interface to provide an identity of the aerosol generation device to the first device when a safety condition is met.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising wirelessly communicating with a personal computing device, wherein, the safety condition includes detecting that the personal computing device is located in proximity to the aerosol generation device.

12. An aerosol generation device, comprising: a processor to perform steps in the method of any of claims 1 to 11; a memory to store the device ID and / or the consumable ID; and a communication unit configured to communicate with at least one of the first device, the second device, and the personal computing device.

13. A remote server comprising: a memory; a communication interface configured to receive a first device ID of an aerosol generating device and a first consumable ID of a consumable from a first device, and to receive a second device ID of the aerosol generating device and a second consumable ID of the consumable from a personal computing device; and a processor configured to compare the first device ID and the first consumable ID with the second device ID and the second consumable ID, respectively, to verify authenticity of the consumable.

14. A computer readable medium comprising software instructions which, when executed by a processor, implement the method of any of claims 1 to 11.

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