Smoking devices with certification

Abstract

An aerosol generation system is proposed, comprising an aerosol generating device configured to generate aerosols, the aerosol generating device having a locked state and an unlocked state, wherein in the locked state, the aerosol generating device is prohibited from generating aerosols, and in the unlocked state, the aerosol generating device is permitted to generate aerosols. The system further includes a receiving device configured to at least partially receive the aerosol generating device, wherein each of the aerosol generating device and the receiving device includes a communication interface for communicatively coupling the aerosol generating device to the receiving device, wherein the receiving device includes a control device having at least one biometric sensor configured to authenticate a user of the aerosol generating system based on sensing at least one biometric feature of the user, and wherein the control device is configured to transmit an authentication signal to the aerosol generating device to configure the aerosol generating device to the locked state or the unlocked state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to the field of aerosol generation systems or devices for use in aerosol-generating articles or smoking articles. Specifically, this disclosure relates to an aerosol generation system including an aerosol generation apparatus and a receiving apparatus, an aerosol generation apparatus for such a system, and a receiving apparatus for such a system. This disclosure also relates to a computer-implemented method for authenticating a user at an aerosol generation system, a user device for configuring and / or registering an aerosol generation system, and a method for operating such a user device. Furthermore, this disclosure relates to one or more computer programs and one or more computer-readable media. Background Technology

[0002] Aerosol generation systems or devices typically include an aerosol generating device for generating aerosols and a receiving device or main unit, for example, for storing the aerosol generating device. Typically, the aerosol generating device is designed as a handheld device that can be used by a user to consume, for example, aerosols generated from an aerosol generating article or smoking article during one or more use sessions. Typically, the aerosol generating article includes an aerosol forming matrix, such as a tobacco-containing matrix, and / or a cylinder comprising a liquid. For example, to generate aerosols during use or consumption, heat can be applied or transferred from a heating element or heat source in the aerosol generating device to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating article.

[0003] Exemplary aerosol generating articles for use with aerosol generating apparatus may include an aerosol forming matrix, which is often assembled in the form of a rod along with other elements or components. The shape and size of such a rod may be configured to at least partially insert into the aerosol generating apparatus, which may include, for example, a heating element for heating the aerosol generating article and / or the aerosol forming matrix. Other exemplary aerosol generating articles may include a cylinder containing a liquid that can evaporate during a user's consumption of the aerosol. Furthermore, the shape and size of such a cylinder may be configured to at least partially insert into the aerosol generating apparatus. Alternatively, the cylinder may be fixedly mounted to the aerosol generating apparatus and refilled by inserting liquid into the cylinder.

[0004] In some conventional aerosol generation systems or stand-alone aerosol generation devices, fingerprint sensors are arranged on the handheld aerosol generator for user authentication. For example, document US2015 / 122252A1 describes a handheld vaporizer that includes a fingerprint scanner for locking the vaporizer in the event that no authorized fingerprint is detected by the scanner. However, this can lead to a complex design, construction, and appearance of the aerosol generation device. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, it may be necessary to provide an improved aerosol generation system, an improved receiving device for such a system, and / or an improved aerosol generation device for such a system, for example, providing an authentication device to ensure that only authorized users (e.g., adult individuals or users who have reached a predetermined age threshold), and / or the owner of the aerosol generation system are allowed to use the aerosol generation system, especially to consume aerosols.

[0006] This is achieved through the subject matter of the independent claims, in which other embodiments are incorporated into the dependent claims and the following description.

[0007] The following describes various aspects of this disclosure, along with embodiments and examples of those aspects. It should be noted that various aspects of this disclosure relate at least partially, substantially, or entirely to one or more of an aerosol generation system, an aerosol generation apparatus, a receiving device for an aerosol generation system, and a user device.

[0008] However, it should be emphasized that any features, steps, functions, elements, technical effects and / or advantages described above and below with reference to one aspect of this disclosure are equally applicable to any other aspect of this disclosure, as described above and below.

[0009] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, an aerosol generation system is provided, comprising an aerosol generation device configured to generate aerosols, wherein the aerosol generation device has a locked state and an unlocked state, wherein in the locked state, the aerosol generation device is prohibited from generating aerosols, and in the unlocked state, the aerosol generation device is permitted to generate aerosols. The aerosol generation system (hereinafter also referred to as the "system") further includes a receiving device configured to at least partially receive the aerosol generation device. Each of the aerosol generation device and the receiving device includes a communication interface for communicatively coupling the aerosol generation device to the receiving device. The receiving device includes a control device having at least one biometric sensor configured to authenticate a user of the aerosol generation system based on sensing at least one biometric feature of the user. Furthermore, the control device is configured to transmit an authentication signal to the aerosol generation device, for example via the communication interface of the receiving device and the communication interface of the aerosol generation device, to configure and / or switch the aerosol generation device to a locked or unlocked state. The authentication signal indicates, describes, and / or represents whether the user's authentication was successful or unsuccessful at the receiving device and / or at the aerosol generation system.

[0010] By arranging the biometric sensor at the receiving device and transmitting the authentication signal from the receiving device to the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device can be configured and / or switched to a locked or unlocked state based on whether user authentication is successful or unsuccessful based on sensing at least one biometric feature. For example, it can effectively and reliably prevent unauthorized users from configuring the aerosol generating device to an unlocked state, thus effectively and reliably preventing unauthorized users from using the aerosol generating system to consume aerosols.

[0011] Furthermore, for example, arranging at least one bioassay sensor at the receiving device allows for reliable, efficient, and secure user authentication with minimal modifications to the aerosol generating device compared to arranging at the aerosol generating device itself. In particular, by arranging at least one bioassay sensor at the receiving device of the aerosol generating system, modifications to the geometry, shape, and / or design of the aerosol generating device may not be required, as will be further discussed below.

[0012] In the context of this disclosure, an authorized user (also referred to as a “verified user”) may refer to or represent the owner of the aerosol generation system, an adult, an adult individual, an adult user, a user who has reached the age threshold, a user who has reached adulthood, and / or a user who has been authorized by another authorized user (e.g., the owner) to configure the aerosol generation device. Furthermore, an unauthorized user may refer to or represent a minor user, a user who has not reached the age threshold, a child, or any other user who configures the aerosol generation device without authorization, particularly a user who configures the aerosol generation device to an unlocked state to consume aerosols without authorization.

[0013] Aerosol generating devices can be configured or designed as handheld devices that can be used by a user or authorized user to consume aerosol-generated articles, for example, during one or more use sessions (also known as “experiences” or “experience sessions”).

[0014] For example, an aerosol generating article that can be used with an aerosol generating device may include an aerosol forming matrix, such as a tobacco-containing matrix, which may be assembled in the form of a rod that can be at least partially inserted into the aerosol generating device, optionally assembled with other elements or components. Alternatively or additionally, an aerosol generating article that can be used with an aerosol generating device may include at least one cartridge containing a liquid that can evaporate during user consumption of the aerosol. Such a cartridge may be a refillable cartridge fixedly mounted at the aerosol generating device, or the cartridge may be at least partially inserted into the aerosol generating device.

[0015] The locked state of the aerosol generating device can refer to a locked configuration, and the unlocked state can refer to an unlocked configuration. In the locked state or configuration, the aerosol generating device is prohibited from generating aerosols. This may mean that the aerosol generating device is locked in the locked state to prevent aerosol consumption by the user, and / or the aerosol generating device is configured in the locked state to prevent aerosol generation. On the other hand, in the unlocked state or configuration, the aerosol generating device is permitted or allowed to generate aerosols. This may mean that the aerosol generating device is unlocked in the unlocked state to allow aerosol consumption by the user, and / or the aerosol generating device is configured in the unlocked state to allow aerosol generation.

[0016] Therefore, when the aerosol generating device is locked, it may be unusable by the user to generate aerosols, and when it is unlocked, it can be activated by the user to generate aerosols. In other words, when the aerosol generating device is locked, the user may be prohibited from using one or more functions of the aerosol generating device, including aerosol generation; when the aerosol generating device is unlocked, the user may be allowed to use one or more functions of the aerosol generating device, including aerosol generation.

[0017] The aerosol generating apparatus may include control circuitry for controlling one or more functions or features of the aerosol generating apparatus and / or for processing authentication signals. The control circuitry may include one or more processors for data processing, such as for processing authentication signals. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol generating apparatus may include data storage devices and / or memories for storing data, such as software instructions, computer programs, and / or other data.

[0018] The term "receiving device" can broadly refer to a support device for supporting and / or storing an aerosol generating device. The receiving device can be a portable receiving device. In the context of this disclosure, the construction of the receiving device "for at least partially receiving the aerosol generating device" will be interpreted broadly. For example, this may mean that the receiving device is configured to be physically coupled to the aerosol generating device. Such physical coupling may, for example, include mechanical coupling based on attachment devices, such as hook mechanisms, latching mechanisms, snap-fit ​​mechanisms, etc., upon which the aerosol generating device can be mechanically coupled to the receiving device and / or its housing. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol generating device may be physically coupled to the receiving device based on a magnetic or electromagnetic coupling. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol generating device may be at least partially inserted into the receiving device, for example, inserted into an opening in the receiving device.

[0019] Furthermore, the aerosol generating device and the receiving device can refer to physically separate components or elements of the aerosol generating system. Each of the aerosol generating device and the receiving device includes at least one communication interface for communicating with each other and / or for exchanging data or signals, such as authentication signals. The communication interface of the aerosol generating device and the communication interface of the receiving device can be configured for wireless communication, wired communication, or both. For example, the communication interface of the aerosol generating device and the communication interface of the receiving device can be configured to communicatively couple the aerosol generating device and the receiving device via an Internet connection, wireless LAN connection, WiFi connection, Bluetooth connection, mobile phone network, 3G connection, edge connection, LTE connection, bus connection, wireless connection, wired connection, radio connection, near-field connection, IoT connection, or any other connection using any suitable communication protocol.

[0020] The control device of the receiving device may be configured to control one or more functions or features of the receiving device. The control device may include one or more processors for data processing. Alternatively or additionally, the receiving device may include a data storage device and / or memory for storing data, such as software instructions, computer programs, and / or other data.

[0021] The control device and / or at least one biometric sensor of the control device may be configured to determine, sense, analyze, acquire, and / or detect one or more biometric features of a user to authenticate the user. For example, authenticating a user may refer to or include identifying the user, determining the user's identity, verifying the user's identity, and / or determining whether the user is authorized or verified to configure the aerosol generating device to, for example, an unlocked state to allow aerosol generation.

[0022] Therefore, "successful authorization" for a user can mean identifying the user as authorized to configure the aerosol generating device to a locked or unlocked state based on the detection of one or more biometric features of the user by at least one biometric sensor. "Unsuccessful authorization" for a user can mean failing to identify or successfully identify the user as authorized to configure the aerosol generating device to a locked or unlocked state based on the detection of one or more biometric features of the user by at least one biometric sensor.

[0023] Typically, authentication signals can be used to configure an aerosol generating device into a locked or unlocked state. In other words, an authentication signal can refer to a data signal or data element that allows the aerosol generating device to be configured and / or can be used to configure the aerosol generating device into a locked or unlocked state, thereby causing the aerosol generating device to enter a locked or unlocked state, and / or allowing the aerosol generating device to be switched to a locked or unlocked state. Specifically, causing the aerosol generating device to enter, be configured, and / or switch to a locked or unlocked state may mean or include actuating and / or configuring the aerosol generating device such that it is in a locked or unlocked state.

[0024] For example, when the authentication signal indicates that the user has not been successfully authorized, the aerosol generating device can be configured to and / or switch to a locked state, and when the authentication signal indicates that the user has been successfully authorized, the aerosol generating device can be configured to and / or switch to an unlocked state. For example, the authentication signal can refer to a data signal, such as a binary signal, where a first value can indicate successful authorization of the user at the receiving device, and a second value different from the first value can indicate unsuccessful authorization of the user at the receiving device. Furthermore, if the authorization signal takes the first value, the aerosol generating device can be configured to an unlocked state, and if the authorization signal takes the second value, the aerosol generating device can be configured to a locked state.

[0025] Alternatively or additionally, when the receiving device transmits an authorization signal, the aerosol generating device may be configured to either a locked or unlocked state, and when the receiving device does not transmit an authorization signal, the aerosol generating device may be configured to either a locked or unlocked state.

[0026] Therefore, the authentication signal can be an anonymous data signal or data element indicating whether the authorization of the user was successful or unsuccessful. However, optionally, the authorization signal can indicate one or more biometric features of the user sensed using at least one biometric sensor, such that the aerosol generating device can determine whether the user is authorized to configure the aerosol generating device to a locked or unlocked state.

[0027] Furthermore, the aerosol generating device can be instructed to enter and / or switch to a locked or unlocked state based on an authentication signal transmitted by the receiving device. Therefore, the receiving device can be configured to instruct and / or cause the aerosol generating device to enter and / or switch to a locked or unlocked state based on the authentication signal. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol generating device can be configured to process the received authentication signal and configure itself such that the aerosol generating device is in a locked or unlocked state.

[0028] Furthermore, the control unit of the receiving device can be configured to generate an authentication signal based on one or more determined biometric features. For example, one or more sensed biometric features can be compared with one or more reference biometric features of the user to determine whether the user is authorized or unauthorized. Such one or more reference biometric features can be stored, for example, in the data storage device or memory of the receiving device and / or the data storage device or memory of the aerosol generating device. For example, the control unit of the receiving device can be configured to compare one or more biometric features of the user, such as those sensed using at least one biometric sensor, with one or more reference biometric features stored in the data storage device. Based on this comparison, the control unit of the receiving device can be configured to determine whether the user is authorized to configure the receiving device to a locked or unlocked state. The control unit can also be configured to generate a corresponding authentication signal indicating whether the authorization of the user is successful or unsuccessful based on one or more biometric features sensed using at least one biometric sensor, and transmit the authentication signal to the aerosol generating device. The authentication signal may only indicate whether the user is authorized to configure the aerosol generating device, but may not contain the user's individual or personal data, such as one or more sensed biometric features. Therefore, privacy can be effectively protected.

[0029] However, alternatively, the authentication signal may describe, indicate, and / or represent one or more biometric features, and the aerosol generating device may be configured to compare one or more biometric features sensed using at least one biometric sensor with one or more reference biometric features, which may be stored in a data storage device or memory of the aerosol generating device.

[0030] As mentioned above, for example, arranging at least one bioassay sensor at the receiving device allows for reliable, efficient, and secure user authentication with minimal modifications to the aerosol generating device compared to arranging at the aerosol generating device itself. In particular, arranging at least one bioassay sensor at the receiving device of the aerosol generating system may not require modifications to the aerosol generating device's geometry, shape, and / or design, such as modifications to the mechanical or physical connection between the aerosol generating device and the receiving device. Therefore, based on this disclosure, authentication devices can be added to or implemented within the aerosol generating system, particularly without increasing the complexity of the mechanical connection between the aerosol generating device and the receiving device. For example, arranging at least one bioassay sensor on the aerosol generating device may require protrusions on the outer wall of the aerosol generating device, which could even lead to corresponding modifications to the receiving device, for example, if the aerosol generating device can be at least partially inserted into the receiving device.

[0031] At least one biometric sensor may be at least one of a fingerprint sensor, an iris recognition sensor, a voice recognition sensor, and a camera for facial recognition, used to determine one or more biometric features of a user. Alternatively or additionally, at least one biometric feature may include at least one of at least a fingerprint, at least one iris feature, at least one voice feature, and at least one facial feature that allows for determining the user's identity, identifying the user, and / or authenticating the user. It should be noted that multiple biometric sensors, such as different types of biometric sensors, may also be arranged at the receiving device.

[0032] To authenticate users, one or more reference biometric features may be stored in the data storage device and / or memory of the receiving device. Alternatively or additionally, one or more reference biometric features may be stored in the data storage device and / or memory of the aerosol generating device. Typically, one or more reference biometric features may be stored in the data storage device of the receiving device and / or the aerosol generating device as a biometric signature, biometric signature data, biometric data, and / or biometric signature. For example, one or more reference biometric features may be acquired during an authorization or registration process (e.g., an age verification process) and stored upon completion of the authorization or registration process, as will be further discussed below.

[0033] Depending on the type of biometric sensor or the type of sensor used, one or more reference biometric features may include one or more of the following: at least one reference fingerprint, at least one reference iris feature, at least one reference voice feature, and at least one reference facial feature that allows for determining the identity of a user, identifying the user, and / or authenticating the user.

[0034] The control device of the receiving device and / or at least one biometric sensor may be configured to acquire and / or sense at least one of the following: at least one fingerprint of the user, at least one image of the user's iris, at least one acoustic message including the user's voice, and at least one image of at least a portion of the user's face. Alternatively or additionally, the control device of the receiving device may be configured to authenticate the user and / or determine whether to authenticate the user based on analysis of one or more sensed biometric features, such as by comparing one or more sensed biometric features with one or more reference biometric features, in order to configure the aerosol generating device to, for example, an unlocked state.

[0035] At least one bioassay sensor may be disposed on or within the housing of the receiving device. For example, at least one bioassay sensor may be disposed on the side wall, outer wall, top wall, and / or bottom wall of the receiving device.

[0036] An aerosol generating apparatus may include at least one energy storage device for storing electrical energy and / or for supplying electrical energy to the aerosol generating apparatus, wherein a receiving device may be configured to supply electrical energy to the aerosol generating apparatus to charge at least one energy storage device of the aerosol generating apparatus. In other words, the receiving device may be configured to charge the aerosol generating apparatus and / or at least one of its energy storage devices. At least one energy storage device of the aerosol generating apparatus may, for example, include at least one battery, at least one energy accumulator, at least one capacitor, or any other energy storage device.

[0037] The receiving device can be configured to supply electrical power to the energy storage device of the aerosol generating device when the aerosol generating device is at least partially received by the receiving device. The receiving device may include one or more batteries for supplying electrical power to the energy storage device of the aerosol generating device. The receiving device can be configured to supply electrical power to the energy storage device of the aerosol generating device wirelessly, for example, based on induction. Alternatively or additionally, the receiving device can be configured to supply electrical power to the energy storage device of the aerosol generating device via one or more electrical connectors between the receiving device and the aerosol generating device.

[0038] For example, the aerosol generating device and the receiving device may each include at least one electrical connector for electrically coupling the receiving device to the aerosol generating device when the aerosol generating device is at least partially received by the receiving device.

[0039] For example, the receiving device may include an opening for at least partially receiving the aerosol generating device. By at least partially inserting the aerosol generating device into the opening, one or more electrical connections can be established between the aerosol generating device and one or more electrical connectors of the receiving device. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol generating device may be physically and / or mechanically coupled to the receiving device, such as by coupling it to the housing of the receiving device, such that the aerosol generating device is at least partially received by the receiving device, and such that one or more electrical connections can be established between the aerosol generating device and the receiving device.

[0040] Optionally, establishing an electrical connection between the receiving device and the aerosol generating device, for example via one or more electrical connectors of the aerosol generating device and the receiving device, can trigger the establishment of a communication coupling and / or communication connection between the receiving device and the aerosol generating device, for example, for transmitting authentication signals. For example, at least one electrical connector of the receiving device may be combined with and / or may include a communication interface of the receiving device. In other words, at least one electrical connector of the receiving device may be configured as a communication interface for communication coupling between the receiving device and the aerosol generating device. Alternatively or additionally, at least one electrical connector of the aerosol generating device may be combined with and / or may include a communication interface of the aerosol generating device. In other words, at least one electrical connector of the aerosol generating device may be configured as a communication interface for communication coupling between the aerosol generating device and the receiving device. Therefore, authentication signals can be transmitted from the receiving device to the aerosol generating device via one or more electrical connectors of the receiving device and the aerosol generating device. However, it should be noted that the communication interface of one or both of the receiving device and the aerosol generating device may be physically separate and independent from at least one electrical connector of the receiving device and / or the aerosol generating device.

[0041] The aerosol generation system can be configured to configure, enter, and / or switch the aerosol generation device to a locked state based on one or more locking conditions. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol generation system can be configured to configure, enter, and / or switch the aerosol generation device to a locked state based on determining whether one or more locking conditions are met. Such determination can be performed by one or more of the receiving device, the control device of the receiving device, the aerosol generation device, and the control circuitry of the aerosol generation device. Typically, configuring the aerosol generation device to a locked state based on one or more locking conditions allows for automatic and / or periodic configuration of the aerosol generation device to a locked state. Conversely, it may be necessary for a user to authorize or reauthorize themselves at the aerosol generation system according to one or more locking conditions, so that, for example, when the aerosol generation device or system is lost, unauthorized users can be reliably prohibited and prevented from consuming aerosols using the aerosol generation system or device.

[0042] One or more locking conditions may include at least one of the following and / or may include determining at least one of the following:

[0043] - The maximum number of user sessions using the aerosol generating device since the last successful authorization of the user at the receiving device;

[0044] - The maximum number of charging cycles performed since the last successful authorization of the user at the receiving device; and

[0045] - The maximum time period that has expired since the last successful authorization of the user at the receiving device.

[0046] However, it should be noted that other locking conditions can also be used to configure the aerosol generating device to a locked state, such as the maximum number of aerosol-generated articles used with the system.

[0047] Therefore, one or more of the receiving device, the control device of the receiving device, the aerosol generating device, and the control circuit of the aerosol generating device may be configured to determine at least one of the following: the number of user sessions using the aerosol generating device since the last successful authorization of the user at the receiving device, the number of charging cycles performed since the last successful authorization of the user at the receiving device, and the time period that has expired since the last successful authorization of the user at the receiving device. Furthermore, one or more of the receiving device, the control device of the receiving device, the aerosol generating device, and the control circuit of the aerosol generating device may be configured to compare at least one of the determined number of user sessions, the determined number of charging cycles, and the determined time period with one or more thresholds indicating corresponding maximum values, i.e., maximum number of user sessions, maximum number of charging cycles, and / or maximum time period.

[0048] The usage session may be defined or given, for example, by at least one of the following: the time period during which the aerosol generating device continuously generates or has generated heat, the time period during which the aerosol generating device is activated by the user, and the predetermined number of inhalations performed by the user on the aerosol generating device. Therefore, one or more of the receiving device, the control device of the receiving device, the aerosol generating device, and the control circuitry of the aerosol generating device may be configured to determine at least one of the following: the time period during which the aerosol generating device continuously generates or has generated heat, the time period during which the aerosol generating device is activated by the user, and the predetermined number of inhalations performed by the user on the aerosol generating device.

[0049] A charging cycle can refer to the period of time during which the receiving device continuously supplies electrical energy to the aerosol generating device. During a charging cycle, at least one energy storage device can be partially or fully charged.

[0050] For example, the control device of the receiving device can be configured to transmit a locking signal to the aerosol generating device to enter a locked state when at least one of one or more locking conditions is met. Based on and / or in response to receiving the locking signal at the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device can be switched to, enter, and / or configured into a locked state. Therefore, the locking signal can refer to a control signal used to indicate that the aerosol generating device has entered a locked state.

[0051] The aerosol generating device may also include a data storage device and control circuitry, the control circuitry being configured to determine an authentication indicator based on an authentication signal received from a receiving device and to store the authentication indicator in the data storage device. For example, the control circuitry may be configured to obtain the authentication indicator from the authentication signal. The authentication indicator may indicate, represent, and / or describe whether authorization to the user was successful or unsuccessful. Alternatively or additionally, the authentication indicator may indicate, represent, and / or describe whether the user is authorized to configure the aerosol generating device to, for example, an unlocked state, which allows the aerosol generating device to generate aerosols and / or allows the user to consume aerosols using the aerosol generating device. Storing the authentication indicator in the data storage device of the aerosol generating device allows the aerosol generating device to be effectively, reliably, and securely configured to a locked or unlocked state, and at least temporarily held in the configured locked or unlocked state, for example, even when the user is currently unable to use the receiving device. Protection is also provided in the event of loss of the aerosol generating device.

[0052] Typically, an authentication indicator can represent or refer to a data element corresponding to and / or describing an authentication signal. Therefore, an authorization indicator can be used to configure an aerosol generating device into a locked or unlocked state. In other words, an authentication indicator can refer to a data element that allows the aerosol generating device to be configured and / or can be used to configure the aerosol generating device into a locked or unlocked state, enter a locked or unlocked state, switch to a locked or unlocked state, and / or at least temporarily maintain a locked or unlocked state. Specifically, causing the aerosol generating device to enter, configure, and / or switch to a locked or unlocked state may mean or include actuating and / or configuring the aerosol generating device such that the aerosol generating device is in a locked or unlocked state.

[0053] For example, the aerosol generating device can be configured to and / or switch to a locked state when the authentication indicator indicates that authorization for the user was unsuccessful, and can be configured to and / or switch to an unlocked state when the authentication indicator indicates that authorization for the user was successful. For example, the authentication indicator can refer to a data element, such as a binary data element, where a first value can indicate successful authorization for the user at the receiving device, and a second value different from the first value can indicate unsuccessful authorization for the user at the receiving device. Furthermore, the aerosol generating device can be configured to an unlocked state when the authorization indicator takes the first value, and can be configured to a locked state when the authorization signal takes the second value.

[0054] Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol generating device may be configured to either a locked or unlocked state when the authorization indicator is present or stored in the data storage device of the aerosol generating device, and may be configured to either a locked or unlocked state when the authorization indicator is not present in the data storage device of the aerosol generating device.

[0055] Therefore, the authentication indicator can be an anonymous data element that indicates whether the authorization of the user was successful or unsuccessful. However, optionally, the authorization indicator can indicate one or more biometric features of the user sensed using at least one biometric sensor, such that the aerosol generating device can determine, for example, whether the user is authorized to configure the aerosol generating device to a locked or unlocked state based on a comparison of one or more sensed biometric features with one or more reference biometric features.

[0056] Therefore, the control circuit of the aerosol generating device can be configured to put the aerosol generating device into a locked or unlocked state based on an authentication indicator stored in the data storage device of the aerosol generating device.

[0057] In the example, the control circuitry of the aerosol generating device can be configured to put the aerosol generating device into a locked or unlocked state based on the value of an authentication indicator stored in the aerosol generating device's data storage device. For example, a first value of the authorization indicator can be associated with an unlocked state, and a second value different from the first value can be associated with a locked state of the aerosol generating device (or vice versa). Therefore, when the authorization indicator takes the first value, the aerosol generating device can be configured to be in an unlocked state, and when the authorization indicator takes the second value, the aerosol generating device can be configured to be in a locked state (or vice versa).

[0058] Alternatively or additionally, the control circuitry of the aerosol generating device can be configured to lock or unlock the aerosol generating device based on the presence and / or absence of an authentication indicator in the aerosol generating device's data storage device. For example, the aerosol generating device can be configured to lock when the authentication indicator is not present and / or not stored in the aerosol generating device's data storage device, and can be configured to unlock (or vice versa) when the authentication indicator is present and / or stored in the aerosol generating device's data storage device.

[0059] Furthermore, the control circuitry of the aerosol generating device can be configured to modify, adjust, change, and / or alter the value of the authentication indicator stored in the data storage device of the aerosol generating device upon successful authentication of the user at the receiving device, causing the aerosol generating device to enter and / or be configured into an unlocked state. In other words, the control circuitry can be configured to configure, enter, and / or switch to an unlocked state based on, for example, correspondingly modifying the value of the authentication indicator or based on an authentication signal received from the receiving device. Specifically, the control circuitry of the aerosol generating device can be configured to set the authentication indicator to a value associated with the unlocked state of the aerosol generating device, such as a first value, causing the aerosol generating device to be configured into an unlocked state.

[0060] Alternatively or additionally, the control circuitry of the aerosol generating device may be configured to set the authentication indicator to another value, such as a second value, associated with the locked state of the aerosol generating device, thereby configuring the aerosol generating device to a locked state.

[0061] Alternatively or additionally, the control circuitry of the aerosol generating device may be configured to store an authentication indicator in the data storage device only and / or only when an authentication signal indicates successful authentication of the user at the receiving device. Therefore, the aerosol generating device may be configured to be in one of a locked and unlocked state when the authentication indicator is stored in the data storage device, and may be configured to be in the other of a locked and unlocked state when the authentication indicator is not stored or is not present in the data storage device. For example, the control circuitry of the aerosol generating device may be configured to cause the aerosol generating device to enter, switch to, and / or be configured to be in a locked state when the authentication indicator is not present in the data storage device.

[0062] Alternatively or additionally, the control circuitry of the aerosol generating apparatus may be configured to cause the aerosol generating apparatus to enter, switch to, and / or be configured into a locked state when the value of the authentication indicator in the data storage device of the aerosol generating apparatus is a predefined value. The predefined value of the authentication indicator may be associated with the locked state, for example, a second value of the authentication indicator as described above.

[0063] Alternatively or additionally, the control circuitry of the aerosol generating device may be configured to cause the aerosol generating device to enter, switch to, and / or configure itself to an unlocked state when an authentication indicator is stored in the data storage device of the aerosol generating device. In other words, the control circuitry of the aerosol generating device may be configured to cause the aerosol generating device to enter, switch to, and / or configure itself to an unlocked state when an authentication indicator is present in the data storage device of the aerosol generating device.

[0064] Alternatively or additionally, the control circuitry of the aerosol generating device may be configured to cause the aerosol generating device to enter, switch to, and / or configure itself to an unlocked state when the value of the authentication indicator in the data storage device of the aerosol generating device takes another predefined value that may differ from the predefined value. The other predefined value of the authentication indicator may be associated with the unlocked state, such as the first value of the authentication indicator as described above.

[0065] Furthermore, the control circuitry of the aerosol generating device can be configured to remove, delete, and / or erase authentication indicators from the data storage device of the aerosol generating device, thereby configuring the aerosol generating device into a locked state. In other words, the aerosol generating device can be configured into a locked state when the authentication indicator is absent from its data storage device and / or based on the removal of the authentication indicator from the data storage device. For example, the control circuitry of the aerosol generating device can be configured to periodically erase and / or delete the data storage device used to store the authentication indicator, thereby periodically configuring the aerosol generating device into a locked state. By periodically removing the authentication indicator from the data storage device and / or by periodically erasing the data storage device of the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device can be periodically configured into a locked state. Therefore, it may be necessary for the user to periodically authorize or reauthorize itself, thereby effectively, reliably, and securely preventing unauthorized users from using the aerosol generating device.

[0066] Alternatively or additionally, the control circuitry of the aerosol generating device can be configured to modify, alter, adjust, and / or change the value of the authentication indicator, thereby configuring the aerosol generating device into a locked state. Specifically, the control circuitry can be configured to modify, alter, adjust, and / or change the value of the authentication indicator to a value associated with the locked state, such as a second value for the authentication indicator. By periodically modifying the value of the authentication indicator, the aerosol generating device can be periodically configured into a locked state. Therefore, it may be necessary for the user to periodically authorize or reauthorize themselves, thereby effectively, reliably, and securely preventing unauthorized users from using the aerosol generating device.

[0067] In order for the aerosol generating device to enter, switch to, and / or be configured to be locked, the control circuit of the aerosol generating device may be configured, for example, to remove, delete, and / or erase the authentication indicator from the data storage device of the aerosol generating device based on one or more locking conditions and / or based on determining whether one or more locking conditions are met.

[0068] Alternatively or additionally, in order to put the aerosol generating device into, switch to, and / or configure it into a locked state, the control circuitry of the aerosol generating device may be configured to modify, change, adjust, and / or alter the value of an authentication indicator stored in the data storage device of the aerosol generating device based on one or more locking conditions and / or based on determining whether one or more locking conditions are met. Specifically, the control circuitry of the aerosol generating device may be configured to modify, change, adjust, and / or alter the value of the authentication indicator to a value associated with the locked state, such as a second value of the authentication indicator.

[0069] Typically, configuring an aerosol generating device to a locked state based on one or more locking conditions allows for automatic and / or periodic configuration based on those conditions. Conversely, it may be necessary for the user to authorize or reauthorize themselves at the aerosol generating device according to one or more locking conditions, thereby reliably preventing unauthorized users from using the aerosol generating system or device to consume aerosols.

[0070] One or more locking conditions may include at least one of the following and / or may include determining at least one of the following:

[0071] - The maximum number of user sessions using the aerosol generating device since the last successful authorization of the user at the receiving device;

[0072] - The maximum number of charging cycles performed since the last successful authorization of the user at the receiving device; and

[0073] - The maximum time period that has expired since the last successful authorization of the user at the receiving device.

[0074] The usage session may be defined or given by, for example, at least one of the following: the time period during which the aerosol generating device continuously generates or has generated heat, the time period during which the aerosol generating device is activated by the user, and the predetermined number of inhalations performed by the user on the aerosol generating device. Therefore, the control circuitry of the aerosol generating device may be configured to determine at least one of the following: the time period during which the aerosol generating device continuously generates or has generated heat, the time period during which the aerosol generating device is activated by the user, and the predetermined number of inhalations performed by the user on the aerosol generating device.

[0075] Furthermore, the communication device of the receiving device can be configured to transmit and / or send an authentication signal to the aerosol generating device only when the user is successfully authenticated at the receiving device. Alternatively or additionally, the authentication signal can indicate successful authentication of the user at the receiving device. Therefore, upon receiving and / or in response to receiving the authentication signal, the aerosol generating device can be configured to an unlocked state based on the authentication signal.

[0076] Furthermore, the authentication signal can be an encrypted signal. For example, a key or password can be shared between the aerosol generating device and the receiving device to encrypt the authentication signal. The key or password can be encoded or included in the authentication signal. Alternatively, the key or password can be transmitted separately from the authentication signal. However, any other encryption method can be applied to encrypt the authentication signal. Generally, encrypting the authentication signal reliably prevents attacks, such as replay attacks, by unauthorized users configuring the aerosol generating device to an unlocked state. Additionally, the authentication indicator can be stored in a protected storage area of ​​the receiving device and / or the aerosol generating device's data storage device.

[0077] Furthermore, the aerosol generating device may include at least one heating element configured to heat the aerosol generating article to generate aerosols. The control circuitry of the aerosol generating device may be configured to prevent the user from activating at least one heating element when the aerosol generating device is in a locked state. Additionally, the control circuitry may be configured to allow the user to activate at least one heating element when the aerosol generating device is in an unlocked state. By allowing activation of the unlocked heating element and preventing activation of the locked heating element, it can be ensured that the user can only use the aerosol generating device to consume aerosols when successfully authorized.

[0078] For example, the control circuit of the aerosol generating device can be configured to disable the activation of the heating element based on at least one of the following: disabling at least one heating element, disabling the energy supply device for supplying electrical energy to at least one heating element, and disabling the actuation element of the aerosol generating device for actuating at least one heating element by a user.

[0079] Alternatively or additionally, the flow path of the aerosol through the aerosol generating device can be blocked in the locked state, and the flow path can be opened or unblocked in the unlocked state. Alternatively or additionally, insertion of the aerosol generating article into the aerosol generating device can be prohibited in the locked state, and insertion of the aerosol generating article can be permitted in the unlocked state. However, any other means can be implemented that allows aerosol generation in the unlocked state and prohibits aerosol generation in the locked state.

[0080] Furthermore, the receiving device may include a data storage device for storing at least one age verification indicator indicating that the user has reached or has reached an age threshold. Upon successful authorization of the user at the receiving device, the control device may also be configured to determine and / or verify that the user has reached the age threshold based on the age verification indicator. Additionally, the control device of the receiving device may be configured to transmit an authentication signal to the aerosol generating device, for example, configuring the aerosol generating device to an unlocked state, upon determining and / or verifying that the user has reached the age threshold. Alternatively or additionally, the control device of the receiving device may be configured to transmit an authentication signal to the aerosol generating device only or when the user is verified to have reached the age threshold, for example, configuring the aerosol generating device to an unlocked state.

[0081] Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol generating device may also include a data storage device for storing at least one age verification indicator indicating that a user has reached or has reached an age threshold, wherein, upon receiving an authentication signal, the control circuitry of the aerosol generating device may be configured to verify and / or determine that the user has reached the age threshold based on the age verification indicator. Furthermore, the control circuitry of the aerosol generating device may be configured to put the aerosol generating device into, switch to, and / or configure it to an unlocked state only when the user is verified to have reached the age threshold.

[0082] In the context of this disclosure, the term "age threshold" may refer to or indicate a predefined and / or predetermined age or minimum age for a user of the aerosol generation system or device. For example, in some jurisdictions, the consumption of aerosols may be permitted for citizens or individuals who have reached a certain minimum age and / or whose age is equal to or greater than the minimum age. Furthermore, in at least some jurisdictions, individuals who have reached this minimum age may be considered adults and / or adults. Therefore, the term "age threshold" may indicate, represent, and / or describe a minimum age at which a user should have the minimum age to use the aerosol generation system or device to consume aerosols. Alternatively or additionally, the term "age threshold" may indicate, represent, and / or describe an adult age at which a user above the said adult age may be considered an adult. For example, the age threshold may range from 14 to 25 years old, such as 16, 18, or 21 years old.

[0083] Therefore, an age verification indicator can be used to determine whether a user of an aerosol generation system has reached the minimum age indicated by an age threshold and / or can be a data element that can be used to determine whether a user of an aerosol generation system has reached the minimum age indicated by an age threshold. For example, an age verification indicator can be used to determine whether a user of an aerosol generation system is an adult, whether they have reached adulthood, and / or whether they are an adult.

[0084] For example, an age verification indicator may refer to a flag, tag, numeric data element, and / or binary data element, wherein a first value of the age verification may indicate that the user has not yet reached an age threshold and / or indicates that the user has an age below the age threshold. Furthermore, a second value of the age verification indicator, different from the first value, may indicate that the user has reached an age threshold and / or has an age equal to or higher than the age threshold.

[0085] By determining that a user has reached an age threshold based on an age verification indicator stored in the data storage device of the receiving device and / or the data storage device of the aerosol generating device, it is possible to reliably and effectively prevent users who have not reached the age threshold and / or are under the age threshold from abusing or legally abusing the aerosol generating system or device to consume aerosols. In particular, it is possible to reliably and effectively prevent underage users from using the aerosol generating system or device to consume aerosols.

[0086] In addition, the age verification indicator may be associated with a user. Alternatively or additionally, the age verification indicator may be bound to, tied to, and / or linked to a user. For example, the age verification indicator may be associated with or during an age verification process, registration procedure, or setup procedure, such as an initial age verification process, registration procedure, or initial setup procedure performed before or when the user first uses the aerosol generation system or device.

[0087] For example, an age verification indicator may be associated with a user based on associating one or more reference biometric features of the user with the age verification indicator. These one or more reference biometric features may be stored together with the age verification indicator in the data storage device of the receiving device and / or the data storage device of the aerosol generating device. Therefore, the one or more reference biometric features may be stored separately from the age verification indicator in the data storage device of the receiving device and / or the data storage device of the aerosol generating device. However, alternatively, the one or more reference biometric features may be combined with the age verification indicator.

[0088] To determine and / or verify that a user has reached an age threshold, the control device of the receiving device and / or the control circuitry of the aerosol generating device may be configured, for example, to identify a verification indicator associated with the user in the data storage device by comparing at least one biometric feature of the user sensed by at least one biometric sensor with at least one reference biometric feature of the user stored in the data storage device of the receiving device and / or the aerosol generating device. Alternatively or additionally, the control device and / or control circuitry may be configured to determine and / or identify at least one reference biometric feature that substantially matches at least one biometric feature of the user sensed by at least one biometric sensor, thereby determining an age verification indicator associated with the user and / or the at least one reference biometric feature.

[0089] When the age verification indicator indicates that the user has reached the age threshold, the control device of the receiving device can be configured to transmit an authentication signal to the aerosol generating device, for example, to configure the aerosol generating device to an unlocked state. When the age verification indicator indicates that the user has not yet reached the age threshold, the control device can be configured to prevent the transmission of the authentication signal to the aerosol generating device, for example, to keep the aerosol generating device in a locked state. Alternatively or additionally, the control circuit of the receiving device can be configured to switch, enter, and / or configure the aerosol generating device to an unlocked state when the age verification indicator indicates that the user has reached the age threshold. Furthermore, when the age verification indicator indicates that the user has not yet reached the age threshold, the control circuit of the aerosol generating device can be configured to switch, enter, and / or configure the aerosol generating device to a locked state.

[0090] Furthermore, it should be noted that multiple age verification indicators for multiple users can also be stored in the data storage device of the receiving device and / or aerosol generating device, wherein for each of the multiple users, at least one biometric feature can be stored in the data storage device of the receiving device and / or aerosol generating device. Each age verification indicator can be associated with a user based on associating the age verification indicator with at least one biometric feature of one of the multiple users. For example, each user can be required or requested to perform an age verification process, as described in more detail below. Alternatively or additionally, a user, such as a primary user, can verify the age of another user and add that user as an authorized and / or age-verified user to the aerosol generating system.

[0091] Furthermore, the receiving device can be configured to communicatively couple with a user's device, wherein the receiving device can be configured to store an age verification indicator in its data storage device upon receiving an age verification signal from the user device, wherein the age verification signal indicates that the user has reached an age threshold, has reached the age threshold, and / or has an age equal to or higher than the threshold. In other words, the age verification indicator can be generated based on the user device communicatively coupled to the receiving device. Through the user device, a comprehensive and secure procedure for determining the user's age can be implemented, for example, based on the user's personal data or information, such as the user's ID card, passport, credit card, driver's license, social security number, etc. Therefore, the user's true age can be reliably and definitively determined. Furthermore, storing the corresponding age verification indicator in the data storage device allows it to be ensured that the aerosol generating device can only be configured to be unlocked and / or can only be used by users who have reached the age threshold to consume aerosols. In particular, it can reliably and effectively prevent underage users from using the aerosol generating system or device to consume aerosols.

[0092] In the context of this disclosure, a user device can refer to a computing device configured to communicate with an aerosol generating system and / or a receiving device, for example, based on the exchange of data or information. Generally, a user device can be a handheld or portable device. Alternatively, a user device can be a stand-alone or fixed-mount device. Furthermore, a user device can be owned by a user or another entity or individual (e.g., a retail store), or can be installed at the user's or another entity's or individual's location. For example, a user device can refer to a handheld device, a smartphone, a personal computer (“PC”), a tablet PC, a laptop, or a computer.

[0093] The user device may include a user interface for providing one or more queries to a user and / or for receiving one or more user inputs, such as one or more answers to one or more queries.

[0094] Furthermore, the user equipment may include a communication interface, a communication module, and / or communication circuitry, which are used for communication coupling between the user equipment and the receiving device, for example, through the communication interface of the receiving device. The user equipment may be configured for wireless communication with the receiving device, wired communication with the receiving device, or both. For example, the user equipment may be configured to communicate with the receiving device via an Internet connection, a wireless LAN connection, a WiFi connection, a Bluetooth connection, a mobile phone network, a 3G connection, an edge connection, an LTE connection, a bus connection, a wireless connection, a wired connection, a radio connection, a near-field connection, an IoT connection, or any other connection using any suitable communication protocol.

[0095] The user device of the aerosol generation system may include a user interface and a controller or control circuitry configured to determine and / or verify that the user has reached an age threshold based on guiding the user through an age verification process on the user interface. For example, the controller of the user device may also be configured to transmit an age verification signal to a receiving device upon successful verification that the user has reached the age threshold and / or that the user has an age equal to or higher than the age threshold, or in response to successful verification that the user has reached the age threshold and / or that the user has an age equal to or higher than the age threshold.

[0096] The controller or control circuitry of the user device may include one or more processors for data processing, such as for processing one or more user inputs received at the user interface. Alternatively or additionally, the user device may include a data storage device and / or memory for storing data, such as software instructions, computer programs, and / or other data.

[0097] To guide users through the age verification process, the controller can be configured to provide or output one or more queries and / or one or more requests at the user interface. Furthermore, the controller can be configured to receive and / or process one or more user inputs from the user interface, such as one or more answers or responses to one or more queries and / or one or more requests.

[0098] For example, one or more queries and / or one or more requests may involve a user's personal information to determine and / or verify the user's age. Therefore, the controller can be configured to request personal information or data about the user based on a query at the user interface to provide the requested personal information or data as user input. Such personal information or data may, for example, involve, associate with, and / or indicate the user's identity card, passport, credit card, driver's license, social security number, etc. Therefore, the user's true age can be reliably and definitively determined by guiding the user through an age verification process, thereby allowing it to be ensured that the aerosol generating device can only be configured to be unlocked and / or can only be used by users who have reached the age threshold to consume aerosols. In particular, it is possible to reliably and effectively prevent underage users from using the aerosol generating system or device to consume aerosols.

[0099] Such age verification processes can be implemented through software instructions or applications stored in the data storage device of the user device. Alternatively or additionally, the age verification process can be implemented by connecting the user device to a server, server network, another computing device, cloud computing network, etc., via the user device's web interface.

[0100] Furthermore, the age verification process can refer to the setup or registration process for setting up an aerosol generation system, receiving device, and / or aerosol generation apparatus. For example, the age verification process can be performed for each user of the aerosol generation system, such as as an initial age verification process or initial setup procedure performed before or when the corresponding user first uses the aerosol generation system or apparatus.

[0101] Alternatively or additionally, for a dedicated user (e.g., the primary user, owner, or proprietor of the aerosol generating system), the aerosol generating device can only be set up once. This dedicated or primary user can add one or more additional users authorized to use the aerosol generating system and / or age-verified (or verified to have reached an age threshold). For example, a dedicated or primary user can add one or more additional users based on one or more user inputs at the user interface of the user device and based on transmitting corresponding information to the aerosol generating system, receiving device, and / or aerosol generating device.

[0102] The controller of the user device may also be configured to provide a query to the user at the user interface, requesting the user to acquire, sense, determine, and / or store one or more reference biometric features using at least one biometric sensor of the receiving device. Alternatively or additionally, the controller of the user device may be configured to transmit control signals to the receiving device to instruct the receiving device to acquire, sense, determine, and / or store one or more reference biometric features based on the control signals using at least one biometric sensor of the receiving device. For example, the user may be requested to present one or more fingerprints to at least one biometric sensor, acquire at least one acoustic message using at least one biometric sensor, acquire one or more images of the user's face using at least one biometric sensor, and / or acquire one or more images of the user's iris using at least one biometric sensor.

[0103] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a receiving device is provided for an aerosol generation system, such as the aerosol generation system according to the first aspect of this disclosure. Alternatively or additionally, the second aspect of this disclosure may relate to a receiving device for use with an aerosol generation system, for use with an aerosol generation apparatus, for authenticating a user at the aerosol generation system, and / or for authenticating a user at the aerosol generation apparatus.

[0104] The receiving device according to a second aspect of this disclosure includes a communication interface for communicatively coupling the receiving device to an aerosol generating device of an aerosol generating system, the aerosol generating device having a locked state and an unlocked state, wherein in the locked state, the aerosol generating device is prohibited from generating aerosols, and in the unlocked state, aerosol generation is permitted. The receiving device further includes a control device having at least one biometric sensor configured to authenticate a user of the receiving device based on sensing at least one biometric feature of the user. The control device is configured to transmit an authentication signal to the aerosol generating device to configure the aerosol generating device to a locked or unlocked state, the authentication signal indicating successful or unsuccessful authentication of the user at the receiving device.

[0105] As described above, for example, arranging at least one bioassay sensor at the receiving device allows for reliable, effective, and secure user authentication with minimal modifications to the aerosol generation device compared to arranging at the aerosol generation device itself. In particular, by arranging at least one bioassay sensor at the receiving device of the aerosol generation system, modifications to the aerosol generation device's appearance, geometry, shape, and / or design may not be required. Furthermore, unauthorized users can be effectively and reliably prevented from configuring the aerosol generation device to an unlocked state, thus effectively and reliably preventing unauthorized users from using the aerosol generation system to consume aerosols.

[0106] It should be emphasized that any disclosure relating directly or indirectly to the receiving device presented above and below is equally applicable to the receiving device according to the second aspect of this disclosure, and can be combined with it (and vice versa).

[0107] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, an aerosol generating apparatus is provided for an aerosol generating system, such as the aerosol generating system according to a first aspect of this disclosure. Alternatively or additionally, the third aspect of this disclosure may relate to an aerosol generating apparatus for use with an aerosol generating system and / or with a receiving device of an aerosol generating system.

[0108] The aerosol generating apparatus according to a third aspect of this disclosure has a locked state and an unlocked state. In the locked state, the aerosol generating apparatus is prohibited from generating aerosols, and in the unlocked state, the aerosol generating apparatus is allowed to generate aerosols. The aerosol generating apparatus includes a communication interface for communicatively coupling the aerosol generating apparatus to a receiving device of the aerosol generating system. The aerosol generating apparatus is configured to receive an authentication signal from the receiving device via the communication interface. The authentication signal indicates whether authentication of the user using a bioassay sensor at the receiving device was successful or unsuccessful. The aerosol generating apparatus further includes control circuitry configured to enter, switch to, and / or configure the aerosol generating apparatus to a locked state or an unlocked state based on the authentication signal received from the receiving device.

[0109] It should be emphasized that any disclosures, whether directly or indirectly relating to aerosol generating apparatuses, presented above and below herein are equally applicable to, and can be combined with (and vice versa) the aerosol generating apparatuses of the third aspect of this disclosure.

[0110] According to a fourth aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided for authenticating a user's computer at an aerosol generation system, such as the aerosol generation system according to a first aspect of this disclosure. The aerosol generation system includes an aerosol generation device and a receiving device communicatively coupled to the aerosol generation device, wherein the aerosol generation device has a locked state and an unlocked state, in which the aerosol generation device is prohibited from generating aerosols, and in the unlocked state, the aerosol generation device is allowed to generate aerosols. Alternatively or additionally, the method of the fourth aspect of this disclosure may relate to a method implemented at a receiving device for an aerosol generation system and / or at a computer authenticating a user at the aerosol generation device for an aerosol generation system. Alternatively or additionally, the method of the fourth aspect may relate to a method of operating one or more of the aerosol generation system, the aerosol generation device, and the receiving device.

[0111] The methods according to the fourth aspect include:

[0112] - To authenticate the user by sensing at least one biometric feature of the user using a biometric sensor arranged at the receiving device;

[0113] - Generate an authentication signal at the receiving device indicating whether the authentication of the user at the receiving device was successful or unsuccessful; and

[0114] - The authentication signal is transmitted to the aerosol generating device, thereby configuring and / or setting the aerosol generating device to the locked state or the unlocked state based on the authentication signal.

[0115] It should be emphasized that any disclosures presented above and below that directly or indirectly relate to aerosol generating apparatus, receiving apparatus and aerosol generating system are equally applicable to the method according to the fourth aspect of this disclosure and can be combined with it (and vice versa).

[0116] The method may further include configuring, switching, and / or entering a locked state of the aerosol generating device based on one or more locking conditions. Alternatively or additionally, the method may further include configuring, switching, and / or entering a locked state of the aerosol generating device based on determining one or more locking conditions at the receiving device and / or at the aerosol generating device.

[0117] As described above, determining one or more lockout conditions may include at least one of the following: determining the maximum number of user sessions using the aerosol generator since the last successful authorization of the user at the receiving device, the maximum number of charging cycles performed since the last successful authorization of the user at the receiving device, and the maximum time period that expires since the last successful authorization of the user at the receiving device. For example, a user session may be defined by at least one of the following: the time period during which the aerosol generator continuously generates heat, the time period during which the aerosol generator has been activated by the user, and the predetermined number of inhalations performed by the user on the aerosol generator.

[0118] The method may further include: determining an authentication indicator at the aerosol generating device based on an authentication signal received from the receiving device; and storing the authentication indicator in a data storage device of the aerosol generating device.

[0119] The method may further include locking or unlocking the aerosol generating device based on the authentication indicator.

[0120] The method may further include receiving an age verification signal at a receiving device from a user device communicatively coupled to the receiving device, wherein the age verification signal indicates that the user has reached an age threshold. The method may also include verifying that the user has reached the age threshold based on the received age verification signal at the receiving device. For example, if the user is verified to have reached the age threshold, the authentication signal may only be transmitted to the aerosol generating device.

[0121] The method may further include: determining an age verification indicator at a receiving device based on the received age verification signal; and storing the age verification indicator in a data storage device of the receiving device. Optionally, the age verification indicator may be stored in a data storage device of the aerosol generating device, for example, based on transmitting the age verification indicator from the receiving device to the aerosol generating device.

[0122] The method may further include guiding a user through an age verification process on a user interface communicatively coupled to a receiving device, thereby verifying that the user has reached an age threshold. The method may also include transmitting an age verification signal from the user device to the receiving device upon successful verification that the user has reached the age threshold at the receiving device.

[0123] According to a fifth aspect of this disclosure, a computer program is provided that, when executed by one or more processors of one or more of the aerosol generating system, receiving device, and aerosol generating apparatus, instructs one or more of the aerosol generating system, receiving device, and aerosol generating apparatus to perform or implement the steps of the method according to a fourth aspect of this disclosure.

[0124] According to a sixth aspect of this disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided having a computer program stored thereon according to a fifth aspect of this disclosure.

[0125] The seventh aspect of this disclosure relates to a bioassay sensor located at or disposed at a receiving device of an aerosol generation system for authenticating a user of the aerosol generation system and / or for configuring an aerosol generation system having a locked and unlocked state to the locked or unlocked state based on transmitting an authentication signal from the receiving device to the aerosol generation device, wherein the authentication signal indicates whether the authentication of the user at the receiving device was successful or unsuccessful.

[0126] According to an eighth aspect of this disclosure, a user device for configuring an aerosol generation system, a receiving device for the aerosol generation system, and / or an aerosol generation device for the aerosol generation system are provided. The aerosol generation system may include an aerosol generation device and a receiving device, the receiving device being communicatively coupled to the aerosol generation device. Furthermore, the aerosol generation device may have a locked state and an unlocked state; in the locked state, the aerosol generation device may be prohibited from generating aerosols, and in the unlocked state, the aerosol generation device may be allowed to generate aerosols.

[0127] A user device according to an eighth aspect of this disclosure includes a user interface configured to receive user input and / or guide a user through an age verification process. The user device also includes a controller configured to determine and / or verify that a user has reached an age threshold based on guiding the user through the age verification process on the user interface, wherein the controller is further configured to transmit an age verification signal to a receiving device upon successful verification that the user has reached the age threshold, wherein the age verification signal indicates that the user has reached the age threshold.

[0128] It should be emphasized that any disclosure relating directly or indirectly to user devices presented above and below herein also applies to user devices according to the eighth aspect of this disclosure, and can be combined with (and vice versa).

[0129] As described above, through a user device, a comprehensive and secure procedure can be implemented to determine a user's age, for example, based on the user's personal data or information, such as the user's ID card, passport, credit card, driver's license, social security number, etc. Therefore, the user's true age can be reliably and definitively determined, and, for example, minors can be reliably and effectively prohibited from using aerosol generation systems or devices to consume aerosols.

[0130] Furthermore, a user device can refer to a computing device configured to communicate with an aerosol generating system and / or a receiving device, for example, based on the exchange of data or information. Generally, a user device can be a handheld or portable device. Alternatively, a user device can be a stand-alone or fixed-mount device. Additionally, a user device can be owned by a user or another entity or individual (e.g., a retail store), or can be installed at the user's or another entity's or individual's location. For example, a user device can refer to a handheld device, a smartphone, a personal computer (“PC”), a tablet PC, a laptop, or a computer. A user device may include a user interface for providing one or more queries to the user and / or for receiving one or more user inputs, such as one or more answers to one or more queries.

[0131] Furthermore, the user equipment may include a communication interface, a communication module, and / or communication circuitry, which are used for communication coupling between the user equipment and the receiving device, for example, through the communication interface of the receiving device. The user equipment may be configured for wireless communication with the receiving device, wired communication with the receiving device, or both. For example, the user equipment may be configured to communicate with the receiving device via an Internet connection, a wireless LAN connection, a WiFi connection, a Bluetooth connection, a mobile phone network, a 3G connection, an edge connection, an LTE connection, a bus connection, a wireless connection, a wired connection, a radio connection, a near-field connection, an IoT connection, or any other connection using any suitable communication protocol.

[0132] The controller of the user device can be configured to determine at least one age verification indicator indicating that the user has reached an age threshold based on the age verification signal indication receiving device.

[0133] Alternatively or additionally, the controller of the user device may be configured, for example, to transmit an age verification indicator and / or an age verification signal to the aerosol generating device based on an instruction receiving device, wherein the instruction receiving device stores at least one age verification indicator in the data storage device of the receiving device and / or the data storage device of the aerosol generating device.

[0134] The user device may include a user interface and a controller or control circuitry configured to determine and / or verify that the user has reached an age threshold based on guiding the user through an age verification process on the user interface. For example, the controller of the user device may also be configured to transmit an age verification signal to a receiving device upon successful verification that the user has reached an age threshold and / or that the user has an age equal to or higher than the age threshold, or in response to successful verification that the user has reached an age threshold and / or that the user has an age equal to or higher than the age threshold.

[0135] The controller of the user device may include one or more processors for data processing, such as for processing one or more user inputs received at the user interface. Alternatively or additionally, the user device may include a data storage device and / or memory for storing data, such as software instructions, computer programs, and / or other data.

[0136] To guide users through the age verification process, the controller can be configured to provide or output one or more queries and / or one or more requests at the user interface. Furthermore, the controller can be configured to receive and / or process one or more user inputs from the user interface, such as one or more answers or responses to one or more queries and / or one or more requests.

[0137] For example, one or more queries and / or one or more requests may involve a user's personal information to determine and / or verify the user's age. Therefore, the controller can be configured to request personal information or data about the user based on a query at the user interface to provide the requested personal information or data as user input. Such personal information or data may, for example, involve, associate with, and / or indicate the user's identity card, passport, credit card, driver's license, social security number, etc. Therefore, the user's true age can be reliably and definitively determined by guiding the user through an age verification process, thereby allowing it to be ensured that the aerosol generating device can only be configured to be unlocked and / or can only be used by users who have reached the age threshold to consume aerosols. In particular, it is possible to reliably and effectively prevent underage users from using the aerosol generating system or device to consume aerosols.

[0138] Such age verification processes can be implemented via software instructions or applications stored in a data storage device on the user device. Alternatively or additionally, the age verification process can be implemented via a web interface connecting the user device to a server, server network, another computing device, cloud computing network, etc.

[0139] Furthermore, the age verification process can refer to the setup or registration procedure for setting up an aerosol generation system, receiving device, and / or aerosol generation apparatus. For example, the age verification process can be performed for each user of the aerosol generation system, such as as an initial age verification process or initial setup procedure performed before or when the corresponding user first uses the aerosol generation system or apparatus.

[0140] Alternatively or additionally, for a dedicated user (e.g., the primary user, owner, or proprietor of the aerosol generating system), the aerosol generating device can only be set up once. This dedicated or primary user can add one or more additional users authorized to use the aerosol generating system and / or age-verified (or verified to have reached an age threshold). For example, a dedicated or primary user can add one or more additional users based on one or more user inputs at the user interface of the user device and based on transmitting corresponding information to the aerosol generating system, receiving device, and / or aerosol generating device.

[0141] The controller of the user device may also be configured to provide a query to the user at the user interface, requesting the user to acquire, sense, determine, and / or store one or more reference biometric features using at least one biometric sensor of the receiving device. Alternatively or additionally, the controller of the user device may be configured to transmit control signals to the receiving device to instruct the receiving device to acquire, sense, determine, and / or store one or more reference biometric features based on the control signals using at least one biometric sensor of the receiving device. For example, the user may be requested to present one or more fingerprints to at least one biometric sensor, acquire at least one acoustic message using at least one biometric sensor, acquire one or more images of the user's face using at least one biometric sensor, and / or acquire one or more images of the user's iris using at least one biometric sensor.

[0142] According to a ninth aspect of this disclosure, a computer-implemented method is provided for operating and / or registering a user device to configure an aerosol generation system, a receiving device for the aerosol generation system, and / or an aerosol generation apparatus for the aerosol generation system. For example, the user device may refer to the user device according to an eighth aspect of this disclosure. The aerosol generation system may include an aerosol generation apparatus and a receiving device, the receiving device being communicatively coupled to the aerosol generation apparatus. Furthermore, the aerosol generation apparatus may have a locked state and an unlocked state, in which the aerosol generation apparatus may be prohibited from generating aerosols, and in which the aerosol generation apparatus may be allowed to generate aerosols in the unlocked state.

[0143] The method according to the ninth aspect of this disclosure includes:

[0144] - Guide the user of the user device through the age verification process at the user interface of the user device;

[0145] - Verify at the user device that the user has reached the age threshold; and

[0146] - When verifying that the user has reached the age threshold, an age verification signal is transmitted from the user device to the receiving device, wherein the age verification signal indicates that the user has reached the age threshold.

[0147] It should be emphasized that any disclosures, whether directly or indirectly relating to user devices, presented above and below, are equally applicable to the methods of the ninth aspect of this disclosure and can be combined with them (and vice versa).

[0148] The method may further include determining at least one age verification indicator based on the age authentication signal indicator receiving device, indicating that the user has reached an age threshold.

[0149] Alternatively or additionally, the method may include, for example, transmitting an age verification indicator and / or an age verification signal to an aerosol generating device based on an instruction receiving device, wherein the instruction receiving device stores the at least one age verification indicator in a data storage device of the receiving device and / or a data storage device of the aerosol generating device.

[0150] Furthermore, guiding users through the age verification process may include providing one or more queries and / or one or more requests at the user interface. Alternatively or additionally, the method may include receiving and / or processing one or more user inputs from the user interface, such as one or more answers or responses to one or more queries and / or one or more requests.

[0151] For example, the method may further include providing a query to a user at a user interface to request the user to acquire, sense, determine, and / or store one or more reference biometric features using at least one biometric sensor of the receiving device. Alternatively or additionally, the method may also include transmitting a control signal to the receiving device, thereby instructing the receiving device to acquire, sense, determine, and / or store one or more reference biometric features based on the control signal using at least one biometric sensor of the receiving device. For example, the user may be requested to present one or more fingerprints to at least one biometric sensor, acquire at least one acoustic message using at least one biometric sensor, acquire one or more images of the user's face using at least one biometric sensor, and / or acquire one or more images of the user's iris using at least one biometric sensor.

[0152] According to a tenth aspect of this disclosure, a computer program is provided that, when executed by one or more processors of a user device, instructs the user device to perform the steps of the method according to a ninth aspect of this disclosure.

[0153] According to the eleventh aspect of this disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided having a computer program stored thereon according to the tenth aspect of this disclosure.

[0154] The following provides a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, implementation, or aspect described herein.

[0155] A.1: An aerosol generation system, comprising:

[0156] - An aerosol generating device configured to generate aerosols, the aerosol generating device having a locked state and an unlocked state, wherein in the locked state, the aerosol generating device is prohibited from generating aerosols, and in the unlocked state, the aerosol generating device is permitted to generate aerosols; and

[0157] - A receiving device configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol generating device.

[0158] Each of the aerosol generating device and the receiving device includes a communication interface for communicatively coupling the aerosol generating device and the receiving device, wherein the receiving device includes a control device having at least one biometric sensor configured to authenticate a user of the aerosol generating system based on sensing at least one biometric feature of the user, and wherein the control device is configured to transmit an authentication signal to the aerosol generating device to configure the aerosol generating device into the locked state or the unlocked state, the authentication signal indicating whether the authentication of the user at the receiving device was successful or unsuccessful.

[0159] B.1: In the system according to Example A.1, the at least one biometric sensor is at least one of a fingerprint sensor, an iris recognition sensor, a voice recognition sensor, and a camera for facial recognition.

[0160] C.1: A system according to any one of Examples A.1 to B.1, wherein the aerosol generating apparatus includes at least one energy storage device for storing electrical energy, and wherein the receiving device is configured to supply electrical energy to the aerosol generating apparatus to charge at least one energy storage device of the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0161] D.1: A system according to any one of Examples A.1 to C.1, wherein the aerosol generating system is configured to cause the aerosol generating device to enter the locked state based on one or more locking conditions.

[0162] E.1: In a system according to any one of Examples A.1 to D.1, said one or more locking conditions include determining at least one of the following:

[0163] - The maximum number of user sessions using the aerosol generating device since the last successful authorization at the receiving device.

[0164] - The maximum number of charging cycles performed since the last successful authorization of the user at the receiving device, and

[0165] - The maximum time period that has expired since the last successful authorization of the user at the receiving device.

[0166] F.1: A system according to any one of Examples A.1 through E.1, wherein the use session is defined by at least one of the following:

[0167] -The time period during which the aerosol generating device continuously generates heat;

[0168] - The period of time during which the aerosol generating device has been activated by the user; and

[0169] - The predetermined number of aspirations performed by the user on the aerosol generating device.

[0170] G.1: The system according to any one of Examples A.1 to F.1, wherein the aerosol generating apparatus further comprises:

[0171] Data storage devices; and

[0172] A control circuit configured to determine an authentication indicator based on an authentication signal received from the receiving device and to store the authentication indicator in the data storage device.

[0173] H.1: A system according to any one of Examples A.1 to F.1, wherein the control circuit of the aerosol generating device is configured to cause the aerosol generating device to enter the locked state or the unlocked state based on an authentication indicator stored in the data storage device of the aerosol generating device.

[0174] I.1: A system according to any one of Examples A.1 to H.1, wherein the control circuit of the aerosol generating device is configured to cause the aerosol generating device to enter the locked state or the unlocked state based on the value of an authentication indicator stored in the data storage device of the aerosol generating device.

[0175] J.1: In a system according to any one of Examples A.1 to I.1, the control circuit of the aerosol generating device is configured to modify the value of an authentication indicator stored in the data storage device of the aerosol generating device when the user is successfully authenticated at the receiving device, such that the aerosol generating device is configured to the unlocked state.

[0176] K.1: A system according to any one of Examples A.1 to J.1, wherein the control circuit of the aerosol generating device is configured to store the authentication indicator in the data storage device only when the authentication signal indicates successful authentication of the user at the receiving device.

[0177] L.1: A system according to any one of Examples A.1 to K.1, wherein the control circuit of the aerosol generating device is configured to cause the aerosol generating device to enter the locked state when the authentication indicator is not present in the data storage device of the aerosol generating device, and / or wherein the control circuit of the aerosol generating device is configured to cause the aerosol generating device to enter the locked state when the value of the authentication indicator in the data storage device of the aerosol generating device is a predefined value.

[0178] M.1: A system according to any one of Examples A.1 to L.1, wherein the control circuit of the aerosol generating device is configured to cause the aerosol generating device to enter the unlocked state when the authentication indicator is stored in the data storage device of the aerosol generating device; and / or wherein the control circuit of the aerosol generating device is configured to cause the aerosol generating device to enter the unlocked state when the value of the authentication indicator in the data storage device of the aerosol generating device takes another predefined value.

[0179] N.1: A system according to any one of Examples A.1 to M.1, wherein the control circuit of the aerosol generating device is configured to remove the authentication indicator from the data storage device of the aerosol generating device, such that the aerosol generating device is configured to the locked state, and / or wherein the control circuit of the aerosol generating device is configured to modify the value of the authentication indicator, such that the aerosol generating device is configured to the locked state.

[0180] O.1: A system according to any one of Examples A.1 to M.1, wherein the control circuit of the aerosol generating device is configured to periodically erase the data storage device for storing the authentication indicator, such that the aerosol generating device is periodically configured to the locked state, and / or wherein the control circuit of the aerosol generating device is configured to periodically modify the value of the authentication indicator stored in the data storage device, such that the aerosol generating device is periodically configured to the locked state.

[0181] P.1: A system according to any one of Examples A.1 to O.1, wherein, in order for the aerosol generating device to enter the locked state, the control circuit of the aerosol generating device is configured to remove the authentication indicator from the data storage device of the aerosol generating device based on one or more locking conditions; and / or wherein, in order for the aerosol generating device to enter the locked state, the control circuit of the aerosol generating device is configured to modify the value of the authentication indicator stored in the data storage device of the aerosol generating device based on one or more locking conditions.

[0182] Q.1: In a system according to any one of Examples A.1 to P.1, said one or more locking conditions include determining at least one of the following:

[0183] - The maximum number of user sessions using the aerosol generating device since the last successful authorization at the receiving device.

[0184] - The maximum number of charging cycles performed since the last successful authorization of the user at the receiving device, and

[0185] - The maximum time period that has expired since the last successful authorization of the user at the receiving device.

[0186] R.1: A system according to any one of Examples A.1 through Q.1, wherein the use session is defined by at least one of the following:

[0187] -The time period during which the aerosol generating device continuously generates heat;

[0188] - The period of time during which the aerosol generating device has been activated by the user; and

[0189] - The predetermined number of aspirations performed by the user on the aerosol generating device.

[0190] S.1: A system according to any one of Examples A.1 to R.1, wherein the communication means of the receiving device is configured to transmit the authentication signal to the aerosol generating device only when the user is successfully authenticated at the receiving device; and / or wherein the authentication signal indicates that the user is successfully authenticated at the receiving device.

[0191] T.1: A system according to any one of Examples A.1 to S.1, wherein the authentication signal is an encryption signal.

[0192] U.1: A system according to any one of Examples A.1 to T.1, wherein the aerosol generating apparatus includes at least one heating element configured to heat an aerosol generating article to generate an aerosol, wherein the control circuit of the aerosol generating apparatus is configured to disable activation of the at least one heating element when the aerosol generating apparatus is in the locked state, and wherein the control circuit of the aerosol generating apparatus is configured to allow activation of the at least one heating element when the aerosol generating apparatus is in the unlocked state.

[0193] V.1: A system according to any one of Examples A.1 to U.1, wherein the control circuit of the aerosol generating device is configured to disable activation of the heating element based on at least one of the following: disabling the at least one heating element, disabling an energy supply device for supplying electrical energy to the at least one heating element; and disabling an actuation element of the aerosol generating device for actuating the at least one heating element by the user.

[0194] W.1: A system according to any one of Examples A.1 to V.1, wherein the at least one bioassay sensor is arranged on the sidewall of the receiving device.

[0195] X.1: A system according to any one of Examples A.1 to W.1, wherein the aerosol generating device and the receiving device each include an electrical connector for electrically coupling the receiving device to the aerosol generating device when the aerosol generating device is at least partially received in the receiving device.

[0196] Y.1: A system according to any one of Examples A.1 to X.1, wherein each of the communication interface of the receiving device and the communication interface of the aerosol generating device is configured for wireless communication between the receiving device and the aerosol generating device.

[0197] Z.1: A system according to any one of Examples A.1 to Y.1, wherein each of the communication interface of the receiving device and the communication interface of the aerosol generating device is configured for wired communication between the receiving device and the aerosol generating device.

[0198] AA.1: A system according to any one of Examples A.1 to Z.1, wherein the receiving device further includes a data storage device for storing at least one age verification indicator indicating that the user has reached an age threshold; and wherein, upon successful authorization of the user at the receiving device, the control device is configured to determine, based on the age verification indicator, that the user has reached the age threshold; and wherein, the control device of the receiving device is configured to transmit the authentication signal to the aerosol generating device upon determining that the user has reached the age threshold.

[0199] AB.1: A system according to any one of Examples A.1 to AA.1, wherein the receiving device is further configured to be communicatively coupled to the user's user device; and wherein the receiving device is configured to store the age verification indicator in the receiving device's data storage device upon receiving an age verification signal from the user device, wherein the age verification signal indicates that the user has reached the age threshold.

[0200] AC.1: A system based on any one of Examples A.1 through AB.1 further includes:

[0201] - A user device, communicatively coupled to the receiving device, wherein the user device includes a user interface and a controller, the controller being configured to verify that the user has reached the age threshold by guiding the user through an age verification process on the user interface, and wherein the controller is configured to transmit an age verification signal to the receiving device when the user has successfully reached the age threshold.

[0202] A.2: A receiving device for an aerosol generation system, the receiving device comprising:

[0203] - A communication interface for communicatively coupling the receiving device with the aerosol generating device of the aerosol generating system, the aerosol generating device having a locked state and an unlocked state; in the locked state, the aerosol generating device is prohibited from generating aerosols, and in the unlocked state, the aerosol generating device is allowed to generate aerosols; and

[0204] - A control device having at least one biometric sensor configured to authenticate a user of the receiving device based on sensing at least one biometric feature of the user, wherein the control device is configured to transmit an authentication signal to the aerosol generating device to configure the aerosol generating device to the locked state or the unlocked state, the authentication signal indicating whether the authentication of the user at the receiving device is successful or unsuccessful.

[0205] B.2: According to the receiving device of Example A.2, the at least one biometric sensor is at least one of a fingerprint sensor, an iris recognition sensor, a voice recognition sensor, and a camera for facial recognition.

[0206] C.2: A receiving device according to any one of Examples A.2 to B.2, wherein the receiving device is configured to supply electrical energy to the aerosol generating device to charge at least one energy storage device of the aerosol generating device.

[0207] D.2: A receiving device according to any one of Examples A.2 to C.2, wherein the receiving device is configured to cause the aerosol generating device to enter the locked state based on one or more locking conditions.

[0208] E.2: The receiving device according to any one of Examples A.2 to D.2, wherein the one or more locking conditions include determining at least one of the following:

[0209] - The maximum number of user sessions using the aerosol generating device since the last successful authorization at the receiving device.

[0210] - The maximum number of charging cycles performed since the last successful authorization of the user at the receiving device, and

[0211] - The maximum time period that has expired since the last successful authorization of the user at the receiving device.

[0212] F.2: A receiving device according to any one of Examples A.2 to E.2, wherein the usage session is defined by at least one of the following:

[0213] -The time period during which the aerosol generating device continuously generates heat;

[0214] - The period of time during which the aerosol generating device has been activated by the user; and

[0215] - The predetermined number of aspirations performed by the user on the aerosol generating device.

[0216] G.2: A receiving device according to any one of Examples A.2 to F.2, wherein the control device is configured to transmit a locking signal to the aerosol generating device for causing the aerosol generating device to enter the locked state when at least one of the one or more locking conditions is met.

[0217] H.2: A receiving device according to any one of Examples A.2 to G.2, wherein the communication device is configured to transmit the authentication signal to the aerosol generating device only when the user is successfully authenticated at the receiving device; and / or wherein the authentication signal indicates that the user has been successfully authenticated at the receiving device.

[0218] I.2: A receiving device according to any one of Examples A.2 to H.2, wherein the authentication signal is an encrypted signal.

[0219] J.2: A receiving device according to any one of Examples A.2 to I.2, wherein the at least one bioassay sensor is arranged on the sidewall of the receiving device.

[0220] K.2: A receiving device according to any one of Examples A.2 to J.2, wherein the receiving device further includes a data storage device for storing at least one age verification indicator indicating that the user has reached an age threshold; and wherein, upon successful authorization of the user at the receiving device, the control device is configured to determine, based on the age verification indicator, that the user has reached the age threshold; and wherein, the control device of the receiving device is configured to transmit the authentication signal to the aerosol generating device upon determining that the user has reached the age threshold.

[0221] L.2: A receiving device according to any one of Examples A.2 to K.2, wherein the receiving device is further configured to be communicatively coupled to the user's user device; and wherein the control device of the receiving device is configured to store the age verification indicator in the data storage device of the receiving device when receiving an age verification signal from the user device, wherein the age verification signal indicates that the user has reached the age threshold.

[0222] A.3: An aerosol generating device for an aerosol generating system, wherein the aerosol generating device has a locked state and an unlocked state, wherein in the locked state, the aerosol generating device is prohibited from generating aerosols, and in the unlocked state, the aerosol generating device is allowed to generate aerosols, the aerosol generating device comprising:

[0223] - A communication interface for communicatively coupling the aerosol generating device to a receiving device of the aerosol generating system, wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to receive an authentication signal from the receiving device via the communication interface, the authentication signal indicating whether the user's authentication at the receiving device using a bioassay sensor at the receiving device was successful or unsuccessful; and

[0224] - A control circuit configured to cause the aerosol generating device to enter the locked state or the unlocked state based on an authentication signal received from the receiving device.

[0225] B.3: An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example A.3, wherein the aerosol generating apparatus includes at least one energy storage device for storing electrical energy and configured to be charged by the receiving device.

[0226] C.3: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples A.3 to B.3, wherein the aerosol generating system is configured to cause the aerosol generating apparatus to enter the locked state based on one or more locking conditions.

[0227] D.3: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples A.3 to C.3, wherein the one or more locking conditions include determining at least one of the following:

[0228] - The maximum number of user sessions using the aerosol generating device since the last successful authorization at the receiving device.

[0229] - The maximum number of charging cycles performed since the last successful authorization of the user at the receiving device, and

[0230] - The maximum time period that has expired since the last successful authorization of the user at the receiving device.

[0231] E.3: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples A.3 to D.3, wherein the use session is defined by at least one of the following:

[0232] -The time period during which the aerosol generating device continuously generates heat;

[0233] - The period of time during which the aerosol generating device has been activated by the user; and

[0234] - The predetermined number of aspirations performed by the user on the aerosol generating device.

[0235] F.3: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples A.3 to E.3 further includes a data storage device, wherein the control circuitry is configured to determine an authentication indicator based on an authentication signal received from the receiving device and to store the authentication indicator in the data storage device.

[0236] G.3: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples A.3 to F.3, wherein the control circuit of the aerosol generating apparatus is configured to cause the aerosol generating apparatus to enter the locked state or the unlocked state based on an authentication indicator stored in the data storage device of the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0237] H.3: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples A.3 to G.3, wherein the control circuit of the aerosol generating apparatus is configured to cause the aerosol generating apparatus to enter the locked state or the unlocked state based on the value of an authentication indicator stored in the data storage device of the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0238] I.3: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples A.3 to H.3, wherein the control circuit of the aerosol generating apparatus is configured to modify the value of an authentication indicator stored in the data storage device of the aerosol generating apparatus when the user is successfully authenticated at the receiving device, such that the aerosol generating apparatus is configured to the unlocked state.

[0239] J.3: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples A.3 to I.3, wherein the control circuit of the aerosol generating apparatus is configured to store the authentication indicator in the data storage device only when the authentication signal indicates successful authentication of the user at the receiving device.

[0240] K.3: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples A.3 to J.3, wherein the control circuit of the aerosol generating apparatus is configured to cause the aerosol generating apparatus to enter the locked state when the authentication indicator is not present in the data storage device of the aerosol generating apparatus; and / or wherein the control circuit of the aerosol generating apparatus is configured to cause the aerosol generating apparatus to enter the locked state when the value of the authentication indicator in the data storage device of the aerosol generating apparatus is a predefined value.

[0241] L.3: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples A.3 to K.3, wherein the control circuit of the aerosol generating apparatus is configured to cause the aerosol generating apparatus to enter the unlocked state when the authentication indicator is stored in the data storage device of the aerosol generating apparatus; and / or wherein the control circuit of the aerosol generating apparatus is configured to cause the aerosol generating apparatus to enter the unlocked state when the value of the authentication indicator in the data storage device of the aerosol generating apparatus takes another predefined value.

[0242] M.3: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples A.3 to L.3, wherein the control circuit of the aerosol generating apparatus is configured to remove the authentication indicator from the data storage device of the aerosol generating apparatus, such that the aerosol generating apparatus is configured to the locked state; and / or wherein the control circuit of the aerosol generating apparatus is configured to modify the value of the authentication indicator, such that the aerosol generating apparatus is configured to the locked state.

[0243] N.3: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples A.3 to M.3, wherein the control circuit of the aerosol generating apparatus is configured to periodically erase a data storage device for storing the authentication indicator, such that the aerosol generating apparatus is periodically configured to the locked state; and / or wherein the control circuit of the aerosol generating apparatus is configured to periodically modify the value of the authentication indicator stored in the data storage device, such that the aerosol generating apparatus is periodically configured to the locked state.

[0244] O.3: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples A.3 to N.3, wherein, in order for the aerosol generating apparatus to enter the locked state, the control circuit of the aerosol generating apparatus is configured to remove the authentication indicator from the data storage device of the aerosol generating apparatus based on one or more locking conditions; and / or wherein, in order for the aerosol generating apparatus to enter the locked state, the control circuit of the aerosol generating apparatus is configured to modify the value of the authentication indicator stored in the data storage device of the aerosol generating apparatus based on one or more locking conditions.

[0245] P.3: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples A.3 to O.3, wherein the one or more locking conditions include determining at least one of the following:

[0246] - The maximum number of user sessions using the aerosol generating device since the last successful authorization at the receiving device.

[0247] - The maximum number of charging cycles performed since the last successful authorization of the user at the receiving device, and

[0248] - The maximum time period that has expired since the last successful authorization of the user at the receiving device.

[0249] Q.3: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples A.3 to P.3, wherein the usage session is defined by at least one of the following:

[0250] -The time period during which the aerosol generating device continuously generates heat;

[0251] - The period of time during which the aerosol generating device has been activated by the user; and

[0252] - The predetermined number of aspirations performed by the user on the aerosol generating device.

[0253] R.3: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples A.3 to Q.3, wherein the aerosol generating apparatus includes at least one heating element configured to heat an aerosol generating article to generate an aerosol; wherein a control circuit of the aerosol generating apparatus is configured to disable activation of the at least one heating element when the aerosol generating apparatus is in the locked state; and wherein a control circuit of the aerosol generating apparatus is configured to allow activation of the at least one heating element when the aerosol generating apparatus is in the unlocked state.

[0254] S.3: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples A.3 to R.3, wherein the control circuit is configured to disable activation of the heating element based on at least one of the following: disabling the at least one heating element, disabling an energy supply device for supplying electrical energy to the at least one heating element; and disabling an actuation element of the aerosol generating apparatus for actuating the at least one heating element by the user.

[0255] T.3: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples A.3 to S.3, wherein the aerosol generating apparatus further includes a data storage device for storing at least one age verification indicator indicating that the user has reached an age threshold; and wherein, upon receiving the authentication signal, the control circuit is configured to determine, based on the age verification indicator, that the user has reached the age threshold, and, upon determining that the user has reached the age threshold, to cause the aerosol generating apparatus to enter the unlocked state.

[0256] A.4: A method implemented by a computer authenticating a user at an aerosol generation system, a receiving device, and / or an aerosol generation device, wherein the aerosol generation device and the receiving device are communicatively coupled to each other, and the aerosol generation device has a locked state and an unlocked state, wherein in the locked state, the aerosol generation device is prohibited from generating aerosols, and in the unlocked state, the aerosol generation device is allowed to generate aerosols:

[0257] - To authenticate the user by sensing at least one biometric feature of the user using a biometric sensor arranged at the receiving device;

[0258] - Generate an authentication signal at the receiving device indicating whether the authentication of the user at the receiving device was successful or unsuccessful; and

[0259] - The authentication signal is transmitted to the aerosol generating device, thereby configuring the aerosol generating device to the locked state or the unlocked state based on the authentication signal.

[0260] B.4: The method according to Example A.4 further includes configuring the aerosol generating apparatus into the locked state based on one or more locking conditions.

[0261] C.4: According to the method of any one of Examples A.4 to B.4, said one or more locking conditions include determining at least one of the following:

[0262] - The maximum number of user sessions using the aerosol generating device since the last successful authorization at the receiving device.

[0263] - The maximum number of charging cycles performed since the last successful authorization of the user at the receiving device, and

[0264] - The maximum time period that has expired since the last successful authorization of the user at the receiving device.

[0265] D.4: According to any of the methods in Examples A.4 through C.4, where the use of a session is defined by at least one of the following:

[0266] -The time period during which the aerosol generating device continuously generates heat;

[0267] - The period of time during which the aerosol generating device has been activated by the user; and

[0268] - The predetermined number of aspirations performed by the user on the aerosol generating device.

[0269] E.4: The method according to any one of Examples A.4 through D.4 also includes:

[0270] - Based on the authentication signal received from the receiving device, an authentication indicator is determined at the aerosol generating device, and the authentication indicator is stored in the data storage device of the aerosol generating device; and

[0271] - The aerosol generating device is put into the locked state or the unlocked state based on the authentication indicator.

[0272] F.4: The method according to any one of Examples A.4 through E.4 also includes:

[0273] - Receive an age verification signal at the receiving device from a user device communicatively coupled to the receiving device, wherein the age verification signal indicates that the user has reached an age threshold; and

[0274] - At the receiving device, it is determined that the user has reached the age threshold based on the received age verification signal.

[0275] G.4: The method according to any one of Examples A.4 to F.4, wherein the authentication signal is transmitted to the aerosol generating device only when it is verified that the user has reached the age threshold.

[0276] H.4: The method according to any one of Examples A.4 to G.4 further includes determining an age verification indicator based on the received age verification signal; and / or storing the age verification indicator in the data storage device of the receiving device.

[0277] I.4: The method according to any one of Examples A.4 to H.4, wherein the aerosol generating system further includes a user device communicatively coupled to the receiving device, the method further includes:

[0278] - Guide the user through an age verification process on the user device's user interface to verify that the user has reached the age threshold; and

[0279] - Upon successful verification that the user has reached the age threshold, the age verification signal is transmitted from the user device to the receiving device.

[0280] A.5: A computer program, when executed by one or more processors of an aerosol generating system, an aerosol generating apparatus, and / or a receiving apparatus, instructs the aerosol generating system, the aerosol generating apparatus, and / or the receiving apparatus to perform the steps of the method according to any one of Examples A.4 to I.4.

[0281] A.6: A non-transitory computer-readable medium having a computer program stored thereon according to Example A.5.

[0282] A.7: A bioassay sensor at the receiving device of the aerosol generation system is used for authenticating the user of the aerosol generation system and / or for configuring the aerosol generation system, which has a locked state and an unlocked state, to the locked or unlocked state based on transmitting an authentication signal from the receiving device to the aerosol generation device, wherein the authentication signal indicates whether the authentication of the user at the receiving device is successful or unsuccessful.

[0283] A.8: A user device for configuring an aerosol generating apparatus for an aerosol generating system, the user device comprising:

[0284] - A user interface configured to receive user input and / or guide the user through an age verification process; and

[0285] - A controller configured to verify that the user has reached an age threshold by guiding the user through an age verification process on the user interface, wherein the controller is configured to transmit an age verification signal to the receiving device upon successful verification that the user has reached the age threshold, wherein the age verification signal indicates that the user has reached the age threshold.

[0286] B.8: A user device according to Example A.8, wherein the controller is configured to instruct the receiving device to determine at least one age verification indicator indicating that the user has reached the age threshold based on the age verification signal.

[0287] C.8: A user device according to any one of Examples A.8 to B.8, wherein the controller is configured to instruct the receiving device to store the at least one age verification indicator in the data storage device of the receiving device.

[0288] D.8: A user device according to any one of Examples A.8 to C.8, wherein the controller is configured to instruct the receiving device to store the at least one age verification indicator in the data storage device of the aerosol generating device based on instructing the receiving device to transmit the age verification indicator and / or the age verification signal to the aerosol generating device.

[0289] E.8: A user device according to any one of Examples A.8 to D.8, wherein the controller is configured to provide one or more queries and / or one or more requests at the user interface.

[0290] F.8: A user device according to any one of Examples A.8 to E.8, wherein the controller is configured to receive and / or process one or more user inputs from the user interface in response to the one or more queries and / or one or more requests.

[0291] G.8: A user device according to any one of Examples A.8 to F.8, wherein the controller is configured to request the user's personal data for age verification based on providing the user with one or more queries and / or one or more requests at the user interface.

[0292] H.8: A user device according to any one of Examples A.8 to G.8, wherein the personal data relates to at least one of the user's identity card, passport, credit card, driver's license, and social security number.

[0293] I.8: A user device according to any one of Examples A.8 to H.8, wherein the controller is configured to provide a query to the user at the user interface to request the user to acquire, sense, determine and / or store one or more reference biometric features using at least one biometric sensor of the receiving device.

[0294] J.8: A user device according to any one of Examples A.8 to I.8, wherein the controller is configured to transmit a control signal to the receiving device to instruct the receiving device to acquire, sense, determine and / or store the one or more reference biometric features based on the control signal using at least one biometric sensor of the receiving device.

[0295] A.9: A method implemented by a computer operating a user device to configure and / or register an aerosol generation system, an aerosol generation device, and / or a receiving device for the aerosol generation system, the method comprising:

[0296] - Guide the user of the user device through the age verification process at the user interface of the user device;

[0297] - Verify at the user device that the user has reached the age threshold; and

[0298] - When verifying that the user has reached the age threshold, an age verification signal is transmitted from the user device to the receiving device, wherein the age verification signal indicates that the user has reached the age threshold.

[0299] B.9: The method according to Example A.9 further includes instructing the receiving device to determine at least one age verification indicator based on the age verification signal, indicating that the user has reached the age threshold.

[0300] C.9: The method according to any one of Examples A.9 to B.9 further includes instructing the receiving device to store the at least one age verification indicator in the data storage device of the receiving device.

[0301] D.9: The method according to any one of Examples A.9 to C.9 further includes instructing the receiving device to store the at least one age verification indicator in the data storage device of the aerosol generating apparatus based on instructing the receiving device to transmit the age verification indicator and / or the age verification signal to the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0302] E.9: The method according to any one of Examples A.9 to D.9 further includes providing one or more queries and / or one or more requests at the user interface.

[0303] F.9: The method according to any one of Examples A.9 to E.9 further includes receiving and / or processing one or more user inputs from the user interface in response to providing one or more queries and / or one or more requests at the user interface.

[0304] G.9: The method according to any one of Examples A.9 to F.9 further includes requesting the user's personal data for age verification based on providing the user with one or more queries and / or one or more requests at a user interface.

[0305] H.9: The method according to any one of Examples A.9 to G.9, wherein the personal data relates to at least one of the user's identity card, passport, credit card, driver's license, and social security number.

[0306] I.9: The method according to any one of Examples A.9 to H.9 further includes providing a query to the user at a user interface to request the user to acquire, sense, determine and / or store one or more reference biometric features using at least one biometric sensor of the receiving device.

[0307] J.9: The method according to any one of Examples A.9 to I.9 further includes transmitting a control signal to the receiving device to instruct the receiving device to acquire, sense, determine and / or store the one or more reference biometric features based on the control signal using at least one biometric sensor of the receiving device.

[0308] A.10: A computer program, when executed by one or more processors of a user device, instructs the user device to perform the steps of the method according to any one of Examples A.0 to J.9.

[0309] A.11: A non-transitory computer-readable medium having a computer program stored thereon according to Example A.10. Attached Figure Description

[0310] The example will now be described further with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0311] Figure 1 An aerosol generation system is shown;

[0312] Figure 2 A block diagram of a portion of a receiving device for an aerosol generation system is shown;

[0313] Figure 3 A user device for configuring an aerosol generation system is shown;

[0314] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating a method for authenticating users at an aerosol generation system is shown;

[0315] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating a method for configuring an aerosol generation system using a user device is shown; and

[0316] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating a method for configuring an aerosol generation system using a user device is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0317] The accompanying drawings are merely illustrative and are not drawn to scale. In principle, identical or similar parts, elements, and / or steps are provided in the drawings using the same or similar reference numerals.

[0318] Figure 1 An aerosol generation system 500 for generating aerosols for consumption, for example, by a user, is shown.

[0319] System 500 includes an aerosol generating device 100 for generating aerosols and a receiving device 300 for at least partially receiving the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the receiving device 300 may be configured for physically connecting the aerosol generating device 100. This is done to at least partially receive the aerosol generating device 100 and / or to physically connect the aerosol generating device 100 to the receiving device 300. Figure 1 The receiving device 300 includes an opening 301 or a receiving opening 301 into which the aerosol generating device 100 can be at least partially inserted, for example, to store and / or support the aerosol generating device 100. Optionally, the receiving device 300 may include a cover for opening and closing the opening 301.

[0320] Alternatively or additionally, the receiving device 300 may be configured to at least partially receive the aerosol generating device 100 based on a mechanical attachment or connection mechanism, such as a hook mechanism, latching mechanism, snap-fit, etc., that connects the aerosol generating device 100 to the receiving device 300. Alternatively or additionally, the receiving device 300 may be configured to at least partially receive the aerosol generating device 100 based on a connection between the aerosol generating device 100 and the receiving device 300 via a magnetic or electromagnetic connection.

[0321] The aerosol generating apparatus 100 includes an insertion opening 101 for at least partially inserting an aerosol generating article (not shown). The aerosol generating article may include an aerosol forming matrix (e.g., a tobacco-containing matrix) and / or a cylinder containing liquid.

[0322] For example, in order to generate aerosols during the use or consumption of the aerosol generating article, the aerosol generating apparatus 100 includes at least one heating element 120 or heat source 120 for applying heat to at least a portion of the aerosol generating article.

[0323] In order to power at least one heating element 120 with electricity, the aerosol generating apparatus 100 also includes at least one energy storage device 122 or energy supply device 122 to store electrical energy or power.

[0324] The aerosol generating apparatus 100 also includes a control circuit 102 having one or more processors 103. The control circuit 102 can be configured to control the actuation, activation, and / or deactivation of at least one heating element 120.

[0325] To activate the heating element 120 to generate an aerosol, the aerosol generating device 100 also includes an actuation element 104, such as a button, switch, etc., which can be actuated by a user to activate and / or deactivate the aerosol generating device 100 based on activating and / or deactivating at least one heating element 120. When the aerosol generating device 100 is activated, the heating element 120 can be activated and heat can be applied to at least a portion of the aerosol generating article, so that an aerosol can be generated for consumption by the user. When the aerosol generating device 100 is deactivated, the heating element 120 can be deactivated, so that heat is not applied to at least a portion of the aerosol generating article or reduced heat is applied to at least a portion of the aerosol generating article, so that no aerosol can be generated for consumption by the user.

[0326] The aerosol generating device 100 also includes a communication circuit 106 having one or more communication interfaces 108 for communicatively coupling the aerosol generating device 100 to the receiving device 300 via, for example, an Internet connection, a wireless LAN connection, a WiFi connection, a Bluetooth connection, a mobile phone network, a 3G connection, an edge connection, an LTE connection, a BUS connection, a wireless connection, a wired connection, a radio connection, a near-field connection, and / or an IoT connection.

[0327] The aerosol generating apparatus 100 also includes a data storage device 110 for storing information or data, such as at least one authentication indicator, at least one age verification indicator, and / or other data.

[0328] The aerosol generating device 100 also includes a visual indicator 112, such as an LED, for providing one or more signals to a user, such as indicating the charge level of at least one energy storage device 122, indicating that at least one energy storage device should be charged, etc. Alternatively or additionally, the visual indicator 112 may be configured to indicate the configuration or status of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0329] The aerosol generating device 100 includes a locked state or configuration and an unlocked state. In the locked state or configuration, the aerosol generating device 100 is prohibited from generating aerosols, and in the unlocked state, the aerosol generating device 100 is allowed to generate aerosols. Therefore, the visual indicator 112 can be configured to indicate whether the aerosol generating device is in a locked state or an unlocked state.

[0330] In the locked state, the control circuit 102 may be configured, for example, to disable the activation of the heating element 120 based on at least one of the following: disabling at least one heating element 120, disabling the energy supply device 122 for supplying electrical energy to at least one heating element 120, and disabling the actuation element 104 of the aerosol generating device 100 for actuation of at least one heating element 120 by the user.

[0331] The aerosol generating device 100 also includes at least one electrical connector 114 for connection to a corresponding electrical connector 313 of the receiving device 300. For example, when the aerosol generating device 100 is at least partially inserted into the opening 301 of the receiving device 300, one or more electrical connectors 114 of the aerosol generating device 100 may be connected to one or more electrical connectors 313 of the receiving device 300 to charge at least one energy storage device 122 of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0332] For this purpose, the receiving device 300 includes a charger module 312 or charger circuit 312 coupled to an electrical connector 313. The charger module 312 may, for example, be coupled to a power grid to power the energy storage device 122 of the aerosol generating device 100. Alternatively or additionally, the receiving device 300 may include one or more batteries, accumulators, capacitors, etc.

[0333] The receiving device 300 also includes a control device 302 having one or more processors 303. The control device 302 can be configured to control the charger module 312 and / or other components or functions of the receiving device 300. It should also be noted that the charger circuitry or module 312 may also be combined with or included in the control device 302.

[0334] The receiving device 300 and / or the control device 302 further include at least one biometric sensor 304, which is configured to authenticate a user of the aerosol generation system 500 based on sensing at least one biometric feature of the user. The at least one biometric sensor 304 may be at least one of a fingerprint sensor, an iris recognition sensor, a voice recognition sensor, and a camera for facial recognition.

[0335] The receiving device 300 also includes a data storage device 306 for storing information or data, such as at least one age verification indicator, at least one authentication indicator, one or more biometric features of the user, one or more reference biometric features of the user, and / or other data.

[0336] The control device 302, the bioassay sensor 304, and the data storage device 306 can be contained in a single unit. This allows users to be authenticated without the bioassay data leaving the single unit, thereby improving security.

[0337] The receiving device 300 also includes a communication device 308 having one or more communication interfaces 310 for communicatingly coupling the receiving device 300 to the aerosol generating device 100, for example, via an Internet connection, a wireless LAN connection, a WiFi connection, a Bluetooth connection, a mobile phone network, a 3G connection, an edge connection, an LTE connection, a BUS connection, a wireless connection, a wired connection, a radio connection, a near-field connection, and / or an IoT connection.

[0338] To authenticate users and / or to identify users, one or more reference biometric characteristics of the user may be stored in data storage device 306. For example, during the configuration, registration, age verification process, or setup procedure of aerosol generation system 500, one or more reference biometric characteristics of the user may be stored in data storage device 306.

[0339] Furthermore, the receiving device 300 includes a visual indicator 314, such as an LED, for providing one or more signals to the user, such as indicating the charge level of at least one energy storage device 122, indicating that at least one energy storage device should be charged, etc. Alternatively or additionally, the visual indicator 314 may be configured to indicate the configuration or state of the aerosol generating device 100, such as a locked state and / or an unlocked state. Furthermore, the visual indicator 314 may be configured to request the user to acquire and / or sense one or more biometric features to authenticate the user.

[0340] For example, control device 302 may be configured to activate visual indicator 314, causing a user to sense one or more biometric features using at least one biometric sensor 304. Furthermore, control device 302 may be configured to compare the one or more biometric features sensed using at least one biometric sensor 304 with one or more reference biometric features stored in data storage device 306. Additionally, control device 302 may be configured to determine at least one reference biometric feature that substantially matches at least one of the sensed biometric features, allowing the user to be successfully authenticated. If control device 302 determines that no matching reference biometric feature exists, the user may not be successfully authenticated.

[0341] The control device 302 of the receiving device 300 is also configured to generate an authentication signal at the receiving device 300 indicating whether the user's authentication was successful or unsuccessful, based on one or more sensed biometric features. Furthermore, the control device 302 can be configured to transmit the authentication signal to the aerosol generating device 100 via the communication device 308 to configure the aerosol generating device 100 into a locked or unlocked state.

[0342] For example, when user authentication fails, the aerosol generating device 100 can be configured into a locked state based on the authentication signal. Alternatively, when user authentication fails at the receiving device 300, the authentication signal may not be transmitted. Alternatively or additionally, when user authentication succeeds, the aerosol generating device 100 can be configured into an unlocked state based on the authentication signal.

[0343] For example, the aerosol generation system 500, the aerosol generation device 100, and / or the receiving device 300 can be configured to lock the aerosol generation device 100 based on one or more locking conditions. One or more locking conditions may include at least one of the following: determining the maximum number of user sessions using the aerosol generation device since the last successful user authorization at the receiving device, the maximum number of charging cycles performed since the last successful user authorization at the receiving device, and the maximum time period expiring since the last successful user authorization at the receiving device.

[0344] Furthermore, the control circuit 102 of the aerosol generating device 100 can be configured to determine an authentication indicator based on an authentication signal received from the receiving device 300 and store the authentication indicator in the data storage device 110. For example, the control circuit 102 of the aerosol generating device 100 can be configured to put the aerosol generating device 100 into a locked or unlocked state based on the authentication indicator stored in the data storage device 110 of the aerosol generating device 100, based on the value of the authentication indicator, based on the presence of the authentication indicator in the data storage device 110, and / or based on the absence of the authentication indicator in the data storage device 110. Optionally, the authentication indicator can only be stored if the authentication signal indicates successful authentication of the user at the receiving device.

[0345] For example, the control circuit 102 of the aerosol generating device 100 can be configured to modify the value of the authentication indicator stored in the data storage device 11 of the aerosol generating device 100 when the user is successfully authenticated at the receiving device 300, so that the aerosol generating device 100 is configured to be in an unlocked state.

[0346] For example, when the authentication indicator is not present in the data storage device of the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device 100 can be configured to a locked state. Alternatively or additionally, when the authentication indicator is stored in the data storage device of the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device 100 can be configured to an unlocked state.

[0347] Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol generating device 100 may be configured into a locked state when the value of the authentication indicator in the data storage device of the aerosol generating device is a predefined value associated with a locked state. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol generating device 100 may be configured into an unlocked state when the value of the authentication indicator in the data storage device of the aerosol generating device is a different predefined value from the predefined value.

[0348] Furthermore, the control circuit 102 of the aerosol generating device 100 can be configured to periodically erase the data storage device 110 for storing authentication indicators, such that the aerosol generating device 100 is periodically configured into a locked state, for example, based on one or more locking conditions. Alternatively or additionally, the control circuit 102 of the aerosol generating device 100 can be configured to periodically modify the values ​​of the authentication indicators stored in the data storage device 110, such that the aerosol generating device 100 is periodically configured into a locked state, for example, based on one or more locking conditions.

[0349] Furthermore, at least one age verification indicator indicating that a user has reached or has reached an age threshold can be stored in the data storage device 110 of the aerosol generating device 100 and / or the receiving device 300. Upon successful authorization of a user at the receiving device 300, the control device 302 can be configured to determine that the user has reached the age threshold based on the age verification indicator. Furthermore, the control device 302 of the receiving device 300 can be configured to transmit an authentication signal to the aerosol generating device 100 upon determining that the user has reached the age threshold.

[0350] Furthermore, the receiving device 300 can also be configured to connect with the user's user device 700 (see [link]). Figure 3 The communication coupling includes a receiving device 300 that can be configured to store an age verification indicator in its data storage device 306 upon receiving an age verification signal from the user device 700, wherein the age verification signal indicates that the user has reached or has reached an age threshold. Based on or using the user device 700, the user can be guided through the age verification process, as will be further described with reference to the following figures.

[0351] Various examples, exemplary embodiments, illustrative examples, results and / or advantages of this disclosure are described and summarized below.

[0352] The aerosol generation system 500 may refer to a smoking system 500, wherein the receiving device 300 may be considered as a charging device or unit for charging the aerosol generation device 100. Furthermore, depending on whether authorization or identification of the user is successful at the receiving device 300, a control device 302 of the receiving device 300, having at least one biometric sensor 304, may be configured to identify the user and to configure the aerosol generation device 100 to a locked or unlocked state. Therefore, the control device 302 having at least one biometric sensor 304 may be considered as a user identification module, unit, or circuit with locking or unlocking functionality, wherein the control device 302 and / or the receiving device 300 may communicate with the aerosol generation device 100 to configure the aerosol generation device 100 to a locked or unlocked state based on an authentication signal.

[0353] Some conventional or existing smoking systems or aerosol generating devices may include a fingerprint sensor located directly at the handheld vaporizer. In contrast, Figure 1The aerosol generation system 500 illustrated herein includes a bioassay sensor 304 disposed at or located at a receiving device 300. This arrangement of the bioassay sensor 304 allows for the implementation of comprehensive identification and / or authentication devices within the aerosol generation system 300, which includes the receiving device 300 and the aerosol generation device 100, without adding additional design complexity, particularly without adding additional design complexity to the physical or mechanical connections between the aerosol generation device 100 and / or the receiving device 300 and the aerosol generation device 100.

[0354] exist Figure 1 In the example, the aerosol generating device 100 can be at least partially inserted into the opening 301 of the receiving device 300. Therefore, arranging a sensor at the aerosol generating device 100 will potentially require a protrusion on the outer wall of the aerosol generating device 100, which will determine a corresponding modification to the receiving device 300, specifically in its receiving opening 301 and / or receiving recess.

[0355] By arranging the bioassay sensor 304 at the receiving device 300, the outer wall of the aerosol generating device can be generally smooth, and no modifications to the connection with the receiving device 300 are required, such as arranging matching grooves to accommodate the protrusions generated by the sensor.

[0356] Furthermore, the aerosol generation system 500 of this disclosure advantageously allows for periodic user verification checks or user authentication, for example, based on one or more lock conditions or based on the determination of one or more lock conditions. In particular, biometric identification or authentication can be implemented in system 500 to restrict the use of the aerosol generation device 100 to consume aerosols to verified or authorized users. Furthermore, it comprehensively prevents unauthorized use, such as by underage users like children, and in the event of loss or theft of the aerosol generation device 100.

[0357] For example, identification or authentication may be required after a certain number of experiences or usage sessions, after a certain period of time, or both, based on one or more locking conditions. Additionally, the primary user can register or configure via user device 700. For example, such registration may only be required once, and the primary user can authenticate or authorize other "regular" users.

[0358] The authentication process can be implemented, for example, in system 500, as described below. When the aerosol generating device 100 is at least partially inserted into the opening 301 of the receiving device 300, a user may be requested to sense at least one biometric feature, such as presenting a finger to sensor 304 for fingerprint verification if the aerosol generating device 100 is locked and / or has not yet been verified. Furthermore, an authentication signal, which may relate to the authentication status, can be transmitted to the aerosol generating device 100, for example, in a securely encrypted manner, to configure the aerosol generating device 100 to an unlocked state. Optionally, a shared key may exist between the receiving device 300 and the aerosol generating device 100, which can prevent replay attacks on the aerosol generating device 100 to configure it to an unlocked state. While the authentication signal is transmitted by the receiving device 300, the receiving device 300 can be used to configure multiple aerosol generating devices 100. However, the receiving device 300 and the aerosol generating device 100 can be bundled together, so that the receiving device 300 can configure only a single aerosol generating device 100 to be in an unlocked or locked state.

[0359] Furthermore, the receiving device 300 can be configured to charge the energy storage device 122 of the aerosol generating device, for example, even if authorization at the receiving device 300 is unsuccessful or if the aerosol generating device 100 is locked. However, once the energy storage device 122 is deactivated, the aerosol generating device 100 may remain locked until successful user authorization at the receiving device 300. For example, many experiences or usage sessions allowed on the aerosol generating device 100 can be postponed or set to zero. Thus, the energy storage device 122 can be fully charged, but aerosol-consuming experiences or usage sessions can be delayed until successful authorization. This avoids long waiting times after successful authorization and permission for experiences and / or usage sessions.

[0360] Alternatively, the receiving device 300 can be configured to charge the energy storage device 122 of the aerosol generating device only when a user has been successfully authorized at the receiving device 300. In this example, the locked state can be considered as when the energy storage device 122 of the aerosol generating device does not contain enough charge to generate aerosols, and the unlocked state can be considered as when the energy storage device contains enough charge to generate aerosols. The authentication signal can then be considered as the receiving device 300 providing charge to the energy storage device 122 of the aerosol generating device.

[0361] An exemplary authentication process or configuration of the aerosol generating device 100 from locked to unlocked state can be implemented as follows. The aerosol generating device 100 may be in a locked state, and the energy storage device 122 may be empty. When the aerosol generating device is at least partially inserted into the opening 301 of the receiving device 300, the receiving device may provide a visual signal using an indicator 314 to indicate that identification or authorization is required. As described above, this may be triggered periodically after a certain period of time and / or a certain number of usage sessions, etc. For example, the visual indicator 314 may emit a flashing or blinking blue light signal, thereby signaling to the user that a biometric feature such as a fingerprint will be sensed or requested. If authorization is unsuccessful, for example, in cases where no matching reference biometric feature may be identified, the aerosol generating device 100 may remain in a locked state, and the visual indicator 314 of the receiving device 300 may continue to blink. Upon sensing a biometric matching a reference biometric, an authentication signal can be transmitted to the aerosol generating device 100, and the visual indicator 314 of the receiving device 300 can become stable and / or change color, for example, turn white, thereby indicating successful user authorization at the receiving device 300 and that the aerosol generating device 100 is configured to an unlocked state. Furthermore, in the locked state and / or when the energy storage device 122 is empty, the visual indicator 112 of the aerosol generating device 100 can be turned off; it can flash during charging and become uninterrupted or constant when the energy storage device 122 is charging and / or the device 100 is in an unlocked state.

[0362] Figure 2 A block diagram of a portion of a receiving device 300 for an aerosol generation system 500 is shown. Unless otherwise stated, Figure 2 The receiving device 300 includes a reference Figure 1 The receiving device 300 described has the same features, elements and / or functions.

[0363] Specifically, Figure 2 At least a portion 305 of a control device 302 is schematically shown. This control device includes at least one processor 303 and is coupled to at least one bioassay sensor 304 via a multiplexer 307. The portion 305 may be connected to or include the charger circuitry 312 and / or other electrical components of the receiving device 300. For example, Figure 2 At least a portion 305 of the control device 302 shown in the example may refer to the main controller 305 of the receiving device 300.

[0364] For example, the biometric sensor 304 (e.g., a fingerprint module) may be powered by the control device 302 and / or part 305, for example, via a power output (e.g., a 3.3-volt low dropout (LDO) regulator output).

[0365] Furthermore, port 309, such as a single-wire MT communication port (referred to as the "MTRTX" port), can be used to connect control device 302 to multiplexer 307. This single-wire communication can be converted into two-wire communication via multiplexer 307. For example, a signal can be transmitted from multiplexer 307 to input port 315 (e.g., RX port) of sensor 304, and a signal can be transmitted from output port 317 (e.g., TX port) of sensor 304 to multiplexer 307. Multiplexer 307 can be controlled by control device 302 via port 311, such as an LED signal port or any other signal port.

[0366] In addition, Figure 2 In the example shown, at least one communication interface 310 is combined with or integrated into an electrical connector 313, such that an electrical connection for charging the energy storage device 122 of the aerosol generating device 100 and a communication coupling between the aerosol generating device 100 and the receiving device 300 can be established via the electrical connector 114 of the aerosol generating device 100 and the connector 313 of the receiving device.

[0367] Figure 3 A user device 700 is shown for configuring and / or registering one or more of the aerosol generation system 500, aerosol generation apparatus 100, and receiving apparatus 300. Typically, the user device 700 may be part of the aerosol generation system 500.

[0368] User device 700 includes user interface 702, which is configured to receive user input and / or guide the user through an age verification process, for example, based on providing or outputting information or data to the user via user interface 702.

[0369] User device 700 also includes a controller 704 or control circuitry 702 configured to verify that a user has reached an age threshold by guiding the user through an age verification process on user interface 702. The controller 702 may include one or more processors 705 for data processing.

[0370] User device 700 also includes communication circuitry 706 for communicatively coupling user device 700 to one or more of server 1000, aerosol generation system 500, receiving device 300, and / or aerosol generation device 100. Furthermore, user device 700 includes data storage device 708 for storing data or information.

[0371] In addition, the controller 704 can be configured to transmit an age verification signal to the receiving device 300 when the user has been successfully verified to have reached the age threshold, wherein the age verification signal indicates that the user has reached the age threshold.

[0372] Alternatively or additionally, controller 704 may be configured to determine at least one age verification indicator indicating that the user has reached an age threshold based on the age verification signal indicator receiving device. Alternatively or additionally, controller 704 may be configured to store at least one age verification indicator based on the transmitted age verification signal indicator receiving device 300 and / or aerosol generating device 100.

[0373] To guide a user through an age verification process or for registration, controller 704 can be configured to provide one or more queries and / or requests at user interface 702. Alternatively or additionally, controller 704 can be configured to receive and / or process one or more user inputs from user interface 702 in response to one or more queries and / or requests. For example, a user's personal data may be requested for age verification based on providing one or more queries and / or requests to the user at user interface 702. Such personal data may relate to at least one of the user's identity card, passport, credit card, driver's license, and social security number.

[0374] Some or all of personal information may be transferred to server 1000 for age verification and / or to register aerosol generation system 500 with a user, such as in a user account stored at server 1000.

[0375] Furthermore, the controller 704 can be configured to provide a query to the user at the user interface 702, requesting the user to acquire, sense, determine, and / or store one or more reference biometric features using at least one biometric sensor 304 of the receiving device 300. For example, a corresponding control signal can be transmitted to the receiving device 300, such as triggering its visual indicator 314 to indicate that the user should sense one or more reference biometric features.

[0376] The following provides an illustrative example of a user registration process using user device 700. User device 700, such as a smartphone or PC in a retail store, can send a message or signal to aerosol generation system 500, aerosol generation device 100, and / or receiving device 300 that the user's age has been verified at user device 700 and / or server 1000. Biometric sensor 304 can then be activated to register the user at aerosol generation system 500, aerosol generation device 100, and / or receiving device 300. Upon receiving or sensing one or more reference biometric features, these features can be optionally stored in receiving device 300 and / or aerosol generation device 100, for example, in the form of a user's biometric signature, optionally associated with at least one age verification indicator (e.g., some type of flag), which has been age verified. Therefore, when the biometric sensor 304 receives another biometric feature (e.g., another fingerprint), it can match at least one of one or more reference biometric features and / or signatures, and can identify the user as an age-verified user. This avoids sending any fingerprint data outside the receiving device 300, thereby protecting the privacy of the user or their personal data.

[0377] Figure 4 A flowchart is shown illustrating methods for authenticating a user at the aerosol generation system and / or operating the aerosol generation system 500, the receiving device 300 for the aerosol generation system 500, and / or the aerosol generation device 100 for the aerosol generation system 500. Unless otherwise stated, the aerosol generation system 500, the receiving device 300, and / or the aerosol generation device 100 include the same features, elements, and / or functions as described with reference to the foregoing figures.

[0378] Step 401 includes sensing at least one biometric feature of the user using a biometric sensor 304 disposed at the receiving device 300 to authenticate the user.

[0379] Step 402 includes generating an authentication signal at the receiving device 300 indicating whether the authentication of the user at the receiving device 300 was successful or unsuccessful.

[0380] In addition, step 403 includes transmitting an authentication signal to the aerosol generating device 100 to configure the aerosol generating device 100 based on the authentication signal and / or thereby configure the aerosol generating device to a locked or unlocked state.

[0381] Figure 4 The methods shown may include many alternative or additional steps, such as those described with reference to any of the first to eleventh aspects of this disclosure.

[0382] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating a method for configuring one or more of the aerosol generation system 500, the receiving device 300 for the aerosol generation system 500, and / or the aerosol generation apparatus 100 for the aerosol generation system 500 using the user device 700 is shown. Unless otherwise stated, the aerosol generation system 500, the receiving device 300, the aerosol generation apparatus 100, and / or the user device 700 include the same features, elements, and / or functions as described with reference to the foregoing figures.

[0383] Step 501 includes guiding the user of the user device 700 through an age verification process at the user interface 702 of the user device 700.

[0384] Step 502 includes verifying at the user device 700 that the user has reached the age threshold.

[0385] In addition, step 503 includes transmitting an age verification signal from user device 700 to receiving device 300 when verifying that the user has reached the age threshold, wherein the age verification signal indicates that the user has reached the age threshold.

[0386] Figure 5 The methods shown may include many alternative or additional steps, such as those described with reference to any of the first to eleventh aspects of this disclosure.

[0387] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating a method for configuring one or more of the aerosol generation system 500, the receiving device 300 for the aerosol generation system 500, and / or the aerosol generation apparatus 100 for the aerosol generation system 500 using the user device 700 is shown. Unless otherwise stated, the aerosol generation system 500, the receiving device 300, the aerosol generation apparatus 100, and / or the user device 700 include the same features, elements, and / or functions as described with reference to the foregoing figures. Figure 6 The method can be described, for example, the initial setup procedure, age verification process, or registration process before a user first uses the system 500 and consumes aerosols.

[0388] In step 601, user registration information or data and / or age verification data are transmitted from user device 700 to server 1000. In step 602, server 1000 receives user registration information or data and / or age verification data.

[0389] In step 603, the age of the registered user and / or verified user is equal to or higher than an age threshold. If verification fails at server 1000, the failure received at user device 700 can be transmitted to user device 700 at step 601' and trigger a repetition of step 601.

[0390] For example, based on a user's personal data, upon successful verification at server 1000, in step 604, a request for one or more reference biometric features (e.g., a fingerprint request) is transmitted from server 1000 to user device 700, and in step 605, the request is received at user device. The received request may trigger, for example, a prompt to the user based on one or more queries to provide or obtain one or more reference biometric features using biometric sensor 304 at receiving device 300.

[0391] For example, at step 606, a sensing command, such as a fingerprint activation command, may be received at the receiving device 300 and / or the aerosol generation system 500.

[0392] At step 607, one or more reference biometric features (e.g., fingerprint data or fingerprint signature) may be acquired by biometric sensor 304 and stored at step 608 in data storage device 306 of receiving device 300 and / or data storage device of aerosol generating device 100.

[0393] Furthermore, in step 609, one or more stored reference biometric features may be classified as age-verified, either alone or in conjunction with the request received at step 606, based on an age verification signal transmitted from user device 700 to receiving device 300. This classification may include storing age verification indicators in receiving device 300 and / or aerosol generating device 100, wherein the age verification indicators may be associated with one or more stored reference biometric features.

[0394] If user classification and registration fail at step 609, step 605 can be re-executed, and the program can be restarted at step 606.

[0395] When a user is successfully categorized and registered at step 609, the user may consume aerosol using the aerosol generating device 100.

[0396] Furthermore, at step 610, for example, based on transmitting the corresponding signal from the receiving device 300 to the user device 700, a successful registration indication for one or more reference biometric features may be given to the user device 700.

[0397] Furthermore, at step 611, a signal indicating successful registration of one or more reference biometric features can be transmitted from user device 700 to server 1000, and server 1000 can store corresponding indications that one or more reference biometric features have been successfully registered and age verified at receiving device 300.

[0398] Figure 6The methods shown may include many alternative or additional steps, such as those described with reference to any of the first to eleventh aspects of this disclosure.

[0399] Although the invention has been shown and described in detail in the accompanying drawings and the foregoing description, such showing and description are to be regarded as illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive; the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations of the disclosed embodiments can be understood and implemented by those skilled in the art and those who practice the claimed invention based on a study of the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims.

[0400] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are referenced in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used advantageously. Any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. An aerosol generation system, comprising: An aerosol generating device is configured to generate aerosols, the aerosol generating device having a locked state and an unlocked state, wherein in the locked state the aerosol generating device is prohibited from generating aerosols, and in the unlocked state the aerosol generating device is allowed to generate aerosols. as well as A receiving device configured to at least partially receive the aerosol generating device, wherein the receiving device includes a housing mechanically coupled to the aerosol generating device; and wherein each of the aerosol generating device and the receiving device includes a communication interface for communicatively coupling the aerosol generating device to the receiving device. The receiving device includes a control device having at least one biometric sensor, the at least one biometric sensor being disposed on the outer wall of the housing and configured to authenticate the user of the aerosol generation system based on sensing at least one biometric feature of the user; and The control device is configured to transmit an authentication signal to the aerosol generating device to configure the aerosol generating device into the locked state or the unlocked state, the authentication signal indicating whether the user's authentication at the receiving device was successful or unsuccessful.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one biometric sensor is at least one of a fingerprint sensor, an iris recognition sensor, a voice recognition sensor, and a camera for facial recognition.

3. The system according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises at least one energy storage device for storing electrical energy; and The receiving device is configured to supply electrical energy to the aerosol generating apparatus to charge at least one energy storage device of the aerosol generating apparatus.

4. The system according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the aerosol generation system is configured to cause the aerosol generation device to enter the locked state based on one or more locking conditions.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the one or more locking conditions include determining at least one of the following: The maximum number of user sessions using the aerosol generating device since the last successful authorization at the receiving device. The maximum number of charging cycles performed since the last successful authorization of the user at the receiving device, and The maximum time period since the user was last successfully authorized at the receiving device.

6. The system according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the aerosol generating apparatus further comprises: Data storage device; as well as A control circuit configured to determine an authentication indicator based on an authentication signal received from the receiving device and to store the authentication indicator in the data storage device.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the control circuit of the aerosol generating device is configured to cause the aerosol generating device to enter the locked state or the unlocked state based on an authentication indicator stored in the data storage device of the aerosol generating device.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the control circuit of the aerosol generating device is configured to cause the aerosol generating device to enter the locked state when the authentication indicator is not present in the data storage device of the aerosol generating device; and / or The control circuit of the aerosol generating device is configured to cause the aerosol generating device to enter the locked state when the value of the authentication indicator in the data storage device of the aerosol generating device is a predefined value.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein the control circuit of the aerosol generating device is configured to cause the aerosol generating device to enter the unlocked state when the authentication indicator is stored in the data storage device of the aerosol generating device; and / or The control circuit of the aerosol generating device is configured to cause the aerosol generating device to enter the unlocked state when the value of the authentication indicator in the data storage device of the aerosol generating device takes another predefined value.

10. The system of claim 7, wherein the control circuit of the aerosol generating device is configured to remove the authentication indicator from the data storage device of the aerosol generating device, such that the aerosol generating device is configured into the locked state; and / or The control circuit of the aerosol generating device is configured to modify the value of the authentication indicator so that the aerosol generating device is configured into the locked state.

11. The system according to claim 7, in, In order for the aerosol generating device to enter the locked state, the control circuit of the aerosol generating device is configured to remove the authentication indicator from the data storage device of the aerosol generating device based on one or more locking conditions; And / or In order for the aerosol generating device to enter the locked state, the control circuit of the aerosol generating device is configured to modify the value of the authentication indicator stored in the data storage device of the aerosol generating device based on one or more locking conditions.

12. The system according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the communication device of the receiving device is configured to transmit the authentication signal to the aerosol generating device only when the user is successfully authenticated at the receiving device; and / or The authentication signal indicates that the user has been successfully authenticated at the receiving device.

13. The system according to any one of claims 1 and 2, comprising: A user device communicatively coupled to the receiving device; The user device includes a user interface and a controller, the controller being configured to verify that the user has reached an age threshold by guiding the user through an age verification process on the user interface; and The controller is configured to transmit an age verification signal to the receiving device when it successfully verifies that the user has reached the age threshold.

14. A receiving device for an aerosol generation system, the receiving device comprising: A housing is configured to be mechanically connected to an aerosol generating device of the aerosol generating system, the aerosol generating device having a locked state and an unlocked state, wherein in the locked state, the aerosol generating device is prohibited from generating aerosols, and in the unlocked state, the aerosol generating device is allowed to generate aerosols. A communication interface, wherein the communication interface is used for communication coupling between the receiving device and the aerosol generating device; A control device having at least one biometric sensor, the at least one biometric sensor being disposed on the outer wall of the housing and configured to authenticate the user of the receiving device based on sensing at least one biometric feature of the user; and The control device is configured to transmit an authentication signal to the aerosol generating device to configure the aerosol generating device into the locked state or the unlocked state, the authentication signal indicating whether the user's authentication at the receiving device was successful or unsuccessful.

15. An aerosol generating device for an aerosol generating system, the aerosol generating device being mechanically coupled to the housing of a receiving device of the aerosol generating system, the aerosol generating device having a locked state and an unlocked state, wherein in the locked state, the aerosol generating device is prohibited from generating aerosols, and in the unlocked state, the aerosol generating device is permitted to generate aerosols, the aerosol generating device comprising: A communication interface is provided for communicatively coupling the aerosol generating device to the receiving device of the aerosol generating system, wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to receive an authentication signal from the receiving device via the communication interface, the authentication signal indicating whether the user's authentication at the receiving device is successful or unsuccessful using a biometric sensor located on the outer wall of the housing of the receiving device. as well as A control circuit configured to cause the aerosol generating device to enter the locked state or the unlocked state based on an authentication signal received from the receiving device.

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