Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device is presented that includes control circuitry operably coupled to an energy storage device configured to supply electrical energy to the control circuitry for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating article. The control circuitry is configured to receive a limit parameter indicative of a user-defined number of use processes provided by the aerosol-generating device after the energy storage device has been charged, and limit operation of the aerosol-generating device to the user-defined number of use processes based on the limit parameter.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of aerosol generating devices and systems for generating aerosols. In particular, the present disclosure relates to electronic aerosol generating devices and systems configured to generate aerosols based on heating at least a portion of an aerosol generating article or substrate. The present disclosure also relates to uses of aerosol generating devices or systems, methods of operating aerosol generating devices or systems, corresponding computer programs, and computer-readable media storing such computer programs.

[0002] Typically, an aerosol generating device is designed as a handheld device that can be used by a user to consume or experience an aerosol generated by heating an aerosol generating substrate or at least a portion of an aerosol generating article comprising such a substrate, for example during one or more use sessions. It should be understood that an aerosol generating device can generate an aerosol by other means, such as by vibration, by spraying or other means.

[0003] Exemplary aerosol generating substrates may include solid substrate materials, such as tobacco materials or tobacco cast leaf ("TCL") materials. The substrate material may, for example, be typically assembled with other elements or components to form a substantially rod-shaped aerosol generating article. Such a rod or aerosol generating article may be configured in shape and size to be at least partially inserted into an aerosol generating device, which may, for example, include a heating element for heating the aerosol generating article and / or the aerosol generating substrate. Alternatively or in addition, the aerosol generating substrate may include one or more liquids and / or solids, which may, for example, be supplied to the aerosol generating device in the form of a tube or container. Exemplary aerosol generating articles may include a tube or container containing or being fillable with a liquid and / or solid substrate, which may evaporate based on the heating substrate during the user's consumption of the aerosol. Typically, such a tube may be coupled to, attached to and / or at least partially inserted into an aerosol generating device. Alternatively, the cartridge may be fixedly mounted to the aerosol generating device, and refilled by inserting liquid and / or solid matrix material into the cartridge.

[0004] In order to generate an aerosol during use or consumption, the user typically actuates a user interface of the aerosol generating device, thereby triggering the supply of electrical energy to one or more aerosol generating members or aerosol generators, such as one or more heating elements or heat sources, for example to heat at least a portion of an aerosol generating substrate or article. At least a portion of the aerosol generating member or aerosol generator, such as at least a portion of a heating element, may be arranged in the aerosol generating device. Alternatively or additionally, at least a portion of the aerosol generating member or aerosol generator, such as at least a portion of a heating element, may be arranged in the aerosol generating article.

[0005] Exemplary heating elements may be based on one or more of resistive heating, inductive heating, and microwave heating using electrical energy supplied via, drawn from, or stored in an energy storage device of the aerosol generating device. Exemplary energy storage devices may include one or more batteries, one or more capacitors, one or more accumulators, or other types of energy storage devices.

[0006] Alternatively or in addition, the aerosol generating device may be configured to supply electrical energy to one or more other aerosol generating components, aerosol machines or aerosol generators to generate an aerosol. For example, the aerosol generating device and / or aerosol generating article may include one or more vibrating elements, one or more vibrating meshes, one or more spray devices or other devices for generating an aerosol.

[0007] Typically, the amount of electrical energy provided by an energy storage device and available to or for a user of the aerosol generating device to operate the aerosol generating device, for example to experience one or more aerosol generating articles during one or more uses, may be limited, thereby potentially limiting the functionality or usability of the aerosol generating device to generate aerosols.

[0008] Furthermore, capacity limitations of the energy storage device and / or frequent use of the device to generate an aerosol during one or more use processes may result in frequent charging and discharging of the energy storage device. Potentially, such frequent charging and discharging of the energy storage device may adversely affect the quality of the energy storage device, and its ability to store electrical energy may potentially decrease over time. After a certain life cycle or service life of the energy storage device, the aerosol generating device or at least the energy storage device may be replaced.

[0009] It may therefore be desirable to provide an improved aerosol generating device or system, for example an aerosol generating device or system that overcomes or at least mitigates one or more of the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0010] This is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Optional features are provided by the dependent claims and the following description.

[0011] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating system, which are configured to generate an aerosol from at least a portion of an aerosol generating article or an aerosol generating substrate, for example based on supplying electrical energy to one or more aerosol generators. The present disclosure also relates to uses of such aerosol generating devices and systems, methods of operating such aerosol generating devices and systems, corresponding computer programs, and corresponding computer-readable media (e.g., non-transitory computer-readable media) storing such computer programs. Any disclosure presented above and below with reference to one aspect or aspects of the present disclosure is equally applicable to any other aspect of the present disclosure.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device is provided. The aerosol generating device includes a control circuit system and an energy storage device, the energy storage device being configured to supply electrical energy to the control circuit system for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating substrate. The control circuit system may be operably coupled to the energy storage device. The control circuit system is configured to receive a limiting parameter indicating a user-defined number of use processes that the aerosol generating device, for example, provides or can provide to a user after the energy storage device has been charged. The control circuit system is also configured to limit or control the operation of the aerosol generating device to a user-defined number of use processes based on the limiting parameter.

[0013] For example, providing a user with a user-defined number of use processes by the aerosol generating device may mean that the aerosol generating device is operable or operable by the user to generate an aerosol within the user-defined number of use processes. In an example, the energy storage device and / or the control circuit system may be configured to supply electrical energy to at least one aerosol generating member or at least one aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from at least a portion of an aerosol generating article that can be connected to the aerosol generating device. Exemplary aerosol generators or members may include one or more heating elements, one or more heat sources, one or more vibration elements, one or more vibration meshes, and one or more spray devices.

[0014] For example, the energy storage device and / or the control circuitry may be configured to supply electrical energy to at least one heating element to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating article connectable to an aerosol-generating device, for example based on heating at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article.

[0015] Controlling an aerosol generating device based on limiting parameters and / or a user-defined number of usage processes indicated by or associated with limiting parameters may generally increase the versatility, flexibility and functionality of the device, particularly because the device may be configured according to user-specific needs or wishes which may be reflected by or included in the limiting parameters.

[0016] The use process can be a limited use process, i.e. a use process with a start and an end. The duration of the use process measured in time may be affected by the use during the use process. The duration of the use process may have a maximum duration determined by a maximum time from the start of the use process. If one or more monitored parameters reach a predetermined threshold before the maximum time from the start of the use process, the duration of the use process may be less than the maximum time. For example, one or more monitored parameters may include one or more of the following: i) a cumulative puff count of a series of puffs drawn by the user since the start of the use process, and ii) a cumulative volume of aerosol formed from the aerosol-forming substrate since the start of the use process.

[0017] Alternatively or in addition, user-specific energy management may be implemented, which is tailored to the needs or habits of the user, for example according to the number of use sessions per charge of the energy storage device. For example, it may be found that some users may tend to charge the energy storage device after each use session, while other users use the device for more than one use session before charging or recharging the device. Limiting the operation of the device to a user-defined number of use sessions per charge of the energy storage device may, for example, allow overcharging or discharging events to be reduced or avoided, which may increase the life cycle or cycle life of the energy storage device and / or the aerosol generating device.

[0018] The aerosol generating device of the present disclosure may particularly refer to an electronic aerosol generating device configured to generate an aerosol, for example, the aerosol can be inhaled by a user of the aerosol generating device during one or more use processes or periods based on heating at least a portion of the heating element, at least a portion of the aerosol generating article and / or at least a portion of the aerosol generating substrate contained in the aerosol generating article to a temperature at or above a predetermined heating temperature. The aerosol generating device of the present disclosure may also be referred to as a heat-not-burn device.

[0019] As used herein, a predetermined heating temperature may refer to or represent a temperature, temperature level, or temperature range above room temperature that is sufficient to generate an aerosol and / or release an aerosol from an aerosol generating article or substrate, the released aerosol being inhaled by a user during or during one or more use processes of using one or more aerosol generating articles.

[0020] Depending on the type and composition of the specific aerosol-generating article or substrate to be used with the device, the predetermined heating temperature may be in the range of between 250 degrees Celsius and 450 degrees Celsius, particularly between 270 degrees Celsius and 430 degrees Celsius, more particularly between 315 degrees Celsius and 355 degrees Celsius. These temperatures may be suitable operating or heating temperatures sufficient to allow volatile compounds to be released from the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0021] Aerosol generating articles may include solids and / or liquids containing nicotine. Exemplary aerosol generating articles or substrates that can be used with the aerosol generating device of the present disclosure may be formed into a rod shape and at least partially inserted into the aerosol generating device. Alternative exemplary aerosol generating articles may include a container or a cartridge that may be fixedly attached or removably connected to the aerosol generating device. Typically, a mixture of liquid, solid, or solid and liquid aerosol generating substrates is contained in such aerosol generating articles or may be inserted into such aerosol generating articles and heated to generate an aerosol. Any such form and design of aerosol generating articles, as well as other forms and designs, may be used with the aerosol generating devices and systems of the present disclosure.

[0022] The control circuit system may, for example, be configured to control the energy storage device based on the limiting parameter so that operation of the aerosol generating device by a user to generate an aerosol during one or more use processes is limited to a user-defined number of use processes according to the limiting parameter. Alternatively or additionally, upon receiving the limiting parameter, the control circuit system may configure the aerosol generating device so that after the energy storage device has been charged, the aerosol generating device provides, can provide, is operable or can be used by a user to generate an aerosol within a user-defined number of use processes.

[0023] Typically, a control circuit system, also referred to herein as a device control circuit system, may be configured to control one or more device functions of an aerosol generating device. In particular, the control circuit system may include one or more processors for data or signal processing. The control circuit system may be configured to operationally control the aerosol generating device, its energy storage device and / or one or more other components of the aerosol generating device. Operational control may involve controlling the operation of the aerosol generating device and / or one or more components thereof. Optionally, operational control of one or more device functions and / or the energy storage device may include generating one or more control signals and / or providing one or more control signals to one or more components of the aerosol generating device, such as the energy storage device.

[0024] As used herein, an energy storage device of an aerosol generating device may be configured to store or may store electrical energy that may be supplied to at least one heating element to generate an aerosol. Optionally, the energy storage device may be rechargeable, for example by connecting the aerosol generating device to a power source or a companion device also referred to herein as a receiving device. For example, the energy storage device may be recharged by connecting the aerosol generating device to a companion device or a power source via a cable or inductive coupling.

[0025] It should be noted that the aerosol generating device may comprise a plurality of energy storage devices. Hence, any reference herein to a single energy storage device includes a plurality of energy storage devices.

[0026] In an example, the energy storage device may include one or more batteries, accumulators, capacitors, or other types of energy storage devices for storing electrical energy, such as energy storage devices configured to store potential energy associated with changes in the configuration of internal chemical elements or molecules of the energy storage device. In addition, combinations of any of the foregoing types of energy storage devices may be implemented in the aerosol generating device of the present disclosure.

[0027] At least one heating element may refer to or represent any one or more of an induction heating element, a resistive heating element, and a microwave heating element. In other words, the heating element may be configured to heat the aerosol-generating article based on one or more of induction heating, microwave heating, and resistive heating.

[0028] In an example, the heating element may be an induction heating element (e.g., comprising an induction coil) configured to inductively heat a susceptor or susceptor material arranged in an aerosol generating article or substrate. Alternatively or in addition, the heating element may include one or more heating blades or resistive heating elements that may be at least partially inserted into the aerosol generating article or substrate and supplied with electrical energy for generating an aerosol. Alternatively or in addition, the heating element may include a microwave generator configured to heat the aerosol generating article based on microwave heating. Additionally or alternatively, other forms may be used, such as an annular gap resonator.

[0029] At least a portion or all of at least one heating element may be arranged in the aerosol generating device. Alternatively or in addition, at least a portion or all of the heating element may be arranged in the aerosol generating article. For example, the aerosol generating device may include a heating device or a heating circuit, which includes at least one heating element. Optionally, a portion of the heating element, circuit or heating device may be arranged in the aerosol generating device, and another portion of the heating element, circuit or device may be arranged in the aerosol generating article. In addition, it should be noted that the aerosol generating device and / or the aerosol generating article may include multiple heating elements. Therefore, any reference to a single heating element above and below may include multiple heating elements.

[0030] In an example, the aerosol generating device may include one or more user interfaces that are actuatable, controllable or operable by a user to activate or operate the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol. Exemplary user interfaces may include buttons, switches, touch displays, acoustic interfaces, gesture control interfaces, tactile interfaces, haptic interfaces, or combinations thereof.

[0031] The control circuit system may be operable to receive and / or process one or more user inputs from a user interface and to operate or power a heating element (a heating circuit or device including a heating element) according to or based on the one or more user inputs to generate an aerosol. For example, in response to actuation of the user interface, electrical energy may be supplied to at least one heating element to heat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article to a predetermined heating temperature or above the predetermined heating temperature for generating an aerosol during use.

[0032] As used herein, a limiting parameter may include information associated with and / or related to a user-defined number of use processes. Thus, the limiting parameter itself may be user-defined. The limiting parameter may indicate, describe and / or represent a user-defined number of use processes that the aerosol generating device provides, can provide, is operable or can be operated after the energy storage device has been charged. The phrase or functional description "after the energy storage device has been charged" may refer to "after the energy storage device has been charged last" or "between two consecutive charging events" or be used synonymously herein. Thus, the limiting parameter may indicate, describe and / or represent a user-defined number of use processes that the aerosol generating device provides, can provide or can be operated for each charge of the energy storage device, for example, each full charge of the energy storage device. Alternatively or in addition, the limiting parameter may indicate, describe and / or represent a user-defined number of use processes that the aerosol generating device provides, can provide (or the device is operable or can be operated) after the last or most recent charging event that the energy storage device has been charged. Alternatively or additionally, the limiting parameter may indicate, describe and / or represent a user-defined number of use processes that the aerosol generating device provides, can provide, is operable or can be operated before the next subsequent or consecutive charging event.Alternatively or additionally, the limiting parameter may indicate, describe and / or represent a user-defined number of use processes that the aerosol generating device provides, can provide, is operable or can be operated using a charged or fully charged energy storage device and / or between two time-consecutive charging events.

[0033] It should be noted that a fully charged or fully charged energy storage device may refer to or represent an energy storage device that has been charged to a maximum energy capacity such that a maximum amount of electrical energy storage is stored in the energy storage device. Wherein the maximum energy capacity, also referred to herein as the storage capacity or capacity of the energy storage device, may be defined by physical or chemical limitations of the energy storage device. Alternatively or additionally, the maximum energy capacity may be defined by a corresponding configuration of the energy storage device.

[0034] The control circuit system may be configured to limit the operation of the aerosol generating device for each charge (e.g., full charge) of the energy storage device to a user-defined number of use sessions based on the limiting parameters. Alternatively or in addition, the control circuit system may be configured to control the aerosol generating device based on the limiting parameters to allow the device to be used for a user-defined number of use sessions to generate aerosol after the energy storage device has been charged, in particular after the energy storage device has last been charged, since the last or most recent charging event, before the next charging event, and / or between two consecutive charging events. In other words, the control circuit system may permit or allow the device to be used for a user-defined number of use sessions between two charging events or for each charge of the energy storage device.

[0035] In an example, the limiting parameter may indicate a maximum or threshold number of use processes that the aerosol generating device provides, may provide or is operable to generate an aerosol based on heating at least a portion of the heating element and / or at least a portion of the aerosol generating article to a temperature at or above a predetermined heating temperature. For example, the limiting parameter may refer to a threshold value for the maximum or threshold number of use processes that the device may be operated for after a last charging event, before a next charging event, and / or between two consecutive charging events.

[0036] The energy storage device may be configured or may have a capacity, energy capacity or storage capacity for storing electrical energy to heat at least part of the aerosol generating article to a temperature at or above a predetermined heating temperature during a predefined or capacity-limited number of use sessions. Thus, the capacity-limited number of use sessions may refer to the number of use sessions that the device can in principle be used per charge of the energy storage device, since the last charge of the energy storage device, before the next charge event and / or between two consecutive charge events.

[0037] Optionally, the user-defined number of use processes indicated by the limit parameter may be different from the predefined or capacity-limited number of use processes. Therefore, the user-defined number of use processes may be less than or greater than the capacity-limited number of use processes.

[0038] In an exemplary embodiment, the user-defined number of use processes indicated by the limiting parameter may be less than a predefined or capacity-defined number of use processes (such as defined by the storage capacity of the energy storage device). Thus, use or operation of the device for generating an aerosol may be limited based on the limiting parameter to fewer or fewer use processes than permitted or allowed based on the capacity-defined or predefined number of use processes.

[0039] Some users may typically use the aerosol generating device for only a few usage sessions after the last charging event, before the next charging event and / or between two consecutive charging events. Some users may even charge or recharge the energy storage device after each usage session. Limiting the use of the device to usage sessions where the number of charges per time is less than the capacity-limited number may allow for flexible adaptation of the aerosol generating device or its operation according to the habits or needs of the user. Alternatively or additionally, overcharging and / or discharging may be avoided or reduced, which may increase the life cycle of the energy storage device.

[0040] For example, the control circuit system may be configured to limit the operation of the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol to a single use session per charge of the energy storage device, after the energy storage device has been last charged, after a last charging event, before the energy storage device is next charged, and / or between two consecutive charging events based on the limiting parameters. Thus, each charge of the energy storage device may only allow or permit a discrete or single use session to the user.

[0041] In an example, the aerosol generating device may also include a communication circuit system or a communication interface for communicatively connecting the aerosol generating device to at least one of the computing device and the supporting device. The supporting device may also be referred to as a receiving device in this article. Wherein, the limiting parameters can be received based on transmitting the limiting parameters from at least one of the computing device and the supporting device to the aerosol generating device. Therefore, the aerosol generating device or the control circuit system can be reconfigured or configured by the user based on transmitting the limiting parameters from one or more of the computing device and the supporting device to the aerosol generating device. For example, the limiting parameters can be directly transmitted from the computing device or the supporting device to the aerosol generating device. Alternatively or in addition, the limiting parameters can be transmitted from the computing device to the supporting device, and from the supporting device to the aerosol generating device. Generally, the limiting parameters can be transmitted or exchanged between one or more of the aerosol generating device, the computing device and the supporting device, for example based on transmitting or exchanging corresponding data or data elements. Therefore, the limiting parameters or corresponding data can also be transmitted from the aerosol generating device to the supporting device and / or the computing device.

[0042] One or more communication interface types or communication protocols may be implemented in the aerosol generating device and its communication interface or circuit system. In particular, the communication interface or circuit system may be configured for one or both of wired and wireless communication with one or more of the computing device and the supporting device. In a non-limiting example, the communication interface or circuit system of the aerosol generating device may be based on one or more of BUS communication, cable communication, Bluetooth communication, wireless LAN communication, infrared communication, near field communication, Internet communication, or any other suitable type of communication or communication protocol.

[0043] As used herein, a computing device may refer to any device or apparatus having data processing capabilities, such as a server, a server network, a mobile device, a smart phone, a tablet, a smart device, and a smart wearable device. The computing device may be configured to transmit or transfer the limiting parameters, for example wirelessly or by wire, to the aerosol generating device. Thus, the computing device may include a communication interface or circuit system configured to transmit the limiting parameters or corresponding data to the aerosol generating device.

[0044] The aerosol generating device may be connectable (eg operatively and / or communicatively connectable) to a companion or receiving device, in particular for supplying electrical energy to the energy storage device. Optionally, when the aerosol generating device is connected to the companion device, the limiting parameters may be received from the companion or receiving device.

[0045] The supporting or receiving device can be configured to at least partially receive the aerosol generating device, for example, for charging the aerosol generating device and / or for storing the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device can be configured to be wirelessly charged by the supporting device. For example, the supporting device and the aerosol generating device can be inductively coupled to charge the energy storage device of the aerosol generating device. Alternatively or in addition, the control circuit system can be configured to establish an electrical connection with the supporting device to charge the energy storage device. Therefore, the aerosol generating device can be configured to be operably connected to the supporting device for charging the energy storage device of the aerosol generating device.

[0046] Alternatively or in addition, the accessory device may include a communication interface for communicatively coupling the accessory device to the aerosol generating device and, for example, for transmitting the limiting parameters or corresponding data from the accessory device to the aerosol generating device. Optionally, the communication connection between the aerosol generating device and the accessory device may be established when the aerosol generating device is operably coupled to the accessory device to charge the aerosol generating device, or vice versa.

[0047] In an example, the control circuit system may be configured to receive the limit parameters based on retrieving the limit parameters from a data storage device or memory of the aerosol generating device. For example, the limit parameters or corresponding data may be stored at the data storage device and accessed by the control circuit system to control the device or energy storage device according to or based on the limit parameters.

[0048] Alternatively or additionally, the received limiting parameter may be user defined and / or may be based on one or more user inputs indicating a user defined number of usage processes, in particular per charge of the energy storage device or since the energy storage device was last charged.

[0049] Exemplary and non-limiting user inputs may relate to, be associated with and / or include information about the user's habits or behavior in using the aerosol generating device for generating aerosols in one or more use processes, such as a single use process or multiple consecutive use processes. For example, the user may provide the number of use processes per time period, such as the number of use processes per day, hour, week, or month that the user intends to use or operate the device. Alternatively or in addition, the user may provide the number of use processes per charge of the energy storage device or the number of use processes that the device can operate or provide between two consecutive charging events. Alternatively or in addition, the user may provide information about the time or duration of one or more use processes.

[0050] Optionally, one or more of the control circuit system, the supporting device, and the computing device can calculate the limiting parameter and / or the user-defined number of the use process based on one or more user inputs received or provided at one or more user interfaces of the aerosol generating device, the supporting device, and the computing device. In other words, the limiting parameter can be received via at least one of the user interface of the aerosol generating device, the computing device communicatively coupled to the aerosol generating device, and the supporting device communicatively coupled to the aerosol generating device. Therefore, the limiting parameter can be received via one or more user interfaces of the aerosol generating device, the supporting device, and the computing device.

[0051] In a non-limiting example, the aerosol generating device comprises a user interface, wherein the control circuit system can be configured to calculate or determine the limiting parameter or the user-defined number of use processes based on one or more user inputs provided at the user interface of the aerosol generating device. The user interface of the aerosol generating device can be any type of user interface, including a display, a touch display, a button, a switch, a tactile interface, a touch-sensitive interface, and an acoustic interface. Thus, the control circuit system can derive the user-defined number of use processes from the one or more user inputs.

[0052] Alternatively or in addition, the control circuit system may be configured to calculate the limit parameter based on one or more user inputs provided at the computing device and / or at the receiving device. Optionally, this may include transmitting the one or more user inputs from at least one of the computing device and the companion device to the aerosol generating device via the communication circuit system of the aerosol generating device. Thus, the control circuit system may derive the user-defined number of usage processes from one or more user inputs provided at the computing device and / or the companion device.

[0053] For example, the computing device and / or the supporting device may include one or more user interfaces for receiving one or more user inputs, which may be transmitted to the aerosol generating device, for example in the form of one or more data elements or signals.

[0054] In an example, one or more user inputs may be associated with one or more of the following: the number of use processes available to the user per charge of the energy storage device, the duration of a use process, the duration of multiple use processes, the energy consumption of each use process or each charge of the energy storage device, the availability of one or more device functions of the aerosol generating device, and the availability of a pause mode for interrupting or restarting an ongoing use process at the aerosol generating device. Alternatively or in addition, the number of use processes per time period may be provided by the user, such as the number of use processes per day, hour, week, or month. Alternatively or in addition, the user may provide general or categorized information about his or her consumption behavior (e.g., "low, medium, high") as user input. Based on this, the control circuit system may calculate or determine the corresponding number of user processes. Thus, the user may configure the device according to a user-defined number of use processes based on providing one or more user inputs at one or more user interfaces of one or more of the aerosol generating device, the computing device, and the supporting device.

[0055] Optionally, the user can configure the device according to the availability of one or more device functions. In other words, the user can configure the device to enable or disable one or more device functions, such as the main heating function or one or more auxiliary device functions.

[0056] As used herein, a device function may refer to any operation or function of an aerosol generating device, which may involve operational control of the aerosol generating device and / or one or more components of the aerosol generating device by a control circuit system, such as operational control of at least one heating element of the aerosol generating device, a communication circuit system, an energy storage device, and one or more user interfaces.

[0057] In an example, one or more device functions may include a primary heating function of the aerosol generating device, which is also referred to herein as a primary device function. The primary heating function may refer to operating the aerosol generating device to heat at least a portion of at least one heating element, an aerosol generating article and / or at least a portion of a substrate to or above a predetermined heating temperature of the heating element, aerosol generating article and / or aerosol generating substrate for generating an aerosol.

[0058] The primary heating function of the aerosol generating device may be implemented or performed during or during a use process. As used herein, a use process may refer to a period of time during which a user may use the device to generate, consume, experience or inhale an aerosol using the aerosol generating device. Wherein, the use process may be finite. In other words, the use process may have a start, an end and a duration.

[0059] It should be noted that operating the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol during use may be used synonymously herein with: operating the aerosol generating device in a primary device function, operating the device to perform the primary heating function, implementing or performing the primary device heating function, and / or heating one or more of the heating element, the aerosol generating article and the aerosol generating substrate to a temperature at or above a predetermined heating temperature.

[0060] One or more device functions may include one or more auxiliary device functions. Among them, the auxiliary device function may refer to an operation or function of the aerosol generating device that is different from the main heating function of the aerosol generating device. For example, the auxiliary device function may be different from the main heating function in terms of one or more of the type of function, the purpose of the function, the duration of the function, one or more components involved in performing the function, and energy consumption. However, the auxiliary device function may differ from the main heating function in any other aspect, characteristic or element. Generally, in the context of the present disclosure, any device function other than the main heating function may be regarded as or referred to as an auxiliary device function.

[0061] For example, auxiliary device functions may include one or more of the following: operating the aerosol generating device with reduced energy consumption relative to operating to generate an aerosol during use (or in an aerosol release mode), heating at least one heating element and / or an aerosol generating article to a temperature below a heating temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol, heating at least one heating element and / or an aerosol generating article to a temperature above room temperature and below a heating temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol, heating at least one heating element and / or an aerosol generating article to a temperature above room temperature and below a heating temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol within a predefined time period (e.g., during a user pause), activating or deactivating tactile controls of the aerosol generating device, activating or deactivating one or more user interfaces of the aerosol generating device, operating a user interface of the aerosol generating device, operating a communication circuit system of the aerosol generating device (the communication circuit system is used to communicatively connect the aerosol generating device to a computing device or a receiving device), operating sensors of the aerosol generating device, and operating biometric sensors of the aerosol generating device for user authentication. Among other things, operation may include one or more of actuation, enabling, disabling, activation, and deactivation.

[0062] The aerosol generating device may include a heating circuit system and / or a heating device that can operate in at least two operating modes, namely an aerosol release mode and a pause mode. Therefore, the aerosol generating device can operate in at least two operating modes. The heating circuit system may be part of a control circuit system or may be provided by a control circuit system. The aerosol generating device, the heating circuit system and / or the control circuit system may be configured to heat the heating element, the aerosol generating product and / or the substrate at a first temperature level in the aerosol release mode, for example during use. Wherein, the first temperature level may correspond to a predetermined heating temperature or a temperature higher than it. The aerosol generating device may also be configured to heat the heating element, the aerosol generating product and / or the substrate at a second temperature level lower than the first temperature level in the pause mode of the aerosol generating device. The second temperature level may, for example, refer to a temperature that is higher than room temperature and lower than the first temperature level.

[0063] The use process or user experience, also referred to herein as the experience of the aerosol generating article, may be interrupted (e.g., by switching the device to a pause mode) and restarted later by the user, wherein the aerosol generating article or substrate may be maintained in the pause mode of the aerosol generating device at a temperature lower than the first temperature level and / or lower than a predetermined heating temperature used during normal use of the device (particularly during the user experience or use process), but still higher than or much higher than room temperature. That is, preferably the second temperature level may be selected, for example, to avoid degradation of unconsumed substrates or aerosol generating articles. In particular, the second temperature level may be selected, for example, to be low enough to minimize the consumption of the substrate or article during the pause mode, and at the same time high enough to avoid condensation of vapor in the device, which condensation may otherwise affect the quality of the unconsumed aerosol generating substrate or article.

[0064] During use of the device, in particular when a user experience or use process is to take place, the heating element, the heating circuit system and / or the heating device may be operated in an aerosol release mode, and during a pause in the use of the device, i.e. when no user experience or use process takes place and / or when the use process is interrupted by a pause, the aerosol generating device may be operated in a pause mode. In both the aerosol release mode and the pause mode of the aerosol generating device, the heating element, the heating circuit system and / or the heating device may be in operation, in particular in heating operation, but at different temperature levels, i.e. during the aerosol release mode at a first temperature level selected to be high enough to generate an aerosol, and during the pause mode at a second temperature level lower than the first temperature level, the second temperature level being selected to be low enough to minimize the consumption of the substrate while avoiding degradation.

[0065] Depending on the type and composition of the specific aerosol generating article or substrate to be used with the device, the predetermined heating temperature or first temperature level may be in the range of between 250 degrees Celsius and 450 degrees Celsius, particularly between 270 degrees Celsius and 430 degrees Celsius, more particularly between 315 degrees Celsius and 355 degrees Celsius. These temperatures may be suitable operating or heating temperatures sufficient to allow volatile compounds to be released from the aerosol generating article or substrate, for example, during one or more use processes and / or when the device is operated in an aerosol release mode. For example, the first temperature level and / or the predetermined heating temperature for a liquid aerosol generating article or substrate may be lower than the first temperature level for a solid aerosol generating article or substrate.

[0066] In general, the second temperature level may be selected to maintain the usability of the aerosol generating article or substrate for an extended period of time. The second temperature level may also depend on the type and composition of the aerosol generating article or substrate to be used with the device. Thus, the second temperature level may be in the range of between 175 degrees Celsius and 225 degrees Celsius, particularly between 185 degrees Celsius and 215 degrees Celsius, more particularly between 195 degrees Celsius and 205 degrees Celsius. These temperatures may be low enough to minimize the consumption of the substrate during the pause mode, but at the same time high enough to avoid condensation of vapor in the device, which may lead to degradation of the aerosol generating article or substrate.

[0067] To avoid condensation effects in the device, in particular to avoid condensation of substances in the aerosol generating article or substrate, the second temperature level may be at least 150 degrees Celsius, in particular at least 175 degrees Celsius, preferably at least 185 degrees Celsius, more preferably at least 195 degrees Celsius.

[0068] Conversely, in order to minimize the consumption of the substrate or product during the pause mode, the second temperature level may be at most 220 degrees Celsius, in particular at most 225 degrees Celsius, preferably at most 215 degrees Celsius, more preferably at least 205 degrees Celsius. In particular, the second temperature level may be selected to reduce the formation of aerosol by at least 50%, for example, compared to the aerosol release mode.

[0069] Relatively speaking, the second temperature level may be, for example, at least 50 degrees Celsius lower, particularly at least 75 degrees Celsius lower, more particularly at least 100 degrees Celsius lower than the first temperature level.

[0070] The temperature values ​​given above may preferably be the average temperature of the aerosol-generating article or substrate during operation of the device.In addition, as already mentioned, the temperature values ​​may depend inter alia on the type and composition of the aerosol-generating article or substrate to be used with the device.

[0071] As used herein, pause mode may refer to a first operating mode of the aerosol generating device, in which the heating element, heating circuit system and / or heating device may be operated during an operational pause (i.e., a pause in the use of the aerosol generating device), i.e., when the user experience or use process is paused and aerosol generation may not occur or at least may be reduced to a minimum level. That is, in pause mode, the aerosol generating device is in a pause in use.

[0072] Conversely, the aerosol release mode may refer to a second operating mode of the aerosol generating device, which is a normal heating operating mode of the heating element, circuit system and / or device for aerosol generation, in which the heating element, heating circuit system and / or heating device may operate during use of the device by a user (i.e. when a user experience or use process occurs, in particular when aerosol generation occurs). In general, aerosol generation may occur continuously, or on demand (in particular based on puffing), i.e. on demand when a user takes a puff.

[0073] The aerosol generating device may optionally include at least one sensor configured to output a sensor signal indicating that the device is being operated by a user (i.e., in use by a user) or is in an operational pause (i.e., a use pause). Advantageously, such a sensor may facilitate automatic detection of whether the operation of the heating device can be switched to a pause mode because the device is not currently in use and is therefore in an operational pause (i.e., a use pause). Thus, aerosol generation may be stopped in a timely manner in order to avoid continued but undesirable consumption of the aerosol-forming substrate. Likewise, such a sensor may facilitate automatic detection of whether the operation of the heating device will be switched back to an aerosol release mode, i.e., returned to a normal heating mode of operation for aerosol generation, when the user wishes to restart the user experience or use process.

[0074] In an exemplary embodiment, the limiting parameter may indicate the availability of one or more device functions (e.g., a primary heating function and one or more auxiliary device functions in addition to or different from the primary heating function). For example, the limiting parameter may indicate one or more of the following: the availability of a pause mode at the aerosol generating device, and the number of use pauses that the aerosol generating device provides, can provide, or is operable in the pause mode after the energy storage device has been last charged, before the energy storage device is next charged, and / or between two consecutive charging events. The control circuit system can be configured to limit one or more of the operation of the aerosol generating device in the pause mode and the number of use pauses based on the limiting parameter. Thus, the functionality of the device can be customized according to the wishes, needs, and requirements of the user.

[0075] In yet another example, the control circuit system may also be configured to determine the number of partial and / or completed use sessions that the aerosol generating device has been used to generate an aerosol based on heating one or more aerosol generating articles at or above a predetermined heating temperature since the last charging event and / or since the energy storage device was last charged. In addition, the control circuit system may be configured to compare the determined number of partial and / or completed use sessions with a user-defined number of use sessions indicated by the limit parameter.

[0076] For example, the control circuit system can be configured to allow or prevent operation or use of the aerosol generating device in another, subsequent or next use process based on comparing the determined number of partial and / or completed use processes with a user-defined number of use processes indicated by a limiting parameter.

[0077] Optionally, the control circuit system can be configured to determine the number of remaining use processes available to the user until recharging based on comparing the determined number of partial and / or completed use processes with a user-defined number of use processes indicated by the limit parameter. Thus, the number of remaining use processes can be determined based on the comparison. For example, the number of remaining use processes can be calculated based on subtracting the number of partial and / or completed use processes from the user-defined number of use processes.

[0078] Further optionally, the control circuit system can be configured to operate and / or actuate the user interface of the aerosol generating device to indicate and / or notify the number of remaining use processes available to the user. Alternatively or in addition, the control circuit system can be configured to operate and / or actuate the user interface of the aerosol generating device to indicate and / or notify the user of the number of partial and / or completed use processes. Alternatively or in addition, the control circuit system can be configured to operate and / or actuate the user interface of the aerosol generating device to indicate and / or notify the user of the user-defined number of use processes. Therefore, one or more of the number of partial and / or completed use processes, the number of remaining use processes, and the user-defined number of use processes can be notified and / or indicated to the user based on one or more user interfaces of the actuating aerosol generating device. For example, multiple light emitting diodes LED can be turned on or off according to one or more of the number of partial use processes, the number of completed use processes, the number of remaining use processes, and the user-defined number of use processes. Additionally or alternatively, other means may be used, such as displaying one or more of the numbers or corresponding categorical information at a user interface or display of the aerosol generating device.

[0079] In an exemplary embodiment, the control circuit system can be configured to implement recharging or charging of the energy storage device upon determining that the number of partial and / or completed use processes reaches or exceeds a user-defined number of use processes indicated by the limit parameter. Implementing recharging of the energy storage device may include triggering recharging and / or requesting recharging.

[0080] For example, upon determining that the number of partial and / or completed use processes reaches or exceeds the user-defined number of use processes indicated by the limiting parameter, the control circuit system may disable or block one or more device functions, in particular the primary heating function. Alternatively or in addition, the control circuit system may render the aerosol generating device unoperable by the user to generate aerosol during further use processes upon determining that the number of partial and / or completed use processes reaches or exceeds the user-defined number of use processes indicated by the limiting parameter. Implementing recharging of the energy storage device may ensure that each charging of the energy storage device may only be used for a user-defined number of use processes. Thus, effective and reliable control and energy management may be implemented.

[0081] Optionally, the control circuit system may be configured to operate and / or actuate a user interface of the aerosol generating device to provide a notification to the user to recharge the energy storage device upon determining that the number of partial and / or completed use sessions reaches or exceeds a user-defined number of use sessions indicated by the limit parameter. For example, one or more LEDs may indicate that the control circuit system implements, triggers or requests recharging.

[0082] In yet another exemplary configuration, the control circuit system may be configured to determine and / or calculate at least one threshold value based on the limiting parameter, the at least one threshold value indicating the amount of energy available to the user to heat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article to a temperature at or above the predetermined heating temperature during one or more use sessions. For example, the threshold value of energy consumption per use session or multiple use sessions (e.g., a user-defined number of use sessions) may be calculated by the control circuit system.

[0083] Optionally, the control circuit system may be configured to determine a storage condition of the energy storage device, the storage condition indicating at least one of an amount of electrical energy currently stored in the energy storage device and an amount of electrical energy currently storable. The control circuit system may also be configured to evaluate and / or analyze the determined storage condition relative to at least one threshold value, and enable or disable at least one device function of the aerosol generating device based on the evaluation.

[0084] At least one threshold value may be associated with or related to at least one device function. For example, a threshold value may be associated with heating of the aerosol generating device, for example during one or more uses or in one or more pause modes. In a non-limiting example, at least one threshold value may describe and / or indicate one or more standards, predefined standards, requirements and / or preconditions for performing one or more device functions associated with the at least one threshold value. In other words, at least one threshold value may reflect or encode one or more standards, requirements and / or preconditions that should be met in order to perform at least one device function and / or in order to enable at least one device function.

[0085] In an example, the at least one threshold value may be indicative of and / or related to energy consumption of the aerosol generating device for performing or carrying out one or more device functions.

[0086] For example, at least one threshold value may be related to and / or indicate the amount of energy required to perform the primary heating function of the aerosol generating device during one or more use processes. Alternatively or in addition, at least one threshold value may be related to and / or indicate the amount of energy required to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating article to or above a predetermined heating temperature during or during one or more use processes. Alternatively or in addition, at least one threshold value may be related to and / or indicate the amount of energy required to perform one or more auxiliary device functions.

[0087] As used herein, enabling a device function may refer to or include allowing a device function, such as allowing a user to implement the device function. Alternatively or in addition, enabling a device function may include activating the device function so that it can be performed, for example based on one or more user inputs or automatically. For example, enabling or allowing a device function may include configuring the aerosol generating device so that the device function is implementable or can be performed. Alternatively or in addition, enabling a device function may include making or enabling the device function available to a user of the aerosol generating device. In a non-limiting example, a flag or indicia indicating an allowed device function may be set by the control circuit system based on an evaluation of a storage condition relative to at least one threshold and / or limiting parameter in order to enable the device function.

[0088] As used herein, disabling a device function may refer to or include preventing the device function, such as preventing a user from implementing the device function. Alternatively or in addition, disabling the device function may include deactivating the device function so that it cannot be executed, for example based on one or more user inputs or automatically. Alternatively or in addition, disabling the device function may include making or rendering the device function unavailable to a user of the aerosol generating device. For example, disabling or preventing the device function may include configuring the aerosol generating device so that the device function and / or its implementation is prohibited. In a non-limiting example, a flag or indicia indicating a blocked device function may be set by the control circuit system based on an evaluation of a storage condition relative to at least one threshold value and / or limiting parameter so as to disable the device function.

[0089] Evaluating the storage condition of the energy storage device relative to at least one threshold value calculated based on a limiting parameter, and enabling or disabling at least one device function based thereon may allow energy management and efficient operation of the aerosol generating device. In particular, the operation of the device may be optimized based on adapting the library or set of device functions available at the aerosol generating device by evaluating the storage condition. In other words, the functionality of the device may be adapted according to the evaluated storage condition, which may allow optimizing or maximizing the overall functionality of the device relative to the available energy. Additionally, enabling or disabling specific device functions may allow prioritizing specific device functions relative to other device functions, which may increase the overall usability and operability of the device for a user.

[0090] Thus, enabling or disabling a device function may comprise altering, modifying or changing the configuration of the aerosol generating device so that the device function is available or unavailable at the aerosol generating device, for example available or unavailable to a user of the aerosol generating device. Alternatively or in addition, enabling or disabling a device function may comprise adapting a library or set of device functions available at the aerosol generating device. For example, enabling a device function may comprise expanding a library or set of device functions available at the aerosol generating device by said device function. Alternatively or in addition, disabling a device function may comprise reducing a library or set of device functions available at the aerosol generating device by said device function. Alternatively or in addition, disabling a device function may comprise removing said device function from a library or set of device functions available at the aerosol generating device.

[0091] In an example, the determined storage condition may include at least one of the current energy level of the electrical energy stored in the energy storage device and the health of the energy storage device indicating the amount of electrical energy currently storable in the energy storage device. For example, the current energy level may refer to or indicate the current state of charge of the energy storage device. The current state of charge or charge level of the energy storage device may also be referred to herein as the actual or current capacity level of the energy storage device. In addition, the energy storable in the energy storage device may be related to or indicate the storage capacity of the energy storage device. Therefore, the storage condition may indicate one or both of the current state of charge of the energy storage device and the storage capacity of the energy storage device.

[0092] Alternatively, the storage condition may include one or more storage variables or storage condition variables, such as one storage variable or storage condition variable indicating a current state of charge of the energy storage device and another storage variable or storage condition variable indicating a storage capacity of the energy storage device.

[0093] In particular, when the aerosol generating device is frequently used or operated to generate aerosols, the quality or health of the energy storage device may be reduced over time, and the quality or health of the energy storage device may be related to or indicate its ability to store electrical energy. This effect may also be referred to as aging or aging effect of the energy storage device. Based on the storage condition, the aging effect of the energy storage device may be comprehensively considered for energy management, which may allow further improvement of the overall energy efficiency. In addition, taking into account the aging effect may allow the library of device functions available to the user to be dynamically adjusted according to the health state or condition of the energy storage device, which may increase the cycle life or life cycle.

[0094] It should be noted that in the context of the present disclosure, the terms energy and capacity of an energy storage device may be used interchangeably and / or may be converted to each other. For example, an energy value (e.g. given in Wh or mWh) may be calculated based on the capacity of the energy storage device (e.g. given in Ah or mAh) multiplied by the nominal voltage of the energy storage device.

[0095] According to an example, evaluating the determined storage condition may include comparing the determined storage condition to at least one threshold value. Optionally, the at least one threshold value may indicate a threshold storage condition. For example, the at least one threshold value may indicate a threshold or minimum amount of electrical energy currently stored in the energy storage device. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one threshold value may indicate a threshold or minimum state of charge of the energy storage device.

[0096] For example, when the control circuit system determines that the storage condition reaches or exceeds at least one threshold, the control circuit system can enable at least one device function for, for example, implementation by a user. Alternatively or additionally, when the control circuit system determines that the storage condition is below at least one threshold, the control circuit system can disable at least one device function for, for example, implementation by a user, or vice versa.

[0097] In an example, at least one threshold value may indicate a threshold energy or amount of energy required to operate the aerosol generating device during at least one use process to generate an inhalable aerosol based on heating the aerosol generating article, in particular heating the aerosol generating article to a temperature at or above a predetermined heating temperature for generating an aerosol. Alternatively or in addition, at least one threshold value may indicate a threshold energy or amount of energy required to perform a primary heating function of the aerosol generating device. Based on evaluating the storage condition with the threshold energy, it can be reliably determined whether the amount of energy currently stored in the energy storage device is sufficient to complete at least one use process and / or sufficient to allow a user to experience or consume at least one aerosol generating article during one or more use processes.

[0098] For example, the storage condition may indicate a current charging state, and the control circuit system may be configured to compare the storage condition with the threshold value, which may indicate a threshold energy or amount of energy required to operate the aerosol generating device during at least one use process to generate an inhalable aerosol based on heating the aerosol generating article, in particular heating the aerosol generating article to a temperature at or above a predetermined heating temperature for generating an aerosol. Upon determining that the storage condition or the charging state indicated by the storage condition reaches or exceeds the threshold value, at least one device function, such as a primary heating function, may be enabled. Alternatively or in addition, upon determining that the storage condition or the charging state indicated by the storage condition is below a threshold value, at least one device function, such as a primary heating function, may be disabled. Thus, in the latter case, a user may be prevented from using the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol during one or more use processes.

[0099] In an exemplary embodiment, the control circuit system may be configured to enable at least one device function when it is determined based on the evaluation that the current energy level of the electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage device is sufficient to operate the aerosol generating device during at least one use process to generate an inhalable aerosol based on heating the aerosol generating article to a temperature at or above a predetermined heating temperature for generating an aerosol. Thus, the control circuit system may be configured to determine based on the evaluation whether the amount of energy currently stored in the energy storage device is sufficient to complete one or more use processes.

[0100] In yet another example, at least one threshold value may indicate a threshold energy required to perform a primary heating function of the aerosol generating device during at least one use process, the primary heating function involving supplying electrical energy to at least one heating element to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating article to a temperature at or above a predetermined heating temperature for generating an aerosol. Alternatively or in addition, the control circuit system may be configured to enable the primary heating function when it is determined based on the evaluation that the current energy level of the electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage device is sufficient to perform the primary heating function to generate an inhalable aerosol during at least one use process. Thus, the primary heating function may be enabled by the control circuit system only when the energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage device is sufficient to perform the primary heating function at least once during at least one use process, for example using at least one aerosol generating article.

[0101] Optionally, in response to determining that the energy stored in the energy storage device is sufficient to perform a primary heating function during one or more use processes, such as using one or more aerosol generating articles, the control circuit system may indicate the availability of one or more use processes to a user, for example based on actuating one or more user interfaces of the aerosol generating device (e.g., a control light, one or more LEDs, or a display).

[0102] In an exemplary embodiment, at least one threshold value may indicate and / or be associated with a threshold energy required to perform at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device (e.g., operating the aerosol generating device in one or more use pauses based on switching the device to a pause mode). Alternatively or in addition, the control circuit system may be configured to enable and / or allow at least one auxiliary device function when it is determined based on an assessment of the storage condition relative to at least one threshold that the current energy level of the electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage device is sufficient to perform at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device. Thus, the storage condition may be analyzed based on whether sufficient energy is stored therein to implement or complete at least one auxiliary device function. If the energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage device is sufficient to complete the auxiliary device function, the function may be enabled or activated. Thus, the functions or functional libraries available to the user may be expanded or increased. Alternatively or in addition, when it is determined that the energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage device is insufficient to perform or complete the auxiliary device function, the function may be blocked, disabled and / or deactivated, for example, such that the function cannot be initiated by the user and / or is unavailable to the user.

[0103] In yet another example, at least one device function may include at least one of a primary heating function of the aerosol generating device and at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device, the primary heating function being used to generate an aerosol based on heating an aerosol generating article to a temperature at or above a predetermined heating temperature for generating an aerosol during at least one use, the at least one auxiliary device function being different from the primary heating function. In other words, at least one device function (with which at least one threshold may be associated and / or which may be enabled or disabled by the control circuit system based on an assessment of a storage condition) may refer to or include one or both of the primary heating function and an auxiliary device function that is different from the primary device function. For example, the control circuit system may assess the storage condition at least based on the primary heating function, and optionally based on one or more auxiliary device functions.

[0104] In an exemplary embodiment, at least one threshold value may be associated with a) a threshold energy required to perform a primary heating function of the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol during at least one use and b) to perform an auxiliary device function that is different from, in addition to and / or unrelated to the primary heating function of the aerosol generating device. In other words, at least one threshold value may indicate energy consumption when performing both the primary heating function and at least one auxiliary device function. It should be noted that two threshold values ​​may also be used, the first threshold value indicating the energy required to perform the primary heating function of the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol during at least one use and the second threshold value indicating the energy required to perform the auxiliary device function.

[0105] Optionally, the at least one threshold value may be associated with a) a threshold energy required to operate the aerosol generating device in an aerosol release mode for generating an inhalable aerosol based on heating the aerosol generating article to a temperature at or above a predetermined heating temperature during at least one use process and b) a pause mode for interrupting the at least one use process during a pause in use. Alternatively or in addition, the control circuit system may be configured to, upon determining based on the evaluation that the current energy level of the electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage device is sufficient to perform the main heating function and at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device, a) enable the main heating function of the aerosol generating device in at least one use process to generate an aerosol based on heating the heating element, the article and / or the substrate to a temperature at or above the predetermined heating temperature, and b) enable at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device that is different from, in addition to and / or unrelated to the main heating function. Alternatively or in addition, when it is determined based on the assessment that the current energy level of electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage device is insufficient to perform the main heating function and at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device, the control circuit system may disable or prevent one or both of the main heating function and at least one auxiliary device function.

[0106] For example, at least one auxiliary device function may refer to heating a heating element, an aerosol generating article and / or a substrate to a second temperature level or a second temperature during a pause or pause mode of use of the device and / or is associated with heating a heating element, an aerosol generating article and / or a substrate to a second temperature level or a second temperature during a pause or pause mode of use of the device, wherein the second temperature level may be higher than room temperature and lower than a predetermined heating temperature. Therefore, the control circuit system can reliably detect whether the energy storage device stores enough electrical energy to perform the main heating function and perform at least one use pause that interrupts one or more use processes during one or more use processes. Therefore, it can be reliably determined whether the device can operate in one or more use pauses. In addition, depending on the storage status of the energy storage device, and, for example, the user's wishes as reflected in the limiting parameters, the operation of the device in the pause mode can be dynamically allowed or prevented. Subsequently, the number of user's use processes can be maximized, for example, based on preventing the pause mode and / or at least one auxiliary device function.

[0107] In an exemplary embodiment, the control circuit system can be configured to trigger, implement and / or request recharging of the energy storage device based on an evaluation of the determined storage condition relative to at least one threshold. For example, upon determining that the amount of energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage device is insufficient, the control circuit system can re-request the user to recharge the energy storage device, such as to recharge to a predetermined state of charge or a maximum state of charge of the energy storage device. Thus, triggering recharging of the energy storage device can include, for example, indicating to a user that the device should be recharged based on actuation of one or more user interfaces. Alternatively or in addition, triggering recharging can include making the device inactive for further use.

[0108] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generating system, the aerosol generating system comprising: an aerosol generating device as described above and below, and an aerosol generating article that can be connected to or connected to the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generating device can generate an aerosol, for example, by supplying electrical energy to one or more aerosol generators for generating an aerosol from the aerosol generating article. Any disclosure presented above and below with reference to the aerosol generating device is equally applicable to the aerosol generating system, and vice versa.

[0109] Optionally, the aerosol generating system may comprise a companion device configured to perform one or more of: at least partially receive the aerosol generating device, charge and recharge an energy storage device of the aerosol generating device.

[0110] The energy storage device and / or the control circuit system can be configured to supply electrical energy to at least one aerosol generating member or aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from at least a portion of an aerosol generating article that can be connected to the aerosol generating device. Exemplary aerosol generators or members can include one or more heating elements, one or more heat sources, one or more vibrating elements, one or more vibrating meshes, and one or more spray devices.

[0111] For example, the energy storage device and / or the control circuitry may be configured to supply electrical energy to at least one heating element to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating article connectable to an aerosol-generating device, for example based on heating at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article.

[0112] A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to the use of an aerosol generating device and / or system as described above and below.

[0113] A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of operating an aerosol generating device. An aerosol generating device operated according to the method may be an aerosol generating device as described above and below with reference to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Thus, any feature functions and / or elements described above and below with reference to the aerosol generating device may be features, functions, elements and / or steps of a method of operating an aerosol generating device, and vice versa. Alternatively or in addition, the method may relate to a method of operating an aerosol generating system as described above and below.

[0114] An aerosol generating device operated according to the method of the present disclosure includes an energy storage device, the energy storage device being configured to supply electrical energy to a control circuit system for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating article. The energy storage device may be configured to supply electrical energy to a heating element to heat at least a portion of an aerosol generating article that may be coupled to the aerosol generating device. The control circuit system may be operably coupled to the energy storage device. The method includes receiving, using a control circuit system of the aerosol generating device, a limiting parameter indicating a user-defined number of use processes that the aerosol generating device provides, can provide, or is operable after the energy storage device has been charged, such as last charged. The method also includes limiting and / or controlling the operation of the aerosol generating device to a user-defined number of use processes based on or according to the limiting parameter using the control circuit system.

[0115] The energy storage device and / or the control circuit system can be configured to supply electrical energy to at least one aerosol generating member or aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from at least a portion of an aerosol generating article that can be connected to the aerosol generating device. Exemplary aerosol generators or members can include one or more heating elements, one or more heat sources, one or more vibrating elements, one or more vibrating meshes, and one or more spray devices.

[0116] For example, the energy storage device and / or the control circuitry may be configured to supply electrical energy to at least one heating element to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating article connectable to an aerosol-generating device, for example based on heating at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article.

[0117] For example, the limiting parameters may be received based on transmitting the limiting parameters from at least one of the computing device and the companion device to the aerosol generating device via the communication circuitry of the aerosol generating device.

[0118] Alternatively or additionally, receiving the limit parameters may comprise retrieving the limit parameters from a data storage device of the aerosol generating device.

[0119] In an example, receiving the limit parameter may include receiving one or more user inputs indicating a user-defined number of uses, wherein the one or more user inputs may be provided at one or more user interfaces of the aerosol generating device, a computing device communicatively coupled to the aerosol generating device, and a companion device.

[0120] Optionally, the method may further comprise calculating and / or determining, with the control circuitry, the limiting parameter or the user-defined number of usage procedures based on one or more user inputs provided at a user interface of the aerosol generating device.

[0121] Alternatively or in addition, the method may further include calculating and / or determining the limiting parameters using the control circuit system based on one or more user inputs provided at at least one of the computing device and the supporting device. For example, one or more user inputs may be provided at one or both of the supporting device and the computing device. The one or more user inputs may be transmitted to the aerosol generating device, and the control circuit system may calculate the limiting parameters. Alternatively or in addition, the limiting parameters may be calculated at the computing device and / or the supporting device and transmitted to the aerosol generating device. Alternatively or in addition, one or more user inputs may constitute limiting parameters. In other words, one or more user inputs may be used as limiting parameters or may form limiting parameters.

[0122] In an exemplary embodiment, the method may further include determining the number of partial and / or completed use sessions in which the aerosol generating device has been used to generate an aerosol based on heating one or more aerosol generating articles at or above a predetermined heating temperature since the last charging event. The method may further include comparing the determined number of partial and / or completed use sessions with a user-defined number of use sessions indicated by a limit parameter.

[0123] Optionally, the method may further comprise allowing or preventing operation of the aerosol generating device during another use session based on comparing the determined number of partial and / or completed use sessions with a user defined number of use sessions indicated by the limit parameter.

[0124] Further optionally, the method may include determining a number of remaining usage sessions available to the user until recharging based on comparing the determined number of partial and / or completed usage sessions with a user defined number of usage sessions indicated by the limit parameter.

[0125] In an exemplary embodiment of the method, the method may include operating, controlling and / or actuating a user interface of the aerosol generating device to indicate the number of remaining use sessions available to the user. Alternatively or in addition, the method may include operating, controlling and / or actuating a user interface of the aerosol generating device to indicate to the user one or more of the number of partial use sessions, the number of completed use sessions and the number of remaining use sessions.

[0126] Optionally, the method may include implementing, triggering and / or requesting recharging of the energy storage device upon determining that the number of partial and / or completed usage sessions reaches or exceeds a user-defined number of usage sessions indicated by the limit parameter.

[0127] For example, the method may comprise operating a user interface of the aerosol generating device to provide a notification to the user to recharge the energy storage device upon determining that the number of partial and / or completed usage sessions reaches or exceeds a user-defined number of usage sessions indicated by the limit parameter.

[0128] In an example, the user defined number of usage sessions may be one, and the method may include limiting operation of the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol to a single usage session per charge of the energy storage device based on the limiting parameter.

[0129] In an exemplary embodiment, the limiting parameter may indicate one or more of: the availability of a pause mode at the aerosol generating device, and the number of use pauses that the aerosol generating device provides, can provide or is operable in the pause mode after the energy storage device was last charged. The method may also include limiting one or more of the operation of the aerosol generating device in the pause mode and the number of use pauses based on the limiting parameter.

[0130] Alternatively or additionally, the restriction parameter may be indicative of the availability of one or more device functions at the aerosol generating device, such as the primary heating function and / or one or more auxiliary device functions.

[0131] In another exemplary embodiment, the method may include determining at least one threshold based on the limiting parameter, wherein the at least one threshold indicates an amount of energy available to a user to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating article to a temperature at or above a predetermined heating temperature during one or more uses.

[0132] The method may also include determining a storage condition of the energy storage device, the storage condition indicating at least one of an amount of electrical energy currently stored in the energy storage device and an amount of electrical energy currently storable; evaluating the determined storage condition relative to the at least one threshold value; and enabling or disabling at least one device function of the aerosol generating device based on the evaluation.

[0133] In an example, the at least one threshold value may be indicative of a threshold energy required to operate the aerosol generating device during at least one use session to generate an inhalable aerosol based on heating the aerosol generating article to a temperature at or above a predetermined heating temperature.

[0134] The determined storage condition may, for example, include at least one of a current energy level of electrical energy stored in the energy storage device and a health status of the energy storage device indicating an amount of electrical energy currently storable in the energy storage device.

[0135] Optionally, evaluating the determined storage condition may include comparing the determined storage condition to at least one threshold value.

[0136] Further optionally, the method may include enabling at least one device function when it is determined based on the evaluation that the current energy level of electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage device is sufficient to operate the aerosol generating device during at least one use process to generate an inhalable aerosol based on heating the aerosol generating article to a temperature at or above a predetermined heating temperature for generating an aerosol.

[0137] For example, the method may include enabling the primary heating function when it is determined based on the evaluation that the current energy level of electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage device is sufficient to perform the primary heating function to generate an inhalable aerosol during at least one use process.

[0138] Alternatively or in addition, at least one device function may include at least one of a main heating function of the aerosol generating device and at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device, wherein the main heating function is used to generate an aerosol based on heating the aerosol generating article to a temperature at or above a predetermined heating temperature for generating an aerosol during at least one use process, and the at least one auxiliary device function is different from the main heating function.

[0139] For example, enabling the device function or one or more auxiliary device functions may include one or more of the following: operating the aerosol generating device with reduced energy consumption relative to operating to generate an aerosol during use, heating at least one heating element and / or an aerosol generating article to a temperature below a heating temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol, heating at least one heating element and / or an aerosol generating article to a temperature above room temperature and below a heating temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol, heating at least one heating element and / or an aerosol generating article to a temperature above room temperature and below a heating temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol within a predefined time period, activating or deactivating tactile controls of the aerosol generating device, operating a user interface of the aerosol generating device, operating a communication circuit system of the aerosol generating device (the communication circuit system is used to communicatively connect the aerosol generating device to a computing device or a receiving device), operating a sensor of the aerosol generating device, and operating a biometric sensor of the aerosol generating device for user authentication.

[0140] For example, at least one threshold may relate to a) a threshold energy required to perform a primary heating function of the aerosol generating device to generate aerosol during at least one use and b) perform an auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device different from the primary heating function of the aerosol generating device.

[0141] Alternatively or additionally, determining the storage condition may include determining at least one of a current energy level of electrical energy stored in the energy storage device and a health status of the energy storage device indicating an amount of electrical energy currently storable in the energy storage device. Optionally, evaluating the determined storage condition includes comparing the determined storage condition to at least one threshold value.

[0142] For example, at least one device function may be enabled by the control circuit system when it is determined, based on the assessment, that the current energy level of electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage device is sufficient to operate the aerosol generating device during at least one use process to generate an inhalable aerosol based on heating the aerosol generating article to a temperature at or above a predetermined heating temperature, and optionally enabled in a pause mode during at least one use pause.

[0143] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a computer program which, when implemented by an aerosol generating device or an aerosol generating system, instructs the aerosol generating device or the system to perform the steps of the method according to the present disclosure as described above and below.

[0144] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a computer-readable medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable medium) storing a computer program, which, when implemented by an aerosol generating device or an aerosol generating system, instructs the aerosol generating device or system to perform the steps of the method according to the present disclosure as described above and below.

[0145] It is emphasized that any features, steps, functions, elements, technical effects and / or advantages described herein with reference to one aspect of the present disclosure are also applicable to any other aspects of the present disclosure.

[0146] A non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples is provided below.Any one or more features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment or aspect described herein.

[0147] Example 1: An aerosol generating device, comprising: a control circuit system and an energy storage device, the energy storage device configured to supply electrical energy to the control circuit system for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating article, the control circuit system configured to:

[0148] receiving a limit parameter indicating a user-defined number of uses that the aerosol generating device is capable of providing or providing after the energy storage device has been charged, and

[0149] Operation of the aerosol generating device is limited to a user defined number of uses based on the limiting parameter.

[0150] Example 1a: An aerosol-generating device according to example 1, wherein the energy storage device is configured to supply electrical energy to one or more aerosol generators for generating an aerosol from at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article connectable to the aerosol-generating device.

[0151] Example 1b: An aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the energy storage device is configured to supply electrical energy to at least one heating element to heat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article connectable to the aerosol-generating device.

[0152] Example 1c: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the control circuit system is operably coupled to the energy storage device.

[0153] Example 1d: An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein limiting the operation of the aerosol generating device to the user-defined number of use processes comprises:

[0154] determining a number of usage processes that have been provided since the energy storage device was last charged;

[0155] comparing the determined number of usage processes with the limiting parameter; and

[0156] If the determined number of usage processes reaches, equals or exceeds a limit parameter, the device is prohibited from generating aerosol, preferably until the energy storage device is charged, for example at least partially or fully charged, and / or until the energy storage device is connected to a charger.

[0157] Example 2: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the control circuitry is configured to limit operation of the aerosol generating device to a number of uses since the energy storage device was last charged as indicated by the limit parameter.

[0158] Example 3: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the limiting parameter indicates the maximum number of use processes that the aerosol generating device provides, is capable of providing or is operable to generate an aerosol based on heating at least a portion of the heating element and / or at least a portion of the aerosol generating article to a temperature at or above a predetermined heating temperature.

[0159] Example 4: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the energy storage device is configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating article to a temperature at or above a predetermined heating temperature during a predefined or capacity-limited number of uses; and wherein the user-defined number of uses indicated by the limiting parameter is different from the predefined or capacity-limited number of uses.

[0160] Example 5: An aerosol generating device according to example 4, wherein the user-defined number of usage courses indicated by the limit parameter is less than a predefined or capacity-limited number of usage courses.

[0161] Example 6: According to any one of the preceding examples, the aerosol generating device further includes a communication circuit system, which is used to communicatively connect the aerosol generating device to a computing device and to at least partially receive the limiting parameters of the aerosol generating device; and wherein the limiting parameters are received based on transmitting the limiting parameters from at least one of the computing device and the supporting device to the aerosol generating device.

[0162] Example 7: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the control circuitry is configured to receive the limit parameters based on retrieving the limit parameters from a data storage device of the aerosol generating device.

[0163] Example 8: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the received limit parameter is user defined or based on one or more user inputs indicating a user defined number of said usage sessions.

[0164] Example 9: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the limiting parameter is received via at least one of a user interface of the aerosol generating device, a computing device communicatively coupled to the aerosol generating device, and a companion device communicatively coupled to the aerosol generating device.

[0165] Example 10: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, further comprising a user interface, wherein the control circuit system is configured to calculate the limiting parameter or the user-defined number of usage processes based on one or more user inputs provided at the user interface of the aerosol generating device.

[0166] Example 11: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the control circuit system is configured to calculate the limiting parameter based on one or more user inputs provided at at least one of a computing device and a receiving device and transmitted to the aerosol generating device via the communication circuit system of the aerosol generating device.

[0167] Example 12: An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples 10 and 11, wherein the one or more user inputs are associated with one or more of: the number of usage processes available to the user per charge of the energy storage device, the duration of a usage process, the energy consumption of each usage process or each charge of the energy storage device, the availability of one or more auxiliary device functions of the aerosol generating device, and the availability of a pause mode at the aerosol generating device to interrupt or restart an ongoing usage process.

[0168] Example 13: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the control circuit system is further configured to determine the number of partial and / or completed use processes in which the aerosol generating device has been used to generate aerosol since the last charging event, for example based on heating one or more aerosol generating articles at or above the predetermined heating temperature to generate aerosol; and compare the determined number of partial and / or completed use processes with a user-defined number of the use processes indicated by the limiting parameter.

[0169] Example 14: An aerosol generating device according to Example 13, wherein the control circuit system is also configured to allow or prevent operation of the aerosol generating device during another use process based on comparing the determined number of partial and / or completed use processes with a user-defined number of the use processes indicated by the limiting parameter.

[0170] Example 15: An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples 13 and 14, wherein the control circuit system is also configured to determine the number of remaining usage processes available to the user until recharging based on comparing the determined number of partial and / or completed usage processes with a user-defined number of usage processes indicated by the limiting parameter.

[0171] Example 16: An aerosol generating device according to Example 15, wherein the control circuit system is further configured to operate a user interface of the aerosol generating device to indicate the number of remaining uses available to the user.

[0172] Example 17: An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples 13 to 16, wherein the control circuit system is further configured to operate a user interface of the aerosol generating device to indicate the number of partial and / or completed usage sessions to the user.

[0173] Example 18: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 13 to 17, wherein the control circuit system is also configured to implement recharging of the energy storage device when it is determined that the number of partial and / or completed usage processes reaches or exceeds a user-defined number of usage processes indicated by the limiting parameter.

[0174] Example 19: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 13 to 18, wherein the control circuit system is also configured to operate the user interface of the aerosol generating device to provide a notification to the user to recharge the energy storage device when it is determined that the number of partial and / or completed usage processes reaches or exceeds the user-defined number of usage processes indicated by the limiting parameter.

[0175] Example 20: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the control circuit system is further configured to limit operation of the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol to a single use process per charge of the energy storage device based on the limiting parameter.

[0176] Example 21: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the limiting parameter indicates one or more of: the availability of a pause mode at the aerosol generating device, and the number of use pauses that the aerosol generating device provides, is capable of providing, or is operable in the pause mode after the energy storage device was last charged; and wherein the control circuit system is configured to limit one or more of the operation of the aerosol generating device in the pause mode and the number of use pauses based on the limiting parameter.

[0177] Example 22: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the control circuit system is configured to determine at least one threshold value based on the limiting parameter, the at least one threshold value indicating the amount of energy available to the user for heating at least a portion of the aerosol generating article to a temperature at or above the predetermined heating temperature during one or more uses.

[0178] Example 23: An aerosol generating device according to Example 22, wherein the control circuit system is further configured to:

[0179] determining a storage condition of the energy storage device, the storage condition indicating at least one of an amount of electrical energy currently stored and an amount of electrical energy currently storable in the energy storage device;

[0180] evaluating the determined storage condition relative to the at least one threshold; and

[0181] At least one device function of the aerosol generating device is enabled or disabled based on the evaluation.

[0182] Example 24: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 22 and 23, wherein the at least one threshold value indicates a threshold energy required to operate the aerosol generating device during at least one use process to generate an inhalable aerosol based on heating the aerosol generating article to a temperature at or above a predetermined heating temperature.

[0183] Example 25: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 22 to 24, wherein the determined storage condition includes at least one of a current energy level of the electrical energy stored in the energy storage device and a health status of the energy storage device indicating an amount of electrical energy currently storable in the energy storage device.

[0184] Example 26: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 22 to 25, wherein evaluating the determined storage condition comprises comparing the determined storage condition to the at least one threshold value.

[0185] Example 27: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 22 to 26, wherein the control circuit system is configured to enable at least one device function when it is determined based on the evaluation that the current energy level of the electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage device is sufficient to operate the aerosol generating device during at least one use process to generate an inhalable aerosol based on heating the aerosol generating article to a temperature at or above a predetermined heating temperature for generating an aerosol.

[0186] Example 28: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 22 to 27, wherein the at least one threshold value indicates a threshold energy required to perform a main heating function of the aerosol generating device during at least one use process, the main heating function involving supplying electrical energy to the at least one heating element to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating article to a temperature at or above a predetermined heating temperature for generating an aerosol.

[0187] Example 29: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 22 to 28, wherein the control circuit system is configured to enable the main heating function when it is determined based on the evaluation that the current energy level of the electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage device is sufficient to perform the main heating function to generate an inhalable aerosol during at least one use process.

[0188] Example 30: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 22 to 29, wherein the at least one device function includes at least one of a main heating function of the aerosol generating device and at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device, wherein the main heating function is used to generate an aerosol based on heating the aerosol generating article to a temperature at or above a predetermined heating temperature for generating an aerosol during at least one use process, and the at least one auxiliary device function is different from the main heating function.

[0189] Example 31: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 22 to 30, wherein the device function comprises an auxiliary device function, the auxiliary device function comprising one or more of the following:

[0190] Operating the aerosol generating device with reduced energy consumption relative to operation to generate an aerosol during use; heating the at least one heating element and / or the aerosol generating article to a temperature below a heating temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol; heating the at least one heating element and / or the aerosol generating article to a temperature above room temperature and below a heating temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol; heating the at least one heating element and / or the aerosol generating article to a temperature above room temperature and below a heating temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol within a predefined time period; activating or deactivating tactile controls of the aerosol generating device; operating a user interface of the aerosol generating device; operating a communication circuit system of the aerosol generating device, the communication circuit system being used to communicatively connect the aerosol generating device to a computing device or a receiving device; operating a sensor of the aerosol generating device; and operating a biometric sensor of the aerosol generating device for user authentication.

[0191] Example 32: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 22 to 31,

[0192] The at least one threshold value is related to a) a threshold energy required to perform a primary heating function of the aerosol generating device to generate aerosol during at least one use and b) to perform an auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device different from the primary heating function of the aerosol generating device.

[0193] Example 32a: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol comprises nicotine.

[0194] Example 32b: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the user-defined number of usage processes is at least one or a single usage process, and wherein the control circuit system is configured to determine whether the aerosol generating device has delivered the at least one or single usage process to the user, and to perform at least one of the following: prohibiting the aerosol generating device from generating aerosol, and instructing the user to recharge the aerosol generating device and / or connect the aerosol generating device to a charger or a charging device.

[0195] Example 32c: An aerosol generating device according to Example 32b, wherein the control circuit system is configured to determine that the aerosol generating device is connected to the charger or charging device, and in response to this, determine whether the current charge state of the energy storage device reaches or exceeds a usage process threshold indicating the charge state required for the user-defined number of usage processes and / or the single usage process.

[0196] Example 32d: An aerosol generating device according to Example 32c, wherein the control circuit system is configured to determine not to charge the energy storage device and / or prohibit charging of the energy storage device when it is determined that the current charge state of the energy storage device reaches or exceeds the usage process threshold.

[0197] Example 32e: An aerosol generating device according to Example 32c or Example 32d, wherein the control circuit system is configured to determine to charge the energy storage device and / or enable charging of the energy storage device when it is determined that the current charge state of the energy storage device is lower than the usage process threshold.

[0198] Example 32f: An aerosol generating device according to Example 32e, wherein the control circuit system is configured to determine that the charge state of the energy storage device reaches or exceeds the usage process threshold during charging of the energy storage device, and in response, notify the user via a user interface that the aerosol generating device is ready for use or aerosol generation.

[0199] Example 32g: An aerosol generating device according to example 32e or example 32f, wherein the control circuit system is configured to determine that the energy storage device is fully charged and, in response, notify the user via the user interface that the device is ready for use or aerosol generation.

[0200] Example 33: An aerosol generating system, comprising an aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, and an aerosol generating article, which can be connected to or coupled to the aerosol generating device to optionally generate an aerosol from at least a portion of the aerosol generating article based on heating at least a portion of the aerosol generating article.

[0201] Example 33a: An aerosol-generating system according to example 33, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises an aerosol-generating substrate comprising nicotine.

[0202] Example 34: The aerosol generating system according to Example 33 or 33a further includes a supporting device, which is configured to perform one or more of the following: at least partially receiving the aerosol generating device, and recharging or charging the energy storage device of the aerosol generating device.

[0203] Example 35: Use of an aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 32g or an aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 33 to 34 for generating an aerosol.

[0204] Example 36: A method of operating an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device comprising an energy storage device, the energy storage device configured to supply electrical energy to a control circuit system operable for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating article, the method comprising:

[0205] receiving, with control circuitry of the aerosol generating device, a limit parameter indicative of a user-defined number of uses that the aerosol generating device is capable of providing, providing or operable after the energy storage device has been charged, and

[0206] The control circuitry is used to limit operation of the aerosol generating device to a user defined number of uses based on the limiting parameter.

[0207] Example 36a: The method of Example 36, wherein the energy storage device is configured to supply electrical energy to a heating element to heat an aerosol-generating article that is connectable to the aerosol-generating device.

[0208] Example 36b: The method of any of Examples 36 to 36a, wherein the control circuit system is operably coupled to the energy storage device.

[0209] Example 36c: The method of any of Examples 36 to 36b, wherein the energy storage device is configured to supply electrical energy to one or more aerosol generators for generating an aerosol from at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article that is connectable to the aerosol-generating device.

[0210] Example 36d: The method of any of Examples 36 to 36c, wherein the energy storage device is configured to supply electrical energy to at least one heating element to heat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article that is connectable to the aerosol-generating device.

[0211] Example 36e: The method of any of Examples 36 to 36d, wherein the control circuit system is operably coupled to the energy storage device.

[0212] Example 36f: The method of any one of examples 36 to 36e, wherein limiting the operation of the aerosol generating device to the user-defined number of uses comprises:

[0213] determining a number of usage processes that have been provided since the energy storage device was last charged;

[0214] comparing the determined number of usage processes with the limiting parameter; and

[0215] If the determined number of usage processes reaches, equals or exceeds a limit parameter, the device is inhibited from generating aerosol, preferably until the energy storage device is at least partially or fully charged and / or until the energy storage device is connected to a charger.

[0216] Example 37: A method according to any one of Examples 36 to 36f, wherein the limiting parameters are received based on transmitting the limiting parameters from at least one of the computing device and the supporting device to the aerosol generating device via a communication circuit system of the aerosol generating device.

[0217] Example 38: The method of any of Examples 36 and 37, wherein receiving the limit parameters comprises retrieving the limit parameters from a data storage device of the aerosol generating device.

[0218] Example 39: The method of any one of Examples 36 to 38, wherein receiving the limit parameter comprises receiving one or more user inputs indicating a user-defined number of the usage processes.

[0219] Example 40: The method of any one of Examples 36 to 39, further comprising calculating, with the control circuit system, the limiting parameter or the user-defined number of usage processes based on one or more user inputs provided at a user interface of the aerosol generating device.

[0220] Example 41: The method according to any one of Examples 36 to 40 also includes using the control circuit system to calculate the limiting parameter based on one or more user inputs provided at at least one of the computing device and the supporting device and transmitted to the aerosol generating device via the communication circuit system of the aerosol generating device.

[0221] Example 42: The method according to any one of Examples 36 to 41, further comprising:

[0222] determining a number of partial and / or completed uses of the aerosol generating device that has been used to generate an aerosol based on heating one or more aerosol generating articles at or above the predetermined heating temperature since a last charging event; and

[0223] The determined number of partial and / or completed usage sessions is compared to a user-defined number of said usage sessions indicated by said limit parameter.

[0224] Example 43: The method according to Example 42 also includes allowing or preventing operation of the aerosol generating device during another use process based on comparing the determined number of partial and / or completed use processes with a user-defined number of the use processes indicated by the limiting parameter.

[0225] Example 44: The method of any of Examples 36 and 43 further includes determining the number of remaining usage processes available to the user until recharging based on comparing the determined number of partial and / or completed usage processes with a user-defined number of the usage processes indicated by the limiting parameter.

[0226] Example 45: The method of any one of Examples 36 to 44, further comprising operating a user interface of the aerosol generating device to indicate the number of remaining uses available to the user.

[0227] Example 46: The method according to any one of Examples 36 to 45, further comprising operating a user interface of the aerosol generating device to indicate to the user the number of partial and / or completed usage sessions.

[0228] Example 47: The method according to any one of Examples 36 to 46 also includes implementing recharging of the energy storage device when it is determined that the number of partial and / or completed usage processes reaches or exceeds the user-defined number of usage processes indicated by the limiting parameter.

[0229] Example 48: The method according to any one of Examples 36 to 47 further includes operating a user interface of the aerosol generating device to provide a notification to the user to recharge the energy storage device when it is determined that the number of partial and / or completed usage processes reaches or exceeds a user-defined number of the usage processes indicated by the limiting parameter.

[0230] Example 49: The method of any one of Examples 36 to 48, further comprising limiting operation of the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol to a single use process per charge of the energy storage device based on the limiting parameter.

[0231] Example 50: A method according to any one of Examples 36 to 49, wherein the limiting parameter indicates one or more of: the availability of a pause mode at the aerosol generating device, and the number of use pauses that the aerosol generating device provides, is capable of providing, or is operable in the pause mode after the energy storage device was last charged; and wherein the method further includes limiting one or more of the operation of the aerosol generating device in the pause mode and the number of use pauses based on the limiting parameter.

[0232] Example 51: The method of any one of Examples 36 to 50 further includes determining at least one threshold value based on the limiting parameter, wherein the at least one threshold value indicates the amount of energy available to the user to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating article to a temperature at or above the predetermined heating temperature during one or more uses.

[0233] Example 52: The method according to any one of Examples 36 to 51 further includes determining a storage condition of the energy storage device, wherein the storage condition indicates at least one of an amount of electrical energy currently stored in the energy storage device and an amount of electrical energy currently storable; evaluating the determined storage condition relative to the at least one threshold value; and enabling or disabling at least one device function of the aerosol generating device based on the evaluation.

[0234] Example 53: A method according to any of Examples 51 and 52, wherein the at least one threshold value indicates a threshold energy required to operate the aerosol generating device during at least one use process to generate an inhalable aerosol based on heating the aerosol generating article to a temperature at or above a predetermined heating temperature.

[0235] Example 54: A method according to any one of Examples 51 to 53, wherein the determined storage condition includes at least one of a current energy level of the electrical energy stored in the energy storage device and a health status of the energy storage device indicating an amount of electrical energy currently storable in the energy storage device.

[0236] Example 55: The method of any one of Examples 51 to 54, wherein evaluating the determined storage condition comprises comparing the determined storage condition to the at least one threshold.

[0237] Example 56: The method of any one of Examples 52 to 55 further includes enabling at least one device function when it is determined, based on the evaluation, that the current energy level of the electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage device is sufficient to operate the aerosol generating device during at least one use process to generate an inhalable aerosol based on heating the aerosol generating article to a temperature at or above a predetermined heating temperature for generating an aerosol.

[0238] Example 57: The method according to any one of Examples 52 to 56 also includes enabling the main heating function when it is determined based on the evaluation that the current energy level of the electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage device is sufficient to perform the main heating function to generate an inhalable aerosol during at least one usage process.

[0239] Example 58: A method according to any one of Examples 52 to 57, wherein the at least one device function includes at least one of a main heating function of the aerosol generating device and at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device, wherein the main heating function is used to generate an aerosol based on heating the aerosol generating article to a temperature at or above a predetermined heating temperature for generating an aerosol during at least one use process, and the at least one auxiliary device function is different from the main heating function.

[0240] Example 59: A method according to any one of Examples 52 to 58, wherein the device function includes an auxiliary device function, the auxiliary device function including one or more of the following: operating the aerosol generating device with reduced energy consumption relative to operating to generate an aerosol during use; heating the at least one heating element and / or the aerosol generating article to a temperature below a heating temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol; heating the at least one heating element and / or the aerosol generating article to a temperature above room temperature and below a heating temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol; heating the at least one heating element and / or the aerosol generating article to a temperature above room temperature and below a heating temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol within a predefined time period; activating or deactivating tactile control of the aerosol generating device; operating a user interface of the aerosol generating device; operating a communication circuit system of the aerosol generating device, the communication circuit system being used to communicatively connect the aerosol generating device to a computing device or a receiving device; operating a sensor of the aerosol generating device; and operating a biometric sensor of the aerosol generating device for user authentication.

[0241] Example 60: A method according to any one of Examples 52 to 59, wherein at least one of the threshold values ​​is related to a) a threshold energy required to perform a main heating function of the aerosol generating device to generate aerosol during at least one use process and b) a threshold energy required to perform an auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device that is different from the main heating function of the aerosol generating device.

[0242] Example 61: A method according to any one of Examples 52 to 60, wherein determining the storage condition includes determining at least one of a current energy level of the electrical energy stored in the energy storage device and a health status of the energy storage device indicating an amount of electrical energy currently storable in the energy storage device.

[0243] Example 62: The method of any one of Examples 52 to 61, wherein evaluating the determined storage condition comprises comparing the determined storage condition to the at least one threshold.

[0244] Example 63: A method according to any of Examples 52 to 62, wherein at least one device function is enabled by the control circuit system when it is determined, based on the evaluation, that the current energy level of the electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage device is sufficient to operate the aerosol generating device during at least one use process to generate an inhalable aerosol based on heating the aerosol generating article to a temperature at or above a predetermined heating temperature.

[0245] Example 63a: The method of any one of Examples 36 to 64, wherein the aerosol comprises nicotine.

[0246] Example 63b: The method of any one of Examples 36 to 63a, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises an aerosol-generating substrate comprising nicotine.

[0247] Example 64: A computer program which, when implemented by an aerosol generating device or an aerosol generating system, instructs the aerosol generating device or system to perform the steps of the method according to any one of Examples 36 to 63b.

[0248] Example 65: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a computer program according to Example 64.

[0249] Examples will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0250] Figure 1 An aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating system are shown;

[0251] Figure 2 illustrates the operation of an aerosol generating device or system; and

[0252] Figure 3 A method of operating an aerosol generating device or system is shown.

[0253] The drawings are merely schematic and not drawn to scale. In principle, identical or similar parts, elements and / or steps are provided with identical or similar reference numerals in the drawings.

[0254] Figure 1 An exemplary aerosol generating device 100 is shown. Figure 1 The aerosol generating device 100 is exemplarily shown as part of an aerosol generating system 1000, which includes optional components, such as an aerosol generating article 200, a companion device 300, a mobile device 400, and a computing device 500. It should be noted that the aerosol generating device 100 can be operated as a stand-alone device 100 without any of the optional components 200, 300, 400, 500 of the system 1000.

[0255] The aerosol generating device 100 includes one or more energy storage devices 102 for storing electrical energy and / or for providing electrical energy to generate an aerosol. The one or more energy storage devices may be one or more batteries (e.g., lithium-ion batteries). When the (one or more) energy storage devices 102 are one or more batteries, the cathode material may include lithium cobalt oxide (LCO), lithium manganese oxide (LMO), lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC), lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and / or lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA). The anode material may include carbon (e.g., graphite), silicon and / or lithium titanate oxide (LTO).

[0256] Figure 1 The exemplary aerosol generating device 100 shown in 100 includes at least a portion of a heating circuit 104 having at least one heating element 106 for heating at least a portion of an aerosol generating article 200 that can be coupled to the aerosol generating device 100. It should be noted that the heating circuit 104 and the heating element 106 are merely optional. Alternatively or additionally, at least a portion or all of the heating circuit 104, the heating device 104 and / or the heating element 106 may be integrated or arranged in the aerosol generating article 200. Alternatively or additionally, at least a portion of the heating circuit 104 may be integrated into the control circuit system 110 of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0257] It should be noted that the heating element 106 is used for illustrative purposes only. Figure 1 2 is an induction coil configured to inductively heat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article 200, such as a susceptor material disposed in the aerosol-generating substrate 202 of the aerosol-generating article 200. Alternatively or in addition, the at least one heating element 106 may be configured for one or more of resistive heating and microwave heating.

[0258] Furthermore, it should be noted that the aerosol generating article 200 is only Figure 1 100 and 106. The aerosol-generating article 200 is exemplarily shown as having a rod-like or tubular shape and can be at least partially inserted through the opening 105 of the housing 107 of the aerosol-generating device 100, for example, into the heating chamber 109 of the aerosol-generating device 100. In other exemplary designs, the aerosol-generating article 200 can be formed as a container or a cartridge, which can be fixedly integrated in the aerosol-generating device 100 or can be coupled to the device 100.

[0259] The aerosol generating device 100 also includes a control circuit system 110 or device control circuit system 110 operably coupled to the energy storage device 102. The control circuit system 110 may optionally include one or more processors 112 for data processing, a controller 112, and / or a microcontroller 112. The control circuit system 110 may include a microcontroller including a processor, a memory, and input / output devices.

[0260] Further optionally, the aerosol generating device 100 and / or the control circuit system 110 comprises a data storage device 114 for storing data, such as a limit parameter, one or more user inputs or corresponding data, a user-defined number of use processes, a number of partial use processes, a number of remaining use processes, and / or a number of completed use processes. Alternatively or in addition, the storage status of the energy storage device, one or more thresholds associated with at least one device function, and / or information or data related to one or more use suspensions may be stored in the data storage device 114.

[0261] Alternatively or in addition, software instructions may be stored in the data storage device 114 which, when executed by the control circuitry 112 , instruct the aerosol generating device 100 to perform one or more functions of the device 100 , as described above and below.

[0262] The aerosol generating device 100 optionally comprises a user interface 120 for receiving one or more user inputs from a user, for example to operate the aerosol generating device 100 to generate an aerosol. The user interface 120 may be configured to: Figure 1 Any other type of user interface 120 , such as an acoustic interface, a tactile interface, a touch interface, a display, a touch interface, an arrangement of one or more LEDs or other devices may optionally be included in the aerosol generating device 100 as an alternative or in addition.

[0263] Further optionally, the aerosol generating device 100 includes a communication interface or circuit system 130, which is used to communicatively connect the aerosol generating device 100 to one or more optional components of the aerosol generating system 1000, in particular to one or more of the supporting device 300, the mobile device 400 and the computing device 500.

[0264] One or more communication interface types or communication protocols may be implemented in the aerosol generating device 100 and its communication interface or circuit system 130. In particular, the communication interface or circuit system 130 may be configured for one or both of wired and wireless communications with one or more of the computing device 500, the mobile device 400, and the companion device 300. For example, the communication interface 130 may be based on one or more of BUS communication, cable communication, Bluetooth communication, wireless LAN communication, infrared communication, near field communication, Internet communication, or any other suitable type of communication or communication protocol.

[0265] The aerosol generating device 100 may optionally be coupled (eg physically coupled and / or at least partially inserted) to a companion device 300 for charging the energy storage device 102 and / or for storing the aerosol generating device 100. Charging may be based on inductive charging or via an electrical connection, for example.

[0266] The aerosol generating device 100 and / or the control circuitry 110 are configured to supply electrical energy to the at least one heating element 106 to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating article 200 to or above a predetermined heating temperature for generating an aerosol, as described above.

[0267] The control circuit system 110 is configured to receive a limit parameter indicating a user-defined number of use processes that the aerosol generating device 100 provides, can provide, or is operable after the energy storage device 102 has been charged, last charged, since the last or most recent charging event, each charging of the energy storage device 102, before requesting the next charge, and / or between two consecutive charging events.

[0268] The control circuit system 110 is also configured to limit the operation of the aerosol generating device 100 to a user-defined number of use processes based on the limiting parameters. Thus, the control circuit system 110 can control the aerosol generating device 100, the heating element 106, the heating circuit 104 and / or the energy storage device 102 so that the device 100 can only be used for a user-defined number of use processes to generate aerosol based on performing or implementing the main heating function of the device 100 and / or based on heating the aerosol generating article 200 to a predetermined heating temperature or above a predetermined heating temperature before the control circuit system 110 implements recharging and / or before implementing at least connecting to a charger (or "charging device").

[0269] In an example, the user-defined number of usage processes may be different from (eg, less than) a capacity-defined number of usage processes or a number of usage processes that may be provided based on the capacity of energy storage device 102 or the amount of electrical energy currently stored.

[0270] As described in detail above, the limiting parameters may be received by the aerosol generating device 100 based on retrieving the limiting parameters from the data storage device 114. Alternatively or in addition, the limiting parameters may be received from one or more of the companion device 300, the mobile device 400, and the computing device 500 via the communication circuitry 120.

[0271] Alternatively or in addition, the limiting parameters may be received by the aerosol generating device 100 based on one or more user inputs provided by a user at one or more of the user interface 120 of the aerosol generating device 100, the user interface of the companion device 300, the user interface of the mobile device 400, and the user interface of the computing device 500.

[0272] For example, one or more user inputs may be provided that may indicate a user-defined number of usage processes and / or be associated with one or more of: the number of usage processes available to the user per charge of the energy storage device, the duration of a usage process, the energy consumption of each usage process or per charge of the energy storage device, n usage processes per time period, the availability of one or more auxiliary device functions of the aerosol generating device, and the availability of a pause mode for interrupting or restarting an ongoing usage process at the aerosol generating device.

[0273] Optionally, the control circuit system 110 can calculate the user-defined number of use processes and / or the limiting parameters based on one or more user inputs. Alternatively or in addition, one or more of the companion device 300, the mobile device 400, and the computing device 500 can calculate the limiting parameters and / or the user-defined number of use processes based on one or more user inputs, and transmit the corresponding data or information to the aerosol generating device 100.

[0274] The control circuit system 110 may also be configured to determine the number of partial and / or completed use sessions in which the aerosol generating device 100 has been used to generate an aerosol based on heating one or more aerosol generating articles 200 at or above a predetermined heating temperature since the last charging event, and compare the determined number of partial and / or completed use sessions with a user-defined number of use sessions indicated by the limit parameter. Optionally, the number of remaining use sessions may be calculated by the control circuit system 110.

[0275] In addition, the control circuit system 110 can be configured to allow or prevent implementation of one or more device functions (e.g., a primary heating function and / or one or more auxiliary device functions) based on comparing the determined number of partial and / or completed use processes to a user-defined number of use processes indicated by a limiting parameter.

[0276] The user may be notified of one or more of a user-defined number of use sessions, a number of partial and / or completed use sessions, and a number of remaining use sessions based on actuating the user interface 120 .

[0277] Upon determining that the number of partial and / or completed use sessions reaches or exceeds the user-defined number of use sessions indicated by the limiting parameters, the control circuit system 110 may implement recharging of the energy storage device 102. For example, the device 100 may be made inactive (e.g., by disabling the device from generating aerosols), and the user may be optionally notified of the recharging request via the user interface 120. Additionally or alternatively, upon determining that the number of partial and / or completed use sessions reaches or exceeds the user-defined number of use sessions indicated by the limiting parameters, the control circuit system 110 may disable the device from generating aerosols and notify the user to charge the device. Disabling the device from generating aerosols may continue until the device is at least connected to a charger or charging device.

[0278] Optionally, the control circuit system 110 can be configured to enable or re-enable use or operation of the device 100 for aerosol generation during one or more subsequent uses when the energy storage device 102 is recharged, when it is determined that the energy storage device 102 has been recharged, and / or when it is determined that the device is connected to a charger or charging device.

[0279] Further optionally, the limiting parameter may indicate one or more of: the availability of a pause mode at the aerosol generating device, and the number of use pauses that the aerosol generating device provides, can provide, or is operable in the pause mode after the energy storage device was last charged, and the control circuit system 110 may limit one or more of the operation of the aerosol generating device 100 in the pause mode and the number of use pauses based on the limiting parameter.

[0280] In addition, the control circuit system 110 can calculate at least one threshold based on the limiting parameters, which indicates the amount of energy available to the user to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating article 200 to a temperature at or above the predetermined heating temperature during one or more uses.

[0281] For example, control circuitry 110 may be configured to determine a storage condition of energy storage device 102 that indicates at least one of an amount of electrical energy currently stored and an amount of electrical energy currently storable in energy storage device 102. Control circuitry 110 may evaluate the determined storage condition relative to at least one threshold value and, therefore, relative to a limiting parameter.

[0282] Furthermore, the control circuit system 110 may be configured to enable or disable at least one device function of the aerosol generating device 100 based on the evaluation. Wherein, at least one threshold value may indicate a threshold energy required to operate the aerosol generating device 100 during at least one use process to generate an inhalable aerosol based on heating the aerosol generating article 200 to a temperature at or above a predetermined heating temperature.

[0283] At least one threshold value determined by the control circuit system 110 based on the limiting parameters may be associated with at least one device function of the aerosol generating device 110, for example associated with heating the aerosol generating article 200 during use or in an aerosol release mode or in a pause mode during a pause in use.

[0284] Alternatively or in addition, the control circuit system 110 may be configured to determine a storage condition of the energy storage device 102 indicating at least one of an amount of electrical energy currently stored in the energy storage device and an amount of electrical energy currently storable, and to evaluate the determined storage condition relative to at least one threshold value, wherein the at least one threshold value is related to a threshold energy required to perform a primary heating function of the aerosol generating device 100 for heating the aerosol generating article 200 at or above a predetermined heating temperature for generating an aerosol, and optionally to perform at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device 100 other than the primary heating function, during at least one use. The control circuit system 110 may also be configured to enable or disable at least one of the primary heating function and the at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device 100 based on the evaluation.

[0285] Alternatively or in addition, the control circuit system 110 can be configured to determine a storage condition, wherein the storage condition includes a health of the energy storage device 102 indicating an amount of electrical energy currently storable in the energy storage device; evaluating the storage condition determined relative to at least one threshold value associated with at least one device function of the aerosol generating device 100; and enabling or disabling at least one device function of the aerosol generating device 100 based on the evaluation.

[0286] Alternatively or in addition, the control circuit system 110 can be configured to determine a storage condition of the energy storage device indicating at least one of an amount of electrical energy currently stored in the energy storage device 102 and an amount of electrical energy currently storable, and evaluate the determined storage condition relative to at least one threshold value associated with at least one device function of the aerosol generating device 100, wherein at least the threshold value can be adjustable, for example based on the limiting parameter.

[0287] In the following, various exemplary designs and configurations of the aerosol generating device 100 are described and summarized. In an example, the determined storage condition includes at least one of a current energy level of electrical energy stored in the energy storage device and a health status of the energy storage device indicating an amount of electrical energy currently storable in the energy storage device 102. For example, the control circuit system 110 may compare the determined storage condition with a threshold value.

[0288] For example, at least one threshold value may indicate a threshold energy required to operate the aerosol generating device 100 during at least one use process to generate an inhalable aerosol based on heating the aerosol generating article 100 to a temperature at or above a predetermined heating temperature for generating an aerosol. Alternatively or in addition, at least one threshold value may indicate a threshold energy required to perform a primary heating function of the aerosol generating device 100 during at least one use process, the primary heating function involving supplying electrical energy to at least one heating element 106 to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating article 200 to a temperature at or above a predetermined heating temperature for generating an aerosol.

[0289] For example, at least one threshold may indicate a threshold energy required to complete a current use process for generating an inhalable aerosol based on heating the aerosol-generating article 200 to a temperature at or above a predetermined heating temperature for generating an aerosol.

[0290] Alternatively or additionally, the at least one threshold value may be indicative of a threshold energy required to operate the aerosol generating device 100 in a pause mode interrupting a usage session during at least one pause in usage.

[0291] Alternatively or additionally, at least one threshold value may indicate a threshold energy required to perform at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device 100. The auxiliary device function may be unrelated to or different from heating the aerosol generating device during use to generate an aerosol based on heating the aerosol generating article 200 to a temperature at or above a predetermined heating temperature for generating an aerosol. Alternatively or additionally, the auxiliary device function may be associated with a pause mode that interrupts the use process.

[0292] Optionally, the auxiliary device functions may include one or more of the following: operating the aerosol generating device with reduced energy consumption relative to operating to generate an aerosol during use; heating at least one heating element 106 and / or the aerosol generating article 200 to a temperature below a heating temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol; heating at least one heating element 106 and / or the aerosol generating article to a temperature above room temperature and below a heating temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol; heating at least one heating element 106 and / or the aerosol generating article 200 to a temperature above room temperature and below a heating temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol; heating at least one heating element 106 and / or the aerosol generating article 200 to a temperature within a predefined time period; A temperature above room temperature and below a heating temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol; activating or deactivating tactile controls of the aerosol generating device 100; operating a user interface 120 of the aerosol generating device 100; operating a communication circuit system 130 of the aerosol generating device 100, the communication circuit system being used to communicatively couple the aerosol generating device 100 to a computing device 500, a mobile device 400, and / or a companion device 300; operating a sensor of the aerosol generating device 100; and operating a biometric sensor of the aerosol generating device 100 for user authentication.

[0293] In an example, at least one threshold value may be associated with a) a threshold energy required to perform a primary heating function of the aerosol generating device 100 to generate an aerosol during at least one use process and b) to perform an auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device that is different from the primary heating function of the aerosol generating device. The control circuit system 110 may be configured to, upon determining based on the evaluation that the current energy level of the electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage device is sufficient to perform the primary heating function and at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device, a) enable the primary heating function of the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol during at least one use process and b) enable at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device that is different from the primary heating function of the aerosol generating device.

[0294] Optionally, control circuitry 110 may be configured to trigger recharging of energy storage device 102 based on an evaluation of the determined storage condition relative to at least one threshold value.

[0295] In addition, the control circuit system 110 can be configured to determine the health of the energy storage device 102 based on determining one or more of the following: the current maximum capacity of the energy storage device 102, the current maximum capacity of the energy storage device 102 relative to the initial maximum capacity of the energy storage device, the number of use processes that the aerosol generating device 100 has been used to generate an aerosol, the operating time that the aerosol generating device 100 has been operated to generate an aerosol, charging data related to the charging of the energy storage device 102 in one or more charging cycles, and the total energy consumption of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0296] In yet another example, control circuitry 110 may be configured to determine a current maximum capacity of energy storage device 102 indicating a maximum amount of energy storable in energy storage device 102 , and a current energy level or amount of electrical energy currently stored in energy storage device 102 .

[0297] Optionally, control circuitry 110 may be configured to adjust at least one threshold value, for example based on one or more user inputs and / or based on limiting parameters.

[0298] As described above, one of the device functions or auxiliary device functions of the aerosol generating device 100 may be a pause mode, which may allow a user to interrupt an ongoing use process and restart it without substantially degrading the aerosol generating article 200, for example due to condensation of vapor in the device 100 or the article 200. As described in detail above, the device 100 may be switched from an aerosol release mode to a pause mode by a user, for example based on actuation of the user interface 120, in which the primary heating function of the device 100 may be active and the heating element 106 may be heated to a predetermined heating temperature. During a pause in use or in the pause mode, the temperature of the heating element 106 may be maintained at a temperature above room temperature and below the predetermined heating temperature.

[0299] Control circuitry 110 of device 100 may be configured to determine whether a pause mode should be allowed or enabled at device 100 based on evaluating a determined storage condition of energy storage device 102 using at least one threshold associated with the pause mode or device function.

[0300] Typically, the pause mode can allow the user to pause between suctions during the use process. The pause can be, for example, in the range of a few seconds to a few minutes, such as eight minutes or ten minutes. During the use pause, the temperature of the substrate 202, the article 200 and / or the heating element 106 can be maintained at a certain level, such as a second temperature level, as described above in this article. When the pause mode is terminated by the user or otherwise ends, the temperature will rise to a predetermined heating temperature or a first temperature level, thereby allowing the user to continue to experience or use the process. Since energy will be consumed during the pause mode, in order to ensure that the energy storage device 102 will have enough energy to complete the experience or use process, one or more requirements, standards or prerequisites can be considered, and preferably should be met for activating the pause mode. One or more of these requirements can be limited or included in at least one threshold value, and the at least one threshold value is evaluated and / or determined based on the limiting parameters using the storage condition of the energy storage device 102.

[0301] For example, at least one threshold value indicative of a current capacity of energy storage device 102 and / or at least one threshold value indicative of a health of energy storage device 102 may be considered and used by control circuitry 110 to assess a storage condition of energy storage device 102 .

[0302] In particular, the capacity value of the energy storage device 102 or the amount of electric energy currently stored in the energy storage device 102 may be, for example, at least 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, and 100% of the current maximum capacity. Preferably, the capacity value or amount of electric energy currently stored in the energy storage device 102 should be at least 90%, 95%, and 100% of the current maximum capacity.

[0303] Alternatively or additionally, the pause mode may be enabled when it is determined that energy storage device 102 is sufficiently or fully charged or when energy storage device 102 is being recharged.

[0304] Continue to refer Figure 1 and follow-up Figure 2 , summarizes illustrative exemplary features of an exemplary aerosol generating device 100 and system 1000 according to the present disclosure, which may be implemented alone or in combination with any of the functions of the aerosol generating device 100 described above. In particular, Figure 2 The operation of the aerosol generating device 100 or system 1000 based on limiting parameters is shown.

[0305] In general, the life cycle or cycle life of the energy storage device 102 may be limited, particularly for an energy storage device 102 used in an aerosol generating device 100. This may be because the energy storage device 102 may need to provide high power to heat the aerosol generating article 200 in a short period of time. In addition, the energy storage device 102 may be relatively compact and small in size. Therefore, the volume of the electrodes and the capacity or amount of energy that can be stored in the energy storage device 102 may be limited. In turn, the user may need to charge and recharge the energy storage device 102 frequently. These characteristics may further shorten the life cycle of the energy storage device 102 in the aerosol generating device 100.

[0306] To extend the cycle life of energy storage device 102, the user is provided with options to make selections, for example, based on their user habits (as reflected by the limiting parameters), and accordingly configure device 100. In particular, it is found that some users will only have discrete or single usage sessions per charge of energy storage device 102, while other users may utilize a single charge of energy storage device 102 and / or use device 100 in continuous usage sessions between two consecutive charging events.

[0307] Based on one or more user inputs at the aerosol generating device 100, the companion device 300, the mobile device 400, and the computing device 500, the user can define or select a discontinuous use process or a continuous use process for each charge of the energy storage device 102. For example, the user can input a user-defined number of use processes, such as one or more, and the control circuit system 110 can limit the operation of the aerosol generating device 100 accordingly, as described in detail above. Thus, the user can be provided with the flexibility to select the number of use processes or experiences per charge that adapts to consumption habits and adjusts to the needs of the situation.

[0308] Optionally, the user can select discontinuous usage processes or continuous usage processes, or enter a user-defined number of usage processes, for example at one or more interfaces of the aerosol generating device 100, the supporting device 300, the mobile device 400 and / or the computing device 500.

[0309] For example, the user can select a limit parameter of five usage processes per charge. After the fifth consumption, Figure 2 As shown in the figure mark 2002, the device 100 or the control circuit system 110 can notify the user to recharge the energy storage device 102, such as Figure 2 The control circuit system 110 can reset or reconfigure the device 100 to allow the next five use processes, such as Figure 2 As shown in the figure mark 2006.

[0310] Alternatively, when the user selects that each charge of the energy storage device 102 be used for discrete use sessions or a single use session, the user may only use the device for a single use session, such as Figure 2 2002 and 2006 in the figure, and can request to recharge the device 100 after each experience, use process and / or consumption of the aerosol generating article 200, such as Figure 2 It should be noted that the amount of energy drawn from the energy storage device 102 in the instance of a single use process per charge of the energy storage device 102 may be less than the amount of energy drawn in the instance of five use processes per charge, however, for simplicity reasons, the amount of energy drawn in the single use process and the five use processes are both equal. Figure 2 2 and 2006 are schematically shown in FIG. 1 to refer to the same amount of energy being drawn from energy storage device 102 .

[0311] In particular, it has been discovered that the aging rate of energy storage device 102 may be slowed based on controlling device 100 using limiting parameters.

[0312] For example, a user may provide one or more user inputs, such as entering a user-defined number of use processes, or selecting discontinuous or continuous use processes on the device 100, the companion device 300, the mobile device 400, and / or the computing device 500. The control circuit system 110 may recognize one or more user inputs, optionally request use data from a storage data unit or data storage device 114, optionally determine a user-defined number of use processes and / or limiting parameters, and optionally count or determine the number of completed use processes. When the number of completed use processes reaches the user-defined number of use processes, the control circuit system 110 may control the user interface 120 or an indicator to provide a notification to the user to recharge the device 100 or the energy storage device 102. Optionally, the user interface 120 or an indicator may show the number of completed use processes or the number of remaining or available use processes.

[0313] In another example, the user can select a specific number of use processes, such as a single use process. In this example, after the device 100 has delivered a single use process, the control circuit system 110 prohibits the device 100 from generating aerosols and instructs the user to connect the device 100 to a charger or charging device. Then, the user connects the device 100 to the charger or charging device. At this time, the control circuit system 110 determines that the device 100 is connected to the charger or charging device, and in response, determines whether the current charge state of the energy storage device 102 reaches or exceeds the use process threshold value indicating the charge state required for a specific number of use processes (in this case, one use process). If the current charge state of the energy storage device 102 reaches or exceeds the use process threshold value, the control circuit system 110 determines not to charge the energy storage device 102 and / or prohibits charging the energy storage device 102. However, if the current charge state of the energy storage device 102 is lower than the use process threshold value, the control circuit system 110 determines to charge the energy storage device 102 and / or enables charging of the energy storage device. During charging, control circuitry 110 may determine that the state of charge of energy storage device 102 reaches or exceeds a usage session threshold, and in response, informs a user via user interface 120 that the device is ready for use. Alternatively, control circuitry 110 may determine that energy storage device 102 is fully charged, and in response, inform a user via user interface 120 that the device is ready for use. In this way, a wider capacity range of energy storage device 102 may be utilized even if the number of usage sessions defined by the limiting parameters is less than the maximum number of usage sessions that can be delivered per “full charge” of device 100.

[0314] Figure 3A method of operating an aerosol generating device 100 or system 1000 (eg, an aerosol generating device 100 described with reference to any one or more of the previous figures) is shown.

[0315] In step S1 , the control circuitry 110 of the aerosol generating device 100 receives a limit parameter indicating a user-defined number of use sessions that the aerosol generating device 100 provides, can provide or is operable after the energy storage device was last charged.

[0316] At step S2 , the control circuitry 110 limits or controls the operation of the aerosol generating device 100 to a user defined number of use sessions based on the limiting parameters.

[0317] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise stated elsewhere, all numbers representing amounts, quantities, percentages, etc. should be understood to be modified by the term "about" or "substantially" in all cases. In addition, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically listed herein. Therefore, in this article, the number A is understood to be 20% of A±A. In this article, the number A can be regarded as a value within the general standard error of the measurement of the characteristic modified by the number A. In addition, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically listed herein.

[0318] Although the present invention has been shown and described in detail in the drawings and the foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive; the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations of the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art and those who practice the claimed invention based on a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

[0319] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, comprising: a control circuit system and an energy storage device, the energy storage device configured to supply electrical energy to the control circuit system, the control circuit system operably coupled to the energy storage device and configured to: receiving a limit parameter indicating a user-defined number of uses provided by the aerosol generating device after the energy storage device has been charged, and Operation of the aerosol generating device is limited to a user defined number of uses based on the limiting parameter.

2. An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the control circuit system is configured to limit operation of the aerosol generating device to a number of uses since the energy storage device was last charged as indicated by the limit parameter.

3. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the energy storage device is configured with a capacity for heating at least part of the aerosol generating article to a temperature at or above a predetermined heating temperature during a capacity-defined number of uses; Wherein the user-defined number of usage processes indicated by the limit parameter is different from the capacity-limited number of usage processes.

4. An aerosol generating device according to claim 3, wherein the user-defined number of usage processes indicated by the limit parameter is less than the capacity-defined number of usage processes.

5. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a communication circuit system for communicatively coupling the aerosol generating device to at least one of a computing device and a companion device for at least partially receiving the aerosol generating device; and Wherein the restriction parameter is received based on transmitting the restriction parameter from at least one of the computing device and the supporting device to the aerosol generating device.

6. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the control circuitry is configured to receive the limit parameters based on retrieving the limit parameters from a data storage device of the aerosol generating device.

7. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the limiting parameter is based on one or more user inputs indicative of a user defined number of uses.

8. An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the limiting parameters are received via at least one user interface of at least one of the aerosol generating device, a computing device communicatively connected to the aerosol generating device, and a supporting device communicatively connected to the aerosol generating device.

9. An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a user interface, wherein the control circuit system is configured to calculate the limiting parameter or the user-defined number of usage processes based on one or more user inputs provided at the user interface of the aerosol generating device.

10. An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control circuit system is configured to calculate the limiting parameter based on one or more user inputs provided at at least one of a computing device and a receiving device and transmitted to the aerosol generating device via the communication circuit system of the aerosol generating device.

11. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control circuit system is further configured to: determining a number of completed uses of the aerosol generating device since a last charging event in which the aerosol generating device has been used to generate an aerosol based on heating one or more aerosol generating articles at or above the predetermined heating temperature; and The determined number of completed usage sessions is compared to a user-defined number of the usage sessions indicated by the limit parameter.

12. An aerosol generating device according to claim 11, wherein the control circuit system is further configured to allow or prevent operation of the aerosol generating device during another use process based on comparing the determined number of completed use processes with a user-defined number of the use processes indicated by the limit parameter.

13. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 11 and 12, wherein the control circuit system is also configured to operate a user interface of the aerosol generating device to indicate one or more of a user-defined number of the usage processes, the number of completed usage processes, and the number of remaining usage processes available to the user.

14. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the control circuit system is further configured to implement recharging of the energy storage device when it is determined that the number of completed use processes reaches or exceeds the user-defined number of use processes indicated by the limit parameter; and / or Wherein the control circuitry is further configured to limit operation of the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol to a single use process per charge of the energy storage device based on the limiting parameter.

15. An aerosol generating system comprising: An aerosol generating device according to any preceding claim, and An aerosol-generating article is coupleable to or is coupled to the aerosol-generating device to generate an aerosol from at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article.

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