System, method, and storage medium for controlling an aerosol generator using biometric information.

Abstract

A system associated with an aerosol generating device is provided, the system including one or more biosensors configured to acquire biometric information of a user having an age, and the system including one or more controllers configured to analyze the biometric information acquired by the one or more biosensors to determine whether the user's age is above or below an age threshold, and to generate a control signal for controlling operation of the aerosol generating device based on whether the user's age is above or below the age threshold.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for controlling an aerosol generating device. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to authenticating a user of an aerosol generating device using biometric information.

Background Art

[0002] An aerosol generating device may include a biosensor for identifying a user or modifying aerosol delivery. For example, Application No. WO2019 / 175810A1 describes an aerosol generation system having at least one biosensor that can be used to modify aerosol delivery. Application No. US2020 / 0128877A1 describes an aerosol delivery device including a heart rate monitor. A microprocessor is configured to control the operation of at least one functional element of the aerosol delivery device based on the user's electrocardiogram signal or heart rate. The electrocardiogram signal forms an identifier of the user, and the microprocessor is further configured to perform user biometric authentication based on the identifier.

[0003] It is desirable to improve the safety and security of aerosol generating devices by preventing operation of the aerosol generating device by users who have not reached the age at which use of the aerosol generating device is permitted. Further, it is desirable to provide an efficient means for transparently authenticating users of aerosol generating devices.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, a system related to an aerosol generator is provided. The system may include one or more biosensors configured to acquire biometric information of a user having an age, and the system may include one or more controllers. The one or more controllers may be configured to analyze the biometric information acquired by the one or more biosensors to determine whether the user's age is above or below an age threshold, and to generate control signals for controlling the operation of the aerosol generator based on the determination that the user's age is above or below an age threshold.

[0005] A simple and efficient means of improving the safety and security of an aerosol generator is provided by analyzing biometric information obtained by one or more biosensors to determine whether the user's age is above or below an age threshold, and generating control signals to control the operation of the aerosol generator based on this determination. Specifically, there is no requirement for expensive dedicated hardware or separate devices with which the user interacts to verify that the user has reached the age to which they are permitted to operate the aerosol generator.

[0006] Analyzing biometric information obtained by one or more biosensors to determine whether a user's age is above or below an age threshold may include comparing the biometric information obtained by one or more biosensors with a set of one or more reference biometric information.

[0007] Comparing biometric information obtained by one or more biosensors with a set of one or more reference biometric information may include comparing heart rate signal patterns. Preferably, this may involve comparing one or more heart rate signal patterns obtained by one or more biosensors with a set of one or more reference heart rate signal patterns.

[0008] Analyzing biometric information to determine whether a user's age is above or below an age threshold may include determining whether heart rate values ​​obtained from one or more biosensors fall within a predetermined range of values. This predetermined range may depend on behavioral information obtained from one or more biosensors.

[0009] The system may further include a trained classifier (e.g., a neural network) trained to classify biometric information obtained from one or more biosensors according to age. Analyzing biometric information obtained from one or more biosensors to determine whether the user's age is above or below an age threshold may include inputting biometric information obtained from one or more biosensors into a trained classifier, such as a trained neural network.

[0010] One or more controllers may be further configured to identify a user by analyzing biometric information obtained by one or more biosensors. Identifying a user by analyzing biometric information obtained by one or more biosensors may include comparing the biometric information obtained by one or more biosensors with a set of one or more reference biometric information. Comparing biometric information may include comparing heart rate signal patterns. Preferably, this may involve comparing one or more heart rate signal patterns obtained by one or more biosensors with a set of one or more reference heart rate signal patterns.

[0011] The system may further include a trained classifier (e.g., a neural network) trained to classify biometric information obtained from one or more biosensors according to a user ID. Identifying a user by analyzing biometric information obtained from one or more biosensors may include inputting biometric information obtained from one or more biosensors into a trained classifier, such as a trained neural network. One or more controllers may further be configured to generate a control signal to lock the aerosol generator when the user is not identified as the user of the aerosol generator.

[0012] One or more controllers may be further configured to generate a control signal to initiate a configuration mode of the aerosol generator in response to detection of user input. The configuration mode of the aerosol generator may be a preheating mode of the aerosol generator. One or more controllers may be configured to analyze biometric information during the configuration mode. One or more controllers may be configured to generate a control signal to control the operation of the aerosol generator before the configuration mode ends. One or more controllers may be configured to generate a control signal to lock the aerosol generator if biometric information is not obtained from one or more biosensors before the configuration mode ends.

[0013] Since users authorized to use the device (e.g., users above the age threshold) are unaware of interruptions in the device's operation, analyzing biometric information during configuration mode is more efficient.

[0014] Generating control signals to control the operation of an aerosol generator may include generating control signals to lock the aerosol generator.

[0015] Generating a control signal to control the operation of an aerosol generator may include generating a control signal to unlock the aerosol generator.

[0016] Generating a control signal to control the operation of an aerosol generator may include generating a control signal to switch off the aerosol generator.

[0017] Generating a control signal to control the operation of an aerosol generator may include generating a control signal to stop the operation of the aerosol generator.

[0018] Generating control signals to control the operation of an aerosol generator may include generating control signals that enable the aerosol generator to generate aerosols.

[0019] Generating control signals to control the operation of an aerosol generator may include generating control signals to prevent the aerosol generator from generating aerosols.

[0020] The controller may be further configured to generate an alarm in response to generating control signals for controlling the operation of the aerosol generator. Generating an alarm may include generating control signals for controlling indicators on the aerosol generator to provide user-perceptible feedback.

[0021] One or more controllers may be further configured to send notifications to the user device in response to generating control signals for controlling the operation of the aerosol generator.

[0022] One or more controllers may be further configured to generate control signals that enable the operation of one or more or all of the charging devices associated with the aerosol generator, in response to generating control signals for controlling the operation of the aerosol generator.

[0023] One or more controllers may be further configured to generate a control signal for preventing one or more or all operations of a charging device associated with the aerosol generating device in response to generating a control signal for controlling the operation of the aerosol generating device.

[0024] One or more biosensors may include at least one of a heart rate monitor, a blood pressure sensor, and a motion sensor. The heart rate monitor may be an electrocardiogram sensor, an optical sensor, or a photoplethysmography sensor. The motion sensor may be an accelerometer.

[0025] The biometric authentication information may include at least one of a heart rate value, a heart rate signal, an arterial stiffness value, a blood pressure value, and motion information.

[0026] The system may further include a database located on a remote server, and the database is configured to store one or more sets of reference biometric authentication information.

[0027] The system may further include a remote server, and one or more controllers are configured to wirelessly communicate with the remote server to obtain a set of reference biometric authentication information.

[0028] The system may further include an aerosol generating device, and the aerosol generating device includes at least one of one or more biometric sensors, a data store configured to store one or more sets of reference biometric authentication information, and at least one of one or more controllers.

[0029] The system may further include an aerosol generating device and a charging device associated with the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device includes at least one of one or more biometric sensors, the charging device includes a data store configured to store one or more sets of reference biometric authentication information, and at least one of one or more controllers.

[0030] The reference biometric information can be stored in a lookup table.

[0031] The system may further include a user device, and the user device includes at least one of the one or more biosensors and at least one of the one or more controllers. The user device may be a smartphone or a wearable device.

[0032] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling the operation of an aerosol generator is provided. The method may include obtaining biometric information of a user having an age from one or more biosensors, analyzing the biometric information obtained by the one or more biosensors to determine whether the user's age is above or below an age threshold, and generating a control signal for controlling the operation of the aerosol generator based on determining whether the user's age is above or below the age threshold.

[0033] Analyzing the biometric information obtained by the one or more biosensors to determine whether the user's age is above or below the age threshold may include comparing the biometric information obtained by the one or more biosensors with a set of one or more reference biometric information. Comparing the biometric information obtained by the one or more biosensors with a set of one or more reference biometric information may include comparing heart rate signal patterns. Preferably, this may involve comparing one or more heart rate signal patterns obtained by the one or more biosensors with a set of one or more reference heart rate signal patterns.

[0034] Analyzing biometric information to determine whether a user's age is above or below an age threshold may include determining whether heart rate values ​​obtained from one or more biosensors fall within a predetermined range of values. This predetermined range may depend on behavioral information obtained from one or more biosensors.

[0035] The method may further include training a classifier (e.g., a neural network) to classify biometric information obtained from one or more biosensors according to age. Analyzing biometric information obtained from one or more biosensors to determine whether the user's age is above or below an age threshold may include inputting biometric information obtained from one or more biosensors into a trained classifier, such as a trained neural network.

[0036] The method may further include identifying a user by analyzing biometric information obtained by one or more biosensors. Identifying a user by analyzing biometric information obtained by one or more biosensors may include comparing the biometric information obtained by one or more biosensors with a set of one or more reference biometric information. Comparing biometric information may include comparing heart rate signal patterns. Preferably, this may involve comparing one or more heart rate signal patterns obtained by one or more biosensors with a set of one or more reference heart rate signal patterns.

[0037] The method may further include training a classifier (e.g., a neural network) to classify biometric information obtained from one or more biosensors according to a user ID. Analyzing biometric information obtained from one or more biosensors to identify a user may include inputting biometric information obtained from one or more biosensors into a trained classifier, such as a trained neural network.

[0038] The method may further include generating a control signal to lock the aerosol generator when the user is not identified as the user of the aerosol generator.

[0039] The method may further include generating a control signal to initiate a configuration mode of the aerosol generator in response to detection of user input. The configuration mode of the aerosol generator may be a preheating mode of the aerosol generator. Biometric information may be analyzed during the configuration mode. A control signal to control the operation of the aerosol generator may be generated before the termination of the configuration mode.

[0040] The method may further include generating a control signal to lock the aerosol generator if biometric information is not obtained from one or more biosensors before the end of the configuration mode.

[0041] Generating control signals to control the operation of an aerosol generator may include generating control signals to lock the aerosol generator.

[0042] Generating a control signal to control the operation of an aerosol generator may include generating a control signal to unlock the aerosol generator.

[0043] Generating a control signal to control the operation of an aerosol generator may include generating a control signal to switch off the aerosol generator.

[0044] Generating a control signal to control the operation of an aerosol generator may include generating a control signal to stop the operation of the aerosol generator.

[0045] Generating control signals to control the operation of an aerosol generator may include generating control signals that enable the aerosol generator to generate aerosols.

[0046] Generating control signals to control the operation of an aerosol generator may include generating control signals to prevent the aerosol generator from generating aerosols.

[0047] The method may further include generating an alarm in response to generating a control signal for controlling the operation of the aerosol generator. Generating an alarm may include generating a control signal for controlling an indicator on the aerosol generator in order to provide user-perceptible feedback.

[0048] The method may further include sending a notification to a user device in response to generating a control signal for controlling the operation of an aerosol generator.

[0049] The method may further include generating a control signal to enable the operation of one or more or all of the charging devices associated with the aerosol generator in response to generating a control signal to control the operation of the aerosol generator.

[0050] The method may further include generating a control signal to prevent the operation of one or more or all charging devices associated with the aerosol generator in response to generating a control signal to control the operation of the aerosol generator.

[0051] One or more biosensors may include at least one of a heart rate monitor, a blood pressure sensor, and a motion sensor. The heart rate monitor may be an electrocardiogram sensor, an optical sensor, or a photoplethysmography sensor. The motion sensor may be an accelerometer.

[0052] Biometric information may include at least one of the following: heart rate values, heart rate signals, arterial stiffness values, blood pressure values, and motion information.

[0053] The method may further include storing one or more sets of reference biometric information in a database located on a remote server.

[0054] The method may further include wirelessly communicating with a remote server to obtain a set of reference biometric information. The reference biometric information may be stored in a lookup table.

[0055] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a system relating to an aerosol generator is provided. The system may include one or more biosensors configured to acquire a user's biometric information, and the system may include one or more controllers. One or more controllers may be configured to determine whether a user is authenticated based on the biometric information in response to generating a signal to initiate a configuration mode of the aerosol generator, and to generate control signals to control the operation of the aerosol generator based on whether the user is authenticated.

[0056] Since authenticated users will not notice any interruption in the device's operation, it is more efficient to determine whether the user is authenticated during configuration mode. Furthermore, since the aerosol generator is configured to operate during configuration mode, it is safer to determine whether the user is authenticated during configuration mode and then generate control signals.

[0057] One or more controllers may be configured to generate control signals to initiate a configuration mode of the aerosol generator in response to user input. The user input may be the startup of the aerosol generator. The configuration mode may be the preheating phase of the aerosol generator.

[0058] Determining whether a user is authenticated based on biometric information may include analyzing the biometric information to determine whether the user's age is above or below a predetermined age threshold.

[0059] Analyzing biometric information to determine whether a user's age is above or below an age threshold may include comparing biometric information obtained by one or more biosensors with a set of one or more reference biometric information. Comparing biometric information obtained by one or more biosensors with a set of one or more reference biometric information may include comparing heart rate signal patterns. Preferably, this may involve comparing one or more heart rate signal patterns obtained by one or more biosensors with a set of one or more reference heart rate signal patterns.

[0060] Analyzing biometric information to determine whether a user's age is above or below an age threshold may include determining whether heart rate values ​​obtained from one or more biosensors fall within a predetermined range of values. This predetermined range may depend on behavioral information obtained from one or more biosensors.

[0061] The system may further include a trained classifier (e.g., a neural network) trained to classify biometric information obtained from one or more biosensors according to age. Analyzing biometric information obtained from one or more biosensors to determine whether the user's age is above or below an age threshold may include inputting biometric information obtained from one or more biosensors into a trained classifier, such as a trained neural network.

[0062] Determining whether a user is authenticated based on biometric information may include analyzing the biometric information to determine the user's identity. Analyzing biometric information to determine the user's identity may include comparing biometric information obtained by one or more biosensors with a set of one or more reference biometric information. Comparing biometric information may include comparing heart rate signal patterns. Preferably, this may involve comparing one or more heart rate signal patterns obtained by one or more biosensors with a set of one or more reference heart rate signal patterns.

[0063] The system may further include a trained classifier (e.g., a neural network) trained to classify biometric information obtained from one or more biosensors according to the user ID. Analyzing biometric information to determine the user ID may include inputting biometric information obtained from one or more biosensors into a trained classifier, such as a trained neural network.

[0064] One or more controllers may be further configured to generate control signals to lock the aerosol generator when the user is not authenticated.

[0065] One or more controllers may be further configured to generate a control signal to initiate a configuration mode of the aerosol generator in response to detection of user input. The configuration mode of the aerosol generator may be a preheating mode of the aerosol generator. One or more controllers may be configured to determine whether the user is authenticated during the configuration mode. One or more controllers may be configured to generate a control signal to control the operation of the aerosol generator before the configuration mode ends.

[0066] The controller may be configured to generate a control signal to lock the aerosol generator if biometric information is not obtained from one or more biosensors before the end of configuration mode.

[0067] Generating control signals to control the operation of an aerosol generator may include generating control signals to lock the aerosol generator.

[0068] Generating a control signal to control the operation of an aerosol generator may include generating a control signal to unlock the aerosol generator.

[0069] Generating a control signal to control the operation of an aerosol generator may include generating a control signal to switch off the aerosol generator.

[0070] Generating a control signal to control the operation of an aerosol generator may include generating a control signal to stop the operation of the aerosol generator.

[0071] Generating control signals to control the operation of an aerosol generator may include generating control signals that enable the aerosol generator to generate aerosols.

[0072] Generating control signals to control the operation of an aerosol generator may include generating control signals to prevent the aerosol generator from generating aerosols.

[0073] One or more controllers may be further configured to generate alarms in response to generating control signals for controlling the operation of the aerosol generator. Generating an alarm may include generating control signals for controlling indicators on the aerosol generator to provide user-perceptible feedback.

[0074] One or more controllers may be further configured to send notifications to the user device in response to generating control signals for controlling the operation of the aerosol generator.

[0075] One or more controllers may be further configured to generate control signals that enable the operation of one or more or all of the charging devices associated with the aerosol generator, in response to generating control signals for controlling the operation of the aerosol generator.

[0076] One or more controllers may be further configured to generate control signals to prevent the operation of one or more or all of the charging devices associated with the aerosol generator, in response to generating control signals to control the operation of the aerosol generator.

[0077] One or more biosensors may include at least one of a heart rate monitor, a blood pressure sensor, and a motion sensor. The heart rate monitor may be an electrocardiogram sensor, an optical sensor, or a photoplethysmography sensor. The motion sensor may be an accelerometer.

[0078] Biometric information may include at least one of the following: heart rate values, heart rate signals, arterial stiffness values, blood pressure values, and motion information.

[0079] The system may further include a database located on a remote server, which is configured to store one or more sets of reference biometric information.

[0080] The system may also include remote servers, and one or more controllers may be configured to communicate wirelessly with the remote servers to obtain a set of reference biometric information.

[0081] The system may further include an aerosol generator, which comprises at least one of one or more biometric sensors, a data store configured to store one or more sets of reference biometric information, and at least one of one or more controllers.

[0082] The system may further comprise an aerosol generator and a charging device associated with the aerosol generator, the aerosol generator comprising at least one of one or more biometric sensors, and the charging device comprising a data store configured to store one or more sets of reference biometric information, and at least one of one or more controllers. The reference biometric information may be stored in a lookup table.

[0083] The system may further include a user device, which comprises at least one of one or more biosensors and at least one of one or more controllers. The user device may be a smartphone or a wearable device.

[0084] According to a first embodiment, a method for controlling an aerosol generator is provided. The method may include: obtaining a user's biometric information from one or more biosensors; determining whether the user is authenticated based on the biometric information in response to generating a signal to initiate a configuration mode of the aerosol generator; and generating a control signal to control the operation of the aerosol generator based on whether the user is authenticated.

[0085] The method may further include generating a control signal to initiate a configuration mode of the aerosol generator in response to user input. The user input may be the startup of the aerosol generator. The configuration mode may be the preheating phase of the aerosol generator.

[0086] Determining whether a user is authenticated based on biometric information may include analyzing the biometric information to determine whether the user's age is above or below a predetermined age threshold. Analyzing the biometric information to determine whether the user's age is above or below an age threshold may include comparing biometric information obtained by one or more biosensors with a set of one or more reference biometric information. Comparing biometric information obtained by one or more biosensors with a set of one or more reference biometric information may include comparing heart rate signal patterns. Preferably, this may involve comparing one or more heart rate signal patterns obtained by one or more biosensors with a set of one or more reference heart rate signal patterns.

[0087] Analyzing biometric information to determine whether a user's age is above or below an age threshold may include determining whether heart rate values ​​obtained from one or more biosensors fall within a predetermined range of values. This predetermined range may depend on behavioral information obtained from one or more biosensors. The method may further include training a classifier (e.g., a neural network) to classify the biometric information obtained from one or more biosensors according to age.

[0088] Analyzing biometric information obtained by one or more biosensors to determine whether a user's age is above or below an age threshold may involve inputting the biometric information obtained by one or more biosensors into a trained classifier, such as a trained neural network.

[0089] Determining whether a user is authenticated based on biometric information may include analyzing the biometric information to determine the user's identity. Analyzing biometric information to determine the user's identity may include comparing biometric information obtained by one or more biosensors with a set of one or more reference biometric information. Comparing biometric information may include comparing heart rate signal patterns. Preferably, this may involve comparing one or more heart rate signal patterns obtained by one or more biosensors with a set of one or more reference heart rate signal patterns.

[0090] The method may further include training a classifier (e.g., a neural network) to classify biometric information obtained from one or more biosensors according to the user ID. Analyzing biometric information to determine the user ID involves inputting biometric information obtained from one or more biosensors into a trained classifier, such as a trained neural network.

[0091] The method may further include generating a control signal to lock the aerosol generator when the user is not authenticated.

[0092] The method may further include generating a control signal to initiate a configuration mode of the aerosol generator in response to detection of user input. The configuration mode of the aerosol generator may also be a preheating mode of the aerosol generator. Whether the user is authenticated may be determined during the configuration mode. Control signals for controlling the operation of the aerosol generator may be generated before the end of the configuration mode.

[0093] The method may further include generating a control signal to lock the aerosol generator if biometric information is not obtained from one or more biosensors before the end of the configuration mode.

[0094] Generating control signals to control the operation of an aerosol generator may include generating control signals to lock the aerosol generator.

[0095] Generating a control signal to control the operation of an aerosol generator may include generating a control signal to unlock the aerosol generator.

[0096] Generating a control signal to control the operation of an aerosol generator may include generating a control signal to switch off the aerosol generator.

[0097] Generating a control signal to control the operation of an aerosol generator may include generating a control signal to stop the operation of the aerosol generator.

[0098] Generating control signals to control the operation of an aerosol generator may include generating control signals that enable the aerosol generator to generate aerosols.

[0099] Generating control signals to control the operation of an aerosol generator may include generating control signals to prevent the aerosol generator from generating aerosols.

[0100] The method may further include generating an alarm in response to generating a control signal for controlling the operation of the aerosol generator. Generating an alarm may include generating a control signal for controlling an indicator on the aerosol generator in order to provide user-perceptible feedback.

[0101] The method may further include sending a notification to a user device in response to generating a control signal for controlling the operation of an aerosol generator.

[0102] The method may further include generating a control signal to enable the operation of one or more or all of the charging devices associated with the aerosol generator in response to generating a control signal to control the operation of the aerosol generator.

[0103] The method may further include generating a control signal to prevent the operation of one or more or all charging devices associated with the aerosol generator in response to generating a control signal to control the operation of the aerosol generator.

[0104] One or more biosensors may include at least one of a heart rate monitor, a blood pressure sensor, and a motion sensor. The heart rate monitor may be an electrocardiogram sensor, an optical sensor, or a photoplethysmography sensor. The motion sensor may be an accelerometer.

[0105] Biometric information may include at least one of the following: heart rate values, heart rate signals, arterial stiffness values, blood pressure values, and motion information.

[0106] The method may further include storing one or more sets of reference biometric information in a database located on a remote server. The method may further include retrieving the set of reference biometric information by wirelessly communicating with the remote server. The reference biometric information may be stored in a lookup table.

[0107] According to another aspect of the present invention, a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions is provided, and the above method is carried out when executed by a processor.

[0108] As used herein, the term “aerosol generator” refers to a device that generates an aerosol by interacting with an aerosol-forming substrate. An aerosol generator may interact with an aerosol-generating article containing an aerosol-forming substrate. In some embodiments, an aerosol generator may heat the aerosol-forming substrate to facilitate the release of volatile compounds from the substrate. An electrically operated aerosol generator may include an atomizer, such as an electric heater, for heating the aerosol-forming substrate to form an aerosol.

[0109] As used herein, the term “aerosol-forming substrate” refers to a substrate having the ability to release volatile compounds that can form aerosols. Volatile compounds may be released by heating or burning the aerosol-forming substrate. As an alternative to heating or burning, in some cases, volatile compounds may be released by chemical reactions or by mechanical stimuli such as ultrasound. The aerosol-forming substrate may be solid or liquid, or may contain both solid and liquid components. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of an aerosol-generating article.

[0110] The aerosol generator preferably includes a power source configured to supply power to the heating element. The power source preferably includes a power supply. The power supply is preferably a battery, such as a lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the power supply may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power supply may require recharging. For example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to enable continuous aerosol generation for approximately six minutes, or for a period of time that is a multiple of six minutes. In another example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to enable a predetermined number of fume extractions or discontinuous starts of the heater assembly.

[0111] The power source may include control electronics. The control electronic circuit may include a microcontroller. Preferably, the microcontroller is a programmable microcontroller. The electrical circuit may include further electronic components. The electrical circuit may be configured to regulate the supply of power to the heater assembly. Power may be supplied to the heater assembly continuously after the system is started up, or intermittently (for example, supplied with each smoke extraction). Power may be supplied to the heater assembly in the form of current pulses.

[0112] As used herein, the term “susceptor” refers to an element comprising a material having the ability to convert magnetic energy into heat. When a susceptor is located in a fluctuating magnetic field, it heats up. The heating of the susceptor may result from at least one of hysteresis losses and eddy currents induced within the susceptor, depending on the electrical properties and magnetism of the susceptor material.

[0113] As used herein, the term “user device” refers to a device associated with the user of an aerosol generating device, such as a mobile device, smartphone, laptop, personal digital assistant, smartwatch, or other wearable device.

[0114] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, a non-exclusive list of non-limiting embodiments is provided below. Any one or more features of these embodiments may be combined with any one or more features of other embodiments, forms, or aspects described herein.

[0115] Example 1: A system associated with an aerosol generator, the system comprising one or more biosensors configured to acquire biometric information of a user having an age, and one or more controllers configured to analyze the biometric information acquired by the one or more biosensors to determine whether the user's age is above or below an age threshold, and to generate control signals to control the operation of the aerosol generator based on whether the user's age is above or below the age threshold. Example 2: The system according to Example 1, wherein analyzing biometric information obtained by one or more biosensors to determine whether the user's age is above or below an age threshold includes comparing the biometric information obtained by one or more biosensors with a set of one or more reference biometric information. Example 3: The system according to Example 2, wherein comparing biometric information obtained by one or more biosensors with a set of one or more reference biometric information includes comparing one or more heart rate signal patterns obtained by one or more biosensors with a set of one or more reference heart rate signal patterns. Example 4: The system according to Example 1, wherein analyzing biometric information to determine whether the user's age is above or below an age threshold includes determining whether heart rate values ​​obtained from one or more biosensors fall within a predetermined range of values. Example 5: The system according to Example 4, wherein a predetermined range of values ​​depends on operational information obtained from one or more biosensors. Example 6: The system according to Example 1, further comprising a classifier trained to classify biometric information obtained from one or more biosensors according to age. Example 7: The system according to Example 6, wherein analyzing biometric information obtained by one or more biosensors to determine whether the user's age is above or below an age threshold includes inputting the biometric information obtained by one or more biosensors into a trained classifier. Example 8: The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 7, further configured to identify a user by analyzing biometric information obtained by one or more biosensors, wherein one or more controllers are further configured. Example 9: The system according to Example 8, wherein identifying a user by analyzing biometric information obtained by one or more biosensors includes comparing the biometric information obtained by one or more biosensors with a set of one or more reference biometric information. Example 10: The system according to Example 9, wherein comparing biometric information includes comparing one or more heart rate signal patterns obtained by one or more biosensors with a set of one or more reference heart rate signal patterns. Example 11: The system according to Example 8, further comprising a classifier trained to classify biometric information obtained from one or more biosensors according to a user ID. Example 12: The system according to Example 11, wherein identifying a user by analyzing biometric information obtained by one or more biosensors includes inputting biometric information obtained by one or more biosensors into a trained classifier. Example 13: The system according to any one of Examples 8 to 12, further configured to generate a control signal to lock the aerosol generator when a user is not identified as a user of the aerosol generator. Example 14: The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 13, wherein one or more controllers are further configured to generate a control signal to initiate a configuration mode of the aerosol generator in response to detection of user input. Example 15: The system according to Example 14, wherein the configuration mode of the aerosol generator is the preheating mode of the aerosol generator. Example 16: The system according to Embodiment 14 or 15, wherein one or more controllers are configured to analyze biometric information during configuration mode. Example 17: The system according to any one of Examples 14 to 16, wherein one or more controllers are configured to generate control signals for controlling the operation of the aerosol generator before the end of the configuration mode. Example 18: The system according to any one of Examples 14 to 17, wherein one or more controllers are configured to generate a control signal to lock the aerosol generator if biometric information is not obtained from one or more biosensors before the end of the configuration mode. Example 19: The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 18, wherein generating a control signal to control the operation of the aerosol generator includes generating a control signal to lock the aerosol generator. Example 20: The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 18, wherein generating a control signal to control the operation of the aerosol generator includes generating a control signal to unlock the aerosol generator. Example 21: The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 18, wherein generating a control signal to control the operation of the aerosol generator includes generating a control signal to switch off the aerosol generator. Example 22: The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 18, wherein generating a control signal to control the operation of an aerosol generator includes generating a control signal to stop the operation of an aerosol generator. Example 23: The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 18, wherein generating a control signal for controlling the operation of an aerosol generator includes generating a control signal that enables the aerosol generator to generate an aerosol. Example 24: The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 18, wherein generating a control signal to control the operation of an aerosol generator includes generating a control signal to prevent the aerosol generator from generating aerosols. Example 25: The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 24, further configured to generate an alarm in response to one or more controllers generating control signals for controlling the operation of an aerosol generator. Example 26: The system according to Example 25, wherein generating an alarm includes generating a control signal to control an indicator of an aerosol generator in order to provide user-perceptible feedback. Example 27: The system according to one of Examples 1 to 26, further configured to send a notification to a user device in response to one or more controllers generating control signals for controlling the operation of an aerosol generator. Example 28: The system according to one of Examples 1 to 27, wherein one or more controllers are further configured to generate control signals that enable the operation of one or more or all of the charging devices associated with the aerosol generator in response to the generation of control signals for controlling the operation of the aerosol generator. Example 29: The system according to one of Examples 1 to 27, wherein one or more controllers are further configured to generate a control signal to prevent the operation of one or more or all of the charging devices associated with the aerosol generator in response to the generation of a control signal to control the operation of the aerosol generator. Example 30: The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 29, wherein one or more biosensors include at least one of a heart rate monitor, a blood pressure sensor, and a motion sensor. Example 31: The system according to Example 30, wherein the heart rate monitor is an electrocardiogram sensor, an optical sensor, or a photoplethysmography sensor. Example 32: The system according to Example 30 or 31, wherein the motion sensor is an accelerometer. Example 33: The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 32, wherein the biometric authentication information includes at least one of the following: heart rate value, heart rate signal, arterial stiffness value, blood pressure value, and motion information. Example 34: The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 33, further comprising a database located on a remote server, wherein the database is configured to store one or more sets of reference biometric information. Example 35: The system according to Embodiment 34, further comprising a remote server, wherein one or more controllers are configured to communicate wirelessly with the remote server to obtain a set of reference biometric information. Example 36: The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 33, further comprising an aerosol generator, the aerosol generator comprising at least one of one or more biometric sensors, a data store configured to store one or more sets of reference biometric information, and at least one of one or more controllers. Example 37: The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 33, further comprising an aerosol generator and a charging device associated with the aerosol generator, wherein the aerosol generator comprises at least one of one or more biometric sensors, and the charging device comprises a data store configured to store one or more sets of reference biometric information, and at least one controller from one or more controllers. Example 38: A system according to any one of Examples 34 to 37, wherein reference biometric authentication information is stored in a lookup table. Example 39: The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 38, further comprising a user device, the user device comprising at least one of one or more biosensors and at least one of one or more controllers. Example 40: The system according to Example 39, wherein the user device is a smartphone or a wearable device. Example 41: A method for controlling the operation of an aerosol generator, the method comprising: obtaining biometric information of a user having an age from one or more biosensors; analyzing the biometric information obtained by one or more biosensors to determine whether the user's age is above or below an age threshold; and generating a control signal for controlling the operation of the aerosol generator based on whether the user's age is above or below an age threshold. Example 42: The method according to Example 41, wherein determining whether a user's age is above or below an age threshold by analyzing biometric information obtained by one or more biosensors includes comparing the biometric information obtained by one or more biosensors with a set of one or more reference biometric information. Example 43: The method according to Example 42, wherein comparing biometric information obtained by one or more biosensors with a set of one or more reference biometric information includes comparing one or more heart rate signal patterns obtained by one or more biosensors with a set of one or more reference heart rate signal patterns. Example 44: The method according to Example 41, wherein analyzing biometric information to determine whether the user's age is above or below an age threshold includes determining whether heart rate values ​​obtained from one or more biosensors are within a predetermined range of values. Example 45: The method according to Example 44, wherein a predetermined range of values ​​depends on operational information obtained from one or more biosensors. Example 46: The method according to Example 41, further comprising training a classifier to classify biometric information obtained from one or more biosensors according to age. Example 47: The method according to Example 46, wherein the method for determining whether a user's age is above or below an age threshold by analyzing biometric information obtained by one or more biosensors is the method for determining whether a user's age is above or below an age threshold is the method for which biometric information obtained by one or more biosensors is input into a trained classifier. Example 48: The method according to any one of Examples 41 to 47, further comprising analyzing biometric information obtained by one or more biosensors to identify a user. Example 49: The method according to Example 48, wherein identifying a user by analyzing biometric information obtained by one or more biosensors includes comparing biometric information obtained by one or more biosensors with a set of one or more reference biometric information. Example 50: The method according to Example 49, wherein comparing biometric information includes comparing one or more heart rate signal patterns obtained by one or more biosensors with a set of one or more reference heart rate signal patterns. Example 51: The method according to Example 48, further comprising training a classifier to classify biometric information obtained from one or more biosensors according to a user ID. Example 52: The method according to Example 51, wherein identifying a user by analyzing biometric information obtained by one or more biosensors includes inputting biometric information obtained by one or more biosensors into a trained classifier. Example 53: The method according to any one of Examples 48 to 52, further comprising generating a control signal to lock the aerosol generator if the user is not identified as the user of the aerosol generator. Example 54: The method according to any one of Examples 41 to 53, further comprising generating a control signal to initiate a configuration mode of the aerosol generator in response to detection of user input. Example 55: The method according to Example 54, wherein the configuration mode of the aerosol generator is the preheating mode of the aerosol generator. Example 56: The method according to Example 54 or 55, wherein biometric information is analyzed during configuration mode. Example 57: The method according to any one of Examples 54 to 56, wherein a control signal for controlling the operation of the aerosol generator is generated before the end of the configuration mode. Example 58: The method according to any one of Examples 54 to 57, further comprising generating a control signal to lock the aerosol generator if biometric information is not obtained from one or more biosensors before the end of the configuration mode. Example 59: The method according to any one of Examples 41 to 58, wherein generating a control signal to control the operation of the aerosol generator includes generating a control signal to lock the aerosol generator. Example 60: The method according to any one of Examples 41 to 58, wherein generating a control signal to control the operation of the aerosol generator includes generating a control signal to unlock the aerosol generator. Example 61: The method according to any one of Examples 41 to 58, wherein generating a control signal to control the operation of the aerosol generator includes generating a control signal to switch off the aerosol generator. Example 62: The method according to any one of Examples 41 to 58, wherein generating a control signal to control the operation of an aerosol generator includes generating a control signal to stop the operation of an aerosol generator. Example 63: The method according to any one of Examples 41 to 58, wherein generating a control signal for controlling the operation of an aerosol generator is a control signal that enables the aerosol generator to generate an aerosol. Example 64: The method according to any one of Examples 41 to 58, wherein generating a control signal to control the operation of an aerosol generator includes generating a control signal to prevent the aerosol generator from generating aerosols. Example 65: The method according to any one of Examples 41 to 64, further comprising generating an alarm in response to generating a control signal for controlling the operation of an aerosol generator. Example 66: The method according to Example 65, wherein generating an alarm includes generating a control signal to control an indicator of an aerosol generator in order to provide user-perceptible feedback. Example 67: The method according to one of Examples 41 to 66, further comprising sending a notification to a user device in response to generating a control signal for controlling the operation of an aerosol generator. Example 68: The method according to one of Examples 41 to 67, further comprising generating a control signal to enable the operation of one or more or all of the charging devices associated with the aerosol generator in response to generating a control signal to control the operation of the aerosol generator. Example 69: The method according to one of Examples 41 to 67, further comprising generating a control signal to prevent the operation of one or more or all of the charging devices associated with the aerosol generator in response to generating a control signal to control the operation of the aerosol generator. Example 70: The method according to any one of Examples 41 to 69, wherein one or more biosensors include at least one of a heart rate monitor, a blood pressure sensor, and a motion sensor. Example 71: The method according to Example 70, wherein the heart rate monitor is an electrocardiogram sensor, an optical sensor, or a photoplethysmography sensor. Example 72: The method according to Example 70 or 71, wherein the motion sensor is an accelerometer. Example 73: The method according to any one of Examples 41 to 72, wherein the biometric authentication information includes at least one of heart rate values, heart rate signals, arterial stiffness values, blood pressure values, and motion information. Example 74: The method according to any one of Examples 41 to 73, further comprising storing one or more sets of reference biometric information in a database located on a remote server. Example 75: The method according to Example 74, further comprising wirelessly communicating with a remote server to obtain a set of reference biometric information. Example 76: The method according to Example 74 or 75, wherein reference biometric information is stored in a lookup table. Example 77: A computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, perform one of the methods of Examples 41 to 76. Example 78: A system associated with an aerosol generator, the system comprising: one or more biosensors configured to acquire a user's biometric information; and one or more controllers configured to determine whether a user is authenticated based on biometric information in response to generating a signal to initiate a configuration mode of the aerosol generator, and to generate control signals to control the operation of the aerosol generator based on whether the user is authenticated. Example 79: The system according to Embodiment 78, wherein one or more controllers are configured to generate control signals to initiate a configuration mode of the aerosol generator in response to user input. Example 80: The system described in Example 79, wherein the user input is the activation of the aerosol generator. Example 81: The system according to any one of Examples 78 to 81, wherein the configuration mode is the preheating stage of the aerosol generator. Example 82: The system according to any one of Examples 78 to 83, wherein determining whether a user is authenticated based on biometric information includes analyzing the biometric information to determine whether the user's age is above or below a predetermined age threshold. Example 83: The system according to Example 72, wherein analyzing biometric information to determine whether the user's age is above or below an age threshold includes comparing biometric information obtained by one or more biosensors with a set of one or more reference biometric information. Example 84: The system according to Example 73, wherein comparing biometric information obtained by one or more biosensors with a set of one or more reference biometric information includes comparing one or more heart rate signal patterns obtained by one or more biosensors with a set of one or more reference heart rate signal patterns. Example 85: The system according to Example 72, wherein analyzing biometric information to determine whether the user's age is above or below an age threshold includes determining whether heart rate values ​​obtained from one or more biosensors are within a predetermined range of values. Example 86: The system according to Example 75, wherein a predetermined range of values ​​depends on operational information obtained from one or more biosensors. Example 87: The system according to Example 72, further comprising a classifier trained to classify biometric information obtained from one or more biosensors according to age. Example 88: The system according to Example 87, wherein analyzing biometric information obtained by one or more biosensors to determine whether the user's age is above or below an age threshold includes inputting biometric information obtained by one or more biosensors into a trained classifier. Example 89: A system according to any one of Examples 78 to 88, wherein determining whether a user is authenticated based on biometric information includes analyzing the biometric information to determine the user's ID. Example 90: The system according to Example 89, wherein determining the user's ID by analyzing biometric information includes comparing biometric information obtained by one or more biosensors with a set of one or more reference biometric information. Example 91: The system according to Example 90, wherein comparing biometric information includes comparing one or more heart rate signal patterns obtained by one or more biosensors with a set of one or more reference heart rate signal patterns. Example 92: The system according to Example 89, further comprising a classifier trained to classify biometric information obtained from one or more biosensors according to a user ID. Example 93: The system according to Example 92, wherein determining the user's ID by analyzing biometric information includes inputting biometric information obtained by one or more biosensors into a trained classifier. Example 94: The system according to any one of Examples 78 to 93, further configured to generate a control signal for locking the aerosol generator when the user is not authenticated. Example 95: The system according to any one of Examples 78 to 94, wherein one or more controllers are further configured to generate a control signal to initiate a configuration mode of the aerosol generator in response to detecting user input. Example 96: The system according to Example 95, wherein the configuration mode of the aerosol generator is the preheating mode of the aerosol generator. Example 97: The system according to embodiment 95 or 96, wherein one or more controllers are configured to determine whether a user is authenticated during configuration mode. Example 98: The system according to any one of Examples 95 to 97, wherein one or more controllers are configured to generate control signals for controlling the operation of the aerosol generator before the end of the configuration mode. Example 99: The system according to any one of Examples 95 to 98, wherein one or more controllers are configured to generate a control signal to lock the aerosol generator if biometric information is not obtained from one or more biosensors before the end of the configuration mode. Example 100: The system according to any one of Examples 78 to 99, wherein generating a control signal to control the operation of the aerosol generator includes generating a control signal to lock the aerosol generator. Example 101: The system according to any one of Examples 78 to 99, wherein generating a control signal to control the operation of the aerosol generator includes generating a control signal to unlock the aerosol generator. Example 102: The system according to any one of Examples 78 to 99, wherein generating a control signal to control the operation of the aerosol generator includes generating a control signal to switch off the aerosol generator. Example 103: The system according to any one of Examples 78 to 99, wherein generating a control signal to control the operation of the aerosol generator includes generating a control signal to stop the operation of the aerosol generator. Example 104: A system according to any one of Examples 78 to 99, wherein generating a control signal for controlling the operation of an aerosol generator includes generating a control signal for enabling the aerosol generator to generate aerosols. Example 105: The system according to any one of Examples 78 to 99, wherein generating a control signal to control the operation of an aerosol generator includes generating a control signal to prevent the aerosol generator from generating aerosols. Example 106: The system according to any one of Examples 78 to 105, further configured to generate an alarm in response to one or more controllers generating control signals for controlling the operation of an aerosol generator. Example 107: The system according to Example 106, wherein generating an alarm includes generating a control signal to control an indicator of an aerosol generator in order to provide user-perceptible feedback. Example 108: The system according to one of the embodiments 78 to 107, further configured to send a notification to a user device in response to one or more controllers generating control signals for controlling the operation of an aerosol generator. Example 109: The system according to one of the embodiments 78 to 108, wherein one or more controllers are further configured to generate control signals that enable the operation of one or more or all of the charging devices associated with the aerosol generator in response to the generation of control signals for controlling the operation of the aerosol generator. Example 110: The system according to one of the embodiments 78 to 108, wherein one or more controllers are further configured to generate a control signal to prevent the operation of one or more or all of the charging devices associated with the aerosol generator in response to the generation of a control signal to control the operation of the aerosol generator. Example 111: The system according to any one of Examples 78 to 110, wherein one or more biosensors include at least one of a heart rate monitor, a blood pressure sensor, and a motion sensor. Example 112: The system according to Example 111, wherein the heart rate monitor is an electrocardiogram sensor, an optical sensor, or a photoplethysmography sensor. Example 113: The system according to Example 111 or 112, wherein the motion sensor is an accelerometer. Example 114: The system according to any one of Examples 78 to 113, wherein the biometric authentication information includes at least one of the following: heart rate value, heart rate signal, arterial stiffness value, blood pressure value, and motion information. Example 115: The system according to any one of Examples 78 to 114, further comprising a database located on a remote server, wherein the database is configured to store one or more sets of reference biometric information. Example 116: The system according to Embodiment 115, further comprising a remote server, wherein one or more controllers are configured to communicate wirelessly with the remote server to obtain a set of reference biometric information. Example 117: The system according to any one of Examples 78 to 114, further comprising an aerosol generator, the aerosol generator comprising at least one of one or more biometric sensors, a data store configured to store one or more sets of reference biometric information, and at least one of one or more controllers. Example 118: The system according to any one of Examples 78 to 114, further comprising an aerosol generator and a charging device associated with the aerosol generator, wherein the aerosol generator comprises at least one of one or more biometric sensors, and the charging device comprises a data store configured to store one or more sets of reference biometric information, and at least one controller from one or more controllers. Example 119: A system according to any one of Examples 114 to 118, wherein reference biometric authentication information is stored in a lookup table. Example 120: The system according to any one of Examples 78 to 119, further comprising a user device, the user device comprising at least one of one or more biosensors and at least one of one or more controllers. Example 121: The system according to Example 120, wherein the user device is a smartphone or a wearable device. Example 122: A method for controlling an aerosol generator, the method comprising: obtaining a user's biometric information from one or more biosensors; determining whether the user is authenticated based on the biometric information in response to generating a signal to initiate a configuration mode of the aerosol generator; and generating a control signal to control the operation of the aerosol generator based on whether the user is authenticated. Example 123: The method according to Example 122, further comprising generating a control signal to initiate a configuration mode of the aerosol generator in response to user input. Example 124: The method according to Example 123, wherein the user input is the activation of the aerosol generator. Example 125: The method according to any one of Examples 122 to 124, wherein the configuration mode is the preheating stage of the aerosol generator. Example 126: The method according to any one of Examples 122 to 125, wherein determining whether a user is authenticated based on biometric information includes analyzing the biometric information to determine whether the user's age is above or below a predetermined age threshold. Example 127: The method according to Example 126, wherein analyzing biometric information to determine whether the user's age is above or below an age threshold includes comparing biometric information obtained by one or more biosensors with a set of one or more reference biometric information. Example 128: The method according to Example 127, wherein comparing biometric information obtained by one or more biosensors with a set of one or more reference biometric information includes comparing one or more heart rate signal patterns obtained by one or more biosensors with a set of one or more reference heart rate signal patterns. Example 129: The method according to Example 126, wherein analyzing biometric information to determine whether the user's age is above or below an age threshold includes determining whether heart rate values ​​obtained from one or more biosensors are within a predetermined range of values. Example 130: The method according to Example 129, wherein a predetermined range of values ​​depends on operational information obtained from one or more biosensors. Example 131: The method according to Example 126, further comprising training a classifier to classify biometric information obtained from one or more biosensors according to age. Example 132: The method according to Example 131, wherein the method for determining whether a user's age is above or below an age threshold is to analyze biometric information obtained by one or more biosensors, and the method for determining whether a user's age is above or below an age threshold is to input biometric information obtained by one or more biosensors into a trained classifier. Example 133: The method according to any one of Examples 122 to 132, wherein determining whether a user is authenticated based on biometric information includes analyzing biometric information to determine the user's ID. Example 134: The method according to Example 133, wherein determining the user's ID by analyzing biometric information includes comparing biometric information obtained by one or more biosensors with a set of one or more reference biometric information. Example 135: The method according to Example 134, wherein comparing biometric information includes comparing one or more heart rate signal patterns obtained by one or more biosensors with a set of one or more reference heart rate signal patterns. Example 136: The method according to Example 133, further comprising training a classifier to classify biometric information obtained from one or more biosensors according to a user ID. Example 137: The method according to Example 136, wherein determining the user's ID by analyzing biometric information includes inputting biometric information obtained by one or more biosensors into a trained classifier. Example 138: The method according to any one of Examples 122 to 136, further comprising generating a control signal to lock the aerosol generator when the user is not authenticated. Example 139: The method according to any one of Examples 177 to 138, further comprising generating a control signal to initiate a configuration mode of the aerosol generator in response to detection of user input. Example 140: The method according to Example 139, wherein the configuration mode of the aerosol generator is the preheating mode of the aerosol generator. Example 141: The method according to Example 139 or 140, wherein it is determined during the configuration mode whether the user is authenticated. Example 142: The method according to any one of Examples 139 to 141, wherein a control signal for controlling the operation of the aerosol generator is generated before the end of the configuration mode. Example 143: The method according to any one of Examples 139 to 142, further comprising generating a control signal to lock the aerosol generator if biometric information is not obtained from one or more biosensors before the end of the configuration mode. Example 144: The method according to any one of Examples 122 to 143, wherein generating a control signal to control the operation of the aerosol generator includes generating a control signal to lock the aerosol generator. Example 145: The method according to any one of Examples 122 to 143, wherein generating a control signal to control the operation of the aerosol generator includes generating a control signal to unlock the aerosol generator. Example 146: The method according to any one of Examples 122 to 143, wherein generating a control signal to control the operation of the aerosol generator includes generating a control signal to switch off the aerosol generator. Example 147: The method according to any one of Examples 122 to 143, wherein generating a control signal to control the operation of an aerosol generator includes generating a control signal to stop the operation of an aerosol generator. Example 148: The method according to any one of Examples 122 to 143, wherein generating a control signal to control the operation of an aerosol generator is a control signal to enable the aerosol generator to generate an aerosol. Example 149: The method according to any one of Examples 122 to 143, wherein generating a control signal to control the operation of an aerosol generator includes generating a control signal to prevent the aerosol generator from generating aerosols. Example 150: The method according to any one of Examples 122 to 143, further comprising generating an alarm in response to generating a control signal for controlling the operation of an aerosol generator. Example 151: The method according to Example 150, wherein generating an alarm includes generating a control signal to control an indicator of an aerosol generator in order to provide user-perceptible feedback. Example 152: The method according to one of Examples 122-152, further comprising sending a notification to a user device in response to generating a control signal for controlling the operation of an aerosol generator. Example 153: The method according to one of Examples 122 to 152, further comprising generating a control signal to enable the operation of one or more or all of the charging devices associated with the aerosol generator in response to generating a control signal to control the operation of the aerosol generator. Example 154: The method according to one of Examples 122 to 152, further comprising generating a control signal to prevent the operation of one or more or all of the charging devices associated with the aerosol generator in response to generating a control signal to control the operation of the aerosol generator. Example 155: The method according to any one of Examples 122 to 154, wherein one or more biosensors include at least one of a heart rate monitor, a blood pressure sensor, and a motion sensor. Example 156: The method according to Example 155, wherein the heart rate monitor is an electrocardiogram sensor, an optical sensor, or a photoplethysmography sensor. Example 157: The method according to Example 155 or 156, wherein the motion sensor is an accelerometer. Example 158: The method according to any one of Examples 122 to 157, wherein the biometric information includes at least one of heart rate values, heart rate signals, arterial stiffness values, blood pressure values, and motion information. Example 159: The method according to any one of Examples 122 to 158, further comprising storing one or more sets of reference biometric information in a database located on a remote server. Example 160: The method according to Example 159, further comprising wirelessly communicating with a remote server to obtain a set of reference biometric information. Example 161: The method according to Example 159 or 160, wherein reference biometric information is stored in a lookup table. Example 162: A computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a processor, perform one of the methods of Examples 122 to 161. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0116] Here, we will further describe the examples with reference to the figures.

[0117] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows the control system associated with the aerosol generator. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an aerosol generator. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a charging device associated with an aerosol generator. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a flowchart of a method for controlling an aerosol generator. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0118] Figure 1 shows a control system 100 associated with an aerosol generator. The system 100 comprises a controller 110, one or more biosensors 140A-C, and a data store 150. The controller 110 is configured to authenticate the user of the aerosol generator based on biometric information obtained by one or more biosensors 140A-C. Based on authentication, the controller 110 is configured to generate one or more control signals to control the operation of the aerosol generator. The controller 100 includes a memory 120 for performing user authentication and storing instructions for generating control signals. The controller 110 further includes one or more processors 130 configured to execute instructions stored in the memory 120.

[0119] One or more biosensors 140A-C can measure a user's biometric information using any suitable method. One or more biosensors 140A-C may include a heart rate monitor, such as at least one of an electrocardiogram sensor, an optical sensor, and a photoplethysmography sensor. For example, one or more biosensors 140A-C may include at least one light source, such as a light-emitting diode emitting green or infrared light, and one or more sensors that detect light emitted from at least one light source and reflected from the user's skin, which can be used for photoplethysmography or other biosenses. One or more biosensors 140A-C may include a blood pressure sensor and a motion sensor. The motion sensor may be an accelerometer. The biometric information measured by one or more biosensors 140A-C may include the user's biological characteristics, such as at least one of heart rate, blood pressure, arterial stiffness, oxygen saturation, carbon monoxide saturation, and motion information.

[0120] The controller 110 authenticates the user by analyzing biometric information acquired by one or more biosensors 140A-C. Authenticating a user may include determining that the user's age exceeds a predetermined age threshold. Additionally or alternatively, authenticating a user may include identifying the user. The received biometric information may be stored in the memory 120 of the controller 110.

[0121] Analyzing biometric information acquired by one or more biosensors 140A-C may involve comparing the biometric information with a set of one or more reference biometric information stored in one or more data stores. One or more data stores may include the controller's memory 130. Additionally or alternatively, one or more data stores may include one or more remote data stores 150. A remote data store 150 may be the memory of a device such as a charger associated with a user device or an aerosol generator. Additionally or alternatively, a remote data store 150 may be a database located on a remote server. The controller 110 may be configured to communicate with the remote data stores 150 wirelessly or via a wired connection.

[0122] Reference biometric information can be categorized according to age. At least a portion of one or more sets of reference biometric information may correspond to age-dependent groups of users. For example, a first set of reference biometric information may consist of biometric information for a first group of users having a first age range. A second set of reference biometric information may consist of biometric information for a second group of users having a second age range. The first age range may be ages below a threshold age value. The second age range may be ages above the threshold age value and ages including the threshold age value.

[0123] Reference biometric information can be classified according to user ID. At least a portion of one or more sets of reference biometric information may correspond to the ID profile of a particular user. For example, a third set of reference biometric information may consist of biometric information corresponding to a first user. A fourth set of reference biometric information may consist of biometric information corresponding to a second user, and so on.

[0124] Reference biometric information can be classified by indexing or tagging it. Reference biometric information can be stored in any suitable format, such as a lookup table, for quick and efficient retrieval by the controller 100.

[0125] Reference biometric information can be obtained in any appropriate format. For example, reference biometric information corresponding to individual users can be obtained during the registration process of the aerosol generator. Users may need to register the aerosol generator on a website or application when the aerosol generator is first switched on or activated by the user. Registration may include users providing biometric information via one or more biometric sensors 140A-C, which are stored as reference biometric information. Registration may further include the user entering their age or verifying through the user interface of the website or application that the user is above a threshold age value.

[0126] The controller 110 may analyze biometric information obtained from one or more biometric sensors 140A-C by comparing it with one or more sets of reference biometric information. The analysis may be performed using a comparison algorithm stored in the controller 110's memory 120.

[0127] For example, if the biometric information includes a heart rate signal pattern, the heart rate signal pattern obtained from one or more biosensors 140A-C can be compared to a reference heart rate signal pattern. More specifically, the heart rate signal pattern obtained from one or more biosensors 140A-C may be compared to a set of multiple reference heart rate signal patterns, each of which corresponds to a different age group. The heart rate signal pattern obtained from one or more biosensors 140A-C can be compared to one or more reference heart rate signal patterns for each individual user to whom the aerosol generator is registered. The heart rate signal pattern obtained from one or more biosensors 140A-C can be compared to multiple reference heart rate signal patterns for each individual user.

[0128] If the biometric authentication information includes heart rate values, the controller 110 may determine whether the measured heart rate values ​​are within a predetermined range for an age group or individual user.

[0129] The biometric information analyzed by the controller may include multiple types of biometric information. Therefore, the controller 110 may be configured to authenticate a user based on a combination of two or more types of biometric information. For example, a heart rate signal pattern and a blood pressure value may be compared to one or more reference heart rate signal patterns associated with the same blood pressure value or a range of blood pressure values ​​that include that blood pressure value. If the biometric information includes a heart rate value that is compared to a predetermined range of heart rate values, the predetermined range of heart rate values ​​for an age group or an individual user may depend on one or more of motion (e.g., whether the range of values ​​corresponds to resting heart rate or active, non-resting heart rate) and blood pressure.

[0130] The controller 110 may analyze biometric information obtained from one or more biometric sensors 140A-C by inputting the biometric information into a classifier (e.g., a neural network) trained to classify the biometric information according to one or more of the user's biological characteristics. One or more of the user's biological characteristics may include one or more of the user's age and the user's ID. The classifier may be located on a remote server communicably coupled to the controller 110. The controller 110 may transmit the biometric information received from one or more biosensors 140A-C to the classifier. The classifier may process the biometric information received from the controller 110 and classify the biometric information.

[0131] A set of one or more reference biometric identifiers can be used to train a classifier in either a supervised or semi-supervised manner. Supervised learning involves providing a classifier with labeled training examples so that the classifier model analyzes each training example and generates predictions for each label. A labeled training example is a pair consisting of an input and a corresponding known output. The model should be able to generalize to data not visible from the training examples by classifying new features into labels. Semi-supervised training involves providing training data consisting of labeled training examples and unlabeled data to generate predictions.

[0132] Based on the analysis of biometric authentication data, the controller 110 is configured to generate control signals for controlling the operation of the aerosol generator. Preferably, the controller 110 generates control signals that prevent use of the device by unauthenticated users (e.g., users below a predetermined age, and additionally or alternatively, users who are not pre-registered with the device). Additionally or alternatively, the controller 110 generates control signals that allow use of the device by authenticated users (e.g., users above a predetermined age, and additionally or alternatively, users who are pre-registered with the device).

[0133] Therefore, generating a control signal to control the operation of an aerosol generator may include generating a control signal to lock the aerosol generator when the aerosol generator is in an unlocked state. An unlocked state means that the aerosol generator is operable by the user to generate aerosols. Generating a control signal to control the operation of an aerosol generator may include generating a control signal to unlock the aerosol generator when the aerosol generator is in a locked state, where a locked state means that the aerosol generator is not operable by the user to generate aerosols. Generating a control signal to control the operation of an aerosol generator may include generating a control signal to switch off the aerosol generator, generating a control signal to stop the operation of the aerosol generator, generating a control signal to enable the aerosol generator to generate aerosols, and generating a control signal to prevent the aerosol generator from generating aerosols.

[0134] Furthermore, the controller 110 may be configured to generate an alarm in response to making a determination or generating a control signal. Generating an alarm may include generating a control signal to control an indicator on the aerosol generator in order to provide user-perceptible feedback. User-perceptible feedback may include one or more of tactile feedback or visual feedback. Visual feedback may include one or more light-emitting elements on the aerosol generator that change color, flash, or emit light in a predetermined pattern. Generating an alarm may additionally or alternatively include sending a notification to the user device.

[0135] The controller 110 may further be configured to generate control signals to enable or prevent the operation of one or more or all of the charging devices associated with the aerosol generator, in response to generating control signals to control the operation of the aerosol generator. For example, the controller 110 may generate a control signal that enables a charging device to charge the aerosol generator. The controller 110 may also generate a control signal that prevents a charging device from charging the aerosol generator.

[0136] The controller 110 may be configured to analyze biometric authentication data and generate control signals during the configuration mode of the aerosol generator. During the configuration mode, the aerosol generator may be configured to be used by a user. For example, the configuration mode may be a preheating mode in which the aerosol generator, in particular the heating element of the aerosol generator, is heated to its operating temperature. The configuration mode may be activated in response to user input. For example, the configuration mode may be activated in response to user input to switch on the aerosol generator. When the controller 110 is included in the aerosol generator, the controller 110 may be configured to detect user input and generate control signals to start the configuration mode in response to the detection of user input. When the controller 110 is included in a charging device or user device, the controller 110 may be configured to detect or receive control signals to activate the configuration mode of the aerosol generator.

[0137] Furthermore, the operation of the aerosol generator may require authentication based on the user's biometric information. Therefore, if biometric information is not received before the end of the configuration mode, the controller 110 is configured to generate a control signal for at least one of the locks of the aerosol generator, stop the operation of the aerosol generator, switch off the aerosol generator, and prevent the aerosol generator from generating aerosols.

[0138] The components of the control system 100 described above in relation to Figure 1 may be located within a single device, such as an aerosol generator. Alternatively, the components of the control system 100 may be distributed across an aerosol generator, a charging device associated with the aerosol generator and a user device. In this regard, although Figure 1 shows a single controller 110, any reference to controller 110 should be understood to mean one or more controllers. For example, an aerosol generator may comprise one or more biosensors 140A-C and at least one of the controllers 110. A charging device may comprise a data store 150 and at least one of the controllers 110. A user device may comprise at least one biosensor 140A-C and at least one of the controllers 110.

[0139] Figure 2 shows the aerosol generator 200. The aerosol generator 200 comprises a main unit 205, a controller 210, at least one biosensor 215, at least one indicator 220, an activation button 225, a power supply 230, a power contact 235, a heater assembly 240, and a communication interface 245. The aerosol generator may further comprise a data contact interface 270. The aerosol generator 200 may further comprise a data store 265. The data store 265 may correspond to memory 120 or remote storage 150.

[0140] The aerosol generator 200 is configured to receive an aerosol generating article. Preferably, the body 205 of the aerosol generator 200 has a cavity 255 for receiving the aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating article includes an aerosol forming substrate. The aerosol forming substrate of the aerosol generating article may be a solid, such as a cigarette stick. The aerosol forming substrate of the aerosol generating article may be a liquid. The heater assembly 240 is configured to heat the heating element 260. When activated, the heating element 260 is configured to heat the aerosol forming substrate to form an aerosol. The heating element 260 may be a component of the aerosol generator 200 or may be contained within the aerosol generating article. The heating element 260 may be a blade or pin using a resistor for resistance heating. The heating element 155 may be a susceptor for induction heating.

[0141] The controller 210 is configured to generate control signals that control the operation of the aerosol generator 200. The controller 210 may be one of the one or more controllers 110 described above with respect to Figure 1.

[0142] At least one indicator 220 may be any suitable indicator for providing user-perceptible feedback, such as an indicator of the status of the aerosol generator 200. For example, at least one indicator 220 may be a visual indicator such as a light-emitting diode. Additionally or alternatively, at least one indicator 220 may be a tactile indicator.

[0143] At least one biosensor 215 is incorporated into the housing 205 of the aerosol generator 200 so that at least one biosensor 215 obtains biometric information from the user when the user holds the aerosol generator 200. For example, a concave surface (not shown) may be provided within the body 205 of the aerosol generator 200 to ergonomically contact at least one biosensor 215. The concave surface may also provide some protection for at least one biosensor 215. At least one biosensor 220 may be one of the one or more biosensors 140A-C described above with respect to Figure 1.

[0144] The activation button 225 is an actuator that enables user input for operating the aerosol generator 200. For example, the activation button 225 may allow the user to switch the aerosol generator on or off. The activation button 225 may allow the user to provide user input for initiating one or more operating modes of the aerosol generator 200, such as configuration modes. For example, pressing the activation button 225 once may switch the aerosol generator on or off. A pattern of pressing the activation button 225 may allow selection of the operating mode of the aerosol generator.

[0145] The communication interface 245 is configured to allow the aerosol generator 200 to communicate wirelessly with other devices, such as a charging device associated with the aerosol generator or user device. In particular, if the controller 110 is not located within the aerosol generator 110, the controller 210 may communicate with the controller 110 via the communication interface 245. The aerosol generator 200 may also communicate with the charging device additionally or alternatively via the data contact 265.

[0146] The power supply 230 preferably includes a power source such as a battery. The battery may be, for example, a lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the power source may be another form of charge storage device such as a capacitor. The power source may require recharging. For example, the power source may have sufficient capacity to enable continuous generation of aerosol for approximately six minutes, or for a period of time that is a multiple of six minutes. In another example, the power source may have sufficient capacity to enable a predetermined number of fume extractions or discontinuous startups of the heater assembly.

[0147] The power supply source 230 may include a control electronic circuit. The control electronic circuit may include a microcontroller. Preferably, the microcontroller is a programmable microcontroller. The electrical circuit may include further electronic components. The electrical circuit may be configured to regulate the supply of power to the heater assembly 240. Power may be supplied to the heater assembly 240 continuously after the system is started up, or intermittently (for example, supplied each time smoke is extracted). Power may be supplied to the heater assembly 240 in the form of current pulses.

[0148] The power supply may be recharged using a charging device such as the charging device 300 shown in Figures 3A and 3B. The power contact 235 may be an electrical contact pad configured to electrically couple the power supply source 230 of the aerosol generator 200 to the charging device 300.

[0149] Referring to Figures 3A and 3B, the charging device 300 comprises an aerosol generator 200, a cover 370 (e.g., a lid), and a cavity 310 configured to receive the aerosol generator, such as a body 360. The cover 370 may be closed (Figure 3A) or open (Figure 3B). The cover 370 is opened to at least an angle (e.g., 90 degrees) that provides sufficient clearance for the insertion of the aerosol generator 200 into the cavity 310. The cover 370 may be closed during charging to enclose and protect the aerosol generator 200. The charging device 300 further includes a communication interface 330, a controller 340, a power source 350, power contacts 320, and data contacts 390.

[0150] The power contact 390 may be located within the cavity 310. The power contact 380 is configured to contact the corresponding power contact 235 of the aerosol generator 200. Specifically, when the aerosol generator 200 is received within the cavity 310, the power contact 380 contacts the power contact 235 so that the charging device 300 can charge the rechargeable power supply of the aerosol generator 200. The power source 350 of the charging device 300 may be a battery. The power source 350 of the charging device 300 may be a circuit that can be connected to a mains power supply.

[0151] Furthermore, the charging device 300 and the aerosol generator 300 may be configured to exchange data with each other. The data may include control signals. For example, the charging device 200 and the aerosol generator 300 may be configured to exchange data wirelessly with each other. For example, the charging device 300 includes a communication interface 330 for wireless communication with the aerosol generator and other devices such as user equipment. Thus, the aerosol generator 200 and the charging device 300 may exchange data via their respective communication modules 210 and 330. Additionally or alternatively, the charging device 300 may include a data contact interface 390 for communicating with the aerosol generator 200. When the aerosol generator 200 is received in the cavity 310, the data contact interface 390 of the aerosol generator 200 makes contact with the data contact interface 270, and data can be exchanged.

[0152] The charging device 300 includes a controller 340 configured to generate control signals that control the operation of the charging device 300. The charging device 300 may be one of the one or more controllers 110 described above with respect to Figure 1.

[0153] The charging device 300 may include at least one biosensor 380 from one or more biosensors 140A-C. At least one biosensor 380 may be incorporated into the main body 360 or the cover 370 of the charging device so that at least one biosensor 215 obtains biometric information from the user when the user holds the charging device 200. Additionally or alternatively, as shown in Figures 3A and 3B, at least one biosensor 380 may be incorporated into the cover 370 so that the user can access at least one biosensor 380 when the cover 370 is opened. In particular, the user may insert their fingers into the recesses formed by biosensors 380A and 380B.

[0154] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling the operation of the aerosol generator 200. The steps of the method may be performed by one or more controllers 110, as described above with respect to Figures 1, 2, and 3. The method begins with an optional step 410, where user input is received to switch on or start the aerosol generator 200. As described above, the user input may include user activation of the aerosol generator 200's activation button 225. In response to receiving the user input, an optional step 420 generates a control signal to start the configuration mode of the aerosol generator 200. During the configuration mode, the aerosol generator 200 is configured for user operation. As described above, the configuration mode may be a preheating mode. In step 430, the user's biometric information is obtained from one or more biosensors 140A-C. Although step 430 is illustrated as being performed after steps 410 and 420, it should be understood that step 430 may be performed before or concurrently with steps 410 and 430. Based on the biometric information, a determination is made as to whether the user is authenticated (step 440). Determining whether the user is authenticated may include analyzing biometric information received from one or more biosensors 140A-C to determine whether the user's age is above an age threshold. Additionally or alternatively, determining whether the user is authenticated may include analyzing the biometric information to determine the user's ID. For example, the biometric information may be analyzed to determine that the user is a pre-registered user of the aerosol generator 200. In step 450, a control signal for controlling the operation of the aerosol generator is generated based on the determination in step 440. As described above, the control signal enables or prevents the operation of the aerosol generator based on whether the user is authenticated. If the control signal enables the operation of the aerosol generator 200, the control signal is generated to exit the configuration mode (step 260), and the aerosol generator may be used by the user to generate aerosols.

[0155] With respect to Figure 4, some or all of the method steps described above can be implemented by a computer, in that they are performed by (or use by) a processor, microprocessor, electronic circuit, or processing circuit. For example, the implementation can be carried out using a non-temporary storage medium such as a computer-readable storage medium. Such a computer-readable medium may be any available medium accessible by a general-purpose computer system or a dedicated computer system.

[0156] Generally, a method can be implemented as a computer program product having program code or computer executable instructions, the program code or computer executable instructions being operable to perform one of the methods when the computer program product is executed on a computer. The program code or computer executable instructions may be stored, for example, on a computer-readable storage medium.

[0157] A storage medium (or data carrier, or computer-readable medium) may store a computer program or computer-executable instruction for performing one of the methods described herein when performed by a processor. An apparatus may include one or more processors and the aforementioned storage medium.

[0158] The apparatus may include, for example, processing circuit means such as a processor that communicates with memory, and such means are configured or adapted to carry out one of the methods described herein.

[0159] A computer may have computer programs or instructions installed for performing one of the methods described herein.

[0160] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers representing amounts, quantities, percentages, etc., should be understood in all cases to be modified by the term “approximately.” Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically listed herein. In this context, number A may be considered to include a number that falls within the general standard error of the measurement of the characteristic that number A modifies. In some cases as used in the appended claims, number A may deviate by the percentage listed above, provided that the amount of deviation of A does not substantially affect the basic and novel characteristics(s) of the claimed invention. Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically listed herein.

Claims

1. A system related to an aerosol generator, One or more biosensors configured to obtain biometric information of users of a certain age, The biometric authentication information obtained by one or more biosensors is analyzed to determine whether the user's age is above or below the age threshold. The system includes one or more controllers configured to generate control signals for controlling the operation of the aerosol generator based on whether the user's age is above or below the age threshold, Analyzing the biometric information obtained by the one or more biosensors to determine whether the user's age is above or below the age threshold includes comparing the biometric information obtained by the one or more biosensors with a set of one or more reference biometric information, wherein the set of one or more reference biometric information corresponds to the user's age-dependent group. A system in which comparing the biometric information acquired by the one or more biosensors with the set of the one or more reference biometric information includes comparing the one or more heart rate signal patterns acquired by the one or more biosensors with the set of the one or more reference heart rate signal patterns.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein one or more controllers are configured to analyze the biometric authentication information during the configuration mode of the aerosol generator.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein one or more controllers are configured to generate the control signals for controlling the operation of the aerosol generator before the end of the configuration mode.

4. The system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the configuration mode is the preheating mode of the aerosol generator.

5. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the controller is further configured to generate an alarm in response to generating a control signal for controlling the operation of the aerosol generator.

6. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising the aerosol generator, wherein the aerosol generator comprises at least one of one or more biometric sensors, a data store configured to store one or more sets of reference biometric information, and at least one of the one or more controllers.

7. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising the aerosol generator and a charging device associated with the aerosol generator, wherein the aerosol generator comprises at least one of the one or more biometric sensors, and the charging device comprises a data store configured to store the one or more sets of reference biometric information, and at least one controller of the one or more controllers.

8. A method for controlling the operation of an aerosol generator, wherein the method is Obtaining biometric information of a user with a specified age from one or more biosensors, Analyzing the biometric authentication information obtained by one or more biosensors to determine whether the user's age is above or below the age threshold, This includes generating a control signal for controlling the operation of the aerosol generator based on whether the user's age is above or below the age threshold, Analyzing the biometric information obtained by the one or more biosensors to determine whether the user's age is above or below the age threshold includes comparing the biometric information obtained by the one or more biosensors with a set of one or more reference biometric information, wherein the set of one or more reference biometric information corresponds to the user's age-dependent group. A method comprising comparing the biometric information acquired by the one or more biosensors with the set of the one or more reference biometric information, wherein the comparison includes comparing the one or more heart rate signal patterns acquired by the one or more biosensors with the set of the one or more reference heart rate signal patterns.

9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising analyzing the biometric information obtained by the one or more biosensors to identify the user.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, further comprising generating a control signal to initiate a configuration mode of the aerosol generator in response to detection of user input, wherein the configuration mode of the aerosol generator is a preheating mode of the aerosol generator.

11. The control signal for controlling the operation of the aerosol generator is generated before the end of the configuration mode, and / or The method according to claim 10, further comprising generating a control signal to lock the aerosol generator if biometric information is not obtained from one or more biosensors before the termination of the configuration mode.

12. To generate a control signal for controlling the operation of the aerosol generator, To generate a control signal that prevents the use of the aforementioned device, To generate a control signal for locking the aerosol generator, To generate a control signal to unlock the aerosol generator, To generate a control signal to switch off the aerosol generator, To generate a control signal to stop the operation of the aerosol generator, The aerosol generator generates a control signal that enables the generation of aerosols, The method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, further comprising generating a control signal to prevent the aerosol generator from generating an aerosol.

13. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the biometric authentication information includes at least one of heart rate values, heart rate signals, arterial stiffness values, blood pressure values, and motion information.

14. A computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a processor, perform the method according to any one of claims 8 to 13.

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