Control circuitry for offline authentication in aerosol-generating device

Abstract

A control circuitry for offline authentication in an aerosol-generating device is disclosed. The aerosol-generating device has a locked state in which the aerosol-generating device is prohibited from delivering aerosol, and an unlocked state in which the aerosol-generating device is allowed to deliver aerosol. The control circuitry is configured to receive authentication information of a user input from the one or more user interface components. The control circuitry is configured to receive authentication information of a user input during a plurality of time windows of a predetermined duration, each time window corresponding to a respective number forming a sequence of numbers of the authentication information, and to attribut the user input received via the user interface component during the time window to the number corresponding to the time window. The control circuitry is further configured to perform offline authentication of the aerosol-generating device based on the authentication information, and determine to transition the aerosol-generating device from the locked state to the unlocked state based on a successful result of the offline authentication.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of a Chinese patent application with an application number of 202180050369.1, an application date of August 4, 2021, and a title of "Control Circuit System for Offline Authentication in an Aerosol Generating Device". Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of aerosol generating devices and systems. Background Art

[0003] An aerosol generating system typically includes an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol and an accessory device for storing the aerosol generating device, which may be referred to as an accessory device or a main unit. Generally, the aerosol generating device is designed as a handheld device that can be used by a user to consume, for example, the aerosol generated by an aerosol generating article during one or more usage sessions. Generally, the aerosol generating article includes an aerosol forming substrate, such as a tobacco-containing substrate, and / or a cartridge containing a liquid. For example, in order to generate an aerosol during use or consumption, heat can be applied or transferred from a heating element or heat source in the aerosol generating device (or in the aerosol generating article) to heat at least a portion of the aerosol forming substrate.

[0004] Exemplary aerosol generating articles for use with an aerosol generating device may include an aerosol forming substrate that is often assembled in the form of a rod together with other elements or components. The shape and size of such a rod can be configured to be at least partially inserted into the aerosol generating device, which may include, for example, a heating element for heating the aerosol generating article and / or the aerosol forming substrate. Other exemplary aerosol generating articles may include a cartridge that contains a liquid that can be vaporized during user consumption of the aerosol. Additionally, the shape and size of such a cartridge can be configured to be at least partially inserted into the aerosol generating device. Alternatively, the cartridge can be fixedly mounted to the aerosol generating device and refilled by inserting the liquid into the cartridge. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A Youth Access Prevention (YAP) activation method needs to be implemented to prevent underage users from accessing and using such aerosol generating devices. Some YAP methods may require the user to register the device and activate the device for use by connecting the device to a computing device, such as a smartphone or a personal computer, on which a registration application is running. The application can be provided as a USB application. The connection to the computing device can be achieved via Low Energy Bluetooth (BLE).

[0006] Despite the ubiquity of smartphones, tablets, personal computers, etc., the inventors have recognized that the connections and applications required for the YAP method to be performed in the above manner may be technically problematic. Therefore, it may be necessary to provide an improved aerosol generating device or system and / or an improved companion device that allows the execution of authentication such as the YAP method without relying on any device connection and without using any external application.

[0007] This problem is addressed by the subject matter of the independent claims. Optional features are provided by the dependent claims and the following description.

[0008] According to a first aspect, there is provided a control circuitry for an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device has a locked state and an unlocked state, in which the aerosol generating device is prohibited from delivering aerosol in the locked state and is permitted to deliver aerosol in the unlocked state. The control circuitry is configured to receive authentication information input by a user from one or more user interface components. The control circuitry is configured to receive the authentication information input by the user during a plurality of time windows of a predetermined duration, each time window corresponding to a respective digit of a digital sequence forming the authentication information, and to ascribe the user input received via the user interface component during the time window to the digit corresponding to the time window. The control circuitry is further configured to perform offline authentication of the aerosol generating device based on the authentication information input by the user; and to determine, based on a successful result of the offline authentication, to transition the aerosol generating device from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0009] By performing authentication offline, authentication can be performed without relying on any device connection and without using any external application, such as the YAP method. For example, unauthorized users can be effectively and reliably prohibited from transitioning the aerosol generating device to the unlocked state, such that unauthorized users can be effectively and reliably prevented from using the aerosol generating device to consume aerosol.

[0010] As used herein, "offline" refers to an authentication that is connection-free, connection-agnostic, or connection-independent in the sense that the aerosol-generating device or the aerosol-generating system including the aerosol-generating device is in a disconnected or offline state during the authentication. For example, the control circuitry may also be configured to perform an offline authentication of the aerosol-generating device without connecting (or requiring a connection) of the aerosol-generating device (or any part of the system including the aerosol-generating device) to an external computing device (e.g., a mobile phone, a personal computer, or a tablet device) during (and / or in order to complete) the authentication. Additionally or alternatively, the control circuitry may also be configured to perform an offline authentication of the aerosol-generating device without transmitting authentication-related data to the external computing device or receiving verification-related data from the external computing device during the authentication even if the aerosol-generating device is connected to the external computing device, where "authentication-related data" includes, for example, data used by or necessary for the authentication. The control circuitry may also be configured to perform an offline authentication of the aerosol-generating device during the authentication without being controlled by the external computing device and / or without controlling the external computing device. The control circuitry may also be configured to perform an offline authentication of the aerosol-generating device without connecting the aerosol-generating device to a network including one or more external computing devices, such as the Internet or forming part of the network. "Offline" may refer to any connection of the aerosol-generating device that is not for authentication-related purposes or tasks, regardless of whether the aerosol-generating device is connected to / connectable to an external computing device. For example, "offline" may refer to a state in which data exchanged through any communication interface of the aerosol-generating device providing connectivity is not input to or, more precisely, output from the control circuitry or a thread or component of the control circuitry performing authentication-related tasks during the authentication. In other words, the aerosol-generating device may include a communication interface for managing the connection to the external computing device, where "offline" indicates that the communication interface remains idle or only performs tasks unrelated to the authentication during the authentication. It should be noted that when used with respect to the term "offline", the term "external computing device" does not include a companion device or the aerosol-generating device, where the authentication is performed by another of these devices.

[0011] The control circuit system can also be configured to control the user interface component to guide the user to input authentication information as part of a guided interactive input process, for example, as follows: in response to a control signal from the control circuit system, control the user interface component to output a user-perceivable guidance signal for guiding the user during the guided interactive input process, for example, (i) prompting the user to take a predetermined action, (ii) providing the user with feedback related to the progress of the guided interactive input process, or both (i) and (ii). Thus, the interactive input process is an instance of a guided human-machine interaction process. The user-perceivable guidance signal can include any one or more of visual signals, audible signals, and tactile signals. To this end, the user interface component can include one or more output elements, such as any combination including one or more of the following elements: visual indicators (such as light sources, such as LEDs, incandescent tubes, compact fluorescent lamps), tactile output elements (such as centrifugal rotating mass motors, linear resonant actuators, vibration tactile actuators such as C2 contactors, piezoelectric actuators), audible output elements, such as speakers, etc. The user interface component also includes one or more input elements, such as buttons (e.g., pushbuttons), touchscreens, microphones. In one embodiment, the user interface component includes a plurality of LEDs and buttons. In any of these ways, the user interface component facilitates the implementation of offline authentication while saving device real estate in an aerosol generating device or a companion device that can be of a small form factor.

[0012] The digital sequence forming the authentication information can include a personal identification number or code, such as a PIN code. Thus, a separate time window is provided for inputting each digit of the sequence or PIN code, thereby providing certainty and security regarding which digit is currently being input. "Attribute" means that the control circuit system associates the user input received during the time window with the digit corresponding to the time window, or the control circuit system uses the user input received during the time window to determine or calculate the value of the digit corresponding to the time window. To enhance security, the control circuit system can be configured to trigger a timeout in response to the fact that one or more user interface components do not receive user input within a predetermined period starting from the corresponding time window in the time window. Thus, the control circuit system can also be configured to determine not to transition the aerosol generating device to an unlocked state in response to the triggering of the timeout. "Timeout" means that a timer starts running at the start of a predetermined period and generates an interrupt or trigger signal at the end of the predetermined period, thus "triggering" the timeout, provided that no predetermined action is taken during the predetermined period to cancel or reset the timer.

[0013] The control circuitry can be configured to initiate a first time window within a time window in response to a user interacting with one or more user interface components. For example, the control circuitry can be configured to initiate a first time window within a time window in response to receiving a predetermined signal (or signals) generated by a user interacting with one or more user interface components. In one instance, the one or more user interface components can include a button, and the predetermined signal can be generated by the user pressing the button a predetermined number of times. For example, the user pressing the button a predetermined number of times (e.g., 5 times) within a predetermined amount of time (e.g., 30 seconds) can initiate the first time window.

[0014] Before and / or during one or more time windows (e.g., before and / or during the first time window), there may be a preparatory time window. If no authentication of user input is received during the preparatory time window, the control circuitry will determine an unsuccessful result of the offline authentication. However, if authentication of user input is received during the preparatory time window, the received authentication of user input is stored (attributed to the corresponding digit), and the corresponding time window is initiated and / or continued to run (to allow completion of the corresponding digit).

[0015] To assist in guiding the user through the interactive input process, the control circuitry can also be configured to control the user interface component to output a user-perceivable guidance signal that at least indicates the start of the corresponding time window, such that the user knows when input is expected. The user-perceivable guidance signal can also, for example, be emitted to the user as a continuous or blinking signal, such as a visual signal indicating that the time window is running. To provide further certainty to the user and to enhance interactivity, the control circuitry can also be configured to control the user interface component to output a user-perceivable guidance signal that indicates which digit in the sequence the user is being guided to provide input for. For example, the aerosol generating device and / or the companion device can be provided with a certain number of output elements, the number of which corresponds to the number of digits in the sequence, wherein the position of the active output element relative to another inactive output element indicates the position of the digit within the sequence for which input is expected. The control circuitry can also be configured to interpret multiple signals generated during the time window due to the user repeatedly operating the same user interface component as an encoded input signal defining the digit of the sequence corresponding to the time window, such that only one user interface component, such as a button, can be used to input any value of a digit, thus saving device space. Advantageously, this one user interface component can be the power button of the aerosol generating device or the companion device, thus further saving space. In any of these ways, a guided interactive input process is facilitated for inputting authentication information, while imposing only minimal requirements on the capabilities and size of the user interface component.

[0016] To prevent unauthorized users or other attackers from attempting to brute-force the offline authentication process by repeatedly trying to enter authentication information, the control circuitry system can also be configured to respond to an unsuccessful result of the offline authentication by prohibiting the user from entering additional authentication information before the expiration of a time delay period, or by avoiding performing the offline authentication based on the authentication information entered by the user before the expiration of the time delay period. The control circuitry system can be configured to increase the duration of the time delay period after each successive unsuccessful result of the offline authentication. In a particular instance, the time delay period can become exponentially longer after each successive unsuccessful result, such that an exponential delay can be introduced between retries to deter attackers.

[0017] The control circuitry system can also be configured to compare the authentication information entered by the user with pre-stored reference authentication information and determine whether to transition the aerosol-generating device from a locked state to an unlocked state based on the result of the comparison.

[0018] Performing authentication of the aerosol-generating device can mean or include identifying the user, determining the identity of the user, verifying the identity of the user, and / or determining whether the user is authorized or verified to transition the aerosol-generating device to an unlocked state to allow the delivery and / or generation of an aerosol. Thus, "successful authorization" of a user can mean that the user is identified as authorized to transition the aerosol-generating device to an unlocked state. "Unsuccessful authorization" of a user can mean that the user is not identified as or not successfully identified as authorized to transition the aerosol-generating device to an unlocked state.

[0019] The locked state of the aerosol-generating device can refer to a locked configuration, and the unlocked state can refer to an unlocked configuration of the aerosol-generating device.

[0020] In the locked state or configuration, the aerosol-generating device is prohibited from delivering and / or generating an aerosol. This can mean that the aerosol-generating device is locked in the locked state from being consumed by the user, and / or the aerosol-generating device is configured in the locked state such that an aerosol cannot be delivered and / or generated.

[0021] On the other hand, in the unlocked state or configuration, the aerosol-generating device is permitted or allowed to deliver and / or generate an aerosol. This can mean that the aerosol-generating device is unlocked in the unlocked state for consumption by the user, and / or the aerosol-generating device is configured in the unlocked state such that an aerosol can be delivered and / or generated.

[0022] Thus, when the aerosol generating device is in a locked state, the aerosol generating device may not be actuable by the user to deliver and / or generate an aerosol, and when the aerosol generating device is in an unlocked state, the aerosol generating device is actuable by the user to deliver and / or generate an aerosol. In other words, in the locked state of the aerosol generating device, the user may be prohibited from using one or more functions or capabilities of the aerosol generating device, including aerosol delivery and / or generation; in the unlocked state of the aerosol generating device, the user may be permitted to use one or more functions or capabilities of the aerosol generating device, including aerosol delivery and / or generation.

[0023] Additionally or alternatively, the companion device may be configured to charge the energy storage device of the aerosol generating device only when the user has been successfully authenticated. In this example, the locked state may be regarded as a state in which the energy storage device of the aerosol generating device does not contain a charge sufficient to generate an aerosol, and the unlocked state may be regarded as a state in which the energy storage device contains a charge sufficient to generate an aerosol. The authentication signal may then be regarded as providing a charge from the companion device to the energy storage device of the aerosol generating device.

[0024] In the locked state, the control circuitry may be configured, for example, to prohibit activation of the heating element based on at least one of the following: disabling at least one heating element, disabling an energy supply device for supplying electrical energy to at least one heating element, and disabling an input element for actuating at least one heating element by the user.

[0025] The control circuitry may also be configured to transition the aerosol generating device to the unlocked state in response to determining, based on a successful result of an offline authentication, to transition the aerosol generating device from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0026] The control circuitry may also be configured to transition the aerosol generating device to the unlocked state by one or more of (i) modifying the value of an authentication indicator stored in a data storage device, (ii) adding an authentication indicator to the data storage device, and (iii) deleting one or more of the authentication indicators from the data storage device.

[0027] Additionally or alternatively, the control circuitry may also be configured to transition the aerosol generating device to the unlocked state by enabling one or more functions of the aerosol generating device that were previously disabled when the aerosol generating device was in the locked state.

[0028] Additionally or alternatively, the control circuitry may also be configured to transition the aerosol-generating device to an unlocked state by transmitting an unlock signal to a companion device for the aerosol-generating device, the companion device being configured to, in response to receiving the unlock signal, enable one or more functions of the aerosol-generating device and the companion device that were previously disabled when the aerosol-generating device was in a locked state.

[0029] One or more functions enabled in the unlocked state may be necessary for the aerosol-generating device to deliver an aerosol, the enabling including enabling one or more of the following: (i) an electrical power supply component (e.g., charging the aerosol-generating device), (ii) an evaporable liquid supply component, (iii) a heating element, (iv) an air flow enabling component.

[0030] Additionally or alternatively, the control circuitry may also be configured to transition the aerosol-generating device to an unlocked state by disabling one or more mechanical locking components that, when in an enabled state, are configured to prevent the delivery and / or generation of an aerosol.

[0031] The control circuitry may also be configured to determine not to transition the aerosol-generating device from a locked state to an unlocked state based on an unsuccessful result of an offline authentication. The control circuitry may also be configured to maintain the aerosol-generating device in the locked state in response to determining not to transition the aerosol-generating device from the locked state to the unlocked state based on an unsuccessful result of an offline authentication.

[0032] As used herein, "transition" may cause the aerosol-generating device to enter, be configured as, and / or switch to a locked or unlocked state, which may mean or include actuating and / or configuring the aerosol-generating device such that the aerosol-generating device is in a locked state or an unlocked state.

[0033] The aerosol-generating device and / or the companion device and / or a system including the aerosol-generating device and the companion device may also include a data storage device, and the control circuitry may be configured to determine an authentication indicator based on an authentication signal, such as the authentication signals described herein, and store the authentication indicator in the data storage device. The control circuitry may be configured to obtain the authentication indicator from the authentication signal as described herein.

[0034] An authentication indicator may indicate, represent, and / or describe the success or failure of authenticating a user. Additionally or alternatively, the authentication indicator may be one that indicates, represents, and / or describes whether the user is authorized to transition the aerosol-generating device to an unlocked state. Thus, an authorization indicator may be used to transition the aerosol-generating device to a locked state or an unlocked state or to maintain it in the respective state. In other words, the authentication indicator may facilitate the transition of the aerosol-generating device and / or may be used to transition the aerosol-generating device to a locked or unlocked state, enter a locked or unlocked state, switch to a locked or unlocked state, and / or at least temporarily maintain the aerosol-generating device in a locked or unlocked state. In particular, if or when the authentication indicator indicates a failure to authenticate the user, the aerosol-generating device may transition to a locked state or remain in a locked state, and if or when the authentication indicator indicates a successful authentication of the user, the aerosol-generating device may transition to an unlocked state or remain in an unlocked state.

[0035] Storing the authentication indicator in the data storage device of the aerosol-generating device may allow the aerosol-generating device to be efficiently, reliably, and securely transitioned to a locked state or an unlocked state and at least temporarily maintain the aerosol-generating device in the locked or unlocked state so configured, e.g., even when the user is currently unable to use the companion device. Protection may also be provided in the event the aerosol-generating device is lost. The authentication indicator may refer to an anonymous data element indicating whether the authentication of the user is successful or not.

[0036] For example, the authentication indicator may refer to a data element, such as a binary data element, where a first value may indicate a successful authentication of the user at the companion device and a second value different from the first value may indicate a failure to authenticate the user at the companion device. Additionally, if or when the authentication indicator takes the first value, the aerosol-generating device may be transitioned to or maintained in an unlocked state, and if or when the authentication signal takes the second value, the aerosol-generating device may be transitioned to or maintained in a locked state.

[0037] Alternatively or additionally, if or when an authorization indicator is present in or stored in the data storage device, the aerosol-generating device may be transitioned to or maintained in one of a locked and an unlocked state, and if or when the authorization indicator is not present in the data storage device, the aerosol-generating device may be transitioned to or maintained in the other of a locked and an unlocked state. Thus, the control circuitry of the aerosol-generating device may be configured to cause the aerosol-generating device to transition to or maintain a locked state or an unlocked state based on the presence or absence of the authentication indicator in the data storage device.

[0038] In addition, the control circuitry of the aerosol-generating device may be configured to remove, delete, and / or erase the authentication indicator from the data storage device such that the aerosol-generating device is thereby transitioned to a locked state. In other words, when there is no authentication indicator in the data storage device by removing the authentication indicator from the data storage device, the aerosol-generating device may be transitioned to a locked state.

[0039] For example, the control circuitry of the aerosol-generating device may be configured to periodically erase and / or delete the data storage device storing the authentication indicator such that the aerosol-generating device is periodically transitioned to a locked state. By periodically removing the authentication indicator from the data storage device and / or by periodically erasing the data storage device, the aerosol-generating device may be periodically transitioned to a locked state. Accordingly, it may be necessary for the user to periodically authorize or re-authorize themselves in order to efficiently, reliably, and securely prevent unauthorized users from using the aerosol-generating device.

[0040] Alternatively or additionally, the control circuitry of the aerosol-generating device may be configured to modify, change, adjust, and / or alter the value of the authentication indicator such that the aerosol-generating device is transitioned to a locked state. The control circuitry of the aerosol-generating device may be configured to modify, change, adjust, and / or alter the value of the authentication indicator to a value associated with the locked state, such as a second value of the authentication indicator. By periodically modifying the value of the authentication indicator, the aerosol-generating device may be periodically transitioned to a locked state. Accordingly, it may be necessary for the user to periodically authorize or re-authorize themselves in order to efficiently, reliably, and securely prevent unauthorized users from using the aerosol-generating device.

[0041] In addition, the aerosol-generating device may include at least one heating element configured to heat an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol, wherein the control circuitry of the aerosol-generating device may be configured to prohibit a user from activating the at least one heating element when the aerosol-generating device is in a locked state. In addition, the control circuitry of the aerosol-generating device may be configured to allow a user to activate the at least one heating element when the aerosol-generating device is in an unlocked state. By allowing activation of the heating element in the unlocked state and prohibiting activation of the heating element in the locked state, it can be ensured that the user can only use the aerosol-generating device to consume the aerosol when successfully authorized.

[0042] By way of example, the control circuitry of the aerosol-generating device may be configured to prohibit activation of the heating element based on at least one of the following: disabling the at least one heating element, disabling the energy supply device for supplying electrical energy to the at least one heating element, and disabling the actuation element of the aerosol-generating device for actuation of the at least one heating element by the user.

[0043] Alternatively or additionally, the flow path of the aerosol through the aerosol generating device can be blocked in the locked state, and the flow path can be opened or unblocked in the unlocked state, for example, by enabling one or more airflow enabling components. Alternatively or additionally, inserting an aerosol generating article into the aerosol generating device can be prohibited in the locked state, and inserting an aerosol generating article can be permitted in the unlocked state. However, any other means that allows aerosol generation in the unlocked state and prohibits aerosol generation in the locked state can be implemented.

[0044] If or when an authentication signal is generated or transmitted by the control circuitry, the aerosol generating device can be switched to or maintained in one of the locked and unlocked states, and switched to or maintained in the other of the locked and unlocked states if or when the control circuitry does not generate or transmit the authentication signal. To this end, the control circuitry can generate and / or transmit an authentication signal that can be used to switch the aerosol generating device to the locked or unlocked state. In other words, the authentication signal can refer to a data signal or data element that allows the aerosol generating device to be switched and / or can be used to switch the aerosol generating device to the locked or unlocked state, so that the aerosol generating device enters the locked or unlocked state, and / or switches the aerosol generating device to the locked or unlocked state. The authentication signal can refer to a binary signal, where a first value can indicate successful authentication of the user, and a second value different from the first value can indicate unsuccessful authentication of the user. Additionally, if the authentication signal takes the first value, the aerosol generating device can be switched to or maintained in the unlocked state, and if the authentication signal takes the second value, the aerosol generating device can be switched to or maintained in the locked state. Thus, the authentication signal can refer to an anonymous data signal or data element indicating whether the authentication of the user is successful or unsuccessful.

[0045] Furthermore, the authentication signal can be an encrypted signal. For example, a key or password can be shared between, for example, the aerosol generating device and a companion device for encrypting the authentication signal. Wherein, the key or password can be encoded or included in the authentication signal. Alternatively, the key or password can be transmitted separately from the authentication signal. However, any other encryption method can be applied to encrypt the authentication signal. Generally, by encrypting the authentication signal, attacks by unauthorized users, such as replay attacks, that configure the aerosol generating device to the unlocked state can be reliably prevented. Additionally, the authentication indicator can be stored in a protected storage area of the data storage device of the companion device and / or the aerosol generating device.

[0046] An aerosol generating device may be configured or designed as a handheld device for use by a user or authorized user to consume an aerosol generating article, for example, during one or more use sessions (also referred to as an "experience" or "experience session"). For example, an aerosol generating article that can be used with the aerosol generating device may include an aerosol forming substrate, such as a tobacco-containing substrate, which may be assembled in the form of a rod that can be at least partially inserted into the aerosol generating device, optionally assembled with other elements or components. Alternatively or additionally, an aerosol generating article that can be used with the aerosol generating device may include at least one cartridge containing a liquid that can be vaporized during consumption of the aerosol by the user. Such a cartridge may be a refillable cartridge fixedly mounted at the aerosol generating device, or the cartridge may be at least partially inserted into the aerosol generating device.

[0047] The control circuitry may also control one or more functions or operations of the aerosol generating device. The control circuitry may include one or more processors for data processing. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol generating device may include a data storage device and / or memory for storing data, such as software instructions, computer programs, and / or other data.

[0048] A companion device (which may also be described as a receiving device) may generally refer to a support device for supporting and / or storing the aerosol generating device. The companion device may be a portable companion device. In the context of the present disclosure, the companion device may be configured to at least partially receive the aerosol generating device. This is a broad interpretation. For example, this may mean that the companion device is configured to be physically coupled to the aerosol generating device. Such a physical coupling may include, for example, a mechanical coupling based on an attachment device, such as a hook mechanism, a latch mechanism, a snap-fit mechanism, etc., based on which the aerosol generating device may be mechanically coupled to the companion device and / or its housing. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol generating device may be physically coupled to the companion device based on a magnetic or electromagnetic coupling. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol generating device may be at least partially inserted into the companion device, for example, into an opening of the companion device. Further, the aerosol generating device and the companion device may refer to physically separate components or elements of an aerosol generating system.

[0049] In the context of the present disclosure, an external computing device may refer to a computing device configured to communicate with the aerosol generating device and / or the companion device, for example, based on exchanging data or information. Generally, the external computing device may be a handheld or portable device. Alternatively, the external computing device may be a stand-alone or fixed-mounted device. Additionally, the external computing device may be owned by a user or another entity or individual (such as a retail store), or may be installed at a user or another entity or individual. By way of example, the external computing device may refer to a handheld device, a smart phone, a personal computer ("PC"), a tablet PC, a notebook, or a computer.

[0050] The external computing device may include a user interface. The external computing device may include one or more processors for data processing, such as for processing one or more user inputs received at the user interface. Alternatively or additionally, the external computing device may include a data storage device and / or memory for storing data, such as software instructions, computer programs, and / or other data. Further, the external computing device may include a communication interface, communication module, and / or communication circuitry for communicatively coupling the external computing device to the aerosol generating device and / or the accessory device, such as via the communication interfaces of the aerosol generating device and / or the accessory device. Thus, the external computing device may be configured to communicate wirelessly and / or wiredly with the aerosol generating device, the accessory device, or both. For example, the external computing device may be configured to communicate communicatively couple with the aerosol generating device and / or the accessory device via an Internet connection, a wireless LAN connection, a WiFi connection, a Bluetooth connection, a mobile phone network, a 3G / 4G / 5G connection, etc., an edge connection, an LTE connection, a bus connection, a wireless connection, a wired connection, a radio connection, a near field connection, an IoT connection, or any other connection using any suitable communication protocol.

[0051] To communicate with each other and / or with the external computing device and / or to exchange data or signals, each of the aerosol generating device and the accessory device may include at least one communication interface. The communication interface may be configured for wireless communication, for wired communication, or for both wireless communication and wired communication. For example, the communication interface may be configured to communicate communicatively couple via an Internet connection, a wireless LAN connection, a WiFi connection, a Bluetooth connection (including BLE), a mobile phone network, a 3G / 4G / 5G connection, etc., an edge connection, an LTE connection, a bus connection, a wireless connection, a wired connection, a radio connection, a near field connection, an IoT connection, or any other connection using any suitable communication protocol.

[0052] An aerosol generating device and / or a companion device may include at least one energy storage device for storing electrical energy and / or supplying electrical energy to the aerosol generating device using the electrical energy. For example, the companion device may be configured to supply electrical energy to the aerosol generating device to charge at least one energy storage device of the aerosol generating device. In other words, the companion device may be configured to charge the aerosol generating device and / or at least one of its energy storage devices. At least one energy storage device of the aerosol generating device may include, for example, at least one battery, at least one accumulator, at least one capacitor or any other energy storage device. The companion device may be configured to supply electrical energy to the energy storage device of the aerosol generating device when the aerosol generating device is at least partially received by the companion device. The companion device may include one or more batteries for supplying electrical energy to the energy storage device of the aerosol generating device. The companion device may be configured to supply electrical energy to the energy storage device of the aerosol generating device wirelessly, for example, based on induction. Alternatively or additionally, the companion device may be configured to supply electrical energy to the energy storage device of the aerosol generating device via one or more electrical connectors between the companion device and the aerosol generating device. For example, the aerosol generating device and the companion device may each include at least one electrical connector for electrically coupling the companion device to the aerosol generating device when the aerosol generating device is at least partially received by the companion device. By way of example, the companion device may include an opening for at least partially receiving the aerosol generating device. By at least partially inserting the aerosol generating device into the opening, one or more electrical connections may be established between one or more electrical connectors of the aerosol generating device and the companion device. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol generating device may be physically and / or mechanically coupled to the companion device, for example, to the housing of the companion device, such that the aerosol generating device is at least partially received by the companion device and such that one or more electrical connections may be established between the aerosol generating device and the companion device. Optionally, establishing an electrical connection between the companion device and the aerosol generating device via one or more electrical connectors of the aerosol generating device and the companion device may establish a communication coupling and / or a communication connection between the companion device and the aerosol generating device, for example, for transmitting an authentication signal. By way of example, at least one electrical connector of the companion device may incorporate and / or may include a communication interface of the companion device. In other words, at least one electrical connector of the companion device may be configured as a communication interface for communicatively coupling the companion device to the aerosol generating device. Alternatively or additionally, at least the electrical connector of the aerosol generating device may incorporate and / or may include a communication interface of the aerosol generating device. In other words, at least one electrical connector of the aerosol generating device may be configured as a communication interface for communicatively coupling the aerosol generating device to the companion device. Thus, an authentication signal may be transmitted from the companion device to the aerosol generating device via one or more electrical connectors of the companion device and the aerosol generating device.However, it should be noted that the communication interface of one or both of the accessory device and the aerosol-generating device may be physically separated and independent from at least one electrical connector of the accessory device and / or the aerosol-generating device. A charging cycle may refer to a period of time during which the accessory device continuously supplies electrical energy to the aerosol-generating device. During the charging cycle, at least one energy storage device may be partially or fully charged.

[0053] To authenticate a user, reference authentication information may be stored in a data storage device and / or a memory of the aerosol-generating device and / or the accessory device. For example, the reference authentication information may be obtained during an age verification process or a registration process and stored when the age verification process or the registration process is completed, as will be discussed further below.

[0054] According to a second aspect, there is provided an aerosol-generating device comprising the control circuitry of the first aspect.

[0055] According to a third aspect, there is provided an accessory device for an aerosol-generating device, the accessory device comprising the control circuitry of the first aspect.

[0056] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a system comprising an aerosol-generating device, an accessory device for the aerosol-generating device, and the control circuitry of the first aspect. The control circuitry may be distributed, for example, among a plurality of components of the system including the aerosol-generating device and / or the accessory device.

[0057] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a method for authenticating an aerosol-generating device for use, the aerosol-generating device having a locked state and an unlocked state, in which the aerosol-generating device is prohibited from delivering aerosol in the locked state and is permitted to deliver aerosol in the unlocked state. The method includes: receiving, during a plurality of time windows of a predetermined duration, user input authentication information from one or more user interface components, each time window corresponding to a respective digit of a digital sequence forming the authentication information, attributing the user input received during the time window to the digit corresponding to the time window; performing an offline authentication of the aerosol-generating device based on the user input authentication information; and determining, based on a successful result of the offline authentication, to transition the aerosol-generating device from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0058] The method may further include controlling a user interface component to guide a user to input authentication information as part of a guided interactive input process. The method may further include controlling the user interface component to output a user-perceivable guidance signal in response to a control signal from a control circuitry for guiding the user during the guided interactive input process. The method may further include controlling the user interface component to output a user-perceivable guidance signal to (i) prompt the user to take a predetermined action, (ii) provide the user with feedback on the progress of the guided interactive input process, or both (i) and (ii). The method may further include controlling the user interface component to output a user-perceivable guidance signal including any one or more of a visual signal, an audible signal, and a tactile signal.

[0059] The method may further include triggering a timeout in response to the one or more user interface components not receiving user input within a predetermined period starting from a respective time window in the time window. The method may further include determining not to transition the aerosol-generating device to the unlocked state in response to the triggering of the timeout. The method may further include controlling the user interface component to output a user-perceivable guidance signal at least indicating the start of the respective time window. The method may further include controlling the user interface component to output a user-perceivable guidance signal indicating which digit of the sequence the user is being guided to provide an input for. The method may further include interpreting a plurality of signals generated by the user repeatedly operating the same user interface component during the time window as an encoded input signal defining a digit of the sequence corresponding to the time window. The method may further include responding to an unsuccessful result of the offline authentication by prohibiting the user from inputting additional authentication information before a time delay period expires, or by avoiding performing offline authentication based on the authentication information input by the user before the time delay period expires. The method may further include increasing (e.g., exponentially increasing) the duration of the time delay period after each successive unsuccessful result of the offline authentication.

[0060] The method may further include comparing the authentication information input by the user with pre-stored reference authentication information and determining whether to transition the aerosol-generating device from a locked state to an unlocked state based on the result of the comparison.

[0061] The method may further include transitioning the aerosol-generating device to an unlocked state in response to determining, based on a successful result of an offline authentication, to transition the aerosol-generating device from a locked state to an unlocked state. The method may further include transitioning the aerosol-generating device to an unlocked state by (i) modifying a value of an authentication indicator stored in a data storage device, (ii) adding the authentication indicator to the data storage device, or (iii) deleting one or more of the authentication indicators from the data storage device. The method may further include transitioning the aerosol-generating device to an unlocked state by enabling one or more functions of the aerosol-generating device that were previously disabled when the aerosol-generating device was in a locked state. The method may further include transitioning the aerosol-generating device to an unlocked state by transmitting an unlock signal to a companion device for the aerosol-generating device, the companion device enabling, in response to receiving the unlock signal, one or more functions of the aerosol-generating device and the companion device that were previously prohibited when the aerosol-generating device was in a locked state. One or more functions enabled in the unlocked state may be necessary for the aerosol-generating device to deliver an aerosol, the enabling including enabling one or more of the following: (i) a power supply component, (ii) an evaporable liquid supply component, (iii) a heating element, or (iv) an air flow enabling component. The method may further include transitioning the aerosol-generating device to an unlocked state by disabling one or more mechanical lock components. The method may further include determining not to transition the aerosol-generating device from a locked state to an unlocked state based on an unsuccessful result of an offline authentication. The method may further include maintaining the aerosol-generating device in a locked state in response to determining not to transition the aerosol-generating device from a locked state to an unlocked state based on an unsuccessful result of an offline authentication.

[0062] The method may further include performing an offline authentication of the aerosol-generating device during the authentication without being connected to an external computing device. The method may further include performing an offline authentication of the aerosol-generating device without transmitting authentication-related data to or receiving authentication-related data from an external computing device during the authentication.

[0063] The method of the fifth aspect may be performed, for example, by a control circuitry of the aerosol-generating device, a control circuitry of a companion device for the aerosol-generating device, or a control circuitry of a system including the aerosol-generating device and a companion device for the aerosol-generating device.

[0064] According to a sixth aspect, a method is provided that includes generating authentication information for offline authentication of an aerosol-generating device and sending the authentication information to the user to be input as the authentication information input by the user to the control circuitry of the first aspect. Generating the authentication information may include receiving an identity code from the user and generating the authentication information based on the received identity code. The method may further include, before generating the authentication information, performing an age verification process to verify the age of the user and generating the authentication information only in response to a successful result of the age verification process.

[0065] The age verification process can be used to determine whether the user of the aerosol-generating device has reached a minimum age indicated by an age threshold. As used herein, "age threshold" may represent a predetermined minimum age of the user of the aerosol-generating device. For example, in certain jurisdictions, the consumption of aerosols may be permitted for citizens or individuals who have reached a certain minimum age and / or whose age is equal to or higher than the minimum age. Additionally, at least in some jurisdictions, individuals who have reached this minimum age may be considered adults and / or grown-ups. Thus, the term "age threshold" may indicate, represent, and / or describe the minimum age that a user should have to use an aerosol-generating device to consume aerosols. Alternatively or additionally, the term "age threshold" may indicate, represent, and / or describe the age of adulthood, above which a user may be considered an adult. For example, the age threshold may range from 14 to 25 years old, such as 16, 18, or 21 years old. The age verification process can thus be used to determine whether the user of the aerosol-generating system is an adult, has reached the age of adulthood, and / or is a grown-up. The age verification process may be associated with a registration process or a setup process before or during the user's first use of the aerosol-generating device.

[0066] Furthermore, the age verification process can be performed using a user device, such as a phone, through which the user contacts a call center. Through an external computing device, a comprehensive and secure process for determining the age of the user can be implemented, for example, based on the user's personal data or information, such as the user's ID card, passport, credit card, driver's license, social security number, etc. Thus, the true age of the user can be determined reliably and unambiguously.

[0067] By determining, based on the age verification process, that the user has reached the age threshold, the abuse or legal misuse of the aerosol-generating device to consume aerosols by users who have not reached the age threshold and / or have an age lower than the age threshold can be prohibited reliably and effectively. In particular, the use of the aerosol-generating device to consume aerosols by underage users can be prohibited reliably and effectively.

[0068] As used herein, an "authorized user" (also referred to as a "verified user") may refer to or denote the owner of an aerosol generating device, an adult, an adult individual, an adult user, a user who has reached an age threshold, a user who has reached the age of majority, and / or a user who has been authorized by another authorized user (e.g., by the owner) to configure the aerosol generating device. Additionally, an unauthorized user may refer to or denote a minor user, a user who has not reached the age threshold, a child, or any other user who has not been authorized to configure the aerosol generating device, particularly a user who has unauthorizedly converted the aerosol generating device to an unlocked state to consume the aerosol.

[0069] According to a seventh aspect, there is provided a server computer including a processor configured to perform the method of any one of the sixth aspects.

[0070] According to an eighth aspect, there is provided a computer program product including instructions which, when executed by a server computer, cause the server computer to perform the method of the sixth aspect.

[0071] According to a variant of the first aspect, there is provided a control circuitry for an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device has a locked state and an unlocked state, in which the aerosol generating device is prohibited from delivering aerosol in the locked state and is permitted to deliver aerosol in the unlocked state. The control circuitry is configured to receive user input authentication information from one or more user interface components; perform authentication of the aerosol generating device based on the user input authentication information; and determine to convert the aerosol generating device from the locked state to the unlocked state based on a successful result of the authentication. The authentication optionally includes or consists of the offline authentication described herein.

[0072] According to another variant of the first aspect, there is provided a control circuitry for an aerosol generating device having a locked state and an unlocked state, in which the aerosol generating device is prohibited from delivering aerosol in the locked state and is permitted to deliver aerosol in the unlocked state, wherein the control circuitry is configured to receive user input authentication information from one or more user interface components; perform offline authentication of the aerosol generating device based on the user input authentication information; and determine to convert the aerosol generating device from the locked state to the unlocked state based on a successful result of the offline authentication.

[0073] According to a variant of the fifth aspect, a method for authenticating an aerosol-generating device for use is provided. The aerosol-generating device has a locked state and an unlocked state. In the locked state, the aerosol-generating device is prohibited from delivering aerosol. In the unlocked state, the aerosol-generating device is permitted to deliver aerosol. The method includes: receiving authentication information input by a user from one or more user interface components; performing offline authentication of the aerosol-generating device based on the authentication information input by the user; and determining to switch the aerosol-generating device from the locked state to the unlocked state based on a successful result of the offline authentication.

[0074] It should be emphasized that any feature, step, function, element, technical effect, and / or advantage described herein with reference to one aspect is equally applicable to any other aspect of the present disclosure.

[0075] The following provides a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. 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.

[0076] Ex.1 A control circuitry for an aerosol-generating device, the aerosol-generating device having a locked state and an unlocked state, in the locked state, the aerosol-generating device is prohibited from delivering aerosol, in the unlocked state, the aerosol-generating device is permitted to deliver aerosol; the control circuitry is configured to:

[0077] receive authentication information input by a user from one or more user interface components, wherein the control circuitry is configured to receive the authentication information input by the user during a plurality of time windows of a predetermined duration, each time window corresponding to a respective digit of a digital sequence forming the authentication information, and attribute the user input received during the time window to the digit corresponding to the time window;

[0078] perform offline authentication of the aerosol-generating device based on the authentication information input by the user; and

[0079] determine to switch the aerosol-generating device from the locked state to the unlocked state based on a successful result of the offline authentication.

[0080] Ex.2 The control circuitry according to Example Ex.1, further configured to control the user interface component to guide the user to input authentication information as part of a guided interactive input process.

[0081] Ex.3 The control circuitry according to Example Ex.2, further configured to control the user interface component to output a user-perceivable guidance signal in response to a control signal from the control circuitry for guiding the user during the guided interactive input process.

[0082] Ex.4. The control circuit system according to Ex.3 is further configured to control a user interface component to output a user-perceivable guidance signal to (i) prompt the user to take a predetermined action, (ii) provide the user with feedback on the progress of a guided interactive input process, or both (i) and (ii).

[0083] Ex.5. The control circuit system according to Ex.3 or Ex.4 is further configured to control a user interface component to output a user-perceivable guidance signal including any one or more of a visual signal, an audible signal, and a tactile signal.

[0084] Ex.6. The control circuit system according to any one of Ex.1-Ex.5 is configured to trigger a timeout in response to the one or more user interface components not receiving user input within a predetermined period starting from a respective one of the time windows.

[0085] Ex.7. The control circuit system according to Ex.6 is further configured to determine not to transition the aerosol generating device to an unlocked state in response to the triggering of the timeout.

[0086] Ex.8. The control circuit system according to any one of Ex.1-Ex.7 is further configured to start a first time window in the time window in response to user interaction with the one or more user interface components.

[0087] Ex.9. The control circuit system according to Ex.8 is further configured to start the first time window in the time window in response to receiving a predetermined signal generated by user interaction with the one or more user interface components.

[0088] Ex.10. The control circuit system according to Ex.9, wherein the one or more user interface components include buttons, and the predetermined signal is generated by the user pressing the buttons a predetermined number of times.

[0089] Ex.11. The control circuit system according to any one of Ex.1-Ex.10, wherein before and / or during one or more of the time windows in the time window, there is a preparatory time window, and wherein the control circuit system is configured to determine an unsuccessful result of the offline authentication if user input authentication is not received during the preparatory time window, and store the authentication of the received user input, and start the corresponding time window and / or continue running the corresponding time window if user input authentication is received during the preparatory time window.

[0090] Ex.12. The control circuit system according to any one of Ex.1 - Ex.11 is further configured to control a user interface component to output a user - perceivable guidance signal that at least indicates the start of a corresponding time window.

[0091] Ex.13. The control circuit system according to any one of Ex.1 - Ex.12 is further configured to control a user interface component to output a user - perceivable guidance signal that indicates that the time window is in operation.

[0092] Ex.14. The control circuit system according to any one of Ex.1 - Ex.13 is further configured to control a user interface component to output a user - perceivable guidance signal that indicates which digit of the sequence the user is being guided to provide an input for.

[0093] Ex.15. The control circuit system according to Ex.14, wherein the aerosol - generating device is provided with a certain number of output elements, the number of the output elements corresponding to the number of digits in the sequence, and wherein the position of the active output elements relative to the inactive output elements indicates the position of the digit within the sequence for which an input is expected.

[0094] Ex.16. The control circuit system according to any one of claims Ex.1 - Ex.15 is further configured to interpret a plurality of signals generated during the time window due to the user repeatedly operating the same user interface component as an encoded input signal that defines the digits of the sequence corresponding to the time window.

[0095] Ex.17. The control circuit system according to Ex.16, wherein the user interface component is a power button of the aerosol - generating device.

[0096] Ex.18. The control circuit system according to any one of Ex.1 - Ex.17 is further configured to respond to an unsuccessful result of offline authentication by prohibiting the user from inputting additional authentication information before the expiration of a time - delay period, or by avoiding performing offline authentication based on the authentication information input by the user before the expiration of the time - delay period.

[0097] Ex.19. The control circuit system according to Ex.18 is configured to increase the duration of the time - delay period after each successive unsuccessful result of offline authentication.

[0098] Ex.20. The control circuit system according to any one of Ex.1 - Ex.19 is further configured to compare the authentication information input by the user with pre - stored reference authentication information and determine whether to transition the aerosol - generating device from a locked state to an unlocked state based on the result of the comparison.

[0099] Ex.21 The control circuit system according to any one of Examples Ex.1 - Ex.20 is further configured to transition the aerosol generating device to the unlocked state in response to determining, based on a successful result of the offline authentication, to transition the aerosol generating device from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0100] Ex.22 The control circuit system according to Example Ex.21 is further configured to transition the aerosol generating device to the unlocked state by one or more of (i) modifying a value of an authentication indicator stored in a data storage device, (ii) adding an authentication indicator to the data storage device, and (iii) removing an authentication indicator from the data storage device.

[0101] Ex.23 The control circuit system according to Example Ex.21 or Ex.22 is further configured to transition the aerosol generating device to the unlocked state by enabling one or more functions of the aerosol generating device that were previously disabled when the aerosol generating device was in the locked state.

[0102] Ex.24 The control circuit system according to any one of Examples Ex.21 - Ex.23 is further configured to transition the aerosol generating device to the unlocked state by transmitting an unlock signal to an accessory device for the aerosol generating device, the accessory device being configured to, in response to receiving the unlock signal, enable one or more functions of the aerosol generating device and the accessory device that were previously disabled when the aerosol generating device was in the locked state.

[0103] Ex.25 The control circuit system according to Example Ex.23 or Ex.24, wherein one or more functions enabled in the unlocked state are necessary for the aerosol generating device to deliver aerosol, the enabling including enabling one or more of: (i) an electrical power supply component, (ii) a supply component for an evaporable liquid, (iii) a heating element, and (iv) an air flow enabling component.

[0104] Ex.26 The control circuit system according to any one of Examples Ex.21 - Ex.25, wherein the control circuit system is further configured to transition the aerosol generating device to the unlocked state by disabling one or more mechanical lock components.

[0105] Ex.27 The control circuit system according to any one of Examples Ex.1 - Ex.26 is further configured to determine not to transition the aerosol generating device from the locked state to the unlocked state based on an unsuccessful result of the offline authentication.

[0106] Ex.28 The control circuit system according to any one of Examples Ex.1 - Ex.27 is further configured to keep the aerosol - generating device in the locked state in response to determining not to transition the aerosol - generating device from the locked state to the unlocked state based on an unsuccessful result of offline authentication.

[0107] Ex.29 The control circuit system according to any one of Examples Ex.1 - Ex.28 is further configured to perform offline authentication of the aerosol - generating device without being connected to an external computing device during the authentication.

[0108] Ex.30 The control circuit system according to any one of Examples Ex.1 - Ex.29 is further configured to perform offline authentication of the aerosol - generating device without transmitting authentication - related data to or receiving authentication - related data from an external computing device during the authentication.

[0109] Ex.31 An aerosol - generating device comprising the control circuit system according to any one of Examples Ex.1 - Ex.30.

[0110] Ex.32 An accessory device for an aerosol - generating device, the accessory device comprising the control circuit system according to any one of Examples Ex.1 - Ex.30.

[0111] Ex.33 A system comprising an aerosol - generating device, an accessory device for the aerosol - generating device, and the control circuit system according to any one of Examples Ex.1 - Ex.30.

[0112] Ex.34 A method for authenticating an aerosol - generating device for use, the aerosol - generating device having a locked state and an unlocked state, in which the aerosol - generating device is prohibited from delivering aerosol in the locked state and is permitted to deliver aerosol in the unlocked state, the method comprising:

[0113] Receiving, during a plurality of time windows of a predetermined duration, authentication information input by a user from one or more user - interface components, each time window corresponding to a respective digit of a digital sequence forming the authentication information, and attributing the user input received via the user - interface component during the time window to the digit corresponding to the time window;

[0114] Performing offline authentication of the aerosol - generating device based on the user - input authentication information; and

[0115] Determining to transition the aerosol - generating device from the locked state to the unlocked state based on a successful result of the offline authentication.

[0116] Ex.35. The method according to Ex.34 further includes controlling a user interface component to guide a user to input verification information as part of a guided interactive input process.

[0117] Ex.36. The method according to Ex.35 further includes controlling the user interface component to output a user-perceivable guidance signal in response to a control signal from a control circuit system for guiding the user during the guided interactive input process.

[0118] Ex.37. The method according to Ex.36 further includes controlling the user interface component to output a user-perceivable guidance signal to (i) prompt the user to take a predetermined action, (ii) provide the user with feedback related to the progress of the guided interactive input process, or both (i) and (ii).

[0119] Ex.38. The method according to Ex.36 or Ex.37 further includes controlling the user interface component to output a user-perceivable guidance signal, which includes any one or more of a visual signal, an audible signal, and a tactile signal.

[0120] Ex.39. The method according to any one of Ex.34 - Ex.38 further includes triggering a timeout in response to the one or more user interface components not receiving user input within a predetermined period starting from the start of the corresponding one of the time windows.

[0121] Ex.40. The method according to Ex.39 further includes determining not to switch the aerosol generating device to an unlocked state in response to the triggering of the timeout.

[0122] Ex.41. The method according to any one of Ex.34 - Ex.40 further includes starting a first time window in the time window in response to a user interacting with the one or more user interface components.

[0123] Ex.42. The method according to Ex.41 further includes starting a first time window in the time window in response to receiving a predetermined signal generated by the user interacting with the one or more user interface components.

[0124] Ex.43. The method according to Ex.42, wherein the one or more user interface components include buttons, and the predetermined signal is generated by the user pressing the buttons a predetermined number of times.

[0125] Ex.44. A method according to any one of the examples Ex.34 - Ex.43, wherein before and / or during one or more of the time windows in the time window, there is a preparatory time window, and the method further includes, during the preparatory time window, determining an unsuccessful result of the offline authentication if no authenticated user input is received, and if an authenticated user input is received during the preparatory time window, storing the received authenticated user input and starting the corresponding time window and / or continuing to run the corresponding time window.

[0126] Ex.45. A method according to any one of the examples Ex.34 - Ex.44, further including controlling a user interface component to output a user - perceivable guiding signal indicating at least the start of the corresponding time window.

[0127] Ex.46. A method according to any one of the examples Ex.34 - Ex.45, further including controlling a user interface component to output a user - perceivable guiding signal indicating that the time window is running.

[0128] Ex.47. A method according to any one of the examples Ex.34 - Ex.46, further including controlling a user interface component to output a user - perceivable guiding signal indicating which number in the sequence the user is being guided to provide an input for.

[0129] Ex.48. A method according to Ex.47, wherein the aerosol - generating device is provided with a certain number of output elements, the number of output elements corresponding to the number of digits in the sequence, and wherein the position of the active output elements relative to the inactive output elements indicates the position of the digit within the sequence for which an input is expected.

[0130] Ex.49. A method according to any one of the examples Ex.34 - Ex.48, further including interpreting a plurality of signals generated during the time window due to the user repeatedly operating the same user interface component as an encoded input signal defining the digits of the sequence corresponding to the time window.

[0131] Ex.50. A method according to any one of the examples Ex.34 - Ex.49, further including responding to an unsuccessful result of the offline authentication by prohibiting the user from inputting additional authentication information before the expiration of a time - delay period, or by avoiding performing the offline authentication based on the authenticated user input information before the expiration of the time - delay period.

[0132] Ex.51. A method according to Ex.50, further including increasing the duration of the time - delay period after each consecutive unsuccessful result of the offline authentication.

[0133] The method according to any one of Examples Ex.34 - Ex.51 further includes comparing the authentication information input by the user with pre - stored reference authentication information, and determining whether to convert the aerosol - generating device from the locked state to the unlocked state based on the result of the comparison.

[0134] The method according to any one of Examples Ex.34 - Ex.52 further includes converting the aerosol - generating device to the unlocked state in response to determining, based on a successful result of the offline authentication, to convert the aerosol - generating device from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0135] The method according to Example Ex.53 further includes converting the aerosol - generating device to the unlocked state by one or more of (i) modifying the value of an authentication indicator stored in a data - storage device, (ii) adding an authentication indicator to the data - storage device, and (iii) deleting an authentication indicator from the data - storage device.

[0136] The method according to Example Ex.53 or Ex.54 further includes converting the aerosol - generating device to the unlocked state by enabling one or more functions of the aerosol - generating device that were previously disabled when the aerosol - generating device was in the locked state.

[0137] The method according to any one of Examples Ex.42 - Ex.55 further includes converting the aerosol - generating device to the unlocked state by transmitting an unlock signal to an accessory device for the aerosol - generating device, the accessory device enabling one or more functions that were previously disabled when the aerosol - generating device was in the locked state, in response to receiving the unlock signal, in one or more of the aerosol - generating device and the accessory device.

[0138] The method according to Example Ex.55 or Ex.56, wherein one or more functions enabled in the unlocked state are necessary for the aerosol - generating device to deliver an aerosol, and the enabling includes enabling one or more of the following: (i) an electrical - power supply component, (ii) a supply component for an evaporable liquid, (iii) a heating element, and (iv) an air - flow enabling component.

[0139] The method according to any one of Examples Ex.53 - Ex.57 further includes converting the aerosol - generating device to the unlocked state by disabling one or more mechanical - lock components.

[0140] The method according to any one of Examples Ex.34 - Ex.58 further includes determining not to convert the aerosol - generating device from the locked state to the unlocked state based on an unsuccessful result of the offline authentication.

[0141] Ex.60 The method according to any one of Examples Ex.34 - Ex.59 further includes keeping the aerosol generating device in the locked state in response to determining not to transition the aerosol generating device from the locked state to the unlocked state based on the result of offline authentication.

[0142] Ex.61 The method according to any one of Examples Ex.34 - Ex.60 further includes performing offline authentication of the aerosol generating device without being connected to an external computing device during the authentication.

[0143] Ex.62 The method according to any one of Examples Ex.34 - Ex.61 further includes performing offline authentication of the aerosol generating device without transmitting authentication - related data to an external computing device or receiving authentication - related data from an external computing device during the authentication.

[0144] Ex.63 The method according to any one of Examples Ex.34 - Ex.62 is executed by a control circuitry of the aerosol generating device.

[0145] Ex.64 The method according to any one of Examples Ex.34 - Ex.62 is executed by a control circuitry of an accessory device for the aerosol generating device.

[0146] Ex.65 The method according to any one of Examples Ex.34 - Ex.62 is executed by a control circuitry of a system including the aerosol generating device and an accessory device for the aerosol generating device.

[0147] Ex.66 A method includes generating authentication information for offline authentication of an aerosol generating device and sending the authentication information to the user for input as the authentication information of the user into a control circuitry of any one of Examples Ex.1 - Ex.30.

[0148] Ex.67 The method according to Example Ex.66, wherein generating verification information includes receiving an identity code from the user and generating verification information based on the received identity code.

[0149] Ex.68 The method according to Example Ex.66 or Ex.67 further includes, before generating verification information, performing an age verification process to verify the age of the user and generating verification information only in response to a successful result of the age verification process.

[0150] Ex.69 A server computer includes a processor configured to execute the method of any one of Examples Ex.66 - Ex.68.

[0151] Ex.70 A computer program product includes instructions that, when the program is executed by a server computer, cause the server computer to perform the method of any one of Examples Ex.66 - Ex.68. Description of the Drawings

[0152] Several examples will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0153] Figure 1 An aerosol - generating system is shown;

[0154] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A block diagram of a part of an accessory device in the aerosol - generating system of

[0155] Figure 3 Shows an external computing device used in combination with the aerosol - generating system of Figure 1 ;

[0156] Figure 4 Shows a flowchart illustrating a method for authenticating an aerosol - generating device in the aerosol - generating system of Figure 1 for use;

[0157] Figure 5 Shows a flowchart illustrating a method related to generating authentication information and sending it to a user; and

[0158] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing a method for activating a device.

[0159] The drawings are merely schematic and are not drawn to true scale. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0160] Figure 1 An aerosol - generating system 500 for generating an aerosol for consumption by a user, for example, is shown. The system 500 includes an aerosol - generating device 100 for generating an aerosol and an accessory device 300 for at least partially receiving the aerosol - generating device 100. The accessory device 300 can be a charging device for charging the aerosol - generating device 100.

[0161] The aerosol - generating device 100 includes an insertion opening 101 for at least partially inserting an aerosol - generating article (not shown). The aerosol - generating article can include an aerosol - forming substrate (such as a tobacco - containing substrate) and / or a cartridge containing a liquid.

[0162] The aerosol - generating device 100 further includes control circuitry 102 having one or more processors 103. The control circuitry 102 can be configured to control the actuation, activation, and / or deactivation of at least one heating element 120.

[0163] The aerosol generating device 100 further includes a user interface component, and the user interface component includes an input element in the form of a button 104. The button 104 can be actuated by the user to input a personal identification number (PIN) code into the control circuitry 102, as further described below. After successful completion of authentication, the button 104 can also be used as a power button to activate or deactivate the heating element 120 for aerosol generation, thereby activating or deactivating the aerosol generating device 100. When the aerosol generating device 100 is activated, the heating element 120 can be activated and heat can be applied to at least a portion of the aerosol generating article such that an aerosol can be generated for consumption by the user. When the aerosol generating device 100 is deactivated, the heating element 120 can be deactivated such that no heat or reduced heat is applied to at least a portion of the aerosol generating article, such that an aerosol cannot be generated for consumption by the user.

[0164] The aerosol generating device 100 further includes a communication device 106 having one or more communication interfaces 108 for communicatively coupling the aerosol generating device 100 to the companion device 300, for example, via an Internet connection, a wireless LAN connection, a WiFi connection, a Bluetooth connection, a mobile phone network, a 3G / 4G / 5G connection, an edge connection, an LTE connection, a BUS connection, a wireless connection, a wired connection, a radio connection, a near field connection, and / or an IoT connection.

[0165] The aerosol generating device 100 further includes a data storage device 110 for storing information or data, such as at least one authentication indicator and / or other data.

[0166] The user interface component further includes an output element in the form of an LED array 112 and a haptic output element (not shown) for providing a haptic pulse. The output element provides a user-perceivable guidance signal to the user. The LED array 112 can also be used to indicate the charge level of at least one energy storage device 122, for example, indicating that at least one energy storage device should be charged, etc. The LED array 112 can also be used to indicate the configuration or status of the aerosol generating device 100, such as whether the aerosol generating device is in a locked state or an unlocked state.

[0167] The aerosol generating device 100 further includes at least one electrical connector 114 for coupling to a corresponding at least one electrical connector 313 of the companion device 300. For example, when the aerosol generating device 100 is at least partially inserted into the opening 301 of the companion device 300, one or more electrical connectors 114 of the aerosol generating device 100 can be coupled to one or more electrical connectors 313 of the companion device 300 to charge at least one energy storage device 122 of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0168] To generate an aerosol during use or consumption of an aerosol-generating article, the aerosol-generating device 100 includes at least one heating element 120 or heat source 120 for applying heat to at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article.

[0169] To power at least one heating element 120 with electricity, the aerosol-generating device 100 further includes at least one energy storage device 122 or energy supply device 122 for storing electrical energy or power.

[0170] The aerosol-generating device 100 has a locked state and an unlocked state. In the locked state, the aerosol-generating device 100 is prohibited from delivering an aerosol. In the unlocked state, the aerosol-generating device 100 is permitted to deliver an aerosol.

[0171] In use, the control circuitry 102 is configured to receive user-entered authentication information from the user interface component; perform an offline authentication of the aerosol-generating device based on the user-entered authentication information; and determine, based on a successful result of the offline authentication, to transition the aerosol-generating device from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0172] The control circuitry 102 is configured to control the user interface component to guide the user to enter authentication information as part of a guided interaction input process, which is also referred to herein as the offline YAP process. Specifically, the control circuitry 102 is configured to control the user interface component to output a user-perceivable guidance signal in response to a control signal from the control circuitry 102 for guiding the user during the offline YAP process. The user-perceivable guidance signal prompts the user to take a predetermined action and provides the user with feedback regarding the progress of the offline YAP process. More specifically, during the offline YAP process, the user is guided by the control circuitry 102 to manually enter authentication information in the form of a PIN code into the device 100 by successively pressing each digit into the device 100 using the button 104 to unlock the device 100.

[0173] A non-limiting example of the offline YAP process will now be described.

[0174] To enter the offline YAP process, the user presses button 104 five times in a 3 - second cycle. The device 100 responds with a 1 - second tactile pulse, and the first LED of the array 112 (referred to herein as LED1) starts to blink to indicate to the user that the first digit of the PIN code must be entered into the device 100. Thus, the first LED (LED1) corresponds to the first digit of the PIN code. In this way, the control circuitry 102 controls the LED array 112 to indicate to the user which digit of the PIN code they are being guided to provide an input for. Additionally, the blinking of LED1 indicates to the user that the first time window is running, during which the first digit should be entered. The start of the blinking indicates the start of the time window. The control circuitry 102 interprets the multiple signals generated by the user repeatedly operating button 104 during the first time window as a coded input signal defining the first digit of the PIN code.

[0175] In an illustrative example, if the user wishes to enter the PIN code 3521, they must press button 104 three times while LED1 is blinking during the first time window. The three signals generated by the repeated pressing of button 104 during the first time window define a coded input signal, which is interpreted by the control circuitry 102 as the digit "3". After receiving this digit during the first time window, the digit is correspondingly attributed by the control circuitry 102 to the first digit of the PIN code.

[0176] To allow the user sufficient time to start pressing button 104, a dual - timeout is implemented. The first timeout is configured for 15 seconds to give the user enough time to understand the process. If button 104 is not pressed within these 15 seconds, the control circuitry determines that the device 100 will not transition to the unlocked state. In one instance, the device 100 shuts down in response to triggering the first timeout. Once button 104 is pressed once (before the first timeout expires), the second timeout starts, and the user has 7 seconds to complete the first digit before the end of the second time window. The end of the first time window defines the point in time at which the control circuitry 102 no longer attributes the received user input to the first digit.

[0177] At the end of the first time window, LED1 turns off, and LED2 starts to blink to indicate to the user that they are being guided to enter the second digit during a second time window with a predetermined duration of 7 seconds. When LED2 is blinking during the second time window, the user must press button 104 five times (for the exemplary PIN code 3521) to generate a coded input signal defining the second digit of the PIN code.

[0178] At the end of the second time window, LED2 turns off and LED3 starts to blink to invite the user to enter the third digit. Continuing with the exemplary PIN code 3521, when LED3 blinks during the 7-second third time window, the user must press button 104 two times.

[0179] At the end of the third time window, LED3 turns off and LED4 starts to blink to invite the user to enter the fourth digit. After the above example, when LED4 blinks, the user only has to press button 104 once. At the end of the fourth time window, LED4 turns off and all the LEDs start to blink simultaneously for 3 seconds.

[0180] In this way, the control circuitry 102 receives user input during a plurality of time windows of a predetermined duration. Each time window corresponds to a respective digit of the PIN code: the first time window corresponds to the first digit, the second time window corresponds to the second digit, and so on. The control circuitry 102 ascribes the user input received via button 104 during one of the time windows to the digit corresponding to that time window: the user input received during the first time window is ascribed to the first digit, the user input received during the second time window is ascribed to the second digit, and so on.

[0181] After the end of the final time window, the control circuitry 102 compares the PIN code entered by the user with a pre-stored reference PIN code and determines whether to transition the aerosol-generating device 100 from a locked state to an unlocked state based on the result of the comparison. If the PIN code is successfully entered, the device 100 transitions to the unlocked state and the device 100 becomes available. If the PIN is entered incorrectly, the control circuitry determines not to transition the aerosol-generating device from the locked state to the unlocked state, for example by turning off the device 100. An exponential delay time can be imposed between retries of the PIN code to prevent people from trying to brute-force the process by trying many PIN codes. If the PIN is entered incorrectly a certain number of times (e.g., between one and five times), the device 100 can be blocked such that the PIN code cannot be re-entered until a predetermined period of time has passed (e.g., between 10 minutes and 24 hours). Once the PIN code has been entered incorrectly multiple times, a new PIN code may need to be requested.

[0182] It should be understood that the use of buttons, LEDs, and haptics is merely illustrative and the present disclosure encompasses other forms of input and output elements.

[0183] It should be understood that the length and format of the above PIN code and the encoding of the digits are merely illustrative, and other encoding sequences may be used, which are preferably but not necessarily input using a single input element or a minimum number of input elements, for example including a password formed by a character sequence input using, for example, different encoding methods such as Morse code. The PIN code can have any suitable length, and the digit range for each digit can be restricted to, for example, 5 or greater (e.g., 1 to 9).

[0184] Furthermore, without departing from the scope of the appended claims, the timing of the time window and timeout can be different from those described above.

[0185] The aerosol-generating device 100 can include many alternative or additional features, such as those described with reference to any one of the first to fifth aspects of the present disclosure.

[0186] The above operations have been described as being performed under the control of the control circuitry 102 of the aerosol-generating device 100. However, it should be understood that the above operations can equally be performed by the companion device 300, more specifically by its control circuitry 302 (as described below) or by the system 500 as a whole, where the control is distributed between the control circuitry 102 of the aerosol-generating device 100 and the control circuitry 302 of the companion device 300.

[0187] Furthermore, the user interface components for the input and output of information can include the user interface components of the aerosol-generating device 100, the user interface components of the companion device 300 (as described below), or any combination of the input and output elements of the aerosol-generating device 100 and the companion device 300.

[0188] To further illustrate these possibilities, the companion device 300 will now be described.

[0189] The companion device 300 can be configured to physically couple to the aerosol-generating device 100. To at least partially receive the aerosol-generating device 100 and / or to physically couple the aerosol-generating device 100 to the companion device 300, the companion device 300 includes an opening 301 or a receiving opening 301 into which the aerosol-generating device 100 can be at least partially inserted, for example for storing and / or supporting the aerosol-generating device 100. Optionally, the companion device 300 can include a lid for opening and closing the opening 301.

[0190] Alternatively or additionally, the accessory device 300 may be configured to at least partially receive the aerosol-generating device 100 based on a mechanical attachment or coupling mechanism that couples the aerosol-generating device 100 to the accessory device 300, such as a hook mechanism, a latch mechanism, a snap fit, etc. Alternatively or additionally, the accessory device 300 may be configured to at least partially receive the aerosol-generating device 100 based on coupling the aerosol-generating device 100 to the accessory device 300 by magnetic or electromagnetic coupling.

[0191] For this purpose, the accessory device 300 includes a charger module 312 or a charger circuitry 312 coupled to an electrical connector 313. The charger module 312 may be coupled to, for example, a power supply grid to power the energy storage device 122 of the aerosol-generating device 100. Alternatively or additionally, the accessory device 300 may include one or more batteries, accumulators, capacitors, etc.

[0192] The accessory device 300 further includes a control circuitry 302 having one or more processors 303. The control circuitry 302 may be configured to control the charger module 312 and / or other components or functions of the accessory device 300. It should also be noted that the charger circuitry or module 312 may also be combined with or included in the control circuitry 302.

[0193] The control circuitry may be configured to perform the offline YAP process as described above, which will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity. However, the process in this example is similar to the above process, but in this example, the offline YAP process is performed at the control circuitry 302 of the accessory device 300 instead of by the control circuitry 102 of the aerosol-generating device 100. Thus, the user performs the offline YAP process by interacting with the accessory device 300 instead of being required to interact with the aerosol-generating device 100. The control circuitry 302 may unlock or lock the aerosol-generating device in various different ways after the YAP process. For example, the control circuitry 302 of the accessory device 300 may send a lock or unlock signal to the aerosol-generating device depending on whether the offline YAP process is successful or not.

[0194] The accessory device 300 includes user interface components, which include a button 304 and a visual indicator 314, such as one or more LEDs 314 and / or an LED array 314.

[0195] The accessory device 300 further includes a data storage device 306 for storing information or data, such as authentication indicators, reference authentication information, and / or other data.

[0196] The control circuit system 302, the data storage device 306, and the user interface component may be embodied in a single unit. In this way, the user can be authenticated without the authentication information leaving the single unit, thereby enhancing security.

[0197] The companion device 300 further includes a communication device 308 having one or more communication interfaces 310 for communicatively coupling the companion device 300 with the aerosol-generating device 100, for example, via an Internet connection, a wireless LAN connection, a WiFi connection, a Bluetooth connection, a mobile phone network, a 3G / 4G / 5G connection, an edge connection, an LTE connection, a BUS connection, a wireless connection, a wired connection, a radio connection, a near-field connection, and / or an IoT connection.

[0198] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the companion device 300 in more detail. Specifically, Figure 2 At least a part 305 of the control circuit system 302 is schematically shown, the control circuit system including at least one processor 303 and being coupled to the button 304 via a multiplexer 307. Among them, the part 305 may be coupled to or include the charger circuit system 312 and / or other electrical components of the companion device 300. For example, Figure 2 At least a part 305 of the control circuit system 302 exemplarily shown in may refer to the main controller 305 of the companion device 300.

[0199] In addition, a port 309 such as a single-wire MT communication port (referred to as the "MTRTX" port) can be used to couple the control circuit system 302 to the multiplexer 307. This single-wire communication can be converted into a two-wire communication via the multiplexer 307. For example, a signal can be transmitted from the multiplexer 307 to the input port 315 (such as the RX port) of the button 304, and a signal can be transmitted from the output port 317 (such as the TX port) of the button 304 to the multiplexer 307. Among them, the multiplexer 307 can be controlled by the control circuit system 302 via the port 311.

[0200] In addition, in Figure 2 the example shown, at least one communication interface 310 is combined with or integrated in the electrical connector 313, so that the electrical connection for charging the energy storage device 122 of the aerosol-generating device 100 and the communication coupling between the aerosol-generating device 100 and the companion device 300 can be established via the electrical connector 114 of the aerosol-generating device 100 and the connector 313 of the companion device.

[0201] Figure 3An external computing device 700 is shown, which may or may not be used in combination with the aerosol generation system 500. The external computing device 700 includes a user interface 702, control circuitry 704 including one or more processors 705 for data processing, a communication interface 706 for communicatively coupling the external computing device 700 to one or more of the server 1000 or the aerosol generation system 500, and a data storage device 708 for storing data or information.

[0202] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating a method of authenticating an aerosol generation device 100 for use is shown. Unless otherwise specified, the aerosol generation device 100 includes the same features, elements, and / or functions as described elsewhere herein.

[0203] Step 401 includes receiving, during a plurality of time windows of a predetermined duration, authentication information of a user input from one or more user interface components, each time window corresponding to a respective digit of a digital sequence forming the authentication information, and attributing the user input received via the user interface component during the time window to the digit corresponding to the time window.

[0204] Step 402 includes performing an offline authentication of the aerosol generation device 100 based on the authentication information of the user input.

[0205] Step 403 includes determining, based on a successful result of the offline authentication, to transition the aerosol generation device 100 from a locked state to an unlocked state.

[0206] Figure 4 The method shown in may include many alternative or additional steps, such as those described with reference to any one of the first to fifth aspects of the present disclosure.

[0207] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating a method is shown, wherein step 501 includes generating authentication information for offline authentication of the aerosol generation device 100, and wherein step 502 includes sending the authentication information to the user for input as the authentication information of the user input into the control circuitry 102 and / or 302.

[0208] Unless otherwise specified, the aerosol generation device 100 and the control circuitry 102 and / or 302 include the same features, elements, and / or functions as described elsewhere herein.

[0209] Figure 5 The method shown in may include many alternative or additional steps, such as those described with reference to any one of the sixth to eighth aspects of the present disclosure.

[0210] Figure 6It is a flowchart illustrating a method for activating a device, which method includes steps from factory preparation to user activation. Step 601 includes storing a PIN code in the encrypted firmware of the aerosol generating device 100 at the factory. Then, the user obtains the device 100 and uses one of the processes starting from steps 602, 607, and 609 respectively to activate the device for use. In the case where the user is already registered, the method proceeds to step 602, and if the verification has not been completed, a hard age verification is performed at that step. Step 603 includes registering the device 100 to the user if registration has not been completed. Step 604 includes the user entering or scanning an identity code ("codentify") on a website to generate the PIN code described elsewhere in this document. Step 605 includes the user entering the PIN code into the device 100 using the button 104 in the manner described above. At step 606, the device 100 is activated for use after successful authentication as described above. In the case where the user is not yet registered, the method proceeds from step 601 to step 607, where a hard age verification is again performed on the website, which is only valid for one device and one process, where the user is a guest user. Step 608 includes the user entering or scanning an identity code on the website to generate a PIN code, as in step 604. The method then proceeds to step 605 again. In the case where the user cannot access the website, the user can call the call center, in which case the method proceeds from step 601 to step 609, where the user is authenticated as a registered user or a guest. For a guest user, the method proceeds to step 610 and a hard age verification is performed. Step 611 includes the user entering an identity code on the call center tool to generate a PIN code before the method proceeds to step 605. For a registered user, if the hard age verification has not been performed, the method proceeds from step 609 to step 612 to perform the hard age verification. Step 613 includes registering the device to the user if the device 100 has not been registered to the user. Then, the method proceeds to step 611.

[0211] In Figure 6 it, generating the PIN code corresponds to Figure 5 step 501, and the user obtains the PIN code via the website or the call center in the step corresponding to step 502. The hard age verification can also be referred to as the age verification process in this document.

[0212] Importantly, entering the PIN code in step 605 does not require any connection between the aerosol generating device 100 (or the companion device 300) and any external computing device (such as the devices described above), nor does it require the use of any application for this purpose.

[0213] Although the invention has been shown and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such showing and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive; the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations of the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in light of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, while practicing the claimed invention.

[0214] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A control circuit system for an aerosol - generating device, the aerosol - generating device having a locked state and an unlocked state, in the locked state, the aerosol - generating device is prohibited from delivering aerosol, and in the unlocked state, the aerosol - generating device is permitted to deliver aerosol, the control circuit system being configured to: Receive authentication information of a user input from one or more user interface components, wherein the control circuit system is configured to receive the authentication information of the user input during a plurality of time windows of a predetermined duration, each time window corresponding to a respective digit of a digit sequence forming the authentication information, and is configured to attribute the user input received via the user interface component during the time window to the digit corresponding to the time window; Perform an offline authentication of the aerosol - generating device based on the authentication information of the user input; Determine to transition the aerosol - generating device from the locked state to the unlocked state based on a successful result of the offline authentication; And Control the user interface component to output a user - perceivable guidance signal indicating at least the start of a respective time window.

2. A control circuit system for an aerosol - generating device, the aerosol - generating device having a locked state and an unlocked state, in the locked state, the aerosol - generating device is prohibited from delivering aerosol, and in the unlocked state, the aerosol - generating device is permitted to deliver aerosol, the control circuit system being configured to: Receive authentication information of a user input from one or more user interface components, wherein the control circuit system is configured to receive the authentication information of the user input during a plurality of time windows of a predetermined duration, each time window corresponding to a respective digit of a digit sequence forming the authentication information, and is configured to attribute the user input received via the user interface component during the time window to the digit corresponding to the time window; Perform an offline authentication of the aerosol - generating device based on the authentication information of the user input; Determine to transition the aerosol - generating device from the locked state to the unlocked state based on a successful result of the offline authentication; And Control the user interface component to output a user - perceivable guidance signal indicating that the time window is in operation.

3. A control circuit system for an aerosol - generating device, the aerosol - generating device having a locked state and an unlocked state, in the locked state, the aerosol - generating device is prohibited from delivering aerosol, and in the unlocked state, the aerosol - generating device is permitted to deliver aerosol, the control circuit system being configured to: Receive authentication information of a user input from one or more user interface components, wherein the control circuit system is configured to receive the authentication information of the user input during a plurality of time windows of a predetermined duration, each time window corresponding to a respective digit of a digit sequence forming the authentication information, and is configured to attribute the user input received via the user interface component during the time window to the digit corresponding to the time window; Perform offline authentication of the aerosol generating device based on the authentication information input by the user; Determine to switch the aerosol generating device from the locked state to the unlocked state based on the successful result of the offline authentication; And Control the user interface component to output a user-perceivable guidance signal, the user-perceivable guidance signal indicating that the user is being guided to provide the numbers of the sequence for which the input is targeted.

4. The control circuit system according to any one of the preceding claims, the control circuit system being configured to trigger a timeout in response to the one or more user interface components not receiving user input within a predetermined period starting from the start of the corresponding time window in the time window.

5. The control circuit system according to any one of the preceding claims, the control circuit system further being configured to start the first time window in the time window in response to user interaction with the one or more user interface components.

6. The control circuit system according to claim 5, the control circuit system further being configured to start the first time window in the time window in response to receiving a predetermined signal generated by user interaction with the one or more user interface components.

7. The control circuit system according to claim 6, wherein the one or more user interface components include buttons, and the predetermined signal is generated by the user pressing the button a predetermined number of times.

8. The control circuit system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein before and / or during one or more time windows in the time window, there is a preparatory time window, and wherein the control circuit system is configured to determine an unsuccessful result of the offline authentication if no authentication of user input is received during the preparatory time window, and is configured to store the authentication of the received user input, and is configured to start the corresponding time window and / or continue running the corresponding time window if authentication of user input is received during the preparatory time window.

9. The control circuit system according to claim 8, wherein the aerosol generating device is provided with a certain number of output elements, the number of the output elements corresponding to the number of the numbers in the sequence, and wherein the position of the active output element relative to the inactive output element indicates the position of the number for which the expected input is targeted within the sequence.

10. The control circuit system according to any one of the preceding claims, the control circuit system further being configured to interpret multiple signals generated by the user repeatedly operating the same user interface component during the time window as a coded input signal defining the number of the sequence corresponding to the time window.

11. The control circuit system according to claim 10, wherein the user interface component is the power button of the aerosol generating device.

12. The control circuit system according to any one of the preceding claims, the control circuit system is further configured to respond to an unsuccessful result of the offline authentication by prohibiting the user from inputting additional authentication information before the expiration of the time delay period, or by avoiding performing offline authentication based on the authentication information input by the user before the expiration of the time delay period.

13. The control circuit system according to claim 12, the control circuit system is configured to increase the duration of the time delay period after each successive unsuccessful result of the offline authentication.

14. An aerosol generating device or an aerosol generating system including an aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generating device or the system includes the control circuit system according to any one of the preceding claims.

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