aerosol generator

Abstract

An aerosol generating device is proposed that includes a control circuit operably coupled to an energy storage unit configured to supply electrical energy to the control circuit for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating article, the control circuit being configured to receive a limiting parameter indicating a user-defined number of usage sessions that the aerosol generating device will provide after the energy storage unit is charged, and to limit the aerosol generation operation to the user-defined number of usage sessions based on the limiting parameter.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of aerosol generating devices and systems for generating aerosols. In particular, the present disclosure relates to electronic aerosol generating devices and systems configured to generate aerosols based on heating at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article or substrate. The present disclosure also relates to uses of the aerosol generating devices or systems, methods of operating the aerosol generating devices or systems, computer programs, and corresponding computer-readable media storing such computer programs. [Background technology]

[0002] Aerosol-generating devices are typically designed as handheld devices that a user can use to consume or experience the aerosol generated by heating an aerosol-generating substrate or an aerosol-generating article comprising such a substrate, for example, in one or more use sessions. Of course, aerosol-generating devices can generate aerosol by other means, such as by vibration, by spraying, or by other means.

[0003] Exemplary aerosol-generating substrates may comprise solid substrate materials, such as tobacco or tobacco cast leaf (TCL) materials. Substrate materials, for example, can often be assembled with other elements or components to form a substantially rod-shaped aerosol-generating article. Such rods or aerosol-generating articles may be configured in a shape and size to be at least partially inserted into an aerosol-generating device, and may include, for example, a heating element for heating the aerosol-generating article and / or the aerosol-generating substrate. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more liquids and / or solids that may be supplied to the aerosol-generating device, for example, in the form of a cartridge or container. Exemplary aerosol-generating articles may include a cartridge or container that contains or is fillable with a liquid and / or solid substrate, which may vaporize during aerosol consumption by a user upon heating of the substrate. Typically, such cartridges may be coupled, attached, and / or at least partially inserted into the aerosol-generating device. Alternatively, the cartridge may be fixedly attached to the aerosol-generating device and refilled by inserting a liquid and / or solid substrate material into the cartridge.

[0004] To generate an aerosol during use or consumption, a user typically activates a user interface of the aerosol-generating device, thereby triggering the supply of electrical energy to one or more aerosol-generating means or aerosol generators, such as one or more heating elements or heat sources, to heat, for example, at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate or article. At least a portion of the aerosol-generating means or aerosol generator, e.g., at least a portion of the heating elements, may be disposed within the aerosol-generating device. Alternatively, or additionally, at least a portion of the aerosol-generating means or aerosol generator, e.g., at least a portion of the heating elements, may be located within the aerosol-generating article.

[0005] Exemplary heating elements may be based on one or more of resistive heating, inductive heating, and microwave heating using electrical energy supplied via, drawn from, or stored in an energy storage unit of the aerosol generating device. Exemplary energy storage units may include one or more batteries, one or more capacitors, one or more accumulators, or other types of energy storage units.

[0006] Alternatively, or additionally, the aerosol-generating device may be configured to supply electrical energy to one or more other aerosol-generating means, aerosol engines, or aerosol generators to generate the aerosol. For example, the aerosol-generating device and / or aerosol-generating article may comprise one or more vibrating elements, one or more vibrating meshes, one or more atomizing devices, or other means for generating an aerosol.

[0007] Generally, the amount of electrical energy provided by the energy storage unit and available or usable by a user of the aerosol generating device to operate the aerosol generating device, for example to experience one or more aerosol generating articles in one or more use sessions, may be limited, thereby potentially limiting the functionality or usefulness of the aerosol generating device to generate aerosol.

[0008] Furthermore, limitations on the capacity of the energy storage unit and / or frequent use of the device to generate aerosols over one or more use sessions may result in frequent charging and discharging of the energy storage unit. Such frequent charging and discharging of the energy storage unit may adversely affect the quality of the energy storage unit, and its ability to store electrical energy may decrease over time. After a certain life or service life of the energy storage unit, the aerosol generating device, or at least the energy storage unit, may be replaced.

[0009] It may therefore be desirable to provide an improved aerosol generating device or system, for example, an improved aerosol generating device or system, such as conventional aerosol generating devices and systems, that at least mitigates or overcomes one or more of the above-mentioned disadvantages. Summary of the Invention

[0010] This is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Optional features are provided by the dependent claims and the following description.

[0011] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to aerosol-generating devices and aerosol-generating systems configured to generate an aerosol from at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating substrate, for example, based on supplying electrical energy to one or more aerosol generators. The present disclosure further relates to uses of such aerosol-generating devices and systems, methods of operating such aerosol-generating devices and systems, corresponding computer programs, and corresponding computer-readable media, e.g., non-transitory computer-readable media, storing such computer programs. Any disclosure provided herein above and below with reference to one aspect of the present disclosure applies equally to other aspects of the present disclosure.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device is provided. The aerosol generating device includes a control circuit and an energy storage unit configured to supply electrical energy to the control circuit for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating substrate. The control circuit may be operably coupled to the energy storage unit. The control circuit is configured to receive a limit parameter indicating, for example, a user-defined number of usage sessions that the aerosol generating device will or can provide to a user after the energy storage unit is charged. The control circuit is further configured to limit or control operation of the aerosol generating device to the user-defined number of usage sessions based on the limit parameter.

[0013] For example, providing a user with a user-defined number of use sessions with an aerosol generating device may mean that the aerosol generating device is operable or can be operated by the user to generate aerosol for the user-defined number of use sessions. In embodiments, the energy storage and / or control circuitry may be configured to provide electrical energy to at least one aerosol generating means or at least one aerosol generator for generating aerosol from at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article connectable to the aerosol generating device. Exemplary aerosol generators or means may include one or more heating elements, one or more heat sources, one or more vibrating elements, one or more vibrating meshes, and one or more atomizing devices.

[0014] For example, the energy storage unit and / or control circuit may be configured to supply electrical energy to at least one heating element to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating article connectable to an aerosol generating device, for example, based on heating at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article.

[0015] Controlling an aerosol generating device based on a limiting parameter and / or a user-defined number of usage sessions indicated by or associated with the limiting parameter may generally increase the versatility, flexibility, and functionality of the device, particularly because the device may be configured according to a user's specific requirements or desires, which may be reflected by or included in the limiting parameter.

[0016] The use session may be a finite use session, i.e., a use session having a beginning and an end. The duration of the use session, as measured by time, may be affected by use during the use session. The duration of the use session may have a maximum duration determined by the longest time from the start of the use session. If one or more monitored parameters reach a predetermined threshold before the longest time from the start of the use session, the duration of the use session may be shorter than the longest time. As an example, the one or more monitored parameters may include one or more of i) the cumulative number of puffs in a series taken by the user since the start of the use session, and ii) the cumulative volume of aerosol emitted from the aerosol-forming substrate since the start of the use session.

[0017] Alternatively, or additionally, user-specific energy management can be implemented, tailored to the user's needs or habits, e.g., with respect to the number of usage sessions per charge of the energy storage unit. For example, it has been found that some users tend to charge the energy storage unit after each usage session, while other users may use the device for more than one usage session before charging or recharging the device. Limiting the operation of the device to a user-defined number of usage sessions per charge of the energy storage unit may, for example, make it possible to reduce or avoid excessive charge or discharge events, which may extend the life or cycle life of the energy storage unit and / or the aerosol generating device.

[0018] The aerosol-generating device of the present disclosure may particularly refer to an electronic aerosol-generating device configured to generate an aerosol, for example, based on heating at least a portion of a heating element, at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article, and / or at least a portion of an aerosol-generating substrate contained within the aerosol-generating article to a temperature equal to or greater than a predetermined heating temperature, which may be inhaled by a user of the aerosol-generating device during or between one or more use sessions. The aerosol-generating device of the present disclosure may also be referred to as a non-heated combustion device.

[0019] As used herein, a predetermined heating temperature may refer to or indicate a temperature, level of temperature, or range of temperatures above room temperature sufficient to generate and / or release an aerosol from an aerosol-generating article or substrate, the released aerosol being inhalable by a user during one or more use sessions or use sessions using one or more aerosol-generating articles.

[0020] Depending on the type and composition of the particular aerosol-generating article or substrate used with the device, the predetermined heating temperature may be in the range of 250° C. to 450° C., specifically 270° C. to 430° C., and more specifically 315° C. to 355° C. These temperatures may be suitable operating or heating temperatures sufficient to allow volatile compounds to be released from the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0021] The aerosol-generating article may comprise a solid and / or liquid containing nicotine. Exemplary aerosol-generating articles or substrates usable with the aerosol-generating devices of the present disclosure may be formed in a stick shape and at least partially inserted into the aerosol-generating device. Alternative exemplary aerosol-generating articles may comprise a container or cartridge that may be fixedly attached to or removably connected to the aerosol-generating device. Typically, a liquid, solid, or mixture of solid and liquid aerosol-generating substrates is contained within or inserted into such an aerosol-generating article and can be heated to generate an aerosol. Any and all forms and designs of aerosol-generating articles, as well as other forms and designs, may be used with the aerosol-generating devices and systems of the present disclosure.

[0022] The control circuitry may be configured to control the energy storage unit based on the limit parameter, for example, such that operation of the aerosol generation device by a user to generate aerosol in one or more use sessions is limited to a user-defined number of use sessions in accordance with the limit parameter. Alternatively, or additionally, upon receiving the limit parameter, the control circuitry may configure the aerosol generation device such that the aerosol generation device is provided, operable, or usable by a user to generate aerosol for a user-defined number of use sessions after the energy storage unit is charged.

[0023] Generally, the control circuitry, also referred to herein as device control circuitry, may be configured to control one or more device functions of the aerosol generating device. In particular, the control circuitry may include one or more processors for data or signal processing. The control circuitry may be configured to operatively control the aerosol generating device, its energy storage unit, and / or one or more additional 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 unit may include generating and / or providing one or more control signals to one or more components of the aerosol generating device, such as, for example, the energy storage unit.

[0024] As used herein, an energy storage unit of an aerosol generating device may be configured to store or may store electrical energy that can be supplied to at least one heating element to generate an aerosol. Optionally, the energy storage unit may be rechargeable, for example, by connecting the aerosol generating device to a power source or companion device, also referred to herein as a receiving device. For example, the energy storage unit may be recharged by connecting the aerosol generating device to a companion device or power source via a cable or inductive coupling.

[0025] It should be noted that an aerosol generating device may comprise multiple energy stores, and therefore any reference herein to a single energy store includes multiple energy stores.

[0026] In one embodiment, the energy storage unit may include one or more batteries, accumulators, capacitors, or other types of energy storage units for storing electrical energy, such as an energy storage unit configured to store potential energy associated with changes in the composition of chemical elements or molecules within the energy storage unit. Also, any combination of the aforementioned types of energy storage units may be implemented in the aerosol generating device of the present disclosure.

[0027] The at least one heating element may refer to or indicate 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.

[0028] In one example, the heating element may be an induction heating element, including, for example, an induction coil configured to inductively heat a susceptor or susceptor material disposed within the aerosol-generating article or substrate. Alternatively, or additionally, the heating element may comprise one or more heating blades or resistive heating elements that may be at least partially inserted within the aerosol-generating article or substrate and may be supplied with electrical energy to generate the aerosol. Alternatively, or additionally, the heating element may comprise a microwave generator configured to heat the aerosol-generating article based on microwave heating. Other configurations, such as a loop gap resonator, may additionally or alternatively be used.

[0029] At least part of or the entirety of at least one heating element may be located within the aerosol-generating device. Alternatively, or additionally, at least part of or the entirety of the heating element may be disposed within the aerosol-generating article. For example, the aerosol-generating device may comprise a heating arrangement or heating circuit including at least one heating element. Optionally, a heating element, circuit, or part of the heating arrangement may be disposed within the aerosol-generating device, and a further part of the heating element, circuit, or arrangement may be disposed within the aerosol-generating article. Furthermore, it should be noted that the aerosol-generating device and / or aerosol-generating article may comprise multiple heating elements. Thus, any reference herein above and below to a single heating element may include multiple heating elements.

[0030] In one embodiment, the 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 an aerosol. Exemplary user interfaces may include buttons, switches, touch displays, audio interfaces, gesture control interfaces, haptic interfaces, tactile interfaces, or combinations thereof.

[0031] The control circuitry may be operable to receive and / or process one or more user inputs from the user interface and to operate or power the heating elements, each including a heating circuit or arrangement, to generate an aerosol in accordance with or based on the one or more user inputs. 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 above a predetermined heating temperature to generate an aerosol in a use session.

[0032] As used herein, a limit parameter may include information related to and / or associated with a user-defined number of usage sessions. Thus, the limit parameter itself may be user-defined. The limit parameter may indicate, describe, and / or represent a user-defined number of usage sessions that the aerosol generating device will provide, be able to provide, be operable, or be able to operate after the energy storage unit is charged. The phrase or functional description "after the energy storage unit is charged" may be used herein to refer to, or be used synonymously with, "after the energy storage unit was last charged" or "between two consecutive charging events." Thus, the limit parameter may indicate, describe, and / or represent a user-defined number of usage sessions that the aerosol generating device will provide, be able to provide, or be able to operate per charge of the energy storage unit, e.g., per full charge of the energy storage unit. Alternatively or additionally, the limit parameter may indicate, describe, and / or represent a user-defined number of usage sessions that the aerosol generating device will provide, be able to provide (or be operable or be operated) after the last or most recent charging event in which the energy storage unit was charged. Alternatively or additionally, the limiting parameter may indicate, describe, and / or represent a user-defined number of usage sessions that the aerosol generating device will provide, be able to provide, be operational, or be able to operate before a next, subsequent, or consecutive charging event.Alternatively or additionally, the limiting parameter may indicate, describe, and / or represent a user-defined number of usage sessions that the aerosol generating device will provide, be able to provide, be operational, or be able to operate with a charged or fully charged energy storage unit and / or between two temporally consecutive charging events.

[0033] It should be noted that a full charge of an energy storage unit or a fully charged energy storage unit may refer to or indicate an energy storage unit that has been charged to its maximum energy capacity, such that a maximum amount of electrical energy is stored in the energy storage unit. Therein, the maximum energy capacity, also referred to herein as the storage capacity or capacity of the energy storage unit, may be defined by the physical or chemical limitations of the energy storage unit. Alternatively, or additionally, the maximum energy capacity may be defined by the corresponding configuration of the energy storage unit.

[0034] The control circuitry may be configured to limit operation of the aerosol generating device per charge of the energy storage unit, e.g., full charge, to a user-defined number of usage sessions based on the limiting parameter. Alternatively, or additionally, the control circuitry may be configured, based on the limiting parameter, to control the aerosol generating device to generate aerosol after the energy storage unit is charged, in particular after the energy storage unit was last charged, after the last or most recent charging event, before the next charging event, and / or between two consecutive charging events, allowing use of the device for a user-defined number of usage sessions. In other words, the control circuitry may permit or allow use of the device between two charging events or per charge of the energy storage unit for a user-defined number of usage sessions.

[0035] In one example, the limiting parameter may indicate a maximum or threshold number of usage sessions that the aerosol-generating device will provide, can provide, or is operable to generate aerosol based on heating at least a portion of the heating element and / or at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article to a temperature equal to or greater than a predetermined heating temperature. For example, the limiting parameter may refer to a threshold for the maximum or threshold number of usage sessions that the device can operate after a last charging event, before a next charging event, and / or between two consecutive charging events.

[0036] The energy storage unit may be configured with or may have a capacity, energy capacity, or storage capacity for storing electrical energy to heat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article to a temperature equal to or greater than a predetermined heating temperature for a predetermined or capacity-defined number of usage sessions. Thus, a capacity-defined number of usage sessions may refer to the number of usage sessions that the device can in principle use per charge of the energy storage unit since the energy storage unit was last charged before the next charging event and / or between two consecutive charging events.

[0037] Optionally, the user-defined number of usage sessions indicated by the limit parameter may be different from the predetermined or capacity-defined number of usage sessions, and thus the user-defined number of usage sessions may be smaller or larger than the capacity-defined number of usage sessions.

[0038] In example implementations, the user-defined number of use sessions indicated by the limit parameter may be less than the predetermined or capacity-defined number of use sessions as defined by the storage capacity of the energy storage. Thus, use or operation of the device to generate an aerosol may be limited based on the limit parameter to fewer use sessions than would be granted or permitted based on the capacity-defined or predetermined number of use sessions.

[0039] A particular user may typically use the aerosol generating device for only a few usage sessions after the last charging event, before the next charging event, and / or between two consecutive charging events. Some users may even be able to charge or recharge the energy storage unit after each usage session. Limiting device usage to a number of usage sessions per charge that is less than a capacity-defined number may allow the aerosol generating device or its operation to be flexibly adapted according to the user's habits or requirements. Alternatively, or additionally, excessive charging and / or discharging may be avoided or reduced, which may extend the life of the energy storage unit.

[0040] For example, the control circuitry may be configured to limit operation of the aerosol generating device to generate aerosol to a single use session per charge of the energy storage unit after the energy storage unit was last charged, after the last charging event, before the energy storage unit is charged for the next time, and / or between two consecutive charging events based on the limiting parameters. Thus, only a separate or single use session may be permitted or granted to a user per charge of the energy storage unit.

[0041] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further include a communications circuit or interface for communicatively coupling the aerosol generating device to at least one of a computing device and a companion device. The companion device may also be referred to herein as a receiving device. Therein, the limiting parameters may be received based on transmitting the limiting parameters to the aerosol generating device from at least one of the computing device and the companion device. Accordingly, the aerosol generating device or control circuitry may be reconfigured or configured by a user based on transmitting the limiting parameters to the aerosol generating device from one or more of the computing device and the companion device. For example, the limiting parameters may be transmitted directly from the computing device or the companion device to the aerosol generating device. Alternatively or additionally, the limiting parameters may be transmitted from the computing device to the companion device and from the companion device to the aerosol generating device. Generally, the limiting parameters may be transmitted or exchanged between one or more of the aerosol generating device, the computing device, and the companion device, for example, based on transmitting or exchanging corresponding data or data elements. Thus, the limiting parameters or corresponding data may also be transmitted from the aerosol generating device to the companion device and / or computing device.

[0042] One or more communication interface types or protocols may be implemented in the aerosol generating device and its communication interface or circuitry. In particular, the communication interface or circuitry may be configured for one or both of wired and wireless communication with one or more computing devices and companion devices. In non-limiting examples, the communication interface or circuitry of the aerosol generating device may be based on one or more of BUS communication, cable communication, Bluetooth communication, wireless local area network communication, infrared communication, near field communication, Internet communication, or any other suitable type of communication or communication protocol.

[0043] As used herein, a computing device may refer to any device or apparatus having data processing capabilities, such as a server, a server network, a mobile device, a smartphone, a tablet, a smart device, and a smart wearable. The computing device may be configured to communicate or transmit the limiting parameters to the aerosol-generating device, for example, wirelessly or via a wire. Thus, the computing device may include a communication interface or circuitry configured to transmit the limiting parameters or corresponding data to the aerosol-generating device.

[0044] The aerosol generating device may be operable and / or communicatively connectable to a companion device or a receiving device, in particular for supplying electrical energy to the energy storage unit. Optionally, the limiting parameters may be received from the companion device or the receiving device upon coupling the aerosol generating device to the companion device.

[0045] The companion device or receiving device may be configured to at least partially receive the aerosol generating device, for example, to charge the aerosol generating device and / or to store the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may be configured to be wirelessly charged by the companion device. For example, the companion device and the aerosol generating device may be inductively coupled to charge the energy storage of the aerosol generating device. Alternatively, or additionally, the control circuitry may be configured to establish an electrical connection with the companion device to charge the energy storage. Thus, the aerosol generating device may be configured to be operably coupled to the companion device to charge the energy storage of the aerosol generating device.

[0046] Alternatively, or additionally, the companion device may comprise a communication interface for communicatively coupling the companion device to the aerosol-generating device and for transmitting, for example, restriction parameters or corresponding data from the companion device to the aerosol-generating device. Optionally, the communicative coupling between the aerosol-generating device and the companion device may be established upon operably coupling the aerosol-generating device with the companion device for charging the aerosol-generating device, or vice versa.

[0047] In one example, the control circuitry may be configured to receive the restriction parameter based on retrieving the restriction parameter from a data storage or memory of the aerosol generating device, e.g., the restriction parameter or corresponding data may be stored in a data storage and accessed by the control circuitry to control the device or energy storage unit in accordance with or based on the restriction parameter.

[0048] Alternatively or additionally, the received limiting parameters may be user-defined and / or may indicate a user-defined number of usage sessions, in particular a user-defined number of usage sessions per charge of the energy storage unit, or may be based on one or more user inputs since the energy storage unit was last charged.

[0049] Exemplary and non-limiting user inputs may relate to, associate, and / or include information regarding a user's habits or behavior with respect to using the aerosol generating device to generate aerosol in one or more use sessions, such as a single use session or multiple consecutive use sessions. For example, a user may provide a number of use sessions per time period, such as, for example, the number of use sessions per day, hour, week, or month, in which the user intends to use or operate the device. Alternatively, or additionally, a user may provide a number of use sessions per charge of the energy storage unit, or the number of use sessions the device can operate or provide between two consecutive charge events. Alternatively, or additionally, a user may provide information about the time or duration of one or more use sessions.

[0050] Optionally, one or more of the control circuitry, the companion device, and the computing device may calculate the limiting parameter and / or the user-defined number of usage sessions based on one or more user inputs received or provided at a user interface of one or more of the aerosol-generation device, the companion device, and the computing device. In other words, the limiting parameter may be received via at least one of a user interface of the aerosol-generation device, a computing device communicatively connectable to the aerosol-generation device, and a companion device communicatively connectable to the aerosol-generation device. Thus, the limiting parameter may be received via one or more user interfaces of one or more of the aerosol-generation device, the companion device, and the computing device.

[0051] In a non-limiting example, the aerosol generating device includes a user interface, and the control circuitry can be configured to calculate or determine the limiting parameter or the user-defined number of usage sessions based on one or more user inputs provided to the user interface of the aerosol generating device. The user interface of the aerosol generating device can be any type of user interface, including a display, a touch display, a button, a switch, a haptic interface, a tactile interface, and an acoustic interface. Thus, the control circuitry can derive the user-defined number of usage sessions from the one or more user inputs.

[0052] Alternatively, or in addition, the control circuitry may be configured to calculate the limiting parameters based on one or more user inputs provided to the computing device and / or the receiving device. Optionally, this may include transmitting one or more user inputs from at least one of the computing device and the companion device to the aerosol generating device via communications circuitry of the aerosol generating device. Thus, the control circuitry may derive a user-defined number of usage sessions from the one or more user inputs provided to the computing device and / or the companion device.

[0053] For example, the computing device and / or companion device may include one or more user interfaces for receiving one or more user inputs, which may be transmitted to the aerosol generating device, for example, in the form of one or more data elements or signals.

[0054] In one embodiment, the one or more user inputs may be associated with one or more of the number of usage sessions available to the user per charge of the energy storage, including the duration of a usage session, the duration of multiple usage sessions, the amount of energy consumed or the amount of energy storage charges per usage session, the availability of one or more device functions of the aerosol generating device, and the availability of a pause mode in the aerosol generating device for interrupting or resuming a continuous usage session. Alternatively or additionally, the number of usage sessions per time period, such as the number of usage sessions per day, hour, week, or month, may be provided by the user. Alternatively or additionally, the user may provide general or categorical information about their consumption behavior, such as “low,” “medium,” or “high,” as user input. Based thereon, the control circuitry may calculate or determine the corresponding number of user sessions. Thus, the user may configure the device in terms of a user-defined number of usage sessions based on providing one or more user inputs to the user interfaces of one or more of the aerosol generating device, the computing device, and the companion device.

[0055] Optionally, the user may configure the device in terms of the availability of one or more device functions, in other words, the user may configure the device to enable or disable one or more device functions, for example the primary heating function or one or more auxiliary device functions.

[0056] As used herein, device function may refer to any operation or function of an aerosol generating device that may involve control of the operation of the aerosol generating device and / or one or more components of the aerosol generating device by a control circuit, such as control of the operation of one or more of the aerosol generating device's at least one heating element, communication circuitry, energy storage unit, and one or more user interfaces.

[0057] In one embodiment, the one or more device functions may include a primary heating function of the aerosol-generating device, also referred to herein as a primary device function. The primary heating function may refer to operation of the aerosol-generating device to heat at least a portion of at least one heating element, at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article, and / or the substrate above a predetermined heating temperature of the heating element, the aerosol-generating article, and / or the aerosol-generating substrate to generate an aerosol.

[0058] The primary heating function of an aerosol generating device may be performed or implemented during or within a use session. As used herein, a use session may refer to a period of time during which a user may use the aerosol generating device to generate, consume, experience, or inhale an aerosol. Within that, a use session may be finite. In other words, a use session may have a beginning, an end, and a duration.

[0059] It should be noted that operation of an aerosol-generating device in a use session to generate an aerosol may be used synonymously herein with operating the aerosol-generating device in its primary device function, operating the device to perform its primary heating function, performing or carrying out its primary device heating function, and / or heating one or more of the heating elements, and heating the aerosol-generating article and aerosol-generating substrate to a temperature above a predetermined heating temperature.

[0060] The one or more device functions may include one or more auxiliary device functions. An auxiliary device function may refer to an operation or function of an aerosol generating device that is different from the primary heating function of the aerosol generating device. For example, an auxiliary device function may differ from the primary heating function in terms of one or more of the type of function, the purpose of the function, the duration of the function, the one or more components involved in performing the function, and / or energy consumption. However, an auxiliary device function may differ from the primary heating function in any other aspect, feature, or element. In general, any device function other than the primary heating function may be considered or referred to as an auxiliary device function in the context of this disclosure.

[0061] For example, the auxiliary device functions may include one or more of: operating the aerosol generating device with reduced energy consumption relative to operation during a use session (or in an aerosol emission mode) to generate an aerosol; heating at least one heating element and / or aerosol-generating article to a temperature below a heating temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol; heating at least one heating element and / or aerosol-generating article to a temperature above room temperature and below a heating temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol; heating at least one heating element and / or aerosol-generating article to a temperature above room temperature and below a heating temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol for a predetermined period of time, for example during a pause in use; activating or deactivating tactile controls of the aerosol generating device; activating or deactivating one or more user interfaces of the aerosol generating device; operating a user interface of the aerosol generating device; operating communication circuitry of the aerosol generating device to communicatively couple the aerosol generating device to a computing device or receiving device; operating a sensor of the aerosol generating device; and operating a biometric sensor of the aerosol generating device for user authentication. Therein, operating may include one or more of activating, enabling, disabling, activating, and deactivating.

[0062] The aerosol generating device may include a heating circuit and / or heating arrangement that can operate in at least two operating modes: an aerosol-emission mode and a pause mode. Thus, the aerosol generating device may operate in at least two operating modes. The heating circuit may be part of or provided by the control circuit. The aerosol generating device, heating circuit, and / or control circuit may be configured to heat the heating element, the aerosol-generating article, and / or the substrate at a first temperature level in the aerosol-emission mode, e.g., during a use session. The first temperature level may correspond to a predetermined heating temperature or a higher temperature. The aerosol generating device may further be configured to heat the heating element, the aerosol-generating article, and / or the substrate at a second temperature level below the first temperature level in the pause mode of the aerosol generating device. The second temperature level may refer to, for example, a temperature higher than room temperature and lower than the first temperature level.

[0063] A use session or user experience, also referred to herein as an aerosol-generating article experience, can be interrupted and later resumed by the user, for example, by switching the device to a pause mode, and the aerosol-generating article or substrate may be kept in the pause mode of the aerosol-generating device at a temperature below a first temperature level and / or below a predetermined heating temperature used during normal use of the device (particularly during a user experience or use session), but still above or well above room temperature. That is, the second temperature level is preferably selected to avoid degradation of the undepleted substrate or aerosol-generating article. In particular, the second temperature level may be selected to be sufficiently low to minimize depletion of the substrate or article during the pause mode, yet sufficiently high to avoid condensation of vapor within the device, which could affect the quality of the undepleted aerosol-generating substrate or article.

[0064] During use of the device, particularly when a user experience or use session is taking place, the heating element, heating circuit, and / or heating arrangement may be operated in an aerosol-emitting mode, while during pauses in use of the device, i.e., when no user experience or use session is taking place and / or when a use session is interrupted by a pause, the aerosol-generating device may be operated in a paused mode. During both the aerosol-emitting mode and the paused mode of the heating arrangement, the aerosol-generating device, heating element, heating circuit, and / or heating arrangement may be in operation, particularly in heating operation, but still at different temperature levels, i.e., during the aerosol-emitting mode, at a first temperature level selected to be sufficiently high to generate an aerosol, and during the paused mode, at a second temperature level below the first temperature level selected to be sufficiently low to avoid degradation while minimizing depletion of the substrate.

[0065] Depending on the type and composition of the specific aerosol-generating article or substrate used with the device, the predetermined heating temperature or first temperature level may be within the range of 250°C to 450°C, specifically 270°C to 430°C, and more specifically 315°C to 355°C. These temperatures may be suitable operating or heating temperatures sufficient to allow volatile compounds to be released from the aerosol-generating article or substrate, for example, during one or more use sessions and / or when the device is operated in an aerosol-emitting mode. For example, the first temperature level and / or predetermined heating temperature for a liquid aerosol-generating article or substrate may be lower than the first temperature level for a solid aerosol-generating article or substrate.

[0066] Generally, the second temperature level may be selected to maintain the usefulness of the aerosol-generating article or substrate for an extended period of time. The second temperature level may also depend on the type and composition of the aerosol-generating article or substrate used with the device. As a result, the second temperature level may be within the range of 175°C to 225°C, specifically 185°C to 215°C, and more specifically 195°C to 205°C. These temperatures may be low enough to minimize substrate depletion during the pause mode, yet high enough to avoid vapor condensation within the device, which could lead to degradation of the aerosol-generating article or substrate.

[0067] To avoid condensation effects in the device, particularly to avoid condensation of substances within the aerosol-generating article or substrate, 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.

[0068] Conversely, to minimize depletion of the substrate or article during the pause mode, the second temperature level may be at most 220 degrees Celsius, specifically at most 225 degrees Celsius, preferably at most 215 degrees Celsius, and more preferably at least 205 degrees Celsius. Specifically, the second temperature level may be selected to reduce aerosol formation by at least 50 percent compared to the aerosol emission mode.

[0069] Relatively, the second temperature level may be, for example, at least 50 degrees Celsius, particularly at least 75 degrees Celsius, and more particularly at least 100 degrees Celsius lower than the first temperature level.

[0070] The above temperature values ​​given are preferably the average temperature of the aerosol-generating article or substrate during operation of the device. In addition, as already mentioned, the temperature values ​​may depend, among other things, on the type and composition of the aerosol-generating article or substrate used in the device.

[0071] As used herein, suspended mode may refer to a first mode of operation of an aerosol generating device in which the heating element, heating circuit and / or heating arrangement may be operated during a suspension of operation, i.e., suspension of use of the aerosol generating device, i.e., the user experience or use session may be suspended, and aerosol generation may not occur or may at least be reduced to a minimal level. That is, in suspended mode, the aerosol generating device is in a suspended state of use.

[0072] Conversely, the aerosol emission mode may refer to a second mode of operation of the heating element, circuitry and / or arrangement, which is the normal heating mode of operation of the aerosol-generating device for aerosol generation, wherein the heating element, heating circuitry and / or heating arrangement may operate during use of the device by a user, i.e., when a user experience or use session occurs, specifically when aerosol generation occurs. Generally, aerosol generation may occur continuously or on demand, specifically on a puff basis, i.e., in response to a user request when taking a puff.

[0073] 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 a user, whether it is being used by a user, or whether it is in a paused state, i.e., suspended from use. Advantageously, such a sensor may facilitate automatically detecting whether the operation of the heating arrangement can be switched to a paused mode because the device is not currently being used and is therefore in a paused state, i.e., suspended from use. Thus, aerosol generation may continue but be stopped in a timely manner to avoid undesirable depletion of the aerosol-forming substrate. Similarly, such a sensor may facilitate automatically detecting whether the operation of the heating arrangement should be switched back to an aerosol-emitting mode, i.e., back to the normal heating operating mode for aerosol generation, when the user wishes to resume their user experience or use session.

[0074] In an exemplary implementation, the limiting parameters may indicate the availability of one or more device functions, such as a primary heating function and one or more auxiliary device functions other than or different from the primary heating function. For example, the limiting parameters may indicate the availability of a pause mode in the aerosol generating device and one or more of the number of use pauses that the aerosol generating device provides, can provide, or is operable in pause mode after the energy storage unit is last charged and before the energy storage unit is charged for the next time and / or between two consecutive charging events. The control circuitry may be configured to limit the operation of the aerosol generating device in pause mode and / or the number of use pauses based on the limiting parameters. Thus, the device functionality can be tailored to the user's wishes, desires, and needs.

[0075] In a further embodiment, the control circuitry may be further configured to determine a number of partial and / or completed usage sessions in which the aerosol generating device has been used to generate aerosol based on heating one or more aerosol-generating articles to or above a predetermined heating temperature since the last charging event and / or since the energy storage unit was last charged. Further, the control circuitry may be configured to compare the determined number of partial and / or completed usage sessions with a user-defined number of usage sessions indicated by the limit parameter.

[0076] For example, the control circuitry may be configured to allow or prevent operation or use of the aerosol generating device in a further, subsequent, or next use session based on comparing the determined number of partial and / or completed use sessions with a user-defined number of use sessions indicated by the limit parameter.

[0077] Optionally, the control circuitry may be configured to determine a number of remaining usage sessions available to the user until recharging based on comparing the determined number of partial and / or completed usage sessions with a user-defined number of usage sessions indicated by the limit parameter. Thus, the number of remaining usage sessions may be determined based on the comparison. For example, the number of remaining usage sessions may be calculated based on subtracting the number of partial and / or completed usage sessions from the user-defined number of usage sessions.

[0078] Further optionally, the control circuitry may be configured to operate and / or activate a user interface of the aerosol generating device to indicate and / or notify the user of the number of remaining usage sessions available. Alternatively or additionally, the control circuitry may be configured to operate and / or activate a user interface of the aerosol generating device to indicate and / or notify the user of the number of partial and / or completed usage sessions. Alternatively or additionally, the control circuitry may be configured to operate and / or activate a user interface of the aerosol generating device to indicate and / or notify the user of a user-defined number of usage sessions. Thus, one or more of the number of partial and / or completed usage sessions, the number of remaining usage sessions, and the user-defined number of usage sessions may be notified and / or indicated to the user based on activating one or more user interfaces of the aerosol generating device. For example, several light-emitting diodes (LEDs) may be switched on or off according to one or more of the number of partial usage sessions, the number of completed usage sessions, the number of remaining usage sessions, and the user-defined number of usage sessions. Other means may additionally or alternatively be used, such as displaying one or more of the numbers or corresponding category information on a user interface or display of the aerosol generating device.

[0079] In an example implementation, the control circuitry may be configured to force a recharge or charging of the energy storage unit upon determining that the number of partial and / or completed usage sessions reaches or exceeds a user-defined number of usage sessions indicated by the limit parameter, wherein forcing a recharge of the energy storage unit may include triggering and / or requesting a recharge.

[0080] For example, one or more device functions, particularly the primary heating function, may be disabled or prevented by the control circuitry upon determining that the number of partial and / or completed use sessions reaches or exceeds the user-defined number of use sessions indicated by the limit parameter. Alternatively, or additionally, the control circuitry may render the aerosol generating device inoperable for the user to generate aerosol in further use sessions upon determining that the number of partial and / or completed use sessions reaches or exceeds the user-defined number of use sessions indicated by the limit parameter. Forcing a recharge of the energy storage unit may ensure that the device can only be used for the user-defined number of use sessions per charge of the energy storage unit. Thus, effective and reliable control and energy management may be implemented.

[0081] Optionally, the control circuitry may be configured to operate and / or activate a user interface of the aerosol generating device to provide a notification to a user to recharge the energy storage unit upon determining that the number of partial and / or completed usage sessions reaches or exceeds a user-defined number of usage sessions indicated by the limit parameter. For example, one or more LEDs may indicate that a recharge is forced, triggered, or requested by the control circuitry.

[0082] In yet another exemplary configuration, the control circuitry may be configured to determine and / or calculate, based on the limiting parameters, at least one threshold value indicative of the amount of energy available to a user to heat at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article to a temperature equal to or greater than a predetermined heating temperature in one or more use sessions. For example, a threshold value for energy consumption per use session or a threshold value for multiple use sessions, e.g., a user-defined number of use sessions, may be calculated by the control circuitry.

[0083] Optionally, the control circuitry may be configured to determine a storage state of the energy storage unit indicative of at least one of an amount of electrical energy currently stored and an amount of electrical energy currently storable in the energy storage unit, and the control circuitry may be further configured to evaluate and / or analyze the determined storage state with respect to at least one threshold value, and to enable or disable at least one device function of the aerosol generating device based on the evaluation.

[0084] The at least one threshold may be associated with or related to at least one device function. For example, the threshold may be associated with, for example, heating of the aerosol generating device during one or more use sessions or one or more pause modes. In non-limiting examples, the at least one threshold may describe and / or indicate one or more criteria, predetermined standards, requirements, and / or prerequisites for performing the one or more device functions associated with the at least one threshold. In other words, the at least one threshold may reflect or encode one or more criteria, requirements, and / or prerequisites that must be met to perform and / or enable the at least one device function.

[0085] In one embodiment, the at least one threshold may be indicative of and / or correlate to the energy consumption of the aerosol generating device to perform or execute one or more device functions.

[0086] For example, the at least one threshold value may correlate with and / or be indicative of the amount of energy required to perform the primary heating function of the aerosol-generating device during one or more use sessions. Alternatively, or additionally, the at least one threshold value may correlate with and / or be indicative of the amount of energy required to heat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article to or above a predetermined heating temperature during or within one or more use sessions. Alternatively, or additionally, the at least one threshold value may correlate with and / or be indicative of the amount of energy required to perform one or more auxiliary device functions.

[0087] As used herein, enabling a device function may refer to or include enabling the device function, e.g., allowing a user to perform the device function. Alternatively, or additionally, enabling a device function may include activating the device function, e.g., based on one or more user inputs or so that it can be performed automatically. For example, enabling or allowing a device function may include configuring the aerosol generating device so that the device function is executable or can be performed. Alternatively, or additionally, enabling a device function may include making the device function available or available to a user of the aerosol generating device. In a non-limiting example, a flag or marker indicating that the device function is allowed may be set by the control circuitry based on an evaluation of storage conditions with respect to at least one threshold and / or limiting parameter to enable the device function.

[0088] As used herein, disabling a device function may refer to or include preventing a device function, e.g., preventing a user from performing the device function. Alternatively, or additionally, disabling a device function may include stopping the device function, e.g., based on one or more user inputs or so that it cannot be performed automatically. Alternatively, or additionally, disabling a device function may include making the device function unavailable or available to a user of the aerosol generating device. For example, disabling or preventing a device function may include configuring the aerosol generating device such that the device function and / or its execution is inhibited. In a non-limiting example, a flag or marker indicating that a device function has been prevented may be set by the control circuitry based on an evaluation of storage conditions with respect to at least one threshold and / or limiting parameter to disable the device function.

[0089] Evaluating the storage state of the energy storage unit against at least one threshold calculated based on the limiting parameters and enabling or disabling at least one device function based thereon can enable energy management and efficient operation of the aerosol generating device. In particular, device operation can be optimized based on adapting a repertoire or set of device functions available in the aerosol generating device by assessing the storage state. In other words, device functions can be adapted according to the assessed storage state, which can enable optimizing or maximizing the overall device functionality relative to available energy. Enabling or disabling certain device functions may also enable prioritizing certain device functions relative to others, which may increase the overall usability and operability of the device for the user.

[0090] Thus, enabling or disabling a device function may involve altering, modifying, or changing the configuration of the aerosol generation device so that the device function is available or unavailable to the aerosol generation device, e.g., available or unavailable to a user of the aerosol generation device. Alternatively, or additionally, enabling or disabling a device function may involve adapting a repertoire or set of device functions available to the aerosol generation device. For example, enabling a device function may involve expanding the repertoire or set of device functions available to the aerosol generation device with the device function. Alternatively, or additionally, disabling a device function may involve reducing the repertoire or set of device functions available to the aerosol generation device with the device function. Alternatively, or additionally, disabling a device function may involve removing the device function from the repertoire or set of device functions available to the aerosol generation device.

[0091] In one example, the determined storage state may include at least one of a current energy level of electrical energy stored in the energy storage unit and an operating state of the energy storage unit, which indicates the amount of electrical energy currently available to be stored in the energy storage unit. For example, the current energy level may refer to or indicate a current state of charge of the energy storage unit. The current state of charge or charge level of the energy storage unit may also be referred to herein as the actual or current capacity level of the energy storage unit. Furthermore, the energy available to be stored in the energy storage unit may correlate to or indicate the storage capacity of the energy storage unit. Thus, the storage state may indicate one or both of the current state of charge of the energy storage unit and the storage capacity of the energy storage unit.

[0092] Optionally, the storage state may include one or more storage variables or storage state variables, for example one indicative of the current state of charge of the energy storage unit, and a further one indicative of the storage capacity of the energy storage unit.

[0093] In particular, when an aerosol generating device is frequently used or operated to generate aerosol, the quality or health of the energy storage unit, which may be related to or indicate the ability to store electrical energy, may decrease over time. This effect may also be referred to as the aging or aging effect of the energy storage unit. Based on the storage state, the aging effect of the energy storage unit can be comprehensively considered for energy management, which may enable further increase in overall energy efficiency. Also, considering the aging effect may enable a user to dynamically adjust the repertoire of available device functions according to the health state or condition of the energy storage unit, which may extend the cycle life or lifespan.

[0094] It should be noted that in the context of the present disclosure, the terms energy and capacity of an energy storage unit can be used interchangeably and / or converted into one another. For example, an energy value given in units of, for example, Wh or mWh, may be calculated based on the capacity of the energy storage unit, for example, given in Ah or mAh, multiplied by the nominal voltage of the energy storage unit.

[0095] According to one embodiment, evaluating the determined storage state may include comparing the determined storage state to at least one threshold. Optionally, the at least one threshold may indicate a threshold storage state. For example, the at least one threshold may indicate a threshold or minimum amount of electrical energy currently stored in the energy storage unit. Alternatively, or additionally, the at least one threshold may indicate a threshold or minimum state of charge of the energy storage unit.

[0096] For example, when the control circuitry determines that the storage condition reaches or exceeds at least one threshold, the control circuitry may, for example, enable at least one device function for execution by the user. Alternatively, or additionally, when the control circuitry determines that the storage condition falls below at least one threshold, the control circuitry may, for example, disable at least one device function for execution by the user, or vice versa.

[0097] In one embodiment, the at least one threshold value may indicate a threshold energy or amount of energy required to operate the aerosol generating device during at least one use session to generate an inhalable aerosol based on heating of the aerosol-generating article, particularly to a temperature equal to or greater than a predetermined heating temperature for generating the aerosol. Alternatively, or additionally, the at least one threshold value may indicate a threshold energy or amount of energy required to perform a primary heating function of the aerosol generating device. Based on assessing the storage state using the threshold energy, it may be reliably determined whether the amount of energy currently stored in the energy storage unit is sufficient to complete at least one use session and / or to allow a user to experience or consume at least one aerosol-generating article in one or more use sessions.

[0098] For example, the storage state may indicate a current state of charge, and the control circuitry may be configured to compare the storage state with a threshold value that may indicate a threshold energy or amount of energy required to operate the aerosol generating device during at least one use session to generate an inhalable aerosol, particularly based on heating of the aerosol-generating article to a temperature equal to or greater than a predetermined heating temperature for generating the aerosol. Upon determining that the storage state or the state of charge indicated by the storage state reaches or exceeds the threshold value, at least one device function, e.g., a primary heating function, may be enabled. Alternatively, or additionally, upon determining that the storage state or the state of charge indicated by the storage state falls below the threshold value, at least one device function, e.g., a primary heating function, may be disabled. Thus, in the latter case, a user may be prevented from using the aerosol generating device to generate aerosol in one or more use sessions.

[0099] In an example implementation, the control circuitry may be configured to enable at least one device function upon determining, based on the evaluation, that a current energy level of electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage unit is sufficient to operate the aerosol generating device during at least one use session to generate an inhalable aerosol based on heating an aerosol-generating article to a temperature equal to or greater than a predetermined heating temperature to generate the aerosol. Thus, the control circuitry may be configured, based on the evaluation, to determine whether the amount of energy currently stored in the energy storage unit is sufficient to complete one or more use sessions.

[0100] In a further embodiment, the at least one threshold value may indicate a threshold energy required to perform a primary heating function of the aerosol-generating device during at least one use session, the primary heating function comprising supplying electrical energy to at least one heating element to heat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article to a temperature equal to or greater than a predetermined heating temperature to generate an aerosol. Alternatively, or additionally, the control circuitry may be configured to enable the primary heating function upon determining, based on the evaluation, that the current energy level of electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage unit is sufficient to perform the primary heating function during at least one use session to generate an inhalable aerosol. Thus, the primary heating function may be enabled by the control circuitry only if the energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage unit is sufficient to perform the primary function at least once during at least one use session, for example, using at least one aerosol-generating article.

[0101] Optionally, in response to determining that the energy stored in the energy storage unit is sufficient to perform a primary heating function in one or more use sessions, e.g., using one or more aerosol-generating articles, the control circuit may indicate to a user the availability of one or more use sessions, e.g., by activating one or more user interfaces of the aerosol-generating device, such as a control light, one or more LEDs, or a display.

[0102] In an exemplary implementation, the at least one threshold value may indicate and / or correlate to a threshold energy required to perform at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device, such as operating the aerosol generating device with one or more suspensions of use based on switching the device to a suspension mode. Alternatively, or additionally, the control circuitry may be configured to enable and / or enable at least one auxiliary device function upon determining, based on an evaluation of the storage state against the at least one threshold value, that a current energy level of electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage unit is sufficient to perform at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device. Thus, the storage state may be analyzed as to whether sufficient energy is stored therein to perform or complete the at least one auxiliary device function. If the energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage unit is sufficient to complete the auxiliary device function, the function may be enabled or activated. Thus, the repertoire of functions or functionality available to a user may be expanded or increased. Alternatively, or additionally, upon determining that the energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage unit is insufficient to perform or complete an auxiliary device function, the function may be prevented, disabled, and / or stopped, for example, so that it cannot be initiated or made available by the user.

[0103] In yet another example, the at least one device function may include at least one of a primary heating function of the aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol during at least one use session based on heating an aerosol-generating article to a temperature equal to or greater than a predetermined heating temperature to generate an aerosol, and at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device different from the primary heating function. In other words, the at least one threshold may be associated with the control circuitry based on an evaluation of the storage condition, and / or the at least one device function that may be enabled or disabled by the control circuitry may refer to or include one or both of the primary heating function and an auxiliary device function different from the primary device function. For example, the control circuitry may evaluate the storage condition from the perspective of at least the primary heating function and, optionally, from the perspective of one or more auxiliary device functions.

[0104] In an exemplary implementation, the at least one threshold may correlate to: a) a threshold energy required to perform the primary heating function of the aerosol generating device during at least one use session to generate aerosol; and b) a threshold energy required to perform an auxiliary device function that is different from, unrelated to, and / or unrelated to the primary heating function of the aerosol generating device. In other words, the at least one threshold may be indicative of the energy consumption when performing both the primary heating function and the at least one auxiliary device function. It should also be noted that two thresholds may be used: a first threshold indicative of the energy required to perform the primary heating function of the aerosol generating device during at least one use session to generate aerosol; and a second threshold indicative of the energy required to perform the auxiliary device function.

[0105] Optionally, the at least one threshold value may correlate to a threshold energy required to operate the aerosol generating device a) during at least one use session in an aerosol-emitting mode to generate an inhalable aerosol based on heating an aerosol-generating article to a temperature equal to or greater than a predetermined heating temperature, and b) during a pause in use in a pause mode that interrupts at least one use session. Alternatively, or additionally, the control circuitry may be configured to a) enable a primary heating function of the aerosol generating device during at least one use session to generate an aerosol based on heating an aerosol element, article, and / or substrate to a temperature equal to or greater than a predetermined heating temperature, and b) enable at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device that is different from, other than, and / or unrelated to the primary heating function upon determining, based on the evaluation, that the current energy level of stored and / or storable electrical energy in the energy storage unit is sufficient to perform the primary heating function and at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device. Alternatively, or in addition, if, based on the evaluation, it is determined that the current energy level of the electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage unit is insufficient to perform the primary heating function and at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device, the control circuit may disable or prevent one or both of the primary heating function and at least one auxiliary device function.

[0106] For example, the at least one auxiliary device function may refer to and / or be associated with heating the heating element, aerosol-generating article, and / or substrate to a second temperature level or temperature during a pause or pause mode of device use, where the second temperature level may be above room temperature and below a predetermined heating temperature. Thus, the control circuitry may reliably detect whether the energy storage unit stores sufficient electrical energy to perform the primary heating function for one or more use sessions and to implement at least one pause of use that interrupts the one or more use sessions. Therefore, it may be possible to reliably determine whether the device is capable of operating with one or more pauses of use. Furthermore, operation of the device in a pause mode may be dynamically permitted or prevented depending on the energy storage unit's storage status and the user's preferences, as reflected, for example, in the limiting parameters. The number of use sessions may then be maximized for the user, for example, based on the pause mode and / or the prevention of the at least one auxiliary device function.

[0107] In an example implementation, the control circuitry may be configured to trigger, force, and / or require recharging of the energy storage unit based on an evaluation of the storage state determined with respect to at least one threshold. For example, upon determining that an insufficient amount of energy has been stored and / or can be stored in the energy storage unit, the control circuitry may require a user to recharge the energy storage unit, e.g., to a predetermined charge state or to a maximum charge state of the energy storage unit. Thus, triggering recharging of the energy storage unit may include indicating to a user that the device needs to be recharged, e.g., based on activation of one or more user interfaces. Alternatively, or additionally, triggering recharging may include deactivating the device for further use.

[0108] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol-generating device as described hereinabove and below, and an aerosol-generating article connectable or connected to the aerosol-generating device to generate an aerosol. The aerosol-generating device may generate the aerosol, for example, by supplying electrical energy to one or more aerosol generators to generate the aerosol from the aerosol-generating article. Any disclosure given above and below with reference to the aerosol-generating device applies equally to the aerosol-generating system, and vice versa.

[0109] Optionally, the aerosol generation system may include a companion device configured to at least partially receive the aerosol generation device and to perform one or more of charging and recharging an energy storage unit of the aerosol generation device.

[0110] The energy storage and / or control circuitry may be configured to supply electrical energy to at least one aerosol generating means or aerosol generator to generate an aerosol from at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article connectable to the aerosol-generating device. Exemplary aerosol generators or means may include one or more heating elements, one or more heat sources, one or more vibrating elements, one or more vibrating meshes, and one or more atomizing devices.

[0111] For example, the energy storage unit and / or control circuit may be configured to supply electrical energy to at least one heating element to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating article connectable to an aerosol generating device, for example, based on heating at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article.

[0112] Further aspects of the present disclosure relate to the use of the aerosol generating devices and / or systems described herein above and below.

[0113] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of operating an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device operating according to the method may be an aerosol generating device described herein above and below with reference to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, any feature and / or element described herein above and below with reference to an aerosol generating device may also be a feature, feature, element and / or step of a method of operating an aerosol generating device, and vice versa. Alternatively, or additionally, the method may relate to a method of operating an aerosol generating system, as described herein above and below.

[0114] An aerosol generating device operating according to the method of the present disclosure includes an energy storage unit configured to supply electrical energy to a control circuit for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating article. The energy storage unit may be configured to supply electrical energy to a heating element to heat at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article connectable to the aerosol generating device. The control circuit may be operably connected to the energy storage unit. The method includes receiving, using the control circuitry of the aerosol generating device, a limit parameter indicating a user-defined number of usage sessions that the aerosol generating device will provide, can provide, or is operable for, e.g., since the energy storage unit was last charged. The method further includes using the control circuitry to limit and / or control operation of the aerosol generating device to the user-defined number of usage sessions based on or in accordance with the limit parameter.

[0115] The energy storage and / or control circuitry may be configured to supply electrical energy to at least one aerosol generating means or aerosol generator to generate an aerosol from at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article connectable to the aerosol-generating device. Exemplary aerosol generators or means may include one or more heating elements, one or more heat sources, one or more vibrating elements, one or more vibrating meshes, and one or more atomizing devices.

[0116] For example, the energy storage unit and / or control circuit may be configured to supply electrical energy to at least one heating element to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating article connectable to an aerosol generating device, for example, based on heating at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article.

[0117] For example, the restriction parameters may be received based on transmitting the restriction parameters to the aerosol generating device from at least one of the computing device and the companion device via communication circuitry of the aerosol generating device.

[0118] Alternatively, or additionally, receiving the restriction parameters may include retrieving the restriction parameters from data storage of the aerosol generating device.

[0119] In one embodiment, receiving the limiting parameters may include receiving one or more user inputs indicating a user-defined number of usage sessions, wherein the one or more user inputs may be provided to a user interface of one or more of the aerosol generating device, the computing device, and a companion device communicatively coupleable to the aerosol generating device.

[0120] Optionally, the method may further include using the control circuit to calculate and / or determine a limiting parameter or a user-defined number of usage sessions based on one or more user inputs provided to a user interface of the aerosol generating device.

[0121] Alternatively, or in addition, the method may further include using the control circuitry to calculate and / or determine the restriction parameters based on one or more user inputs provided to at least one of the computing device and the companion device. For example, the one or more user inputs may be provided to one or both of the companion device and the computing device. The one or more user inputs may be transmitted to the aerosol generating device, and the control circuitry may calculate the restriction parameters. Alternatively, or in addition, the restriction parameters may be calculated on the computing device and / or the companion device and transmitted to the aerosol generating device. Alternatively, or in addition, the one or more user inputs may constitute the restriction parameters. In other words, the one or more user inputs may be used as or form the restriction parameters.

[0122] In an example implementation, the method may further include determining a number of partial and / or completed usage sessions used to generate aerosol based on the aerosol generating device heating one or more aerosol-generating articles to or above a predetermined heating temperature since the last charging event. The method may further include comparing the determined number of partial and / or completed usage sessions to a user-defined number of usage sessions indicated by the limit parameter.

[0123] Optionally, the method may further include allowing or preventing operation of the aerosol generating device in further use sessions based on comparing the determined number of partial and / or completed use sessions with a user-defined number of use sessions indicated by the limit parameter.

[0124] Further optionally, the method may include determining a remaining number of usage sessions available to the user until recharging based on comparing the determined number of partial and / or completed usage sessions with a user-defined number of usage sessions indicated by the limit parameter.

[0125] In an exemplary implementation of the method, the method may include operating, controlling, and / or actuating a user interface of the aerosol generating device to indicate to the user the number of remaining usage sessions available. Alternatively, or additionally, the method may include operating, controlling, and / or actuating a user interface of the aerosol generating device to indicate to the user one or more of the number of partial usage sessions, the number of completed usage sessions, and the number of remaining usage sessions.

[0126] Optionally, the method may include forcing, triggering, and / or requesting a recharge of the energy storage unit upon determining that the number of partial and / or completed usage sessions reaches or exceeds a user-defined number of usage sessions indicated by the limit parameter.

[0127] For example, the method may include operating a user interface of the aerosol generating device to provide a notification to a user to recharge the energy storage unit upon determining that the number of partial and / or completed usage sessions reaches or exceeds a user-defined number of usage sessions indicated by the limit parameter.

[0128] In one embodiment, the user-defined number of usage sessions may be one, and the method may include limiting operation of the aerosol generating device based on the limiting parameters to generate aerosol in a single usage session per charge of the energy storage unit.

[0129] In an exemplary implementation, the limiting parameter may indicate one or more of the availability of a pause mode in the aerosol generating device and the number of pauses in use that the aerosol generating device provides, can provide, or is operable in pause mode since the energy storage unit was last charged. The method may further include limiting one or more of operation of the aerosol generating device in pause mode and the number of pauses in use based on the limiting parameter.

[0130] Alternatively, or additionally, the limiting parameter may indicate the availability of one or more device functions in the aerosol generating device, for example a primary heating function and / or one or more auxiliary device functions.

[0131] In yet another exemplary implementation, the method may include determining, based on the limiting parameters, at least one threshold value indicating the amount of energy available to a user to heat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article to a temperature equal to or greater than a predetermined heating temperature in one or more use sessions.

[0132] The method may further include determining a storage state of the energy storage unit indicating at least one of an amount of electrical energy currently stored and an amount of electrical energy currently storable in the energy storage unit, evaluating the determined storage state with respect to at least one threshold value, and enabling or disabling at least one device function of the aerosol generating device based on the evaluation.

[0133] In one embodiment, the at least one threshold may indicate a threshold energy required to operate the aerosol generating device during at least one use session to generate an inhalable aerosol based on heating the aerosol generating article to a temperature equal to or greater than a predetermined heating temperature.

[0134] The determined storage status may include, for example, at least one of a current energy level of electrical energy stored in the energy storage unit and an operating status of the energy storage unit indicating the amount of electrical energy currently available to be stored in the energy storage unit.

[0135] Optionally, evaluating the determined storage condition may include comparing the determined storage condition to at least one threshold value.

[0136] Further optionally, the method may include enabling at least one device function upon determining, based on the evaluation, that the current energy level of the electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage unit is sufficient to operate the aerosol generating device during at least one use session to generate an inhalable aerosol based on heating an aerosol-generating article to a temperature equal to or greater than a predetermined heating temperature to generate an aerosol.

[0137] For example, the method may include enabling the primary heating function upon determining, based on the evaluation, that the current energy level of the electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage unit is sufficient to perform the primary heating function during at least one use session to generate an inhalable aerosol.

[0138] Alternatively, or in addition, the at least one device function may include at least one of a primary heating function of the aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol in at least one use session based on heating an aerosol-generating article to a temperature equal to or greater than a predetermined heating temperature to generate an aerosol, and at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device different from the primary heating function.

[0139] For example, enabling a device function or one or more auxiliary device functions may include one or more of: operating the aerosol generating device with reduced energy consumption relative to operation during a use session to generate an aerosol; heating at least one heating element and / or aerosol-generating article to a temperature below a heating temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol; heating at least one heating element and / or aerosol-generating article to a temperature above room temperature and below a heating temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol; heating at least one heating element and / or aerosol-generating article to a temperature above room temperature and below a heating temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol for a predetermined period of time; activating or deactivating a tactile control of the aerosol generating device; operating a user interface of the aerosol generating device; operating communication circuitry of the aerosol generating device to communicatively couple the aerosol generating device to a computing device or receiving device; operating a sensor of the aerosol generating device; and operating a biometric sensor of the aerosol generating device for user authentication.

[0140] For example, at least one threshold may correlate to: a) the threshold energy required to perform the primary heating function of the aerosol generating device in at least one use session to generate an aerosol; and b) the threshold energy required to perform an auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device that is different from the primary heating function of the aerosol generating device.

[0141] Alternatively or additionally, determining the storage state may include determining at least one of a current energy level of electrical energy stored in the energy storage unit and an operational state of the energy storage unit indicative of an amount of electrical energy currently storable in the energy storage unit. Optionally, evaluating the determined storage state includes comparing the determined storage state to at least one threshold value.

[0142] For example, at least one device function may be enabled by the control circuit upon determining, based on the evaluation, that the current energy level of the electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage unit is sufficient to operate the aerosol generating device during at least one use session to generate an inhalable aerosol based on heating the aerosol generating article to a temperature equal to or greater than a predetermined heating temperature, and optionally during at least one pause in use in a pause mode.

[0143] A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a computer program which, when executed by an aerosol generating device or an aerosol generating system, instructs the aerosol generating device or system to perform the steps of the methods according to the present disclosure, as described herein above and below.

[0144] A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a computer-readable medium, e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a computer program, which, when executed by an aerosol generating device or an aerosol generating system, instructs the aerosol generating device or system to perform the steps of the methods according to the present disclosure, as described herein above and below.

[0145] It is emphasized that any feature, step, function, element, technical effect and / or advantage described herein with reference to one aspect of the present disclosure applies to any other aspect of the present disclosure as well.

[0146] The following provides a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples, any one or more of the features of which may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0147] Example 1: An aerosol generating device comprising a control circuit and an energy storage unit configured to supply electrical energy to the control circuit for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating article, the control circuit comprising: receiving a limit parameter indicating a user-defined number of usage sessions that the aerosol generating device can or will provide after the energy storage is charged; An aerosol generating device configured to limit operation of the aerosol generating device to a user-defined number of usage sessions based on a limiting parameter.

[0148] Example 1a: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 1, wherein the energy storage unit is configured to supply electrical energy to one or more aerosol generators to generate an aerosol from at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article connectable to the aerosol generating device.

[0149] Example 1b: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1 to 1a, wherein the energy storage unit is configured to supply electrical energy to at least one heating element to heat at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article connectable to the aerosol generating device.

[0150] Example 1c: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 1b, wherein the control circuitry is operably connected to the energy storage unit.

[0151] Example 1d: Limiting operation of an aerosol generating device to a user-defined number of usage sessions determining the number of usage sessions provided since the energy storage unit was last charged; comparing the determined number of usage sessions with a limit parameter; An aerosol generating device as described in any one of Examples 1 to 1c, preferably comprising, if the determined number of usage sessions reaches, equals or exceeds the limit parameter, prohibiting the device from generating aerosol until the energy storage unit is, for example, at least partially or fully charged and / or until the energy storage unit is connected to a charger.

[0152] Example 2: An aerosol generating device as described in any one of Examples 1 to 1d, wherein the control circuit is configured to limit operation of the aerosol generating device to the number of usage sessions indicated by the limit parameter since the energy storage unit was last charged.

[0153] Example 3: An aerosol generating device as described in any one of Examples 1 to 2, wherein the limiting parameter indicates a maximum number of usage sessions that the aerosol generating device will provide, can provide, or is operable to generate aerosol based on heating at least a portion of the heating element and / or at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article to a temperature equal to or greater than a predetermined heating temperature.

[0154] Example 4: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the energy storage unit is configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article to a temperature equal to or greater than the predetermined heating temperature for a predetermined number of use sessions or a capacity-defined number of use sessions, and wherein the user-defined number of use sessions indicated by the limit parameter is different from the predetermined or capacity-defined number of use sessions.

[0155] Example 5: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 4, wherein the user-defined number of use sessions indicated by the limiting parameter is less than the predetermined or volume-defined number of use sessions.

[0156] Example 6: An aerosol generating device as described in any one of Examples 1 to 5, further comprising a communication circuit for communicatively coupling the aerosol generating device to at least one of a computing device and a companion device for at least partially receiving the aerosol generating device, wherein the restriction parameters are received based on transmitting the restriction parameters from at least one of the computing device and the companion device to the aerosol generating device.

[0157] Example 7: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the control circuit is configured to receive the limiting parameters based on retrieving the limiting parameters from data storage of the aerosol generating device.

[0158] Example 8: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the received restriction parameters are user-defined or based on one or more user inputs indicating a user-defined number of usage sessions.

[0159] Example 9: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the restriction parameters are received via at least one of a user interface of the aerosol generating device, a computing device communicatively connectable to the aerosol generating device, and a companion device communicatively connectable to the aerosol generating device.

[0160] Example 10: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1 to 9, further comprising a user interface, wherein the control circuit is configured to calculate a limiting parameter or a user-defined number of usage sessions based on one or more user inputs provided to the user interface of the aerosol generating device.

[0161] Example 11: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1 to 10, wherein the control circuit is provided with at least one of a computing device and a receiving device and is configured to calculate the restriction parameters based on one or more user inputs transmitted to the aerosol generating device via the communication circuitry of the aerosol generating device.

[0162] Example 12: An aerosol generating device as described in any one of Examples 10 and 11, wherein one or more user inputs are associated with one or more of the number of usage sessions available to the user per charge of the energy storage unit, the duration of a usage session, the amount of energy consumed per usage session or the amount of charge of the energy storage unit, the availability of one or more auxiliary device functions of the aerosol generating device, and the availability of a pause mode in the aerosol generating device for interrupting or resuming a continuous usage session.

[0163] Example 13: An aerosol generating device as described in any one of Examples 1 to 12, wherein the control circuitry is further configured to determine a number of partial and / or completed usage sessions in which the aerosol generating device has been used to generate aerosol, for example, based on heating one or more aerosol-generating articles to or above a predetermined heating temperature since the last charging event, and compare the determined number of partial and / or completed usage sessions with a user-defined number of usage sessions indicated by the limit parameter.

[0164] Example 14: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 13, wherein the control circuit is further configured to allow or prevent operation of the aerosol generating device for further use sessions based on comparing the determined number of partial and / or completed use sessions with a user-defined number of use sessions indicated by a limit parameter.

[0165] Example 15: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 13 and 14, wherein the control circuit is further configured to determine the number of remaining usage sessions available to the user before recharging based on comparing the determined number of partial and / or completed usage sessions with a user-defined number of usage sessions indicated by the limit parameter.

[0166] Example 16: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 15, wherein the control circuitry is further configured to operate a user interface of the aerosol generating device to indicate the number of remaining usage sessions available to the user.

[0167] Example 17: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 13 to 16, wherein the control circuit is further configured to operate a user interface of the aerosol generating device to indicate to the user the number of partial and / or completed usage sessions.

[0168] Example 18: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 13 to 17, further configured to force recharging of the energy storage unit when the control circuit determines that the number of partial and / or completed usage sessions reaches or exceeds a user-defined number of usage sessions indicated by the limit parameter.

[0169] Example 19: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 13 to 18, wherein the control circuit is further configured to operate a user interface of the aerosol generating device to provide a notification to the user to recharge the energy storage unit when it determines that the number of partial and / or completed usage sessions reaches or exceeds a user-defined number of usage sessions indicated by the limit parameter.

[0170] Example 20: An aerosol generating device as described in any one of Examples 1 to 19, wherein the control circuit is further configured to limit operation of the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol to a single use session per charge of the energy storage unit based on the limiting parameters.

[0171] Example 21: An aerosol generating device as described in any one of Examples 1 to 20, wherein the limiting parameter indicates one or more of the availability of a pause mode in the aerosol generating device and the number of pauses in use that the aerosol generating device provides, can provide, or is operable for in the pause mode since the energy storage unit was last charged, and the control circuit is configured to limit one or more of the operation of the aerosol generating device in the pause mode and the number of pauses in use based on the limiting parameter.

[0172] Example 22: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1 to 21, wherein the control circuit is configured to determine, based on the limiting parameters, at least one threshold value indicating the amount of energy available to a user to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating article to a temperature equal to or greater than a predetermined heating temperature in one or more use sessions.

[0173] Example 23: The aerosol generating device of example 22, wherein the control circuitry comprises: determining a storage state of the energy storage unit indicative of at least one of an amount of electrical energy currently stored and an amount of electrical energy currently storable in the energy storage unit; evaluating the determined storage condition with respect to at least one threshold; The aerosol generating device, further configured to enable or disable at least one device function of the aerosol generating device based on the evaluation.

[0174] Example 24: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 22 and 23, wherein at least one threshold value indicates a threshold energy required to operate the aerosol generating device during at least one use session to generate an inhalable aerosol based on heating the aerosol-generating article to a temperature equal to or greater than a predetermined heating temperature.

[0175] Example 25: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 22 to 24, wherein the determined storage status includes at least one of the current energy level of the electrical energy stored in the energy storage unit and the operating status of the energy storage unit, which indicates the amount of electrical energy currently available to be stored in the energy storage unit.

[0176] Example 26: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 22 to 25, wherein evaluating the determined storage condition comprises comparing the determined storage condition with at least one threshold value.

[0177] Example 27: An aerosol generating device as described in any one of Examples 22 to 26, wherein the control circuit is configured to enable at least one device function when it determines, based on the evaluation, that the current energy level of the electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage unit is sufficient to operate the aerosol generating device during at least one usage session to generate an inhalable aerosol based on heating an aerosol-generating article to a temperature equal to or greater than a predetermined heating temperature to generate an aerosol.

[0178] Example 28: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 22 to 27, wherein at least one threshold indicates a threshold energy required to perform the primary heating function of the aerosol generating device during at least one usage session, and the primary heating function includes supplying electrical energy to at least one heating element to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating article to a temperature equal to or greater than a predetermined heating temperature to generate an aerosol.

[0179] Example 29: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 22 to 28, wherein the control circuit is configured to enable the primary heating function when it determines, based on the evaluation, that the current energy level of the electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage unit is sufficient to perform the primary heating function during at least one use session to generate an inhalable aerosol.

[0180] Example 30: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 22 to 29, wherein at least one device function includes at least one of a primary heating function of the aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol in at least one use session based on heating an aerosol-generating article to a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined heating temperature to generate an aerosol, and at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device that is different from the primary heating function.

[0181] Example 31: The aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 22 to 30, wherein the device function is An aerosol generating device including auxiliary device functions including one or more of: operating the aerosol generating device with reduced energy consumption relative to operation during a use session to generate an aerosol; heating at least one heating element and / or aerosol generating article to a temperature below a heating temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol; heating at least one heating element and / or aerosol generating article to a temperature above room temperature and below a heating temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol; heating at least one heating element and / or aerosol generating article to a temperature above room temperature and below a heating temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol for a predetermined period of time; activating or deactivating tactile controls of the aerosol generating device; operating a user interface of the aerosol generating device; operating communication circuitry of the aerosol generating device to communicatively couple the aerosol generating device to a computing device or receiving device; operating a sensor of the aerosol generating device; and operating a biometric sensor of the aerosol generating device for user authentication.

[0182] Example 32: The aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 22 to 31, An aerosol generating device, wherein at least one threshold correlates with: a) the threshold energy required to perform a primary heating function of the aerosol generating device in at least one use session to generate an aerosol; and b) the threshold energy required to perform an auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device that is different from the primary heating function of the aerosol generating device.

[0183] Example 32a: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 32, wherein the aerosol comprises nicotine.

[0184] Example 32b: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1 to 32a, wherein the user-defined number of usage sessions is at least one or a single usage session, and the control circuit is configured to determine whether the aerosol generating device has delivered at least one or a single usage session to the user, and to perform at least one of prohibiting the aerosol generating device from generating aerosol or indicating to the user to recharge and / or connect the aerosol generating device to a charger or charging device.

[0185] Example 32c: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 32b, wherein the control circuit is configured to determine that the aerosol generating device is connected to a charger or charging device and, in response, determine whether the current charge state of the energy storage unit reaches or exceeds a usage session threshold indicating a user-defined number of usage sessions and / or a charge state required for a single usage session.

[0186] Example 32d: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 32c, wherein the control circuit is configured to determine not to charge the energy storage unit and / or to prohibit charging of the energy storage unit when it determines that the current charge state of the energy storage unit reaches or exceeds the usage session threshold.

[0187] Example 32e: An aerosol generating device described in Example 32c or Example 32d, wherein the control circuit is configured to determine not to charge the energy storage unit and / or to enable charging of the energy storage unit when it determines that the current charge state of the energy storage unit is below the usage session threshold.

[0188] Example 32f: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 32e, wherein the control circuit is configured to determine, during charging of the energy storage unit, that the charge state of the energy storage unit reaches or exceeds a usage session threshold, and in response, notify the user via the user interface that the aerosol generating device is ready for use or aerosol generation.

[0189] Example 32g: An aerosol generating device described in Example 32e or Example 32f, wherein the control circuit is configured to determine that the energy storage unit is fully charged and, in response, notify the user via the user interface that the device is ready for use or aerosol generation.

[0190] Example 33: An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device as described in any one of Examples 1 to 32g and an aerosol generating article connectable or connectable to the aerosol generating device, and optionally generating an aerosol from at least a portion of the aerosol generating article by heating at least a portion of the aerosol generating article.

[0191] Example 33a: An aerosol-generating system as described in Example 33, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises an aerosol-generating substrate that includes nicotine.

[0192] Example 34: The aerosol generating system of Example 33 or 33a further includes a companion device configured to at least partially receive the aerosol generating device and perform one or more of recharging and charging the energy storage of the aerosol generating device.

[0193] Example 35: Use of an aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 32g or an aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 33 to 34 to generate an aerosol.

[0194] Example 36: A method of operating an aerosol generating device including an energy storage unit configured to operably supply electrical energy to a control circuit for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating article, comprising: receiving, with a control circuitry of the aerosol generating device, a limit parameter indicating a user-defined number of usage sessions that the aerosol generating device can provide, provide, or is operable to provide since the energy storage unit was last charged; The method includes the control circuit limiting operation of the aerosol generating device to a user-defined number of use sessions based on the limiting parameters.

[0195] Example 36a: The method of Example 36, wherein the energy storage unit is configured to provide electrical energy to the heating element to heat an aerosol-generating article connectable to the aerosol-generating device. Example 36b: The method of any one of Examples 36-36a, wherein the control circuitry is operably coupled to the energy storage unit.

[0196] Example 36c: A method described in any one of Examples 36 to 36b, wherein the energy storage unit is configured to supply electrical energy to one or more aerosol generators to generate an aerosol from at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article connectable to the aerosol-generating device.

[0197] Example 36d: A method described in any one of Examples 36 to 36c, wherein the energy storage unit is configured to supply electrical energy to at least one heating element to heat at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article connectable to an aerosol-generating device.

[0198] Example 36e: The method of any one of Examples 36-36d, wherein the control circuitry is operably coupled to the energy storage unit.

[0199] Example 36f: Limiting operation of the aerosol generating device to a user-defined number of usage sessions determining the number of usage sessions provided since the energy storage unit was last charged; comparing the determined number of usage sessions with a limit parameter; If the determined number of usage sessions reaches, equals, or exceeds the limiting parameter, preferably prohibiting the device from generating aerosol until the energy storage unit is at least partially or fully charged and / or the energy storage unit is connected to a charger.

[0200] Example 37: A method described in any one of Examples 36 to 36f, wherein, for example, the restriction parameter may be received based on transmitting the restriction parameter to the aerosol generating device from at least one of the computing device and the companion device via a communication circuit of the aerosol generating device.

[0201] Example 38: The method described in any one of Examples 36 and 37, wherein receiving the restriction parameters includes retrieving the restriction parameters from data storage of the aerosol generating device.

[0202] Example 39: In one embodiment, the method described in any one of Examples 36 to 38, wherein receiving the limit parameters includes receiving one or more user inputs indicating a user-defined number of usage sessions.

[0203] Example 40: A method described in any one of Examples 36 to 39, further comprising using a control circuit to calculate a limiting parameter or a user-defined number of usage sessions based on one or more user inputs provided to a user interface of the aerosol generating device.

[0204] Example 41: The method described in any one of Examples 36 to 40, further comprising calculating the restriction parameters using a control circuit based on one or more user inputs provided on at least one of a computing device and a companion device and transmitted to the aerosol generating device via a communication circuit of the aerosol generating device.

[0205] Example 42: Determining the number of partial and / or completed usage sessions that the aerosol generating device has used to generate aerosol based on heating one or more aerosol-generating articles to or above a predetermined heating temperature since the last charging event; 42. The method of any one of Examples 36 to 41, further comprising: comparing the determined number of partial and / or completed usage sessions with a user-defined number of usage sessions indicated by a limit parameter.

[0206] Example 43: The method described in Example 42, further comprising allowing or preventing operation of the aerosol generating device in further use sessions based on comparing the determined number of partial and / or completed use sessions to a user-defined number of use sessions indicated by a limit parameter.

[0207] Example 44: The method described in any one of Examples 36 to 43, further comprising determining the number of remaining usage sessions available to the user until recharging based on comparing the determined number of partial and / or completed usage sessions to a user-defined number of usage sessions indicated by a limit parameter.

[0208] Example 45: The method described in any one of Examples 36 to 44, further comprising operating a user interface of the aerosol generating device to indicate the number of remaining usage sessions available to the user.

[0209] Example 46: The method described in any one of Examples 36 to 45, further comprising operating a user interface of the aerosol generating device to indicate to the user the number of partial and / or completed usage sessions.

[0210] Example 47: The method of any one of Examples 36 to 46, further comprising forcing a recharge of the energy storage unit upon determining that the number of partial and / or completed usage sessions reaches or exceeds a user-defined number of usage sessions indicated by the limit parameter.

[0211] Example 48: The method described in any one of Examples 36 to 47, further comprising operating a user interface of the aerosol generating device to provide a notification to the user to recharge the energy storage unit when it is determined that the number of partial and / or completed usage sessions reaches or exceeds a user-defined number of usage sessions indicated by the limit parameter.

[0212] Example 49: The method of any one of Examples 36 to 48, further comprising limiting operation of the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol to a single use session per charge of the energy storage unit based on the limiting parameters.

[0213] Example 50: A method as described in any one of Examples 36 to 49, wherein the limiting parameter indicates one or more of the availability of a pause mode in the aerosol generating device and the number of use pauses that the aerosol generating device provides, can provide, or is operable for in the pause mode since the energy storage unit was last charged, and the method further includes limiting one or more of the operation of the aerosol generating device in the pause mode and the number of use pauses based on the limiting parameter.

[0214] Example 51: A method described in any one of Examples 36 to 50, further comprising determining, based on the limiting parameters, at least one threshold value indicative of the amount of energy available to a user to heat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article to a temperature equal to or greater than a predetermined heating temperature in one or more use sessions.

[0215] Example 52: A method according to any one of Examples 36 to 51, further comprising determining a storage state of the energy storage unit indicating at least one of the amount of electrical energy currently stored and the amount of electrical energy currently storable in the energy storage unit, evaluating the determined storage state with respect to at least one threshold value, and enabling or disabling at least one device function of the aerosol generating device based on the evaluation.

[0216] Example 53: A method described in any one of Examples 51 and 52, wherein at least one threshold value indicates a threshold energy required to operate the aerosol generating device during at least one use session to generate an inhalable aerosol based on heating the aerosol-generating article to a temperature equal to or greater than a predetermined heating temperature.

[0217] Example 54: The method described in any one of Examples 51 to 53, wherein the determined storage state includes at least one of a current energy level of the electrical energy stored in the energy storage unit and an operating state of the energy storage unit indicating the amount of electrical energy currently storable in the energy storage unit.

[0218] Example 55: The method of any one of Examples 51 to 54, wherein evaluating the determined storage condition comprises comparing the determined storage condition to at least one threshold value.

[0219] Example 56: The method of any one of Examples 52 to 55, further comprising enabling at least one device function upon determining, based on the evaluation, that the current energy level of the electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage unit is sufficient to operate the aerosol generating device during at least one use session to generate an inhalable aerosol based on heating an aerosol-generating article to a temperature equal to or greater than a predetermined heating temperature to generate an aerosol.

[0220] Example 57: The method of any one of Examples 52 to 56, further comprising enabling a primary heating function upon determining, based on the evaluation, that the current energy level of the electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage unit is sufficient to perform the primary heating function during at least one use session to generate an inhalable aerosol.

[0221] Example 58: A method described in any one of Examples 52 to 57, wherein the at least one device function includes at least one of a primary heating function of the aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol in at least one use session based on heating an aerosol-generating article to a temperature equal to or greater than a predetermined heating temperature to generate an aerosol, and at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device that is different from the primary heating function.

[0222] Example 59: A method according to any one of Examples 52 to 58, wherein the device functions include one or more of the following auxiliary device functions: operating the aerosol generating device with reduced energy consumption relative to operation during a usage session to generate an aerosol; heating at least one heating element and / or aerosol-generating article to a temperature below a heating temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol; heating at least one heating element and / or aerosol-generating article to a temperature above room temperature and below a heating temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol; heating at least one heating element and / or aerosol-generating article to a temperature above room temperature and below a heating temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol for a predetermined period of time; activating or deactivating tactile controls of the aerosol generating device; operating a user interface of the aerosol generating device; operating communication circuitry of the aerosol generating device to communicatively couple the aerosol generating device to a computing device or receiving device; operating a sensor of the aerosol generating device; and operating a biometric sensor of the aerosol generating device for user authentication.

[0223] Example 60: A method described in any one of Examples 52 to 59, for example, wherein at least one threshold correlates with a) the threshold energy required to perform a primary heating function of the aerosol generating device in at least one use session to generate an aerosol, and b) the threshold energy required to perform an auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device that is different from the primary heating function of the aerosol generating device.

[0224] Example 61: The method described in any one of Examples 52 to 60, wherein determining the storage state includes determining at least one of a current energy level of electrical energy stored in the energy storage unit and an operating state of the energy storage unit that indicates the amount of electrical energy currently available to be stored in the energy storage unit.

[0225] Example 62: The method of any one of Examples 52 to 61, wherein evaluating the determined storage state comprises comparing the determined storage state to at least one threshold value.

[0226] Example 63: A method as described in any one of Examples 52 to 62, wherein at least one device function is enabled by the control circuit upon determining, based on the evaluation, that the current energy level of the electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage unit is sufficient to operate the aerosol generating device during at least one use session to generate an inhalable aerosol based on heating an aerosol-generating article to a temperature equal to or greater than a predetermined heating temperature to generate an aerosol.

[0227] Example 63a: The method of any one of Examples 36 to 64, wherein the aerosol comprises nicotine.

[0228] Example 63b: The method of any one of Examples 36 to 63a, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises an aerosol-generating substrate that includes nicotine.

[0229] Example 64: A computer program that, when executed by an aerosol generating device or an aerosol generating system, instructs the aerosol generating device or system to perform the steps of the method according to any one of Examples 36 to 63b.

[0230] Example 65: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing the computer program of Example 64.

[0231] The embodiments will now be further described with reference to the following figures: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0232] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating system. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 illustrates the operation of an aerosol generating device or system. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 illustrates a method of operating an aerosol generating device or system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0233] The figures are only schematic and are not to true scale. As a rule, identical or similar parts, elements and / or steps are given identical or similar reference signs in the figures.

[0234] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary aerosol-generating device 100. The aerosol-generating device 100 in Figure 1 is illustratively shown as part of an aerosol-generating system 1000 that includes optional components such as an aerosol-generating article 200, a companion device 300, a mobile device 400, and a computing device 500. It should be noted that the aerosol-generating device 100 can operate as a standalone device 100 that does not include any of the optional components 200, 300, 400, 500 of the system 1000.

[0235] The aerosol generating device 100 includes one or more energy storage units 102 for storing electrical energy and / or providing electrical energy for generating the aerosol. The one or more energy storage units may be one or more batteries (e.g., lithium-ion batteries). When the energy storage unit 102 is a battery, the cathode material may include lithium cobalt oxide (LCO), lithium manganese oxide (LMO), lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC), lithium phosphate (LFP), and / or lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA). The anode material may include carbon (e.g., graphite), silicon, and / or lithium titanate (LTO).

[0236] The exemplary aerosol generating device 100 shown in Figure 1 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 connectable to the aerosol generating device 100. Of course, the heating circuit 104 and the heating element 106 are only optional. Alternatively, or additionally, at least a portion or the entire heating circuit 104, heating arrangement 104, and / or heating element 106 may be integrated or disposed within the aerosol-generating article 200. Alternatively, or additionally, at least a portion of the heating circuit 104 may be incorporated into the control circuit 110 of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0237] 1 as an induction coil configured to inductively heat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article 200, e.g., a susceptor material disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate 202 of the aerosol-generating article 200. Alternatively, or additionally, at least one heating element 106 may be configured for one or more of resistive heating and microwave heating.

[0238] 1 as having a rod-like or tubular shape and as being at least partially insertable through an opening 105 in a housing 107 of the aerosol generating device 100, e.g., into a heated chamber 109 of the aerosol generating device 100. In other exemplary designs, the aerosol generating article 200 may be shaped as a container or cartridge that may be fixedly integrated within the aerosol generating device 100 or that may be connectable to the device 100.

[0239] The aerosol generating device 100 further comprises a control circuit 110 or device control circuit 110 operably coupled to the energy storage unit 102. The control circuit 110 may optionally include one or more processors 112, controllers 112 and / or microcontrollers 112 for data processing. The control circuit 110 may comprise a microcontroller comprising a processor, memory and input / output means.

[0240] Further optionally, the aerosol generating device 100 and / or the control circuitry 110 include a data storage 114 for storing data, such as, for example, a limiting parameter, one or more user inputs or corresponding data, a user-defined number of use sessions, a number of partial use sessions, a number of remaining use sessions, and / or a number of completed use sessions, etc. Alternatively, or additionally, one or more thresholds associated with the energy storage status, at least one device function, and / or information or data related to one or more suspensions of use may be stored in the data storage 114.

[0241] Alternatively, or in addition, software instructions may be stored in data storage 114 which, when executed by control circuit 112, instruct aerosol generating device 100 to perform one or more functions of device 100, as described above and below in this specification.

[0242] The aerosol generating device 100 optionally includes a user interface 120 for receiving one or more user inputs from a user, for example, for operating the aerosol generating device 100 to generate aerosol. The user interface 120 is illustratively shown as a button in Figure 1. Any other type of user interface 120, such as an acoustic interface, a haptic interface, a touch interface, a display, a tactile interface, an arrangement of one or more LEDs, or other means, may alternatively or additionally be optionally included in the aerosol generating device 100.

[0243] Further optionally, the aerosol generating device 100 includes a communication interface or circuitry 130 for communicatively coupling the aerosol generating device 100 to one or more optional components of the aerosol generating system 1000, in particular to one or more of the companion device 300, the mobile device 400, and the computing device 500.

[0244] One or more communication interface types or protocols may be implemented in the aerosol generating device 100 and its communication interface or circuitry 130. In particular, the communication interface or circuitry 130 may be configured for one or both of wired and wireless communication with one or more of the computing device 500, the mobile device 400, and the companion device 300. For example, the communication interface 130 may be based on one or more of BUS communication, cable communication, Bluetooth communication, wireless local area network communication, infrared communication, near field communication, Internet communication, or any other suitable type of communication or communication protocol.

[0245] The aerosol generating device 100 may optionally be physically coupled to and / or at least partially inserted into a companion device 300, for example, to charge the energy storage unit 102 and / or to store the aerosol generating device 100. Charging may be based on inductive charging, for example, or may be via an electrical connection.

[0246] The aerosol generating device 100 and / or the control circuit 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 above a predetermined heating temperature to generate an aerosol.

[0247] The control circuit 110 is configured to receive a limit parameter indicating a user-defined number of usage sessions that the aerosol generating device 100 is to provide, be capable of providing, or be operable for after the energy storage unit 102 is charged, after it has been last charged, since the last or most recent charging event, per charge of the energy storage unit 102, before the next charge is required, and / or between two consecutive charging events.

[0248] The control circuitry 110 is further configured to limit operation of the aerosol generating device 100 to a user-defined number of usage sessions based on the limiting parameters. Accordingly, the control circuitry 110 may control the aerosol generating device 100, the heating element 106, the heating circuitry 104, and / or the energy storage unit 102 such that the device 100 can be used to generate aerosol only for a user-defined number of usage sessions based on performing or implementing the primary heating function of the device 100 and / or heating the aerosol-generating article 200 to or above a predetermined heating temperature before recharging is forced by the control circuitry 110 and / or before connection to a charger (or charging device) is forced.

[0249] In one embodiment, the user-defined number of usage sessions may be different, e.g., smaller, than the capacity-defined number of usage sessions or the number of usage sessions that can be provided based on the capacity of the energy storage unit 102 or the amount of electrical energy currently stored.

[0250] As described in detail hereinabove, the restriction parameters may be received by the aerosol generating device 100 based on retrieving the restriction parameters from the data storage 114. Alternatively, or additionally, the restriction parameters may be received via the communications circuitry 120 from one or more of the companion device 300, the mobile device 400, and the computing device 500.

[0251] Alternatively, or additionally, the restriction parameters may be received by the aerosol generating device 100 based on one or more user inputs provided by a user at one or more of the user interface 120 of the aerosol generating device 100, the user interface of the companion device 300, the user interface of the mobile device 400, and the user interface of the computing device 500.

[0252] For example, one or more user inputs may be provided, which may indicate a user-defined number of usage sessions and / or may be associated with one or more of the number of usage sessions available to the user per charge of the energy storage unit, the duration of a usage session, the amount of energy consumed per usage session or charge of the energy storage unit, the usage sessions per period, the availability of one or more auxiliary device functions of the aerosol generating device, and the availability of a pause mode in the aerosol generating device for interrupting or resuming a continuous usage session.

[0253] Optionally, the control circuitry 110 may calculate a user-defined number of usage sessions and / or limiting parameters based on one or more user inputs. Alternatively, or additionally, one or more of the companion device 300, the mobile device 400, and the computing device 500 may calculate limiting parameters and / or a user-defined number of usage sessions based on one or more user inputs and transmit corresponding data or information to the aerosol generating device 100.

[0254] The control circuitry 110 may further be configured to determine the number of partial and / or completed usage sessions used to generate aerosol based on the aerosol generating device 100 heating one or more aerosol-generating articles 200 above a predetermined heating temperature since the last charging event, and compare the determined number of partial and / or completed usage sessions with a user-defined number of usage sessions indicated by the limit parameter. Optionally, the remaining number of usage sessions may be calculated by the control circuitry 110.

[0255] Additionally, control circuitry 110 may be configured to enable or prevent performance of one or more device functions, e.g., a primary heating function and / or one or more auxiliary device functions, based on comparing the determined number of partial and / or completed use sessions to a user-defined number of use sessions indicated by the limit parameters.

[0256] One or more of the user-defined number of usage sessions, the number of partial and / or completed usage sessions, and the number of remaining usage sessions may be notified to the user based on activating the user interface 120.

[0257] Upon determining that the number of partial and / or completed usage sessions reaches or exceeds the user-defined number of usage sessions indicated by the limit parameters, control circuitry 110 may force a recharge of energy storage unit 102. For example, device 100 may be deactivated (e.g., by prohibiting the device from generating aerosol), and the requirement to recharge may optionally be notified to the user via user interface 120. Additionally or alternatively, upon determining that the number of partial and / or completed usage sessions reaches or exceeds the user-defined number of usage sessions indicated by the limit parameters, control circuitry 110 may prohibit the device from generating aerosol and notify the user to charge the device. Prohibiting the device from generating aerosol may continue at least until the device is connected to a charger or charging device.

[0258] Optionally, control circuitry 110 may be configured to enable or re-enable use or operation of device 100 for aerosol generation in one or more subsequent use sessions upon recharging energy storage unit 102, upon determining that energy storage unit 102 has been recharged, and / or upon determining that the device is connected to a charger or charging device.

[0259] Further optionally, the limiting parameters may indicate one or more of the availability of a pause mode in the aerosol generating device and the number of pauses in use that the aerosol generating device provides, can provide, or is capable of operating in pause mode since the energy storage unit was last charged, and the control circuit 110 may limit one or more of the operation of the aerosol generating device 100 in pause mode and the number of pauses in use based on the limiting parameters.

[0260] Further, the control circuit 110 may calculate, based on the limiting parameters, at least one threshold value indicating the amount of energy available to a user to heat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article 200 to a temperature above a predetermined heating temperature in one or more use sessions.

[0261] For example, the control circuitry 110 may be configured to determine a storage state of the energy storage unit 102, which indicates at least one of an amount of electrical energy currently stored and an amount of electrical energy currently storable in the energy storage unit 102. The control circuitry 110 may evaluate the determined storage state with respect to at least one threshold value, and thus with respect to a limiting parameter.

[0262] Additionally, the control circuitry 110 may be configured to enable or disable at least one device function of the aerosol generating device 100 based on the evaluation, wherein at least one threshold value may indicate a threshold energy required to operate the aerosol generating device 100 during at least one use session to generate an inhalable aerosol based on heating the aerosol-generating article 200 to a temperature equal to or greater than a predetermined heating temperature.

[0263] The at least one threshold determined by the control circuit 110 based on the limiting parameters may be associated with at least one device function of the aerosol generating device 110, for example, associated with heating of the aerosol generating article 200 during a usage session or aerosol emission mode, or during a pause in use in a pause mode.

[0264] Alternatively, or in addition, the control circuitry 110 may be configured to determine a storage state of the energy storage unit 102, indicative of at least one of the amount of electrical energy currently stored and the amount of electrical energy currently storable in the energy storage unit, and to evaluate the determined storage state with respect to at least one threshold value, which may correlate to a threshold energy required to perform a primary heating function of the aerosol generating device 100 to heat the aerosol-generating article 200 above a predetermined heating temperature to generate aerosol in at least one use session, and optionally, to perform at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device 100 different from the primary heating function. The control circuitry 110 may be further configured to enable or disable at least one of the primary heating function and the at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device 100 based on the evaluation.

[0265] Alternatively, or additionally, the control circuit 110 may be configured to determine a storage state, including an operating state of the energy storage unit 102, which indicates the amount of electrical energy currently available to be stored in the energy storage unit, evaluate the determined storage state with respect to at least one threshold associated with at least one device function of the aerosol generating device 100, and enable / disable at least one device function of the aerosol generating device 100 based on the evaluation.

[0266] Alternatively, or additionally, the control circuit 110 may be configured to determine a storage state of the energy storage unit, which indicates at least one of the amount of electrical energy currently stored and the amount of electrical energy currently storable in the energy storage unit 102, and to evaluate the determined storage state with respect to at least one threshold associated with at least one device function of the aerosol generating device 100, at least the threshold being adjustable, for example, based on a limiting parameter.

[0267] Below, various exemplary designs and configurations of the aerosol generating device 100 are described and summarized. In one embodiment, the determined storage state includes at least one of a current energy level of electrical energy stored in the energy storage unit and an operating state of the energy storage unit 102, which indicates the amount of electrical energy currently available to be stored in the energy storage unit. For example, the control circuit 110 may compare the determined storage state to a threshold value.

[0268] For example, the at least one threshold value may represent a threshold energy required to operate the aerosol-generating device 100 during at least one use session to generate an inhalable aerosol based on heating the aerosol-generating article 100 to a temperature equal to or greater than a predetermined heating temperature. Alternatively, or additionally, the at least one threshold value may represent a threshold energy required to perform a primary heating function of the aerosol-generating device 100 during at least one use session, the primary heating function comprising providing electrical energy to the at least one heating element 106 to heat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article 200 to a temperature equal to or greater than a predetermined heating temperature to generate an aerosol.

[0269] For example, at least one threshold may indicate a threshold energy required to complete a current use session to generate an inhalable aerosol based on heating the aerosol-generating article 200 to a temperature equal to or greater than a predetermined heating temperature to generate an aerosol.

[0270] Alternatively, or in addition, the at least one threshold may indicate a threshold energy required to operate the aerosol generating device 100 during at least one pause in use in a pause mode that interrupts a use session.

[0271] Alternatively, or in addition, the at least one threshold may indicate a threshold energy required to perform at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device 100. The auxiliary device function may be unrelated to or different from generating an aerosol based on heating the aerosol generating device during a use session to heat the aerosol-generating article 200 to a temperature above a predetermined heating temperature to generate an aerosol. Alternatively, or in addition, the auxiliary device function may be associated with a pause mode that interrupts a use session.

[0272] Optionally, the auxiliary device functions include operating the aerosol-generating device with reduced energy consumption relative to operation during a use session to generate an aerosol; heating the at least one heating element 106 and / or aerosol-generating article 200 to a temperature below a heating temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol; heating the at least one heating element 106 and / or aerosol-generating article 200 to a temperature above room temperature and below a heating temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol; heating the at least one heating element 106 and / or aerosol-generating article 200 to a temperature above room temperature and below a heating temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol for a predetermined period of time. This may include one or more of heating to a temperature above room temperature and below a heating temperature, activating or deactivating a tactile control of the aerosol generating device 100, operating a user interface 120 of the aerosol generating device 100, operating a communication circuit 130 of the aerosol generating device 100 to communicatively couple the aerosol generating device 100 to a computing device 500, a mobile device 400 and / or a companion device 300, operating a sensor of the aerosol generating device 100, and operating a biometric sensor of the aerosol generating device 100 for user authentication.

[0273] In one embodiment, the at least one threshold may correlate to a threshold energy required to a) perform a primary heating function of the aerosol generation device 100 during at least one use session to generate aerosol, and b) perform an auxiliary function of the aerosol generation device different from the primary heating function of the aerosol generation device. The control circuitry 110 may be configured to a) enable the primary heating function of the aerosol generation device during at least one use session to generate aerosol, and b) enable at least one auxiliary function of the aerosol generation device different from the primary heating function upon determining, based on the evaluation, that the current energy level of the electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage unit is sufficient to perform the primary heating function and at least one auxiliary function of the aerosol generation device.

[0274] Optionally, the control circuit 110 may be configured to trigger a recharge of the energy storage unit 102 based on an assessment of the storage state determined with respect to at least one threshold value.

[0275] Further, the control circuit 110 may be configured to determine the operating status of the energy storage unit 102 based on determining one or more of the current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit 102, the current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit 102 relative to the initial maximum capacity of the energy storage unit, the number of usage sessions the aerosol generating device 100 has been used to generate aerosol, the operating time the aerosol generating device 100 has operated to generate aerosol, charging data related to charging the energy storage unit 102 in one or more charging cycles, and the total energy consumption of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0276] In yet another embodiment, the control circuit 110 may be configured to determine a current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit 102, which indicates the maximum amount of energy that can be stored in the energy storage unit 102, and a current energy level or amount of energy currently stored within the energy storage unit 102.

[0277] Optionally, control circuitry 110 may be configured to adjust at least one threshold value based on, for example, one or more user inputs and / or based on limit parameters.

[0278] As mentioned above, one of the device functions or auxiliary device functions of the aerosol-generating device 100 may be in a pause mode, which may allow a user to interrupt and resume an ongoing use session without substantial deterioration of the aerosol-generating article 200, for example, due to condensation of vapor within the device 100 or the article 200. As described in detail above, the device 100 may be switched by the user from the aerosol-emitting mode, for example, based on actuation of the user interface 120, into a pause mode, in which the primary heating function of the device 100 may be active and the heating element 106 may be heated to a predetermined heating temperature. During pauses in use or in the pause mode, the temperature of the heating element 106 may be maintained at a temperature above room temperature and below the predetermined heating temperature.

[0279] Control circuitry 110 of device 100 may be configured to determine whether to allow or enable a pause mode in device 100 based on evaluating a determined storage state of energy storage unit 102 using at least one threshold associated with the pause mode or device function.

[0280] Generally, the pause mode may allow a user to pause between puffs during a use session. The pause may range, for example, from a few seconds up to several minutes, e.g., 8 or 10 minutes. During the use pause, the temperature of the substrate 202, the article 200, and / or the heating element 106 may be maintained at a particular level, e.g., the second temperature level, as described above. Once the pause mode is terminated by the user or otherwise terminated, the temperature is raised to the predetermined heating temperature or the first temperature level, allowing the user to continue the experience or use session. To ensure that the energy storage unit 102 has sufficient energy to complete the experience or use session, one or more requirements, criteria, or prerequisites may be considered as energy is consumed during the pause mode, and are preferably met for the pause mode to be activated. One or more of these requirements may be defined or included in at least one threshold value assessed by the energy storage unit 102's storage state and / or determined based on limiting parameters.

[0281] For example, at least one threshold indicative of the current capacity of the energy storage unit 102 and / or at least one threshold indicative of the operating state of the energy storage unit 102 may be considered and used by the control circuit 110 to assess the storage state of the energy storage unit 102.

[0282] In particular, the capacity value of the energy storage unit 102, or the amount of electrical energy currently stored in the energy storage unit 102, may be, for example, at least 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, and 100% of its current maximum capacity. Preferably, the capacity value or amount of electrical energy currently stored in the energy storage unit 102 is at least 90%, 95%, and 100% of its current maximum capacity.

[0283] Alternatively, or additionally, the pause mode may be enabled upon determining that the energy storage unit 102 is fully or completely charged, or upon recharging the energy storage unit 102.

[0284] With continued reference to Figure 1 and subsequent Figure 2, exemplary features of an exemplary aerosol generation device 100 and system 1000 according to the present disclosure are summarized, which may be implemented alone or in combination with any of the above-described functions of the aerosol generation device 100. In particular, Figure 2 illustrates the operation of the aerosol generation device 100 or system 1000 based on limiting parameters.

[0285] In general, the life or cycle life of the energy storage unit 102 may be limited, especially for energy storage units 102 used in the aerosol generating device 100. This may be because the energy storage unit 102 may need to provide high power to heat the aerosol-generating article 200 for a short period of time. Furthermore, the energy storage unit 102 may be relatively compact and small in size. Therefore, the volume of the electrodes and the capacity or amount of energy that can be stored in the energy storage unit 102 may be limited. The user may then need to frequently charge and recharge the energy storage unit 102. These characteristics may further shorten the life of the energy storage unit 102 in the aerosol generating device 100.

[0286] The user is provided with the option to select based on their habits and configure the device 100 accordingly, for example, as reflected by the limiting parameters, to extend the cycle life of the energy storage unit 102. In particular, it has been found that some users only have a discrete or single usage session per charge of the energy storage unit 102, while other users may use the device 100 in consecutive usage sessions with a single charge of the energy storage unit 102 and / or between two consecutive charging events.

[0287] Based on one or more user inputs at the aerosol generating device 100, the companion device 300, the mobile device 400, and the computing device 500, the user may define or select either individual or consecutive usage sessions per charge of the energy storage unit 102. For example, the user may input, for example, one or more user-defined usage sessions, and the control circuitry 110 may limit the operation of the aerosol generating device 100 accordingly, as described in detail herein above. Thus, the user may be provided with the flexibility to select the number of usage sessions or experiences per charge to suit their consumption habits and adjust to the needs of the situation.

[0288] Optionally, the user may select either individual use sessions or consecutive use sessions, or may enter a user-defined number of use sessions, for example, in one or more interfaces of the aerosol generating device 100, the companion device 300, the mobile device 400, and / or the computing device 500.

[0289] For example, a user may select a limit parameter as five usage sessions per charge. After the fifth consumption, as shown by reference numeral 2002 in FIG. 2, device 100 or control circuitry 110 may notify the user to recharge energy storage 102, as shown by reference numeral 2004 in FIG. 2. Control circuitry 110 may reset or reconfigure device 100 to allow the next five usage sessions, as shown by reference numeral 2006 in FIG. 2.

[0290] Alternatively, when a user selects individual use sessions or a single use session per charge of the energy storage unit 102, the user may use the device for only a single use session, as illustrated generally by reference numerals 2002 and 2006 in FIG. 2, and may be required to recharge the device 100 after each experience, use session, and / or aerosol-generating article 200 consumed, as illustrated by reference numeral 2004 in FIG. 2. The amount of energy drawn from the energy storage unit 102 in the single use session per charge embodiment of the energy storage unit 102 may be less than the amount of energy drawn in the five use sessions per charge embodiment, although for reasons of simplicity, both the amount of energy drawn in one use session and five use sessions are illustrated generally in FIG. 2 by reference numerals 2002 and 2006, which refer to the same amount of energy drawn from the energy storage unit 102.

[0291] In particular, it has been discovered that the aging rate of the energy storage unit 102 can be slowed down based on controlling the device 100 using limiting parameters.

[0292] For example, a user may provide one or more user inputs, such as entering a user-defined number of usage sessions, or may select either discrete or consecutive usage sessions on device 100, companion device 300, mobile device 400, and / or computing device 500. Control circuitry 110 may identify the one or more user inputs, optionally request usage data from a stored data unit or data storage 114, optionally determine the user-defined number of usage sessions and / or limit parameters, and optionally count or determine the number of completed usage sessions. When the number of completed usage sessions reaches the user-defined number of usage sessions, control circuitry 110 may control user interface 120 or an indicator to provide a notification to the user to recharge device 100 or energy storage unit 102. Optionally, user interface 120 or an indicator may indicate the number of completed usage sessions or the number of remaining or available usage sessions.

[0293] In another example, the user may select a specific number of use sessions, e.g., a single use session. In this example, after device 100 delivers the single use session, control circuitry 110 inhibits device 100 from generating aerosol and indicates to the user to connect device 100 to a charger or charging device. The user then connects device 100 to a charger or charging device. At that point, control circuitry 110 determines that device 100 is connected to a charger or charging device and, in response, determines whether the current charge state of energy storage unit 102 reaches or exceeds a usage session threshold indicating the charge state required for a specific number of use sessions (in this case, one use session). If the current charge state of energy storage unit 102 reaches or exceeds the usage session threshold, control circuitry 110 determines not to charge energy storage unit 102 and / or inhibits charging of energy storage unit 102. However, if the current state of charge of energy storage unit 102 is below the usage session threshold, control circuitry 110 determines to charge and / or allows energy storage unit 102 to charge. During charging, control circuitry 110 may determine that the state of charge of energy storage unit 102 reaches or exceeds the usage session threshold and, in response, may notify the user via user interface 120 that the device is ready for use. Alternatively, control circuitry 110 may determine that energy storage unit 102 is fully charged and, in response, may notify the user via user interface 120 that the device is ready for use. In this way, a wider range of capacity of energy storage unit 102 can be utilized, even if the number of usage sessions defined by the limiting parameters is less than the maximum number of usage sessions device 100 can deliver per “full state of charge.”

[0294] FIG. 3 illustrates a method of operating an aerosol generating device 100 or system 1000, such as the aerosol generating device 100 described with reference to one or more of the previous figures.

[0295] In step S1, the control circuit 110 of the aerosol generating device 100 receives a limit parameter indicating a user-defined number of usage sessions that the aerosol generating device 100 will provide, can provide, or is operable for since the energy storage unit was last charged.

[0296] In step S2, the control circuit 110 limits or controls the operation of the aerosol generating device 100 to a user-defined number of usage sessions based on the limiting parameters.

[0297] For purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and the like are to be understood in all instances as modified by the term "about" or "substantially." Also, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein. Thus, in this context, the number A is understood as A ± 20% of A. Within this context, the number A may be considered to include values ​​within the normal standard error for the measurement of the property for which the number A varies. Also, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein.

[0298] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description is exemplary or representative and not restrictive, and the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art and by practice of the invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

[0299] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting their scope.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, comprising: a control circuit and an energy storage unit operably coupled to the control circuit and configured to supply electrical energy to the control circuit; receiving a limit parameter indicating a user-defined number of usage sessions provided by the aerosol generating device after the energy storage unit has been charged; an energy storage unit configured to limit operation of the aerosol generation to a user-defined number of usage sessions based on the limiting parameter.

2. 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the control circuit is configured to limit operation of the aerosol generating device to the number of usage sessions indicated by the limit parameter since the energy storage unit was last charged.

3. the energy storage unit is configured with a capacity to heat the at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article to a temperature equal to or greater than a predetermined heating temperature for a capacity-defined number of use sessions; An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the number of user-defined usage sessions indicated by the limiting parameter is different from the number of usage sessions for which the capacity is defined.

4. 4. The aerosol generating device of claim 3, wherein the user-defined number of usage sessions indicated by the limit parameter is less than the capacity-defined number of usage sessions.

5. further comprising a communications circuit for communicatively coupling the aerosol-generating device to at least one of a computing device and a companion device for at least partially receiving the aerosol-generating device; An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the restriction parameters are received based on transmitting the restriction parameters to the aerosol generating device from at least one of the computing device and the companion device.

6. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control circuit is configured to receive the restriction parameter based on retrieving the restriction parameter from a data storage of the aerosol generating device.

7. 7. An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the limiting parameter is based on one or more user inputs indicating a number of usage sessions defined by the user.

8. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the restriction parameters are received via at least one of at least one user interface of the aerosol generating device, a computing device communicatively connectable to the aerosol generating device, and a companion device communicatively connectable to the aerosol generating device.

9. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a user interface, wherein the control circuit is configured to calculate the limiting parameter or the number of user-defined usage sessions based on one or more user inputs provided to the user interface of the aerosol generating device.

10. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the control circuit is provided in at least one of a computing device and a receiving device and is configured to calculate the restriction parameters based on one or more user inputs transmitted to the aerosol generating device via a communication circuit of the aerosol generating device.

11. 11. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the control circuit: determining a number of completed use sessions that the aerosol generating device has used to generate aerosol based on heating one or more aerosol-generating articles to above the predetermined heating temperature since the last charging event; The aerosol generating device is further configured to compare the determined number of completed use sessions with the user-defined number of use sessions indicated by the limit parameter.

12. The aerosol generating device of claim 11, wherein the control circuit is further configured to allow or prevent operation of the aerosol generating device for further use sessions based on comparing the determined number of completed use sessions with the user-defined number of use sessions indicated by the limit parameter.

13. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 11 and 12, wherein the control circuit is further configured to operate a user interface of the aerosol generating device to indicate one or more of the number of usage sessions defined by the user, the number of usage sessions completed, and the number of remaining usage sessions available to the user.

14. 14. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 11 to 13, further configured to force a recharging of the energy store when the control circuit determines that the number of completed usage sessions reaches or exceeds the user-defined number of usage sessions indicated by the limit parameter; and / or The aerosol generating device, wherein the control circuit is further configured to limit operation of the aerosol generating device to generate aerosol to a single use session per charge of the energy storage unit based on the limiting parameter.

15. 1. An aerosol generating system comprising: An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 14; an aerosol-generating article connectable to or connected to the aerosol-generating device, and configured to generate an aerosol from at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article;

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