Aerosol generating device

Abstract

An aerosol generating device (100) for detachably holding a battery cell (110) includes an identification module (112) configured to acquire identification information of the battery cell when it is detachably held in the device, and a controller (108) configured to control the functions of the aerosol generating device based on the received identification information, wherein the identification module operates using a wireless communication protocol. The battery cell may be provided with an RFID tag or an NFC tag (118).

Description

Technical Field

[0004] ,

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device, a system including an aerosol generating device and a battery, a battery for an aerosol generating device, and a method of using an aerosol generating device.

Background Art

[0002] Rather than relying on burning materials, various aerosol generating devices and systems are available that heat an aerosol precursor material to release an aerosol / vapor for inhalation. These devices are portable and a user can use the device multiple times with different consumables on a single charge.

[0003] Consumer electronics products are one of the fastest growing industries. Billions of electronic items are manufactured, sold and disposed of every year, having a significant impact on the planet due to short product lifetimes, increased energy consumption, lack of proper waste management, wasteful designs, etc. The rapid advancement of technology, falling prices, better products and consumer demand for personal electronics has resulted in WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Recycling) becoming one of the fastest growing waste streams in the EU and the world. In particular, batteries in WEEE and other applications such as electric vehicles have a significant impact throughout their life cycle.

[0004] One way to improve the sustainability of a battery throughout its entire lifecycle is to facilitate its recycling and repurposing at the end of its life. To achieve this, batteries in WEEE and other products should be easily removable and replaceable, allowing for separation of the battery from the device to facilitate recycling, improving recovery rates, and enabling the recovery of valuable materials contained in the battery and returning them to the economy. In addition, replaceability allows for extending the lifespan of products with faulty or underperforming / degraded batteries. When non-original batteries are installed, replacement batteries may be poorly designed or manufactured, previously used, damaged, and / or not properly specified for aerosol generating devices.

[0005] Any of the above can lead to insufficient battery capacity, improper installation, or performance issues. Using a non-genuine battery may also result in unexpected behavior after installation or during charging.

[0006] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2022 / 022554A1 describes a diagnostic system for an electronic vapor supply system. Chinese Utility Model No. 215649274U describes a battery rod assembly, an electronic atomization device, and a communication system. International Publication No. 2018 / 024154A1 describes an electronic cigarette and an electronic cigarette monitoring system. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] The object of the present invention is to overcome at least one of the above problems or to provide an alternative solution. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present disclosure provides an aerosol generating device for detachably holding a battery, comprising: an identification module configured to acquire identification information of the battery when detachably held in the device; and a controller configured to control the functions of the aerosol generating device based on the received identification information, wherein the identification module operates using a wireless communication protocol, and the identification module is configured to scan for identification information from the battery when a loss of power is detected.

[0009] Aerosol generating devices enhance device safety by ensuring that replacement batteries must be authorized for use with the device. If an aerosol generating device inadvertently overheats aerosol generating consumables, it could affect safety or sensory performance. In other words, batteries not designed or suitable for use with aerosol generating devices are prevented from being used with them. This improves device safety and helps avoid poor sensory experiences for users that may be caused by too much or too little aerosol resulting from the installation of an improper battery. Aerosol generating devices ensure that device performance is achieved as intended. For example, the number of user sessions from a single charge is maintained in relation to battery capacity, and the aerosol generation profile is maintained in relation to voltage, current, and power output.

[0010] Furthermore, the identification check ensures that the device can operate safely, for example, that the battery has appropriate shock resistance measures, is made of flame-retardant material, is installed in the device as intended, is not subjected to mechanical force or loosened within the device, and does not expose the user to danger during the installation process, such as the risk of a short circuit that could lead to an exposed battery or thermal runaway.

[0011] Using wireless communication protocols means avoiding potentially insecure wired connections between unauthorized batteries and aerosol generating devices. Furthermore, wireless communication protocols improve user convenience. When this identification check is performed, it may even become unnecessary to directly connect the aerosol generating device to a computer or similar device.

[0012] When a power loss is detected, scanning the identification information from the battery is beneficial. Specifically, an authentication check may be performed after the previous battery has been removed (resulting in a power loss), and the identification module will perform an identification check on any new battery. An identification check may also be performed after the battery has lost all charge. Therefore, if the battery is at least partially charged, the identification check will confirm that it is still a suitable battery for use in the aerosol generating device.

[0013] The identification module may be configured to receive identification information from the battery. That is, the battery may include an identification tag containing the battery's identification information, and the identification module may be configured to acquire the identification information from the battery. Acquiring identification information from the battery leads to increased efficiency because it reduces the possibility of information being mistransmitted during transmission.

[0014] In one example, the identification module includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) module. RFID modules are relatively inexpensive and can be used to power RFID tags on batteries that contain identification information. Therefore, the identification tags on batteries can be passive and do not require an independent power source.

[0015] In one example, a radio frequency identification module includes a near-field communication (NFC) module. NFC modules are efficient and perform very well over short distances.

[0016] In one example, the controlled function includes supplying power to the main circuit board of an aerosol generating device. That is, if an inappropriate battery is installed in the aerosol generating device, power will not be supplied to the main circuit board. Therefore, the device's safety is improved because only the correct amount of power is supplied to the main circuit board.

[0017] In one example, an aerosol generating device includes a memory configured to store the identification information of one or more authenticated batteries, and when in use, the controller is configured to determine whether the received identification information matches the identification information of an authenticated battery. In this way, the aerosol generating device can perform battery authentication locally and therefore can operate even if it cannot communicate with additional devices.

[0018] In one example, the device includes a communication module configured to receive identification information for one or more certified batteries. In this way, the aerosol generating device may, depending on the circumstances, be provided with an updated list of aerosol generating devices.

[0019] The identification information may include information regarding the characteristics of the battery, and the controller is configured to provide a power output level corresponding to those characteristics. In this case, the aerosol generating device may detect that the installed battery has a lower power rating and adjust its function to still provide a satisfactory user experience (for example, by increasing the time the heater is on).

[0020] In one example, a system is provided that includes an aerosol generating device as described above and a battery detachably held in the aerosol generating device.

[0021] The battery may include an identification tag, and the identification module is configured to be substantially aligned with the identification tag to retrieve identification information from the tag when in use. Aligning the identification tag and the module improves the likelihood of good data transfer from the identification tag to the identification module.

[0022] In one example, the battery has an asymmetrical shape configured to be detachably received into a corresponding matching asymmetrical recess in the aerosol generating device. Providing a battery of this shape provides an additional layer of protection to prevent standard-shaped batteries from operating in the aerosol generating device and thus to prevent unauthorized batteries from being used in the aerosol generating device.

[0023] In one example, an aerosol generating device battery is provided, comprising an identification tag containing identification information of the aerosol generating device battery, wherein the battery is detachably received by an aerosol generating device and is configured to provide the identification information to the aerosol generating device using a wireless communication protocol. The battery provides a convenient method for providing its identification information to the aerosol generating device for inspection and authentication (e.g., by being read by or transmitted to the aerosol generating device).

[0024] One example provides a method for using an aerosol generating device, the method comprising, in an identification module, using a wireless communication protocol to obtain identification information from a battery detachably held in the device, and controlling the function of the aerosol generating device based on the obtained identification information. As described above, these steps improve the safety and / or user experience of the aerosol generating device by preventing the use of a battery unsuitable for operating in the aerosol generating device.

[0025] The method may include determining that a power loss event has occurred, determining whether the obtained identification information matches the identification information of one or more authenticated batteries, and scanning the identification information from the battery when a power loss is detected. In this case, the identification information may be obtained after the battery is depleted or removed from the aerosol generating device, both of which are indicators that a new battery is to be installed.

[0026] The different combinations of the features mentioned above can be combined together in various combinations.

[0027] Here, examples of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] [Figure 1] It is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating consumable. [Figure 2A] It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a battery according to a first example. [Figure 2B] It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a battery according to a second example. [Figure 3] It shows a schematic example of an aerosol generating device connected to an electrical communication device via a network. <00001​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​As used herein, the terms “aerosol precursor material,” “vapor precursor material,” or “vaporizable material” are used synonymously and refer to materials that release an aerosol when heated. Aerosol precursor materials may include nicotine and / or tobacco and a vaporizer. Aerosol precursor materials are configured to release an aerosol when heated or mechanically stimulated in other ways (such as by vibration). Tobacco may take the form of various materials such as shredded tobacco, granular tobacco, tobacco leaves, and / or reconstituted tobacco. Nicotine may be in the form of a nicotine salt. Suitable vaporizers include polyols, e.g., sorbitol, glycerol and glycols (such as propylene glycol or triethylene glycol), non-polyols, e.g., monohydric alcohols, acids (such as lactic acid), glycerol derivatives, esters (such as triacetin), triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate, glycerin, or vegetable glycerin.

[0030] Aerosol generating devices are configured to aerosolize aerosol precursor materials without combustion in order to facilitate the delivery of aerosols to the user. Furthermore, as is common in this art, the terms “vapor” and “aerosol,” as well as related terms such as “vaporize,” “volatilize,” and “aerosolize,” can generally be used interchangeably.

[0031] As used herein, the term “aerosol generating device” is synonymous with “aerosol generating device” or “device.” A device may be portable. “Portable” may mean a device used when held by a user. A device may be adapted to generate a variable amount of aerosol that can be controlled by user input.

[0032] In this case, the aerosol generating device is intended for use with a removable battery. Given that users may remove the battery, there is a risk that an incompatible battery may be installed. This could pose a safety risk to the user or lead to a degradation in the technical performance of the aerosol generating device. Using an identification module, such as an RFID reader, on the device to determine whether the correct battery is installed provides an efficient solution to improve the device's security.

[0033] Figure 1 shows an example of an aerosol generating device 100. In Figure 1, the solid aerosol generating consumable 102 is shown inserted into the chamber 104 of the aerosol generating device 100, but the aerosol generating device 100 may be configured to operate with liquid and / or gel-like aerosol generating consumables 102.

[0034] The aerosol generating device 100 may include a heater 106 configured to generate heat to heat the accepted aerosol generating consumable 102 during use. In other examples, the aerosol generating device 100 may include other examples for generating aerosols (e.g., inductors / susceptors, vibration units, electrodes configured to directly apply power to the conductive aerosol generating consumable 102).

[0035] The aerosol generating device 100 includes a controller 108 configured to control the functions of the aerosol generating device 100. In this example, the controller 108 may be configured to control a heater 106, etc. For example, the controller 108 may control the amount of power delivered to the heater 106, the timing of the power supplied to the heater, and / or the heating profile of the heater 106.

[0036] The controller 108 may include a control circuit and the like. The controller 108 can receive one or more inputs from various sensors and / or user inputs such as input buttons, puff sensors, aerosol generation consumable detection sensors, and control the operation of the aerosol generation device 100 based on one or more inputs.

[0037] The aerosol generating device 100 is configured to detachably receive a battery 110 that provides power. The battery 110 is configured to be electrically coupled to the controller 108 when in use. The battery 110 may be a lithium-ion battery or an alternative battery. The battery 110 is configured to be detachably held within the aerosol generating device 100. That is, the user may, depending on the situation, replace the used battery 110 with a new one.

[0038] The aerosol generating device 100 includes an identification module 112 configured to acquire identification information of the battery 110 when it is detachably held in the aerosol generating device 100. The identification module 112 is operable to acquire data from the battery 110. For example, the identification module 112 is configured to acquire information that can be used to determine whether the battery 110 is genuine or compatible with the aerosol generating device 100.

[0039] The identification information for battery 110 may include one or more of the following: manufacturer details, battery type details, battery power capacity details, battery voltage details, and the serial number of battery 110. In other words, the identification information includes information indicating whether or not battery 110 is suitable for use in an aerosol generating device. In one example, the identification information may include (but is not limited to) one or more of the following: voltage, capacity, internal resistance, charge state, and depth of discharge.

[0040] In one example, the identification module 112 has a separate power source from the battery, so it can continue to operate even if the battery 110 is removed. For example, the separate power source may be a rechargeable battery. The separate power source may have a rating of 100mAh or less. When the identification module 112 is powered by the separate power source, the battery identification check may be performed in a way that preserves the battery life of the separate power source. For example, the battery identification check may be performed at predetermined intervals. For example, the battery identification check may be performed at intervals of 2 to 20 seconds, or once every 10 seconds or once every 5 seconds. This preserves the battery life of the separate power source. In one example, the separate power source can be recharged even if the main battery 110 is not connected.

[0041] In other examples, there is no separate power supply for the identification module 112. Instead, the battery 110 powers the identification module 112 only when connected to the aerosol generating device 100. That is, other components of the aerosol generating device 100 are not powered until the identification check is complete.

[0042] The identification module 112 acquires identification information wirelessly. That is, the identification module 112 operates using a wireless communication protocol. Because the identification module operates wirelessly, it can be efficiently placed within the space-constrained aerosol generating device 100, which is designed to be small and portable. Furthermore, wireless identification avoids the possibility of a potentially dangerous wired (electrical) connection between a "non-genuine" (unsafe) battery and the aerosol generating device 100. The wireless aspect also means that there is no need for direct contact with the battery 110 during use, thereby simplifying the aerosol generating device 100. Wireless communication protocols may include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Mesh, Z-Wave, RFID, cellular, 3G, 4G, 5G, NFC, etc.

[0043] The aerosol generating device 100 may include a communication module 120 configured to communicate with an external device such as a communication device. In one example, the communication module 120 is a Bluetooth module, but it may be configured to operate using alternative modules such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Mesh, Z-Wave, RFID, cellular, 3G, 4G, 5G, or NFC.

[0044] Figure 2A shows a first schematic example of the battery 110. In this example, the battery 110 includes a body 114 and a connector 116. The connector 116 is configured to contact the electrical contacts of the aerosol generating device 100 when in use in order to supply power from the body 114 of the battery 110 to the aerosol generating device 100.

[0045] The battery 110 may include an identification tag 118 (also called an identifier). In Figure 2A, the identification tag 118 is inside the housing of the battery 110, but in the example of the battery 110 shown in Figure 2B, the identification tag 118 is coupled to the outside of the battery housing. In either example, the identification tag 118 is not coupled to the circuit of the battery 110 itself. Rather, it is a separate tag that can be easily added to the battery 110 at the end of the manufacturing process.

[0046] In one example, the identification tag 118 is an inlay, such as a thin sticker, that is affixed to the inside or outside of the battery housing. In this form, the identification tag 118 is low-cost and can be easily attached to the battery housing.

[0047] The identification tag 118 is configured for wireless communication. For example, the identification tag 118 may be a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag or a near-field communication (NFC) tag. In some examples, the identification tag 118 is passive so as not to require a separate power supply from the identification module 112. That is, the identification tag operates using the power provided by the identification module. For example, the identification tag is Identification tag 118If the tag is an RFID tag, preferably an NFC tag, it utilizes the electromagnetic energy transmitted by the identification module in the form of an RFID reader.

[0048] Using an identification tag 118 coupled to the battery housing means that no additional circuitry or custom lines are required within the battery; rather, the identification tag 118 can simply be coupled to the housing of the battery 110 during the manufacturing process (or even later). Identification information can be uploaded to the identification tag 118 in a simple manner.

[0049] Because the identification tag 118 is disconnected from the battery 110's circuitry, it is easy to identify approved batteries of the type that may be used in the device. For example, approved batteries do not need to be tied to a single manufacturer or specification. Instead, the identification tag 118 can simply be attached to any battery suitable for use in the aerosol generating device 100. This has advantages when considering the use of batteries with better performance, the acquisition of batteries at a lower cost, and overhead investment. Furthermore, this approach allows for changing the battery specifications used and changing suppliers.

[0050] The identification information of the battery 110 is stored in the identification tag 118 and can be retrieved by the identification module 112 when in use. The identification information may be written to the identification tag 118 during or after manufacturing. The identification information enables the identification of the battery 110 and may include information related to the serial number, etc.

[0051] Identification information may be stored separately in a database or service platform that can, for example, hold a list of approved batteries for use in the aerosol generating device 100. Newly manufactured approved batteries may be added to the database or service platform (perhaps including some information indicating that they are genuine).

[0052] In other examples, the identification information may include details of the characteristics of the battery 110. For example, the identification information may include the power rating or voltage rating of the battery 110. The identification information may include details of the battery's configuration, such as the type of battery 110 or chemical properties associated with the battery 110.

[0053] In some cases, the identification information is specific to a battery, but it can also be applied to a batch of batteries.

[0054] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device 100 communicating with a communication device 200. The communication device 200 can be any device capable of receiving / transmitting information to and from the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the communication device 200 may include a communication module such as a Bluetooth module configured to couple with an equal Bluetooth module on the aerosol generating device 100. Other types of communication modules (e.g., RFID, NFC, etc.) may be implemented in the communication device 200.

[0055] In one example, a check to determine whether an installed battery is genuine can be initiated by the user of the communication device 200. For example, the user may open an application / software associated with the aerosol generating device 100 and instruct the application / software to perform a battery identification check. The battery identification check is performed when the identification module 112 identifies the battery 110 The process includes the step of obtaining (or attempting to obtain) identification information of the battery. For example, the identification module 112 is a battery 110 Identification information can be obtained from the identification tag 118.

[0056] Next, the aerosol generating device 100 may communicate the acquired identification information with the communication device 200, for example, by using the communication module 120. The communication device 200 may then verify whether the acquired identification information is genuine, for example, by comparing it with a database or platform of authorized battery identification information, and then inform the aerosol generating device 100 that the battery 110 is suitable for use (or, depending on the result, unsuitable for use).

[0057] In some examples, the communication device 200 stores a database of authentic identification information locally, while in other examples, the database is stored externally, and the communication device 200 transmits the acquired identification information externally for verification.

[0058] In some examples, the aerosol generating device 100 may perform authentication locally. That is, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a memory configured to store the identification information of one or more authenticated batteries, and the controller 108 is configured to determine whether the received identification information matches the identification information of an authenticated battery. The aerosol generating device 100 may receive the identification information of one or more authenticated batteries via the communication module of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0059] The identification information of the battery 110 can be updated via connection to an external device, such as a communication device. This can be achieved in a similar manner to firmware updates via connection.

[0060] In one example, a function controlled by the controller 108 relates to supplying power to the main circuit board of the aerosol generating device 100. For example, if it is detected that battery 110 is not genuine (or not designed for use with the aerosol generating device 100), power from battery 110 is prevented from supplying power to the main circuit board of the aerosol generating device 100. The purpose of this is to prevent damage to the main circuit board from receiving power from battery 110, which may not be designed for use with the aerosol generating device 100. For example, a rogue battery may have a higher power rating than the circuit board is designed to receive, and receiving power from a rogue battery would damage the circuit board.

[0061] In another example, the function controlled by the controller relates to supplying power to the heater 106 of the aerosol generating device 100. For example, because the heater 106 is prevented from being heated, little (or no) aerosol is generated.

[0062] In some examples, the controller 108 is configured to operate the aerosol generating device 100 in different modes based on acquired identification information of the battery 110. That is, the aerosol generating device 100 may operate in a first mode and a second mode, and the first or second mode is selected based on the characteristics of the battery. The characteristics of the battery may be present in the acquired identification information or may be derivable from the acquired identification information. The first mode may be associated with a heater that provides heat at a first temperature, and the second mode may be associated with a heater that provides heat at a second temperature. In one example, the power management of the aerosol generating device 100 may be controlled based on the identification information. For example, if the identification information indicates that the battery has a first characteristic (e.g., a first voltage rating), the controller 108 is configured to operate the heater 106 to heat the aerosol generating consumable 102 to a first temperature. Furthermore, if the identification information indicates that the battery 110 has a second characteristic (e.g., a second voltage rating), the controller 108 is configured to operate the heater 106 to heat the aerosol generating consumable 102 to a second temperature. The same may apply to heating profiles, etc. That is, if the identification information indicates that the battery 110 has a first characteristic, a first heating profile is used, and if the identification information indicates that the battery has a second characteristic, a second heating profile is applied. In this case, the aerosol generating device 100 may be configured to operate optimally depending on the characteristics of the battery 110 inserted into the aerosol generating device 100.

[0063] In this example, the controller is the battery that supplies power to the aerosol generating device 100. 110 Based on the characteristics, the operating conditions of the aerosol generating device 100 can be changed. 110The identification information may be updated accordingly for power management purposes. This identification information may include, for example, power requirements relating to current, voltage, battery health (SOH), or other measurable battery characteristics. In this case, any battery that passes a safety check can be considered a usable, certified battery.

[0064] Figure 4A shows a highly schematic example of an aerosol generating device 100 and a battery 110. In Figure 4A, the battery 110 is located outside the aerosol generating device.

[0065] Figure 4A shows that the battery 110 may have an asymmetrical battery housing configured to fit into a correspondingly shaped recess 122 of the aerosol generating device 100. In other words, a conventionally shaped battery may not fit into the recess of the aerosol generating device 100. In the example shown in Figure 4A, the battery 110 has a substantially trapezoidal shape, but other asymmetrical shapes are also conceivable.

[0066] In some examples, the battery connector 116 is offset from the central axis of the battery 110. This prevents power from being supplied from the battery 110 if it is improperly installed. The connector 116 is configured to electrically connect to the terminal 124 of the aerosol generating device when the battery 110 is properly installed.

[0067] Figure 4B shows a highly schematic system including an aerosol generating device 100 and a battery 110. In this example, the battery 110 is asymmetrical and is received in a corresponding asymmetrical recess of the aerosol generating device 100. In some examples, the battery 110 has an irregular shape, and the recess has a corresponding irregular shape.

[0068] As can be seen in Figure 4B, the identification module 112 may be positioned in the aerosol generating device 100 so as to be adjacent to (or near) a recess configured to accept the battery 110. That is, the identification module 112 may be substantially aligned with the identification tag 118 during use so as to be able to retrieve identification information from the identification tag.

[0069] Figure 5 shows a flowchart of how to use the aerosol generating device 100. Step 300 involves the identification module 112 obtaining identification information from the battery 110, which is detachably held in the device 100, using a wireless communication protocol.

[0070] Step 302 involves controlling the function of the aerosol generating device 100 based on the acquired identification information.

[0071] In some examples, the step of acquiring identification information is performed in response to the detection of a battery 110 by the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may be able to detect the presence of a battery 110 that it is trying to power, or there may be a battery detector that detects when a battery 110 is installed in the device.

[0072] In some examples, the step of acquiring information is performed in response to a power loss event. A power loss event may result from the previous battery being removed from the aerosol generating device 100. Therefore, when a new battery is installed, the aerosol generating device 100 performs a new battery identification check to determine whether the newly installed battery is suitable for use with the aerosol generating device. In one example, the identification module is configured to scan for identification information from battery 110 when a power loss is detected. That is, a battery identification check may be performed following a power loss event before the aerosol generating device 100 can be used to generate aerosols from the aerosol generating consumable 102.

[0073] In some cases, a battery identification check is performed, and after it is determined that battery 110 is suitable for use with the aerosol generating device 100, the identification information of the installed battery 110 is stored in the memory of the aerosol generating device 100. This means that future battery identification checks for this battery 110 can be performed locally on the device, and therefore in the background, and the user may not even be aware that it is happening. This allows for full functionality to be enabled in any future power loss event resulting from a completely discharged battery, simply by checking the battery identification information stored on the device, without the need to pair with a communication device, open the product application, and check the service platform, if a match is found. In the case of battery discharge, this process may occur without the user's awareness.

[0074] In other situations where a new battery 110 is installed, the user may need to connect the aerosol generating device 100 to the communication device 200 (as described above and in Figure 3), transmit the acquired identification information to the communication device 200 to determine whether the identification information of the new battery 110 matches that of an authorized battery, or receive an updated list of genuine battery identification information and perform a check locally.

[0075] Figures 6A and 6B show an example of a battery identification check for the aerosol generating device 100. In step 400, a power loss event is detected, which may initiate the battery identification check process. In step 402, the device's identification module 112 attempts to obtain identification information from the battery 110. As step 404, if information is not obtained (for example, if the battery is not present or has zero charge), the aerosol generating device's functions are locked, and the identification module 112 attempts to obtain the battery 110's identification information again. If identification information is obtained, in step 406, the controller 108 compares the obtained identification information with the approved (or genuine) battery identification information stored locally in the aerosol generating device 100's memory. In step 408, if the obtained identification information matches the approved battery identification information, the controller 108 controls the functions of the aerosol generating device 100. For example, this may enable power to be supplied to the main circuit board of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0076] If the acquired identification information does not match the locally stored authorized (or genuine) battery identification information, in step 412, the aerosol generating device 100 is configured to communicate with the communication device 200. In step 414, the user may open an application on the communication device 200. The acquired identification information is sent to the communication device 200. In step 416, the application on the communication device 200 matches the acquired battery identification information with the service platform.

[0077] In step 418, if it is determined that the acquired battery information matches the approved battery identification information, the approval data is sent to the aerosol generating device in step 422, and the controller 108 controls the functions of the aerosol generating device 100. For example, this may enable power to be supplied to the main circuit board of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0078] In step 424, the identification information of the verified battery 110 is stored locally on the aerosol generating device 100.

[0079] In step 418, if it is determined that the acquired battery information does not match the approved identification information, the aerosol generating device 100 is prevented from functioning. In other words, power from the battery 110 does not need to be supplied to the main circuit board of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0080] While preferred embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alterations can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims and described above.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device for detachably holding a battery, An identification module configured to acquire identification information of the battery when detachably held in the device, A controller configured to control the function of the aerosol generating device based on the received identification information, Includes, The identification module operates using a wireless communication protocol, The identification module is configured to scan for identification information from the battery when a power loss is detected in the aerosol generating device.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the identification module is configured to receive the identification information from the battery.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the identification module includes a radio frequency identification module.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 3, wherein the radio frequency identification module includes a short-range wireless communication module.

5. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the function includes providing power to the main circuit board of the aerosol generating device.

6. Includes a memory configured to store identification information for one or more certified batteries, The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the controller is configured to determine whether the received identification information matches the identification information of an authenticated battery when in use.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6, comprising a communication module configured to receive identification information of one or more certified batteries.

8. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the identification information includes information regarding the characteristics of the battery, and the controller is configured to provide a power output level corresponding to the characteristics.

9. an aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, A battery detachably held in the aerosol generating device and A system that includes this.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the battery includes an identification tag, and the identification module is configured to be substantially aligned with the identification tag in order to obtain identification information from the identification tag when in use.

11. The system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the battery has an asymmetric shape configured to be detachably received in corresponding matching asymmetric recesses in the aerosol generating device.

12. A battery for an aerosol generating device, An identification tag containing identification information for the aerosol generating device battery, wherein the battery is detachably received by the aerosol generating device and is configured to provide the identification information to the aerosol generating device using a wireless communication protocol. Aerosol generating device battery containing...

13. A method using an aerosol generating device, In the identification module, identification information is obtained from a battery detachably held in the device using a wireless communication protocol. Based on the acquired identification information, the function of the aerosol generating device is controlled. If a loss of power is detected, scan the identification information from the battery. A method that includes this.

14. To determine that a power loss event has occurred, The process involves determining whether the acquired identification information matches the identification information of one or more authenticated batteries. The method according to claim 13, including the method described in claim 13.

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