Adaptable aerosol generation system and method

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device (500) is provided for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating article (590). The aerosol-generating device comprises at least one sensor (542, 543) configured to determine humidity of the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating device comprises a controller (540) configured to control at least one function of the aerosol-generating device based on the humidity of the aerosol-generating article determined by the at least one sensor. A method of operation for an aerosol-generating system is also provided, the aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device. The method includes determining humidity of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is coupled to the aerosol-generating device. The method further includes controlling at least one function of the aerosol-generating device based on the humidity of the aerosol-generating article.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generation system, a method of operation for an aerosol generation system, and an aerosol generation device. [Background technology]

[0002] Aerosol-generating systems configured to generate inhalable aerosols from an aerosol-forming substrate are known in the art. Some prior aerosol-generating systems comprise an aerosol-generating device connectable to an aerosol-generating article. A typical aerosol-generating article for use with the aerosol-generating device comprises an aerosol-forming substrate, and a typical aerosol-generating device comprises a heater assembly comprising a heating element, the heating element configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0003] Typically, in such heated smoking articles, the aerosol is generated by transferring heat from a heat source to a physically separated aerosol-generating substrate or material, which may be located in contact with, within, around, or downstream of the heat source. During use of the aerosol-generating article, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-generating substrate by heat transfer from the heat source and are entrained in air drawn through the aerosol-generating article. As the released compounds cool, they condense to form an aerosol. The aerosol may then be inhaled by the user.

[0004] However, the operating requirements and environments for such typical aerosol generating systems vary around the world. It would be advantageous to provide an aerosol generating system that can be adapted to the environmental or geographical requirements of use, so that the same aerosol generating system can be used by users around the world. For example, high humidity in the environment can cause high humidity in the aerosol-generating article itself. High humidity in the aerosol-generating article can then cause the so-called "hot aerosol" problem, in which an aerosol at an undesirably high temperature is delivered to the user. Therefore, it would be desirable to minimize the "hot aerosol" problem when the aerosol generating system is used in a high humidity environment. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generating system. The aerosol generating system may include an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating system may include an external computing device separate from the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating system may include location determination equipment. Specifically, the external computing device may include the location determination equipment. The location determination equipment may be configured to determine a location of the aerosol generating system. The location determination equipment may be configured to output location data indicative of (or dependent upon) the location of the aerosol generating system. The aerosol generating system may include a controller. The controller may be configured to control multiple control functions of the aerosol generating system. The multiple control functions of the aerosol generating system may be multiple control functions of the aerosol generating device. That is, the controller may be configurable to implement multiple control functions for controlling the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating system may be configured to adjust control of at least one of the multiple control functions based on the location of the aerosol generating system determined by the location determination equipment. The aerosol generating system may be configured to select at least one of the multiple control functions based on the location data. The external computing device may be configured to cause the controller to configure to implement the selected control function.

[0006] Thus, advantageously, the aerosol generating system may be adaptable to the local environment in which it is used. For example, if it is determined that the aerosol generating system is located in an area with high humidity or where high humidity is commonplace, the functions of the aerosol generating system may be adjusted accordingly. If these functions include heating of the aerosol-forming substrate, this may adjust the heating of the aerosol-forming substrate, which, as described above, may minimize the possibility of hot aerosols that might otherwise be delivered to the user. Thus, the same aerosol generating system may be used in different environments without the user experiencing different aerosol effects as a result of the location of the aerosol generating system.

[0007] The external computing device may be a personal computing device. Preferably, the personal computing device is a smartphone. The external computing device may be configured to communicate with the aerosol generating device using a communication interface. The communication interface may be a wireless communication interface. The wireless communication interface may be one or both of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Advantageously, personal communication devices such as smartphones often include a wireless communication interface having a well-known standard such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The communication interface may be a wired communication interface. The wired communication interface may be a USB connection.

[0008] The plurality of control functions may be a predefined set of control functions.

[0009] The external computing device may be configured to transmit data derived from the location data to the controller. The external computing device may be configured to transmit the location data or data derived from the location data to the controller. In particular, an external computing device configured to configure the controller to perform a selected control function may comprise an external computing device configured to transmit the location data or data derived from the location data to the controller. The external computing device may be configured to wirelessly transmit the location data or data derived from the location data to the controller. Advantageously, if the external computing device is a personal computing device such as a smartphone, the complexity of manufacturing the aerosol generating device may thus be reduced. Smartphones already include location-determining equipment, and therefore do not require additional location-determining equipment to be included within the aerosol generating device.

[0010] The data derived from the location data may include at least one of a plurality of control functions for controlling the aerosol generating device, or firmware including an indicator derived from the location data. For example, the location data may be in the form of GPS coordinates, and the data derived from the location data may be a country name corresponding to the GPS coordinates. Thus, advantageously, the firmware of the aerosol generating system may be adapted or updated based on the location of the aerosol generating system.

[0011] The location determination equipment may include a Global Positioning System (GPS) chip or any other satellite navigation chip. The location determination equipment may determine location data based on data output from the GPS chip. Advantageously, using a GPS chip may provide an automatic, reliable, and accurate indication of the location of the aerosol-generating system without requiring input from a user.

[0012] The external computing device may include a memory that stores data indicative of the location of the external computing device. The memory may store an IP address of the external computing device. The location determination facility may determine the location data from the data stored in the memory of the external computing device. The location determination facility may determine the location data from the IP address of the external computing device. Advantageously, using the IP address may provide an automatic, reliable, and accurate indication of the location of the aerosol generating system without requiring input from a user.

[0013] The location determination facility may include data indicative of (or dependent upon) the location of the aerosol-generating system, or a user interface for a user to input the location of the aerosol-generating system. The location determination facility may determine the location data based on the location input by the user. Advantageously, the user input may be more accurate or reliable than the location of the aerosol-generating system determined by a GPS chip.

[0014] The location determination equipment may determine the location data based on a combination of two or more of the GPS data, the IP address data, and / or data input by a user via a user interface. The location determination equipment may determine the location data after verifying that at least one of the GPS data, the IP address data, and / or data input by a user via a user interface matches at least one other of the GPS data, the IP address data, and / or data input by a user via a user interface. Advantageously, such a system may minimize the possibility of an erroneous determination of the location of the aerosol-generating system if one of the GPS data, the IP address data, and / or data input by a user is incorrect.

[0015] Selecting at least one of the plurality of control functions based on the location data may include an external computing device selecting a firmware version based on the location data. The external computing device configured to configure the controller to perform the selected control function may comprise an external computing device configured to select a firmware version from a plurality of firmware versions available on a server. The external computing device configured to select a firmware version from a plurality of firmware versions available on the server may comprise an external computing device configured to send a request to the server and an external computing device configured to receive firmware from the server to control the aerosol generating device. The external computing device configured to configure the controller to perform the selected control function may comprise an external computing device configured to load the selected firmware onto the aerosol generating device. The external computing device configured to load the selected firmware onto the aerosol generating device may comprise an external computing device configured to load the selected firmware onto the controller.

[0016] Therefore, advantageously, location-specific firmware may be loaded onto the aerosol generation system, and in particular onto the aerosol generating device, depending on the location of the aerosol generation system.

[0017] The aerosol generating system configured to select at least one of a plurality of control functions based on location data may include an external computing device or the aerosol generating device configured to select one or more functions from a plurality of functions, each associated with a location, and each selected function may be associated with a location corresponding to the location data.

[0018] The plurality of control functions for controlling the aerosol generating device may comprise at least one function for controlling an age verification process. Advantageously, because laws may vary from country to country regarding the age at which someone may use or purchase an aerosol generating system or device, the aerosol generating system may adapt its functions regarding the age verification process to meet these local requirements without initially requiring substantially different aerosol generating devices depending on the location.

[0019] The aerosol-generating system may include one or more heating elements. Specifically, the aerosol-generating device may include one or more heating elements. The aerosol-generating system may include a power source for supplying power to the one or more heating elements. A controller may control the supply of power from the power source to the one or more heating elements. The one or more heating elements may include a resistive heating element or an inductive heating element. The one or more hearing elements may be located within and / or around a cavity arranged to receive the aerosol-generating article. The system may include an aerosol-generating article, which may be, for example, a tobacco stick. In another example, the aerosol-generating article may be a cartridge including a liquid reservoir. The aerosol-generating article may include an aerosol-forming substrate including nicotine.

[0020] At least one of the control functions of the aerosol generating system may include controlling the power supplied to one or more heating elements to heat the aerosol-generating article. Advantageously, the power supplied to the one or more heating elements may be adapted to the environment in which the aerosol generating system is located. This may result in a more consistent aerosol generation experience for users between locations with different environmental conditions.

[0021] The power source may be a rechargeable power source. At least one of the control functions of the aerosol generating system may include controlling the power supplied to the power source during charging. Advantageously, the charging profile supplied to the power source may be adapted to the environment in which the aerosol generating system is located. This may result in a more consistent charging experience for users between locations with different environmental conditions. For example, different locations may have different regional standards for power source voltage or frequency, and the typical temperatures of different locations may affect the charging characteristics of the rechargeable power source.

[0022] Each of the plurality of control functions may be a predetermined heating profile. The predetermined heating profile may be defined by one or more parameters, such as temperature, resistance, conductance, voltage, and / or current. The one or more parameters, such as temperature, resistance, conductance, voltage, and / or current, may be applied during one or more stages of a heating cycle.

[0023] The selected control function may be a predetermined heating profile. The predetermined heating profile may be defined by one or more parameters, such as temperature, resistance, conductance, voltage, and / or current. The one or more parameters, such as temperature, resistance, conductance, voltage, and / or current, may be applied during one or more stages of a heating cycle. For example, each predetermined heating profile may comprise a heating element temperature profile. The heating element temperature profile may include a first temperature during a first period of time. The heating element temperature profile may include a first second temperature during a second period of time after the first period of time. The heating element temperature profile may include a first third temperature during a third period of time after the second period of time. The second temperature may be lower than the first temperature. The third temperature may be higher than the second temperature.

[0024] The predetermined heating profile may further include a duty cycle limit having a duty cycle limit profile. The duty cycle limit may vary over time during the duty cycle limit profile. Each duty cycle limit profile may vary between each heating profile of the plurality of heating profiles.

[0025] If the location determination equipment determines the location of the aerosol-generating system to be a dry location or a location with low humidity, the selected control function may be a dry heating profile.

[0026] If the location determination facility determines the location of the aerosol-generating system to be a wet or humid location, the selected control function may be a moist heating profile.

[0027] The wet heating profile and the dry heating profile may include similar heating element temperature profiles. For example, the first temperature, the second temperature, and the third temperature may be the same, and the first period, the second period, and the third period may differ in length by no more than 50%. The wet heating profile and the dry heating profile may include the same heating element temperature profile.

[0028] The wet heating profile and the dry heating profile may include different duty cycle limit profiles. For example, the minimum duty cycle limit for the wet profile may be lower than the minimum duty cycle limit for the dry profile.

[0029] The duty cycle limit profile may include a first time portion during which the duty cycle limit has a first value. The duty cycle limit profile may include a second time portion after the first time portion during which the duty cycle limit has a second value. The duty cycle limit profile may include a third time portion after the second time portion during which the duty cycle limit has a third value. The second value may be lower than the first value. The third value may be greater than the second value.

[0030] The first period may correspond to a first time portion.

[0031] In the dry heat profile, the second period may correspond to the second time portion. The third period may correspond to the third time portion. In the dry heat profile, the duty cycle limit may decrease during the second period.

[0032] In a dry heat profile, the minimum duty cycle limit may be during the second period.

[0033] The third value in the moist heating profile may be greater than the third value in the dry heating profile. In the moist heating profile, the first period may correspond to a first time portion and a second time portion. In the moist heating profile, the second period may correspond to a second time portion and a third time portion. In the moist heating profile, the duty cycle limit may increase during the second period.

[0034] In a wet heat profile, the minimum duty cycle limit may be during the first period.

[0035] Advantageously, the (predetermined) heating profile supplied to one or more heating elements may be adapted to the environment in which the aerosol generating system is located, which may result in a more consistent aerosol generation experience for the user between locations with different environmental conditions.

[0036] The aerosol generating system may comprise a computer-readable memory. The aerosol generating system configured to select at least one of the plurality of control functions based on location data may comprise an aerosol generating system configured to select a heating profile from a plurality of heating profiles stored on the computer-readable memory. The plurality of heating profiles may be a plurality of predetermined heating profiles. The aerosol generating system configured to select at least one of the plurality of control functions based on location data may comprise an aerosol generating system configured to select a power supply profile from a plurality of power supply profiles stored on the computer-readable memory. The plurality of power supply profiles may be a plurality of predetermined power supply profiles. Advantageously, optimal power supply profiles for various environmental conditions at various locations may be determined and loaded onto the computer-readable memory prior to acquisition of the aerosol generating device by a user.

[0037] The aerosol generating system configured to select at least one of a plurality of control functions based on location data comprises an aerosol generating system configured to select an age verification process from a plurality of age verification processes stored on a computer readable memory. Advantageously, appropriate age verification processes for various locations may be determined and loaded onto the computer readable memory prior to acquisition of the aerosol generating device by a user.

[0038] The aerosol-generating system may be configured to generate an aerosol comprising nicotine. The aerosol-generating system further comprises an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may comprise an aerosol-generating substrate comprising nicotine.

[0039] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of controlling an aerosol generation system. The aerosol generation system may be any aerosol generation system according to the first aspect of the present disclosure. The aerosol generation system may comprise an aerosol generation device and an external computing device separate from the aerosol generation device. The external computing device may comprise location determination equipment configured to output location data indicative of (or dependent upon) the location of the aerosol generation system.

[0040] The method may include determining a location of the aerosol-generation system. Determining the location of the aerosol-generation system may include the external computing device determining a number for the aerosol-generation system.

[0041] The method may include the step of the external computing device outputting location data indicative of (or dependent upon) the location of the aerosol generation system.

[0042] The method may include adjusting control of at least one function of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generation system based on the location of the aerosol generation system determined by the aerosol generation system.

[0043] The method may include the aerosol generating system selecting at least one of a plurality of control functions based on the location data.

[0044] The method may include causing the external computing device to configure the controller to perform the selected control function.

[0045] Thus, advantageously, the method of controlling an aerosol generating system may be adaptable to the local environment in which the aerosol generating system is used. For example, if the aerosol generating system is determined to be located in a high humidity area, or if high humidity is commonplace there, the functions of the aerosol generating system may be adjusted accordingly. If these functions include heating of the aerosol-forming substrate, this may adjust the heating of the aerosol-forming substrate, which, as described above, may minimize the possibility of hot aerosols that might otherwise be delivered to the user. Thus, the same aerosol generating system may be used in different environments with only a minimal change in experience, without the user experiencing different aerosol effects resulting from the location of the aerosol generating system. The aerosol generating system may include an aerosol generating device. Adjusting control of at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating system based on the location of the aerosol generating system may include adjusting control of at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device based on the location of the aerosol generating system.

[0046] The location determination facility may comprise data indicative of the location of the aerosol-generating system or a user interface for a user to input the location of the aerosol-generating system. Determining the location of the aerosol-generating system may include a user inputting the data indicative of the location of the aerosol-generating system or the location of the aerosol-generating system using the interface.

[0047] Determining the location of the aerosol-generating system may include using a Global Positioning System (GPS) chip or any other satellite navigation chip. Determining the location of the aerosol-generating system may include data output from a GPS chip.

[0048] The location determination facility may include a memory that stores data indicative of a location of the external computing device. The location determination facility may include a memory that stores an IP address of the external computing device. Determining the location of the aerosol-generating system may include using the data stored in the memory of the external computing device. Using the data stored in the memory of the external computing device may include using the IP address of the external computing device. In other words, determining the location of the aerosol-generating system may include using the IP address of the external computing device.

[0049] Determining the location of the aerosol-generating system may be based on a combination of two or more of GPS data, IP address data, and / or data input by a user via a user interface. Determining the location of the aerosol-generating system may include verifying that at least one of the GPS data, IP address data, and / or data input by a user via a user interface matches at least one other of the GPS data, IP address data, and / or data input by a user via a user interface.

[0050] Configuring the controller to perform the selected control function may include the external computing device transmitting data derived from the location of the aerosol-generation system to the aerosol-generation device. Configuring the controller to perform the selected control function may include the external computing device transmitting location data or data derived from the location of the aerosol-generation system to the aerosol-generation device.

[0051] The step of configuring the controller to perform the selected control function may include the external computing device wirelessly transmitting location data, or data derived from the location of the aerosol generation system, to the aerosol generation device.

[0052] Data derived from the location data may include firmware for configuring the controller to perform selected control functions.

[0053] The step of the aerosol generating system selecting at least one of the plurality of control functions based on the location data may include the external computing device transmitting firmware to the aerosol generating device.

[0054] The step of the aerosol generating system selecting at least one of the plurality of control functions based on the location data may include the aerosol generating system sending a request to a server and the aerosol generating system receiving firmware from the server to configure the controller to perform the selected control function.

[0055] The aerosol generation system for receiving firmware from a server to configure the controller to perform selected control functions may include the controller receiving firmware from the server to configure the controller to perform selected control functions.

[0056] The aerosol generation system may include a power supply for supplying power to the one or more heating elements, and a controller controls the power supplied from the power supply to the one or more heating elements.

[0057] The aerosol-generating system may include one or more heating elements. Preferably, the aerosol-generating device includes one or more heating elements. Configuring the controller to perform selected control functions may include configuring the controller to control power supplied to the one or more heating elements to heat the aerosol-generating article. The one or more heating elements may include a resistive heating element or an inductive heating element. The one or more hearing elements may be located within and / or around a cavity arranged to receive the aerosol-generating article. The system may include an aerosol-generating article, which may be, for example, a tobacco stick. In another example, the aerosol-generating article may be a cartridge including a liquid reservoir. The aerosol-generating article may include an aerosol-forming substrate including nicotine.

[0058] Each of the plurality of control functions may be a predetermined heating profile. The predetermined heating profile may be defined by one or more parameters, such as temperature, resistance, conductance, voltage, and / or current. The one or more parameters, such as temperature, resistance, conductance, voltage, and / or current, may be applied during one or more stages of a heating cycle.

[0059] The selected control function may be a predetermined heating profile defined by one or more parameters, such as temperature, resistance, conductance, voltage, and / or current, which may be applied at one or more stages of a heating cycle.

[0060] The power source may be a rechargeable power source. Configuring the controller to perform selected control functions may include configuring the controller to control power provided to the power source during charging.

[0061] Configuring the controller to perform selected control functions may include configuring the controller to control an age verification process.

[0062] The aerosol generation system may include a computer-readable memory, and controlling at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generation system based on the location of the aerosol generation system may include selecting a heating profile from a plurality of heating profiles stored on the computer-readable memory.

[0063] Configuring the controller to perform the selected control function may include selecting a power supply profile from a plurality of power supply profiles stored on the computer readable memory.

[0064] Configuring the controller to perform the selected control function may include selecting an age verification process from a plurality of age verification processes stored on the computer readable memory.

[0065] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may be the aerosol generating device described according to the first or second aspect of the present disclosure. The aerosol generating device may include a controller. The controller may be configured to receive data indicative of (or dependent upon) the location of the aerosol generating device. The controller may be configured to control at least one function of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device. Control of at least one function of the plurality of control functions may be adjusted based on data indicative of (or dependent upon) the location of the aerosol generating device received by the controller. The controller may be configured to select at least one control function of the aerosol generating device from a plurality of control functions for the aerosol generating device based on data indicative of (or dependent upon) the location of the aerosol generating device received by the controller. The controller may be configured to control the aerosol generating device using the selected control function.

[0066] Thus, advantageously, the aerosol generating device may be adaptable to the local environment in which it is used. For example, if it is determined that the aerosol generating device is located in a humid region, or if high humidity is commonplace there, the functions of the aerosol generating system may be adjusted accordingly. If these functions include heating of the aerosol-forming substrate, this may adjust the heating of the aerosol-forming substrate, which, as described above, may minimize the likelihood of hot aerosols that might otherwise be delivered to the user. Thus, the same aerosol generating device may be used in different environments with only minimal changes in experience, without the user experiencing different aerosol effects resulting from the location of the aerosol generating device. The controller may be configured to receive data indicative of (or dependent on) the location of the aerosol generating device from an external computing device configured to communicate with the aerosol generating device.

[0067] The controller may be configured to communicate with an external computing device and to receive data from the external computing device that is indicative of (or dependent upon) the location of the aerosol generation system.

[0068] The controller may be configured to wirelessly communicate with an external computing device. The external computing device may be a personal computing device. The controller may be configured to wirelessly receive data indicative of (or dependent upon) the location of the aerosol-generating device from the external computing device. The data indicative of (or dependent upon) the location of the aerosol-generating system may include firmware including at least one of a plurality of control functions for controlling the aerosol-generating device.

[0069] The aerosol-generating device may comprise device location-determining equipment, which may be configured to transmit data indicative of (or dependent upon) the location of the aerosol-generating device to the controller. Advantageously, if the aerosol-generating device itself comprises device location-determining equipment, an external computing device may not be required to determine the location of the aerosol-generating device.

[0070] The device location determination facility may include a Global Positioning System (GPS) chip or any other satellite navigation chip. The device location determination facility may determine location data based on data output from the GPS chip. The device location determination facility may include a memory that stores data indicative of the location of the device. The data indicative of the location of the device may include an IP address of an external computing device. The device location determination facility may determine the location data from data indicative of the location of the device stored in a memory of the aerosol generating device. The device location determination facility may determine the location data from the IP address of the external computing device. The device location determination facility may include data indicative of the location of the aerosol generating system or a user interface for a user to input the location of the aerosol generating system. The device location determination facility may determine the location data based on location input by the user.

[0071] The device location determination facility may determine the location data based on a combination of two or more of the GPS data, the IP address data, and / or data input by the user via the user interface. The device location determination facility may determine the location data after confirming that at least one of the GPS data, the IP address data, and / or data input by the user via the user interface matches at least one other of the GPS data, the IP address data, and / or data input by the user via the user interface.

[0072] The controller may be configured to receive firmware from a server, the firmware being indicative of (or dependent upon) a location of the aerosol generating device, and the firmware may be for controlling at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device.

[0073] The aerosol generating device may include a power supply for supplying power to the one or more heating elements, and a controller controls the power supplied from the power supply to the one or more heating elements.

[0074] The aerosol-generating device may include one or more heating elements. At least one of the control functions of the aerosol-generating device may include controlling power supplied to the one or more heating elements to heat the aerosol-generating article. The one or more heating elements may include a resistive heating element or an inductive heating element. The one or more hearing elements may be located within and / or around a cavity arranged to receive the aerosol-generating article. The system may include an aerosol-generating article, which may be, for example, a tobacco stick. In another example, the aerosol-generating article may be a cartridge including a liquid reservoir. The aerosol-generating article may include an aerosol-forming substrate containing nicotine.

[0075] Each of the plurality of control functions may be a predetermined heating profile. The predetermined heating profile may be defined by one or more parameters, such as temperature, resistance, conductance, voltage, and / or current. The one or more parameters, such as temperature, resistance, conductance, voltage, and / or current, may be applied during one or more stages of a heating cycle.

[0076] The selected control function may be a predetermined heating profile defined by one or more parameters, such as temperature, resistance, conductance, voltage, and / or current, which may be applied at one or more stages of a heating cycle.

[0077] The power source may be a rechargeable power source, and at least one of the control functions of the aerosol generating device may include controlling power supplied to the power source during charging.

[0078] At least one of the control functions of the aerosol generating device may include controlling an age verification process.

[0079] The aerosol generating device may include a computer-readable memory. At least one of the control functions of the aerosol generating device may include selecting a heating profile from a plurality of heating profiles stored on the computer-readable memory. At least one of the control functions of the aerosol generating device may include selecting a power supply profile from a plurality of power supply profiles stored on the computer-readable memory.

[0080] The power source may be a rechargeable power source. At least one of the plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device may include selecting an age verification process from a plurality of age verification processes stored on the computer readable memory.

[0081] The aerosol generating device may be configured to generate an aerosol comprising nicotine.

[0082] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may be for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol generating device may include at least one sensor configured to determine humidity of the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol generating device may include a controller configured to control at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device based on the humidity of the aerosol-generating article determined by the at least one sensor.

[0083] Advantageously, therefore, the aerosol-generating device adjusts its operation depending on the detected humidity of the aerosol-generating article so that optimal aerosol generation can be achieved by the aerosol-generating device. The humidity detected by the sensor may more accurately reflect the true humidity of the aerosol-generating article compared to using the local humidity of the location of the aerosol-generating device.

[0084] The aerosol-generating device may include a cavity for receiving the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating device may be configured to be coupled to the aerosol-generating article. The at least one sensor may be configured to determine the humidity of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is received in the cavity. The at least one sensor may be configured to determine the humidity of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is coupled to the aerosol-generating device.

[0085] The aerosol generating device may comprise one or more heating elements, which may be configured to heat the aerosol-generating article.

[0086] The aerosol-generating device may include a power source. The controller may be configured to control the supply of power from the power source to the one or more heating elements. The one or more heating elements may include a resistive heating element or an inductive heating element. The one or more hearing elements may be located within and / or around a cavity arranged to receive the aerosol-generating article. The system may include an aerosol-generating article, which may be, for example, a tobacco stick. In another example, the aerosol-generating article may be a cartridge including a liquid reservoir. The aerosol-generating article may include an aerosol-forming substrate including nicotine.

[0087] The aerosol generating device may be connectable to an aerosol-generating article comprising one or more heating elements, and the controller may be configured to control the supply of power from the power source to the one or more heating elements.

[0088] At least one of the control functions of the aerosol generating device may include controlling the supply of power to one or more heating elements, and controlling the supply of power to the heating elements may include controlling a heating profile of the one or more heating elements. Advantageously, heating of the aerosol-generating article by the aerosol generating device is adjusted in response to the detected humidity of the aerosol-generating article. Advantageously, this may minimize or reduce the likelihood of a "hot aerosol" experience for the user.

[0089] The aerosol-generating device may include a computer-readable memory. The controller may be configured to select a heating profile stored in the computer-readable memory based on the humidity of the aerosol-generating article. The controller may be configured to select a heating profile stored in the computer-readable memory from a plurality of heating profiles based on the humidity of the aerosol-generating article.

[0090] At least one of the control functions of the aerosol generating device may include deactivating the supply of power to one or more heating elements. Advantageously, power to one or more heating elements may be deactivated if the humidity in the aerosol-generating article is too high to generate an acceptable aerosol for delivery to the user, e.g., an aerosol that is too hot.

[0091] At least one of the control functions of the aerosol generating device may include displaying a warning to the user. Advantageously, a warning may be displayed to the user if the aerosol-generating article is too humid to generate an acceptable aerosol for delivery to the user, for example, an aerosol that is too hot.

[0092] At least one of the control functions of the aerosol generating device may include displaying to the user a suggestion for at least one user setting of the aerosol generating device. Advantageously, the setting suggestion may be displayed to the user, for example, if the humidity of the aerosol-generating article is too high to generate an acceptable aerosol in a first mode, the device may suggest to the user that they switch the device to a second mode in which an acceptable aerosol may be generated using the device.

[0093] The at least one sensor may comprise at least one acoustic sensor.

[0094] The acoustic sensor may comprise at least one acoustic transceiver configured to emit acoustic waves at at least one frequency and receive acoustic waves at at least one frequency.

[0095] The at least one acoustic sensor may comprise at least one acoustic emitter configured to emit acoustic waves at at least one frequency and at least one acoustic receiver configured to receive acoustic waves at at least one frequency.

[0096] Advantageously, the at least one acoustic sensor may determine the humidity across a cross-section of the aerosol-generating article as the acoustic waves may pass through the aerosol-generating article.

[0097] The at least one acoustic emitter may comprise a first acoustic emitter positioned adjacent to the cavity. The at least one acoustic receiver may comprise a first acoustic receiver positioned adjacent to the cavity.

[0098] The acoustic waves emitted by the first acoustic emitter and received by the first acoustic receiver may propagate through the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is received within the cavity. The acoustic waves emitted by the first acoustic emitter and received by the first acoustic receiver may propagate through the aerosol-generating article when coupled to an aerosol-generating device.

[0099] The cavity may include a proximal end located at the opening of the cavity and a distal end located at an opposite end of the cavity from the proximal end. The cavity may include a heating zone located between the distal end and the proximal end.

[0100] The heating zone may not extend to the distal end. The heating zone may not extend to the proximal end. Advantageously, if the heating zone does not extend to the proximal or distal end, this may protect components at the distal end of the cavity and the user at the proximal end of the cavity from excessive heat. For example, the user's fingers are spaced apart from the heating zone when inserting or withdrawing the aerosol-generating article from the cavity.

[0101] The first acoustic receiver and the first acoustic emitter may be positioned outside the heating zone. Advantageously, in this manner, damage to the first acoustic receiver and the first acoustic emitter due to excessive heating may be minimized. The first acoustic transceiver may be positioned outside the heating zone. Advantageously, in this manner, damage to the first acoustic transceiver due to excessive heating may be minimized.

[0102] The first acoustic receiver and the first acoustic emitter may be positioned on opposite sides of the heating zone relative to each other, such that acoustic waves emitted by the first acoustic emitter and received by the first acoustic receiver propagate through the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is received in the cavity. Advantageously, the acoustic waves emitted by the first acoustic emitter and received by the first acoustic receiver propagate through a portion of the aerosol-generating article configured to be heated. This may be a portion of the aerosol-generating article where humidity of the aerosol-generating article has the greatest effect on aerosol generation. The first acoustic receiver may be positioned at a proximal end of the cavity, and the first acoustic emitter may be positioned at a distal end of the cavity.

[0103] The at least one acoustic emitter may comprise a second acoustic emitter.

[0104] The first acoustic emitter and the second acoustic emitter may be positioned on opposite sides of the heating zone relative to each other.

[0105] A first acoustic emitter may be positioned at a proximal end of the cavity and a second acoustic emitter may be positioned at a distal end of the cavity.

[0106] The first and second acoustic emitters may be positioned such that acoustic waves emitted from the first acoustic emitter may be configured to propagate through a first portion of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is received within the cavity, and acoustic waves emitted from the second acoustic emitter may be configured to propagate through a second portion of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is received within the cavity. Advantageously, the humidity of the aerosol-generating article may be more accurately determined if two portions of the aerosol-generating article are sensed using the first and second acoustic emitters. Also advantageously, as described in more detail below, the classification of the aerosol-generating article may be more accurately determined if the acoustic waves from the first and second acoustic emitters propagate through two different portions of the aerosol-generating article.

[0107] The at least one acoustic receiver may further comprise a second acoustic receiver.

[0108] The first acoustic receiver and the second acoustic receiver may be positioned on opposite sides of the heating zone relative to each other. The first acoustic receiver may be positioned at a distal end of the cavity. The second acoustic receiver may be positioned at a proximal end of the cavity. The first acoustic receiver and the second acoustic receiver may be positioned such that acoustic waves received by the first acoustic receiver may be configured to propagate through a first portion of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is received in the cavity, and acoustic waves received by the second acoustic receiver may be configured to propagate through a second portion of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is received in the cavity.

[0109] The first acoustic receiver and the first acoustic emitter may be positioned on the same side of the heating zone as each other. The first acoustic emitter may be configured to emit acoustic waves that propagate through the heating zone to the distal end of the cavity and then back through the heating zone from the distal end of the cavity to the first acoustic receiver. The first acoustic transceiver may be configured to emit acoustic waves that propagate through the heating zone to the distal end of the cavity and then back through the heating zone from the distal end of the cavity to the first acoustic transceiver. Advantageously, at least one sensor located on only one side of the heating zone may simplify manufacturing, for example, by reducing the space used by the device by the at least one sensor and corresponding controller. Also advantageously, as the acoustic waves propagate through the heating zone to the distal end of the cavity and then back through the heating zone from the distal end of the cavity, they may pass through more aerosol-generating articles, thereby more accurately determining the humidity or classification of the aerosol-generating articles.

[0110] The at least one frequency may include a plurality of different frequencies. Advantageously, using a plurality of different frequencies may more accurately determine the humidity or classification of the aerosol-generating article, since the attenuation experienced by the sound waves may vary depending on the frequency of the sound waves.

[0111] At least one frequency may include an ultrasonic frequency. At least one frequency may include a frequency greater than 20 kilohertz.

[0112] The aerosol-generating device may be configured to receive data that determines or is indicative of (or dependent upon) the location of the aerosol-generating device.

[0113] The controller may be configured to control at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol-generating device based on the location of the aerosol-generating device or data indicative of (or dependent on) the location of the aerosol-generating device. The controller may be configured to control at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol-generating device based on a combination of the location of the aerosol-generating device or data indicative of (or dependent on) the location of the aerosol-generating device and the humidity of the aerosol-generating article. Advantageously, the operation of the aerosol-generating device may be better adapted to both the environment in which the aerosol-generating device is located as well as the humidity of the aerosol-generating article. This may result in a better user experience, for example, when heating the aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol.

[0114] The aerosol-generating device may comprise a device location determination facility, the device location determination facility configured to determine the location of the aerosol-generating device.

[0115] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generation system. The aerosol generation system may comprise an aerosol generation device according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure. The aerosol generation system may comprise an external computing device. The external computing device may be connected to the aerosol generation device. The external computing device may communicate with the aerosol generation device. The aerosol generation device may comprise a controller. The external computing device may comprise system location determination equipment. The system location determination equipment may be configured to output location data indicative of (or dependent upon) the location of the aerosol generation system. Advantageously, the system location determination equipment in the external computing device may determine the location of the aerosol generation system more accurately than the device location determination equipment.

[0116] The external computing device may be configured to transmit location data indicative of (or dependent upon) the location of the aerosol generation system, or the location of the aerosol generation system, to the controller.

[0117] The system location determination facility may include data indicative of the location of the aerosol-generating system or a user interface for a user to input the location of the aerosol-generating system. Advantageously, the data indicative of the location of the aerosol-generating system or the user input of the location of the aerosol-generating system may be more accurate than, for example, using a GPS chip.

[0118] The system location determination equipment may include a Global Positioning System (GPS) chip or any other satellite navigation chip. The system location determination equipment may determine location data based on data output from the GPS chip. Advantageously, using a GPS chip eliminates the need for the aerosol-generating device to have appropriate hardware and a user interface for a user to input data indicating the location of the aerosol-generating system or the location of the aerosol-generating system.

[0119] The system location determination facility may include a memory that stores data indicative of the location of the external computing device. The data indicative of the location of the external computing device may include an IP address of the external computing device. The system location determination facility may determine the location data from data stored in the memory of the external computing device. The system location determination facility may determine the location data from the IP address of the external computing device. Advantageously, using a stored IP address eliminates the need for the aerosol generating device to have appropriate hardware and a user interface for a user to input data indicative of the location of the aerosol generating system or the location of the aerosol generating system.

[0120] The system location determination facility may determine location data based on a combination of two or more of GPS data, IP address data, and / or user data input via a user interface. The system location determination facility may determine location data after verifying that at least one of the GPS data, IP address data, and / or user data input via a user interface matches at least one other of the GPS data, IP address data, and / or user data input via a user interface. Advantageously, such a system may minimize the possibility of an erroneous determination of the location of the aerosol-generating system if one of the GPS data, IP address data, and / or user data input is incorrect.

[0121] The data indicative of (or dependent upon) the location of the aerosol-generating system may include humidity in the area of ​​the aerosol-generating system's location. The humidity in the area of ​​the aerosol-generating system's location may be ambient humidity determined by the external computing device using humidity data from a weather server. The humidity in the area of ​​the aerosol-generating system's location may be predicted humidity determined by the external computing device using one or more of the aerosol-generating system's location, time of day, or season. The controller may be configured to control at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol-generating device based on a combination of the humidity of the aerosol-generating article determined by the at least one sensor and the humidity in the area of ​​the aerosol-generating system's location. Advantageously, the humidity in the area of ​​the aerosol-generating system's location may provide an indication as to the likely humidity of the aerosol-generating article.

[0122] The controller may be configured to control at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device after comparing the humidity of the aerosol generating article determined by the at least one sensor to the humidity of the area where the aerosol generating system is located.

[0123] Data indicative of (or dependent upon) the location of the aerosol-generating system may include the temperature of the region of the location of the aerosol-generating system.

[0124] The controller may be configured to control at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device based on a combination of the humidity of the aerosol-generating article determined by the at least one sensor and the temperature of the region where the aerosol-generating system is located. Advantageously, the temperature of the region where the aerosol-generating system is located may provide an indication as to the likely characteristics of the aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating article, such that at least one of the plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device may be controlled accordingly.

[0125] The controller may be configured to control at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device based on a combination of the humidity of the aerosol-generating article determined by at least one sensor, the humidity of the area where the aerosol generating system is located, and the temperature of the area where the aerosol generating system is located.

[0126] The at least one sensor may be configured to determine a classification of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is coupled to the aerosol-generating device, and the controller may be configured to control at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol-generating device based on the classification of the aerosol-generating article.

[0127] Because different classes of aerosol-generating articles can be coupled to and used with an aerosol-generating device, each different class of aerosol-generating article may have different optimum requirements for generating an aerosol, for example, a first class of aerosol-generating article may need to be heated to a higher temperature than a second class of aerosol-generating article to generate the desired aerosol.

[0128] The at least one sensor may comprise a classification sensor. The classification sensor may be an optical sensor. Advantageously, a separate classification sensor may more accurately determine the classification of the aerosol-generating article compared to the at least one acoustic sensor.

[0129] When the aerosol-generating article is coupled to an aerosol-generating device, the classification of the aerosol-generating article may be determined by a first acoustic receiver and a first acoustic emitter. When the aerosol-generating article is coupled to an aerosol-generating device, the classification of the aerosol-generating article may be determined by a first acoustic receiver and a second acoustic emitter. Advantageously, the classification of the aerosol-generating article when determined by at least one sensor means that no additional classification sensor may be required. When the aerosol-generating article is coupled to an aerosol-generating device, the classification of the aerosol-generating article may be determined by a first acoustic emitter and a second acoustic receiver. When the aerosol-generating article is coupled to an aerosol-generating device, the classification of the aerosol-generating article may be determined by a second acoustic emitter and a second acoustic receiver.

[0130] The controller may be configured to control at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device based on a combination of the classification of the aerosol-generating article and the humidity of the aerosol-generating article. Advantageously, because both the classification of the aerosol-generating article and the humidity of the aerosol-generating article may affect the same variable, e.g., the optimal temperature for aerosol generation, the function associated with this variable, e.g., the heating profile, may be more accurately controlled by the controller.

[0131] The controller may be configured to control at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol-generating device based on a combination of the location of the aerosol-generating device or data indicative of (or dependent upon) the location of the aerosol-generating device and a classification of the aerosol-generating article. The controller may be configured to control at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol-generating device based on a combination of the location of the aerosol-generating device or data indicative of (or dependent upon) the location of the aerosol-generating device, a classification of the aerosol-generating article, and humidity of the aerosol-generating article.

[0132] The aerosol-generating device may include a computer-readable memory, and the controller may be configured to determine the classification of the aerosol-generating article by comparing data from the at least one sensor with classification data stored in the computer-readable memory.

[0133] The computer-readable memory may include a plurality of heating profiles. Each heating profile of the plurality of heating profiles may be associated with a classification of aerosol-generating articles of a plurality of classifications and a humidity range of aerosol-generating articles of a plurality of humidity ranges. The controller may be configured to select a selected heating profile from the plurality of heating profiles in response to the humidity of the aerosol-generating article and the classification of the aerosol-generating article determined by the at least one sensor. The controller may be configured to control the supply of power to one or more heating elements based on the selected heating profile. The one or more heating elements may comprise a resistive heating element or an inductive heating element. The one or more hearing elements may be located within and / or around a cavity arranged to receive the aerosol-generating article. The system may include an aerosol-generating article, which may be, for example, a tobacco stick. In another example, the aerosol-generating article may be a cartridge comprising a liquid reservoir. The aerosol-generating article may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate containing nicotine.

[0134] The controller may be configured to select a selected heating profile from a plurality of heating profiles depending on a combination of the humidity of the area where the aerosol-generating system is located and the humidity of the aerosol-generating article, and the classification of the aerosol-generating article determined by at least one sensor.

[0135] The controller may be configured to control at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device based on a combination of the humidity of the aerosol-generating article determined by the at least one sensor, the humidity of the area where the aerosol generating system is located, and the classification of the aerosol-generating article determined by the at least one sensor.

[0136] The controller may be configured to control at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device based on a combination of the humidity of the aerosol-generating article determined by the at least one sensor, the humidity of the area where the aerosol generating system is located, the classification of the aerosol-generating article determined by the at least one sensor, and the temperature of the area where the aerosol generating system is located.

[0137] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of operation for an aerosol generating system. The aerosol generating system may be the aerosol generating system according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure. The aerosol generating system may comprise an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol generating device may be configured to be coupled to the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol generating device may comprise a controller configured to control at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol-generating device. The aerosol generating device may comprise at least one sensor for determining humidity of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is coupled to the aerosol-generating device.

[0138] The method may include determining the humidity of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is coupled to the aerosol-generating device, and controlling at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol-generating device based on the humidity of the aerosol-generating article.

[0139] The aerosol-generating device may include an acoustic sensor. The humidity of the aerosol-generating article may be determined by acoustic sensing.

[0140] The aerosol-generating device may comprise one or more heating elements. The one or more heating elements may comprise a resistive heating element or an inductive heating element. The one or more hearing elements may be located within and / or around a cavity arranged to receive the aerosol-generating article. The system may comprise an aerosol-generating article, which may be, for example, a tobacco stick. In another example, the aerosol-generating article may be a cartridge comprising a liquid reservoir. The aerosol-generating article may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate comprising nicotine. The one or more heating elements may be configured to heat the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is coupled to the aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a power source. The controller may be configured to control the supply of power from the power source to the one or more heating elements.

[0141] At least one of the control functions of the aerosol generating device may include controlling the supply of power to one or more heating elements, and controlling the power to the heating elements may include controlling a heating profile of the one or more heating elements.

[0142] The aerosol-generating device may comprise a computer-readable memory. The method may further comprise selecting a heating profile stored in the computer-readable memory based on the humidity of the aerosol-generating article.

[0143] At least one of the plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device may include cutting off the supply of power to one or more heating elements. At least one of the plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device may include displaying a warning to a user. At least one of the plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device may include displaying a suggestion to a user regarding at least one user setting of the aerosol generating device.

[0144] The method may include determining a classification of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is coupled to the aerosol-generating device, and controlling at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol-generating device based on the classification of the aerosol-generating article.

[0145] The method may include controlling at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device based on a combination of the classification of the aerosol-generating article and the humidity.

[0146] The aerosol-generating device may include a computer-readable memory. Determining the classification may include comparing data from the at least one sensor with classification data stored in the computer-readable memory. The method may further include the aerosol-generating device determining the location of the aerosol-generating system or receiving data indicative of (or dependent upon) the location of the aerosol-generating system.

[0147] The method may further include controlling at least one function of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device based on the location of the aerosol generating system or data indicative of (or dependent on) the location of the aerosol generating system.

[0148] The method may further include a step in which the aerosol generating device communicates with an external computing device, and the external computing device transmits data indicative of (or dependent upon) the location of the aerosol generating system, or the location of the aerosol generating system, to the aerosol generating device.

[0149] The step of the aerosol generating device determining the location of the aerosol generating system or receiving data indicative of (or dependent upon) the location of the aerosol generating system may include a step of the user inputting the location of the aerosol generating system.

[0150] The step of the aerosol-generating device determining the location of the aerosol-generating system or receiving data indicative of (or dependent upon) the location of the aerosol-generating system may include using a global positioning system (GPS) chip or any other satellite navigation chip. The step of the aerosol-generating device determining the location of the aerosol-generating system or receiving data indicative of (or dependent upon) the location of the aerosol-generating system may include using data output from a global positioning system (GPS) chip.

[0151] The aerosol-generating system may include a memory that stores data indicative of (or dependent upon) the location of the aerosol-generating system. The aerosol-generating device determining the location of the aerosol-generating system or receiving data indicative of (or dependent upon) the location of the aerosol-generating system may include using data indicative of (or dependent upon) the location of the aerosol-generating system stored in memory. The data indicative of (or dependent upon) the location of the aerosol-generating system may include an IP address of an external computing device. The aerosol-generating device determining the location of the aerosol-generating system or receiving data indicative of (or dependent upon) the location of the aerosol-generating system may include using an IP address of the external computing device.

[0152] The aerosol generating device determining the location of the aerosol generating system or receiving data indicative of (or dependent upon) the location of the aerosol generating system may include using two or more of GPS data, IP address data, and / or data input by a user via a user interface. The aerosol generating device determining the location of the aerosol generating system or receiving data indicative of (or dependent upon) the location of the aerosol generating system may include verifying that at least one of the GPS data, IP address data, and / or data input by a user via a user interface matches at least one other of the GPS data, IP address data, and / or data input by a user via a user interface. Advantageously, such a system may minimize the possibility of an erroneous determination of the location of the aerosol generating system if one of the GPS data, IP address data, and / or data input by a user is incorrect.

[0153] Data indicative of (or dependent upon) the location of the aerosol-generating system may include the humidity in the region of the location of the aerosol-generating system.

[0154] The method may include controlling at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol-generating device based on a combination of the humidity of the aerosol-generating article determined by at least one sensor and the location of the aerosol-generating system or data indicative of (or dependent on) the location of the aerosol-generating system.The method may include controlling at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol-generating device based on a combination of the humidity of the aerosol-generating article determined by at least one sensor and the humidity of the area where the aerosol-generating system is located.The method may include controlling at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol-generating device after comparing the humidity of the aerosol-generating article determined by at least one sensor with the humidity of the area where the aerosol-generating system is located.

[0155] The data indicative of (or dependent upon) the location of the aerosol-generating system may include a temperature in the area of ​​the location of the aerosol-generating system. The method may include controlling at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol-generating device based on a combination of the humidity of the aerosol-generating article determined by the at least one sensor and the temperature in the area of ​​the location of the aerosol-generating system.

[0156] The method may include controlling at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device based on a combination of the humidity of the aerosol-generating article determined by at least one sensor, the humidity of the area where the aerosol generating system is located, and the temperature of the area where the aerosol generating system is located.

[0157] The aerosol-generating system may include a computer-readable memory. The computer-readable memory may include a plurality of heating profiles. Each of the plurality of heating profiles may be associated with a classification of aerosol-generating articles from a plurality of classifications and a humidity range of aerosol-generating articles from a plurality of humidity ranges. The method may include selecting a selected heating profile from the plurality of heating profiles in response to the humidity of the aerosol-generating article and the classification of the aerosol-generating article determined by the at least one sensor. The method may include controlling the supply of power supplied to one or more heating elements based on the selected heating profile.

[0158] The method may include selecting a selected heating profile from a plurality of heating profiles in response to a combination of the humidity of the area where the aerosol-generating system is located and the humidity of the aerosol-generating article, and a classification of the aerosol-generating article determined by at least one sensor.

[0159] The method may include controlling at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol-generating device based on a combination of the humidity of the aerosol-generating article determined by at least one sensor, the location of the aerosol-generating system or data indicative of (or dependent on) the location of the aerosol-generating system, and a classification of the aerosol-generating article determined by at least one sensor. For example, the method may include controlling at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol-generating device based on a combination of the humidity of the aerosol-generating article determined by at least one sensor, the humidity of the region where the aerosol-generating system is located, and a classification of the aerosol-generating article determined by at least one sensor. The method may include controlling at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol-generating device based on a combination of the humidity of the aerosol-generating article determined by at least one sensor, the humidity of the region where the aerosol-generating system is located, the classification of the aerosol-generating article determined by at least one sensor, and a temperature of the region where the aerosol-generating system is located.

[0160] According to any preceding aspect, the aerosol-forming article may be in the form of an aerosol-forming rod. By way of example, the aerosol-forming rod may comprise a sheet of homogenized tobacco material assembled to form a rod extending along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming article. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming rod may comprise cut filler obtained by cutting tobacco leaf material, or reconstituted or homogenized tobacco material.

[0161] The aerosol-forming substrate preferably comprises one or more aerosol formers. Upon volatilization, the aerosol formers can carry in the aerosol other vaporized compounds, such as nicotine and flavorants, that are released from the first aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. Aerosol formers suitable for inclusion in the aerosol-generating substrate are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, polyhydric alcohols (such as triethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerol), esters of polyhydric alcohols (such as glycerol mono-, di-, or triacetate), and aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids (such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate). The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of about 5 to about 30 percent by weight on a dry weight basis. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate has an aerosol former content of at least about 10 percent by weight on a dry weight basis, and more preferably at least about 15 percent by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate preferably has an aerosol-former content of about 25 weight percent or less on a dry weight basis, more preferably about 20 weight percent or less on a dry weight basis. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate has an aerosol-former content of 5 to 25 weight percent on a dry weight basis, preferably 10 to 25 weight percent on a dry weight basis, more preferably 15 to 25 weight percent on a dry weight basis. In other embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate has an aerosol-former content of 5 to 20 weight percent on a dry weight basis, preferably 10 to 20 weight percent on a dry weight basis, more preferably 15 to 20 weight percent on a dry weight basis. These relatively high levels of aerosol-former are particularly suitable for aerosol-forming substrates intended to be heated to temperatures below 275 degrees Celsius.

[0162] According to any preceding aspect, the aerosol-generating system or device may be an inductively heated aerosol-generating system or device. That is, the one or more heating elements may comprise one or more inductor elements adapted to generate a varying electromagnetic field within the cavity. The aerosol-forming article may comprise a susceptor element embedded within the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0163] Also, according to any preceding aspect, the aerosol-generating system or device may be a resistively heated aerosol-generating system or device. The one or more heating elements may comprise one or more resistive heating elements disposed at or around the periphery of the cavity. The one or more resistive heating elements may be disposed in a location that faces the aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol-forming article is coupled to the aerosol-generating device.

[0164] Also according to any preceding aspect, the aerosol generating device may be a handheld aerosol generating device. Also according to any preceding aspect, the battery may be a lithium-based battery, such as a lithium-cobalt battery, a lithium iron phosphate battery, a lithium titanate battery, or a lithium polymer battery. The battery may be a nickel-metal hydride battery or a nickel-cadmium battery. The power source may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor.

[0165] As used herein, the term "category" may refer to a classification of aerosol-generating articles. Different categories of aerosol-generating articles may be distinguished or classified based on their structural differences. These structural differences may include, but are not limited to, size, shape, weight, density, type of aerosol-forming substrate, and tobacco volume.

[0166] As used herein, the term "humidity" may refer to the concentration of water vapor present in the air, particularly when used to describe a local environment. When referring to the humidity of an aerosol-forming substrate or an aerosol-forming article, the term "humidity" may refer to the water concentration, water content by weight, or water content by volume of the aerosol-forming substrate or the aerosol-forming article. For example, an aerosol-forming substrate with high humidity may have a high water content by weight.

[0167] As used herein, the term "ultrasound" may refer to high frequency sound. Ultrasound may be defined as sound having a frequency greater than 10, 20, 30, or 50 kilohertz.

[0168] As used herein, the term "heated zone" may refer to a portion of a cavity configured to receive an aerosol-generating article that is heated to an aerosol-generating temperature such that an aerosol may be generated from the aerosol-generating article. For example, the heated zone may be heated to at least 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, or 300 degrees Celsius.

[0169] As used herein, the term "heating element" refers to an element of a heater assembly that is configured to be heated. For example, the term "heating element" may refer to an element that is configured to be heated to at least 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, or 300 degrees Celsius for at least a portion of the element.

[0170] As used herein, the term "coupled or coupleable" is used to mean that the aerosol-generating article and the aerosol-generating device can be coupled to and uncoupled from each other without significant damage to either the device or the article.

[0171] As used herein with respect to the present invention, the term "aerosol" is used to describe a dispersion of solid particles, or liquid droplets, or a combination of solid particles and liquid droplets in a gas. An aerosol may be visible or invisible. An aerosol may include not only vapor of a substance that is normally a liquid or solid at room temperature, but also solid particles or liquid droplets, or a combination of solid particles and liquid droplets.

[0172] As used herein, the term "firmware" is used to describe computer code configured to control a device. Although "firmware" should be used throughout this disclosure, "software" may equally be used to describe such code, and the terms "firmware" and "software" may be considered interchangeable for purposes of this disclosure.

[0173] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating system" means a system that generates an aerosol from one or more aerosol-forming substrates.

[0174] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" means a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that may form an aerosol. Such volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0175] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, below is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features described above, for example, with any one or more features of other examples, embodiments, or aspects described herein.

[0176] Example 1. An aerosol generating system comprising: a location determination facility configured to determine the location of the aerosol-generating system; and An aerosol generation system comprising: a controller configured to control a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generation system, wherein the aerosol generation system is configured to adjust control of at least one of the plurality of control functions based on the location of the aerosol generation system determined by the location determination equipment.

[0177] Example 2. An aerosol generation system according to Example 1, wherein the aerosol generation system comprises an aerosol generation device, and the plurality of control functions of the aerosol generation system are the plurality of control functions of the aerosol generation device.

[0178] Example 3. An aerosol generation system according to Example 2, wherein the aerosol generation system comprises an external computing device, the external computing device comprising location determination equipment configured to output location data indicative of the location of the aerosol generation system.

[0179] Example 4. An aerosol generating system comprising: an aerosol generating device; and an external computing device separate from the aerosol generating device; the external computing device comprising location determination equipment configured to output location data indicative of the location of the aerosol-generating system; the aerosol generating device comprises a controller configurable to perform a plurality of control functions for controlling the aerosol generating device; the aerosol generation system is configured to select at least one of a plurality of control functions based on the location data; An aerosol generation system, wherein an external computing device is configured to configure the controller to perform selected control functions.

[0180] Example 5. An aerosol generating system according to Example 3 or 4, wherein the external computing device is a personal computing device (e.g., a smartphone).

[0181] Example 6. An aerosol generation system according to Examples 3, 4, or 5, wherein the external computing device is configured to communicate with the aerosol generation device using the communication interface.

[0182] Example 7. An aerosol generation system according to Example 6, wherein the communication interface is a wireless communication interface (e.g., Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi).

[0183] Example 8. An aerosol generation system according to Example 6 or 7, wherein the communication interface is a wired communication interface (e.g., a USB connection).

[0184] Example 9. An aerosol generation system according to any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the plurality of control functions is a set of predefined control functions.

[0185] Example 10. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 3 to 9, wherein the external computing device is configured to transmit location data or data derived from the location data to the controller.

[0186] Example 11. An aerosol generation system according to any one of Examples 3 to 10, wherein the external computing device is configured to wirelessly transmit the location data or data derived from the location data to the controller.

[0187] Example 12. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 10-11, wherein the data derived from the location data includes firmware including at least one function of a plurality of control functions for controlling the aerosol generating device.

[0188] Example 13. An aerosol generating system according to any preceding claim, wherein the location determining equipment comprises a Global Positioning System (GPS) chip.

[0189] Example 14. An aerosol generating system according to example 13, wherein the location determining equipment determines the location data based on data output from a GPS chip.

[0190] Example 15. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 3 to 14, wherein the external computing device comprises a memory that stores data indicative of the location of the external computing device.

[0191] Example 16. An aerosol generating system according to Example 15, wherein the memory stores the IP address of the external computing device.

[0192] Example 17. An aerosol generating system according to example 15 or 16, wherein the location determination equipment determines the location data from data stored in a memory of an external computing device.

[0193] Example 18. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 17, wherein the location determination equipment comprises data indicative of the location of the aerosol generating system or a user interface for a user to input the location of the aerosol generating system.

[0194] Example 19. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 18, wherein the location determination equipment determines location data based on location input by a user.

[0195] Example 20. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 19, wherein the location determination equipment determines location data based on a combination of two or more of GPS data, IP address data, and / or data input by a user via a user interface.

[0196] Example 21. An aerosol generating system according to Example 20, wherein the location determination equipment determines location data after verifying that at least one of the GPS data, IP address data, and / or data input by a user via a user interface matches at least one other of the GPS data, IP address data, and / or data input by a user via a user interface.

[0197] Example 22. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 3 to 21, wherein selecting at least one of the plurality of control functions based on the location data includes an external computing device that selects a firmware version based on the location data.

[0198] Example 23. An aerosol generating system according to Example 22, wherein the external computing device configured to configure the controller to perform a selected control function comprises an external computing device configured to select a firmware version from a plurality of firmware versions available on the server.

[0199] Example 24. An aerosol generating system according to Example 23, comprising an external computing device configured to send a request to the server, the external computing device configured to select a firmware version from a plurality of firmware versions available in the server, and an external computing device configured to receive firmware from the server to control the aerosol generating device.

[0200] Example 25. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 22 to 24, wherein the external computing device configured to configure the controller to perform selected control functions comprises an external computing device configured to load selected firmware onto the aerosol generating device.

[0201] Example 26. An aerosol generation system according to Example 25, wherein the external computing device configured to load selected firmware onto the aerosol generation device comprises an external computing device configured to load selected firmware onto the controller.

[0202] Example 27. An aerosol generation system according to any one of Examples 3 to 26, wherein the aerosol generation system configured to select at least one of a plurality of control functions based on location data comprises an external computing device or an aerosol generation device configured to select one or more functions from a plurality of functions each associated with a location.

[0203] Example 28. An aerosol generating system according to example 27, wherein each selected function is associated with a location corresponding to the location data.

[0204] Example 29. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 4 to 28, wherein the plurality of control functions for controlling the aerosol generating device comprises at least one function for controlling an age verification process.

[0205] Example 30. An aerosol generation system according to Example 30 or 31, wherein the power source is a rechargeable power source and at least one of the control functions of the aerosol generation system includes controlling the power supplied to the power source during charging.

[0206] Example 31. An aerosol-generating system according to any of Examples 1 to 30, wherein the aerosol-generating system comprises one or more heating elements.

[0207] Example 32. An aerosol generation system according to Example 31, wherein the aerosol generation system comprises a power supply for supplying power to one or more heating elements, and the controller controls the power supplied from the power supply to the one or more heating elements.

[0208] Example 33. An aerosol generating system according to Example 32, wherein at least one of the plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating system includes controlling the power supplied to one or more heating elements to heat the aerosol generating article.

[0209] Example 34. An aerosol generating system according to any of Examples 31 to 33, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises one or more heating elements.

[0210] Example 35. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 31 to 34, wherein each of the plurality of control functions is a predetermined heating profile.

[0211] Example 36. An aerosol generating system according to Example 35, wherein the predetermined heating profile is defined by one or more parameters such as temperature, resistance, conductance, voltage, and / or current applied at one or more stages in a heating cycle.

[0212] Example 37. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 31 to 36, wherein a selected control function of the plurality of control functions is a predetermined heating profile.

[0213] Example 38. An aerosol generating system according to Example 37, wherein the predetermined heating profile is defined by one or more parameters such as temperature, resistance, conductance, voltage, and / or current applied at one or more stages in the heating cycle.

[0214] Example 39. An aerosol generation system according to any one of Examples 1 to 38, wherein the aerosol generation system comprises a computer-readable memory.

[0215] Example 40. An aerosol generation system according to Example 39, wherein the aerosol generation system configured to select at least one of a plurality of control functions based on location data comprises an aerosol generation system configured to select a heating profile from a plurality of heating profiles stored on a computer-readable memory.

[0216] Example 41. An aerosol generation system according to Example 39 or Example 40, wherein the aerosol generation system configured to select at least one of a plurality of control functions based on location data comprises an aerosol generation system configured to select a power supply profile from a plurality of power supply profiles stored on a computer-readable memory.

[0217] Example 42: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 39 to 41, wherein the aerosol generating system configured to select at least one of a plurality of control functions based on location data comprises an aerosol generating system configured to select age verification from a plurality of age verifications stored on a computer-readable memory.

[0218] Example 43. An aerosol generation system according to any one of Examples 1 to 42, wherein the aerosol generation system is configured to generate an aerosol comprising nicotine.

[0219] Example 44. An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 43, further comprising an aerosol-generating article.

[0220] Example 45. An aerosol-generating system according to Example 44, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises an aerosol-generating substrate containing nicotine.

[0221] Example 46. A method of controlling an aerosol generating system, comprising: determining the location of the aerosol generating system; and adjusting control of at least one function of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generation system based on the location of the aerosol generation system determined by the aerosol generation system.

[0222] Example 47. A method of controlling an aerosol generation system according to Example 46, wherein the aerosol generation system comprises an aerosol generation device, and wherein the step of adjusting control of at least one function of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generation system based on the location of the aerosol generation system includes adjusting control of at least one function of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generation device based on the location of the aerosol generation system. Example 47A. A method for controlling an aerosol generation system according to Example 47, wherein the aerosol generation system comprises an external computing device separate from the aerosol generation device, the external computing device comprising location determination equipment configured to output location data indicative of the location of the aerosol generation system, and the aerosol generation device comprises a controller configurable to perform a plurality of control functions for controlling the aerosol generation device.

[0223] Example 48. A method of controlling an aerosol generation system, the aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generation device and an external computing device separate from the aerosol generation device, the external computing device comprising location determination equipment configured to output location data indicative of a location of the aerosol generation system, and the aerosol generation device comprising a controller configurable to perform a plurality of control functions for controlling the aerosol generation device, the method comprising: an external computing device determining a location of the aerosol generation system; outputting location data indicating the location of the aerosol generating system by the external computing device; the aerosol generating system selecting at least one of a plurality of control functions based on the location data; and causing the external computing device to configure the controller to perform the selected control function.

[0224] Example 49. A method for controlling an aerosol generation system according to Example 47A or 48, wherein the external computing device is configured to communicate with the aerosol generation device using the communication interface.

[0225] Example 50. A method for controlling an aerosol generating system according to Example 49, wherein the location determination equipment comprises a user interface for a user to input data indicative of the location of the aerosol generating system or the location of the aerosol generating system, and the step of determining the location of the aerosol generating system further comprises a user inputting data indicative of the location of the aerosol generating system or the location of the aerosol generating system using the interface.

[0226] Example 51. A method of controlling an aerosol generating system according to Example 49 or 50, wherein the location determination equipment includes a global positioning system (GPS) chip.

[0227] Example 52. A method of controlling an aerosol generating system according to Example 51, wherein the location determination equipment determines location data based on data output from a GPS chip.

[0228] Example 53. A method for controlling an aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 49 to 52, wherein the location determination equipment comprises a memory for storing data indicative of the location of the external computing device, and preferably the memory stores the IP address of the external computing device.

[0229] Example 54. A method of controlling an aerosol generating system according to Example 53, wherein the location determination equipment determines location data from data stored in the memory of an external computing device.

[0230] Example 55. A method for controlling an aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 48 to 54, wherein the location determination equipment determines location data based on a combination of two or more of GPS data, IP address data, and / or data input by a user via a user interface.

[0231] Example 56. A method of controlling an aerosol generating system according to Example 55, wherein the location determination equipment determines location data after confirming that at least one of GPS data, IP address data, and / or data input by a user via a user interface matches at least one other of GPS data, IP address data, and / or data input by a user via a user interface.

[0232] Example 57. A method for controlling an aerosol generation system according to any one of Examples 47A to 56, wherein an external computing device is configured to communicate with the aerosol generation device using a communication interface.

[0233] Example 58. A method for controlling an aerosol generating system according to Example 57, wherein the external computing device is a personal computing device.

[0234] Example 59. A method for controlling an aerosol generating system according to Example 57 or 58, wherein the communication interface is a wireless communication interface.

[0235] Example 60. A method for controlling an aerosol generating system described in Example 57 or 59, wherein the communication interface is a wired communication interface.

[0236] Example 61. A method of controlling an aerosol generation system according to any one of Examples 46 to 60, wherein the plurality of control functions is a set of predefined control functions.

[0237] Example 62. A method of controlling an aerosol generation system according to any one of Examples 47A to 61, wherein the step of configuring the controller to perform the selected control function includes an external computing device transmitting location data, or data derived from the location of the aerosol generation system, to the aerosol generation device.

[0238] Example 63. A method of controlling an aerosol generation system according to any one of Examples 47A to 62, wherein the step of configuring the controller to perform selected control functions includes an external computing device wirelessly transmitting location data, or data derived from the location of the aerosol generation system, to the aerosol generation device.

[0239] Example 64. A method of controlling an aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 62-63, wherein data derived from the location data includes firmware for configuring the controller to perform selected control functions.

[0240] Example 65. A method of controlling an aerosol generating system according to Example 64, wherein the step of the aerosol generating system selecting at least one of a plurality of control functions based on location data includes an external computing device transmitting firmware to the aerosol generating device.

[0241] Example 66. A method of controlling an aerosol generating system according to either claim 64 or 65, wherein the step of the aerosol generating system selecting at least one of the plurality of control functions based on the location data includes the aerosol generating system sending a request to a server and the aerosol generating system receiving firmware from the server to configure the controller to perform the selected control function.

[0242] Example 67. A method of controlling an aerosol generation system according to Example 66, comprising the controller receiving firmware from a server to configure the controller to perform selected control functions, the aerosol generation system receiving firmware from a server to configure the controller to perform selected control functions.

[0243] Example 68. A method for controlling an aerosol generation system according to any of Examples 46 to 67, wherein the aerosol generation system includes a power supply for supplying power to one or more heating elements, and the controller controls the power supplied from the power supply to the one or more heating elements.

[0244] Example 69. A method of controlling an aerosol generation system according to Example 68, wherein the aerosol generation system comprises one or more heating elements.

[0245] Example 70. A method of controlling an aerosol generation system according to Example 68, wherein the aerosol generation device comprises one or more heating elements.

[0246] Example 71. A method for controlling an aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 68 to 70, wherein the step of configuring the controller to perform selected control functions includes configuring the controller to control power supplied to one or more heating elements to heat the aerosol generating article.

[0247] Example 72. A method of controlling an aerosol generation system according to any one of Examples 68 to 71, wherein each of the plurality of control functions is a predetermined heating profile.

[0248] Example 73. A method of controlling an aerosol generation system according to Example 72, wherein the predetermined heating profile is defined by one or more parameters such as temperature, resistance, conductance, voltage, and / or current applied at one or more stages in a heating cycle.

[0249] Example 74. A method of controlling an aerosol generation system according to any one of Examples 70 to 73, wherein a selected control function of the plurality of control functions is a predetermined heating profile.

[0250] Example 75. A method of controlling an aerosol generation system according to Example 74, wherein the predetermined heating profile is defined by one or more parameters such as temperature, resistance, conductance, voltage, and / or current applied at one or more stages in a heating cycle.

[0251] Example 76. A method of controlling an aerosol generation system according to any of Examples 46 to 75, wherein the power source is a rechargeable power source and the step of configuring the controller to perform the selected control function includes configuring the controller to control the power supplied to the power source during charging.

[0252] Example 77. A method of controlling an aerosol generating system according to any of Examples 46-76, wherein the step of configuring the controller to perform selected control functions includes configuring the controller to control an age verification process.

[0253] Example 78. A method for controlling an aerosol generation system according to any one of Examples 46 to 77, wherein the aerosol generation system comprises a computer-readable memory.

[0254] Example 79. A method of controlling an aerosol generation system according to Example 78, wherein the step of controlling at least one function of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generation system based on the location of the aerosol generation system includes selecting a heating profile from a plurality of heating profiles stored on a computer-readable memory.

[0255] Example 80. A method of controlling an aerosol generating system according to Example 78 or 79, wherein the step of configuring the controller to perform the selected control function comprises selecting a power supply profile from a plurality of power supply profiles stored on a computer-readable memory.

[0256] Example 81. A method of controlling an aerosol generating system according to any of Examples 78-80, wherein the step of configuring the controller to perform the selected control function includes selecting an age verification process from a plurality of age verification processes stored on a computer-readable memory.

[0257] Example 82. An aerosol generating device, a controller configured to receive data indicative of a location of the aerosol generating device; An aerosol generating device, wherein the controller is configured to control at least one function of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device, and the control of the at least one function of the plurality of control functions depends on data indicative of the location of the aerosol generating device received by the controller.

[0258] Example 83. An aerosol generating device, a controller configured to receive data indicative of a location of the aerosol generating device; the controller is configured to select at least one control function of the aerosol generation device from a plurality of control functions for the aerosol generation device based on data indicative of the location of the aerosol generation device received by the controller; and An aerosol generating device, wherein the controller is configured to control the aerosol generating device using selected control functions.

[0259] Example 84. An aerosol generating device according to example 82 or 83, wherein the controller is configured to receive data indicative of the location of the aerosol generating device from an external computing device configured to communicate with the aerosol generating device.

[0260] Example 85. An aerosol generating device according to Example 84, wherein the controller is configured to communicate with an external computing device, and the controller is configured to receive data indicative of the location of the aerosol generating system from the external computing device.

[0261] Example 86. An aerosol generating device according to Example 85, wherein the controller is configured to wirelessly communicate with an external computing device (e.g., a personal computing device), and the controller is configured to wirelessly receive data indicating the location of the aerosol generating device from the external computing device.

[0262] Example 87. An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples 82 to 86, wherein the data indicating the location of the aerosol generating system includes firmware including at least one function of a plurality of control functions for controlling the aerosol generating device.

[0263] Example 88. An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples 82 to 87, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a device location determination facility, and the device location determination facility is configured to transmit data indicating the location of the aerosol generating device to the controller.

[0264] Example 89. An aerosol generating device according to Example 88, wherein the device location determination equipment includes a global positioning system (GPS) chip.

[0265] Example 90. An aerosol generating device according to Example 89, wherein the device location determination equipment determines location data based on data output from a GPS chip.

[0266] Example 91. An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples 88 to 90, wherein the device location determination facility comprises a memory for storing data indicative of the location of the device.

[0267] Example 92. An aerosol generating device according to Example 91, wherein the data indicative of the location of the device includes an IP address of an external computing device.

[0268] Example 93. An aerosol generating device according to example 91 or 92, wherein the device location determination facility determines location data from data indicative of the location of the device stored in the memory of the aerosol generating device.

[0269] Example 94. An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples 88 to 93, wherein the device location determination equipment comprises data indicating the location of the aerosol generating system or a user interface for a user to input the location of the aerosol generating system, and preferably the location determination equipment determines the location data based on the location input by the user.

[0270] Example 95. An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples 88 to 94, wherein the device location determination equipment determines location data based on a combination of two or more of GPS data, IP address data, and / or data input by a user via a user interface.

[0271] Example 96. An aerosol generating system according to Example 95, wherein the location determination equipment determines location data after confirming that at least one of the GPS data, IP address data, and / or data input by a user via a user interface matches at least one other of the GPS data, IP address data, and / or data input by a user via a user interface.

[0272] Example 97. An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples 88 to 96, wherein the controller is configured to receive firmware from a server indicating the location of the aerosol generating device, and the firmware is for controlling at least one function of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device.

[0273] Example 98. An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples 88 to 97, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a power supply for supplying power to one or more heating elements, and the controller controls the power supplied from the power supply to the one or more heating elements.

[0274] Example 99. An aerosol generating device according to Example 98, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises one or more heating elements.

[0275] Example 100. An aerosol generating device according to Example 98 or 99, wherein at least one of the plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device includes controlling the power supplied to one or more heating elements to heat the aerosol generating article.

[0276] Example 101. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 98 to 100, wherein each of the plurality of control functions is a predetermined heating profile.

[0277] Example 102. An aerosol generating device according to Example 100, wherein the predetermined heating profile is defined by one or more of temperature, resistance, conductance, voltage, and / or current applied at one or more stages in a heating cycle.

[0278] Example 103. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 98 to 102, wherein the selected control function is a predetermined heating profile.

[0279] Example 104. An aerosol generating device according to Example 103, wherein the predetermined heating profile is defined by one or more of temperature, resistance, conductance, voltage, and / or current applied at one or more stages in a heating cycle.

[0280] Example 105. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 98 to 104, wherein the power source is a rechargeable power source and at least one of the multiple control functions of the aerosol generating device includes controlling the power supplied to the power source during charging.

[0281] Example 106. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 98 to 105, wherein at least one of the plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device includes controlling an age verification process.

[0282] Example 107. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 98 to 106, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a computer-readable memory.

[0283] Example 108. An aerosol generating device according to Example 107, wherein at least one of the plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device includes selecting a heating profile from a plurality of heating profiles stored on a computer-readable memory.

[0284] Example 109. An aerosol generating device according to Example 107 or 108, wherein at least one of the plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device includes selecting a power supply profile from a plurality of power supply profiles stored on a computer-readable memory.

[0285] Example 110. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 107 to 109, wherein the power source is a rechargeable power source and at least one of the plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device includes selecting an age verification process from a plurality of age verification processes stored on a computer-readable memory.

[0286] Example 111. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 107 to 110, wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to generate an aerosol containing nicotine.

[0287] Example 112: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 107 to 111, wherein the aerosol generating device is a handheld aerosol generating device.

[0288] Example 113. An aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating article, comprising: at least one sensor configured to determine the humidity of the aerosol-generating article; and a controller configured to control at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device based on the humidity of the aerosol-generating article determined by at least one sensor.

[0289] Example 114. One or more heating elements configured to heat an aerosol-generating article; An aerosol generating device according to Example 113, further comprising a power source and a controller configured to control the supply of power from the power source to one or more heating elements.

[0290] Example 115. An aerosol generating device according to Example 113, wherein the aerosol generating device is connectable to an aerosol generating article comprising one or more heating elements, the aerosol generating device comprises a power source, and the controller is configured to control the supply of power from the power source to the one or more heating elements.

[0291] Example 116. An aerosol generating device according to example 115, further comprising a cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating article.

[0292] Example 117. An aerosol generating device according to Example 116, wherein at least one sensor is configured to determine the humidity of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is received within the cavity.

[0293] Example 118. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 114 to 117, wherein at least one of the plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device includes controlling the supply of power supplied to one or more heating elements.

[0294] Example 119. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 114 to 118, wherein at least one of the plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device includes controlling the heating profile of one or more heating elements.

[0295] Example 120. An aerosol generating device according to Example 119, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a computer-readable memory, and the controller is configured to select a heating profile stored in the computer-readable memory based on the humidity of the aerosol-generating article.

[0296] Example 121. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 113 to 120, wherein at least one of the control functions of the aerosol generating device includes stopping the power supplied to one or more heating elements.

[0297] Example 122. An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples 113 to 121, wherein at least one of the control functions of the aerosol generating device includes displaying a warning to the user.

[0298] Example 123. An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples 113 to 122, wherein at least one of the plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device includes displaying to the user suggestions for at least one user setting of the aerosol generating device.

[0299] Example 124. An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples 113 to 123, wherein the at least one sensor comprises at least one acoustic sensor.

[0300] Example 125. An aerosol generating device according to Example 124, wherein the acoustic sensor comprises at least one acoustic transceiver.

[0301] Example 126. An aerosol generating device according to Example 125, wherein at least one acoustic sensor comprises at least one acoustic emitter configured to emit acoustic waves having at least one frequency, and at least one acoustic receiver configured to receive acoustic waves having at least one frequency.

[0302] Example 127. An aerosol generating device according to Example 126 when dependent on Example 116, wherein the at least one acoustic emitter comprises a first acoustic emitter positioned adjacent to the cavity, and the at least one acoustic receiver comprises a first acoustic receiver positioned adjacent to the cavity.

[0303] Example 128. An aerosol generating device according to Example 127, wherein the acoustic waves emitted by the first acoustic emitter and received by the first acoustic receiver propagate through the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating device is coupled within the cavity.

[0304] Example 129. An aerosol generating device according to Example 127 or 128, wherein the cavity has a proximal end located at the opening of the cavity, a distal end located at the opposite end of the cavity relative to the proximal end, and a heating zone located between the distal end and the proximal end.

[0305] Example 130. An aerosol generating device according to example 129, wherein the heating zone does not extend to the distal end and does not extend to the proximal end.

[0306] Example 131. An aerosol generating device according to Example 129 or 130, wherein the first acoustic receiver and the first acoustic emitter are positioned outside the heating zone.

[0307] Example 132. An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples 129-131, wherein the first acoustic receiver and the first acoustic emitter are positioned on opposite sides of the heating zone, such that acoustic waves emitted by the first acoustic emitter and received by the first acoustic receiver propagate through the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is received within the cavity.

[0308] Example 133. An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples 129 to 132, wherein the first acoustic receiver is positioned at the proximal end of the cavity and the first acoustic emitter is positioned at the distal end of the cavity.

[0309] Example 134. An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples 129 to 133, wherein the at least one acoustic emitter further comprises a second acoustic emitter.

[0310] Example 135. An aerosol generating device according to example 134, wherein the first acoustic emitter and the second acoustic emitter are positioned on opposite sides of the heating zone from each other.

[0311] Example 136. An aerosol generating device according to example 134 or 135, wherein the first acoustic emitter is positioned at the distal end of the cavity and the second acoustic emitter is positioned at the proximal end of the cavity.

[0312] Example 137. An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples 134 to 136, wherein the first acoustic emitter and the second acoustic emitter are positioned such that when the aerosol-generating article is received within the cavity, acoustic waves emitted from the first acoustic emitter are configured to propagate through a first portion of the aerosol-generating article, and when the aerosol-generating article is received within the cavity, acoustic waves emitted from the second acoustic emitter are configured to propagate through a second portion of the aerosol-generating article.

[0313] Example 138. An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples 129 to 137, wherein the at least one acoustic receiver further comprises a second acoustic receiver.

[0314] Example 139. An aerosol generating device according to Example 138, wherein the first acoustic receiver and the second acoustic receiver are positioned on opposite sides of the heating zone from each other.

[0315] Example 140. An aerosol generating device according to Example 139, wherein the first acoustic receiver is positioned at the distal end of the cavity and the second acoustic receiver is positioned at the proximal end of the cavity.

[0316] Example 141. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 138 to 140, wherein the first acoustic receiver and the second acoustic receiver are positioned such that when the aerosol-generating article is received within the cavity, the acoustic waves received by the first acoustic receiver are configured to propagate through a first portion of the aerosol-generating article, and when the aerosol-generating article is received within the cavity, the acoustic waves received by the second acoustic receiver are configured to propagate through a second portion of the aerosol-generating article.

[0317] Example 142. An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples 138 to 141, wherein the first acoustic receiver and the first acoustic emitter are positioned on the same side of the heating zone as each other.

[0318] Example 143. An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples 129 to 142, wherein the first acoustic emitter is configured to emit acoustic waves that propagate through the heating zone to the distal end of the cavity and propagate back through the heating zone from the distal end of the cavity to the first acoustic receiver.

[0319] 144. An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples 126-143, wherein at least one frequency comprises a plurality of different frequencies.

[0320] 145. The aerosol generating device according to any of Examples 126-144, wherein at least one frequency comprises an ultrasonic frequency.

[0321] Example 146. An aerosol generating device according to Example 145, wherein at least one frequency includes a frequency greater than 20 kilohertz.

[0322] Example 147. An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples 113 to 146, wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to determine the location of the aerosol generating device or receive data indicative of the location of the aerosol generating device.

[0323] Example 148. An aerosol generating device according to Example 147, wherein the controller is configured to control at least one function of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device based on the location of the aerosol generating device or data indicative of the location of the aerosol generating device.

[0324] Example 149. An aerosol generating device according to Example 147 or 148, wherein the aerosol generating device further comprises a device location determination facility, and the device location determination facility is configured to determine the location of the aerosol generating device.

[0325] Example 150. An aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generation device according to example 147 or 148, wherein the aerosol generation system further comprises an external computing device, the external computing device being connected to the aerosol generation device.

[0326] Example 151. An aerosol generation system according to Example 150, wherein the aerosol generation device comprises a controller.

[0327] Example 152. An aerosol generating system according to Example 151, wherein the external computing device comprises a system location determination facility, and the system location determination facility is configured to output location data indicative of the location of the aerosol generating system.

[0328] Example 153. An aerosol generating system according to Example 152, wherein the external computing device is configured to transmit location data indicative of the location of the aerosol generating system, or the location of the aerosol generating system, to the controller.

[0329] Example 154. An aerosol generating system according to any of Examples 149 to 153, wherein the system location determination equipment comprises data indicating the location of the aerosol generating system or a user interface for a user to input the location of the aerosol generating system.

[0330] Example 155. An aerosol generating system according to any of Examples 150 to 154, wherein the system location determination equipment comprises a global positioning system (GPS) chip.

[0331] Example 156. An aerosol generating system according to Example 155, wherein the system location determination equipment determines location data based on data output from a GPS chip.

[0332] Example 157. An aerosol generating system according to any of Examples 150 to 156, wherein the system location determination facility comprises a memory that stores data indicative of the location of the external computing device.

[0333] Example 158. An aerosol generating system according to Example 157, wherein the data indicating the location of the external computing device includes an IP address of the external computing device.

[0334] Example 159. An aerosol generating system according to Example 158, wherein the system location determination equipment determines location data from data stored in the memory of an external computing device.

[0335] Example 160. An aerosol generating system according to Example 159, wherein the system location determination equipment determines location data based on a combination of two or more of GPS data, IP address data, and / or data input by a user via a user interface.

[0336] Example 161. An aerosol generating system according to Example 160, wherein the location determination equipment determines location data after confirming that at least one of the GPS data, IP address data, and / or data input by a user via a user interface matches at least one other of the GPS data, IP address data, and / or data input by a user via a user interface.

[0337] Example 162. The aerosol generating system according to any of Examples 147 to 161, wherein the data indicative of the location of the aerosol generating system includes humidity in the area of ​​the location of the aerosol generating system.

[0338] Example 163. An aerosol generating system according to Example 162, wherein the controller is configured to control at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device based on a combination of the humidity of the aerosol generating article determined by at least one sensor and the humidity of the area where the aerosol generating system is located.

[0339] Example 164. An aerosol generating system according to Example 163, wherein the controller is configured to control at least one function of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device after comparing the humidity of the aerosol generating article determined by at least one sensor with the humidity of the area where the aerosol generating system is located.

[0340] Example 165. An aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 147 to 164, wherein the data indicative of the location of the aerosol generating system includes a temperature in the area of ​​the location of the aerosol generating system.

[0341] Example 166. An aerosol generating system according to Example 165, wherein the controller is configured to control at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device based on a combination of the humidity of the aerosol generating article determined by at least one sensor and the temperature of the area where the aerosol generating system is located.

[0342] Example 167. An aerosol generating system according to Example 166 when dependent on Example 162, wherein the controller is configured to control at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device based on a combination of the humidity of the aerosol generating article determined by at least one sensor, the humidity of the area where the aerosol generating system is located, and the temperature of the area where the aerosol generating system is located.

[0343] Example 168. An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples 113 to 167, wherein at least one sensor is configured to determine the classification of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is coupled to the aerosol generating device.

[0344] Example 169. An aerosol generating device according to Example 168, wherein at least one sensor comprises a classification sensor.

[0345] Example 170. An aerosol generating device according to Example 169, wherein the classification sensor is an optical sensor.

[0346] Example 171. An aerosol generating device according to Example 168 when dependent on Example 126, wherein when the aerosol generating article is connected to the aerosol generating device, the classification of the aerosol generating article is determined by a first acoustic receiver and a first acoustic emitter, or a first acoustic receiver and a second acoustic emitter.

[0347] Example 172. An aerosol generating device according to Example 168 when dependent on Example 138, wherein when the aerosol generating article is connected to the aerosol generating device, the classification of the aerosol generating article is determined by a first acoustic emitter and a first acoustic receiver, or a first acoustic emitter and a second acoustic receiver.

[0348] Example 173. An aerosol generating device according to Example 168 when dependent on Example 134 and Example 138, wherein when the aerosol generating article is connected to the aerosol generating device, the classification of the aerosol generating article is determined by a first acoustic emitter and a first acoustic receiver, or a second acoustic emitter and a second acoustic receiver.

[0349] Example 174. An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples 168 to 173, wherein the controller is configured to control at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device based on the classification of the aerosol-generating article.

[0350] Example 175. An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples 168 to 174, wherein the controller is configured to control at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device based on a combination of the classification of the aerosol-generating article and the humidity of the aerosol-generating article.

[0351] Example 176. An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples 168 to 175, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a computer-readable memory, and the controller is configured to determine the classification of the aerosol-generating article by comparing data from at least one sensor with classification data stored in the computer-readable memory.

[0352] Example 177. An aerosol generating device according to Example 176 when dependent on Example 120, wherein the computer-readable memory comprises a plurality of heating profiles, each of the heating profiles being associated with a classification of a plurality of classifications of aerosol-generating articles and a humidity range of a plurality of humidity ranges of the aerosol-generating articles, the controller being configured to select a selected heating profile from the plurality of heating profiles depending on the humidity of the aerosol-generating article and the classification of the aerosol-generating article determined by at least one sensor, and the controller being configured to control the supply of power supplied to one or more heating elements based on the selected heating profile.

[0353] Example 178. An aerosol generating device according to Example 177 when dependent on Example 162, wherein the controller is configured to select a selected heating profile from a plurality of heating profiles depending on a combination of the humidity of the region where the aerosol generating system is located, the humidity of the aerosol-generating article, and the classification of the aerosol-generating article determined by at least one sensor.

[0354] Example 179. An aerosol generating device according to Example 175 when dependent on Example 162, wherein the controller is configured to control at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device based on a combination of the humidity of the aerosol generating article determined by at least one sensor, the humidity of the area where the aerosol generating system is located, and the classification of the aerosol generating article determined by at least one sensor.

[0355] Example 180. An aerosol generating device according to Example 179 when dependent on Example 165, wherein the controller is configured to control at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device based on a combination of the humidity of the aerosol generating article determined by at least one sensor, the humidity of the area where the aerosol generating system is located, the classification of the aerosol generating article determined by at least one sensor, and the temperature of the area where the aerosol generating system is located. Example 180A. An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 133 to 180 and an aerosol-generating article. Example 180B. An aerosol-generating system according to Example 180A, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises an aerosol-generating substrate containing nicotine.

[0356] Example 181. A method of operation for an aerosol-generating system, the aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating article, the aerosol-generating device configured to be coupled to the aerosol-generating article, the aerosol-generating device comprising a controller configured to control at least one function of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol-generating device, and the aerosol-generating device comprising at least one sensor for determining humidity of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is coupled to the aerosol-generating device; The method is determining the humidity of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is connected to an aerosol-generating device; and controlling at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device based on the humidity of the aerosol-generating article.

[0357] Example 182. A method of operation for an aerosol-generating system according to example 181, wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises an acoustic sensor, and the humidity of the aerosol-generating article is determined by acoustic sensing.

[0358] Example 183. A method of operation for an aerosol generating system according to Example 181 or 182, wherein the aerosol generating device further comprises one or more heating elements configured to heat the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is coupled to the aerosol generating device, and a power source, and the controller is configured to control the supply of power from the power source to the one or more heating elements.

[0359] Example 184. A method of operation for an aerosol generation system according to Example 183, wherein at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generation device includes controlling the supply of electrical power supplied to one or more heating elements.

[0360] Example 185. A method of operation for an aerosol generation system according to example 183 or 184, wherein at least one function of the plurality of control functions of the aerosol generation device includes controlling a heating profile of one or more heating elements.

[0361] Example 186. A method of operation for an aerosol generating system according to Example 185, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a computer-readable memory, and the method further comprises selecting a heating profile stored in the computer-readable memory based on the humidity of the aerosol-generating article.

[0362] Example 187. A method of operation for an aerosol generating system according to any of Examples 181-186, wherein at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device includes shutting off power supplied to one or more heating elements.

[0363] Example 188. A method of operation for an aerosol generating system according to any of Examples 181 to 187, wherein at least one function of the plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device includes displaying a warning to a user.

[0364] Example 189. A method of operation for an aerosol generating system according to any of Examples 181 to 188, wherein at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device includes displaying to a user suggestions for at least one user setting of the aerosol generating device.

[0365] Example 190. A method of operation for an aerosol generating system according to any of Examples 181-189, further comprising determining a classification of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is coupled to an aerosol generating device.

[0366] Example 191. A method of operation for an aerosol generating system according to example 190, further comprising controlling at least one function of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device based on a classification of the aerosol-generating article.

[0367] Example 192. A method of operation for an aerosol generating system according to example 190 or 191, further comprising controlling at least one function of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device based on a combination of the classification of the aerosol-generating article and humidity.

[0368] Example 193. A method of operation for an aerosol generating system according to any of Examples 190-192, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a computer-readable memory, and the step of determining the classification comprises comparing data from at least one sensor with classification data stored in the computer-readable memory.

[0369] Example 194. A method includes the steps of: an aerosol generating device determining a location of an aerosol generating system, or receiving data indicative of a location of an aerosol generating system; A method of operation for an aerosol generation system according to any of Examples 181 to 193, further comprising: controlling at least one function of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generation device based on the location of the aerosol generation system or data indicative of the location of the aerosol generation system.

[0370] Example 195. A method of operation for an aerosol generation system according to example 194, wherein the method further includes a step in which the aerosol generation device communicates with an external computing device, and a step in which the external computing device transmits data indicative of the location of the aerosol generation system or the location of the aerosol generation system to the aerosol generation device.

[0371] Example 196. A method of operation for an aerosol generation system described in Example 194 or 195, wherein the step of the aerosol generating device determining the location of the aerosol generation system or the step of receiving data indicative of the location of the aerosol generation system further includes the step of a user inputting the location of the aerosol generation system.

[0372] Example 197. A method of operation for an aerosol generating system according to any of Examples 194-196, wherein the step of the aerosol generating device determining the location of the aerosol generating system or receiving data indicative of the location of the aerosol generating system includes using a global positioning system (GPS) chip.

[0373] Example 198. A method of operation for an aerosol generating system according to example 197, wherein the step of the aerosol generating device determining the location of the aerosol generating system or receiving data indicative of the location of the aerosol generating system includes using data output from a global positioning system (GPS) chip.

[0374] Example 199. A method of operation for an aerosol-generating system according to any of Examples 195 to 198. The aerosol-generating system, wherein the aerosol-generating system comprises a memory that stores data indicative of a location of the aerosol-generating system, and wherein the aerosol-generating device determines the location of the aerosol-generating system or receives the data indicative of the location of the aerosol-generating system includes using the data indicative of the location of the aerosol-generating system.

[0375] Example 200. A method of operation for an aerosol generating system according to example 199, wherein the data indicative of the location of the aerosol generating system includes an IP address of the external computing device.

[0376] Example 201. A method of operation for an aerosol generating system according to any of Examples 195-200, wherein the step of the aerosol generating device determining the location of the aerosol generating system or receiving data indicative of the location of the aerosol generating system includes using two or more of GPS data, IP address data, and / or data input by a user via a user interface.

[0377] Example 201. A method of operation for an aerosol generating system according to any of Examples 195-200, wherein the step of the aerosol generating device determining the location of the aerosol generating system or receiving data indicative of the location of the aerosol generating system includes using two or more of GPS data, IP address data, and / or data input by a user via a user interface.

[0378] Example 203. A method of operation for an aerosol generating system according to Example 202, wherein the step of the aerosol generating device determining the location of the aerosol generating system or receiving data indicative of the location of the aerosol generating system includes verifying that at least one of GPS data, IP address data, and / or data input by a user via a user interface matches at least one other of GPS data, IP address data, and / or data input by a user via a user interface.

[0379] Example 204. A method of operation for an aerosol generation system according to any of Examples 194-203, wherein the data indicative of the location of the aerosol generation system includes humidity in the area of ​​the location of the aerosol generation system.

[0380] Example 205. A method of operation for an aerosol generating system according to Example 204, further comprising controlling at least one function of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device based on a combination of the humidity of the aerosol generating article determined by at least one sensor and the humidity of the area where the aerosol generating system is located.

[0381] Example 206. A method of operation for an aerosol generating system according to Example 205, further comprising controlling at least one function of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device after comparing the humidity of the aerosol generating article determined by the at least one sensor with the humidity of the area where the aerosol generating system is located.

[0382] Example 207. A method of operation for an aerosol generation system according to any of Examples 194-206, wherein the data indicative of the location of the aerosol generation system includes a temperature in the area of ​​the location of the aerosol generation system.

[0383] Example 208. A method of operation for an aerosol generating system according to Example 207, further comprising controlling at least one function of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device based on a combination of the humidity of the aerosol-generating article determined by at least one sensor and the temperature of the area where the aerosol generating system is located.

[0384] Example 209. A method of operation for an aerosol generating system according to Example 208 when dependent on Example 204, further comprising controlling at least one function of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device based on a combination of the humidity of the aerosol generating article determined by at least one sensor, the humidity of the area where the aerosol generating system is located, and the temperature of the area where the aerosol generating system is located.

[0385] Example 210. A method of operation for an aerosol generating system according to Example 191 when dependent on Example 186, wherein the computer-readable memory comprises a plurality of heating profiles, each of the plurality of heating profiles being associated with a classification among a plurality of classifications of aerosol-generating articles and a humidity range among a plurality of humidity ranges of the aerosol-generating articles, the method further comprising selecting a selected heating profile from the plurality of heating profiles in response to the humidity of the aerosol-generating article and the classification of the aerosol-generating article determined by at least one sensor, and the method further comprising the controller controlling the supply of power supplied to one or more heating elements based on the selected heating profile.

[0386] Example 211. A method of operating an aerosol generating system according to Example 210 when dependent on Example 204, further comprising selecting a selected heating profile from a plurality of heating profiles in response to a combination of the humidity of the area where the aerosol generating system is located as determined by at least one sensor, the humidity of the aerosol-generating article, and the classification of the aerosol-generating article.

[0387] Example 212. A method of operation for an aerosol generating system according to Example 204 when dependent on Example 191, further comprising controlling at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device based on a combination of the humidity of the aerosol generating article determined by at least one sensor, the humidity of the area where the aerosol generating system is located, and the classification of the aerosol generating article determined by at least one sensor.

[0388] Example 213. A method of operation for an aerosol generating system according to Example 212 when dependent on Example 207, further comprising controlling at least one function of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device based on a combination of the humidity of the aerosol generating article determined by at least one sensor, the humidity of the area where the aerosol generating system is located, the classification of the aerosol generating article determined by at least one sensor, and the temperature of the area where the aerosol generating system is located.

[0389] The embodiments will now be further described with reference to the figures. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0390] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows an aerosol generating device and an exemplary aerosol-generating article for coupling to the aerosol generating device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device according to FIG. 1, an exemplary aerosol-generating article coupled to the aerosol generating device, and a personal computing device connected to the aerosol generating device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows another aerosol generating device, which itself includes a device location determination facility. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 illustrates a method of operating the aerosol generating system shown in FIG. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 shows another aerosol generating device and an exemplary aerosol-generating article coupled to the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device including a first acoustic emitter and a first acoustic receiver. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows another aerosol generating system, which includes an aerosol generating device as shown in FIG. 5, an exemplary aerosol-generating article coupled to the aerosol generating device, and a personal computing device connected to the aerosol generating device. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows another aerosol generating device, in which an exemplary aerosol generating article is coupled to the aerosol generating device, and the aerosol generating device comprises a first acoustic emitter and a first acoustic receiver, both of which are positioned longitudinally between the heating zone formed by the heater assembly and the proximal end of the cavity. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows another aerosol generating device, which includes a first acoustic emitter, a second acoustic emitter, and a first acoustic receiver. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 illustrates a method of operation of an aerosol generating system such as that shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0391] Figure 1 shows an aerosol generating device 100. The aerosol generating device 100 comprises an outer housing 102 that may be held by a user when using the aerosol generating device 100.

[0392] The aerosol generating device 100 includes a cavity 120 for receiving an aerosol-generating article 190. The cavity 120 has a distal end 124 and a proximal end 122, where the cavity 120 intersects with the outer housing 102. A heater assembly 130 circumferentially surrounds a portion of the cavity 120. The portion of the cavity is positioned between the distal end 124 and the proximal end 122 of the cavity 120. The heater assembly 130 includes a resistive heating element (not shown) configured to heat the portion of the cavity 120 circumferentially surrounded by the heater assembly 130. This portion of the cavity 120 heated by the heating element is referred to as a heating zone 126.

[0393] The aerosol generating device 100 includes a controller 140. The controller is connected via electrical wiring to the heating element of the heater assembly 130. The controller is also connected via electrical wiring to a rechargeable power source 150 and to a computer-readable memory 160.

[0394] The controller 140 is configured to receive location data indicative of the location of the aerosol-generating device, or location-dependent data depending on the location (or at least estimated location) of the aerosol-generating device. Specifically, the controller 140 is configured to receive location data (or location-dependent data) indicative of the location of the aerosol-generating device from an external computing device. This feature is described in more detail in FIG. 2. In FIG. 1, the controller 140 includes a Bluetooth interface module, whereby the location data is received by the controller 140 using the Bluetooth interface module. Those skilled in the art will understand that alternative communication modules, such as a Wi-Fi interface module or a wired USB interface module, may be used instead of the Bluetooth interface module.

[0395] 1, the location-dependent data that the controller 140 is configured to receive is firmware. The firmware is loaded onto the controller 140. The firmware comprises a number of control functions for controlling the aerosol generating device 100, and one or more programs executable to implement the control functions are stored in the computer-readable memory 160.

[0396] By loading location-dependent firmware onto the controller 140, the controller 140 is configured to perform multiple control functions for controlling the aerosol generating device 100 in a manner tailored to the location.

[0397] The first set of control functions are heating profiles for controlling the power supplied by the rechargeable power supply 150 to the heating element of the heater assembly 130. The heating profiles are stored in computer-readable memory 160. The heating profiles vary over time the voltage, current, or power supplied from the rechargeable power supply 150 to the heating element. In FIG. 1 , in response to a user action (e.g., pressing a button or another touch sensor on the device), the controller 140 implements one or more of the heating profiles by controlling the voltage or current or both supplied from the rechargeable power supply 150 to the heating element. Firmware loaded onto the controller 140 selected for a location may include a heating profile for that location. The heating profile may be a default heating profile that may be executed in response to a user initiating a heating cycle.

[0398] The rechargeable power source may be (re)charged through an external electrical connector (not shown) exposed through the outer housing 102. A second set of control functions is a charging profile for controlling the power supplied to the rechargeable power source 150 during the recharging process. The charging profile is stored in the computer-readable memory 160. The charging profile varies over time one or both of the voltage and current supplied from the external electrical connector to the rechargeable power source 150. In FIG. 1 , the controller 140 implements one or more of the charging profiles by controlling one or both of the voltage, current, and power supplied from the external electrical connector to the rechargeable power source 150. Firmware loaded onto the controller 140 selected for a location may include a charging profile for that location. The charging profile may be a default charging profile that may be executed in response to the external electrical connector providing power to the rechargeable power source 150.

[0399] A third set of control functions is an age verification process. The age verification process is stored in computer-readable memory 160. Controller 140 is configured to control power supplied to the heating element depending on whether a selected age verification process is met. A user may communicate with controller 140 to verify their age using an external computing device, described in more detail in FIG. 2 . Firmware loaded onto controller 140 selected for a location may include the age verification process for that location. The age verification process may be a default age verification process that may be executed in response to a request to unlock the device.

[0400] However, various alternatives to location data indicative of the location of the aerosol-generating device may be used, which may be selected and utilized by those skilled in the art depending on the exact operations and functions performable by controller 140. For example, instead of or in addition to firmware, the location-dependent data may instead include one or more of the following: coordinates, country name, country code, or number; continent name, continent code, or number; area name, area code, or number; temperature, humidity, age threshold, firmware, or IP address set. In these cases, the plurality of control functions may be predetermined control functions stored on computer-readable memory 160 that can be selected by controller 140 based on the location data indicative of the location of the aerosol-generating device received by controller 140.

[0401] The aerosol-generating article 190 is shown detached from the aerosol-generating device 100 and has an elongated cylindrical shape. The aerosol-generating article 190 comprises an aerosol-forming substrate 192 at a first end of the aerosol-generating article 190 and a filter element 196 at a second end of the aerosol-generating article 190 opposite the first end. The aerosol-forming substrate 192 comprises an aggregate of sheets of homogenized tobacco material. However, other types of tobacco-containing substrates, such as tobacco cut filler, can replace the aggregate of sheets of homogenized tobacco material. The filter element 196 comprises a low-density filtration material. The aerosol-generating article 190 comprises a hollow tubular element 194 positioned between the aerosol-forming substrate 192 and the filter element 196. The aerosol-generating article 190 is surrounded by an outer wrapper (not shown).

[0402] Prior to use, the aerosol-generating article 190 is coupled to the aerosol-generating device 100 so that the aerosol-generating article 190 is partially received within the cavity 120. The aerosol-forming substrate 192 may be aligned with the heater assembly 130.

[0403] During use, electrical power is supplied to the heating element of the heater assembly 130, which heats the aerosol-forming substrate 192 to a temperature at which an aerosol is formed from the aerosol-forming substrate 192. The user draws on the second end of the aerosol-generating article 190, drawing the aerosol generated through the aerosol-generating article 190 into the user's mouth.

[0404] During use of the aerosol generating device 100, the controller 140 selects at least one of the heating profiles and at least one of the age verification processes from a plurality of control functions for controlling the aerosol generating device. During charging of the aerosol generating device 100, the controller 140 selects at least one of the charging profiles from a plurality of control functions for controlling the aerosol generating device. The heating profile, selected charging profile, and / or age verification process are selected in response to location data received by the controller 140. For example, if the location data indicates a wet or humid location, the controller 140 selects a wet heating profile as opposed to a dry heating profile. Each heating profile includes a heating element temperature profile and a duty cycle limit profile. The heating element temperature profile is similar between the wet heating profile and the dry heating profile; however, the duty cycle limit profile differs between the wet heating profile and the dry heating profile to ensure that the heating element temperature profile is achieved regardless of the system's environmental conditions. Additionally or alternatively, a firmware default heating profile, selected charging profile, and / or age verification process is used. The firmware loaded onto the controller 140 is based on the location of the aerosol generating device so that the device operates in a manner specific to that location.

[0405] Figure 2 discloses an aerosol generation system 201. The aerosol generation system 101 comprises an aerosol generation device 200 as shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 1, an aerosol-forming article 290 is shown received within a cavity of the aerosol generation device 200.

[0406] The aerosol generation system 201 includes a personal computing device 270, such as a smartphone. The personal computing device 270 includes a personal computing device controller 276. The personal computing device controller 276 communicates with the Bluetooth interface module of the controller 240 using Bluetooth communication signals 241.

[0407] The personal computing device 270 further comprises a location determination facility 277. The location determination facility 277 is connected via electrical wiring to the personal computing device's controller 276. The location determination facility comprises a Global Positioning System (GPS), and the GPS chip communicates with a satellite system 274 via satellite signals 275.

[0408] The location determination facility 277 determines the location of the personal computing device using data received from the satellite system 274. Other methods of determining the location of the personal computing device may be used, such as using the IP address of the personal computing device or having the user manually enter the location of the personal computing device using a user interface. Because the personal computing device's controller 276 communicates with the controller 240's Bluetooth interface module using a relatively short-range Bluetooth communication signal 241, the location of the personal computing device is considered to be the same as the location of the aerosol-generating device 200. This location can therefore be referred to as the location of the aerosol-generating system. The location determination facility 277 transmits the location of the aerosol-generating system or data indicative of the location to the personal computing device's controller 276 via electrical wiring.

[0409] The personal computing device controller 276 also communicates with the remote server 272 via a remote server connection 273. The personal computing device controller 276 sends a request to the remote server 272 via the remote server connection 273 depending on the location of the aerosol-generation system. The remote server 272 stores different firmware versions, each firmware version corresponding to a location or range of locations. Following a request from the personal computing device controller 276, the remote server 272 sends the firmware to the personal computing device controller 276 depending on the location of the aerosol-generation system. The personal computing device controller 276 sends the firmware received from the server to the controller 240 via a Bluetooth communication signal 241, which loads the firmware onto the controller 240 as described above.

[0410] Figure 3 shows an aerosol generating device 300. The aerosol generating device 300 is similar to the aerosol generating devices 100, 200 disclosed in Figures 1 and 2 and will therefore only be described with respect to the differences.

[0411] The aerosol-generating device 300 itself includes device location determination equipment 361. The device location determination equipment 361 is connected to the controller 340 via electrical wiring. The device location determination equipment 361 includes a Global Positioning System (GPS), and the GPS chip communicates with the satellite system via satellite signals. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that alternative location determination equipment may be used to determine the location of the aerosol-generating device 300, as described above.

[0412] 1 and 2, the heating profile, charging profile, and age verification process are predetermined and stored in computer-readable memory 360. In use, the device location determination facility 361 receives location data indicative of the location of the aerosol-generating device 300 from the GPS chip. The device location determination facility 361 then transmits the location data indicative of the location of the aerosol-generating device 300 to the controller 340. Here, the device location determination facility 361 transmits GPS coordinate data indicative of the location of the aerosol-generating device 300 to the controller 340. The controller selects at least one control function from a plurality of predetermined control functions stored on the computer-readable memory 360 in response to the GPS coordinate data indicative of the location of the aerosol-generating device 300. Again, various alternatives to the location data indicative of the location of the aerosol-generating device may be used and may be selected and utilized by those skilled in the art depending on the exact operations and functions performable by the controller. For example, the location data may instead be one or more of a country name, country code or number, a continent name, continent code or number, a region name, region code or number, temperature, humidity, or an age threshold. In these cases, the location determination equipment may first compare the GPS coordinate data received from the GPS chip with data stored on computer-readable memory that correlates the GPS coordinate data with one or more of a country name, country code or number, a continent name, continent code or number, a region name, region code or number, temperature, humidity, or an age threshold.

[0413] 4 illustrates a method of operating an aerosol generation system, the aerosol generation system being the aerosol generation system described with reference to FIG.

[0414] The method includes a first step 401 of the personal computing device determining the location of the aerosol-generating system using a GPS chip. Data indicative of the location of the aerosol-generating system determined using the GPS chip is output to a controller 402 of the personal computing device. Simultaneously, the external computing device determines the location of the aerosol-generating system using an alternative means 403, for example, using the IP address of the external computing device. Again, data indicative of the location of the aerosol-generating system, this time determined using the IP address, is output to a controller 404 of the personal computing device.

[0415] Here, the data indicating the location of the aerosol-generating system determined using the GPS chip and IP address output to the controller of the personal computing device is a country code. Various other data categories indicating the location of the aerosol-generating system may be used instead of the country code, including coordinates, country name or country code, continent name or continent code or continent code, or region name or region code or region code.

[0416] The method then includes comparing data indicative of the location of the aerosol-generating system determined using the GPS chip with data indicative of the location of the aerosol-generating system determined using the IP address 405. If the country code determined using the GPS chip does not match or is not sufficiently similar to the country code determined using the IP address, an error message is displayed to the user on the personal computing device 406.

[0417] If the country code determined using the GPS chip matches or is sufficiently similar to the country code determined using the IP address, the controller of the personal computing device sends a request to a remote server over an internet connection, the request depending on the country code 407. The remote server then sends the personal computing device controller firmware over an internet connection 408, the firmware depending on the request from the personal computing device controller. After receiving the firmware from the remote server, the controller of the personal computing device sends the firmware to the controller of the aerosol generating device, where it is loaded onto the controller of the aerosol generating device 409.

[0418] Figure 5 discloses an aerosol generating device 500. The aerosol generating device 500 is similar to the aerosol generating device described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 and therefore will only be described with respect to the differences.

[0419] The aerosol-forming article 590 is identical to the aerosol-forming article described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. In Figure 5, the aerosol-forming article 590 is shown received within a cavity of the aerosol generation device 500.

[0420] The aerosol generating device 500 includes a first acoustic emitter 542 and a first acoustic receiver 543. Both the first acoustic emitter 542 and the first acoustic receiver 543 are connected to the controller 540 via electrical wiring.

[0421] The first acoustic receiver 543 is positioned adjacent to the cavity of the aerosol generating device 500, and the surface of the first acoustic receiver 543 forms part of the interior wall of the cavity. The first acoustic receiver 543 is positioned longitudinally between the heating zone 526 formed by the heater assembly 530 and the proximal end 522 of the cavity.

[0422] A first acoustic emitter 542 is also positioned adjacent to the cavity of the aerosol generating device 500, and a surface of the first acoustic emitter 542 forms part of the interior wall of the cavity. The first acoustic emitter 542 is positioned at the distal end 524 of the cavity.

[0423] Thus, the heating zone 526 formed by the heater assembly 130 is located between the first acoustic emitter 542 and the first acoustic receiver 543 .

[0424] The first acoustic emitter 542 is configured to generate and emit ultrasonic waves having multiple frequencies. When the aerosol-forming article 590 is received within the cavity of the aerosol-generating device 500, the controller 540 sends an electrical signal to the first acoustic emitter 542, causing the first acoustic emitter 542 to generate and emit ultrasonic waves having multiple frequencies. The ultrasonic waves emitted by the first acoustic emitter 542 travel through the aerosol-forming article 590 to the first acoustic receiver 543. The first acoustic receiver 543 is configured to detect the ultrasonic waves having multiple frequencies emitted by the first acoustic emitter 542. The first acoustic receiver 543 sends an electrical signal for each of the multiple frequencies to the controller 540, indicating the magnitude of the ultrasonic waves received by the first acoustic receiver 543.

[0425] Specifically, ultrasonic waves emitted by first acoustic emitter 542 travel through the aerosol-forming substrate of aerosol-forming article 590 to first acoustic receiver 543 .

[0426] The sound waves emitted by the first acoustic emitter 542 traveling through the aerosol-forming substrate are attenuated by the aerosol-forming substrate. The sound attenuation level is directly affected by the density, elasticity, and humidity level of the fibrous substrate. For example, fibers become denser and heavier with increasing humidity and water content. Therefore, the humidity of the aerosol-forming substrate may be determined by analyzing the magnitude of the ultrasonic waves detected by the first acoustic receiver 543.

[0427] Thus, the controller 540 calculates the attenuation level of ultrasound waves for each of a plurality of frequencies received by the first acoustic receiver 543 that have traveled through the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0428] The computer-readable memory 560 stores the expected sound attenuation levels of the aerosol-forming substrate for different classifications of aerosol-forming articles for each of a plurality of frequencies, and the expected sound attenuation levels of the aerosol-forming substrate at various levels of humidity for each of the plurality of frequencies.

[0429] The controller 540 compares the calculated attenuation level for each of the plurality of frequencies with the stored attenuation levels and, from this comparison, determines the classification and humidity of the aerosol-forming article 590 received within the aerosol-generating device.

[0430] In a further embodiment, the computer-readable memory 560 may instead store the expected sound attenuation levels of the aerosol-forming substrate for different classifications of the aerosol-forming article for each of a plurality of frequencies. In this case, the humidity of the aerosol-forming substrate 592 of the aerosol-forming article 590 may be determined by the controller 540 using the deviation of the calculated attenuation level from the expected sound attenuation level for the determined classification. For example, a greater attenuation expected for the determined classification would indicate that the aerosol-forming substrate 592 of the aerosol-forming article 590 has a higher humidity.

[0431] The controller 540 controls the operation of the aerosol-generating device 500 in response to the classification and humidity of the aerosol-forming article 590. Specifically, the controller 540 controls the power supplied to the heating element of the heater assembly 530 in response to the classification and humidity of the aerosol-forming article 590. The computer-readable memory also stores a plurality of heating profiles. Each heating profile includes at least one power value and an associated length of time. Each heating profile in the plurality of heating profiles is associated with the classification of the aerosol-forming article and a range of humidity values. During use, the controller 540 selects a heating profile from the plurality of heating profiles in response to the classification and humidity of the aerosol-forming article 590, and controls the supply of power from the power source 550 to the heating element of the heater assembly 530 in accordance with the selected heating profile.

[0432] Figure 6 shows an aerosol generation system 601. The aerosol generation system 601 comprises an aerosol generation device 600. The aerosol generation device 600 is similar to the aerosol generation device 500 described with respect to Figure 5, and therefore only the differences will be described.

[0433] The aerosol generation system 601 includes a personal computing device 670, such as a smartphone. The personal computing device 670 includes a personal computing device controller 676. The personal computing device controller 676 communicates with a Bluetooth interface module of the controller 640 using Bluetooth communication signals 641.

[0434] The personal computing device 670 further comprises a location determination facility 677. The location determination facility 677 is connected via electrical wiring to the personal computing device's controller 676. The location determination facility comprises a Global Positioning System (GPS), and the GPS chip communicates with a satellite system 674 via satellite signals 675.

[0435] The location determination facility 677 determines the location of the personal computing device using data received from the satellite system 674. Other methods of determining the location of the personal computing device may be used, such as using the IP address of the personal computing device or having the user manually enter the location of the personal computing device using a user interface. Because the personal computing device's controller 676 communicates with the controller 640's Bluetooth interface module using a relatively short-range Bluetooth communication signal 641, the location of the personal computing device is considered to be the same as the location of the aerosol-generating device 600. This location can therefore be referred to as the location of the aerosol-generating system. The location determination facility 677 transmits the location or data indicative of the location of the aerosol-generating system to the personal computing device's controller 676 via electrical wiring.

[0436] The personal computing device controller 676 also communicates with the remote server 676 via the remote server connection 673. The personal computing device controller 676 sends a request to the remote server 672 via the remote server connection 673 according to the location of the aerosol-generation system. The remote server 672 contains data such as local temperature and local humidity, each corresponding to a location or range of locations. Following a request from the personal computing device controller 676, the remote server 672 sends the local temperature and local humidity to the personal computing device controller 676 according to the location of the aerosol-generation system. The personal computing device controller 676 sends the local temperature and local humidity received from the server to the controller 640 via the Bluetooth communication signal 641.

[0437] The controller 640 controls the operation of the aerosol-generating device 600 in response to the classification and humidity of the aerosol-forming article 690 and data indicative of the location of the aerosol-generating device 600 received from the personal computing device 670. Specifically, the controller 640 controls the power supplied to the heating elements of the heater assembly 630 in response to the classification and humidity of the aerosol-forming article 690 and the local temperature and humidity of the location of the aerosol-generating device 600.

[0438] The computer-readable memory 660 includes data correlating the humidity of the area where the aerosol-generating device 600 is located with the expected humidity of the aerosol-forming article 690. The controller 640 compares the humidity of the area where the aerosol-generating device 600 is located with the data to determine the expected humidity of the aerosol-forming article 690. The controller 640 compares the calculated humidity of the aerosol-forming article 690 with the expected humidity of the aerosol-forming article 690. If the calculated humidity differs significantly from the expected humidity, the controller 640 alerts the user, for example, by activating a warning light (not shown) on the aerosol-generating device. In some embodiments, the data correlating the humidity of the area where the aerosol-generating device 600 is located with the expected humidity of the aerosol-forming article 690 may instead be stored on a remote server 672 accessed by the controller 676 of the personal computing device.

[0439] The computer-readable memory 660 also stores a plurality of heating profiles, each of which is associated with a classification of the aerosol-forming article, a range of humidity values, and a range of temperature values. During use, the controller 640 selects a heating profile from the plurality of heating profiles according to the classification, the humidity of the aerosol-forming article 690, and the temperature of the area, and controls the supply of power from the power supply 650 to the heating element of the heater assembly 630 according to the selected heating profile.

[0440] Figure 7 shows an aerosol generation device 700. The aerosol generation device 700 is similar to the aerosol generation device 500 described with reference to Figure 5 and will therefore be described mainly with respect to its differences.

[0441] The aerosol generating device 700 includes a first acoustic emitter 745 and a first acoustic receiver 743. Both the first acoustic emitter 745 and the first acoustic receiver 743 are connected to a controller 740 via electrical wiring.

[0442] The first acoustic receiver 743 is positioned adjacent to the cavity of the aerosol generating device 700, and the surface of the first acoustic receiver 743 forms part of the interior wall of the cavity. The first acoustic receiver 743 is positioned longitudinally between the heating zone formed by the heater assembly 730 and the proximal end 722 of the cavity.

[0443] A first acoustic emitter 745 is also positioned adjacent to the cavity of the aerosol generating device 700, and the surface of the first acoustic emitter 742 forms part of the interior wall of the cavity. In contrast to the aerosol generating device described with reference to Figure 3, the first acoustic emitter 742 is also positioned longitudinally between the heating zone formed by the heater assembly 730 and the proximal end 722 of the cavity. The first acoustic emitter 745 and the first acoustic receiver 743 are positioned relative to each other on opposite sides of the cavity. Thus, the heating zone 726 formed by the heater assembly 730 is not located between the first acoustic emitter 745 and the first acoustic receiver 743.

[0444] The first acoustic emitter 745 is configured to generate and emit ultrasonic waves having a single frequency. When the aerosol-forming article 790 is received within the cavity of the aerosol-generating device 700, the controller 740 sends an electrical signal to the first acoustic emitter 745, causing the first acoustic emitter 745 to generate and emit ultrasonic waves having a single frequency. The ultrasonic waves emitted by the first acoustic emitter 745 travel through the aerosol-forming article 790, specifically through the aerosol-forming substrate 792, to the distal end of the cavity 724. The ultrasonic waves are reflected from the surface forming the distal end of the cavity 724 and travel back through the aerosol-forming substrate 792 to the first acoustic receiver 743.

[0445] The first acoustic receiver 743 is configured to detect ultrasonic waves having a single frequency emitted by the first acoustic emitter 745 and reflected off the surface of the distal end of the cavity. The first acoustic receiver 743 transmits an electrical signal to the controller 740 that is indicative of the magnitude of the ultrasonic waves received by the first acoustic receiver 743.

[0446] The aerosol-generating device 700 further includes an optical classification sensor 762. The optical classification sensor 762 is positioned adjacent to the cavity of the aerosol-generating device 700, and the surface of the optical classification sensor 762 forms part of the interior wall of the cavity. When the aerosol-forming article 790 is received in the cavity, the optical classification sensor 762 scans a classification indicia, such as a QR code or barcode, printed on the outer surface of the aerosol-forming article 790. The optical classification sensor 762 transmits data indicative of the classification indicia to the controller 740. The controller 740 determines the classification of the aerosol-forming article 790 by comparing the data indicative of the classification indicia with a database stored on the computer-readable memory 760. The database includes a plurality of classifications, each associated with data indicative of a classification indicia.

[0447] The controller 740 controls the operation of the aerosol-generating device 700 depending on the classification of the aerosol-forming article 790 and the humidity of the aerosol-forming article 790, as described in connection with FIG.

[0448] Figure 8 shows an aerosol generation device 800. The aerosol generation device 800 is similar to the aerosol generation device 500 described with reference to Figure 5 and will therefore be described mainly with respect to its differences.

[0449] The aerosol generating device 800 includes a first acoustic emitter 842, a second acoustic emitter 846, and a first acoustic receiver 843. The first acoustic emitter 842, the second acoustic emitter 846, and the first acoustic receiver 843 are all connected to a controller 840 via electrical wiring.

[0450] The first acoustic receiver 843 is positioned adjacent to the cavity of the aerosol generating device 800, and the surface of the first acoustic receiver 843 forms part of the interior wall of the cavity. The first acoustic receiver 843 is positioned longitudinally between the heating zone formed by the heater assembly 830 and the proximal end 822 of the cavity.

[0451] A first acoustic emitter 842 is also positioned adjacent to the cavity of the aerosol generating device 800, and a surface of the first acoustic emitter 842 forms part of the interior wall of the cavity. The first acoustic emitter 842 is positioned at the distal end 824 of the cavity.

[0452] Thus, the heating zone 826 formed by the heater assembly 830 is located between the first acoustic emitter 842 and the first acoustic receiver 843 .

[0453] A second acoustic emitter 846 is also positioned adjacent to the cavity of the aerosol generating device 800, and a surface of the second acoustic emitter 846 forms part of the interior wall of the cavity. The second acoustic emitter 846 is also positioned longitudinally between the heating zone formed by the heater assembly 830 and the proximal end 822 of the cavity. The second acoustic emitter 846 and the first acoustic receiver 843 are positioned relative to each other on opposite sides of the cavity. Thus, the heating zone 826 formed by the heater assembly 830 is not located between the second acoustic emitter 845 and the first acoustic receiver 843.

[0454] The first acoustic emitter 842 and the second acoustic emitter 846 are configured to generate and emit ultrasonic waves having multiple frequencies. When the aerosol-forming article 890 is received in the cavity of the aerosol-generating device 800, the controller 840 sends an electrical signal to the first acoustic emitter 842, causing the first acoustic emitter 842 and the second acoustic emitter 846 to generate and emit ultrasonic waves having multiple frequencies. The ultrasonic waves emitted by the first acoustic emitter 842 and the second acoustic emitter 846 travel through the aerosol-forming article 890 to the first acoustic receiver 843. The first acoustic receiver 843 is configured to receive the ultrasonic waves having multiple frequencies emitted by the first acoustic emitter 842 and the second acoustic emitter 846. The first acoustic receiver 843 sends an electrical signal for each of the multiple frequencies to the controller 840, representing the ultrasonic waves received by the first acoustic receiver 843.

[0455] Specifically, ultrasonic waves 844 emitted by first acoustic emitter 842 travel through aerosol-forming substrate 892 of aerosol-forming article 890 to first acoustic receiver 843. Thus, the humidity of aerosol-forming substrate 892 may be analyzed.

[0456] Ultrasound waves 847 emitted by second acoustic emitter 846 travel through aerosol-forming article 890. Specifically, ultrasound waves 847 do not travel through aerosol-forming substrate 892 to first acoustic emitter 843, but instead travel through the hollow acetate tube portion of aerosol-forming article 890.

[0457] Thus, the attenuation experienced by the ultrasonic waves 847 emitted by the second acoustic emitter 846 is different from the attenuation experienced by the ultrasonic waves 844 emitted by the first acoustic emitter 842 .

[0458] The electrical signal received by the controller 840 from the first acoustic receiver 843, indicative of the ultrasonic waves 847 emitted by the second acoustic emitter 846, is used to determine the classification of the aerosol-forming article 890. Different aerosol-forming articles, for example, because the thickness of the hollow acetate tubing section may vary between classifications, result in different amounts of attenuation of the ultrasonic waves 847 emitted by the second acoustic emitter 846. The controller 840 calculates the attenuation level of the ultrasonic waves 847 emitted by the second acoustic emitter 846 and then compares this to attenuation values ​​stored in the computer-readable memory 860 to determine the classification of the aerosol-forming article 890.

[0459] An electrical signal received by the controller 840 from the first acoustic receiver 843 indicative of the ultrasonic waves 844 emitted by the first acoustic emitter 842 is then used to determine the humidity of the aerosol-forming article 890, specifically the aerosol-forming substrate 892. The computer-readable memory 860 also stores the expected sound attenuation levels of the aerosol-forming substrate at various levels of humidity for different classifications of aerosol-forming article for each of the multiple frequencies.

[0460] The controller 840 compares the calculated attenuation level of the ultrasonic waves 844 emitted by the second acoustic emitter 842 for each of the multiple frequencies with the stored attenuation levels, and from this comparison determines the humidity of the aerosol-forming article 890 received within the aerosol-generating device.

[0461] FIG. 9 illustrates a method of operating an aerosol generating system. The aerosol generating system is the aerosol generating system described with reference to FIG. 6. The method includes a first step 901 in which an aerosol-forming article is coupled to an aerosol generating device by a user. The method includes a step of determining the classification of the aerosol-forming article coupled to the aerosol generating device, as described in detail with respect to FIGS. 5-8. The method then includes a step 903 in which it is determined whether the classification of the aerosol-forming article is a known classification. If the classification of the aerosol-forming article is not a known classification, such that the computer-readable memory does not have an attenuation value associated with the known classification for the attenuation value calculated by the controller, the aerosol generating system determines 904 that the aerosol-forming article is not a suitable aerosol-forming article for aerosol generation. In this case, the aerosol generating system then stops receiving power from the rechargeable power source and displays a warning to the user, for example, a visual indication via an LED on the aerosol generating device.

[0462] If the classification of the aerosol-forming article is of a known classification, the humidity of the aerosol-forming article is determined 906 by the controller using at least one acoustic emitter and at least one acoustic receiver, as described in detail with respect to Figures 5-8.

[0463] The aerosol-generation system additionally determines 907 the location of the aerosol-generation system using a GPS chip in the personal computing device, as described with respect to FIG.

[0464] The personal computing device retrieves data from the server according to the location of the aerosol-generating system, in this example, the local temperature and local humidity of the location of the aerosol-generating system 908. The personal computing device then receives the local temperature and local humidity from the server to the controller via Bluetooth communication signals 909.

[0465] The controller controls the operation of the aerosol-generating device 910 in response to the classification and humidity of the aerosol-forming article and data indicative of the location of the aerosol-generating device received from the personal computing device. The exact operation of this control is described in detail with respect to FIG.

[0466] For purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and the like are understood to be modified in all instances by the term "about." 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 ± 10 percent. Within this context, the number A may be considered to include values ​​that are within the typical standard error for measurement of the property it modifies. In some instances, as used in the appended claims, the number A may deviate by the percentages recited above, provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed invention. 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.

Claims

1. 1. An aerosol generating apparatus for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating article, the aerosol generating apparatus comprising: at least one sensor configured to determine the humidity of the aerosol-generating article; and a controller configured to control at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device based on the humidity of the aerosol-generating article determined by the at least one sensor.

2. the aerosol-generating device comprising one or more heating elements configured to heat the aerosol-generating article; and 10. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, further comprising a power source and a controller configured to control the supply of power from the power source to one or more heating elements.

3. 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the aerosol generating device is connectable to an aerosol generating article comprising one or more heating elements, the aerosol generating device comprises a power source, and the controller is configured to control the supply of power from the power source to the one or more heating elements.

4. 4. The aerosol generating device of claim 3, further comprising a cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating article.

5. 5. The aerosol generating device of claim 4, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to determine the humidity of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is received within the cavity.

6. An aerosol generating device described in any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein at least one of the plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device includes controlling the supply of the power supplied to the one or more heating elements.

7. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein at least one of the plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device includes controlling the heating profile of the one or more heating elements.

8. 8. The aerosol generating device of claim 7, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a computer-readable memory, and the controller is configured to select a heating profile stored in the computer-readable memory based on the humidity of the aerosol-generating article.

9. 9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor comprises at least one acoustic sensor.

10. 10. The aerosol generating device of claim 9, wherein the at least one acoustic sensor comprises at least one acoustic emitter configured to emit acoustic waves having at least one frequency, and at least one acoustic receiver configured to receive the acoustic waves having the at least one frequency.

11. 11. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to receive data for determining or indicating the location of the aerosol generating device.

12. The aerosol generating device of claim 11, wherein the controller is configured to control at least one function of the plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device based on the location of the aerosol generating device or the data indicative of the location of the aerosol generating device.

13. 13. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to determine the classification of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is coupled to the aerosol generating device.

14. An aerosol generating system comprising the aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and an aerosol-generating article.

15. 1. A method of operation for an aerosol-generating system, the aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating article, the aerosol-generating device configured to be coupled to the aerosol-generating article, the aerosol-generating device comprising a controller configured to control at least one of a plurality of control functions of the aerosol-generating device, and the aerosol-generating device comprising at least one sensor for determining humidity of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is coupled to the aerosol-generating device; The method is determining the humidity of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is coupled to the aerosol-generating device; and controlling at least one function of the plurality of control functions of the aerosol generating device based on the humidity of the aerosol-generating article.

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