Aerosol supply system

Abstract

An aerosol supply device comprises: a charging interface for receiving power from an external power source; and a controller configured to control operation of the aerosol supply device, where the controller is configured to: determine, in response to a signal applied to the charging interface, whether a property of the signal is within a predetermined range; and in response to determining that the property of the signal is within the predetermined range, switching from controlling operation of the aerosol supply device according to a first mode to controlling operation of the aerosol supply device according to a second mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol supply system, an aerosol supply device and a method of generating vapor. Background Art

[0002] The operation of a delivery system, such as an aerosol supply system, can be controlled by a controller. A delivery system may include a housing, a memory, a controller configured to control the operation of the delivery system, a control interface for receiving input to the delivery system and providing output from the delivery system, and a power supply configured to supply power for the operation of the delivery system. The delivery system may also include an aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material, which may be in the form of a liquid, a solid, or a gel. The operation of the delivery system may be controlled by a controller included in the delivery system or by a controller of another device, wherein a communication circuit of the control interface of the delivery system is configured to connect to and communicate data with the controller of the other device. For example, the other device may send data including instructions for performing a control action to the communication circuit of the delivery system. The operation of the delivery system may be controlled by a distributed system, which includes the delivery system and one or more other devices, such as an external power supply device and / or a computing device, which together control the operation of the delivery system.

[0003] This article describes various approaches that attempt to address this problem in the context of conveyor systems. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to a first aspect, an aerosol supply device is provided, comprising:

[0005] a charging interface for receiving power from an external power source; and

[0006] A controller configured to control the operation of the aerosol supply device, wherein the controller is configured to:

[0007] determining, in response to a signal applied to the charging interface, whether a property of the signal is within a predetermined range; and

[0008] In response to determining that the property of the signal is within the predetermined range, switching from controlling operation of the aerosol supply device according to the first mode to controlling operation of the aerosol supply device according to the second mode.

[0009] The property may be i) voltage, ii) current, iii) frequency, iv) resistance, v) capacitance, vi) impedance, and / or vii) a magnetic property.

[0010] In order to determine whether the property of the signal is within a predetermined range, the controller may be configured to determine whether a code encoded in the signal is within a predetermined range.

[0011] The predetermined range may be a first predetermined range not indicating standard power supply from the external power source, and the first predetermined range includes a range of values ​​outside a second predetermined range indicating standard power supply from the external power source.

[0012] The first predetermined range may include a range of values ​​below a lower predetermined threshold and values ​​above an upper predetermined threshold.

[0013] The lower predetermined threshold may be lower than a value associated with a standard supply of power from the external power source to the charging interface.

[0014] The upper predetermined threshold may be higher than a value associated with a standard supply of power from the external power source to the charging interface.

[0015] The controller can be configured as:

[0016] A determination is made in response to the signal applied to the charging interface whether a property of the signal is within a second predetermined range indicative of a standard power supply from an external power source.

[0017] The controller can be configured as:

[0018] In response to determining that the property of the signal is within the second predetermined range, switching from controlling operation of the aerosol supply device according to the first mode to controlling operation of the aerosol supply device according to the third mode, or continuing to control operation of the aerosol supply device according to the first mode.

[0019] In a first mode, a function of one or more first components of the aerosol supply device may be enabled, and in a second mode, the function may be disabled.

[0020] In a first mode, a function of the aerosol supply device for generating an aerosol may be activated, and in a second mode, the function may be deactivated.

[0021] In the first mode, the functionality of one or more second components of the aerosol supply device may be deactivated, and in the second mode, the functionality may be activated.

[0022] The aerosol supply device may include communication circuitry configured to communicate data with one or more other devices.

[0023] In the first mode, a specific function of the communication circuit for exchanging data with one or more other devices is disabled, and in the second mode, the specific function is enabled.

[0024] The aerosol supply device may comprise an electrical interface for connecting to a consumable comprising an aerosol generating material, and wherein the electrical interface is configured to communicate data with another device and is comprised in the communication circuit, and

[0025] In the first mode, the functionality of the electrical interface to communicate data with one or more other devices is disabled, and in the second mode, the functionality is enabled.

[0026] The charging interface may be configured to communicate data with other devices and be included in the communication circuit, and

[0027] In the first mode, the function of the charging interface to communicate data with one or more other devices is disabled, and in the second mode, the function is enabled.

[0028] The charging interface may include a plurality of electrical contacts.

[0029] The plurality of electrical contacts may include a plurality of pogo pins.

[0030] The charging interface may include a USB interface.

[0031] According to a second aspect, there is provided an aerosol supply system comprising:

[0032] An aerosol supply device according to any preceding claim; and

[0033] Consumables, including aerosol generating materials.

[0034] According to a third aspect, there is provided a method for an aerosol supply device, comprising:

[0035] providing an aerosol supply device and a controller for controlling operation of the aerosol supply device according to a first mode;

[0036] applying a signal to a charging interface of the aerosol supply device for receiving power from an external power source;

[0037] determining, by the controller in response to the signal applied to the charging interface, whether a property of the signal is within a predetermined range; and

[0038] In response to determining that the property of the signal is within the predetermined range, switching by the controller from controlling operation of the aerosol supply device according to the first mode to controlling operation of the aerosol supply device according to the second mode.

[0039] The property can be i) voltage, ii) current, iii) frequency or iv) resistance.

[0040] Determining whether the property of the signal is within a predetermined range may include determining whether a code encoded in the signal is within a predetermined range.

[0041] The predetermined range may be a first predetermined range not indicating standard power supply from the external power source, and the first predetermined range includes a range of values ​​outside a second predetermined range indicating standard power supply from the external power source.

[0042] The method may include:

[0043] A determination is made in response to the signal applied to the charging interface whether a property of the signal is within a second predetermined range indicative of a standard power supply from an external power source.

[0044] The method may include:

[0045] In response to determining that the property of the signal is within the second predetermined range, switching from controlling operation of the aerosol supply device according to the first mode to controlling operation of the aerosol supply device according to the third mode, or continuing to control operation of the aerosol supply device according to the first mode.

[0046] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a controller configured to control the operation of an aerosol supply device, wherein the controller is configured to:

[0047] determining, in response to a signal applied to a charging interface of the aerosol supply device for receiving power from an external power source, whether a property of the signal is within a predetermined range; and

[0048] In response to determining that the property of the signal is within the predetermined range, switching from controlling operation of the aerosol supply device according to the first mode to controlling operation of the aerosol supply device according to the second mode.

[0049] The property can be i) voltage, ii) current, iii) frequency or iv) resistance.

[0050] In order to determine whether the property of the signal is within a predetermined range, the controller may be configured to determine whether a code encoded in the signal is within a predetermined range.

[0051] The predetermined range may be a first predetermined range not indicating standard power supply from the external power source, and the first predetermined range includes a range of values ​​outside a second predetermined range indicating standard power supply from the external power source.

[0052] The controller can be configured as:

[0053] A determination is made in response to the signal applied to the charging interface whether a property of the signal is within a second predetermined range indicative of a standard power supply from an external power source.

[0054] The controller can be configured as:

[0055] In response to determining that the property of the signal is within the second predetermined range, switching from controlling operation of the aerosol supply device according to the first mode to controlling operation of the aerosol supply device according to the third mode, or continuing to control operation of the aerosol supply device according to the first mode.

[0056] The method, system, apparatus and controller of any aspect may include any features or functional steps described with respect to another aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0057] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a schematic representation of an aerosol supply system according to certain embodiments is shown.

[0058] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a schematic representation of an aerosol supply system according to certain embodiments is shown.

[0059] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a schematic representation of an aerosol supply system according to certain embodiments is shown.

[0060] Figure 4 A schematic representation of a system including an aerosol supply device, consumables, an external power supply device, a local computing device, and a remote computing device according to certain embodiments is shown.

[0061] Figure 5 A perspective view of a schematic representation of an aerosol supply device 500 is shown according to some embodiments.

[0062] Figure 6 A flow chart representation of a method of operating an aerosol supply system according to certain embodiments is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] Aspects and features of certain embodiments and implementations are discussed or described herein. Some aspects and features of certain embodiments and implementations may be conventionally implemented, and for the sake of brevity, these aspects and features are not discussed / described in detail. Therefore, it should be understood that aspects and features of the devices and methods discussed herein that are not described in detail may be implemented according to any conventional techniques for implementing these aspects and features.

[0064] The present application generally relates to the field of "delivery systems", that is, systems that deliver at least one substance to a user. Typically, the goal of delivering the substance to the user is to meet a specific "consumer moment". To this end, the substance can include ingredients that impart a physiological effect to the user, a sensory effect to the user, or both. In this case, the substance will typically be present in an aerosol-generating material or another material that is not intended to be aerosolized. The material itself (whether or not aerosolized) will typically contain a series of ingredients. These ingredients are typically divided into active substances, flavorings, aerosol-forming materials and other functional materials (e.g., fillers). The active site may produce some form of psychological effect on the user when it is delivered to the user.

[0065] Delivery systems take many forms. Exemplary combustible aerosol supply systems include cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, and tobacco for pipes or for rolling or making your own cigarettes (based on or not based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes or other smokeable materials). Exemplary non-combustible aerosol supply systems include: heating but not burning aerosol supply systems (such as tobacco heating products (THP) and carbon filter tobacco heating products (CTHP)), in which solid materials are heated to generate aerosols without burning materials; vapor aerosol supply systems (commonly referred to as "electronic cigarettes" or "electronic cigarettes"), in which liquid materials are heated to generate aerosols; and mixed aerosol supply systems, which are similar to vapor aerosol supply systems, except that the aerosol generated by the liquid material passes through a second material (such as tobacco) to absorb additional components before reaching the user. Exemplary non-aerosol delivery systems deliver the at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, transdermally or otherwise without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to lozenges, chewing gum, patches, products including smokable powders, and oral products (e.g., oral tobacco including snuff or moist snuff), wherein the at least one substance may or may not include nicotine.

[0066] Although various techniques will be described herein with respect to a non-flammable aerosol supply system, these techniques may be readily applied to the context of any of the above-described delivery systems, for example by implementation within the delivery system where feasible, or in a "smart" container for the delivery system (e.g., for storing the delivery system).

[0067] In particular, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a non-flammable aerosol supply system. A "non-flammable" aerosol supply system is an aerosol supply system in which the constituent aerosol generating materials of the aerosol supply system (or its components) facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user without burning or igniting. The non-flammable aerosol supply system may be an aerosol generating material heating system, such as a heat-not-burn system. An embodiment of such a system is a tobacco heating system. In particular, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to an electronic aerosol supply system, which may (or may not) be an electronic non-flammable aerosol supply system.

[0068] An aerosol supply system for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating material. An aerosol generating material is a material that can generate an aerosol when heated, radiated or stimulated in any other way, for example. The aerosol generating material may include a binder such as a gelling agent and an aerosol forming agent. Optionally, there may also be a substance to be delivered and / or a filler. Optionally, there is also a solvent, such as water, and one or more other components of the aerosol generating material may or may not be dissolved in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material is substantially free of plant material. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol generating material is substantially free of tobacco. The aerosol generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel, which may or may not contain active substances and / or flavors. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material may include an "amorphous solid", which may alternatively be referred to as a "whole solid" (i.e., non-fiber). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material that can retain some fluid (e.g., liquid) inside it. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material may, for example, include from about 50 wt%, 60 wt% or 70 wt% amorphous solids to about 90 wt%, 95 wt% or 100 wt% amorphous solids. The aerosol generating material may include one or more active substances and / or flavoring agents, one or more aerosol forming materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material includes a crystalline structure.

[0069] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material comprises any tobacco-containing material, and may, for example, comprise one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives comprising tobacco extracts, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. The aerosol-generating material may also comprise other non-tobacco products, including, for example, flavors, which may or may not comprise nicotine, filler materials (e.g., chalk and / or adsorbent materials), glycerine, propylene glycol, or triacetin, depending on the product. The aerosol-generating material may also comprise a binding material, such as sodium alginate.

[0070] As is common in the art, the terms "vapor" and "aerosol" and related terms (such as "evaporation", "volatization" and "aerosolization") are often used interchangeably. In use, when a user draws an aerosol generated by an aerosol generating material, a puff occurs on the aerosol supply system. A series of puffs can be considered a "session". A series can correspond to a characteristic pattern of puffs. A series can correspond to a predetermined number or range, or a user's puffs on an aerosol supply system. For example, a session can be defined as 10 puffs, or between 8 and 12 puffs. Additionally or alternatively, a session can be defined by a predetermined time from the initial puff on the aerosol supply system (e.g., where the aerosol generating material is heated to a target temperature for a predetermined time). For example, the predetermined time can be less than 4 minutes, less than 6 minutes, or less than 10 minutes. Therefore, a session can be defined when the total number of puffs reaches a predetermined number or range of puffs and / or when the time elapsed from the initial puff reaches a predetermined time. It should be understood that the values ​​for the predetermined number of puffs and the predetermined time are given as examples only, and other numbers and times may be used as appropriate in other implementations.

[0071] Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, a session corresponds to a series of puffs, which are separated from another session by a pause greater than a threshold duration. The threshold duration can be selected to facilitate user understanding (e.g., 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes, 25 minutes, 30 minutes, 35 minutes, 40 minutes, 45 minutes, 50 minutes or 55 minutes, or more preferably a time period within the range of 5 minutes to 45 minutes, or more preferably a time period within the range of 10 minutes to 30 minutes, or more preferably a time period within the range of 15 minutes to 20 minutes), or can be selected based on pharmacokinetic (e.g., the so-called half-life of nicotine in the body (about 2 hours)) or based on physiology (e.g., the perception of nicotine's brain stimulation decreases (e.g., on the order of 15 minutes to 25 minutes, averaging around 18 minutes to 20 minutes)). Optionally, this half-life can then be individualized, such as based on sex, physique (size, weight, etc.), race, etc. A lookup table of half-life values ​​and / or a scaled value for one or more physiological factors of a user can be used to refine an otherwise generic half-life value. Thus, a puffing session can include characteristic patterns and / or can be separated from another session by a threshold duration of non-use.

[0072] Typically, an aerosol supply system may include an aerosol supply device (e.g., a reusable portion) and consumables (e.g., a disposable portion) for use with the aerosol supply device. In many cases, the consumables are sold separately from the device, and are typically in multiple packages. The terms "consumables" and "articles" are typically used interchangeably. Typically, the consumables will include aerosol generating materials, and the aerosol supply device will include a power supply, a controller, a control interface, and a memory (each of which will be discussed in more detail herein) at least partially enclosed in a housing, which may be made of any suitable material (e.g., a plastic material or metal). In use, the consumables may be engaged with the aerosol supply device. For example, at least a portion of the consumables may be received by the aerosol supply device, such as in a consumable chamber of the aerosol supply device configured to receive at least a portion of the consumables. The aerosol supply device is configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating material of the consumables. After the aerosol generating material of the consumable has been exhausted, the user can remove the consumable, for example by detaching the aerosol supply device from the consumable, dispose of it, and replace it with a (new) consumable. Devices conforming to this type of two-piece modular construction may generally be referred to as two-piece aerosol supply devices, which together with the consumable may generally be referred to as two-piece aerosol supply systems.

[0073] In this two-piece aerosol supply system, the consumable and the aerosol supply device can be engaged with each other. For example, the consumable can be mechanically and / or electrically connected to the aerosol supply device using a coupling interface of the aerosol supply device and a corresponding coupling interface of the consumable. The coupling interface of the aerosol supply device may include a mechanical coupling device for mechanically coupling with the consumable, such as mechanically coupling with a corresponding mechanical coupling device of the consumable. The coupling interface may include an electrical coupling interface for electrically connecting to the consumable, such as electrically connecting to a corresponding electrical coupling interface of the consumable. The electrical coupling interface of the aerosol supply device can be configured to supply electricity to the consumable, such as supplying electricity to an aerosol generator of the consumable (as will be discussed in more detail herein).

[0074] Although consumables typically include a single portion of aerosol generating material, in some cases, the consumable may include multiple portions of aerosol generating material, each portion may be different. In this case, the consumable can be received by an aerosol supply device, which is configured to generate an aerosol from one or more of the multiple portions of the aerosol generating material. For example, the aerosol supply device can be configured to generate an aerosol independently of each portion of the aerosol generating material. Each portion of the aerosol generating material can be a discrete portion, wherein the multiple discrete portions are separated from each other so that each discrete portion can be individually excited (e.g., heated) and / or can be independently excited (e.g., heated) to generate an aerosol.

[0075] In some cases, the aerosol supply device can be configured to receive a plurality of consumables, and a plurality of consumables can each include different aerosol generating materials. In use, a plurality of consumables are received by the aerosol supply device, and the aerosol supply device is configured to generate aerosols from the aerosol generating materials of one or more consumables, and each aerosol can be generated independently. The device that meets this type of construction can be generally referred to as a multi-consumable device, which together with a plurality of consumables can be generally referred to as a multi-consumable system. Multi-consumable devices and systems such as these can use any features used in two-piece aerosol supply devices and systems, such as but not limited to aerosol generating materials, aerosol generators, power supplies, control interfaces, controllers and memory (as will be discussed in more detail herein). Similarly, these components can be at least partially enclosed in a housing that can be made of any suitable material (e.g., plastic material or metal).

[0076] Embodiments are also envisioned in which the aerosol supply device is a one-piece aerosol supply device that is not configured to receive a removable consumable, and instead, the aerosol supply device itself includes an aerosol generating material. The one-piece aerosol supply device may be configured to be refillable, such that when at least a portion of the (initial) aerosol generating material of the aerosol supply device is exhausted, it can be refilled with (new) aerosol generating material. Alternatively, the one-piece aerosol supply device may be a disposable one-piece aerosol supply device that can be discarded by the user after the aerosol generating material has been exhausted (e.g., after a predetermined number of puffs), and is, for example, not configured to be refillable by the user. One-piece aerosol supply devices such as these (refillable or disposable) may use any features used in a two-piece (and / or multi-consumable) aerosol supply system, such as, but not limited to, aerosol generating material, aerosol generator, power supply, control interface, controller, and memory (as will be discussed in more detail herein). Likewise, these components may be at least partially enclosed within a housing which may be made of any suitable material, such as a plastics material or metal.

[0077] The aerosol supply system comprises a mouthpiece, through which a user can draw an aerosol generated from an aerosol generating material. The mouthpiece can comprise a material that makes the user's lips feel comfortable, such as a plastic or rubber material. When the user draws on the mouthpiece, air is inhaled through the aerosol supply system, and the air is combined with the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material. The user can then draw this combination of air and aerosol so that the substance of the aerosol can be delivered to the user. The aerosol supply system can comprise one or more air inlets, which can be positioned away from the mouthpiece of the system. When the user draws on the mouthpiece, air is inhaled through the one or more air inlets, and the air passes through the position where the aerosol is generated. There can be a flow path connected between this position and the opening in the mouthpiece, so that the air inhaled through the one or more air inlets continues to the opening along the flow path, thereby carrying the aerosol with it. Then, the aerosol leaves the aerosol supply system through the mouthpiece (e.g., its opening) so that it is drawn by the user. The mouthpiece may be part of the consumable, or part of the aerosol supply device, or may be a separate component forming part of the aerosol supply system in addition to the aerosol supply device and the consumable.

[0078] The configuration of the aerosol supply system (and its aerosol supply device) can vary depending on the form of the aerosol generating material that is configured to generate an aerosol therefrom. However, although embodiments will be discussed below with respect to various different forms of aerosol generating materials and corresponding different aerosol supply device configurations, the techniques discussed herein can be applied to all forms of aerosol generating materials.

[0079] The aerosol supply system (e.g., an aerosol supply device thereof) includes an aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material. The aerosol generator typically, but not always, includes a heating component configured to heat and volatilize the aerosol generating material, thereby generating an aerosol that can be inhaled by a user. Although many features will be discussed herein with respect to an aerosol generator including a heating component, it is noted that these features can also be applied to an aerosol generator that does not necessarily include a heating component.

[0080] An aerosol supply system (e.g., an aerosol supply device thereof) typically includes a heating chamber in which a heating assembly is configured to heat, so that an aerosol generating material in the heating chamber is heated. The heating chamber is configured to receive an aerosol generating material. The heating chamber may be included in a consumable. An aerosol supply system (e.g., an aerosol supply device thereof) may include a consumable chamber configured to receive at least a portion of a consumable. The heating chamber may correspond to the consumable chamber, however, for example, in an arrangement in which the heating chamber is included in the consumable, the heating chamber may not necessarily correspond to the consumable chamber, but rather to an area within the consumable that is received in the consumable chamber when connected to the aerosol supply device in use. The consumable may be configured to be partially or completely inserted into the aerosol supply device by inserting it into the consumable chamber through an opening in the housing of the aerosol supply device.

[0081] The heating assembly may include a heating element, and the heating assembly is configured to heat the heating element. The heating element is used to heat the aerosol generating material, for example by being configured to heat a heating chamber. The heating element may be part of an aerosol supply device, or part of a consumable, or may be a separate component that is part of an aerosol supply system other than the aerosol supply device and the consumable. Multiple corresponding heating elements may be used, and the heating assembly may be configured to heat independently, for example so that multiple heating elements may be heated individually or in combination. In the case of a system comprising multiple parts of aerosol generating material (regardless of whether the multiple parts are in the same consumable, in multiple consumables, or in an aerosol supply device), multiple corresponding heating elements may be used, each heating element being configured to heat a corresponding part of the aerosol generating material. Multiple heating elements may also be configured to heat different regions of the same part of the aerosol generating material.

[0082] In some arrangements, the heating assembly is configured so that the heating element becomes heated by resistive heating, wherein an electric current is passed through the heating element so that heating occurs due to the resistance of the heating element. In some arrangements, the heating assembly is configured so that the heating element becomes heated by inductive heating, in which case the magnetic field generator of the heating assembly is configured to generate a changing magnetic field that penetrates the heating element and causes a susceptor material within the heating element to become heated. In other words, the susceptor material is configured to be heated by being penetrated with a changing magnetic field. The magnetic field generator may include a coil, such as a helical coil, which may surround at least a portion of the heating chamber.

[0083] The heating element may become heated by being penetrated with a varying magnetic field because the susceptor material comprises a conductive material and the varying magnetic field causes eddy currents to be induced within the susceptor material which cause heating to occur. This may alternatively or additionally be because the susceptor material comprises a magnetic material and the varying magnetic field causes the susceptor material to be heated by a hysteresis mechanism. In embodiments, the susceptor material may comprise a material that is both conductive and magnetic.

[0084] The heating element, such as its susceptor material (when present), may include one or more materials selected from the group consisting of metallic materials (such as aluminum, gold, iron, nickel, cobalt, ordinary carbon steel, stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, copper and bronze) or non-metallic materials (such as conductive carbon or graphite).

[0085] An arrangement is envisaged in which the heating assembly comprises a radiative heating component configured to generate radiation for heating the aerosol generating material, for example for heating the heating chamber. The radiation may comprise electromagnetic radiation, for example infrared radiation or microwave radiation, or acoustic radiation, for example ultrasonic radiation. In such an arrangement, as with the arrangement discussed above with respect to the heating element, the heating assembly may be configured to independently heat different portions of the aerosol generating material, or different regions of the same portion of the aerosol generating material. Typically, this may be achieved by configuring the heating assembly to independently heat different regions of the heating chamber.

[0086] Each of these heating techniques can be applied to any of the aerosol generating materials described above, and can be applied in the context of a one-piece aerosol supply system, a two-piece aerosol supply system, and a multi-consumable aerosol supply system or any other form of delivery system that uses heating to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material.

[0087] In an arrangement where the aerosol generating material is a liquid, the aerosol generating material may be stored in a reservoir included in the aerosol supply system. The reservoir may be part of the aerosol supply device, particularly where the aerosol supply device is a one-piece aerosol supply device, or may be part of the consumable (when present). In an arrangement where the reservoir storing the aerosol generating material is part of the consumable, the consumable may also include a heating element, which may be heated using resistive heating or induction heating. In such an arrangement where the consumable includes a reservoir storing the aerosol generating material, the consumable may be referred to as a cartridge.

[0088] The reservoir may be in the form of a storage tank, a container or reservoir in which the aerosol generating material may be stored, such that the liquid is free to move and flow within the confines of the tank. In an arrangement in which the reservoir is included in a consumable, the reservoir may be sealed after filling during manufacture so that it is disposable after the aerosol generating material is consumed, otherwise, it may have an inlet port through which a user can add new aerosol generating material. In this arrangement, a heating element may be included in the consumable, and the heating element may be located outside the storage tank for generating an aerosol by evaporating the aerosol generating material by heating. A conveying arrangement that may include a wick or other porous element may be provided to transport the aerosol generating material from the reservoir to the heating element. The conveying arrangement may have one or more portions located within the reservoir, or otherwise be in fluid communication with the aerosol generating material in the reservoir so as to be able to absorb the aerosol generating material and convey it to other portions of the conveying arrangement adjacent to or in contact with the heating element, for example by wicking or capillary action. This aerosol generating material is thereby heated and vaporized and replaced by new aerosol generating material from the reservoir and thereby delivered to the heating element via the wick delivery arrangement. The delivery arrangement may be considered to be a conduit between the reservoir and the heating element which delivers the aerosol generating material from the reservoir to the heating element. Although discussed in the context of a reservoir and a heating element included in a consumable, these features may equally apply to an aerosol supply device, for example where the aerosol supply device is a one-piece aerosol supply device.

[0089] In an arrangement where the aerosol generating material is a solid or gel, the aerosol generating material may be provided in a consumable. The consumable may be in rod form, which may also be interchangeably referred to as a "rod" form, and which may have a substantially cylindrical shape. In some cases, the consumable further comprises a filter and / or a cooling element. In this case, the consumable may comprise a mouthpiece. The consumable may comprise a packaging material that at least partially surrounds the other components of the consumable, including the filter, the cooling element, the mouthpiece, and one or more of the aerosol generating material. In some cases, the packaging material may comprise a paper layer. In some cases, the packaging material may comprise a non-combustible layer (e.g., a combustion-resistant layer), such as a metal foil. Suitably, the packaging material may comprise an aluminum foil layer. The packaging material may comprise a laminated structure, and in some cases, the laminated structure may comprise at least one paper layer and at least one non-combustible layer.

[0090] The consumable may be provided in the form of different shapes, for example in a planar form, in which case the consumable comprises a sheet. The aerosol generating material may be present on or in a support to form a matrix. The support may for example be or may comprise paper, card, paperboard, cardboard, recycled material, plastic material, ceramic material, composite material, glass, metal or metal alloy.

[0091] When present, the heating element may be part of the aerosol supply device such that when the aerosol supply device receives the consumable, the heating element is in proximity (e.g., contact) with the consumable. Alternatively, the heating element may be part of the consumable. This may be the case in arrangements where the aerosol generating material is a liquid, solid or gel.

[0092] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system, such as a non-flammable aerosol supply device thereof, may include a power source. The power source may be, for example, a power source or an exothermic source. In some embodiments, the exothermic source includes a carbon matrix, which may be energized so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol generating material or a heat transfer material near the exothermic source. In some embodiments, the power source includes a battery, such as a rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, lithium batteries (e.g., lithium-ion batteries), nickel batteries (e.g., nickel-cadmium batteries), and alkaline batteries. The power source is connected to a heating assembly and is configured to supply power to the heating assembly, such that the power source is configured to supply power to the heating assembly, and the heating assembly is configured to heat the aerosol generating material using the power supplied by the power source.

[0093] In some embodiments, the aerosol supply system (e.g., an aerosol supply device thereof) includes a controller configured to control the operation of the aerosol supply system. It should be understood that the functions of the controller can be provided in various different ways, such as using one or more appropriately programmed programmable computers and / or one or more appropriately configured application-specific integrated circuits / circuits / chips / chip sets, which are configured to provide the desired functions. It should be understood that the controller may include a microcontroller (MCU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a central processing unit (CPU) and / or a microprocessor. The operation of the controller is typically at least partially controlled by a software program executed on the controller. Typically, the aerosol supply device of the aerosol supply system includes a controller, but this need not always be the case, and in some arrangements, the consumables may include a controller.

[0094] The controller may be configured to control the operation of the aerosol generator, such as the operation of its heating assembly. Although a number of arrangements will be discussed with respect to a controller configured to control the operation of a heating assembly of an aerosol generator, these may be more generally applicable to aerosol generators that may or may not include a heating assembly. The controller is connected to a power source and the aerosol generator, and is configured to control the supply of power from the power source to the aerosol generator. Thus, the controller may be configured to control the heating of the aerosol generating material by the heating assembly.

[0095] The controller may be configured to heat the aerosol generating material according to a heating curve, for example by causing the heating assembly to heat the aerosol generating material according to the heating curve. A heating curve refers to the change in temperature of a material over time. For example, the changing temperature of a heating element measured at the heating element during a use session may be referred to as a heating curve of the heating element (or equivalently, a heating curve of a heating assembly unit comprising the heating element). The heating element provides heat to the aerosol generating material during use to generate an aerosol. The heating curve of the heating element thus produces, for example, a heating curve of an aerosol generating material disposed near the heating element.

[0096] The aerosol supply system (e.g., its aerosol supply device) may also include a memory. The memory may include a volatile memory, such as a random access memory (RAM) or a flash memory, and / or a non-volatile memory, such as a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable read-only memory (EEROM), or an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). In an embodiment, this memory includes a controller memory, which is part of the controller, and which may be integrated in the controller. The memory may additionally or alternatively include an external memory connected to the controller and external to the controller. The external memory may be removable from the aerosol supply system (e.g., its aerosol supply device), and may include an SD card or a microSD card. A software program for execution by the controller may be stored on the memory.

[0097] The aerosol supply system (e.g., an aerosol supply device thereof) may also include a control interface for receiving input and / or providing output. For example, the control interface may be configured to receive input and provide input data corresponding to the received input to the controller. The control interface may be configured to receive output data from the controller and provide output corresponding to the output data received from the controller.

[0098] The control interface may include a user interface including one or more input components for receiving input from a user and one or more output components for providing output to a user. The one or more input components are configured to receive input from a user and provide corresponding input data to the controller. The one or more input components may be configured to receive input from a user in the form of a physical manipulation of the user. The one or more input components may include buttons, switches, dials, scroll buttons, microphones, cameras, accelerometers, touch screens, or any multiple or combination thereof. The one or more input components may be assigned to functions such as turning on and off an aerosol supply device and selecting an operating mode of the aerosol supply system (as will be discussed in more detail herein). The one or more output components are configured to receive output data from a controller and provide corresponding output to a user. The one or more output components may include a lamp (e.g., LED), a speaker, a tactile component, a display (e.g., a screen), or any multiple or combination thereof. The controller may be configured to cause one or more output components to provide an output indicating the properties of an aerosol supply system, such as the properties of an aerosol generating material, or the remaining power of a power source, etc.

[0099] The control interface may include one or more sensors for detecting one or more properties associated with the aerosol supply system (e.g., its aerosol supply device), and the one or more sensors may be configured to provide input data to the controller, the input data including sensor data associated with the one or more properties detected. The one or more sensors may include a smoking sensor configured to detect a user's puff on the aerosol supply system. The one or more sensors may include a temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature associated with the aerosol supply system, such as the temperature of a heating assembly, a heating element, a consumable, an aerosol generating material, or an environment surrounding the aerosol supply system. The one or more sensors may include a consumable detection sensor configured to detect when the consumable has been engaged with the aerosol supply device, for example, when it is at least partially received by the aerosol supply device. The one or more sensors may include a consumable identification sensor configured to detect the properties of the consumable, for example, the properties of the aerosol generating material of the consumable. The one or more sensors may include a biometric sensor configured to detect biometric properties associated with the user, such as fingerprints, heart rate, and breathing properties.

[0100] The control interface may include a communication circuit configured to connect to one or more other devices and / or exchange data with one or more other devices. For example, the communication circuit may be configured to establish a data connection with one or more other devices. In some embodiments, the communication circuit is integrated into the controller, and in other embodiments, it is implemented separately (including, for example, a separate application-specific integrated circuit, circuit, chip and / or chipset). The data connection can be non-permanent or transient, in the sense that a channel can be established for a period of time necessary to perform a particular function, but can also be disconnected when not needed. In this context, the other device of the aerosol supply device can be another aerosol supply device, a consumable, or (as further described herein) an external power supply device or a computing device.

[0101] The communication circuitry may be configured to receive inputs including data from other devices, and to provide outputs including data from other devices. The communication circuitry may be configured to provide input data corresponding to the inputs to the controller, including data received from other devices, and to provide (e.g., send) outputs corresponding to output data provided by the controller to other devices, including data. Thus, the controller may receive (via the communication circuitry) data sent by other devices to an aerosol supply system (e.g., its aerosol supply device), and the controller may send (via the communication circuitry) data from an aerosol supply system (e.g., its aerosol supply device) to other devices. The data received from other devices may include instructions for the controller of the aerosol supply system (e.g., its aerosol supply device) to perform one or more control actions. The data provided to other devices may include instructions for the other devices to perform one or more control actions.

[0102] The communication circuit may include a wireless communication module configured to establish a wireless data connection with one or more other devices, and / or to communicate data with one or more other devices using a wireless data connection. For example, the wireless communication module may include a Bluetooth module (e.g., a Bluetooth low energy module), a ZigBee module, a WiFi module (e.g., a Wifi direct module), a 2G module, a 3G module, a 4G module, a 5G module, a LTE module, an NFC module, an RFID module, an optical communication module configured to communicate data using an optical signal, an audio communication module configured to communicate data using an audio signal, or other wireless communication modules. Therefore, the wireless data connection may be a Bluetooth connection (e.g., a Bluetooth low energy connection), a ZigBee connection, a WiFi connection (e.g., a WiFi direct connection), a 2G connection, a 3G connection, a 4G connection, a 5G connection, a LTE connection, and an NFC connection, as well as an RFID connection, an optical data connection, and an audio data connection, or other wireless data connections. More generally, it should be understood that in principle any wireless protocol can be used for wireless data connections.

[0103] The communication circuit may also or alternatively include a wired communication module configured to establish a wired data connection with one or more other devices, and / or to communicate data with one or more other devices using a wired data connection. For example, the wired communication module may include a wired interface, such as a USB interface (e.g., a USB-A interface, a USB-B interface, a mini USB interface, a micro USB interface, a USB-C interface, or a USB-3 interface), a Thunderbolt interface, or other wired data interfaces. Therefore, the wired data connection may be a USB connection (e.g., a USB-A connection, a USB-B connection, a mini USB connection, a micro USB connection, a USB-C connection, or a USB-3 connection), a Thunderbolt connection, or other wired data connection, respectively. More generally, it should be understood that the wired module may include any wired interface using a wired protocol that enables data to be communicated according to, for example, a packet data transfer protocol, and may include a pin or contact pad arrangement configured to engage mating pins or contact pads on other devices that can be connected to the aerosol supply system (e.g., its aerosol supply device).

[0104] The controller can be configured to control the operation of the aerosol supply system based on input data received from the control interface. This input data may include input data provided from one or more user interfaces, input data provided from one or more sensors including sensor data, and input data provided from the communication circuit corresponding to data received from other devices. Based on an event such as the reception of input data (e.g., in response to the event), the controller can be configured to perform a control action, such as initiating a function of a component of the aerosol supply system (e.g., causing the heating component to begin heating, causing one or more output components to provide an output to a user, or causing the communication circuit to provide an output to other devices), changing a parameter associated with the function of a component of the aerosol supply system, and enabling or disabling a function of a component of the aerosol supply system.

[0105] The controller may be configured to perform a control action in response to an event, in which case the controller will determine whether and how to perform the control action in response to the occurrence of the event and, for example, in response to the nature of the event. For example, the controller may cause the heating component to heat the aerosol generating material in response to the detected property of the consumable, such that when the controller starts heating, a specific heating curve is used for a specific property of the detected consumable, and no heating is used for another specific property of the detected consumable. However, although this control action may be performed directly after the event, i.e. triggered by the event, this need not be the case and the control action may be performed at a later time. The controller may be configured to perform a control action in response to an event, in which case the controller will then perform the action, i.e., the performance of the action is triggered by the event. For example, the controller may cause the heating component to heat the aerosol generating material in response to a smoking sensor detecting a user taking a puff, after detecting a puff.

[0106] The controller may also be configured to control the operation of the aerosol supply system (e.g., its aerosol supply device) according to a selected mode (or multiple selected modes). Each mode is associated with predetermined rules regarding the functions of one or more components of the aerosol supply system (e.g., its aerosol supply device). For example, operating parameters and / or logic may vary between modes. These components may include, but are not limited to, memory, control interface, aerosol generator, and power supply. In some modes, specific functions of one or more components may be enabled so that when the controller receives input data including instructions for performing a function, the controller may cause the aerosol supply system (e.g., its aerosol supply device) to perform the function. However, in some modes, specific functions of one or more components may be disabled so that when the controller receives input data including instructions for performing a function, the controller causes the aerosol supply system (e.g., its aerosol supply device) not to perform the function.

[0107] The consumables themselves may include any one or both of a controller and a memory. The controller and memory of the consumables may use any of those discussed above with respect to the aerosol supply system. The consumables may also similarly include a control interface for receiving input and / or providing output, which may use any of the features of the control interface discussed above with respect to the aerosol supply system. For example, the control interface may include a communication circuit configured to be connected to one or more other devices and to enable data connection to be established with one or more other devices. In this case, the other devices for the consumables may be an aerosol supply device, another consumable or an external power supply device or a computing device (as further described herein).

[0108] The aerosol supply device may include a charging interface for receiving power from an external power source. For example, the charging interface may be used to receive power from an external power source including a charging cable. As part of the aerosol supply system, an external power supply device may also be provided, which is configured to be connected to the aerosol supply device, such as its charging interface, and to power the aerosol supply device. The external power supply device may include a power source, which includes a battery, such as a rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, lithium batteries (such as lithium-ion batteries), nickel batteries (such as nickel-cadmium batteries), and alkaline batteries. The external power supply device may be configured to provide power to charge the power supply of the aerosol supply device. The external power supply device may be a "charging box" that includes a recess configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol supply device, wherein the external power supply device is configured to be connected to the charging interface when the aerosol supply device is received in the recess.

[0109] The external power supply device may include either or both of a controller and a memory. The controller and memory of the external power supply device may use any of the features discussed above with respect to the controller and memory discussed with respect to the aerosol supply system. The controller of the external power supply device may be configured to control the power supply to the aerosol supply device. The external power supply device may also include a control interface for receiving input and / or providing output, which may use any of the features of the control interface discussed above with respect to the aerosol supply system. For example, the control interface may include a communication circuit configured to be connected to one or more other devices and enable a data connection to be established with one or more other devices. In this context, the other devices for the external power supply device may be an aerosol supply device, a consumable, another external power supply device, or a computing device (as further described herein).

[0110] The charging interface of the external power supply device may also be configured to communicate data with the external power supply when connected. In this arrangement, the charging interface corresponds to a wired communication component (i.e., a wired communication component of the communication circuit of the external power supply device) configured to communicate data using a wired data connection. The charging interface may include a wired interface, such as a USB interface (e.g., a USB-A interface, a USB-B interface, a mini USB interface, a micro USB interface, a USB-C interface, or a USB-3 interface), a Thunderbolt interface, or other wired interfaces.

[0111] The system including the aerosol supply system may also include one or more computing devices configured to connect to the aerosol supply system (e.g., its aerosol supply device) and communicate with the aerosol supply system (e.g., its aerosol supply device) using a data connection (e.g., wired or wireless). The one or more computing devices may include a local computing device that may be controlled or owned by a user, and the local computing device may include a smart phone, a tablet, a personal computer (PC), a wearable device (e.g., a smart watch), a refilling device for refilling an aerosol supply device or consumables with an aerosol generating material, or a connection hub. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more computing devices may include a remote computing device that may not be controlled or owned by the user, such as a server.

[0112] The computing device may include either or both of a controller and a memory. The controller and memory of the computing device may use any of the features discussed above with respect to the controller and memory discussed with respect to the aerosol supply system. The computing device may also similarly include a control interface for receiving input (e.g., from a user) and / or providing output (e.g., to a user), which control interface may use any of the features of the control interface discussed above with respect to the aerosol supply system. The control interface may include a communication circuit configured to be connected to other devices and to communicate data with other devices. In this case, the other devices for the computing device may be an aerosol supply device, a consumable, an external power supply device, or another computing device.

[0113] The aerosol supply system (e.g., its aerosol supply device) can establish communication directly with the remote computing device using one of the above-mentioned wireless protocols, for example by connecting to a communication node (e.g., a telecommunications "base station") that provides connectivity with the remote computing device. Alternatively or in addition, the aerosol supply system (e.g., its aerosol supply device) can establish communication with the remote computing device via a local computing device, for example, using a wired or wireless communication protocol to communicate with the local computing device, which then communicates with the remote communication device. The local computing device can also communicate indirectly with the remote computing device via a relay device (which can be another computing device) to implement an aspect of its own functionality, or on behalf of the aerosol supply system (e.g., as a relay or co-processing unit).

[0114] The computing devices may also transmit data to each other directly or indirectly via any of the wired or wireless communication protocols described above. Therefore, in an embodiment, a given first device and a second device (e.g., any of an aerosol supply device, a consumable, an external power supply device, and a computing device) may be generally in a connected or unconnected state relative to each other. The unconnected state may also be referred to as an idle state, and in this state, a given first device may not be detected by other second devices (i.e., the first device does not send any signaling that enables its existence and / or identity to be determined), or it may be used to establish a data connection with a second device (i.e., it may use advertising signaling to announce its existence and / or identity). In the connected state, the first device and the second device are configured so that data can be transmitted from the first device to the second device (e.g., "uplink" transmission) and / or from the second device to the first device (e.g., "downlink" transmission). Therefore, the establishment of a data connection between the first device and the second device can be considered to include the establishment of any state in which the two devices can exchange data, regardless of the direction of data transmission. A non-limiting example of the connection state is the establishment of an RRC connection state according to the Long Term Evolution (LTE) standard, or the establishment of a connection state according to the Bluetooth (eg, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)) standard.

[0115] When the first device and the second device are configured for wireless communication, the transition from an unconnected state to a connected state will generally follow a process such as the following. In an initial inquiry step, the first device (e.g., an aerosol supply device or consumable) establishes the presence of a second device (e.g., a computing device) by receiving a beacon signal or other identification signal from the second device. In an authentication step, the first device and the second device exchange messages to establish information related to a data transmission protocol for exchanging data (e.g., including encoding and encryption parameters to be used when exchanging data packets). In a data transmission step, the first device and the second device transmit data via an air interface established according to an agreed data transmission protocol. This data transmission can be bidirectional or unidirectional. The data communication process for wired communication can be substantially similar, except that the data is transmitted via a wired interface rather than a wireless interface.

[0116] As further described herein, a system including any aerosol supply system and any combination of an external power supply device and a computing device can be used to support the functions of an aerosol supply system. These functions can be referred to as "connection" functions because they involve data transmission between the aerosol supply system and other connected devices (e.g., one or more computing devices). This arrangement can be considered to be advantageous in terms of enhancing the operation of the aerosol supply system. For example, an aerosol supply device that is enabled to receive data from other devices may be able to receive software updates or updated parameters (e.g., related to the generation of aerosols by an aerosol generator) from a computing device. Determining appropriate parameters may require significant processing overheating, which is more efficiently performed on a computing device with higher processing power than is typically provided on an aerosol supply system, where low energy consumption (in order to extend battery life) and reduced complexity (in order to reduce costs) are generally considered to be advantageous.

[0117] A computing device (e.g., a smart phone) may also be used by a user to provide input to a control interface of the aerosol supply system, which may be particularly advantageous where there is an incentive to keep input components or output components on the aerosol supply system to a minimum, for example to reduce complexity and cost. Thus, an application program ("app") running on a computing device may support effective offloading or relay functionality for an aerosol supply device having a direct or indirect (e.g., relay) data connection with the computing device according to the above-described method. Thus, the aerosol supply system may transmit data (e.g., data related to use of the aerosol supply system based on sensor data received by a controller of the aerosol supply system) to the computing device via its communication circuitry, and the computing device may provide information related to the aerosol supply system to the user via the application. Alternatively or additionally, a user may select a control action via the application, and data related to the control action may be transmitted by the computing device to the aerosol supply system, whereupon the controller of the aerosol supply system performs the control action.

[0118] Various methods of operating an aerosol supply system will be described herein. Although these methods may be described in the context of controlling an aerosol supply system by a controller of the aerosol supply system (e.g., an aerosol supply device thereof), it is recognized that these methods may be performed by any controller of a broader system including any combination of one or more aerosol supply devices, one or more consumables, one or more external power supply devices, and one or more computing devices, or by any combination of these controllers. In particular, since each of these controllers may be able to communicate with some or any other controller in a system including any one of an aerosol supply device, consumables, an external power supply, and a computing device, data such as instructions for performing one or more control actions may be communicated directly or indirectly between any of these. Therefore, the method of operating an aerosol supply system may be performed by a "distributed" system including any combination of the above-mentioned aerosol supply device, consumables, external power supply devices, and computing devices. Therefore, even if a particular method step may be described in the context of a controller of a particular device, it is expected that such a control action may be performed by another of these controllers in an alternative arrangement where feasible.

[0119] Various embodiments will now be described in greater detail.

[0120] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a schematic representation of a two-piece aerosol supply system 1 according to certain embodiments is shown.

[0121] The aerosol supply system 1 is a two-piece aerosol supply system, which includes an aerosol supply device 100 and a consumable 150 including an aerosol generating material 170. The aerosol supply device 100 includes a housing 105, an engagement interface 101 configured to engage with the consumable, a memory 110, a controller 120 configured to control the operation of the aerosol supply system 1, a control interface 130 for receiving input to the aerosol supply device and providing output from the aerosol supply device 100, and a power supply 140 configured to supply power for operating the aerosol supply device 100. The aerosol supply device 100 also includes a charging interface 102 for receiving power from an external power source.

[0122] The housing 105 may also at least partially surround other components of the aerosol supply device 100, namely the engagement interface 101, the memory 110, the controller 120, the control interface 130, the power source 140 and the charging interface 102. The aerosol supply device 100 is a handheld device, meaning that the housing 160 surrounding the other components is sized and configured to be held in the hand of a user. In other words, the device is portable.

[0123] The consumable 150 comprises: a reservoir containing a liquid aerosol generating material 170; and a mouthpiece 190, through which a user can inhale an aerosol that has been generated from the aerosol generating material 180. The consumable also comprises a heating assembly 160 configured to heat the aerosol generating material 170. In use, the engagement interface 101 of the aerosol supply device 100 engages with the engagement interface 151 of the consumable, each of which comprises a mechanical engagement device for mechanically coupling to each other. Each engagement interface 101, 151 also comprises an electrical interface so that the aerosol supply device 100 can be electrically connected to the consumable 150. The electrical interface 101 of the aerosol supply device is configured to supply power from the power supply 140 to the consumable, in particular to the heating assembly 160 of the consumable. The controller 120 is configured to control the power supply from the power supply 140 to the heating assembly 160 so as to control the heating of the aerosol generating material 170 by the heating assembly 160.

[0124] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a schematic representation of a one-piece aerosol supply system 2 according to certain embodiments is shown.

[0125] The aerosol supply system 2 is a one-piece aerosol supply system including an aerosol supply device 200. The aerosol supply device 200 includes a housing 205, a memory 210, a controller 220 configured to control the operation of the aerosol supply system 1, a control interface 230 for receiving input to the aerosol supply device and providing output from the aerosol supply device 200, a power supply 240 configured to supply power to operate the aerosol supply device 200, a reservoir containing a liquid aerosol generating material 270, and a heating assembly 260 configured to heat the aerosol generating material 270. The aerosol supply device 200 also includes a charging interface 202 for receiving power from an external power source.

[0126] The housing 205 may also at least partially surround other components of the aerosol supply device 200, namely the memory 210, the controller 220, the control interface 230, the power supply 240, the reservoir 270 containing the liquid aerosol generating material, the heating assembly 260 and the charging interface 202. The aerosol supply device 200 also includes a mouthpiece 290 through which a user can inhale the aerosol that has been generated from the aerosol generating material 270.

[0127] The aerosol supply device 200 is a handheld device, meaning that the housing 205 surrounding the other components is sized and configured to be held in the hand of a user. In other words, the device is portable. The aerosol supply device 200 is a disposable, one-piece aerosol supply device that can be discarded by the user after the aerosol generating material 180 has been consumed, and it is not configured to receive consumables and is not configured to be refillable by the user.

[0128] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a schematic representation of a two-piece aerosol supply system 3 according to certain embodiments is shown.

[0129] The aerosol supply system 3 is a two-piece aerosol supply system, which includes an aerosol supply device 300 and a consumable 350 including an aerosol generating material 370. The aerosol supply device 300 includes a housing 305, a memory 310, a controller 320 configured to control the operation of the aerosol supply system 3, a control interface 330 for receiving input to the aerosol supply device and providing output from the aerosol supply device 300, a heating assembly including a magnetic field generator 360 configured to generate a changing magnetic field, and a power supply 340 configured to supply power to operate the aerosol supply device 300. The aerosol supply device 300 also includes a charging interface 302 for receiving power from an external power source.

[0130] The housing 305 may also at least partially surround other components of the aerosol supply device 300, namely the memory 310, the controller 320, the control interface 330, the magnetic field generator 360, the power supply 340, and the charging interface 302. The aerosol supply device 300 is a handheld device, meaning that the housing 305 surrounding the other components is sized and configured to be held in the hand of the user. In other words, the device is portable.

[0131] The consumable 350 includes an aerosol generating material 370 in solid or gel form. The consumable 350 is in the form of a rod and is received by the heating chamber 305 of the aerosol supply device 300. The magnetic field generator 360 is configured to cause the heating chamber 305 to become heated and the aerosol generating material 370 of the consumable 350 to be heated within the heating chamber 305. To this end, the heating assembly includes a heating element 365 in the consumable having a susceptor material that is susceptible to heating by being penetrated with a changing magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator 360. The magnetic field generator 360 is configured to generate such a changing magnetic field that penetrates the heating chamber 305 and the heating element 365 of the consumable 350, causing it to become heated and thereby heating the aerosol generating material 370.

[0132] In this arrangement, the consumable includes a mouthpiece 390 through which a user can inhale an aerosol that has been generated from the aerosol generating material 370. The aerosol supply device 300 and the consumable 350 do not need to be configured as corresponding engagement interfaces that enable the aerosol supply device 300 and the consumable 350 to be electrically connected to each other, because the electrical connection between them is not used to heat the aerosol generating material 370.

[0133] Figure 4 A schematic representation of a system including an aerosol supply system 4 is shown, the system including an aerosol supply device 400, consumables 450, an external power supply device 460, local computing devices 471, 472, 473 and a remote computing device 480. The aerosol supply device 400 and the consumables 450 may have any of the properties of the aerosol supply devices 100, 200, 300 and consumables 150, 350 described above.

[0134] In this arrangement, the remote computing device 480 is a server present on the cloud 490. The aerosol supply system 4 may correspond to any of the aerosol supply systems 1, 2 or 3 described above, or any other aerosol supply system. Each of the local computing devices 471, 472, 471 is connected to each other and to respective other devices. A plurality of data connections 40 between each of these devices are depicted, which show how data can be transferred between any given first device and second device.

[0135] In use, when these data connections 40 are established (using either a wired or wireless protocol), data may be transmitted from a first device such as an aerosol supply device 400 to a second device such as a remote computing device 480 directly via a direct data connection between the two devices (if one exists) or indirectly relayed by another device or devices.

[0136] In the case of the aerosol supply device 400 and the remote computing device 480, data such as usage data collected by the aerosol supply device can be transmitted to the remote computing device 480 by transmitting the data to the external power supply device 460 via a wired data connection. The external power supply device then transmits the data to the first local computing device 471, which is a smart phone 471. The wireless data connection between the smart phone 471 and the external power supply device 460 is a Bluetooth connection established using a Bluetooth module of the smart phone 471 and a Bluetooth module of the external power supply device 460.

[0137] Smartphone 471 then transmits the data via a wireless data connection to remote computing device 480. The wireless data connection between smart phone 471 and remote computing device 480 is a 3G wireless connection established using a 3G module of the local computing device, which is connected to a corresponding communication node (e.g., a telecommunications "base station") that provides connectivity with remote computing device 480.

[0138] The user can also use this data connection 40 network to perform control actions on the aerosol supply device 400 through its controller. Using an application on a second local computing device 472, which is a personal computer, the user can select a control action, and the personal computer 472 then transmits data related to the control action to the remote computing device 480 via a wired data connection. The remote computing device 480 then transmits the data related to the control action to the smartphone 471 using the above-mentioned 3G wireless connection.

[0139] The smart phone 471 then transmits the data related to the control action to the external power supply device 460 using the above-mentioned Bluetooth connection, and the external power supply device 460 then transmits the data related to the control action to the aerosol supply device 400 through the wired data connection between the aerosol supply device 400 and the external power supply device 460. The data related to the control action is received by the controller of the aerosol supply device 400, and the controller causes the aerosol supply device 400 to perform the control action.

[0140] Figure 5 A perspective view of a schematic representation of an aerosol supply device 500 is shown according to some embodiments.

[0141] The aerosol supply device 500 has a memory, a controller configured to control the operation of the aerosol supply device, a control interface for receiving input to the aerosol supply device and providing output from the aerosol supply device, an aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material, and a power supply configured to supply power for operating the aerosol supply device 500. The aerosol supply device 500 can be part of an aerosol supply system that also includes consumables containing aerosol generating materials. The aerosol supply device 500 can have any of the features of the aerosol supply devices 100, 200, 300 described above.

[0142] The aerosol supply device 500 also includes a charging interface 502 for receiving power from an external power source. Figure 5 The arrangement depicted in FIG. 5 shows a charging interface 502 that includes a wired charging interface, but other embodiments are also contemplated in which the charging interface 502 includes a wireless charging interface. Any features of the charging interface 502 discussed herein may be applied to, for example, Figure 1 , Figure 2 or Figure 3 Any of the charging interfaces 102, 202, 302 of the aerosol supply devices 100, 200, 300 of the aerosol supply device 500. The power received by the aerosol supply device 500 using the charging interface can be used for the operation of the aerosol supply device 500, such as providing power used by the aerosol generator. For example, in an embodiment where the power source includes a rechargeable battery, the power can also be used to charge the power source of the aerosol supply device. Examples of suitable rechargeable batteries include lithium batteries (e.g., lithium ion batteries), nickel batteries (e.g., nickel cadmium batteries), and alkaline batteries.

[0143] In an embodiment, the charging interface 502 is configured to be electrically connected to an external power source including a charging cable connected to a mains power source. In an embodiment, the charging interface 502 is configured to be electrically connected to an external power supply device, which is configured to supply power to the aerosol supply device. The external power supply device may include the power source itself, which includes a battery, such as a rechargeable battery. The external power supply device may be a "charging box" that includes a recess configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol supply device, and the recess is connected to the charging interface 502 when the aerosol supply device is received in the recess.

[0144] like Figure 5 As shown, the charging interface 502 includes a plurality of electrical contacts 503. At least some of these contacts are configured to receive a power supply from an external power source through the charging interface 502. The plurality of electrical contacts 503 include a plurality of spring pins, which are configured to be resiliently depressed when pressed to contact the corresponding electrical contacts. To achieve this function, each spring pin may include an elastic member, such as a spring.

[0145] The controller is configured to control the operation of the aerosol supply device 500. For example, the controller is configured to control the power supply to the aerosol generator so that the aerosol generator generates an aerosol from the aerosol generating material. The controller is also configured to control the control interface. As described above, the control interface is used to receive input to the aerosol supply device 500 and provide output from the aerosol supply device 500. The control interface includes a communication circuit that is configured to connect to other devices such as a computing device and communicate data with these other devices. For example, the control interface can receive data including instructions for the controller to perform a control action from the other device, or can send data related to the aerosol supply device 500 to the other device.

[0146] The controller is also configured to control the operation of the aerosol supply device 500 according to a selected mode (or multiple selected modes). Each mode is associated with a predetermined rule about the function of the components of the aerosol supply device 500, or more generally, with a predetermined rule about the function of the components of the aerosol supply system. For example, operating parameters and / or logic can change between modes. These components may include, but are not limited to, memory, control interface, aerosol generator, power supply, and charging interface. In some modes, a specific function of a component can be enabled so that when an instruction to do so is received, the function can be performed by the aerosol supply device 500. However, in some modes, a specific function of a component can be disabled so that the aerosol supply device 500 does not perform the function even when an instruction is received, for example, from a user.

[0147] During the manufacture, diagnosis and maintenance of the aerosol supply device 500 by authorized personnel, it may be helpful to make the aerosol supply device 500 perform a specific function, which may confuse or adversely change the operation of the aerosol supply device 500 in the hands of an ordinary user. This user can be, for example, an end user, who is a member of the general public and has purchased the aerosol supply device 500 and uses it more generally to generate an aerosol for inhalation. For example, an authorized person who checks that an aerosol generator including a heating component is operating correctly may wish to instruct the aerosol supply device 500 to perform a test heating curve, the successful implementation of which will determine that the aerosol generator is mechanically robust. However, such a test heating curve may not be useful for the generation of aerosols and therefore will not be useful for users looking for aerosols for inhalation.

[0148] As another example, an authorized person attempting to diagnose a problem with the device 500 that has been reported by a dissatisfied user may wish to interrogate the controller and memory of the aerosol supply device 500 to identify any indicators for a particular known fault. Furthermore, once such a fault is located, the authorized person may wish to perform an update of the software of the aerosol supply device 500 stored in the memory and used by the controller. However, the ability to modify the software should be limited in order to prevent the aerosol supply device 500 from being altered in an invalid or dangerous manner.

[0149] Therefore, while there may be modes of the controller that enable functions such as these (e.g., performing a test heating curve or software update), it is desirable to restrict access to these modes to authorized personnel. In contrast to the normal mode for normal use of the aerosol supply device 500 by a user, for example, to generate an aerosol for inhalation, this mode that presents additional functions intended for authorized personnel rather than ordinary users can be referred to as a restricted access mode. Conventional methods for switching the aerosol supply device 500 to a particular mode may be by a user applying an input to one or more input components of the aerosol supply device 500, such as one or more buttons, or by sending data including instructions to a communication circuit of the aerosol supply device 500, such as to a Bluetooth component. However, these methods can be easily accessed by ordinary users. In this regard, the inventors of the present application have recognized that a safe way to instruct the aerosol supply device 500 to switch to a given mode is to apply a signal to the charging interface 502 of the aerosol supply device 500.

[0150] The controller is connected to the charging interface 502 and is configured to determine the nature of a signal applied thereto. Thus, when a signal is applied to the charging interface 502, the controller is configured to determine whether the nature of the signal is within a first predetermined range associated with an instruction to switch to a particular mode. If the signal applied to the charging interface 502 is determined by the controller to be a standard charging signal associated with a power supply from a charging cable connected to a mains power source, or a standard charging signal associated with a power supply from an external power device operating under normal conditions, it can be inferred that power is being supplied to the aerosol supply device 500 in a standard manner, such as by an ordinary unauthorized user. This can be accomplished by the controller determining that the nature of the signal is within a second predetermined range indicating a standard power supply from an external power source.

[0151] When it is determined that the aerosol supply device 500 is receiving a standard power supply from the external power source, the controller may proceed without switching modes. Alternatively, the controller may switch from controlling the operation of the aerosol supply device 500 according to the current (first) mode (e.g., the first mode associated with the aerosol supply device 500 not being connected to the external power source) to controlling the operation of the aerosol supply device 500 according to a different (e.g., third) mode associated with the aerosol supply device 500 being connected to the external power source providing the standard power supply.

[0152] However, if the property of the signal applied to the charging interface 502 is determined by the controller to be a non-standard signal that is outside a second predetermined range associated with a standard charging signal, the controller may switch to controlling the operation of the aerosol supply device 500 according to a restricted access mode. This may involve determining by the controller that the property of the signal (e.g., voltage, current, frequency, resistance, capacitance, impedance, magnetic properties, and / or a value encoded in the signal (e.g., a code)) is within a first predetermined range and is associated with an instruction to switch to a restricted access mode. For example, applying a signal to the charging interface 502 may involve applying a magnetic signal to the charging interface 502 (e.g., by bringing a magnet into proximity with the charging interface 502), which may be evaluated by the controller due to a response received by the charging interface 502. Thus, the controller may be configured to evaluate the magnetic properties of the signal by evaluating an electrical response or a magnetic response by the charging interface 502. The controller may determine whether the property is within a range significantly higher (or lower) than a standard charging signal.

[0153] If the controller does determine that the nature of the signal is associated with an instruction to switch to a restricted access mode, the controller will switch from controlling the operation of the aerosol supply device 500 according to the current first mode (e.g., normal mode) to controlling the operation of the aerosol supply device 500 according to the restricted access mode. In this restricted access mode, specific functions of one or more components of the aerosol supply device 500 that are not enabled in the first mode can be enabled. In an embodiment, the function of a communication circuit that is not enabled in the first mode to communicate data with a specific other device is enabled in the second mode. For example, a specific type of data connection can be enabled, which allows authorized personnel to interrogate the controller and memory in a way that is not allowed by the type of data connection enabled in the normal mode.

[0154] exist Figure 5In the illustrated embodiment, some of the electrical contacts 503 are used to receive a power supply from an external source. However, some of the electrical contacts 503 are data pins that are configured to establish a wired data connection and communicate data with other devices. The function of these data pins to communicate data with other devices is disabled in normal mode, but this is enabled in restricted access mode, so that authorized personnel can communicate data with the aerosol supply device 500 via these data pins. This may involve dedicated hardware that is not easily accessible to the public, so these data pins can provide a secure path for interrogating the controller and memory and changing the software of the aerosol supply device 500.

[0155] In some embodiments, the aerosol supply device 500 includes an electrical interface for connecting to a consumable including an aerosol generating material, which electrical interface may use any of the features of the electrical interface of the aerosol supply device 100 described above. The electrical interface may include a plurality of electrical contacts for providing a power supply to a consumable, such as a consumable including an aerosol generator, which, when supplied with power, enables the aerosol generator to generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating material. Some or all of these electrical contacts may be data pins configured to establish a wired data connection and communicate data with other devices. In this arrangement, the function of these data pins to communicate data with other devices is disabled in normal mode, but this function is enabled in restricted access mode, so that authorized personnel can communicate data with the aerosol supply device 500 via these data pins for connecting to the electrical interface of the consumable.

[0156] However, although Figure 5 The electrical contacts 503 shown are spring pins, but other forms of electrical contacts may be used. In fact, this method may be applied to situations where the charging interface includes a wired data interface, such as a USB interface (e.g., a USB-A interface, a USB-B interface, a mini USB interface, a micro USB interface, a USB-C interface, or a USB-3 interface), a Thunderbolt interface, or other wired data interfaces. Figure 5 In an embodiment of the data interface shown in FIG. 5 , the charging interface may be considered to be included in the control interface of the aerosol supply device 500 .

[0157] Figure 6 A flow chart representation of a method of operating an aerosol supply system according to certain embodiments is shown.

[0158] Figure 6 The method can be applied to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 5in the context of any one of the aerosol supply devices 100, 200, 300, 500. A first step S1 comprises providing an aerosol supply device, such as the aerosol supply device 100, 200, 300 or 500. Step S1 also comprises providing a controller configured to control the operation of the aerosol supply device. The controller may be a controller of the aerosol supply device, such as the controller 120, 220 or 320. The controller may be a controller of another device that is connected to the aerosol supply device and is configured to communicate data with the aerosol supply device, such as a consumable, an external power supply device or a computing device. When the aerosol supply device is provided in S1, the controller controls the operation of the aerosol supply device according to a first mode, such as described above with respect to Figure 5 The first mode of discussion.

[0159] The second step S2 comprises applying a signal to a charging interface of the aerosol supply device for receiving power from an external power source. The aerosol supply device comprises a charging interface, such as charging interface 502, and this step involves applying a signal, such as an electrical signal, to this charging interface.

[0160] The third step S3 comprises determining by the controller whether the nature of the signal is within a predetermined range. This may be done in response to the signal being applied to the charging interface. Figure 5 As discussed, this may involve determining by the controller whether a property of the signal (e.g., voltage, current, frequency, resistance, or a value (e.g., a code) encoded in the signal) is within a first predetermined range. This first predetermined range includes a range of values ​​outside a second predetermined range indicative of a standard power supply from an external power source. If the property is within the first predetermined range, it is understood that the signal corresponds to an instruction by the controller to switch from controlling the operation of the aerosol supply device according to the first (current) mode to controlling the operation of the aerosol supply device according to the second mode.

[0161] A fourth step S4 comprises, in response to determining that the property of the signal is within the (first) predetermined range, switching, by the controller, from controlling the operation of the aerosol supply device according to the first (current) mode to controlling the operation of the aerosol supply device according to the second mode. In other words, if the property is determined to be within the (first) predetermined range, the controller switches from the first (current) mode to the second mode. As described above with respect to Figure 5 As discussed, this second mode may be a restricted access mode in which certain functions of one or more components of the aerosol supply device that were not enabled in the first mode may be enabled.

[0162] The fifth step S5 comprises, in response to determining that the nature of the signal is within a second predetermined range indicating a standard power supply from an external power source, switching, by the controller, from controlling the operation of the aerosol supply device according to the first mode to controlling the operation of the aerosol supply device according to the third mode, or continuing to control the operation of the aerosol supply device according to the first mode. Figure 5 As discussed, the third mode may be associated with the aerosol supply device being connected to an external power source providing a standard power supply.

[0163] The various embodiments described herein are presented only to help understand and teach the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative samples of embodiments, and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. It should be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limitations on the scope of the invention defined by the claims or limitations on the equivalents of the claims, and other embodiments can be utilized and can be modified without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the present invention may appropriately include, contain or substantially contain appropriate combinations of disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, devices, etc., except those specifically described herein. In addition, the present disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. An aerosol supply device, comprising: A charging interface for receiving power from an external power source; as well as A controller configured to control the operation of the aerosol supply device, wherein the controller is configured to: determining, in response to a signal applied to the charging interface, whether a property of the signal is within a predetermined range; and In response to determining that the property of the signal is within the predetermined range, switching from controlling operation of the aerosol supply device according to a first mode to controlling operation of the aerosol supply device according to a second mode.

2. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein: The property is i) voltage, ii) current, iii) frequency, iv) resistance, v) capacitance, vi) impedance and / or vii) magnetic property.

3. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein: In order to determine whether the property of the signal is within the predetermined range, the controller is configured to determine whether a code encoded in the signal is within a predetermined range.

4. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein: The predetermined range is a first predetermined range that does not indicate standard power supply from an external power source, and the first predetermined range includes a series of values ​​outside a second predetermined range that indicates standard power supply from an external power source.

5. The aerosol supply device according to claim 4, wherein: The first predetermined range includes a series of values ​​below a lower predetermined threshold and values ​​above an upper predetermined threshold.

6. The aerosol supply device according to claim 5, wherein: The lower predetermined threshold is below a value associated with a standard supply of power from an external power source to the charging interface.

7. The aerosol supply device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein: The upper predetermined threshold is above a value associated with a standard supply of power from an external power source to the charging interface.

8. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein: The controller is configured as follows: A determination is made in response to a signal applied to the charging interface whether the property of the signal is within the second predetermined range indicative of a standard power supply from an external power source.

9. The aerosol supply device according to claim 8, wherein: The controller is configured as follows: In response to determining that the property of the signal is within the second predetermined range, switch from controlling the operation of the aerosol supply device according to the first mode to controlling the operation of the aerosol supply device according to the third mode, or continue to control the operation of the aerosol supply device according to the first mode.

10. An aerosol supply device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: In the first mode, the functionality of one or more first components of the aerosol supply device is enabled, and in the second mode, the functionality of one or more first components of the aerosol supply device is disabled.

11. The aerosol supply device according to claim 10, wherein: In the first mode, a function of the aerosol supply device for generating an aerosol is enabled, and in the second mode, the function of the aerosol supply device for generating an aerosol is disabled.

12. An aerosol supply device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: In the first mode, the functionality of one or more second components of the aerosol supply device is deactivated, and in the second mode, the functionality of one or more second components of the aerosol supply device is activated.

13. An aerosol supply device according to claim 12, comprising communication circuitry configured to communicate data with one or more other devices, in, In the first mode, a specific function of the communication circuit to exchange data with one or more other devices is disabled, and in the second mode, a specific function of the communication circuit to exchange data with one or more other devices is enabled.

14. An aerosol supply device according to claim 13, wherein: The aerosol supply device comprises an electrical interface for connecting to a consumable comprising an aerosol generating material, and wherein the electrical interface is configured to communicate data with another device and is included in the communication circuit, and In the first mode, a function of the electrical interface to communicate data with one or more other devices is disabled, and in the second mode, a function of the electrical interface to communicate data with one or more other devices is enabled.

15. An aerosol supply device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein: The charging interface is configured to communicate data with other devices and is included in the communication circuit, and In the first mode, a function of the charging interface for exchanging data with one or more other devices is disabled, and in the second mode, a function of the charging interface for exchanging data with one or more other devices is enabled.

16. An aerosol supply device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The charging interface includes a plurality of electrical contacts.

17. The aerosol supply device according to claim 16, wherein: The plurality of electrical contacts includes a plurality of pogo pins.

18. An aerosol supply device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The charging interface includes a USB interface.

19. An aerosol supply system comprising: An aerosol supply device according to any one of the preceding claims; as well as Consumables, including aerosol generating materials.

20. A method for an aerosol supply device, comprising: providing an aerosol supply device and a controller for controlling operation of the aerosol supply device according to a first mode; applying a signal to a charging interface of the aerosol supply device for receiving power from an external power source; determining, by the controller in response to the signal applied to the charging port, whether a property of the signal is within a predetermined range; and In response to determining that the property of the signal is within the predetermined range, switching by the controller from controlling operation of the aerosol supply device according to the first mode to controlling operation of the aerosol supply device according to a second mode.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein: The property is i) voltage, ii) current, iii) frequency or iv) resistance.

22. The method of claim 20, determining whether the property of the signal is within the predetermined range comprises determining whether a code encoded in the signal is within a predetermined range.

23. The method of claim 20, 21 or 22, wherein: The predetermined range is a first predetermined range that does not indicate standard power supply from an external power source, and the first predetermined range includes a series of values ​​outside a second predetermined range that indicates standard power supply from an external power source.

24. The method according to claim 23, comprising: A determination is made in response to a signal applied to the charging interface whether a property of the signal is within the second predetermined range indicative of a standard power supply from an external power source.

25. The method according to claim 24, comprising: In response to determining that the property of the signal is within the second predetermined range, switch from controlling the operation of the aerosol supply device according to the first mode to controlling the operation of the aerosol supply device according to the third mode, or continue to control the operation of the aerosol supply device according to the first mode.

26. A controller configured to control the operation of an aerosol supply device, wherein: The controller is configured as follows: determining, in response to a signal applied to a charging interface of the aerosol supply device for receiving power from an external power source, whether a property of the signal is within a predetermined range; and In response to determining that the property of the signal is within the predetermined range, switching from controlling operation of the aerosol supply device according to a first mode to controlling operation of the aerosol supply device according to a second mode.

27. The controller according to claim 26, wherein: The property is i) voltage, ii) current, iii) frequency or iv) resistance.

28. The controller of claim 26, wherein in order to determine whether the property of the signal is within the predetermined range, the controller is configured to determine whether a code encoded in the signal is within a predetermined range.

29. A controller according to claim 26, 27 or 28, wherein: The predetermined range is a first predetermined range that does not indicate standard power supply from an external power source, and the first predetermined range includes a series of values ​​outside a second predetermined range that indicates standard power supply from an external power source.

30. The controller of claim 29, wherein: The controller is configured as follows: A determination is made in response to a signal applied to the charging interface whether a property of the signal is within the second predetermined range indicative of a standard power supply from an external power source.

31. The controller according to claim 30, wherein: The controller is configured as follows: In response to determining that the property of the signal is within the second predetermined range, switch from controlling the operation of the aerosol supply device according to the first mode to controlling the operation of the aerosol supply device according to the third mode, or continue to control the operation of the aerosol supply device according to the first mode.

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