Aerosol-generating device comprising light sensor to receive unlock code

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device comprising: control circuitry comprising a controller configured to operate the aerosol-generating device in any one of a locked state in which generation of aerosol by the aerosol-generating device is inhibited, and an unlocked state in which generation of aerosol by the aerosol-generating device is inhibited, allowing the aerosol to be generated by the aerosol-generating device; and a light sensor operably coupled to the controller, where the light sensor is configured to receive a series of light signals, and where the controller is configured to transition the aerosol-generating device from a locked state to an unlocked state based on the series of light signals.

Description

[0001] This disclosure relates to an aerosol generating apparatus, an accessory device configured to charge the aerosol generating apparatus with electrical energy, a computing device configured to provide an unlocking command to one of the aerosol generating apparatus and the accessory device, and a server device configured to provide unlocking data to one of the aerosol generating apparatus and the accessory device. This disclosure also relates to a system for preventing youth access to an aerosol generating apparatus, a computer-implemented method for preventing youth access to an aerosol generating apparatus, and the use of an LED included in the aerosol generating apparatus or the accessory device.

[0002] Typically, aerosol generating devices are designed as handheld devices that can be used by a user to consume or experience, for example, during one or more uses, an aerosol generated, for example, by heating, from an aerosol generating matrix or aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating devices involved in this disclosure are generally referred to as heated tobacco products (HTPs), heated tobacco products, electronic cigarettes, and / or vaporizers.

[0003] Exemplary aerosol generating matrix may include a solid matrix material, such as tobacco material or tobacco cast leaf (TCL) material. The matrix material may, for example, be assembled with other elements or components to form a substantially rod-shaped aerosol generating article. The shape and size of such a rod or aerosol generating article may be configured to be at least partially inserted into an aerosol generating apparatus. The aerosol generating apparatus may include a heating element or heater device for heating the aerosol generating article and / or the aerosol generating matrix. The heating element or heater device may be part of the aerosol generating article and / or the aerosol generating apparatus. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol generating matrix may include one or more liquids and / or solids, which may be supplied to the aerosol generating apparatus, for example, in the form of a cylinder or container. A corresponding exemplary aerosol generating article may, for example, include a cylinder containing or potentially filled with a liquid and / or solid matrix that may evaporate during a user's consumption of aerosol based on heating the matrix and / or liquid. Typically, such a cylinder or container may be coupled to, attached to, or at least partially inserted into an aerosol generating apparatus. Alternatively, the cartridge may be fixedly mounted to the aerosol generating device and refilled by inserting liquids and / or solids into it. Aerosols generated from the aerosol generating matrix or articles may include or contain one or more of nicotine, aromatic substances, sugars, humectants, preservatives, flavoring agents (e.g., cocoa, licorice, menthol, and lactic acid), or other additives.

[0004] To generate an aerosol during use or consumption, heat can be supplied by a heating element, heater device, or heat source to heat at least a portion or part of the aerosol generating matrix. The heating element, heater device, or heat source can be arranged within the handheld portion of the handheld device or aerosol generating apparatus. Alternatively or additionally, at least a portion or all of the heating element, heater device, or heat source can be fixedly associated with or arranged within the aerosol generating article, for example, in the form of a rod or cylinder, which can be attached to and / or powered by the handheld portion of the handheld device or aerosol generating apparatus.

[0005] Exemplary heating elements or heater devices may be based on one or more of resistance heating, induction heating, and microwave heating, which use electrical energy supplied, drawn from, or stored in a battery of the aerosol generating device. As used herein, the term "battery" in an aerosol generating device can generally refer to an energy storage device of the aerosol generating device configured to store electrical energy. Therefore, the term "energy storage device" can include one or more batteries, one or more capacitors, one or more rechargeable batteries, or other types of energy storage devices. Additionally, any reference to "battery" herein can include multiple batteries.

[0006] Typically, aerosol generating apparatus includes an energy storage device, such as a battery, which provides the electrical energy required to operate the aerosol generating apparatus and is specifically used to heat the aerosol generating matrix and / or articles, for example, to generate aerosols using one or more aerosol generating articles in one or more uses. For example, the battery may be a lithium-ion battery.

[0007] As used herein, a usage process can refer to the period during which a user can use the device to generate, consume, experience, or inhale aerosols using the aerosol generating device. A usage process can be finite. In other words, a usage process can have a start, an end, and a duration. The duration of a usage process, measured over time, may be affected by the usage during the usage process. The duration of a usage process can have a maximum duration determined by a maximum time from the start of the usage process. The duration of the usage process can be less than the maximum time if one or more monitored parameters reach a predetermined threshold before the maximum time from the start of the usage process. For example, one or more monitored parameters may include one or more of the following: i) the cumulative count of a series of inhalations by the user from the start of the usage process, and ii) the cumulative volume of aerosols formed from the aerosol forming matrix from the start of the usage process.

[0008] In certain jurisdictions globally, legislatures may restrict the use of aerosol generating devices, as described herein, to users above a specific age threshold (e.g., 18 years old). For example, access to aerosol generating devices may be prohibited to users below the age threshold. Therefore, aerosol generating devices may include a Youth Access Prevention (YAP) system. Such systems may require users to undergo an age verification test before being able to use the aerosol generating device. Consequently, such aerosol generating devices may be locked at the time of manufacture or sale. A YAP system may require users to connect the locked aerosol generating device to a smartphone via a data connection, such as Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). The age verification test can then be performed using the smartphone, for example, by connecting the smartphone to an internet server that provides the age verification test. If the age verification test is passed, the aerosol generating device is unlocked, and the user can use it to generate and consume aerosols.

[0009] One known issue with the YAP system is that a device capable of establishing a data connection (e.g., a BLE connection) with the aerosol generator is required. The aerosol generator may also be more expensive, as it may also need to be capable of establishing such a connection. Furthermore, the data connection may not be as reliable as required, potentially causing the aerosol generator to fail to unlock even if the user is of legal age and has passed age verification tests. For example, consumer testing has shown that the unlocking process has a failure rate as high as approximately 15% for BLE connections. This could degrade the quality of the user experience and potentially cause user dissatisfaction.

[0010] Therefore, it may be desirable to provide an improved YAP system for aerosol generation devices. For example, it may be desirable to provide an easy-to-use and reliable system without requiring complex hardware. It may also be desirable to provide an inexpensive system.

[0011] These advantages can be achieved through the features described in this article.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating apparatus is provided, the aerosol generating apparatus comprising: a control circuit system including a controller configured to operate the aerosol generating apparatus in either a locked state or an unlocked state, wherein in the locked state, aerosol generation by the aerosol generating apparatus is prohibited, and in the unlocked state, aerosol generation by the aerosol generating apparatus is permitted; and a light sensor operatively coupled to the controller, wherein the light sensor is configured to receive a series of light signals, and wherein the controller is configured to switch the aerosol generating apparatus from the locked state to the unlocked state based on the series of light signals.

[0013] In the locked state of the aerosol generating apparatus, aerosol generation can be prevented even when the user requests aerosol generation, for example by inputting a command signal to the aerosol generating apparatus (e.g., by pressing a button). The locked state can be achieved, for example, by disabling the heater or heating element or other devices configured to generate aerosols from the aerosol generating matrix or article. This can be achieved through software installed on the aerosol generating apparatus and executed, for example, by a controller. This software can, for example, be part of the firmware of the aerosol generating apparatus. Therefore, in the locked state, the software can prevent the use or activation of the heater or heating element or other devices used to generate aerosols from the aerosol generating matrix or article.

[0014] Conversely, aerosol generation can be permitted in the unlocked state of the aerosol generating device. Therefore, in the unlocked state, the heater or heating element, or other devices configured to generate aerosols from the aerosol generating matrix or article, can be activated. This can also be achieved through software executed by the controller, such as firmware. Thus, aerosols can be supplied to the user when the user inputs a command signal to the aerosol generating device, for example, by pressing a button.

[0015] In short, aerosol generating devices cannot generate aerosols when locked, but can generate aerosols when unlocked. Initially, the aerosol generating device can be in a locked state, for example, when provided and / or sold to users in a locked state. The aerosol generating device can be manufactured or placed in a locked state by the manufacturer. Therefore, each brand-new aerosol generating device can be in a locked state upon leaving the factory.

[0016] In order to use the aerosol generator, the user must unlock it by changing its position from locked to unlocked. To enable the YAP system, it can be stipulated that the aerosol generator can only be unlocked after confirming the user's legal age. Therefore, the aerosol generator may need to be able to receive a signal indicating that the user has passed age verification and that the aerosol generator can change from locked to unlocked.

[0017] According to this disclosure, this functionality can be implemented by a light sensor. The light sensor can be configured to detect changes in illumination conditions. For example, the light sensor can be configured to detect and / or distinguish between periods of more light and periods of less light in the immediate vicinity of the light sensor. In other words, the light sensor can be configured to detect bright and dark environments, such as periods of different illuminance levels and / or distinguish between bright and dark environments. The illuminance of the light sensor can be the total luminous flux incident on the light sensor per unit area. The illuminance of the light sensor can be measured in SI units (lux). Essentially, the light sensor can be configured to detect brighter and darker periods and / or distinguish between them. In this way, different brightness or illuminance levels can be associated with different values. This can then be used to encode a series of numbers in a series of light signals. For example, brighter and darker periods can be used to represent their respective different values, such that a series of light signals can be used to encode signals, such as binary signals, optical frequency modulated signals, and / or optical intensity modulated signals. Then, the signal itself, such as a binary signal, can be used to encode characters in any string, such as numbers, letters, or other symbols.

[0018] Therefore, a series of light signals can be a sequence or series of time periods with different or the same light levels or illuminance at the light sensor. In this way, a series of light levels received by the light sensor can convey information to the aerosol generator that the user has passed the age verification test and that the aerosol generator can transition from a locked to an unlocked state. This information can be processed by the controller of the aerosol generator, for example, through software or firmware running on the aerosol generator, and can unlock the aerosol generator. Receiving the correct series of light signals may be the only way to unlock the aerosol generator. A YAP system can be implemented in the aerosol generator by providing the correct series of light signals only to users of legal age or by utilizing means of providing the correct series of light signals to the light sensor and / or the aerosol generator.

[0019] The series of optical signals may include an unlock signal or an encoded unlock signal. The controller can be configured to convert the series of optical signals into an unlock signal. The unlock signal may be a command or control signal that causes the controller to change the aerosol generating device from a locked state to an unlocked state. In this case, the controller receiving the unlock signal directly unlocks the aerosol generating device. The unlock signal may be the same signal for more than one aerosol generating device, which may be useful for users operating more than one aerosol generating device in parallel. Alternatively, the series of optical signals may include an unlock code or an encoded unlock code. The controller can be configured to convert the series of optical signals into an unlock code. The unlock code may be unique for each aerosol generating device. Therefore, the unlock code may be valid only for a single aerosol generating device, thus providing higher security for the system.

[0020] The aerosol generating device may have or include a device identifier. The device identifier may be a unique identifier for the aerosol generating device. For example, it may include a string of numbers and / or letters or other symbols. The device identifier may be, for example, a Codentify or Manufacturing Information Block (MIB) or the like. The controller may be configured to check whether an unlock code provided via a series of optical signals is the correct unlock code for the device identifier of the aerosol generating device. The controller may be configured to unlock the aerosol generating device only if the unlock code is the correct unlock code for the device identifier. In other words, the controller may be configured to transition the aerosol generating device from a locked state to an unlocked state when it is determined that the unlock code is associated with and / or matches the device identifier of the aerosol generating device. If the unlock code is not associated with and / or does not match the device identifier of the aerosol generating device, the controller is configured to keep the aerosol generating device in a locked state.

[0021] Device identifiers and / or unlock codes can be stored at the aerosol generating device. For this purpose, the aerosol generating device may include a memory or data storage device in which the device identifier and / or unlock code are stored. For example, a pair of device identifiers and unlock codes can be generated during the production of the aerosol generating device. The device identifier can be stored at the aerosol generating device in a manner easily accessible to the user, such as by placing the device identifier on the outside of the device and / or by reproducing the device identifier on packaging and / or documents delivered with the aerosol generating device. The device identifier can, for example, be reproduced as an optically readable code, such as a barcode or QR code, so that the device identifier can be easily accessed by a user using a computing device with a camera, such as a smartphone or similar device. On the other hand, the unlock code can be stored in the internal memory of the aerosol generating device, making it accessible to the controller of the aerosol generating device, but not, for example, accessible to the user from the outside. In this way, the user can retrieve the unlock code matching the device identifier (explained in more detail below) and provide it to the aerosol generating device via a series of optical signals. The controller can then check if the unlock code matches the unlock code stored in its internal memory, and if the unlock code matches, the aerosol generating device is unlocked. Alternatively, the unlock code can be derived from the device identifier (explained in more detail below). In this case, storing the device identifier in the aerosol generating device's memory may suffice. The controller can then check if the received unlock code matches the device identifier by deriving the unlock code from the device identifier and comparing the derived unlock code with the received unlock code. In this case, the aerosol generating device can also only be unlocked if the unlock code matches.

[0022] It may be desirable to ensure that unlocked aerosol generating devices are not used by users below the legal age threshold, or at least not indefinitely. This could happen, for example, when an unlocked aerosol generating device is sold secondhand. Therefore, an aerosol generating device can be configured to relock itself after a predetermined period of time or after a predetermined number of uses (e.g., usage sessions). There may also be a command signal to relock the aerosol generating device upon user input. In other words, the controller can be configured to switch the aerosol generating device from an unlocked state to a locked state when it determines that a predetermined period of time has elapsed, a predetermined number of uses of the aerosol generating device has been reached, or a specific control signal is received. The predetermined period of time can be, for example, one month, three months, six months, twelve months, or longer. The predetermined number of uses can be, for example, 10 uses, 50 uses, 100 uses, 250 uses, 500 uses, 750 uses, 1000 uses, 1500 uses, 2000 uses, 5000 uses, or more. These values ​​are merely exemplary and any other period of time and / or number of uses can be used.

[0023] The aerosol generating device can then be unlocked according to the disclosure described herein. However, it can be specified that the aerosol generating device can only be unlocked by an unlock signal or unlock code different from the unlock signal or unlock code previously used to unlock the aerosol generating device. In other words, the controller can be configured to transition the aerosol generating device from a locked state to an unlocked state only when an unlock code associated with or matching the device identifier and preferably different from the previous unlock code is received. To achieve this, multiple different unlock codes can be stored in the memory of the aerosol generating device. Alternatively, different unlock codes can be derived from the device identifier in combination with a serial number associated with the number of times they have been unlocked. The aerosol generating device can also be configured to provide a random number, which can then be used together with the device identifier to provide a unique unlock code for this pair of random numbers and the device identifier. By changing the unlock code, abuse of the aerosol generating device by users of illegal age can be prevented.

[0024] The aerosol generating apparatus may further include an aerosol generating article and / or a matrix. The aerosol generating apparatus may (preferably in an unlocked state) be configured to generate aerosols from the aerosol generating article and / or matrix. The aerosol generating article and / or matrix may be constructed as described above. The aerosol generating article and / or matrix may be at least partially inserted into the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0025] Aerosol generating apparatus may also include an energy storage device for storing electrical energy. The electrical energy stored in the energy storage device can, for example, be used to power a controller and / or a heater or heating element configured to heat the aerosol-generating article or matrix. The energy storage device may be non-rechargeable, such as a non-rechargeable battery. Such non-rechargeable energy storage devices can be used, for example, in unidirectional or disposable aerosol generating apparatuses. This disclosure may be particularly useful in such apparatuses because it may be easier to use than conventional systems and has a very low cost, thus allowing for implementation in inexpensive devices. Simultaneously, disposable aerosol generating apparatuses may be more readily available to underage users / users below the legal age, highlighting the need for YAP.

[0026] According to another aspect of the present invention, an accessory device configured to charge an aerosol generating apparatus with electrical energy is provided, the accessory device comprising: a control circuit system including a controller; a light sensor; and a communication device, wherein the light sensor is configured to receive a series of light signals, and wherein the controller is configured to provide an unlocking command to the aerosol generating apparatus via the communication device.

[0027] All features, functions, and advantages described in this disclosure regarding the aerosol generating apparatus also apply to the accompanying apparatus, and vice versa.

[0028] The accessory device can be configured to be electrically connected to the aerosol generating device. For example, the accessory device can be configured to at least partially receive the aerosol generating device within a cavity of the accessory device. An electrical connection can be established between the accessory device and the aerosol generating device by at least partially inserting the aerosol generating device into the accessory device. Through this electrical connection, the accessory device can charge the aerosol generating device with electrical energy. Therefore, the accessory device can include an energy storage device, such as a battery or battery pack, which may have a capacity greater than the energy storage capacity of the aerosol generating device itself. Thus, the accessory device can be used to store the aerosol generating device between uses and simultaneously recharge the aerosol generating device, particularly by repeatedly fully recharging the aerosol generating device before the accessory device itself needs recharging.

[0029] The accessory device may also include a communication device configured to establish a data connection with the aerosol generating device. This data connection may also be established, for example, through a physical connection with the aerosol generating device, which is then established when the aerosol generating device is at least partially inserted into the accessory device for recharging. The communication device may also include a wireless communication device. In this case, the aerosol generating device may also include a corresponding wireless communication device. The wireless communication device may be configured to establish a data connection between the accessory device and the aerosol generating device.

[0030] As an alternative to or in addition to the aerosol generating device, the auxiliary device can be configured to receive a series of optical signals via a light sensor as described herein. If the auxiliary device includes a light sensor and is configured to receive a series of optical signals, the light sensor of the aerosol generating device can be omitted, and vice versa. To unlock the aerosol generating device upon receiving the correct series of optical signals, the controller of the auxiliary device can be configured to send an unlock command to the aerosol generating device via a communication device.

[0031] The unlocking command may include the unlocking code or unlocking signal as described above. For example, the controller may be configured to convert a series of optical signals into an unlocking code. The controller may then be configured to provide the unlocking code to the aerosol generating device via a communication device. The aerosol generating device can then proceed as if the unlocking code were extracted from the series of optical signals by the controller of the aerosol generating device itself. In other words, as described above, the aerosol generating device can check itself whether the unlocking code is correct and match it with the unlocking code stored in the aerosol generating device or the device identifier of the aerosol generating device.

[0032] On the other hand, the supporting device can also be configured to check whether the unlock code is a correct unlock code and match it with the unlock code stored in the aerosol generating device or the device identifier of the aerosol generating device. To this end, the supporting device can be configured to read the unlock code or device identifier from the data storage device or memory of the aerosol generating device. The controller of the supporting device can be configured to provide an unlock command to the aerosol generating device when it is determined that the unlock code is associated with the device identifier of the aerosol generating device or the unlock code stored in the aerosol generating device. As described above, the unlock command may include an unlock signal that directly causes the aerosol generating device to unlock.

[0033] Alternatively, it can be specified that both the aerosol generating device and its associated devices are configured to check whether the unlock code is correct and to match it with the unlock code stored in the aerosol generating device or the device identifier of the aerosol generating device. In this case, this check can be performed twice as an additional security layer to prevent abuse.

[0034] In any of the devices according to this disclosure, the light sensor can be an optical transceiver. Therefore, the light sensor can be configured to receive and emit light. Thus, it is possible to use the light sensor as a light emitter in other operating conditions of the aerosol generating device or its accessories, thereby further reducing complexity and cost. The light sensor can be, for example, a light-emitting diode (LED), preferably a low-current or low-power LED. Low-current or low-power LEDs can be highly efficient LEDs that generate light at extremely low currents, such as about 2 mA. These LEDs can be used as optical transceivers, are sensitive to light signals, and are therefore suitable as light sensors according to this disclosure. Moreover, such LEDs may already be used in aerosol generating devices and their accessories. Therefore, the features of this disclosure can be implemented in the device without structural redesign. To implement the features of this disclosure, changing the software or firmware of the corresponding device may be sufficient, which can even enable the retrofitting of existing devices. Furthermore, this disclosure can be implemented without requiring additional components on the device, thereby improving cost-effectiveness. The optical transceiver can be switched from a light-emitting mode to a light-receiving mode by a user command signal (e.g., via an input device of the aerosol generating device or its accessories, such as a button).

[0035] Therefore, it can be specified that the optical sensor is configured as a signaling device to provide the user with information about the device's operation. When used as a signaling device, the optical sensor can be used as a light emitter. Thus, the optical sensor can convey information to the user by flashing or blinking, for example, blinking in a predetermined pattern. The information conveyed to the user may, for example, relate to the operating status of the accompanying device or aerosol generating device. For example, the information may relate to whether the aerosol generating device is in a locked or unlocked state. The information may also relate to the state of charge of one or both of the energy storage devices in the device.

[0036] The light sensor may be or may include a photodiode and / or a camera, as a replacement or supplement to an LED light sensor.

[0037] According to another aspect of the present invention, a computing device is provided, the computing device being configured to provide an unlocking command to one of an aerosol generating device and an auxiliary device, the auxiliary device being configured to charge the aerosol generating device with electrical energy, the computing device comprising: a light emitter, preferably a display; and a data connection to a server device, wherein the computing device is configured to receive unlocking data from the server device, wherein the computing device is configured to provide the unlocking command by emitting the unlocking data as a series of light signals via the light emitter.

[0038] All features, functions, and advantages described in this disclosure regarding the aerosol generating apparatus and / or supporting apparatus also apply to the computing device, and vice versa.

[0039] The light emitter of a computing device can be any type of light emitter suitable for emitting and / or displaying visual information, images, or videos, such as a display or display device. When a display is used, the display can be, for example, a screen, a flat panel screen, or a touch screen. The light emitter can be configured to emit data visually and can be specifically configured to emit the aforementioned series of light signals. The light emitter can be configured to emit data using light signals in the invisible spectrum, such as infrared signals. The light emitter may include a flash of the computing device.

[0040] The data connection to the server device can be any type of data connection, whether physical or wireless. The data connection to the server can be configured as a telecommunications connection, such as a mobile internet connection. The data connection can be based, for example, on any standard developed and / or maintained by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), such as GSM, UMTS, LTE, 5G, or any other suitable telecommunications means.

[0041] Furthermore, the computing device can be configured to receive a device identifier from a user, for example, via an input device. The input device can be, for example, a touchscreen or a keyboard, or any other suitable means for inputting information into the computing device. The computing device can also be configured to transmit the device identifier to a server device, for example, via a data connection.

[0042] The computing device can be configured to enable a user of the aerosol generating device to perform or complete an age verification test on a server. The computing device can be configured to receive age verification information from the user, for example, via an input device, and transmit the information to a server device via a data connection. If the age verification test is passed, the computing device can be configured to receive unlock data from the server device and provide this unlock data or unlock command to the accessory device or aerosol generating device, for example, by providing a series of light signals on a display using a light emitter. Therefore, the series of light signals presented via the light emitter may include or encode the unlock command and / or unlock data received from the server.

[0043] For example, a series of optical signals can encode or derive an unlock code. Therefore, the unlock code can be included in the unlock command and / or unlock data. Upon receiving the series of optical signals, the accompanying device and / or aerosol generating device can then proceed as described above.

[0044] The computing device can be configured to check whether the unlock code is a correct unlock code and matches or is correct with respect to the unlock code stored in the aerosol generating device or the device identifier of the aerosol generating device. To this end, the computing device can be configured to read the unlock code or device identifier from the data storage device or memory of the aerosol generating device and / or its associated device. Therefore, when the computing device is used to unlock the aerosol generating device, the computing device can be "offline" (e.g., not connected to the Internet and / or not connected to another computing device). The controller of the computing device can be configured to provide an unlock command to the aerosol generating device or its associated device when it is determined that the unlock code is associated with the device identifier of the aerosol generating device or the unlock code stored in the aerosol generating device. As described above, the unlock command may include an unlock signal that directly causes the aerosol generating device to unlock.

[0045] The computing device can be a smartphone, tablet computer, personal computer, smartwatch, onboard computer (e.g., in a car or work machinery), or smart TV. The computing device can be any kind of device capable of receiving age verification information from the user and sending this information to a server device, then receiving unlocking data from the server device and providing a series of light signals via a light emitter. The existing display of the computing device can be used as the light emitter. This type of display may already exist on many different devices and may be sufficient to provide a series of light signals. Therefore, the user can unlock the aerosol generating device without a specific computing device. Alternatively, the user can use any of a variety of computing devices without any dedicated or specific hardware.

[0046] According to another aspect of the present invention, a server device is provided, the server device being configured to provide a computing device with unlocking data for one of an aerosol generating device and an auxiliary device, the auxiliary device being configured to charge the aerosol generating device with electrical energy, wherein the server device is configured to: perform an age verification test on a user of the aerosol generating device via the computing device; provide the unlocking data to the computing device when it is determined that the age verification test has been passed; and provide the unlocking data as an instruction for the computing device to emit a series of optical signals.

[0047] The server device can be, for example, a web server or internet server maintained by the manufacturer of the accessory device and / or aerosol generating device. The server device can be configured to receive age verification information about the user from the computing device. The server can be configured to use this age verification information to perform an age verification test. The server can be configured to continue only if the age verification test is successfully passed; otherwise, it will not continue and will display a message notifying the user that the age verification test was failed.

[0048] Upon successful completion of the age verification test, the server can be configured to provide the computing device with unlocking data for the aerosol generator. This unlocking data may include unlocking instructions, such as unlocking codes or unlocking signals. The unlocking data may be provided to the computing device as instructions or by other means to enable the computing device to emit a series of optical signals, as explained above.

[0049] It can be specified that the server device provides unlocking data specific to the aerosol generating device. To achieve this, the server device can be configured to receive the device identifier of the aerosol generating device from the computing device. The unlocking data can be associated with or correspond to the device identifier of the aerosol generating device. For example, the server device may include a data storage device in which all device identifiers for each aerosol generating device manufactured and / or sold by the manufacturer are stored. The data storage device of the server device may also include a specific unlocking code for each device identifier. The server device can be configured to retrieve the specific unlocking code of the aerosol generating device from the data storage device based on the device identifier received from the computing device. Alternatively, it can be specified that the unlocking code is derived from the device identifier, as will be explained further below. A series of optical signals can be derived from the unlocking code as described above.

[0050] The series of optical signals can be provided, for example, as video. In this case, for example, the unlocking data provided by the server to the computing device can be video or video data. The series of optical signals can be provided as a series of high-contrast images. The series or sequence of the images can constitute video or video data. The images or the series of optical signals can be provided as a series of monochrome images. For example, the series of optical signals may include high-brightness images (e.g., white or near-white images) and low-brightness images (e.g., black or near-black images). As explained above, in order to implement the binary encoding of the information to be transmitted, it may be sufficient for the series of optical signals to contain only multiple renderings of two different images, such as a first image with high brightness or illumination and a second image with low brightness or illumination. One image used in the series of optical signals can constitute one bit of information. The speed at which the images in the series of optical signals follow each other can be configured such that the series of optical signals contains 5 bits per second, 10 bits per second, 15 bits per second, 20 bits per second, 25 bits per second, 30 bits per second, 35 bits per second, or 40 bits per second. In other words, a series of optical signals can contain 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, or 40 images per second. In this way, a series of optical signals can be used to encode at least one of unlock data, unlock commands, unlock codes, and unlock signals.

[0051] In addition to at least one of the unlock data, unlock command, unlock code, and unlock signal, a series of optical signals can encode more information. For example, at least one of the start signature, end signature, and error check number can be additionally encoded in the series of optical signals. The start signature and end signature can be the same fixed data string for each series of optical signals, regardless of the device identifier of the specific aerosol generating device. Therefore, they can be used to ensure that the device receiving the series of optical signals can automatically recognize whether a complete sequence of the series of optical signals has been received. Moreover, where the bit rate of the series of optical signals may differ in each case (e.g., depending on the length of the specific unlock code used), the device receiving the series of optical signals can use the start signature and end signature to detect the bit rate and thus correctly interpret the portion of the series of optical signals that encodes the relevant data. The error check number can be additionally used to prevent or identify losses or inconsistencies during data transmission.

[0052] Typically, at least one of the unlock data, unlock command, unlock code, and unlock signal can be a random string, or can be based on a random string, such as a random number. In this case, the random string can be stored in the data storage devices of both the aerosol generating device and the server device to ensure correct identification of the correct string for a specific device identifier. Alternatively, at least one of the unlock data, unlock command, unlock code, and unlock signal can be derived from the device identifier of the aerosol generating device. For example, this can be achieved by an algorithm that deterministically derives a string different from the device identifier itself. For example, at least one of the unlock data, unlock command, unlock code, and unlock signal can be derived from the device identifier by hashing and encrypting it. By way of example only, the device identifier can be hashed using a key-hash message authentication code or a hash-based message authentication code (HMAC), or encrypted using an Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), such as AES128. In this case, the server device may not need to store any information about the aerosol generating device. The server device can simply use the device identifier provided by the computing device and derive the unlock data from this device identifier. Furthermore, one or more devices that check the validity of received data encoded by a series of optical signals can verify the validity of the received data by deriving the correct data, such as the correct unlock code, from the device identifier of the aerosol generating device. In this way, the aerosol generating device may not need to store, for example, the unlock code, in addition to the device identifier.

[0053] According to another aspect of the present invention, a system for adolescent access prevention (YAP) of an aerosol generating device is provided, the system comprising a server device, a computing device, and at least one of an aerosol generating device and an accessory device according to the present disclosure.

[0054] All features, functions, and advantages described in this disclosure regarding the aerosol generating apparatus, supporting apparatus, computing apparatus, and / or server apparatus also apply to the YAP system used in the aerosol generating apparatus, and vice versa.

[0055] In systems comprising both an aerosol generating device and an auxiliary device, it may be sufficient to configure only one of these devices as described in this disclosure. For example, only one of these devices may include a photosensor for receiving a series of optical signals. Alternatively, it may be specified that both the aerosol generating device and the auxiliary device are configured as described in this disclosure, for example, both devices include a photosensor for receiving a series of optical signals. In this case, such redundancy can further simplify the process for the user to unlock the aerosol generating device.

[0056] According to another aspect of the present invention, a computer-implemented method for adolescent access prevention (YAP) of an aerosol generating device (preferably an aerosol generating device according to the present disclosure) is provided, the method comprising: performing an age verification test on a server device; retrieving unlock data upon determining that the age verification test has been passed; transmitting the unlock data to the aerosol generating device or an accessory device configured to charge the aerosol generating device with electrical energy by: emitting a series of optical signals encoding the unlock data on a computing device, receiving the series of optical signals by a light sensor on the aerosol generating device or the accessory device, and unlocking the aerosol generating device based on the received series of optical signals.

[0057] All features, functions, and advantages described in this disclosure regarding the aerosol generating apparatus, supporting apparatus, computing device, server device, and / or the YAP system for the aerosol generating apparatus also apply to the computer-implemented method for the YAP used in the aerosol generating apparatus, and vice versa.

[0058] The method may further include providing a device identifier, preferably a unique device identifier, to the aerosol generating device. As described above, the device identifier may be arranged on or with the aerosol generating device for easy user access. Therefore, a user can input the device identifier into a computing device for transmission to a server device. Thus, the method may further include transmitting the device identifier to the server device via the computing device. The server device may be configured to provide the computing device with unlocking data specific to the aerosol generating device's device identifier.

[0059] Additionally, the method may include converting the series of optical signals into an unlocking code. This step may be performed on the aerosol generating device and / or on an associated device. As mentioned above, the unlocking code may be associated with or derived from a device identifier. Therefore, the method may include unlocking the aerosol generating device when it is determined that the unlocking code is associated with or derived from a device identifier.

[0060] According to another aspect of the invention, an LED included in an aerosol generating device or an accessory device configured to charge the aerosol generating device with electrical energy is provided for receiving an unlocking code for unlocking the aerosol generating device and allowing aerosol generation.

[0061] All features, functions, and advantages described in this disclosure regarding the aerosol generating apparatus, supporting apparatus, computing device, server device, system for the YAP of the aerosol generating apparatus, and / or computer-implemented method for the YAP of the aerosol generating apparatus also apply to the described uses of LEDs, and vice versa.

[0062] Using LEDs in the aerosol generator and / or its accessories to receive a series of light signals encoding an unlock code for switching the aerosol generator from a locked to an unlocked state is a reliable and cost-effective way to implement YAP in an aerosol generator.

[0063] The invention is defined in the claims. However, a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples is provided below. Any one or more features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0064] Example 1. An aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device comprising:

[0065] A control circuit system, comprising a controller configured to operate the aerosol generating device in either a locked state or an unlocked state, wherein in the locked state, aerosol generation by the aerosol generating device is prohibited, and in the unlocked state, aerosol generation by the aerosol generating device is permitted.

[0066] An optical sensor, operatively connected to the controller.

[0067] The optical sensor is configured to receive a series of optical signals, and

[0068] The controller is configured to switch the aerosol generating device from the locked state to the unlocked state based on the series of optical signals.

[0069] Example 2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to Example 1, wherein the controller is configured to convert the series of optical signals into an unlocking code.

[0070] Example 3. An aerosol generating apparatus according to the previous example, wherein the controller is configured to change the aerosol generating apparatus from the locked state to the unlocked state when it is determined that the unlock code is associated with the apparatus identifier of the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0071] Example 4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to Example 2, wherein the controller is configured to change the aerosol generating apparatus from the locked state to the unlocked state when it is determined that the unlock code matches or is correct for the device identifier of the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0072] Example 5. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 3-4, wherein the apparatus identifier and / or the unlocking code is stored at the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0073] Example 6. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the controller is configured to change the aerosol generating device from the unlocked state to the locked state when it is determined that a predetermined time period has elapsed or a predetermined number of uses of the aerosol generating device has been reached or a specific control signal is received.

[0074] Example 7. An aerosol generating device according to the previous example, wherein the controller is configured to transition the aerosol generating device from the locked state to the unlocked state only when an unlock code is received that is associated with or is correct or matches the device identifier, and preferably is different from a previous unlock code.

[0075] Example 8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of the foregoing examples, wherein the aerosol generating apparatus further includes an aerosol generating article or matrix.

[0076] Example 9. An aerosol generating apparatus according to the previous example, wherein the aerosol generating apparatus is configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating article or matrix.

[0077] Example 10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of the preceding examples, the aerosol generating apparatus further comprising an energy storage device for storing electrical energy, wherein the energy storage device is preferably non-rechargeable, such as a non-rechargeable battery.

[0078] Example 11. An auxiliary device configured to charge an aerosol generating device with electrical energy, the auxiliary device comprising:

[0079] The control circuit system includes a controller.

[0080] Light sensor, and

[0081] communication device,

[0082] The optical sensor is configured to receive a series of optical signals, and

[0083] The controller is configured to provide an unlocking command to the aerosol generating device via the communication device.

[0084] Example 12. The accompanying device according to the previous example, wherein the controller is configured to convert the series of optical signals into unlocking codes.

[0085] Example 13. The accessory device according to any one of Examples 11-12, wherein the unlocking instruction includes an unlocking code or an unlocking signal.

[0086] Example 14. An accessory device according to any one of Examples 12-13, wherein the controller is configured to provide the unlocking command to the aerosol generating device when it is determined that the unlocking code is associated with a device identifier of the aerosol generating device.

[0087] Example 15. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the optical sensor is an optical transceiver.

[0088] Example 16. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the light sensor is an LED, preferably a low-current or low-power LED.

[0089] Example 17. The apparatus according to any one of the foregoing examples, wherein the optical sensor is configured as a signaling device to provide a user with information about the operation of the apparatus.

[0090] Example 18. A computing device configured to provide an unlocking command to one of an aerosol generating device and an auxiliary device, the auxiliary device being configured to charge the aerosol generating device with electrical energy, the computing device comprising:

[0091] Light emitter, preferably display, and

[0092] Data connection to the server device,

[0093] The computing device is configured to receive unlocking data from the server device.

[0094] The computing device is configured to provide the unlocking command by transmitting the unlocking data as a series of optical signals via the light emitter.

[0095] Example 19. The computing device according to the previous example, wherein the series of optical signals is derived from an unlocking code.

[0096] Example 20. A computing device according to any one of Examples 18-19 above, wherein the computing device is one of a smartphone, tablet computer, personal computer, smartwatch, airborne computer and smart TV.

[0097] Example 21. A server device configured to provide a computing device with unlocking data for one of an aerosol generating device and an auxiliary device, the auxiliary device being configured to charge the aerosol generating device with electrical energy.

[0098] The server device is configured to:

[0099] The computing device performs an age verification test on the user of the aerosol generating device.

[0100] Upon confirming that the age verification test has been passed, the unlock data is provided to the computing device, and

[0101] The unlock data is provided as instructions for the computing device to emit a series of optical signals.

[0102] Example 22. A server device according to the previous example, wherein the server device is configured to receive a device identifier of the aerosol generating device from the computing device.

[0103] Example 23. The server device according to the previous example, wherein the unlock data is associated with a device identifier of the aerosol generating device.

[0104] Example 24. The server apparatus according to any one of Examples 21-23, wherein the unlock data includes an unlock code.

[0105] Example 25. The server apparatus according to the previous example, wherein the series of optical signals is derived from the unlocking code.

[0106] Example 26. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the series of optical signals is provided as video.

[0107] Example 27. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the series of optical signals is provided as a series of high-contrast images.

[0108] Example 28. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the series of optical signals is provided as a series of monochrome images.

[0109] Example 29. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the series of optical signals encodes at least one of a start signature, an end signature, and an error check number in addition to an unlock code.

[0110] Example 30. The apparatus according to any one of Examples 2-5, 7, 12-14, 19, 24-25 and 29 above, wherein the unlock code is derived from the apparatus identifier of the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0111] Example 31. The device according to the previous example, wherein the unlock code is derived from the device identifier by either hashing or encrypting the device identifier.

[0112] Example 32. The apparatus according to the previous example, wherein the apparatus identifier is hashed using HMAC or encrypted using AES.

[0113] Example 33. A system for preventing adolescent access to an aerosol generating device, the system comprising a server device according to any one of Examples 21-32, a computing device according to any one of Examples 18-20 and 26-32, and at least one of an aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1-10, 15-17 and 26-32 and an auxiliary device according to any one of Examples 11-17 and 26-32.

[0114] Example 34. A computer-implemented method for preventing adolescent access to an aerosol generating device, preferably according to any one of Examples 1-10, 15-17 and 26-32, the method comprising:

[0115] Perform an age verification test on the server device.

[0116] Unlock data is retrieved upon confirmation that the age verification test has been passed.

[0117] The unlocking data is transmitted to the aerosol generating device or an accessory device configured to charge the aerosol generating device with electrical energy in the following manner.

[0118] A series of optical signals encoding the unlocking data are emitted from the computing device.

[0119] The series of optical signals are received by the optical sensor on the aerosol generating device or the supporting device, and

[0120] The aerosol generating device is unlocked based on a series of received optical signals.

[0121] Example 35. The method according to the previous example, the method further includes providing a device identifier to the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0122] Example 36. The method according to the previous example, the method further includes transmitting the device identifier to the server device via the computing device.

[0123] Example 37. The method according to any one of Examples 34-36, the method further comprising converting the series of optical signals into an unlocking code.

[0124] Example 38. The method described in the previous example, wherein the unlock code is associated with the device identifier.

[0125] Example 39. The method according to the previous example, the method comprising unlocking the aerosol generating device when it is determined that the unlock code is associated with the device identifier.

[0126] Example 40. An LED in an aerosol generating device or an accessory device configured to charge the aerosol generating device with electrical energy is used to receive an unlock code for unlocking the aerosol generating device and allowing aerosol generation.

[0127] Several examples will now be described further with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0128] Figure 1 The aerosol generating device and its supporting equipment are shown.

[0129] Figure 2 A system for preventing adolescent access to aerosol-generating devices is shown; and

[0130] Figure 3 A flowchart is shown of a method for computer-implemented prevention of adolescent access in an aerosol generating device.

[0131] The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not drawn to scale.

[0132] Figure 1 An aerosol generation system 1 is shown for generating aerosols for consumption by a user, for example, during one or more uses. System 1 may include an aerosol generation device 2 for generating aerosols and an auxiliary device 3 for at least partially receiving the aerosol generation device 2. The auxiliary device 3 may be a charging device for charging the aerosol generation device 2 and / or its energy storage device or battery.

[0133] The aerosol generating apparatus 2 may include an insertion opening 4 for at least partially inserting the aerosol generating article 17. The aerosol generating article 17 may include an aerosol forming matrix (e.g., a tobacco-containing matrix) and / or a cylinder comprising a liquid.

[0134] The aerosol generating apparatus 2 may also include a processing circuit system 23 or a control circuit system 23 having at least one controller 5 and one or more processors 6. To generate aerosols during the use or consumption of the aerosol generating article 17, the aerosol generating apparatus 2 may include at least one heating element 7 or heater device for applying heat to at least a portion of the aerosol generating article 17. Alternatively, an ultrasonic device (not shown) may be used to generate aerosols from the aerosol generating article 17, instead of the heating element 7. The processing circuit system 23 and / or the controller 5 may be configured to control the actuation, activation, and / or deactivation of at least one heating element 7 or ultrasonic device.

[0135] To power at least one heating element 7, the aerosol generating device 2 may further include at least one energy storage device 15 (e.g., in the form of a battery) for storing electrical energy or power. The aerosol generating device 2 may also include at least one electrical connector 12 for connection to a corresponding electrical connector 13 of the accessory device 3 and / or an electrical connector for an external power source (not shown) (e.g., a USB charger). For example, when the aerosol generating device 2 is at least partially inserted into the opening 14 of the accessory device 3, one or more electrical connectors 12 of the aerosol generating device 2 may be connected to one or more electrical connectors 13 of the accessory device 3 to charge at least one energy storage device 15 of the aerosol generating device 2.

[0136] The aerosol generating device 2 may also include a communication device 9 or a communication circuit system 9 having one or more communication interfaces 10 for communication coupling between the aerosol generating device 2 and the supporting device 3, for example, via Internet connection, wireless LAN connection, WiFi connection, Bluetooth connection, mobile phone network, 3G / 4G / 5G connection, edge connection, LTE connection, BUS connection, wireless connection, wired connection, radio connection, near field connection and / or IoT connection.

[0137] The aerosol generating device 2 may also include a data storage device 11 for storing information, program code, or data. One or more sensors 16 may be arranged on, at, or within the aerosol generating device 2 to collect data. One or more of the sensors 16 may be, for example, temperature sensors, strain sensors, accelerometers, or any other suitable sensors.

[0138] The aerosol generating device 2 may also include a user interface component, such as an input element or input device 8, which may be in the form of a button. The input device 8 can be used as a power button to activate or deactivate the heating element 7 or ultrasonic device used for aerosol generation, thereby activating or deactivating the aerosol generating device 2. When the aerosol generating device 2 is activated, the heating element 7 can be activated and heat can be applied to at least a portion of the aerosol generating article 17, enabling the generation of aerosols for consumption by the user, for example, during use. The aerosol generating device 2 and / or the accompanying device 3 may each include a user interface, which includes one or more output elements, such as LED 21, for outputting signals to the user.

[0139] LED 21 can be an optical transceiver and, according to this disclosure, can be configured as a light sensor. A user can input a command signal, for example via input device 8, which causes controller 5 to place LED 21 into light sensor mode, in which LED 21 acts as a light sensor for receiving a series of light signals. Therefore, LED 21 can be configured to receive a series of light signals and provide controller 5 with signals representing information included in or encoded in the series of light signals. For example, the series of light signals can be encoded with data using brightness-dark binary codes. Therefore, controller 5 can receive signals representing this encoded data and enable controller 5 to derive the encoded data from it.

[0140] Figure 2 A system for preventing adolescent access to an aerosol generating device 2 is illustrated. The system may include a server device 22, such as the internet or a web server; a computing device 19, such as a smartphone or personal computer; and at least one of the devices of the aerosol generating system 1, such as the aerosol generating device 2 and / or its accompanying device 3. As indicated by arrow 24, a user wishing to unlock the aerosol generating device 2, i.e., wishing to change the aerosol generating device 2 from a locked state to an unlocked state, can input a unique device identifier of the aerosol generating device 2 into the computing device 19. For example, the user can read the device identifier and input it into the computing device 19; the device identifier may be located on the exterior of the aerosol generating device 2 or its packaging or documentation. Alternatively, if the computing device 19 includes a camera, such as a smartphone, the user can scan an optically readable code, such as a QR code or barcode, which contains the device identifier and is provided on the aerosol generating device 2 or its packaging or documentation.

[0141] As indicated by arrow 25, the device identifier can then be sent from computing device 19 to server device 22. The user can input age verification information along with the device identifier into computing device 19, and this age verification information can also be sent to server device 22. A data connection between computing device 19 and server device 22 can be established via an internet connection (preferably a mobile internet connection) of computing device 19. Server device 22 can then perform an age verification test on the age verification information provided by the user. The age verification test can be a legal age user (LAU) test used to determine whether a user is allowed to operate aerosol generating device 2 within their jurisdiction. Server device 22 can proceed only if the age verification test is successfully passed and it is thus determined that a user is indeed allowed to operate aerosol generating device 2.

[0142] Upon successful age verification, server device 22 can retrieve an unlock code associated with or derived from the device identifier. For example, server device 22 may have access to a data storage device that stores a specific unlock code for each device identifier. Therefore, retrieving the unlock code could involve looking up the device identifier in the data storage device and reading the corresponding unlock code. Alternatively, the unlock code can be derived by server device 22 from the device identifier using an algorithm. For example, the unlock code can be generated from the device identifier by hashing or encrypting it. This can also produce a unique unlock code for each unique device identifier.

[0143] As indicated by arrow 26, after successfully passing the age verification test, server device 22 can send unlock data to computing device 19. The unlock data may include an unlock code or an encoded unlock code. The unlock data may be in the form of instructions for displaying a series of light signals for computing device 19, wherein the series of light signals also includes an unlock code or an encoded unlock code. For example, the unlock data provided by the server device may be in the form of video. The video may include a series of bright / dark contrast images encoded with the data. Computing device 19 may receive the unlock data from server device 22, for example, via the same data connection used to send device identifiers and age verification information from computing device 19 to server device 22.

[0144] The computing device 19 may include a light emitter, such as a display 20 configured to present visual information, images, or video. The computing device 19 may be configured to present unlocking data received from the server device 22 as a series of light signals on the display 20. For example, the computing device 19 may play a video constituting the unlocking data on the display 20. As indicated by arrow 27, by presenting a series of light signals, the computing device 19 may provide unlocking instructions to the companion device 3 and / or the aerosol generating device 2.

[0145] The computing device 19 may include software, such as an application program, that can check whether the unlocking data received from the server device 22, particularly the unlocking code, is correct for the device identifier of the aerosol generating device 2. If the unlocking code is correct for the device identifier, the unlocking instruction provided by the computing device 19 may include an unlocking signal that directly unlocks the aerosol generating device 2.

[0146] However, computing device 19 is not required to have such software, as the validity check of the unlocking data received from server device 22 can also be performed at the level of aerosol generation system 1. In this case, no special software or application is required on computing device 19, and for example, a web browser or similar software that may already be installed on computing device 19 can be used to perform all the steps that must be performed on computing device 19. Therefore, the unlocking instructions provided by computing device 19 may include unlocking codes.

[0147] The unlocking command, including an unlocking signal or unlocking code, provided by the computing device 19 can be received by the accessory device 3 and / or the aerosol generating device 2. This can be achieved via the LED 21 of the accessory device 3 and / or the aerosol generating device 2, which acts as a light sensor and receives a series of light signals emitted from the display 20 of the computing device 19. To make this transmission as accurate as possible, it may be helpful if the user places the LED 21 of the accessory device 3 and / or the aerosol generating device 2 in close proximity to or adjacent to the display 20 of the computing device 19. The unlocking command is transmitted from the computing device 19 to the accessory device 3 and / or the aerosol generating device 2 via the series of light signals.

[0148] When the unlocking command is received by the accessory device 3, the accessory device 3 can then transmit the unlocking command to the aerosol generating device 2 via the communication device 9. This is indicated by arrow 28. Depending on whether the accessory device 3 checks the validity of the unlocking code, the unlocking command transmitted from the accessory device 3 to the aerosol generating device 2 may include an unlocking signal (especially if the accessory device 3 checks the validity of the unlocking code) and / or an unlocking code (especially if the accessory device 3 does not check the validity of the unlocking code). For example, the accessory device 3 may be configured to read the device identifier and / or unlocking code stored in the data storage device 11 of the aerosol generating device 2. The accessory device 3 may be configured to check whether the unlocking code received from the computing device 19 in the unlocking command matches or is correct for the unlocking code and / or device identifier stored in the aerosol generating device 2. If the unlocking code in the unlocking command received from the computing device 19 is valid, the accessory device 3 may be configured to send the unlocking signal as an unlocking command to the aerosol generating device 2, which then directly unlocks the aerosol generating device 2. On the other hand, the auxiliary device 3 can simply send the unlocking command to the aerosol generating device 2 via the communication device 9, as received from the computing device 19 via a series of optical signals, without checking the validity of the unlocking code. In this case, the unlocking command sent by the auxiliary device 3 to the aerosol generating device 2 includes the unlocking code.

[0149] The aerosol generating device 2 can receive an unlocking command from the computing device 19 via a series of optical signals, as shown by arrow 27, or from the supporting device 3 via the communication device 9, as shown by arrow 28. The unlocking command received by the aerosol generating device 2 may include an unlocking code and / or an unlocking signal. If the unlocking command includes an unlocking signal, the validity of the unlocking code may have already been checked by the supporting device 3 and / or the computing device 19. Therefore, the aerosol generating device 2 can unlock immediately upon receiving the unlocking signal. In other words, the controller 5 of the aerosol generating device 2 can transition the aerosol generating device 2 from a locked state to an unlocked state upon receiving the unlocking signal. If the unlocking command includes an unlocking code, the aerosol generating device 2 can check the validity of the unlocking code itself. To this end, the controller 5 can check whether the unlocking code matches or is correct for the unlocking code stored in the data storage device 11 of the aerosol generating device 2. Alternatively, if the unlocking code is derived from a device identifier by an algorithm, the controller 5 can execute the algorithm on the device identifier and check whether the unlocking code received from the supporting device 3 or the computing device 19 matches the result of the algorithm. Once the validity of the received unlock code is verified, the aerosol generating device 2 can transition from a locked state to an unlocked state. Therefore, unlocking the aerosol generating device 2 can be associated with successfully passing an age verification or LAU test.

[0150] Figure 3 A flowchart of method 30 for computer-implemented prevention of adolescent access to aerosol generating device 2 is shown. Method 30 may begin with step 31, in which a unique device identifier may be provided for aerosol generating device 2. A separate unique unlock code may also be provided for aerosol generating device 2. However, this may not be necessary if the unlock code can be derived from the device identifier.

[0151] In step 32, the device identifier is input by the user into the computing device 19. The user can do this by inputting the device identifier into the computing device 19 or by scanning the device identifier with the computing device 19. The user can also input age verification information into the computing device 19.

[0152] In step 33, the device identifier and age verification information may be sent from the computing device 19 to the server device 22, for example, via an Internet connection.

[0153] In step 34, the user may have to pass an age verification or LAU test performed by the server device 22 on the age verification information sent to the computing device 19. If the user fails the age verification or LAU test, method 30 stops. Instead, method 30 continues to step 35 only if the user successfully passes the age verification or LAU test and it has been determined that the user is of legal age.

[0154] In step 35, server device 22 transmits an unlock code specific to aerosol generating device 2 to computing device 19. The unlock code may be part of the unlock data sent from server device 22 to computing device 19 or encoded within the unlock data. If the unlock code cannot be derived from the device identifier and is, for example, a random string, server device 22 may retrieve a specific unlock code from a database storing all unlock codes for all device identifiers. If the unlock code can be derived from the device identifier via an algorithm, server device 22 may generate the unlock code from the device identifier via an algorithm.

[0155] In step 36, the unlock code and / or unlock data can be displayed on the display 20 of the computing device 19 via a series of optical signals. In this step, the computing device 19 can send an unlock command to the accessory device 3 and / or the aerosol generating device 2 via a series of optical signals. The computing device 19 may not require any bidirectional data connection with the accessory device 3 or the aerosol generating device 2. Presenting a series of optical signals on the display 20 may be sufficient.

[0156] In step 37, the series of optical signals can be received at the auxiliary device 3 and / or the aerosol generating device 2. Specifically, the series of optical signals is received by the LED 21 of the auxiliary device 3 and / or the aerosol generating device 2, which acts as a light sensor. If the auxiliary device 3 receives a series of optical signals including an unlocking command or an encoded unlocking command, the auxiliary device 3 can convert the series of optical signals into an unlocking code or an unlocking signal (see step 38). The auxiliary device 3 can then check the validity of the unlocking code by comparing it with an unlocking code stored in the data storage device 11 of the aerosol generating device 2, or by deriving the unlocking code from the device identifier of the aerosol generating device 2 using an algorithm and comparing this derived unlocking code with the unlocking code received from the computing device 19. If the unlocking code received from the computing device 19 is determined to be valid, in step 40, the auxiliary device 3 can send the unlocking code and / or the unlocking signal to the aerosol generating device 2. If the auxiliary device 3 only receives the unlocking signal from the computing device 19, the auxiliary device 3 can directly send the unlocking signal to the aerosol generating device 2. Communication between computing device 3 and aerosol generating device 2 can be established through communication device 9.

[0157] When the aerosol generating device 2 receives the series of optical signals, including an unlocking command or an encoded unlocking command, from the supporting device 3 or the computing device 19, the aerosol generating device 2 can convert the series of optical signals into an unlocking code or an unlocking signal (see step 38). Then, the aerosol generating device 2 can check the validity of the unlocking code by comparing it with an unlocking code stored in the data storage device 11 of the aerosol generating device 2, or by deriving the unlocking code from the device identifier of the aerosol generating device 2 using an algorithm and comparing this derived unlocking code with the unlocking code received from the computing device 19. If the unlocking code received from the computing device 19 is determined to be valid, the controller 5 of the aerosol generating device 2 can change the aerosol generating device 2 from a locked state to an unlocked state, thereby unlocking the aerosol generating device 2 to allow aerosol generation. If the aerosol generating device 2 only receives an unlocking signal from the computing device 19 or the supporting device 3, the controller 5 can directly continue to unlock the aerosol generating device 2.

[0158] In the following description, illustrative examples are given only to illustrate the present disclosure and not to limit it in any way. For example, a series of optical signals may contain 10 images per second, representing 10 bits per second. The unlock instruction may contain an unlock code as a hash value serving as a device identifier. For example, the resulting string containing the unlock code could be 32 bytes long, which would result in a very secure unlock code. This string could then be 256 bits long. As explained above, the unlock instruction may contain additional information, such as a start signature and an end signature or error check number. With this additional data, the total length of the unlock instruction could, for example, be approximately 500 bits long, which means a series of 500 optical signals, images, or video frames. The time required for LED 21 to read this series of optical signals or this video at a rate of 10 images per second, or for example, 10 frames per second, would be 50 seconds, which is an acceptable duration.

[0159] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise stated, all figures representing quantities, quantities, percentages, etc., shall be understood to be modified by the term "about" in all cases. Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges that may be specifically listed or not listed herein. Thus, in this context, the number A is understood to be A ± 10% of A. In this context, the number A can be considered to include a value within the general standard error for the measurement of the attribute modified by the number A. In some cases used in the appended claims, the number A may deviate from the percentages listed above, provided that the amount of deviation from A does not materially affect the essential and novel features of the claimed invention. Moreover, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges that may be specifically listed or not listed herein.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating apparatus, the aerosol generating apparatus comprising: A control circuit system, comprising a controller configured to operate the aerosol generating device in either a locked state or an unlocked state, wherein in the locked state, aerosol generation by the aerosol generating device is prohibited, and in the unlocked state, aerosol generation by the aerosol generating device is permitted. An optical sensor, operatively connected to the controller. The optical sensor is configured to receive a series of optical signals, and The controller is configured to switch the aerosol generating device from the locked state to the unlocked state based on the series of optical signals.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to convert the series of optical signals into an unlocking code.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein the controller is configured to change the aerosol generating apparatus from the locked state to the unlocked state when it is determined that the unlock code is associated with a device identifier of the aerosol generating apparatus.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is configured to change the aerosol generating apparatus from the unlocked state to the locked state upon determining that a predetermined time period has elapsed, a predetermined number of uses of the aerosol generating apparatus has been reached, or a specific control signal has been received. Preferably, the controller is configured to transition the aerosol generating device from the locked state to the unlocked state only when an unlock code is received that is associated with or is correct or matches the device identifier and is preferably different from a previous unlock code.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aerosol generating apparatus further comprises an aerosol generating article or a matrix.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, the aerosol generating apparatus further comprising an energy storage device for storing electrical energy, wherein the energy storage device is preferably non-rechargeable, such as a non-rechargeable battery.

7. An auxiliary device configured to charge an aerosol generating device with electrical energy, the auxiliary device comprising: The control circuit system includes a controller. Light sensor, and communication device, The optical sensor is configured to receive a series of optical signals, and The controller is configured to provide an unlocking command to the aerosol generating device via the communication device.

8. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the optical sensor is an optical transceiver.

9. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the light sensor is an LED, preferably a low-current or low-power LED.

10. A computing device configured to provide an unlocking command to one of an aerosol generating device and an auxiliary device, the auxiliary device being configured to charge the aerosol generating device with electrical energy, the computing device comprising: Light emitter, and Data connection to the server device, The computing device is configured to receive unlocking data from the server device. The computing device is configured to provide the unlocking command by transmitting the unlocking data as a series of optical signals via the light emitter.

11. A server device configured to provide a computing device with unlocking data for one of an aerosol generating apparatus and an auxiliary device, the auxiliary device being configured to charge the aerosol generating apparatus with electrical energy. The server device is configured to: The computing device performs an age verification test on the user of the aerosol generating device. Upon confirming that the age verification test has been passed, the unlock data is provided to the computing device, and The unlock data is provided as instructions for the computing device to emit a series of optical signals.

12. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the series of optical signals is provided as video.

13. A system for preventing adolescent access to an aerosol generating device, the system comprising a server device according to any one of claims 11-12, a computing device according to any one of claims 10 and 12, and at least one of the aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1-6, 8-9 and 12 and an auxiliary device according to any one of claims 7-9 and 12.

14. A computer-implemented method for preventing adolescent access to an aerosol generating device, preferably according to any one of claims 1-6, 8-9, and 12, the method comprising: Perform an age verification test on the server device. Unlock data is retrieved upon confirmation that the age verification test has been passed. The unlocking data is transmitted to the aerosol generating device or an accessory device configured to charge the aerosol generating device with electrical energy in the following manner. A series of optical signals encoding the unlocking data are emitted from the computing device. The series of optical signals are received by the optical sensor on the aerosol generating device or the supporting device, and The aerosol generating device is unlocked based on a series of received optical signals.

15. An aerosol generating device, preferably an aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1-6, 8-9 and 12, or an accessory device configured to charge the aerosol generating device with electrical energy, preferably an accessory device according to any one of claims 7-9 and 12, comprising an LED for receiving an unlocking code for unlocking the aerosol generating device and allowing aerosol generation.

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