Aerosol supply system

Abstract

An aerosol supply device comprising: an electrical interface for connection to a consumable comprising an aerosol-generating material; and a controller configured to control operation of the aerosol supply device, where the controller is configured to: in response to an external device being connected to the electrical interface, determine whether a property of the external device is within a predetermined range; and in response to determining that the property of the external device 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] an electrical interface for connecting to a consumable including an aerosol generating material; and

[0006] a controller configured to control the operation of the aerosol supply device,

[0007] Among them, the controller configuration is:

[0008] In response to an external device being connected to the electrical interface, determining whether a property of the external device is within a predetermined range; and

[0009] In response to determining that the property of the external device is within the predetermined range, switching is performed 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 second mode.

[0010] The property may be i) voltage, ii) current, iii) frequency, iv) resistance, v) capacitance, vi) impedance and / or vii) a magnetic property.

[0011] 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 received from the external device is within the predetermined range.

[0012] The predetermined range may be a first predetermined range indicating that the external device is not a standard consumable including an aerosol generating material, and the first predetermined range includes a series of values ​​outside a second predetermined range indicating that the external device is a standard consumable including an aerosol generating material.

[0013] The first predetermined range may include a range of values ​​below a lower predetermined threshold and values ​​above an upper predetermined threshold.

[0014] The lower predetermined threshold may be lower than a value associated with a standard consumable comprising an aerosol generating material.

[0015] The upper predetermined threshold may be higher than a value associated with a standard consumable comprising an aerosol generating material.

[0016] The controller can be configured as:

[0017] responsive to the external device being connected to the electrical interface, determining whether a property of the external device is within a second predetermined range indicating that the external device is a standard consumable including an aerosol generating material;

[0018] and

[0019] In response to determining that the property of the external device 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] The aerosol supply device may include a reservoir,

[0023] Therein, in the first mode, a function of the controller for generating usage data related to user usage of the aerosol supply device, storing the data in a memory and / or transmitting the data is enabled, and in the second mode, the function is disabled.

[0024] The usage data may include i) puff data relating to the occurrence of one or more puffs, and / or ii) session data relating to the occurrence of one or more sessions.

[0025] 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.

[0026] After switching to controlling the operation of the aerosol supply device according to the second mode, the controller may be configured to continue controlling the operation of the aerosol supply device according to the second mode after the external device is disconnected from the electrical interface.

[0027] After switching to controlling operation of the aerosol supply device according to the second mode, the controller is configured to continue controlling operation of the aerosol supply device according to the second mode when a consumable comprising an aerosol generating material is subsequently connected to the electrical interface.

[0028] The aerosol supply device may comprise a control interface configured to receive input and provide input data relating to the received input to the controller.

[0029] The control interface may include: one or more input components configured to receive input from a user and provide corresponding input data to the controller; and / or communication circuitry configured to connect to one or more other devices and exchange data with one or more other devices.

[0030] The controller can be configured as:

[0031] In response to the received input data, determining whether the input data is from a secure source and determining whether the input data includes instructions to switch from controlling operation according to a second mode to controlling operation according to a different mode; and

[0032] In response to determining that the input data is from a secure source and includes instructions to switch from controlling operation according to the second mode to controlling operation according to a different mode, switching from controlling operation according to the second mode to controlling operation according to the different mode.

[0033] According to a second aspect, there is provided an aerosol supply system comprising:

[0034] An aerosol supply device as described above; and

[0035] Consumables including aerosol generating materials.

[0036] The consumable may be configured such that when the consumable is connected to the electrical interface of the aerosol supply device, the controller will determine that the property of the consumable is not within a predetermined range.

[0037] According to a third aspect, there is provided a system comprising:

[0038] An aerosol supply device as described above; and

[0039] The external device is configured such that when the external device is connected to the electrical interface of the aerosol supply device, the controller will determine that the property of the external device is within a predetermined range.

[0040] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a method for an aerosol supply device, comprising:

[0041] providing an aerosol supply device and a controller configured to control operation of the aerosol supply device according to a first mode;

[0042] connecting an external device to an electrical interface of the aerosol supply device for connection to a consumable including an aerosol generating material;

[0043] In response to an external device being connected to the electrical interface, determining, by the controller, whether a property of the external device is within a predetermined range; and

[0044] In response to determining that the property of the external device is within the predetermined range, 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 second mode.

[0045] The predetermined range may be a first predetermined range indicating that the external device is not a standard consumable including an aerosol generating material, and the first predetermined range includes a series of values ​​outside a second predetermined range indicating that the external device is a standard consumable including an aerosol generating material.

[0046] The method may include:

[0047] responsive to the external device being connected to the electrical interface, determining whether a property of the external device is within a second predetermined range indicating that the external device is a standard consumable including an aerosol generating material;

[0048] and

[0049] In response to determining that the property of the external device 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.

[0050] The method may include:

[0051] After switching to controlling the operation of the aerosol supply device according to the second mode, the operation of the aerosol supply device continues to be controlled by the controller according to the second mode after the external device is disconnected from the electrical interface.

[0052] The method may include:

[0053] After switching to controlling the operation of the aerosol supply device according to the second mode, when a consumable comprising an aerosol generating material is connected to the electrical interface, the operation of the aerosol supply device continues to be controlled by the controller according to the second mode.

[0054] The method may comprise providing input to a control interface of the aerosol supply device, and providing, by the control interface, input data corresponding to the received input to the controller.

[0055] The method may include:

[0056] In response to the received input data, determining by the controller whether the input data is from a secure source and whether the input data includes instructions to switch from controlling operation according to a second mode to controlling operation according to a different mode; and

[0057] In response to determining that the input data is from a secure source and includes instructions to switch from controlling operation according to the second mode to controlling operation according to a different mode, switching, by the controller, from controlling operation according to the second mode to controlling operation according to the different mode.

[0058] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a controller configured to control the operation of an aerosol supply device, wherein the controller is configured to:

[0059] in response to the external device being connected to an electrical interface of the aerosol supply device for connecting to a consumable including an aerosol generating material, determining whether a property of the external device is within a predetermined range; and

[0060] In response to determining that the property of the external device is within the predetermined range, switching is performed 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 second mode.

[0061] The predetermined range may be a first predetermined range indicating that the external device is not a standard consumable including an aerosol generating material, and the first predetermined range includes a series of values ​​outside a second predetermined range indicating that the external device is a standard consumable including an aerosol generating material.

[0062] The controller can be configured as:

[0063] responsive to the external device being connected to the electrical interface, determining whether a property of the external device is within a second predetermined range indicating that the external device is a standard consumable including an aerosol generating material;

[0064] and

[0065] In response to determining that the property of the external device 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.

[0066] The controller may be configured to, after switching to control operation of the aerosol supply device according to the second mode, continue to control operation of the aerosol supply device according to the second mode after the external device is disconnected from the electrical interface.

[0067] The controller may be configured to, after switching to control operation of the aerosol supply device according to the second mode, continue to control operation of the aerosol supply device according to the second mode when a consumable comprising an aerosol generating material is connected to the electrical interface.

[0068] The controller may be configured to receive input data from a control interface of the aerosol supply device, the control interface being configured to receive input and to provide input data relating to the received input to the controller.

[0069] The controller can be configured as:

[0070] In response to the received input data, determining whether the input data is from a secure source and determining whether the input data includes instructions to switch from controlling operation according to a second mode to controlling operation according to a different mode; and

[0071] In response to determining that the input data is from a secure source and includes instructions to switch from controlling operation according to the second mode to controlling operation according to a different mode, switching from controlling operation according to the second mode to controlling operation according to the different mode.

[0072] 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

[0073] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a schematic representation of an aerosol supply system according to certain embodiments is shown.

[0074] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a schematic representation of an aerosol supply system according to certain embodiments is shown.

[0075] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a schematic representation of an aerosol supply system according to certain embodiments is shown.

[0076] 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.

[0077] Figure 5 A flow chart representation of a method of operating an aerosol supply system according to certain embodiments is shown.

[0078] Figure 6A flow chart representation of a method of operating an aerosol supply system according to certain embodiments is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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).

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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).

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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).

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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).

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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.

[0118] 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.

[0119] 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).

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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.

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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).

[0124] 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.

[0125] 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).

[0126] 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.

[0127] 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.

[0128] 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.

[0129] 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).

[0130] 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.

[0131] 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.

[0132] 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.

[0133] 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.

[0134] 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.

[0135] Various embodiments will now be described in greater detail.

[0136] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a schematic representation of a two-piece aerosol supply system 1 according to certain embodiments is shown.

[0137] 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.

[0138] 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.

[0139] 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.

[0140] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a schematic representation of a two-piece aerosol supply system 1 according to certain embodiments is shown.

[0141] like Figure 2 As shown, the consumable 150 has been connected to the aerosol supply device 100 by mechanical engagement of the engagement interface 151 of the consumable with the engagement interface 101 of the aerosol supply device 100. Therefore, the controller 120 may cause power to be supplied from the power source 140 to the heating component 160 of the consumable 150, so that the aerosol generating material 170 is heated and an aerosol is generated therefrom. When the consumable 150 is connected to the electrical interface 101 of the aerosol supply device 100, the controller 120 may be able to determine various properties of the consumable 150, for example, based on an electrical response received from the consumable 150 when power is supplied to the heating component 160.

[0142] In some embodiments, the heating assembly 160 includes a heating element, and the heating assembly 160 is configured to heat the heating element. In some cases, the heating assembly 160 can be configured to cause the heating element to become 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 cases, the heating assembly 160 includes a magnetic field generator configured to generate a changing magnetic field that penetrates the heating element and causes the susceptor material within the heating element to become heated by induction heating. In either case, when power is supplied to the heating assembly 160 by the controller 120, the controller 120 receives an electrical response, which the controller can evaluate to determine various properties of the consumable 150, such as whether the heating assembly 160 uses resistive heating or inductive heating, or properties of the heating element, such as resistance or temperature.

[0143] Figure 3A cross-sectional view of a schematic representation of a two-piece aerosol supply system 3 according to certain embodiments is shown.

[0144] 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, an engagement interface 301 configured to engage with the consumable, 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 360 configured to heat the aerosol generating material, and a power supply 340 configured to supply power for operating the aerosol supply device 300. The aerosol supply device 300 also includes a charging interface 302 for receiving power from an external power source.

[0145] The housing 305 may also at least partially surround other components of the aerosol supply device 300, namely the engagement interface 301, the memory 310, the controller 320, the control interface 330, the heating assembly 360, the power source 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 a user. In other words, the device is portable.

[0146] The consumable 350 comprises an aerosol generating material 370 in solid or gel form. The consumable 350 is in the form of a rod and is received by a heating chamber 305 of the aerosol supply device 300. The heating assembly 360 is configured such that the heating chamber 305 becomes heated and the aerosol generating material 370 of the consumable 350 is within the heating chamber 305. To this end, the heating assembly comprises a heating element arranged at least partially around the heating chamber 305. The heating assembly 360 is configured such that the heating element becomes heated, for example by resistive heating or inductive heating, which heats the aerosol generating material 370 in the heating chamber 305.

[0147] 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 consumable 350 also includes an engagement interface 351 that is configured to engage with the engagement interface 301 of the aerosol supply device 300. Figure 1 and Figure 2As with the arrangement depicted in , the engagement interface 301 includes an electrical interface for connecting to the consumable 350, and the engagement interface 351 includes an electrical interface for connecting to the consumable 350. The electrical interface of the aerosol supply device 300 is configured to establish a wired data connection with other devices such as the consumable 350, and to communicate data with the other device. Similarly, the electrical interface of the consumable 350 is configured to establish a wired data connection with other devices such as the aerosol supply device 300, and to communicate data with the other device. Therefore, the electrical interface of the aerosol supply device 300 can be considered as part of the control interface 330 of the aerosol supply device 300, and the electrical interface of the consumable 350 can be considered as part of the control interface of the consumable 350.

[0148] The consumable 350 also includes a controller 321, which is configured to control the operation of the consumable 350, and in an embodiment is configured to control the operation of the aerosol supply system 3 including both the consumable 350 and the aerosol supply device 300. The controller 321 of the consumable can use the electrical interface of the consumable 350 to send data to the aerosol supply device 300 and receive data from the aerosol supply device 300. The consumable 350 also includes a memory 321, and the controller 320 of the aerosol supply device 300 can send a request for data on the memory 321 via the electrical interface. Therefore, the data on the memory 321 of the consumable can be read by the controller 320 of the aerosol supply device 300. These techniques for implementing the controller and memory on the consumable can also be applied to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the arrangement.

[0149] Figure 4 A schematic representation of a system including an aerosol supply system 4 is shown, the system having 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 consumables 450 may have any of the properties of the aerosol supply devices 100, 300 and consumables 150, 350 described above.

[0150] 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 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 the 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.

[0151] 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.

[0152] 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.

[0153] 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.

[0154] The user can also use this data connection 40 network to enable control actions to be performed 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.

[0155] 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.

[0156] Figure 5 A perspective view of a schematic representation of an aerosol supply device 500 is shown according to some embodiments.

[0157] 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, 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, 300 described above.

[0158] The controller is configured to control the operation of the aerosol supply device 500. For example, the controller is configured to control a 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 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.

[0159] The controller may also be configured to generate usage data related to the user's use of the aerosol supply device 500. The controller may be configured to store this usage data in a memory of the aerosol supply device 500. This usage data may include puff data related to the occurrence of one or more puffs performed by the user, and session data related to the occurrence of one or more sessions performed by the user. The usage data may also include position data related to one or more positions of the aerosol supply device 500, and consumable data related to one or more consumables from which the user has used the aerosol supply device 500 to generate an aerosol.

[0160] The aerosol supply device 500 also includes an electrical interface 501 for connecting to a consumable comprising an aerosol generating material. Any features of the electrical interface 501 discussed herein may be applied to, for example, Figure 1 or Figure 3 Any one of the electrical interfaces 101 or 301. Although Figure 5 The arrangement depicted in FIG. 5 shows an electrical interface 501 comprising a wired electrical interface, but other embodiments are also contemplated in which the electrical interface 501 comprises a wireless electrical interface. The aerosol supply device 501 also includes a consumable chamber 505 for receiving a consumable comprising an aerosol generating material. When fully inserted into the consumable chamber 505, the consumable becomes connected to the electrical interface 501, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the consumable and the aerosol supply device 500.

[0161] When connected, the controller of the aerosol supply device is configured to control the supply of power from the power supply of the aerosol supply device 500 to the consumable to supply power to the heating component of the consumable so that the aerosol generating material is heated and generates an aerosol. Figure 2 As discussed, the controller may be configured to evaluate various properties of the consumable by evaluating an electrical response of the consumable when power is supplied to a heating component of the consumable.

[0162] In addition, in the case where the consumables connected to the electrical interface 501 include a controller and / or a memory, the electrical interface 501 may be configured to establish a data connection with the consumables and to communicate data with the consumables. In this arrangement, the controller of the aerosol supply device 500 may receive input data corresponding to the data received from the controller and / or memory of the consumables from the electrical interface 501. In other words, the controller of the aerosol supply device 500 may be configured to read the memory of the consumables. In this arrangement where the electrical interface 501 is configured to establish a data connection with the consumables and to communicate data with the consumables, the electrical interface 501 may be considered as part of the control interface of the aerosol supply device 500.

[0163] The controller of the aerosol supply device 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 functionality of the components of the aerosol supply device 500, or more generally, with a predetermined rule about the functionality of the components of the aerosol supply system. For example, operating parameters and / or logic can vary between modes. These components may include, but are not limited to, memory, control interface, aerosol generator, power supply, and charging interface. In some modes, specific functions of the components can be enabled so that when an instruction is received, the function can be performed by the aerosol supply device 500. However, in some modes, specific functions of the components 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.

[0164] During manufacture of the aerosol supply device 500 by an authorized person, it may be helpful to control the operation of the aerosol supply device 500 according to one or more modes that best suit the user's preferred experience. This user may be, for example, an end user who is a member of the general public and who has purchased the aerosol supply device 500 and more generally uses it to generate aerosols for inhalation. For example, an authorized person who manufactures a device for sale to a user who does not wish their usage data to be stored by the aerosol supply device 500 may cause the controller to switch to controlling the operation of the aerosol supply device 500 according to a mode in which the controller's functions of generating user data, storing user data in a memory of the aerosol supply device 500, and / or sending user data from the aerosol supply device 500 to other devices are disabled.

[0165] In addition, it may be desirable to sell the aerosol supply device 500 with a controller that controls the operation of the aerosol supply device according to a mode in which the function of causing an aerosol generator, such as one including a heating assembly, to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material is disabled. For example, in this mode, the function of the power supply of the aerosol supply device 500 to power the aerosol generator may be disabled, perhaps due to requirements of the jurisdiction in which the aerosol supply device 500 has been sold. The user may then be asked to verify that they are suitable to use the aerosol supply device to generate an aerosol, such as by age verification, in order to cause the controller to switch to controlling the operation of the aerosol supply device 500 according to a mode in which the function of causing the aerosol generator to generate an aerosol is enabled.

[0166] Therefore, while there may be modes of the controller that enable functions such as these (e.g., generating and storing user data, generating aerosols), it may be desirable to sell the aerosol supply device 500 in which the controller controls the operation of the aerosol supply device according to one or more modes in which these functions are disabled. Conventional methods for switching the aerosol supply device 500 to a particular mode may be by a user applying 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 may be easily accessible to ordinary users, and it may be undesirable to cause ordinary users to accidentally switch to these modes. 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 connect an external device 504 to the electrical interface 501.

[0167] In order to connect to the electrical interface 501, the external device 504 can be at least partially dimensioned to resemble a consumable including an aerosol generating material. However, the external device 504 need not include an aerosol generating material, or even an aerosol generator. The external device 504 has an electrical interface 506 that is configured to engage with the electrical interface 501 of the aerosol supply device 500 so that the external device 504 can be connected to the electrical interface 501.

[0168] The external device 504 may have specific properties that are selected to allow it to be distinguished from a standard consumable comprising an aerosol generating material by the aerosol supply device 500. As described above, the controller of the aerosol supply device 500 may be configured to evaluate various properties of the consumable connected to the electrical interface 501, and in the same manner to evaluate various properties of the external device 504 connected to the electrical interface 501. Thus, the controller may determine whether a property of the external device 504 (e.g., voltage, current, frequency, resistance, capacitance, impedance, magnetic properties, and / or data received from the external device 504) is within a first range indicating that the external device 504 is not a standard consumable comprising an aerosol generating material, or within a second range indicating that the external device 504 is a standard consumable comprising an aerosol generating material. For example, the external device may include a magnetic component that interacts with the electrical interface 501 when the external device 504 is connected to the electrical interface 501. Thus, the controller can be configured to evaluate the magnetic properties of the external device 504 by evaluating an electrical response or a magnetic response received by the electrical interface 501 when the external device 504 is connected to the electrical interface 501. In this arrangement, the connection of the external device 504 to the electrical interface 501 does not necessarily require physical contact between the electrical interface 501 and the electrical interface 506 of the external device 504.

[0169] If the property of the external device 504 is determined by the controller to indicate that the external device 504 is a standard consumable including an aerosol generating material, the controller may not switch the mode. 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 an aerosol supply device 500 not connected to a consumable including an aerosol generating material) to controlling the operation of the aerosol supply device 500 according to a different (e.g., third) mode associated with an aerosol supply device 500 connected to a standard consumable including an aerosol generating material.

[0170] However, if the property of the external device 504 is determined by the controller to indicate that the external device 504 is not a standard consumable including an aerosol generating material and is associated with an instruction for switching to a mode in which a particular function is disabled, the controller may switch to controlling the operation of the aerosol supply device according to a mode in which the particular function is disabled. This may involve determining by the controller that a property of the external device 504 (e.g., voltage, current, frequency, resistance, or a code encoded in a signal received from the external device 504) is within a first predetermined range. For example, the controller may determine whether the property is within a voltage, current, frequency, or resistance range that is significantly higher (or lower) than the voltage, current, frequency, or resistance range of a standard charging signal.

[0171] If the controller determines that the property is within this first predetermined range, 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 second mode (e.g., limited function mode). In this second mode, specific functions of one or more components of the aerosol supply device 500 that were enabled in the first mode can be deactivated. In an embodiment, the function of the aerosol supply device 500 that enables the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol is deactivated. In the arrangement of a heating component for heating an aerosol generating material in a consumable, this can be achieved because the function of the power supply from the power supply of the aerosol supply device 500 to the consumable for activating the heating component of the consumable is deactivated. In the arrangement of the heating component (at least partially) in the aerosol supply device 500, this can be achieved because the function of the heating component to heat the aerosol generating material is deactivated.

[0172] In an embodiment, the function of the controller to generate and / or store usage data related to user use of the aerosol supply device enabled in the first mode is disabled in the second mode. For example, the function of the controller to store usage data may be disabled because the function of the controller to write usage data to the memory is disabled, or because the controller is configured to delete the usage data written to the memory. In an embodiment, the function of the controller to cause the communication circuit to send data including usage data to other devices may be disabled. As a result of any of these, in the second mode, the aerosol supply device 500 may be prevented from collecting usage data accessible to other devices.

[0173] To ensure that the aerosol supply device 500 remains in the second mode, the controller may be configured to, after switching to the second mode, continue to control operation according to the second mode after the external device 504 (which is not a standard consumable including an aerosol generating material) has been disconnected from the electrical interface 501. To prevent a normal user from accidentally switching out of the second mode, the controller may be configured such that it switches from controlling operation according to the second mode to controlling operation according to a different mode (e.g., the first mode) in response to an instruction received from a safety source.

[0174] The security source may be a computing device, such as a local or remote computing device, with which the user has submitted a request to switch out of the second mode. For example, as described above, if the aerosol supply device 500 is in the second mode in which the generation of aerosol is disabled, the user may be asked to verify that they are suitable to use the aerosol supply device 500 to generate aerosols. This may involve a process of age verification in which the user verifies that they are old enough to use the aerosol supply device 500 to generate aerosols. In other cases, such as where the aerosol supply device 500 is in the second mode in which specific functions related to usage data are disabled, this may involve a process in which the user confirms that they wish to generate, store and share user data.

[0175] The safety source may directly or indirectly send data to the communication circuit of the control interface of the aerosol supply device 500, including instructions for switching from the second mode to a different mode, and an indication that the data is provided by the safety source. Typically, the safety source is characterized by not being controlled by the user of the aerosol supply device, but being controlled or operated by an authorized person, such as an employee of the manufacturer of the aerosol supply device. The user may also enter data at one or more input components of the control interface. Regardless of the technology used, once the data is entered into the communication circuit, the communication circuit provides the corresponding input data to the controller.

[0176] The controller then evaluates the input data to determine whether it includes instructions to switch from the second mode to a different mode and an indication that the data was provided by a secure source. The indication that the data was provided by a secure source may be provided by an encryption of the data or a key, which the controller may evaluate to determine that the data was provided by a secure source. In response to determining that the input data is from a secure source and includes instructions to switch from controlling operation according to the second mode to controlling operation according to a different mode, the controller will then switch from controlling operation according to the second mode to controlling operation according to a different mode (e.g., the first mode).

[0177] Figure 6 A flow chart representation of a method of operating an aerosol supply system according to certain embodiments is shown.

[0178] Figure 6 The method can be applied to Figure 1, Figure 3 , Figure 5 in the context of any one of the aerosol supply devices 100, 300, 500. A first step S1 comprises providing an aerosol supply device, such as the aerosol supply device 100, 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 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.

[0179] The second step S2 comprises connecting the external device to the electrical interface of the aerosol supply device for connecting to the consumable comprising the aerosol generating material. The electrical interface may be an electrical interface such as 101, 301, 501, and the external device may be Figure 5 External device 504 is shown. Connecting the external device may involve inserting the external device into the consumable chamber of the aerosol supply device such that when fully inserted into the consumable chamber, an electrical interface of the external device becomes connected with an electrical interface of the aerosol supply device.

[0180] The third step S3 comprises determining, by the controller, whether the property of the external device is within a predetermined range. This may be achieved in response to the external device being connected to the electrical interface. Figure 5 As discussed, this may involve determining by the controller whether a property of the external device (e.g., a voltage, current, frequency, resistance, or a value (e.g., a code) encoded in a signal received from the external device) is within a first predetermined range. This first predetermined range includes a range of values ​​outside a second predetermined range, which second predetermined range indicates that the external device is a standard consumable, such as including an aerosol generating material. If the property is within the first predetermined range, it will be understood that connection of the external device to the electrical interface corresponds to an instruction by the controller to switch from controlling operation of the aerosol supply device according to the first (current) mode to controlling operation of the aerosol supply device according to the second mode.

[0181] The fourth step S4 comprises, in response to determining that the property of the external device 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 it is determined that the property is within the (first) predetermined range, the controller switches from the first (current) mode to the second mode. As described above with respect to Figure 5As discussed, this second mode may be associated with a determination that a user using the device is suitable for the aerosol supply device to generate an aerosol.In the second mode, specific functions of one or more components of the aerosol supply device that were not enabled in the first mode may be enabled.

[0182] The fifth step S5 comprises, in response to determining that the property of the signal is within a second predetermined range indicating that the external device is a standard consumable including an aerosol generating material, 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 operation of the aerosol supply device when connected to a standard consumable comprising an aerosol generating material.

[0183] 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. In addition to those specifically described herein, the various embodiments of the present invention may appropriately include, contain or substantially contain appropriate combinations of disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, devices, etc. 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: an electrical interface for connecting to a consumable including an aerosol generating material; as well as a controller configured to control the operation of the aerosol supply device, Wherein, the controller is configured as follows: In response to an external device being connected to the electrical interface, determining whether a property of the external device is within a predetermined range; and In response to determining that the property of the external device 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: The controller is configured to determine whether a code encoded in a signal received from the external device is within a predetermined range to determine whether a property of the signal is within the predetermined range.

4. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein: The predetermined range is a first predetermined range indicating that the external device is not a standard consumable including an aerosol generating material, and the first predetermined range includes a series of values ​​outside a second predetermined range indicating that the external device is a standard consumable including an aerosol generating material.

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 consumable comprising an aerosol generating material.

7. The aerosol supply device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein: The upper predetermined threshold is higher than a value associated with a standard consumable comprising an aerosol generating material.

8. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein: The controller is configured as follows: in response to an external device being connected to the electrical interface, determining whether a property of the external device is within the second predetermined range indicating that the external device is a standard consumable including an aerosol generating material; and In response to determining that the property of the external device 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.

9. 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.

10. The aerosol supply device according to claim 9, 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.

11. An aerosol supply device according to claim 9 or 10, comprising a reservoir, in, In the first mode, the function of the controller to generate usage data related to user use of the aerosol supply device, store the data in the memory and / or send the data is enabled, and in the second mode, the function of the controller to generate usage data related to user use of the aerosol supply device, store the data in the memory and / or send the data is disabled.

12. The aerosol supply device according to claim 11, wherein: The usage data comprises i) puff data relating to the occurrence of one or more puffs and / or ii) session data relating to the occurrence of one or more sessions.

13. 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.

14. An aerosol supply device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: After switching to controlling the operation of the aerosol supply device according to the second mode, the controller is configured to continue controlling the operation of the aerosol supply device according to the second mode after the external device is disconnected from the electrical interface.

15. The aerosol supply device according to claim 14, wherein: After switching to controlling operation of the aerosol supply device according to the second mode, the controller is configured to continue controlling operation of the aerosol supply device according to the second mode when a consumable comprising an aerosol generating material is subsequently connected to the electrical interface.

16. An aerosol supply device according to any preceding claim, comprising a control interface configured to receive input and to provide input data relating to the received input to the controller.

17. The aerosol supply device according to claim 16, wherein: The control interface includes: one or more input components configured to receive input from a user and provide corresponding input data to the controller; and / or communication circuits configured to connect to one or more other devices and exchange data with one or more of the other devices.

18. The aerosol supply device according to claim 16 or 17, wherein: The controller is configured as follows: responsive to the received input data, determining whether the input data is from a secure source and determining whether the input data includes instructions to switch from controlling operation according to the second mode to controlling operation according to a different mode; as well as In response to determining that the input data is from a secure source and includes instructions to switch from controlling operation according to the second mode to controlling operation according to a different mode, switching from controlling operation according to the second mode to controlling operation according to a different mode.

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. The aerosol supply system according to claim 19, wherein: The consumable is configured such that when the consumable is connected to the electrical interface of the aerosol supply device, the controller will determine that the property of the consumable is not within the predetermined range.

21. A system comprising: An aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 18; as well as An external device, wherein the external device is configured such that when the external device is connected to the electrical interface of the aerosol supply device, the controller will determine that the property of the external device is within the predetermined range.

22. A method for an aerosol supply device, comprising: providing an aerosol supply device and a controller configured to control operation of the aerosol supply device according to a first mode; an electrical interface for connecting an external device to the aerosol supply device for connecting to a consumable including an aerosol generating material; In response to the external device being connected to the electrical interface, determining by the controller whether a property of the external device is within a predetermined range; as well as In response to determining that the property of the external device 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.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein: The predetermined range is a first predetermined range indicating that the external device is not a standard consumable including an aerosol generating material, and the first predetermined range includes a series of values ​​outside a second predetermined range indicating that the external device is a standard consumable including an aerosol generating material.

24. The method according to claim 23, comprising: in response to an external device being connected to the electrical interface, determining whether a property of the external device is within the second predetermined range indicating that the external device is a standard consumable including an aerosol generating material; and In response to determining that the property of the external device 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.

25. The method according to any one of claims 22, 23 or 24, comprising: After switching to controlling the operation of the aerosol supply device according to the second mode, the operation of the aerosol supply device continues to be controlled by the controller according to the second mode after the external device is disconnected from the electrical interface.

26. The method according to claim 25, comprising: After switching to controlling the operation of the aerosol supply device according to the second mode, the operation of the aerosol supply device continues to be controlled by the controller according to the second mode when a consumable comprising an aerosol generating material is connected to the electrical interface.

27. A method according to any one of claims 22 to 26, comprising providing input to a control interface of the aerosol supply device, and providing, by the control interface, input data corresponding to the received input to the controller.

28. The method according to claim 27, comprising: In response to the received input data, determining by the controller whether the input data is from a secure source and whether the input data includes instructions to switch from controlling operation according to the second mode to controlling operation according to a different mode; and In response to determining that the input data is from a secure source and includes instructions to switch from controlling operation according to the second mode to controlling operation according to a different mode, switching, by the controller, from controlling operation according to the second mode to controlling operation according to a different mode.

29. A controller configured to control the operation of an aerosol supply device, wherein: The controller is configured as follows: In response to an external device being connected to an electrical interface of the aerosol supply device for connecting to a consumable including an aerosol generating material, determining whether a property of the external device is within a predetermined range; and In response to determining that the property of the external device 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.

30. The controller of claim 29, wherein: The predetermined range is a first predetermined range indicating that the external device is not a standard consumable including an aerosol generating material, and the first predetermined range includes a series of values ​​outside a second predetermined range indicating that the external device is a standard consumable including an aerosol generating material.

31. The controller according to claim 30, wherein: The controller is configured as follows: in response to an external device being connected to the electrical interface, determining whether a property of the external device is within the second predetermined range indicating that the external device is a standard consumable including an aerosol generating material; and In response to determining that the property of the external device 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.

32. A controller according to any one of claims 29, 30 or 31, configured to, after switching to control the operation of the aerosol supply device according to the second mode, continue to control the operation of the aerosol supply device according to the second mode after the external device is disconnected from the electrical interface.

33. A controller according to claim 32, configured to, after switching to controlling the operation of the aerosol supply device according to the second mode, continue to control the operation of the aerosol supply device according to the second mode when a consumable comprising an aerosol generating material is connected to the electrical interface.

34. A controller according to any one of claims 29 to 33, configured to receive input data from a control interface of the aerosol supply device, the control interface being configured to receive input and provide input data relating to the received input to the controller.

35. A controller according to any one of claims 29 to 34, configured to: In response to the received input data, determining whether the input data is from a secure source and determining whether the input data includes instructions to switch from controlling operation according to the second mode to controlling operation according to a different mode; and In response to determining that the input data is from a secure source and includes instructions to switch from controlling operation according to the second mode to controlling operation according to a different mode, switching from controlling operation according to the second mode to controlling operation according to a different mode.

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