Improved prevention of youth access to aerosol generators

Abstract

Aerosol generator comprising: a control circuit with a controller configured to operate the aerosol generator in either a locked state in which aerosol generation by the aerosol generator is prohibited or an unlocked state in which aerosol generation by the aerosol generator is permitted; and a sound sensor operably connected to the controller, wherein the sound sensor is configured to receive a series of sound signals, and the controller is configured to transition the aerosol generator from a locked state to an unlocked state based on the series of sound signals.

Description

Technical Field

[0003]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device, a companion device configured to charge the aerosol generating device with electrical energy, a computing device configured to provide an unlock command to one of the aerosol generating device and the companion device, and a server device configured to provide unlock data to one of the aerosol generating device and the companion device. The present disclosure also relates to a system for preventing underage access to an aerosol generating device, a computer-implemented method for preventing underage access to an aerosol generating device, and the use of a sound sensor included in an aerosol generating device or a companion device.

Background Art

[0002] An aerosol generating device is typically designed as a handheld device that a user can use to consume or experience an aerosol generated from an aerosol generating substrate or an aerosol generating article, for example, by heating in one or more use sessions. The aerosol generating devices relevant to the present disclosure are generally referred to as heated tobacco products (HTPs), heat-not-burn devices, electronic cigarettes, and / or vaporizers.

[0003] An exemplary aerosol-generating substrate may include a solid substrate material such as tobacco material or tobacco cast leaf (TCL) material. The substrate material can, for example, often be assembled with other elements or components to form a substantially rod-shaped aerosol-generating article. Such a rod or aerosol-generating article may be configured in a shape and size that is at least partially inserted into an aerosol generator. The aerosol generator may include a heating element or heater device for heating the aerosol-generating article and / or the aerosol-generating substrate. The heating element or heater device may be part of the aerosol-generating article and / or the aerosol generator. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol-generating substrate may include one or more liquids and / or solids that can be supplied to the aerosol generator, for example, in the form of a cartridge or container. A corresponding exemplary aerosol-generating article may, for example, include a cartridge containing a liquid and / or solid substrate, or a refillable cartridge that can vaporize during aerosol consumption by the user based on heating of the substrate and / or liquid. Typically, such a cartridge or container can be coupled to, attached to, or at least partially inserted into an aerosol generator. Alternatively, the cartridge may be fixedly attached to an aerosol generator and refilled by inserting liquid and / or solid into the cartridge. The aerosol generated from the aerosol generating substrate or article may comprise or include one or more of nicotine, flavorings, sugars, humectants, preservatives, flavorings, such as cocoa, licorice, menthol, and lactic acid, or other additives.

[0004] To generate aerosols during use or consumption, heat can be supplied by a heating element, heater device, or heat source to heat at least one or more parts of the aerosol generating substrate. The heating element, heater device, or heat source may be arranged in a handheld device or in the handheld part of an aerosol generating device. Alternatively or additionally, at least one or more parts of the heating element, heater device, or heat source may be fixedly associated with or arranged within an aerosol generating article, for example, in the form of a rod or cartridge that can be attached to and / or powered by the handheld device or in the handheld part of an aerosol generating device.

[0005] Exemplary heating elements or heater devices may be based on one or more of resistance heating, induction heating, and microwave heating using electrical energy supplied through, drawn from, or stored via a battery in the aerosol generator. As used herein, a battery in an aerosol generator can generally refer to an energy storage unit in the aerosol generator configured to store electrical energy. Thus, the term energy storage unit can include one or more batteries, one or more capacitors, one or more accumulators, or other types of energy storage units. Furthermore, any reference to a battery herein may include multiple batteries.

[0006] Typically, an aerosol generator includes an energy storage unit, such as a battery, that provides the electrical energy necessary to operate the aerosol generator, particularly to heat the aerosol generating substrate and / or articles, for example, to generate aerosols in one or more usage sessions using one or more aerosol generating articles. The battery may be, for example, a lithium-ion battery.

[0007] As used herein, a usage session may refer to a period of time during which a user may use an aerosol generator to generate, consume, experience, or inhale aerosols. A usage session may be finite; in other words, a usage session may have a start, end, and duration. The duration of a usage session, when measured by time, may be affected by use during the session. The duration of a usage session may have a maximum duration determined by the longest time elapsed since the start of the usage session. The duration of a usage session may be shorter than the maximum duration if one or more monitored parameters reach a predetermined threshold before the longest time elapsed since the start of the usage session. As an example, one or more monitored parameters may include one or more of the following: i) the cumulative number of smokes inhaled by the user since the start of the usage session, and ii) the cumulative volume of aerosols released from the aerosol-forming substrate since the start of the usage session.

[0008] In certain jurisdictions around the world, there may be legislative bodies that restrict the use of the aerosol generators described herein to users who exceed a certain age threshold, for example, those over 18 years of age. For example, providing access to the aerosol generator to users below the age threshold may be prohibited. Therefore, the aerosol generator may be equipped with a Youth Access Prevention (YAP) system. Such a system may require the user to undergo an age verification test before using the aerosol generator. Therefore, such aerosol generators may be locked when manufactured or sold. The YAP system may require the user to connect the locked aerosol generator to a smartphone via a data connection, for example, Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). The smartphone may then be used to perform the age verification test, for example, by connecting the smartphone to an internet server that provides the age verification test. If the age verification test is passed, the aerosol generator is unlocked, and the user may use it to generate and consume aerosols.

[0009] One known problem with YAP systems is that they may require a device capable of establishing a data connection with the aerosol generator, such as a BLE connection. The aerosol generator may also need to be capable of establishing this connection, making it potentially more expensive. Furthermore, the data connection may not be as reliable as required, potentially leading to failures in unlocking the aerosol generator even if the user is of legal age and has passed age verification tests. For example, consumer testing of BLE connections has shown failure rates of up to approximately 15% in the unlocking procedure. This can degrade the quality of the user experience and lead to user dissatisfaction.

[0010] Therefore, it may be desirable to provide an improved YAP system for aerosol generators. For example, it may be desirable to provide an easy-to-use and reliable system that does not require complex hardware. It may also be desirable to provide an inexpensive system.

[0011] These advantages can be achieved by the features described herein. [Overview of the project]

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generator is provided, comprising a control circuit with a controller configured to operate the aerosol generator in either a locked state in which aerosol generation by the aerosol generator is prohibited or an unlocked state in which aerosol generation by the aerosol generator is permitted, and a sound sensor operably connected to the controller, wherein the sound sensor is configured to receive a series of sound signals, and the controller is configured to transition the aerosol generator from a locked state to an unlocked state based on the series of sound signals.

[0013] In the locked state of the aerosol generator, aerosol generation may be prohibited even if requested by the user, for example, by inputting a command signal to the aerosol generator, or for example, by pressing a button. The locked state may be implemented, for example, by disabling a heater or heating element, or other device configured to generate aerosols from the aerosol generating substrate or article. This may be achieved by software installed on the aerosol generator and executed, for example, by a controller. This software may, for example, be part of the aerosol generator's firmware. Thus, in the locked state, the software may prevent the use or activation of a heater or heating element or other device for generating aerosols from the aerosol generating substrate or article.

[0014] Conversely, when the aerosol generator is unlocked, aerosol generation may be permitted. Therefore, a heater or heating element or other device configured to generate aerosols from an aerosol-generating substrate or article may be made available in the unlocked state. This may also be achieved by a controller, for example, software run by firmware. Thus, aerosols may be supplied when the user inputs a command signal to the aerosol generator, for example, by pressing a button.

[0015] In short, when an aerosol generator is locked, no aerosol may be generated, and when the aerosol generator is unlocked, aerosol may be generated. Originally, an aerosol generator may be in a locked state, for example, it may be provided to and / or sold to the user in a locked state. An aerosol generator may be manufactured in a locked state by the aerosol generator manufacturer, or may be left in a locked state. Therefore, all new aerosol generators in a factory may be in a locked state.

[0016] Therefore, in order to use the aerosol generator, the user must unlock the aerosol generator by transitioning it from a locked state to an unlocked state. To implement the functionality of the YAP system, it may be stipulated that the aerosol generator can only be unlocked when it is guaranteed that the user is of legal age. Therefore, the aerosol generator may need to be able to receive a signal indicating that the user's age verification has been passed and that the aerosol generator can transition from a locked state to an unlocked state.

[0017] According to this disclosure, this function may be implemented by a sound sensor. The sound sensor may be configured to detect sound signals and / or different sounds. The sound sensor may be configured to detect sound signals and / or sounds within the human hearing range, for example. The "human hearing range" may also be referred to herein as the "audible frequency range," and may include frequencies from about 20 Hz to about 20 kHz, for example.

[0018] A sound sensor may be configured to detect changes in sound in its vicinity. For example, a sound sensor may be configured to detect and / or distinguish between periods when one sound, e.g., a sound of one frequency, is present in the immediate vicinity of the sound sensor and periods when another sound, e.g., a sound of a different frequency, is present in the immediate vicinity of the sound sensor. A sound sensor may also be configured to detect and / or distinguish between the presence or absence of sound, e.g., silence. Silence may mean relative silence in the sense that the area around the sound sensor is quieter than during periods when sound is present. Sound waves can cause local pressure deviations from (mean or equilibrium) atmospheric pressure. These pressure deviations may be called sound pressure or acoustic pressure.

[0019] The sound sensor may be configured to detect sound pressure and / or changes in sound pressure. The sound sensor may be configured to detect ambient pressure and / or changes in pressure, e.g., ambient atmospheric pressure and / or changes in ambient atmospheric pressure. The sound sensor may be configured to detect sound pressure and / or distinguish between periods of high sound pressure, e.g., an increase in air pressure from ambient atmospheric pressure, and periods of low sound pressure, e.g., no increase or decrease in air pressure from ambient atmospheric pressure. Pressure and sound pressure may be measured in pascals (Pa), which are units of the International System of Units. The pressure values ​​given in this disclosure may be relative to a reference pressure, e.g., atmospheric pressure or atmospheric pressure which may be defined as 101325 Pa. Thus, a given pressure value may represent a difference in pressure from this reference pressure. The sound sensor may be configured to detect sound pressure, or ambient pressure, or pressure changes in the range of + / -0.005 Pa to + / -2 Pa, preferably + / -0.01 Pa to + / -1 Pa. A plus sign may indicate a pressure increase relative to a reference pressure, and a minus sign may indicate a pressure decrease relative to a reference pressure. In sound waves, both increased and decreased pressures follow each other according to the waveform and the frequency of the sound. Essentially, a sound sensor may be configured to detect and / or distinguish periods of increasing ambient pressure levels and / or decreasing ambient pressure levels and / or periods of ambient pressure levels that are not different from the reference pressure. In this way, different sounds or sound signals that result in different pressures or pressure changes according to the frequency of the sound may be associated with different signals or numerical values, such as bit values. Apart from the pressure level itself, the length of periods of increased, decreased, or reference ambient pressure may be associated with different signals or numerical values, such as bit values. This can then be used to code a series of numbers or other data within a series of sound signals. For example, periods of different pressure levels and / or periods or lengths of different pressure levels may each be used to represent different values, so that a series of sound signals may be used to code signals, such as binary signals, sound frequency modulated signals, sound pressure modulated signals, and / or sound intensity modulated signals.Next, the signal itself, for example, a binary signal, may be used to encode any string of characters, such as numbers, letters, or other symbols.

[0020] Therefore, a series of sound signals may be a sequence or continuation of periods of different or the same pressure level or sound pressure at the sound sensor. In this way, a series of sound levels received by the sound sensor may transmit information to the aerosol generator that the user has passed the age verification test and that the aerosol generator can transition from a locked state to an unlocked state. This information may be processed by the aerosol generator's controller, for example, through software or firmware running on the aerosol generator, and may lead to the unlocking of the aerosol generator. Receiving the correct series of sound signals may be the only way to unlock the aerosol generator. The YAP system can only be implemented in the aerosol generator by providing the correct series of sound signals to a user of legal age, or by means of providing the correct series of sound signals to the sound sensor and / or aerosol generator.

[0021] The series of sound signals may include an unlock signal or may code an unlock signal. The controller may be configured to convert the series of sound signals into an unlock signal. The unlock signal may be a command or control signal that causes the controller to move the aerosol generator from a locked state to an unlocked state. In this case, the controller's receipt of the unlock signal directly leads to the unlocking of the aerosol generator. The unlock signal may be the same signal for two or more aerosol generators, which may be useful for users operating two or more aerosol generators in parallel. Alternatively, the series of sound signals may include an unlock code or may code an unlock code. The controller may be configured to convert the series of sound signals into an unlock code. The unlock code may be unique for an aerosol generator. Therefore, the unlock code may function for only one aerosol generator, providing a high level of security to the system.

[0022] For example, a series of sound signals may include one or more sound signals within the human hearing range or audible frequency range of approximately 20 Hz to approximately 20 kHz, and the controller may be configured to convert or translate the aforementioned one or more sound signals within the audible frequency range or human hearing range into an unlock code.

[0023] An aerosol generator may be provided with, or may have, a device identifier. The device identifier may be a unique identifier for the aerosol generator. It may include, for example, a sequence of numbers and / or letters or other symbols. The device identifier may be, for example, a Codentify or Manufacturing Information Block (MIB) or similar. The controller may be configured to check whether an unlock code provided through a series of sound signals is the correct unlock code for the aerosol generator's device identifier. The controller may be configured to unlock the aerosol generator only if the unlock code is correct for the device identifier. In other words, if the controller determines that the unlock code is associated with and / or matches the aerosol generator's device identifier, it may be configured to transition the aerosol generator from a locked state to an unlocked state. If the unlock code is not associated with and / or does not match the aerosol generator's device identifier, the controller is configured to keep the aerosol generator locked.

[0024] A device identifier and / or unlock code may be stored in the aerosol generator. For this purpose, the aerosol generator may include a memory or data storage unit in which the device identifier and / or unlock code can be stored. For example, a pair of device identifiers and an unlock code may be generated during the manufacture of the aerosol generator. The device identifier may be stored in the aerosol generator in a manner that is easily accessible to the user, for example, by placing the device identifier on the outside of the device and / or reproducing the device identifier on the packaging and / or documentation delivered with the aerosol generator. The device identifier may be reproduced, for example, as an optically readable code, such as a barcode or QR code (registered trademark), to facilitate user access to the device identifier using a computing device with a camera, such as a smartphone. On the other hand, the unlock code may be stored in the internal memory of the aerosol generator in a manner that is accessible to the controller of the aerosol generator but not accessible from external parties, such as the user. In this way, the user can obtain an unlock code that matches the device identifier (as described in more detail below) and provide it to the aerosol generator by a series of sound signals. Next, the controller checks whether the unlock code matches the unlock code in its internal memory, and if the unlock codes match, it may unlock the aerosol generator. Alternatively, the unlock code may be derivable from the device identifier (as described in more detail below). In this case, the device identifier may be stored in the aerosol generator's memory. The controller can then derive the unlock code from the device identifier and check whether the received unlock code matches the device identifier by comparing the derived unlock code with the received unlock code. Again, the aerosol generator can only be unlocked if the unlock codes match.

[0025] It may be desirable to ensure that an unlocked aerosol generator is not used, or at least not used indefinitely, by a user below the legal age threshold. This could occur, for example, if an unlocked aerosol generator is sold secondhand. Therefore, an aerosol generator may be configured to relock itself after a predetermined period or after a predetermined number of uses, e.g., after a usage session has been provided. Alternatively, there may be a command signal to relock the aerosol generator upon user input. In other words, the controller may be configured to transition the aerosol generator from an unlocked state to a locked state when it determines that a predetermined period has elapsed, or that a predetermined number of uses of the aerosol generator has been reached, or that a specific control signal has been received. The predetermined period may be, for example, one month, three months, six months, twelve months, or more. The predetermined number of uses may be, for example, 10, 50, 100, 250, 500, 750, 1000, 1500, 2000, 5000, or more. These values ​​are illustrative and any other period and / or usage count may be used.

[0026] The aerosol generator may then be re-unlocked in accordance with the disclosures described herein. However, it may be specified that the aerosol generator can only be re-unlocked by an unlock signal or unlock code different from the unlock signal or unlock code previously used to unlock the aerosol generator. In other words, the controller may be configured to transition the aerosol generator from a locked state to an unlocked state only when an unlock code is received that is associated with or matches a device identifier and is preferably different from a previous unlock code. To implement this, there may be multiple different unlock codes stored in the memory of the aerosol generator. Alternatively, different unlock codes may be derived from the device identifier in combination with a serial number associated with the number of re-unlocks. The aerosol generator may also be configured to provide a random number, which can then be used with the device identifier to provide a unique unlock code for each pair of this random number and device identifier. By changing the unlock code, misuse of the aerosol generator by users who are not of legal age can be prevented.

[0027] The aerosol generator may further comprise an aerosol generating article and / or substrate. Preferably, in the unlocked state, the aerosol generator may be configured to generate aerosols from the aerosol generating article and / or substrate. The aerosol generating article and / or substrate may be configured as described above. The aerosol generating article and / or substrate can be at least partially inserted into the aerosol generator.

[0028] The aerosol generating device may further include an energy storage unit for storing electrical energy. The electrical energy stored in the energy storage unit may be used, for example, to supply power to a controller and / or a heater or heating element configured to heat the aerosol generating article or substrate. The energy storage unit may be non-rechargeable, such as a non-rechargeable battery. Such non-rechargeable energy storage units can be used, for example, in one-way or disposable aerosol generating devices. The present disclosure may be particularly useful in such devices because it is easier to use than conventional systems, very low cost, and thus can be implemented even in inexpensive devices. At the same time, it may be easier for underage users / users under the legal age to obtain disposable aerosol generating devices, emphasizing the need for YAP.

[0029] The aerosol generating device may include a smoking sensor. As used herein, smoking may describe the act of a user drawing air and / or aerosol into the user's mouth and / or lungs through or from the aerosol generating device. The smoking sensor may be configured to detect smoking, for example, by detecting a gas flow and / or pressure change caused by smoking. Detection of smoking by the smoking sensor may cause the controller to activate the heating element or otherwise initiate generation of aerosol by the aerosol generating device from the aerosol generating substrate or article. Conversely, the controller may stop the heating element and / or aerosol generation when the smoking sensor detects the end of smoking. In this way, the initiation of aerosol generation may be limited to the actual duration of smoking.

[0030] As described above, user inhalation may cause pressure changes, and the inhalation sensor may be configured to detect these pressure changes and thus detect inhalation. Therefore, since the inhalation sensor detects pressure changes, and the series of sound signals according to this disclosure may also be detected by pressure changes, the inhalation sensor may, in principle, be used to detect the series of sound signals. In other words, the sound sensor may be defined as either the inhalation sensor or composed of the inhalation sensor. The aerosol generator may be provided with a combined sound and inhalation sensor. The sound sensor may also be a combined sound and inhalation sensor. Therefore, the description of the sound sensor in this disclosure is also applicable to a combined sound and inhalation sensor, and vice versa. However, it is important to note that the inhalation sensor is not automatically the same as the sound sensor. This is because the pressure changes caused by inhalation and the pressure changes caused by sound, particularly the series of sound signals according to this disclosure, are orders of magnitude different from each other. For example, the pressure change caused by smoke extraction (relative to a reference pressure, e.g., atmospheric pressure) is typically in the range of -300 Pa to -600 Pa, e.g., -450 Pa, where a negative value means that smoke extraction results in a decrease in pressure within the aerosol generator where the smoke extraction sensor is located. In contrast, pressure changes, e.g., sound pressure caused by sound, e.g., a series of sound signals according to this disclosure, are typically in the range of + / -0.005 Pa to + / -2 Pa. Therefore, the associated pressure for sound and a series of sound signals may be far below the threshold of the smoke extraction sensor for detecting smoke extraction. Thus, the smoke extraction sensor is not automatically a sound sensor according to this disclosure. If the smoke extraction sensor is a sound sensor, or includes a sound sensor, or has a combined sound and smoke extraction sensor, this means that the smoke extraction sensor is specifically configured to be able to sense both smoke extraction and sound signals. Therefore, the smoke extraction sensor may be configured to detect pressure changes of a magnitude corresponding to sound or an audio signal, for example, in the range of + / -0.005 Pa to + / -2 Pa, preferably in the range of + / -0.01 Pa to + / -1 Pa. This is something that cannot be achieved by conventional smoke extraction sensors.In fact, a conventional smoking sensor can actively suppress a signal of this magnitude so as not to lead to an incorrect activation of aerosol generation.

[0031] The sound sensor according to the present disclosure may not have a bit depth, that is, it means that the sound sensor may have a binary output of only two signals or numerical values. The bit depth can be the number of digital values used to measure the amplitude and / or frequency of a sound wave. The sound sensor may have a bit depth of less than 8 bits or less than 24 bits. However, other bit depths, for example, bit depths of about 8 bits to about 24 bits are conceivable, and these can be used in more complex transducers commonly referred to as microphones.

[0032] The aerosol generating device may include a sound channel within the housing or casing of the aerosol generating device, through which sound or a sound signal from outside the housing or casing can move for reception by the sound sensor. The sound channel may be disposed at least partially outside the internal space of the aerosol generating device configured to receive the aerosol generating substrate or article. The sound channel may be disposed at least partially outside the airflow channel or path through which air and / or aerosol is conveyed during smoking.

[0033] The controller may be configured to put a sound sensor, or a fume extraction sensor, or a combined sound and fume extraction sensor into sound reception mode when it receives a corresponding control signal from a user, companion device, or computing device. In sound reception mode, the detection threshold for pressure changes detected by the sensor may differ from that in non-sound reception mode, for example, when fume extraction can be detected by the sensor. Thus, the combined sound and fume extraction sensor may be used to detect fume extraction in non-sound reception mode and to detect sound or sound signals in sound reception mode. The controller and / or sensor may be configured to exclusively detect sounds or sound signals or fume extraction or pressure changes related to fume extraction. The controller and / or sensor may be configured not to simultaneously detect sounds, sound signals, and fume extraction or pressure changes related to fume extraction. The controller may be configured to convert a series of sound signals into an unlock code or unlock signal, regardless of whether the user is fume extraction from the aerosol generator and / or without processing flow measurements, for example, flow measurements obtained by a fume extraction sensor. The controller may be configured to transition the aerosol generator from a locked state to an unlocked state based on a series of sound signals, without processing flow rate measurements.

[0034] A combined sound and fume extraction sensor may be provided as a single component. In other words, an aerosol generator may comprise a single component that is both a fume extraction sensor and a sound sensor. Each of the fume extraction sensor and the sound sensor may comprise at least one element or component used by both the fume extraction sensor and the sound sensor, or at least one element or component used by only the fume extraction sensor or only the sound sensor. In other words, the fume extraction sensor and the sound sensor may comprise at least one common component used by both the fume extraction sensor and the sound sensor. Similarly, each of the fume extraction sensor and the sound sensor may comprise at least one non-common component used by only the fume extraction sensor or only the sound sensor. For example, a combined sound and fume extraction sensor may comprise a flexible charged film. The flexible charged film may include at least one electret or electret film. The flexible charged film may be a common component used by both the fume extraction sensor and the sound sensor. Furthermore, the combined sound and smoke absorption sensor may comprise a first conductive backplate and a second conductive backplate, and the flexible charged film and the first backplate may form a first capacitor, and the flexible charged film and the second backplate may form a second capacitor. The first backplate may be a non-common component used only in the smoke absorption sensor, and the second backplate may be a non-common component used only in the sound sensor. On the other hand, the flexible charged film may be a common component, or it may be a component of both the first and second capacitors. The capacitances of the first and second capacitors may be adjustable by the movement of the flexible charged film, for example, the movement of the flexible charged film relative to the first backplate and / or the second backplate. The combined sound and smoke absorption sensor may be configured such that pressure changes in ambient pressure, for example, sound pressure and / or pressure changes due to smoke absorption, lead to the movement of the flexible charged film, which in turn leads to changes in the capacitance of the first and / or second capacitors.By providing separate backplates for the sound sensor and the smoke sensor aspects of a combined sound and smoke-absorbing sensor, the backplates may have different configurations, designs, and / or arrangements, taking into account the different sensitivities required to detect changes in ambient pressure due to sound pressure or sound signals, as opposed to pressure changes due to smoke absorption. For example, the second backplate used in the sound sensor may be positioned closer to the flexible charged film than the first backplate used in the smoke-absorbing sensor.

[0035] Changes in the capacitance of the first and second capacitors can be used to detect signals from their respective sensors. For example, a sound sensor, preferably a combined sound and smoke sensor, may be configured to detect smoke by monitoring the capacitance of the first capacitor, and also to detect a series of sound signals by monitoring the capacitance of the second capacitor.

[0036] As described above, smoke absorption is a combined sound and smoke absorption sensor that can lead to ambient pressure below atmospheric pressure. Sound pressure, on the other hand, can alternately increase and decrease relative to atmospheric pressure according to the frequency of the sound. Therefore, signals caused by smoke absorption and signals caused by sound or sound signals can be distinguished from each other by arranging a first backplate and a second backplate on either side of a flexible charged membrane. The flexible charged membrane may be configured and / or arranged to bend or curve in different directions in response to an increase or decrease in pressure relative to atmospheric pressure. For example, the flexible charged membrane may be configured and / or arranged to bend or curve toward the first backplate in response to an increase in pressure. Furthermore, the flexible charged membrane may be configured and / or arranged to bend or curve toward the second backplate in response to a decrease in pressure. The bending or curving of the flexible charged film toward the backplate may mean that the distance between at least a portion of the flexible charged film and each backplate is reduced, resulting in a change in the capacitance of the capacitor formed by the flexible charged film capacitor and the backplate. By arranging the first and second backplates on either side of the flexible charged film, the signals from the sound sensor and the smoke sensor may be isolated from each other. This arrangement also allows for the implementation of different sensitivity or pressure thresholds required for each detection.

[0037] To sense or monitor the capacitance of a capacitor, a sound sensor, preferably a combined sound and smoke sensor, may be defined as comprising two capacitance sensors, one capacitance sensor connected to a flexible charge film and a first backplate, and the other capacitance sensor connected to a flexible charge film and a second backplate. In other words, one capacitance sensor is connected to the first capacitor, and the other capacitance sensor is connected to the second capacitor. The capacitance sensors may be, for example, junction gate field-effect transistors (JFETs). In one exemplary possible arrangement, each backplate may be connected to the gate of the JFET, and / or the flexible charge film may be connected to the source of the JFET. Furthermore, the source may be grounded. In this way, a change in the capacitance of each capacitor changes the conductivity of the JFET between its source and drain, which can be used as a sensor signal. In this embodiment, the combined sound and smoke sensor may comprise one capacitance sensor for each capacitor. This configuration is particularly useful when a flexible charged film is polarized in such a way that it leads to a change in the capacitance of two capacitors of opposite signs, which is then used to apply different voltages to the gates of the JFETs. To utilize these different capacitance signals, the JFETs must be selected to operate at these different voltages, for example, by using one n-type JFET and one p-type JFET.

[0038] Alternatively, the sound sensor, preferably a combined sound and fume sensor, may be defined as comprising only one capacitance sensor, the single capacitance sensor being connected to a flexible charged film, a first backplate, and a second backplate. In other words, only one capacitance sensor is used for both the sound sensor and the fume sensor aspects of the combined sound and fume sensor. The capacitance sensor may be a JFET. For example, both backplates may be connected to the gate of the JFET, while the flexible charged film is connected to the source. By using only one capacitance sensor for both the sound and fume sensors, the device can be simplified in terms of structure, required space within the device, and cost.

[0039] If only one capacitance sensor is used, and the capacitance sensor can only sense capacitance changes in one sign, i.e., either positive or negative, then the first and second capacitors must be designed and / or configured and / or arranged such that the signals associated with each sensor have the same sign. This can be achieved, for example, by arranging the first and second backplates on the same side of the flexible charged film, preferably in such a way that the flexible charged film bends or curves toward the backplate when the pressure in the combined sound and smoke sensor decreases below atmospheric pressure. In different embodiments, the flexible charged film may be arranged between the first and second backplates, and the flexible charged film may be specified to be polarized or charged similarly in the direction of the first backplate and the direction of the second backplate. For example, the flexible charged film may be charged or polarized symmetrically with respect to the middle plane or intermediate layer of the film. The central plane of the flexible charged film may extend in the direction in which the flexible charged film has its maximum extension when it is not bent or curved, or it may be in the middle of the film's thickness. For example, the flexible charged film may include a conductive metal layer, and may further include electret films on both sides of the metal film, the electret films being polarized in opposite directions. Thus, the flexible charged film may have a sandwich structure in which the conductive metal layer is sandwiched between two oppositely polarized electret films. In this way, the change in capacitance of the capacitor formed by the flexible charged film and the first and second backplates may have the same sign, even when the backplates are arranged on both sides of the flexible charged film. In this way, only one JFET can be used as a capacitance sensor for both capacitors.

[0040] Furthermore, the sound sensor may be defined as a different component from the smoke extraction sensor. In other words, the aerosol generator may include both a sound sensor and a smoke extraction sensor, and in particular, the sound sensor and the smoke extraction sensor may be separate from each other. In this case, the sound sensor and the smoke extraction sensor may not have any common components.

[0041] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a companion device is provided which is configured to charge an aerosol generator with electrical energy and comprises a control circuit including a controller, a sound sensor, and a communication arrangement, wherein the sound sensor is configured to receive a series of sound signals, and the controller is configured to provide an unlock command to the aerosol generator via the communication arrangement.

[0042] All the features, functions, and advantages described herein with respect to aerosol generators are also applicable to companion devices, and vice versa.

[0043] The companion device may be configured to be electrically connected to the aerosol generator. The companion device may be configured to at least partially receive the aerosol generator within a cavity in the companion device. By at least partially inserting the aerosol generator into the companion device, an electrical connection can be established between the companion device and the aerosol generator. Through this electrical connection, the companion device can charge the aerosol generator with electrical energy. Therefore, the companion device may include an energy storage unit, such as a battery or battery pack, which may have a larger capacity than the energy storage unit of the aerosol generator itself. Thus, the companion device may be used to store the aerosol generator between uses and to recharge the aerosol generator at the same time, and in particular to fully recharge the aerosol generator several times in a row before the companion device itself needs to be recharged.

[0044] The companion device may also include a communication arrangement configured to establish a data connection with the aerosol generator. This data connection may also be established, for example, through a physical connection to the aerosol generator, which is then established when the aerosol generator is at least partially inserted into the companion device for recharging. The communication arrangement may also include a wireless communication device. In this case, the aerosol generator may also include a corresponding wireless communication device. The wireless communication device may be configured to establish a data connection between the companion device and the aerosol generator.

[0045] The companion device may be configured to receive a series of sound signals via a sound sensor as described herein, either as an alternative to or in addition to the aerosol generator. If the companion device is equipped with a sound sensor and configured to receive a series of sound signals, the sound sensor of the aerosol generator may be omitted, and vice versa. To perform the unlocking of the aerosol generator when the correct series of sound signals is received by the companion device, the controller of the companion device may be configured to send an unlock command to the aerosol generator via a communication configuration.

[0046] An unlock command may include the unlock code or unlock signal described above. For example, a controller may be configured to convert a series of sound signals into an unlock code. The controller may then be configured to provide the unlock code to the aerosol generator via a communication arrangement. The aerosol generator may then proceed in the same way as if the unlock code were extracted from a series of sound signals by the controller of the aerosol generator itself. In other words, the aerosol generator itself may check, as described above, whether the unlock code is a correct unlock code and whether it matches either an unlock code stored in the aerosol generator or the device identifier of the aerosol generator.

[0047] On the other hand, the companion device may also be configured to check whether the unlock code is a valid unlock code and whether it matches either an unlock code stored in the aerosol generator or an aerosol generator device identifier. For this purpose, the companion device may be configured to read the unlock code or device identifier from the aerosol generator's data storage unit or memory. The companion device's controller may be configured to provide an unlock command to the aerosol generator when it determines that the unlock code is associated with the aerosol generator's device identifier or an unlock code stored in the aerosol generator. The unlock command may include an unlock signal that leads directly to unlocking the aerosol generator, as described above.

[0048] Furthermore, both the aerosol generator and the companion device may be configured to check whether the unlock code is a valid unlock code, or whether it matches either an unlock code stored in the aerosol generator or the device identifier of the aerosol generator. In this case, this check may be performed twice as an additional layer of security against misuse.

[0049] In any apparatus according to this disclosure, the sound sensor may be configured to distinguish between sound pressure above or below a predetermined threshold. The sound sensor may be configured to exclusively generate two different signals: a first signal generated when the sound sensor detects sound pressure above a predetermined threshold, and a second signal generated when the sound sensor detects sound pressure below a predetermined threshold. Thus, sound pressure above or below a threshold can be used as bits in a binary signal. Instead of the sound pressure itself, the duration of the period during which the sensor detects pressure above a threshold may be used to code a signal, e.g., a binary signal. For example, different sound frequencies can be used to vary the duration of the period during which the pressure rises relative to atmospheric pressure. Depending on the sampling rate of the sensor, these different durations can be detected and used as signals. For example, a series of sound signals may include a first frequency that results in a periodic increase in ambient pressure during a first period, and a second frequency that results in a periodic increase in ambient pressure during a second period. The first period may be longer than the second period, or vice versa, and the data may be coded according to the lengths of these periods.

[0050] The predetermined threshold may be in the range of 0.01 Pa to 1 Pa, and preferably in the range of 0.05 Pa to 0.5 Pa. Such thresholds may be suitable for sound signals, particularly sound signals in the human auditory range or audible frequency range, which are preferably used for the series of sound signals of this disclosure.

[0051] Instead of a fixed value, a given threshold may also be defined as a percentage of the amplitude of the sound pressure of a series of sound signals. The amplitude of the sound pressure can describe a range from a peak increase in pressure to a peak decrease in pressure, relative to atmospheric pressure. For example, if a sound wave periodically causes a pressure increase of 1 Pa and a pressure decrease of -1 Pa, the amplitude of the sound pressure may be 2 Pa. The given threshold may be in the range of 10% to 50% of the amplitude of the sound pressure of a series of sound signals, preferably in the range of 15% to 40% or 20% to 30%. For example, the given threshold may be 25%. The amplitude of the sound pressure of a series of sound signals may be measured, for example, by a sound sensor or a combined sound and smoke extraction sensor. In general, the threshold may be chosen so that the transmission of information is sufficiently safe from background noise interference, but not so large as to be unpleasant to the user.

[0052] The sound sensor may be specified to have a sampling rate of at least 2 kHz, preferably at least 3 kHz, or at least 4 kHz, or at least 5 kHz, or at least 6 kHz. In other words, the sound sensor, preferably a combined sound and smoke sensor, may be configured to monitor the capacitance of a second capacitor at a sampling rate of at least 2 kHz, preferably at least 3 kHz, or at least 4 kHz, or at least 5 kHz, or at least 6 kHz. The sound sensor may have a sampling rate in the range of 2 kHz to 6 kHz, or in the range of 3 kHz to 5 kHz, and preferably the sound sensor may be specified to have a sampling rate of 4 kHz. The controller may also be configured to provide and / or support this sampling rate. The sampling rate is important for accurately detecting the length of time over which ambient pressure increases or decreases due to, for example, sound pressure.

[0053] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a computing device is provided which includes an acoustic generator, preferably a loudspeaker, and a data connection to a server device, configured to provide an unlock command to one of an aerosol generator and a companion device configured to charge the aerosol generator with electrical energy, wherein the computing device is configured to receive unlock data from the server device, and the computing device is configured to provide an unlock command by emitting the unlock data as a series of sound signals via the acoustic generator.

[0054] All of the features, functions, and benefits described herein with respect to aerosol generators and / or companion devices are also applicable to computing devices, and vice versa.

[0055] The sound generator of a computing device may be any type of sound generator or electroacoustic transducer suitable for emitting sound, sound waves, or acoustic waves, music, or sound information, such as a loudspeaker or speaker device. The sound generator may be configured to acoustically emit data, and in particular may be configured to emit a series of sound signals. The sound generator may be configured to emit data using sound signals outside or inside the human auditory spectrum.

[0056] The data connection to the server device may be any type of data connection, either a physical connection or a wireless connection. The data connection to the server may be configured as telecommunications, for example, a mobile internet connection. The data connection may be based on any of the standards developed and / or maintained by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP®), such as GSM, UMTS, LTE, 5G, or any other suitable telecommunications means.

[0057] Furthermore, the computing device may be configured to receive a device identifier from the user, for example, via an input device. The input device may be, for example, a touchscreen or keyboard, or any other suitable means for inputting information into the computing device. The computing device may also be configured to transfer the device identifier to a server device, for example, via a data connection.

[0058] The computing device may be configured to allow the user of the aerosol generator to perform or complete an age verification test on the server. The computing device may be configured to receive age verification information from the user, for example, via an input device, and to transfer this information to the server device via a data connection. If the age verification test is passed, the computing device may be configured to receive unlock data from the server device and provide this unlock data or unlock command to the companion device or aerosol generator by providing a series of sound signals via a sound generator, for example, via a loudspeaker. Thus, the series of sound signals presented via the sound generator may include or code the unlock command and / or unlock data received from the server.

[0059] For example, a series of sound signals may encode or be derived from an unlock code. Thus, the unlock code may be included in the unlock command and / or unlock data. Therefore, upon receiving a series of sound signals, the companion device and / or aerosol generator may proceed as described above.

[0060] The computing device may be configured to check whether the unlock code is a correct unlock code, whether it matches or is correct to either an unlock code stored in the aerosol generator or an aerosol generator device identifier. For this purpose, the computing device may be configured to read the unlock code or device identifier from the data storage unit or memory of the aerosol generator and / or companion device. Therefore, the computing device may be "offline" (e.g., not connected to the internet and / or further computing devices) when used to unlock the aerosol generator. The controller of the computing device may be configured to provide an unlock command to the aerosol generator or companion device if it determines that the unlock code is associated with the aerosol generator device identifier or an unlock code stored in the aerosol generator. The unlock command may include an unlock signal that directly leads to the unlocking of the aerosol generator, as described above.

[0061] The computing device may be a smartphone, tablet computer, personal computer, smartwatch, onboard computer in a car or work machine, and smart television. The computing device may be any type of device capable of receiving age authentication information from the user, transmitting this information to a server device, then receiving unlock data from the server device, and providing a series of sound signals via a sound generator. An existing loudspeaker or speaker device of the computing device may be used as a sound generator. This type of speaker device may already be present in several different devices and may be sufficient to provide a series of sound signals. Therefore, the user may not need a specific computing device to unlock the aerosol generator. Instead, the user may use any multiple computing devices that do not have any special or specific hardware. The sound generator may also be an external device that can be connected to the computing device. For example, the sound generator may be an external sound system that can be connected to the computing device, and as a result, the computing device may generate sound in the sound generator, for example, to play an audio file. Therefore, the sound generator may be a sound system installed in the user's home, car, recreation place, or workplace. The sound generator may also be a portable sound system, such as a portable music player. The external device may be connectable to a computing device via wired or wireless connection, for example, via an audio jack, USB, WLAN, or Bluetooth.

[0062] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a server device is provided which is configured to provide unlock data to a computing device to one of an aerosol generator and a companion device configured to charge the aerosol generator with electrical energy, the server device is configured to perform an age verification test on the user of the aerosol generator through the computing device, and if it is determined that the user has passed the age verification test, it provides unlock data to the computing device and provides the unlock data as a command for the computing device to emit a series of sound signals.

[0063] The server device may be, for example, a web or internet server maintained by the manufacturer of the companion device and / or aerosol generator. The server device may be configured to receive age authentication information about the user from the computing device. The server may be configured to use this age authentication information to conduct an age authentication test. The server may be configured to proceed only if the age authentication test is successfully passed, or it may be configured to display a message informing the user that the age authentication test was not passed and not proceed.

[0064] Upon successful completion of the age verification test, the server may be configured to provide the computing device with unlock data for the aerosol generator. The unlock data may include unlock instructions, such as an unlock code or unlock signal. The unlock data may be provided to the computing device as instructions or other means for the computing device to emit a series of sound signals, as described above.

[0065] The server device may be configured to provide unlock data specific to the aerosol generator. To achieve this, the server device may be configured to receive the device identifier of the aerosol generator from the computing device. The unlock data may be associated with or correspond to the device identifier of the aerosol generator. For example, the server device may have a data storage unit that stores all device identifiers of all aerosol generators manufactured and / or sold by the manufacturer. The data storage unit of the server device may also contain a specific unlock code for each device identifier. The server device may be configured to retrieve a specific unlock code for an aerosol generator from the data storage unit according to the device identifier received from the computing device. Alternatively, it may be provided to derive the unlock code from the device identifier, as further described below. A series of sound signals may be derived from the unlock code as described above.

[0066] A series of sound signals may be provided, for example, as an audio file. In this case, for example, the unlock data provided by the server to the computing device may be an audio file or audio data provided in a common audio format such as .wav, .mp3, .m4a, .wma, or .mp4. A series of sound signals may be provided as a series of tones or sounds of different frequencies. A series of tones or sounds may constitute an audio file or audio data. A sound or a series of sound signals may be provided as a series of sounds having a constant frequency and / or amplitude.

[0067] As described above, in order to implement the binary code of the information to be transmitted, a series of sound signals may be sufficient to include only two sounds of different frequencies, such as a first sound of high frequency and a second sound of low frequency. If the series of sound signals includes only two sounds of different frequencies, the first frequency may be specified to be at least twice the second frequency (with respect to its value in Hz). In this way, the distinction between the two by the controller receiving the signal from the sound sensor is facilitated. One sound of a particular length and / or frequency used in a series of sound signals may constitute one bit of information. Each frequency may represent a bit value encoded in the series of sound signals. In this way, a series of sound signals may be used to encode at least one of the following: unlock data, unlock command, unlock code, and unlock signal.

[0068] The sampling rate of a sound sensor can be important for accurately determining the duration of the pressure increase or decrease caused by a sound wave. The duration of the pressure increase or decrease caused by a sound wave may depend on the frequency of the sound wave. As mentioned above, the duration of the pressure increase or decrease can be used to code the transmitted data. Therefore, it is important that the sound frequencies and the sampling rate of the sound sensor used in a series of sound signals are selected so that the controller can accurately distinguish between sound sensor signals representing longer durations of pressure increase or decrease and sound sensor signals representing shorter durations of pressure increase or decrease. For this reason, the sound frequencies may be specified to be selected such that dividing the sampling rate of the sound sensor by a first frequency yields a number that differs by at least 1, preferably at least 2, or at least 3, or at least 4, or at least 5, or at least 6, or at least 7, or at least 8, or at least 9, or at least 10 from the number obtained by dividing the sampling rate of the sound sensor by a second frequency. The difference in these numbers may represent the difference in the number of samples of the duration of pressure increase or decrease caused by sound at each frequency. Therefore, the difference in the number of samples can be used by the controller to distinguish the frequencies of sounds in a series of sound signals. As a non-limiting illustrative calculation, the first frequency used in a series of sound signals may be 800 Hz, the second frequency used in a series of sound signals may be 2 kHz, and the sampling rate of the sound sensor may be 4 kHz. Therefore, dividing the sampling rate of the sound sensor by the first frequency gives 4000 Hz / 800 Hz = 5, while dividing the sampling rate of the sound sensor by the second frequency gives 4 kHz / 2 kHz = 2. Thus, the difference between these numbers is 5 - 2 = 3. These numbers mean that the period of pressure increase or decrease caused by the sound of the first frequency is sampled approximately 5 times, while the period of pressure increase or decrease caused by the sound of the second frequency is sampled approximately 2 times. This difference in sampling can be used by the controller to distinguish the frequencies of sounds in a series of sound signals.

[0069] The frequency of the sound signals in a series of sound signals, expressed numerically, may be 20Hz to 20kHz, preferably 50Hz to 10kHz, or 500Hz to 5kHz. The series of sound signals may generate a sound pressure in the range of 0.01Pa to 1Pa, preferably 0.05Pa to 0.5Pa. This can be achieved by the corresponding configuration of the audio file and / or sound generator. Simultaneously, the sound sensor may be configured to receive a series of sound signals having these attributes.

[0070] In addition to at least one of the unlock data, unlock command, unlock code, and unlock signal, a series of sound signals may also encode further information. For example, at least one of the start signature, end signature, and error check number may be additionally encoded in the series of sound signals. The start signature and end signature may be a fixed sequence of data, the same for each series of sound signals, regardless of the device identifier of a particular aerosol generator. They can therefore be used to ensure that a device receiving a series of sound signals can automatically recognize whether the entire sequence of sound signals has been received. Also, if the bitrate of a series of sound signals may differ in each case, for example, depending on the length of a particular unlock code used, the start signature and end signature can be used by the device receiving the series of sound signals to detect the bitrate and thus correctly interpret the portion of the series of sound signals encoding the relevant data. An error check number may further be used to prevent or identify data loss or inconsistency during data transfer.

[0071] In general, any suitable code of any kind can be used to convert transmitted data into a series of sound signals and back. As described above, bit values ​​can be directly represented using sequences of short and long periods of pressure increase or decrease. However, the systems described herein may also be used in conjunction with more complex codes or coding techniques. For example, a series of sound signals may contain information coded using Manchester code. Manchester code is a line code with a self-clock signal and can provide higher data integrity while transmitting a series of sound signals. Such Manchester code may also be formed by sequences of longer and shorter periods of pressure increase and decrease. In this case, as in other instances where other codes are used, the frequencies used in a series of sound signals and a given pressure threshold may be specified as being selected or configured such that the period of pressure increase and decrease (above or below the threshold) at one frequency is twice the period of pressure increase and decrease (above or below the threshold) at another frequency.

[0072] Generally, at least one of the unlock data, unlock command, unlock code, and unlock signal may be a random string, or may be based on a random string, such as a random number. In this case, the random string may be stored in both the aerosol generator's data storage unit and the server unit so as to correctly identify the correct string for a particular device identifier. Alternatively, at least one of the unlock data, unlock command, unlock code, and unlock signal may be derived from the aerosol generator's device identifier. This can be achieved, for example, by an algorithm that definitively derives a string from a device identifier different from the device identifier itself. For example, at least one of the unlock data, unlock command, unlock code, and unlock signal may be derived from the device identifier by hashing and / or encrypting the device identifier. As just one example, the device identifier may be hashed using a keyed hash message authentication code or a hash-based message authentication code (HMAC), or encrypted using an advanced encryption standard (AES), such as AES 128. In this case, the server unit may not need to store information about the aerosol generator. A server device may simply use a device identifier provided by a computing device to derive unlock data from this device identifier. Alternatively, a device or set of devices that check the validity of received data encoded by a series of sound signals may check the validity of the received data by deriving the correct data, such as the correct unlock code, from the device identifier of the aerosol generator. In this way, the aerosol generator may also not need to store the unlock code in addition to the device identifier, for example.

[0073] A further aspect of the present invention provides a system for preventing juvenile access (YAP) to an aerosol generator, the system comprising a server device, a computing device, and at least one of the aerosol generator and companion device according to the present disclosure.

[0074] All of the features, functions, and benefits described in this disclosure with respect to aerosol generators, companion devices, computing devices, and / or server devices are also applicable to systems for YAP for aerosol generators, and vice versa.

[0075] If the system comprises both an aerosol generator and a companion device, it may suffice for only one of these devices to be configured as described in this disclosure. For example, only one of these devices may be equipped with a sound sensor for receiving a series of sound signals. Alternatively, both the aerosol generator and the companion device may be configured as described in this disclosure, for example, both devices being equipped with a sound sensor for receiving a series of sound signals. In this case, this redundancy may further simplify the process of unlocking the aerosol generator for the user.

[0076] A further aspect of the present invention provides a computer implementation method for preventing youth access (YAP) for an aerosol generator, preferably according to the present disclosure, the method comprising: performing an age verification test on a server device; determining that the age verification test has been passed, obtaining unlock data; transferring the unlock data to an aerosol generator or a companion device configured to charge the aerosol generator with electrical energy by emitting a series of sound signals encoding the unlock data on a computing device; receiving a series of sound signals by sound sensors on the aerosol generator or the companion device; and unlocking the aerosol generator based on the received series of sound signals.

[0077] All of the features, functions, and advantages described in this disclosure with respect to aerosol generators, companion devices, computing devices, server devices, and / or systems for YAPs for aerosol generators are also applicable to computer implementations for YAPs for aerosol generators, and vice versa.

[0078] The method may further include providing the aerosol generator with an apparatus identifier, preferably a unique apparatus identifier. As described above, the apparatus identifier may be placed on or with the aerosol generator so that it is readily available to the user. Thus, the user may input the apparatus identifier into a computing device for transfer to a server device. Thus, the method may further include transferring the apparatus identifier to a server device via a computing device. The server device may be configured to provide the computing device with unlock data specific to the apparatus identifier of the aerosol generator.

[0079] Furthermore, the method may include converting a series of sound signals into an unlock code. This step may be performed in the aerosol generator and / or companion device. As described above, the unlock code may be associated with or derived from a device identifier. Therefore, the method may include unlocking the aerosol generator if it determines that the unlock code is associated with or derived from a device identifier.

[0080] A further aspect of the present invention provides the use of a sound sensor included in an aerosol generator or a companion device configured to charge the aerosol generator with electrical energy for receiving an unlock code to unlock the aerosol generator and permit the generation of aerosols.

[0081] All the features, functions, and advantages described in this disclosure with respect to aerosol generators, companion devices, computing devices, server devices, systems for YAPs for aerosol generators, and / or computer implementation methods for YAPs for aerosol generators are also applicable to the use of sound sensors, and vice versa.

[0082] Using sound sensors in the aerosol generator and / or companion device to receive a series of sound signals that code an unlock code to transition the aerosol generator from a locked state to an unlocked state is a reliable and cost-effective way to implement YAP in the aerosol generator. [Examples]

[0083] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, a non-exclusive list of non-limiting embodiments is provided below. One or more features of these embodiments may be combined with one or more features of other embodiments, forms, or aspects described herein.

[0084] Example 1. Aerosol generator, A control circuit comprising a controller configured to operate the aerosol generator in either a locked state where aerosol generation by the aerosol generator is prohibited, or an unlocked state where aerosol generation by the aerosol generator is permitted, It includes a sound sensor that is operablely connected to the controller, The sound sensor is configured to receive a series of sound signals. The controller is configured to transition the aerosol generator from a locked state to an unlocked state based on a series of sound signals. Example 2. The aerosol generator according to Embodiment 1, wherein the controller is configured to convert a series of sound signals into an unlock code. Example 3. The aerosol generator according to Embodiment 2, wherein the controller is configured to transition the aerosol generator from a locked state to an unlocked state when it determines that the unlock code is associated with the device identifier of the aerosol generator. Example 4. The aerosol generator according to Embodiment 2, wherein the controller is configured to transition the aerosol generator from a locked state to an unlocked state when it determines that the unlock code matches or is correct for the device identifier of the aerosol generator. Example 5. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 3 to 4, wherein a device identifier and / or unlock code are stored in the aerosol generator. Example 6. The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the controller is configured to transition the aerosol generator from an unlocked state to a locked state when it determines that a predetermined period of time has elapsed, or that a predetermined number of uses of the aerosol generator has been reached, or that a specific control signal has been received. Example 7. The aerosol generator according to Embodiment 6, wherein the controller is configured to transition the aerosol generator from a locked state to an unlocked state only when an unlock code is received that is associated with, or correct for, or matches, a device identifier, and preferably different from a previous unlock code. Example 8. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 7, further comprising an aerosol generating article or substrate. Example 9. The aerosol generator according to Example 8, wherein the aerosol generator is configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating article or substrate. Example 10. The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 9, further comprising an energy storage unit for storing electrical energy, wherein the energy storage unit is preferably non-rechargeable, for example, a non-rechargeable battery. Example 11. The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 10, wherein the sound sensor is a smoke extraction sensor, preferably a combined sound and smoke extraction sensor. Example 12. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 11, wherein the sound sensor comprises a flexible charged film and first and second conductive backplates, the flexible charged film and the first backplate forming a first capacitor, the flexible charged film and the second backplate forming a second capacitor, and the capacitances of the first and second capacitors are adjustable by the movement of the flexible charged film. Example 13. The aerosol generator according to Examples 1 to 12, wherein a sound sensor is configured to detect smoke inhalation by monitoring the capacitance of a first capacitor, and a sound sensor is configured to detect a series of sound signals by monitoring the capacitance of a second capacitor. Example 14. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 12 to 13, wherein a first back plate and a second back plate are arranged on both sides of a flexible charged film. Example 15. The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 12 to 14, wherein the sound sensor comprises two capacitance sensors, preferably JFETs, one capacitance sensor connected to a flexible charged film and a first backplate, and the other capacitance sensor connected to a flexible charged film and a second backplate. Example 16. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 12 to 15, wherein the sound sensor comprises only one capacitance sensor, preferably a JFET, and the one capacitance sensor is connected to a flexible charged film, a first backplate, and a second backplate. Example 17. The aerosol generator according to Example 16, wherein a flexible charged film is disposed between a first back plate and a second back plate, and the flexible charged film is polarized similarly in the direction of the first back plate and in the direction of the second back plate. Example 17A. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 17, wherein a series of sound signals includes one or more sound signals in the human hearing range or audible frequency range of approximately 20 Hz to approximately 20 kHz, and optionally, the controller is configured to convert or translate the aforementioned one or more signals in the human hearing range or audible frequency range into an unlock code. Example 18. A companion device configured to charge an aerosol generator with electrical energy, A control circuit equipped with a controller, Sound sensor and, Equipped with communication infrastructure, The sound sensor is configured to receive a series of sound signals. The controller is a companion device configured to provide unlock commands to the aerosol generator via a communication configuration. Example 19. The companion device according to Embodiment 18, wherein the controller is configured to convert a series of sound signals into an unlock code. Example 20. A companion device according to any one of Examples 18 to 19, wherein the unlock command includes an unlock code or an unlock signal. Example 21. A companion device according to any one of Examples 19 to 20, wherein the controller is configured to provide an unlock command to the aerosol generator when it determines that an unlock code is associated with the device identifier of the aerosol generator. Example 22. The apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 21, wherein the sound sensor is configured to distinguish between sound pressures that are above or below a predetermined threshold. Example 23. The apparatus according to Embodiment 22, wherein the sound sensor is configured to exclusively generate two different signals, a first signal is generated when the sound sensor detects a sound pressure exceeding a predetermined threshold, and a second signal is generated when the sound sensor detects a sound pressure below a predetermined threshold. Example 24. The apparatus according to any one of Examples 22 to 23, wherein the predetermined threshold is in the range of 0.01 Pa to 1 Pa, preferably in the range of 0.05 Pa to 0.5 Pa. Example 25. The apparatus according to any one of Examples 22 to 24, wherein the predetermined threshold is in the range of 10% to 50% of the amplitude of the sound pressure of a series of sound signals, preferably in the range of 15% to 40%, or 20% to 30%, and for example, the predetermined threshold may be 25% of the amplitude of the sound pressure of a series of sound signals. Example 26. The apparatus according to any one of Examples 18 to 25, wherein the sound sensor has a sampling rate in the range of 2kHz to 6kHz, or a sampling rate in the range of 3kHz to 5kHz, and preferably the sound sensor has a sampling rate of 4kHz. Example 27. A computing device configured to provide an unlock command to one of an aerosol generator and a companion device configured to charge the aerosol generator with electrical energy, Sound generator, preferably loudspeaker, It includes data connection to a server device, The computing device is configured to receive unlock data from the server device. A computing device configured to provide unlock commands by emitting unlock data as a series of sound signals via an acoustic generator. Example 28. A computing device according to Example 27, wherein a series of sound signals are derived from an unlock code. Example 29. The computing device according to any one of Examples 27 to 28, wherein the computing device is one of a smartphone, tablet computer, personal computer, smartwatch, onboard computer, and smart television. Example 30. A server device configured to provide unlock data to a computing device to one of an aerosol generator and a companion device configured to charge the aerosol generator with electrical energy, An age verification test is conducted for users of the aerosol generator through a computing device. If it is determined that the age verification test has been passed, the unlock data is provided to the computing device, and A server device configured to provide unlock data as instructions for a computing device to emit a series of sound signals. Example 31. The server device according to Example 30, wherein the server device is configured to receive the device identifier of the aerosol generator from the computing device. Example 32. The server device according to Example 31, wherein the unlock data is associated with the device identifier of the aerosol generator. Example 33. A server device according to any one of Examples 30 to 32, wherein the unlock data includes an unlock code. Example 34. A server device according to Example 33, in which a series of sound signals are derived from an unlock code. Example 35. An apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 34, wherein a series of sound signals are provided as an audio file. Example 36. An apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 35, wherein a series of sound signals are provided as a series of sounds of different frequencies. Example 37. The apparatus according to Example 36, wherein each frequency represents a bit value encoded by a series of sound signals. Example 38. The apparatus according to any one of Examples 36 to 37, wherein the series of sound signals comprises only two sounds of different frequencies, preferably the first frequency being at least twice the second frequency. Example 39. The apparatus according to Example 38, wherein the frequency of the sound is selected such that dividing the sampling rate of the sound sensor by a first frequency results in a number that differs by at least 1, preferably at least 2, or at least 3, or at least 4, or at least 5, or at least 6, or at least 7, or at least 8, or at least 9, or at least 10 from the number obtained by dividing the sampling rate of the sound sensor by a second frequency. Example 40. The apparatus according to any one of Examples 36 to 39, wherein the sound frequency is 10 Hz to 20 kHz, preferably 50 Hz to 10 kHz. Example 41. The apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 40, wherein a series of sound signals generate a sound pressure in the range of 0.01 Pa to 1 Pa, preferably in the range of 0.05 Pa to 0.5 Pa. Example 42. The apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 41, wherein a series of sound signals codes at least one of a start signature, an end signature, and an error check number, in addition to an unlock code. Example 43. An apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 42, wherein a series of sound signals include information encoded using Manchester code. Example 44. The apparatus according to any of Examples 2-5, 19-21, 28, and 33-34, wherein the unlock code is derived from the apparatus identifier of the aerosol generator. Example 45. The apparatus according to Example 44, wherein the unlock code is derived from the device identifier by one of hashing and encrypting the device identifier. Example 46. The apparatus according to Example 45, wherein the apparatus identifier is hashed using HMAC or encrypted using AES. Example 47. A system for preventing access by minors to an aerosol generator, comprising: a server device according to any one of Examples 30 to 46; a computing device according to any one of Examples 27 to 29 and 35 to 46; and at least one of an aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 17A, 22 to 26 and 35 to 46, and a companion device according to any one of Examples 18 to 26 and 35 to 46. Example 48. A computer implementation method for preventing child access for an aerosol generator, preferably the aerosol generator described in any one of embodiments 1 to 17A, 22 to 26, and 35 to 46, The age verification test will be conducted on the server device, If the age verification test is passed, the unlock data will be obtained, By emitting a series of sound signals that encode unlock data on a computing device, Transferring unlock data to an aerosol generator or a companion device configured to charge the aerosol generator with electrical energy, The aerosol generator or companion device receives a series of sound signals via its sound sensor, A method comprising unlocking an aerosol generator based on a series of received sound signals. Example 49. The method according to Example 48, further comprising providing an apparatus identifier to the aerosol generator. Example 50. The method according to Embodiment 49, further comprising transferring the device identifier to a server device via a computing device. Example 51. The method according to any one of Examples 48-50, further comprising converting a series of sound signals into an unlock code. Example 52. The method according to Example 51, wherein the unlock code is associated with a device identifier. Example 53. The method according to Example 52, comprising unlocking the aerosol generator when it is determined that the unlock code is associated with a device identifier. Example 54. Use of an aerosol sensor included in the aerosol generator or a companion device configured to charge the aerosol generator with electrical energy to unlock the aerosol generator and receive an unlock code to permit aerosol generation.

[0085] Here, we will further explain the examples with reference to the following diagram. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0086] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows the aerosol generator and companion device. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a system for preventing access by minors to aerosol generators. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a diagram of pressure changes caused by sound waves in a series of audio signals and the possibility of converting them to binary data. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of a smoke extraction sensor. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a combined sound and smoke extraction sensor with two capacitive sensors. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows a combined sound and smoke extraction sensor having only one capacitance sensor. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a flowchart illustrating a computer implementation method for preventing access by minors in aerosol generators.

[0087] These diagrams are only schematic and not to scale. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0088] Figure 1 shows an aerosol generating system 1 for generating aerosols, for example, for user consumption in one or more usage sessions. System 1 may comprise an aerosol generating device 2 for generating aerosols, and a companion device 3 for at least partially receiving the aerosol generating device 2. The companion device 3 may be a charger and / or its energy storage unit or battery for charging the aerosol generating device 2.

[0089] The aerosol generator 2 may include an insertion opening 4 for at least partially inserting the aerosol generating article 17. The aerosol generating article 17 may include a cartridge containing an aerosol-forming substrate, such as a tobacco-containing substrate, and / or a liquid.

[0090] The aerosol generator 2 may further include a processing circuit 23 or control circuit 23 having at least one controller 5 and one or more processors 6. In order to generate aerosols during use or consumption of the aerosol generating article 17, the aerosol generator 2 may include at least one heating element 7 or heater device to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating article 17. Instead of the heating element 7, an ultrasonic device (not shown) may be used to generate aerosols from the aerosol generating article 17. The processing circuit 23 and / or controller 5 may be configured to control the operation, activation, and / or deactivation of at least one heating element 7 or ultrasonic device.

[0091] To supply power to at least one heating element 7, the aerosol generator 2 may further include at least one energy storage unit 15 for storing electrical energy or power, for example in the form of a battery. The aerosol generator 2 may further include at least one electrical connector 12 for connecting to at least one electrical connector 13 of the corresponding companion device 3 and / or to an electrical connector of an external power source, such as a USB charger. For example, when the aerosol generator 2 is at least partially inserted into the opening 14 of the companion device 3, one or more electrical connectors 12 of the aerosol generator 2 may be connected to one or more electrical connectors 13 of the companion device 3 to charge at least one energy storage unit 15 of the aerosol generator 2.

[0092] The aerosol generator 2 may further include a communication configuration 9 or communication circuit 9 having one or more communication interfaces 10 for communicatingly linking the aerosol generator 2 and the companion device 3 via, for example, an internet connection, wireless LAN connection, WiFi connection, Bluetooth connection, cellular network, 3G / 4G / 5G connection, edge connection, LTE connection, BUS connection, wireless connection, wired connection, radio connection, short-range wireless connection, and / or IoT connection.

[0093] The aerosol generator 2 may further include a data storage unit 11 for storing information, program code, or data. One or more sensors 16 may be disposed on, in, or within the aerosol generator 2 to collect data. One or more of the sensors 16 may be, for example, a temperature sensor, a strain sensor, an accelerometer, or any other suitable sensor.

[0094] The aerosol generator 2 may further include a user interface component comprising, for example, an input element or input device 8 in the form of a push button. The input device 8 may be used as a power button to start or stop the heating element 7 or ultrasonic device for aerosol generation, thereby starting or stopping the aerosol generator 2. Upon starting the aerosol generator 2, the heating element 7 may be activated, and heat may be applied to at least a portion of the aerosol generating article 17, as a result of generating an aerosol for consumption by the user, for example, during a usage session. The aerosol generator 2 and / or companion device 3 may each include a user interface comprising one or more output elements, such as LEDs, for outputting signals to the user. The output elements may be used to inform the user whether the transmission of a series of sound signals is working in the current state. For example, the output elements may inform the user whether the series of sound signals is insufficient to be properly received by the sound sensor 21. The user may then play the series of sound signals, or may attempt to improve the conditions, for example, by reducing the distance between the sound generator and the sound sensor 21, and / or by reducing background noise.

[0095] The aerosol generator 2 and / or companion device 3 may further include a sound sensor 21. The sound sensor 21 may preferably be configured as a combined sound and smoke extraction sensor when the sound sensor 21 is installed in the aerosol generator 2. The user may input a command signal, for example, via an input device 8, which causes the controller 5 to put the sound sensor 21 into sound sensing mode, at which point the sound sensor 21 is configured to receive a series of sound signals. Thus, the sound sensor 21 may be configured to receive a series of sound signals and provide the controller 5 with a signal representing information contained in or encoded within the series of sound signals. For example, the series of sound signals may encode data in binary code of increased and decreased pressure, or increased and decreased pressure for different durations. Thus, the controller 5 receives a signal representing this encoded data, enabling the controller 5 to derive the encoded data from that signal.

[0096] Figure 2 shows a system for preventing access by minors in the aerosol generator 2. The system may include a server device 22, such as an internet or web server; a computing device 19, such as a smartphone or personal computer; and at least one of the devices of the aerosol generator system 1, such as the aerosol generator 2 and / or companion device 3. As indicated by arrow 24, a user who wishes to unlock the aerosol generator 2, i.e., who wishes to move the aerosol generator 2 from a locked state to an unlocked state, may input the unique device identifier of the aerosol generator 2 into the computing device 19. For example, the user may read the device identifier, which may be placed on the outside of the aerosol generator 2 or on its packaging or documentation, and type the device identifier into the computing device 19. Alternatively, if the computing device 19 is equipped with a camera, such as a smartphone, the user may scan an optically readable code, such as a 3GPP® or barcode, which contains the device identifier and is provided on the aerosol generator 2 or on its packaging or documentation.

[0097] As indicated by arrow 25, the device identifier may then be transmitted from the computing device 19 to the server device 22. Along with the device identifier, the user may enter age authentication information into the computing device 19, which may then also be transmitted to the server device 22. The data connection between the computing device 19 and the server device 22 may be established via the computing device 19's internet connection, preferably a mobile internet connection. Next, the server device 22 may perform an age authentication test against the age authentication information provided by the user. The age authentication test may be a legally ageed user (LAU) test to determine whether the user is permitted to operate the aerosol generator 2 in their jurisdiction. The server device 22 may proceed only if the age authentication test is successfully passed, and therefore it is determined that the user is actually capable of operating the aerosol generator 2.

[0098] Upon successfully passing the age verification test, the server device 22 may obtain an unlock code associated with or derived from a device identifier. For example, the server device 22 may have access to a data storage unit where specific unlock codes for each device identifier are stored. Therefore, obtaining an unlock code may involve examining the device identifier in the data storage unit and reading the corresponding unlock code. Alternatively, the unlock code may be derived from the device identifier by the server device 22 using an algorithm. For example, the unlock code may be generated from the device identifier by hashing or encrypting the device identifier. This may also result in a unique unlock code for each unique device identifier.

[0099] As indicated by arrow 26, after successfully passing the age verification test, the server device 22 may transmit unlock data to the computing device 19. The unlock data may include or encode an unlock code. The unlock data may also be in the form of instructions for the computing device 19 to display a series of sound signals, which may also include or encode an unlock code. For example, the unlock data provided by the server device may be in the form of an audio file. The audio file may include a series of sounds or sound signals of different frequencies encoding the data. The computing device 19 may receive the unlock data from the server device 22, for example, via the same data connection used to transmit the device identifier and age verification information from the computing device 19 to the server device 22.

[0100] The computing device 19 may include an acoustic generator, such as a speaker device 20 configured to present acoustic information, sound, or sound signals. The speaker device 20 may be a loudspeaker. The computing device 19 may be configured to present unlock data received from the server device 22 to the speaker device 20 as a series of sound signals. For example, the computing device 19 may play an audio file constituting the unlock data in the speaker device 20. By presenting a series of sound signals, as indicated by arrow 27, the computing device 19 may provide an unlock command to the companion device 3 and / or the aerosol generator 2.

[0101] The computing device 19 may include software, such as an app, that can check whether the unlock data received from the server device 22, particularly the unlock code, is correct for the device identifier of the aerosol generator 2. If the unlock code is correct for the device identifier, the unlock command provided by the computing device 19 may include an unlock signal that directly leads to the unlocking of the aerosol generator 2.

[0102] However, since the validity of the unlock data received from the server device 22 can also be verified at the level of the aerosol generating system 1, the computing device 19 does not need to have such software. In this case, no special software or application is required for the computing device 19, and all steps necessary to be performed by the computing device 19 may be performed, for example, using a web browser or similar software that may already be installed on the computing device 19. Therefore, the unlock command provided by the computing device 19 may include an unlock code.

[0103] An unlock command provided by the computing device 19, including an unlock signal or unlock code, may be received by the companion device 3 and / or the aerosol generator 2. This may be achieved by the sound sensor 21 of the companion device 3 and / or the aerosol generator 2, which acts as a sound sensor and receives a series of sound signals emitted from the speaker device 20 of the computing device 19. To ensure that this transmission is as accurate as possible, it may be helpful for the user to place the sound sensor 21 of the companion device 3 and / or the aerosol generator 2 very close to or next to the speaker device 20 of the computing device 19. Through the series of sound signals, the unlock command is transferred from the computing device 19 to the companion device 3 and / or the aerosol generator 2.

[0104] When an unlock command is received by the companion device 3, the companion device 3 may then forward the unlock command to the aerosol generator 2 via the communication configuration 9, as indicated by arrow 28. Depending on whether the companion device 3 verifies the validity of the unlock code, the unlock command forwarded from the companion device 3 to the aerosol generator 2 may include an unlock signal (particularly if the companion device 3 verifies the validity of the unlock code) and / or the unlock code (particularly if the companion device 3 does not verify the validity of the unlock code). For example, the companion device 3 may be configured to read the device identifier and / or unlock code stored in the data storage unit 11 of the aerosol generator 2. The companion device 3 may be configured to check whether the unlock code received in the unlock command from the computing device 19 matches or is accurate to the unlock code and / or device identifier stored in the aerosol generator 2. If the unlock code of the unlock command received from the computing device 19 is valid, the companion device 3 may be configured to transmit an unlock signal to the aerosol generator 2 as an unlock command, which then directly leads to the unlocking of the aerosol generator 2. Alternatively, the companion device 3 may simply transmit the unlock command received from the computing device 19 via a series of sound signals through the communication configuration 9 to the aerosol generator 2 without checking the validity of the unlock code. In this case, the unlock command transmitted to the aerosol generator 2 by the companion device 3 includes an unlock code.

[0105] The aerosol generator 2 may receive an unlock command from either the computing device 19 via a series of sound signals indicated by arrow 27, or from the companion device 3 via the communication configuration 9 indicated by arrow 28. The unlock command received by the aerosol generator 2 may include an unlock code and / or an unlock signal. If the unlock command includes an unlock signal, the validity of the unlock code may have already been checked by the companion device 3 and / or the computing device 19. Therefore, the aerosol generator 2 may unlock immediately upon receiving the unlock signal. In other words, the controller 5 of the aerosol generator 2 may transition the aerosol generator 2 from a locked state to an unlocked state upon receiving the unlock signal. If the unlock command includes an unlock code, the aerosol generator 2 may check the validity of the unlock code itself. To this end, the controller 5 may check whether the unlock code matches or is correct to an unlock code stored in the data storage unit 11 of the aerosol generator 2. Alternatively, if the unlock code is derived from the device identifier by an algorithm, the controller 5 may run the algorithm on the device identifier and check whether the unlock code received from the companion device 3 or computing device 19 matches the result of the algorithm. Once the validity of the received unlock code is verified, the aerosol generator 2 may transition from a locked state to an unlocked state. Thus, unlocking the aerosol generator 2 may be associated with successfully passing an age verification or LAU test.

[0106] Figure 3 shows a diagram illustrating how the sound sensor 21 can convert a series of sound signals into binary signals. The upper part of the diagram in Figure 3 shows a sound wave 18 representing a series of sound signals. As in the example shown, the sound wave 18 representing a series of sound signals may include two sounds of different frequencies. The series of sound signals shown includes a total of six sounds or sound signals. Each sound or sound signal may include at least half a period or at least one full period of the sound wave 18. The first three sounds or sound signals of the series of sound signals shown in Figure 3 have lower frequencies than the three sounds or sound signals that follow them in the series of sound signals shown in Figure 3. For example, the frequencies of the first three sounds or sound signals of a series of sound signals as shown in Figure 3 may be half the frequencies of the three sounds or sound signals that follow them. Specifically, the upper part of the diagram in Figure 3 shows how the ambient pressure changes due to the sound wave 18. The vertical coordinate or y-axis represents the pressure P. The horizontal coordinate or x-axis represents time t and is located at the value of atmospheric pressure. As a result, the representation of sound wave 18 shows the increase and decrease of ambient pressure P relative to atmospheric pressure. Therefore, the pressure and pressure changes shown at the top of Figure 3 represent the sound pressure of sound wave 18.

[0107] As can be seen in Figure 3, the sound wave 18 can cause the ambient pressure P to vibrate around atmospheric pressure. The sound sensor 21 may be configured to generate different signals depending on the ambient pressure P. For example, the sound sensor 21 may be configured to generate two different signals in response to the ambient pressure P exceeding or falling below a predetermined threshold T. The sound sensor 21 may be configured to generate a signal S+ when the ambient pressure P exceeds the predetermined threshold T, and to generate a signal S- when the ambient pressure P falls below the predetermined threshold T. As shown, the predetermined threshold T may be around one-quarter of the total amplitude of the sound wave 18, or it may be exactly one-quarter, and may be constant throughout the entire series of sound signals.

[0108] Different frequencies used in a series of sound signals can result in ambient pressure P rising above a threshold T for different durations. For example, the first, lower frequency shown in Figure 3 may result in ambient pressure P rising above threshold T for a duration D1. This may mean that the period of increased pressure resulting from a sound or sound signal of this frequency corresponds to a duration D1. The second, higher frequency shown in Figure 3 may result in ambient pressure P rising above threshold T for a duration D0. This may mean that the period of increased pressure resulting from a sound or sound signal of this frequency corresponds to a duration D0. As the figure shows, higher frequencies may result in shorter durations or periods of pressure increase.

[0109] The lower part of Figure 3 shows how pressure or pressure changes due to sound waves 18 can be converted into data, such as binary data. For example, sound sensors 21 and / or controller 5 may monitor the duration D1, D0, or length of the period of pressure increase above a threshold T. This can be achieved exemplary by counting and comparing how often pressure above threshold T is sampled by sound sensors 21 and / or controller 5. For example, the sampling rate may be configured such that more sampling of signal S+ is taken during duration D1, for example, about five samplings, than during duration D0, which may contain only about two samplings of signal S+ before switching to signal S-. Thus, a series of sound signals may result in sequences of long periods 29 of S+ sampling and short periods 30 of S+ sampling, each separated by a period of S- sampling. By comparing the amount of sampling of signal S+, sound sensors 21 and / or controller 5 can distinguish between durations D1 and D0, and therefore between long periods 29 and short periods 30 of S+ sampling. Therefore, the sound sensor 21 and / or controller 5 can distinguish between sounds or sound signals of each frequency. For example, a very simple conversion to data may be used in which the sound or sound signal corresponding to period D1 is converted to a bit value or signal value or numerical value 1, while the sound or sound signal corresponding to period D0 is converted to a bit value or signal value or numerical value 0. Thus, the string obtained as a result of the binary data encoded by the sound wave 18 or a series of sound signals, as shown in Figure 3, is 111000.

[0110] However, the encoding of data used by the series of sound signals shown in Figure 3 is merely an illustrative embodiment, and other types of encoding may also be used. For example, a long duration D1 and a short duration D0 may be used to form Manchester code or any other suitable or desirable encoding scheme.

[0111] Figure 4 shows a fume extraction sensor that may be implemented as a sound sensor in any one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, and a corresponding circuit diagram. The fume extraction sensor may comprise a casing 31 having an opening 32. The opening 32 may connect the inside of the fume extraction sensor to an airflow channel of the aerosol generator 2 so that the ambient pressure inside the casing 31 of the fume extraction sensor may decrease when the user extracts fume from the aerosol generator 2. To detect this decrease in ambient pressure, the fume extraction sensor may comprise a flexible charged film 33 and a conductive backplate 34, for example, a metal backplate. When the pressure inside the case 31 of the fume extraction sensor decreases to below atmospheric pressure, the flexible charged film 33 may bend or curve towards the backplate 34. Thus, the flexible charged film 33 and the backplate 34 may form a capacitor 39, the capacitance of which is variable and depends on the distance between the flexible charged film 33 and the backplate 34. Since this distance can change depending on the pressure inside the casing 31, the capacitance of the capacitor 39 can change in response to changes in the ambient pressure inside the aerosol generator 2. Changes in the capacitance of the capacitor 39 can be sensed by a capacitance sensor 35, which may be a JFET. For example, the backplate 34 may be connected to the gate 36 of the JFET, while the flexible charged film 33 may be connected to the source 37 of the JFET. In this arrangement, the voltage applied between the gate 36 and source 37 of the JFET can change in response to changes in the capacitance of the capacitor 39 formed by the flexible charged film 33 and the backplate 34. This then leads to a change in the conductivity of the JFET between the source 37 and the drain 38. This change in conductivity can then be used as a sensor signal indicating the pressure inside the casing 31 of the fume extraction sensor or a change in pressure. Needless to say, prior art fume extraction sensors are configured to detect fume extraction. This means that the fume extraction sensor is configured to detect pressure or a change in pressure corresponding to a user fume extraction from the aerosol generator 2. For example, the smoke sensor may detect pressure changes of -300 Pa to -600 Pa, for example, -450 Pa.Therefore, conventional smoke extraction sensors based on prior art lack the necessary sensitivity to detect sound signals that cause much smaller pressure changes.

[0112] Figure 5 shows a sound sensor 21 according to the present disclosure. Specifically, the sound sensor 21 may be a combined sound and smoke absorption sensor using two capacitance sensors 35, for example, JFETs. The detection principle may be the same as that of the smoke absorption sensor according to Figure 4, but there may be some decisive differences. Firstly, the combined sound and smoke absorption sensor according to Figure 5 may comprise a first backplate 40 and a second backplate 41, the backplates 40 and 41 disposed on both sides of a flexible charged film 33. Each of the backplates 40 and 41 can form a capacitor together with the flexible charged film 33. Thus, each of these capacitors may be connected to a capacitance sensor 35. Specifically, the first backplate 40 may be connected to the gate 36 of the first JFET, while the flexible charged film 33 is connected to the source 37 of the first JFET. Similarly, the second backplate 41 may be connected to the gate 36 of the second JFET, while the flexible charge film 33 is connected to the source 37 of the second JFET. This arrangement allows for sensing changes in the capacitance of the first capacitor formed by the first backplate 40 and the flexible charge film 33 using the conductivity between the source 37 and the drain 38 of the first JFET. The conductivity between the source 37 and the drain 38 of the second JFET can be used to sense changes in the capacitance of the second capacitor formed by the second backplate 40 and the flexible charge film 33. The sound sensor 21 may be configured such that a decrease in pressure relative to atmospheric pressure leads to bending or curving of the flexible charge film 33 toward the second backplate 41, as shown in Figure 5. Thus, changes in the capacitance of the second capacitor, and therefore changes in the conductivity between the source 37 and the drain 38 of the second capacitance sensor 35 or the JFET, can be used to sense pressure drops occurring in smoke extraction. Therefore, the flexible charged membrane 33 and the second backplate 41 may be configured and / or designed and / or arranged so that the magnitude of pressure changes occurring during smoke extraction can be reliably detected. Furthermore, the sound sensor 21 may be configured such that an increase in pressure relative to atmospheric pressure leads to bending or curving of the flexible charged membrane 33 toward the first backplate 40.Therefore, the change in capacitance of the first capacitor, and thus the change in conductivity between the source 37 and drain 38 of the first capacitance sensor 35 or the JFET, can be used to sense sound, i.e., the pressure increase caused by sound pressure. Accordingly, the flexible charged film 33 and the first backplate 40 can be configured and / or designed and / or arranged so that the magnitude of the pressure change typically caused by sound pressure can be reliably detected. For example, the distance between the first backplate 40 and the flexible charged film 33 may be smaller than the distance between the flexible charged film and the second backplate 41. Also, the material of the first backplate 40 may be different from the material of the second backplate 41.

[0113] As shown in Figure 5, in a combined sound and smoke absorption sensor, the reference sign of the voltage applied to the gate 36 of the capacitance sensor 35 may be the same, or it may be different between the first and second capacitors. The capacitance sensor 35 or JFET used in each capacitor may be selected so that the voltage supplied by the capacitor functions with a particular capacitance sensor 35 or JFET.

[0114] Figure 6 shows a sound sensor 21, in particular a combined sound and smoke absorption sensor that can be realized using only one capacitance sensor 35 or JFET. Since the embodiments shown may correspond to the embodiments shown in Figure 5, only the differences will be described. In the combined sound and smoke absorption sensor according to Figure 6, both the first backplate 40 and the second backplate 41 may be connected to the gate 36 of the single capacitance sensor 35 or JFET used. For this simplified arrangement to work, it may be necessary to ensure that the voltage applied to the gate 36 has the same reference sign for both capacitors. This can be achieved by using a specially designed flexible charged film 33, as shown in Figure 6. For example, the flexible charged film 33 may include a conductive layer and / or a metal interlayer 42, such as an electret layer or film, which can be sandwiched between the first charged layer 43 and the second charged layer 44. The first charged layer 43 and the second charged layer 44 can be polarized in opposite directions to each other, as indicated by the arrows in Figure 6, so that the polarization of the flexible charged film 33 can be symmetrical with respect to the intermediate layer 42. In this way, approaching the first backplate 40 by the flexible charged film 33 can have the same electrical effect as approaching the second backplate 41 by the flexible charged film 33. Thus, changes in the capacitance of the first and second capacitors can result in the application of a voltage of the same reference sign to the gate 36 of the capacitance sensor 35 or JFET. Thus, a single capacitance sensor 35 or JFET can be used to sense both sound or an audio signal through the first capacitor and smoke absorption through the second capacitor.

[0115] Figure 7 shows a flowchart of a computer implementation method 50 for preventing minor access to an aerosol generator 2. Method 50 may begin with step 51, in which a device identifier unique to the aerosol generator 2 may be provided. The aerosol generator 2 may be provided with a separate, unique unlock code. However, this may not be necessary if the unlock code can be derived from the device identifier.

[0116] In step 52, the device identifier is entered into the computing device 19 by the user. The user may do this by typing the device identifier into the computing device 19 or by scanning the device identifier with the computing device 19. The user may also enter age authentication information into the computing device 19.

[0117] In step 53, the device identifier and age authentication information may be transmitted from the computing device 19 to the server device 22, for example, via an internet connection.

[0118] In step 54, the user may have to pass an age verification or LAU test performed by the server device 22 on age verification information transmitted by the computing device 19. Method 50 stops if the user fails the age verification or LAU test. Conversely, Method 50 proceeds to step 55 only if the user successfully passes the age verification or LAU test and is determined to be of legal age.

[0119] In step 55, the server device 22 transmits an unlock code specific to the aerosol generator 2 to the computing device 19. The unlock code may be part of the unlock data transmitted from the server device 22 to the computing device 19, or it may be encoded in the unlock data. If the unlock code cannot be derived from the device identifier and is, for example, a random string, the server device 22 may retrieve a specific unlock code from a database in which all unlock codes for all device identifiers are stored. If the unlock code can be derived from the device identifier via an algorithm, the server device 22 may generate the unlock code from the device identifier via an algorithm.

[0120] In step 56, the unlock code and / or unlock data may be presented or emitted by the computing device 19 to the speaker device 20 of the computing device 19 via a series of sound signals. In this step, the computing device 19 may transmit the unlock command to the companion device 3 and / or the aerosol generator 2 via a series of sound signals. The computing device 19 may not require any bidirectional data connection to the companion device 3 or the aerosol generator 2. It may be sufficient for the computing device 19 to present or emit a series of sound signals via the speaker device 20.

[0121] In step 57, a series of sound signals may be received by the companion device 3 and / or the aerosol generator 2. Specifically, the series of sound signals are received by the sound sensor 21 of the companion device 3 and / or the aerosol generator 2. If a series of sound signals containing or encoding an unlock command is received by the companion device 3, the companion device 3 may convert the series of sound signals into an unlock code or unlock signal (see step 58). The companion device 3 may then check the validity of the unlock code by comparing the unlock code with an unlock code stored in the data storage unit 11 of the aerosol generator 2, or by deriving an unlock code from the device identifier of the aerosol generator 2 using an algorithm and comparing this derived unlock code with an unlock code received from the computing device 19. If the unlock code received from the computing device 19 is determined to be valid, the companion device 3 may, in step 60, transmit the unlock code and / or unlock signal to the aerosol generator 2. If the companion device 3 receives only an unlock signal from the computing device 19, the companion device 3 may directly transmit the unlock signal to the aerosol generator 2. Communication between the computing device 3 and the aerosol generator 2 may be established through the communication configuration 9.

[0122] If the aerosol generator 2 receives a series of audio signals containing or encoding an unlock command from either the companion device 3 or the computing device 19, the aerosol generator 2 may convert the series of audio signals into an unlock code or unlock signal (see step 58). The aerosol generator 2 may then check the validity of the unlock code by comparing it with an unlock code stored in the data storage unit 11 of the aerosol generator 2, or by deriving an unlock code from the device identifier of the aerosol generator 2 using an algorithm and comparing this derived unlock code with an unlock code received from the computing device 19. If the unlock code received from the computing device 19 is determined to be valid, the controller 5 of the aerosol generator 2 may move the aerosol generator 2 from a locked state to an unlocked state, thereby unlocking the aerosol generator 2 and allowing the generation of aerosols in step 59. If the aerosol generator 2 receives only an unlock signal from the computing device 19 or the companion device 3, the controller 5 may proceed directly to unlocking the aerosol generator 2.

[0123] The following are illustrative examples that illustrate the disclosure and do not limit it in any way. For example, a series of sound signals may include sounds or sound signals having a frequency of 100 Hz, which may be the lowest frequency used. This means that at least 100 bits per second can be transmitted by this series of sound signals. An unlock instruction may include an unlock code as a hashed value of a device identifier. The resulting string, including the unlock code, may be, for example, 32 bytes long, which would result in a very secure unlock code. This string may also be 256 bits long. An unlock instruction may include additional information such as a start signature, end signature, or error check number, as described above. With this additional data, the total length of the unlock instruction may be, for example, about 500 bits long, meaning a series of 500 sound signals or sounds. Thus, the time required for the sound sensor 21 to read this series of sound signals or this audio file using a frequency of at least 100 Hz is about 5 seconds, which is an acceptable duration.

[0124] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numerical values ​​representing quantities, amounts, percentages, etc., should be understood in all examples as being modified by the term “approximately.” Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum values, as well as any intermediate ranges contained within them, whether or not they are specifically enumerated herein. Thus, in this context, the number A is understood as 10% of A ± A. In this context, the number A may be considered to include numerical values ​​that fall within the general standard error of the measurement of the characteristic that A modifies. In some examples used in the appended claims, the numerical value A may deviate by the percentages enumerated above, as long as the amount of deviation from A does not substantially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the invention described in the claims. Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum values, as well as any intermediate ranges contained within them, whether or not they are specifically enumerated herein.

Claims

1. Aerosol generator, A control circuit comprising a controller configured to operate the aerosol generator in either a locked state where aerosol generation by the aerosol generator is prohibited, or an unlocked state where aerosol generation by the aerosol generator is permitted, The controller is operably connected to a sound sensor, The sound sensor is configured to receive a series of sound signals. The controller is configured to transition the aerosol generator from the locked state to the unlocked state based on the series of sound signals, in an aerosol generator.

2. The aerosol generator according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to convert the series of sound signals into an unlock code, preferably, when it determines that the unlock code is associated with the device identifier of the aerosol generator, the controller is configured to transition the aerosol generator from the locked state to the unlocked state.

3. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the controller is configured to transition the aerosol generator from the unlocked state to the locked state when it determines that a predetermined period of time has elapsed, or that a predetermined number of uses of the aerosol generator has been reached, or that a specific control signal has been received, and / or the controller is configured to transition the aerosol generator from the locked state to the unlocked state only when it receives an unlock code associated with, or correct for, or matching, a device identifier, preferably an unlock code different from a previous unlock code.

4. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an aerosol generating article or substrate.

5. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an energy storage unit for storing electrical energy, wherein the energy storage unit is preferably non-rechargeable, for example, a non-rechargeable battery.

6. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sound sensor comprises a flexible charged film and first and second conductive backplates, the flexible charged film and the first backplate forming a first capacitor, the flexible charged film and the second backplate forming a second capacitor, the capacitances of the first and second capacitors being adjustable by the movement of the flexible charged film, preferably the sound sensor is configured to monitor the capacitance of the first capacitor to detect smoke inhalation, and the sound sensor is configured to monitor the capacitance of the second capacitor to detect the series of sound signals.

7. The aerosol generator according to claim 6, wherein the first back plate and the second back plate are disposed on both sides of the flexible charged film.

8. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 6 to 7, wherein the sound sensor comprises two capacitance sensors, preferably JFETs, one capacitance sensor connected to the flexible charged film and the first backplate, and the other capacitance sensor connected to the flexible charged film and the second backplate.

9. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 6 to 7, wherein the sound sensor comprises only one capacitance sensor, preferably a JFET, and the one capacitance sensor is connected to the flexible charged film, the first back plate, and the second back plate, preferably the flexible charged film is disposed between the first back plate and the second back plate, and the flexible charged film is polarized similarly in the direction of the first back plate and the direction of the second back plate.

10. A companion device configured to charge an aerosol generator with electrical energy, A control circuit equipped with a controller, Sound sensor and, Equipped with communication infrastructure, The sound sensor is configured to receive a series of sound signals. The controller is a companion device configured to provide an unlock command to the aerosol generator via the communication arrangement.

11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the sound sensor is configured to distinguish between sound pressures that are above or below a predetermined threshold, and the predetermined threshold is within the range of 10% to 50% of the amplitude of the sound pressure of the series of sound signals.

12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the series of sound signals are provided as an audio file.

13. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the series of sound signals are provided as a series of sounds of different frequencies, and the series of sound signals comprises only two sounds of different frequencies, and the frequencies of the sounds are selected such that the number obtained by dividing the sampling rate of the sound sensor by the first frequency is at least one different from the number obtained by dividing the sampling rate of the sound sensor by the second frequency.

14. A system for preventing access by minors to aerosol generators, A server device configured to provide unlock data to a computing device to one of an aerosol generator and a companion device configured to charge the aerosol generator with electrical energy, wherein the server device is configured to perform an age verification test on the user of the aerosol generator through the computing device, and if it is determined that the user has passed the age verification test, it provides the unlock data to the computing device and provides the unlock data as a command for the computing device to emit a series of sound signals, A computing device comprising an aerosol generator and a companion device configured to charge the aerosol generator with electrical energy, and configured to provide an unlock command to one of the aerosol generator and the companion device configured to charge the aerosol generator with electrical energy, the computing device comprising an acoustic generator, preferably a loudspeaker, and a data connection to the server device, wherein the computing device is configured to receive unlock data from the server device and to provide the unlock command by emitting the unlock data as a series of sound signals via the acoustic generator, A system comprising an aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and at least one companion device according to claims 10 to 13.

15. A computer implementation method for preventing access by minors for an aerosol generator, preferably the aerosol generator described in any one of claims 1 to 9, The age verification test will be conducted on the server device, If it is determined that the user has passed the aforementioned age verification test, the unlock data will be obtained. By emitting a series of sound signals that encode the unlock data on a computing device, Transferring the unlock data to the aerosol generator or a companion device configured to charge the aerosol generator with electrical energy, The aerosol generator or the companion device's sound sensor receives the series of sound signals, A method comprising unlocking the aerosol generator based on a series of sound signals received.

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