Adaptable aerosol generation system and method

Abstract

An aerosol-generating system (201) is provided. The aerosol-generating system includes an aerosol-generating device (100) and an external computing device (270) separate from the aerosol-generating device. The external computing device includes a location determination device configured to output location data indicative of a location of the aerosol-generating system. The aerosol-generating device includes a controller (240) that is configurable to perform a plurality of control functions for controlling the aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating system is configured to select at least one control function of the plurality of control functions based on the location data. The external computing device is configured to cause the controller to be configured to execute the selected control function.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Aerosol generating systems configured to generate an inhalable aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate are known in the art. Some previous aerosol generating systems include an aerosol generating device that can be coupled to an aerosol generating article. A typical aerosol generating article for use with an aerosol generating device includes an aerosol-forming substrate, and a typical aerosol generating device includes a heater assembly that includes a heating element that is configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0003] Typically, in such heated smoking articles, an aerosol is generated by transferring heat from a heat source to a physically separate aerosol-generating substrate or material, which may be positioned in contact with, inside, around, or downstream of the heat source. During use of the aerosol-generating article, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-generating substrate by heat transfer from the heat source and are entrained in the air drawn through the aerosol-generating article. When the released compounds cool, the compounds condense to form an aerosol. The user can then inhale the aerosol. Summary of the invention

[0004] However, the operating requirements and environments for such typical aerosol generating systems vary around the world. It would be advantageous to provide an aerosol generating system that can adapt to the environmental or geographical requirements in which it is used, so that the same aerosol generating system can be used by users around the world. For example, high humidity in the environment can cause high humidity in the aerosol generating article itself. The high humidity of the aerosol generating article can then cause the so-called "hot aerosol" problem, in which an aerosol of an undesirably high temperature is delivered to the user. Therefore, it would be desirable to minimize the "hot aerosol" problem when using an aerosol generating system in a high humidity environment.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating system is provided. The aerosol generating system may include an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating system may include an external computing device separated from the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating system may include a position determining device. In particular, the external computing device may include a position determining device. The position determining device may be configured to determine the position of the aerosol generating system. The position determining device may be configured to output position data indicating (or depending on) the position of the aerosol generating system. The aerosol generating system may include a controller. The controller may be configured to control multiple control functions of the aerosol generating system. The multiple control functions of the aerosol generating system may be multiple control functions of the aerosol generating device. That is, the controller may be configurable to perform multiple control functions for controlling the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating system may be configured to adjust the control of at least one of the multiple control functions based on the position of the aerosol generating system determined by the position determining device. The aerosol generating system may be configured to select at least one of the multiple control functions based on the position data. The external computing device may be configured to configure the controller to perform the selected control function.

[0006] Advantageously, the aerosol generating system may thus be adaptable to the local environment in which the aerosol generating system is used. For example, if it is determined that the aerosol generating system is located in an area of ​​high humidity, or in a place where high humidity is common, the functions of the aerosol generating system may be adjusted accordingly. Where these functions include heating of the aerosol-forming substrate, the heating of the aerosol-forming substrate may be adjusted so as to minimise the likelihood of hot aerosols, as described above, which might otherwise be supplied to the user. Thus, the same aerosol generating system may be used in different environments without the user experiencing different aerosol effects due to the location of the aerosol generating system.

[0007] The external computing device may be a personal computing device. Preferably, the personal computing device is a smartphone. The external computing device may be configured to communicate with the aerosol generating device using a communication interface. The communication interface may be a wireless communication interface. The wireless communication interface may be one or both of Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Advantageously, a personal communication device (such as a smartphone) typically includes a wireless communication interface with a well-known standard, such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The communication interface may be a wired communication interface. The wired communication interface may be a USB connection.

[0008] The plurality of control functions may be a set of predefined control functions.

[0009] The external computing device may be configured to send data derived from the position data to the controller. The external computing device may be configured to send the position data or data derived from the position data to the controller. In particular, configuring the external computing device to cause the controller to perform the selected control function may include configuring the external computing device to send the position data or data derived from the position data to the controller. The external computing device may be configured to send the position data or data derived from the position data wirelessly to the controller. Advantageously, if the external computing device is a personal computing device, such as a smartphone, the complexity of manufacturing the aerosol generating device may thereby be reduced. The smartphone already includes a position determination device, so there is no need to accommodate another position determination device in the aerosol generating device.

[0010] The data derived from the location data may comprise firmware comprising at least one of a plurality of control functions for controlling the aerosol generating device or a tag derived from the location data. For example, the location data may be in the form of GPS coordinates and the data derived from the location data may be a country name corresponding to the GPS coordinates. Advantageously, the firmware of the aerosol generating system may thus be adapted or updated based on the location of the aerosol generating system.

[0011] The position determining device may comprise a global positioning system (GPS) chip or any other satellite navigation chip. The position determining device may determine the position data based on data output from the GPS chip. Advantageously, the use of a GPS chip may provide an automatic, reliable and accurate indication of the position of the aerosol generating system without the need for input from a user.

[0012] The external computing device may comprise a memory storing data indicative of the location of the external computing device. The memory may store an IP address of the external computing device. The location determination device may determine the location data from the data stored in the memory of the external computing device. The location determination device may determine the location data from the IP address of the external computing device. Advantageously, use of the IP address may provide an automatic, reliable and accurate indication of the location of the aerosol generating system without requiring input from a user.

[0013] The position determination device may comprise a user interface for a user to input data indicative of (or dependent upon) the position of the aerosol generating system or the position of the aerosol generating system. The position determination device may determine the position data based on the position input by the user. Advantageously, the user input may be more accurate or more reliable than the position of the aerosol generating system determined by the GPS chip.

[0014] The location determination device may determine the location data based on a combination of two or more of: GPS data, IP address data and / or data input by the user via a user interface. The location determination device may determine the location data after confirming that at least one of the GPS data, IP address data and / or data input by the user via a user interface matches at least one of the other of the GPS data, IP address data and / or data input by the user via a user interface. Advantageously, such a system may minimize the likelihood of incorrectly determining the location of the aerosol generating system if one of the GPS data, IP address data and / or data input by the user is incorrect.

[0015] Selecting at least one of the plurality of control functions based on the location data may include the external computing device selecting a firmware version based on the location data. The external computing device being configured to cause the controller to be configured to perform the selected control function may include the external computing device being configured to select the firmware version from a plurality of firmware versions available at a server. The external computing device being configured to select the firmware version from a plurality of firmware versions available at the server may include the external computing device being configured to send a request to the server, and the external computing device being configured to receive firmware for controlling the aerosol generating device from the server. The external computing device being configured to cause the controller to be configured to perform the selected control function may include the external computing device being configured to load the selected firmware onto the aerosol generating device. The external computing device being configured to load the selected firmware onto the aerosol generating device may include the external computing device being configured to load the selected firmware onto the controller.

[0016] Advantageously, location-specific firmware may thus be loaded onto the aerosol-generating system, in particular onto the aerosol-generating device, depending on the location of the aerosol-generating system.

[0017] The aerosol generating system being configured to select at least one of a plurality of control functions based on the position data may comprise the external computing device or the aerosol generating device being configured to select one or more functions from a plurality of functions each associated with a position. The selected functions may each be associated with a position corresponding to the position data.

[0018] The plurality of control functions for controlling the aerosol generating device may include at least one function for controlling an age verification process. Advantageously, since laws may differ from country to country regarding the age at which a person may use or purchase an aerosol generating system or device, the aerosol generating system may adapt its functionality with respect to the age verification process in order to meet these local requirements, without initially requiring substantially different aerosol generating devices depending on the location.

[0019] The aerosol generating system may include one or more heating elements. In particular, the aerosol generating device may include one or more heating elements. The aerosol generating system may include a power supply for supplying power to the one or more heating elements. A controller may control the power supplied from the power supply to the one or more heating elements. The one or more heating elements may include resistive or inductive heating elements. The one or more heating elements may be positioned in a cavity arranged to receive an aerosol generating article and / or positioned around the cavity. The system may include an aerosol generating article, which may be, for example, a tobacco rod. In another example, the aerosol generating article may be a cartridge comprising a liquid reservoir. The aerosol generating article may include an aerosol-forming substrate comprising nicotine.

[0020] At least one of the plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating system may comprise controlling the power supplied to one or more heating elements for heating the aerosol generating article. Advantageously, the power supplied to the one or more heating elements may be adapted to the environment in which the aerosol generating system is located. This may produce a more consistent aerosol generating experience for the user in various locations with different environmental conditions.

[0021] The power source may be a rechargeable power source. At least one of the plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating system may comprise controlling the power supplied to the power source during charging. Advantageously, the charging profile supplied to the power source may be adapted to the environment in which the aerosol generating system is located. This may produce a more consistent charging experience for users in locations with different environmental conditions. For example, different locations may have different local standards for power supply voltage or frequency, and typical temperatures at different locations may affect the charging characteristics of the rechargeable power source.

[0022] Each of the plurality of control functions may be a predetermined heating curve. The predetermined heating curve may be defined by one or more parameters (e.g., temperature, resistance, conductance, voltage, and / or current). One or more parameters (e.g., temperature, resistance, conductance, voltage, and / or current) may be applied at one or more stages in a heating cycle.

[0023] The selected control function may be a predetermined heating curve. The predetermined heating curve may be defined by one or more parameters (e.g., temperature, resistance, conductance, voltage and / or current). One or more parameters (e.g., temperature, resistance, conductance, voltage and / or current) may be applied at one or more stages in the heating cycle. For example, each predetermined heating curve may include a heating element temperature curve. The heating element temperature curve may include a first temperature during a first time period. The heating element temperature curve may include a first second temperature during a second time period after the first time period. The heating element temperature curve may include a first third temperature during a third time period after the second time period. The second temperature may be lower than the first temperature. The third temperature may be greater than the second temperature.

[0024] The predetermined heating profile may also include a duty cycle limit having a duty cycle limit profile. The duty cycle limit may vary over time during the duty cycle limit profile. Each duty cycle limit profile may vary between each of the plurality of heating profiles.

[0025] If the position determination device determines that the location of the aerosol generating system is a dry or low humidity location, the selected control function may be a dry heating curve.

[0026] If the position determination device determines that the location of the aerosol generating system is a wet or high humidity location, the selected control function may be a wet heating curve.

[0027] The wet heating curve and the dry heating curve may include similar heating element temperature curves. For example, the first temperature, the second temperature, and the third temperature may be the same, and the lengths of the first time period, the second time period, and the third time period may differ by no more than 50%. The wet heating curve and the dry heating curve may include the same heating element temperature curve.

[0028] The wet heating curve and the dry heating curve may include different duty cycle limit curves. For example, the minimum duty cycle limit of the wet curve may be lower than the minimum duty cycle limit of the dry curve.

[0029] The duty cycle limit curve may include a first time portion during which the duty cycle limit has a first value. The duty cycle limit curve may include a second time portion after the first time portion during which the duty cycle limit has a second value. The duty cycle limit curve may include a third time portion after the second time portion during which the duty cycle limit has a third value. The second value may be lower than the first value. The third value may be greater than the second value.

[0030] The first time period may correspond to a first time portion.

[0031] In the dry heating curve, the second time period may correspond to the second time portion. The third time period may correspond to the third time portion. In the dry heating curve, the duty cycle limit may be reduced during the second time period.

[0032] In the dry heating profile, the minimum duty cycle limit may be during the second time period.

[0033] The third value in the wet heating curve may be greater than the third value in the dry heating curve. In the wet heating curve, the first time period may correspond to the first time portion and the second time portion. In the wet heating curve, the second time period may correspond to the second time portion and the third time portion. In the wet heating curve, the duty cycle limit may increase during the second time period.

[0034] In the wet heating curve, the minimum duty cycle limit may be during the first time period.

[0035] Advantageously, the (predetermined) heating profile supplied to the one or more heating elements may be adapted to the environment that the aerosol generating system is located in. This may result in a more consistent aerosol generating experience for the user in various locations with different ambient conditions.

[0036] The aerosol generating system may include a computer readable memory. The aerosol generating system is configured to select at least one of the multiple control functions based on the position data, including the aerosol generating system is configured to select a heating curve from a plurality of heating curves stored on the computer readable memory. The multiple heating curves may be a plurality of predetermined heating curves. The aerosol generating system is configured to select at least one of the multiple control functions based on the position data, including the aerosol generating system is configured to select a power supply curve from a plurality of power supply curves stored on the computer readable memory. The plurality of power supply curves may be a plurality of predetermined power supply curves. Advantageously, before the user acquires the aerosol generating device, the optimal power supply curve for various environmental conditions in various locations can be determined and loaded onto the computer readable memory.

[0037] The aerosol generating system being configured to select at least one of the plurality of control functions based on the location data comprises the aerosol generating system being configured to select an age verification procedure from a plurality of age verification procedures stored on the computer readable memory. Advantageously, suitable age verification procedures for various locations may be determined and loaded onto the computer readable memory before a user acquires the aerosol generating device.

[0038] The aerosol generating system may be configured to generate an aerosol comprising nicotine. The aerosol generating system also includes an aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating article may include an aerosol generating substrate comprising nicotine.

[0039] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a method of controlling an aerosol generating system is provided. The aerosol generating system may be any aerosol generating system according to the first aspect of the present disclosure. The aerosol generating system may include an aerosol generating device and an external computing device separate from the aerosol generating device. The external computing device may include a position determination device configured to output position data indicating (or depending on) the position of the aerosol generating system.

[0040] The method may comprise the step of determining the position of the aerosol generating system.The step of determining the position of the aerosol generating system may comprise an external computing device determining the position of the aerosol generating system.

[0041] The method may comprise the step of the external computing device outputting position data indicative of (or dependent upon) the position of the aerosol generating system.

[0042] The method may comprise the step of adjusting control of at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating system based on a position of the aerosol generating system determined by the aerosol generating system.

[0043] The method may comprise the step of the aerosol generating system selecting at least one control function of the plurality of control functions based on the position data.

[0044] The method may include the step of the external computing device configuring the controller to perform the selected control function.

[0045] Advantageously, the method of controlling an aerosol generating system may therefore be adaptable to the local environment in which the aerosol generating system is used. For example, if it is determined that the aerosol generating system is located in an area of ​​high humidity, or in a place where high humidity is common, the functions of the aerosol generating system may be adjusted accordingly. When these functions include heating of an aerosol-forming substrate, the heating of the aerosol-forming substrate may be adjusted to minimize the likelihood of hot aerosols as described above, which may otherwise be supplied to a user. Thus, the same aerosol generating system may be used in different environments with minimal experience changes, and the user will not experience different aerosol effects due to the location of the aerosol generating system. The aerosol generating system may include an aerosol generating device. The step of adjusting control of at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating system based on the location of the aerosol generating system may include adjusting control of at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device based on the location of the aerosol generating system.

[0046] The position determining device may comprise a user interface for a user to input data indicative of the position of the aerosol generating system or the location of the aerosol generating system. The step of determining the position of the aerosol generating system may comprise a user inputting data indicative of the position of the aerosol generating system or the location of the aerosol generating system using the interface.

[0047] The step of determining the position of the aerosol generating system may comprise using a Global Positioning System (GPS) chip or any other satellite navigation chip.The step of determining the position of the aerosol generating system may comprise data output from a GPS chip.

[0048] The location determining device may comprise a memory storing data indicative of the location of the external computing device. The location determining device may comprise a memory storing an IP address of the external computing device. The step of determining the location of the aerosol generating system may comprise using data stored in the memory of the external computing device. Using data stored in the memory of the external computing device may comprise using the IP address of the external computing device. In other words, the step of determining the location of the aerosol generating system may comprise using the IP address of the external computing device.

[0049] The step of determining the location of the aerosol generating system may be based on a combination of two or more of: GPS data, IP address data and / or data entered by the user via a user interface. The step of determining the location of the aerosol generating system may include confirming that at least one of the GPS data, IP address data and / or data entered by the user via a user interface matches at least one of the other of the GPS data, IP address data and / or data entered by the user via a user interface.

[0050] The step of configuring the controller to perform the selected control function may comprise the external computing device sending data derived from the position of the aerosol generating system to the aerosol generating device. The step of configuring the controller to perform the selected control function may comprise the external computing device sending position data or data derived from the position of the aerosol generating system to the aerosol generating device.

[0051] The step of configuring the controller to perform the selected control function may comprise the external computing device wirelessly transmitting the position data, or data derived from the position of the aerosol generating system, to the aerosol generating device.

[0052] The data derived from the position data may include firmware for configuring the controller to perform the selected control function.

[0053] The step of the aerosol generating system selecting at least one of the plurality of control functions based on the position data may comprise the external computing device sending the firmware to the aerosol generating device.

[0054] The step of the aerosol generating system selecting at least one of the plurality of control functions based on the position data may comprise the aerosol generating system sending a request to a server, and the aerosol generating system receiving from the server firmware for configuring the controller to perform the selected control function.

[0055] The aerosol generating system receiving, from the server, firmware for configuring the controller to perform the selected control function may comprise the controller receiving, from the server, firmware for configuring the controller to perform the selected control function.

[0056] The aerosol generating system may comprise a power supply for supplying power to the one or more heating elements, wherein the controller controls the power supplied from the power supply to the one or more heating elements.

[0057] The aerosol generating system may include one or more heating elements. Preferably, the aerosol generating device includes one or more heating elements. The step of configuring the controller to perform the selected control function may include configuring the controller to control the power supplied to the one or more heating elements for heating the aerosol generating article. The one or more heating elements may include resistive or inductive heating elements. The one or more heating elements may be positioned in a cavity arranged to receive the aerosol generating article and / or positioned around the cavity. The system may include an aerosol generating article, which may be, for example, a tobacco rod. In another example, the aerosol generating article may be a cartridge including a liquid reservoir. The aerosol generating article may include an aerosol-forming substrate comprising nicotine.

[0058] Each of the plurality of control functions may be a predetermined heating curve. The predetermined heating curve may be defined by one or more parameters (e.g., temperature, resistance, conductance, voltage, and / or current). One or more parameters (e.g., temperature, resistance, conductance, voltage, and / or current) may be applied at one or more stages in a heating cycle.

[0059] The selected control function may be a predetermined heating curve. The predetermined heating curve is defined by one or more parameters (e.g., temperature, resistance, conductivity, voltage and / or current). One or more parameters (e.g., temperature, resistance, conductivity, voltage and / or current) may be applied at one or more stages in a heating cycle.

[0060] The power source may be a rechargeable power source.Configuring the controller to perform the selected control function may comprise configuring the controller to control power supplied to the power source during charging.

[0061] The step of configuring the controller to perform the selected control function may include configuring the controller to control an age verification process.

[0062] The aerosol generating system may comprise a computer readable memory.The step of controlling at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating system based on the position of the aerosol generating system may comprise selecting a heating curve from a plurality of heating curves stored on the computer readable memory.

[0063] Configuring the controller to perform the selected control function may include selecting a power supply curve from a plurality of power supply curves stored on the computer readable memory.

[0064] Configuring the controller to perform the selected control function may include selecting an age verification process from a plurality of age verification processes stored on the computer readable memory.

[0065] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device is provided. The aerosol generating device may be any aerosol generating device described according to the first aspect or the second aspect of the present disclosure. The aerosol generating device may include a controller. The controller may be configured to receive data indicating (or depending on) the position of the aerosol generating device. The controller may be configured to control at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device. The control of at least one of the plurality of control functions may be adjusted based on data indicating (or depending on) the position of the aerosol generating device received by the controller. The controller may be configured to select at least one control function of the aerosol generating device from a plurality of control functions for the aerosol generating device based on data indicating (or depending on) the position of the aerosol generating device received by the controller. The controller may be configured to control the aerosol generating device using the selected control function.

[0066] Advantageously, the aerosol generating device can therefore be adaptable to the local environment in which the aerosol generating device is used. For example, if it is determined that the aerosol generating device is located in a high humidity area, or in a place where high humidity is common, the functions of the aerosol generating system can be adjusted accordingly. When these functions include heating of the aerosol-forming substrate, the heating of the aerosol-forming substrate can be adjusted to minimize the possibility of hot aerosols as described above, which might otherwise be supplied to the user. Therefore, the same aerosol generating device can be used in different environments with minimal experience changes, and the user will not experience different aerosol effects due to the location of the aerosol generating device. The controller can be configured to receive data indicating (or dependent on) the location of the aerosol generating device from an external computing device configured to communicate with the aerosol generating device.

[0067] The controller may be configured to communicate with the external computing device.The controller may be configured to receive data indicative of (or dependent on) the position of the aerosol generating system from the external computing device.

[0068] The controller may be configured to wirelessly communicate with an external computing device. The external computing device may be a personal computing device. The controller may be configured to wirelessly receive data indicative of (or dependent on) the location of the aerosol generating device from the external computing device. The data indicative of (or dependent on) the location of the aerosol generating system may include firmware including at least one of a plurality of control functions for controlling the aerosol generating device.

[0069] The aerosol generating device may comprise a device position determining device. The device position determining device may be configured to send data indicative of (or dependent on) the position of the aerosol generating device to the controller. Advantageously, if the aerosol generating device itself comprises the device position determining device, no external computing device may be required to determine the position of the aerosol generating device.

[0070] The device position determination device may include a global positioning system (GPS) chip or any other satellite navigation chip. The device position determination device may determine the position data based on the data output from the GPS chip. The device position determination device may include a memory storing data indicating the position of the device. The data indicating the position of the device may include an IP address of an external computing device. The device position determination device may determine the position data from the data indicating the position of the device stored in the memory of the aerosol generating device. The device position determination device may determine the position data from the IP address of the external computing device. The device position determination device may include a user interface for a user to input data indicating the position of the aerosol generating system or the position of the aerosol generating system. The device position determination device may determine the position data based on the position input by the user.

[0071] The device location determination apparatus may determine the location data based on a combination of two or more of the following: GPS data, IP address data, and / or data input by the user via a user interface. The device location determination apparatus may determine the location data after confirming that at least one of the GPS data, IP address data, and / or data input by the user via a user interface matches at least one of the other of the GPS data, IP address data, and / or data input by the user via a user interface.

[0072] The controller may be configured to receive firmware from the server, the firmware being indicative of (or dependent upon) the location of the aerosol generating device.The firmware may be used to control at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device.

[0073] The aerosol generating device may comprise a power supply for supplying power to the one or more heating elements, wherein the controller controls the power supplied from the power supply to the one or more heating elements.

[0074] The aerosol generating device may include one or more heating elements. At least one of the multiple control functions of the aerosol generating device may include controlling the power supplied to the one or more heating elements for heating the aerosol generating article. The one or more heating elements may include resistive or inductive heating elements. The one or more heating elements may be positioned in a cavity arranged to receive the aerosol generating article and / or positioned around the cavity. The system may include an aerosol generating article, which may be, for example, a tobacco rod. In another example, the aerosol generating article may be a cartridge including a liquid reservoir. The aerosol generating article may include an aerosol-forming substrate comprising nicotine.

[0075] Each of the plurality of control functions may be a predetermined heating curve. The predetermined heating curve may be defined by one or more parameters (e.g., temperature, resistance, conductance, voltage, and / or current). One or more parameters (e.g., temperature, resistance, conductance, voltage, and / or current) may be applied at one or more stages in a heating cycle.

[0076] The selected control function may be a predetermined heating curve. The predetermined heating curve is defined by one or more parameters (e.g., temperature, resistance, conductivity, voltage and / or current). One or more parameters (e.g., temperature, resistance, conductivity, voltage and / or current) may be applied at one or more stages in a heating cycle.

[0077] The power source may be a rechargeable power source.At least one of the plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device may comprise controlling the power supplied to the power source during charging.

[0078] At least one of the plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device may comprise controlling an age verification process.

[0079] The aerosol generating device may comprise a computer readable memory. At least one of the plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device may comprise selecting a heating curve from a plurality of heating curves stored on the computer readable memory. At least one of the plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device may comprise selecting a power supply curve from a plurality of power supply curves stored on the computer readable memory.

[0080] The power source may be a rechargeable power source.At least one of the plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device may comprise selecting an age verification process from a plurality of age verification processes stored on the computer readable memory.

[0081] The aerosol generating device may be configured to generate an aerosol comprising nicotine.

[0082] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device is provided. The aerosol generating device may be used to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating device may include at least one sensor configured to determine the humidity of the aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating device may include a controller configured to control at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device based on the humidity of the aerosol generating article determined by the at least one sensor.

[0083] Advantageously, the aerosol generating device thus adjusts its operation according to the detected humidity of the aerosol generating article so that optimal aerosol generation can be achieved by the aerosol generating device. The humidity detected by the sensor may more accurately reflect the true humidity of the aerosol generating article than the local humidity of the location where the aerosol generating device is used.

[0084] The aerosol generating device may include a cavity for receiving an aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating device may be configured to be coupled to the aerosol generating article. The at least one sensor may be configured to determine the humidity of the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is received in the cavity. The at least one sensor may be configured to determine the humidity of the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is coupled to the aerosol generating device.

[0085] The aerosol-generating device may comprise one or more heating elements.The one or more heating elements may be configured to heat the aerosol-generating article.

[0086] The aerosol generating device may include a power source. The controller may be configured to control the power supply from the power source to the one or more heating elements. The one or more heating elements may include a resistive or inductive heating element. The one or more heating elements may be positioned in a cavity arranged to receive an aerosol generating article and / or positioned around the cavity. The system may include an aerosol generating article, which may be, for example, a tobacco rod. In another example, the aerosol generating article may be a cartridge including a liquid reservoir. The aerosol generating article may include an aerosol-forming substrate comprising nicotine.

[0087] The aerosol generating device may be connectable to an aerosol generating article comprising one or more heating elements.The controller may be configured to control the supply of power from the power supply to the one or more heating elements.

[0088] At least one of the plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device may comprise controlling the supply of power to the one or more heating elements. Controlling the supply of power to the heating elements may comprise controlling a heating profile of the one or more heating elements. Advantageously, the heating of the aerosol generating article by the aerosol generating device is adjusted according to the detected humidity of the aerosol generating article. Advantageously, this may minimise or reduce the likelihood of a 'hot aerosol' experience by the user.

[0089] The aerosol generating device may include a computer readable memory. The controller may be configured to select a heating curve stored in the computer readable memory based on the humidity of the aerosol generating article. The controller may be configured to select a heating curve stored in the computer readable memory from a plurality of heating curves based on the humidity of the aerosol generating article.

[0090] At least one of the plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device may comprise stopping the power supplied to the one or more heating elements. Advantageously, the power supplied to the one or more heating elements may be stopped, for example if the humidity of the aerosol generating article is too high to generate an acceptable aerosol for delivery to the user (e.g. an aerosol that is too hot is generated).

[0091] At least one of the plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device may comprise displaying a warning to the user. Advantageously, a warning may be displayed to the user, for example if the humidity of the aerosol generating article is too high to generate an acceptable aerosol for delivery to the user (eg generates an aerosol that is too hot).

[0092] At least one of the plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device may comprise displaying a suggestion to a user for at least one user setting of the aerosol generating device. Advantageously, the suggestion for the setting may be displayed to the user, for example if the humidity of the aerosol generating article is too high to generate an acceptable aerosol in the first mode, the device may suggest to the user that the device be switched to a second mode in which an acceptable aerosol may be generated using the device.

[0093] The at least one sensor may include at least one acoustic sensor.

[0094] The acoustic sensor may include at least one acoustic transceiver. The at least one acoustic transceiver may be configured to transmit sound waves having at least one frequency and receive sound waves having at least one frequency.

[0095] The at least one acoustic sensor may include at least one acoustic transmitter configured to transmit acoustic waves having at least one frequency and at least one acoustic receiver configured to receive acoustic waves having the at least one frequency.

[0096] Advantageously, the at least one acoustic sensor may determine the humidity across a cross-section of the aerosol-generating article, as sound waves may pass through the aerosol-generating article.

[0097] The at least one acoustic transmitter may include a first acoustic transmitter positioned adjacent to the cavity.The at least one acoustic receiver may include a first acoustic receiver positioned adjacent to the cavity.

[0098] The acoustic waves emitted by the first acoustic transmitter and received by the first acoustic receiver may propagate through the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is received in the cavity. The acoustic waves emitted by the first acoustic transmitter and received by the first acoustic receiver may propagate through the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is coupled to the aerosol generating device.

[0099] The cavity may include a proximal end located at an opening of the cavity and a distal end located at an end of the cavity opposite the proximal end. The cavity may include a heating zone located between the distal end and the proximal end.

[0100] The heating zone may not extend to the distal end. The heating zone may not extend to the proximal end. Advantageously, if the heating zone does not extend to the proximal end or the distal end, this may protect components at the distal end of the cavity and a user at the proximal end of the cavity from excessive heat. For example, when inserting or withdrawing the aerosol-generating article into or from the cavity, the user's fingers are at a distance from the heating zone.

[0101] The first acoustic receiver and the first acoustic transmitter may be positioned outside the heating zone. Advantageously in this way, damage to the first acoustic receiver and the first acoustic transmitter due to excess heat may be minimized. The first acoustic transceiver may be positioned outside the heating zone. Advantageously in this way, damage to the first acoustic transceiver due to excess heat may be minimized.

[0102] The first acoustic receiver and the first acoustic transmitter may be positioned on opposite sides of the heating zone from each other such that sound waves emitted by the first acoustic transmitter and received by the first acoustic receiver propagate through the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is received in the cavity. Advantageously, the sound waves emitted by the first acoustic transmitter and received by the first acoustic receiver propagate through a portion of the aerosol generating article that is configured to be heated. This may be the portion of the aerosol generating article where the humidity of the aerosol generating article has the greatest effect on aerosol generation. The first acoustic receiver may be positioned at a proximal end of the cavity and the first acoustic transmitter may be positioned at a distal end of the cavity.

[0103] The at least one acoustic transmitter may include a second acoustic transmitter.

[0104] The first acoustic emitter and the second acoustic emitter may be positioned on opposite sides of the heating zone from each other.

[0105] The first acoustic transmitter may be positioned at the distal end of the cavity and the second acoustic transmitter may be positioned at the proximal end of the cavity.

[0106] The first acoustic transmitter and the second acoustic transmitter may be positioned such that the acoustic waves emitted from the first acoustic transmitter may be configured to propagate through a first portion of the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is received in the cavity, and the acoustic waves emitted from the second acoustic transmitter may be configured to propagate through a second portion of the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is received in the cavity. Advantageously, when two portions of the aerosol generating article are sensed using the first acoustic transmitter and the second acoustic transmitter, the humidity of the aerosol generating article may be more accurately determined. Also advantageously, when the acoustic waves from the first acoustic transmitter and the second acoustic transmitter propagate through two different portions of the aerosol generating article, the classification of the aerosol generating article as described in more detail below may be more accurately determined.

[0107] The at least one acoustic receiver may also include a second acoustic receiver.

[0108] The first acoustic receiver and the second acoustic receiver may be positioned on opposite sides of the heating zone from each other. The first acoustic receiver may be positioned at a distal end of the cavity. The second acoustic receiver may be positioned at a proximal end of the cavity. The first acoustic receiver and the second acoustic receiver may be positioned such that sound waves received by the first acoustic receiver are configured to propagate through a first portion of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is received in the cavity, and sound waves received by the second acoustic receiver are configured to propagate through a second portion of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is received in the cavity.

[0109] The first acoustic receiver and the first acoustic transmitter may be positioned on the same side of the heating zone as each other. The first acoustic transmitter may be configured to transmit sound waves that propagate through the heating zone to the far end of the cavity and from the far end of the cavity through the heating zone back to the first acoustic receiver. The first acoustic transceiver may be configured to transmit sound waves that propagate through the heating zone to the far end of the cavity and from the far end of the cavity through the heating zone back to the first acoustic transceiver. Advantageously, at least one sensor being located on only one side of the heating zone may simplify manufacturing, for example, by reducing the space used in the device by at least one sensor and a corresponding controller. Also advantageously, as the sound waves propagate through the heating zone to the far end of the cavity and from the far end of the cavity through the heating zone back, more aerosol generating articles may be passed through, allowing a more accurate determination of the humidity or classification of the aerosol generating article.

[0110] The at least one frequency may comprise a plurality of different frequencies. Advantageously, using a plurality of different frequencies may more accurately determine the wetness or classification of the aerosol-generating article, as the damping experienced by the sound waves may vary depending on the frequency of the sound waves.

[0111] At least one frequency may include an ultrasonic frequency.At least one frequency may include a frequency greater than 20 kHz.

[0112] The aerosol generating device may be configured to determine the position of the aerosol generating device or to receive data indicative of (or dependent on) the position of the aerosol generating device.

[0113] The controller may be configured to control at least one of the multiple control functions of the aerosol generating device based on the position of the aerosol generating device or data indicating (or depending on) the position of the aerosol generating device. The controller may be configured to control at least one of the multiple control functions of the aerosol generating device based on a combination of the position of the aerosol generating device or data indicating (or depending on) the position of the aerosol generating device and the humidity of the aerosol generating article. Advantageously, the operation of the aerosol generating device may be better adapted to both the environment in which it is located and the humidity of the aerosol generating article. This may, for example, result in a better user experience when heating the aerosol generating article to generate the aerosol.

[0114] The aerosol generating device may comprise a device position determination apparatus configured to determine the position of the aerosol generating device.

[0115] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating system is provided. The aerosol generating system may include an aerosol generating device according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure. The aerosol generating system may include an external computing device. The external computing device may be connected to the aerosol generating device. The external computing device may communicate with the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may include a controller. The external computing device may include a system position determination device. The system position determination device may be configured to output position data indicating (or depending on) the position of the aerosol generating system. Advantageously, the system position determination device in the external computing device can determine the position of the aerosol generating system more accurately than the device position determination device.

[0116] The external computing device may be configured to send position data indicative of (or dependent upon) the position of the aerosol generating system, or the position of the aerosol generating system, to the controller.

[0117] The system position determination device may comprise a user interface for user input of data indicative of the position of the aerosol generating system or the location of the aerosol generating system. Advantageously, the data indicative of the position of the aerosol generating system or the user input of the location of the aerosol generating system may be more accurate than using, for example, a GPS chip.

[0118] The system location determination device may include a Global Positioning System (GPS) chip or any other satellite navigation chip. The system location determination device may determine location data based on data output from the GPS chip. Advantageously, using a GPS chip eliminates the need for the aerosol generating device to have hardware and a user interface suitable for a user to input data indicating the location of the aerosol generating system or the location of the aerosol generating system.

[0119] The system location determination device may include a memory that stores data indicating the location of an external computing device. The data indicating the location of the external computing device may include the IP address of the external computing device. The system location determination device may determine location data from data stored in the memory of the external computing device. The system location determination device may determine location data from the IP address of the external computing device. Advantageously, using the stored IP address eliminates the need for the aerosol generating device to have hardware and a user interface suitable for a user to input data indicating the location of the aerosol generating system or the location of the aerosol generating system.

[0120] The system location determination device may determine location data based on a combination of two or more of the following: GPS data, IP address data, and / or data input by the user via a user interface. The system location determination device may determine location data after confirming that at least one of the GPS data, IP address data, and / or data input by the user via a user interface matches at least one of the other data of the GPS data, IP address data, and / or data input by the user via a user interface. Advantageously, if one of the GPS data, IP address data, and / or user input data is incorrect, such a system can minimize the possibility of incorrectly determining the location of the aerosol generating system.

[0121] The data indicating (or depending on) the location of the aerosol generating system may include the local humidity at the location of the aerosol generating system. The local humidity at the location of the aerosol generating system may be the ambient humidity determined by an external computing device using humidity data from a weather server. The local humidity at the location of the aerosol generating system may be the predicted humidity determined by an external computing device using one or more of the location of the aerosol generating system, the time of day, or the time of year. The controller may be configured to control at least one of the multiple control functions of the aerosol generating device based on a combination of the humidity of the aerosol generating article determined by at least one sensor and the local humidity at the location of the aerosol generating system. Advantageously, the local humidity at the location of the aerosol generating system may give an indication of the possible humidity of the aerosol generating article.

[0122] The controller may be configured to control at least one of the plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device after comparing the humidity of the aerosol generating article determined by the at least one sensor with the local humidity of the location of the aerosol generating system.

[0123] The data indicative of (or dependent on) the location of the aerosol generating system may comprise a local temperature of the location of the aerosol generating system.

[0124] The controller may be configured to control at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device based on a combination of the humidity of the aerosol generating article determined by the at least one sensor and a local temperature of the location of the aerosol generating system. Advantageously, the local temperature of the location of the aerosol generating system may give an indication of the likely characteristics of the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating article, so that at least one of the plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device may be controlled accordingly.

[0125] The controller may be configured to control at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device based on a combination of humidity of the aerosol generating article, local humidity at the location of the aerosol generating system and local temperature at the location of the aerosol generating system determined by at least one sensor.

[0126] The at least one sensor may be configured to determine a classification of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is coupled to the aerosol-generating device.The controller may be configured to control at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol-generating device based on the classification of the aerosol-generating article.

[0127] Because different categories of aerosol-generating articles can be connected to and used with an aerosol-generating device, each different category of aerosol-generating articles can have different optimal requirements for generating an aerosol. For example, a first category of aerosol-generating articles may need to be heated to a higher temperature than a second category of aerosol-generating articles to generate a desired aerosol.

[0128] The at least one sensor may comprise a classification sensor. The classification sensor may be an optical sensor. Advantageously, the classification sensor alone may more accurately determine the classification of the aerosol-generating article than the at least one acoustic sensor.

[0129] The classification of the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is connected to the aerosol generating device can be determined by the first acoustic receiver and the first acoustic transmitter. The classification of the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is connected to the aerosol generating device can be determined by the first acoustic receiver and the second acoustic transmitter. Advantageously, the classification of the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is determined by at least one sensor means that an additional classification sensor may not be required. The classification of the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is connected to the aerosol generating device can be determined by the first acoustic transmitter and the second acoustic receiver. The classification of the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is connected to the aerosol generating device can be determined by the second acoustic transmitter and the second acoustic receiver.

[0130] The controller may be configured to control at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device based on a combination of the classification of the aerosol generating article and the humidity of the aerosol generating article. Advantageously, since both the classification of the aerosol generating article and the humidity of the aerosol generating article may affect the same variable (e.g. the optimal temperature for aerosol generation), functions associated with this variable (e.g. the heating curve) may be more accurately controlled by the controller.

[0131] The controller may be configured to control at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device based on a combination of the position of the aerosol generating device or data indicating (or depending on) the position of the aerosol generating device and the classification of the aerosol generating article. The controller may be configured to control at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device based on a combination of the position of the aerosol generating device or data indicating (or depending on) the position of the aerosol generating device, the classification of the aerosol generating article and the humidity of the aerosol generating article.

[0132] The aerosol generating device may comprise a computer readable memory.The controller may be configured to determine the classification of the aerosol generating article by comparing data from the at least one sensor with classification data stored in the computer readable memory.

[0133] The computer readable memory may include a plurality of heating curves. Each of the plurality of heating curves may be associated with a classification in a plurality of classifications of aerosol generating articles and a humidity range in a plurality of humidity ranges of aerosol generating articles. The controller may be configured to select a selected heating curve from a plurality of heating curves according to the humidity of the aerosol generating article and the classification of the aerosol generating article determined by at least one sensor. The controller may be configured to control the power supply supplied to one or more heating elements based on the selected heating curve. The one or more heating elements may include resistive or inductive heating elements. The one or more heating elements may be positioned in a cavity arranged to receive the aerosol generating article and / or positioned around the cavity. The system may include an aerosol generating article, which may be, for example, a tobacco rod. In another example, the aerosol generating article may be a cartridge including a liquid reservoir. The aerosol generating article may include an aerosol-forming substrate containing nicotine.

[0134] The controller may be configured to select the selected heating curve from the plurality of heating curves based on a combination of local humidity at a location of the aerosol generating system and humidity of the aerosol generating article and a classification of the aerosol generating article determined by the at least one sensor.

[0135] The controller may be configured to control at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device based on a combination of the humidity of the aerosol generating article determined by at least one sensor, the local humidity of the location of the aerosol generating system and the classification of the aerosol generating article determined by at least one sensor.

[0136] The controller can be configured to control at least one of multiple control functions of the aerosol generating device based on a combination of the humidity of the aerosol generating article determined by at least one sensor, the local humidity of the location of the aerosol generating system, the classification of the aerosol generating article determined by at least one sensor, and the local temperature of the location of the aerosol generating system.

[0137] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a method for operating an aerosol generating system is provided. The aerosol generating system may be an aerosol generating system according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure. The aerosol generating system may include an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating device may be configured to be coupled to an aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating device may include a controller configured to control at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may include at least one sensor for determining the humidity of the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is coupled to the aerosol generating device.

[0138] The method may comprise the step of determining the humidity of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is coupled to the aerosol-generating device.The method may comprise the step of controlling at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol-generating device based on the humidity of the aerosol-generating article.

[0139] The aerosol-generating device may comprise an acoustic sensor.The humidity of the aerosol-generating article may be determined by acoustic sensing.

[0140] The aerosol generating device may include one or more heating elements. The one or more heating elements may include resistive or inductive heating elements. The one or more heating elements may be positioned in a cavity arranged to receive an aerosol generating article and / or positioned around the cavity. The system may include an aerosol generating article, which may be, for example, a tobacco rod. In another example, the aerosol generating article may be a cartridge including a liquid reservoir. The aerosol generating article may include an aerosol-forming substrate comprising nicotine. The one or more heating elements may be configured to heat the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is coupled to the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may include a power source. The controller may be configured to control the power supply from the power source to the one or more heating elements.

[0141] At least one of the plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device may comprise controlling the supply of power to the one or more heating elements.Controlling the power supplied to the heating elements may comprise controlling a heating profile of the one or more heating elements.

[0142] The aerosol generating device may comprise a computer readable memory.The method may further comprise the step of selecting a heating curve stored in the computer readable memory based on the humidity of the aerosol generating article.

[0143] At least one of the plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device may comprise stopping power supplied to one or more heating elements. At least one of the plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device may comprise displaying a warning to a user. At least one of the plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device may comprise displaying a suggestion to a user for at least one user setting of the aerosol generating device.

[0144] The method may comprise the step of determining the classification of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is coupled to the aerosol-generating device.The method may comprise the step of controlling at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol-generating device based on the classification of the aerosol-generating article.

[0145] The method may comprise the step of controlling at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol-generating device based on a combination of the classification and the humidity of the aerosol-generating article.

[0146] The aerosol generating device may include a computer readable memory. The step of determining the classification may include comparing data from the at least one sensor with classification data stored in the computer readable memory. The method may also include the step of the aerosol generating device determining the location of the aerosol generating system or receiving data indicative of (or dependent on) the location of the aerosol generating system.

[0147] The method may further comprise the step of controlling at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device based on the position of the aerosol generating system or data indicative of (or dependent on) the position of the aerosol generating system.

[0148] The method may further comprise the step of the aerosol generating device communicating with the external computing device, and the external computing device sending data indicative of (or dependent on) the position of the aerosol generating system or the position of the aerosol generating system to the aerosol generating device.

[0149] The step of the aerosol generating device determining the position of the aerosol generating system, or receiving data indicative of (or dependent upon) the position of the aerosol generating system, may comprise the step of a user inputting the position of the aerosol generating system.

[0150] The step of the aerosol generating device determining the position of the aerosol generating system or receiving data indicative of (or dependent on) the position of the aerosol generating system may comprise using a Global Positioning System (GPS) chip or any other satellite navigation chip. The step of the aerosol generating device determining the position of the aerosol generating system or receiving data indicative of (or dependent on) the position of the aerosol generating system may comprise using data output from a Global Positioning System (GPS) chip.

[0151] The aerosol generating system may comprise a memory storing data indicating (or depending on) the location of the aerosol generating system. The step of the aerosol generating device determining the location of the aerosol generating system or receiving data indicating (or depending on) the location of the aerosol generating system may comprise using the data indicating (or depending on) the location of the aerosol generating system stored in the memory. The data indicating (or depending on) the location of the aerosol generating system may comprise an IP address of the external computing device. The step of the aerosol generating device determining the location of the aerosol generating system or receiving data indicating (or depending on) the location of the aerosol generating system may comprise using the IP address of the external computing device.

[0152] The step of the aerosol generating device determining the location of the aerosol generating system or receiving data indicating (or dependent on) the location of the aerosol generating system may include using two or more of the following: GPS data, IP address data and / or data entered by the user via a user interface. The step of the aerosol generating device determining the location of the aerosol generating system or receiving data indicating (or dependent on) the location of the aerosol generating system may include confirming that at least one of the GPS data, IP address data and / or data entered by the user via a user interface matches at least one of the other of the GPS data, IP address data and / or data entered by the user via a user interface. Advantageously, such a system can minimize the likelihood of incorrectly determining the location of the aerosol generating system if one of the GPS data, IP address data and / or data entered by the user is incorrect.

[0153] The data indicative of (or dependent on) the location of the aerosol generating system may comprise the local humidity of the location of the aerosol generating system.

[0154] The method may comprise the step of controlling at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device based on a combination of the humidity of the aerosol generating article determined by at least one sensor and the location of the aerosol generating system or data indicative of (or dependent on) the location of the aerosol generating system. The method may comprise the step of controlling at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device based on a combination of the humidity of the aerosol generating article determined by at least one sensor and the local humidity of the location of the aerosol generating system. The method may comprise the step of controlling at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device after comparing the humidity of the aerosol generating article determined by at least one sensor with the local humidity of the location of the aerosol generating system.

[0155] The data indicative of (or dependent on) the location of the aerosol generating system may include a local temperature of the location of the aerosol generating system. The method may include the step of controlling at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device based on a combination of the humidity of the aerosol generating article determined by at least one sensor and the local temperature of the location of the aerosol generating system.

[0156] The method may comprise the step of controlling at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device based on a combination of humidity of the aerosol generating article, local humidity at the location of the aerosol generating system and local temperature at the location of the aerosol generating system determined by at least one sensor.

[0157] The aerosol generating system may include a computer readable memory. The computer readable memory may include a plurality of heating curves. Each of the plurality of heating curves may be associated with a classification in a plurality of classifications of aerosol generating articles and a humidity range in a plurality of humidity ranges of aerosol generating articles. The method may include the step of selecting a selected heating curve from the plurality of heating curves based on the humidity of the aerosol generating article and the classification of the aerosol generating article determined by at least one sensor. The method may include the step of controlling a power supply to the one or more heating elements based on the selected heating curve.

[0158] The method may comprise the step of selecting the selected heating curve from a plurality of heating curves based on a combination of local humidity at a location of the aerosol generating system and humidity of the aerosol generating article and a classification of the aerosol generating article determined by at least one sensor.

[0159] The method may comprise the step of controlling at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device based on a combination of the humidity of the aerosol generating article determined by the at least one sensor, the location of the aerosol generating system or data indicating (or depending on) the location of the aerosol generating system, and the classification of the aerosol generating article determined by the at least one sensor. For example, the method may comprise the step of controlling at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device based on a combination of the humidity of the aerosol generating article determined by the at least one sensor, the local humidity of the location of the aerosol generating system, and the classification of the aerosol generating article determined by the at least one sensor. The method may comprise the step of controlling at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device based on a combination of the humidity of the aerosol generating article determined by the at least one sensor, the local humidity of the location of the aerosol generating system, the classification of the aerosol generating article determined by the at least one sensor, and the local temperature of the location of the aerosol generating system.

[0160] According to any of the preceding aspects, the aerosol-forming article may be in the form of an aerosol-forming rod. For example, the aerosol-forming rod may comprise a sheet of homogenized tobacco material gathered to form a rod extending along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming article. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming rod may comprise a cut filler obtained by cutting tobacco leaf material or reconstructing or homogenizing tobacco material.

[0161] The aerosol-forming substrate preferably comprises one or more aerosol-forming agents. When volatilized, the aerosol-forming agent can aerosol-transmit other vaporized compounds released from the first aerosol-forming substrate when heated, such as nicotine and flavors. Suitable aerosol-forming agents contained in the aerosol-generating substrate are known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyols, such as triethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol and glycerol; esters of polyols, such as glycerol mono-, di- or triacetate; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. The aerosol-forming substrate can have an aerosol-forming agent content of between about 5% by weight and about 30% by weight on a dry weight basis. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate has an aerosol-forming agent content of at least about 10% by weight on a dry weight basis, more preferably at least about 15% by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate preferably has an aerosol-forming agent content of less than or equal to about 25% by weight, more preferably less than or equal to about 20% by weight, on a dry basis. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate has an aerosol-forming agent content of 5% to 25% by weight, preferably 10% to 25% by weight, more preferably 15% to 25% by weight, on a dry basis. In other embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate has an aerosol-forming agent content of 5% to 20% by weight, preferably 10% to 20% by weight, more preferably 15% to 20% by weight, on a dry basis. These relatively high levels of aerosol-forming agents are particularly suitable for aerosol-forming substrates that are expected to be heated at a temperature below 275 degrees Celsius.

[0162] According to any of the preceding aspects, the aerosol generating system or device may be an induction heated aerosol generating system or device. That is, the one or more heating elements may include one or more inductor elements adapted to generate a fluctuating electromagnetic field within the cavity. The aerosol-forming article may include a susceptor element embedded within an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0163] Also according to any of the preceding aspects, the aerosol generating system or device may be a resistively heated aerosol generating system or device. The one or more heating elements may include one or more resistive heating elements arranged at or around the periphery of the cavity. When the aerosol-forming article is coupled to the aerosol generating device, the one or more resistive heating elements may be arranged at a position facing the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0164] Also according to any of the foregoing aspects, the aerosol generating device may be a handheld aerosol generating device. Also according to any of the foregoing aspects, the battery may be a lithium-based battery, such as a lithium cobalt battery, a lithium iron phosphate battery, a lithium titanate battery, or a lithium polymer battery. The battery may be a nickel metal hydride battery or a nickel cadmium battery. The power source may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor.

[0165] As used herein, the term "classification" may refer to a classification of aerosol-generating articles. Different classifications of aerosol-generating articles may be distinguished or "classified" based on their structural differences. These structural differences may include, but are not limited to, the size, shape, weight, density, type, and tobacco volume of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0166] As used herein, the term "humidity" may refer to the concentration of water vapor present in the air, particularly when used to describe the local environment. When referring to the humidity of an aerosol-forming substrate or an aerosol-forming article, the term "humidity" may refer to the concentration of water, the water content by weight or the water content by volume of the aerosol-forming substrate or aerosol-forming article. For example, an aerosol-forming substrate with high humidity may have a high water content by weight.

[0167] As used herein, the term "ultrasound" may refer to high frequency sound. Ultrasound may be defined as sound having a frequency above 10 kHz, 20 kHz, 30 kHz or 50 kHz.

[0168] As used herein, the term "heating zone" may refer to a portion of a cavity configured to receive an aerosol-generating article, which portion is heated to an aerosol-generating temperature so that an aerosol can be generated from the aerosol-generating article. For example, the heating zone may be heated to at least 50 degrees Celsius, 100 degrees Celsius, 150 degrees Celsius, 200 degrees Celsius, 250 degrees Celsius, or 300 degrees Celsius.

[0169] As used herein, the term "heating element" refers to an element of a heater assembly that is configured to be heated. For example, the term "heating element" may refer to an element that is configured to cause at least a portion of the element to be heated to at least 50 degrees Celsius, 100 degrees Celsius, 150 degrees Celsius, 200 degrees Celsius, 250 degrees Celsius, or 300 degrees Celsius.

[0170] As used herein, the term "coupled or coupleable" is used to mean that the aerosol-generating article and the aerosol-generating device can be coupled to and separated from each other without substantial damage to the device or the article.

[0171] As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term "aerosol" is used to describe a dispersion of solid particles or liquid droplets, or a combination of solid particles and liquid droplets, in a gas. Aerosols may be visible or invisible. Aerosols may include vapors of substances that are normally liquid or solid at room temperature, as well as solid particles or liquid droplets, or a combination of solid particles and liquid droplets.

[0172] As used herein, the term "firmware" is used to describe computer code configured to control a device. Although "firmware" will be used throughout this disclosure, "software" may also be used to describe such code, and the terms "firmware" and "software" may be considered interchangeable for purposes of this disclosure.

[0173] As used herein, "aerosol generating system" means a system that generates an aerosol from one or more aerosol-forming substrates.

[0174] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" means a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. Such volatile compounds can be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0175] The invention is defined in the claims. However, 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.

[0176] Example Ex1: An aerosol generating system, the aerosol generating system comprising:

[0177] a position determining device configured to determine the position of the aerosol generating system, and

[0178] A controller configured to control a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating system, the aerosol generating system being configured to adjust control of at least one of the plurality of control functions based on a position of the aerosol generating system determined by the position determining device.

[0179] Example Ex2: An aerosol generating system according to example Ex1, wherein the aerosol generating system comprises an aerosol generating device, and the plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating system are a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device.

[0180] Example Ex3: An aerosol generating system according to example Ex2, wherein the aerosol generating system comprises an external computing device, the external computing device comprises the position determination device, and the position determination device is configured to output position data indicating the position of the aerosol generating system.

[0181] Example Ex4: An aerosol generating system, comprising:

[0182] an aerosol generating device and an external computing device separate from said aerosol generating device;

[0183] the external computing device comprising a position determination device configured to output position data indicative of a position of the aerosol generating system,

[0184] The aerosol generating device comprises a controller configurable to perform a plurality of control functions for controlling the aerosol generating device,

[0185] the aerosol generating system being configured to select at least one control function of the plurality of control functions based on the position data;

[0186] The external computing device is configured to cause the controller to be configured to perform a selected control function.

[0187] Example Ex5: An aerosol generating system according to example Ex3 or Ex4, wherein the external computing device is a personal computing device (eg, a smartphone).

[0188] Example Ex6: An aerosol generating system according to example Ex3, Ex4 or Ex5, wherein the external computing device is configured to communicate with the aerosol generating device using a communication interface.

[0189] Example Ex7: An aerosol generating system according to Example Ex6, wherein the communication interface is a wireless communication interface (eg, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi).

[0190] Example Ex8: An aerosol generating system according to example Ex6 or Ex7, wherein the communication interface is a wired communication interface (eg, a USB connection).

[0191] Example Ex9: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex8, wherein the plurality of control functions is a set of predefined control functions.

[0192] Example Ex10: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex3 to Ex9, wherein the external computing device is configured to send the position data or data derived from the position data to the controller.

[0193] Example Ex11: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex3 to Ex10, wherein the external computing device is configured to wirelessly send the position data or data derived from the position data to the controller.

[0194] Example Ex12: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex10 to Ex11, wherein the data derived from the position data comprises firmware comprising at least one function of the plurality of control functions for controlling the aerosol generating device.

[0195] Example Ex 13: An aerosol generating system according to any preceding claim, wherein the position determination device comprises a Global Positioning System (GPS) chip.

[0196] Example Ex14: An aerosol generating system according to example Ex13, wherein the position determination device determines the position data based on data output from the GPS chip.

[0197] Example Ex15: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex3 to Ex14, wherein the external computing device comprises a memory storing data indicating a location of the external computing device.

[0198] Example Ex16: An aerosol generating system according to Example Ex15, wherein the memory stores an IP address of the external computing device.

[0199] Example Ex17: An aerosol generating system according to example Ex15 or Ex16, wherein the position determination device determines the position data from data stored in a memory of the external computing device.

[0200] Example Ex18: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex17, wherein the position determination device comprises a user interface for a user to input data indicating the position of the aerosol generating system or the position of the aerosol generating system.

[0201] Example Ex19: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex18, wherein the position determination device determines the position data based on a position input by the user.

[0202] Example Ex20: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex19, wherein the location determination device determines the location data based on a combination of two or more of: GPS data, IP address data and / or data input by the user via a user interface.

[0203] Example Ex21: An aerosol generating system according to Example Ex20, wherein the location determination device determines the location data after confirming that at least one of the GPS data, IP address data and / or data entered by the user via a user interface matches at least one of the other data among the GPS data, IP address data and / or data entered by the user via a user interface.

[0204] Example Ex22: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex3 to Ex21, wherein selecting at least one control function of the plurality of control functions based on the position data comprises the external computing device selecting a firmware version based on the position data.

[0205] Example Ex23: An aerosol generating system according to Example Ex22, wherein the external computing device is configured to cause the controller to perform the selected control function includes the external computing device being configured to select a firmware version from a plurality of firmware versions available at a server.

[0206] Example Ex24: An aerosol generating system according to Example Ex23, wherein the external computing device is configured to select a firmware version from multiple firmware versions available at a server, including the external computing device being configured to send a request to the server, and the external computing device being configured to receive firmware for controlling the aerosol generating device from the server.

[0207] Example Ex25: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex22 to Ex24, wherein the external computing device is configured to cause the controller to perform the selected control function comprises the external computing device being configured to load the selected firmware onto the aerosol generating device.

[0208] Example Ex26: An aerosol generating system according to Example Ex25, wherein the external computing device is configured to load the selected firmware onto the aerosol generating device comprises the external computing device is configured to load the selected firmware onto the controller.

[0209] Example Ex27: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex3 to Ex26, wherein the aerosol generating system is configured to select at least one of the multiple control functions based on the position data, including the external computing device or the aerosol generating device being configured to select one or more functions from a plurality of functions each associated with a position.

[0210] Example Ex28: An aerosol generating system according to example Ex27, wherein the selected functions are each associated with a position corresponding to the position data.

[0211] Example Ex29: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex4 to Ex28, wherein the plurality of control functions for controlling the aerosol generating device includes at least one function for controlling an age verification process.

[0212] Example Ex30: An aerosol generating system according to example Ex30 or Ex31, wherein the power source is a rechargeable power source, and at least one of the plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating system comprises controlling power supplied to the power source during charging.

[0213] Example Ex31: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex30, wherein the aerosol generating system comprises one or more heating elements.

[0214] Example Ex32: An aerosol generating system according to example Ex31, wherein the aerosol generating system comprises a power source for supplying power to the one or more heating elements, wherein the controller controls the power supplied from the power source to the one or more heating elements.

[0215] Example Ex33: An aerosol-generating system according to example Ex32, wherein at least one of the plurality of control functions of the aerosol-generating system comprises controlling power supplied to the one or more heating elements for heating the aerosol-generating article.

[0216] Example Ex34: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex31 to Ex33, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises one or more heating elements.

[0217] Example Ex35: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex31 to Ex34, wherein each of the plurality of control functions is a predetermined heating curve.

[0218] Example Ex36: An aerosol generating system according to example Ex35, wherein the predetermined heating curve is defined by one or more parameters (eg, temperature, resistance, conductance, voltage and / or current) to be applied at one or more stages in the heating cycle.

[0219] Example Ex37: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex31 to Ex36, wherein the selected control function of the plurality of control functions is a predetermined heating curve.

[0220] Example Ex38: An aerosol generating system according to example Ex37, wherein the predetermined heating curve is defined by one or more parameters (eg, temperature, resistance, conductance, voltage and / or current) to be applied at one or more stages in the heating cycle.

[0221] Example Ex39: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex38, wherein the aerosol generating system comprises a computer readable memory.

[0222] Example Ex40: An aerosol generating system according to Example Ex39, wherein the aerosol generating system is configured to select at least one of the plurality of control functions based on the position data, including the aerosol generating system being configured to select a heating curve from a plurality of heating curves stored on the computer readable memory.

[0223] Example Ex41: An aerosol generating system according to Example Ex39 or Ex40, wherein the aerosol generating system is configured to select at least one of the multiple control functions based on the position data, including the aerosol generating system being configured to select a power supply curve from a plurality of power supply curves stored on the computer readable memory.

[0224] Example Ex42: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex39 to Ex41, wherein the aerosol generating system is configured to select at least one of the multiple control functions based on the position data, including the aerosol generating system being configured to select an age verification process from a plurality of age verification processes stored on the computer readable memory.

[0225] Example Ex43: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex42, wherein the aerosol generating system is configured to generate an aerosol comprising nicotine.

[0226] Example Ex44: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex43, further comprising an aerosol generating article.

[0227] Example Ex45: An aerosol-generating system according to example Ex44, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises an aerosol-generating substrate comprising nicotine.

[0228] Example Ex46: A method of controlling an aerosol generating system, the method comprising the following steps:

[0229] determining a location of the aerosol generating system, and

[0230] Control of at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating system is adjusted based on a position of the aerosol generating system determined by the aerosol generating system.

[0231] Example Ex47: A method for controlling an aerosol generating system according to Example Ex46, wherein the aerosol generating system includes an aerosol generating device, and the step of adjusting control of at least one of multiple control functions of the aerosol generating system based on the position of the aerosol generating system includes adjusting control of at least one of multiple control functions of the aerosol generating device based on the position of the aerosol generating system.

[0232] Example Ex47A. A method for controlling an aerosol generating system according to Example Ex47, wherein the aerosol generating system includes an external computing device separate from the aerosol generating device, wherein the external computing device includes a position determination device, the position determination device is configured to output position data indicating the position of the aerosol generating system, and wherein the aerosol generating device includes a controller, which is configurable to perform multiple control functions for controlling the aerosol generating device.

[0233] Example Ex48: A method of controlling an aerosol generating system, the aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device and an external computing device separate from the aerosol generating device, wherein the external computing device comprises a position determination device, the position determination device is configured to output position data indicating the position of the aerosol generating system, and wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a controller, the controller is configurable to perform a plurality of control functions for controlling the aerosol generating device, the method comprising the following steps:

[0234] the external computing device determining a location of the aerosol generating system,

[0235] the external computing device outputting position data indicative of the position of the aerosol generating system,

[0236] the aerosol generating system selecting at least one control function of a plurality of control functions based on the position data, and

[0237] The external computing device configures the controller to perform a selected control function.

[0238] Example Ex49: A method of controlling an aerosol generating system according to example Ex47A or Ex48, wherein the external computing device is configured to communicate with the aerosol generating device using a communication interface.

[0239] Example Ex50: A method for controlling an aerosol generating system according to Example Ex49, wherein the position determination device includes a user interface, the user interface is used for a user to input data indicating the position of the aerosol generating system or the position of the aerosol generating system, and wherein the step of determining the position of the aerosol generating system also includes the user using the interface to input data indicating the position of the aerosol generating system or the position of the aerosol generating system.

[0240] Example Ex51: A method of controlling an aerosol generating system according to example Ex49 or Ex50, wherein the position determination device comprises a global positioning system (GPS) chip.

[0241] Example Ex52: The method of controlling an aerosol generating system according to example Ex51, wherein the position determination device determines the position data based on data output from the GPS chip.

[0242] Example Ex53: A method for controlling an aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex49 to Ex52, wherein the location determination device comprises a memory storing data indicating the location of the external computing device, preferably, the memory storing an IP address of the external computing device.

[0243] Example Ex54: The method of controlling an aerosol generating system according to Example Ex53, wherein the position determination device determines the position data from data stored at a memory of the external computing device.

[0244] Example Ex55: A method of controlling an aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex48 to Ex54, wherein the location determination device determines the location data based on a combination of two or more of the following: GPS data, IP address data and / or data input by the user via a user interface.

[0245] Example Ex56: A method for controlling an aerosol generating system according to Example Ex55, wherein the location determination device determines the location data after confirming that at least one of the GPS data, IP address data and / or data entered by the user via a user interface matches at least one of the other data among the GPS data, IP address data and / or data entered by the user via a user interface.

[0246] Example Ex57: A method of controlling an aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex47A to Ex56, wherein the external computing device is configured to communicate with the aerosol generating device using a communication interface.

[0247] Example Ex58: The method of controlling an aerosol generating system according to example Ex57, wherein the external computing device is a personal computing device.

[0248] Example Ex59: A method of controlling an aerosol generating system according to example Ex57 or Ex58, wherein the communication interface is a wireless communication interface.

[0249] Example Ex60: A method of controlling an aerosol generating system according to example Ex57 or Ex59, wherein the communication interface is a wired communication interface.

[0250] Example Ex61: A method of controlling an aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex46 to Ex60, wherein the plurality of control functions is a set of predefined control functions.

[0251] Example Ex62: A method for controlling an aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex47A to Ex61, wherein the step of configuring the controller to perform a selected control function includes the external computing device sending the position data or data derived from the position of the aerosol generating system to the aerosol generating device.

[0252] Example Ex63: A method for controlling an aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex47A to Ex62, wherein the step of configuring the controller to perform a selected control function includes the external computing device wirelessly sending the position data or data derived from the position of the aerosol generating system to the aerosol generating device.

[0253] Example Ex64: A method of controlling an aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex62 to Ex63, wherein the data derived from the position data includes firmware for configuring the controller to perform a selected control function.

[0254] Example Ex65: A method of controlling an aerosol generating system according to Example Ex64, wherein the step of the aerosol generating system selecting at least one control function of a plurality of control functions based on the position data comprises the external computing device sending firmware to the aerosol generating device.

[0255] Example Ex66: A method for controlling an aerosol generating system according to any one of claims Ex64 or Ex65, wherein the step of the aerosol generating system selecting at least one of a plurality of control functions based on the position data comprises the aerosol generating system sending a request to a server, and the aerosol generating system receiving from the server firmware for configuring the controller to perform the selected control function.

[0256] Example Ex67: A method for controlling an aerosol generating system according to Example Ex66, wherein the aerosol generating system receives firmware from the server for configuring the controller to perform a selected control function, including the controller receiving firmware from the server for configuring the controller to perform a selected control function.

[0257] Example Ex68: A method of controlling an aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex46 to Ex67, wherein the aerosol generating system comprises a power source for supplying power to one or more heating elements, wherein the controller controls the power supplied from the power source to the one or more heating elements.

[0258] Example Ex69: A method of controlling an aerosol generating system according to Example Ex68, wherein the aerosol generating system comprises one or more heating elements.

[0259] Example Ex70: A method of controlling an aerosol generating system according to Example Ex69, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises one or more heating elements.

[0260] Example Ex71: A method for controlling an aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex68 to Ex70, wherein the step of configuring the controller to perform a selected control function includes configuring the controller to control the power supplied to the one or more heating elements for heating the aerosol generating article.

[0261] Example Ex72: A method of controlling an aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex68 to Ex71, wherein each of the plurality of control functions is a predetermined heating curve.

[0262] Example Ex73: A method for controlling an aerosol generating system according to Example Ex72, wherein the predetermined heating curve is defined by one or more parameters (e.g., temperature, resistance, conductance, voltage and / or current) to be applied at one or more stages in the heating cycle.

[0263] Example Ex74: A method of controlling an aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex70 to Ex73, wherein the selected control function of the plurality of control functions is a predetermined heating curve.

[0264] Example Ex75: A method of controlling an aerosol generating system according to Example Ex74, wherein the predetermined heating curve is defined by one or more parameters (e.g., temperature, resistance, conductance, voltage and / or current) to be applied at one or more stages in the heating cycle.

[0265] Example Ex76: A method for controlling an aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex46 to Ex75, wherein the power source is a rechargeable power source, and wherein the step of configuring the controller to perform a selected control function includes configuring the controller to control the power supplied to the power source during charging.

[0266] Example Ex77: A method of controlling an aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex46 to Ex76, wherein the step of configuring the controller to perform a selected control function comprises configuring the controller to control an age verification process.

[0267] Example Ex78: A method of controlling an aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex46 to Ex77, wherein the aerosol generating system comprises a computer readable memory.

[0268] Example Ex79: A method for controlling an aerosol generating system according to Example Ex78, wherein the step of controlling at least one of multiple control functions of the aerosol generating system based on the position of the aerosol generating system includes selecting a heating curve from a plurality of heating curves stored on the computer readable memory.

[0269] Example Ex80: The method of controlling an aerosol generating system according to Example Ex78 or Ex79, wherein the step of configuring the controller to perform the selected control function comprises selecting a power supply curve from a plurality of power supply curves stored on the computer readable memory.

[0270] Example Ex81: A method of controlling an aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex78 to Ex80, wherein the step of configuring the controller to perform a selected control function comprises selecting an age verification process from a plurality of age verification processes stored on the computer readable memory.

[0271] Example Ex82: An aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device comprising:

[0272] a controller configured to receive data indicative of a position of the aerosol generating device,

[0273] Wherein the controller is configured to control at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device, control of the at least one of the plurality of control functions being dependent on data received by the controller indicative of a position of the aerosol generating device.

[0274] Example Ex83: An aerosol generating device, comprising:

[0275] a controller configured to receive data indicative of a position of the aerosol generating device,

[0276] wherein the controller is configured to select at least one control function of the aerosol generating device from a plurality of control functions for the aerosol generating device based on data received by the controller indicative of the position of the aerosol generating device; and

[0277] Wherein the controller is configured to control the aerosol generating device using the selected control function.

[0278] Example Ex84: An aerosol generating device according to example Ex82 or Ex83, wherein the controller is configured to receive data indicating a position of the aerosol generating device from an external computing device configured to communicate with the aerosol generating device.

[0279] Example Ex85: An aerosol generating device according to Example Ex84, wherein the controller is configured to communicate with the external computing device, and the controller is configured to receive data indicating the position of the aerosol generating system from the external computing device.

[0280] Example Ex86: An aerosol generating device according to Example Ex85, wherein the controller is configured to wirelessly communicate with the external computing device (e.g., the personal computing device), and the controller is configured to wirelessly receive data indicating the location of the aerosol generating device from the external computing device.

[0281] Example Ex87: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples Ex82 to Ex86, wherein the data indicating the position of the aerosol generating system comprises firmware containing at least one function of the plurality of control functions for controlling the aerosol generating device.

[0282] Example Ex88: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples Ex82 to Ex87, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a device position determining device configured to send data indicating the position of the aerosol generating device to the controller.

[0283] Example Ex89: An aerosol generating device according to example Ex88, wherein the device location determination device comprises a global positioning system (GPS) chip.

[0284] Example Ex90: An aerosol generating device according to example Ex89, wherein the device position determination device determines the position data based on data output from the GPS chip.

[0285] Example Ex91: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples Ex88 to Ex90, wherein the device position determination apparatus comprises a memory storing data indicative of the position of the device.

[0286] Example Ex92: An aerosol generating device according to example Ex91, wherein the data indicative of the location of the device comprises an IP address of an external computing device.

[0287] Example Ex93: An aerosol generating device according to example Ex91 or Ex92, wherein the device position determination device determines the position data from data indicating the position of the device stored in a memory of the aerosol generating device.

[0288] Example Ex94: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples Ex88 to Ex93, wherein the device position determination device includes a user interface for a user to input data indicating the position of the aerosol generating system or the position of the aerosol generating system, preferably wherein the position determination device determines the position data based on the position input by the user.

[0289] Example Ex95: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples Ex88 to Ex94, wherein the device location determination device determines the location data based on a combination of two or more of the following: GPS data, IP address data and / or data input by the user via a user interface.

[0290] Example Ex96: An aerosol generating system according to Example Ex95, wherein the location determination device determines the location data after confirming that at least one of the GPS data, IP address data and / or data entered by the user via the user interface matches at least one of the GPS data, IP address data and / or other data entered by the user via the user interface.

[0291] Example Ex97: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples Ex88 to Ex96, wherein the controller is configured to receive firmware indicating a location of the aerosol generating device from a server, the firmware being used to control at least one function of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device.

[0292] Example Ex98: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples Ex88 to Ex97, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a power source for supplying power to one or more heating elements, wherein the controller controls the power supplied from the power source to the one or more heating elements.

[0293] Example Ex99: An aerosol generating device according to example Ex98, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises the one or more heating elements.

[0294] Example Ex100: An aerosol-generating device according to example Ex98 or Ex99, wherein at least one of the plurality of control functions of the aerosol-generating device comprises controlling power supplied to the one or more heating elements for heating the aerosol-generating article.

[0295] Example Ex101: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples Ex98 to Ex100, wherein each of the plurality of control functions is a predetermined heating curve.

[0296] Example Ex102: An aerosol generating device according to example Ex100, wherein the predetermined heating profile is defined by one or more of temperature, resistance, conductance, voltage and / or current to be applied at one or more stages in a heating cycle.

[0297] Example Ex103: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples Ex98 to Ex102, wherein the selected control function is a predetermined heating curve.

[0298] Example Ex104: An aerosol generating device according to example Ex103, wherein the predetermined heating profile is defined by one or more of temperature, resistance, conductance, voltage and / or current to be applied at one or more stages in a heating cycle.

[0299] Example Ex105: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples Ex98 to Ex104, wherein the power source is a rechargeable power source, and at least one of the plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device includes controlling power supplied to the power source during charging.

[0300] Example Ex106: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples Ex98 to Ex105, wherein at least one of the plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device comprises controlling an age verification process.

[0301] Example Ex107: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples Ex98 to Ex106, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a computer readable memory.

[0302] Example Ex108: An aerosol generating device according to Example Ex107, wherein at least one of the plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device comprises selecting a heating curve from a plurality of heating curves stored on the computer readable memory.

[0303] Example Ex109: An aerosol generating device according to example Ex107 or Ex108, wherein at least one of the plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device comprises selecting a power supply curve from a plurality of power supply curves stored on the computer readable memory.

[0304] Example Ex110: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples Ex107 to Ex109, wherein the power source is a rechargeable power source, and wherein at least one of the multiple control functions of the aerosol generating device includes selecting an age verification process from a plurality of age verification processes stored on the computer readable memory.

[0305] Example Ex111: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples Ex107 to Ex110, wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to generate an aerosol comprising nicotine.

[0306] Example Ex112: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples Ex107 to Ex111, wherein the aerosol generating device is a handheld aerosol generating device.

[0307] Example Ex113: An aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating article, the aerosol generating device comprising:

[0308] at least one sensor configured to determine the humidity of the aerosol-generating article, and

[0309] A controller is configured to control at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol-generating device based on the humidity of the aerosol-generating article determined by the at least one sensor.

[0310] Example Ex114: An aerosol generating device according to example Ex113, wherein the aerosol generating device further comprises one or more heating elements, wherein the one or more heating elements are configured to heat the aerosol generating article, and

[0311] A power source is provided, and the controller is configured to control the supply of power from the power source to the one or more heating elements.

[0312] Example Ex115: An aerosol generating device according to Example Ex113, wherein the aerosol generating device can be connected to an aerosol generating article including one or more heating elements, wherein the aerosol generating device includes a power source, and the controller is configured to control the power supply from the power source to the one or more heating elements.

[0313] Example Ex116: An aerosol generating device according to Example Ex115, further comprising a cavity for receiving an aerosol generating article.

[0314] Example Ex117: An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex116, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to determine a humidity of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is received in the cavity.

[0315] Example Ex118: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples Ex114 to Ex117, wherein at least one of the plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device comprises controlling a power supply to the one or more heating elements.

[0316] Example Ex119: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples Ex114 to Ex118, wherein at least one of the plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device comprises controlling a heating profile of the one or more heating elements.

[0317] Example Ex120: An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex119, wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises a computer-readable memory, and the controller is configured to select a heating curve stored in the computer-readable memory based on the humidity of the aerosol-generating article.

[0318] Example Ex121: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples Ex113 to Ex120, wherein at least one of the plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device comprises stopping power supplied to the one or more heating elements.

[0319] Example Ex122: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples Ex113 to Ex121, wherein at least one of the plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device comprises displaying a warning to a user.

[0320] Example Ex123: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples Ex113 to Ex122, wherein at least one function of the plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device comprises displaying a suggestion for at least one user setting of the aerosol generating device to a user.

[0321] Example Ex124: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples Ex113 to Ex123, wherein the at least one sensor comprises at least one acoustic sensor.

[0322] Example Ex125: An aerosol generating device according to example Ex124, wherein the acoustic sensor comprises at least one acoustic transceiver.

[0323] Example Ex126: An aerosol generating device according to Example Ex125, wherein the at least one acoustic sensor comprises at least one acoustic transmitter configured to transmit sound waves having at least one frequency and at least one acoustic receiver configured to receive the sound waves having the at least one frequency.

[0324] Example Ex127: An aerosol generating device according to example Ex126 when dependent on example Ex116, wherein the at least one acoustic transmitter comprises a first acoustic transmitter positioned adjacent to the cavity, and the at least one acoustic receiver comprises a first acoustic receiver positioned adjacent to the cavity.

[0325] Example Ex128: An aerosol-generating device according to example Ex127, wherein the acoustic waves emitted by the first acoustic transmitter and received by the first acoustic receiver propagate through the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is received in the cavity.

[0326] Example Ex129: An aerosol generating device according to example Ex127 or Ex128, wherein the cavity comprises a proximal end located at the opening of the cavity and a distal end located at the end of the cavity opposite to the proximal end, and a heating zone located between the distal end and the proximal end.

[0327] Example Ex130: An aerosol generating device according to example Ex129, wherein the heating zone does not extend to the distal end and does not extend to the proximal end.

[0328] Example Ex131: An aerosol generating device according to example Ex129 or Ex130, wherein the first acoustic receiver and the first acoustic transmitter are positioned outside the heating zone.

[0329] Example Ex132: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples Ex129 to Ex131, wherein the first acoustic receiver and the first acoustic transmitter are positioned on opposite sides of the heating zone from each other, so that the sound waves emitted by the first acoustic transmitter and received by the first acoustic receiver propagate through the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is received in the cavity.

[0330] Example Ex133: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples Ex129 to Ex132, wherein the first acoustic receiver is positioned at a proximal end of the cavity, and the first acoustic transmitter is positioned at a distal end of the cavity.

[0331] Example Ex134: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples Ex129 to Ex133, wherein the at least one acoustic emitter further comprises a second acoustic emitter.

[0332] Example Ex135: An aerosol generating device according to example Ex134, wherein the first acoustic emitter and the second acoustic emitter are positioned on opposite sides of the heating zone from each other.

[0333] Example Ex136: An aerosol generating device according to example Ex134 or Ex135, wherein the first acoustic emitter is positioned at the distal end of the cavity and the second acoustic emitter is positioned at the proximal end of the cavity.

[0334] Example Ex137: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples Ex134 to Ex136, wherein the first acoustic emitter and the second acoustic emitter are positioned so that the sound waves emitted from the first acoustic emitter are configured to propagate through a first portion of the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is received in the cavity, and the sound waves emitted from the second acoustic emitter are configured to propagate through a second portion of the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is received in the cavity.

[0335] Example Ex138: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples Ex129 to Ex137, wherein the at least one acoustic receiver further comprises a second acoustic receiver.

[0336] Example Ex139: An aerosol generating device according to example Ex138, wherein the first acoustic receiver and the second acoustic receiver are positioned on opposite sides of the heating zone from each other.

[0337] Example Ex140: An aerosol generating device according to Example Ex139, wherein the first acoustic receiver is positioned at a distal end of the cavity, and the second acoustic receiver is positioned at a proximal end of the cavity.

[0338] Example Ex141: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples Ex138 to Ex140, wherein the first acoustic receiver and the second acoustic receiver are positioned so that the sound waves received by the first acoustic receiver are configured to propagate through a first portion of the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is received in the cavity, and the sound waves received by the second acoustic receiver are configured to propagate through a second portion of the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is received in the cavity.

[0339] Example Ex142: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples Ex138 to Ex141, wherein the first acoustic receiver and the first acoustic transmitter are positioned on the same side of the heating zone as each other.

[0340] Example Ex143: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples Ex129 to Ex142, wherein the first acoustic transmitter is configured to emit sound waves, which propagate through the heating zone to the distal end of the cavity and propagate from the distal end of the cavity through the heating zone back to the first acoustic receiver.

[0341] Example Ex144: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples Ex126 to Ex143, wherein the at least one frequency comprises a plurality of different frequencies.

[0342] Example Ex145: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples Ex126 to Ex144, wherein the at least one frequency comprises an ultrasonic frequency.

[0343] Example Ex146: An aerosol generating device according to example Ex145, wherein the at least one frequency comprises a frequency greater than 20 kHz.

[0344] Example Ex147: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples Ex113 to Ex146, wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to determine a position of the aerosol generating device or receive data indicating the position of the aerosol generating device.

[0345] Example Ex148: An aerosol generating device according to Example Ex147, wherein the controller is configured to control at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device based on a position of the aerosol generating device or data indicating the position of the aerosol generating device.

[0346] Example Ex149: An aerosol generating device according to example Ex147 or Ex148, wherein the aerosol generating device further comprises a device position determining device configured to determine the position of the aerosol generating device.

[0347] Example Ex150: An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device according to example Ex147 or Ex148, wherein the aerosol generating system further comprises an external computing device connected to the aerosol generating device.

[0348] Example Ex151: An aerosol generating system according to example Ex150, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises the controller.

[0349] Example Ex152: An aerosol generating system according to Example Ex151, wherein the external computing device comprises a system position determination device configured to output position data indicating the position of the aerosol generating system.

[0350] Example Ex153: An aerosol generating system according to example Ex152, wherein the external computing device is configured to send position data indicating a position of the aerosol generating system or the position of the aerosol generating system to the controller.

[0351] Example Ex154: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex149 to Ex153, wherein the system position determination device comprises a user interface for a user to input data indicating the position of the aerosol generating system or the position of the aerosol generating system.

[0352] Example Ex155: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex150 to Ex154, wherein the system position determination device comprises a global positioning system (GPS) chip.

[0353] Example Ex156: An aerosol generating system according to example Ex155, wherein the system position determination device determines the position data based on data output from the GPS chip.

[0354] Example Ex157: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex150 to Ex156, wherein the system position determination device comprises a memory storing data indicative of the position of the external computing device.

[0355] Example Ex158: An aerosol generating system according to example Ex157, wherein the data indicating the location of the external computing device comprises an IP address of the external computing device.

[0356] Example Ex159: An aerosol generating system according to Example Ex158, wherein the system position determination device determines the position data from data stored in a memory of the external computing device.

[0357] Example Ex160: An aerosol generating system according to example Ex159, wherein the system position determination device determines the position data based on a combination of two or more of: GPS data, IP address data and / or data input by the user via a user interface.

[0358] Example Ex161: An aerosol generating system according to Example Ex160, wherein the location determination device determines the location data after confirming that at least one of the GPS data, IP address data and / or data entered by the user via a user interface matches at least one of the other data among the GPS data, IP address data and / or data entered by the user via a user interface.

[0359] Example Ex162: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex147 to Ex161, wherein the data indicative of the location of the aerosol generating system comprises a local humidity of the location of the aerosol generating system.

[0360] Example Ex163: An aerosol generating system according to Example Ex162, wherein the controller is configured to control at least one of multiple control functions of the aerosol generating device based on a combination of the humidity of the aerosol generating article determined by the at least one sensor and the local humidity of the location of the aerosol generating system.

[0361] Example Ex164: An aerosol generating system according to Example Ex163, wherein the controller is configured to control at least one of multiple control functions of the aerosol generating device after comparing the humidity of the aerosol generating article determined by the at least one sensor with the local humidity of the location of the aerosol generating system.

[0362] Example Ex165: An aerosol generating system according to any one of claims Ex147 to Ex164, wherein the data indicative of the location of the aerosol generating system comprises a local temperature of the location of the aerosol generating system.

[0363] Example Ex166: An aerosol generating system according to Example Ex165, wherein the controller is configured to control at least one of multiple control functions of the aerosol generating device based on a combination of the humidity of the aerosol generating article determined by the at least one sensor and the local temperature of the location of the aerosol generating system.

[0364] Example Ex167: An aerosol generating system according to Example Ex166 when subordinate to Example Ex162, wherein the controller is configured to control at least one of multiple control functions of the aerosol generating device based on a combination of the humidity of the aerosol generating article determined by the at least one sensor, the local humidity of the location of the aerosol generating system, and the local temperature of the location of the aerosol generating system.

[0365] Example Ex168: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex113 to Ex167, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to determine a classification of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is coupled to the aerosol-generating device.

[0366] Example Ex169: An aerosol generating device according to example Ex168, wherein the at least one sensor comprises a classification sensor.

[0367] Example Ex170: An aerosol generating device according to example Ex169, wherein the classification sensor is an optical sensor.

[0368] Example Ex171: An aerosol generating device according to Example Ex168 when subordinate to Example Ex126, wherein the classification of the aerosol generating article is determined by the first acoustic receiver and the first acoustic transmitter or by the first acoustic receiver and the second acoustic transmitter when the aerosol generating article is connected to the aerosol generating device.

[0369] Example Ex172: An aerosol generating device according to Example Ex168 when subordinate to Example Ex138, wherein the classification of the aerosol generating article is determined by the first acoustic transmitter and the first acoustic receiver or by the first acoustic transmitter and the second acoustic receiver when the aerosol generating article is connected to the aerosol generating device.

[0370] Example Ex173: An aerosol generating device according to Example Ex168 when subordinate to Example Ex134 and Example Ex138, wherein the classification of the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is connected to the aerosol generating device is determined by the first acoustic transmitter and the first acoustic receiver or by the second acoustic transmitter and the second acoustic receiver.

[0371] Example Ex174: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples Ex168 to Ex173, wherein the controller is configured to control at least one function of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device based on the classification of the aerosol generating article.

[0372] Example Ex175: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples Ex168 to Ex174, wherein the controller is configured to control at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device based on a combination of a classification of the aerosol generating article and a humidity of the aerosol generating article.

[0373] Example Ex176: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples Ex168 to Ex175, wherein the aerosol generating device includes a computer-readable memory, and the controller is configured to determine the classification of the aerosol generating article by comparing data from the at least one sensor with classification data stored in the computer-readable memory.

[0374] Example Ex177: An aerosol generating device according to Example Ex176 when subordinate to Example Ex120, wherein the computer readable memory includes a plurality of heating curves, wherein each of the plurality of heating curves is associated with a classification among a plurality of classifications of the aerosol generating article and a humidity range among a plurality of humidity ranges of the aerosol generating article, wherein the controller is configured to select a selected heating curve from the plurality of heating curves based on the humidity of the aerosol generating article and the classification of the aerosol generating article determined by the at least one sensor, and wherein the controller is configured to control the power supply to the one or more heating elements based on the selected heating curve.

[0375] Example Ex178: An aerosol generating device according to Example Ex177 when subordinate to Example Ex162, wherein the controller is configured to select a selected heating curve from the multiple heating curves based on a combination of the local humidity of the location of the aerosol generating system and the humidity of the aerosol generating article and the classification of the aerosol generating article determined by the at least one sensor.

[0376] Example Ex179: An aerosol generating device according to Example Ex175 when subordinate to Example Ex162, wherein the controller is configured to control at least one of multiple control functions of the aerosol generating device based on a combination of the humidity of the aerosol generating article determined by the at least one sensor, the local humidity of the location of the aerosol generating system, and the classification of the aerosol generating article determined by the at least one sensor.

[0377] Example Ex180: An aerosol generating device according to Example Ex179 when subordinate to Example Ex165, wherein the controller is configured to control at least one of multiple control functions of the aerosol generating device based on a combination of the humidity of the aerosol generating product determined by the at least one sensor, the local humidity of the location of the aerosol generating system, the classification of the aerosol generating product determined by the at least one sensor, and the local temperature of the location of the aerosol generating system.

[0378] Example Ex180A. An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples Ex133 to Ex180, and an aerosol generating article.

[0379] Example Ex180B. An aerosol-generating system according to example Ex180A, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises an aerosol-generating substrate comprising nicotine.

[0380] Example Ex181: A method for operating an aerosol generating system, the aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating article, the aerosol generating device being configured to be coupled to the aerosol generating article, the aerosol generating device comprising a controller, the controller being configured to control at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device, and the aerosol generating device comprising at least one sensor for determining a humidity of the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is coupled to the aerosol generating device,

[0381] The method comprises the following steps:

[0382] determining a humidity of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is coupled to the aerosol-generating device, and

[0383] At least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol-generating device is controlled based on the humidity of the aerosol-generating article.

[0384] Example Ex182: An operating method for an aerosol generating system according to example Ex181, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises an acoustic sensor, and wherein the humidity of the aerosol generating article is determined by acoustic sensing.

[0385] Example Ex183: An operating method for an aerosol generating system according to Example Ex181 or Ex182, wherein the aerosol generating device further comprises: one or more heating elements, the one or more heating elements being configured to heat the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is connected to the aerosol generating device; and a power source, the controller being configured to control the power supply from the power source to the one or more heating elements.

[0386] Example Ex184: An operating method for an aerosol generating system according to Example Ex183, wherein at least one of the plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device comprises controlling a power supply to the one or more heating elements.

[0387] Example Ex185: A method for operating an aerosol generating system according to example Ex183 or Ex184, wherein at least one of the plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device comprises controlling a heating profile of the one or more heating elements.

[0388] Example Ex186: An operating method for an aerosol generating system according to Example Ex185, wherein the aerosol generating device includes a computer readable memory, and the method further includes the step of selecting a heating curve stored in the computer readable memory based on the humidity of the aerosol generating article.

[0389] Example Ex187: An operating method for an aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex181 to Ex186, wherein at least one of the plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device comprises stopping power supplied to the one or more heating elements.

[0390] Example Ex188: A method for operating an aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex181 to Ex187, wherein at least one of the plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device comprises displaying a warning to a user.

[0391] Example Ex189: A method for operating an aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex181 to Ex188, wherein at least one of the plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device comprises displaying a suggestion for at least one user setting of the aerosol generating device to a user.

[0392] Example Ex190: The operating method for an aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex181 to Ex189, the method further comprising the step of determining the classification of the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is coupled to the aerosol generating device.

[0393] Example Ex191: The operating method for an aerosol generating system according to Example Ex190, the method further comprising the step of controlling at least one function of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device based on the classification of the aerosol generating article.

[0394] Example Ex192: The operating method for an aerosol generating system according to Example Ex190 or Ex191, the method further comprising the step of controlling at least one of the plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device based on a combination of the classification and humidity of the aerosol generating article.

[0395] Example Ex193: An operating method for an aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex190 to Ex192, wherein the aerosol generating device includes a computer-readable memory, and wherein the step of determining the classification includes comparing data from the at least one sensor with classification data stored in the computer-readable memory.

[0396] Example Ex194: A method for operating an aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex181 to Ex193, wherein the method further comprises a step of the aerosol generating device determining a position of the aerosol generating system or receiving data indicating the position of the aerosol generating system, and

[0397] At least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device is controlled based on the position of the aerosol generating system or data indicative of the position of the aerosol generating system.

[0398] Example Ex195: An operating method for an aerosol generating system according to Example Ex194, wherein the method further includes the following steps: the aerosol generating device communicates with an external computing device, and the external computing device sends data indicating the location of the aerosol generating system or the location of the aerosol generating system to the aerosol generating device.

[0399] Example Ex196: An operating method for an aerosol generating system according to Example Ex194 or Ex195, wherein the step of the aerosol generating device determining the position of the aerosol generating system or receiving data indicating the position of the aerosol generating system also includes a step of a user inputting the position of the aerosol generating system.

[0400] Example Ex197: An operating method for an aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex194 to Ex196, wherein the step of the aerosol generating device determining the position of the aerosol generating system or receiving data indicating the position of the aerosol generating system comprises using a global positioning system (GPS) chip.

[0401] Example Ex198: An operating method for an aerosol generating system according to Example Ex197, wherein the step of the aerosol generating device determining the position of the aerosol generating system or receiving data indicating the position of the aerosol generating system comprises using data output from a global positioning system (GPS) chip.

[0402] Example Ex199: An operating method for an aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex195 to Ex198, wherein the aerosol generating system includes a memory storing data indicating the position of the aerosol generating system, and wherein the step of the aerosol generating device determining the position of the aerosol generating system or receiving data indicating the position of the aerosol generating system includes using the data indicating the position of the aerosol generating system.

[0403] Example Ex200: The operating method for an aerosol generating system according to Example Ex199, wherein the data indicative of the location of the aerosol generating system comprises an IP address of the external computing device.

[0404] Example Ex201: An operating method for an aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex195 to Ex200, wherein the step of the aerosol generating device determining the location of the aerosol generating system or receiving data indicating the location of the aerosol generating system includes using two or more of: GPS data, IP address data and / or data entered by the user via a user interface.

[0405] Example Ex202: An operating method for an aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex195 to Ex200, wherein the step of the aerosol generating device determining the location of the aerosol generating system or receiving data indicating the location of the aerosol generating system includes using two or more of: GPS data, IP address data and / or data entered by the user via a user interface.

[0406] Example Ex203: An operating method for an aerosol generating system according to Example Ex202, wherein the step of the aerosol generating device determining the location of the aerosol generating system or receiving data indicating the location of the aerosol generating system includes confirming that at least one of the GPS data, IP address data and / or data entered by the user via a user interface matches at least one of the GPS data, IP address data and / or other data entered by the user via a user interface.

[0407] Example Ex204: A method of operating an aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex194 to Ex203, wherein the data indicative of the location of the aerosol generating system comprises a local humidity of the location of the aerosol generating system.

[0408] Example Ex205: An operating method for an aerosol generating system according to Example Ex204, wherein the method further includes a step of controlling at least one of multiple control functions of the aerosol generating device based on a combination of the humidity of the aerosol generating article determined by the at least one sensor and the local humidity of the location of the aerosol generating system.

[0409] Example Ex206: An operating method for an aerosol generating system according to Example Ex205, wherein the method further includes a step of controlling at least one of multiple control functions of the aerosol generating device after comparing the humidity of the aerosol generating article determined by the at least one sensor with the local humidity of the location of the aerosol generating system.

[0410] Example Ex207: A method of operating an aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex194 to Ex206, wherein the data indicative of the location of the aerosol generating system comprises a local temperature of the location of the aerosol generating system.

[0411] Example Ex208: An operating method for an aerosol generating system according to Example Ex207, wherein the method further comprises a step of controlling at least one of multiple control functions of the aerosol generating device based on a combination of the humidity of the aerosol generating article determined by the at least one sensor and the local temperature of the location of the aerosol generating system.

[0412] Example Ex209: An operating method for an aerosol generating system according to Example Ex208 when subordinate to Example Ex204, wherein the method also includes a step of controlling at least one of multiple control functions of the aerosol generating device based on a combination of the humidity of the aerosol generating article determined by the at least one sensor, the local humidity of the location of the aerosol generating system, and the local temperature of the location of the aerosol generating system.

[0413] Example Ex210: An operating method for an aerosol generating system according to Example Ex191 when subordinate to Example Ex186, wherein the computer-readable memory includes a plurality of heating curves, wherein each of the plurality of heating curves is associated with a classification among a plurality of classifications of the aerosol generating article and a humidity range among a plurality of humidity ranges of the aerosol generating article, wherein the method further includes a step of selecting a selected heating curve from the plurality of heating curves based on the humidity of the aerosol generating article and the classification of the aerosol generating article determined by the at least one sensor, and wherein the method further includes a step of controlling the power supply to the one or more heating elements based on the selected heating curve.

[0414] Example Ex211: An operating method for an aerosol generating system according to Example Ex210 when subordinate to Example Ex204, wherein the method also includes a step of selecting a selected heating curve from the multiple heating curves based on a combination of the local humidity of the location of the aerosol generating system and the humidity of the aerosol generating article and the classification of the aerosol generating article determined by the at least one sensor.

[0415] Example Ex212: An operating method for an aerosol generating system according to Example Ex204 when subordinate to Example Ex191, wherein the method also includes a step of controlling at least one of multiple control functions of the aerosol generating device based on a combination of the humidity of the aerosol generating article determined by the at least one sensor, the local humidity of the location of the aerosol generating system, and the classification of the aerosol generating article determined by the at least one sensor.

[0416] Example Ex213: An operating method for an aerosol generating system according to Example Ex212 when subordinate to Example Ex207, wherein the method also includes a step of controlling at least one of multiple control functions of the aerosol generating device based on a combination of the humidity of the aerosol generating product determined by the at least one sensor, the local humidity of the location of the aerosol generating system, the classification of the aerosol generating product determined by the at least one sensor, and the local temperature of the location of the aerosol generating system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0417] Several examples will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0418] Figure 1 An aerosol-generating device and an exemplary aerosol-generating article for coupling to the aerosol-generating device are shown;

[0419] Figure 2 An aerosol generating system is shown, the aerosol generating system comprising a Figure 1 an aerosol generating device, an exemplary aerosol generating article coupled to the aerosol generating device, and a personal computing device connected to the aerosol generating device;

[0420] Figure 3 Another aerosol generating device is shown, the aerosol generating device itself comprising a device position determination apparatus;

[0421] Figure 4 Shows the operation Figure 2 The method of an aerosol generating system as shown in;

[0422] Figure 5 Another aerosol-generating device and an exemplary aerosol-generating article coupled to the aerosol-generating device are shown, the aerosol-generating device comprising a first acoustic transmitter and a first acoustic receiver;

[0423] Figure 6 Another aerosol generating system is shown, the aerosol generating system comprising Figure 5 An aerosol generating device as shown in , an exemplary aerosol generating article coupled to the aerosol generating device, and a personal computing device connected to the aerosol generating device;

[0424] Figure 7 Another aerosol generating device, an exemplary aerosol generating article coupled to the aerosol generating device, is shown, the aerosol generating device comprising a first acoustic transmitter and a first acoustic receiver, both of which are longitudinally positioned between a heating zone formed by a heater assembly and a proximal end of a cavity;

[0425] Figure 8 Another aerosol generating device is shown, the aerosol generating device comprising first and second acoustic transmitters and a first acoustic receiver; and

[0426] Fig. 9 The operation is shown as Figure 6 Methods of an aerosol generating system as shown in . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0427] Figure 1An aerosol generating device 100 is shown. The aerosol generating device 100 comprises an outer housing 102 which a user may hold when using the aerosol generating device 100.

[0428] The aerosol generating device 100 includes a cavity 120 for receiving an aerosol generating article 190. The cavity 120 has a distal end 124 and a proximal end 122, where the cavity 120 meets the outer housing 102. A heater assembly 130 circumferentially surrounds a portion of the cavity 120. The portion of the cavity is positioned between the distal end 124 and the proximal end 122 of the cavity 120. The heater assembly 130 includes a resistive heating element (not shown) configured to heat the portion of the cavity 120 circumferentially surrounded by the heater assembly 130. The portion of the cavity 120 heated by the heating element is referred to as a heating zone 126.

[0429] The aerosol generating device 100 comprises a controller 140. The controller is connected via electrical wires to the heating element of the heater assembly 130. The controller is also connected via electrical wires to a rechargeable power source 150 and a computer readable memory 160.

[0430] The controller 140 is configured to receive position data indicating the position of the aerosol generating device or position-related data depending on the position (or at least the estimated position) of the aerosol generating device. In particular, the controller 140 is configured to receive position data (or position-related data) indicating the position of the aerosol generating device from an external computing device. This feature is Figure 2 This is described in more detail in Figure 1 In the embodiment, the controller 140 includes a Bluetooth interface module, so that the location data is received by the controller 140 using the Bluetooth interface module. The skilled person will appreciate that an alternative communication module may be used in place of the Bluetooth interface module, such as a Wi-Fi interface module or a wired USB interface module.

[0431] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment, the position-related data that the controller 140 is configured to receive is firmware. The firmware is loaded onto the controller 140. The firmware includes a plurality of control functions for controlling the aerosol generating device 100, and one or more programs executable to perform the plurality of control functions are saved to the computer-readable memory 160.

[0432] By loading the position-dependent firmware onto the controller, the controller 140 is configured to perform a plurality of control functions for controlling the aerosol generating device 100 in a manner that is customized to the location of the aerosol generating device 100 .

[0433] The first of the plurality of control functions is a heating profile for controlling the power supplied by rechargeable power source 150 to the heating element of heater assembly 130. The heating profile is stored in computer readable memory 160. The heating profile varies one or both of the voltage, current, or power supplied from rechargeable power source 150 to the heating element with respect to time. Figure 1 In response to a user action (e.g., in response to pressing a button or another touch sensor on the device), controller 140 executes one or more of the heating curves by controlling one or both of the voltage or current supplied to the heating element from rechargeable power source 150. The firmware loaded onto controller 140 based on the location selection may include a heating curve for the location. The heating curve may be a default heating curve that may be executed in response to a user initiating a heating cycle.

[0434] The rechargeable power source can be (re)charged via an external electrical connector (not shown) exposed through the outer housing 102. The second set of multiple control functions is a charging profile for controlling the power supplied to the rechargeable power source 150 during the recharging process. The charging profile is stored in the computer readable memory 160. The charging profile varies one or both of the voltage or current supplied from the external electrical connector to the rechargeable power source 150 with respect to time. Figure 1 In the embodiment, controller 140 executes one or more of the charging profiles by controlling one or both of the voltage, current, or power supplied from the external electrical connector to rechargeable power source 150. The firmware loaded onto controller 140 according to the location selection may include the charging profile for the location. The charging profile may be a default charging profile that may be executed in response to the external electrical connector providing power to rechargeable power source 150.

[0435] The third group of the plurality of control functions is an age verification process. The age verification process is stored in the computer readable memory 160. The controller 140 is configured to control the power supplied to the heating element based on whether the selected age verification process is satisfied. The user can use an external computing device ( Figure 2 The firmware loaded onto the controller 140 selected according to the location may include an age verification process for that location. The age verification process may be a default age verification process that may be executed in response to a request to unlock the device.

[0436] However, various alternatives to the location data indicative of the location of the aerosol generating device may be used, which may be selected and utilized by a skilled person depending on the exact operations and functions that may be performed by the controller 140. For example, as an alternative or in addition to firmware, the location-related data may alternatively include one or more of the following: a set of coordinates, a country name, code or code, a continent name, code or code, a region name, code or code, temperature, humidity, an age threshold, firmware, or an IP address. In these cases, the plurality of control functions may be predetermined control functions stored on the computer-readable memory 160, which may be selected by the controller 140 based on the location data indicative of the location of the aerosol generating device received by the controller 140.

[0437] The aerosol generating article 190 is shown as being separated from the aerosol generating device 100 and is in the shape of an elongated column. The aerosol generating article 190 includes an aerosol forming substrate 192 at a first end of the aerosol generating article 190, and a filter component 196 at a second end of the aerosol generating article 190 opposite to the first end. The aerosol forming substrate 192 includes a collection sheet of homogenized tobacco material. However, other types of tobacco-containing substrates, such as tobacco cut fillers, can replace the collection sheet of homogenized tobacco material. The filter component 196 includes a low-density filter material. The aerosol generating article 190 includes a hollow tubular component 194 positioned between the aerosol forming substrate 192 and the filter component 196. The aerosol generating article 190 is limited by an outer wrapper (not shown).

[0438] Prior to use, the aerosol-generating article 190 is coupled to the aerosol-generating device 100 such that the aerosol-generating article 190 is partially received in the cavity 120. The aerosol-forming substrate 192 is aligned with the heater assembly 130.

[0439] During use, power is supplied to the heating element of the heater assembly 130 such that the aerosol-forming substrate 192 is heated to a temperature at which an aerosol is formed from the aerosol-forming substrate 192. The user draws on the second end of the aerosol-generating article 190, thereby drawing the generated aerosol through the aerosol-generating article 190 to the user's mouth.

[0440] During use of the aerosol generating device 100, the controller 140 selects at least one of the heating curves and at least one of the age verification processes from a plurality of control functions for controlling the aerosol generating device. During charging of the aerosol generating device 100, the controller 140 selects at least one of the charging curves from a plurality of control functions for controlling the aerosol generating device. The heating curve, the selected charging curve, and / or the age verification process are selected according to the location data received by the controller 140. For example, if the location data indicates a wet or humid location, the controller 140 selects a wet heating curve instead of a dry heating curve. Each heating curve includes a heating element temperature curve and a duty cycle limiting curve. The heating element temperature curve is similar between the wet heating curve and the dry heating curve, however, the duty cycle limiting curve is different between the wet heating curve and the dry heating curve to ensure that the heating element temperature curve is achieved regardless of the environmental conditions of the system. Additionally or alternatively, a default heating curve, a selected charging curve, and / or an age verification process of the firmware is used. Since the firmware loaded onto the controller 140 is based on the location of the aerosol generating device, the device operates in a manner specific to its location.

[0441] Figure 2 An aerosol generating system 201 is disclosed. The aerosol generating system 101 comprises Figure 1 The aerosol generating device 200 shown in FIG. Figure 1 The aerosol-forming article 290 shown in FIG. 2 is shown received in the cavity of the aerosol generating device 200 .

[0442] The aerosol generating system 201 comprises a personal computing device 270, such as a smartphone. The personal computing device 270 comprises a personal computing device controller 276. The personal computing device controller 276 communicates with a Bluetooth interface module of the controller 240 using Bluetooth communication signals 241.

[0443] The personal computing device 270 also includes a location determining device 277. The location determining device 277 is connected to the personal computing device controller 276 via wires. The location determining device includes a global positioning system (GPS), and the GPS chip communicates with the satellite system 274 via satellite signals 275.

[0444] The location determination device 277 determines the location of the personal computing device using data received from the satellite system 274. Other methods of determining the location of the personal computing device may be used, such as using the IP address of the personal computing device, or the user manually entering the location of the personal computing device using a user interface. When the personal computing device controller 276 communicates with the Bluetooth interface module of the controller 240 using the relatively short-range Bluetooth communication signal 241, the location of the personal computing device is considered to be the same as the location of the aerosol generating device 200. Therefore, this location can be referred to as the location of the aerosol generating system. The location determination device 277 sends the location or data indicating the location of the aerosol generating system to the personal computing device controller 276 via a wire.

[0445] The personal computing device controller 276 also communicates with the remote server 272 via the remote server connection 273. The personal computing device controller 276 sends a request to the remote server 272 via the remote server connection 273 based on the location of the aerosol generating system. The remote server 272 stores different firmware versions, each firmware version corresponding to a location or a range of locations. Upon a request from the personal computing device controller 276, the remote server 272 sends the firmware to the personal computing device controller 276 based on the location of the aerosol generating system. The personal computing device controller 276 sends the firmware received from the server to the controller 240 via the Bluetooth communication signal 241, and the firmware is loaded onto the controller 240 as described above.

[0446] Figure 3 An aerosol generating device 300 is shown. The aerosol generating device 300 is similar to Figure 1 and 2 The aerosol generating devices 100, 200 disclosed in the drawings will therefore only be described with respect to their differences.

[0447] The aerosol generating device 300 itself comprises a device position determining device 361. The device position determining device 361 is connected to the controller 340 via wires. The device position determining device 361 comprises a global positioning system (GPS), a GPS chip communicating with a satellite system via satellite signals. However, the skilled person will appreciate that alternative position determining devices may be used to determine the position of the aerosol generating device 300 as described above.

[0448] With reference Figure 1 and 2Compared to those described above, the heating curve, charging curve and age verification process are predetermined and stored in the computer readable memory 360. During use, the device location determination device 361 receives location data indicating the location of the aerosol generating device 300 from the GPS chip. The device location determination device 361 then sends the location data indicating the location of the aerosol generating device 300 to the controller 340. Here, the device location determination device 361 sends the GPS coordinate data indicating the location of the aerosol generating device 300 to the controller 340. The controller selects at least one control function from a plurality of predetermined control functions stored on the computer readable memory 360 based on the GPS coordinate data indicating the location of the aerosol generating device 300. Likewise, various alternatives to the location data indicating the location of the aerosol generating device may be used, which may be selected and utilized by the skilled person based on the exact operations and functions that the controller may perform. For example, the location data may alternatively be one or more of the following: a country name, code or code, a continent name, code or code, a region name, code or code, a temperature, a humidity or an age threshold. In these cases, the location-determining device may first compare the GPS coordinate data received from the GPS chip with data stored on a computer-readable memory that relates the GPS coordinate data to one or more of: a country name, code, or code; a continent name, code, or code; a region name, code, or code; a temperature, humidity, or age threshold.

[0449] Figure 4 A method of operating an aerosol generating system is shown. The aerosol generating system is a reference Figure 1 An aerosol generating system is described.

[0450] The method comprises a first step 401 of a personal computing device determining the location of an aerosol generating system using a GPS chip. Data indicative of the location of the aerosol generating system determined using the GPS chip is output to a personal computing device controller 402. Simultaneously, an external computing device determines the location of the aerosol generating system using alternative means (e.g. using an IP address of the external computing device) 403. Again, data indicative of the location of the aerosol generating system (this time determined using the IP address) is output to a personal computing device controller 404.

[0451] Here, the data output to the personal computing device controller indicating the location of the aerosol generating system determined using the GPS chip and the IP address is a country code. Various other data types indicating the location of the aerosol generating system may be used in place of the country code, including coordinates, a country name or code, a continent name, code or code, or a region name, code or code.

[0452] The method then comprises the step of comparing data indicative of the location of the aerosol generating system determined using the GPS chip with data indicative of the location of the aerosol generating system determined using the IP address 405. If the country code determined using the GPS chip does not match or is not sufficiently similar to the country code determined using the IP address, an error message is displayed to the user on the personal computing device 406.

[0453] If the country code determined using the GPS chip matches or is sufficiently similar to the country code determined using the IP address, the personal computing device controller sends a request to the remote server via the Internet connection, the request depending on the country code 407. The remote server then sends the personal computing device controller firmware, which depends on the request from the personal computing device controller, via the Internet connection 408. After receiving the firmware from the remote server, the personal computing device controller sends the firmware to the controller of the aerosol generating device, where the firmware is loaded onto the controller of the aerosol generating device 409.

[0454] Figure 5 An aerosol generating device 500 is disclosed. The aerosol generating device 500 is similar to the aerosol generating device 500 of reference Figures 1 to 3 An aerosol generating device is described herein and will therefore only be described with respect to the differences.

[0455] Aerosol-forming article 590 and reference Figure 1 and 2 The aerosol-forming article 590 is the same as described above. Figure 5 500 as being received within a cavity of an aerosol generating device 500.

[0456] The aerosol generating device 500 comprises a first acoustic transmitter 542 and a first acoustic receiver 543. Both the first acoustic transmitter 542 and the first acoustic receiver 543 are connected to the controller 540 via wires.

[0457] The first acoustic receiver 543 is located adjacent to the cavity of the aerosol generating device 500, and a surface of the first acoustic receiver 543 forms part of an inner wall of the cavity. The first acoustic receiver 543 is located longitudinally between the heating zone 526 formed by the heater assembly 530 and the proximal end 522 of the cavity.

[0458] The first acoustic emitter 542 is also located adjacent to the cavity of the aerosol generating device 500, and a surface of the first acoustic emitter 542 forms part of an inner wall of the cavity.The first acoustic emitter 542 is located at the distal end 524 of the cavity.

[0459] Thus, the heating zone 526 formed by the heater assembly 130 is located between the first acoustic transmitter 542 and the first acoustic receiver 543 .

[0460] The first acoustic transmitter 542 is configured to generate ultrasonic waves having multiple frequencies and transmit the ultrasonic waves. When the aerosol-forming article 590 is received in the cavity of the aerosol-generating device 500, the controller 540 sends an electrical signal to the first acoustic transmitter 542, so that the first acoustic transmitter 542 generates ultrasonic waves having multiple frequencies and transmits the ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic waves emitted by the first acoustic transmitter 542 travel through the aerosol-forming article 590 to the first acoustic receiver 543. The first acoustic receiver 543 is configured to detect the ultrasonic waves having multiple frequencies emitted by the first acoustic transmitter 542. The first acoustic receiver 543 sends an electrical signal of each of the multiple frequencies to the controller 540, and the electrical signal indicates the magnitude of the ultrasonic wave received by the first acoustic receiver 543.

[0461] In particular, the ultrasonic waves emitted by the first acoustic transmitter 542 travel through the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-forming article 590 to reach the first acoustic receiver 543 .

[0462] The sound waves emitted by the first acoustic transmitter 542 are damped as they travel through the aerosol-forming substrate. The level of acoustic damping is directly affected by the density, elasticity and humidity level of the fibrous substrate. For example, fibers become denser and heavier as humidity and moisture content increase. Therefore, the humidity of the aerosol-forming substrate can be determined by analyzing the magnitude of the ultrasonic waves detected by the first acoustic receiver 543.

[0463] Therefore, the controller 540 calculates the damping level of the ultrasonic waves of each of the plurality of frequencies received by the first acoustic receiver 543 that have travelled through the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0464] The computer readable memory 560 stores, for each of a plurality of frequencies, expected acoustic damping levels of an aerosol-forming substrate for different classifications of aerosol-forming articles, and stores, for each of a plurality of frequencies, expected acoustic damping levels of an aerosol-forming substrate at various humidity levels.

[0465] The controller 540 compares the calculated damping level for each of the plurality of frequencies with the stored damping levels and determines the classification and humidity of the aerosol-forming article 590 received in the aerosol-generating device based on this comparison.

[0466] In yet another example, the computer-readable memory 560 may instead store, for each of a plurality of frequencies, an expected acoustic damping level of the aerosol-forming substrate for a different classification of aerosol-forming articles. In this case, the humidity of the aerosol-forming substrate 592 of the aerosol-forming article 590 may be determined by the controller 540 using the deviation of the calculated damping level from the expected acoustic damping level for the determined classification. For example, greater damping than the expected damping for the determined classification would indicate that the aerosol-forming substrate 592 of the aerosol-forming article 590 has greater humidity.

[0467] The controller 540 controls the operation of the aerosol generating device 500 according to the classification and humidity of the aerosol-forming article 590. In particular, the controller 540 controls the power supplied to the heating element of the heater assembly 530 according to the classification and humidity of the aerosol-forming article 590. The computer readable memory also stores a plurality of heating curves. Each heating curve includes at least one power value and an associated time length. Each heating curve in the plurality of heating curves is associated with the classification of the aerosol-forming article and a range of humidity values. During use, the controller 540 selects a heating curve from the plurality of heating curves according to the classification and humidity of the aerosol-forming article 590, and controls the power supply from the power supply 550 to the heating element of the heater assembly 530 according to the selected heating curve.

[0468] Figure 6 An aerosol generating system 601 is shown. The aerosol generating system 601 comprises an aerosol generating device 600. The aerosol generating device 600 is similar to that described with respect to Figure 5 The aerosol generating device 500 is described above and will therefore be described only with respect to its differences.

[0469] The aerosol generating system 601 comprises a personal computing device 670, such as a smartphone. The personal computing device 670 comprises a personal computing device controller 676. The personal computing device controller 676 communicates with a Bluetooth interface module of the controller 640 using Bluetooth communication signals 641.

[0470] The personal computing device 670 also includes a location determining device 677. The location determining device 677 is connected via wires to the personal computing device controller 676. The location determining device includes a global positioning system (GPS), and the GPS chip communicates with the satellite system 674 via satellite signals 675.

[0471] The location determination device 677 determines the location of the personal computing device using data received from the satellite system 674. Other methods of determining the location of the personal computing device may be used, such as using the IP address of the personal computing device, or the user manually entering the location of the personal computing device using a user interface. When the personal computing device controller 676 communicates with the Bluetooth interface module of the controller 640 using the relatively short-range Bluetooth communication signal 641, the location of the personal computing device is considered to be the same as the location of the aerosol generating device 600. Therefore, this location can be referred to as the location of the aerosol generating system. The location determination device 677 sends the location or data indicating the location of the aerosol generating system to the personal computing device controller 676 via a wire.

[0472] The personal computing device controller 676 also communicates with the remote server 672 via the remote server connection 673. The personal computing device controller 676 sends a request to the remote server 672 via the remote server connection 673 according to the location of the aerosol generating system. The remote server 672 includes data such as local temperature and local humidity, each corresponding to a location or a range of locations. After the request from the personal computing device controller 676, the remote server 672 sends the local temperature and local humidity to the personal computing device controller 676 according to the location of the aerosol generating system. The personal computing device controller 676 sends the local temperature and local humidity received from the server to the controller 640 via the Bluetooth communication signal 641.

[0473] The controller 640 controls the operation of the aerosol generating device 600 based on the classification and humidity of the aerosol-forming article 690 and the data indicating the location of the aerosol generating device 600 received from the personal computing device 670. In particular, the controller 640 controls the power supplied to the heating element of the heater assembly 630 based on the classification and humidity of the aerosol-forming article 590 and the local temperature and local humidity of the location of the aerosol generating device 600.

[0474] The computer readable memory 660 includes data correlating the local humidity of the location of the aerosol generating device 600 with the expected humidity of the aerosol-forming article 690. The controller 640 compares the local humidity of the location of the aerosol generating device 600 with the data to determine the expected humidity of the aerosol-forming article 690. The controller 640 compares the calculated humidity of the aerosol-forming article 690 with the expected humidity of the aerosol-forming article 690. If the calculated humidity is significantly different from the expected humidity, the controller 640 will warn the user, for example by activating a warning light (not shown) on the aerosol generating device. In some examples, the data correlating the local humidity of the location of the aerosol generating device 600 with the expected humidity of the aerosol-forming article 690 may alternatively be stored on a remote server 672, which is accessed by the personal computing device controller 676.

[0475] The computer readable memory 660 also stores a plurality of heating curves. Each of the plurality of heating curves is associated with a classification of an aerosol-forming article, a range of humidity values, and a range of temperature values. During use, the controller 640 selects a heating curve from the plurality of heating curves according to the classification, humidity, and local temperature of the aerosol-forming article 690, and controls the supply of power from the power supply 650 to the heating element of the heater assembly 630 according to the selected heating curve.

[0476] Figure 7 An aerosol generating device 700 is shown. The aerosol generating device 700 is similar to the Figure 5 The aerosol generating device 500 is described above and will therefore be described primarily with respect to its differences.

[0477] The aerosol generating device 700 comprises a first acoustic transmitter 745 and a first acoustic receiver 743. Both the first acoustic transmitter 745 and the first acoustic receiver 743 are connected to the controller 740 via wires.

[0478] The first acoustic receiver 743 is located adjacent to the cavity of the aerosol generating device 700, and a surface of the first acoustic receiver 743 forms part of an inner wall of the cavity. The first acoustic receiver 743 is located longitudinally between a heating zone formed by the heater assembly 730 and the proximal end 722 of the cavity.

[0479] The first acoustic emitter 745 is also positioned adjacent to the cavity of the aerosol generating device 700, and the surface of the first acoustic emitter 742 forms part of the inner wall of the cavity. Figure 3Compared to the aerosol generating device described above, the first acoustic emitter 742 is also longitudinally positioned between the heating zone formed by the heater assembly 730 and the proximal end 722 of the cavity. The first acoustic emitter 745 and the first acoustic receiver 743 are positioned on opposite sides of the cavity from each other. Therefore, the heating zone 726 formed by the heater assembly 730 is not located between the first acoustic emitter 745 and the first acoustic receiver 743.

[0480] The first acoustic transmitter 745 is configured to generate an ultrasonic wave having a single frequency and transmit the ultrasonic wave. When the aerosol-forming article 790 is received in the cavity of the aerosol-generating device 700, the controller 740 sends an electrical signal to the first acoustic transmitter 745, thereby causing the first acoustic transmitter 745 to generate an ultrasonic wave having a single frequency and transmit the ultrasonic wave. The ultrasonic wave emitted by the first acoustic transmitter 745 travels through the aerosol-forming article 790, in particular through the aerosol-forming substrate 792 to reach the distal end 724 of the cavity. The ultrasonic wave is reflected from the surface forming the distal end 724 of the cavity and travels back to the first acoustic receiver 743 through the aerosol-forming substrate 792.

[0481] The first acoustic receiver 743 is configured to detect ultrasonic waves having a single frequency emitted by the first acoustic transmitter 745 and reflected from the surface of the distal end of the cavity. The first acoustic receiver 743 sends an electrical signal indicating the magnitude of the ultrasonic waves received by the first acoustic receiver 743 to the controller 740.

[0482] The aerosol generating device 700 also includes an optical classification sensor 762. The optical classification sensor 762 is positioned adjacent to the cavity of the aerosol generating device 700, and the surface of the optical classification sensor 762 forms part of the inner wall of the cavity. When the aerosol-forming article 790 is received in the cavity, the optical classification sensor 762 scans a classification indication, such as a QR code or a bar code, printed on the outer surface of the aerosol-forming article 790. The optical classification sensor 762 sends data indicating the classification indication to the controller 740. The controller 740 determines the classification of the aerosol-forming article 790 by comparing the data indicating the classification indication with a database stored on the computer readable memory 760. This database includes a plurality of classifications, each classification being associated with data indicating the classification indication.

[0483] The controller 740 controls the operation of the aerosol generating device 700 according to the classification of the aerosol-forming article 790 and the humidity of the aerosol-forming article 790, as described with respect to Figure 3 described.

[0484] Figure 8 An aerosol generating device 800 is shown. The aerosol generating device 800 is similar to the Figure 5The aerosol generating device 500 is described above and will therefore be described primarily with respect to its differences.

[0485] The aerosol generating device 800 comprises a first acoustic emitter 842, a second acoustic emitter 846 and a first acoustic receiver 843. The first acoustic emitter 842, the second acoustic emitter 846 and the first acoustic receiver 843 are all connected to the controller 840 via wires.

[0486] The first acoustic receiver 843 is located adjacent to the cavity of the aerosol generating device 800, and a surface of the first acoustic receiver 843 forms part of an inner wall of the cavity. The first acoustic receiver 843 is located longitudinally between the heating zone formed by the heater assembly 830 and the proximal end 822 of the cavity.

[0487] The first acoustic emitter 842 is also located adjacent to the cavity of the aerosol generating device 800, and a surface of the first acoustic emitter 842 forms part of an inner wall of the cavity.The first acoustic emitter 842 is located at the distal end 824 of the cavity.

[0488] Thus, the heating zone 826 formed by the heater assembly 830 is located between the first acoustic transmitter 842 and the first acoustic receiver 843 .

[0489] The second acoustic emitter 846 is also positioned adjacent to the cavity of the aerosol generating device 800, and the surface of the second acoustic emitter 846 forms part of the inner wall of the cavity. The second acoustic emitter 846 is also positioned longitudinally between the heating zone formed by the heater assembly 830 and the proximal end 822 of the cavity. The second acoustic emitter 846 and the first acoustic receiver 843 are positioned on opposite sides of the cavity from each other. Therefore, the heating zone 826 formed by the heater assembly 830 is not located between the second acoustic emitter 845 and the first acoustic receiver 843.

[0490] The first acoustic transmitter 842 and the second acoustic transmitter 846 are configured to generate ultrasonic waves having multiple frequencies and transmit the ultrasonic waves. When the aerosol-forming article 890 is received in the cavity of the aerosol-generating device 800, the controller 840 sends an electrical signal to the first acoustic transmitter 842, thereby causing the first acoustic transmitter 842 and the second acoustic transmitter 846 to generate ultrasonic waves having multiple frequencies and transmit the ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic waves emitted by the first acoustic transmitter 842 and the second acoustic transmitter 846 travel through the aerosol-forming article 890 to reach the first acoustic receiver 843. The first acoustic receiver 843 is configured to receive the ultrasonic waves having multiple frequencies emitted by the first acoustic transmitter 842 and the second acoustic transmitter 846. The first acoustic receiver 843 sends an electrical signal of each of the multiple frequencies to the controller 840, the electrical signal indicating the ultrasonic wave received by the first acoustic receiver 843.

[0491] In particular, the ultrasonic wave 844 emitted by the first acoustic transmitter 842 travels through the aerosol-forming substrate 892 of the aerosol-forming article 890 to the first acoustic receiver 843. Thus, the humidity of the aerosol-forming substrate 892 may be analyzed.

[0492] The ultrasonic wave 847 emitted by the second acoustic emitter 846 travels through the aerosol-forming article 890. In particular, the ultrasonic wave 847 does not travel through the aerosol-forming substrate 892 to reach the first acoustic emitter 843, but travels through the hollow acetate tube portion of the aerosol-forming article 890.

[0493] Therefore, the damping experienced by the ultrasonic wave 847 emitted by the second acoustic transmitter 846 is different from the damping experienced by the ultrasonic wave 844 emitted by the first acoustic transmitter 842 .

[0494] The electrical signal indicative of the ultrasonic wave 847 emitted by the second acoustic transmitter 846 received by the controller 840 from the first acoustic receiver 843 is used to determine the classification of the aerosol-forming article 890. Different aerosol-forming articles produce different amounts of damping to the ultrasonic wave 847 emitted by the second acoustic transmitter 846, because, for example, the thickness of the hollow acetate tube portion may be different in each classification. The controller 840 calculates the damping level of the ultrasonic wave 847 emitted by the second acoustic transmitter 846 and then compares the damping level with the damping value stored in the computer-readable memory 860 to determine the classification of the aerosol-forming article 890.

[0495] The electrical signal indicative of the ultrasonic wave 844 emitted by the first acoustic transmitter 842, received by the controller 840 from the first acoustic receiver 843, is then used to determine the humidity of the aerosol-forming article 890, in particular the aerosol-forming substrate 892. The computer-readable memory 860 also stores, for each of a plurality of frequencies, the expected acoustic damping levels of the aerosol-forming substrate at various humidity levels for different classifications of aerosol-forming articles.

[0496] The controller 840 compares the calculated damping level of the ultrasonic wave 844 emitted by the second acoustic transmitter 842 for each of the plurality of frequencies with the stored damping level and determines the humidity of the aerosol-forming article 890 received in the aerosol-generating device based on this comparison.

[0497] Fig. 9 A method of operating an aerosol generating system is shown. The aerosol generating system is a reference Figure 6 The method comprises a first step 901 of coupling an aerosol-forming article to an aerosol-generating device by a user. The method comprises Figures 5 to 8The method then comprises a step of determining whether the classification of the aerosol-forming article connected to the aerosol-generating device belongs to a known classification 903. If the classification of the aerosol-forming article does not belong to a known classification, such that the computer-readable memory does not have a damping value associated with a known classification for the damping value calculated by the controller, the aerosol-generating system determines that the aerosol-forming article is not a suitable aerosol-forming article for aerosol generation 904. In this case, the aerosol-generating system then stops supplying power from the rechargeable power source and displays a warning to the user, for example via a visual indication of an LED on the aerosol-generating device.

[0498] If the classification of the aerosol-forming article belongs to a known classification, the humidity of the aerosol-forming article is determined 906 by the controller using at least one acoustic transmitter and at least one acoustic receiver, such as with respect to Figures 5 to 8 Classification and humidity of aerosol-forming articles

[0499] The aerosol generating system additionally uses the GPS chip of the personal computing device 907 to determine the location of the aerosol generating system, such as with respect to Figure 6 described.

[0500] The personal computing device retrieves data from the server according to the location of the aerosol generating system 908, in this example, the local temperature and local humidity of the location of the aerosol generating system. The personal computing device then sends the local temperature and local humidity received from the server to the controller 909 via a Bluetooth communication signal.

[0501] The controller controls the operation of the aerosol generating device based on the classification and humidity of the aerosol-forming article and data indicative of the location of the aerosol generating device received from the personal computing device 910. Figure 6 Describe in detail the exact operation of this control.

[0502] For the purpose of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers representing amounts, quantities, percentages, etc. should be understood to be modified by the term "about" in all cases. Moreover, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein that may be specifically listed or may not be listed in this article. Therefore, in this article, the number A is understood to be ± 10% of A. In this article, the number A may be considered to be included in the numerical value within the general standard error of the measurement of the property modified by the number A. In some cases used in the appended claims, the number A may deviate from the percentage listed above, provided that the amount of A deviation will not substantially affect the basic characteristics and novel features of the invention claimed for protection. Moreover, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein that may be specifically listed or may not be listed in this article.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating system, include: an aerosol generating device and an external computing device separate from said aerosol generating device; the external computing device comprising a position determination device configured to output position data indicative of a position of the aerosol generating system, The aerosol generating device comprises a controller configurable to perform a plurality of control functions for controlling the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating system being configured to select at least one control function of the plurality of control functions based on the position data; The external computing device is configured to cause the controller to be configured to perform a selected control function.

2. An aerosol generating system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of control functions is a set of predefined control functions.

3. An aerosol generating system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the external computing device is configured to send the position data, or data derived from the position data, to the controller.

4. An aerosol generating system according to claim 3, wherein the data derived from the position data comprises firmware comprising at least one of the plurality of control functions for controlling the aerosol generating device.

5. An aerosol generating system according to any preceding claim, wherein the position determining device comprises a Global Positioning System (GPS) chip.

6. An aerosol generating system according to claim 5, wherein the position determination device determines the position data based on data output from the GPS chip.

7. An aerosol generating system according to any preceding claim, wherein the external computing device comprises a memory storing data indicative of the location of the external computing device.

8. An aerosol generating system according to claim 7, wherein the memory stores an IP address of the external computing device.

9. An aerosol generating system according to any preceding claim, wherein selecting at least one of the plurality of control functions based on the position data comprises the external computing device selecting a firmware version based on the position data.

10. An aerosol generating system according to claim 9, wherein the external computing device is configured to cause the controller to be configured to perform the selected control function comprises the external computing device being configured to select a firmware version from a plurality of firmware versions available at a server.

11. An aerosol generating system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the external computing device is configured to cause the controller to be configured to perform the selected control function comprises the external computing device being configured to load the selected firmware onto the aerosol generating device.

12. An aerosol generating system according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol generating system is configured to select at least one of the multiple control functions based on the position data, including the external computing device or the aerosol generating device being configured to select one or more functions from a plurality of functions each associated with a position.

13. An aerosol generating system according to any preceding claim, further comprising an aerosol generating article.

14. A method of controlling an aerosol generating system, the aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device and an external computing device separate from the aerosol generating device, wherein the external computing device comprises a position determination device, the position determination device being configured to output position data indicative of the position of the aerosol generating system, and wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a controller, the controller being configurable to perform a plurality of control functions for controlling the aerosol generating device, the method The following steps are involved: the external computing device determining a location of the aerosol generating system, the external computing device outputting position data indicative of the position of the aerosol generating system, the aerosol generating system selecting at least one control function of a plurality of control functions based on the position data, and The external computing device configures the controller to perform a selected control function.

15. An aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device include: a controller configured to receive data indicative of a position of the aerosol generating device, Wherein the controller is configured to control at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device, control of the at least one of the plurality of control functions being dependent on data received by the controller indicative of a position of the aerosol generating device.

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