Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

There is proposed an aerosol-generating device (100) comprising control circuitry (110) and an energy storage device (102), the control circuitry being configurable to provide a set of device functions (421, 422, 423, 424) with the energy storage device, the aerosol-generating device is configured to receive instructions to operate the energy storage device in one of a plurality of energy storage management modes, each of the plurality of energy storage management modes defining one or more device functions of the set of device functions, wherein at least one device function of each of the plurality of energy storage management modes differs in each of the energy storage management modes, and wherein the control circuitry is configured to provide one or more device functions of the received instructed energy storage management mode.

Description

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to the field of aerosol generating apparatuses and systems for generating aerosols (e.g., nicotine-containing aerosols). In particular, this disclosure relates to electronic aerosol generating apparatuses and systems configured to generate aerosols based on heating at least a portion of an aerosol generating article or matrix. This disclosure also relates to an external device communicatively connectable to or coupled to an aerosol generating apparatus, a method for providing instructions for operating an energy storage device of the aerosol generating apparatus, and a corresponding computer program product, which may be a computer-readable medium storing a computer program or a computer program itself.

[0002] Typically, aerosol generating devices are designed as handheld devices that can be used by a user to consume or experience, for example, during one or more uses, an aerosol generated by heating an aerosol generating matrix or aerosol generating article comprising at least a portion of such a matrix. It should be understood that aerosol generating devices can generate aerosols by other means, such as by vibration, spraying, or other methods.

[0003] Exemplary aerosol generating matrix may include a solid matrix material, such as tobacco material or tobacco cast leaf (“TCL”) material. The matrix material may, for example, be assembled with other elements or components to form a substantially rod-shaped aerosol generating article. Such a rod or aerosol generating article may be configured in shape and size to be at least partially inserted into an aerosol generating apparatus, which may include, for example, a heating element for heating the aerosol generating article and / or the aerosol generating matrix. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol generating matrix may include one or more liquids and / or solids, which may be supplied to the aerosol generating apparatus, for example, in the form of a cylinder or container. Exemplary aerosol generating articles may include cylinders or containers that contain or can be filled with liquid and / or solid matrix that may evaporate based on heating the matrix during a user's consumption of aerosols. Typically, such cylinders may be coupled to, attached to, and / or at least partially inserted into an aerosol generating apparatus. Alternatively, the cylinder can be fixedly mounted to the aerosol generating device and refilled by inserting liquid and / or solid matrix material into the cylinder.

[0004] To generate aerosols during use or consumption, the user typically actuates the user interface of the aerosol generating apparatus, thereby triggering the supply of electrical energy to one or more aerosol generating components or aerosol generators, such as one or more heating elements or heat sources, for example, to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating matrix or article. At least a portion of the aerosol generating component or aerosol generator, such as at least a portion of the heating element, may be arranged within the aerosol generating apparatus. Alternatively or additionally, at least a portion of the aerosol generating component or aerosol generator, such as at least a portion of the heating element, may be arranged within the aerosol generating article.

[0005] Exemplary heating elements may be based on one or more of resistance heating, induction heating, and microwave heating, which use electrical energy supplied, drawn from, or stored in an energy storage device via an aerosol generating apparatus. Exemplary energy storage devices may include one or more batteries, one or more capacitors, one or more energy accumulators, or other types of energy storage devices.

[0006] Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol generating apparatus may be configured to supply electrical energy to one or more other aerosol generating components, aerosol machinery, or aerosol generators to generate aerosols. For example, the aerosol generating apparatus and / or aerosol generating articles may include one or more vibrating elements, one or more vibrating nets, one or more spraying devices, or other means for generating aerosols.

[0007] Typically, several settings that affect the energy storage device or its operation are available to the user of the aerosol generating device. These settings may, for example, relate to the device functions of the aerosol generating device. The user may need to adjust these settings for specific usage scenarios. This process can be complex, especially if the user has access to multiple settings. Furthermore, the user may select settings with adverse effects for the current usage scenario, such as enabling certain device functions that discharge the energy storage device of the aerosol generating device when it is under low charge. In addition, the process of adjusting settings individually for each situation can be cumbersome for the user.

[0008] Therefore, it may be desirable to provide an improved aerosol generating apparatus that overcomes or at least mitigates one or more of the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0009] This problem is addressed by the subject matter of the independent claims. Optional features are provided by the dependent claims and the following description.

[0010] Various aspects of this disclosure relate to an aerosol generating apparatus and aerosol generating system configured to generate, for example, an inhalable aerosol, such as a nicotine-containing aerosol, from at least a portion of an aerosol generating article or aerosol generating matrix, for example, by supplying electrical energy to one or more aerosol generators. This disclosure also relates to an external device communicatively connectable to or coupled to an aerosol generating apparatus, a method for providing instructions for operating an energy storage device of an aerosol generating apparatus, and a corresponding computer program product, which may be a computer program or a corresponding computer-readable medium storing a computer program, such as a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Any disclosure presented above and below with reference to one aspect or aspect of this disclosure also applies to any other aspect of this disclosure.

[0011] According to an aspect of this disclosure, an aerosol generating apparatus is provided, comprising a control circuit system and an energy storage device. The control circuit system is configured to utilize the energy storage device to provide a set of apparatus functions. The aerosol generating apparatus is configured to receive instructions to operate the energy storage device in one of a plurality of energy storage management modes, each of the plurality of energy storage management modes defining one or more apparatus functions in the set of apparatus functions. At least one apparatus function in each of the plurality of energy storage management modes is different in each of the energy storage management modes, and wherein the control circuit system is configured to provide one or more apparatus functions of the energy storage management mode of the received instructions. Each of the plurality of energy storage modes may define a subset of the set of apparatus functions. The aerosol generating apparatus may be configured to configure the control circuit system to provide a subset of the apparatus functions of the energy storage management mode of the received instructions.

[0012] Therefore, the aerosol generating device of this disclosure provides a variety of different energy storage management modes, one of which is received for operation of the energy storage device in one of the multiple energy storage management modes. Each of the energy storage management modes that defines one or more device functions (or subsets of device functions) eliminates the need for the user to perform individual settings. Instead, the various device functions can be made available by combining the received energy storage management modes, simplifying the operation of the aerosol generating device and helping to avoid improper settings that could lead to battery degradation in certain situations and / or usage modes. This can generally increase the versatility, flexibility, and functionality of the aerosol generating device, especially since the aerosol generating device can be configured to specific needs, which can be reflected by or included in the energy storage management modes through user input or presets, as described in further detail below.

[0013] For example, a control circuit system configured to provide a set of device functions using an energy storage device can mean that the control circuit system is capable of providing a set of device functions, in other words, multiple device functions of the aerosol generating device. Whether the control circuit system provides device functions can depend on its configuration. In this respect, the aerosol generating device is configured to configure the control circuit system to provide one or more set device functions (or subsets of set device functions) among the set device functions that the control circuit system may be able to provide. One or more device functions (or subsets of device functions) (which are provided by the configuration of the control circuit system) have an energy storage management mode that the aerosol generating device is configured to receive instructions from.

[0014] For example, configuring an aerosol generating device to receive instructions to operate an energy storage device in one of a plurality of energy storage management modes may mean that the aerosol generating device may, for example, include a plurality of energy storage management modes on a data storage device, and the instructions instruct one of the plurality of energy storage management modes for operation of the energy storage device. Alternatively or additionally, one or more or all of the energy storage management modes may be received together with the instructions. In other words, the instructions may contain one of a plurality of energy storage management modes for operation of the energy storage device, or may contain a plurality of energy storage management modes.

[0015] For example, instructions may be received by the control circuitry of the aerosol generating device. Alternatively, instructions may be sent or transmitted for the control circuitry to receive based on interaction between the user and a user interface (e.g., a graphical user interface) on the aerosol generating device itself and / or an external device (e.g., an accessory device, a mobile device, and / or a computing device). For example, the accessory device, mobile device, and / or computing device may be one of a smartphone, personal computer, fixed computer, tablet computer, laptop, charging device for the aerosol generating device, or a similar device.

[0016] Compared to other energy storage management modes, one or more device functions (or subsets of device functions) defined by one energy storage management mode can allow for different amounts of energy consumption and / or different amounts of degradation of the energy storage device over time. For example, at least one device function (or subset of device functions) that is different in each of the energy storage management modes can mean that one or more device functions (or subset of device functions) of the energy storage management mode are different from each other. In other words, energy storage management modes are distinguishable from each other because each of the multiple energy storage management modes contains at least one device function that is different from the device functions in other energy storage management modes. For example, different device functions can be enabled and / or disabled for different energy storage management modes, as will be explained further in more detail below. Each energy storage management mode may include at least one unique device function because that device function is only available in one of the multiple energy storage management modes. For example, a device function may be unique in terms of its function on the aerosol generating device itself (e.g., a pause function as explained in more detail later herein) or in terms of one or more device parameters of its device function (e.g., the maximum number of pauses allowed per experience as explained in more detail later herein).

[0017] For example, there may be exactly two, exactly three, or any finite number of energy storage management modes. One such energy storage management mode could be an economic mode. In an economic mode, the number and / or type of allowed device functions may be limited for the economical use of the energy storage device. Thus, the usage time of the aerosol generating device on a single charge or remaining charge, and / or the lifespan or lifetime of the energy storage device, can be extended. Another such energy storage management mode could be a performance mode. In a performance mode, the number and / or type of allowed device functions can be increased to maximize the use of the energy storage device. Thus, the user can utilize the full potential of the available device functions on the aerosol generating device independently of the energy storage device. Furthermore, one or more energy storage management modes may exist between the aforementioned economic and performance modes. Such energy storage management modes can be a balance between extended energy storage device charging and / or lifespan and full availability of all device functions. For example, one or more balanced energy storage management modes may exist. Such energy storage management modes can be pre-set (e.g., factory settings) and / or based on user settings, as described in more detail later herein. The energy management modes disclosed herein may be referred to as user-selectable energy management modes. Users can select an energy management mode from the menu presented on the user interface as described in this article.

[0018] For example, the number of device functions in one or more device functions (or subsets) of a device function may be less than the number of device functions in the set of device functions. For example, the number of device functions in one or more device functions (or subsets) may be one, two, three or more. Therefore, the energy storage management mode may limit only some device functions in the aerosol generating device, while other device functions that may be available may not be limited by the energy storage management mode, but may be, for example, pre-configured.

[0019] The heating profile provided on or performed by the aerosol generating apparatus may be independent of each energy storage management mode or may be the same for each energy storage management mode. For example, an energy storage management mode may not define or include a heating profile. Alternatively, for example, a heating profile or multiple heating profiles defined or included in an energy storage management mode may be the same for each energy storage management mode. Such a heating profile may, for example, define a heating property or heating characteristic for heating an aerosol-generating article during aerosol generation performed by an aerosol generating apparatus as described herein. Such a heating property or heating characteristic may correspond to the temperature, temperature range, duration, and the like during aerosol generation of the aerosol-generating article, for example by a heating element or similar element as described herein. Therefore, one or more apparatus functions (or subsets of apparatus functions) may not correspond to such a heating profile. Exemplary apparatus functions for energy storage management modes are further given below. However, it should be noted that the exemplary apparatus functions mentioned herein may affect (e.g., set) the temperature or temperature range or its duration, but these may not be during aerosol generation. Alternatively, such device functionality may be available during other modes or situations, such as preparation for aerosol generation or during the aerosol generation process. Such modes or situations may be, for example, during the suspension of the aerosol generation process, as provided by a pause function as a device function, or during preheating, as provided by an automatic start function as a device function, as further described below.

[0020] In examples, the energy storage device and / or control circuitry system may be configured to supply electrical energy to at least one aerosol generating component or at least one aerosol generator for generating aerosols from at least a portion of an aerosol generating article that may be coupled to the aerosol generating device. Exemplary aerosol generators or components may include one or more heating elements, one or more heat sources, one or more vibrating elements, one or more vibrating nets, and one or more spraying devices.

[0021] For example, an energy storage device and / or control circuitry system may be configured to supply electrical energy to at least one heating element to generate aerosols from an aerosol generating article that may be coupled to an aerosol generating apparatus, for example, based on heating at least a portion of the aerosol generating article.

[0022] The aerosol generating apparatus disclosed herein may specifically refer to an electronic aerosol generating apparatus configured to generate aerosols, for example, in which the aerosol can be inhaled by a user of the aerosol generating apparatus during or after one or more uses based on heating at least a portion of a heating element, at least a portion of the aerosol generating article, and / or at least a portion of the aerosol generating matrix contained in the aerosol generating article to a temperature at or above a predetermined heating temperature. The aerosol generating apparatus of this disclosure may also be referred to as a heated non-combustible device.

[0023] As used herein, a predetermined heating temperature may refer to or represent a temperature, temperature level, or temperature range above room temperature sufficient to generate and / or release aerosols from an aerosol-generating article or matrix, the released aerosols being inhaled by a user during or during one or more uses of one or more aerosol-generating articles.

[0024] Depending on the type and composition of the specific aerosol-generating article or matrix to be used with the device, the predetermined heating temperature can be in the range of 250°C to 450°C, particularly between 270°C and 430°C, and even more particularly between 315°C and 355°C. These temperatures can be suitable operating or heating temperatures sufficient to allow the release of volatile compounds from the aerosol-generating matrix.

[0025] Aerosol generating articles may include solids and / or liquids containing nicotine. Exemplary aerosol generating articles or matrices that can be used with the aerosol generating apparatus of this disclosure may be formed in a rod shape and at least partially inserted into the aerosol generating apparatus. Alternative exemplary aerosol generating articles may include containers or cylinders that may be fixedly attached to or detachably coupled to the aerosol generating apparatus. Typically, liquid, solid, or mixtures of solid and liquid aerosol generating matrices are contained in or can be inserted into such aerosol generating articles and heated to generate aerosols. Any such form and design of aerosol generating articles, as well as other forms and designs, may be used with the aerosol generating apparatus and system of this disclosure.

[0026] Typically, a control circuit system, also referred to herein as a device control circuit system, can be configured to control the entire set of device functions of an aerosol generating device. In particular, the control circuit system may include one or more processors for data or signal processing. The control circuit system may be configured to operatively control the aerosol generating device, its energy storage device, and / or one or more other components of the aerosol generating device. Operational control may involve controlling the operation of the aerosol generating device and / or one or more of its components. Optionally, operational control of one or more device functions and / or the energy storage device may include generating one or more control signals and / or providing one or more control signals to one or more components of the aerosol generating device, such as the energy storage device.

[0027] As used herein, the energy storage device of an aerosol generating apparatus can be configured to store, or can store, electrical energy that can be supplied to at least one heating element to generate aerosols. Optionally, the energy storage device can be rechargeable, for example, by connecting the aerosol generating apparatus to a power source or accessory. For example, the energy storage device can be recharged by connecting the aerosol generating apparatus to an accessory or power source via a cable or inductive coupling.

[0028] It should be noted that an aerosol generating device may include multiple energy storage devices. Therefore, any reference herein to a single energy storage device includes multiple energy storage devices.

[0029] In examples, the energy storage device may include one or more batteries, accumulators, capacitors, or other types of energy storage devices for storing electrical energy, such as energy storage devices configured to store potential energy associated with changes in the configuration of internal chemical elements or molecules. Additionally, any combination of the foregoing types of energy storage devices may be implemented in the aerosol generating apparatus of this disclosure.

[0030] At least one heating element may refer to or represent any one or more of an induction heating element, a resistance heating element, and a microwave heating element. In other words, the heating element may be configured to heat the aerosol-generating article based on one or more of induction heating, microwave heating, and resistance heating.

[0031] In examples, the heating element may be an induction heating element (e.g., including an induction coil) configured to inductively heat a sensor or sensor material disposed in the aerosol-generating article or matrix. Alternatively or additionally, the heating element may include one or more heating blades or resistance heating elements that may be at least partially inserted into the aerosol-generating article or matrix and are supplied with electrical energy for generating aerosols. Alternatively or additionally, the heating element may include a microwave generator configured to heat the aerosol-generating article based on microwave heating. Additionally or as an alternative, other forms, such as a toroidal resonator, may be used.

[0032] At least a portion or all of at least one heating element may be arranged in the aerosol generating apparatus. Alternatively or additionally, at least a portion or all of the heating element may be arranged in the aerosol generating article. For example, the aerosol generating apparatus may include a heating device or heating circuit comprising at least one heating element. Optionally, a portion of the heating element, circuit, or heating device may be arranged in the aerosol generating apparatus, and another portion of the heating element, circuit, or device may be arranged in the aerosol generating article. Furthermore, it should be noted that the aerosol generating apparatus and / or aerosol generating article may include multiple heating elements. Therefore, any reference to a single heating element above and below may include multiple heating elements.

[0033] In examples, the aerosol generating apparatus may also include a communication circuitry or communication interface for communicatively connecting the aerosol generating apparatus to external devices, such as computing devices, mobile devices, and / or accessory devices. Therefore, the aerosol generating apparatus or control circuitry can be reconfigured or configured by a user based on instructions transmitted from an external device to the aerosol generating apparatus to operate the energy storage device in one of a variety of energy storage management modes. For example, instructions can be transmitted directly from the computing and / or mobile device or accessory device to the aerosol generating apparatus. Alternatively or additionally, instructions can be transmitted from the computing and / or mobile device to the accessory device, and from the accessory device to the aerosol generating apparatus. Typically, instructions can be transmitted or exchanged between one or more of the aerosol generating apparatus, computing and / or mobile device, and accessory device, for example, based on the transmission or exchange of corresponding data or data elements. Therefore, instructions or corresponding data can also be transmitted from the aerosol generating apparatus to the accessory device and / or computing and / or mobile device.

[0034] One or more communication interface types or communication protocols may be implemented in the aerosol generating apparatus and its communication interface or circuit system. In particular, the communication interface or circuit system may be configured for wired and wireless communication with external devices, or both. In non-limiting examples, the communication interface or circuit system of the aerosol generating apparatus may be based on one or more of BUS communication, cable communication, Bluetooth communication, wireless LAN communication, infrared communication, near-field communication, internet communication, or any other suitable type of communication or communication protocol.

[0035] In an example, an aerosol generating device may include one or more user interfaces that are actuable, controllable, or operable by a user to activate or operate the aerosol generating device to generate aerosols. Exemplary user interfaces may include buttons, switches, touch displays, acoustic interfaces, gesture control interfaces, haptic interfaces, touch-sensitive interfaces, or combinations thereof.

[0036] As used herein, an external device can refer to any device or apparatus with data processing capabilities, such as a server, server network, mobile device, smartphone, tablet, smart device, and smart wearable device. An external device can be configured to transmit or transfer instructions, for example wirelessly or via a wired connection, to the aerosol generating apparatus. Therefore, an external device may include a communication interface or circuitry configured to transmit instructions or corresponding data to the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0037] The aerosol generating device can be coupled (e.g., operatively and / or communicatively coupled) to an accessory device, particularly for supplying electrical energy to an energy storage device. Optionally, when the aerosol generating device is coupled to an accessory device, it can receive commands from the accessory device.

[0038] The accessory device can be configured to at least partially receive the aerosol generating device, for example, for charging the aerosol generating device and / or for storing the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device can be configured for wireless charging by the accessory device. For example, the accessory device and the aerosol generating device can be inductively coupled to charge the energy storage device of the aerosol generating device. Alternatively or additionally, a control circuitry can be configured to establish an electrical connection with the accessory device to charge the energy storage device. Thus, the aerosol generating device can be configured for operatively coupled to the accessory device for charging the energy storage device of the aerosol generating device.

[0039] Alternatively or additionally, the accessory device may include a communication interface for communicatively connecting the accessory device to the aerosol generating device, and for transmitting instructions or corresponding data from the accessory device to the aerosol generating device, for example. Optionally, the communication connection between the aerosol generating device and the accessory device may be established when the aerosol generating device and the accessory device are operatively connected to charge the aerosol generating device, and vice versa.

[0040] The control circuitry system may be operable to receive and / or process one or more user inputs from a user interface, and to operate or power a heating element (correspondingly, a heating circuit or device including the heating element) based on or according to one or more user inputs to generate an aerosol. For example, in response to actuation of the user interface, electrical energy may be supplied to at least one heating element to heat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article to a predetermined heating temperature or higher for generating the aerosol during use.

[0041] In this example, the user interface can be configured to receive instructions based on user selection on the user interface. For instance, the user interface can indicate (specifically display) multiple energy storage management modes for the user to choose from. For example, on a touch display serving as an exemplary user interface, the user can thus select the energy storage management mode for operating the aerosol generating device by touching or clicking the corresponding energy storage management mode they wish to use.

[0042] In this example, the aerosol generating device includes a communication circuit system for communicatively connecting the aerosol generating device to an external device, specifically as described above, and for receiving instructions from the external device. Therefore, as a supplement or alternative to receiving instructions based on user selection on the user interface of the aerosol generating device, instructions for operating the energy storage device in a specific energy storage management mode can be received from the external device. The instructions received from the external device can also be based on user selection on the user interface of the external device, for example, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0043] In this example, the control circuitry can be configured to control the charging, discharging, and / or idlening of an energy storage device based on one or more device functions (or subsets of device functions) defined by an energy storage management mode defined by received instructions. Therefore, one or more device functions (or subsets of device functions) can influence the control circuitry's control of the energy storage device's charging, discharging, and / or idlening. Consequently, a device function within one or more device functions (or subsets of device functions) of the energy storage management mode can have a direct impact on the energy storage device.

[0044] In one example, the control circuitry can be configured to control the charging and / or discharging of the energy storage device based on charging and / or discharging device functions from one or more device functions (or subsets of device functions) defined by the energy storage management mode of the received instruction. In an additional or alternative example, the control circuitry can be configured to control the idle state of the energy storage device based on an idle device function from one or more device functions (or subsets of device functions) defined by the energy storage management mode of the received instruction. Therefore, there may be charging and / or discharging device functions (i.e., those affecting the charging and / or discharging process of the energy storage device) and / or idle device functions (i.e., those stopping the discharging process of the energy storage device).

[0045] In an example, the control circuitry can be configured to enable and / or disable one or more device functions (or subsets of device functions) defined by the energy storage management mode of the received command. By enabling and / or disabling one or more device functions (or subsets of device functions), particularly a single device function within one or more device functions (or subsets of device functions), user access to one or more device functions or the device functions within that subset can be permitted or restricted. Alternatively or additionally, enabling a device function can include activating the device function so that it can be executed, for example, based on one or more user inputs or automatically. For example, enabling or allowing a device function can include configuring the control circuitry such that the device function is implementable or can be executed. Alternatively or additionally, enabling a device function can include making or making the device function available to the user of the aerosol generating device. Similarly, disabling a device function can include deactivating the device function so that it cannot be executed, for example, based on one or more user inputs or automatically. Alternatively or additionally, disabling a device function can include making or making the device function unavailable to the user of the aerosol generating device. For example, disabling or preventing a device function can include configuring the control circuitry such that the device function and / or its execution is prohibited.

[0046] Therefore, enabling or disabling device functionality may include changing, modifying, or altering the configuration of the control circuitry system to make the device functionality available or unavailable at the aerosol generating device, for example, available or unavailable to the user of the aerosol generating device. Alternatively or additionally, enabling or disabling device functionality may include adjusting the set of device functions available at the aerosol generating device. For example, enabling a device function may include expanding the set of device functions available at the aerosol generating device through said device function. Alternatively or additionally, disabling a device function may include reducing the set of device functions available at the aerosol generating device through said device function. Alternatively or additionally, disabling a device function may include removing said device function from the set of device functions available at the aerosol generating device.

[0047] Therefore, for example, energy-intensive device functions in the economic energy storage management mode can be disabled to reduce energy storage device discharge and / or improve the lifespan or life cycle of the energy storage device. "Large amount of energy" can mean, for example, a greater amount of energy compared to one or more other device functions. Thus, the usage time of the aerosol generating device can be extended, or, for example, if a user wishes to limit their aerosol inhalation, their use of the aerosol generating device can be restricted. Alternatively, for example, energy-intensive device functions in the performance energy storage management mode can be enabled to enhance the user experience.

[0048] In this instance, at least one or more of the enabled and / or disabled device functions (or subsets of device functions) are selected from or involve:

[0049] - Pause function, the pause function is used to pause the operation of the aerosol generating device.

[0050] - The automatic start function of the aerosol generating device,

[0051] - The fast charging function of the energy storage device,

[0052] - The connection function of the aerosol generating device, which is used for communication connection to external devices of the aerosol generating device.

[0053] - The flexible aerosol generation function of the aerosol generation device allows for the maximum number of suctions available for each aerosol-generated article in the aerosol generation device based on the user's suction behavior while using the aerosol generation device, and

[0054] - The fixed aerosol generation function of the aerosol generation device allows for a maximum number of aspirations per aerosol-generated article in the aerosol generation device and / or a fixed amount of time for aspiration or experience of a single aerosol-generated article in the aerosol generation device.

[0055] Alternatively or concurrently, the device functions in one or more of the enabled and / or disabled device functions (or subsets of device functions) can be any of those in the foregoing list, or can be selected as any of those in the list or involve any of those in the list. One or more of the device functions in the foregoing list may be referred to as auxiliary device functions, which may not be necessary for aerosol generation on their own. Therefore, these auxiliary device functions can be enabled and / or disabled if needed to limit the discharge of the energy storage device.

[0056] Additional auxiliary device functions (which may be added to the foregoing list and / or enabled and / or disabled based on one or more device functions (or subsets of device functions)) may include one or more of the following: operating the aerosol generating device to generate aerosols with reduced energy consumption relative to operation during use (or in aerosol release mode); heating at least one heating element and / or aerosol generating article to a temperature below a sufficient heating temperature to generate aerosols; heating at least one heating element and / or aerosol generating article to a temperature above room temperature and below a sufficient heating temperature to generate aerosols; and heating at least one heating element and / or aerosol generating article to a temperature above room temperature and below a sufficient heating temperature to generate aerosols. Heating elements and / or aerosol generating articles are heated to a temperature above room temperature and below a sufficient heating temperature to generate aerosols within a predefined time period (e.g., during a period of use interruption); tactile controls of the aerosol generating device are activated or deactivated; one or more user interfaces of the aerosol generating device are activated or deactivated; the user interface of the aerosol generating device is operated; the communication circuitry of the aerosol generating device is operated (the communication circuitry is used to communicatively connect the aerosol generating device to a computing device or receiving device); sensors of the aerosol generating device are operated; and biometric sensors of the aerosol generating device are operated for user authentication.

[0057] As used herein, aerosol release function can refer to the operating mode of an aerosol generating device, which is the normal heating operation mode of the heating elements, heating circuitry, and / or device used for aerosol generation, wherein the heating elements, heating circuitry, and / or heating device can operate during user use (i.e., when user experience or usage occurs, particularly when aerosol generation occurs). Generally, aerosol generation can occur continuously or on demand (particularly based on suction), i.e., on demand when the user performs suction.

[0058] The pause function can refer to an alternative operating mode for an aerosol generating device (different from the aerosol release function), in which the heating element, heating circuitry, and / or heating device can be operated to heat at a lower temperature (or be deactivated) during operation pause (i.e., when the user experience or usage of the aerosol generating device is paused, and aerosol generation can be stopped or at least reduced to a minimum during operation). In other words, in pause mode, the aerosol generating device is in a state of suspended use. The pause function allows users of the aerosol generating device to take a break from the experience (or in other words, the usage process) and resume the experience later. However, this may come at the cost of increased energy dissipation from the energy storage device, as the heating element, heating circuitry, and / or heating device may need to reheat to continue the usage process after the pause function ends.

[0059] The usage process or user experience, also referred to herein as the aerosol-generating article experience, may be interrupted (e.g., by switching the device to pause mode) and later restarted by the user, wherein the aerosol-generating article or matrix may be maintained in the pause mode of the aerosol generating device at a temperature below the first temperature level and / or below a predetermined heating temperature used during normal use of the device (particularly during the user experience or usage process), but still above or significantly above room temperature. That is, preferably, the second temperature level may be selected, for example, to avoid degradation of unconsumed matrix or aerosol-generating article. In particular, the second temperature level may be selected, for example, low enough to minimize consumption of matrix or article during pause mode, and simultaneously high enough to avoid vapor condensation in the device, which could otherwise affect the quality of unconsumed aerosol-generating matrix or article.

[0060] During use of the device, particularly when a user experience or usage process is expected, the heating element, heating circuit system, and / or heating device can operate in aerosol release mode. During periods of device use suspension, i.e., when no user experience or usage process is occurring and / or when the usage process is interrupted, the aerosol generating device can operate in suspension mode. In both aerosol release and suspension modes, the heating element, heating circuit system, and / or heating device can be in operation, particularly in heating operation, but at different temperature levels. Specifically, during aerosol release mode, it is at a first temperature level selected to be sufficiently high to generate aerosols, and during suspension mode, it is at a second temperature level lower than the first temperature level, selected to be sufficiently low to minimize matrix consumption while avoiding degradation.

[0061] Depending on the type and composition of the specific aerosol-generating article or matrix to be used with the device, the predetermined heating temperature or first temperature level can be in the range of 250°C to 450°C, particularly between 270°C and 430°C, and even more particularly between 315°C and 355°C. These temperatures can be suitable operating or heating temperatures sufficient to allow volatile compounds to be released from the aerosol-generating article or matrix, for example, during one or more use processes and / or when the device is operated in aerosol release mode. For example, the first temperature level and / or predetermined heating temperature of a liquid aerosol-generating article or matrix can be lower than the first temperature level of a solid aerosol-generating article or matrix.

[0062] Generally, the second temperature level can be selected to maintain the availability of the aerosol-generating article or matrix for an extended period. The second temperature level can also depend on the type and composition of the aerosol-generating article or matrix to be used with the device. Therefore, the second temperature level can be in the range of 175°C to 225°C, particularly between 185°C and 215°C, and even more particularly between 195°C and 205°C. These temperatures can be low enough to minimize matrix consumption during pause mode, but high enough to prevent vapor condensation in the device, which could lead to degradation of the aerosol-generating article or matrix.

[0063] To avoid condensation effects in the apparatus, particularly to avoid condensation of substances in aerosol-generating articles or matrices, the second temperature level may be at least 150 degrees Celsius, particularly at least 175 degrees Celsius, preferably at least 185 degrees Celsius, and more preferably at least 195 degrees Celsius.

[0064] Conversely, to minimize the consumption of the matrix or article during the pause mode, the second temperature level can be at most 220 degrees Celsius, particularly at most 225 degrees Celsius, preferably at most 215 degrees Celsius, and more preferably at least 205 degrees Celsius. In particular, the second temperature level can be selected to reduce aerosol formation by at least 50% compared to the aerosol release mode.

[0065] In contrast, the second temperature level can be at least 50 degrees Celsius lower than the first temperature level, particularly at least 75 degrees Celsius lower, and even more particularly at least 100 degrees Celsius lower.

[0066] The temperature values ​​given above are preferably the average temperature of the aerosol-generating article or matrix during the operation of the apparatus. Additionally, as already mentioned, the temperature values ​​can depend particularly on the type and composition of the aerosol-generating article or matrix to be used with the apparatus.

[0067] The aerosol generating device may optionally include at least one sensor configured to output a sensor signal indicating whether the device is being operated by the user (i.e., used by the user) or is in an operation pause (i.e., use pause). Advantageously, such a sensor can facilitate the automatic detection of whether the operation of the heating device can be switched to a pause mode because the device is currently not in use and is therefore in an operation pause (i.e., use pause). Thus, aerosol generation can be stopped in a timely manner to avoid the continued but undesirable consumption of the aerosol-forming matrix. Similarly, such a sensor can facilitate the automatic detection of whether the operation of the heating device will be switched back to aerosol release mode, i.e., back to the normal heating operation mode for aerosol generation, when the user wishes to resume the user experience or usage process.

[0068] As used herein, an automatic start function can refer to activating the aerosol release function of the aerosol generating device when the aerosol generating article is connected to the aerosol generating device. At a minimum, this can include preheating and / or heating the heating elements, circuitry, and / or devices for aerosol generation when the aerosol generating article is connected to the aerosol generating device. This makes the aerosol generating article ready to be experienced as quickly as possible once connected. However, this may come at the cost of increased discharge of the energy storage device if the user delays the experience instead of immediately starting heating once heating is complete, in which case it may be necessary to maintain heating for the extended period.

[0069] As used herein, the fast charging capability of an energy storage device can refer to the capability that allows the energy storage device to charge faster than under normal charging conditions. Fast charging can provide faster charging at the potential cost of reduced energy storage device lifespan. Therefore, whether fast charging is enabled may depend on whether the energy storage management mode is economical or high-performance.

[0070] As used herein, the connectivity function of an energy storage device may refer to the aerosol generating device, specifically its communication circuitry, and its ability to communicatively connect to an external device. With the aid of an external device, settings, configurations, and / or customizations may be available to the aerosol generating device, and / or real-time parameters of its operation may be available to the external device, making connectivity potentially desirable for users to enhance their experience. However, because connectivity requires power to the communication circuitry, depending on the energy storage management mode (e.g., economical or performance-oriented), it may be desirable to disable this device function, for example, when the energy storage device has a low charge.

[0071] The flexible aerosol generation function of an aerosol generating device allows for a maximum number of puffs per aerosol-generated article available in the aerosol generating device based on the user's puffing behavior while using the device. The maximum number of puffs can range from 8 to 32, particularly 10 to 28, for example 12 to 24 or 14 to 18. The maximum number of puffs can be limited to the maximum duration for which the maximum number of puffs must be performed, for example, in the range of 4 to 12 minutes, for example 6 minutes. The flexible aerosol generation function allows the user to have an increased number of puffs based on their puffing behavior, which can be defined at least by the volume of aerosol inhaled by the user per puff. However, the increased puffing volume during a flexible aerosol generation function may require more energy from the energy storage device than a fixed aerosol generation function, which allows for a potentially lower maximum number of puffs per aerosol-generated article available in the aerosol generating device and / or a fixed amount of time for puffing or experiencing a single aerosol-generated article in the aerosol generating device.

[0072] In an example, the control circuitry system may be configured to modify at least one device parameter in at least one of one or more device functions (or subsets of device functions) defined by an energy storage management mode defined by a received instruction. The device parameter may depend on and / or at least partially define the device function. For example, the device parameter may be a quantitative parameter of the device function. For instance, the device parameter may be the number of permissible (or in other words, maximum) interactions or actions of the aerosol generating device (e.g., the suction of each aerosol-generating article or the pause of each use of the aerosol generating device), and / or a time parameter used for the device function.

[0073] In this example, the at least one or at least two modified device parameters may be selected from or involve:

[0074] - The aerosol generating device can be operated for a maximum number of use processes to generate aerosols.

[0075] - The maximum number of pauses per use of the aerosol generating device.

[0076] - The maximum number of suction cycles for each aerosol-generated product, and

[0077] - The maximum time for aspirating or experiencing a single aerosol-generated product.

[0078] Moreover, or alternatively, the modified device parameters can be any of the aforementioned list, or be selected as any of the list or involve any of the list.

[0079] By allowing a limited maximum number and / or duration of exemplary interactions or actions of the aerosol generating articles or aerosol generating apparatus as described above, the discharge of the energy storage device can be limited according to the economic energy storage management mode. For the performance energy storage management mode, on the other hand, the corresponding one or more maximum numbers may be technically feasible or possible, such as maximum numbers and / or durations, to allow the user to utilize the full capacity of the aerosol generating articles and / or aerosol generating apparatus independently of the discharge of the energy storage device.

[0080] The maximum number of use cycles that an aerosol generating device can operate to generate aerosols can be defined for, for example, each charge of a storage unit. Some users may typically use the aerosol generating device only for a few use cycles after the previous charge event, before the next charge event, and / or between two consecutive charge events. Some users may even charge or recharge the energy storage device after each use cycle. Limiting the maximum number of use cycles per charge to a number specifically less than the capacity limit of the energy storage device allows for flexibility in tailoring the aerosol generating device or its operation to user habits or needs. Alternatively or additionally, overcharging and / or discharging can be avoided or reduced, which can improve the lifespan of the energy storage device. Additionally or alternatively, the maximum number of use cycles can be defined based on a time frame (e.g., hours, days, weeks, or months).

[0081] Therefore, for example, the control circuitry can be configured to limit the operation of the aerosol generating device to a single, two, or three usage processes based on the maximum number of usage processes: each charge of the energy storage device, after the last charge of the energy storage device, after the last charging event, before the next charge of the energy storage device, and / or between two consecutive charging events. Thus, each charge of the energy storage device can permit or authorize the user to use only discontinuously or only a single, two, or three usage processes.

[0082] In this example, at least one of multiple energy storage management modes may include or define at least one schedule and / or at least one geographical location for operating the energy storage device. This enables time- and / or location-based operation of the energy storage device. For example, the energy storage management mode may include different device functions from one or more device functions (or subsets of device functions) for different times and / or locations. For instance, a device function may be disabled for a certain time period and enabled for another time period based on at least one schedule. Similarly, a device function may be enabled and / or disabled based on at least one geographical location. Likewise, modifications to device parameters within a device function may be based on at least one schedule and / or geographical location.

[0083] In this example, at least one time schedule and / or at least one geographical location may be selectable by the user. This selection can be made through the user interface of the aerosol generating device or, for example, through the user interface of an external device as mentioned above.

[0084] In this example, the aerosol generating device can be configured to select an energy storage management mode from multiple energy storage management modes for operation of the energy storage device based on at least one schedule and / or at least one geographical location. Specifically, the selection made by the aerosol generating device can be automated based on at least one schedule and / or at least one geographical location, meaning that no further user input is required to select the appropriate energy storage management mode. In this example, the energy storage management mode is selected based on at least one schedule and / or at least one geographical location for operation of the energy storage device. This may mean that for certain time periods and / or for certain geographical locations, one of multiple energy storage management modes is selected for operation of the energy storage device, while for other time periods and / or for other geographical locations, another of multiple energy storage management modes is selected. For example, there may be a schedule for weekends and another schedule for weekdays. For example, an economical energy storage management mode may be selected for weekdays, while a performance energy storage management mode may be selected for weekends, and vice versa. Instead of providing a schedule for the entire weekday, a schedule may also be provided based on a narrower time frame (e.g., minutes, hours) or a wider time frame (e.g., weeks, months, etc.). Similarly, for different geographical locations, such as workplaces, homes, and other important locations, different energy storage management modes can be selected from a variety of energy storage management modes.

[0085] For example, an aerosol generating device may include a clock, calendar, and / or GPS unit and / or be configured to receive current time, date, and / or geographic location from an external device, which may have one or more of a clock, calendar, and / or GPS unit. Therefore, the aerosol generating device can compare one or more timetables and / or one or more geographic locations with the current time and / or current location, and based on this comparison, select an energy storage management mode to be operated by the control circuitry system.

[0086] In this example, the aerosol generating device can be configured to provide an energy storage management mode, selectable by a user, and receive instructions to operate the energy storage device of the aerosol generating device in one of the selected energy storage management modes. The user's selection of the energy storage management mode can supplement or replace other options for the energy storage management mode described herein (e.g., the aforementioned selection based on at least one schedule and / or at least one geographical location). The provision of the energy storage management mode can occur at the user interface of the aerosol generating device or any other interface of the aerosol generating device, such as a display. Similarly, the energy storage management mode can be selectable by the user at the user interface of the aerosol generating device or any other interface. After selection at such an interface, instructions can be received by the aerosol generating device, particularly by the control circuitry system, for executing the instructions, i.e., operating the energy storage device based on them.

[0087] In this example, the aerosol generating device can be configured such that a device function (or subset of device functions) defined by an energy storage management mode can be selected by the user to enable and / or disable the device function. Therefore, the user can be provided with the possibility of enabling and / or disabling one or more device functions (or subsets of device functions). This allows the user to customize multiple energy storage management modes. Similarly, the possibility of creating new energy storage management modes can be provided to the user by enabling and / or disabling device functions from the set of device functions configurable to be provided by the control circuitry system.

[0088] In this example, the aerosol generating device can be configured such that the device parameters of at least one of the device functions (or subsets of device functions) defined by an energy storage management mode can be modified by the user. Therefore, the user is provided with the possibility of modifying one or more device parameters of one or more device functions (or subsets of device functions). This allows the user to customize multiple energy storage management modes.

[0089] In this example, at least one of one or more device functions (or subsets of device functions) can be pre-enabled or pre-disabled. Therefore, one or more device functions (or subsets of device functions) can have preset settings. This allows users to easily and immediately use different energy storage management modes without requiring any enabling, disabling, and / or modification from their side.

[0090] In this example, at least one pre-enabled or pre-disabled device function can be pre-enabled or pre-disabled based on the health status of the energy storage device. Thus, the health status of the energy storage device can be used as a determining factor for enabling or disabling certain device functions to extend the lifespan of the energy storage device.

[0091] In this example, the health status can correspond to the maximum capacity of the energy storage device. Therefore, the maximum capacity of the energy storage device can be used as a determining factor for enabling or disabling certain device functions to extend the lifespan of the energy storage device.

[0092] In this example, at least one device parameter of one or more device functions (or subsets of device functions) can be pre-selected. Therefore, one or more device functions (or subsets of device functions) can have preset settings. This allows users to easily and immediately use different energy storage management modes without requiring any modifications from their side.

[0093] In this example, at least one modifiable device parameter can be selected by the user from predefined device parameters or within a predefined parameter range. Thus, the user can modify one or more device parameters within a limited scope, corresponding to technical or other limitations, based on or within the predefined device parameters. This increases the level of customization of the energy storage management modes accessible to the user, enhancing the overall user experience of the aerosol generation device.

[0094] In this example, energy storage management modes can be provided by presets, particularly factory settings. Factory settings relate to the initial settings when the device is first used. This allows users to easily and immediately use different energy storage management modes without needing to enable, disable, and / or modify them from their side.

[0095] In alternative or additional instances, the energy storage management mode can be provided by user settings. Examples of user settings (such as enabling, disabling, and / or modifying device functions) have been given above, and this increases the level of user customization to enhance the overall user experience of the aerosol generating device.

[0096] In this example, energy storage management modes can be defined based on usage information from the aerosol generating device. To this end, the aerosol generating device can record usage information based on one or more uses. Thus, energy storage management modes can be automatically defined based on usage information, and different energy storage management modes can be provided to the user without the user having to define the mode themselves. Specifically, the user may not be aware of the different device functions and their modifications. By defining energy storage management modes based on usage information, different energy storage management modes can be precisely customized for the user's actual user behavior.

[0097] In examples, usage information may include one or more of the following: the location of the aerosol generating device, the duration of use of the aerosol generating device, the frequency of use of the energy storage management mode, the health status of the energy storage device after use of the aerosol generating device, the number of times the aerosol generating device is used during a single charge of the energy storage device, the number of times the aerosol generating device is paused, and the number and / or type of device functions used on the aerosol generating device. Of course, the foregoing usage information is merely exemplary and not limiting. Different types of usage information related to the device functions, schedules, geographic locations, and / or other aspects mentioned herein can be used to provide users of the aerosol generating device with a suitable energy storage management mode.

[0098] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an aerosol generation system is provided, comprising: an aerosol generation apparatus of this disclosure, and an aerosol generation article connectable to or coupled to the aerosol generation apparatus to generate aerosols from at least a portion of an aerosol generation article. The aerosol generation apparatus may generate aerosols, for example, by supplying electrical energy to one or more aerosol generators for generating aerosols from the aerosol generation article. Any disclosure presented above and below with reference to the aerosol generation apparatus also applies to the aerosol generation system, and vice versa.

[0099] In this example, the aerosol generation system may also include external devices communicatively connectable to or connected to the aerosol generation apparatus. These external devices may be configured as described herein.

[0100] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to an external device configured to: communicatively connect to an aerosol generating apparatus and transmit, or in other words send, instructions to operate an energy storage device of the aerosol generating apparatus in one of a plurality of energy storage management modes, each of the plurality of energy storage management modes defining one or more (or subsets of) device functions, the one or more (or subsets of) device functions having a set of device functions configurable to be provided by the control circuitry system of the aerosol generating apparatus, wherein at least one device function (or at least one device function of the one or more device functions (or subsets of device functions)) differs in each of the energy storage management modes.

[0101] In this example, the external device may be an accessory to a computing device, mobile device, and / or aerosol generating device. For example, the external device may be a smartphone, personal computer, laptop computer, tablet computer, stationary computer, or similar device. The accessory device may be configured as described herein.

[0102] External devices may include communication circuitry, data storage devices, and / or user interfaces. For example, these and other units of external devices may be configured as described herein with reference to the corresponding units of the aerosol generation apparatus.

[0103] In this example, the external device can be configured to provide an energy storage management mode that is selectable by the user, and to determine an instruction for operating the energy storage device of the aerosol generating device in the selected energy storage management mode.

[0104] In an example, an external device can be configured to allow a user to select device functions (or subsets of device functions) defined by an energy storage management mode to enable and / or disable device functions.

[0105] In an example, an external device can be configured to allow user modification of device parameters for at least one of one or more device functions (or subsets of device functions) defined by an energy storage management mode.

[0106] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a method for providing instructions for an energy storage device of an aerosol generating apparatus to operate in one of a plurality of energy storage management modes, each of the plurality of energy storage management modes defining one or more (or subsets) of device functions, the one or more device functions (or subsets) having a set of device functions configurable to be provided by a control circuitry system of the aerosol generating apparatus, wherein at least one device function (or at least one device function of the one or more device functions (or subsets of device functions)) differs in each of the energy storage management modes, the method comprising: providing the energy storage management mode, making the energy storage management mode selectable, determining instructions for operating the energy storage device of the aerosol generating apparatus in a selected of the energy storage management modes, and providing the determined instructions for transmission to the aerosol generating apparatus. Any characteristic functions and / or elements described above and below with reference to the aerosol generating apparatus and / or external devices may be features, functions, elements, and / or steps of the method, and vice versa.

[0107] The method may be at least partially or entirely computer-implemented. This means that at least one, several, or all steps of the method can be performed by a computer. For example, the computer may be a processor of an external device or, for example, an external device.

[0108] The step of providing the determined instruction transmission, or in other words, sending it to the aerosol generating device, may be followed by the step of sending the instruction to the aerosol generating device.

[0109] In an example, the method may include making device functions among one or more device functions (or subsets of device functions) defined by an energy storage management mode selectable by a user for enabling and / or disabling device functions.

[0110] In an example, the method may include making device parameters of at least one device function of one or more device functions (or a subset of device functions) defined by an energy storage management mode modifiable by a user.

[0111] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to another method, namely, a method for operating an aerosol generating apparatus including a control circuit system and an energy storage device, the control circuit system being configurable to provide a set of apparatus functions using the energy storage device, the method comprising: receiving an instruction to operate the energy storage device in one of a plurality of energy storage management modes, each of the plurality of energy storage management modes defining one or more apparatus functions (or subsets of apparatus functions) in the set of apparatus functions, wherein at least one apparatus function (or at least one apparatus function (or subset of apparatus functions)) in each of the plurality of energy storage management modes is different in each of the energy storage management modes; and configuring the control circuit system to provide one or more apparatus functions (or subsets of apparatus functions) of the energy storage management mode of the received instruction. Any feature functions and / or elements described above and below with reference to the aerosol generating apparatus, the method for providing instructions, and / or external devices may be features, functions, elements, and / or steps of the method for operating the aerosol generating apparatus, and vice versa.

[0112] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform any of the methods of this disclosure. The computer program product may be a computer program or a computer-readable medium storing a computer program which, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the methods according to this disclosure, as described above and below.

[0113] It should be emphasized that any features, steps, functions, elements, technical effects and / or advantages described herein with reference to one aspect of this disclosure are equally applicable to any other aspect of this disclosure.

[0114] 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.

[0115] Example 1: An aerosol generating device, including a control circuit system and an energy storage device.

[0116] The control circuit system can be configured to utilize the energy storage device to provide a set of device functions.

[0117] The aerosol generating device is configured to receive instructions to operate the energy storage device in one of a plurality of energy storage management modes, each of the plurality of energy storage management modes defining one or more device functions in a set of device functions.

[0118] At least one device in each of the multiple energy storage management modes has a different function in each of the energy storage management modes, and

[0119] The control circuit system is configured to provide one or more device functions for energy storage management modes of received commands.

[0120] Example 1A: An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example 1, wherein the energy storage device is configured to supply electrical energy to one or more aerosol generators for generating aerosols from at least a portion of an aerosol generating article that can be coupled to the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0121] Example 1B: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the energy storage device is configured to supply electrical energy to at least one heating element to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating article that can be coupled to the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0122] Example 1C: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the control circuit system is operatively coupled to the energy storage device.

[0123] Example 1D: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the aerosol generating apparatus includes a communication circuit system for communicatively connecting the aerosol generating apparatus to an external device and receiving instructions from the external device.

[0124] Example 1E: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aerosol generating apparatus includes a user interface for receiving the instructions communicatively based on user selection on the user interface.

[0125] Example 2: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the preceding examples, wherein each of a plurality of energy storage modes defines a subset of the set of apparatus functions, and wherein the control circuitry is configured to provide a subset of apparatus functions of the energy storage management mode receiving the instruction.

[0126] Example 3: An aerosol generating device according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the energy storage management mode is preferably selectable by the user from the menu of the energy storage management mode.

[0127] Example 4: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the control circuitry is configured to control the charging, discharging, and / or idling of the energy storage device based on one or more device functions (or subsets of device functions) defined by an energy storage management mode defined by a received instruction.

[0128] Example 5: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control circuit system is configured to control the charging and / or discharging of the energy storage device based on a charging and / or discharging device function among one or more device functions (or subsets of device functions) defined by an energy storage management mode defined by a received instruction.

[0129] Example 6: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the control circuit system is configured to control the idleness of the energy storage device based on an idle device function among one or more device functions (or a subset of device functions) defined by an energy storage management mode defined by a received instruction.

[0130] Example 7: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the control circuitry is configured to enable and / or disable one or more apparatus functions (or subsets of apparatus functions) defined by an energy storage management mode defined by a received instruction.

[0131] Example 8: The aerosol generating apparatus according to Example 7, wherein at least one of the enabled and / or disabled apparatus functions (or subsets of apparatus functions) is selected from or relates to:

[0132] - Pause function, the pause function is used to pause the operation of the aerosol generating device.

[0133] - The automatic start function of the aerosol generating device,

[0134] - The fast charging function of the energy storage device,

[0135] - The connection function of the aerosol generating device, which is used for communication connection to external devices of the aerosol generating device.

[0136] - The flexible aerosol generation function of the aerosol generation device allows for the maximum number of suctions available for each aerosol-generated article in the aerosol generation device based on the user's suction behavior while using the aerosol generation device, and

[0137] - The fixed aerosol generation function of the aerosol generation device allows for a maximum number of aspirations per aerosol-generated article in the aerosol generation device and / or a fixed amount of time for aspiration or experience of a single aerosol-generated article in the aerosol generation device.

[0138] Example 9: An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example 7 or 8, wherein at least two of the enabled and / or disabled apparatus functions (or subsets of apparatus functions) are selected from or involve:

[0139] - Pause function, the pause function is used to pause the operation of the aerosol generating device.

[0140] - The automatic start function of the aerosol generating device,

[0141] - The fast charging function of the energy storage device,

[0142] - The connection function of the aerosol generating device, which is used for communication connection to external devices of the aerosol generating device.

[0143] - The flexible aerosol generation function of the aerosol generation device allows for the maximum number of suctions available for each aerosol-generated article in the aerosol generation device based on the user's suction behavior while using the aerosol generation device, and

[0144] - The fixed aerosol generation function of the aerosol generation device allows for a maximum number of aspirations per aerosol-generated article in the aerosol generation device and / or a fixed amount of time for aspiration or experience of a single aerosol-generated article in the aerosol generation device.

[0145] Example 10: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 7 to 9, wherein a device function among the enabled and / or disabled one or more device functions (or subsets of device functions) is selected as or relates to a pause function for suspending the use of the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0146] Example 11: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 7 to 10, wherein a device function among the one or more device functions that are enabled and / or disabled is selected as or relates to the automatic start function of the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0147] Example 12: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 7 to 11, wherein a device function among the enabled and / or disabled one or more device functions (or subsets of device functions) is selected as or relates to the fast charging function of the energy storage device.

[0148] Example 13: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 7 to 12, wherein a device function among the enabled and / or disabled one or more device functions (or subsets of device functions) is selected as or relates to a connection function of the aerosol generating apparatus for communicatively connecting to an external device of the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0149] Example 14: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 7 to 13, wherein a device function among the one or more device functions (or subsets of device functions) that are enabled and / or disabled is selected as or relates to a flexible aerosol generating function of the aerosol generating apparatus, the flexible aerosol generating function allowing a maximum number of suctions available for each aerosol generated article in the aerosol generating apparatus based on the user's suction behavior when using the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0150] Example 15: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 7 to 14, wherein a device function among the one or more device functions (or subsets of device functions) that are enabled and / or disabled is selected as or relates to a fixed aerosol generating function of the aerosol generating apparatus, the fixed aerosol generating function allowing a maximum number of aspirations available for each aerosol generated article in the aerosol generating apparatus and / or a fixed amount of time for aspiration or experience of a single aerosol generated article in the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0151] Example 16: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the control circuit system is configured to modify at least one device parameter of at least one device function of one or more device functions (or a subset of device functions) defined by an energy storage management mode of a received instruction.

[0152] Example 17: In the aerosol generating apparatus of Example 16, at least one modified apparatus parameter is selected from or relates to:

[0153] - The aerosol generating device can be operated for a maximum number of use processes to generate aerosols.

[0154] - The maximum number of pauses per use of the aerosol generating device.

[0155] - The maximum number of suction cycles for each aerosol-generated product, and

[0156] - The maximum time for aspirating or experiencing a single aerosol-generated product.

[0157] Example 18: An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example 16 or 17, wherein at least two modified apparatus parameters are selected from or relate to:

[0158] - The aerosol generating device can be operated for a maximum number of use processes to generate aerosols.

[0159] - The maximum number of pauses per use of the aerosol generating device.

[0160] - The maximum number of suction cycles for each aerosol-generated product, and

[0161] - The maximum time for aspirating or experiencing a single aerosol-generated product.

[0162] Example 19: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 16 to 18, wherein the modified apparatus parameters are selected to be or relate to the maximum number of use processes in which the aerosol generating apparatus can be operated to generate aerosols.

[0163] Example 20: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 16 to 19, wherein the modified apparatus parameters are selected as or relate to the maximum number of pauses in each use process of the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0164] Example 21: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 16 to 20, wherein the modified apparatus parameters are selected to be or relate to the maximum number of suctions for each aerosol-generated article.

[0165] Example 22: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 16 to 21, wherein modified apparatus parameters are selected or relate to the maximum time for aspirating or experiencing a single aerosol-generated article.

[0166] Example 23: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein at least one of the multiple energy storage management modes includes or defines at least one schedule and / or at least one geographical location for operating the energy storage device.

[0167] Example 24: According to the aerosol generating apparatus of Example 23, the at least one time schedule and / or the at least one geographical location can be selected by the user.

[0168] Example 25: An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example 23 or 24, wherein the aerosol generating apparatus is configured to select an energy storage management mode from the plurality of energy storage management modes based on the at least one schedule for operating the energy storage device and / or the at least one geographical location.

[0169] Example 26: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the aerosol generating apparatus is configured to:

[0170] Provide the energy storage management mode,

[0171] The energy storage management mode can be selected by the user, and

[0172] Receive an instruction to operate the energy storage device of the aerosol generating device in one of the selected energy storage management modes.

[0173] Example 27: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the aerosol generating apparatus is configured to:

[0174] The device functions in one or more device functions (or subsets of device functions) defined by the energy storage management mode can be selected by the user to enable and / or disable the device functions.

[0175] Example 28: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the aerosol generating apparatus is configured to:

[0176] The device parameters of at least one device function (or a subset of device functions) defined by the energy storage management mode can be modified by the user.

[0177] Example 29: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the preceding examples, wherein at least one of one or more apparatus functions (or subsets of apparatus functions) is pre-enabled or pre-disabled.

[0178] Example 30: An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example 29, wherein at least one pre-enabled or pre-disabled device function is pre-enabled or pre-disabled according to the health status of the energy storage device.

[0179] Example 31: An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example 30, wherein the health status corresponds to the maximum capacity of the energy storage device.

[0180] Example 32: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the preceding examples, wherein at least one device parameter of a device function (or a subset of device functions) of one or more device functions is pre-selected.

[0181] Example 33: In any of the preceding examples of an aerosol generating apparatus, at least one device parameter of one or more device functions (or subsets of device functions) can be selected by the user from predefined device parameters or within a predefined parameter range.

[0182] Example 34: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the energy storage management mode is provided by a preset, particularly a factory setting.

[0183] Example 35: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the energy storage management mode is defined based on usage information from the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0184] Example 36: An aerosol generating device according to Example 35, wherein the usage information includes one or more of the following: the location of use of the aerosol generating device, the usage time of the aerosol generating device, the frequency of use of the energy storage management mode, the health status of the energy storage device after use of the aerosol generating device, the number of times the aerosol generating device is used during a single charge of the energy storage device, the number of times the aerosol generating device is paused, and the number and / or type of device functions used on the aerosol generating device.

[0185] Example 37: An aerosol generation system, the aerosol generation system comprising:

[0186] The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, and

[0187] An aerosol generating article, which may be coupled to or connected to an aerosol generating apparatus to generate an aerosol from at least a portion of the aerosol generating article.

[0188] Example 38: The aerosol generation system according to Example 37 further includes an external device communicatively connectable to or connected to the aerosol generation apparatus.

[0189] Example 38: An external device configured to:

[0190] The communication ground is connected to the aerosol generating device, and

[0191] Instructions are transmitted to the aerosol generating device to operate the energy storage device of the aerosol generating device in one of a plurality of energy storage management modes, each of the plurality of energy storage management modes defining one or more device functions having a set of device functions that the control circuitry system of the aerosol generating device can be configured to provide, wherein at least one device function (or at least one device function from a subset of the one or more device functions) is different in each of the plurality of energy storage management modes.

[0192] Example 39: An external device according to Example 38, wherein the one or more device functions are a subset of the set of device functions that the control circuitry system can be configured to provide.

[0193] Example 40: An external device according to Example 38 or 39, wherein the external device is a computing device, a mobile device and / or an accessory to the aerosol generating device.

[0194] Example 41: An external device according to any one of Examples 38 to 40, wherein the external device is configured to:

[0195] Provide the energy storage management mode,

[0196] The energy storage management mode can be selected by the user, and

[0197] The instruction is determined to operate the energy storage device of the aerosol generating device in one of the energy storage management modes.

[0198] Example 42: An external device according to any one of Examples 38 to 41, wherein the external device is configured to:

[0199] The device functions in one or more device functions (or subsets of device functions) defined by the energy storage management mode can be selected by the user to enable and / or disable the device functions.

[0200] Example 43: An external device according to any one of Examples 38 to 42, wherein the external device is configured to:

[0201] The device parameters of at least one device function (or a subset of device functions) defined by the energy storage management mode can be modified by the user.

[0202] Example 44: A method for providing instructions for operating an energy storage device of an aerosol generating apparatus in one of a plurality of energy storage management modes, each of the plurality of energy storage management modes defining one or more device functions, the one or more device functions having a set of device functions configurable to be provided by a control circuitry system of the aerosol generating apparatus, wherein at least one device function (or at least one device function from a subset of the one or more device functions) differs in each of the plurality of energy storage management modes, the method comprising:

[0203] Provide the energy storage management mode,

[0204] Make the energy storage management mode selectable.

[0205] The instruction to select an energy storage device for operating the aerosol generating device in the energy storage management mode is determined, and

[0206] Provide the determined instructions for transmission to the aerosol generating device.

[0207] Example 45: According to the method of Example 44, wherein the one or more device functions are a subset of the set of device functions that the control circuitry system can be configured to provide.

[0208] Example 46: The method according to Example 44 or 45, wherein the method includes:

[0209] The device functions in one or more device functions (or subsets of device functions) defined by the energy storage management mode can be selected by the user to enable and / or disable the device functions.

[0210] Example 47: A method according to any one of Examples 44 to 46, wherein the method includes:

[0211] The device parameters of at least one device function (or a subset of device functions) defined by the energy storage management mode can be modified by the user.

[0212] Example 48: A computer program product comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform a method according to any one of Examples 44 to 47.

[0213] Example 49: A method for operating an aerosol generating apparatus, the aerosol generating apparatus including a control circuit system and an energy storage device, the control circuit system being configurable to utilize the energy storage device to provide a set of apparatus functions, the method comprising:

[0214] Receive instructions to operate the energy storage device in one of a plurality of energy storage management modes, each of the plurality of energy storage management modes defining one or more device functions in a set of device functions, wherein at least one device function (or at least one device function in a subset of the one or more device functions) differs in each of the plurality of energy storage management modes, and

[0215] Configure the control circuit system to provide one or more device functions for energy storage management modes of the received commands.

[0216] Example 50: According to the method of Example 49, one or more device functions in the set of device functions are a subset of the set of device functions.

[0217] Example 51: According to the method of Example 49 or 50, the method further includes:

[0218] Specifically, the control circuit system provides one or more device functions (or subsets of device functions) of the energy storage management mode of the received command.

[0219] Example 52: According to the method of Example 51, the provision of one or more device functions (or subsets of device functions) of one or more device functions of the energy storage management mode of the received instruction is automatic and / or based on user input.

[0220] Example 53: According to the method of any one of Examples 49 to 52, the charging, discharging and / or idling of the energy storage device is specifically controlled by the control circuit system based on one or more device functions (or a subset of device functions) defined by the energy storage management mode of the received instruction.

[0221] Example 54: According to the method of any one of Examples 49 to 53, the charging and / or discharging of the energy storage device is specifically controlled by the control circuit system based on the charging and / or discharging device function in one or more device functions (or subsets of device functions) defined by the energy storage management mode of the received instruction.

[0222] Example 55: According to the method of any one of Examples 49 to 54, the idleness of the energy storage device is specifically controlled by the control circuit system based on the idle device function of one or more device functions (or subsets of device functions) defined by the energy storage management mode of the received instruction.

[0223] Example 56: According to any one of Examples 49 to 55, one or more device functions (or subsets of device functions) defined by the energy storage management mode of the received instruction are specifically enabled and / or disabled by the control circuitry system.

[0224] Example 57: According to the method of Example 56, at least one of the enabled and / or disabled device functions (or subsets of device functions) is selected from or involves:

[0225] - Pause function, the pause function is used to pause the operation of the aerosol generating device.

[0226] - The automatic start function of the aerosol generating device,

[0227] - The fast charging function of the energy storage device,

[0228] - The connection function of the aerosol generating device, which is used for communication connection to external devices of the aerosol generating device.

[0229] - The flexible aerosol generation function of the aerosol generation device allows for the maximum number of suctions available for each aerosol-generated article in the aerosol generation device based on the user's suction behavior while using the aerosol generation device, and

[0230] - The fixed aerosol generation function of the aerosol generation device allows for a maximum number of aspirations per aerosol-generated article in the aerosol generation device and / or a fixed amount of time for aspiration or experience of a single aerosol-generated article in the aerosol generation device.

[0231] Example 58: According to the method of Example 56 or 57, a device function among the enabled and / or disabled one or more device functions (or subsets of device functions) is selected as or relates to a pause function for suspending the use of the aerosol generating device.

[0232] Example 59: According to any one of Examples 56 to 58, wherein a device function among the enabled and / or disabled one or more device functions (or subsets of device functions) is selected as or relates to an automatic start function of the aerosol generating device.

[0233] Example 60: According to any one of Examples 56 to 59, wherein a device function among the enabled and / or disabled one or more device functions (or subset of device functions) is selected as or relates to the fast charging function of the energy storage device.

[0234] Example 61: According to the method of any one of Examples 56 to 60, wherein a device function among the enabled and / or disabled one or more device functions (or subsets of device functions) is selected as or relates to a connection function of the aerosol generating device for communicatively connecting to an external device of the aerosol generating device.

[0235] Example 62: According to any one of Examples 56 to 61, wherein a device function among the enabled and / or disabled device functions (or subsets of device functions) is selected as or relates to a flexible aerosol generation function of the aerosol generation device, the flexible aerosol generation function allowing a maximum number of suctions available for each aerosol-generated article in the aerosol generation device based on the user's suction behavior when using the aerosol generation device.

[0236] Example 63: According to the method of any one of Examples 56 to 62, wherein a device function among the enabled and / or disabled device functions (or subsets of device functions) is selected as or relates to a fixed aerosol generation function of the aerosol generation device, the fixed aerosol generation function allowing a maximum number of aspirations available for each aerosol-generated article in the aerosol generation device and / or a fixed amount of time for aspiration or experience of a single aerosol-generated article in the aerosol generation device.

[0237] Example 64: According to any one of Examples 49 to 63, at least one device parameter of at least one device function of one or more device functions (or subsets of device functions) defined by the energy storage management mode of the received instruction is specifically modified by the control circuit system.

[0238] Example 65: According to the method of Example 64, at least one modified device parameter is selected from or relates to:

[0239] - The aerosol generating device can be operated for a maximum number of use processes to generate aerosols.

[0240] - The maximum number of pauses per use of the aerosol generating device.

[0241] - The maximum number of suction cycles for each aerosol-generated product, and

[0242] - The maximum time for aspirating or experiencing a single aerosol-generated product.

[0243] Example 66: According to the method of Example 64 or 65, at least two modified device parameters are selected from or involve:

[0244] - The aerosol generating device can be operated for a maximum number of use processes to generate aerosols.

[0245] - The maximum number of pauses per use of the aerosol generating device.

[0246] - The maximum number of suction cycles for each aerosol-generated product, and

[0247] - The maximum time for aspirating or experiencing a single aerosol-generated product.

[0248] Example 67: The method according to any one of Examples 64 to 66, wherein the modified device parameters are selected to be or relate to the maximum number of use processes in which the aerosol generating device can be operated to generate aerosols.

[0249] Example 68: The method according to any one of Examples 64 to 67, wherein the modified device parameters are selected as or relate to the maximum number of pauses in each use process of the aerosol generating device.

[0250] Example 69: The method according to any one of Examples 64 to 68, wherein the modified device parameters are selected to be or relate to the maximum number of suctions for each aerosol-generated article.

[0251] Example 70: The method according to any one of Examples 64 to 69, wherein the modified device parameters are selected as or relate to the maximum time for aspirating or experiencing a single aerosol-generated article.

[0252] Example 71: According to the method of any one of Examples 64 to 70, at least one of the multiple energy storage management modes includes or defines at least one schedule and / or at least one geographical location for operating the energy storage device.

[0253] Example 72: According to the method of Example 71, the at least one schedule and / or the at least one geographical location can be selected by the user.

[0254] Example 73: According to the method of Example 72, the energy storage management mode among the multiple energy storage management modes is selected based on the at least one schedule and / or the at least one geographical location for operating the energy storage device.

[0255] Example 74: According to the method of any one of Examples 49 to 73, wherein the method is configured to:

[0256] Provide the energy storage management mode,

[0257] The energy storage management mode can be selected by the user, and

[0258] Receive an instruction to operate the energy storage device of the aerosol generating device in one of the selected energy storage management modes.

[0259] Example 75: According to the method of any one of Examples 49 to 74, wherein the method is configured to:

[0260] The device functions in one or more device functions (or subsets of device functions) defined by the energy storage management mode can be selected by the user to enable and / or disable the device functions.

[0261] Example 76: According to the method of any one of Examples 49 to 75, wherein the method is configured to:

[0262] The device parameters of at least one device function (or a subset of device functions) defined by the energy storage management mode can be modified by the user.

[0263] Example 77: According to the method of any one of Examples 49 to 76, at least one device function of one or more device functions (or a subset of device functions) is pre-enabled or pre-disabled.

[0264] Example 78: According to the method of Example 77, at least one pre-enabled or pre-disabled device function is pre-enabled or pre-disabled based on the health status of the energy storage device.

[0265] Example 79: According to the method of Example 78, the health status corresponds to the maximum capacity of the energy storage device.

[0266] Example 80: According to the method of any one of Examples 49 to 79, at least one device parameter of a device function in one or more device functions (or a subset of device functions) is pre-selected.

[0267] Example 81: According to the method of any one of Examples 49 to 80, at least one device parameter of a device function in one or more device functions (or a subset of device functions) can be selected by the user from predefined device parameters or within a range of predefined parameters.

[0268] Example 82: The method according to any one of Examples 49 to 81, wherein the energy storage management mode is provided by a preset, particularly a factory setting.

[0269] Example 83: The method according to any one of Examples 49 to 82, wherein the energy storage management mode is defined based on usage information from the aerosol generating device.

[0270] Example 84: According to the method of Example 83, the usage information includes one or more of the following: the location of use of the aerosol generating device, the usage time of the aerosol generating device, the frequency of use of the energy storage management mode, the health status of the energy storage device after use of the aerosol generating device, the number of times the aerosol generating device is used during a single charge of the energy storage device, the number of times the aerosol generating device is paused, and the number and / or type of device functions used on the aerosol generating device.

[0271] Example 85: A computer program product including instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform a method according to any one of Examples 49 to 84.

[0272] The example will now be described further with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0273] Figure 1 The aerosol generating apparatus and aerosol generating system are shown.

[0274] Figure 2This demonstrates multiple energy storage management modes on the user interface of the aerosol generation system; and

[0275] Figure 3 This illustrates one of the operation modes for providing energy storage management. Figure 1 Method for instructing the energy storage device of the aerosol generation device.

[0276] The accompanying drawings are merely illustrative and are not drawn to scale. In principle, identical or similar parts, elements, and / or steps are provided in the drawings using the same or similar reference numerals.

[0277] Figure 1 An exemplary aerosol generating apparatus 100 is shown. Figure 1 The aerosol generating apparatus 100 is exemplarily shown as part of an aerosol generating system 1000, which includes optional components such as aerosol generating article 200 and one or more external devices such as an accessory device 300, a mobile device 400, and / or a computing device 500. It should be noted that the aerosol generating apparatus 100 can operate as a standalone device 100 without any of the optional components 200, 300, 400, and 500 of the system 1000.

[0278] The aerosol generating apparatus 100 includes one or more energy storage devices 102 for storing electrical energy and / or for providing electrical energy to generate aerosols. The one or more energy storage devices may be one or more batteries (e.g., lithium-ion batteries). When the energy storage device(s) 102 are one or more batteries, the cathode material may include lithium cobalt oxide (LCO), lithium manganese oxide (LMO), lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC), lithium iron phosphate (LFP), and / or lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA). The anode material may include carbon (e.g., graphite), silicon, and / or lithium titanate oxide (LTO).

[0279] Figure 1 The exemplary aerosol generating apparatus 100 shown includes at least a portion of a heating circuit 104 having at least one heating element 106 for heating at least a portion of an aerosol generating article 200 that can be coupled to the aerosol generating apparatus 100 or coupled to the aerosol generating apparatus 200. It should be noted that the heating circuit 104 and the heating element 106 are optional. Alternatively or additionally, at least a portion or all of the heating circuit 104, the heating apparatus 104, and / or the heating element 106 may be integrated or arranged in the aerosol generating article 200. Alternatively or additionally, at least a portion of the heating circuit 104 may be integrated into the control circuitry system 110 of the aerosol generating apparatus 100.

[0280] It should be noted that the heating element 106 is for illustrative purposes only. Figure 1 The image shows an induction coil configured to inductively heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating article 200, such as sensor material (e.g., one or more sensors) disposed in the aerosol generating matrix 202 of the aerosol generating article 200. Alternatively or additionally, at least one heating element 106 may be configured for one or more of resistance heating and microwave heating.

[0281] In addition, it should be noted that aerosol-generating products 200 are only used in... Figure 1 The aerosol generating article 200 is exemplarily shown to have a rod-like or tubular shape and can be at least partially inserted through an opening 105 in the housing 107 of the aerosol generating apparatus 100, for example, into the heating chamber 109 of the aerosol generating apparatus 100. In other exemplary designs, the aerosol generating article 200 may be formed as a container or cylinder, which may be fixedly integrated into or coupled to the aerosol generating apparatus 100.

[0282] The aerosol generating device 100 also includes a control circuit system 110 or device control circuit system 110 operatively coupled to the energy storage device 102. The control circuit system 110 may optionally include one or more processors 112, controllers 112, and / or microcontrollers 112 for data processing. The control circuit system 110 may include a microcontroller, which includes a processor, memory, and input / output devices.

[0283] Further optionally, the aerosol generating device 100 and / or control circuit system 110 include a data storage device 114 for storing data (e.g., one or more energy storage management modes).

[0284] Alternatively or additionally, software instructions may be stored in data storage device 114, which, when executed by control circuitry system 110, instruct aerosol generating device 100 to perform one or more device functions of aerosol generating device 100, as described above and below.

[0285] The aerosol generating apparatus 100 optionally includes a user interface 120 for receiving one or more user inputs from a user, such as for operating the aerosol generating apparatus 100 to generate aerosols. The user interface 120... Figure 1 The aerosol generating device 100 is exemplarily shown as a button. Any other type of user interface 120, such as an acoustic interface, haptic interface, touch interface, display, tactile interface, arrangement of one or more LEDs, or other means, may be optionally included in the aerosol generating device 100 as an alternative or supplement.

[0286] Further optionally, the aerosol generating device 100 includes a communication interface or circuit system 130 for communicatively connecting the aerosol generating device 100 to one or more optional components of the aerosol generating system 1000, particularly to one or more of the accessory device 300, the mobile device 400, and the computing device 500.

[0287] One or more communication interface types or communication protocols may be implemented in the aerosol generating apparatus 100 and its communication interface or circuit system 130. Specifically, the communication interface or circuit system 130 may be configured for wired and wireless communication with one or more of the computing device 500, mobile device 400, and accompanying device 300. For example, the communication interface 130 may be based on one or more of BUS communication, cable communication, Bluetooth communication, wireless LAN communication, infrared communication, near-field communication, internet communication, or any other suitable type of communication or communication protocol.

[0288] The aerosol generating device 100 may be optionally coupled (e.g., physically coupled and / or at least partially inserted) to the accessory device 300 for charging the energy storage device 102 and / or for storing the aerosol generating device 100. Charging may be based on, for example, inductive charging or via an electrical connection.

[0289] The aerosol generating apparatus 100 and / or control circuit system 110 are configured to supply electrical energy to at least one heating element 106 to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating article 200 to a predetermined heating temperature for generating aerosol or above, as described above.

[0290] Figure 2 A user interface 120 for an aerosol generating device 100 is shown, or alternatively, a user interface 120 in the exemplary form of a display (particularly as a touch display) for an external device (particularly a mobile device 400). In this example, a graphical user interface is displayed on the user interface 120. The graphical user interface illustrates multiple energy storage management modes having a subset 420 of device functions 421, 422, 423, 424. In this exemplary case, only two energy storage management modes are shown by means of the subset 420. In an alternative to the subset 420 of device functions 421, 422, 423, 424 defined by each of the energy storage management modes, one or more device functions 421, 422, 423, 424 may be defined by each of the energy storage management modes, which may have a control circuitry system 110 configurable to utilize, for example, energy from an energy storage device to utilize the set of device functions 421, 422, 423, 424 provided by the energy storage device.

[0291] In this example, by Figure 2 The left subset 420 in the diagram represents the left energy storage management mode, which can be the performance energy storage management mode, and is determined by... Figure 2 The right subset 420 in the diagram represents the right energy storage management mode, which may be the economic energy storage management mode. In one instance, a user of the aerosol generation system 1000 can select any of the multiple energy storage management modes by interacting with the user interface 120, for example, by touching or clicking any of the energy storage management modes. By doing so, the user initiates a command to operate the energy storage device 102 in one of the multiple energy storage management modes, which is being transmitted to the control circuitry system 110. In an instance where the user interface 120 is the user interface of an external device 400, this can be accomplished via a communication link between the external device 400 and the aerosol generation device 100. In one instance, the command may include the selected energy storage management mode or multiple energy storage management modes, or alternatively, multiple energy storage management modes may be stored on the data storage device 114 of the aerosol generation device 100, and the command may be a command to select the energy storage management mode corresponding to the user's selection. Additionally or alternatively, the command may modify one or more energy storage management modes stored on the data storage device 114.

[0292] Upon receiving an instruction, the aerosol generating device 100 can configure the control circuit system 110 to provide a subset 420 of device functions 421, 422, 423, and 424 of a selected energy storage management mode (or in other words, the energy storage management mode of the received instruction). Therefore, it can be specified that when using the aerosol generating device 100, the user can now utilize device functions 421, 422, 423, and 424 in the subset 420 of the energy storage management mode of the received instruction.

[0293] from Figure 2 As can be seen, the two subsets 420 of the energy storage management mode include different device functions 421, 422, 423, and 424. In this example, unlike the left subset 420, the right subset 420 lacks device function 424. For example, device function 424 can be disabled, as indicated by the dashed line surrounding it. Furthermore, the device functions 422 in the two subsets 420 differ in that the device parameter 425 associated with each device function 422 is different in each subset. In this example, the device parameter 425 of device function 422 in the left subset 420 is 3, while the device parameter 425 of device function 422 in the right subset 420 is 1. Device functions 421, 422, 423, and 424 are described exemplarily below.

[0294] In this example, device function 421 could be the automatic start function of the aerosol generating device 100. The automatic start function is enabled by the control circuit system 110 for either the energy storage management mode or subset 420, i.e., regardless of which mode the user is selecting.

[0295] Of course, device function 421 or any other device function 422, 423, 424 may alternatively be any of the device functions 421, 422, 423, 424 explained above or below. Furthermore, the number of device functions 421, 422, 423, 424 in each subset 420 is merely an exemplary selection and may be greater than... Figure 2 More or less as shown.

[0296] Furthermore, in this example, device function 422 is an operational function including device parameter 425. In this example, device parameter 425 is the maximum number of usage processes (or in other words, experiences) that the aerosol generating device 100 can operate to generate aerosols. When the user of the aerosol generating system 1000 selects the left subset 420, they are limited to a maximum of 3 usage processes (specifically, per charge of the energy storage device 102). Accordingly, the energy storage device 102 can be charged to, for example, a fully charged state, where the energy storage device 102 can allow 3 usage processes if it does not need to be recharged between usage processes. However, when the user selects the right subset 420, they are limited to a maximum of 1 usage process per charge of the energy storage device 102. Accordingly, the energy storage device 102 can be charged to, for example, a partially charged state, where the energy storage device 102 can only allow one usage process, thus requiring the user to recharge the energy storage device 102 for another usage process. The number of usage processes, as a supplement to or alternative to the limitation on each charge of the energy storage device 102, may be limited, for example, with respect to time range (e.g., hourly or daily), schedule, and / or geographical location. Different device parameters 425 make the corresponding device functions 422 of subset 420 different from each other.

[0297] Furthermore, in this example, device function 423 is the flexible aerosol generation function of the aerosol generation device 100, which allows for a maximum number of suctions available for each aerosol-generated article 200 in the aerosol generation device 100 based on the user's suction behavior while using the aerosol generation device 100. The flexible aerosol generation function, enabled by the control circuit system 110, can disable the fixed aerosol generation function of the aerosol generation device 100. Figure 2(not shown in the figure), wherein the fixed aerosol generation function will allow for a maximum number of suctions and / or a fixed amount of time for suctioning or experiencing a single aerosol generation article 200 in the aerosol generation device 100.

[0298] Furthermore, in this example, the device function 424, activated by the control circuitry 110 of the aerosol generating device 100 only when the energy storage management mode of the left subset 420 is received as an instruction by the control circuitry 110, corresponds to the pause function for suspending the use of the aerosol generating device 100. When device function 424 is enabled, the user can pause aerosol generation, for example, by interacting with the user interface 120 or based on the sensors of the aerosol generating device 100. For the right subset 420, as indicated by the dashed line of device function 424, device function 424 is disabled. To pause the use process, the control circuitry 110 can control the energy storage device 102 to put it into an idle mode with reduced energy consumption (particularly consumed by the heating element 106).

[0299] As described above, the left energy storage management mode can be a performance energy storage management mode, wherein when a corresponding instruction to operate according to this energy storage management mode is received, the control circuit system 110 enables all four exemplary device functions 421, 422, 423, and 424. On the other hand, the right energy storage management mode can be an economic energy storage management mode, wherein exemplary device function 424 is disabled and device parameter 425 is reduced to reduce the use of energy storage device 102, thereby extending its lifespan and / or limiting user experience behavior, for example, to reduce the number of aerosol-generating articles 200 experienced.

[0300] For example, the energy storage management mode with its subset 420 can be pre-configured, particularly the factory setting. However, it can also be specified that the energy storage management mode can be based on user settings.

[0301] Therefore, in one instance, a user can choose to modify the energy storage management mode. For example, it can be specified that the user can enable or disable certain or all device functions in one or both of the energy storage management modes 421, 422, 423, 424. Figure 2 In this example, a user may be allowed to enable device function 424 in the right subset 420, while, for example, a user may disable device function 424 or any other device function 421, 422, 423 in the left subset 420. It may also be specified that a user may add additional device functions as mentioned herein, or create new energy storage management modes.

[0302] In another example, the aerosol generating device 100 can be configured to select an energy storage management mode from a variety of energy storage management modes for operation of the energy storage device 102 based on at least one schedule and / or at least one geographical location. This selection of the energy storage management mode can be an alternative to or supplement to selection based on user input as explained above. The user can predefine one or more energy storage management modes to be used based on one or more schedules and / or one or more geographical locations, which can also be predefined by the user, for example, via user interface 120. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol generating device 100 or an external device can predefine one or more energy storage management modes for one or more schedules and / or one or more geographical locations based on usage information of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0303] For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a clock, calendar, and / or GPS unit (not shown) and / or be configured to receive the current time, date, and / or geographic location from one of an external device (e.g., mobile device 400), which may have one or more of the clock, calendar, and / or GPS units. Therefore, the aerosol generating device 100 may compare one or more timetables and / or one or more geographic locations with the current time and / or current location, and based on this comparison, select an energy storage management mode to be operated by the control circuitry system 110.

[0304] Figure 3 The following is provided for reference: Figure 2 A method for issuing instructions to operate the energy storage device 102 of the aerosol generating device 100 in one of the various energy storage management modes described.

[0305] In step S1, the aerosol generating device 100 and / or external device, such as the moving device 400, provide, for example, Figure 2 The energy storage management modes are shown in the example. In this example, a user interface 120, in the form of a display of the aerosol generating device 100 and / or an external device, displays various energy storage management modes.

[0306] In step S2, for example, the energy storage management mode is made selectable for the user through interaction with user interface 120. Step S2 can be performed simultaneously with step S1.

[0307] In step S3, an instruction is determined to operate the energy storage device 102 of the aerosol generating device 100 in one of a variety of energy storage management modes selected by the user on the user interface 120.

[0308] In step S4, the determined instruction is provided to be transmitted to the aerosol generating device 100. Thus, the instruction can be transmitted, or in other words, sent to the aerosol generating device 100, whereby the instruction can be received, for example, by the control circuit system 110, and is therefore used to configure the control circuit system 110 to provide a subset 420 of device functions of the selected energy storage management mode (which corresponds to the mode of the received instruction).

[0309] In addition to the steps described above, the method may further include making device functions in a subset 420 of device functions defined by the energy storage management mode selectable by the user for enabling and / or disabling device functions. Thus, as described above, the user can enable and / or disable device functions in any of a variety of energy storage management modes to customize their aerosol generating device 100. Moreover, or alternatively, the method may include making device parameters of at least one device function in the subset of device functions defined by the energy storage management mode modifiable by the user. Allowing the user to modify one or more device parameters further allows customization of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0310] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise stated elsewhere, all figures representing quantities, quantities, percentages, etc., shall be understood to be modified in all cases by the terms “about” or “basically”. 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 ± 20% 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 as used in the appended claims, the number A may deviate from the percentages listed above, provided that the amount of deviation from A does not significantly affect the basic 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.

[0311] While the invention has been shown and described in detail in the accompanying drawings and the foregoing description, such showing and description are to be regarded as illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive; the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations of the disclosed embodiments can be understood and implemented by those skilled in the art and those practicing the claimed invention, based on a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

[0312] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are referenced in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used advantageously. Any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, comprising a control circuit system and an energy storage device, The control circuit system can be configured to utilize the energy storage device to provide a set of device functions. The aerosol generating device is configured to receive instructions to operate the energy storage device in one of a plurality of energy storage management modes, each of the plurality of energy storage management modes defining one or more device functions in a set of device functions. At least one device in each of the multiple energy storage management modes has a different function in each of the energy storage management modes, and The control circuit system is configured to provide one or more device functions for energy storage management modes of received commands.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of energy storage modes defines a subset of the set of apparatus functions, and wherein the control circuitry is configured to provide a subset of the apparatus functions of the energy storage management mode receiving the instruction.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the energy storage management mode is preferably selectable by the user from the menu of the energy storage management mode.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control circuit system is configured to control the charging, discharging, and / or idling of the energy storage device based on one or more device functions defined by an energy storage management mode defined by a received instruction.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control circuitry is configured to enable and / or disable one or more device functions defined by an energy storage management mode of a received instruction.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 5, wherein at least one of the enabled and / or disabled apparatus functions is selected from or relates to: - Pause function, the pause function is used to pause the operation of the aerosol generating device. - The automatic start function of the aerosol generating device, - The fast charging function of the energy storage device, - The connection function of the aerosol generating device, which is used for communication connection to external devices of the aerosol generating device. - The flexible aerosol generation function of the aerosol generation device allows for the maximum number of suctions available for each aerosol-generated article in the aerosol generation device based on the user's suction behavior while using the aerosol generation device, and - The fixed aerosol generation function of the aerosol generation device allows for a maximum number of aspirations per aerosol-generated article in the aerosol generation device and / or a fixed amount of time for aspiration or experience of a single aerosol-generated article in the aerosol generation device.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control circuit system is configured to modify at least one device parameter of at least one device function of one or more device functions defined by an energy storage management mode of a received instruction.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7, wherein at least one modified apparatus parameter is selected from or relates to: - The aerosol generating device can be operated for a maximum number of use processes to generate aerosols. - The maximum number of pauses per use of the aerosol generating device. - The maximum number of suction cycles for each aerosol-generated product, and - The maximum time for aspirating or experiencing a single aerosol-generated product.

9. An aerosol generation system, the aerosol generation system comprising: The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, and An aerosol generating article, which may be coupled to or connected to an aerosol generating apparatus to generate an aerosol from at least a portion of the aerosol generating article.

10. An external device configured to: The communication ground is connected to the aerosol generating device, and Instructions are transmitted to the aerosol generating device to operate the energy storage device of the aerosol generating device in one of a plurality of energy storage management modes, each of the plurality of energy storage management modes defining one or more device functions, the one or more device functions having a set of device functions that the control circuitry system of the aerosol generating device can be configured to provide, wherein at least one device function of each of the plurality of energy storage management modes is different in each of the energy storage management modes.

11. The external device according to claim 10, wherein the external device is an accessory to a computing device, a mobile device, and / or the aerosol generating device.

12. The external device according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the external device is configured to: Provide the energy storage management mode, The energy storage management mode can be selected by the user, and The instruction is determined to operate the energy storage device of the aerosol generating device in one of the energy storage management modes.

13. The external device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the external device is configured to: The device function in one or more device functions defined by the energy storage management mode can be selected by the user to enable and / or disable the device function.

14. A method for providing instructions for operating an energy storage device of an aerosol generating apparatus in one of a plurality of energy storage management modes, each of the plurality of energy storage management modes defining one or more device functions, the one or more device functions having a set of device functions configurable to be provided by a control circuitry system of the aerosol generating apparatus, wherein at least one device function differs in each of the plurality of energy storage management modes, the method comprising: Provide the energy storage management mode, Make the energy storage management mode selectable. The instruction to select an energy storage device for operating the aerosol generating device in the energy storage management mode is determined, and Provide the determined instructions for transmission to the aerosol generating device.

15. A computer program product comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method according to claim 14.

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