aerosol generator

Abstract

An aerosol generating device is proposed, 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, wherein the control circuit is 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, evaluate the determined storage state with respect to at least one threshold value, the at least one threshold value correlating with a threshold energy required to perform a primary heating function of the aerosol generating device for heating the aerosol-generating article to above a predetermined heating temperature to generate an aerosol in at least one use session, and to perform at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device different from the primary heating function, and enable or disable at least one of the primary heating function and the at least one auxiliary device function based on the evaluation.

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 or a portion of an aerosol-generating article or substrate. The present disclosure also relates to the use of one or more aerosol generating devices or systems, methods of operating an aerosol generating device or system, corresponding computer programs, and corresponding computer-readable media storing one or more of these 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 at least a portion of an aerosol-generating substrate or an aerosol-generating article including such a substrate, for example, in one or more use sessions. Of course, aerosol-generating devices can generate aerosol by other means, such as, for example, by vibration, by nebulization, 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, for example, comprise 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 comprise cartridges or containers containing or refillable with liquid and / or solid substrates that 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 cartridges may be fixedly attached to the aerosol-generating device and refilled by inserting liquid and / or solid substrate materials 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 an 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 disposed 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 supercapacitors, one or more accumulators, or other types of energy storage units.

[0006] Alternatively, or in addition, 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 atomizers, or other means for generating the 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, e.g., to perform one or more device functions of the aerosol generating device, may be limited, thereby potentially limiting the functionality or usefulness of the aerosol generating device to generate an 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. Potentially, 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 aerosol generating device or system that overcomes, or at least mitigates, one or more of the above-mentioned disadvantages.

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

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

[0012] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol 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 article. The control circuit may be operably coupled to the energy storage unit. The control circuit is configured to determine a storage state of the energy storage unit, the storage state indicating at least one of an amount of electrical energy currently stored in the energy storage unit and an amount of electrical energy currently storable. The control circuit is further configured to evaluate, e.g., process and / or analyze, the determined storage state with respect to at least one threshold value associated with at least one device function of the aerosol generating device. The control circuit is further configured to enable or disable at least one device function of the aerosol generating device based on the evaluation. Among these, at least one device function associated with the at least one threshold value may be enabled or disabled. Alternatively, or additionally, at least one further device function, which may be different from the at least one device function associated with the at least one threshold value, may be enabled or disabled.

[0013] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol 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 article. The control circuit may be operably coupled to the energy storage unit. The control circuit is configured to determine a storage state of the energy storage unit, the storage state indicating at least one of an amount of electrical energy currently stored in the energy storage unit and an amount of electrical energy currently available for storage. The control circuit is further configured to evaluate the determined storage state with respect to at least one threshold value, the at least one threshold value correlating with a threshold energy required to perform a primary heating function of the aerosol generating device for heating the aerosol-generating article to a temperature equal to or greater than a predetermined heating temperature to generate an aerosol during at least one use session, and to perform at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device different from the primary heating function. The control circuit is further configured to enable or disable at least one of the primary heating function and the at least one auxiliary device function based on the evaluation.

[0014] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol 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 article. The control circuit may be operably coupled to the energy storage unit. The control circuit is configured to determine a storage state, including a state of health of the energy storage unit, indicating an amount of electrical energy currently storable in the energy storage unit, and evaluate the determined storage state with respect to at least one threshold value associated with at least one device function of the aerosol generating device. The control circuit is further configured to enable or disable at least one device function of the aerosol generating device based on the evaluation. Among these, at least one device function associated with the at least one threshold value may be enabled or disabled. Alternatively, or additionally, at least one further device function, which may be different from the at least one device function associated with the at least one threshold value, may be enabled or disabled.

[0015] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol 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 article. The control circuit may be operably coupled to the energy storage unit. The control circuit is configured to determine a storage state of the energy storage unit, the storage state indicating at least one of an amount of electrical energy currently stored in the energy storage unit and an amount of electrical energy currently storable. The control circuit is further configured 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, the at least threshold being adjustable. The control circuit is further configured to enable or disable the at least one device function based on the evaluation. Among these, the at least one device function associated with the at least one threshold may be enabled or disabled. Alternatively, or additionally, at least one further device function, which may be different from the at least one device function associated with the at least one threshold, may be enabled or disabled.

[0016] It should be noted that any feature, function, or element of an aerosol generating device according to one aspect of the present disclosure can be combined with any feature, function, or element of an aerosol generating device according to another aspect of the present disclosure. That is, aerosol generating devices according to various aspects of the present disclosure can be combined with each other. Furthermore, any disclosure provided herein with reference to an aerosol generating device according to an aspect or one aspect of the present disclosure applies equally to any one or more aerosol generating devices according to any one or more further aspects of the present disclosure.

[0017] In one embodiment, the energy storage and / or control circuitry may be configured to supply electrical energy to at least one aerosol generating means or at least one aerosol generator to generate an aerosol from at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article coupleable 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.

[0018] 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 that can be coupled to the aerosol generating device, for example by heating at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article.

[0019] As used herein, enabling a device function may refer to or include enabling a device function, e.g., allowing execution of the device function, such as by a user of the aerosol generating device. 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 enabling a device function may include configuring the aerosol generating device so that the device function is executable or can be performed, e.g., by a user. Alternatively, or additionally, enabling a device function may include making the device function available to a user of the aerosol generating device. In a non-limiting example, a flag or marker indicating that the device function is enabled may be set by the control circuitry based on an evaluation of the storage condition with respect to at least one threshold value to enable the device function.

[0020] As used herein, disabling a device function may refer to or include preventing a device function, such as preventing a user from performing the device function. Alternatively, or additionally, disabling a device function may include stopping the device function so that it cannot be performed, for example, based on one or more user inputs or automatically. Alternatively, or additionally, disabling a device function may include making the device function unavailable 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 the storage condition relative to at least one threshold value to disable the device function.

[0021] 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., 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 said 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 said device function. Alternatively, or additionally, disabling a device function may involve removing said device function from the repertoire or set of device functions available to the aerosol generation device.

[0022] Evaluating the storage state of the energy storage relative to at least one threshold 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 evaluating 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 the available energy. Also, the functional versatility and flexibility of the device can be increased.

[0023] The aerosol-generating device of the present disclosure may refer to an electronic aerosol-generating device configured to generate an aerosol, in particular an aerosol that can be inhaled by a user of the aerosol-generating device, during or between one or more use sessions 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 in the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating device of the present disclosure may also be referred to as a non-heated combustion device.

[0024] Exemplary aerosol-generating articles or substrates usable with the aerosol-generating devices of the present disclosure can be formed into a stick shape and at least partially inserted into the aerosol-generating device. Alternative exemplary aerosol-generating articles can include containers or cartridges that can be fixedly attached or removably coupled to the aerosol-generating device. Typically, liquid, solid, or mixtures of solid and liquid aerosol-generating substrates can be contained within or inserted into such aerosol-generating articles and heated to generate an aerosol. Any of these and other forms and designs of aerosol-generating articles can be used with the aerosol-generating devices and systems of the present disclosure.

[0025] 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 device control circuitry may include one or more processors for data or signal processing. The device 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.

[0026] 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 of an aerosol generating system or a 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.

[0027] It should be noted that an aerosol generating device may comprise multiple energy stores, and therefore any reference herein above and below to a single energy store includes multiple energy stores.

[0028] 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 the energy storage unit's internal chemical elements or molecules. Also, combinations of any of the foregoing types of energy storage units may be implemented in the aerosol generating devices of the present disclosure.

[0029] The at least one heating element may refer to or mean 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] At least part of or all of the at least one heating element may be disposed within the aerosol-generating device. Alternatively, or additionally, at least part of or all of the heating element may be disposed within the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a heating arrangement or heating circuit including at least one heating element. For example, 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.

[0032] 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, tactile interfaces, haptic interfaces, or combinations thereof.

[0033] 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, the heating circuit or arrangement including the heating elements, respectively, to generate an aerosol in accordance with the one or more user inputs. For example, in response to activation 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 and generate an aerosol.

[0034] As described above, an aerosol generating device may include a repertoire or set of device functions that can be implemented or performed by the aerosol generating device, for example, based on user input and / or automatically. One or more of these device functions may be available to and / or may be implemented or performed by the user. For example, a user may operate the aerosol generating device and / or one or more user interfaces of the aerosol generating device to implement one or more device functions.

[0035] As used herein, device function may refer to any operation or function of an aerosol generating device that involves 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 controlling the operation of one or more of at least one heating element, an energy storage unit, and one or more user interfaces of the aerosol generating device.

[0036] 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 the operation of the aerosol-generating device to heat at least one heating element, at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article, and / or at least a portion of the substrate to a temperature equal to or greater than a predetermined heating temperature of the heating element, the aerosol-generating article, and / or the aerosol-generating substrate to generate an aerosol. As used herein, a predetermined heating temperature may refer to or mean a temperature, level of temperature, or temperature range above room temperature sufficient to generate and / or release an aerosol from the aerosol-generating article or substrate, which released aerosol may be inhaled by a user.

[0037] 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.

[0038] The primary heating function of the aerosol-generating device may be performed or implemented during or in 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 aerosol. Within that period, the use session may be finite. In other words, a use session may have a beginning, an end, and a duration. The duration of a use session, as measured by time, may be affected by use during the use session. The duration of a use session may have a maximum duration determined by the longest time since the start of the use session. If one or more monitored parameters reach a predetermined threshold before the longest time since the start of the use session, the duration of the use session may be shorter than the maximum 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 of puffs 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.

[0039] It should be noted that operation of an aerosol generating device in a use session to generate an aerosol may be used herein synonymously with operating the aerosol generating device in a primary device function, operating the device to perform a primary heating function, performing or implementing a primary device heating function, and / or heating one or more of the heating element, aerosol-generating article and aerosol-generating substrate to a temperature above a predetermined heating temperature.

[0040] 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, the 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 the energy consumption. However, the auxiliary device function may differ from the primary heating function in any other aspect, feature, or element.

[0041] As used herein, evaluating a storage condition determined with respect to at least one threshold associated with at least one device function of an aerosol generating device may include analyzing the storage condition determined with respect to at least one threshold. For example, at least one threshold may be associated with at least one device function based on defining and / or encoding one or more criteria that preferably must be met so that the at least one device function can be performed or implemented by the aerosol generating device. Thus, by evaluating the storage condition with respect to the threshold, the storage condition can be analyzed in terms of one or more criteria that preferably must be met so that the at least one device function can be implemented.

[0042] Optionally, such analysis or assessment of the storage state may include comparing the storage state to at least one threshold. Alternatively, or additionally, analysis or assessment of the storage state may include converting the storage state and / or threshold into a converted storage state and / or converted threshold. In non-limiting examples, a threshold or storage state related to electrical energy may be converted to a threshold or storage state related to capacity, and vice versa.

[0043] Optionally, one or more storage state variables may be derived from or calculated based on the determined storage state for assessing the storage state, for example, based on comparing the one or more derived storage state variables to at least one threshold. Alternatively, or additionally, one or more further thresholds may be provided, calculated, or derived from the at least one threshold for assessing the storage state. One or more of the thresholds or further thresholds may, for example, be cross-compared with the storage state and / or one or more storage state variables derived therefrom.

[0044] As noted above, 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 heating of the aerosol-generating article, substrate, and / or heating element, e.g., during one or more use sessions or one or more pause modes, as discussed in more detail below.

[0045] In a non-limiting example, the at least one threshold may describe and / or indicate one or more criteria, defined standards, requirements, and / or prerequisites for performing the at least one device function 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 the at least one device function and / or to enable the at least one device function, e.g., to allow a user to perform the at least one device function.

[0046] In one embodiment, the at least one threshold may be indicative of and / or correlated with the energy consumption of the aerosol generating device to perform or execute one or more device functions. For example, the at least one threshold may be indicative of and / or correlated with the amount of energy required to perform one or more device functions. Alternatively, or additionally, the at least one threshold may be associated with the energy consumption to perform one or more device functions.

[0047] In one embodiment, 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 over 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.

[0048] Alternatively, or additionally, the at least one threshold associated with the at least one device function may be associated with and / or indicative of one or more characteristics of the energy storage unit. For example, the at least one threshold may be indicative of one or more predefined criteria that the energy storage unit must meet in order to enable the at least one device function.

[0049] 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 a state of health 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 state of charge may also be referred to herein as a charging state. Furthermore, the energy available to be stored in the energy storage unit may be correlated to or indicated by a current capacity or 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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 an evaluation of the storage state, the aging effect of the energy storage unit may be comprehensively taken into account for energy management, which may enable further increase in overall energy efficiency. Also, taking the aging effect into account may enable a user to dynamically adjust the repertoire of device functions available to the user according to the status or state of health of the energy storage unit.

[0052] 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. Potentially, 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 generation device, or at least the energy storage unit, may be replaced. Based on an assessment of the storage state, excessive charging and / or discharging may also be avoided or reduced, which may extend the life of the energy storage unit and the aerosol generation device.

[0053] 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 can be converted into one another. For example, an energy value, e.g., given in units of Wh or mWh, may be calculated based on the capacity of the energy storage unit, e.g., given in Ah or mAh, multiplied by the nominal voltage of the energy storage unit.

[0054] 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.

[0055] For example, when the control circuit determines that the storage condition reaches or exceeds at least one threshold, the control circuit may enable, e.g., by a user, at least one device function for execution. Alternatively, or additionally, when the control circuit determines that the storage condition falls below at least one threshold, the control circuit may disable, e.g., by a user, at least one device function for execution.

[0056] Alternatively, when the control circuitry determines that the storage condition reaches or exceeds at least one threshold, the control circuitry may disable, e.g., by a user, the device function for at least one execution. Alternatively, or additionally, when the control circuitry determines that the storage condition falls below at least one threshold, the control circuitry may enable, e.g., by a user, the device function for at least one execution.

[0057] 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 to generate an inhalable aerosol during at least one use session, particularly based on heating the aerosol-generating article to a temperature equal to or greater than a predetermined aerosol-generating heating temperature. Alternatively, or additionally, the at least one threshold value may indicate a threshold energy or amount of energy required to perform the primary heating function of the aerosol generating device. Based on assessing the storage state using such 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.

[0058] 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 to generate an inhalable aerosol during at least one use session, particularly based on heating the aerosol-generating article to a temperature equal to or greater than a predetermined aerosol-generating heating temperature. 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.

[0059] In an example implementation, the control circuitry may be configured to enable 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 to generate an inhalable aerosol during at least one use session based on heating the aerosol-generating article to a temperature equal to or greater than a predetermined heating temperature to generate an 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.

[0060] 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 a current energy level of electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage unit is sufficient to perform the primary heating function and generate an inhalable aerosol during at least one use session. 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, e.g., using at least one aerosol-generating article.

[0061] 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.

[0062] Further optionally, the control circuitry may be configured to determine, based on the evaluation, the number and / or number of usage sessions that each fully charged energy storage unit can perform its primary function before recharging the energy storage unit. Optionally, the number of usage sessions or experiences of the aerosol-generating article available to the user may be displayed and / or communicated to the user, for example, based on activating one or more user interfaces of the aerosol generating device.

[0063] In an exemplary implementation, the at least one threshold may indicate a threshold energy required to complete a current use session to generate an inhalable aerosol, particularly based on heating the aerosol-generating article to a temperature equal to or greater than a predetermined aerosol-generating heating temperature. The current use session may refer to a currently ongoing use session or a use session that has already been initiated or initiated by a user. Accordingly, the control circuitry may be configured to determine whether sufficient energy is stored in the energy storage unit during a currently ongoing use session to complete the use session. Whether the current use can be completed may be optionally indicated and / or notified to the user by the control circuitry, for example, based on activating one or more user interfaces of the device.

[0064] Alternatively, or additionally, the at least one threshold value may indicate a threshold energy required to complete a defined number of usage sessions to generate an inhalable aerosol based on heating the aerosol-generating article to a temperature equal to or greater than a predetermined heating temperature to generate the aerosol. The defined number of usage sessions may indicate, for example, a maximum number of usage sessions that can be completed with the amount of energy currently stored in the energy storage unit before recharging the energy storage unit and / or after the energy storage unit has been charged. Note that after the energy storage unit has been charged, as used herein, may also refer to, or be used synonymously with, “after the energy storage unit was last charged” or “between two consecutive charging events.” Alternatively, or additionally, the defined number of usage sessions may indicate a number of usage sessions that can be completed with the device or that are available to a user upon full charging of the energy storage unit and / or with a fully charged energy storage unit. Alternatively, or additionally, the defined number of usage sessions may indicate, describe, and / or represent a number of usage sessions that the aerosol generating device is operable for or can operate before a next, subsequent, or consecutive charging event. Alternatively, or additionally, the defined number of usage sessions may indicate, describe, and / or represent the number of usage sessions for which the aerosol generating device is operable or can be operated with a charged or fully charged energy storage unit, and / or between two temporally consecutive charging events.

[0065] It should be noted that fully charging 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 the maximum amount of electrical energy stored in the energy storage unit is stored. 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.

[0066] Optionally, the predetermined number of usage sessions may be displayed and / or communicated to the user, for example, based on activating one or more user interfaces by the control circuitry.

[0067] For example, the predetermined number of use sessions may be at least one use session, preferably at least two use sessions, at least three use sessions, at least four use sessions, or even more use sessions, and a minimum number of one, two, three, four, or more aerosol-generating articles may then be used by the user to generate aerosol in at least one, two, three, four, or more use sessions.

[0068] In one example, if the evaluation determines, based on the evaluation, that the current energy level of electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage unit is sufficient to complete a current use session and / or a predefined number of use sessions for generating an inhalable aerosol based on heating an aerosol-generating article to a temperature equal to or greater than a predetermined heating temperature, the control circuitry may be configured to enable at least one device function, such as the primary heating function and / or one or more auxiliary device functions. Alternatively, or additionally, if the evaluation determines, based on the evaluation, that the current energy level of electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage unit is insufficient to complete a current use session and / or a predefined number of use sessions for generating an inhalable aerosol based on heating an aerosol-generating article to a temperature equal to or greater than a predetermined heating temperature, the control circuitry may be configured to disable at least one device function, such as the primary heating function or one or more auxiliary device functions.

[0069] The aerosol generating device may include a heating circuit and / or heating arrangement capable of operating 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. 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 above room temperature and below the first temperature level.

[0070] In yet another embodiment, the at least one threshold may represent a threshold energy required to operate the aerosol generating device during at least one pause in use in a pause mode that interrupts a use session.

[0071] 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, with the aerosol-generating article or substrate being maintained 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 the user experience or use session), but still above or well above room temperature. That is, the second temperature level can preferably be selected to avoid degradation of the undepleted substrate or aerosol-generating article. In particular, the second temperature level can be selected to be sufficiently low to minimize depletion of the substrate or article during the pause mode, and at the same time sufficiently high to avoid condensation of vapor within the device, which could affect the quality of the undepleted aerosol-generating substrate or article.

[0072] 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, whereas 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 aerosol generating device, the heating element, heating circuit, and / or heating arrangement are in operation, particularly in heating operation, yet at different temperature levels: a first temperature level during the aerosol-emitting mode, which may be selected to be sufficiently high to generate an aerosol, and a second temperature level lower than the first temperature level during the paused mode, which may be selected to be sufficiently low to minimize substrate depletion while avoiding degradation.

[0073] Depending on the type and composition of the specific aerosol-generating article or substrate used with the device, the 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 heating temperature of a liquid aerosol-generating article or substrate may be lower than the first temperature level of a solid aerosol-generating article or substrate.

[0074] Generally, the second temperature level can 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 are low enough to minimize depletion of the substrate during the pause mode, yet high enough to avoid condensation of vapor within the device, which could lead to degradation of the aerosol-generating article or substrate.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] Preferably, the above temperature values ​​given may be 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.

[0079] As used herein, suspended mode refers to a first mode of operation of an aerosol generating device in which the heating element, heating circuit, and / or heating arrangement is operated during a suspension of operation, i.e., the use of the aerosol generating device is suspended, i.e., the user experience or use session is suspended and aerosol generation is not occurring or is at least reduced to a minimal level. In suspended mode, the aerosol generating device is in a suspended state of use.

[0080] Conversely, the aerosol emission mode refers to a second operating mode of the aerosol generating device, which is the normal heating operating mode of the heating element, circuit, and / or device for aerosol generation, in which the heating element, heating circuit, 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's request when taking a puff.

[0081] The aerosol-generating device may optionally include at least one sensor configured to output a sensor signal indicating whether the device is in operation by a user, i.e., in use by a user, or in a suspended state, i.e., in a suspended state. Advantageously, such a sensor may facilitate automatic detection of whether the operation of the heating arrangement can be switched to a suspended mode because the device is not currently in use and is therefore in a suspended state, i.e., in a suspended state. 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 automatic detection of 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.

[0082] In one embodiment, the control circuitry may be configured to switch and / or configure the aerosol generating device to an aerosol emission mode or a suspended mode based on an assessment of the storage condition determined with respect to at least one threshold value.

[0083] For example, the control circuit may be configured to enable and / or allow 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 pause in use in a pause mode that interrupts the use session.

[0084] In an exemplary implementation, the at least one threshold may indicate and / or correlate to a threshold energy required to perform at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device. Alternatively, or additionally, the control circuitry may be configured to enable and / or permit at least one auxiliary 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 perform at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device. Thus, the storage status 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 features available to the 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 the auxiliary device function, the aforementioned function may be prevented, disabled, and / or stopped, e.g., so that it cannot be initiated by and / or is unavailable to the user.

[0085] In one embodiment, the auxiliary device function may be unrelated and / or different from heating the aerosol-generating device to generate an aerosol during a use session, for example, based on heating the aerosol-generating article to a temperature equal to or greater than a predetermined heating temperature to generate an aerosol. Alternatively, or additionally, the auxiliary device function may be associated with a pause mode that interrupts a use session.

[0086] 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 that is different from the primary heating function. In other words, the at least one device function, to which at least one threshold may be associated and / or which may be enabled or disabled by the control circuitry based on an evaluation of the storage condition, may refer to or include one or both of the primary heating function and the auxiliary device function that is 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.

[0087] For example, the auxiliary device functions may include one or more of: operating the aerosol generating device with reduced energy consumption during a use session or relative to operation 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 defined period of time, for example during a suspension of 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 shutting down. Generally, 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.

[0088] In an exemplary implementation, the at least one threshold may correlate to a threshold energy required to: a) perform the primary heating function of the aerosol generating device during at least one use session to generate aerosol; and b) perform an auxiliary device function that is different from, other than, and / or unrelated to the primary heating function of the aerosol generating device. In other words, the at least one threshold may indicate the energy consumption when performing both the primary heating function and the at least one auxiliary device function. Note that two thresholds may also be used: a first threshold indicating 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 indicating the energy required to perform the auxiliary device function.

[0089] 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 the 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 enable a) the primary heating function of the aerosol generating device during at least one use session to generate an aerosol based on heating the heating element, article, and / or substrate to a temperature equal to or greater than a predetermined heating temperature, and b) at least one auxiliary 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 of the aerosol generating device and at least one auxiliary function. Alternatively, or in addition, if, based on the evaluation, the control circuit determines that the current energy level of 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.

[0090] For example, the at least one auxiliary device function may refer to and / or be associated with heating the heating element, the aerosol-generating article, and / or the substrate to a second temperature level or temperature during a device suspension or suspension mode, where the second temperature level may be above room temperature and below the predetermined heating temperature or first temperature level. 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 perform at least one use suspension that interrupts the one or more use sessions. Generally, this may enable reliably determining whether the device is capable of operating in one or more use suspensions. Furthermore, operation of the device in a suspension mode may be dynamically permitted or prevented depending on the storage status of the energy storage unit. The number of use sessions may then be maximized for the user, for example, based on the suspension mode and / or the prevention of the at least one auxiliary device function.

[0091] In example implementations, the control circuitry may be configured to trigger or request 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 is stored and / or can be stored in the energy storage unit, the control circuitry may request 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.

[0092] In one embodiment, the at least one threshold value may represent a percentage of the current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit, particularly between about 70% and about 100% of the current maximum capacity, and preferably at least about 90% of the current maximum capacity. As noted above, one or more corresponding energy threshold values ​​may be used instead of or in addition to the capacity threshold value.

[0093] For example, the primary heating function and, optionally, one or more auxiliary device functions may be enabled when the control circuit determines that the current capacity, state of charge, and / or amount of energy stored in the energy storage unit is at or corresponds to at least 70%, at least 80%, or at least 90% of the current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit. In that context, the current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit may indicate the maximum amount of electrical energy currently storable within the energy storage unit. For example, due to aging effects of the energy storage unit, the current maximum capacity may be less than or equal to the initial or nominal capacity of the energy storage unit. The latter may refer, for example, to the capacity of the storage unit without aging effects.

[0094] In one example, determining the storage state may include determining a current energy level of stored and / or storable electrical energy in the energy storage unit relative to a current maximum capacity of the energy, wherein the current energy level of the stored electrical energy may indicate a current state of charge of the energy storage unit. Alternatively, or additionally, the current energy level of the storable electrical energy may indicate a current capacity, a storage capacity, and / or a current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit.

[0095] The control circuitry may be configured to determine a current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit. Alternatively, or additionally, the control circuitry may be configured to determine an initial maximum capacity and / or initial stored capacity of the energy storage unit. Optionally, the control circuitry may be configured to determine a relative percentage or proportion of the current maximum capacity to the initial maximum capacity of the energy storage unit.

[0096] In one embodiment, the at least one threshold value may indicate an initial maximum capacity of the energy storage unit, particularly a percentage of about 35% to about 75% of the initial maximum capacity. For example, if the control circuit determines that the current maximum capacity or current storage capacity of the energy storage unit is below the initial maximum capacity or percentage of the initial storage capacity indicated by the threshold value, one or both of the primary heating function and at least one auxiliary device function, such as a pause mode, may be disabled.

[0097] Alternatively or additionally, the at least one threshold value may indicate whether, in a previous charging event, a defined charging stage of the energy storage unit has reached a constant voltage stage, in particular a charging voltage of about 3 to 5 V, for example about 3.4 V to about 3.9 V, in particular about 3.65 V. Generally, this may make it possible to determine the amount of electrical energy currently stored in the energy storage unit.

[0098] Optionally, the control circuitry may be configured to determine whether the energy storage unit has been charged to a predefined charging stage in a previous charging event. As described above, the predefined charging stage may relate to a constant voltage stage of a charging voltage between about 3 and 5 V, for example, between about 3.4 V and about 3.9 V, particularly about 3.65 V. Based on determining the charging stage reached in the previous charging event, the control circuitry may determine the amount of electrical energy currently stored in the energy storage unit and, therefore, the amount of electrical energy available for one or more device functions.

[0099] It should be noted that any other characteristic of the previous charging event may be used to estimate the amount of energy stored in the energy storage unit. For example, the charging current profile (or the charging current as a function of charging time) may be used. Alternatively, or additionally, the charging time may be used. For example, the control circuit may be configured to determine whether the energy storage unit has been charged by a defined charging time according to a defined charging profile and / or a predetermined charging current step in the previous charging event. As used herein, a charging event may refer to a period of time during which the energy storage unit is supplied with electrical energy from an energy supply source and / or a companion device of the aerosol generating system.

[0100] In example implementations, determining the storage state may include determining a state of health of the energy storage unit. Alternatively, or additionally, the control circuitry may be configured to determine the state of health of the energy storage unit. Alternatively, or additionally, determining the storage state may include determining an aging of the energy storage unit.

[0101] As used herein, the state of health of an energy storage unit may indicate and / or correlate to the maximum energy currently storable in the energy storage unit, the current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit, and / or the current storage capacity. For example, due to frequent charging and discharging of the energy storage unit, the health of the energy storage unit may deteriorate over time, also referred to as the aging effect or aging of the energy storage unit. Thus, determining the health and state of health of the energy storage unit may include determining the current or actual maximum capacity of the energy storage unit. Determining the state of health of the energy storage unit generally enables energy management that takes into account the aging of the energy storage unit, thereby enabling more accurate and more efficient energy management. Also, the usability of the device for a user may be improved, for example, in terms of maximizing the number of usage sessions the device can be used by the user before recharging the energy storage unit and / or with a fully charged energy storage unit.

[0102] In an exemplary configuration, the at least one threshold may indicate a threshold state of health and / or a threshold age of the energy storage unit. Thus, evaluating the storage state relative to the threshold may involve analyzing the energy storage unit in terms of its state of health. Additionally, at least one device function may be enabled or disabled depending on the determined and evaluated state of health.

[0103] In one embodiment, the control circuitry may be configured to determine the state of health of the energy storage unit based on determining one or more of the following: a current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit, a current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit relative to an initial maximum capacity of the energy storage unit, a number of usage sessions the aerosol generation device has been used to generate aerosol, an operating time the aerosol generation device has operated or been used to generate aerosol, charging data relating to charging the energy storage unit over one or more charging cycles, and a total energy consumption of the aerosol generation device. Alternatively, or additionally, the control circuitry may be configured to determine and / or monitor one or more of the following: a current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit, an initial maximum capacity of the energy storage unit, a current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit relative to an initial maximum capacity of the energy storage unit, e.g., a number of usage sessions the aerosol generation device has been used to generate aerosol since the last time the energy storage unit was charged, an operating time the aerosol generation device has been operated to generate aerosol, charging data relating to charging the energy storage unit over one or more charging cycles, and a total energy consumption of the aerosol generation device. Any one or more of these quantities may be used to reliably determine, estimate, and / or calculate the state of health.

[0104] In yet another example implementation, determining the storage state may include determining a current maximum capacity and / or a current storage capacity of the energy storage unit, which indicates a maximum amount of energy that can be stored in the energy storage unit, and determining a current energy level or amount of electrical energy currently stored in the energy storage unit.

[0105] Optionally, the at least one threshold may include a first threshold for a current energy level, a state of charge and / or amount of energy available in the energy storage unit, and a second threshold for a current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit indicating a maximum amount of energy that can currently be stored in the energy storage unit, and the control circuit may be configured to compare the determined current energy level with the first threshold and compare the determined current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit with the second threshold.

[0106] Considering not only the actual state of charge of the energy storage unit, but also the storage capacity or theoretically storable amount of energy, e.g., theoretically storable, in the energy storage unit can enable comprehensive energy management. The repertoire of device functions can then be tailored to the user's specific requirements. For example, the number of usage sessions or experiences can be maximized based on the prevention of one or more auxiliary device functions, or limited based on the prevention of the primary heating function.

[0107] In yet another example implementation, the at least one threshold may include a first threshold for a current energy level or amount of energy available in the energy storage unit and a second threshold for a current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit indicating a maximum amount of energy currently storable in the energy storage unit, and the control circuit may be configured to compare the determined current energy level with the first threshold and compare the determined current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit with the second threshold.

[0108] In yet another example implementation, the at least one threshold may be adjustable and / or variable. Alternatively, or additionally, the control circuitry may be configured to adjust, change, replace, modify, alter, and / or vary the at least one threshold.

[0109] For example, at least one threshold value may be adjusted by the control circuitry based on or in accordance with a user's specific needs or requirements. For example, the number of use sessions and / or use pauses available to or initiated by the user may be optimized, e.g., maximized. Alternatively, or additionally, the number of use sessions may be defined by the user. Thus, the versatility and flexibility of the device may be increased.

[0110] In one embodiment, the control circuitry may be configured to adjust, adapt, and / or vary at least one threshold value based on historical data indicative of past or previous uses of the aerosol generating device and / or indicative of the consumption behavior of the user. In one embodiment, the control circuitry may be configured to determine and / or derive the consumption behavior of the user from the historical data.

[0111] It has been found that different users may have different consumption behaviors, which may refer to or be defined as, for example, the consumption time and / or duration of one or more use sessions, during which the heating element, aerosol-generating article, and / or substrate may be heated to a temperature above a predetermined heating temperature. Thus, the energy required or consumed by a user per use session may vary from user to user. Such different consumption behaviors may be reflected in adjustable thresholds, so that energy management can be tailored according to the consumption behavior of a particular user.

[0112] An exemplary user may consume, for example, less than about 100 mAh, particularly less than about 95 mAh, e.g., about 60 mAh to about 85 mAh, of energy per use session and / or per aerosol-generating article. If a fixed threshold for the maximum amount of energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage unit were used, such a user would have to wait a longer charging time than actually required to experience the next use session. In other words, some users, particularly those with consumption behaviors that require less energy per use session, may be forced to recharge their energy storage unit when a fixed threshold is used, but the energy storage unit may still have enough stored energy to complete one or more use sessions. Such a scenario can be effectively prevented or avoided based on adjusting the threshold. In other words, an adjustable or variable threshold may allow for flexible addressing of different needs from different users.

[0113] Furthermore, when using a fixed threshold, the user may not be allowed to pause between puffs and / or between use sessions. By adjusting the threshold, the device may be flexibly controlled by the user, for example, between puffs and / or during a use session. Overall, the functionality and user experience of the device may be improved.

[0114] The aerosol generating device may optionally include a data repository or memory. For example, the historical data may be stored in the data repository. Alternatively, or additionally, the historical data may be stored in a computing device, such as a server, server network, or mobile device, communicatively coupleable to the aerosol generating device, for example, by communications circuitry in the aerosol generating device.

[0115] 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 data 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 data, for example, historical data or other data, to the aerosol-generating device.

[0116] Generally, the historical data may indicate the consumption behavior of a user over one or more use sessions. In particular, data related to one or more use sessions may be stored in the historical data. For example, one or more of the following may be stored in the historical data: start time, stop time, duration, energy expenditure, number of puffs taken in a single use session, total number of puffs taken, number of puffs taken, number of use sessions, number of aerosol-generating articles used, and other information related to one or more use sessions.

[0117] Alternatively, or additionally, data relating to or indicative of one or more suspensions and / or operation of the device in a suspended mode may be included in the historical data. For example, start times, stop times, and / or durations of one or more suspensions may be stored in the historical data. Alternatively, or additionally, energy consumption during one or more suspensions may be stored in the historical data.

[0118] Alternatively, or additionally, the historical data may include data relating to and / or indicative of energy consumed to perform one or more device functions.

[0119] In one embodiment, the control circuitry may be configured to calculate an amount of energy used in a single use session based on historical data indicative of operation of the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol, and adjust at least one threshold value based on the determined amount of energy used in the single use session. Optionally, the determined amount of energy used in the single use session may correspond to and / or be used as at least one threshold value. Generally, the energy used in a single use session may refer to the energy actually used in the actual use session. Alternatively, or additionally, the energy used in a single use session may refer to or mean an average or mean amount of energy used or consumed per use session. Note that the energy used in a single use session may substantially correspond to the energy required to perform the primary heating function of the aerosol generating device in a single use session.

[0120] In yet another embodiment, the at least one threshold may indicate a threshold energy or value required to operate the aerosol generating device to generate an inhalable aerosol during at least one use session based on heating the heating element, the aerosol-generating article, and / or the substrate to a temperature equal to or greater than a predetermined heating temperature; preferably, the at least one threshold may be less than about 100 mAh, e.g., less than about 95 mAh, preferably between about 60 mAh and 85 mAh. Typical devices currently in use may have a fixed threshold of about 100 mAh or greater. Thus, reducing the threshold may provide a user with more use sessions or experiences before recharging the energy storage and / or with a fully charged energy storage.

[0121] In yet another embodiment, the control circuitry may be configured to determine, based on historical data indicating operation of the aerosol generating device to generate aerosol, a maximum number of usage sessions that the aerosol generating device can use with a fully charged energy storage unit, per charge of the energy storage unit, since the energy storage unit was last charged, and / or between two consecutive charging events. Furthermore, the control circuitry may be configured to adjust at least one threshold value based on the determined maximum number of usage sessions. Thus, the control circuitry may analyze the historical data and calculate and / or estimate the maximum number of usage sessions.

[0122] Optionally, the maximum number of usage sessions may be displayed and / or communicated to the user, for example, based on activating, operating, and / or controlling one or more user interfaces. Alternatively, or additionally, the control circuitry may be configured to indicate the determined maximum number of usage sessions to the user based on controlling a user interface of the aerosol generating device. For example, several light-emitting diodes, LEDs, may be switched on or off according to the maximum number of usage sessions, or other means for notification may be used instead or additionally.

[0123] Alternatively or additionally, the number of currently available usage sessions, e.g., depending on the amount of energy currently stored in the energy storage unit, may be displayed and / or communicated to the user, e.g., based on activating one or more user interfaces.

[0124] In further embodiments, the control circuitry may be configured to determine a maximum number of pause modes or pauses in use that may be activated by a user with a fully charged energy storage unit per charge of the energy storage unit, between two consecutive charging events, and / or before recharging the energy storage unit since the energy storage unit was last charged. Optionally, the number of pause modes or pauses in use may also be displayed and / or communicated to a user, for example, based on activating one or more user interfaces.

[0125] In yet another exemplary implementation, the control circuitry may be configured to enable and / or permit use of the aerosol generating device for a use session to generate an aerosol based on heating the heating element, aerosol-generating article, and / or substrate to a temperature equal to or greater than a predetermined heating temperature, for example, for a subsequent use session, regardless of the number of previous use sessions, and whether the aerosol generating device has been used since a previous or last charging process. Thus, the control circuitry may enable or disable at least one device function, particularly the primary heating function, regardless of whether the device has been used since the last or previous charging process of one or more use sessions. Thus, user-specific energy management may be implemented within the device.

[0126] Alternatively or additionally, at least one threshold may be adjustable and / or variable based on user input. Alternatively or additionally, at least one threshold may be adjusted and / or changed based on user input. Alternatively or additionally, the control circuitry may be configured to alter and / or modify at least one threshold based on user input. Such user input may be received, for example, via one or more user interfaces of the aerosol generating device. Alternatively or additionally, user input may be received from a companion device of the aerosol generating system and / or from a computing device, such as a server or mobile device communicatively coupled to the aerosol generating device. Thus, the threshold may be modified by the user according to their preferences or requirements. The user may also be able to adjust their consumption behavior, for example, by limiting or reducing the number of usage sessions per fully charged energy storage unit.

[0127] In one example, at least one threshold may be adjustable or can be adjusted based on user input indicating the number of experiences per charge cycle, per charge, or per full charge of the energy storage unit, and / or indicating the duration of a single usage session. As used herein, a charge cycle may refer to a cycle of fully charging the energy storage unit and fully discharging the energy storage unit. Thus, at least one threshold may be adjustable or can be adjusted based on user input indicating the number of experiences or usage sessions per fully charged energy storage unit and / or indicating the duration of a single usage session. Thus, a user may modify or adjust the threshold according to their preferences or needs based on their intuitive input or information provided.

[0128] For example, a user may specify, via one or more user inputs, the duration of a single usage session and / or the number of usage sessions per fully charged energy storage unit or per full charge of the energy storage unit, and the control circuitry may calculate a corresponding threshold energy or capacity value. Based on evaluating the storage state determined at the calculated threshold energy or capacity value, the user may be granted a number of usage sessions per charge cycle and / or a number of usage sessions having a user-defined duration.

[0129] Alternatively, or in addition, a companion device and / or computing device communicatively coupled to the aerosol generating device may calculate one or more threshold values ​​based on user input and send corresponding control signals to the aerosol generating device indicating the one or more threshold values.

[0130] Note that a fully charged energy storage unit may refer to charging the energy storage unit to its current maximum capacity or state of charge, which may be defined by the physical or chemical limitations of the energy storage unit and / or by control circuitry, e.g., by configuring the energy storage unit's controller to limit the current maximum capacity or state of charge to a particular value. Alternatively, or additionally, a fully discharged energy storage unit may refer to an empty energy storage unit, a current minimum capacity, or a minimum state of charge, which may be defined by the physical or chemical limitations of the energy storage unit and / or by control circuitry, e.g., by configuring the energy storage unit's controller to limit the current minimum capacity or state of charge to a particular value. Upon reaching the minimum capacity, the control circuitry may request, trigger, and / or force a recharge of the energy storage unit.

[0131] In an exemplary implementation, the control circuitry may be configured to calculate and / or derive at least one threshold value based on historical data collected from one or more past or previous use sessions. For example, the aerosol generating device or the control circuitry may be configured to store or record data related to a use session during operation. For example, one or more of the following may be stored or recorded by the control circuitry for one or more past or previous use sessions: start time, stop time, duration, energy consumption, reduction in the amount of energy stored in the energy storage unit, reduction in the capacity of the energy storage unit, temperature, temperature profile, indication of an interruption of the use session due to a pause mode, number of pause modes or use pauses in the use session, or other information, such as information related to charging the energy storage unit. The historical data may be stored, for example, in a data storage unit of the aerosol generating device. Alternatively, or additionally, the historical data may be transmitted to one or more companion devices and computing devices, such as a server or mobile device, communicatively coupled to the aerosol generating device. One or more data elements related to one or more use sessions and / or one or more use pauses or pause modes may be included in the historical data.

[0132] The control circuitry may be further configured to process and / or analyze one or more data elements of the historical data to determine one or more thresholds for evaluation with the storage state of the energy storage unit. For example, one or more thresholds related to energy consumption per usage session and / or change in capacity per usage session may be determined by the control circuitry. Thus, the user's consumption behavior, as reflected by the historical data, may be used to dynamically adjust at least one threshold and / or adapt the number of usage sessions granted to the user per fully charged energy storage unit.

[0133] In one example, the control circuitry may be configured to determine or calculate at least one threshold value based on a predefined number of previous or past usage sessions. For example, several data elements of the historical data corresponding to a predefined number of previous or past usage sessions may be processed and / or analyzed by the control circuitry to derive or calculate at least one threshold value for evaluation using the storage state of the energy storage unit.

[0134] In a non-limiting example, only the last usage session or corresponding data element of the historical data may be used to calculate the at least one threshold. Alternatively, two or more, e.g., 2-20, preferably 2-16, previous or past usage sessions or corresponding data elements of the historical data may be used to calculate the at least one threshold. In the latter case, the at least one threshold may reflect an average energy consumption or decrease in the capacity of the energy storage unit per usage session.

[0135] In example implementations, the control circuitry may be configured to calculate or compute threshold values ​​based on current values ​​of running averages of energy consumption per usage session and / or duration of usage sessions, e.g., based on processing corresponding data elements of the historical data. Thus, at least one threshold value may be calculated by the control circuitry based on determining current values ​​of running averages of energy consumption per usage session and / or duration of usage sessions. Thus, the current value of the running average of energy consumption per usage session may correspond to an average amount of energy consumed in one or more usage sessions considered in the running average. Alternatively, or additionally, the current value of the running average of duration of usage sessions may correspond to the average duration of usage sessions considered in the running average.

[0136] Generally, calculating the threshold value based on calculating the value of the running average may allow for reducing the amount of data stored in the aerosol generating device. For example, only the current value of the running average may be stored in the data repository of the aerosol generating device, without necessarily storing historical data. In particular, the current value of the running average may be stored only in random access memory (RAM).

[0137] For example, the control circuit may be configured to calculate a current value of the energy consumed or running average of energy consumption based on a previous or last value of the running average of energy consumption, and based on the amount of energy used or consumed in the last or previous use session, which may optionally be stored in and / or retrieved from a data storage or RAM of the aerosol generating device.

[0138] Optionally, the last value of the running average may be multiplied by a particular factor or constant C and added to the amount of energy used or consumed in the last usage session. The result of this calculation may then be divided or normalized by the constant or factor C plus 1 to provide a new or current value of the running average. The constant or factor C may be, for example, in the range of about 2 to tens of times, e.g., the constant or factor C may be about 9.

[0139] Expressed mathematically, the current value of the running average, CV, may be calculated as CV = (LV * C + duration of the current usage session) / (C + 1), where C is a constant or coefficient and LV is the last or previous value of the running average. Initially (e.g., when the device is used for the first time), if there is no last or previous value, a dummy value may be used. The current value of the running average of energy consumption per usage session may then be used as or to calculate at least one threshold value.

[0140] Alternatively, or in addition, the control circuit may be configured to calculate a current value of the running average of the duration of a usage session based on a previous or last value of the running average of the duration of a usage session, which may optionally be stored in and / or retrieved from a data storage or RAM of the aerosol generating device, and based on the duration of the last or previous usage session.

[0141] Optionally, the last value of the running average may be multiplied by a particular coefficient or constant C and added to the duration of the last usage session. The result of this calculation may then be divided or normalized by the constant or coefficient C plus 1 to provide a new or current value of the running average. The constant or coefficient C may be, for example, in the range of about 2 to tens of values, for example, the constant or coefficient C may be about 9.

[0142] Expressed mathematically, the current value of the running average, CV, may be calculated as CV=(LV*C+duration of the current usage session) / (C+1), where C is a constant or coefficient and LV is the last, previous, or preceding value of the running average. The current value of the running average of the duration of the usage session may then be used as or used to calculate at least one threshold value.

[0143] In a further optional implementation, the control circuitry may be configured to calculate the at least one threshold value based on calculating multiple values ​​of multiple running averages of the amount of energy consumed during a usage session, the energy consumption per usage session, and / or the duration of a usage session, wherein different running averages of the multiple running averages may differ in terms of the number and / or duration of usage sessions that are each considered for a particular running average to calculate the corresponding value.

[0144] For example, a first value of a first running average for energy consumed per usage session and / or per usage session duration may be calculated based on a first number of previous usage sessions, and a second value of a second running average for energy consumed per usage session and / or per usage session duration may be calculated based on a second number of previous usage sessions, wherein the first number of previous usage sessions may be different from the second number of previous usage sessions. Specifically, the first number of previous usage sessions may be smaller than the second number of previous usage sessions.

[0145] In a non-limiting example, the first number of previous usage sessions may be from about 2 to about 20 previous or past usage sessions, and the second number of previous usage sessions may be from about 200 to about 20,000 usage sessions. Thus, the first running average may consider only the last few usage sessions, such that the corresponding value reflects the user's short-term behavior, while the second running average may reflect the user's long-term behavior or habits.

[0146] In one embodiment, the control circuitry may be configured to calculate at least one threshold value based on calculating an average energy per usage session and / or an average duration of a usage session based on multiplying a second value of the second running average, Value_2, by a constant or variable coefficient C, and based on multiplying a first value of the first running average, Value_1, by 1 minus a constant or variable coefficient C.

[0147] Expressed mathematically, the threshold T may be calculated as T=C*Value_2+(1-C)*Value_1, where C is a constant or variable coefficient, Value_1 is a first value of the first operating average, and Value_2 is a second value of the second operating average. The constant or variable coefficient C may be between 0.2 and 0.9, such as 0.7.

[0148] Depending on whether the first and second values ​​correspond to an average energy expenditure or duration, the threshold may also be given in terms of an average threshold energy expenditure or duration. Alternatively, or additionally, other parameters may be used, such as a relative energy reduction per usage session.

[0149] Optionally, the number of usage sessions considered by the control circuitry for calculation of the at least one threshold may be user definable, for example, based on providing one or more user inputs.

[0150] The control circuitry may be configured to determine the amount of energy used during a single pause in use based on historical data indicating operation of the aerosol generating device in a pause mode, and adjust at least one threshold value based on the determined amount of energy. For example, one or more of the following may be stored or recorded by the control circuitry for one or more past or previous pauses in use or pause modes initiated by a user: start time, stop time, duration, energy consumption, reduction in the amount of energy stored in the energy storage unit, reduction in the capacity of the energy storage unit, temperature, temperature profile, indication of an interruption of the use session due to a pause mode, and number of pause modes or use pauses in the use session. The historical data may be stored, for example, in a data storage unit of the aerosol generating device.

[0151] The control circuitry may be further configured to process and / or analyze one or more data elements of the historical data to determine one or more thresholds for evaluation with the storage state of the energy storage unit. For example, one or more thresholds related to energy consumption per usage pause (or pause mode) and / or change in capacity per usage pause (or pause mode) may be determined by the control circuitry. Thus, a user's consumption behavior, as reflected by the historical data, may be used to dynamically adjust at least one threshold and / or adapt the number of usage pauses permitted or granted to a user per fully charged energy storage unit.

[0152] In one embodiment, the control circuitry may be configured to determine or calculate at least one threshold value based on a predefined number of prior or past usage pauses or pause modes. For example, several data elements of the history data corresponding to the predefined number of prior or past usage pauses or pause modes may be processed and / or analyzed by the control circuitry to derive or calculate at least one threshold value for evaluation using the energy storage unit's storage status. In a non-limiting example, only the most recent usage pause or corresponding data element of the history data may be used to calculate the at least one threshold value. Alternatively, two or more, e.g., 2 to 20, preferably 2 to 16, prior or past usage pauses or corresponding data elements of the history data may be used to calculate the at least one threshold value. In the latter case, the at least one threshold value may reflect an average energy consumption or a decrease in the capacity of the energy storage unit per usage session. Optionally, the number of usage pauses considered by the control circuitry for calculation of the at least one threshold value may be user-definable, for example, based on providing one or more user inputs.

[0153] Optionally, the control circuitry may be configured to derive or calculate, based on the historical data, a first threshold indicative of energy consumption during one or more use sessions and a second threshold indicative of energy consumption during one or more use pauses. Alternatively, or additionally, the first and second thresholds may be calculated with respect to the duration of the use session or other parameters.

[0154] In one embodiment, the at least one threshold value may indicate a threshold energy required to operate the aerosol generating device during at least one pause in use that interrupts a use session. Non-limiting exemplary threshold values ​​may range from about 2 mAh to about 80 mAh, e.g., from about 10 mAh to about 65 mAh. However, other values ​​may also be used.

[0155] In an example implementation, the at least one threshold value may be received from a computing device or companion device communicatively coupleable to the aerosol-generating device, which may also be referred to herein as a receiving device.

[0156] For example, the aerosol generating device may be connectable, e.g., operatively and / or communicatively connectable, to a companion device or receiving device to supply electrical energy to the energy storage unit, and at least one threshold value may be received from the companion device or receiving device when the aerosol generating device is connected to the companion device.

[0157] 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 for wireless charging 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.

[0158] Alternatively, or in addition, the companion device may comprise a communications interface for communicatively coupling the companion device to the aerosol-generating device and for transmitting, for example, at least one threshold value or a corresponding control signal 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 to the companion device for charging the aerosol-generating device, or vice versa.

[0159] In one embodiment, the companion device may include a user interface for receiving one or more user inputs to define at least one threshold or information enabling the derivation of at least one threshold, such as, for example, the number of usage sessions and / or usage pauses per fully charged energy storage unit, the duration of a usage session, and / or usage pauses, which may be transmitted by the companion device to the aerosol generating device.

[0160] Alternatively or additionally, the companion device may be communicatively coupled to a computing device, such as a server, server network, computer, tablet, smartphone, or mobile device, and the at least one threshold value or corresponding control signal may be received by the companion device from the computing device and then transmitted to the aerosol-generating device. Alternatively or additionally, historical data may be transmitted and / or exchanged between the aerosol-generating device and the companion device, between the computing device and the aerosol-generating device, and / or between the computing device and the companion device.

[0161] In example implementations, the at least one threshold may indicate the duration or time of a single use session. Alternatively, or additionally, the at least one threshold may indicate the duration or time of a single use pause. Thus, the at least one threshold may be time-based. Optionally, the energy storage unit's storage state may also be time-based, e.g., indicate the amount of time the device can operate with a single fully charged energy storage unit per full charge of the energy storage unit after the energy storage unit was last charged, and / or between two consecutive charging events for generating aerosol in one or more use sessions and / or in one or more use pauses. Based on an evaluation of the time-based storage state against the operating threshold, at least one device function, e.g., a certain number of use sessions and / or use pauses reflected by the threshold, can be granted or permitted to the user with a single fully charged energy storage unit and / or before forcing a recharge of the energy storage unit. Alternatively, or additionally, the time-based threshold may be converted to an energy- or capacity-based value or other quantity and compared to the storage state or a quantity derived from the storage state.

[0162] In another example, the at least one threshold may represent an average energy consumption per usage session. Alternatively, or additionally, the at least one threshold may represent an average decrease in capacity of the energy storage unit per usage session.

[0163] Alternatively, or in addition, the at least one threshold may indicate an average energy consumption per use pause that interrupts one or more use sessions. Alternatively, or in addition, the at least one threshold may indicate an average decrease in capacity of the energy storage unit per use pause or pause mode.

[0164] As described above, in one embodiment, the control circuitry may be configured to calculate at least one threshold value based on historical data and store the calculated at least one threshold value in a data repository of the aerosol generating device. Alternatively, or additionally, the control circuitry may be configured to retrieve historical data from a data repository of the aerosol generating device and / or from an external data source, the historical data indicating one or more of the following: the number of use sessions in which the aerosol generating device has been operated to generate aerosol; the aerosol generating device operating in a pause mode that suspends one or more use sessions; the number of use pauses; the duration of the one or more use sessions; the duration of the one or more use pauses that suspend one or more use sessions; the energy consumption during the one or more use sessions; the energy consumption during the one or more use pauses; the total energy consumption; charge data related to charging the energy storage in one or more charge cycles; the energy remaining in the energy storage before recharging in one or more charge cycles; and the energy consumption per use session.

[0165] In yet another exemplary implementation, the control circuitry may be configured to determine the state of health of the energy storage unit based on historical data indicative of operation of the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol. Accordingly, the control circuitry may be configured to determine the state of health of the energy storage unit based on processing of the historical data. For example, the control circuitry may determine or calculate the state of health of the energy storage unit based on one or more of the number of use sessions and / or pauses in use in which the device has operated, the total energy consumption, the duration of operation or hours of operation, the current maximum capacity, the relative decrease in capacity with respect to the initial maximum capacity, and / or other information stored in the historical data, as described in more detail above and below.

[0166] In one embodiment, the control circuitry may be configured to calculate at least one threshold value based on data received from a computing device or companion device communicatively coupleable to the aerosol generating device. For example, historical data or data related to one or more user inputs may be received from the computing device and / or companion or receiving device.

[0167] The control circuitry may be configured to calculate at least one threshold value based on historical data relating to one or more previous use sessions and / or one or more previous pauses in use. Optionally, the control circuitry may be configured to calculate an average energy consumption of energy consumed during multiple use sessions and / or pauses in use based on historical data indicative of operation of the aerosol generating device during one or more use sessions and / or one or more pauses in use. Alternatively, or additionally, an average duration of a use session, or one or more other parameters, may be calculated.

[0168] In an exemplary configuration, the aerosol-generating device may include at least part of a heating element, heating arrangement, or heating circuit coupled to the energy store and configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article. Thus, the heating element, heating arrangement, and / or at least part of the heating circuit may be incorporated into the aerosol-generating device.

[0169] For example, a resistive blade, a resonator, an excitation coil, a microwave generator, or other type of heating element may be at least partially disposed within and / or incorporated into the aerosol generating device.

[0170] Alternatively, or in addition, the aerosol generating device may be connectable to an aerosol generating article that includes at least part of a heating element, heating arrangement, or heating circuit, and the energy storage unit may be configured to supply electrical energy to at least one heating element of the aerosol generating article to generate the aerosol.

[0171] For example, a resistive blade, resonator, excitation coil, microwave generator, or other type of heating element may be at least partially disposed within and / or incorporated into the aerosol-generating article and may be powered or supplied with electrical energy drawn from an energy storage unit of the aerosol-generating device.

[0172] 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 that is coupleable or coupled 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 presented hereinabove and below with reference to the aerosol-generating device and / or the aerosol-generating article according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure applies equally to the aerosol-generating system, and vice versa.

[0173] 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 coupleable 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.

[0174] 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 that can be coupled to the aerosol generating device, for example by heating at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article.

[0175] Further aspects of the present disclosure relate to the use of the aerosol generating devices and / or systems described herein above and below.

[0176] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of operating an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device operated according to the method may be an aerosol generating device as described hereinabove and below with reference to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, any feature and / or element described hereinabove 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 hereinabove and below.

[0177] An aerosol generating device operated 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 control circuit may be operably coupled to the energy storage unit. The energy storage unit may supply electrical energy to a heating element to heat at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article that is connectable to the aerosol generating device. The method includes at least: - determining, using a control circuit, a storage state of the energy storage unit, which indicates the amount of electrical energy currently stored and / or available to be stored in the energy storage unit; - evaluating the determined storage condition with respect to at least one threshold associated with heating of the aerosol-generating article; and - enabling or disabling at least one device function associated with heating the aerosol-generating article based on the evaluation.

[0178] A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of operating an aerosol generating device, the method comprising at least: - determining, by the control circuit, a storage state of the energy storage unit indicative of at least one of an amount of electrical energy currently stored in the energy storage unit and an amount of electrical energy currently available for storage; - evaluating the determined storage condition with respect to at least one threshold value, the at least one threshold value correlating with a threshold energy required to perform a primary heating function of the aerosol-generating device to heat the aerosol-generating article at or above a predetermined heating temperature to generate an aerosol in at least one use session, and to perform at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol-generating device different from the primary heating function; - enabling or disabling at least one of the primary heating function and the at least one auxiliary device function based on the evaluation. A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of operating an aerosol generating device, the method comprising at least: - determining, using a control circuit, a storage state, including a state of health, of the energy storage unit, which indicates the amount of electrical energy currently available to be stored in the energy storage unit; - evaluating the determined storage condition with respect to at least one threshold associated with at least one device function of the aerosol generating device; - enabling or disabling at least one device feature based on the evaluation.

[0179] A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of operating an aerosol generating device, the method comprising at least: - determining, by the control circuit, a storage state of the energy storage unit indicative of at least one of an amount of electrical energy currently stored in the energy storage unit and an amount of electrical energy currently available for storage; - evaluating the determined storage condition with respect to at least one threshold associated with at least one device function of the aerosol generating device, wherein at least the threshold is adjustable; and - enabling or disabling at least one device feature based on the evaluation.

[0180] Any one of the methods described with reference to one aspect of the present disclosure may be combined with one or more steps of one or more additional methods according to one or more additional aspects of the present disclosure.

[0181] 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 coupleable 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.

[0182] 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 that can be coupled to the aerosol generating device, for example by heating at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article.

[0183] In one example, determining the storage status may include determining at least one of a current energy level of electrical energy stored in the energy storage unit and a health status of the energy storage unit indicating an amount of electrical energy currently available to be stored in the energy storage unit.

[0184] In yet another example, evaluating the determined storage state may include comparing or comparing the determined storage state to at least one threshold value. Optionally, at least one device function may be enabled by the control circuitry 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 to generate an inhalable aerosol during at least one use session based on heating the aerosol-generating article to a temperature equal to or greater than a predetermined heating temperature.

[0185] In one embodiment, the method may further include enabling a primary heating function upon determining, based on the evaluation, that a 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 generate an inhalable aerosol during at least one use session. Alternatively, or additionally, the method may further include enabling at least one device function upon determining, based on the evaluation, that a current energy level of the electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage unit is sufficient to complete a current use session and / or a predefined number of use sessions for generating an inhalable aerosol based on heating the aerosol-generating article.

[0186] In a further embodiment, the method may include enabling at least one device 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 operate the aerosol generating device during at least one pause in use in a pause mode that interrupts the use session.

[0187] Alternatively or additionally, the method may further include enabling at least one auxiliary device function when, 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 sufficient to perform at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device.

[0188] The method may further include enabling 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 the aerosol-generating article to above a predetermined heating temperature, and at least one auxiliary function of the aerosol generating device that is different from, other than, and / or unrelated to the primary heating function or heating the aerosol generating device during the use session for generating the aerosol.

[0189] The method further includes, during a use session to generate an aerosol, operating the aerosol generating device with reduced energy consumption for operation; 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 defined period of time; 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 the device in a use suspended or suspended mode; operating sensors of the aerosol generating device; activating or deactivating tactile controls; and enabling one or more auxiliary device functions.

[0190] The method may further include, 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 sufficient to perform the primary heating function of the aerosol generating device and at least one auxiliary device function, enabling: a) the primary heating function of the aerosol generating device for at least one use session to generate an aerosol; and b) 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 of the aerosol generating device.

[0191] Alternatively, or in addition, if, based on the evaluation, it is determined that the current energy level of 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 primary heating function and / or auxiliary device function may be disabled or prevented from being initiated by the user.

[0192] Optionally, the method may further include triggering a recharge of the energy storage unit based on an evaluation of the determined storage state against at least one threshold, for example, upon determining that the current energy level of 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.

[0193] In one embodiment, determining the storage state may include determining a current energy level of electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage unit relative to a current maximum capacity of the energy. Optionally, an initial maximum capacity of the energy storage unit may be determined by the control circuit.

[0194] In one embodiment, the method may further include determining whether the energy storage unit was charged to a predefined charge stage in a previous charging event.

[0195] In yet another example, determining the storage state may include determining the life or health of the energy storage unit.

[0196] The method may further include determining one or more of the following: a current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit, a current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit relative to an initial maximum capacity of the energy storage unit, a number of usage sessions in which the aerosol generating device has been used to generate aerosol, an operating time in which the aerosol generating device has been operated to generate aerosol, charging data related to charging the energy storage unit in one or more charging cycles, and a total energy consumption of the aerosol generating device.

[0197] Optionally, determining the storage state may include determining a current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit, which indicates a maximum amount of energy that can be stored in the energy storage unit, and determining a current energy level or amount of electrical energy currently stored in the energy storage unit.

[0198] As an example, the at least one threshold may include a first threshold for a current energy level or amount of energy available in the energy storage unit, and a second threshold for a current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit indicating a maximum amount of energy currently capable of being stored in the energy storage unit.

[0199] Optionally, the method may further include one or more of comparing the determined current energy level to a first threshold and comparing the determined current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit to a second threshold.

[0200] In yet another embodiment, the method may further include adjusting, modifying, altering, replacing, and / or modifying at least one threshold value.

[0201] For example, at least one threshold may be adjusted based on historical data indicative of past use of the aerosol generating device and / or indicative of the consumption behavior of a user.

[0202] Alternatively, or additionally, the method may further include calculating at least one threshold value based on historical data indicating operation of the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol, the amount of energy used in a single use session, and adjusting the at least one threshold value based on the determined amount of energy used in the single use session.

[0203] In one embodiment, the method may further include determining a maximum number of usage sessions that the aerosol generating device can use with a fully charged energy storage unit based on historical data indicating operation of the aerosol generating device to generate aerosol, and adjusting at least one threshold value based on the determined maximum number of usage sessions.

[0204] The method may further include indicating the determined maximum number of usage sessions to a user based on controlling a user interface of the aerosol generating device. For example, a number of LEDs corresponding to the number of usage sessions or experiences available to the user in the current state of the energy storage unit may be illuminated or controlled by the control circuitry.

[0205] The method may further include enabling or permitting use of the aerosol generating device for a subsequent use session, regardless of the previous use session, where the aerosol generating device has been used since the previous charging process.

[0206] In one embodiment, at least one threshold may be adjusted and / or changed based on user input.

[0207] Alternatively, or additionally, the method may further include calculating at least one threshold value based on historical data collected from one or more previous usage sessions.

[0208] Alternatively, or in addition, the method may further include determining the amount of energy used during a single suspension of use based on historical data indicating operation of the aerosol generating device in a suspension mode, and adjusting at least one threshold based on the determined amount of energy.

[0209] The method may further include determining the health, aging, and / or storage status of the energy storage unit based on historical data indicative of operation of the aerosol generating device to generate aerosol during one or more use sessions and / or during one or more pauses in use or pause modes.

[0210] Optionally, the method may further comprise calculating at least one threshold value based on data received from a computing device or a receiving device communicatively coupleable to the aerosol generating device.

[0211] For example, at least one threshold value may be calculated based on historical data relating to one or more previous use sessions. Alternatively, or additionally, an average energy consumption amount of energy consumed during multiple use sessions may be calculated based on historical data indicative of operation of the aerosol generating device to generate aerosol, and optionally used as a threshold value.

[0212] 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 one or more method steps according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, as described herein above and below.

[0213] 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 that, when executed by an aerosol generating device or an aerosol generating system, instructs the aerosol generating device or system to perform one or more method steps according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, as described herein above and below.

[0214] 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. [Example]

[0215] 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 any other example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0216] Example 1a: An aerosol generating device, comprising: a control circuit; and an energy storage unit configured to provide electrical energy to the control circuit for generating an aerosol from the aerosol-generating article; The control circuit determining a storage state of the energy storage unit, which indicates the amount of electrical energy currently stored and / or available for storage in the energy storage unit; evaluating the determined storage condition with respect to at least one threshold value associated with at least one device function of the aerosol-generating device, e.g., associated with heating the aerosol-generating article; and An aerosol generating device configured to enable or disable at least one device function based on the evaluation. Example 1b: An aerosol generating device, comprising: a control circuit; and an energy storage unit configured to provide electrical energy to the control circuit for generating an aerosol from the aerosol-generating article; The control circuit determining a storage state of the energy storage unit indicative of at least one of an amount of electrical energy currently stored in the energy storage unit and an amount of electrical energy currently storable; evaluating the determined storage condition with respect to at least one threshold value, the at least one threshold value correlating with a threshold energy required to perform a primary heating function of the aerosol generating device, for heating the aerosol-generating article at or above a predetermined heating temperature to generate an aerosol during at least one use session, and to perform at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device different from the primary heating function; and The aerosol generating device is configured to enable or disable at least one of a primary heating function and at least one auxiliary device function based on the evaluation. Example 1c: An aerosol generating device, comprising: a control circuit and an energy storage unit configured to provide electrical energy to the control circuit to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating article; The control circuit determining a storage state, including a state of health of the energy storage unit, indicative of the amount of electrical energy currently available to be stored in the energy storage unit; evaluating the determined storage condition with respect to at least one threshold associated with at least one device function of the aerosol generating device; and An aerosol generating device configured to enable or disable at least one device function based on the evaluation. Example 1d: 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 the aerosol generating device; The control circuit determining a storage state of the energy storage unit indicative of at least one of an amount of electrical energy currently stored in the energy storage unit and an amount of electrical energy currently storable; evaluating the determined storage condition with respect to at least one threshold associated with at least one device function of the aerosol generating device, wherein at least the threshold is adjustable; and An aerosol generating device configured to enable or disable at least one device function based on the evaluation. Example 1e: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1a to 1d, wherein the energy storage unit is configured to supply electrical energy to one or more aerosol generators for generating an aerosol from at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article coupleable to the aerosol generating device. Example 1f: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1a to 1e, 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 that can be coupled to the aerosol generating device. Example 1g: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1a to 1f, wherein the control circuitry is operably coupled to the energy storage unit. Example 2: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1a to 1g, wherein the determined storage status includes at least one of the current energy level of electrical energy stored in the energy storage unit and the health status of the energy storage unit, which indicates the amount of electrical energy currently available to be stored in the energy storage unit. Example 3: An aerosol generating device as described in any one of Examples 1a to 2, wherein evaluating the determined storage state comprises comparing the determined storage state to at least one threshold value, preferably wherein the determined storage state is expressed as a value. Example 4: An aerosol generating device as described in any one of Examples 1a to 3, wherein at least one threshold value indicates a threshold energy required to operate the aerosol generating device to generate an inhalable 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. Example 5: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1a to 4, 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 to generate an inhalable aerosol during at least one usage session based on heating an aerosol-generating article to a temperature equal to or greater than a predetermined heating temperature to generate an aerosol. Example 6: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1a to 5, 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 use 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. Example 7: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1a to 6, 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 and generate an inhalable aerosol during at least one use session. Example 8: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1a to 7, wherein at least one threshold indicates a threshold energy required to complete a current use session for generating an inhalable aerosol based on heating an aerosol-generating article to a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined heating temperature to generate an aerosol, and / or at least one threshold indicates a threshold energy required to complete a defined number of use sessions for generating an inhalable aerosol based on heating an aerosol-generating article to a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined heating temperature to generate an aerosol. Example 9: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1a to 8, 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 complete a current use session and / or a defined number of use sessions for generating 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. Example 10: An aerosol generating device as described in any one of Examples 1a to 9, wherein at least one threshold value indicates a threshold energy required to operate the aerosol generating device during at least one pause in use in a pause mode that interrupts a use session. Example 11: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1a to 10, 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 pause in use in a pause mode that interrupts a use session. Example 12: 12. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1a to 11, wherein at least one threshold value represents a threshold energy required to perform at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device. Example 13: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1a to 12, wherein the control circuit is configured to enable at least one auxiliary 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 perform at least one of the auxiliary device functions of the aerosol generating device. Example 14: the auxiliary device function is based on heating the aerosol-generating article to a temperature equal to or greater than a predetermined heating temperature to generate an aerosol, and is unrelated to or different from heating the aerosol-generating device during a use session to generate an aerosol; and / or An aerosol generating device as described in Example 13, wherein the auxiliary device function is associated with a pause mode that interrupts a usage session. Example 15: An aerosol generating device as described in any one of Examples 1a to 14, 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 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. Example 16: Auxiliary device functions include: operating the aerosol generating device with reduced energy consumption relative to operation during a use session to generate the 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 but 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 defined period of time; activating or deactivating 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 a receiving device; activating a sensor of the aerosol generating device; and activating a biometric sensor of the aerosol generating device for user authentication.

[0217] Example 17: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1a to 16, wherein at least one threshold correlates with the threshold energy required: a) to perform the primary heating function of the aerosol generating device in at least one use session to generate an aerosol; and b) to perform an auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device that is different from the primary heating function of the aerosol generating device. Example 18: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1a to 17, wherein at least one threshold correlates with the threshold energy required to operate the aerosol generating device a) during at least one use session in an aerosol emission mode that generates an inhalable aerosol based on heating an aerosol-generating article to a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined heating temperature, and b) during a pause in use in a pause mode that interrupts at least one use session. Example 19: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1a to 18, wherein the control circuit is configured to enable a) the main heating function of the aerosol generating device in at least one use session to generate an aerosol, and b) at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device that is different from the main heating function of the aerosol generating device when the control circuit 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 main heating function of the aerosol generating device and at least one auxiliary device function. Example 20: An aerosol generating device as described in any one of Examples 1a to 19, wherein the control circuit is configured to trigger or request recharging of the energy storage unit based on an assessment of the storage state determined with respect to at least one threshold value. Example 21: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1a to 20, wherein at least one threshold value represents a percentage of the current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit, in particular between about 70% and about 100% of the current maximum capacity, preferably at least about 90% of the current maximum capacity. Example 22: An aerosol generating device as described in any one of Examples 1a to 21, wherein determining the storage state includes determining the current energy level of electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage unit relative to a current maximum capacity of energy. Example 23: 23. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1a to 22, wherein the control circuit is configured to determine a current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit. Example 24: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1a to 23, wherein at least one threshold value represents an initial maximum capacity of the energy storage unit, in particular a percentage of about 35% to about 75% of the initial maximum capacity. Example 25: 25. The aerosol generating device of any one of Examples 1a to 24, wherein the control circuit is configured to determine an initial maximum capacity of the energy storage unit. Example 26: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1a to 25, wherein at least one threshold value indicates a defined charging stage reached by the energy storage unit in a previous charging event, in particular a constant voltage stage with a charging voltage of about 3.65 V. Example 27: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1a to 26, wherein the control circuitry is configured to determine whether the energy storage unit has been charged to a predefined charge stage in a previous charging event. Example 28: determining the storage state includes determining the state of health of the energy storage unit; and / or 28. The aerosol generating device of any one of Examples 1a to 27, wherein the control circuitry is configured to determine the state of health of the energy storage unit. Example 29: 29. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1a to 28, wherein at least one threshold value indicates a threshold health and / or a threshold age of the energy store. Example 30: 30. The aerosol generating device of any one of Examples 1a to 29, wherein determining the storage state comprises determining a change in the energy storage unit over time. Example 31: An aerosol generating device as described in any one of Examples 1a to 30, wherein the control circuit is configured to determine the health status of the energy storage unit based on determining one or more of the following: a current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit, a current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit relative to an initial maximum capacity of the energy storage unit, a number of usage sessions in which the aerosol generating device has been used to generate aerosol, an operating time in which the aerosol generating device has been operated to generate aerosol, charging data related to charging of the energy storage unit in one or more charging cycles, and a total energy consumption of the aerosol generating device. Example 32: An aerosol generating device as described in any one of Examples 1a to 31, wherein the control circuit is configured to determine one or more of: a current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit; an initial maximum capacity of the energy storage unit; a current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit relative to the initial maximum capacity of the energy storage unit; a number of usage sessions in which the aerosol generating device has been used to generate aerosol; an operating time in which the aerosol generating device has been operated to generate aerosol; charging data relating to charging of the energy storage unit in one or more charging cycles; and a total energy consumption of the aerosol generating device. Example 33: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1a to 32, wherein determining the storage state includes determining a current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit, which indicates the maximum amount of energy that can be stored in the energy storage unit, and determining a current energy level or amount of electrical energy currently stored in the energy storage unit. Example 34: the at least one threshold includes a first threshold for a current energy level or amount of energy available in the energy storage unit, and a second threshold for a current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit indicating a maximum amount of energy currently storable in the energy storage unit; and An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1a to 33, wherein the control circuit is configured to compare the determined current energy level with a first threshold value and to compare the determined current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit with a second threshold value. Example 35: At least one threshold is adjustable; and / or An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1a to 34, wherein the control circuitry is configured to adjust at least one threshold value. Example 36: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1a to 35, wherein the control circuit is configured to adjust at least one threshold value based on historical data indicating past use of the aerosol generating device and / or indicating the consumption behavior of the user. Example 37: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1a to 36, wherein the control circuit is configured to calculate the amount of energy used in one or more usage sessions, e.g., in a single usage session, based on historical data indicating the operation of the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol, and to adjust at least one threshold value based on the determined amount of energy used in one or more usage sessions, e.g., in a single usage session. Example 38: at least one threshold value indicating a threshold energy required to operate the aerosol generating device to generate an inhalable aerosol during at least one use session based on heating the aerosol-generating article; and / or 38. The aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1a to 37, wherein at least one threshold value is less than about 95 mAh, preferably between about 60 mAh and 85 mAh. Example 39: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1a to 38, wherein the control circuit is configured to determine a maximum number of usage sessions that the aerosol generating device can use with a fully charged energy storage unit based on historical data indicating the operation of the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol, and to adjust at least one threshold value based on the determined maximum number of usage sessions. Example 40: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1a to 39, wherein the control circuitry is configured to indicate to a user the determined maximum number of usage sessions based on controlling a user interface of the aerosol generating device. Example 41: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1a to 40, wherein the control circuit is configured to enable or allow use of the aerosol generating device for a subsequent use session regardless of the previous use session, and the aerosol generating device has been used since the previous charging process. Example 42: At least one threshold is adjustable based on user input; and / or 42. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1a to 41, wherein the control circuitry is configured to alter or modify at least one threshold value based on user input. Example 43: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1a to 42, wherein at least one threshold is adjustable based on user input indicating the number of usage sessions per charging cycle of the energy storage unit and / or indicating the duration of one or more usage sessions, e.g., a single usage session. Example 44: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1a to 43, wherein the control circuitry is configured to calculate at least one threshold value based on historical data collected from one or more previous usage sessions. Example 45: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1a to 44, wherein the control circuit is configured to calculate at least one threshold value based on, or based on calculating, a current value of a running average of energy consumption per usage session and / or duration of a usage session, for example, based on processing corresponding data elements of historical data.

[0218] Example 46: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1a to 45, wherein the control circuit is configured to calculate a current value of the running average of energy consumption per usage session and / or duration of the usage session based on preceding or previous values ​​of the running average of energy consumption per usage session and / or duration of the usage session, for example as stored in a data storage unit or RAM of the aerosol generating device. Example 47: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1a to 46, wherein the control circuit is configured to calculate at least one threshold value based on calculating values ​​of multiple running averages of the amount of energy consumed during a usage session, the energy consumption per usage session, and / or the duration of a usage session, wherein different running averages differ in terms of the number of usage sessions taken into account for a particular running average. Example 48: 48. The aerosol generating device of any one of Examples 1a to 47, wherein the control circuitry is configured to calculate the at least one threshold value based on calculating a first value of a first running average for energy consumed per usage session and / or duration of usage sessions based on a first number of previous usage sessions, and a second value of a second running average for energy consumed per usage session and / or duration of usage sessions based on a second number of previous usage sessions, wherein the first number of previous usage sessions is different from the second number of previous usage sessions. Specifically, the first number of previous usage sessions may be smaller than the second number of previous usage sessions. Example 49: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 48, wherein the first number of previous usage sessions is less than the second number of previous usage sessions. Example 50: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1a to 49, wherein the control circuit is configured to determine the amount of energy used during a single pause in use based on historical data indicating operation of the aerosol generating device in pause mode, and to adjust at least one threshold based on the determined amount of energy. Example 51: At least one threshold indicates a threshold energy required to operate the aerosol generating device during at least one pause in use that interrupts a use session; and / or 51. The aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1a to 50, wherein at least one threshold value is in the range of about 2 mAh to about 65 mAh. Example 52: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1a to 51, wherein at least one threshold value is received from a computing device or receiving device communicatively coupleable to the aerosol generating device. Example 53: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1a to 52, wherein at least one threshold value indicates the period or duration of a single use session. Example 54: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1a to 53, wherein at least one threshold value indicates the period or duration of a single suspension of use. Example 55: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1a to 54, wherein at least one threshold value represents an average energy expenditure per session of use. Example 56: 56. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1a to 55, wherein at least one threshold value represents an average energy expenditure per pause in use that interrupts a use session. Example 57: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1a to 56, wherein the control circuit is configured to calculate at least one threshold value based on historical data and to store the calculated at least one threshold value in a data storage unit of the aerosol generating device. Example 58: An aerosol generating device as described in any one of Examples 1a to 57, wherein the control circuit is configured to obtain historical data from a data storage unit of the aerosol generating device and / or from an external data source, and the historical data indicates one or more of the number of use sessions in which the aerosol generating device has been operated to generate aerosol, the aerosol generating device operating in a pause mode that interrupts one or more use sessions, the number of use pauses, the duration of the one or more use sessions, the duration of the one or more use pauses that interrupt one or more use sessions, energy consumption during the one or more use sessions, energy consumption during the one or more use pauses, total energy consumption, charging data related to charging of the energy storage unit in one or more charge cycles, energy remaining in the energy storage unit before recharging in one or more charge cycles, and energy consumption per use session. Example 59: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1a to 58, wherein the control circuitry is configured to determine the health of the energy storage unit based on historical data indicative of operation of the aerosol generating device to generate the aerosol. Example 60: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1a to 59, wherein the control circuit is configured to calculate at least one threshold value based on data received from a computing device or receiving device communicatively connectable to the aerosol generating device. Example 61: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1a to 60, wherein the control circuitry is configured to calculate at least one threshold value based on historical data relating to one or more previous usage sessions. Example 62: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1a to 61, wherein the control circuit is configured to calculate an average energy consumption of energy consumed during multiple usage sessions based on historical data indicating operation of the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol. Example 63: 63. The aerosol generating device of any one of Examples 1a to 62, further comprising a heating element coupled to the energy store and configured to heat the aerosol-generating article. Example 64: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1a to 63, wherein the aerosol generating device is connectable to an aerosol generating article including at least one heating element, and the energy storage unit is configured to supply electrical energy to the at least one heating element of the aerosol generating article to generate an aerosol. Example 64a: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 1a to 64, wherein the aerosol comprises nicotine. Example 65: 1. An aerosol generating system comprising: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1a to 64a, and an aerosol-generating article that is connectable to or connected to an aerosol-generating device for generating an aerosol from at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article, optionally based on heating at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article. Example 65a: 66. An aerosol-generating system as described in Example 65, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises an aerosol-generating substrate containing nicotine. Example 66: Use of an aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1a to 64a or an aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 65 and 65a to generate an aerosol. Example 67a: 1. A method of operating an aerosol generating device including an energy storage unit configured to supply electrical energy to a control circuit operable to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating article, comprising: determining, with the control circuitry, a storage state of the energy storage unit indicative of the amount of electrical energy currently stored and / or available to be stored in the energy storage unit; evaluating the determined storage condition with respect to at least one threshold associated with at least one device function of the aerosol-generating device, in particular associated with heating the aerosol-generating article; and enabling or disabling at least one device function, for example, a primary heating function and / or at least one auxiliary device function, based on the evaluation. Example 67b: 1. A method of operating an aerosol generating device including an energy storage unit configured to provide electrical energy to a control circuit to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating article, comprising: determining, by the control circuit, a storage state of the energy storage unit indicative of at least one of an amount of electrical energy currently stored in the energy storage unit and an amount of electrical energy currently available for storage; evaluating the determined storage condition with respect to at least one threshold value, the at least one threshold value correlating with a threshold energy required to perform a primary heating function of the aerosol-generating device to heat the aerosol-generating article at or above a predetermined heating temperature to generate an aerosol in at least one use session, and to perform at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol-generating device different from the primary heating function; and enabling or disabling at least one of the primary heating function and the at least one auxiliary device function based on the evaluation. Example 67c: 1. A method of operating an aerosol generating device including an energy storage unit configured to provide electrical energy to a control circuit to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating article, comprising: determining, with the control circuitry, a storage state including a state of health of the energy storage unit, which state indicates the amount of electrical energy currently available to be stored in the energy storage unit; evaluating the determined storage condition with respect to at least one threshold associated with at least one device function of the aerosol generating device; and enabling or disabling at least one device feature based on the evaluation.

[0219] Example 67d: 1. A method of operating an aerosol generating device including an energy storage unit configured to provide electrical energy to a control circuit to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating article, comprising: determining, by the control circuit, a storage state of the energy storage unit indicative of at least one of an amount of electrical energy currently stored in the energy storage unit and an amount of electrical energy currently available for storage; evaluating the determined storage condition with respect to at least one threshold associated with at least one device function of the aerosol generating device, wherein at least the threshold is adjustable; and and enabling or disabling at least one device feature based on the evaluation. Example 67e: The method of any one of Examples 67a to 67d, wherein the energy storage unit is configured to provide electrical energy to a heating element to heat an aerosol-generating article that is connectable to the aerosol-generating device. Example 67f: The method of any one of Examples 67a-67e, wherein the control circuitry is operably coupled to the energy storage unit. Example 67e: The method of any one of Examples 67a to 67d, wherein the energy storage unit is configured to supply electrical energy to one or more aerosol generators for generating an aerosol from at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article that is connectable to the aerosol-generating device. Example 67f: The method of any one of Examples 67a to 67e, wherein the energy storage unit is configured to supply electrical energy to at least one heating element to heat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article that is connectable to the aerosol-generating device. Example 67g: The method of any one of Examples 67a to 67f, wherein the control circuitry is operably coupled to the energy storage unit. Example 68: The method of any one of Examples 67a to 67g, wherein determining the storage status includes determining at least one of a current energy level of electrical energy stored in the energy storage unit and a health status of the energy storage unit indicating an amount of electrical energy currently available to be stored in the energy storage unit. Example 69: The method of any one of Examples 67a to 68, wherein evaluating the determined storage condition comprises comparing the determined storage condition to at least one threshold value. Example 70: A method described in any one of Examples 67a to 69, wherein at least one device function is enabled by the control circuit when, 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 sufficient to operate the aerosol generating device and generate an inhalable aerosol during at least one use session based on heating the aerosol-generating article to a temperature equal to or greater than a predetermined heating temperature. Example 71: The method of any one of Examples 67a to 70, further comprising enabling the primary heating function when, 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 sufficient to perform the primary heating function and generate an inhalable aerosol during at least one use session based on heating the aerosol-generating article to a temperature equal to or greater than a predetermined heating temperature. Example 72: The method of any one of Examples 67a to 71, further comprising enabling at least one device function when, 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 sufficient to complete a current use session and / or a defined number of use sessions for generating an inhalable aerosol based on heating an aerosol-generating article to a temperature equal to or greater than a predetermined heating temperature. Example 73: The method of any one of Examples 67a to 72, further comprising enabling at least one device function when, 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 sufficient to operate the aerosol generating device during at least one pause in use in a pause mode that interrupts a use session. Example 74: The method of any one of Examples 67a to 73, further comprising enabling at least one auxiliary device function when, 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 sufficient to perform at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device. Example 75: The method of any one of Examples 67a to 74, further comprising enabling at least one of the primary heating function of the aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol during at least one use session, and at least one auxiliary function of the aerosol generating device that is different from the primary heating function and / or different from heating the aerosol generating device during the use session for generating an aerosol based on heating an aerosol-generating article to a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined heating temperature. Example 76: operating the aerosol generating device with reduced energy consumption relative to operation during a use session to generate the 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 but 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 defined period of time; 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 a receiving device; activating a sensor of the aerosol generating device; The method described in any one of Examples 67a to 75, further comprising enabling one or more auxiliary device functions, including one or more of: operating a biometric sensor of the aerosol generating device for user authentication. Example 77: The method of any one of Examples 67a to 76, further comprising, 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 sufficient to perform the primary heating function of the aerosol generating device and at least one auxiliary device function, enabling a) the primary heating function of the aerosol generating device in at least one use session to generate an aerosol, and b) at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device that is different from the primary heating function of the aerosol generating device. Example 78: The method of any one of Examples 67a to 77, further comprising triggering recharging of the energy storage unit based on an assessment of the storage state determined with respect to at least one threshold. Example 79: The method of any one of Examples 67a to 78, wherein determining the storage state includes determining a current energy level of electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage unit relative to a current maximum capacity of energy. Example 80: The method of any one of Examples 67a-79, further comprising determining an initial maximum capacity of the energy storage unit. Example 81: 81. The method of any one of Examples 67a-80, further comprising determining whether the energy storage unit was charged to a predefined charge stage in a previous charge event. Example 82: The method of any one of Examples 67a to 81, wherein determining the storage state comprises determining an aging of the energy storage unit. Example 83: The method of any one of Examples 67a to 82, further comprising determining one or more of: a current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit; a current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit relative to an initial maximum capacity of the energy storage unit; a number of usage sessions in which the aerosol generating device has been used to generate aerosol; an operating time in which the aerosol generating device has been operated to generate aerosol; charging data relating to charging of the energy storage unit in one or more charging cycles; and a total energy consumption of the aerosol generating device. Example 84: The method of any one of Examples 67a to 83, wherein determining the storage state includes determining a current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit, which indicates a maximum amount of energy that can be stored in the energy storage unit, and determining a current energy level or amount of electrical energy currently stored in the energy storage unit. Example 85: 85. The method of any one of Examples 67a-84, wherein the at least one threshold comprises a first threshold for a current energy level or amount of energy available in the energy storage unit, and a second threshold for a current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit indicating a maximum amount of energy currently storable in the energy storage unit; comparing the determined current energy level to a first threshold; The method further includes comparing the determined current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit to a second threshold. Example 86: The method of any one of Examples 67a to 85, further comprising adjusting at least one threshold. Example 87: The method described in any one of Examples 67a to 86, further comprising adjusting at least one threshold value based on historical data indicating past use of the aerosol generating device and / or indicating the consumption behavior of the user. Example 88: The method of any one of Examples 67a to 87, further comprising operating the aerosol generating device to generate the aerosol, calculating at least one threshold value based on historical data indicating the amount of energy used in one or more use sessions, preferably in a single use session, and adjusting the at least one threshold value based on the determined amount of energy used in one or more use sessions, preferably in a single use session.

[0220] Example 89: The method of any one of Examples 67a to 88, further comprising determining a maximum number of usage sessions that the aerosol generating device can use with a fully charged energy storage unit based on historical data indicating operation of the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol, and adjusting at least one threshold value based on the determined maximum number of usage sessions. Example 90: The method of any one of Examples 67a to 89, further comprising indicating the determined maximum number of usage sessions to the user based on controlling a user interface of the aerosol generating device. Example 91: The method of any one of Examples 67a to 90, further comprising enabling or allowing use of the aerosol generating device for a subsequent use session, regardless of the previous use session, wherein the aerosol generating device has been used since the previous charging process. Example 92: The method of any one of Examples 67a to 91, wherein at least one threshold is adjusted based on user input. Example 93: The method of any one of Examples 67a to 92, further comprising calculating at least one threshold value based on historical data collected from one or more previous usage sessions. Example 94: The method of any one of Examples 67a to 93, further comprising determining the amount of energy used during one or more suspensions of use, preferably during a single suspension of use, based on historical data indicating operation of the aerosol generating device in a suspension mode, and adjusting at least one threshold based on the determined amount of energy. Example 95: The method of any one of Examples 67a to 94, further comprising receiving at least one threshold value from a computing device or receiving device communicatively coupled to the aerosol generating device. Example 96: The method of any one of Examples 67a to 95, further comprising calculating at least one threshold value based on historical data and storing the calculated at least one threshold value in a data storage unit of the aerosol generating device. Example 97: The method of any one of Examples 67a to 96, further comprising processing historical data indicating one or more of the following: the number of use sessions in which the aerosol generating device was operated to generate aerosol; the number of use pauses in which the aerosol generating device was operated in pause mode that interrupted one or more use sessions; the duration of one or more use sessions; the duration of one or more use pauses that interrupt one or more use sessions; the energy consumption during one or more use sessions; the energy consumption during one or more use pauses; the total energy consumption; charging data related to charging the energy storage unit in one or more charging cycles; the energy remaining in the energy storage unit before recharging in one or more charging cycles; and the energy consumption per use session. Example 98: The method of any one of Examples 67a to 97, further comprising determining the health status of the energy storage unit based on historical data indicative of operation of the aerosol generating device to generate the aerosol. Example 99: The method of any one of Examples 67a to 98, further comprising calculating at least one threshold value based on data received from a computing device or receiving device communicatively coupled to the aerosol generating device. Example 100: The method of any one of Examples 67a to 99, further comprising calculating at least one threshold value based on historical data associated with one or more previous usage sessions. Example 101: The method described in any one of Examples 67a to 100, further comprising calculating an average energy expenditure of energy consumed during multiple use sessions based on historical data indicating operation of the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol. Example 101a: The method of any one of Examples 67a-101, wherein the aerosol comprises nicotine. Example 101b: The method of any one of Examples 67a to 110a, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises an aerosol-generating substrate that includes nicotine. Example 102: A computer program that, when executed by an aerosol generating device or an aerosol generating system, directs the aerosol generating device or system to perform the steps of the method described in any one of Examples 67a to 101b. Example 103: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing the computer program of Example 102.

[0221] The embodiments will now be further described with reference to the following figures: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0222] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary charging profile for the energy storage of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 illustrates the time course of the energy storage section of the aerosol generating device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 illustrates one or more methods of operating one or more aerosol generating devices. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0223] 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.

[0224] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary aerosol-generating device 100. The aerosol-generating device 100 of 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 without including any of the optional components 200, 300, 400, 500 of the system 1000.

[0225] 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 iron phosphate (LFP), and / or lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA). The anode material may include carbon (e.g., graphite), silicon, and / or lithium titanate (LTO).

[0226] 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 that is connectable to the aerosol-generating device 100. Of course, the heating circuit 104 and 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 into or disposed within the aerosol-generating article 200.

[0227] Also, it should be noted that the heating element 106 is shown in Figure 1 for illustrative purposes only 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.

[0228] 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 heating 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 may be connectable to the device 100.

[0229] 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 for data processing. The control circuit 110 may comprise a microcontroller comprising a processor, memory, and input / output means.

[0230] Further optionally, the aerosol generating device 100 and / or control circuit 110 include a data storage unit 114 for storing data such as, for example, the energy storage state, one or more thresholds associated with at least one device function, and / or historical data indicative of one or more past usage sessions and / or suspensions of usage, as described in more detail above and below in this specification.

[0231] Alternatively, or additionally, software instructions may be stored in the data repository 114 which, when executed by the control circuitry 112, direct the aerosol generating device 100 to perform one or more functions of the device 100, as described above and below in this specification. 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 FIG. 1 . Any other type of user interface 120, such as an acoustic interface, a tactile interface, a touch interface, a display, an arrangement of one or more LEDs, etc., may alternatively or additionally be included in the aerosol generating device 100.

[0232] 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, particularly to one or more of the companion device 300, the mobile device 400, and the computing device 500.

[0233] 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.

[0234] The aerosol generating device 100 may optionally be coupled to, e.g., at least partially inserted into, a companion device 300 for charging the energy storage unit 102 and / or for storing the aerosol generating device 100. Charging may be based on inductive charging, for example, or may be via an electrical connection.

[0235] The aerosol-generating device 100 and / or control circuitry 110 are configured to provide electrical energy to at least one heating element 106 to heat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article 200 .

[0236] Additionally, the device control circuitry 110 may be configured to determine a storage state of the energy storage unit 102, which state indicates at least one of the amount of electrical energy currently stored and the amount of electrical energy currently available for storage in the energy storage unit 102. Additionally, the control circuitry 110 may be configured 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, for example, associated with heating of the aerosol-generating article. 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.

[0237] Alternatively, or in addition, the control circuitry 110 may be configured to determine a storage state of the energy storage unit 102, indicating at least one of the amount of electrical energy currently stored and the amount of electrical energy currently storable therein, to evaluate the determined storage state with respect to at least one threshold value, where the at least one threshold value correlates with a threshold energy required to perform a primary heating function of the aerosol generating device 100 for heating the aerosol-generating article 200 at or above a predetermined heating temperature to generate an aerosol in at least one use session, and 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.

[0238] Alternatively, or additionally, the control circuit 110 may be configured to determine a storage status, including a health status of the energy storage unit, which indicates the amount of electrical energy currently storable within the energy storage unit 102, evaluate the determined storage status with respect to at least one threshold associated with at least one device function of the aerosol generating device 100, and enable or disable at least one device function of the aerosol generating device 100 based on the evaluation.

[0239] Alternatively, or in addition, the control circuit 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 available for storage, 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. Furthermore, the control circuit 100 may be configured to enable or disable at least one device function of the aerosol generating device 100 based on the evaluation.

[0240] Below, various exemplary designs and configurations of the aerosol generating device 100 are described and summarized. In one embodiment, the determined storage status includes at least one of a current energy level of electrical energy stored in the energy storage unit and a health status 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 control circuit 110 may compare the determined storage status to a threshold value.

[0241] For example, the at least one threshold value may represent a threshold energy required to operate the aerosol-generating device 100 to generate an inhalable aerosol during at least one use session based on heating the aerosol-generating article 100 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 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 supplying 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 for generating the aerosol.

[0242] 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 above a predetermined heating temperature to generate an aerosol.

[0243] 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.

[0244] 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. The auxiliary device function may be unrelated to or different from heating the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol during a use session, which is based on heating the aerosol-generating article 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 the use session.

[0245] Optionally, the auxiliary device functions may include one or more of: operating the aerosol generating device with reduced energy consumption for 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 defined 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.

[0246] In one embodiment, the at least one threshold correlates to a threshold energy required to a) perform a primary heating function of the aerosol generation device during at least one use session to generate an aerosol, and b) perform an auxiliary device function of the aerosol generation device that is different from the primary heating function of the aerosol generation device. If the control circuitry 110 determines, based on the evaluation, that the current energy level of the electrical energy stored and / or available for storage in the energy storage unit is sufficient to perform the primary heating function of the aerosol generation device and at least one auxiliary device function, the control circuitry 110 may be configured to enable a) the primary heating function of the aerosol generation device during at least one use session to generate an aerosol, and b) at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generation device that is different from the primary heating function of the aerosol generation device.

[0247] Optionally, control circuitry 110 may be configured to trigger or request recharging of energy storage unit 102 based on an assessment of the storage state determined with respect to at least one threshold.

[0248] Additionally, the control circuit 110 may be configured to determine a state of health of the energy storage unit 102. Optionally, the at least one threshold may indicate a threshold state of health and / or a threshold age of the energy storage unit 102.

[0249] Further, the control circuit 110 may be configured to determine the health status of the energy storage unit 102 based on determining one or more of the following: 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 been 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.

[0250] 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 electrical energy currently stored in the energy storage unit 102.

[0251] Optionally, the control circuit 110 may be configured to adjust at least one threshold value based on, for example, one or more user inputs and / or based on historical data indicative of past use of the aerosol generating device and / or indicative of the user's consumption behavior.

[0252] The control circuitry 110 may be configured to calculate the amount of energy used in a single use session based on historical data indicative of operation of the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol, and to adjust the at least one threshold value based on the determined amount of energy used in the single use session. For example, the at least one threshold value may indicate a threshold energy required to operate the aerosol generating device 100 to generate an inhalable aerosol during at least one use session based on heating an aerosol-generating article, and the at least one threshold value may be less than about 95 mAh, preferably between about 60 mAh and 85 mAh.

[0253] The control circuit 110 may further be configured to determine a maximum number of usage sessions that the aerosol generating device can use with a fully charged energy storage unit 102 based on historical data indicating the operation of the aerosol generating device 100 to generate aerosol, and to adjust at least one threshold value based on the determined maximum number of usage sessions.

[0254] Optionally, control circuitry 110 may be configured to operate user interface 120 to indicate the determined maximum number of usage sessions to the user.

[0255] Alternatively, or additionally, the control circuitry 110 may be configured to determine the amount of energy used during a single pause in use based on historical data indicating operation of the aerosol generating device 100 in a pause mode, and to adjust the at least one threshold value based on the determined amount of energy. For example, the at least one threshold value may indicate a threshold energy required to operate the aerosol generating device 100 during the at least one pause in use that interrupts a use session, and the at least one threshold value may be in a range from about 2 mAh to about 65 mAh.

[0256] 1 and subsequently, FIGS. 2 and 3, illustrative exemplary features of an exemplary aerosol generation device 100 according to the present disclosure are summarized, which may be implemented alone or in combination with any of the above-described features of the aerosol generation device 100. FIG. 2 shows an exemplary charging profile of the energy storage unit 102 of the aerosol generation device 100, and FIG. 3 shows the change in the energy storage unit 102 of the aerosol generation device 100 over time.

[0257] The aerosol-generating device 100 includes the energy storage unit 102 and control circuitry 110 described with reference to FIG. 1 . One of the device or auxiliary device functions of the aerosol-generating device 100 may be a pause mode, which may allow a user to interrupt and resume an ongoing use session without substantial degradation 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 to a pause mode by the user from an aerosol-emitting 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, for example, based on actuation of the user interface 120. During pauses in use or in the pause mode, the temperature of the heating element 106 may be maintained above room temperature and below the predetermined heating temperature.

[0258] 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 the determined storage state of energy storage unit 102 and using at least one threshold associated with the pause mode or a device function.

[0259] Generally, pause mode allows a user to pause between puffs during a use session. Pauses can range, for example, from a few seconds to up to several minutes, such as 8 or 10 minutes. During a use pause, the temperature of the substrate 202, the article 200, and / or the heating element 106 may be maintained at a particular level, such as the second temperature level, as described above. Once 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. Because energy is consumed during pause mode, one or more requirements, criteria, or prerequisites may be considered and preferably met for activation of pause mode to ensure that the energy storage unit 102 has sufficient energy to complete the experience or use session. One or more of these requirements may be defined or included in at least one threshold that is evaluated using the storage state of the energy storage unit 102.

[0260] 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 health 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.

[0261] 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 should be at least 90%, 95%, and 100% of its current maximum capacity.

[0262] Alternatively, or additionally, the suspend mode may be enabled upon determining that the energy storage unit 102 is fully charged.

[0263] In another embodiment, the control circuit 110 may determine whether a particular state of charge was reached in a previous charging cycle. Figure 2 shows an exemplary charging profile for the energy storage unit 102 of the aerosol generating device 100, with charging voltage 150 and charging current 152 profiles shown in arbitrary units versus charging time in arbitrary units.

[0264] In a non-limiting example, the at least one threshold may indicate a defined charging stage that the energy storage unit reached in a previous charging event, in particular a constant voltage stage indicated by reference numeral 155 in FIG. 2. The constant voltage stage may be a charging voltage of 3.65 V. Alternatively, or additionally, one or more characteristics related to charging current and charging time may be considered by control circuit 110 to assess the storage state and / or enable or disable a suspend mode.

[0265] Alternatively, or additionally, the control circuit 110 may be configured to determine a storage state, including a state of health or indicative of aging of the energy storage unit 102. In general, the energy storage unit 102 may age, and the current storage capacity or amount of energy currently storable in the energy storage unit 102 may decrease over time.

[0266] Figure 3 illustrates the change over time of the energy storage unit 102 of the aerosol generating device 100. The fully charged energy storage unit 102 on the far left of Figure 3 may represent the initial capacity or storage capacity of the energy storage unit 102. With increasing time, shown by the successive diagrams from left to right in Figure 3, the current storage capacity of the energy storage unit 102 decreases. This may mean that the energy storage unit 102 loses some of its ability to store energy and / or stores less and less energy per fully charged energy storage unit as time increases.

[0267] The control circuit 110 may be configured to determine the health or aging of the energy storage unit based on determining one or more of the number of experiences, total energy consumption, usage time and current maximum capacity, the current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit 102, the current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit relative to the initial maximum capacity of the energy storage unit, the number of usage sessions the aerosol generating device has been used to generate aerosol, the operating time the aerosol generating device has been operated to generate aerosol, charging data related to charging the energy storage unit in one or more charging cycles, and the total energy consumption of the aerosol generating device.

[0268] Upon reaching and / or exceeding one or more corresponding thresholds for one or more of the aforementioned amounts, pause mode, and / or primary heating function may be disabled or prevented.

[0269] The current maximum capacity may be greater than at least 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, and 70% of the initial capacity of the energy storage unit 102. If the current maximum capacity falls below, for example, 50%, 55%, and 60% of the initial capacity, the pause mode and / or primary heating function may not be permitted or enabled.

[0270] For example, the initial capacity of the energy storage unit 102 may be approximately 300 mAh. The current maximum capacity is equal to the initial capacity. As shown in FIG. 3, after repeated cycling (charging and discharging), the energy storage unit 102 may change over time and the maximum capacity may decrease. In this context, the capacity value may refer to the available capacity of the energy storage unit 102.

[0271] The determination of the availability of the pause mode may be determined or checked, for example, at the end of each charging event or when the user unplugs the device 100 from the companion device 300, at the start of an experience, and during an experience or usage session.

[0272] Upon determining that pause mode may be activated or enabled, control circuitry 110 may activate user interface 120, for example, to indicate or notify a user about the availability of pause mode. For example, an LED may indicate the availability or non-availability of pause mode. Alternatively, or additionally, the availability of pause mode may be indicated based on a change in color of one or more LEDs or elements of user interface 120.

[0273] Optionally, the availability may be indicated in response to a user input, such as, for example, in response to pressing a button or activating user interface 120 .

[0274] The capacity of the energy storage unit 102 may be determined or checked at the end of a charging event or when the user unplugs the device 100 from the companion device 300.

[0275] The control circuit 110 may optionally simulate a fuel gauge in the aerosol generating device 100 and / or call upon the fuel gauge or charging circuitry in the device 100 to check the capacity of or energy stored in the energy storage unit 102, and the current maximum capacity or storage capacity of energy that can be stored in the energy storage unit 102. The control circuit 110 may compare the results from the fuel gauge to determine whether a pause mode should be enabled. When a user attempts to activate pause mode (or when a user unplugs the device 100 from the companion device 300), the control circuit 110 may indicate or operate an indicator that indicates whether pause mode is permitted or enabled.

[0276] The indicator may be, for example, a visual indicator (e.g., an LED light), an audio indicator, a vibration or tactile indicator, a haptic indicator, or a combination thereof. In particular, a pause symbol with two parallel vertical bars, as used in media players, may be shown on user interface 120.

[0277] The state of health may be determined or checked at the end of charging or when the user unplugs the device 100 from the companion device 300. The control circuitry 110 may request a data repository to store data or historical data, such as data relating to the battery's initial capacity, number of experiences or usage sessions, total energy consumption, usage time, or other factors, as described above. The control circuitry 110 may simulate or request a fuel gauge (of the device 100 for the current maximum capacity of the energy storage 102). The control circuitry 110 may further estimate the state of health to determine whether a pause mode should be enabled. When a user attempts to activate pause mode or when the user unplugs the device 100 from the companion device 300, the control circuitry 110 may indicate or operate an indicator that indicates whether pause mode is enabled or activated. The indicator may be, for example, a visual indicator (e.g., an LED light), an audio indicator, a vibration or tactile indicator, a haptic indicator, or a combination thereof. In particular, a pause symbol with two parallel vertical bars, as used in media players, may be shown in the user interface 120.

[0278] Alternatively, or additionally, an adjustable or variable threshold may be implemented in the aerosol generating device 100, as exemplarily summarized below.

[0279] In a typical conventional device, a fixed threshold or current capacity of energy stored in the energy storage unit 102 is considered to determine whether a usage session or experience can be granted. Also, only a fixed number of usage sessions, such as two, can be granted per fully charged energy storage unit 102. Thus, the user can be notified by the control circuitry 110 whether there is sufficient capacity based on a standard capacity value. If the remaining capacity in the energy storage unit is less than the standard capacity value, the device advises the user to recharge the device. For example, if the remaining capacity falls below the standard capacity value, e.g., 60 mAh, the device needs to be recharged until it reaches a standard energy value, e.g., 95 mAh, triggering a notification to the user, such as a light, to grant or authorize an additional experience or usage session.

[0280] However, it has been found that different users may have different consumption times for each experience or usage session, and therefore the energy required per usage session or experience may vary from user to user. Most users consume a shorter experience and require less than about 95 mAh of capacity or energy, for example, about 50-85 mAh. Using an adjustable threshold to evaluate the storage status, such as the current capacity or energy stored in the energy storage unit 102, allows for flexible response to different needs from different users. Alternatively, or in addition, the pause mode may be dynamically enabled or disabled based on the adjustable threshold.

[0281] Rather than being based on a standard or fixed capacity value, such as 95 mAh, a threshold capacity value and / or threshold energy value may be used. The threshold capacity value or threshold energy value may be used to determine whether the device enables the next experience or usage session and / or pause mode. Whether the next experience or usage session is enabled may be independent of the number of credits, experiences, or usage sessions granted with a fully charged energy storage unit 102 or since the last charging event.

[0282] The aerosol generating device 100 comprises a user interface 120, which may function as an indicator, for example, a control circuit 110, and optionally a fuel gauge which may be connected to the energy storage unit .

[0283] The fuel gauge may be simulated and implemented in the control circuit 110. The control circuit 110 may be configured to measure the remaining capacity or energy stored in the energy storage unit 102. The control circuit 110 may be configured to compare the remaining capacity with a threshold energy value to check whether the remaining capacity can provide the threshold energy value. The control circuit 110 may convert capacity to energy or energy to capacity to determine whether the remaining capacity is sufficient for the next, e.g., N+1, experience or usage session, and may use an indicator or user interface 120 to indicate the result of whether the remaining capacity is sufficient for the next experience.

[0284] In this way, a warning can be provided to the user of the aerosol generating device 100 when there is only enough battery capacity remaining for the next experience or usage session, allowing the user to anticipate the need to charge the energy storage unit 102 before it becomes empty, thereby eliminating the risk of running out of power when using the device 100.

[0285] The threshold capacity or energy value can be obtained in various ways, for example: (a) a fixed capacity value of 85 mAh or 0.272 mWh at a nominal voltage of 3.2 V may be used, (b) the value may be input by a user via an interactive platform, for example, using computing device 500 or mobile device 400, and / or (c) may be calculated according to historical data collected from previous experiences and / or usage sessions.

[0286] If the remaining capacity or energy is above a threshold, for example above 85 mAh or above 0.272 mWh, control circuitry 110 may enable the next experience or usage session.

[0287] An interactive platform, e.g., an app, may be provided to the user to review usage or historical data, e.g., the length of each experience or use session, and / or to input a preferred duration for an experience or use session, e.g., seven minutes. Either the interactive platform or control circuitry 110 of device 100 may calculate a threshold capacity value or a threshold energy value. In the former case, the threshold energy value and / or threshold capacity value may be transmitted to device 100.

[0288] Alternatively, or in addition, the aerosol generating device 100 may collect historical data, such as energy consumption during each previous experience or use session, capacity consumption during each previous experience or use session, recharge times, battery levels, charger types, and the like, and calculate at least one threshold value, e.g., reflecting the appropriate amount of energy or capacity required for an experience or use session, wherein the threshold energy value may be calculated as the average energy consumption and, optionally, the standard deviation.

[0289] Alternatively, or additionally, the threshold energy value may be based on energy consumed in one or more experiences or usage sessions. For example, this may be based on the first experience after the last full charge, or on two or more previous experiences or usage sessions, or on 16-20 or more previous experiences or usage sessions.

[0290] Alternatively, or additionally, the aerosol generating device 10 may calculate a threshold volume value or appropriate volume amount required for a single experience or use session, wherein the threshold volume value may be calculated as the average volume consumption and, optionally, a standard deviation.

[0291] Historical data may be stored in a data repository or memory of the aerosol generating device 100, for example in the form of a record of energy consumed in previous usage sessions and / or volume consumed in previous usage sessions.

[0292] As described above, device 100 may allow a user to pause between puffs in a single experience or use session and switch device 100 to pause mode. Energy or capacity may be used to maintain aerosol-generating substrate or article 200 at a specified temperature above room temperature, and thus energy or capacity may be consumed during pause mode. The energy or capacity for the experience or use session and the energy or capacity for pausing may be stored separately in the historical data.

[0293] For example, control circuitry 110 may calculate average energy consumption as the average energy of the previous use session, or as the average energy of the energy for the previous use session and for pauses during one or more use pauses. Alternatively, or additionally, average capacity consumption may be calculated as the average capacity of the previous use session, or as the average capacity of the capacity for the previous use session and for pauses during one or more use pauses.

[0294] Optionally, the calculated energy or capacity threshold may be independent of a charging event. Alternatively, or additionally, the energy or capacity threshold may depend on a charging event. For example, after fully charging the energy storage unit 102, a user may enjoy a first experience and a second experience or usage session. The user fully recharges the battery and enjoys a third experience. Whether the user can enjoy a fourth experience will depend solely on the data from the third experience or usage session.

[0295] Control circuitry 110 of device 100 may determine whether the remaining capacity in energy storage 102 is greater than a threshold energy value. In particular, control circuitry 110 may determine whether a next usage session can be granted at the end of usage session (N). The results may be communicated to the user, for example, using user interface 120, as to whether the user can be granted an N+1 experience or usage session.

[0296] If energy is used for the comparison, as described above, control circuitry 110 may extract historical data from the memory or data storage of device 100 and calculate a threshold energy value according to past experiences or usage sessions. Control circuitry 110 may request or simulate a fuel gauge to determine the remaining capacity or energy stored in energy storage 102. Control circuitry 110 may optionally convert the energy value to a capacity value. One or more of the current energy or capacity of energy storage 102 may then be compared with one or more corresponding thresholds to determine whether a next usage session and / or pause mode is possible. The results may be communicated via an indicator or user interface 120, such as a visual indicator (e.g., an LED light), an audio indicator, a vibration or tactile indicator, or a haptic indicator.

[0297] Alternatively, or in addition, control circuitry 110 may extract historical data from a memory or data repository and calculate a threshold energy value according to past experiences or usage sessions, for example, 16 to 20 experiences. Control circuitry 110 may simulate or request a fuel gauge to determine the remaining capacity. Optionally, the threshold energy value may be converted to a threshold capacity value and compared with the remaining capacity to determine whether the next experience or usage session is possible. The result may be communicated by indicator or user interface 120, for example, via a visual indicator (e.g., an LED light), an audio indicator, a vibration or tactile indicator, or a haptic indicator.

[0298] If capacity is used for comparison, control circuit 110 may extract historical data from memory or a data repository and calculate a threshold capacity value according to past experiences or usage sessions, for example, 16 to 20 experiences. Control circuit 110 may simulate or request a fuel gauge to determine the remaining stored capacity or energy. Control circuit 110 may compare the remaining capacity with the threshold capacity value to determine whether to enable the next experience or usage session. The result may be communicated by indicator or user interface 120, for example, via a visual indicator (e.g., an LED light), an audio indicator, a vibration or tactile indicator, or a haptic indicator.

[0299] FIG. 4 illustrates one or more methods of operating one or more aerosol generating devices, such as aerosol generating device 100 described with reference to any one or more of the previous figures.

[0300] In step S1, the storage state of the energy storage unit 102, which indicates the amount of electrical energy currently stored and / or available to be stored in the energy storage unit 102, is determined by the control circuit 110.

[0301] In step S2, the determined storage condition is evaluated with respect to at least one threshold associated with at least one device function of the aerosol-generating device 100, in particular associated with heating of the aerosol-generating article 200.

[0302] Alternatively, or additionally, step S2 may include evaluating the determined storage condition with respect to at least one threshold value, the at least one threshold value correlating with a threshold energy required to perform the primary heating function of the aerosol generating device 100, and to perform at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device 100 that is different from the primary heating function, for heating the aerosol generating article 200 at or above a predetermined heating temperature to generate an aerosol in at least one use session.

[0303] Alternatively, or additionally, step S2 may include using the control circuit 110 to determine a storage state, including a health state, of the energy storage unit 102, which indicates the amount of electrical energy currently available to be stored in the energy storage unit 102.

[0304] Alternatively, or additionally, step S2 may include evaluating the determined storage condition 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.

[0305] In step S3, at least one device function of the aerosol generating device 100, for example, a primary heating function and / or at least one auxiliary device function, is enabled or disabled based on the evaluation.

[0306] Alternatively, or additionally, step S3 may include enabling or disabling at least one of the primary heating function and the at least one auxiliary device function based on the evaluation.

[0307] It should be noted that, as discussed above, any one or more features, functions, and configurations of the aerosol generating device 100 may be implemented as optional, supplemental, or alternative steps in the method of FIG.

[0308] 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 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.

[0309] 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.

[0310] 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 configured to supply electrical energy to the control circuit to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating article; The control circuit determining a storage state of the energy storage unit indicative of at least one of an amount of electrical energy currently stored in the energy storage unit and an amount of electrical energy currently storable therein; evaluating the determined storage condition with respect to at least one threshold value, the at least one threshold value correlating with a threshold energy required to perform a primary heating function of the aerosol-generating device, for heating the aerosol-generating article at or above a predetermined heating temperature to generate an aerosol during at least one use session, and to perform at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol-generating device different from the primary heating function; and The aerosol generating device is configured to enable or disable at least one of the primary heating function and the at least one auxiliary device function based on the evaluation.

2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein the auxiliary device function is associated with a pause mode that interrupts a usage session.

3. 3. An aerosol generating device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one threshold indicates a threshold energy required to operate the aerosol generating device during at least one pause in use in a pause mode that interrupts a use session.

4. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control circuit is configured to enable at least one auxiliary device function when, based on the evaluation, it determines that the 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 pause in use in a pause mode that interrupts a use session.

5. The auxiliary device function is operating the aerosol generating device with reduced energy consumption relative to operation during a use session to generate the aerosol; heating the at least one heating element and / or the aerosol-generating article to a temperature below a heating temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol; heating the at least one heating element and / or the aerosol-generating article to a temperature above room temperature but below a heating temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol; heating the at least one heating element and / or the aerosol-generating article to a temperature above room temperature and below a heating temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol for a defined period of time; activating or deactivating tactile control of the aerosol generating device; operating a user interface of the aerosol generating device; operating communication circuitry of the aerosol generation device to communicatively couple the aerosol generation device to a computing device or a receiving device; activating a sensor of the aerosol generating device; and operating a biometric sensor of the aerosol generating device for user authentication.

6. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one threshold correlates to a threshold energy required to operate the aerosol generating device a) during at least one use session in an aerosol emission mode that generates an inhalable aerosol based on heating the aerosol-generating article to a temperature equal to or higher than the predetermined heating temperature, and b) during a pause in use in a pause mode that interrupts the at least one use session.

7. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, based on the evaluation, the control circuit determines that the current energy level of the electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage unit is sufficient to perform the main heating function of the aerosol generating device and at least one auxiliary device function, and is configured to enable: a) the main heating function of the aerosol generating device in at least one use session to generate an aerosol; and b) at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generating device that is different from the main heating function of the aerosol generating device.

8. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the determined storage status includes at least one of the current energy level of electrical energy stored in the energy storage unit and the health status of the energy storage unit, which indicates the amount of electrical energy currently available to be stored in the energy storage unit.

9. 9. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein evaluating the determined storage condition comprises comparing the determined storage condition with the at least one threshold value.

10. the primary heating function includes supplying electrical energy to the 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 for generating an aerosol; and An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the auxiliary device function includes supplying electrical energy to the at least one heating element to heat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article to a temperature below a predetermined heating temperature for generating an aerosol.

11. 11. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the control circuitry is further configured to determine, based on the evaluation, the number of suspensions of use for which the aerosol generating device can be operated.

12. 12. The aerosol generating device of claim 11, wherein the control circuitry is further configured to activate a user interface of the device to indicate the determined number of suspensions.

13. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the control circuit is configured to trigger or request recharging of the energy storage unit based on the evaluation of the determined storage state with respect to the at least one threshold value.

14. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein determining the storage state includes determining the current energy level of electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage unit relative to a current maximum capacity of the energy.

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

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