Managing operation of aerosol-generating system and energy supply by removably coupled energy storage device

Abstract

A computer-implemented method for managing operation of an aerosol-generating system and energy supply by a removably coupled energy storage device wherein the aerosol-generating system comprises processing circuitry comprising at least one controller and / or processor, the method includes providing, by an energy storage device, identification information of the energy storage device; determining whether the energy storage device is an authorized energy storage device or an unauthorized energy storage device according to the identification information; and operating the aerosol-generating system in a secure mode if it is determined that the energy storage device is an unauthorized energy storage device.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method for estimating a capacity of an energy storage device of an aerosol-generating device or a companion device configured to charge the aerosol-generating device with electrical energy, an aerosol-generating system, a computer program and a computer readable medium. BACKGROUND

[0002] Generally, aerosol-generating devices are designed as hand-held devices that can be used by a user for consuming or experiencing, for example, during one or more usage sessions, an aerosol generated from an aerosol-generating substrate or an aerosol-generating article, for example, by heating. The aerosol-generating devices to which the present disclosure relates primarily relate to the field of tobacco and tobacco substitute products, as well as electronic vaping devices, such as heat-not-burn devices, electronic cigarettes, electronic vaping devices, and / or vaporizers. The aerosol-generating devices of the present disclosure can also relate to other types of inhalers, dispensers, or nebulizers, such as inhalers, dispensers, or nebulizers for medical applications.

[0003] Exemplary aerosol-generating substrates can include solid substrate materials, such as tobacco material or tobacco cast leaf (TCL) material. The substrate material may, for example, be assembled, often together 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 can be configured to be at least partially inserted into an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device can include a heating element or heater arrangement for heating the aerosol-generating article and / or the aerosol-generating substrate. The heating element or heater arrangement can be part of the aerosol-generating article and / or the aerosol-generating device. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol-generating substrate can include one or more liquids and / or solids, which may, for example, be supplied to the aerosol-generating device in the form of a cartridge or a container. Corresponding exemplary aerosol-generating articles may, for example, include a cartridge containing or fillable with a liquid and / or solid substrate that can be vaporized during a user’s consumption of an aerosol based on heating the substrate and / or liquid. Generally, such a cartridge or container can be coupled to, attached to, or at least partially inserted into the aerosol-generating device. Alternatively, the cartridge can be fixedly mounted to the aerosol-generating device and refilled by inserting a liquid and / or solid into the cartridge. The aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating substrate or article can include or comprise one or more of nicotine, a flavorant, a sugar, a humectant, a plant-derived material, a preservative, a flavoring agent (e.g., cocoa, licorice, menthol, and lactic acid), or other additives. The aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating substrate or article can additionally or alternatively include one or more pharmaceutical agents or drugs, and can include one or more adjuvants.

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

[0005] An exemplary heating element or heater arrangement can be based on one or more of electrical resistance heating, induction heating and microwave heating using electrical energy supplied via an energy storage device or battery of the aerosol-generating device, drawn from or stored in the energy storage device or battery. As used herein, a battery of an aerosol-generating device can generally refer to an energy storage device of an aerosol-generating device configured to store electrical energy. Thus, the term energy storage device can encompass one or more batteries, one or more capacitors, one or more accumulators or other types of energy storage devices. Additionally, any reference herein to a battery can encompass a plurality of batteries.

[0006] Typically, an aerosol-generating device comprises an energy storage device, for example a battery, which provides electrical energy required for operating the aerosol-generating device and, in particular, for heating an aerosol-generating substrate and / or article, for example to generate aerosol using one or more aerosol-generating articles in one or more use processes. For example, the battery can be a lithium-ion battery.

[0007] As used herein, a use process can refer to a period of time during which a user can use a device to generate, consume, experience or inhale aerosol using the aerosol-generating device. Therein, a use process can be finite. In other words, a use process can have a start, an end and a duration. The duration of a use process, measured in time, can be influenced by usage during the use process. The duration of a use process can have a maximum duration determined by a maximum time from the start of the use process. The duration of a use 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 use process. By way of example, the one or more monitored parameters can comprise one or more of: i) a cumulative puff count of a series of puffs drawn by a user since the start of the use process, and ii) a cumulative volume of aerosol formed from the aerosol-forming substrate since the start of the use process.

[0008] Generally, the energy storage device capacity or battery capacity can be selected such that the aerosol-generating device can provide a user with at least a minimum number of (e.g. at least two or more) consecutive usage sessions or experiences without having to recharge the battery or the aerosol-generating device in between. To improve the user experience, the aerosol-generating device can generally be designed to only allow a user to start a usage session if the battery contains enough electrical energy to complete the usage session entirely. During the lifetime of the energy storage device, e.g. with an increasing number of charge-discharge cycles, the maximum capacity of the energy storage device can decrease or drop. This can be referred to as aging of the energy storage device. The capacity can decrease below the minimum capacity required to supply a user with at least a minimum number of consecutive usage sessions or experiences without having to recharge the battery or the aerosol-generating device in between. If this happens, the user’s experience can be impaired. Therefore, the user can need to remove the aged battery from the device and replace it with a new energy storage device. In other words, the energy storage device of the aerosol-generating device can be replaceable, e.g. a replaceable energy storage device or battery, e.g. a battery cell, a plurality of battery cells, or a battery module having one or more battery cells therein. In case the aerosol-generating device comprises a replaceable battery, the problem arises that a user can choose not to replace the energy storage device with a safe, authorized energy storage device produced by the manufacturer of the aerosol-generating device or an authorized third party manufacturer. Therefore, an authorized energy storage device according to the present disclosure means that the energy storage device is an official replacement, or authorized replacement or replacement part, and thus safe to use in the aerosol-generating system. However, a user can choose to replace the original energy storage device with an unauthorized energy storage device of a third party. Also, an unauthorized third party can try to imitate an authorized energy storage device or even try to pass off an unauthorized energy storage device as an authorized energy storage device for sale. This raises the problem that operating the aerosol-generating device with an unauthorized energy storage device can pose a danger to the user of the aerosol-generating device and / or can damage the aerosol-generating device, e.g. by battery swelling or explosion. An unauthorized third party energy storage device that can not meet the specification requirements of the aerosol-generating device can for example heat up unexpectedly or even explode.

[0009] Therefore, it can be desirable to provide for improved safety both for the user of the aerosol-generating device and for the aerosol-generating device itself, especially in case the energy storage device is replaceable. SUMMARY

[0010] These advantages can be achieved by the features described herein.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, a computer-implemented method is provided for managing the operation of an aerosol generation system and the energy supply from a removably coupled energy storage device, wherein the aerosol generation system includes a processing circuit system comprising at least one controller and / or processor, the method comprising: providing identification information of the energy storage device by the energy storage device; determining, based on the identification information, whether the energy storage device is an authorized energy storage device or an unauthorized energy storage device; and, if it is determined that the energy storage device is an unauthorized energy storage device, operating the aerosol generation system in a safe mode.

[0012] The removable connection of the energy storage device means that it is a removable or replaceable energy storage device. Therefore, both the aerosol generation system and the energy storage device can be configured such that the energy storage device can be installed on and electrically connected to the aerosol generation system, and can be detached from and electrically disconnected from the aerosol generation system. The energy storage device and / or aerosol generation device can be configured such that the installation and / or removal of the energy storage device can be performed by a user, preferably without the need for special equipment or tools. The removable connection of the energy storage device means that it can be connected to or disconnected from the aerosol generation system without irreversibly altering or damaging any part of the energy storage device and / or the aerosol generation system. The energy storage device involved in this disclosure can be any energy storage device operatively connected to the aerosol generation system, i.e., the aerosol generation device or its associated devices. Generally, the energy storage device involved in this disclosure can be a newly connected energy storage device to the aerosol generation system. In other words, the method according to this disclosure can be performed when, shortly thereafter, or immediately thereafter, the energy storage device is coupled and / or connected to the aerosol generation system.

[0013] According to this disclosure, managing the operation of an aerosol generation system and / or the energy supply from an energy storage device can mean controlling the aerosol generation system and / or the energy storage device in a manner that implements the features of this disclosure. For example, the aerosol generation system can be controlled to perform the steps, operations, and calculations disclosed herein. This may mean, for example, controlling what the aerosol generation system does and how it does it. On the other hand, the control of the aerosol generation system and / or the energy storage device can be considered in terms of the manner or quality and / or quantity of energy transferred between the aerosol generation system and the energy storage device. The same applies to energy transfer between the energy storage device and an external charging device. This will be explained in more detail below.

[0014] The methods disclosed herein can be executed, for example, by a processing circuitry of an aerosol generation system, such as a controller and / or a processor, which may include any of an aerosol generation device, ancillary devices, and / or an energy storage device. The processing circuitry, controller, and / or processor may be, for example, a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) processor, an eSIM processor, or an iSIM processor.

[0015] Identification information can be any kind of information that can be used to identify, preferably uniquely identify, an energy storage device. In other words, identification information can be any kind of information that can be used to identify or determine whether an energy storage device is an authorized energy storage device. Identification information for an energy storage device can be provided by the energy storage device itself or provided on the energy storage device itself. Identification information can be provided such that it can be read or accessed from outside the energy storage device itself, or proactively sent to an external device, for example, upon request from an external device (e.g., an aerosol forming or generating device or its associated device). For example, identification information can be viewed or scanned from the outside, or can be read from a memory or data storage device included in the energy storage device or its processing circuitry. For example, identification information can be stored in and / or read from a fuel gauge or battery fuel gauge of the energy storage device. Typically, a fuel gauge or battery fuel gauge is electronic circuitry capable of determining the state of charge (SoC) of one or more energy storage devices, such as a battery, and typically includes a data processor, memory, and a communication interface, such as an I2C bus. In this regard, a fuel gauge or battery fuel gauge may be used or operated as processing circuitry associated with or otherwise operatively connected to a data storage device. The terms "fuel gauge" and "battery fuel gauge" are used interchangeably herein. Identification information may include any one or a combination of the following: the name of the manufacturer of the energy storage device, the date of manufacture of the energy storage device, and an identifier of the energy storage device, such as a serial number and / or Codentify; electrical parameters of the energy storage device, such as nominal capacity, maximum capacity, resistance (e.g., internal resistance), impedance; ChemID (which may describe the relationship between open-circuit voltage (OCV) and state of charge (SoC) of the energy storage device); state of health (SoH); charge-discharge cycle count; or total runtime; or the geometry or three-dimensional shape of the energy storage device. Some exemplary embodiments using different kinds of identification information will be further explained below.

[0016] It can be stipulated, for example, that the identification information provided on or obtained from the energy storage device is compared with known identification information from authorized energy storage devices by searching a database containing identification information of all authorized energy storage devices. If the identification information provided on or obtained from the energy storage device also exists in the database, the energy storage device can be determined to be authorized. Conversely, if the identification information provided on or obtained from the energy storage device is not found in the database, the energy storage device can be determined to be unauthorized. Alternatively, whether an energy storage device is authorized can also be determined by subjecting the identification information provided on or obtained from the energy storage device to an authentication algorithm. The authentication algorithm can determine whether the identification information was issued by an authorized manufacturer, such as the manufacturer of the aerosol generating device or its accessories. If it is determined that the identification information was issued by an authorized manufacturer, the energy storage device can be determined to be authorized. Conversely, if it is determined that the identification information was not issued by an authorized manufacturer, the energy storage device can be determined to be unauthorized. The exact method for determining whether an energy storage device is authorized can depend on the nature of the identification information used.

[0017] When it is determined that the energy storage device is unauthorized, the method according to this disclosure may include operating the aerosol generation system in a safe mode. Generally, a safe mode may include any measures suitable for increasing the safety of the user and / or the aerosol generation system itself, and may be an alternative to not operating the aerosol generation system at all in the event of authorization or certification failure. Examples of these measures will be explained in more detail below. For example, a safe mode may include imposing restrictions or constraints on the operation of the aerosol generation system until the generation of aerosols is prevented, for example by preventing the use of heating elements for generating aerosols. In a safe mode, the operation of the aerosol generation system may be constrained and / or limited compared to its nominal operation, for example, when using an authorized energy storage device. Additionally and / or alternatively, a safe mode may include controlling the aerosol generation system to perform steps that may not be included in the nominal operation of the aerosol generation system. These steps may, for example, involve collecting, storing, transmitting, or displaying information about the operation of the aerosol generation system. For example, the user may be notified of the operational status of the aerosol generation system. For example, users can be notified whether the energy storage device currently connected to the aerosol generating device or its accessories is authorized or unauthorized. Users can also be notified of which measures will be implemented according to the safety mode and / or where or how they can obtain authorized energy storage devices, so that the implementation of the safety mode can be terminated by the user replacing the unauthorized energy storage device with an authorized one.

[0018] The aerosol generation system according to this disclosure may include at least one of an aerosol generating device and / or an auxiliary device and / or an energy storage device configured to charge the aerosol generating device with electrical energy, wherein the energy storage device is removably coupled to the aerosol generating device and / or the auxiliary device and configured to charge the aerosol generating device and / or the auxiliary device with electrical energy. Therefore, each of the aerosol generating device, auxiliary device, or energy storage device can constitute an aerosol generation system on its own. However, the aerosol generation system according to this disclosure may include any combination of the aerosol generating device, auxiliary device, and energy storage device, including but not limited to all of the aerosol generating device, auxiliary device, and energy storage device. For example, it may be specified that the aerosol generation system includes an aerosol generating device, and that the aerosol generating device includes a processing circuitry system comprising at least one controller and / or processor, and that the steps of the method disclosed herein are preferably all performed by the aerosol generating device, i.e., the processing circuitry system of the aerosol generating device. As another example, the aerosol generation system may be specified to include an accessory device, and it is precisely this accessory device that includes a processing circuitry system comprising at least one controller and / or processor, and preferably all steps of the method disclosed herein are performed by the accessory device, i.e., the processing circuitry system of the accessory device. As another example, the aerosol generation system may be specified to include an energy storage device, and it is precisely this energy storage device that includes a processing circuitry system comprising at least one controller and / or processor, and preferably all steps of the method disclosed herein are performed by the energy storage device, i.e., the processing circuitry system of the energy storage device. Generally, at least one of the aerosol generation device, accessory device, and energy storage device may need to include a processing circuitry system that performs the steps of the method disclosed herein, preferably all steps of the method. Where the aerosol generation system includes at least two or all of the aerosol generation device, accessory device, and energy storage device, it may also be specified that at least two or all of the aerosol generation device, accessory device, and energy storage device each include a processing circuitry system that performs the steps of the method disclosed herein, preferably all steps of the method. This redundancy can add an additional layer of security to the process of this disclosure. Therefore, when this disclosure refers to an aerosol generation system, this may refer to an aerosol generation device, ancillary devices, or an energy storage device. On one hand, the aerosol generation device and / or ancillary devices may be configured to determine whether the energy storage device is an authorized energy storage device, and may also be configured to determine whether the energy storage device meets the specifications further explained below, and may be configured to determine whether a safety mode is necessary.On the other hand, the energy storage device can be configured to determine whether it is compatible with or authorized for use with the aerosol generating device and / or its accessories, and can also be configured to determine whether it meets the specifications further explained below, and can be configured to determine whether a safety mode is necessary. In this case, when the safety mode involves the electrical parameters (e.g., current, voltage, capacity) of the energy storage device or improvements as explained herein, the steps of operating the aerosol generating system in safety mode may include self-restraint of the operation of the energy storage device. Alternatively or additionally, when the safety mode includes measures taken by the aerosol generating device and / or its accessories, operating the aerosol generating system in safety mode may include sending a command signal from the energy storage device to the aerosol generating device and / or its accessories, the command signal instructing or causing the aerosol generating device and / or its accessories to implement the safety mode. The measures of the safety mode that can be performed by the energy storage device, the aerosol generating device, and / or its accessories will be further explained herein, and those skilled in the art will understand which of them can be performed by which component of the aerosol generating system.

[0019] When the method or steps of the method are performed by an energy storage device, a safety mode may include disconnecting the power switch of the energy storage device, thereby preventing the supply of electrical energy from the energy storage device to the aerosol generating device or its accessories. This can help prevent the energy storage device from being used in devices that are unauthorized and / or unsuitable for it. For example, the energy storage device may include a data communication line configured to establish a data connection from the processing circuitry of the energy storage device to the aerosol generating device and / or its accessories whenever the energy storage device is connected to one of the aerosol generating device or its accessories. For data communication, a serial communication bus, such as an integrated circuit bus (I2C), may be used. The energy storage device may use this data communication line to perform the steps of the methods described herein and to determine whether the energy storage device is an authorized energy storage device for the connected aerosol generating device or its accessories. In response to the result of this determination, the energy storage device may include a power switch, which may be arranged on the power line connecting the energy storage device to the aerosol generating device or its accessories. For example, the power switch may include one or more transistors, such as metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs). It can be disabled by default and only activated when the energy storage device is successfully authorized, i.e., when it is determined that the energy storage device is authorized. When it is determined that the energy storage device is unauthorized, the safety mode can include disabling the power switch. To achieve this, the energy storage device's processing circuitry can send a control command to the power switch to turn it off (i.e., switch the switch to the OFF state). Conversely, when it is determined that the energy storage device is authorized, the energy storage device's processing circuitry can send a control command to the power switch to turn it on (i.e., switch the switch to the ON state), thereby allowing the use of the energy storage device.

[0020] The method according to this disclosure may also include reading specification information representing the specifications of the energy storage device; determining, based on the specification information, whether the energy storage device meets the predetermined specification requirements of the aerosol generation system; and, if it is determined that the energy storage device does not meet the predetermined specification requirements, operating the aerosol generation system in a safe mode. As will be further explained below, the specification information may be any information relating to the capabilities of the energy storage device, such as the current and / or maximum capacity of the energy storage device, or the maximum charging or discharging current or voltage of the energy storage device. The specification information may be any information about the capabilities of the energy storage device that may be necessary to determine whether the aerosol generation system (i.e., the aerosol generation device and / or its accessories) can be successfully operated using the energy storage device. Therefore, the predetermined specification requirements of the aerosol generation system may relate to requirements that the energy storage device must meet so that the aerosol generation device and / or its accessories can be operated normally without any performance constraints. Therefore, these specification requirements may be predetermined by the specific construction of the aerosol generation device and / or its accessories to which the energy storage device is connected. In other words, in principle, if the energy storage device meets the predetermined specifications, the aerosol generation system can operate normally, even if the energy storage device is unauthorized, i.e., without a safety mode. Conversely, if the energy storage device does not meet the predetermined specifications, the aerosol generation system can operate in safety mode. The specifications can be stored at the aerosol generation device and / or its accessories and / or the energy storage device, or retrieved from an online data storage device. When executed by the energy storage device according to the method of this disclosure, the energy storage device retrieves the specifications from the aerosol generation device and / or its accessories and / or the online data storage device.

[0021] The steps of providing identification information for the energy storage device and reading specification information indicating the specifications of the energy storage device, along with further steps using the corresponding information, can be performed in any order. In other words, the method may include first having the energy storage device provide identification information, for example, followed by determining whether the energy storage device is an authorized or unauthorized energy storage device based on the identification information, and then reading specification information indicating the specifications of the energy storage device, for example, followed by determining whether the energy storage device meets the predetermined specification requirements of the aerosol generation system based on the specification information. Alternatively, the method may include first reading specification information indicating the specifications of the energy storage device, for example, followed by determining whether the energy storage device meets the predetermined specification requirements of the aerosol generation system based on the specification information, and then having the energy storage device provide identification information, for example, followed by determining whether the energy storage device is an authorized or unauthorized energy storage device based on the identification information.

[0022] It can be stipulated that the aerosol generation system be operated in safety mode when the energy storage device is determined to be unauthorized or does not meet any of the predetermined specification requirements defined or determined by the specification information. For example, it can be stipulated that the aerosol generation system be operated in safety mode when the energy storage device is determined to be unauthorized and does not meet the predetermined specification requirements. In this case, the energy storage device has been manufactured and / or distributed by a third party, and the capacity of the energy storage device is insufficient to operate the aerosol generation system normally. As another example, it can be stipulated that the aerosol generation system be operated in safety mode when the energy storage device is determined to be unauthorized but meets the predetermined specification requirements. In this case, even if the energy storage device has the capacity to maintain the normal operation of the aerosol generation system, the energy source may still pose a greater risk of damage to the system or danger to the user because it may have been manufactured according to quality standards lower than those of authorized energy storage devices. Therefore, operation in safety mode may be a precaution, for example, for liability or warranty reasons. Of course, it can also be stipulated that the aerosol generation system be operated normally without safety mode when the energy storage device is determined to be unauthorized but meets the predetermined specification requirements. For example, an unauthorized energy storage device may be guaranteed by a trusted third party, which could be the manufacturer or controlling entity of the energy storage device. In this case, the specification information may include quality assurance information issued by the manufacturer or controlling entity. This quality assurance information may, for example, include information about whether the energy storage device can provide a quantitative and / or qualitative experience to the user. For example, such information may relate to charging time, maximum thermal development, number of heating processes, maximum safe current for providing the desired heating profile, or any other parameters as mentioned herein. If this information is issued by a trusted third party, it may substitute for or supplement the specification information as explained herein, and therefore can be used to determine whether the energy storage device meets predetermined specification requirements. As another example, it may be stipulated that the aerosol generation system be operated in a safe mode when the energy storage device is determined to be authorized but does not meet predetermined specification requirements. This may occur when an energy storage device configured for use in an aerosol generation device is used in an accessory device, or vice versa. In this case, because the energy storage device is authorized, it is known that it meets the quality standards set by the manufacturer of the aerosol generation device and / or accessory device. Therefore, a safety mode can be used to adjust the operation of an aerosol generation system so that operation is still permitted even if predetermined specifications are not met, albeit in safety mode. Using a safety mode prevents any risk or danger to the user and the device. Finally, it can also be stipulated that the aerosol generation system can operate normally without a safety mode when the energy storage device is determined to be authorized and meets predetermined specifications.In this case, it can be assumed that the energy storage device is manufactured according to the quality standards of the manufacturer of the aerosol generation device and / or its accessories.

[0023] According to various aspects of the invention, the specification information of the energy storage device can be specified to be read from any of the memory of the energy storage device, the associated device, the aerosol generating device, or the processing circuitry system, or via a wireless or wired connection from a remote device such as an online data storage device. For example, the specification information can be read from the data storage device or memory of the energy storage device or processing circuitry system (e.g., the processing circuitry system of the energy storage device, aerosol generating device, or associated device). For example, the specification information, particularly the specification information of authorized energy storage devices, can be stored together with the identification information of the energy storage device in a database. Therefore, the energy storage device, aerosol generating device, and / or associated device can be configured to look up specification information in the database. The database can be stored, for example, in the processing circuitry system (e.g., the memory of the processing circuitry system) and / or the battery fuel gauge of the aerosol generating device, associated device, or energy storage device. Alternatively, the database can also be stored in a remote device, such as an online data storage device, for example, a web server or cloud service, which can be maintained, for example, by the manufacturer of the energy storage device and / or the aerosol generating device and / or associated device. In this scenario, access to the database can be provided via an internet connection, such as a wireless internet connection, which can be provided by the aerosol generation system itself or by the user's computing device, such as a smartphone, smartwatch, tablet, desktop computer, laptop computer, smart TV, etc. Where the specifications include technical parameters of the energy storage device, such as electrical parameters, the specifications can also be read directly from the energy storage device. For example, the processing circuitry can determine parameters such as the energy storage device's capacity, the voltage and current when charging or discharging the energy storage device, the energy storage device's impedance, etc., at the energy storage device's own level, for example, by monitoring these parameters or based on collected values ​​provided by the charging circuitry and / or battery fuel gauge of the energy storage device and / or aerosol generation system. In other words, specification information of an energy storage device can be collected or read from test circuitry or sensing circuitry (e.g., charging circuitry and / or battery fuel gauge of an energy storage device and / or aerosol generation system). For example, this method can be performed by one or more devices of an aerosol generation or aerosol forming system upon first use of the energy storage device by providing a test method for collecting parameters of the energy storage device to determine specification information. Specifically, the charging circuitry and / or battery fuel gauge can be provided on the energy storage device, the aerosol generation system, or both. In either case, the mentioned parameters can be read or determined from the energy storage device. Therefore, this disclosure provides an indirect method for obtaining specification information representing the specifications of an energy storage device by reading or obtaining specification information from a data storage device or memory.On the other hand, a direct method is also provided to obtain specification information by directly testing the energy storage device or determining the technical or electrical parameters of the energy storage device, for example by means of a charging circuit and / or a battery fuel gauge, which may be provided, for example, at the energy storage device and / or aerosol generation system.

[0024] Returning to the determination of identification information and whether the energy storage device is authorized, the step of determining whether the energy storage device is authorized or unauthorized may include authenticating the energy storage device using one or more keys. For example, identification information read from or provided by the energy storage device may include one or more keys. The key can be any string of numbers, letters, and / or symbols. The key may be stored at or on the energy storage device, or it may be determined by the energy storage device, for example, by hashing or encrypting data received from another device, such as an aerosol generating device or an associated device. Thus, one or more keys can act as a password that, when correctly determined, authenticates the energy storage device. In a possible implementation, the key may be stored in the battery fuel gauge of the energy storage device.

[0025] As a specific example, the steps for determining whether an energy storage device is an authorized or unauthorized energy storage device may include: receiving a first key at a processing circuit system; determining a first authentication code based on the first key and a second key stored in the processing circuit system, wherein the identification information of the energy storage device includes the second authentication code; and comparing the first authentication code and the second authentication code, wherein when the first authentication code and the second authentication code match, the energy storage device is determined to be authorized. For example, the processing circuit system of the energy storage device may receive the first key, for example, from an aerosol generating device or an associated device. The processing circuit system of the energy storage device may then use the first key to determine the first authentication code, for example, by combining the first key with the second key stored in the processing circuit system and / or the fuel meter, via an algorithm. Alternatively, a second authentication code included in the identification information of the energy storage device, for example, stored in the fuel meter, may be provided. The authorization of the energy storage device can then be determined by comparing the first authentication code and the second authentication code. If the first authentication code and the second authentication code match, for example, because they are identical, the energy storage device is authorized.

[0026] Determining whether an energy storage device is authorized can also be performed by the aerosol generating device and / or its associated devices. For this purpose, a processing circuitry system, such as that of the aerosol generating device and / or its associated devices, can be specified to send a first key to the energy storage device and determine a first authentication code from the first key and a second key stored in the processing circuitry system of the aerosol generating device and / or its associated devices. Furthermore, identification information of the energy storage device may include a second authentication code read from the energy storage device, such as its battery fuel gauge, after the energy storage device receives the first key. As explained above, the energy storage device can be configured to determine a second authentication code from the first key and the second key stored in or at the energy storage device. The processing circuitry system, such as that of the aerosol generating device and / or its associated devices, can then receive the second authentication code from the energy storage device. Determining whether the energy storage device is authorized or unauthorized may then include comparing the first authentication code and the second authentication code, wherein when the first authentication code and the second authentication code match, the energy storage device is determined to be authorized. In this case, it can be concluded that the second key used to determine the first authentication code by the aerosol generating device and / or its supporting devices is the same as the second key used to determine the second authentication code by the energy storage device. Furthermore, it can be concluded that the method for determining the first authentication code, such as the algorithm, is the same as the method for determining the second authentication code, such as the algorithm. This is the case when the energy storage device is an authorized energy storage device, and therefore it can be determined in this manner.

[0027] Determining whether an energy storage device is authorized can also be performed online, for example, on a server device such as a web server or cloud service. To do this, it can be stipulated that the server device sends a first key to the energy storage device and determines a first authentication code from the first key and a second key stored in the server device. Furthermore, the energy storage device's identification information may include a second authentication code read from the energy storage device, such as its battery fuel gauge, after the energy storage device receives the first key. As explained above, the energy storage device can be configured to determine the second authentication code from the first key and the second key stored in or at the energy storage device. The server device can then receive the second authentication code from the energy storage device. Determining whether the energy storage device is authorized or unauthorized may then include comparing the first and second authentication codes as explained above. This online determination using keys can be used alone or in combination with online comparisons of historical lifecycle data, as explained in more detail below.

[0028] As described above, the first authentication code and / or the second authentication code can be determined by combining the first and second keys using an algorithm. For example, it can be specified that the first and second authentication codes are determined by encrypting or hashing the first and second keys using any of the following algorithms: Secure Hash Algorithm (SHA), Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), Hash-based Message Authentication Code (HMAC), HMAC-SHA (especially HMAC-SHA256), HMAC-based Key Derivation Function (HKDF), Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC), and Rivest-Shamir-Adleman (RSA). However, any suitable algorithm can be used to encrypt or hash the first and second keys in a manner that provides the first and / or second authentication codes. The choice of a specific algorithm can depend on how secure the process needs to be, and also on the computing power and / or software and / or hardware available in the corresponding processing circuitry.

[0029] This disclosure also addresses the possibility that third parties may attempt to circumvent the identification of energy storage devices according to various aspects of this disclosure. For example, a third party may attempt to remove identification information or circuitry containing identification information, such as processing circuitry or other identifying features like memory or data storage devices, from an authorized energy storage device and use them on an unauthorized energy storage device, thereby impersonating an authorized one. However, it is still possible to distinguish between authorized energy storage devices and this situation. To this end, the method according to this disclosure may include storing historical lifecycle data of the energy storage device in the processing circuitry and / or online data storage devices, such as web servers or cloud services, during use of the aerosol generation system. The historical lifecycle data may be stored continuously or intermittently, for example, each time the aerosol generation device is used to generate aerosols, i.e., stored during each use process. In this way, information about the last saved lifecycle state of the energy storage device is available, provided by the historical lifecycle data, and therefore stored externally to the energy storage device. It may also be specified that the identification information of the energy storage device includes an energy storage device identifier and current lifecycle data. The energy storage device identifier may be any data or string that identifies the energy storage device, preferably uniquely identifying the energy storage device. The current lifecycle data relates to the latest information about the lifecycle status of the energy storage device currently being read from or provided by the energy storage device. The step of determining whether an energy storage device is an authorized or unauthorized energy storage device may then include comparing the current lifecycle data provided in the identification information with historical lifecycle data for the energy storage device's identifier stored in the processing circuitry system and / or online data storage device. In other words, the latest information about the energy storage device's lifecycle status currently being read from or provided by the energy storage device is compared with the last saved lifecycle status of the energy storage device provided by the historical lifecycle data. Then, when the lifecycle data read from the energy storage device matches the lifecycle data stored in the processing circuitry system and / or online data storage device, it can be determined that the energy storage device is authorized. In other words, when the current lifecycle data and the historical lifecycle data match, it can then be determined that the energy storage device is authorized. This is naturally always the case when the energy storage device identifier is consistently associated with the same energy storage device or energy storage unit(s) or battery unit(s). Conversely, when the current lifecycle data and the historical lifecycle data do not match, it can be determined that the energy storage device is unauthorized.This discrepancy can only be explained by the use of energy storage device identifiers with different energy storage devices at different points in their lifecycle, for example, because a third party attempts to impersonate an unauthorized energy storage device as an authorized one by retrieving the energy storage device identifier of an authorized energy storage device. In addition to historical lifecycle data, any or any combination of parameters from the identification and specification information mentioned herein can also be sent to an online data storage device. The online data storage device can compare these values ​​with values ​​previously stored, such as those stored concurrently with historical lifecycle data. Differences determined in this way can also lead to the discovery of unauthorized energy storage devices.

[0030] The energy storage device identifier can be, for example, a serial number or a Codentify. Alternatively, any string of numbers, letters, or symbols suitable for uniquely identifying the energy storage device can be used.

[0031] Lifecycle data on an energy storage device may include at least one of the following: the maximum capacity of the energy storage device, the internal resistance of the energy storage device, the voltage profile during charging and / or discharging, the current profile during charging and / or discharging, the temperature or temperature profile varying with the discharge and charge currents, the state of charge of the energy storage device, and the health status of the energy storage device. These parameters can be determined from the charging circuitry and / or fuel gauge of the energy storage device and / or aerosol generation system, or from a temperature sensor, and therefore from the energy storage device itself. They can be used to identify whether an energy storage device, such as one or more units (i.e., electrochemical units), has been altered or tampered with. Thus, even if a third party attempts to impersonate an authorized energy storage device using genuine identification information, such as the energy storage device identifier, an unauthorized third-party energy storage device, particularly multiple units of the energy storage device, can be identified.

[0032] Identification information can be provided on energy storage devices in different ways. Some of these are explained in more detail herein. It should be noted that these options and features are not mutually exclusive and can be freely combined in any way.

[0033] For example, the step of providing identification information for an energy storage device may be specified to include providing an identifier for the energy storage device by a radio frequency identification (RFID) device, such as the previously mentioned energy storage device identifier. The RFID device may be, for example, a near field communication (NFC) device. The RFID device may be passive or active. The step of determining whether the energy storage device is an authorized or unauthorized energy storage device may include determining whether the identifier provided by the energy storage device matches the identifier of an authorized energy storage device. As previously explained, this can be performed by comparing the identifier provided by the energy storage device with a database, such as a database stored in a processing circuit system or an online database.

[0034] In another example, the step of providing identification information for an energy storage device may include measuring the impedance of the energy storage device, circuitry, or both. According to this disclosure, impedance may refer to the resistivity and / or resistance of the energy storage device. This may also be measured by the charging circuitry and / or battery fuel gauge of the energy storage device and / or aerosol generation system, or at the charging circuitry and / or battery fuel gauge. The measurement may be performed or controlled by a processing circuitry system. Furthermore, the step of determining whether the energy storage device is an authorized or unauthorized energy storage device may include determining whether the impedance of the energy storage device, circuitry, or both is matched, preferably matching the impedance of an authorized energy storage device (e.g., an impedance reference value for an authorized energy storage device) within a predetermined tolerance range. The energy storage device may also include passive or active electrical or electronic circuitry, such as identification circuitry, or passive or active electrical or electronic circuitry operatively connected to the energy storage device as a separate element for authentication purposes only. This circuitry has at least distinct passive elements (e.g., one or more resistors R, one or more capacitors C, and one or more inductors L) to provide a defined impedance and thus a frequency response unique to an authorized energy storage device or a group or class of authorized energy storage devices, thereby acting as an electrical identification circuit. Based on the signal applied to the passive electronic circuitry, the response can be read and analyzed to determine whether the energy storage device is authorized. Similar to the identifier, the measured impedance of the energy storage device, circuitry, or both can be compared to a database, such as one stored in a processing circuitry system or stored online, which includes impedance values ​​or impedance reference values ​​for authorized energy storage devices and / or their corresponding circuitry, such as the identification circuitry explained above. Since impedance measurements can be affected by various factors, such as environmental factors, a predetermined tolerance range is preferably used. For example, the predetermined tolerance range could be 1% or 5% or 10% or 15% or 20%. If the measured impedance differs from the impedance of an authorized energy storage device, circuit, or both (preferably in either direction) by at most a predetermined tolerance range, the energy storage device is still considered authorized.

[0035] More specifically, measuring the impedance of an energy storage device or passive electronic circuit, or both, may include measuring the impedance response of the energy storage device, circuit, or both to an alternating voltage or current at at least one frequency, or to an alternating voltage or current at at least two different frequencies, or to an alternating voltage or current within at least one or more frequency ranges. The frequency, multiple frequencies, frequency ranges, or multiple frequency ranges may be predetermined to allow for comparison of the measurement results. In other words, the impedance of the energy storage device, circuit, or both may be measured using the same frequency, multiple frequencies, frequency ranges, or multiple frequency ranges used to generate the impedance reference values ​​for authorized energy storage devices and / or their corresponding circuits. The accuracy of the results may be improved by using more than one frequency, frequency range, or even more than one frequency range.

[0036] The impedance response of an energy storage device or passive electronic circuit, or both, can be compared with the impedance of a licensed energy storage device in any suitable manner. For example, the step of determining whether an energy storage device is licensed or unlicensed may include creating a Bode plot and / or Nyquist plot of its impedance response, and determining whether the Bode plot and / or Nyquist plot of the energy storage device's impedance response matches the Bode plot and / or Nyquist plot of a licensed energy storage device and / or its corresponding circuit. In this case, the impedance reference value of the licensed energy storage device can also be provided as a Bode plot and / or Nyquist plot. Robust and accurate tools exist for comparing these plots, making it possible to obtain highly reliable results regarding whether the impedance response of an energy storage device matches that of a licensed energy storage device.

[0037] In another example, the step of providing identification information for an energy storage device may include reading an identifier of the energy storage device from an optically readable mark, such as the energy storage device identifier mentioned above, which may be a barcode, matrix code, or quick response (QR) code. This can be achieved, for example, by using an optical reader, such as a camera, to read the mark. The camera may be included by the aerosol generating device and / or its accessory and / or another device having a data connection to the aerosol generating device and / or its accessory and / or the energy storage device. For example, the camera or other type of optical reader may be arranged inside a housing configured to receive the energy storage device at least partially, for example, in the connection area further mentioned below. The camera may be arranged such that when the energy storage device is at least partially inserted into the housing of the aerosol generating device and / or its accessory, the optically readable mark on the energy storage device remains within the camera's field of view. The step of determining whether the energy storage device is an authorized or unauthorized energy storage device may include determining whether the identifier read from the energy storage device matches the identifier of an authorized energy storage device. Again, this can be achieved by comparing the identifier with a database as explained above.

[0038] In another example, the identification information of the energy storage device may include a predetermined three-dimensional or geometric shape of the energy storage device. For example, the energy storage device may include protrusions and / or recesses configured such that the energy storage device can only mate and / or electrically connect to an aerosol generating device and / or its accessory, which are correspondingly configured to at least partially receive and / or electrically connect to an energy storage device of exactly this three-dimensional or geometric shape. In other words, the energy storage device may be configured to only mate with a key to a lock of a corresponding configuration, the lock being implemented by an aerosol generating device and / or its accessory of a corresponding shape. Therefore, the aerosol generating device and / or its accessory may include corresponding protrusions and / or recesses that match the imprint-like protrusions and / or recesses of the energy storage device. The step of determining whether the energy storage device is an authorized or unauthorized energy storage device may include determining whether the three-dimensional shape of the energy storage device is complementary to the three-dimensional shape of the connection area of ​​the aerosol generating device or an accessory configured to charge the aerosol generating device with electrical energy. The connection area can be an area within the aerosol generating device and / or its accessories where corresponding protrusions and / or recesses that match the protrusions and / or recesses of the energy storage device are arranged. Therefore, the connection area can be configured to receive the protrusions and / or recesses of the energy storage device. The energy storage device is determined to be authorized only if its shape matches or conforms to the shape of the aerosol generating device and / or its accessories. Different levels of security in this example can be achieved by using different tolerance measures for the fit between the energy storage device and the aerosol generating device and / or its accessories. The authenticity of the energy storage device can also be determined by optically reading a predetermined three-dimensional or geometric shape.

[0039] The present disclosure now addresses the determination of specification information and whether an energy storage device meets predetermined specification requirements. According to the method, the step of determining whether an energy storage device meets predetermined specification requirements includes comparing the read specification information with the predetermined specification requirements or the specification information of an energy storage device that meets the predetermined specification requirements. The predetermined specification requirements may represent the minimum capability of an energy storage device capable of maintaining normal operation of the aerosol generating apparatus and / or its associated equipment. For example, the predetermined specification requirements may relate to the electrical parameters or capabilities of the energy storage device. Since these parameters or capabilities can generally be expressed as numerical values, a predetermined tolerance range may be specified for the specification information and / or specification requirements that include numerical values. The predetermined tolerance range may be, for example, 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20%. The read specification information is determined to meet the specification requirements when the difference between the read specification information and the predetermined specification requirements and / or the specification information of an energy storage device that meets the predetermined specification requirements is at most the predetermined tolerance range.

[0040] Generally, the specification information of an energy storage device, or specification information representing the specifications of an energy storage device, may include one or more different pieces of information or data. Several examples are given herein. The specification information of an energy storage device may include any one or any combination of the examples given in this disclosure. For example, the specification information of an energy storage device may include the name of the manufacturer of the energy storage device, the date of manufacture of the energy storage device, and the identifier of the energy storage device, such as a serial number and / or Codentify. As explained above, these examples may also be included in the identification information of the energy storage device. These examples may be included in both the identification information and the specification information. However, this disclosure explicitly also includes cases where the identification information and the specification information do not overlap. In other words, the identification information and the specification information may be different from each other, meaning that information already present in the identification information is not included in or excluded from the specification information, and vice versa.

[0041] Specification information may include information about the capabilities of the energy storage infrastructure included in or with the energy storage device, in addition to the energy storage unit(s)(e.g., multiple) electrochemical cell(s)(e.g., multiple) energy storage units(s). For example, specification information may include whether the energy storage device includes a battery fuel gauge. A battery fuel gauge is a sensor used to determine the state of charge (SOC) of the energy storage device. This can be determined, for example, based on the voltage currently available at the energy storage device. Other methods may include a process called coulomb counting. Thus, if available, a battery fuel gauge can provide different measurements, which in turn provide information about the energy storage device itself. Therefore, the presence or absence of a battery fuel gauge can be an important factor in the specification information of the energy storage device.

[0042] Another capability information that can be included in the specifications regarding the energy storage device infrastructure is whether the energy storage device includes a temperature sensor. Since many parameters of an energy storage device, including the voltage and current it can provide, are temperature-dependent, the availability of a temperature sensor can also be an important factor when discussing the capabilities or specifications of an energy storage device. The absence of a temperature sensor may prevent the use of temperature-dependent charging settings typically required by energy storage devices, thus creating potential safety risks. A temperature sensor could be, for example, a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor.

[0043] In cases where the energy storage device includes a temperature sensor, the specifications may also include one or more temperature profiles of the energy storage device's temperature under load. For example, the specifications may include temperature profiles of the energy storage device's temperature during charging and / or discharging. Temperature profiles may be acquired during normal operation of the aerosol generation system or during measurement cycles in which the energy storage device is charged or discharged at a predetermined rate and / or time or with a predetermined current and / or voltage. The temperature profiles can then be compared to those of energy storage devices that meet specifications. The temperature of the energy storage device may be important for the safe operation of the system or device, especially since the device itself may also include a heater that can provide additional heating to the energy storage device. Therefore, temperature profiles as described above may be useful in determining whether a system's safe temperature threshold will be exceeded. Alternatively or additionally, the specifications may also include the resistance value of a temperature sensor, such as an NTC thermistor, measured along with the sensor's temperature value or temperature range. For example, the resistance of the temperature sensor may be measured along with the temperature. A nominal range of the temperature sensor's resistance value may be given, for example, at a specific temperature or within a temperature range, and may be used to determine whether the temperature sensor's resistance value meets or does not meet specifications.

[0044] In addition, specifications may also include parameters directly related to the energy storage device itself and its capabilities. For example, specifications may include the nominal maximum capacity of the energy storage device, measured in ampere-hours (Ah). The nominal maximum capacity may be the capacity of the energy storage device when it is new and fully charged. During use and with increasing charge-discharge cycles, the energy storage device may age, and its maximum capacity may decrease below the nominal maximum capacity. Therefore, specifications may also include the actual maximum capacity of the energy storage device. This actual maximum capacity may also be measured as the state of health (SOH) of the energy storage device, which can be defined as the actual maximum capacity divided by the nominal maximum capacity, for example, expressed as a percentage. Therefore, specifications may also include the state of health of the energy storage device. The actual maximum capacity of the energy storage device can be measured before the energy storage device has undergone a predetermined number of charge-discharge cycles. Since the aging of an energy storage device depends on multiple factors, the impact of aging on the maximum capacity of the energy storage device may be more meaningful at the beginning of the aging process (meaning before the energy storage device has undergone a predetermined number of charge-discharge cycles). The predetermined number of charge-discharge cycles can be, for example, 10 cycles, 50 cycles, 100 cycles, 300 cycles, 500 cycles, or 1000 cycles.

[0045] In another example, the specifications may include the maximum charging voltage of the energy storage device. The maximum charging voltage of the energy storage device may be the voltage during a constant voltage regulation mode when charging the energy storage device. Furthermore, the specifications may include the maximum charging current of the energy storage device. The maximum charging current of the energy storage device may be the current during a constant current regulation mode when charging the energy storage device. The specifications may also include the discharge termination voltage of the energy storage device. This may be a voltage below which the energy storage device should generally not be discharged to avoid accelerating the aging of the energy storage device. As another example, the specifications may include the maximum discharge current of the energy storage device. The specifications may also include the internal resistance and / or impedance of the energy storage device. As explained above, the maximum discharge current and / or internal resistance and / or impedance of the energy storage device may also be measured before the energy storage device has undergone a predetermined number of charge-discharge cycles.

[0046] As an additional example, the specifications may also relate to battery protection settings. These settings can be implemented, for example, through software or firmware, such as through a specific configuration of the charging circuitry and / or through a specific configuration of the energy storage device's processing circuitry system, such as the controller. Battery protection settings that may be included in the specifications may be, for example, settings related to at least one of overvoltage, undervoltage, overcurrent, short circuit, low-voltage charging prohibition, overtemperature, undertemperature, precharge timeout, and fast charge timeout. Because these settings may be specific to the type of energy storage device used, they may also be useful in determining the capabilities of the energy storage device.

[0047] As described above, the specification information may include any one and any combination of the examples given herein. Therefore, the specification information may include two or more aspects of the energy storage device mentioned in the examples. Where the specification information of the energy storage device relates to at least two aspects of the energy storage device, these aspects may be weighted differently. For example, different aspects included in the specification information may be assigned different importance and thus reflected differently in the measures included in the safety mode. As a specific example, when the specification information includes whether the energy storage device includes a battery fuel gauge and it is determined that the energy storage device does not include a battery fuel gauge, this can be given significant weight, for example, leading to a safety mode that includes preventing the aerosol generating device from generating aerosols and / or preventing the ancillary device from charging the aerosol generating device with electrical energy. In other words, when the energy storage device does not include a battery fuel gauge, the operation of the aerosol generating system can be stopped or prevented. The same applies to the case where the energy storage device does not include a temperature sensor. In a given example, the absence of a battery fuel gauge or temperature sensor is weighted as very important and thus results in strong restrictions on the operation of the aerosol generating system. As another example, the specification information may include information about the maximum charging voltage / current of the energy storage device. If these values ​​are below predetermined specifications, the aerosol generation system can operate in a safe mode, albeit with fewer constraints or restrictions. For example, a safe mode might allow the aerosol generation device to generate aerosols and / or allow ancillary devices to charge the aerosol generation device with electrical energy. However, a safe mode might include, for example, constraints on the rate at which the energy storage device is charged. In this case, while operation of the aerosol generation system is generally permitted, it can be restricted compared to operation outside of the safe mode. It can be specified that when the specifications include more than one aspect, the safe mode can be configured according to the aspect with the highest weight or considered most important. In other words, the safe mode can always include the most stringent measures, limitations, or constraints based on any one of the aspects included in the specifications. For example, when the specifications include both the maximum charging voltage / current of the energy storage device and the fact that the energy storage device does not have a battery fuel gauge, the safe mode could include stopping or preventing the operation of the aerosol generation system. Not only the examples mentioned, but all examples given herein can be weighted differently when they are included in the specifications.

[0048] Each aspect included in the specification information can be assigned a numerical value, representing whether and / or to what extent the corresponding aspect of the energy storage device meets predetermined specification requirements. It can then be specified that a numerical score be determined based on the specification information, for example, as the sum or average of the values ​​assigned to each aspect. Therefore, the numerical scores can collectively represent all aspects included in the specification information. Determining whether the energy storage device meets the predetermined specification requirements of the aerosol generating device or its accessories can then include determining the degree to which the numerical scores match the predetermined scores. The predetermined scores can be the scores possessed by an energy storage device that meets all predetermined specification requirements. Therefore, by comparing the numerical scores with the predetermined scores, the degree to which the energy storage device meets the predetermined specification requirements can be determined. Thus, the numerical scores can be used to determine which measures or restrictions, or to what extent, should be included in the safety mode. Therefore, operating the aerosol generating device or its accessories in the safety mode can be adjusted to the degree to which the numerical scores match the predetermined scores.

[0049] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, information or data relating to identification information and / or specification information can be read or requested by a processing circuitry system. For example, the processing circuitry system of an aerosol generating device and / or its associated devices can read or request information or data from an energy storage device, such as from the charging circuitry and / or battery fuel gauge and / or the processing circuitry system of the energy storage device. Some of the data can also be read or requested from a battery fuel gauge provided in the aerosol generating system, which can be used to determine the values ​​of parameters of the energy storage device, such as any one or any combination of voltage, current, capacity, and impedance. Conversely, the processing circuitry system of the energy storage device can read or request information or data from the aerosol generating device and / or its associated devices or its processing circuitry system. Such reading or requesting of information is, of course, only successful if the other side of the information reading or requesting is able to process these requests or can be read in an assumed manner. If this is not the case, the information cannot be read or the information request cannot be answered correctly. In this scenario, it must be assumed that the energy storage device and aerosol generating device and / or associated equipment are not properly paired, and that an unauthorized energy storage device and / or an energy storage device that does not meet specifications is being used. Therefore, it can be stipulated that if the step of providing the identification information of the energy storage device fails or the result is incomprehensible, the energy storage device is identified as an unauthorized energy storage device. Furthermore, it can be stipulated that if reading the specification information of the energy storage device fails or the result is incomprehensible, the energy storage device is determined to not meet predetermined specifications. In these cases, if the operation of the aerosol generating device and / or associated equipment is entirely possible, a safe mode is instructed to be used.

[0050] Generally, a safety mode may include any measures or restrictions on the operation of the aerosol generating system that may improve the safety of the user or the system itself, or both, even if the energy storage device is unauthorized and / or does not meet specifications. Where it is impossible to determine safe operation of the aerosol generating system, it may be specified that operating the aerosol generating system in a safety mode includes preventing the aerosol generating system from operating to generate aerosols or preventing the aerosol generating system from being charged with electrical energy. In other words, for example, in a so-called strict safety mode, the operation of the aerosol generating system may be completely stopped if the energy storage device used is deemed too unsafe to continue operating. However, this is only a worst-case scenario, and a safety mode may include one or more measures that limit or constrain the operation of the aerosol generating system without completely stopping or preventing operation.

[0051] This document outlines some exemplary measures that may be included or incorporated into a safety mode. However, any combination of two or more of these measures may also be included in a safety mode. For example, operating an aerosol generation system in safety mode may include presenting warnings to the user, such as visual, acoustic, or tactile warnings. Warnings may be presented to the user by the aerosol generation system, such as by an aerosol generation device or its associated device or energy storage device. For example, warnings may be presented to the user via a display, such as a touchscreen, LED, vibration motor, speaker, or any other suitable device. Warnings may also be sent from the aerosol generation system to an external computing device, such as a smartphone, smartwatch, tablet, desktop computer, laptop computer, smart TV, or any other suitable device that can subsequently display the warning to the user. Warnings may include, for example, information that the energy storage device is an unauthorized energy storage device and / or that the energy storage device does not meet predetermined specifications. Furthermore, warnings may include information about the safety mode and what measures, constraints, or limitations are included in the safety mode.

[0052] Operating an aerosol generation system in safe mode may also include requiring the user to actively consent to the continued operation of the aerosol generation system. For example, the processing circuitry system may require the user to actively input control commands, such as via an input device, indicating that the user understands that the energy storage device is not authorized and / or does not meet specifications, and that the user still wishes to continue using the aerosol generation system, even if this means reducing their own and / or the system's safety.

[0053] As another example, operating an aerosol generation system in safe mode may include presenting the user with recommendations on obtaining an authorized energy storage device. The recommendations may also include at least one piece of information regarding how, where, and when to obtain the authorized energy storage device. Furthermore, the recommendations may include information on why an authorized energy storage device is preferable to the currently used one. This information may, for example, incorporate identification and / or specification information, allowing the user to be presented with information specifically about the currently used energy storage device. For instance, the user may be presented with information on where retailers selling authorized energy storage devices can be found in their vicinity. Moreover, the user may be presented with information about online stores that deliver authorized energy storage devices to the user's location or place of residence.

[0054] There are numerous possibilities for how the operation of an aerosol generation system can be constrained or limited in safety mode. For example, operating an aerosol generation system in safety mode may include limiting the charging settings of the energy storage device, thereby forcing the energy storage device to charge more slowly than an authorized energy storage device. The charging settings may involve, for example, any or any combination of charging current, termination current, pre-charge current, regulating voltage, or similar charging parameters. Furthermore, the state of charge or capacity to which the energy storage device is recharged in each recharge operation may be limited. This can increase the lifespan of the energy storage device. As another example, the charging settings available from the energy storage device of a companion device for charging the aerosol generation device may also be limited, causing the companion device to charge the aerosol generation device more slowly than when using an authorized energy storage device. Again, the charging settings may involve, for example, any or any combination of charging current, termination current, pre-charge current, regulating voltage, or similar charging parameters. Additionally, the heating temperature of the heater or heater assembly or heating element of the aerosol generation device may be limited, thereby reducing the peak load on the energy storage device. It can also be specified that the number of usage processes available to the user before the energy storage device must be recharged can be limited. The number of usage processes available to the user within a predetermined time period can also be limited. The predetermined time period can be, for example, a quarter hour, half an hour, one hour, three hours, six hours, twelve hours, or a day. Alternatively, the frequency of usage processes available to the user can be limited. On the other hand, compared to normal operation, the duration of a user process or the number of suctions during usage processes can be shortened, or the number of suctions per given time can be limited or reduced, for example, by limiting the suction frequency, suction duration, suction volume or amount, etc. For example, the volume, intensity, power, energy, or amount of a single suction performed by the user can be limited. This can be provided, for example, in an aerosol generating device that controls when and for how long a user can suction on an aerosol-generating article or matrix. For example, activation of a heating element triggered by the user's first suction or aspiration can be sustained for a predetermined amount of time. At this time, an aerosol is generated, and the user can suction or aspirate on the device or article or matrix to inhale the aerosol. Since suction can be controlled by the system itself, such as the aerosol generating device, limitations or constraints on suction can be easily imposed through programming executed by the control circuitry. Suction counts can describe the amount of suction or aspiration available to the user on the aerosol generating device for each usage process. Therefore, in other words, it can be specified that a safety mode includes rest periods between user processes or suction, particularly longer rest periods than outside of safety modes. These instances related to user processes can reduce the overall load on the energy storage device, and by increasing the rest periods, the stress on the energy storage device can be reduced.Moreover, these examples may be particularly advantageous when implemented in electronic cigarettes or electronic vapor devices.

[0055] Another example could be that operating an aerosol generation system in a safe mode could include performing energy storage device improvement operations, such as performing charge-discharge cycles between predetermined states of charge and / or capacity boundaries. For example, the energy storage device could be discharged to a lower threshold and then recharged to an upper threshold. The lower threshold could be, for example, a state of charge of 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, or 30%. The upper threshold could be, for example, a state of charge of 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, or 90%. Such charge-discharge cycles can benefit the overall lifespan of the energy storage device and can slow down its aging. For example, energy storage device improvement operations could be performed when the user is not using the aerosol generation system, such as during the night. It can be specified that energy storage device improvement operations be repeated periodically, for example, daily, weekly, or monthly. Furthermore, energy storage device improvement operations could include one or more of the described charge-discharge cycles.

[0056] Operating an aerosol generation system in safe mode can also include storing, updating, or sending warranty-related information, such as the warranty period for the aerosol generation device and / or associated devices. This information can be sent, for example, to the device manufacturer's server, such as a web server or cloud service. For instance, the warranty period can be shortened when unauthorized energy storage devices and / or energy storage devices that do not meet specifications are used. Information regarding warranty periods can be presented to users, particularly regarding changes to the warranty period due to the use of energy storage devices. In another example, in safe mode, usage data related to the use of unauthorized batteries and / or batteries that do not meet predetermined specifications can be stored or updated. This information can also be stored on the device manufacturer's online data storage device, such as a server, web server, or cloud service. In this way, the manufacturer can collect information about the types of energy storage devices used in the device, which can enable the manufacturer to improve user safety in the long term.

[0057] As previously mentioned, when an energy storage device is determined to be an unauthorized energy storage device and meets predetermined specification requirements, the aerosol generation system can be operated in a safe mode. In this case, using a less restrictive or less restrictive safe mode may be sufficient, which may, for example, only involve presenting information about the energy storage device to the user and may require their active consent to continue operation, for example, for liability reasons.

[0058] While this disclosure focuses on processes that may be implemented in cases involving the use of unauthorized energy storage devices and / or energy storage devices that do not meet specifications, monitoring the use of authorized energy storage devices may also be beneficial. For example, the method according to this disclosure may include storing, in the processing circuitry and / or online data storage device, the date and / or time the energy storage device is connected to the aerosol generating device or associated device when the energy storage device is determined to be authorized. The online data storage device may again be a manufacturer's web server or cloud service.

[0059] The method may further include storing information about how the energy storage device was acquired in the processing circuitry and / or online data storage device when the energy storage device is identified as an authorized energy storage device. For example, this information may include whether the energy storage device was purchased at a retail store, and specifically at which retail store, or whether the energy storage device was purchased online, and specifically at which online store. In this way, when the energy storage device has deteriorated to a predetermined level, the method may include presenting a recommendation to the user to acquire a replacement energy storage device in the same manner, for example, at the same retail or online store previously used by the user. The predetermined level, expressed as the State of Health (SOH) of the energy storage device, may be defined as the current maximum capacity of the energy storage device divided by its nominal maximum capacity, and may be, for example, 90% or 85% or 75% or 65% or 50%. In this way, user compliance in replacing the energy storage device can be improved, thereby enhancing the safety of both the user and the device.

[0060] To further improve user compliance in replacing energy storage devices that may pose a danger to the user or the device itself due to aging, users can be rewarded when it is determined that they are using authorized energy storage devices. For example, the method may include, when an energy storage device is determined to be authorized, storing the user's acquisition of authorized energy storage devices in a processing circuitry and / or online data storage device, and determining the user's score. The user's score may be, for example, a numerical value representing the number of authorized energy storage devices acquired by the user or proportional to the number of authorized energy storage devices acquired by the user. Titles, ranks, or symbols may be associated with different user scores and may be communicated to the user, for example, by displaying an information message to the user regarding their score, title, rank, or symbol. Additionally, the score may affect user reward programs, such as allowing the user to receive discounts or other promotional offers at retail or online stores, for example, for purchasing authorized energy storage devices.

[0061] According to another aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generation system is provided, the aerosol generation system comprising at least one of: an aerosol generation device, an auxiliary device configured to charge the aerosol generation device with electrical energy, or an energy storage device removably coupled to the aerosol generation device and / or the auxiliary device and configured to charge the aerosol generation device and / or the auxiliary device with electrical energy, the aerosol generation system including a processing circuit system configured to perform the steps of the method according to the present disclosure, particularly all steps. All features, functions, and advantages of the method according to the present disclosure may also be adapted to the aerosol generation system, and vice versa.

[0062] The aerosol generation system may, for example, include firmware executed by a processing circuitry system. The firmware may include program code that causes the processing circuitry system to perform the steps, preferably all, of the method according to this disclosure.

[0063] The aerosol generation system, particularly the aerosol generation device, may include an aerosol generation matrix or article, preferably wherein the aerosol generation device is configured to generate aerosols from the aerosol generation matrix or article.

[0064] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a computer program or computer program product or computer executable program code is provided, which, when executed by the processing circuitry of the aerosol generation system, causes the aerosol generation system to perform the steps, preferably all, of the method according to this disclosure. The computer program may be, for example, firmware, which can be implemented as firmware for an aerosol generation apparatus or an accessory device. All the features, functions, and advantages of the method according to this disclosure and the aerosol generation system also apply to the computer program, and vice versa.

[0065] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a computer-readable medium, such as a non-transitory computer-readable medium, is provided, wherein computer-executable program code is stored on the medium, and wherein the program code, when executed on a processing circuitry, computing device, or controller, causes the processing circuitry, computing device, or controller to perform the steps of the method according to this disclosure, preferably all steps. The medium may be included in or functionally connected to the controller of one of the respective devices, such as a microcontroller unit (MCU). All features, functions, and advantages of the method and aerosol generation system and computer program according to this disclosure also apply to the computer-readable medium, and vice versa. The controller on which the program code can be executed may be part of the processing circuitry of, for example, an aerosol generation device, an auxiliary device, or an energy storage device.

[0066] Examples of aerosol generation systems, namely aerosol generation devices, accessory devices, and / or energy storage devices, have been described in connection with the invention according to this disclosure. However, the methods described herein can be performed on any electrical or electronic device (e.g., a portable or handheld electrical or electronic device) having a removably connected or replaceable energy storage device or battery. Therefore, the methods are not limited to aerosol generation devices, accessory devices, or energy storage devices. Consequently, the methods, computer programs, and computer-readable media can also be claimed in a broader scope without reference to these specific devices. Therefore, all features, functions, and advantages of the methods of this disclosure, as well as further developments, are also applicable to other electrical or electronic devices, such as portable or handheld electrical or electronic devices with energy storage devices or batteries, such as smartphones, smartwatches, tablet computers, laptop computers, gaming devices (e.g., game consoles or game controllers), power banks, speakers, cameras, e-bikes, electric bicycles, headphones, in-ear headphones, portable medical devices (e.g., inhalers that can be configured to deliver vapors or aerosols, including pharmaceutical reagents, to a user's lungs by inhalation), and so on.

[0067] 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.

[0068] Example 1. A method implemented by a computer for managing the operation of an aerosol generation system and the energy supply from a removably coupled energy storage device, wherein the aerosol generation system includes a processing circuit system, the processing circuit system including at least one controller and / or processor, the method comprising:

[0069] The energy storage device provides the identification information of the energy storage device.

[0070] Based on the identification information, it is determined whether the energy storage device is an authorized or unauthorized energy storage device, and if it is determined that the energy storage device is an unauthorized energy storage device,

[0071] Operate the aerosol generation system in safe mode.

[0072] Example 2. According to the method described in Example 1,

[0073] The aerosol generation system includes at least one of the following: an aerosol generation device and / or an accessory device configured to charge the aerosol generation device with electrical energy and / or the energy storage device, the energy storage device being removably connected to the aerosol generation device and / or the accessory device and configured to charge the aerosol generation device and / or the accessory device with electrical energy.

[0074] Example 3. The method according to any one of the foregoing examples,

[0075] The method also includes

[0076] Read the specification information representing the specifications of the energy storage device;

[0077] Based on the specified specifications, determine whether the energy storage device meets the predetermined specifications of the aerosol generation system; and if it is determined that the energy storage device does not meet the predetermined specifications.

[0078] The aerosol generation system is operated in the aforementioned safety mode.

[0079] Example 4. Based on the method described in the previous example,

[0080] The aerosol generation system shall operate in the safe mode if the energy storage device is determined to be an unauthorized energy storage device or does not meet any of the predetermined specification requirements defined by the specification information.

[0081] Example 5. According to any one of Examples 3-4 above,

[0082] The specification information of the energy storage device is read from either the energy storage device or the memory of the processing circuit system, or from a remote device such as an online data storage device via a wireless or wired connection.

[0083] Example 6. The method according to any one of the foregoing examples,

[0084] The step of determining whether the energy storage device is an authorized energy storage device or an unauthorized energy storage device includes authenticating the energy storage device by using one or more keys.

[0085] Example 7. The method according to any one of the foregoing examples,

[0086] The step of determining whether the energy storage device is an authorized energy storage device or an unauthorized energy storage device includes:

[0087] The first key is received at the processing circuit system.

[0088] A first authentication code is determined based on the first key and a second key stored in the processing circuit system, wherein the identification information of the energy storage device includes the second authentication code, and

[0089] The first authentication code and the second authentication code are compared, wherein when the first authentication code and the second authentication code match, it is determined that the energy storage device is authorized.

[0090] Example 8. Based on the method described in the previous example,

[0091] The first authentication code and / or the second authentication code are determined by encrypting or hashing the first key and the second key using, for example, any of the following algorithms: Secure Hash Algorithm (SHA), Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), Hash-based Message Authentication Code (HMAC), HMAC-SHA (especially HMAC-SHA256), HMAC-based Key Derivation Function (HKDF), Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC), and Rivest-Shamir-Adleman (RSA).

[0092] Example 9. The method according to any one of the foregoing examples,

[0093] The method includes storing historical lifecycle data of the energy storage device in the processing circuit system and / or online data storage device during the use of the aerosol generation system.

[0094] The identification information of the energy storage device includes the energy storage device identifier and current lifecycle data.

[0095] The step of determining whether the energy storage device is an authorized or unauthorized energy storage device includes comparing the current lifecycle data provided in the identification information with the historical lifecycle data of the energy storage device identifier stored in the processing circuit system and / or the online data storage device for the energy storage device.

[0096] When the lifecycle data read from the energy storage device matches the lifecycle data stored in the processing circuitry system and / or the online data storage device, it is determined that the energy storage device is authorized.

[0097] Example 10. Based on the method described in the previous example,

[0098] The energy storage device identifier is a serial number or Codentify, and / or

[0099] The lifecycle data of the energy storage device includes at least one of the following: the maximum capacity of the energy storage device, the internal resistance of the energy storage device, the voltage curve of the energy storage device during charging and / or discharging, the current curve of the energy storage device during charging and / or discharging, the state of charge of the energy storage device, and the health status of the energy storage device.

[0100] Example 11. The method according to any one of the foregoing examples,

[0101] The step of providing identification information for the energy storage device includes providing an identifier for the energy storage device by a radio frequency identification (RFID) device, such as a near field communication (NFC) device, and

[0102] The step of determining whether the energy storage device is an authorized energy storage device or an unauthorized energy storage device includes determining whether the identifier provided by the energy storage device matches the identifier of an authorized energy storage device.

[0103] Example 12. The method according to any one of the foregoing examples,

[0104] The step of providing identification information for the energy storage device includes measuring the impedance of the energy storage device, circuitry, or both.

[0105] The step of determining whether the energy storage device is an authorized energy storage device or an unauthorized energy storage device includes determining whether the impedance of the energy storage device, the circuit, or both is matched, preferably matching the impedance of the authorized energy storage device within a predetermined tolerance range.

[0106] Example 13. Based on the method described in the previous example,

[0107] Measuring the impedance of the energy storage device, the circuit, or both includes measuring the impedance response of the energy storage device, the circuit, or both to an alternating voltage or current of at least one frequency, or to an alternating voltage or current of at least two different frequencies, or to an alternating voltage or current of at least one or more frequency ranges.

[0108] Example 14. Based on the method described in the previous example,

[0109] The step of determining whether the energy storage device is an authorized or unauthorized energy storage device includes creating a Bode plot and / or Nyquist plot of the impedance response, and determining whether the Bode plot and / or Nyquist plot of the impedance response of the energy storage device matches the Bode plot and / or Nyquist plot of an authorized energy storage device.

[0110] Example 15. The method according to any one of the foregoing examples,

[0111] The step of providing identification information for the energy storage device includes reading the identifier of the energy storage device from an optically readable mark, such as a barcode, matrix code, or quick-response (QR) code, and

[0112] The step of determining whether the energy storage device is an authorized energy storage device or an unauthorized energy storage device includes determining whether the identifier read from the energy storage device matches the identifier of an authorized energy storage device.

[0113] Example 16. The method according to any one of the foregoing examples,

[0114] The identification information of the energy storage device includes a predetermined three-dimensional shape of the energy storage device, and

[0115] The step of determining whether the energy storage device is an authorized or unauthorized energy storage device includes determining whether the three-dimensional shape of the energy storage device is complementary to the three-dimensional shape of the connection area of ​​the aerosol generating device or an accessory device configured to charge the aerosol generating device with electrical energy.

[0116] Example 17. The method according to any one of the foregoing examples,

[0117] If the step of providing the identification information of the energy storage device fails or the result is incomprehensible, the energy storage device is identified as an unauthorized energy storage device.

[0118] Example 18. The method according to any one of Examples 3-17 above,

[0119] The step of determining whether the energy storage device meets the predetermined specifications includes comparing the read specification information with the specification information of an energy storage device that meets the predetermined specifications.

[0120] Preferably, a predetermined tolerance range is used for specification information and / or specification requirements that include numerical values.

[0121] Example 19. The method according to any one of Examples 3-18 above,

[0122] The specifications of the energy storage device include at least one of the following:

[0123] - The name of the manufacturer of the energy storage device,

[0124] - The manufacturing date of the energy storage device,

[0125] - Identifiers of the energy storage device, such as serial number and / or Codentify.

[0126] - Does the energy storage device include a battery fuel gauge?

[0127] - Does the energy storage device include a temperature sensor, such as a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor?

[0128] - The resistance value of the temperature sensor, such as the NTC thermistor.

[0129] -The nominal maximum capacity of the energy storage device,

[0130] - Preferably, the actual maximum capacity of the energy storage device is measured before the energy storage device has undergone a predetermined number of charge-discharge cycles.

[0131] - The health status of the energy storage device,

[0132] - The maximum charging voltage of the energy storage device,

[0133] - The maximum charging current of the energy storage device,

[0134] - The discharge termination voltage of the energy storage device,

[0135] - The maximum discharge current of the energy storage device,

[0136] - Preferably, the internal resistance of the energy storage device is measured before the energy storage device has undergone a predetermined number of charge-discharge cycles.

[0137] - The impedance of the energy storage device is preferably measured before the energy storage device has undergone a predetermined number of charge-discharge cycles.

[0138] - Battery protection settings, such as settings related to at least one of overvoltage, undervoltage, overcurrent, short circuit, low voltage charging prohibition, overtemperature, undertemperature, precharge timeout, and fast charge timeout.

[0139] Example 20. The method according to any one of Examples 3-19 above,

[0140] The specifications of the energy storage device refer to at least two aspects of the energy storage device, and the aspects are weighted differently.

[0141] Example 21. The method according to any one of Examples 3-20 above,

[0142] The numerical score is determined from the specification information.

[0143] Determining whether the energy storage device meets the predetermined specifications of the aerosol generating device or the supporting device includes determining the degree to which the numerical score matches the predetermined score, and

[0144] The aerosol generating device or its supporting device is operated in a safe mode and adjusted to a degree where the numerical score matches the predetermined score.

[0145] Example 22. The method according to any one of Examples 3-21 above,

[0146] If reading the specification information of the energy storage device fails or the result is incomprehensible, it is determined that the energy storage device does not meet the predetermined specification requirements.

[0147] Example 23. The method according to any one of the foregoing examples,

[0148] Operating the aerosol generation system in the safe mode includes preventing the aerosol generation system from operating to generate aerosols or preventing the aerosol generation system from being charged with electrical energy.

[0149] Example 24. The method according to any one of the foregoing examples,

[0150] Operating the aerosol generation system in the safety mode includes at least one of the following:

[0151] - Presenting warnings to the user, such as visual, acoustic, or tactile warnings, preferably wherein the warnings are presented to the user by the aerosol generation system.

[0152] - The user is required to actively consent to the continued operation of the aerosol generation system.

[0153] - Presenting users with recommendations for obtaining authorized energy storage devices, preferably wherein the recommendations include at least one piece of information about how, where, and when to obtain authorized energy storage devices.

[0154] - Limit the charging settings of the energy storage device,

[0155] - The energy storage device of the accessory device can provide a charging setting to charge the aerosol generating device.

[0156] - Limit the heating temperature of the heater.

[0157] - Limit the number of usage sessions that can be provided to the user before the energy storage device must be recharged.

[0158] - Limit the number of usage processes that can be provided to users within a predetermined time period.

[0159] - Limit the frequency of the usage process that can be provided to users.

[0160] - Shorten the duration of use or the number of suctions during use.

[0161] - Limits the volume, intensity, power, energy, or amount of a single suction performed by the user.

[0162] - Limits the possible frequency of the suction that can be performed by the user.

[0163] - Implement longer rest periods between user processes or suction.

[0164] - Limits the state of charge or capacity to which the energy storage device can be recharged.

[0165] - Perform improved operations on the energy storage device, such as performing charge-discharge cycles between predetermined states of charge and / or capacity boundaries.

[0166] - Store, update, or send information related to the warranty period, and preferably present the information about the warranty period to the user.

[0167] - Store or update usage data related to the use of unauthorized batteries.

[0168] Example 25. The method according to any one of Examples 3-24 above,

[0169] When the energy storage device is determined to be an unauthorized energy storage device and meets the predetermined specifications, the aerosol generation system is operated in the safe mode.

[0170] Example 26. The method according to any one of the foregoing examples,

[0171] The method includes, when the energy storage device is identified as an authorized energy storage device, storing in the processing circuit system and / or online data storage device the date and / or time when the energy storage device is connected to the aerosol generating device or associated device.

[0172] Example 27. The method according to any one of the foregoing examples,

[0173] The method includes, when the energy storage device is identified as an authorized energy storage device, storing information in the processing circuitry and / or online data storage device about how the energy storage device was acquired, and

[0174] When the energy storage device has deteriorated to a predetermined level, the user is presented with a suggestion to obtain an alternative energy storage device in the same manner.

[0175] Example 28. The method according to any one of the foregoing examples,

[0176] When the energy storage device is identified as an authorized energy storage device, the user's access to the authorized energy storage device is stored in the processing circuit system and / or online data storage device, and the user's score is determined.

[0177] Example 29. An aerosol generation system, said aerosol generation system comprising at least one of the following

[0178] Aerosol generating device

[0179] The supporting device is configured to charge the aerosol generating device with electrical energy, or

[0180] An energy storage device, removably connected to the aerosol generating device and / or the associated device, and configured to charge the aerosol generating device and / or the associated device with electrical energy.

[0181] The aerosol generation system includes a processing circuit system, wherein the processing circuit system is configured to perform the steps of the method according to any one of the foregoing examples.

[0182] Example 30. An aerosol generation system according to the previous example, the aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generation matrix or article, preferably wherein the aerosol generation device is configured to generate aerosols from the aerosol generation matrix or article.

[0183] Example 31. A computer program that, when executed by a processing circuitry of an aerosol generation system, causes the aerosol generation system to perform the steps of the method according to any one of Examples 1-28.

[0184] Example 32. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a computer program according to the preceding example. Attached Figure Description

[0185] Several examples will now be described further with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0186] Figure 1 An aerosol generation system is shown;

[0187] Figure 2 An energy storage device is shown;

[0188] Figure 3 The communication between the aerosol generation system and the server device is shown; and

[0189] Figure 4 A flowchart of the method is shown.

[0190] The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not drawn to scale. Detailed Implementation

[0191] Figure 1 An aerosol generation system 1 is shown for generating aerosols for consumption or inhalation by a user, for example, during one or more uses. System 1 may include at least one of an aerosol generation device 2 for generating aerosols, an auxiliary device 3 for at least partially receiving the aerosol generation device 2, and / or an energy storage device 15. The auxiliary device 3 may be a charging device for charging the aerosol generation device 2 and / or its energy storage device 15 or a battery.

[0192] The aerosol generating device 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 (such as a tobacco-containing matrix) and / or a cylinder comprising a liquid (e.g., a liquid that can be aerosolized for inhalation).

[0193] The aerosol generating apparatus 2 may also include a processing circuit system 18 or a control circuit system 18 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 18 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.

[0194] In order to power at least one heating element 7 with electricity, the aerosol generating device 2 may also include at least one energy storage device 15 (e.g., in the form of a battery) for storing electrical energy or power. Figure 1In this embodiment, both the aerosol generating device 2 and the auxiliary device 3 include an energy storage device 15, and the energy storage device 15 is electrically connected to the respective devices 2 and 3. Specifically, the energy storage device 15 can be removably connected to the aerosol generating device 2 and / or the auxiliary device 3. In other words, the energy storage device 15 can be a replaceable energy storage device or a battery. The connection between the energy storage device 15 and the devices 2 and 3 can be configured such that the devices 2 and 3 can be operated by the electrical energy provided by the energy storage device 15. In addition, the connection between the energy storage device 15 and the aerosol generating device 2 and / or the auxiliary device 3 can be configured such that data can be transmitted between the processing circuit system 18 of the aerosol generating device 2 and / or the auxiliary device 3 and the energy storage device 15 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 2 Specifically, data relating to identification and specification information can be transmitted between the processing circuit system 18 of the aerosol generating device 2 and / or the supporting device 3 and the energy storage device 15.

[0195] 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 of 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.

[0196] 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 the aerosol generating device 2 with the companion device 3, for example via an Internet connection, a wireless LAN connection, a WiFi connection, a Bluetooth connection, a mobile phone network, a mobile data connection (e.g., but not limited to 3G / 4G / 5G connection), an edge connection, an LTE connection, a BUS connection, a wireless connection, a wired connection, an optical data connection (such as, but not limited to, IrDa), a radio connection, a near-field connection, and / or an IoT connection.

[0197] The aerosol generating device 2 may also include a data storage device 11 for storing information, program code, or data. The data storage device 11 may also store sensor-collected values ​​and / or one or more mathematical functions or formulas, software, and computer instructions that can be executed by the controller 5 and / or processing circuitry system 18. One or more sensors 16 may be arranged on, at, or within the aerosol generating device 2 or its accessory device 3 to collect data. One or more of the sensors 16 may be, for example, temperature sensors, strain sensors, accelerometers, or any other suitable sensors.

[0198] 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 or capacitive button. The input device 8 can be used as a power button to activate or deactivate the heating element 7 or ultrasonic device 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, so that an aerosol can be generated for consumption or inhalation 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 a display and / or one or more LEDs) for outputting signals and / or displaying information to the user, or tactile and acoustic data output devices.

[0199] The aerosol generating device 2 and / or the supporting device 3 may also include a battery fuel gauge 28, which may be configured to provide the processing circuitry system 18 with data relating to the electrical properties or characteristics of the energy storage device 15, such as charging and / or discharging voltage, charging and / or discharging current, energy storage device capacity, and energy storage device impedance. These parameters may be used as identification or specification information as described herein.

[0200] Figure 2The energy storage device 15 is shown in more detail. The energy storage device 15 may include a processing circuitry system 18, which may include a controller 25 and one or more processors 6, as well as a data storage device 24 or memory. The energy storage device 15 may include a charging circuit 23, which may be implemented as an integrated circuit and can regulate or control the charging of the energy storage device 15 using electrical energy. Furthermore, the charging circuit 23 may provide the processing circuitry system 18 with data relating to the electrical properties or characteristics of the energy storage device 15, such as the charging or discharging voltage or current of the energy storage device 15, and its internal resistance or impedance. Additionally, the energy storage device 15 may include a battery fuel gauge 28, which may also be able to provide the processing circuitry system 18 with data relating to the electrical properties or characteristics of the energy storage device 15, particularly data relating to the state of charge or health of the energy storage device 15. Furthermore, the energy storage device 15 may also include a temperature sensor 31, such as an NTC thermistor, configured to determine or sense the temperature of the energy storage device 15. Like all other sensors described herein, temperature sensor 31 can also be connected to processing circuitry system 18 and its measured values ​​can be provided to processing circuitry system 18. Additionally, the resistance value of the NTC thermistor can be determined or measured and can be part of the specifications and / or identification information of energy storage device 15.

[0201] It can be specified that the identification information of the energy storage device 15 is stored in the data storage device 24 and / or the battery fuel gauge 28. In this case, the identification information can be read from the data storage device 24 and / or the battery fuel gauge 28, for example, by the processing circuitry system 18 of the energy storage device 15, the aerosol generating device 2, or the auxiliary device 3. However, the identification information can also be provided in different ways. For example, the energy storage device 15 may include an RFID device 27, which can store the identification information and can be configured to provide the identification information of the energy storage device 15 to the processing circuitry system 18, particularly the processing circuitry system 18 of the aerosol generating device 2 or the auxiliary device 3. As another possible example, the identification information may also be stored in and / or provided by the battery fuel gauge 28 of the energy storage device 15. Additionally or alternatively, the energy storage device 15 may include an identification resistor or impedance 30, which can provide a specific resistance or impedance response to alternating voltage or current at one or more frequencies or frequency ranges. The identification resistor or impedance 30 may be electrically connected to the charging circuit 23. In this configuration, the identification information may include the resistance or impedance response of the resistor or impedance 30, and this identification information may be read by the processing circuitry 18, for example, via the charging circuitry 23. The identification information of the energy storage device 15 may also be stored in or provided therein in an optically readable tag 26, which may be implemented, for example, as a barcode or QR code. The optically readable tag 26 may be arranged on the outer surface of the energy storage device 15 so that it is accessible to an ID reader (e.g., a camera), as further outlined below. Another possibility is that the identification information may be included in an identification shape 33 on the outer surface of the energy storage device 15. The identification shape 33 may include protrusions and / or recesses in the outer surface or contour of the energy storage device 15, wherein the identification information may be encoded into a three-dimensional or geometric shape of the identification shape 33.

[0202] Furthermore, the energy storage device 15 may include a data communication line 37, which may be configured to establish a data connection from the processing circuitry system 18 of the energy storage device 15 to the aerosol generating device 2 and / or the auxiliary device 3 whenever the energy storage device 15 is connected to one of the aerosol generating device 2 or the auxiliary device 3. For example, a communication interface, such as an integrated circuit bus (I2C), may be used for communication and / or data exchange. For example, the energy storage device 15 may use this data communication line 37 when determining whether the energy storage device 15 is authorized to be used with the devices 2 and 3. Moreover, the energy storage device 15 may include a power switch 38, which may be arranged on the power line connecting the energy storage device 15 to the aerosol generating device 2 or the auxiliary device 3. When the energy storage device 15 is determined to be unauthorized, for example, due to communication failure via the data communication line 37 or due to determination of unauthorization in any other manner as described herein, the energy storage device 15 may disconnect the power switch 38, thereby preventing the supply of electrical energy from the energy storage device 15 to the aerosol generating device 2 or the auxiliary device 3. In this scenario, the safety mode may include disconnecting the power switch 38. To achieve this, the processing circuitry 18 of the energy storage device 15 may send a control command to the power switch 38 to disconnect the switch (i.e., switch the switch to the off state). In this way, when the method according to this disclosure is performed by the energy storage device 15 itself, it can prevent the energy storage device 15 from being used with unsuitable devices. On the other hand, when it is determined that the energy storage device 15 is authorized, the processing circuitry 18 of the energy storage device 15 may send a control command to the power switch 38 to turn the switch on (i.e., switch the switch to the on state), thereby allowing the use of the energy storage device 15.

[0203] like Figure 1 As shown, the aerosol generating device 2 and the supporting device 3 may each include a connection region 32 configured to physically receive and / or electrically connect to the energy storage device 15. Therefore, the connection region 32 may be configured with a shape or profile corresponding to or complementary to the identification shape 33 of the energy storage device 15. In other words, the connection region 32 may be configured such that the identification shape 33 of the energy storage device 15 engages with the connection region 32 in a key-locking manner. The mechanical tolerances of the formed identification shape 33 and the connection region 32 can limit the imitability of the identification information encoded in this manner.

[0204] Alternatively, the connection area 32 may also include an ID reader 29. The ID reader 29 may be configured to read identification information from the energy storage device 15. For example, the ID reader 29 may be configured to read identification information from the RFID device 27 and / or battery gauge 28 of the energy storage device 15. In this case, the ID reader 29 may be an RFID reader. The ID reader 29 may also be configured to read identification information from an optically readable tag 26 of the energy storage device 15. In this case, the ID reader 29 may be a camera. As another example, the ID reader 29 may be configured to determine the resistance or impedance or resistance response or impedance response of the identification resistor or identification impedance 30 of the energy storage device 15. In any case, the ID reader 29 may be in a data connection with the processing circuitry system 18, particularly the processing circuitry system 18 of the aerosol generating device 2 or the associated device 3.

[0205] Alternatively, specification information indicating the specifications of the energy storage device 15 may also be stored in the data storage device 24. Therefore, the specification information can also be read from the data storage device 24, for example, by the processing circuitry system 18 of the energy storage device 15, the aerosol generating device 2, or the accessory device 3. However, the specification information of the energy storage device 15 may also include measured values, such as measurements of current, voltage, resistance, impedance, and capacity as described herein. These values ​​can be measured, for example, by the charging circuitry 23 and / or the battery fuel gauge 28. They can be read or requested by the processing circuitry system 18, for example, by the processing circuitry system 18 of the energy storage device 15, the aerosol generating device 2, or the accessory device 3. The battery fuel gauge 28 for reading or requesting the mentioned values ​​can be provided on the energy storage device 15 itself or on the aerosol generating device 2 or the accessory device 3.

[0206] Figure 3 An aerosol generation system 1 is shown, which includes any one or any combination of an aerosol generation device 2, an auxiliary device 3, and an energy storage device 15. Additionally, Figure 3An online data storage device 19 is shown, which may be, for example, a server device, web server, online server, or cloud service maintained by the manufacturer of the aerosol generation system 1. As shown, each component of the aerosol generation system 1 can communicate with or exchange data with each other. For example, as indicated by arrow 20, the aerosol generation device 2 can communicate with or exchange data with its companion device 3. As indicated by arrows 35 and 36, each of the companion device 3 and the aerosol generation device 2 can communicate with or exchange data with the energy storage device 15. This communication can be achieved through a direct physical connection between the components of the aerosol generation system 1, or alternatively or additionally through wireless communication. Furthermore, as indicated by arrows 21, 22, and 34, each of the companion device 3, the aerosol generation device 2, and the energy storage device 15 can communicate with or exchange data with the online data storage device 19. This communication can then be achieved through an internet connection (wired or wireless), through which any component of the aerosol generation system 1 can exchange data with the online data storage device 19.

[0207] Therefore, generally speaking, the method described in this disclosure can be performed by one or any combination of the aerosol generating device 2, the auxiliary device 3, and / or the energy storage device 15. Data required for performing the method, such as identification information and / or specification information, can be freely exchanged between components of the system, such as... Figure 3 As shown in the diagram. For example, when energy storage device 15 is to be used in aerosol generating device 2, the methods disclosed herein can be performed by aerosol generating device 2, and it can be determined whether energy storage device 15 is authorized and / or suitable, i.e., meets the specifications for use with aerosol generating device 2. If not, measures can be taken according to the safety mode described herein to ensure the safety of the user and the system. As another example, when energy storage device 15 is to be used in accessory device 3, the methods disclosed herein can be performed by accessory device 3, and it can be determined whether energy storage device 15 is authorized and / or suitable, i.e. meets the specifications for use with accessory device 3. If not, measures can be taken according to the safety mode described herein to ensure the safety of the user and the system. However, in both of the above examples, instead of aerosol generating device 2 and accessory device 3, the method can also be performed by energy storage device 15 itself. Therefore, not only can aerosol generating device 2 and accessory device 3 determine whether energy storage device 15 is suitable for use with them, but energy storage device 15 can also determine whether it is suitable for use in either aerosol generating device 2 or accessory device 3. In this way, unsafe pairing of the energy storage device 15 with either the aerosol generating device 2 or the auxiliary device 3 can be detected, and appropriate safety measures can be activated by using a safety mode.

[0208] Figure 4 A flowchart of method 40 according to this disclosure is shown. Method 40 may begin, for example, when energy storage device 15 is removably coupled or connected to aerosol generating device 2 or accessory device 3. In step 41, identification information of energy storage device 15 may be provided by energy storage device 15, for example, in any form or manner described herein. In step 42, the identification information may be used to determine whether energy storage device 15 is an authorized energy storage device. An authorized energy storage device 15 may indicate that energy storage device 15 is manufactured and sold by the manufacturer of aerosol generating device 2 and / or accessory device 3 or by an authorized third-party manufacturer or retailer. Therefore, for an authorized energy storage device 15, it can be assumed that the highest quality standards are met, and no danger to the user or aerosol generating system 1 is expected during the use of the authorized energy storage device 15. Therefore, when it is determined in step 42 that energy storage device 15 is an authorized energy storage device, it can also be assumed that energy storage device 15 meets all specifications, and therefore aerosol generating system 1 can be operated normally without any limitations or constraints. Figure 4 As shown in step 46, method 40 may include storing or otherwise processing information indicating that a user of aerosol generation system 1 has acquired and is using the authorized energy storage device 15. For example, this may be stored in the user's profile, which may be maintained or stored, for example, in aerosol generation system 1 or online data storage device 19. To incentivize users to continue using the authorized energy storage device 15 and thus avoid safety hazards, a rewards program may be provided whereby users can earn points, scores, levels, or titles that increase with the number of times they acquire and use the authorized energy storage device 15. The rewards program may also include offering users discounts on future purchases, such as discounts on future purchases of the authorized energy storage device 15.

[0209] However, if it is determined in step 42, based on the identification information, that the energy storage device 15 is actually an unauthorized energy storage device, it cannot be guaranteed that the energy storage device 15 is safe and that operating the aerosol generation system 1 using the unauthorized energy storage device 15 is safe for the user or the system. Therefore, it can be stipulated that the aerosol generation system 1 be operated in a safe mode according to step 45. As explained herein, a safe mode may include restrictions or constraints on the operation of the aerosol generation system 1, which may be stricter or less stricter, and are designed to improve operational safety by, for example, reducing the pressure on the unauthorized energy storage device 15. In the worst case, a safe mode may mean stopping or preventing the operation of the aerosol generation system 1. Specifically, step 45 may include a strict safe mode, where strict restrictions or constraints apply, for example, manifested as stopping or preventing the operation of the aerosol generation system 1.

[0210] Method 40 may also include additional steps aimed at determining the exact difference between an unauthorized energy storage device 15 and an authorized energy storage device 15. This step may be performed to determine how stringent the limitations or constraints of the safety mode must be to ensure safe operation. For example, method 40 may include step 43, in which specification information representing the specifications of the energy storage device 15 is read as described above. The specification information may relate to parameters indicating the capabilities of the energy storage device 15, such as electrical capabilities. Thus, the specification information can be used to determine the extent to which the energy storage device 15 can meet the requirements of the aerosol generation system 1 or the requirements for unrestricted or normal operation of the aerosol generation system 1. Therefore, this is performed in step 44, in which it is determined, based on the specification information, whether the energy storage device 15 meets the predetermined specification requirements of the aerosol generation system 1. The extent to which the energy storage device 15 meets the predetermined specification requirements of the aerosol generation system 1 may also be determined.

[0211] If it is determined in step 44 that the energy storage device 15 meets the specifications, i.e., the energy storage device 15 is compliant with specifications, then the aerosol generation system 1 can be operated in a safe mode as indicated in step 47. If the energy storage device 15 is compliant with specifications, the safe mode according to step 47 may have far fewer constraints or limitations than the safe mode or strict safe mode in step 45. Since the unauthorized energy storage device 15 is an unknown device from the perspective of the manufacturer of the aerosol generation device 2 and / or the associated device 3, it is unknown what quality standards the unauthorized energy storage device 15 may have been manufactured to. Therefore, even though the energy storage device 15 meets the specifications, it may still be necessary to operate the aerosol generation system 1 with very few or only minor constraints in a safe mode. For example, the safe mode in step 47 may simply involve providing the user with a warning message informing them that the energy storage device 15 is unauthorized and therefore there is no guarantee that it is safe to operate the aerosol generation system 1 using the energy storage device 15. Alternatively, if the energy storage device 15 meets the specifications, i.e., the energy storage device 15 conforms to the specifications, the aerosol generation system 1 can be operated normally as shown in step 48. Even if the energy storage device 15 is unauthorized, there may be no reason to object to its use in the aerosol generation system 1 as long as it meets the specifications, including all the prerequisites for safe operation as mentioned herein.

[0212] However, if it is determined in step 44 that the energy storage device 15 does not meet the specifications, i.e., the energy storage device 15 is non-compliant, the aerosol generation system 1 can be operated in a safe mode according to step 45. As already mentioned, the safe mode according to step 45 can impose strict constraints or limitations on the operation of the aerosol generation system 1, as explained herein. It can even be specified that the operation of the aerosol generation system 1 can be completely prevented, for example by preventing the aerosol generation device 2 from generating aerosols and / or by preventing the aerosol generation device 2 from being recharged by the companion device 3. These constraints can be imposed by software or firmware running on the processing circuit system 18.

[0213] like Figure 4 The series of steps shown is an example of method 40. However, these steps can be performed in a different order than those shown. For example, step 41, which may follow step 42, can be performed before or after step 43, which may follow step 44. However, the conclusions drawn from a single step remain unchanged. For example, if steps 43 and 44 are performed before steps 41 and 42, and if it is determined in step 44 that the energy storage device 15 does not meet specifications, a safety mode (e.g., the strict safety mode according to step 45) can be initiated in either step 45 or 47. However, if it is determined in step 44 that the energy storage device 15 meets specifications, steps 41 and 42 can be performed. If it is determined in step 42 that the energy storage device 15 is authorized, the aerosol generating device 2 and / or the accompanying device 3 can operate normally. However, if it is determined in step 42 that the energy storage device 15 is unauthorized, a security mode can be activated in either step 45 or 47 (e.g., the security mode according to step 47), which may be less constrained or less restricted than the security mode or strict security mode in step 45, since the energy storage device 15 still conforms to specifications.

[0214] According to this disclosure, a process is provided that protects the health of users and the integrity of the system even when an unauthorized third party attempts to sell an energy storage device 15 for use with an aerosol generation system 1 that does not meet the quality standards of the original manufacturer.

[0215] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, 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 therein, which may or may not be specifically 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 percentage listed above, provided that the amount of deviation from A does not materially affect the essential and novel features of the claimed invention. Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically listed herein.

Claims

1. A method implemented by a computer for managing the operation of an aerosol generation system and the energy supply from a removably coupled energy storage device, wherein the aerosol generation system includes a processing circuit system, the processing circuit system including at least one controller and / or processor, the method comprising: The energy storage device provides the identification information of the energy storage device. Based on the identification information, it is determined whether the energy storage device is an authorized or unauthorized energy storage device, and if it is determined that the energy storage device is an unauthorized energy storage device, Operate the aerosol generation system in safe mode.

2. The method according to claim 1, The method also includes Read the specification information representing the specifications of the energy storage device; Based on the specified specifications, determine whether the energy storage device meets the predetermined specifications of the aerosol generation system; and if it is determined that the energy storage device does not meet the predetermined specifications. The aerosol generation system is operated in the aforementioned safety mode.

3. The method according to the preceding claim, The specification information of the energy storage device is read from either the energy storage device or the memory of the processing circuit system, or from a remote device such as an online data storage device via a wireless or wired connection.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, The step of determining whether the energy storage device is an authorized or unauthorized energy storage device includes authenticating the energy storage device using one or more keys.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, The method includes storing historical lifecycle data of the energy storage device in the processing circuit system and / or online data storage device during the use of the aerosol generation system. The identification information of the energy storage device includes the energy storage device identifier and current lifecycle data. The step of determining whether the energy storage device is an authorized or unauthorized energy storage device includes comparing the current lifecycle data provided in the identification information with the historical lifecycle data of the energy storage device identifier stored in the processing circuit system and / or the online data storage device for the energy storage device. When the lifecycle data read from the energy storage device matches the lifecycle data stored in the processing circuitry system and / or the online data storage device, it is determined that the energy storage device is authorized.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, The step of providing identification information for the energy storage device includes providing an identifier for the energy storage device by a radio frequency identification (RFID) device, such as a near field communication (NFC) device, and The step of determining whether the energy storage device is an authorized energy storage device or an unauthorized energy storage device includes determining whether the identifier provided by the energy storage device matches the identifier of an authorized energy storage device.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, The step of providing identification information for the energy storage device includes measuring the impedance of the energy storage device, circuitry, or both. The step of determining whether the energy storage device is an authorized energy storage device or an unauthorized energy storage device includes determining whether the impedance of the energy storage device, the circuit, or both is matched, preferably matching the impedance of the authorized energy storage device within a predetermined tolerance range.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, The step of providing identification information for the energy storage device includes reading the identifier of the energy storage device from an optically readable mark, such as a barcode, matrix code, or quick-response (QR) code, and The step of determining whether the energy storage device is an authorized energy storage device or an unauthorized energy storage device includes determining whether the identifier read from the energy storage device matches the identifier of an authorized energy storage device.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, The identification information of the energy storage device includes a predetermined three-dimensional shape of the energy storage device, and The step of determining whether the energy storage device is an authorized or unauthorized energy storage device includes determining whether the three-dimensional shape of the energy storage device is complementary to the three-dimensional shape of the connection area of ​​the aerosol generating device or an accessory device configured to charge the aerosol generating device with electrical energy.

10. The method according to any one of claims 2-9, The specifications of the energy storage device include at least one of the following: - The name of the manufacturer of the energy storage device, - The manufacturing date of the energy storage device, - Identifiers of the energy storage device, such as serial number and / or Codentify. - Does the energy storage device include a battery fuel gauge? - Does the energy storage device include a temperature sensor, such as a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor? - The resistance value of the temperature sensor, such as the NTC thermistor. -The nominal maximum capacity of the energy storage device, - Preferably, the actual maximum capacity of the energy storage device is measured before the energy storage device has undergone a predetermined number of charge-discharge cycles. - The health status of the energy storage device, - The maximum charging voltage of the energy storage device, - The maximum charging current of the energy storage device, - The discharge termination voltage of the energy storage device, - The maximum discharge current of the energy storage device, - Preferably, the internal resistance of the energy storage device is measured before the energy storage device has undergone a predetermined number of charge-discharge cycles. - The impedance of the energy storage device is preferably measured before the energy storage device has undergone a predetermined number of charge-discharge cycles. - Battery protection settings, such as settings related to at least one of overvoltage, undervoltage, overcurrent, short circuit, low voltage charging prohibition, overtemperature, undertemperature, precharge timeout, and fast charge timeout.

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, Operating the aerosol generation system in the safety mode includes preventing the aerosol generation system from operating to generate aerosols or preventing electrical energy from charging the aerosol generation system, or operating the aerosol generation system in the safety mode includes at least one of the following: - Presenting warnings to the user, such as visual, acoustic, or tactile warnings, preferably wherein the warnings are presented to the user by the aerosol generation system. - The user is required to actively consent to the continued operation of the aerosol generation system. - Presenting users with recommendations for obtaining authorized energy storage devices, preferably wherein the recommendations include at least one piece of information about how, where, and when to obtain authorized energy storage devices. - Limit the charging settings of the energy storage device, - The energy storage device of the accessory device can provide a charging setting to charge the aerosol generating device. - Limit the heating temperature of the heater. - Limit the number of usage sessions that can be provided to the user before the energy storage device must be recharged. - Limit the number of usage processes that can be provided to users within a predetermined time period. - Limit the frequency of the usage process that can be provided to users. - Shorten the duration of use or the number of suctions during use. - Limits the volume, intensity, power, energy, or amount of a single suction performed by the user. - Limits the possible frequency of the suction that can be performed by the user. - Implement longer rest periods between user processes or suction. - Limits the state of charge or capacity to which the energy storage device can be recharged. - Perform improved operations on the energy storage device, such as performing charge-discharge cycles between predetermined states of charge and / or capacity boundaries. - Store, update, or send information related to the warranty period, and preferably present the information about the warranty period to the user. - Store or update usage data related to the use of unauthorized batteries.

12. An aerosol generation system, said aerosol generation system comprising at least one of the following Aerosol generating device The supporting device is configured to charge the aerosol generating device with electrical energy, or An energy storage device, removably connected to the aerosol generating device and / or the associated device, and configured to charge the aerosol generating device and / or the associated device with electrical energy. The aerosol generation system includes a processing circuit system, wherein the processing circuit system is configured to perform the steps of the method according to any one of the preceding claims.

13. The aerosol generation system according to the preceding claim, the aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generation matrix or article, preferably wherein the aerosol generation device is configured to generate aerosols from the aerosol generation matrix or article.

14. A computer program, when executed by a processing circuitry of an aerosol generation system, causes the aerosol generation system to perform the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1-11.

15. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a computer program according to the preceding claim.

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