Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

There is presented an aerosol-generating device comprising control circuitry and an energy storage device configured to supply electrical energy to the control circuitry to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating article. The control circuitry is 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 and an amount of electrical energy currently storable in the energy storage device; evaluating the determined storage condition with respect to at least one threshold value, wherein said at least one threshold value is associated with performing a main heating function of said aerosol-generating device for heating said aerosol-generating article at or above a predetermined heating temperature for generating an aerosol and performing a different main heating of said aerosol-generating device during at least one use the threshold energy required by the function of at least one auxiliary device of the function is related; and enabling or disabling at least one of the primary heating function and the at least one secondary device function based on the evaluation.

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 or part of an aerosol generating article or substrate. The present disclosure also relates to the use of one or more aerosol generating devices or systems, methods of operating an aerosol generating device or system, corresponding computer programs, and corresponding computer-readable media storing one or more of 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 supercapacitors, 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 the energy storage device and available by or to a user of the aerosol generating device to operate the aerosol generating device (e.g., perform one or more device functions of the aerosol generating device) may be limited, thereby potentially limiting the functionality or usability of the aerosol generating device to generate aerosol.

[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 description.

[0011] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to one or more aerosol generating devices and one or more aerosol generating systems configured to generate an aerosol from at least a portion of an aerosol generating article or substrate, for example, based on supplying electrical energy to one or more aerosol generators. The present disclosure also relates to uses of such one or more aerosol generating devices and / or systems, methods of operating such one or more aerosol generating devices and / or systems, corresponding computer programs, and corresponding non-transitory computer-readable media storing one or more of 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 for generating an aerosol 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 article. The control circuit system may be operably connected to the energy storage device. The control circuit system is configured to determine a storage condition of the energy storage device, the storage condition indicating at least one of the amount of electrical energy currently stored in the energy storage device and the amount of electrical energy currently storable. The control circuit system is also configured to evaluate (e.g., process and / or analyze) the storage condition determined relative to at least one threshold value associated with at least one device function of the aerosol generating device. The control circuit system is also configured to enable or disable at least one device function of the aerosol generating device based on the evaluation. Wherein, at least one device function associated with at least one threshold value may be enabled or disabled. Alternatively or in addition, at least one other device function that may be different from at least one device function associated with at least one threshold value may be enabled or disabled.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol 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 article. The control circuit system may be operably connected to the energy storage device. The control circuit system is configured to determine a storage condition of the energy storage device, the storage condition indicating at least one of the amount of electrical energy currently stored in the energy storage device and the amount of electrical energy currently storable. The control circuit system is also configured to evaluate the determined storage condition relative to at least one threshold value, wherein the at least one threshold value is related to the threshold energy required to perform the main heating function of the aerosol generating device for heating the aerosol generating article at or above a predetermined heating temperature for generating an aerosol during at least one use process and to perform at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device that is different from the main heating function. The control circuit system is also configured to enable or disable at least one of the main heating function and the at least one auxiliary device function based on the evaluation.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol 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 article. The control circuit system may be operably connected to the energy storage device. The control circuit system is configured to determine a storage condition, the storage condition comprising a health condition of the energy storage device indicating the amount of electrical energy currently storable in the energy storage device; and a storage condition determined relative to at least one threshold evaluation associated with at least one device function of the aerosol generating device. The control circuit system is also configured to enable or disable at least one device function of the aerosol generating device based on the evaluation. Wherein, at least one device function associated with at least one threshold value may be enabled or disabled. Alternatively or in addition, at least one other device function that may be different from at least one device function associated with at least one threshold value may be enabled or disabled.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol 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 article. The control circuit system may be operably connected to the energy storage device. The control circuit system is 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 is also configured to evaluate the determined storage condition relative to at least one threshold value associated with at least one device function of the aerosol generating device, wherein the at least one threshold value is adjustable. The control circuit system is also configured to enable or disable at least one device function based on the evaluation. Wherein, at least one device function associated with at least one threshold value may be enabled or disabled. Alternatively or in addition, at least one other device function that may be different from at least one device function associated with at least one threshold value may be enabled or disabled.

[0016] It should be noted that any feature, function or element of an aerosol generating device according to one aspect of the present disclosure may be combined with any feature, function or element of an aerosol generating device according to another aspect of the present disclosure. That is, aerosol generating devices according to various aspects of the present disclosure may be combined with each other. In addition, any disclosure presented herein with reference to an aerosol generating device according to an aspect or one aspect of the present disclosure is equally applicable to any one or more aerosol generating devices according to any one or more further aspects of the present disclosure.

[0017] In an example, 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 at least one aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from at least a portion of an aerosol generating article that can be coupled 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] As used herein, enabling a device function may refer to or include allowing a device function, such as allowing the device function to be implemented, for example, by a user of the aerosol generating device. Alternatively or in addition, enabling the 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 the device function may include configuring the aerosol generating device so that the device function is, for example, implementable or can be performed by the user. Alternatively or in addition, enabling the 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 a device function that is allowed may be set by the control circuit system based on an evaluation of a storage condition relative to at least one threshold value in order to enable the device function.

[0020] As used herein, disabling a device function may refer to or include preventing the device function, such as preventing the device function from being implemented, for example, by a user. 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 so as to disable the device function.

[0021] 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.

[0022] Evaluating the storage condition of the energy storage device relative to at least one threshold value and enabling or disabling at least one device function based on the evaluation 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 function of the device may be adapted according to the evaluated storage condition, which may allow optimizing or maximizing the overall function of the device relative to the available energy. In addition, the functional versatility and flexibility of the device may be increased.

[0023] The aerosol generating device of the present disclosure may particularly refer to an electronic aerosol generating device, which is configured to generate an aerosol, in particular an aerosol that can be inhaled by a user of the aerosol generating device, based on heating at least a portion of a heating element, at least a portion of an aerosol generating article and / or at least a portion of an aerosol generating substrate contained in the aerosol generating article during one or more use processes or periods. The aerosol generating device of the present disclosure may also be referred to as a heat-not-burn device.

[0024] An exemplary aerosol generating article or substrate that can be used with the aerosol generating device of the present disclosure can be formed into a stick shape and at least partially inserted into the aerosol generating device. Alternative exemplary aerosol generating articles can include a container or a cartridge that can be fixedly attached or removably connected to the aerosol generating device. Typically, a liquid, solid, or a mixture of solid and liquid aerosol generating substrates is contained in such aerosol generating articles or can 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, can be used with the aerosol generating devices and systems of the present disclosure.

[0025] 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 device control circuit system may include one or more processors for data or signal processing. The device control circuit system may be configured to operationally control an aerosol generating device, an energy storage device thereof 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.

[0026] 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 ancillary device (also referred to herein as a receiving device) of an aerosol generating system. For example, the energy storage device may be recharged by connecting the aerosol generating device to ancillary device or a power source via a cable or inductive coupling.

[0027] It should be noted that the aerosol generating device may comprise a plurality of energy storage devices. Hence, any reference above and below to a single energy storage device includes a plurality of energy storage devices.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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. The aerosol generating device may include a heating device or a heating circuit, which includes at least one heating element. For example, a heating element, a circuit or a part of the heating device may be arranged in the aerosol generating device, and another part 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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 (or a heating circuit or device including a heating element) in accordance with 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 and generate an aerosol.

[0034] As discussed above, the aerosol generating device may comprise a library or collection of a plurality of device functions that may in principle be performed or implemented by the aerosol generating device, for example based on user input and / or automatically. One or more of these device functions may be available to the user and / or may be performed or implemented by the user. For example, the user may operate the aerosol generating device and / or one or more user interfaces of the aerosol generating device to perform one or more device functions.

[0035] As used herein, a device function may refer to any operation or function of an aerosol generating device that involves 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, an energy storage device, and one or more user interfaces.

[0036] 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 a temperature at or above a predetermined heating temperature of the heating element, aerosol generating article, and / or aerosol generating substrate to generate an aerosol. As used herein, a predetermined heating temperature may refer to or represent a temperature, temperature level, or temperature range above room temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol and / or release an aerosol from an aerosol generating article or substrate, the released aerosol being inhalable by a user.

[0037] 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.

[0038] The main heating function of the aerosol generating device can be implemented or executed during the use process or during the use process. As used herein, the use process may refer to a time period during which a user can use a device to generate, consume, experience or inhale an aerosol using an aerosol generating device. Wherein, the use process can be limited. In other words, the use process can have a start, an end and a duration. 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 the maximum time from the beginning of the use process. If one or more monitored parameters reach a predetermined threshold before the maximum time from the beginning 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 sucked by the user since the beginning of the use process, and ii) a cumulative volume of aerosol formed from an aerosol-forming substrate since the beginning of the use process.

[0039] 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.

[0040] The one or more device functions may include one or more auxiliary device functions. An 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.

[0041] As used herein, evaluating the determined storage condition relative to at least one threshold value associated with at least one device function of the aerosol generating device may include analyzing the determined storage condition relative to the at least one threshold value. For example, the at least one threshold value may be associated with the at least one device function based on, by defining and / or by encoding one or more criteria that should preferably be met, such that the at least one device function may be implemented or performed by the aerosol generating device. Thus, by evaluating the storage condition against the threshold value, the storage condition may be analyzed according to one or more criteria that should preferably be met to perform the at least one device function.

[0042] Optionally, such analysis or evaluation of storage conditions may include comparison of the storage conditions with at least one threshold value. Alternatively or additionally, the analysis or evaluation of storage conditions may include converting the storage conditions and / or threshold values ​​into converted storage conditions and / or converted threshold values. In a non-limiting example, a threshold value or storage condition related to electrical energy may be converted into a threshold value or storage condition related to capacity, and vice versa.

[0043] Optionally, one or more storage condition variables may be derived from the determined storage condition or calculated based on the determined storage condition for evaluating the storage condition, for example based on comparing the one or more derived storage condition variables with at least one threshold value. Alternatively or additionally, one or more further threshold values ​​may be provided, calculated or derived from the at least one threshold value for evaluating the storage condition. One or more of the threshold values ​​or further threshold values ​​may, for example, be compared with the storage condition and / or one or more storage condition variables derived therefrom.

[0044] As described above, at least one threshold value may be associated with or related to at least one device function. For example, the threshold value may be associated with heating of the aerosol generating article, substrate and / or heating element, such as during one or more use processes or in one or more pause modes, as discussed in more detail below.

[0045] In a non-limiting example, at least one threshold value may describe and / or indicate one or more criteria, predefined criteria, 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 criteria, 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, e.g., to allow implementation of at least one device function by a user.

[0046] In an example, at least one threshold value may indicate and / or be associated with energy consumption of the aerosol generating device for performing or implementing one or more device functions. For example, at least one threshold value may indicate and / or be associated with the amount of energy required to perform one or more device functions. Alternatively or in addition, at least one threshold value may be associated with energy consumption for performing one or more device functions.

[0047] In an example, at least one threshold value may be related to and / or indicative of the amount of energy required to perform a 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 indicative of 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 indicative of the amount of energy required to perform one or more auxiliary device functions.

[0048] Alternatively or additionally, at least one threshold value associated with at least one device function may be associated with and / or indicate one or more characteristics of the energy storage device. For example, at least one threshold value may indicate one or more predefined criteria that the energy storage device should meet in order to enable at least one device function.

[0049] In an example, the determined storage condition may include at least one of a current energy level of the electrical energy stored in the energy storage device and a health condition 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 a current state of charge of the energy storage device. The charge state may also be referred to herein as a state of charge. In addition, the energy storable in the energy storage device may be related to or indicated by a current capacity or 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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 degrade over time, which may relate to or indicate its ability to store electrical energy. This effect may also be referred to as aging or an aging effect of the energy storage device. Based on the assessed storage condition, the aging effect of the energy storage device may be comprehensively considered for energy management, which may allow for further improvement of the overall energy efficiency. In addition, taking into account the aging effect may allow for 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.

[0052] In addition, capacity limitations of the energy storage device and / or frequent use of the device to generate aerosols during one or more uses 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. Based on the assessed storage condition, overcharging and / or discharging may also be avoided or reduced, which may increase the life cycle of the energy storage device and the aerosol generating device.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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 example, implemented by a user. Alternatively or additionally, when the storage condition is determined to be below at least one threshold, the control circuit system can disable at least one device function for example, implemented by a user.

[0056] Alternatively, when the control circuit system determines that the storage condition reaches or exceeds at least one threshold, the control circuit system may disable 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 may enable at least one device function for, for example, implementation by a user.

[0057] 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 such a 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.

[0058] For example, the storage condition may indicate a current charge 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 charge 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 charge state indicated by the storage condition is below the 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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).

[0062] Further optionally, the control circuit system may be configured to determine, based on the evaluation, the number of use sessions and / or the number of times the primary function can be performed before recharging the energy storage device (respectively with a fully charged energy storage device). Optionally, the number of use sessions or experiences of the aerosol generating article available to the user may be indicated and / or notified to the user, for example based on actuating one or more user interfaces of the aerosol generating device.

[0063] In an exemplary embodiment, at least one threshold value may indicate a threshold energy required to complete a current use process based on heating an aerosol-generating article, in particular heating the aerosol-generating article to a temperature at or above a predetermined heating temperature for generating an aerosol to generate an inhalable aerosol. The current use process may refer to a currently ongoing use process or a use process that has been started or initiated by a user. Therefore, the control circuit system can be configured to determine whether sufficient energy is stored in the energy storage device to complete the use process during the ongoing use process. Whether the current use can be completed can be optionally indicated and / or notified to the user by the control circuit system, for example based on one or more user interfaces of the actuating device.

[0064] Alternatively or in addition, at least one threshold value may indicate a threshold energy required to complete a predefined number of use processes based on heating the aerosol-generating article to a temperature at or above a predetermined heating temperature for generating an aerosol to generate an inhalable aerosol. The predefined number of use processes may indicate the maximum number of use processes that can be completed with the amount of energy currently stored in the energy storage device, for example before recharging the energy storage device and / or after the energy storage device has been charged. It should be noted that after the energy storage device has been charged may refer to "after the energy storage device was last charged" or "between two consecutive charging events" or may be used synonymously herein. Alternatively or in addition, the predefined number of use processes may indicate the number of use processes that can be completed with the device, or that are available to the user with a full charge of the energy storage device and / or with a fully charged energy storage device. Alternatively or in addition, the predefined number of use processes may indicate, describe and / or represent the number of use processes that the aerosol-generating device is operable or can be operated before the next, subsequent or consecutive charging event. Alternatively or additionally, the predefined number of usage sessions may indicate, describe and / or represent the number of usage sessions during which the aerosol generating device is or can be operated with a charged or fully charged energy storage device and / or between two temporally consecutive charging events.

[0065] 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.

[0066] Optionally, a predetermined number of usage sessions may be indicated and / or notified to a user, for example based on actuation of one or more user interfaces by the control circuitry.

[0067] For example, the predetermined number of use processes may be at least one use process, preferably at least two use processes, at least three use processes, at least four use processes or even more use processes. Then, the user may use a minimum number of one, two, three, four or even more aerosol-generating articles to generate aerosol in at least one, two, three, four or even more use processes.

[0068] In an example, the control circuit system can be configured to enable at least one device function, for example, a primary heating function and / or one or more auxiliary device functions, 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 complete the current use process and / or complete a predefined number of use processes based on heating the aerosol generating article to a temperature at or above the predetermined heating temperature for generating aerosol to generate an inhalable aerosol. Alternatively or in addition, the control circuit system can be configured to disable at least one device function, for example, a primary heating function or one or more auxiliary device functions, 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 insufficient to complete the current use process and / or complete a predefined number of use processes based on heating the aerosol generating article to a temperature at or above the predetermined heating temperature for generating aerosol to generate an inhalable aerosol.

[0069] 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 a heating element, an aerosol generating product and / or a substrate at a first temperature level in an aerosol release mode. 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 a heating element, an aerosol generating product and / or a 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.

[0070] In yet another example, the at least one threshold value may indicate a threshold energy required to operate the aerosol generating device in a pause mode interrupting the use process during at least one pause in use.

[0071] 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 later restarted by the user, wherein the aerosol generating article or substrate is maintained in the pause mode of the aerosol generating device at a temperature lower than the first temperature level and / or lower than the predetermined heating temperature used during normal use of the device (in particular 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] Depending on the type and composition of the specific aerosol generating article or substrate to be used with the device, the 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 heating temperature of a liquid aerosol generating article or substrate may be lower than the first temperature level of a solid aerosol generating article or substrate.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] In an example, the control circuitry may be configured to switch and / or configure the aerosol generating device to an aerosol release mode or a pause mode based on an evaluation of the determined storage condition relative to at least one threshold value.

[0083] For example, the control circuit system can be configured to enable and / or allow at least one device function 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 in a pause mode that interrupts the use process during at least one pause in use.

[0084] 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. 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 the evaluation 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, so that the function cannot be initiated by the user and / or the function is not available to the user.

[0085] In an example, the auxiliary device function may be unrelated to and / or different from heating the aerosol generating device during use to generate an aerosol, for example based on heating the aerosol generating article to a temperature at or above a predetermined heating temperature for generating an aerosol. Alternatively or in addition, the auxiliary device function may be associated with a pause mode that interrupts the use process.

[0086] 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.

[0087] For example, the auxiliary device functions may include one or more of the following: operating the aerosol generating device with reduced energy consumption relative to operating during use or in an aerosol release mode to generate an aerosol, 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 (for example, 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. Therein, operation may include one or more of actuation, enabling, disabling, activation and deactivation. Generally, in the context of the present disclosure, any device function other than the primary heating function may be considered or referred to as an auxiliary device function.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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 or a first temperature level. Therefore, the control circuit system can reliably detect whether the energy storage device stores enough electrical energy to perform the main heating function and at least one use pause that interrupts one or more use processes during one or more use processes. Generally, this can allow a reliable determination of whether the device can operate in one or more use pauses. In addition, depending on the storage status of the energy storage device, 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.

[0091] In an exemplary embodiment, the control circuit system can be configured to trigger 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 charge state or a maximum charge state 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.

[0092] In an example, at least one threshold value may indicate a fraction of the current maximum capacity of the energy storage device, in particular about 70% to about 100% of the current maximum capacity, preferably at least about 90% of the current maximum capacity. As described above, alternatively or in addition to the capacity threshold value, one or more corresponding energy threshold values ​​may be used.

[0093] For example, the primary heating function and optionally one or more auxiliary device functions may be enabled when the control circuit system determines that the current capacity, charge state and / or amount of energy stored in the energy storage device is at least 70%, at least 80% or at least 90% of the current maximum capacity of the energy storage device or corresponds to at least 70%, at least 80% or at least 90% of the current maximum capacity of the energy storage device. The current maximum capacity of the energy storage device may indicate the maximum amount of electrical energy that can currently be stored in the energy storage device. For example, due to aging effects of the energy storage device, the current maximum capacity may be equal to or lower than the initial or nominal capacity of the energy storage device. The latter may, for example, refer to the capacity of the storage device without aging effects.

[0094] In an example, determining the storage condition may include determining a current energy level of electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage device relative to a current maximum capacity of the energy. Wherein, the current energy level of the stored electrical energy may indicate a current state of charge of the energy storage device. Alternatively or additionally, the current energy level of the storable electrical energy may indicate a current capacity, storage capacity, and / or current maximum capacity of the energy storage device.

[0095] The control circuit system may be configured to determine the current maximum capacity of the energy storage device. Alternatively or in addition, the control circuit system may be configured to determine the initial maximum capacity and / or initial storage capacity of the energy storage device. Optionally, the control circuit system may be configured to determine the relative percentage or fraction of the current maximum capacity of the energy storage device relative to the initial maximum capacity.

[0096] In an example, at least one threshold value may indicate a fraction of an initial maximum capacity of the energy storage device, particularly between about 35% to about 75% of the initial maximum capacity. For example, if the control circuit system determines that the current maximum capacity or the current storage capacity of the energy storage device drops below the fraction of the initial maximum capacity or the initial storage capacity indicated by the threshold value, one or both of the primary heating function and at least one auxiliary device function (e.g., a pause mode) may be disabled.

[0097] Alternatively or additionally, at least one threshold value may indicate whether the energy storage device has reached a predefined charging phase in a previous charging event, in particular a constant voltage phase of a charging voltage of about 3 to 5 V, for example about 3.4 V to about 3.9 V, in particular about 3.65 V. In general, this may allow the amount of electrical energy currently stored in the energy storage device to be determined.

[0098] Optionally, the control circuit system can be configured to determine whether the energy storage device has been charged to a predefined charging stage in a previous charging event. As described above, the predefined charging stage can involve a constant voltage stage of a charging voltage of about 3V to 5V (e.g., about 3.4V to about 3.9V, particularly about 3.65V). Based on determining the charging stage reached in the previous charging event, the control circuit system can determine the amount of electrical energy currently stored in the energy storage device and therefore available for one or more device functions.

[0099] It should be noted that any other features of a previous charging event may be used to estimate the amount of energy stored in the energy storage device. For example, a charging current curve (or a charging current as a function of a charging time) may be used. Alternatively or in addition, a charging time may be used. For example, the control circuit system may be configured to determine whether the energy storage device has been charged for a predefined charging time and / or to a predetermined charging current stage according to a predefined charging curve in a previous charging event. As used herein, a charging event may refer to a time period during which electrical energy is supplied to the energy storage device from an energy supply source and / or from a supporting device of an aerosol generating system.

[0100] In an exemplary embodiment, determining the storage condition may include determining the health of the energy storage device. Alternatively or additionally, the control circuit system may be configured to determine the health of the energy storage device. Alternatively or additionally, determining the storage condition may include determining the age of the energy storage device.

[0101] As used herein, the health of an energy storage device may indicate and / or be associated with the maximum energy currently storable in the energy storage device, the current maximum capacity of the energy storage device, and / or the current storage capacity. For example, the health of the energy storage device may decrease over time due to the frequent charging and discharging of the energy storage device, which is also referred to as the age effect or aging of the energy storage device. Therefore, determining the health or health of the energy storage device may include determining the current or actual maximum capacity of the energy storage device. Determining the health of the energy storage device may generally allow energy management that takes into account the aging of the energy storage device, thereby allowing more accurate and more efficient energy management. In addition, the usability of the device to the user may be improved, such as in terms of maximizing the number of use processes in which the device can be used by the user before recharging the energy storage device and / or utilizing a fully charged energy storage device.

[0102] In an exemplary configuration, at least one threshold value may indicate a threshold health state and / or a threshold age of the energy storage device. Thus, evaluating the storage condition relative to the threshold value may involve analyzing the energy storage device according to the health state of the energy storage device. Furthermore, at least one device function may be enabled or disabled depending on the determined and evaluated health state.

[0103] In an example, the control circuit system can be configured to determine the health of the energy storage device based on determining one or more of the following: the current maximum capacity of the energy storage device, the current maximum capacity of the energy storage device relative to the initial maximum capacity of the energy storage device, the number of use sessions that the aerosol generating device has been used to generate an aerosol, the operating time that the aerosol generating device has been operated or used to generate an aerosol, charging data related to the charging of the energy storage device in one or more charging cycles, and the total energy consumption of the aerosol generating device. Alternatively or in addition, the control circuit system can be configured to determine and / or monitor one or more of the following: the current maximum capacity of the energy storage device, the initial maximum capacity of the energy storage device, the current maximum capacity of the energy storage device relative to the initial maximum capacity of the energy storage device, the number of use sessions that the aerosol generating device has been used to generate an aerosol, such as since the energy storage device was last charged, the operating time that the aerosol generating device has been operated to generate an aerosol, charging data related to the charging of the energy storage device in one or more charging cycles, and the total energy consumption of the aerosol generating device. Any one or more of these quantities can be used to reliably determine, estimate and / or calculate the health status.

[0104] In yet another exemplary embodiment, determining the storage condition may include determining a current maximum capacity and / or a current storage capacity of the energy storage device indicating a maximum amount of energy that may be stored in the energy storage device, and determining a current energy level or amount of electrical energy currently stored in the energy storage device.

[0105] Optionally, the at least one threshold may include a first threshold of a current energy level, charge state and / or amount of energy available in the energy storage device, and a second threshold of a current maximum capacity of the energy storage device indicating a maximum amount of energy currently storable in the energy storage device, wherein the control circuit system may be configured to compare the determined current energy level with the first threshold and to compare the determined current maximum capacity of the energy storage device with the second threshold.

[0106] Taking into account the amount of storage capacity or energy that can theoretically be stored (e.g., in an energy storage device), and the actual state of charge of the energy storage device, comprehensive energy management can be allowed. Subsequently, the functional library of the device can be customized according to the specific needs of the user. For example, the number of use processes or experiences can be maximized based on blocking one or more auxiliary device functions, or limited based on blocking the main heating function.

[0107] In another exemplary embodiment, the at least one threshold comprises a first threshold of a current energy level or amount of energy available in the energy storage device, and a second threshold of a current maximum capacity of the energy storage device indicating a maximum amount of energy currently storable in the energy storage device, wherein the control circuit system may be configured to compare the determined current energy level with the first threshold and to compare the determined current maximum capacity of the energy storage device with the second threshold.

[0108] In yet another exemplary embodiment, at least one threshold value may be adjustable and / or variable.Alternatively or additionally, the control circuitry may be configured to adjust, change, replace, modify, alter and / or change at least one threshold value.

[0109] For example, at least one threshold value can be adjusted by the control circuit system based on or according to a user-specific need or requirement. For example, the number of use processes and / or use pauses available to the user or initiable by the user can be optimized, such as maximized. Alternatively or in addition, the number of use processes can be defined by the user. Therefore, the versatility and flexibility of the device can be increased.

[0110] In an example, the control circuit system may be configured to adjust, adapt and / or alter at least one threshold value based on historical data indicating past or previous use of the aerosol generating device and / or indicating consumption behavior of the user. In an example, the control circuit system may be configured to determine and / or derive the consumption behavior of the user from the historical data.

[0111] It has been found that different users may have different consumption behaviors, which may, for example, refer to or be defined as the consumption time and / or duration of one or more use processes during which the heating element, the aerosol generating article and / or the substrate may be heated to a temperature at or above a predetermined heating temperature. Therefore, the energy required or consumed by each use process of the user may vary from user to user. Such different consumption behaviors may be reflected in the adjustable thresholds, and thus energy management may be customized according to the consumption behaviors of specific users.

[0112] An exemplary user may consume, for example, less than about 100 mAh, particularly less than about 95 mAh, for example about 60 mAh to about 85 mAh of energy per use process and / or per aerosol generating article. In the case of a fixed threshold value of the maximum amount of energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage device, such a user would have to wait for a longer charging time than the charging time actually required to experience the next use process. In other words, when a fixed threshold value is used, some users, particularly users with consumption behaviors that require less energy per use process, may be forced to recharge the energy storage device, although the energy storage device may still store enough energy to complete one or more use processes. Based on adjusting the threshold value, such situations can be effectively prevented or avoided. In other words, an adjustable or variable threshold value can allow for flexible response to different needs from different users.

[0113] Furthermore, when a fixed threshold is used, the user may not be allowed to pause between puffs and / or during use. By adjusting the threshold, the device can be flexibly controlled by the user, for example between puffs and / or during use. Overall, the functionality and user experience of the device can be improved.

[0114] The aerosol generating device may optionally include a data storage device or memory. For example, the historical data may be stored in the data storage device. Alternatively or in addition, the historical data may be stored at a computing device (e.g., a server, a server network, or a mobile device) that is communicatively coupled to the aerosol generating device, for example by means of the communication circuitry of the aerosol generating device.

[0115] 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 computer, a smart device, and a smart wearable device. The computing device may be configured to transmit or transfer data, 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 data, such as historical data or other data, to the aerosol generating device.

[0116] Typically, the historical data may indicate the consumption behavior of the user during one or more use processes. In particular, data related to one or more use processes may be stored in the historical data. For example, one or more of the start time, stop time, duration, energy consumption, number of puffs in a single use process, total number of puffs, number of experiences, number of use processes, number of aerosol-generating articles used, and other information related to one or more use processes may be stored in the historical data.

[0117] Alternatively or additionally, data related to or indicative of one or more usage pauses and / or operations of the device in the pause mode may be included in the historical data. For example, the start time, stop time, and / or duration of one or more usage pauses may be stored in the historical data. Alternatively or additionally, energy consumption during one or more usage pauses may be stored in the historical data.

[0118] Alternatively or in addition, the historical data may include data relating to and / or indicative of energy consumed to perform one or more device functions.

[0119] In an example, the control circuit system can be configured to calculate the amount of energy used in a single use process based on historical data indicating the operation of the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol, and adjust at least one threshold value based on the determined amount of energy used in a single use process. Optionally, the determined amount of energy used in a single use process can correspond to at least one threshold value and / or serve as at least one threshold value. Typically, the energy used in a single use process can refer to the energy actually used in the actual use process. Alternatively or in addition, the energy used in a single use process can refer to or represent the mean or average value of the energy used or consumed per use process. It should be noted that the energy used in a single use process can substantially correspond to the energy required to perform the main heating function of the aerosol generating device in a single use process.

[0120] In yet another example, the at least one threshold value may indicate a threshold energy or threshold energy value required to operate the aerosol generating device during at least one use process to generate an inhalable aerosol based on heating the heating element, the aerosol generating article and / or the substrate to a temperature at or above the predetermined heating temperature, preferably wherein the at least one threshold value may be less than about 100 mAh, for example less than about 95 mAh, preferably between about 60 mAh and 85 mAh. Typical devices currently in use may have a fixed threshold value of about 100 mAh or even higher. Therefore, by reducing the threshold value, more use processes or experiences may be provided to the user before recharging the energy storage device and / or using a fully charged energy storage device.

[0121] In yet another example, the control circuit system can be configured to determine, based on historical data indicating the operation of the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol, a maximum number of use processes during which the aerosol generating device is available or can be used using a fully charged energy storage device, each charge of the energy storage device, since the last charge of the energy storage device, and / or between two consecutive charging events. In addition, the control circuit system can be configured to adjust at least one threshold value based on the determined maximum number of use processes. Thus, the control circuit system can analyze the historical data and calculate and / or estimate the maximum number of use processes.

[0122] Optionally, the maximum number of use processes may be indicated and / or notified to the user, for example, based on actuating, operating and / or controlling one or more user interfaces. Alternatively or additionally, the control circuit system may be configured to indicate the determined maximum number of use processes to the user based on a user interface controlling the aerosol generating device. For example, a plurality of light emitting diodes LEDs may be turned on or off according to the maximum number of use processes, or other means for notification may be used alternatively or additionally.

[0123] Alternatively or additionally, the currently available number of usage courses, eg depending on the amount of energy currently stored in the energy storage device, may be indicated and / or informed to the user, eg based on actuating one or more user interfaces.

[0124] In yet another example, the control circuit system can be configured to determine a maximum number of pause modes or usage pauses that can be activated by a user with a fully charged energy storage device, after the energy storage device was last charged, each charge of the energy storage device, between two consecutive charging events, and / or before recharging the energy storage device. Optionally, the number of pause modes or usage pauses can also be indicated and / or notified to the user, for example, based on actuating one or more user interfaces.

[0125] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the control circuit system may be configured to enable and / or allow use of the aerosol generating device for a use process (e.g., a subsequent use process) to generate an aerosol based on heating the heating element, the aerosol generating article and / or the substrate to a temperature at or above a predetermined heating temperature, independent of the number of previous use processes that the aerosol generating device has been used since a previous or last charging process. Thus, the control circuit system may enable or disable at least one device function, in particular the primary heating function, regardless of whether the device is used in one or more use processes after a previous or last charging process. Thus, user-specific energy management may be implemented in the device.

[0126] Alternatively or in addition, at least one threshold value may be adjustable and / or variable based on user input. Alternatively or in addition, at least one threshold value may be adjusted and / or changed based on user input. Alternatively or in addition, the control circuit system may be configured to change and / or modify at least one threshold value based on user input. Such user input may, for example, be received via one or more user interfaces of the aerosol generating device. Alternatively or in addition, the user input may be received from a supporting device and / or a computing device (e.g., a server or a mobile device) of an aerosol generating system that is communicatively connected to the aerosol generating device. Thus, the threshold value may be modified by the user according to his or her preferences or needs. In addition, the user may be enabled to adjust his or her consumption behavior, for example, by limiting or reducing the number of usage processes of each fully charged energy storage device.

[0127] In an example, the at least one threshold value may be adjustable or adjusted based on a user input indicating the number of experiences per charging cycle, per charge, or per full charge of the energy storage device and / or indicating the duration of a single use process. As used herein, a charging cycle may refer to a cycle of fully charging the energy storage device and fully discharging the energy storage device. Thus, at least one threshold value may be adjustable or adjusted based on a user input indicating the number of experiences or use processes per fully charged energy storage device and / or indicating the duration of a single use process. Thus, a user may modify or adjust a threshold value according to their preferences or needs based on providing user-intuitive input or information.

[0128] For example, a user may specify, via one or more user inputs, the duration of a single session and / or the number of sessions per fully charged energy storage device or per full charge of an energy storage device, and the control circuitry may calculate a corresponding threshold energy or capacity value. Based on evaluating the determined storage condition with the calculated threshold energy or capacity value, a session per charge cycle and / or a number of sessions with a user-defined duration may be permitted to the user.

[0129] Alternatively or in addition, a companion device and / or a computing device communicatively coupled to the aerosol generating device may calculate one or more threshold values ​​based on user input and transmit corresponding control signals indicative of the one or more threshold values ​​to the aerosol generating device.

[0130] It should be noted that a fully charged energy storage device may refer to charging the energy storage device to its current maximum capacity or state of charge, which may be limited by the physical or chemical limitations of the energy storage device and / or by the control circuit system, such as by configuring the controller of the energy storage device to limit the current maximum capacity or state of charge to a specific value. Alternatively or in addition, a fully discharged energy storage device may refer to an empty energy storage device, a current minimum capacity or a minimum state of charge, which may be limited by the physical or chemical limitations of the energy storage device and / or by the control circuit system, such as by configuring the controller of the energy storage device to limit the current minimum capacity or state of charge to a specific value. Upon reaching the minimum capacity, the control circuit system may request, trigger and / or implement recharging of the energy storage device.

[0131] In an exemplary embodiment, the control circuit system can be configured to calculate and / or derive at least one threshold value based on historical data collected during one or more past or previous use processes. For example, the aerosol generating device or the control circuit system can be configured to store or record data related to the use process during operation. For example, one or more of the following items of one or more past or previous use processes can be stored or recorded by the control circuit system: start time, stop time, duration, energy consumption, reduction in the amount of energy stored in the energy storage device, reduction in the capacity of the energy storage device, temperature, temperature curve, indication of interruption of the use process by the pause mode, number of pause modes or use pauses during use, or other information (e.g., information related to the charging of the energy storage device). The historical data can be stored, for example, at a data storage device of the aerosol generating device. Alternatively or in addition, the historical data can be transmitted to one or more of a supporting device and a computing device (e.g., a server or a mobile device) that is communicatively connected to the aerosol generating device. One or more data elements related to one or more use processes and / or one or more use pauses or pause modes can be included in the historical data.

[0132] The control circuit system can also be configured to process and / or analyze one or more of the data elements of the historical data, and determine one or more thresholds for evaluating the storage condition of the energy storage device. For example, one or more thresholds related to the energy consumption of each use process and / or the capacity change of each use process can be determined by the control circuit system. Therefore, the consumption behavior of the user as reflected by the historical data can be used to dynamically adjust at least one threshold and / or adapt the number of use processes permitted by the user for each fully charged energy storage device.

[0133] In an example, the control circuit system can be configured to determine or calculate at least one threshold value based on a predefined number of previous or past usage processes. For example, a number of data elements of historical data corresponding to a predefined number of previous or past usage processes can be processed and / or analyzed by the control circuit system to derive or calculate at least one threshold value for evaluating the storage condition of the energy storage device.

[0134] In a non-limiting example, only the corresponding data elements of the last use process or historical data can be used to calculate at least one threshold value. Alternatively, two or more (e.g., between two and 20, preferably between two and 16) corresponding data elements of previous or past use processes or historical data can be used to calculate at least one threshold value. In the latter case, at least one threshold value can reflect the average or mean energy consumption or capacity reduction of the energy storage device per use process.

[0135] In an exemplary embodiment, the control circuit system can be configured to calculate or measure the threshold value based on the current value of the running average value of the energy consumption of each use process and / or the duration of the use process (e.g., based on the corresponding data element of the processing history data). Therefore, at least one threshold value can be calculated by the control circuit system based on the current value of the running average value of the energy consumption of each use process and / or the duration of the use process. Therefore, the current value of the running average value of the energy consumption of each use process can correspond to the mean or average amount of energy consumed in one or more use processes considered in the running average value. Alternatively or in addition, the current value of the running average value of the duration of the use process can correspond to the mean or average duration of the use process considered in the running average value.

[0136] In general, calculating the threshold value based on the value of the running average may allow the amount of data stored at the aerosol generating device to be reduced. For example, only the current value of the running average may be stored in the data storage device of the aerosol generating device, without having to store historical data. In particular, the current value of the running average may even be stored only in a random access memory (RAM).

[0137] For example, the control circuit system can be configured to calculate the current value of the energy consumed or the running average of energy consumption based on a previous or previous value of a running average of energy consumption (which can optionally be stored in and / or retrieved from a data storage device or RAM of the aerosol generating device) and based on the amount of energy used or consumed during a last or previous use.

[0138] Alternatively, the last value of the running average may be multiplied by a factor or constant C and added to the amount of energy used or consumed during the last use. In addition, the result of this calculation may be divided or normalized by the constant or factor C to provide a new or current value of the running average. The constant or factor C may be, for example, in the range of about 2 to several tens, for example, the constant or factor C may be about 9.

[0139] In mathematical expression, the current value CV of the running average value can be calculated as CV = (LV*C + duration of current usage session)) / (C + 1), where C is a constant or factor, and LV is the last or previous value of the running average value. Initially (for example, when the device is used for the first time), when there is no last or previous value, a virtual value can be used. Then, the current value of the running average value of the energy consumption of each usage process can be used as at least one threshold value, or can be used to calculate at least one threshold value.

[0140] Alternatively or in addition, the control circuit system can be configured to calculate the current value of the running average of the duration of a usage session based on a previous or previous value of a running average of the duration of a usage session (which can optionally be stored in and / or retrieved from a data storage device or RAM of the aerosol generating device) and based on the duration of a previous or previous usage session.

[0141] Optionally, the last value of the running average can be multiplied by a factor or constant C and added to the duration of the last use process. In addition, the result of this calculation can be divided or normalized by the constant or factor C to provide a new or current value of the running average. The constant or factor C can be, for example, in the range of about 2 to several tens, for example, the constant or factor C can be about 9.

[0142] In mathematical expression, the current value CV of the running average can be calculated as CV = (LV*C + duration of current usage session)) / (C + 1), where C is a constant or factor, and LV is the last, previous or preceding value of the running average. The current value of the running average of the duration of the usage session can then be used as at least one threshold, or can be used to calculate at least one threshold.

[0143] In yet another alternative embodiment, the control circuit system may be configured to calculate at least one threshold value based on a plurality of values ​​of a plurality of running averages that calculate the amount of energy consumed during a usage process, the energy consumption of each usage process, and / or the duration of the usage process, wherein different running averages in the plurality of running averages may differ according to the number of usage processes and / or time periods considered for a particular running average for calculating the corresponding value.

[0144] For example, a first value of a first running average of the energy consumed by each use process and / or the duration of the use process may be calculated based on a first number of previous use processes, and a second value of a second running average of the energy consumed by each use process and / or the duration of the use process may be calculated based on a second number of previous use processes. The first number of previous use processes may be different from the second number of previous use processes. In particular, the first number of previous use processes may be less than the second number of previous use processes.

[0145] In a non-limiting example, the first number of previous usage processes may be about 2 to about 20 previous or past usage processes, and the second number of previous usage processes may be about 200 to about 20,000 usage processes. Thus, the first running average may only consider the last few usage processes, so that the corresponding value reflects the user's short-term behavior. On the other hand, the second running average may reflect the user's long-term behavior or habits.

[0146] In an instance, the control circuit system can be configured to calculate at least one threshold based on calculating the average energy of each usage process and / or the average duration of the usage process, and based on multiplying the second value Value_2 of the second running average by a constant or variable factor C and based on multiplying the first value Value_1 of the first running average by one minus the constant or variable factor C.

[0147] In mathematical expression, the threshold value T can be calculated as T=C*Value_2+(1-C)*Value_1, where C is a constant or variable factor, Value_1 is the first value of the first running average, and Value_2 is the second value of the second running average. The constant or variable factor C can be, for example, between 0.2 and 0.9, for example, 0.7.

[0148] Depending on whether the first and second values ​​correspond to average energy consumption or duration, the threshold value may also be given based on the mean or average threshold energy consumption or duration.Other parameters (eg relative energy reduction per usage process) may be used alternatively or additionally.

[0149] Optionally, the number of usage processes considered by the control circuitry for calculating the at least one threshold value may be user definable, for example based on providing one or more user inputs.

[0150] The control circuit system may be configured to determine the amount of energy used during a single use pause based on historical data indicating operation of the aerosol generating device in the pause mode, and adjust at least one threshold value based on the determined amount of energy. For example, one or more of a start time, a stop time, a duration, energy consumption, a decrease in the amount of energy stored in the energy storage device, a decrease in the capacity of the energy storage device, a temperature, a temperature profile, an indication of interruption of the use process by the pause mode, a pause mode during use, or the number of use pauses may be stored or recorded by the control circuit system for one or more past or previous use pauses or pause modes initiated by the user. The historical data may, for example, be stored at a data storage device of the aerosol generating device.

[0151] The control circuit system can also be configured to process and / or analyze one or more of the data elements of the historical data, and determine one or more thresholds for evaluating the storage condition of the energy storage device. For example, one or more thresholds related to the energy consumption of each use pause (or pause mode) and / or the capacity change of each use pause (or pause mode) can be determined by the control circuit system. Therefore, the consumption behavior of the user as reflected by the historical data can be used to dynamically adjust at least one threshold and / or adapt the number of use pauses allowed or permitted to the user for each fully charged energy storage device.

[0152] In an example, the control circuit system can be configured to determine or calculate at least one threshold value based on a predefined number of previous or past use pauses or pause modes. For example, many data elements of historical data corresponding to a predefined number of previous or past use pauses or pause modes can be processed and / or analyzed by the control circuit system to derive or calculate at least one threshold value for evaluating the storage condition of the energy storage device. In a non-limiting example, only the corresponding data element of the last use pause or historical data can be used to calculate at least one threshold value. Alternatively, two or more (e.g., between two and 20, preferably between two and 16) previous or past use pauses or historical data corresponding data elements can be used to calculate at least one threshold value. In the latter case, at least one threshold value can reflect the average or mean energy consumption or capacity reduction of each use pause energy storage device. Optionally, the number of use pauses considered by the control circuit system for calculating at least one threshold value can be user-definable, such as based on providing one or more user inputs.

[0153] Optionally, the control circuit system can be configured to derive or calculate a first threshold indicating energy consumption during one or more use processes and a second threshold indicating energy consumption during one or more use pauses based on historical data. Alternatively or additionally, the first and second thresholds of the duration of the use process or other parameters can be calculated.

[0154] In an example, at least one threshold value may indicate a threshold energy required to operate the aerosol generating device during at least one usage pause that interrupts the use process. A non-limiting and exemplary threshold value may be in the range of about 2 mAh to about 80 mAh, such as about 10 mAh to about 65 mAh. However, other values ​​may be used.

[0155] In an exemplary embodiment, at least one threshold value may be received from a computing device or a companion device that is communicatively coupled to the aerosol generating device. The companion device may also be referred to herein as a receiving device.

[0156] For example, the aerosol generating device may be connectable (e.g., operably and / or communicatively connected) to a matching or receiving device for supplying electrical energy to an energy storage device, wherein when the aerosol generating device is connected to the matching device, at least one threshold value may be received from the matching or receiving device.

[0157] 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.

[0158] 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 at least one threshold value or corresponding control signal from the accessory device to the aerosol generating device. Optionally, the communication connection between the aerosol generating device and the accessory device can be established when the aerosol generating device is operably coupled to the accessory device to charge the aerosol generating device, and vice versa.

[0159] In an example, the accessory device may include a user interface for receiving one or more user inputs, such as to define at least one threshold or allow information about at least one threshold to be derived (e.g., the number of usage processes and / or usage pauses for each fully charged energy storage device, the duration of usage processes and / or usage pauses), where the threshold or information can be transmitted to the aerosol generating device.

[0160] Alternatively or additionally, the companion device may be communicatively coupled to a computing device (e.g., a server, a server network, a computer, a tablet, a smart phone, or a mobile device), and at least one threshold value or corresponding control signal may be received by the companion device from the computing device and then transmitted to the aerosol generating device. Alternatively or additionally, historical data may be transmitted and / or exchanged between the aerosol generating device and the companion device, between the computing device and the aerosol generating device, and / or between the computing device and the companion device.

[0161] In an exemplary embodiment, at least one threshold value may indicate a time period or duration of a single use process. Alternatively or in addition, at least one threshold value may indicate a time period or duration of a single use pause. Thus, at least one threshold value may be time-based. Optionally, the storage condition of the energy storage device may also be time-based, for example, it may indicate the time at which the device may be operated to generate aerosol in one or more use processes and / or in one or more use pauses using a single fully charged energy storage device, after the energy storage device was last charged, each full charge of the energy storage device, and / or between two consecutive charging events. Based on evaluating the time-based storage condition against the threshold value during operation, at least one device function may be permitted or allowed to the user, for example, a specific number of use processes and / or use pauses as reflected by the threshold value, using a single fully charged energy storage device and / or before implementing recharging of the energy storage device. Alternatively or in addition, the time-based threshold value may be converted into an energy or capacity-based value or other quantity and compared with the storage condition or a quantity derived therefrom.

[0162] In another example, the at least one threshold value may indicate an average energy consumption per usage process.Alternatively or additionally, the at least one threshold value may indicate an average capacity reduction of the energy storage device per usage process.

[0163] Alternatively or additionally, at least one threshold value may indicate an average energy consumption per usage pause interrupting one or more usage processes.Alternatively or additionally, at least one threshold value may indicate an average capacity reduction of the energy storage device per usage pause or pause mode.

[0164] As described above, in an example, the control circuit system can be configured to calculate at least one threshold value based on historical data and store the calculated at least one threshold value in a data storage device of the aerosol generating device. Alternatively or in addition, the control circuit system can be configured to retrieve historical data from the data storage device of the aerosol generating device and / or from an external data source, the historical data indicating one or more of the following: the number of use sessions in which the aerosol generating device has been operated to generate aerosol, the number of use pauses in which the aerosol generating device has been operated in a pause mode that interrupts one or more use sessions, the duration of one or more use sessions, the duration of one or more use pauses that interrupt one or more use sessions, the energy consumption during one or more use sessions, the energy consumption during one or more use pauses, the total energy consumption, charging data related to the charging of the energy storage device in one or more charging cycles, the remaining energy in the energy storage device before recharging in one or more charging cycles, and the energy consumption per use session.

[0165] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the control circuit system may be configured to determine the health of the energy storage device based on historical data indicating the operation of the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol. Thus, the control circuit system may be configured to determine the storage condition based on processing the historical data. For example, the control circuit system may determine or calculate the health of the energy storage device based on one or more of the number of uses and / or pauses in use that the device has been operated, the total energy consumption, the operating time or the time of operation, the current maximum capacity, the relative capacity reduction relative to the initial maximum capacity, and / or other information stored in the historical data, as described above and in further detail below.

[0166] In an example, the control circuit system can be configured to calculate at least one threshold value based on data received from a computing device or a supporting device that is communicatively coupled to the aerosol generating device. For example, historical data or data related to one or more user inputs can be received from the computing device and / or the supporting or receiving device.

[0167] The control circuit system may be configured to calculate at least one threshold value based on historical data relating to one or more previous use sessions and / or one or more previous use pauses. Alternatively, the control circuit system may be configured to calculate an average or mean energy consumption of energy consumed during multiple use sessions and / or use pauses based on historical data indicating operation of the aerosol generating device during one or more use sessions and / or one or more use pauses. Alternatively or in addition, a mean or average duration of a use session or one or more other parameters may be calculated.

[0168] In an exemplary configuration, the aerosol generating device may include at least a portion of a heating element, a heating device or a heating circuit, which is coupled to the energy storage device and configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating article. Thus, at least a portion of the heating element, the heating device and / or the heating circuit may be integrated into the aerosol generating device.

[0169] For example, a resistive blade, a resonator, an actuator coil, a microwave generator or other type of heating element may be at least partially arranged and / or integrated in the aerosol generating device.

[0170] Alternatively or in addition, the aerosol generating device may be connectable to an aerosol generating article comprising a heating element, a heating device or at least a portion of a heating circuit, wherein the energy storage device may be configured to supply electrical energy to at least one heating element of the aerosol generating article to generate an aerosol.

[0171] For example, a resistive blade, resonator, exciter coil, microwave generator or other type of heating element may be at least partially arranged and / or integrated in the aerosol generating article and powered or supplied with electrical energy drawn from an energy storage device of the aerosol generating device.

[0172] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating system is provided, 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 an aerosol generating device and / or an aerosol generating article according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is equally applicable to the aerosol generating system, and vice versa.

[0173] 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.

[0174] 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.

[0175] A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to the use of an aerosol generating device and / or system as described above and below.

[0176] 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.

[0177] An aerosol generating device operated according to the method of the present disclosure includes an energy storage device configured to supply electrical energy to a control circuit system for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating article. The control circuit system may be operably coupled to the energy storage device. The energy storage device may 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 method comprises at least:

[0178] - determining, using the control circuit system, a storage condition of the energy storage device, the storage condition indicating an amount of electrical energy currently stored and / or storable in the energy storage device;

[0179] - evaluating the determined storage condition relative to at least one threshold value associated with heating of the aerosol-generating article; and

[0180] - enabling or disabling at least one device function associated with heating of the aerosol-generating article based on the evaluation.

[0181] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of operating an aerosol generating device, the method comprising at least:

[0182] - determining, using the control circuit system, 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;

[0183] - evaluating 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 for heating the aerosol generating article at or above a predetermined heating temperature for generating an aerosol and to perform at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device different from the primary heating function during at least one use; and

[0184] - enabling or disabling at least one of the main heating function and the at least one auxiliary device function based on the evaluation.

[0185] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of operating an aerosol generating device, the method comprising at least:

[0186] - determining, using the control circuitry, a storage condition, the storage condition comprising a health of the energy storage device indicative of an amount of electrical energy currently storable in the energy storage device;

[0187] - evaluating the determined storage condition relative to at least one threshold value associated with at least one device function of the aerosol generating device; and

[0188] - enabling or disabling at least one device functionality based on said evaluation.

[0189] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of operating an aerosol generating device, the method comprising at least:

[0190] - determining, using the control circuit system, 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;

[0191] - evaluating the determined storage condition relative to at least one threshold value associated with at least one device function of the aerosol generating device, wherein the at least one threshold value is adjustable; and

[0192] - enabling or disabling at least one device functionality based on said evaluation.

[0193] Any of the methods described with reference to one aspect or aspects of the present disclosure may be combined with one or more steps of one or more further methods according to one or more further aspects of the present disclosure.

[0194] 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.

[0195] 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.

[0196] In an example, 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.

[0197] In yet another example, evaluating the determined storage condition may include comparing the determined storage condition to at least one threshold or to each other. Optionally, at least one device function may be 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.

[0198] In an example, the method may further include enabling 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. Alternatively or in addition, the method may further include enabling the 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 complete the current use process and / or complete a predefined number of use processes based on heating the aerosol-generating article to generate an inhalable aerosol.

[0199] In another example, 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 in a pause mode that interrupts the use process during at least one pause in use.

[0200] Alternatively or additionally, the method may further comprise enabling at least one auxiliary device function when it is determined based on the evaluation that a current energy level of electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage device is sufficient to perform the at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device.

[0201] The method may also include enabling 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 predetermined heating temperature or above a predetermined heating temperature during at least one use process, and the at least one auxiliary device function is different from, outside and / or unrelated to the main heating function or heating the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol during the use process.

[0202] The method also includes enabling one or more auxiliary device functions, the one or more auxiliary device functions 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, 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 the device in a pause or suspend mode during use, operating a sensor of the aerosol generating device, activating or deactivating tactile control, and operating a biometric sensor of the aerosol generating device for user authentication.

[0203] The method may also include, 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 and at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device, a) enabling the main heating function of the aerosol generating device to generate aerosol during at least one use process, and b) enabling at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device that is different from, outside of and / or unrelated to the main heating function of the aerosol generating device.

[0204] Alternatively or in addition, when it is determined based on the assessment that the current energy level of the 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 main heating function and / or the auxiliary device function may be disabled or prevented from being activated by the user.

[0205] Optionally, the method may also include triggering recharging of the energy storage device based on an assessment of the determined storage condition relative to at least one threshold, for example when it is determined 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.

[0206] In an example, determining the storage condition may include determining a current energy level of electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage device relative to a current maximum capacity of the energy.Alternatively, an initial maximum capacity of the energy storage device may be determined by the control circuitry.

[0207] In an example, the method may further include determining whether the energy storage device has been charged to a predefined charging stage in a previous charging event.

[0208] In yet another example, determining the storage condition may include determining the age or health of the energy storage device.

[0209] The method may further include determining one or more of: a current maximum capacity of the energy storage device, the current maximum capacity of the energy storage device relative to an initial maximum capacity of the energy storage device, a number of use processes in which the aerosol generating device has been used to generate an aerosol, an operating time that the aerosol generating device has been operated to generate an aerosol, charging data relating to the charging of the energy storage device in one or more charging cycles, and a total energy consumption of the aerosol generating device.

[0210] Optionally, determining the storage condition may include determining a current maximum capacity of the energy storage device indicating a maximum amount of energy storable in the energy storage device, and determining a current energy level or amount of electrical energy currently stored in the energy storage device.

[0211] For example, the at least one threshold may include a first threshold of a current energy level or amount of energy available in the energy storage device and a second threshold of a current maximum capacity of the energy storage device indicating a maximum amount of energy currently storable in the energy storage device.

[0212] Optionally, the method may further comprise one or more of: comparing the determined current energy level with a first threshold, and comparing the determined current maximum capacity of the energy storage device with a second threshold.

[0213] In yet another example, the method may further include adjusting, modifying, changing, replacing and / or altering the at least one threshold.

[0214] For example, the at least one threshold may be adjusted based on historical data indicative of past usage of the aerosol generating device and / or indicative of consumption behavior of a user.

[0215] Alternatively or in addition, the method may also include calculating at least one threshold value, the amount of energy used during a single use, based on historical data indicating the operation of the aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol; and adjusting at least one threshold value based on the determined amount of energy used during a single use.

[0216] In an example, the method may further include determining a maximum number of usage processes available for the aerosol generating device using a fully charged energy storage device based on historical data indicating operation of the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol, and adjusting at least one threshold based on the determined maximum number of usage processes.

[0217] The method may further comprise indicating the determined maximum number of use sessions to a user based on a user interface controlling the aerosol generating device. For example, a number of LEDs corresponding to the number of use sessions or experiences available to the user in the current state of the energy storage device may be illuminated or controlled by the control circuit system.

[0218] The method may further comprise enabling or allowing use of the aerosol generating device for a subsequent use session independent of the number of previous use sessions the aerosol generating device has been used in since a previous charging session.

[0219] In an example, at least one threshold value may be adjusted and / or altered based on user input.

[0220] Alternatively or additionally, the method may further comprise calculating the at least one threshold value based on historical data collected during one or more past usages.

[0221] Alternatively or additionally, the method may further comprise determining an amount of energy used during a single usage pause based on historical data indicative of operation of the aerosol generating device in the pause mode, and adjusting the at least one threshold based on the determined amount of energy.

[0222] The method may further comprise determining the health, age and / or storage condition of the energy storage device based on historical data indicating operation of the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol during one or more usage sessions and / or during one or more usage pauses or pause modes.

[0223] Optionally, the method may further comprise calculating at least one threshold value based on data received from a computing device or a receiving device communicatively coupled to the aerosol generating device.

[0224] For example, at least one threshold value may be calculated based on historical data relating to one or more previous usage sessions.Alternatively or additionally, an average energy consumption of energy consumed during a plurality of usage sessions may be calculated based on historical data indicating operation of the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol and optionally used as a threshold value.

[0225] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a computer program which, when executed by an aerosol generating device or an aerosol generating system, instructs the aerosol generating device or the system to implement the steps of one or more methods according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure as described above and below.

[0226] 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 one or more methods according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure as described above and below.

[0227] 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.

[0228] 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.

[0229] Example 1a: An aerosol generating device comprising:

[0230] control circuitry and an energy storage device configured to supply electrical energy to the control circuitry for use in generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating article;

[0231] Wherein the control circuit system is configured to:

[0232] determining a storage condition of the energy storage device, the storage condition indicating an amount of electrical energy currently stored and / or storable in the energy storage device;

[0233] evaluating the determined storage condition relative to at least one threshold associated with at least one device function of the aerosol-generating device, for example associated with heating of the aerosol-generating article; and

[0234] At least one device function is enabled or disabled based on the evaluation.

[0235] Example 1b: An aerosol generating device comprising:

[0236] control circuitry and an energy storage device configured to supply electrical energy to the control circuitry for use in generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating article;

[0237] Wherein the control circuit system is configured to:

[0238] 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;

[0239] evaluating the determined storage condition relative to at least one threshold value, wherein the at least one threshold value is related to a threshold amount of energy required to perform a primary heating function of the aerosol generating device for heating the aerosol generating article at or above a predetermined heating temperature for generating an aerosol and to perform at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device different from the primary heating function during at least one use; and

[0240] At least one of the primary heating function and the at least one auxiliary device function is enabled or disabled based on the evaluation.

[0241] Example 1c: An aerosol generating device comprising:

[0242] control circuitry and an energy storage device configured to supply electrical energy to the control circuitry for use in generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating article;

[0243] Wherein the control circuit system is configured to:

[0244] determining a storage condition, the storage condition comprising a health of the energy storage device indicative of an amount of electrical energy currently storable in the energy storage device;

[0245] evaluating the determined storage condition relative to at least one threshold value associated with at least one device function of the aerosol generating device; and

[0246] At least one device function is enabled or disabled based on the evaluation.

[0247] Example 1d: An aerosol generating device comprising:

[0248] control circuitry and an energy storage device configured to supply electrical energy to the control circuitry for use in generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating device;

[0249] Wherein the control circuit system is configured to:

[0250] 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;

[0251] evaluating the determined storage condition relative to at least one threshold associated with at least one device function of the aerosol generating device, wherein the at least one threshold is adjustable; and enabling or disabling at least one device function based on the evaluation.

[0252] Example 1e: An aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding examples, 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.

[0253] Example 1f: 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.

[0254] Example 1g: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the control circuit system is operably coupled to the energy storage device.

[0255] Example 2: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the determined storage condition comprises 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.

[0256] Example 3: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein evaluating the determined storage condition comprises comparing the determined storage condition to the at least one threshold value, preferably wherein the determined storage condition is represented as a value.

[0257] Example 4: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, 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 for generating an aerosol.

[0258] Example 5: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, 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.

[0259] Example 6: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, 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.

[0260] Example 7: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, 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.

[0261] Example 8: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the at least one threshold value indicates the threshold energy required to complete a current use process of generating an inhalable aerosol based on heating the aerosol generating article to a temperature at or above a predetermined heating temperature for generating an aerosol; and / or wherein the at least one threshold value indicates the threshold energy required to complete a predefined number of use processes of generating an inhalable aerosol based on heating the aerosol generating article to a temperature at or above a predetermined heating temperature for generating an aerosol.

[0262] Example 9: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, 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 complete the current use process and / or complete a predefined number of use processes for generating an inhalable aerosol based on heating the aerosol generating article to a temperature at or above a predetermined heating temperature for generating an aerosol.

[0263] Example 10: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the at least one threshold value is indicative of a threshold energy required to operate the aerosol generating device in a pause mode interrupting a use session during at least one pause in use.

[0264] Example 11: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, 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 in a pause mode that interrupts the use process during at least one pause in use.

[0265] Example 12: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the at least one threshold value is indicative of a threshold energy required to perform at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device.

[0266] Example 13: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the control circuit system is configured to enable at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device 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 at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device.

[0267] Example 14: An aerosol generating device according to Example 13, wherein the auxiliary device function is unrelated to or different from heating the aerosol generating device during use 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; and / or

[0268] The auxiliary device function is associated with a pause mode that interrupts the use process.

[0269] Example 15: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the at least one device function comprises 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.

[0270] Example 16: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 12 to 15, wherein the auxiliary device functions include one or more of the following:

[0271] operating the aerosol generating device with reduced energy consumption relative to operation to generate an aerosol during a use process;

[0272] 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;

[0273] 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;

[0274] 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 for a predefined period of time;

[0275] activating or deactivating a tactile control of the aerosol generating device;

[0276] a user interface for operating the aerosol generating device;

[0277] operating a communication circuit system of the aerosol generating device, the communication circuit system being used to communicatively couple the aerosol generating device to a computing device or a receiving device;

[0278] a sensor to operate the aerosol generating device; and

[0279] A biometric sensor of the aerosol generating device is operated for user authentication.

[0280] Example 17: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the at least one threshold value 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.

[0281] Example 18: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the at least one threshold value is related to 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) in a pause mode for interrupting the at least one use process during a pause in use.

[0282] Example 19: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the control circuit system is configured to, 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 and at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device, a) enable the main heating function of the aerosol generating device to generate 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 main heating function of the aerosol generating device.

[0283] Example 20: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the control circuit system is configured to trigger or request recharging of the energy storage device based on an evaluation of the determined storage condition relative to the at least one threshold value.

[0284] Example 21: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the at least one threshold value indicates a fraction of the current maximum capacity of the energy storage device, in particular from about 70% to about 100% of the current maximum capacity, preferably at least about 90% of the current maximum capacity.

[0285] Example 22: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein determining the storage condition comprises determining a current energy level of electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage device relative to a current maximum capacity of the energy.

[0286] Example 23: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the control circuit system is configured to determine a current maximum capacity of the energy storage device.

[0287] Example 24: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the at least one threshold value is indicative of a fraction of an initial maximum capacity of the energy storage device, in particular between about 35% and about 75% of the initial maximum capacity.

[0288] Example 25: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the control circuit system is configured to determine an initial maximum capacity of the energy storage device.

[0289] Example 26: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the at least one threshold value is indicative of a predefined charging phase, in particular a constant voltage phase of a charging voltage of about 3.65 V, that the energy storage device has reached in a previous charging event.

[0290] Example 27: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the control circuitry is configured to determine whether the energy storage device has been charged to a predefined charging stage in a previous charging event.

[0291] Example 28: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein determining the storage condition comprises determining a health condition of the energy storage device; and / or

[0292] Wherein the control circuitry is configured to determine a health of the energy storage device.

[0293] Example 29: An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding examples,

[0294] The at least one threshold value is indicative of a threshold health status and / or a threshold age of the energy storage device.

[0295] Example 30: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein determining the storage condition comprises determining the age of the energy storage device.

[0296] Example 31: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the control circuit system is configured to determine the health status of the energy storage device based on determining one or more of: a current maximum capacity of the energy storage device, the current maximum capacity of the energy storage device relative to an initial maximum capacity of the energy storage device, the number of uses in which the aerosol generating device has been used to generate aerosols, the operating time that the aerosol generating device has been operated to generate aerosols, charging data related to charging of the energy storage device in one or more charging cycles, and the total energy consumption of the aerosol generating device.

[0297] Example 32: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the control circuit system is configured to determine one or more of: a current maximum capacity of the energy storage device, an initial maximum capacity of the energy storage device, the current maximum capacity of the energy storage device relative to the initial maximum capacity of the energy storage device, the number of use processes in which the aerosol generating device has been used to generate aerosol, the operating time that the aerosol generating device has been operated to generate aerosol, charging data related to charging of the energy storage device in one or more charging cycles, and the total energy consumption of the aerosol generating device.

[0298] Example 33: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein determining the storage condition comprises determining a current maximum capacity of the energy storage device indicating a maximum amount of energy that can be stored in the energy storage device, and determining a current energy level or amount of electrical energy currently stored in the energy storage device.

[0299] Example 34: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the at least one threshold value comprises a first threshold value of a current energy level or amount of energy available in the energy storage device, and a second threshold value of a current maximum capacity of the energy storage device indicating a maximum amount of energy currently storable in the energy storage device; and

[0300] Wherein the control circuitry is configured to compare the determined present energy level with the first threshold and to compare the determined present maximum capacity of the energy storage device with the second threshold.

[0301] Example 35: An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the at least one threshold value is adjustable; and / or

[0302] Wherein the control circuitry is configured to adjust the at least one threshold.

[0303] Example 36: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the control circuit system is configured to adjust the at least one threshold based on historical data indicative of past use of the aerosol generating device and / or indicative of consumption behavior of a user.

[0304] Example 37: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the control circuit system is configured to calculate the amount of energy used during one or more uses, such as during a single use, based on historical data indicating the operation of the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol, and adjust the at least one threshold value based on the determined amount of energy used during the one or more uses, such as during the single use.

[0305] Example 38: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, 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; and / or

[0306] The at least one threshold is less than about 95 mAh, preferably between about 60 mAh and 85 mAh.

[0307] Example 39: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the control circuit system is configured to determine a maximum number of usage processes available for the aerosol generating device using a fully charged energy storage device based on historical data indicating the operation of the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol, and to adjust at least one threshold based on the determined maximum number of usage processes.

[0308] Example 40 An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the control circuit system is configured to indicate the determined maximum number of usage sessions to the user based on a user interface controlling the aerosol generating device.

[0309] Example 41 An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the control circuit system is configured to enable or allow use of the aerosol generating device for a subsequent use session independent of the number of previous use sessions the aerosol generating device has been used for since a previous charging session.

[0310] Example 42: An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the at least one threshold is adjustable based on user input; and / or

[0311] Wherein the control circuitry is configured to alter or modify the at least one threshold value based on user input.

[0312] Example 43: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the at least one threshold is adjustable based on user input indicating the number of uses per charging cycle of the energy storage device and / or indicating the duration of one or more uses, such as a single use.

[0313] Example 44: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the control circuit system is configured to calculate the at least one threshold value based on historical data collected during one or more past uses.

[0314] Example 45: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the control circuit system is configured to calculate the at least one threshold value based on a current value of a running average of the energy consumption of each usage process and / or the duration of the usage process or based on calculating the current value (for example, based on processing the corresponding data elements of the historical data).

[0315] Example 46: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the control circuit system is configured to calculate a current value of a running average of the energy consumption of each usage process and / or the duration of the usage process based on a previous or preceding value of a running average of the energy consumption of each usage process and / or the duration of the usage process, such as stored in a data storage device or RAM of the aerosol generating device.

[0316] Example 47: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the control circuit system is configured to calculate the at least one threshold value based on multiple values ​​of a running average of the amount of energy consumed during a use process, the energy consumption of each use process and / or the duration of a use process, wherein different running averages differ depending on the number of use processes considered for a particular running average.

[0317] Example 48: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the control circuit system is configured to calculate the at least one threshold value based on: a first value of a first running average of energy consumed per usage process and / or duration of a usage process calculated based on a first number of previous usage processes, and a second value of a second running average of energy consumed per usage process and / or duration of a usage process calculated based on a second number of previous usage processes, wherein the first number of previous usage processes is different from the second number of previous usage processes. In particular, the first number of previous usage processes may be less than the second number of previous usage processes.

[0318] Example 49: An aerosol generating device according to Example 48, wherein the first number of previous usage sessions is less than the second number of previous usage sessions.

[0319] Example 50: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the control circuit system is configured to determine the amount of energy used during a single use pause based on historical data indicating operation of the aerosol generating device in a pause mode, and to adjust the at least one threshold based on the determined amount of energy.

[0320] Example 51: An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the at least one threshold value indicates a threshold energy required to operate the aerosol generating device during at least one usage pause that interrupts the usage process; and / or

[0321] Wherein the at least one threshold is in the range of about 2 mAh to about 65 mAh.

[0322] Example 52: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the at least one threshold value is received from a computing device or a receiving device communicatively coupled to the aerosol generating device.

[0323] Example 53: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the at least one threshold value is indicative of a time period or duration of a single usage session.

[0324] Example 54: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the at least one threshold value indicates a time period or duration of a single usage pause.

[0325] Example 55: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the at least one threshold value is indicative of an average energy consumption per usage session.

[0326] Example 56: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the at least one threshold value is indicative of an average energy consumption per usage pause that interrupts a usage session.

[0327] Example 57: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the control circuit system is configured to calculate the at least one threshold value based on historical data and store the calculated at least one threshold value in a data storage device of the aerosol generating device.

[0328] Example 58: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the control circuit system is configured to retrieve historical data from a data storage device of the aerosol generating device and / or from an external data source, the historical data indicating one or more of the following: the number of use processes in which the aerosol generating device has been operated to generate an aerosol, the number of use pauses in which the aerosol generating device has been operated in a pause mode that interrupts one or more use processes, the duration of one or more use processes, the duration of one or more use pauses that interrupt one or more use processes, the energy consumption during one or more use processes, the energy consumption during one or more use pauses, the total energy consumption, charging data related to the charging of the energy storage device in one or more charging cycles, the remaining energy in the energy storage device before recharging in one or more charging cycles, and the energy consumption for each use process.

[0329] Example 59: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the control circuit system is configured to determine the health of the energy storage device based on historical data indicative of operation of the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol.

[0330] Example 60: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the control circuit system is configured to calculate the at least one threshold value based on data received from a computing device or a receiving device communicatively coupled to the aerosol generating device.

[0331] Example 61 An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the control circuitry is configured to calculate the at least one threshold value based on historical data relating to one or more previous usage sessions.

[0332] Example 62: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the control circuitry is configured to calculate an average energy consumption of energy consumed during a plurality of usage sessions based on historical data indicative of operation of the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol.

[0333] Example 63: An aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding examples, further comprising a heating element coupled to the energy storage device and configured to heat the aerosol-generating article.

[0334] Example 64: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol generating device can be connected to an aerosol generating article comprising at least one heating element; and wherein the energy storage device is configured to supply electrical energy to the at least one heating element of the aerosol generating article to generate an aerosol.

[0335] Example 64a: An aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol comprises nicotine.

[0336] Example 65: An aerosol generating system comprising:

[0337] An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, and

[0338] An aerosol-generating article is coupleable to or coupled to the aerosol-generating device to generate an aerosol from at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article, optionally based on heating at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article.

[0339] Example 65a: An aerosol-generating system according to Example 65, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises an aerosol-generating substrate comprising nicotine.

[0340] Example 66: Use of an aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1a to 64a or an aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 65 and 65a for generating an aerosol.

[0341] Example 67a: A method of operating an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device comprising an 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:

[0342] determining, using the control circuitry, a storage condition of the energy storage device, the storage condition indicating an amount of electrical energy currently stored and / or storable in the energy storage device;

[0343] evaluating the determined storage condition relative to at least one threshold value associated with at least one device function of the aerosol-generating device, in particular associated with heating of the aerosol-generating article; and

[0344] At least one device function, for example a main heating function and / or at least one auxiliary device function, is enabled or disabled based on the evaluation.

[0345] Example 67b: A method of operating an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device comprising an energy storage device configured to supply electrical energy to a control circuit system for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating article, the method comprising:

[0346] determining, with the control circuitry, 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;

[0347] evaluating the determined storage condition relative to at least one threshold value, wherein the at least one threshold value is related to a threshold amount of energy required to perform a primary heating function of the aerosol generating device for heating the aerosol generating article at or above a predetermined heating temperature for generating an aerosol and to perform at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device different from the primary heating function during at least one use; and

[0348] At least one of the primary heating function and the at least one auxiliary device function is enabled or disabled based on the evaluation.

[0349] Example 67c: A method of operating an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device comprising an energy storage device configured to supply electrical energy to a control circuit system for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating article, the method comprising:

[0350] determining, with the control circuitry, a storage condition comprising a health of the energy storage device indicative of an amount of electrical energy currently storable in the energy storage device;

[0351] evaluating the determined storage condition relative to at least one threshold value associated with at least one device function of the aerosol generating device; and

[0352] At least one device function is enabled or disabled based on the evaluation.

[0353] Example 67d: A method of operating an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device comprising an energy storage device configured to supply electrical energy to a control circuit system for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating article, the method comprising:

[0354] determining, with the control circuitry, 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;

[0355] evaluating the determined storage condition relative to at least one threshold value associated with at least one device function of the aerosol generating device, wherein the at least one threshold value is adjustable; and

[0356] At least one device function is enabled or disabled based on the evaluation.

[0357] Example 67e: The method of any of Examples 67a to 67d, 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.

[0358] Example 67f: The method of any of Examples 67a to 67e, wherein the control circuit system is operably coupled to the energy storage device.

[0359] Example 67e: The method of any of Examples 67a to 67d, 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.

[0360] Example 67f: The method of any of Examples 67a to 67e, 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.

[0361] Example 67g: The method of any of Examples 67a-67f, wherein the control circuit system is operably coupled to the energy storage device.

[0362] Example 68: A method according to any one of Examples 67a to 67g, 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.

[0363] Example 69: The method of any one of Examples 67a to 68, wherein evaluating the determined storage condition comprises comparing the determined storage condition to the at least one threshold.

[0364] Example 70: A method according to any of Examples 67a to 69, 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.

[0365] Example 71: The method of any one of Examples 67a to 70 further 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 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.

[0366] Example 72: The method according to any one of Examples 67a to 71 also 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 complete the current use process and / or complete a predefined number of use processes based on heating the aerosol generating article to a temperature at or above a predetermined heating temperature to generate an inhalable aerosol.

[0367] Example 73: The method of any one of Examples 67a to 72 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 in a pause mode that interrupts the use process during at least one pause in use.

[0368] Example 74: The method according to any one of Examples 67a to 73 further includes enabling at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device 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 at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device.

[0369] Example 75: The method according to any one of Examples 67a to 74 further includes enabling 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, the main heating function being used to generate an aerosol during at least one use process, and the at least one auxiliary device function being different from the main heating function and / or different from heating the aerosol generating device during the use process to generate an aerosol based on heating the aerosol generating article to a temperature at or above a predetermined heating temperature.

[0370] Example 76: The method of any of Examples 67a to 75, further comprising enabling one or more auxiliary device functions, the one or more auxiliary device functions comprising one or more of the following:

[0371] operating the aerosol generating device with reduced energy consumption relative to operation to generate an aerosol during a use process;

[0372] 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;

[0373] 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;

[0374] 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 for a predefined period of time;

[0375] a user interface for operating the aerosol generating device;

[0376] operating a communication circuit system of the aerosol generating device, the communication circuit system being used to communicatively couple the aerosol generating device to a computing device or a receiving device;

[0377] a sensor to operate the aerosol generating device; and

[0378] A biometric sensor of the aerosol generating device is operated for user authentication.

[0379] Example 77: The method according to any one of Examples 67a to 76 further includes, 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 and at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device, a) enabling the main heating function of the aerosol generating device to generate aerosol during at least one use process, and b) enabling at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device that is different from the main heating function of the aerosol generating device.

[0380] Example 78: The method of any of Examples 67a to 77, further comprising triggering recharging of the energy storage device based on an evaluation of the determined storage condition relative to the at least one threshold.

[0381] Example 79: A method according to any one of Examples 67a to 78, wherein determining the storage condition includes determining a current energy level of electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage device relative to a current maximum capacity of the energy.

[0382] Example 80: The method of any one of Examples 67a to 79, further comprising determining an initial maximum capacity of the energy storage device.

[0383] Example 81: The method of any of Examples 67a to 80, further comprising determining whether the energy storage device has been charged to a predefined charging stage in a previous charging event.

[0384] Example 82: A method according to any of Examples 67a to 81, wherein determining the storage condition includes determining the age of the energy storage device.

[0385] Example 83: The method according to any one of Examples 67a to 82 also includes determining one or more of the following: a current maximum capacity of the energy storage device, the current maximum capacity of the energy storage device relative to the initial maximum capacity of the energy storage device, the number of use processes in which the aerosol generating device has been used to generate aerosol, the operating time that the aerosol generating device has been operated to generate aerosol, charging data related to charging of the energy storage device in one or more charging cycles, and the total energy consumption of the aerosol generating device.

[0386] Example 84: A method according to any one of Examples 67a to 83, wherein determining the storage condition includes determining a current maximum capacity of the energy storage device indicating a maximum amount of energy that can be stored in the energy storage device, and determining a current energy level or amount of electrical energy currently stored in the energy storage device.

[0387] Example 85: The method of any of Examples 67a to 84, wherein the at least one threshold comprises a first threshold of a current energy level or amount of energy available in the energy storage device, and a second threshold of a current maximum capacity of the energy storage device indicating a maximum amount of energy currently storable in the energy storage device; and wherein the method further comprises:

[0388] comparing the determined current energy level with the first threshold, and

[0389] The determined current maximum capacity of the energy storage device is compared to the second threshold.

[0390] Example 86: The method according to any one of Examples 67a to 85 also includes adjusting the at least one threshold.

[0391] Example 87: The method of any one of Examples 67a to 86 further comprises adjusting the at least one threshold based on historical data indicating past usage of the aerosol generating device and / or indicating consumption behavior of a user.

[0392] Example 88: The method according to any one of Examples 67a to 87 also includes calculating the at least one threshold value based on historical data indicating the operation of the aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol, the amount of energy used in one or more usage processes, preferably a single usage process; and adjusting the at least one threshold value based on the determined energy used in the one or more usage processes, preferably the single usage process.

[0393] Example 89: The method according to any one of Examples 67a to 88 also includes determining a maximum number of usage processes available for the aerosol generating device using a fully charged energy storage device based on historical data indicating the operation of the aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol, and adjusting the at least one threshold based on the determined maximum number of usage processes.

[0394] Example 90: The method according to any one of Examples 67a to 89, further comprising indicating the determined maximum number of usage processes to the user based on a user interface controlling the aerosol generating device.

[0395] Example 91: The method of any one of Examples 67a to 90, further comprising enabling or allowing use of the aerosol generating device for a subsequent use session independent of the number of previous use sessions the aerosol generating device has been used for since a previous charging session.

[0396] Example 92: A method according to any of Examples 67a to 91, wherein the at least one threshold is adjusted based on user input.

[0397] Example 93: The method according to any one of Examples 67a to 92 also includes calculating the at least one threshold based on historical data collected during one or more past usage processes.

[0398] Example 94: The method of any one of Examples 67a to 93 further includes determining the amount of energy used during one or more usage pauses, preferably during a single usage pause, based on historical data indicating operation of the aerosol generating device in a pause mode, and adjusting the at least one threshold based on the determined amount of energy.

[0399] Example 95: The method of any one of Examples 67a to 94, further comprising receiving the at least one threshold value from a computing device or a receiving device communicatively coupled to the aerosol generating device.

[0400] Example 96: The method according to any one of Examples 67a to 95 further includes calculating the at least one threshold value based on historical data, and storing the calculated at least one threshold value in a data storage device of the aerosol generating device.

[0401] Example 97: The method according to any one of Examples 67a to 96 also includes processing historical data indicating one or more of the following: the number of use processes in which the aerosol generating device has been operated to generate aerosol, the number of use pauses in which the aerosol generating device has been operated in a pause mode that interrupts one or more use processes, the duration of one or more use processes, the duration of one or more use pauses that interrupt one or more use processes, energy consumption during one or more use processes, energy consumption during one or more use pauses, total energy consumption, charging data related to charging of the energy storage device in one or more charging cycles, the remaining energy in the energy storage device before recharging in one or more charging cycles, and the energy consumption for each use process.

[0402] Example 98: The method of any one of Examples 67a to 97, further comprising determining a health status of the energy storage device based on historical data indicative of operation of the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol.

[0403] Example 99: The method of any one of Examples 67a to 98 further comprises calculating the at least one threshold value based on data received from a computing device or a receiving device communicatively coupled to the aerosol generating device.

[0404] Example 100: The method according to any one of Examples 67a to 99 also includes calculating the at least one threshold based on historical data related to one or more previous usage processes.

[0405] Example 101: The method according to any of Examples 67a to 100, further comprising calculating an average energy consumption of energy consumed during a plurality of usage sessions based on historical data indicative of operation of the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol.

[0406] Example 101a: The method of any one of Examples 67a to 101, wherein the aerosol comprises nicotine.

[0407] Example 101b: The method of any one of Examples 67a to 110a, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises an aerosol-generating substrate comprising nicotine.

[0408] Example 102: 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 67a to 101b.

[0409] Example 103: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a computer program according to Example 102.

[0410] Examples will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0411] Figure 1 An aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating system are shown;

[0412] Figure 2 An exemplary charging curve for an energy storage device of an aerosol generating device is shown;

[0413] Figure 3 illustrating aging of an energy storage device of an aerosol generating device; and

[0414] Figure 4 One or more methods of operating one or more aerosol generating devices are presented.

[0415] 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.

[0416] 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.

[0417] 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).

[0418] Figure 1The 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 in addition, 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.

[0419] Additionally, 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.

[0420] 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.

[0421] 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. The control circuit system 110 may include a microcontroller including a processor, memory, and input / output devices.

[0422] Further optionally, the aerosol generating device 100 and / or the control circuit system 110 include a data storage device 114 for storing data, such as a storage condition of the energy storage device, one or more thresholds associated with at least one device function, and / or historical data indicating one or more past usage processes and / or usage pauses, as described in more detail above and below.

[0423] Alternatively or in addition, software instructions may be stored in the data storage device 114 which, when executed by the control circuit system 112, instruct the aerosol generating device 100 to perform one or more functions of the device 100, as described above and below. The aerosol generating device 100 optionally includes 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 is Figure 1 Any other type of user interface 120 , such as an acoustic interface, a tactile interface, a touch interface, a display, an arrangement of one or more LEDs, etc., may optionally be included in the aerosol generating device 100 as an alternative or in addition.

[0424] 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.

[0425] 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.

[0426] The aerosol generating device 100 may optionally be coupled to a companion device 300, e.g. at least partially inserted into the companion device, for charging the energy storage device 102 and / or for storing the aerosol generating device 100. Charging may, e.g., be based on inductive charging or via an electrical connection.

[0427] 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 .

[0428] Furthermore, the device control circuitry 110 may be configured to determine a storage condition of the energy storage device indicative of at least one of an amount of electrical energy currently stored and an amount of electrical energy currently storable in the energy storage device 102. Furthermore, the control circuitry 110 may be configured to evaluate the determined storage condition relative to at least one threshold value associated with at least one device function of the aerosol generating device 110, such as associated with heating of an aerosol generating article. Furthermore, the control circuitry 110 may be configured to enable or disable at least one device function of the aerosol generating device 100 based on the evaluation.

[0429] 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 to perform at least one auxiliary device function other than the primary heating function of the aerosol generating device 100 during at least one use. The control circuit system 11 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.

[0430] 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.

[0431] Alternatively or additionally, the control circuit system 110 may be configured to determine a storage condition of the energy storage device indicative of at least one of an amount of electrical energy currently stored and an amount of electrical energy currently storable in the energy storage device 102, evaluating 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 the at least one threshold value is adjustable. Furthermore, the control circuit system 100 may be configured to enable or disable at least one device function of the aerosol generating device 100 based on the evaluation.

[0432] 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. For example, the control circuit system 110 may compare the determined storage condition with a threshold value.

[0433] 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.

[0434] 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.

[0435] 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.

[0436] 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. 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 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.

[0437] 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 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, wherein 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 a biometric sensor of the aerosol generating device for user authentication.

[0438] In an example, at least one threshold value is 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 process and b) a threshold energy required 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.

[0439] Optionally, control circuitry 110 may be configured to trigger or request recharging of energy storage device 102 based on an evaluation of the determined storage condition relative to at least one threshold value.

[0440] Additionally, control circuitry 110 may be configured to determine a health condition of energy storage device 102. Optionally, at least one threshold value may indicate a threshold health condition and / or a threshold age of energy storage device 102.

[0441] 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.

[0442] 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 .

[0443] Optionally, the control circuitry 110 may be configured to adjust the at least one threshold, for example based on one or more user inputs and / or based on historical data indicative of past usage of the aerosol generating device and / or indicative of consumption behavior of the user.

[0444] The control circuit system 110 may be configured to calculate the amount of energy used during a single use based on historical data indicating the operation of the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol, and adjust at least one threshold value based on the determined amount of energy used during a single use. For example, the 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 an aerosol generating article, and wherein the at least one threshold value may be less than about 95 mAh, preferably between about 60 mAh and 85 mAh.

[0445] The control circuit system 110 may also be configured to determine a maximum number of usage sessions available for the aerosol generating device using a fully charged energy storage device 102 based on historical data indicating operation of the aerosol generating device 100 to generate aerosol, and adjust at least one threshold based on the determined maximum number of usage sessions.

[0446] Optionally, the control circuitry 110 may be configured to actuate the user interface 120 to indicate the determined maximum number of use sessions to the user.

[0447] Alternatively or in addition, the control circuit system 110 may be configured to determine the amount of energy used during a single use pause based on historical data indicating operation of the aerosol generating device 100 in the pause mode, and adjust the at least one threshold value based on the determined amount of energy. For example, the at least one threshold value may indicate a threshold energy required to operate the aerosol generating device 100 during at least one use pause that interrupts the use process, and wherein the at least one threshold value may be in the range of about 2 mAh to about 65 mAh.

[0448] Continue to refer Figure 1 and follow-up Figure 2 and 3 , summarizes illustrative exemplary features of an exemplary aerosol generating device 100 according to the present disclosure, which may be implemented alone or in combination with any of the functionality of the aerosol generating device 100 described above. Figure 2 shows an exemplary charging curve of the energy storage device 102 of the aerosol generating device 100, and Figure 3 The aging of the energy storage device 102 of the aerosol generating device 100 is shown.

[0449] The aerosol generating device 100 includes an energy storage device 102 and a control circuit system 110, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 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 actuating the user interface 120, in which the main 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.

[0450] 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.

[0451] 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 herein. 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 the experience or use 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 defined or included in at least one threshold value of the storage condition assessment of the energy storage device 102.

[0452] 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 .

[0453] In particular, the capacity value of the energy storage device 102 or the amount of electrical 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 the amount of electrical energy currently stored in the energy storage device 102 should be at least 90%, 95%, and 100% of the current maximum capacity.

[0454] Alternatively or additionally, the pause mode may be enabled when it is determined that energy storage device 102 is fully charged.

[0455] In another embodiment, control circuitry 110 may determine whether a particular state of charge has been achieved in a previous charging cycle. Figure 2 An exemplary charging curve of the energy storage device 102 of the aerosol generating device 100 is shown, wherein the charging voltage 150 and charging current 152 curves are shown in arbitrary units versus charging time in arbitrary units.

[0456] In a non-limiting example, at least one threshold value may indicate a predefined charging stage that the energy storage device has reached in a previous charging event, in particular by Figure 2 The constant voltage stage is shown as 155 in the figure. The constant voltage stage can be at a charging voltage of 3.65V. Alternatively or in addition, the control circuit system 110 can consider one or more characteristics related to the charging current and charging time to evaluate the storage condition and / or enable or disable the pause mode.

[0457] Alternatively or additionally, control circuitry 110 may be configured to determine a storage condition including a health condition or indicative of an age of energy storage device 102. In general, energy storage device 102 may age over time, and the current storage capacity or the amount of energy currently storable in energy storage device 102 may decrease over time.

[0458] Figure 3 The aging of the energy storage device 102 of the aerosol generating device 100 is shown. Figure 3 The fully filled energy storage device 102 on the far left of FIG. 1 may indicate the initial capacity or storage capacity of the energy storage device 102. As time increases, the energy storage device 102 Figure 3 The sequential diagram from left to right in FIG. 1 shows that the current storage capacity of energy storage device 102 decreases. This may mean that energy storage device 102 loses a portion of its ability to store energy over time and / or each fully charged energy storage device may store less and less energy.

[0459] The control circuit system 110 can be configured to determine the health or age of the energy storage device 102 based on determining one or more of the following: the number of experiences, the total energy consumption, the usage time and the current maximum capacity, the current maximum capacity of the energy storage device, the current maximum capacity of the energy storage device relative to the initial maximum capacity of the energy storage device, the number of use processes that the aerosol generating device has been used to generate an aerosol, the operating time that the aerosol generating device has been operated to generate an aerosol, charging data related to the charging of the energy storage device in one or more charging cycles, and the total energy consumption of the aerosol generating device.

[0460] Upon reaching and / or exceeding one or more corresponding thresholds of one or more of the aforementioned quantities, the pause mode and / or the primary heating function may be disabled or prevented.

[0461] The current maximum capacity may be greater than at least 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, and 70% of the initial capacity of the energy storage device 102. If the current maximum capacity drops below, for example, 50%, 55%, and 60% of the initial capacity, the pause mode and / or primary heating function may not be allowed or enabled.

[0462] For example, the initial capacity of the energy storage device 102 may be about 300 mAh. The current maximum capacity will be equal to the initial capacity. After repeated cycles (charging and discharging), the energy storage device 102 may age and the maximum capacity may decrease, such as Figure 3 As shown in . The capacity value may refer to the available capacity in the energy storage device 102 .

[0463] The determination of the availability of the pause mode can be determined or checked, for example, at the end of each charging event or when the user removes the device 100 from the companion device 300, at the beginning of the experience, and during the experience or use process.

[0464] When determining that the pause mode can be activated or enabled, the control circuit system 110 can actuate the user interface 120, such as to indicate or notify the user about the availability of the pause mode. For example, an LED can indicate the availability or unavailability of the pause mode. Alternatively or in addition, the availability of the pause mode can be indicated based on a color change of one or more LEDs or elements of the user interface 120.

[0465] Alternatively, availability may be displayed in response to user input, such as in response to pressing a button or actuating the user interface 120 .

[0466] The capacity of the energy storage device 102 can be determined or checked at the end of a charging event or when the user removes the device 100 from the companion device 300.

[0467] The control circuit system 110 may optionally simulate the fuel gauge of the aerosol generating device 100 and / or request the fuel gauge or charging circuit of the device 100 to check the capacity of the energy storage device 102 or the energy stored in the energy storage device 102, and the current maximum capacity or storage capacity of the energy that can be stored in the energy storage device 102. The control circuit system 110 can compare the results from the fuel gauge to determine whether the pause mode should be allowed. When the user attempts to activate the pause mode (or when the user removes the device 100 from the companion device 300), the control circuit system 110 can indicate or operate an indicator to notify whether the pause mode is allowed or enabled.

[0468] The indicator may be, for example, a visual indicator (eg, LED light), an audio indicator, a vibration or haptic indicator, a tactile indicator or a combination thereof. In particular, a pause symbol with two parallel vertical bars as used in a media player may be shown at the user interface 120 .

[0469] The health status can be determined or checked at the end of charging or when the user removes the device 100 from the matching device 300. The control circuit system 110 can request the data storage device to store data or historical data related to, for example, the initial capacity of the battery as described above, the number of experiences or use processes, the total energy consumption, the use time, or other. The control circuit system 110 can simulate the fuel gauge (of the device 100) or request the current maximum capacity of the energy storage device 102 from the fuel gauge. The control circuit system 110 can also estimate the health status to determine whether the pause mode should be allowed. When the user attempts to activate the pause mode or when the user removes the device 100 from the matching device 300, the control circuit system 110 can indicate or operate the indicator to notify whether the pause mode is allowed or activated. The indicator can be, for example, a visual indicator (e.g., an LED light), an audio indicator, a vibration or tactile indicator, a tactile indicator, or a combination thereof. In particular, a pause symbol with two parallel vertical bars as used in a media player can be shown at the user interface 120.

[0470] Alternatively or additionally, an adjustable or variable threshold value may be implemented in the aerosol generating device 100 , as exemplarily outlined below.

[0471] In a standard conventional device, a fixed threshold of the energy stored in the energy storage device 102 or the current capacity is considered to determine whether a use process or experience can be permitted. In addition, each fully charged energy storage device 102 may only permit a fixed number of use processes, such as two. Therefore, the control circuit system 110 can notify the user whether there is enough capacity based on the standard capacity value. If the remaining capacity in the energy storage device is less than the standard capacity value, the device will suggest that the user recharge the device. For example, if the remaining capacity is lower than the standard capacity value (e.g., 60mAh), the device needs to be recharged until the standard energy value (e.g., 95mAh) is reached to trigger a notification (e.g., light) to the user that an additional experience or use process is permitted or allowed.

[0472] However, it has been found that different users may have different consumption times for each experience or use process, and therefore the energy required for each use process or experience may vary from user to user. Most users consume an experience for a shorter time, and the required capacity or energy will be less than about 95mAh, such as about 50-85mAh. The use of an adjustable threshold for evaluating the storage condition (e.g., the current capacity or energy stored in the energy storage device 102) allows for flexibility in responding to different needs from different users. Alternatively or in addition, the pause mode can be dynamically enabled or disabled based on the adjustable threshold.

[0473] Instead of being based on a standard or fixed capacity value, such as 95 mAh, a threshold capacity value and / or a threshold energy value may be used. The threshold capacity value or threshold energy value may be used to determine whether the device will allow the next experience or usage process and / or pause mode. Whether the next experience or usage process is allowed may not be related to the number of credits, experiences, or usage processes granted using a fully charged energy storage device 102 or since the last charging event.

[0474] The aerosol generating device 100 comprises a user interface 120 , which acts as an indicator, for example, a control circuitry 110 , and an optional fuel gauge which may be connected to the energy storage device 102 .

[0475] The fuel gauge may be simulated and implemented in the control circuit system 110. The control circuit system 110 may be configured to measure the remaining capacity or the energy stored in the energy storage device 102. The control circuit system 110 may be configured to compare the remaining capacity with a threshold energy value to check whether the remaining capacity can provide the threshold energy value. The control circuit system 110 may convert the capacity to energy or convert the energy to capacity to determine whether the remaining capacity is sufficient for the next (e.g., N+1) experience or use process; and use an indicator or user interface 120 to indicate the result of whether the remaining capacity is sufficient for the next experience.

[0476] In this way, a warning may be provided to the user of the aerosol generating device 100 when there is only enough battery capacity for the next experience or use session. This approach allows the user to anticipate the need to charge the energy storage device 102 before it is depleted, thereby eliminating the risk of running out of power while using the device 100.

[0477] The threshold capacity value or threshold energy value may be obtained in various ways. For example, (a) a fixed capacity value of 85 mAh may be used; or 0.272 mWh with a nominal voltage of 3.2 V may be used, (b) the value may be input by a user via an interactive platform, such as using computing device 500 or mobile device 400, and / or (c) may be calculated based on historical data collected during (one or more) previous experiences and / or (one or more) usage processes.

[0478] If the remaining capacity or energy is above a threshold, such as above 85 mAh or above 0.272 mWh, the control circuit system 110 may allow the next experience or usage process.

[0479] An interactive platform (e.g., an App) may be provided to the user, allowing the user to view usage data or historical data (e.g., the length of each experience or usage process) and / or input a preferred duration of an experience or usage process (e.g., seven minutes). The interactive platform or control circuit system 110 of the device 100 may calculate a threshold capacity value or a threshold energy value. In the former case, the threshold energy value and / or the threshold capacity value may be transmitted to the device 100.

[0480] Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol generating device 100 may collect historical data (e.g., energy consumption per previous experience or use, capacity consumption per previous experience or use, recharging, time spent charging, battery level, charger type, etc.), and calculate at least one threshold value that reflects, for example, a sufficient amount of energy or capacity required for an experience or use, wherein the threshold energy value may be calculated as the average energy consumption and an optional standard deviation.

[0481] Alternatively or in addition, the threshold energy value may be based on energy consumed during one or more experiences or uses. For example, it may be based on the first experience after the last full charge. It may also be based on two or more previous experiences or uses. It may also be based on sixteen to twenty or even more previous experiences or uses.

[0482] Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol generating device 10 may calculate a threshold capacity value or an amount of sufficient capacity required for an experience or use process, wherein the threshold capacity value may be calculated as an average capacity consumption and an optional standard deviation.

[0483] The historical data may be stored in a data storage device or memory of the aerosol generating device 100 , for example in the form of a record of energy consumed during previous uses and / or capacity consumed during previous uses.

[0484] The device 100 may allow the user to pause between puffs during an experience or use and switch the device 100 to a pause mode, as described above. During the pause mode, energy or capacity may be consumed because energy or capacity may be used to maintain the aerosol generating substance or article 200 at a certain temperature above room temperature. The energy or capacity used for the experience or use process and the energy or capacity used for the pause may be stored separately in the historical data.

[0485] For example, the control circuit system 110 may calculate the average energy consumption as the average energy of the previous use process, or the average energy used for the previous use process and the energy used to pause during one or more use pauses. Alternatively or in addition, the average capacity consumption may be calculated as the average capacity of the previous use process, or the average capacity used for the previous use process and the capacity used to pause during one or more use pauses.

[0486] Alternatively, the calculated energy or capacity threshold may be independent of the charging event. Alternatively or additionally, the energy or capacity threshold may depend on the charging event. For example, after fully charging the energy storage device 102, the user may enjoy the first experience and the second experience or use process. The user fully recharges the battery and enjoys the third experience. Whether the user can enjoy the fourth experience will depend only on the data of the third experience or use process.

[0487] The control circuit system 110 of the device 100 can determine whether the remaining capacity in the energy storage device 102 is greater than the threshold energy value. In particular, the control circuit system 110 can determine whether the next usage process can be permitted at the end of the usage process (N). The result can be notified to the user, for example, using the user interface 120, whether the user N+1 experience or usage process can be permitted.

[0488] In the case where energy is used for comparison, the control circuit system 110 can extract historical data from the memory or data storage device of the device 100 and calculate the threshold energy value based on past experience or use process, as described above. The control circuit system 110 can request or simulate a fuel gauge to determine the remaining capacity or energy stored in the energy storage device 102. The control circuit system 110 can optionally convert the energy value into a capacity value. Then, one or more of the current energy or capacity of the energy storage device 102 can be compared with the corresponding one or more thresholds to determine whether the next use process and / or pause mode can be allowed. The result can be notified by means of an indicator or user interface 120 (e.g., a visual indicator (e.g., an LED light), an audio indicator, a vibration or tactile indicator, or a tactile indicator).

[0489] Alternatively or in addition, the control circuit system 110 can extract historical data from a memory or data storage device and calculate a threshold energy value based on past experiences or usage processes (e.g., 16-20 experiences). The control circuit system 110 can simulate or request a fuel gauge to determine the remaining capacity. Optionally, the threshold energy value can be converted into a threshold capacity value and compared with the remaining capacity to determine whether the next experience or usage process can be allowed. The result can be notified by means of an indicator or user interface 120, such as by a visual indicator (e.g., an LED light), an audio indicator, a vibration or a tactile indicator, or a tactile indicator.

[0490] In the case where capacity is used for comparison, the control circuit system 110 can extract historical data from a memory or data storage device and calculate a threshold capacity value based on past experiences or usage processes (e.g., 16-20 experiences). The control circuit system 110 can simulate or request a fuel gauge to determine the remaining capacity or stored energy. The control circuit system 110 can compare the threshold capacity value and the remaining capacity to determine whether to allow the next experience or usage process. The result can be notified by means of an indicator or user interface 120, such as by a visual indicator (e.g., an LED light), an audio indicator, a vibration or a tactile indicator, or a tactile indicator.

[0491] Figure 4 One or more methods of operating one or more aerosol generating devices (eg, aerosol generating device 100 described with reference to any one or more of the previous figures) are shown.

[0492] In step S1 , a storage condition of energy storage device 102 is determined using control circuitry 110 , the storage condition indicating an amount of electrical energy currently stored and / or storable in energy storage device 102 .

[0493] At step S2 , the determined storage condition is evaluated relative to at least one threshold associated with at least one device function of the aerosol-generating device 100 , in particular associated with heating of the aerosol-generating article 200 .

[0494] Alternatively or in addition, step S2 may include evaluating 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 main heating function of the aerosol generating device 100 for heating the aerosol generating article 200 at a predetermined heating temperature or above the predetermined heating temperature for generating an aerosol and to perform at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device 100 other than the main heating function during at least one use process.

[0495] Alternatively or additionally, step S2 may include determining, using control circuitry 110 , a storage condition including a health of energy storage device 102 indicating an amount of electrical energy currently storable in energy storage device 102 .

[0496] Alternatively or additionally, step S2 may comprise evaluating the determined storage condition relative to at least one threshold associated with at least one device function of the aerosol generating device 100 , wherein the at least one threshold is adjustable.

[0497] At step S3 , at least one device function of the aerosol generating device 100 , such as a primary heating function and / or at least one auxiliary device function, is enabled or disabled based on the evaluation.

[0498] Alternatively or additionally, step S3 may comprise enabling or disabling at least one of the main heating function and the at least one auxiliary device function based on said evaluation.

[0499] It should be noted that, as described above, any one or more of the features, functions and configurations of the aerosol generating device 100 may be implemented as Figure 4 optional, additional or alternative steps in the method.

[0500] 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.

[0501] 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.

[0502] 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: control circuitry and an energy storage device configured to supply electrical energy to the control circuitry for use in generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating article; Wherein the control circuit system is configured to: 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; evaluating the determined storage condition relative to at least one threshold value, wherein the at least one threshold value is related to a threshold amount of energy required to perform a primary heating function of the aerosol generating device for heating the aerosol generating article at or above a predetermined heating temperature for generating an aerosol and to perform at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device different from the primary heating function during at least one use; as well as At least one of the primary heating function and the at least one auxiliary device function is enabled or disabled based on the evaluation.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, The auxiliary device function is associated with a pause mode that interrupts the use process.

3. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, Wherein the at least one threshold value is indicative of a threshold energy required to operate the aerosol generating device in a pause mode interrupting a usage session during at least one pause in usage.

4. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, Wherein the control circuit system is configured to enable at least one auxiliary 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 in a pause mode that interrupts the use process during at least one pause in use.

5. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the auxiliary device functions comprise one or more of the following: operating the aerosol generating device with reduced energy consumption relative to operation to generate an aerosol during a use process; 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 for a predefined period of time; activating or deactivating a tactile control of the aerosol generating device; a user interface for operating the aerosol generating device; operating a communication circuit system of the aerosol generating device, the communication circuit system being used to communicatively couple the aerosol generating device to a computing device or a receiving device; a sensor for operating the aerosol generating device; as well as A biometric sensor of the aerosol generating device is operated for user authentication.

6. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, Wherein the at least one threshold value is related to 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 the predetermined heating temperature during at least one use process and b) in a pause mode for interrupting the at least one use process during a pause in use.

7. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, Wherein the control circuit system is 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 to generate 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 main heating function of the aerosol generating device.

8. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, 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.

9. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, Wherein evaluating the determined storage condition comprises comparing the determined storage condition to the at least one threshold value.

10. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the primary heating function involves 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; and Wherein the auxiliary device function involves supplying electrical energy to the at least one heating element to heat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article to a temperature below a predetermined heating temperature for generating an aerosol.

11. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the control circuitry is further configured to determine a number of pauses in use during which the aerosol generating device is operable based on the evaluation.

12. An aerosol generating device according to claim 11, wherein the control circuitry is further configured to actuate a user interface of the device to indicate the determined number of usage pauses.

13. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding claim, Wherein the control circuitry is configured to trigger or request recharging of the energy storage device based on an evaluation of the determined storage condition relative to the at least one threshold value.

14. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding claim, Wherein determining the storage condition comprises determining a current energy level of electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage device relative to a current maximum capacity of the energy.

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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