Automatic locking of aerosol providing device

Abstract

An aerosol providing device is provided, the device comprising a coupler configured to engage a consumable comprising an aerosol-generating material, the aerosol providing device or consumable further comprising an aerosol generator. The device includes a communication interface configured to enable a wireless connection, and processing circuitry configured to control power provided to the aerosol generator to energize an aerosol-generating material of the consumable to produce an aerosol for delivery to a user. And the processing circuitry is further configured to start a timer to measure an elapsed time and to automatically lock the aerosol providing device in response to a timeout condition that no computer in the whitelist of the one or more computers is within a wireless range of the communication interface when the elapsed time reaches a specified period of time.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 371,972, titled "Auto - Lock of an Aerosol Provision Device", filed on August 19, 2022, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to aerosol provision systems, such as smoking articles designed to deliver at least one substance to a user. Background art

[0004] For many years, many aerosol provision systems, particularly non - combustible aerosol provision systems, have been proposed as improvements or alternatives to smoking products that require the combustion of tobacco for use. These systems are generally designed to deliver at least one substance to a user, for example, to satisfy a particular "consumer moment". To this end, the substance may include ingredients that exert a physiological effect, a sensory effect, or both a physiological effect and a sensory effect on the user. The substance is typically present in an aerosol - forming material, which may comprise one or more of a range of ingredients, such as active substances, flavorants, aerosol - forming materials, and other functional materials, such as fillers.

[0005] Aerosol provision systems include, for example, vapor products commonly referred to as "e - cigarettes", "electronic cigarettes", or electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), as well as heat - not - burn products including tobacco - heating products (THP) and carbon - tipped tobacco - heating products (CTHPs). Many of these products take the form of systems comprising a device and a consumable, and the consumable comprises a material that is a source of the substance to be delivered. Typically, the device is reusable while the consumable is disposable (although some consumables are refillable). Thus, in many cases, the consumable is sold separately from the device and is often sold in multi - unit packages. In addition, subsystems and some individual components of the device or consumable may be from specialized manufacturers. Summary of the invention

[0006] Example embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an auto - lock of an aerosol provision system, such as a smoking article designed to deliver at least one substance to a user. The present disclosure includes, but is not limited to, the following example embodiments.

[0007] Some example embodiments provide an aerosol provision device comprising: a coupler configured to engage a consumable comprising aerosol - generating material, the aerosol provision device or the consumable further comprising an aerosol generator; a communication interface configured to enable a wireless connection; and a processing circuit configured to control the power supplied to the aerosol generator to energize the aerosol - generating material of the consumable to produce an aerosol for delivery to a user, the processing circuit further being configured to at least: start a timer to measure the elapsed time; and automatically lock the aerosol provision device in response to a timeout condition, the timeout condition being that no computer in a whitelist of one or more computers is within the wireless range of the communication interface when the elapsed time reaches a specified period.

[0008] Some example embodiments provide a method of operating an aerosol provision device comprising a coupler configured to engage a consumable comprising aerosol - generating material, the aerosol provision device or the consumable further comprising an aerosol generator configured to energize the aerosol - generating material of the consumable to produce an aerosol for delivery to a user, the method comprising: starting a timer to measure the elapsed time; and automatically locking the aerosol provision device in response to a timeout condition, the timeout condition being that no computer in a whitelist of one or more computers is within the wireless range of the communication interface when the elapsed time reaches a specified period.

[0009] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings briefly described below. The present disclosure includes any combination of two, three, four, or more features or elements set forth in the present disclosure, whether or not explicitly combined or otherwise recited in the specific example embodiments described herein. The present disclosure is intended to be read as a whole such that any separable feature or element thereof, in any aspect and example embodiment, should be considered combinable unless the context of the present disclosure clearly dictates otherwise.

[0010] Accordingly, it should be understood that the present invention has been set forth merely to summarize some example embodiments to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the present disclosure. Thus, it should be understood that the above example embodiments are merely examples and should not be construed as in any way narrowing the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. Through the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, other example embodiments, aspects, and advantages will become apparent, the drawings illustrating, by way of example, the principles of some of the described example embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Aspects of the present disclosure have been generally described, and reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, and in which:

[0012] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol delivery system according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 2 and Figure 3 illustrates an aerosol delivery system in the form of a vapor product according to some example embodiments;

[0014] Figure 4 illustrates an atomizer of an aerosol generator that can be used to implement an aerosol delivery system according to some example embodiments;

[0015] Figure 5 、 Figure 6 and Figure 7 illustrates an aerosol delivery system in the form of a heat-not-burn product according to some example embodiments;

[0016] Figure 8 illustrates a system according to various example embodiments, the system including an aerosol delivery system in wireless communication with a computer accessible to a service platform;

[0017] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing a user account that can be provided by a service platform according to various example embodiments;

[0018] Figure 10 is a state diagram of an aerosol delivery device having automatic lock settings for timeout conditions and low voltage conditions according to various example embodiments;

[0019] Figure 11A and Figure 11B is a user journey map of an aerosol delivery device having an automatic lock setting for a timeout condition according to various example embodiments; and

[0020] Figure 12A 、 Figure 12B 、 Figure 12C 、 Figure 12D 、 Figure 12E 、 Figure 12F 、 Figure 12G and Figure 12H is a flowchart showing various steps in a method of operating an aerosol delivery device according to various example embodiments. Detailed Description

[0021] Some embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments of the disclosure are shown. In fact, the various embodiments of the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Like reference numerals always denote like elements.

[0022] Unless otherwise specified or clear from the context, references to first, second, etc. should not be construed as implying a particular order. A feature described as above another feature (unless otherwise stated or clear from the context) may alternatively be below the other feature, and a feature described as below another feature (unless otherwise stated or clear from the context) may alternatively be above the other feature; and similarly, a feature described as to the left of another feature may alternatively be to the right, and a feature described as to the right of another feature may alternatively be to the left. Further, although quantitative measurements, values, geometric relationships, etc. may be referred to herein, any one or more of these (if not all) may be absolute or approximate, as appropriate, to account for acceptable variations that may occur, such as due to engineering tolerances, etc.

[0023] As used herein, unless otherwise specified or clear from the context, the "or" of a set of operands is an "inclusive or", and thus is true only if one or more of these operands is true, as opposed to an "exclusive or" which is false when all operands are true. Thus, for example, "[A] or [B]" is true if [A] is true, or if [B] is true, or if both [A] and [B] are true. Further, unless otherwise specified or the context clearly dictates the singular form, the articles "a" and "an" refer to "one or more". Additionally, it should be understood that, unless otherwise stated, the terms "data", "content", "digital content", "information" and like terms may sometimes be used interchangeably.

[0024] Example embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a delivery system configured to deliver at least one substance to a user, e.g., to address a particular "consumer moment". The substance may include ingredients that produce a physiological effect on the user, a sensory effect on the user, or both.

[0025] Delivery systems can take many forms. Examples of suitable delivery systems include aerosol delivery systems, such as electrically powered aerosol delivery systems designed to release one or more substances or compounds from an aerosol - forming material without burning the aerosol - forming material. These aerosol delivery systems may sometimes be referred to as non - combustible aerosol delivery systems, aerosol delivery devices, etc., and the aerosol - forming material may be in the form of, for example, a solid, semi - solid, liquid or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine.

[0026] Examples of suitable aerosol delivery systems include vapor products, heat - not - burn products, hybrid products, etc. Vapor products are commonly referred to as "e - cigarettes", "electronic cigarettes" or electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), although the aerosol - forming material does not need to include nicotine. Many vapor products are designed to heat a liquid material to produce an aerosol. Other vapor products are designed to break down the aerosol - forming material into an aerosol without heating or with only assisted heating. Heat - not - burn products include tobacco - heating products (THP) and carbon - tip tobacco - heating products, and many are designed to heat a solid material without burning it to produce an aerosol.

[0027] Hybrid products use a combination of aerosol - forming materials, where one or more of these aerosol - forming materials can be heated. Each of the aerosol - forming materials can be in the form of, for example, a solid, semi - solid, liquid or gel. Some hybrid products are similar to vapor products, except that the aerosol generated from a liquid or gel aerosol - forming material passes through a second material (such as tobacco) before reaching the user to pick up additional components. In some example embodiments, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosol - forming material and a solid aerosol - forming material. The solid aerosol - forming material can include, for example, tobacco or a non - tobacco product.

[0028] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol delivery system 100 according to some example embodiments. In various examples, the aerosol delivery device can be a vapor product, a heat - not - burn product or a hybrid product. The aerosol delivery device includes one or more of each of a variety of components, which include, for example, an aerosol delivery device 102 and a consumable 104 (sometimes referred to as an article) used with the aerosol delivery device. The aerosol delivery device also includes an aerosol generator 106. In various embodiments, the aerosol generator can be part of the aerosol delivery device or the consumable. In other embodiments, the aerosol generator can be separate from the aerosol delivery device and the consumable and removably engage with the aerosol delivery device and / or the consumable.

[0029] In various examples, the aerosol delivery system 100 and its components including the aerosol delivery device 102 and the consumable 104 can be reusable or disposable. In some examples, the aerosol delivery device including both the aerosol delivery device and the consumable can be disposable. In some examples, the aerosol delivery device can be reusable, and the consumable can be reusable (e.g., refillable) or disposable (e.g., replaceable). In yet other examples, the consumable can be both refillable and replaceable. In examples where the aerosol generator 106 is part of the aerosol delivery device or the consumable, the aerosol generator can be reusable or disposable in the same manner as the aerosol delivery device or the consumable.

[0030] In some exemplary embodiments, the aerosol delivery device 102 can include a housing 108 having a power source 110 and a circuit 112. The power source is configured to supply power to the aerosol delivery device and thereby to the aerosol delivery system 100. The power source can be or include, for example, a power source such as a non-rechargeable battery or a rechargeable battery, a solid-state battery (SSB), a lithium-ion battery, a supercapacitor, etc.

[0031] The circuit 112 can be configured to implement one or more functions (sometimes referred to as services) of the aerosol delivery device 102, thereby implementing one or more functions of the aerosol delivery system 100. The circuit includes electronic components, and in some examples, one or more of the electronic components can be formed as a circuit board, such as a printed circuit board (PCB).

[0032] In some examples, the circuit 112 includes at least one switch 114 that can be directly or indirectly manipulated by a user to activate the aerosol delivery device 102 and thereby activate the aerosol delivery system 100. The switch can be or include a button, a touch-sensitive surface, etc. that can be manually operated by the user. Additionally or alternatively, the switch can be or include a sensor that is configured to sense one or more process variables indicative of the use of the aerosol delivery device or the aerosol delivery system. One example is a flow sensor, a pressure sensor, a pressure switch, etc. that are configured to detect an air flow or a pressure change caused by the air flow when the user inhales on the consumable 104.

[0033] The switch 114 can provide user interface functionality. In some examples, the circuit 112 can include a user interface (UI) 116 that is separate from the switch, or is the switch or includes the switch. The UI can include one or more input devices and / or output devices to enable interaction between the user and the aerosol-providing device 102. As described above with respect to the switch, examples of suitable input devices include buttons, touch-sensitive surfaces, and the like. One or more output devices generally include devices configured to provide information in a form perceivable by humans, which can be visual, auditory, or tactile / haptic. Examples of suitable output devices include light sources such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), quantum dot-based LEDs, and the like. Other examples of suitable output devices include display devices (e.g., electronic visual displays), touchscreens (integrated touch-sensitive surfaces and display devices), speakers, vibration motors, and the like.

[0034] In some examples, the circuit 112 includes processing circuitry 118 configured to perform data processing, application execution, or other processing, control, or management services in accordance with one or more example embodiments. The processing circuitry can include processors embodied in various forms, such as at least one processor core, a microprocessor, a coprocessor, a controller, a microcontroller, or various other computing or processing devices, including one or more integrated circuits such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), combinations thereof, and the like. In some examples, the processing circuitry can include a memory coupled to or integrated with the processor, and the memory can store data, computer program instructions executable by the processor, combinations thereof, and the like.

[0035] In some examples, the circuit 112 includes at least one communication interface 120 to enable a wired or wireless connection to a computer or other digital device, either directly or via one or more communication networks. Examples of suitable communication interfaces include network adapters or network interface controllers (NICs), wireless NICs (WNICs), transceiver integrated circuits, and the like. In these and other similar examples, the communication interface can include an electrical connector for a wired connection or an antenna for a wireless connection. The at least one communication interface can support any one of a variety of different communication technologies via a suitable wired or wireless connection, such as those for the Internet, cellular (mobile), wired and wireless local area networks (LANs), personal area networks (PANs), near field communication (NFC), and the like. More specific examples of suitable wireless PAN (WPAN) connections include Bluetooth Low Energy (Bluetooth LE), Infrared (e.g., IrDA), radio frequency identification (RFID), wireless USB, etc. Other examples of suitable WPAN connections include Wi-Fi Direct, and certain other connections based on or specified by the IEEE 802.11 standard that support direct device-to-device communication.

[0036] Also as shown, in some examples, the housing 108 and thus the aerosol delivery device 102 may further include a coupler 122 configured to engage and hold the consumable 104, thereby coupling the aerosol delivery device to the consumable. The coupler may be or include a connector, fastener, etc. configured to connect to a corresponding coupler of the consumable, for example, by a press fit (or interference fit) connection, a threaded connection, a magnetic connection, etc. The coupler may be a receiver or include a receiver configured to receive and accommodate the consumable or at least a portion of the reservoir, can, container, cavity, receiving chamber, etc. of the consumable.

[0037] The consumable 104 is an article that includes an aerosol-forming material 124 (also referred to as an aerosol precursor composition), and part or all of the article is intended to be consumed by the user during use. The aerosol delivery system 100 may include one or more consumables, and each consumable may include one or more aerosol-forming materials. In some examples where the aerosol delivery system is a hybrid product, the aerosol delivery system may include a liquid or gel aerosol-forming material to generate an aerosol, and then the aerosol may pass through a second solid aerosol-forming material to acquire additional components before reaching the user. These aerosol-forming materials may be located within a single consumable that can be removed separately or within the respective consumables.

[0038] The aerosol-forming material 124 is capable of generating an aerosol (e.g., when heated, irradiated, or energized in any other way). The aerosol-forming material may be in the form of, for example, a solid, semi-solid, liquid, or gel. The aerosol-forming material may include an "amorphous solid", which may alternatively be referred to as a "monolithic solid" (i.e., non-fibrous). In some examples, the amorphous solid may be a dry gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material that can hold some fluid, such as a liquid, therein. In some examples, the aerosol-forming material may include from about 50 wt%, 60 wt%, or 70 wt% of amorphous solid, to about 90 wt%, 95 wt%, or 100 wt% of amorphous solid.

[0039] The aerosol-forming material 124 may include one or more of each of a variety of components, such as an active substance 126, a flavorant 128, an aerosol-forming material 130, or other functional materials 132.

[0040] The active substance 126 can be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response, such as increasing alertness, improving concentration, increasing energy, increasing endurance, increasing calmness or improving sleep. The active substance can be selected from, for example, nutraceuticals, nootropics, psychoactive substances. The active substance can be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active substance can include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid), L-theanine, taurine, theophylline, vitamins such as B6 or B12 (cobalamin) or C, melatonin, terpenes, or its components, derivatives or combinations. The active substance can include one or more components, derivatives or extracts of tobacco or other plant preparations.

[0041] In some examples where the active substance 126 includes derivatives or extracts, the active substance can be or include one or more terpenes.

[0042] As described herein, the active substance 126 can include or be derived from one or more plant preparations or its components, derivatives or extracts. As used herein, the term "plant preparation" includes any material derived from a plant, including but not limited to extracts, leaves, bark, fibers, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husks, shells, etc. Alternatively, the material can include active compounds that occur naturally in plants and are synthetically obtained. The material can be in the form of a liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, broken particles, granules, pellets, fragments, strips, sheets, etc. Example plant preparations are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, red tea tree, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo biloba, hazelnut, hibiscus, bay laurel, licorice (licorice root), matcha, yerba mate, orange peel, papaya, rose, sage, tea (e.g., green tea or black tea), thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, fennel seeds (fennel), basil, bay leaf, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper berries, elderberry, vanilla, holly, perilla seeds, turmeric, curcuma, sandalwood, coriander, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, cassia seed, valerian, Spanish sweet pepper, mace, damiana, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, parsley, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab or any combination thereof. Mint can be selected from mint varieties such as wild mint, Mentha arvensis var., Egyptian mint, peppermint, Mentha × piperita var. citrata, Mentha × piperita var. piperita, Mentha crispata, Mentha cordifolia, Mentha longifolia, Mentha × piperita var. variegata, Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata var. and Mentha rotundifolia.

[0043] In some other embodiments, the active substance 126 may be or include one or more of the following substances: 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) / oxiracetam / Griffonia simplicifolia, acetylcholine, arachidonic acid (AA, omega-6), Withania somnifera, Bacopa monnieri, beta-alanine, beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyric acid (HMB), Centella asiatica, Bupleurum chinense, Cinnamonum cassia, citicoline, cotinine, creatine, curcumin, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, omega-3), dopamine, Dorstenia contrajerva, Dorstenia foetida, essential oil, GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), Mimosa tenuiflora, glutamate, Humulus lupulus, Kaempferia parviflora (Thai ginseng), Piper methysticum, L-carnitine, L-arginine, lavender oil, L-choline, Glycyrrhiza glabra, L-lysine, L-theanine, L-tryptophan, lutein, magnesium, magnesium L-threonate, inositol, Arnebia euchroma, nitrate, oleoresin of Viola odorata, oxygen, phenylalanine, phosphatidylserine, quercetin, resveratrol, Gastrodia elata, Rhodiola rosea, Rhodiola rosea rosea, rose essential oil, S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), Lampranthus tortuosus, Schisandra chinensis, selenium, serotonin, Scutellaria baicalensis, Mentha spicata extract, Nardostachys jatamansi, theobromine, turmeric (tumaric), Turnera aphrodisiaca extract, tyrosine, vitamin A, vitamin B3 or yerba mate.

[0044] In some example embodiments, the aerosol - forming material 124 includes a flavorant 128. As used herein, the terms "flavorant" and "fragrance" refer to materials that, where local regulations permit, can be used to create a desired taste, aroma, or other sensory feeling for adult consumers in a product. The flavorant can include naturally - occurring fragrance materials, plants, plant extracts, synthetically - obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, licorice, hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, fennel seeds (anise), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berries, cranberries, peaches, apples, oranges, mangoes, mandarins, lemons, limes, tropical fruits, papayas, rhubarb, grapes, durians, pitayas, cucumbers, blueberries, mulberries, citrus fruits, dulab, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe, cardamom, celery, West Indian logwood, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel nut, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, neroli, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang - ylang, sage, fennel, mustard, pepper, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, peppermint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, red - leaf tea tree, flax, ginkgo, hazelnut, hibiscus, bay, yerba mate, orange peel, rose, tea (e.g., green tea or black tea), thyme, juniper berries, elderflower, basil, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, red amaranth, turmeric, coriander, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, Spanish pepper, mace, damiana, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, parsley, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphor), flavor enhancers, bitter - receptor site blockers, sensory - receptor site activators or stimulants, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, plant preparations, or breath fresheners. The flavorant can be an imitation, synthetic, or natural ingredient or a mixture thereof. The flavorant can be in any suitable form, e.g., liquid (such as an oil), solid (such as a powder), or gas.

[0045] In some example embodiments, as a supplement or alternative to the aroma or taste nerves, flavorant 128 may include sensates that are intended to achieve somatosensorial sensations that are typically chemically induced and perceived through stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), and these sensates may include agents that provide warming, cooling, tingling, and numbing effects. Suitable warming effect formulations may include, but are not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether, and suitable cooling formulations may include, but are not limited to, menthol, WS-3.

[0046] The aerosol-forming material 130 may include one or more components capable of forming an aerosol. In some example embodiments, the aerosol-forming material may include one or more of the following materials: glycerol, glycerin, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenylacetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0047] One or more other functional materials 132 may include one or more of a pH regulator, a colorant, a preservative, a binder, a filler, a stabilizer, and / or an antioxidant. Suitable binders include, for example, pectin, guar gum, fruit pectin, citrus pectin, tobacco pectin, hydroxyethyl guar gum, hydroxypropyl guar gum, hydroxyethyl locust bean gum, hydroxypropyl locust bean gum, alginate, starch, modified starch, derivatized starch, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, ethylhydroxy methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, tamarind gum, dextran, pullulan, konjac flour, or xanthan gum.

[0048] In some example embodiments, the aerosol-generating material 124 may be present on or in a support to form a substrate 134. The support may be or include, for example, paper, card, cardboard, hardboard, a reconstituted material (e.g., a material formed from reconstituted plant materials such as reconstituted tobacco, reconstituted hemp, etc.), a plastic material, a ceramic material, a composite material, glass, metal, or a metal alloy. In some examples, the support includes a base that may be embedded within the aerosol-generating material, or on one or either side of the aerosol-generating material.

[0049] Although not shown separately, in some example embodiments, the consumable 104 may further include a receiver configured to engage the aerosol - generating material 124 or to engage the substrate 134 with the generating material 124. The receiver may be or include a reservoir, a tank, a container, a cavity, a receiving chamber, etc., configured to receive and contain the aerosol - generating material or the substrate. The consumable may include an aerosol - generating material transfer component (also referred to as a liquid transfer element) configured to deliver the aerosol - generating material to the aerosol generator 106. The aerosol - generating material transfer component may be adapted to carry away or otherwise transfer the aerosol - generating material by capillary action. In some examples, the aerosol - generating material transfer component may include a microfluidic chip, a micropump, or other suitable components for transferring the aerosol - generating material.

[0050] The aerosol generator 106 (also referred to as an atomizer, a vaporizer, or an aerosol - producing component) is configured to supply energy to the aerosol - generating material 124 to produce an aerosol, or otherwise cause an aerosol to be produced from the aerosol - generating material. More specifically, in some examples, the aerosol generator may be powered by the power source 110 under the control of the circuit 112 to supply energy to the aerosol - generating material to produce an aerosol.

[0051] In some example embodiments, the aerosol generator 106 is an electric heater configured to perform electric heating, wherein electrical energy from the power source is converted into heat energy, and the aerosol - generating material is subjected to the heat energy, thereby releasing one or more volatiles from the aerosol - generating material to form an aerosol. Examples of suitable forms of electric heating include resistive (Joule) heating, inductive heating, dielectric and microwave heating, radiative heating, arc heating, etc. More specific examples of suitable electric heaters include resistive heating elements such as coils, plates, tips, micro - heaters, etc.

[0052] In some example embodiments, the aerosol generator 106 is configured to produce an aerosol from the aerosol - generating material without heating or with only auxiliary heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol - generating material to one or more of increased pressure, vibration, or electrostatic energy. More specific examples of such aerosol generators include jet atomizers, ultrasonic atomizers, vibrating mesh technology (VMT) atomizers, surface acoustic wave (SAW) atomizers, etc.

[0053] The jet nebulizer is configured to break down the aerosol - generating material 124 into an aerosol using compressed gas (such as air, oxygen), and the ultrasonic nebulizer is arranged to break down the aerosol - generating material into an aerosol using ultrasonic waves. The VMT nebulizer includes a mesh and a piezoelectric material (such as piezoelectric material, piezomagnetic material), and the piezoelectric material can be driven to vibrate and cause the mesh to break down the aerosol - generating material into an aerosol. The SAW nebulizer is configured to break down the aerosol - generating material into an aerosol using surface acoustic waves or Rayleigh waves.

[0054] In some examples, the aerosol generator 106 can include a base, or the base can be part of the substrate 134. The base is a material that can be heated by the penetration of a changing magnetic field generated by a magnetic - field generator, which can be separate from or part of the aerosol generator. The base can be a conductive material such that the penetration of the changing magnetic field through the base causes inductive heating of the heating material. The heating material can be a magnetic material such that the penetration of the changing magnetic field through the base causes hysteresis heating of the heating material. In some examples, the base can be both conductive and magnetic, such that the base in these examples can be heated by two heating mechanisms.

[0055] Although not shown separately, one or both of the aerosol - providing device 102 or the consumable 104 can include an aerosol modifier. An aerosol modifier is a substance configured to modify the aerosol produced by the aerosol - generating material 124, for example, by changing the taste, flavor, acidity, or other properties of the aerosol. In various examples, the aerosol modifier can be an additive or an adsorbent. The aerosol modifier can include, for example, one or more of flavoring agents, coloring agents, water, or carbon adsorbents. The aerosol modifier can be a solid, semi - solid, liquid, or gel. The aerosol modifier can be in the form of a powder, thread, or granule. The aerosol - modifying reagent can be free of filter material. In some instances, the aerosol modifier can be provided in an aerosol - modifier release component that is operable to selectively release the aerosol modifier.

[0056] The aerosol - providing system 100 and its components including the aerosol - providing device 102, the consumable 104, and the aerosol generator 106 can be manufactured in any of a variety of different form factors and with additional or alternative components relative to the above - mentioned components.

[0057] Figure 2 and Figure 3Shows an aerosol providing system 200 in the form of a vapor product, and in some exemplary embodiments, the system may correspond to the aerosol providing system 100. As shown, the aerosol providing system 200 may include an aerosol providing device 202 (also referred to as a control body or power unit) and a consumable 204 (also referred to as a cartridge or tank), which may correspond to the aerosol providing device 102 and the consumable 104 respectively. The aerosol providing system, particularly the consumable, may also include an aerosol generator corresponding to the aerosol generator 106, in the form of an electric heater 306 such as a heating element, which is for example a metal coil configured to convert electrical energy into heat energy by resistive (Joule) heating. The aerosol providing device and the consumable can be permanently or removably aligned in a functional relationship. Figure 2 and Figure 3 Show a perspective view and a partially cut-away side view of the aerosol providing device in a coupled configuration respectively.

[0058] As Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in the cross-sectional view, the aerosol providing device 202 and the consumable 204 each include a plurality of corresponding components. Figure 3 The components shown in represent the components that may be present in the aerosol providing device and the consumable, and are not intended to limit the scope of the components covered by the present disclosure.

[0059] The aerosol providing device 202 may include a housing 208 (sometimes referred to as an aerosol providing device housing), and the housing 208 may include a power source 310. The housing may also include a circuit 312 having a switch in the form of a sensor 314, a user interface including a light source 316 that can be illuminated using the aerosol providing system 200, and a processing circuit 318 (also referred to as a control component). The housing may also include a receiver in the form of a consumable receiving chamber 322 configured to engage the consumable 204. And the consumable may include an aerosol generating material 324, which may correspond to the aerosol generating material 124, and may include one or more of each of a variety of components, such as active substances, flavorants, aerosol forming materials, or other functional materials.

[0060] From Figure 3It can also be seen that the aerosol providing device 202 may further include an electrical connector 336 located in the consumable receiving chamber 322, which is configured to electrically couple circuits, thereby electrically coupling the aerosol providing device to the consumable 204, particularly to the electrical contact 338 on the consumable. In this regard, the electrical connector and the electrical contact may form a connection interface between the aerosol providing device and the consumable. Also as shown, the aerosol providing device may include an external electrical connector 340 to connect the aerosol providing device to one or more external devices. Examples of suitable external electrical connectors include USB connectors, proprietary connectors such as Apple's Lightning connector, etc.

[0061] In various examples, the consumable 204 includes a canister portion and a mouthpiece portion. The canister portion and the mouthpiece portion may be integrated or permanently fixed together, or the canister portion itself may define the mouthpiece portion, or the mouthpiece portion itself may define the canister portion. In other examples, the canister portion and the mouthpiece portion may be separate and detachably engaged with each other.

[0062] The consumable 204, the canister portion, and / or the mouthpiece portion may be individually defined with respect to a longitudinal axis (L), a first transverse axis (T1) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a second transverse axis (T2) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and perpendicular to the first transverse axis. The consumable can be formed by a housing 242 (sometimes referred to as a consumable housing), which encloses a reservoir 344 (in the canister portion) configured to hold the aerosol-generating material 324. In some examples, the consumable may include an aerosol generator, such as the electrical heater 306 in the illustrated example. In some examples, the electrical connector 336 on the aerosol providing device 202 and the electrical contact 338 on the consumable may electrically connect the electrical heater to the power source 310 and / or the circuit 312 of the aerosol providing device.

[0063] As shown, in some examples, the reservoir 344 may be in fluid communication with an aerosol-forming material delivery member 346 adapted to carry or otherwise convey the aerosol-forming material 324 stored in the reservoir housing to the electric heater 306. At least a portion of the aerosol-forming material delivery member may be positioned near the electric heater (e.g., directly adjacent, adjacent, immediately adjacent, or relatively immediately adjacent). The aerosol-forming material delivery member may extend between the electric heater and the aerosol-forming material stored in the reservoir, and at least a portion of the electric heater may be located above the proximal end of the reservoir. For the purposes of the present disclosure, it should be understood that the term "above" in this particular context should be interpreted as being in a direction generally along the longitudinal axis (L) towards the proximal end of the reservoir and / or the consumable 204. Other arrangements of the aerosol-forming material delivery member are also within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in some example embodiments, the aerosol-forming material delivery member may be positioned near the distal end of the reservoir and / or arranged transverse to the longitudinal axis (L).

[0064] The electric heater 306 and the aerosol-forming material delivery assembly 346 may be configured as separate elements that are fluidly connectable, or may be configured as a combined element. For example, in some embodiments, the electric heater may be integrated into the aerosol-forming material delivery member. Additionally, the electric heater and the aerosol-forming material delivery member may be formed of any construction described elsewhere herein. In some examples, a valve may be positioned between the reservoir 344 and the electric heater and configured to control the amount of aerosol-forming material 324 transferred or delivered from the reservoir to the electric heater.

[0065] An opening 348 may be present in the housing 242 (e.g., at the mouth end of the mouthpiece portion) to allow the formed aerosol to be discharged from the consumable 204.

[0066] As described above, the circuitry 312 of the aerosol providing device 202 may include a plurality of electronic components and, in some examples, may be formed of a circuit board such as a PCB that supports and electrically connects the electronic components. The sensor 314 (switch) may be one of these electronic components positioned on the circuit board. In some examples, the sensor may include its own circuit board or other base element to which it can be attached. In some examples, a flexible circuit board may be used. The flexible circuit board may be configured in various shapes. In some examples, the flexible circuit board may be combined with, laminated on, or form part or all of the heater substrate.

[0067] In some examples, the reservoir 344 can be a container for storing the aerosol-forming material 324. In some examples, the reservoir can be or include a fibrous reservoir having a substrate with the aerosol-forming material present on or in the support. For example, in this example, the reservoir can include one or more layers of non-woven fibres substantially formed in the shape of a tube around the interior of the housing 242. The aerosol-forming material can be retained within the reservoir. For example, a liquid component can be absorbently retained by the reservoir. The reservoir can be in fluid connection with the aerosol-forming material transfer member 346. The aerosol-forming material transfer member can transfer the aerosol-forming material stored in the reservoir to the electrical heater 306 by capillary action or by means of a micropump. In this way, the electrical heater and the aerosol-forming material transfer member are in the heating device.

[0068] In use, when the user draws on the aerosol delivery system 200, the sensor 314 detects an air flow and the electrical heater 306 is activated to energize the aerosol-forming material 324 to produce an aerosol. Drawing on the mouth end of the aerosol delivery system causes ambient air to enter and pass through the aerosol delivery system. In the consumable 204, the inhaled air combines with the aerosol, which is agitated, withdrawn or otherwise removed from the electrical heater and discharged through the opening 348 in the mouth end of the aerosol delivery system.

[0069] Again, as Figure 2 and 3 shown, the aerosol generator of the aerosol delivery system 200 is the electrical heater 306 designed to heat the aerosol-forming material 324 to produce an aerosol. In other embodiments, the aerosol generator is designed to decompose the aerosol-forming material without heating or with only auxiliary heating. Figure 4 An atomizer 400 according to some of these other example embodiments is shown, which can be used to implement the aerosol generator of the aerosol delivery system.

[0070] As Figure 4 shown, the atomizer 400 includes a mesh plate 402 and a piezoelectric material 404 that can be fixed to each other. The piezoelectric material can be driven to vibrate and cause the mesh plate to decompose the aerosol-forming material into an aerosol. In some examples, the atomizer can also include a support member and / or an auxiliary member, the support member being located on the side of the mesh plate opposite the piezoelectric material to increase the life of the mesh plate, the auxiliary member being between the mesh plate and the piezoelectric material to facilitate interface contact between the mesh plate and the piezoelectric material.

[0071] In various example embodiments, the mesh plate 402 can have various different configurations. The mesh plate can have a flat profile, a dome shape (concave or convex with respect to the aerosol - generating material), or a flat portion and a dome portion. The mesh plate defines perforations 406, and these perforations 406 through the perforated portion of the mesh plate are substantially uniform in size or vary. These perforations can be circular openings or non - circular openings (e.g., oval, rectangular, triangular, regular polygon, irregular polygon). In three dimensions, for example, in the case of cylindrical perforations with a fixed circular cross - section, these perforations can have a fixed cross - section, or for example, in the case of frustum - shaped perforations with a variable circular cross - section, these perforations can have a variable cross - section. In other embodiments, these perforations can be square - shaped or pyramid - shaped.

[0072] The piezoelectric material 404 can be or include a piezoelectric material or a piezomagnetic material. The piezoelectric material can be coupled to a circuit configured to generate an oscillating electrical signal to drive the piezoelectric material to vibrate. For a piezomagnetic material, the circuit can generate a pair of out - of - phase oscillating electrical signals to drive a pair of magnets to generate an out - of - phase oscillating magnetic field, which drives the piezomagnetic material to vibrate.

[0073] The piezoelectric material 404 can be fixed to the mesh plate 402, and the vibration of the piezoelectric material can in turn cause the mesh plate to vibrate. The mesh plate can be in contact with the aerosol - generating material or immersed in the aerosol - generating material, in close proximity to the aerosol - generating material, or can receive the aerosol - generating material through an aerosol - generating material transfer component. Then, the vibration of the mesh plate can cause the aerosol - generating material to pass through the perforations 406 that break up the aerosol - generating material into an aerosol. More specifically, in some examples, the aerosol - generating material can be driven through the perforations 406 in the mesh plate 402, thereby generating aerosol particles. In other examples where the mesh plate is in contact with or immersed in the aerosol - generating material, the vibrating mesh plate can generate ultrasonic waves within the aerosol - generating material, which causes an aerosol to form on the surface of the aerosol - generating material.

[0074] As described above, hybrid products use a combination of aerosol - generating materials, and some hybrid products are similar to vapor products, except that the aerosol generated by one aerosol - generating material can pass through a second aerosol - generating material to obtain additional components. Thus, a similar aerosol - providing system in the form of a hybrid product can be constructed Figure 2 and Figure 3 a vapor product (with an electric heater 306 or an atomizer 400). The hybrid product can include a second aerosol - generating material, and the aerosol from the aerosol - generating material 324 passes through the second aerosol - generating material before passing through an opening 348 in the mouthpiece end of the aerosol - providing system to obtain additional components.

[0075] Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 illustrate an aerosol provision system 500 in the form of a heat-not-burn product, and in some example embodiments, the system may correspond to the aerosol provision system 100. As shown, the aerosol provision system may include an aerosol provision device 502 (also referred to as a control body or power unit) and a consumable 504 (also referred to as an aerosol source member), which may correspond respectively to the aerosol provision device 102 and the consumable 104. The aerosol provision system, particularly the aerosol provision device, may also include an aerosol generator in the form of an electrical heater 706 corresponding to the aerosol generator 106. The aerosol provision device and the consumable are capable of being permanently or removably aligned in a functional relationship. Figure 5 illustrates the aerosol provision system in a coupled configuration, while Figure 6 illustrates the aerosol provision system in a decoupled configuration. Figure 7 illustrates a partially cut-away side view of the aerosol provision system in a coupled configuration.

[0076] As Figure 5 , 6 and 7 show, the aerosol provision device 502 and the consumable 504 each include a plurality of respective components. The components shown in the figures represent components that may be present in the aerosol provision device and the consumable, and are not intended to limit the scope of the components covered by the present disclosure.

[0077] The aerosol provision device 502 may include a housing 708 (sometimes referred to as the aerosol provision device housing), and the housing 708 may include a power source 710. The housing may also include a circuit 712 having a switch in the form of a sensor 714, a user interface including a light source 716 that may be illuminated using the aerosol provision system 500, and a processing circuit 718 (also referred to as a control component). In some examples, at least some of the electronic components of the circuit may be formed by a circuit board or a flexible circuit board that supports and electrically connects the electronic components.

[0078] The housing 708 may also include a receiver in the form of a consumable receiving chamber 722 configured to engage the consumable 504. The consumable 504 may include an aerosol-forming material 624, which may correspond to the aerosol-forming material 124, and may include one or more of each of a variety of ingredients, such as an active substance, a flavorant, an aerosol-forming material, or other functional materials. And the aerosol-forming material may be present on or in a support to form a substrate 634.

[0079] In the coupling configuration of the aerosol provision system 500, the consumable 504 can be retained in the receiving chamber 722 to varying degrees. In some examples, less than half or approximately half of the consumable can be retained in the receiving chamber. In other examples, more than half of the consumable can be retained in the receiving chamber. In yet other examples, substantially the entire consumable can be retained in the receiving chamber.

[0080] As Figure 6 and 7 shown, in various embodiments of the present disclosure, the consumable 504 can include a heating end 504 and a mouth end 638, the heating end 504 being sized and shaped to be inserted into the aerosol provision device 502, and the user inhaling on the mouth end 638 to generate an aerosol. In various embodiments, at least a portion of the heating end can include an aerosol-forming material 624.

[0081] In some example embodiments, the mouth end 638 of the consumable 504 can include a filter 640 made of a material such as cellulose acetate or polypropylene. The filter can additionally or alternatively contain tobacco material in the form of cut filler. In some examples, at least a portion of the consumable can be wrapped in an outer wrapper material, which can be formed of any material for providing additional structure, support, and / or thermal resistance. In some examples, the excess length of the wrapper at the mouth end of the consumable can be used simply to separate the aerosol-forming material 624 from the user's mouth, or to provide space for positioning filter material, or to affect the draw on the consumable or the flow characteristics of the aerosol leaving the consumable during a draw.

[0082] The electrical heater 706 can electrically heat the aerosol-forming material 624 by resistive (Joule) heating, inductive heating, dielectric and microwave heating, radiative heating, arc heating, etc. The electrical heater can have a variety of different configurations. In some examples, at least a portion of the electrical heater can surround or at least partially surround at least a portion of the consumable 504 including the aerosol-forming material when inserted into the aerosol provision device 502. In other examples, at least a portion of the electrical heater can penetrate the consumable when the consumable is inserted into the aerosol provision device. In some examples, the substrate 634 material can include a base, which can be embedded within the aerosol-forming material, or on one or either side of the aerosol-forming material.

[0083] Although shown as part of the aerosol provision device 502, the electrical heater 706 can alternatively be part of the consumable 504. In some examples, the electrical heater or a portion of the electrical heater can be combined, encapsulated, or integrated (e.g., embedded) with the aerosol-forming material 624.

[0084] As shown, in some examples, the electric heater 706 may extend near the engagement end of the housing 708 and may be configured to substantially surround a portion of the heating end 636 of the consumable 504 that includes the aerosol-forming material 624. The electric heater 706 may be or may include an outer cylinder 742 and one or more resistive heating elements 744, such as tips surrounded by the outer cylinder, to form a receiving chamber 722 that may extend from the receiving base 746 of the aerosol delivery device to an opening 748 in the housing 708 of the aerosol delivery device. In some examples, the outer cylinder may be a double-walled vacuum tube constructed of stainless steel to retain the heat generated by the (one or more) resistive heating elements within the outer cylinder and, more specifically, within the aerosol-forming material.

[0085] Like the electric heater 706, the (one or more) resistive heating elements 744 may have a variety of different configurations and may vary in number from one resistive heating element to multiple resistive heating elements. As shown, the (one or more) resistive heating elements may extend from the receiving base 746 of the aerosol delivery device 502. In some examples, when inserted into the aerosol delivery device, the (one or more) resistive heating elements may be located at or around the approximate radial center of the heating end 636 of the consumable 504. In some examples, the (one or more) resistive heating elements may penetrate into the heating end of the consumable and make direct contact with the aerosol-forming material. In other examples, the (one or more) resistive heating elements may be located inside a cavity defined by the inner surface of the heating end of the consumable (but not in direct contact with the cavity).

[0086] In some examples, the (one or more) resistive heating elements 744 of the electric heater 706 may be connected in a circuit that includes a power source 710 such that the current generated by the power source may pass through the (one or more) resistive heating elements. The passing of the current through the (one or more) resistive heating elements may in turn cause the (one or more) resistive heating elements to generate heat by resistive (Joule) heating.

[0087] In other examples, an electric heater 706 including an outer cylinder 742 and one or more resistive heating elements 744 may be configured for inductive heating, where the outer cylinder may be connected in a circuit including a power supply 710, and the one or more resistive heating elements may be connected in another circuit. In such a configuration, the outer cylinder and the one or more resistive heating elements may act as a transformer, where the outer cylinder is the inductive emitter and the one or more resistive heating elements are the inductive receivers. In some of these examples, the outer cylinder and the one or more resistive heating elements may be part of an aerosol providing device 502. In other parts of these examples, the outer cylinder may be part of the aerosol providing device and the one or more resistive heating elements may be part of a consumable 504.

[0088] The outer cylinder 742 may be provided with alternating current directly from the power supply 710, or alternating current indirectly from the power supply in which an inverter (as part of a circuit 712) is configured to convert direct current from the power supply to alternating current. The alternating current drives the outer cylinder to generate an oscillating magnetic field that induces eddy currents in the one or more resistive heating elements 744. The eddy currents in turn cause the one or more resistive heating elements to generate heat by resistive (Joule) heating. In these examples, the one or more resistive heating elements may be wirelessly heated to form an aerosol from an aerosol-forming material 624 located near the one or more resistive heating elements.

[0089] In various example embodiments, the aerosol providing device 502 may include an air inlet 750 (e.g., one or more openings or pores) in a housing 708 (and possibly also a receiving base 746) to enable an air flow to enter a receiving chamber 722. When a user sucks on a mouth end 638 of the consumable 504, the air flow may be sucked through the air inlet into the receiving chamber, into the consumable, and sucked through the aerosol-forming material 624. The air flow may be detected by a sensor 714, and the electric heater 706 may be activated to energize the aerosol-forming material to produce an aerosol. The air flow may be combined with the aerosol, and the aerosol may be agitated, withdrawn, or otherwise drawn away from an opening at the mouth end of the aerosol providing system. In examples including a filter 640, the air flow combined with the aerosol may be drawn away from an opening of the filter at the mouth end.

[0090] Figure 8FIG. 800 shows a system 800 according to various example embodiments, the system including an aerosol providing device 102 that wirelessly communicates with a computer 802 (external computer) external to the aerosol providing device. The computer may be embodied as a number of different devices, such as any of a variety of different mobile computers. More specific examples of suitable mobile computers include portable computers (e.g., laptop computers, netbooks, tablet computers), mobile phones (e.g., cell phones, smart phones), wearable computers (e.g., smart watches), and the like. In other examples, the computer may be embodied as other computers other than mobile computers, such as in the form of a desktop computer, a server computer, and the like.

[0091] In some examples, at least one communication interface 120 of the aerosol providing device 102 is configured to initiate a wireless connection 804 to the computer 802. As described above, the wireless connection may be a WPAN connection, such as BluetoothLE, infrared, RFID, wireless USB, Wi-Fi Direct, and certain other connections based on or specified by the IEEE 802.11 standard that support device-to-device direct communication. The computer 802 may similarly include at least one communication interface to allow a wired or wireless connection 806 to the computer or other digital devices directly or via one or more communication networks 808.

[0092] The system 800 may further include a service platform 810 embodied as a computer system that may be accessed from the computer 802 via one or more communication networks 808. The service platform may include one or more servers, such as may be provided by one or more blade servers, cloud computing infrastructure, and the like. In some examples, the service platform may be embodied as a distributed computing device including multiple computers, such as may be used to provide cloud computing infrastructure. And in these examples, the computers forming the service platform may communicate with each other via at least one of the one or more communication networks.

[0093] The computer 802 can run, execute, or otherwise provide an application software (app) 812 or other interface through which a service platform 810 can be accessed. The application software or other interface can be or can be provided by a thin client and / or other client applications, such as a Progressive Web Application (PWA) or a web browser application, through which a web page or website (e.g., a web application) provided by the service platform can be accessed. As another example, the application or other interface can be or can be provided by a dedicated application, such as a mobile app installed on a computer embodied as a mobile computer. For illustrative purposes, but not limited thereto, example embodiments of the present disclosure may more simply refer to the application software or other interface as an app.

[0094] The service platform 810 can be configured to provide one or more services to users of the aerosol provision device 102 (and possibly users of other aerosol provision devices) and can be accessed by users through the app 812 on the computer 802. For example, the service platform can be operated by a manufacturer of the aerosol provision device, a provider of the aerosol provision device, or other entities interested in the manufacture, distribution, or maintenance of the aerosol provision device. The service platform can enable users to access and use various functions, such as functions for managing the aerosol provision device, including the functions described below.

[0095] A user can access the service platform 810 through the app 812 on the computer 802, and the app can guide the user to activate the aerosol provision device 102. This can include an age verification process, in which the app can collect information identifying the user, and then the computer can send the information to the service platform 810 or a separate age verification system, where the information can be used to verify whether the user has reached the age permitted to use the aerosol provision device. If not yet registered, the user can register a user account on the service platform, and the user can be assigned or establish a username and password. The user can be guided to pair or otherwise connect the computer and the aerosol provision device to establish a WPAN connection 804 between the computer and the aerosol provision device. The app can communicate with the aerosol provision device through the computer to obtain a unique identifier (UID) of the aerosol provision device, such as a serial number or MAC (Media Access Control), and then link it to the user account. Similarly, the UID of the computer can be linked to the user account, thereby also linking the aerosol provision device and the computer.

[0096] Figure 9FIG. 0 is a schematic diagram showing a user account 900 that can be provided by a service platform 810, and the relationship of the user account with a computer 802 including an app 812 and an aerosol providing device 102. As shown, the user account can store or otherwise include the UIDs of the computer and the aerosol providing device, respectively. In some examples, the user account can also be linked to one or more other computers 802A, 802B (any of which can also include an app); similarly, the user account can be linked to one or more other aerosol providing devices 102A, 102B, 102C. In these examples, the user account can also store or otherwise include the respective UIDs of one or more other computers and / or aerosol providing devices. Also as shown, the user account can interact with an age verification system 902 to verify whether the user has reached the age permitted to use the (one or more) aerosol providing devices.

[0097] Returning to Figure 8 , the app 812 can enable a user to interact with the aerosol providing device 102 from the computer 802. In various examples, the app can enable the user to configure the aerosol providing device, receive data such as usage data from the aerosol providing device, send data such as one or more usage parameters to the aerosol providing device, or remotely control the aerosol providing device. In more specific examples, the app can enable the user to lock the aerosol providing device to prohibit the aerosol providing device from being used with a consumable 104 and an aerosol generator 106 to generate an aerosol, or unlock the aerosol providing device to enable the aerosol providing device to be used with the consumable and the aerosol generator to generate an aerosol.

[0098] The app 812 can also enable the user to set an automatic lock in which the aerosol providing device 102 is configured to automatically lock when one or more conditions are met. In some examples, one or more conditions can include one or more of the time since the first puff from the consumable 104 engaged with the aerosol providing device, the time since the last puff from the consumable, the number of cycles the aerosol generator 106 is powered on to energize the aerosol generating material 124, the time the aerosol generator is energized, etc. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, one or more conditions can include a timeout condition where the computer 802 (or another computer specified by the user) is not within the wireless range of the communication interface 120 of the aerosol providing device when the elapsed time reaches a specified period. Another example of a condition is a low voltage condition where the voltage level of the power supply 110 is below a specified shutdown voltage.

[0099] According to various example embodiments, an automatic lock may be set, wherein the processing circuitry 118 of the aerosol provision device 102 is configured to start a timer to measure the elapsed time. Then, the processing circuitry may be configured to automatically lock the aerosol provision device in response to a timeout condition, which is that when the elapsed time reaches a specified period, no computer in the whitelist of one or more computers is within the wireless range of the communication interface 120. The whitelist of one or more computers may be specified by the user. As Figure 9 shown, the whitelist 904 may include the computer 802 and any other computers 802A, 802B linked in the user account 900 (any one of which may be referred to individually as the computer 800).

[0100] Similarly, the communication interface 120 of the aerosol provision device 102 is configured to initiate a wireless connection 804 (e.g., a WPAN connection) to the computer 802 (one or more computers); and in some examples, the wireless range may be the WPAN range of the aerosol provision device. The wireless range may be indicated by the sensitivity of the communication interface. In this regard, the sensitivity is or includes a measurement of the lowest power level at which the communication interface can maintain a wireless connection and interpret data carried by the wireless signal through the wireless connection.

[0101] The computers 802 within the wireless range of the communication interface 120 on the whitelist 904 may be established in a variety of different ways. In some examples, the computers within the wireless range may be established by a wireless connection 804 to the computer; or in some further examples, the computers within the wireless range may be established by a wireless connection that is in an active state. In some examples, the computers within the wireless range may be further established by verifying that the computer and the aerosol provision device 102 are linked in the user account 900 provided by the service platform 810 accessible to the computer. As described above, the computer and the aerosol provision device may be linked in the user account by their respective UIDs. And in some further examples, one or more computers in the whitelist and the aerosol provision device may be linked in the user account by their respective UIDs.

[0102] In some examples, when the elapsed time reaches a specified time period, the specified time period for the timeout condition can be marked by the absence of any computer 802 on the whitelist 904 within the wireless range, and it is also possible that, before the elapsed time reaches the specified time period, the specified time period for the timeout condition can be marked one or more times by the absence of any computer 802 on the whitelist 904 within the wireless range. In this regard, when measuring the elapsed time, the processing circuit 118 of the aerosol delivery device 102 can send a detection command from the aerosol delivery device 102 via the communication interface 120. The detection command can be sent to one or more computers 802, 802A, 802B on the whitelist 904 to identify any computer within the wireless range of the communication interface 120 in the whitelist. The processing circuit can be configured to receive a response to the detection command from the computers in the whitelist (at the aerosol delivery device via the communication interface); and the processing circuit can be configured to reset the timer in response to the response to the detection command, thereby resetting the elapsed time.

[0103] The aerosol delivery device 102 can send the detection command one or more times to one or more computers 802, 802A, 802B when measuring the elapsed time. In this regard, when the elapsed time reaches the specified time period, the detection command can be sent to one or more computers. The detection command can also be sent one or more times to one or more computers before the elapsed time reaches the specified time period. And in some more specific examples, the detection command can be sent to one or more computers at regular intervals, including when the elapsed time reaches the specified time period and when the elapsed time reaches the specified time period.

[0104] In some examples, the response to the detection command from the computer 208 includes the UID of the computer, and the processing circuit 118 of the aerosol delivery device 102 can also be configured to match the UID with the corresponding UID of one of the one or more computers 802, 802A, 802B on the whitelist 904. Then, the processing circuit can be configured to identify the computer 802 as one of the one or more computers in response to the matching of the UIDs.

[0105] In some examples, the detection command from the aerosol provision device 102 includes the UID of the aerosol provision device. And in some of these examples, the response to the detection command from the computer 802 can indicate the UID and thereby link the aerosol provision device to the computer. In this regard, the UID and thereby the aerosol provision device can be linked to the computer in a user account 900 provided by the service platform 810 accessible by the computer. The computer can then perform verification of the link between the computer and the aerosol provision device in the user account and send a response to the detection command in response to the verification result.

[0106] In some examples, the aerosol provision device 102 can also be configured to send a detection command to one or more computers 802, 802A, 802B in the whitelist 904 after the aerosol provision device is locked, which can be used as a means to unlock the aerosol provision device. In this regard, after the aerosol provision device is locked, the processing circuit 118 can be configured to send a detection command to one or more computers in the whitelist to identify any computer within the wireless range of the communication interface 120 in the whitelist. The processing circuit can be configured to unlock the aerosol provision device in response to a response from a computer in the whitelist to the detection command and perhaps also reset the timer (thereby resetting the elapsed time).

[0107] In various of these examples, the processing circuit 118 can be triggered to send a detection command to one or more computers to unlock the aerosol delivery device in a variety of different ways. In some examples, the UI 116 of the aerosol provision device can be configured to receive user input and can send a detection command to one or more computers in response to the user input.

[0108] In some examples, the user input received by the UI 116 can be used to lock the aerosol provision device 102. In particular, the processing circuit 118 can be configured to lock the aerosol provision device in response to the user input. Additionally or alternatively, the app 812 can be configured to receive user input. The processing circuit can be configured to receive an indication of the user input from the app via the wireless connection 804 with the computer 802; and the processing circuit can be configured to unlock the aerosol provision device in response to the indication of the user input from the app.

[0109] In addition to or instead of the timeout condition, the aerosol provision device 102 may be set for one or more other conditions under which the aerosol provision device may automatically lock. One example is a low voltage condition in which the voltage level of the power supply is below a specified cut-off voltage, such as the cut-off voltage of the aerosol provision device, the processing circuitry or the aerosol generator 106. In these examples, the processing circuitry 118 may be configured to measure the voltage level of the power supply 110 and automatically lock the aerosol provision device in response to the low voltage condition.

[0110] To further illustrate example embodiments of the present disclosure, Figure 10 is a state diagram 1000 of an aerosol provision device 102 having automatic lock settings for both a timeout condition and a low voltage condition.

[0111] Figure 11A and Figure 11B are customer journey maps 1100A and 1100B for an aerosol provision device 102 according to various example embodiments, the aerosol provision device having an automatic lock setting for a timeout condition. Figure 11A The customer journey map 1100A shown is for a passive management scenario where the automatic lock may include a longer specified time period (e.g., 12 hours). Also in this scenario, the aerosol provision device may be unlocked using the UI 116 to trigger the aerosol provision device to send a probe command to one or more computers 802 (shown including a smartphone and a smartwatch) on the whitelist 904 after the aerosol provision device is locked. As shown, the aerosol provision device may send probe commands to one or more computers in the whitelist at regular three-hour intervals until the aerosol provision device automatically locks at 2:00 am. Then, when the response to the probe command indicates a computer within the wireless range of the communication interface 120 in the whitelist, the aerosol provision device is triggered using the UI at 9:00 am to send a probe command to one or more computers to unlock the aerosol delivery device.

[0112] Figure 11BThe customer journey map 1100B shown is for a more proactive management scenario, where the automatic lock can include a shorter specified time period (e.g., three hours). Also in this scenario, the app 812 can be used to unlock the aerosol delivery device only after the aerosol delivery device has been locked, and the UI 116 can be used to more directly lock the aerosol delivery device. As shown, the aerosol delivery device can periodically send a probe command to one or more computers 802 (shown as including only a smartphone) in the whitelist at regular three-hour intervals until the aerosol delivery device automatically locks at 2:00 PM. Then the aerosol delivery device is unlocked using the app at 6:00 PM. The aerosol delivery device is locked again through the UI at 7:00 PM and unlocked again using the app at 9:00 AM. Similarly, when the three-hour specified time period has passed, the aerosol delivery device is locked at 3:00 PM due to a timeout condition where no computer in the whitelist of computers is within the wireless range of the communication interface.

[0113] Figures 12A to 12H is a flowchart showing various steps in a method 1200 for operating an aerosol delivery device according to various example embodiments. As described above, the aerosol delivery device includes a coupler configured to engage a consumable including aerosol-generating material, and the aerosol delivery device or the consumable further includes an aerosol generator configured to energize the aerosol-generating material of the consumable to generate an aerosol for delivery to a user. The method includes starting a timer to measure the elapsed time, as shown in block 1202 of Figure 12A The method further includes automatically locking the aerosol delivery device in response to a timeout condition, in which no computer in the whitelist of one or more computers is within the wireless range of the communication interface when the elapsed time reaches a specified time period, as shown in block 1204.

[0114] In some examples, the aerosol delivery device is automatically locked at block 1204 to prohibit the use of the aerosol delivery device together with the consumable and the aerosol generator to generate an aerosol.

[0115] In some examples, the wireless connection is a wireless personal area network (WPAN) connection, and the wireless range is the WPAN range of the aerosol delivery device.

[0116] In some examples, the wireless range is indicated by the sensitivity of the communication interface.

[0117] In some examples, the sensitivity is or includes a measure of the lowest power level at which the communication interface can maintain a wireless connection and interpret data carried by the wireless signal on the wireless connection.

[0118] In some examples, the computers within the wireless range of the communication interface in the whitelist are established through a wireless connection with the computers.

[0119] In some examples, the computer within the wireless range of the communication interface is established through an active wireless connection.

[0120] In some examples, the computer within the wireless range of the communication interface is further established by verifying that the computer and the aerosol providing device are linked in a user account provided by a service platform accessible from the computer.

[0121] In some examples, the computer and the aerosol providing device are linked in the user account by their respective unique identifiers.

[0122] In some examples, one or more computers and aerosol providing devices in the whitelist are linked in the user account by their respective unique identifiers.

[0123] In some examples, when the elapsed time reaches a specified period, the specified period is marked by no computer in the whitelist being within the wireless range.

[0124] In some examples, before the elapsed time reaches the specified period, the specified period is marked one or more times by no computer in the whitelist being within the wireless range.

[0125] In some examples, when measuring the elapsed time, method 1200 further includes sending a probe command to one or more computers in the whitelist to identify any computer in the whitelist that is within the wireless range of the communication interface, as Figure 12B shown in block 1206. In some of these examples, the method further includes receiving a response to the probe command from a computer in the whitelist, as shown in block 1208. And the method includes resetting a timer in response to the response to the probe command, thereby resetting the elapsed time, as shown in block 1210.

[0126] In some examples, when the elapsed time reaches the specified period, a probe command is sent to one or more computers at block 1206.

[0127] In some examples, before the elapsed time reaches the specified period, a probe command is also sent one or more times to one or more computers at block 1206.

[0128] In some examples, a probe command is sent to one or more computers at regular intervals at block 1206, including when the elapsed time reaches the specified period and one or more times before the elapsed time reaches the specified period.

[0129] In some examples, the response to the detection command includes a unique identifier of the computer. In some of these examples, method 1200 further includes matching the unique identifier with a corresponding unique identifier of one or more computers in a whitelist, as Figure 12C shown in block 1212 of. And in some of these examples, the method includes, in response to the matching of the identifier, identifying the computer as one of the one or more computers, as shown in block 1214.

[0130] In some examples, the detection command includes a unique identifier of the aerosol providing device, and the response to the detection command indicates the unique identifier, thereby linking the aerosol providing device to the computer.

[0131] In some examples, the unique identifier and thus the aerosol providing device are linked to the computer in a user account provided by a service platform accessible from the computer, and the computer performs verification of the link between the computer and the aerosol providing device in the user account and sends a response to the detection command in response to the verification result.

[0132] In some examples, after locking the aerosol providing device at block 1204, method 1200 further includes sending a detection command to one or more computers in the whitelist to identify any computer in the wireless range of the communication interface in the whitelist, as Figure 12D shown in block 1216 of. In some of these examples, the method includes receiving a response from a computer in the whitelist to the detection command, as shown in block 1218. And the method includes unlocking the aerosol providing device in response to the response to the detection command, as shown in block 1220.

[0133] In some examples, the aerosol providing device is unlocked at block 1220 so that the aerosol providing device can be used with a consumable and an aerosol generator to generate an aerosol.

[0134] In some examples, method 1200 further includes resetting a timer in response to the response to the detection command, thereby resetting the elapsed time, as Figure 12E shown in block 1222 of.

[0135] In some examples, the aerosol providing device further includes a user interface for receiving user input, and in response to the user input at block 1216, the detection command is sent to one or more computers.

[0136] In some examples, the aerosol providing device further includes a user interface for receiving user input. In some of these examples, method 1200 further includes locking the aerosol providing device in response to the user input, as Figure 12F shown in block 1224 of.

[0137] In some examples, the computers in the whitelist include application software that receives user input, and after locking the aerosol providing device at block 1204, method 1200 further includes receiving an indication of user input from the application software via a wireless connection with the computer, as shown in block 1226 of Figure 12G As shown. In some of these examples, the method includes unlocking the aerosol providing device in response to an indication of user input from the application software, as shown in block 1228 of Figure 12G As shown.

[0138] In some examples, the aerosol providing device further includes a power source by which the aerosol providing device is powered, and method 1200 further includes measuring the voltage level of the power source, as shown in block 1230 of Figure 12H As shown. In some of these examples, the method includes automatically locking the aerosol providing device in response to a low voltage condition where the voltage level of the power source is below a specified shut-off voltage, as shown in block 1232 of Figure 12H As shown.

[0139] In some examples, the specified shut-off voltage is the shut-off voltage of the aerosol providing device, the processing circuitry, or the aerosol generator.

[0140] As described above and reiterated below, the present disclosure includes, but is not limited to, the following example embodiments.

[0141] Clause 1. An aerosol providing device, comprising: a coupler configured to engage a consumable including aerosol-generating material, the aerosol providing device or the consumable further including an aerosol generator; a communication interface configured to enable a wireless connection; and processing circuitry configured to control the power supplied to the aerosol generator to energize the aerosol-generating material of the consumable to produce an aerosol for delivery to a user, the processing circuitry further configured to at least: start a timer to measure the elapsed time; and automatically lock the aerosol providing device in response to a timeout condition where, when the elapsed time reaches a specified period, no computer in the whitelist of one or more computers is within the wireless range of the communication interface.

[0142] Clause 2. The aerosol providing device according to clause 1, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to automatically lock the aerosol providing device to prohibit the aerosol providing device from being used with the consumable and the aerosol generator to produce an aerosol.

[0143] Clause 3. The aerosol providing device according to clause 1 or clause 2, wherein the wireless connection is a wireless personal area network (WPAN) connection and the wireless range is the WPAN range of the aerosol providing device.

[0144] Clause 4. The aerosol providing device according to any one of Clauses 1 to 3, wherein the wireless range is indicated by the sensitivity of the communication interface.

[0145] Clause 5. The aerosol providing device according to Clause 4, wherein the sensitivity is or includes a measurement of the lowest power level at which the communication interface can maintain a wireless connection and interpret data carried by a wireless signal on the wireless connection.

[0146] Clause 6. The aerosol providing device according to any one of Clauses 1 to 5, wherein a computer within the wireless range of the communication interface in the whitelist is established by a wireless connection with the computer.

[0147] Clause 7. The aerosol providing device according to Clause 6, wherein a computer within the wireless range of the communication interface is established by an active wireless connection.

[0148] Clause 8. The aerosol providing device according to Clause 6 or Clause 7, wherein a computer within the wireless range of the communication interface is also established by verifying that the computer is linked to the aerosol providing device in a user account provided by a service platform accessible from the computer.

[0149] Clause 9. The aerosol providing device according to Clause 8, wherein the computer and the aerosol providing device are linked in the user account by their respective unique identifiers.

[0150] Clause 10. The aerosol providing device according to Clause 8 or Clause 9, wherein one or more computers in the whitelist and the aerosol providing device are linked in the user account by their respective unique identifiers.

[0151] Clause 11. The aerosol providing device according to any one of Clauses 1 to 10, wherein when the elapsed time reaches a specified time period, the specified time period is marked by there being no computers within the wireless range in the whitelist.

[0152] Clause 12. The aerosol providing device according to Clause 11, wherein before the elapsed time reaches the specified time period, the specified time period is marked one or more times by there being no computers within the wireless range in the whitelist.

[0153] Clause 13. The aerosol providing device according to any one of Clauses 1 to 12, wherein when measuring the elapsed time, the processing circuit is further configured to: send a probe command to one or more computers in the whitelist to identify any computers within the wireless range of the communication interface in the whitelist; receive a response to the probe command from a computer in the whitelist; and in response to the response to the probe command, reset the timer, thereby resetting the elapsed time.

[0154] Clause 14. The aerosol providing device according to Clause 13, wherein the processing circuit is configured to send a detection command to one or more computers when the elapsed time reaches a specified time period.

[0155] Clause 15. The aerosol providing device according to Clause 14, wherein the processing circuit is further configured to send one or more detection commands to one or more computers before the elapsed time reaches the specified time period.

[0156] Clause 16. The aerosol providing device according to any one of Clauses 13 to 15, wherein the processing circuit is configured to send detection commands to one or more computers at regular intervals, including sending a detection command when the elapsed time reaches the specified time period, and sending one or more detection commands before the elapsed time reaches the specified time period.

[0157] Clause 17. The aerosol providing device according to any one of Clauses 13 to 16, wherein the response to the detection command includes a unique identifier of the computer, and the processing circuit is further configured to: match the unique identifier with a corresponding unique identifier of one of the one or more computers in the whitelist; and identify the computer as one of the one or more computers in response to the match.

[0158] Clause 18. The aerosol providing device according to any one of Clauses 13 to 17, wherein the detection command includes a unique identifier of the aerosol providing device, and the response to the detection command indicates the unique identifier, thereby linking the aerosol providing device to the computer.

[0159] Clause 19. The aerosol providing device according to Clause 18, wherein the unique identifier and thus the aerosol providing device are linked to the computer in a user account provided by a service platform accessible from the computer, and the computer is configured to perform verification of the link between the computer and the aerosol providing device in the user account and send a response to the detection command in response to the verification.

[0160] Clause 20. The aerosol providing device according to any one of Clauses 1 to 19, wherein after the aerosol providing device is locked, the processing circuit is further configured to: send a detection command to one or more computers in the whitelist to identify any computer within the wireless range of the communication interface in the whitelist; receive a response to the detection command from the computer in the whitelist; and unlock the aerosol providing device according to the response to the detection command.

[0161] Clause 21. The aerosol providing device according to Clause 20, wherein the processing circuit is configured to unlock the aerosol providing device so that the aerosol providing device can be used together with the consumable and the aerosol generator to generate aerosol.

[0162] Clause 22. The aerosol providing device according to Clause 20 or Clause 21, wherein the processing circuit is further configured to reset a timer in response to a response to a detection command, thereby resetting the elapsed time.

[0163] Clause 23. The aerosol providing device according to any one of Clauses 20 to 22, wherein the aerosol providing device further includes a user interface configured to receive a user input, and the processing circuit is configured to send a detection command to one or more computers in response to the user input.

[0164] Clause 24. The aerosol providing device according to any one of Clauses 1 to 23, wherein the aerosol providing device further includes a user interface configured to receive a user input, and the processing circuit is further configured to lock the aerosol providing device in response to the user input.

[0165] Clause 25. The aerosol providing device according to any one of Clauses 1 to 24, wherein the computers in the whitelist include application software configured to receive a user input, and after the aerosol providing device is locked, the processing circuit is further configured to: receive an indication of the user input from the application software through a wireless connection with the computer; and unlock the aerosol providing device in response to the indication of the user input from the application software.

[0166] Clause 26. The aerosol providing device according to any one of Clauses 1 to 25, wherein the aerosol providing device further includes a power source, the aerosol providing device is powered by the power source, and the processing circuit is further configured to: measure the voltage level of the power source; and automatically lock the aerosol providing device in response to a low voltage condition, the low voltage condition being that the voltage level of the power source is lower than a specified turn-off voltage.

[0167] Clause 27. The aerosol providing device according to Clause 26, wherein the specified turn-off voltage is the turn-off voltage of the aerosol providing device, the processing circuit or the aerosol generator.

[0168] Clause 28. A method of operating an aerosol provision device, the aerosol provision device including a coupler configured to engage a consumable including aerosol generating material, the aerosol provision device or the consumable further including an aerosol generator configured to energize the aerosol generating material of the consumable to produce an aerosol for delivery to a user, the method including: starting a timer to measure elapsed time; and automatically locking the aerosol provision device in response to a timeout condition that no computer in a whitelist of one or more computers is within the wireless range of a communication interface when the elapsed time reaches a specified period.

[0169] Clause 29. The method according to clause 28, wherein the aerosol provision device is automatically locked to prohibit the aerosol provision device from being used with the consumable and the aerosol generator to produce an aerosol.

[0170] Clause 30. The method according to clause 28 or clause 29, wherein the wireless connection is a wireless personal area network (WPAN) connection and the wireless range is the WPAN range of the aerosol provision device.

[0171] Clause 31. The method according to any one of clauses 28 to 30, wherein the wireless range is indicated by the sensitivity of the communication interface.

[0172] Clause 32. The method according to clause 31, wherein the sensitivity is or includes a measure of the lowest power level at which the communication interface can maintain a wireless connection and interpret data carried by a wireless signal on the wireless connection.

[0173] Clause 33. The method according to any one of clauses 28 to 32, wherein a computer within the wireless range of the communication interface in the whitelist is established by a wireless connection with the computer.

[0174] Clause 34. The method according to clause 33, wherein a computer within the wireless range of the communication interface is established by an active wireless connection.

[0175] Clause 35. The method according to clause 33 or clause 34, wherein a computer within the wireless range of the communication interface is further established by verifying that the computer is linked to the aerosol provision device in a user account provided by a service platform accessible from the computer.

[0176] Clause 36. The method according to clause 35, wherein the computer and the aerosol provision device are linked in the user account by respective unique identifiers.

[0177] Clause 37. The method according to clause 35 or clause 36, wherein one or more computers in the whitelist and the aerosol provision device are linked in the user account by respective unique identifiers.

[0178] Clause 38. The method according to any one of Clauses 28 to 37, wherein when the elapsed time reaches a specified time period, the specified time period is marked by there being no computer in the white list within the wireless range.

[0179] Clause 39. The method according to Clause 38, wherein before the elapsed time reaches the specified time period, the specified time period is marked one or more times by there being no computer in the white list within the wireless range.

[0180] Clause 40. The method according to any one of Clauses 28 to 39, wherein when measuring the elapsed time, the method further comprises: sending a probe command to one or more computers in the white list to identify any computer in the white list within the wireless range of the communication interface; receiving a response to the probe command from the computers in the white list; and in response to the response to the probe command, resetting the timer, thereby resetting the elapsed time.

[0181] Clause 41. The method according to Clause 40, wherein when the elapsed time reaches the specified time period, the probe command is sent to one or more computers.

[0182] Clause 42. The method according to Clause 41, wherein before the elapsed time reaches the specified time period, the probe command is sent to one or more computers one or more times.

[0183] Clause 43. The method according to any one of Clauses 40 to 42, wherein the probe command is sent to one or more computers at regular intervals, including when the elapsed time reaches the specified time period and one or more times before the elapsed time reaches the specified time period.

[0184] Clause 44. The method according to any one of Clauses 40 to 43, wherein the response to the probe command includes a unique identifier of the computer, and the method further comprises: matching the unique identifier with a corresponding unique identifier of one of the one or more computers in the white list; and in response to the matching of the unique identifier, identifying the computer as the one or more computers.

[0185] Clause 45. The method according to any one of Clauses 40 to 44, wherein the probe command includes a unique identifier of the aerosol providing device, and the response to the probe command indicates the unique identifier, thereby linking the aerosol providing device to the computer.

[0186] Clause 46. The method according to clause 45, wherein the unique identifier and thus the aerosol providing device are linked to a computer in a user account provided by a service platform accessible from the computer, and the computer performs verification of the link between the computer and the aerosol providing device in the user account and sends a response to the detection command in response to the verification.

[0187] Clause 47. The method according to any one of clauses 28 to 46, wherein after the aerosol providing device is locked, the method further comprises: sending a detection command to one or more computers in a whitelist to identify any computer within the wireless range of the communication interface in the whitelist; receiving a response to the detection command from the computers in the whitelist; and unlocking the aerosol providing device according to the response to the detection command.

[0188] Clause 48. The method according to clause 47, wherein the aerosol providing device is unlocked so that the aerosol providing device can be used with a consumable and an aerosol generator to generate an aerosol.

[0189] Clause 49. The method according to clause 47 or clause 48, wherein the method further comprises resetting a timer in response to the response to the detection command, thereby resetting the elapsed time.

[0190] Clause 50. The method according to any one of clauses 47 to 49, wherein the aerosol providing device further comprises a user interface for receiving user input, and in response to the user input, the detection command is sent to one or more computers.

[0191] Clause 51. The method according to any one of clauses 28 to 50, the aerosol providing device further comprises a user interface for receiving user input, and the method further comprises locking the aerosol providing device in response to the user input.

[0192] Clause 52. The method according to any one of clauses 28 to 51, wherein the computers in the whitelist include application software for receiving user input, and after the aerosol providing device is locked, the method further comprises: receiving an indication of user input from the application software via a wireless connection with the computer; and unlocking the aerosol providing device in response to the indication of user input from the application software.

[0193] Clause 53. The method according to any one of clauses 28 to 52, wherein the aerosol providing device further comprises a power supply, the aerosol providing device is powered by the power supply, and the method further comprises measuring the voltage level of the power supply; and automatically locking the aerosol providing device in response to a low voltage condition, the low voltage condition being that the voltage level of the power supply is lower than a specified cut-off voltage.

[0194] Clause 54. The method according to Clause 53, wherein the specified turn-off voltage is the turn-off voltage of the aerosol providing device, the processing circuit or the aerosol generator.

[0195] Benefiting from the teachings given in the foregoing description and the related drawings, many modifications and other embodiments of the present disclosure will occur to those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

1. An aerosol providing device, comprising: A coupler configured to engage a consumable including an aerosol generating material, wherein the aerosol providing device or the consumable further includes an aerosol generator; A communication interface configured to enable a wireless connection; And A processing circuit configured to control the power supplied to the aerosol generator to energize the aerosol generating material of the consumable to generate an aerosol for delivery to a user, the processing circuit further configured to at least: Start a timer to measure the elapsed time; And Automatically lock the aerosol providing device in response to a timeout condition, the timeout condition being that when the elapsed time reaches a specified period, no computer in the whitelist of one or more computers is within the wireless range of the communication interface.

2. The aerosol providing device according to claim 1, wherein, The computer within the wireless range of the communication interface is established by a wireless connection with the computer.

3. The aerosol providing device according to claim 2, wherein, The computer within the wireless range of the communication interface is also established by verifying that the computer and the aerosol providing device are linked in a user account provided by a service platform accessible from the computer.

4. The aerosol providing device according to claim 1, wherein, When measuring the elapsed time, the processing circuit is further configured to: Send a probe command to one or more computers in the whitelist to identify any computer within the wireless range of the communication interface in the whitelist; Receive a response from the computer in the whitelist to the probe command; And In response to the response to the probe command, reset the timer, thereby resetting the elapsed time.

5. The aerosol providing device according to claim 4, wherein, The response to the probe command includes a unique identifier of the computer, and the processing circuit is further configured to: Match the unique identifier with a corresponding unique identifier of one of the one or more computers in the whitelist; and In response to the match, identify the computer as one of the one or more computers.

6. The aerosol providing device according to claim 4, wherein, The probe command includes a unique identifier of the aerosol providing device, and the response to the probe command indicates the unique identifier, whereby the aerosol providing device is linked to the computer.

7. The aerosol providing device according to claim 1, wherein, After the aerosol providing device is locked, the processing circuit is further configured to: Send a probe command to one or more computers in the whitelist to identify any computer within the wireless range of the communication interface in the whitelist; Receive a response from the computer in the whitelist to the probe command; And In response to the response to the probe command, unlock the aerosol providing device.

8. The aerosol providing device according to claim 7, wherein, The processing circuit is further configured to reset the timer in response to the response to the probe command, thereby resetting the elapsed time.

9. The aerosol providing device according to claim 7, wherein, The aerosol providing device further includes a user interface configured to receive user input, and the processing circuit is configured to send the probe command to the one or more computers in response to the user input.

10. The aerosol providing device according to claim 1, wherein, The aerosol providing device further includes a user interface configured to receive user input, and the processing circuit is further configured to lock the aerosol providing device in response to the user input.

11. The aerosol providing device according to claim 1, wherein, The computers in the whitelist include application software configured to receive user input, and after the aerosol provision device is locked, the processing circuit is further configured to: Receive an indication of the user input from the application software via a wireless connection with the computer; and Unlock the aerosol provision device in response to an indication of user input from the application software.

12. The aerosol providing device according to claim 1, wherein, The aerosol provision device further includes a power source, the aerosol provision device is powered by the power source, and the processing circuit is further configured to: Measure the voltage level of the power source; and Automatically lock the aerosol provision device in response to a low voltage condition, where the low voltage condition is that the voltage level of the power source is lower than a specified turn-off voltage.

13. A method of operating an aerosol provision device, the aerosol provision device including a coupler configured to engage a consumable including aerosol generating material, the aerosol provision device or the consumable further including an aerosol generator configured to energize the aerosol generating material of the consumable to produce an aerosol for delivery to a user, the method including: Starting a timer to measure the elapsed time; And Automatically locking the aerosol provision device in response to a timeout condition, where the timeout condition is that when the elapsed time reaches a specified period, no computer in the whitelist of one or more computers is within the wireless range of the communication interface.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The computers within the wireless range of the communication interface in the whitelist are established via a wireless connection with the computer.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, The computers within the wireless range of the communication interface are further established by verifying that the computer and the aerosol provision device are linked in a user account provided by a service platform accessible by the computer.

16. The method according to claim 13, wherein, When measuring the elapsed time, the method further includes: Sending a probe command to one or more computers in the whitelist to identify any computer within the wireless range of the communication interface in the whitelist; Receiving a response to the probe command from a computer in the whitelist; and Resetting the timer in response to the response to the probe command, thereby resetting the elapsed time.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein, The response to the probe command includes a unique identifier of the computer, and the method further includes: Matching the unique identifier with a corresponding unique identifier of one of the one or more computers in the whitelist; and Identifying the computer as one of the one or more computers in response to the matching of the unique identifiers.

18. The method according to claim 16, wherein, The probe command includes a unique identifier of the aerosol provision device, and the response to the probe command indicates the unique identifier, whereby the aerosol provision device is linked to the computer.

19. The method according to claim 13, wherein, After the aerosol provision device is locked, the method further includes: Sending a probe command to one or more computers in the whitelist to identify any computer within the wireless range of the communication interface in the whitelist; Receiving a response to the probe command from a computer in the whitelist; and In response to a response to the detection command, unlock the aerosol providing device.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein, The method further includes resetting the timer in response to a response to the detection command, thereby resetting the elapsed time.

21. The method according to claim 19, wherein, The aerosol providing device further includes a user interface for receiving user input, and in response to the user input, the detection command is sent to the one or more computers.

22. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The aerosol providing device further includes a user interface for receiving user input, and the method further includes locking the aerosol providing device in response to the user input.

23. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The computers in the whitelist include application software for receiving user input, and after the aerosol providing device is locked, the method further includes: Receiving an indication of the user input from the application software via a wireless connection with the computer; and Unlocking the aerosol providing device in response to an indication of user input from the application software.

24. The method according to claim 13, wherein The aerosol providing device further includes a power source, the aerosol providing device is powered by the power source, and the method further includes: Measuring the voltage level of the power source; and Automatically locking the aerosol providing device in response to a low voltage condition, the low voltage condition being that the voltage level of the power source is lower than a specified shutdown voltage.

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