Aerosol generator

Abstract

An aerosol generating device is proposed, comprising a control circuit and an energy storage unit configured to supply electrical energy to the control circuit for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating article, wherein the control circuit is configured to determine a storage state of the energy storage unit indicative of at least one of an amount of electrical energy currently stored and an amount of electrical energy currently storable in the energy storage unit, evaluate the determined storage state with respect to at least one adjustable threshold associated with at least one device function of the aerosol generating device, and enable or disable the at least one device function based on the evaluation.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of aerosol generation apparatuses and systems for generating aerosols. In particular, the present disclosure relates to electronic aerosol generation apparatuses and systems configured to generate an aerosol based on heating at least a portion or a part of an aerosol-generating article or substrate. The present disclosure further relates to the use of one or more aerosol generation apparatuses or systems, methods of operating an aerosol generation apparatus or system, corresponding computer programs, and corresponding computer-readable media storing one or more of such computer programs. BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Aerosol generation apparatuses are typically designed as handheld devices that a user may use to consume or experience an aerosol generated, for example, by heating an aerosol-generating substrate or aerosol-generating article in one or more use sessions. It will be appreciated that the aerosol generation apparatus may generate the aerosol by other means, such as by vibration, by spraying, or by other means.

[0003] An exemplary aerosol generating substrate may comprise a solid substrate material, such as tobacco material or tobacco cast leaf (TCL) material. The substrate material can, for example, often be assembled with other elements or components to form a substantially rod-shaped aerosol generating article. Such a rod or aerosol generating article may be configured in a shape and size that is at least partially inserted into an aerosol generating device and may, for example, comprise a heating element for heating the aerosol generating article and / or the aerosol generating substrate. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol generating substrate may comprise one or more liquids and / or solids that can be supplied to the aerosol generating device, for example, in the form of a cartridge or container. An exemplary aerosol generating article may comprise a cartridge or container containing or refillable liquid and / or solid substrates that can vaporize during aerosol consumption by the user based on heating of the substrate. Typically, such cartridges can be coupled, attached, and / or at least partially inserted into an aerosol generating device. Alternatively, the cartridge may be fixedly attached to the aerosol generating device and refilled by inserting liquid and / or solid substrate materials into the cartridge.

[0004] To generate aerosols during use or consumption, the user typically activates the user interface of the aerosol generator, thereby triggering the supply of electrical energy to one or more aerosol generating means or aerosol generators, such as one or more heating elements or heat sources, to heat, for example, at least a portion of an aerosol generating substrate or article. At least a portion of the aerosol generating means or aerosol generator, for example, at least a portion of a heating element, may be disposed within the aerosol generator. Alternatively, or additionally, at least a portion of the aerosol generating means or aerosol generator, for example, at least a portion of a heating element, may be placed within the aerosol generating article.

[0005] The exemplary heating element may be based on one or more of resistance heating, induction heating, and microwave heating using electrical energy supplied through, drawn from, or stored in the energy storage unit of the aerosol generator. The exemplary energy storage unit may comprise one or more batteries, one or more capacitors, one or more supercapacitors, one or more accumulators, or other types of energy storage units.

[0006] Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol generator may be configured to generate aerosols by supplying electrical energy to one or more other aerosol generating means, aerosol engines, or aerosol generators. For example, the aerosol generator and / or aerosol generating article may comprise one or more vibrating elements, one or more vibrating meshes, one or more spraying devices, or other means for generating aerosols.

[0007] Generally, the amount of electrical energy available or usable by the user of an aerosol generator to operate an aerosol generator, for example, to perform the function of one or more devices of an aerosol generator, may be limited, thereby potentially limiting the function or usefulness of the aerosol generator in generating aerosols.

[0008] Furthermore, limitations in the energy storage capacity and / or frequent use of the device for aerosol generation in one or more use sessions may result in frequent charging and discharging of the energy storage. Such frequent charging and discharging of the energy storage unit may adversely affect the quality of the energy storage unit, and its ability to store electrical energy may decrease over time. After a certain lifespan or service life of the energy storage unit, the aerosol generator or at least the energy storage unit may be replaced.

[0009] Therefore, it may be desirable to provide improved aerosol generators or systems, such as conventional aerosol generators and systems that mitigate or overcome at least one or more of the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0010] This is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claim. Any other features are provided by the dependent claims and the specification. [Overview of the project]

[0011] Aspects of this disclosure relate, for example, to one or more aerosol generators and one or more aerosol generating systems configured such that aerosols are generated from at least a portion of an aerosol generating article or substrate based on the supply of electrical energy to one or more aerosol generators. The disclosure further relates to the use of such one or more aerosol generators and / or systems, methods for operating such one or more aerosol generators and / or systems, corresponding computer programs, and corresponding non-temporary computer-readable media for storing one or more of such computer programs. Any disclosures presented above and below in this specification with reference to one aspect of this disclosure shall apply equally to all other aspects of this disclosure.

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

[0013] A further aspect of the present disclosure provides an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol. The aerosol generator comprises a control circuit and an energy storage unit configured to supply electrical energy to the control circuit for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating article. The control circuit may be operably connected to the energy storage unit. The control circuit is configured to determine the storage state of the energy storage unit, which indicates at least one of the amount of electrical energy currently stored and the amount of electrical energy currently available for storage in the energy storage unit. The control circuit is further configured to evaluate the determined storage state with respect to at least one threshold, the at least one threshold, which correlates with the threshold energy required to perform the primary heating function of the aerosol generator to heat an aerosol generating article to a predetermined heating temperature or higher for generating an aerosol in at least one usage session, and to perform at least one auxiliary function of the aerosol generator distinct from the primary heating function. The control circuit is further configured to enable or disable at least one of the primary heating function and at least one auxiliary function based on the evaluation.

[0014] A further aspect of the present disclosure provides an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol. The aerosol generator comprises a control circuit and an energy storage unit configured to supply electrical energy to the control circuit for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating article. The control circuit may be operably connected to the energy storage unit. The control circuit is configured to determine a storage state, including the operating state of the energy storage unit, which indicates the amount of electrical energy currently available for storage in the energy storage unit, and to evaluate the determined storage state with respect to at least one threshold associated with at least one device function of the aerosol generator. The control circuit is further configured to enable or disable at least one device function of the aerosol generator based on the evaluation, where at least one device function associated with at least one threshold may be enabled or disabled. Alternatively or additionally, at least one further device function, which may be different from the at least one device function associated with at least one threshold, may be enabled or disabled.

[0015] A further aspect of the present disclosure provides an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol. The aerosol generator comprises a control circuit and an energy storage unit configured to supply electrical energy to the control circuit for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating article. The control circuit may be operably connected to the energy storage unit. The control circuit is configured to determine the storage state of the energy storage unit, which indicates at least one of the amount of electrical energy currently stored and the amount of electrical energy currently available for storage in the energy storage unit. The control circuit is further configured to evaluate the determined storage state with respect to at least one threshold associated with at least one device function of the aerosol generator, the at least one threshold being adjustable. The control circuit is further configured to enable or disable at least one device function based on the evaluation, where at least one device function associated with at least one threshold may be enabled or disabled. Alternatively or additionally, at least one further device function, which may be different from the at least one device function associated with at least one threshold, may be enabled or disabled.

[0016] It should be noted that any feature, function, or element of an aerosol generator according to one aspect of this disclosure can be combined with any feature, function, or element of an aerosol generator according to another aspect of this disclosure. In other words, aerosol generators according to various aspects of this disclosure can be combined with one another. Furthermore, any disclosure presented herein by reference to an aspect of this disclosure or an aerosol generator according to one aspect of this disclosure shall apply equally to any one or more aerosol generators according to any one or more further aspects of this disclosure.

[0017] In one example, the energy storage and / or control circuit may be configured to supply electrical energy to at least one aerosol generating means or at least one aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from at least a portion of an aerosol generating article connectable to an aerosol generator. An exemplary aerosol generator or means may include one or more heating elements, one or more heat sources, one or more vibrating elements, one or more vibrating meshes, and one or more spraying devices.

[0018] For example, the energy storage unit and / or control circuit may be configured to supply electrical energy to at least one heating element, for example, based on heating at least a portion of the aerosol generating article, so that an aerosol is generated from the aerosol generating article which can be connected to an aerosol generating device.

[0019] As used herein, enabling a device function may mean, or may include, enabling a device function, for example, enabling a user of the aerosol generator to perform a device function. Alternatively or additionally, enabling a device function may include, for example, activating a device function so that it can be performed based on one or more user inputs or automatically. For example, enabling or enabling a device function may include configuring the aerosol generator so that the device function is executable or can be performed, for example, by a user. Alternatively or additionally, enabling a device function may include making the device function available to or accessible to a user of the aerosol generator. In non-limiting embodiments, a flag or marker indicating that a device function is permitted may be set by a control circuit based on an evaluation of the storage state against at least one threshold in order to enable the device function.

[0020] As used herein, disabling a device function means or may include preventing a device function from being performed by a user. Alternatively or additionally, disabling a device function may include stopping a device function so that it cannot be performed based on one or more user inputs or automatically. Alternatively or additionally, disabling a device function may include making a device function unavailable to or available to a user of the aerosol generator. For example, disabling or preventing a device function may include configuring the aerosol generator such that the device function and / or its performance is suppressed. In non-limiting embodiments, a flag or marker indicating that a device function is being prevented may be set by a control circuit based on an evaluation of the storage state against at least one threshold in order to disable the device function.

[0021] Therefore, enabling or disabling a device function may include changing, modifying, or altering the configuration of the aerosol generator so that the device function is available or unavailable to the aerosol generator, for example, available or unavailable to the user of the aerosol generator. Alternatively, or additionally, enabling or disabling a device function may include adapting the repertoire or set of device functions available to the aerosol generator. For example, enabling a device function may include expanding the repertoire or set of device functions available to the aerosol generator with the device function. Alternatively, or additionally, disabling a device function may include reducing the repertoire or set of device functions available to the aerosol generator with the device function. Alternatively, or additionally, disabling a device function may include removing that device function from the repertoire or set of device functions available to the aerosol generator.

[0022] Evaluating the energy storage state of the energy storage unit against at least one threshold, and enabling or disabling at least one device function based on this evaluation, enables energy management and efficient operation of the aerosol generator. In particular, the operation of the device can be optimized based on adapting the repertoire or set of device functions available in the aerosol generator by evaluating the storage state. In other words, the functions of the device can be adapted according to the evaluated storage state, which allows for the optimization or maximization of the overall function of the device relative to the available energy. Furthermore, the functional versatility and flexibility of the device can be increased.

[0023] The aerosol generators of the present disclosure may refer to electronic aerosol generators configured to generate an aerosol that can be inhaled by a user of the aerosol generator during or between one or more use sessions, based on heating, in particular, at least a portion of a heating element, at least a portion of an aerosol generating article, and / or at least a portion of an aerosol generating substrate contained in the aerosol generating article. The aerosol generators of the present disclosure may also be called heated non-combustion devices.

[0024] Exemplary aerosol-generating articles or substrates usable in the aerosol generators of this disclosure are formed in a stick shape and can be at least partially inserted into the aerosol generator. Alternative exemplary aerosol-generating articles may comprise a container or cartridge that can be fixedly attached to or detachably connected to the aerosol generator. Typically, a liquid, solid, or mixture of a solid and liquid aerosol-generating substrate can be contained within or inserted into such aerosol-generating articles and heated to generate an aerosol. All forms and designs of aerosol-generating articles, as well as other forms and designs, can be used with the aerosol generators and systems of this disclosure.

[0025] In general, a control circuit, also referred to herein as an instrument control circuit, may be configured to control one or more instrument functions of an aerosol generator. In particular, an instrument control circuit may comprise one or more processors for data or signal processing. An instrument control circuit may be configured to operably control the aerosol generator, its energy storage unit, and / or one or more further components of the aerosol generator. Control of operation may involve control of the operation of the aerosol generator and / or one or more components thereof. Optionally, control of operation of one or more instrument functions and / or energy storage units may include, for example, generating and / or providing one or more control signals to one or more components of the aerosol generator, such as an energy storage unit.

[0026] As used herein, the energy storage unit of an aerosol generator may store, or be configured to store, electrical energy that can be supplied to at least one heating element for generating an aerosol. Optionally, the energy storage unit may be rechargeable, for example, by connecting the aerosol generator to a power source or companion device of the aerosol generating system, also referred herein to as a receiving device. For example, the energy storage unit may be recharged by connecting the aerosol generator to a companion device or power source via a cable or inductive coupling.

[0027] It should be noted that an aerosol generator may have multiple energy storage units. Therefore, any reference to a single energy storage unit in this specification above and below includes multiple energy storage units.

[0028] In one embodiment, the energy storage unit may comprise one or more batteries, accumulators, capacitors, or other types of energy storage units for storing electrical energy, such as, for example, an energy storage unit configured to store potential energy associated with changes in the molecular configuration of internal chemical elements or the energy storage unit. Also, any combination of the aforementioned types of energy storage units may be implemented in the aerosol generation device of the present disclosure.

[0029] The at least one heating element may refer to or indicate any one or more of an inductive heating element, a resistive heating element, and a microwave heating element. In other words, the heating element may be configured to heat the aerosol-generating article based on one or more of inductive heating, microwave heating, and resistive heating.

[0030] In one embodiment, the heating element may be an inductive heating element including, for example, an induction coil configured to inductively heat a susceptor or susceptor material disposed within the aerosol-generating article or substrate. Alternatively or additionally, the heating element may comprise one or more heating blades or resistive heating elements that may be at least partially inserted into the aerosol-generating article or substrate and supplied with electrical energy for generating an aerosol. Alternatively or additionally, the heating element may comprise a microwave generator configured to heat the aerosol-generating article based on microwave heating. Other configurations such as a loop-gap resonator may additionally or alternatively be used.

[0031] At least one heating element, at least part or all of it, may be located within the aerosol generator. Alternatively, or additionally, at least part or all of the heating element may be located within the aerosol generating article. The aerosol generator may comprise a heating arrangement or heating circuit including at least one heating element. For example, a heating element, circuit, or part of a heating arrangement may be located within the aerosol generator, and further parts of the heating element, circuit, or arrangement may be located within the aerosol generating article. Furthermore, it should be noted that the aerosol generator and / or aerosol generating article may comprise multiple heating elements. Therefore, any reference to a single heating element above and below in this specification may include multiple heating elements.

[0032] In one example, an aerosol generator may have one or more user interfaces that can be activated, controlled, or operated by a user to start or operate the aerosol generator in order to generate an aerosol. An exemplary user interface may include buttons, switches, touch displays, acoustic interfaces, gesture control interfaces, haptic interfaces, or a combination thereof.

[0033] The control circuit may be operable to receive and / or process one or more user inputs from the user interface and to operate or power heating elements, heating circuits or arrangements each comprising a heating element, in order to generate an aerosol in accordance with the one or more user inputs. For example, in response to the operation of the user interface, electrical energy may be supplied to at least one heating element to heat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article and generate an aerosol.

[0034] As described above, the aerosol generator may have a repertoire or set of device functions that can, in principle, be performed or executed by the aerosol generator, for example, based on user input and / or automatically. One or more of these device functions may be available to the user and / or performed or executed by the user. For example, the user may perform one or more device functions by operating the aerosol generator and / or one or more user interfaces of the aerosol generator.

[0035] As used herein, device function may refer to any operation or function of an aerosol generator, including control of the operation of the aerosol generator and / or one or more components of the aerosol generator by a control circuit, such as controlling the operation of at least one heating element, an energy storage unit, and one or more user interfaces of the aerosol generator.

[0036] In one example, one or more device functions may include the primary heating function of an aerosol generator, also referred to herein as the main device function. The primary heating function may refer to the operation of an aerosol generator to heat at least a portion of at least one heating element, at least a portion of an aerosol generating article, and / or a substrate to a temperature above a predetermined heating temperature of the heating element, aerosol generating article, and / or aerosol generating substrate in order to generate an aerosol. As used herein, the predetermined heating temperature refers to, or may indicate, a temperature, temperature level, or temperature range that is sufficiently above room temperature to generate and / or release an aerosol from the aerosol generating article or substrate, and the released aerosol may be inhaled by the user.

[0037] Depending on the specific type and composition of the aerosol-generating article or substrate used with the apparatus, the predetermined heating temperature may be in the range of 250 to 450 degrees Celsius, more specifically between 270 to 430 degrees Celsius, and more specifically between 315 to 355 degrees Celsius. These temperatures may be sufficient operating or heating temperatures to allow volatile compounds to be released from the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0038] The primary heating function of the aerosol generator may be performed or implemented during or between use sessions. As used herein, a use session may refer to a period during which a user can use the aerosol generator to generate, consume, experience, or inhale aerosols. Within this period, a use session may be finite. In other words, a use session may have a start, end, and duration. The duration of a use session, when measured by time, may be affected by use during the use session. The duration of a use session may have a maximum duration determined by the longest time since the start of the use session. If one or more monitored parameters reach a predetermined threshold before the longest time since the start of the use session, the duration of the use session may be shorter than the maximum duration. As an example, one or more monitored parameters may include one or more of the following: i) the cumulative number of smokes inhaled by the user since the start of the use session, and ii) the cumulative volume of aerosols emitted from the aerosol-forming substrate since the start of the use session.

[0039] It should be noted that the operation of the aerosol generator in a session used to generate aerosols may be used synonymously with operating the aerosol generator in its main function, operating the device to perform the main heating function, performing or executing the main heating function, and / or heating one or more of the heating element, aerosol generating article, and aerosol generating substrate to a temperature above a predetermined heating temperature.

[0040] One or more device functions may include one or more auxiliary device functions. Among these, an auxiliary device function may refer to the operation or function of the aerosol generator, which is distinct from the main heating function of the aerosol generator. For example, an auxiliary device function may differ from the main heating function in terms of one or more of the following: the type of function, the purpose of the function, the duration of the function, one or more components involved in the performance of the function, and energy consumption. However, an auxiliary device function may differ from the main heating function in any other aspect, characteristic, or element.

[0041] As used herein, the evaluation of a determined storage state against at least one threshold associated with at least one device function of an aerosol generator may include analyzing the determined storage state against at least one threshold. For example, at least one threshold may be associated with at least one device function on the basis of defining and / or coding one or more criteria that are preferably satisfied so that at least one device function can be performed or implemented by the aerosol generator. Thus, by evaluating the storage state against the threshold, the storage state can be analyzed in terms of one or more criteria that are preferably satisfied so that at least one device function can be implemented.

[0042] Depending on the circumstances, such analysis or evaluation of a storage state may include comparing the storage state with at least one threshold. Alternatively, or additionally, the analysis or evaluation of a storage state may include converting the storage state and / or threshold to a converted storage state and / or converted threshold. In a non-limiting embodiment, a threshold or storage state related to electrical energy may be converted to a threshold or storage state related to capacity, and vice versa.

[0043] Depending on the circumstances, one or more storage state variables may be derived from or calculated based on a determined storage state for evaluating the storage state, for example, by comparing one or more derived storage state variables with at least one threshold. Alternatively or additionally, one or more further thresholds may provide, calculate, or derive at least one threshold for evaluating the storage state. One or more of the thresholds or further thresholds may be compared with, for example, the storage state and / or one or more storage state variables derived therefrom.

[0044] As described above, at least one threshold may be associated with, or linked to, at least one device function. For example, the threshold may be associated with, for example, the heating of an aerosol-generating article, substrate and / or heating element during one or more use sessions or one or more pause modes, as will be discussed in more detail below.

[0045] In a non-limiting embodiment, at least one threshold may describe and / or indicate one or more criteria, predefined criteria, requirements, and / or prerequisites for performing one or more device functions associated with at least one threshold. In other words, at least one threshold may reflect or be coded one or more criteria, requirements, and / or prerequisites that must be met in order to perform and / or enable at least one device function, for example, to allow a user to perform at least one device function.

[0046] In one example, at least one threshold may indicate and / or correlate with the energy consumption of an aerosol generator to perform or carry out one or more device functions. For example, at least one threshold may indicate and / or correlate with the amount of energy required to perform one or more device functions. Alternatively or additionally, at least one threshold may be associated with the energy consumption to perform one or more device functions.

[0047] For example, at least one threshold may correlate with and / or indicate the amount of energy required to perform the primary heating function of the aerosol generator in one or more use sessions. Alternatively, or additionally, at least one threshold may correlate with and / or indicate the amount of energy required to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating article to a predetermined heating temperature or higher during or within one or more use sessions. Alternatively, or additionally, at least one threshold may correlate with and / or indicate the amount of energy required to perform one or more auxiliary device functions.

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

[0049] In one example, the determined storage state may include at least one of the following: the current energy level of the electrical energy stored in the energy storage unit, and the operating state of the energy storage unit, which indicates the amount of electrical energy currently available for storage in the energy storage unit. For example, the current energy level may refer to or indicate the current charge state of the energy storage unit. The charge state may also be referred to herein as the charge state. Furthermore, the energy available for storage in the energy storage unit may correlate with or be indicated by the current capacity or storage capacity of the energy storage unit. Thus, the storage state may indicate either or both the current charge state and the storage capacity of the energy storage unit.

[0050] Depending on the circumstances, the storage state may include one or more storage variables or storage state variables, for example, one indicating the current charge state of the energy storage unit and further indicating the storage capacity of the energy storage unit.

[0051] In particular, when an aerosol generator is frequently used or operated to generate aerosols, the quality or operability of the energy storage unit, which is related to or can demonstrate the ability to store electrical energy, may decrease over time. This effect may also be called the maturation or aging effect of the energy storage unit. Based on an evaluation of the storage state, the aging effect of the energy storage unit can be comprehensively considered for energy management, which makes it possible to further increase overall energy efficiency. Taking the aging effect into account also makes it possible for the user to dynamically adjust the repertoire of available device functions according to the operating state or condition of the energy storage unit.

[0052] Furthermore, limitations in the energy storage capacity and / or frequent use of the device for aerosol generation in one or more use sessions may result in frequent charging and discharging of the energy storage. Such frequent charging and discharging of the energy storage unit may adversely affect the quality of the energy storage unit, and its ability to store electrical energy may decrease over time. After a certain lifespan or service life of the energy storage unit, the aerosol generator or at least the energy storage unit may be replaced. Based on an assessment of the storage conditions, excessive charging and / or discharging may also be avoided or reduced, which may extend the lifespan of the energy storage unit and the aerosol generator.

[0053] It should be noted that in the context of this disclosure, the terms energy and capacity of the energy storage unit may be used interchangeably and / or converted to one another. For example, an energy value given in units of Wh or mWh may be calculated based on the capacity of the energy storage unit, for example, given in Ah or mAh and multiplied by the nominal voltage of the energy storage unit.

[0054] According to one embodiment, evaluating the determined storage state may include comparing the determined storage state with at least one threshold. Optionally, at least one threshold may represent a threshold storage state. For example, at least one threshold may represent a threshold or minimum amount of electrical energy currently stored in the energy storage unit. Alternatively, or additionally, at least one threshold may represent a threshold or minimum charge state of the energy storage unit.

[0055] For example, if the control circuit determines that the storage state has reached or exceeded at least one threshold, the control circuit may, for example, allow the user to perform at least one device function. Alternatively, or additionally, if the control circuit determines that the storage state has fallen below at least one threshold, it may, for example, disable at least one device function for user execution.

[0056] Alternatively, if the control circuit determines that the storage state has reached or exceeded at least one threshold, the control circuit may, for example, disable at least one device function for user execution. Alternatively, or additionally, if the control circuit determines that the storage state has fallen below at least one threshold, the control circuit may, for example, allow at least one device function to be executed by the user.

[0057] In one example, at least one threshold may represent the threshold energy or amount of energy required to operate the aerosol generator during at least one use session to generate an inhalable aerosol, based on the heating of the aerosol-generating article, in particular to a temperature above a predetermined heating temperature for aerosol generation. Alternatively, or additionally, at least one threshold may represent the threshold energy or amount of energy required to perform the primary heating function of the aerosol generator. Based on evaluating the storage state with these threshold energies, it is possible to reliably determine whether the amount of energy currently stored in the energy storage unit is sufficient to complete at least one use session and / or sufficient to allow a user to experience or consume at least one aerosol-generating article in one or more use sessions.

[0058] For example, the storage state may indicate the current charge state, and the control circuit may be configured to compare the storage state with a threshold that may indicate the threshold energy or amount of energy required to operate the aerosol generator during at least one use session to generate an inhalable aerosol based on the heating of the aerosol generating article, in particular, to a temperature above a predetermined heating temperature for aerosol generation. If the storage state or the charge state indicated by the storage state is determined to have reached or exceeded the threshold, at least one device function, such as the main heating function, may be activated. Alternatively or additionally, if the storage state or the charge state indicated by the storage state is determined to be below the threshold, at least one device function, such as the main heating function, may be deactivated. In the latter case, the user may be prevented from using the aerosol generator to generate an aerosol during one or more use sessions.

[0059] In an exemplary implementation, the control circuit may be configured to activate at least one device function when, based on an evaluation, it determines that the current energy level of electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage unit is sufficient to operate the aerosol generator during at least one use session to generate inhalable aerosols based on heating an aerosol-generating article to a temperature above a predetermined heating temperature to generate an aerosol. Thus, the control circuit may be configured to determine, based on an evaluation, whether the amount of energy currently stored in the energy storage unit is sufficient to complete one or more use sessions.

[0060] In further embodiments, at least one threshold may indicate the threshold energy required to perform the primary heating function of the aerosol generator during at least one use session, the primary heating function comprising supplying electrical energy to at least one heating element to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating article to a temperature above a predetermined heating temperature to generate an aerosol. Alternatively, or additionally, the control circuit may be configured to activate the primary heating function when, based on an evaluation, it determines that the current energy level of electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage is sufficient to perform the primary heating function during at least one use session to generate an inhalable aerosol. Thus, the primary heating function may be activated by the control circuit only if, for example, there is sufficient energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage to perform the primary function at least once during at least one use session using at least one aerosol generating article.

[0061] Depending on the circumstances, in response to determining that the energy stored in the energy storage unit is sufficient, for example, to perform the main heating function in one or more usage sessions using one or more aerosol generating articles, the control circuit may indicate to the user the availability of one or more usage sessions, for example, by activating one or more user interfaces of the aerosol generating device, such as a control light, one or more LEDs, or a display.

[0062] Furthermore, the control circuit may be configured, based on evaluation, to determine the number of usage sessions and / or times in which the primary function can be performed before each energy storage unit is recharged with a fully charged energy storage unit. The number of usage sessions or experiences of the aerosol generating article available to the user may be displayed and / or notified to the user, for example, based on the activation of one or more user interfaces of the aerosol generating device.

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

[0064] Alternatively, or additionally, at least one threshold may indicate the threshold energy required to complete a predefined number of use sessions to generate an inhalable aerosol, based on heating the aerosol-generating article to a temperature above a predetermined heating temperature to generate an aerosol. The predefined number of use sessions may indicate, for example, the maximum number of use sessions that can be completed with the amount of energy currently stored in the energy storage before and / or after the energy storage has been recharged. Note that, as used herein, "after the energy storage has been recharged" means, or may be used synonymously with, after the energy storage has been last recharged or between two consecutive recharge events. Alternatively, or additionally, the predefined number of use sessions may indicate the number of use sessions that can be completed by the device or available to the user in the energy storage when the energy storage is fully charged and / or fully charged. Alternatively, or additionally, the predefined number of use sessions may indicate, describe, and / or represent the number of use sessions in which the aerosol generator is operational or can operate before the next, subsequent, or consecutive recharge event. Alternatively, or additionally, a predefined number of use sessions may indicate, explain, and / or be representative of the number of use sessions that an aerosol generator can or is capable of operating using a charged or fully charged energy storage and / or between two temporally consecutive charging events.

[0065] It should be noted that the full charge of an energy storage unit, or a fully charged energy storage unit, refers to, or may indicate, an energy storage unit charged to its maximum energy capacity so that the maximum amount of electrical energy storage unit is stored in the energy storage unit. In this specification, the maximum energy capacity, also called the storage capacity or capacity of the energy storage unit, may be defined by the physical or chemical limits of the energy storage unit. Alternatively or additionally, the maximum energy capacity may be defined by the corresponding configuration of the energy storage unit.

[0066] Depending on the circumstances, the number of predefined usage sessions may be displayed and / or notified to the user, for example, based on the activation of one or more user interfaces by a control circuit.

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

[0068] For example, the control circuit may be configured to activate the main heating function and / or one or more auxiliary device functions when, based on an evaluation, it determines that the current energy level of the electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage unit is sufficient to complete a predetermined number of usage sessions and generate inhalable aerosols, based on the fact that the aerosol-generating article is heated to a temperature above a predetermined heating temperature to generate aerosols. Alternatively or additionally, the control circuit may be configured to deactivate at least one device function when, based on an evaluation, it determines that the current energy level of the main heating function and / or storable in the energy storage unit is insufficient to complete a predetermined number of usage sessions to generate inhalable aerosols, based on the fact that the aerosol-generating article is heated to a temperature above a predetermined heating temperature to generate aerosols.

[0069] The aerosol generator may include a heating circuit and / or heating device that can operate in at least two operating modes: an aerosol release mode and a pause mode. Thus, the aerosol generator can operate in at least two operating modes. The heating circuit may be part of the control circuit or provided by the control circuit. The aerosol generator, heating circuit, and / or control circuit may be configured to heat the heating element, aerosol generating article, and / or substrate at a first temperature level in the aerosol release mode, where the first temperature level may correspond to a predetermined heating temperature or a higher temperature. The aerosol generator may be further configured to heat the heating element, aerosol generating article, and / or substrate at a second temperature level below the first temperature level in the pause mode of the aerosol generator. The second temperature level may refer to, for example, a temperature above room temperature and below the first temperature level.

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

[0071] A usage session or user experience, also referred to herein as an aerosol-generating article experience, may be interrupted, for example, by switching the device to pause mode and later resumed by the user, and the aerosol-generating article or substrate is kept in pause mode of the aerosol generator at a temperature below a first temperature level and / or below a predetermined heating temperature used during normal use of the device (particularly during a user experience or usage session), while still above or well above room temperature. That is, the second temperature level is preferably selected to avoid degradation of the undepleted substrate or aerosol-generating article. In particular, the second temperature level may be selected to be low enough to minimize depletion of the substrate or article during pause mode, and at the same time high enough to avoid vapor condensation in the device, which could affect the quality of the undepleted aerosol-generating substrate or article.

[0072] During use of the device, particularly when a user experience or usage session is taking place, the heating elements, heating circuits, and / or heating arrangements may operate in aerosol release mode, while during pauses in the use of the device, i.e., when no user experience or usage session is taking place, and / or when a usage session is interrupted by a pause, the aerosol generator may operate in pause mode. During both the aerosol release mode and the pause mode of the aerosol generator, the heating elements, heating circuits, and / or heating arrangements are operating, specifically, they may be in heating operation, but at different temperature levels, namely, a first temperature level during aerosol release mode, which is selected to be high enough to generate aerosols, and a second temperature level lower than the first temperature level during pause mode, which is selected to be low enough to avoid degradation while minimizing substrate depletion.

[0073] Depending on the specific type and composition of the aerosol-generating article used with the apparatus, the first temperature level may be in the range of 250°C to 450°C, more specifically 270°C to 430°C, and more specifically 315°C to 355°C. These temperatures may be suitable operating or heating temperatures sufficient to allow volatile compounds to be released from the aerosol-generating article or substrate, for example, during one or more usage sessions and / or when the apparatus is operated in aerosol-emission mode. For example, the first temperature level and / or heating temperature of a liquid aerosol-generating article or substrate may be lower than the first temperature level of a solid aerosol-generating article or substrate.

[0074] Generally, the second temperature level is selected to maintain the usefulness of the aerosol-releasing substrate over a long period of time. The second temperature level may also depend on the type and composition of the aerosol-generating article or substrate used with the device. As a result, the second temperature level may be in the range of 175°C to 225°C, more specifically 185°C to 215°C, and more specifically 195°C to 205°C. These temperatures are low enough to minimize substrate depletion during pause mode, but at the same time, they may be high enough to avoid vapor condensation within the device, which can lead to degradation of the aerosol-generating article or substrate.

[0075] To avoid condensation effects in the apparatus, specifically to avoid condensation of aerosol-generating articles or substances within the substrate, the second temperature level may be at least 150 degrees Celsius, specifically at least 175 degrees Celsius, preferably at least 185 degrees Celsius, and more preferably at least 195 degrees Celsius.

[0076] Conversely, in order to minimize the depletion of the substrate or article during the pause mode, the second temperature level may be up to 220 degrees Celsius, specifically up to 225 degrees Celsius, preferably up to 215 degrees Celsius, and more preferably at least 205 degrees Celsius. Specifically, the second temperature level may be chosen to reduce aerosol formation by at least 50 percent compared to the aerosol release mode.

[0077] The second temperature level may be relatively lower than the first temperature level by, for example, at least 50 degrees Celsius, more specifically at least 75 degrees Celsius, and more specifically at least 100 degrees Celsius.

[0078] The given temperature value is preferably the average temperature of the aerosol-generating article or substrate during the operation of the apparatus. In addition, as already mentioned, the temperature value may depend, in particular, on the type and composition of the aerosol-generating article or substrate used in the apparatus.

[0079] As used herein, pause mode may refer to a first operating mode of the aerosol generator in which heating elements, heating circuits and / or heating arrangements may operate during pauses in the operation of the aerosol generator, i.e., during pauses in the use of the aerosol generator, i.e., when the user experience or use session is paused and aerosol generation is not occurring or is reduced to at least a minimum level. In other words, in pause mode, the aerosol generator is in a paused state of use.

[0080] Conversely, the aerosol release mode may refer to a second operating mode of the heating element, circuit and / or arrangement, which is the normal heating operating mode of the aerosol generator for aerosol generation, where the heating element, heating circuit and / or heating arrangement may operate during the user's use of the device, i.e., when a user experience or usage session takes place, specifically when aerosol generation occurs. Generally, aerosol generation may be performed continuously or on demand, specifically on a smoke inhalation basis, i.e., at the user's request when inhaling smoke.

[0081] The aerosol generator may optionally include at least one sensor configured to output a sensor signal indicating that the device is in use by the user, or that its operation is paused, i.e., paused in use. Advantageously, such sensors may facilitate automatic detection of whether the heating distribution can be switched to pause mode because the device is not currently in use and therefore paused in operation, i.e., paused in use. Thus, aerosol generation may be stopped in a timely manner to avoid undesirable depletion of the aerosol-forming substrate, even though it is ongoing. Similarly, such sensors may facilitate automatic detection of whether the heating distribution should be switched back to aerosol-releasing mode, i.e., returned to the normal heating operation mode for aerosol generation when the user wishes to resume their user experience.

[0082] In one embodiment, the control circuit may be configured to switch and / or configure the aerosol generator to an aerosol release mode or a pause mode based on an evaluation of the storage state determined with respect to at least one threshold.

[0083] For example, the control circuit may be configured to enable and / or make available at least one device function when it determines, based on an evaluation, that the current energy level of electrical energy stored and / or available in the energy storage unit is sufficient to operate the aerosol generator during at least one pause in a pause mode that interrupts a usage session.

[0084] In exemplary implementations, at least one threshold may indicate and / or correlate with the threshold energy required to perform at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generator. Alternatively or additionally, the control circuit may be configured to enable and / or make available at least one auxiliary device function when, based on an evaluation, it determines that the current energy level of electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage unit is sufficient to perform at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generator. Thus, the storage state may be analyzed in terms of whether there is sufficient energy stored therein to perform or complete at least one auxiliary device function. If the energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage unit is sufficient to complete the auxiliary device function, the function may be enabled or started. Thus, the functions or repertoire of functions available to the user may be expanded or increased. Alternatively or additionally, if it is determined that the energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage unit is not sufficient to perform or complete the auxiliary device function, the function may be prevented, disabled, and / or stopped, for example, so that it cannot be started by the user and / or is unavailable to the user.

[0085] In one embodiment, the auxiliary device function may be independent of and / or different from heating the aerosol generator during a usage session to generate an aerosol, for example, based on heating an aerosol-generating article to a temperature above a predetermined heating temperature in order to generate an aerosol. Alternatively or additionally, the auxiliary device function may be associated with a pause mode that interrupts the usage session.

[0086] In yet another embodiment, at least one device function may include at least one of the following: a main heating function of an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol in at least one use session, based on heating an aerosol-generating article to a temperature above a predetermined heating temperature to generate an aerosol; and at least one auxiliary device function of an aerosol generator distinct from the main heating function. In other words, at least one device function, which may be associated with a control circuit based on an evaluation of the storage state and / or may be enabled or disabled by the control circuit, may refer to or include one or both of the main heating function and the auxiliary device function distinct from the main device function. For example, the control circuit can evaluate the storage state from the viewpoint of at least the main heating function and optionally one or more auxiliary device functions.

[0087] For example, the auxiliary device function includes operating the aerosol generator to reduce energy consumption during a usage session or in aerosol emission mode in order to generate an aerosol; heating at least one heating element and / or aerosol generating article to a temperature below a heating temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol; heating at least one heating element and / or aerosol generating article to a temperature above room temperature and below a heating temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol; heating at least one heating element and / or aerosol generating article to a temperature above room temperature and below a heating temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol for a predetermined period of time, for example, during a pause in use; activating or deactivating the tactile control of the aerosol generator; activating or deactivating one or more user interfaces of the aerosol generator; operating the user interfaces of the aerosol generator; operating the communication circuit of the aerosol generator to connect the aerosol generator to a computing device or receiving device in a communicative manner; operating the sensors of the aerosol generator; and operating the biometric sensor of the aerosol generator for user authentication. Within this context, operation may include one or more of the following: activation, activation, deactivation, startup, and shutdown. Generally, any device function other than the main heating function may be considered, or referred to as, an auxiliary device function in the context of this disclosure.

[0088] In exemplary implementations, at least one threshold may correlate with a) the threshold energy required to perform the primary heating function of the aerosol generator in at least one use session to generate aerosols, and b) the threshold energy required to perform auxiliary device functions that are unrelated to and / or unrelated to the primary heating function of the aerosol generator. In other words, at least one threshold may indicate the energy consumption when performing both the primary heating function and at least one auxiliary device function. It should also be noted that two thresholds may be used: a first threshold indicating the energy required to perform the primary heating function of the aerosol generator in at least one use session to generate aerosols, and a second threshold indicating the energy required to perform the auxiliary device function.

[0089] Optionally, at least one threshold may correlate with the threshold energy required to operate the aerosol generator during at least one use session in aerosol emission mode, which generates an inhalable aerosol based on heating an aerosol-generating article to a temperature above a predetermined heating temperature, and during a pause in use mode, which interrupts at least one use session. Alternatively, or additionally, the control circuit may be configured to a) enable the primary heating function of the aerosol generator during at least one use session to generate an aerosol based on heating a heating element, article and / or substrate to a temperature above a predetermined heating temperature, and b) if, based on evaluation, it is determined that the current energy level of electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage unit is sufficient to perform the primary heating function and at least one auxiliary function of the aerosol generator, then enable at least one auxiliary function of the aerosol generator that is different from, and / or unrelated to, the primary heating function. Alternatively, or additionally, if, based on an assessment, it is determined that the current energy level of electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage unit is insufficient to perform the main heating function and / or at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generator, the control circuit may disable or prevent one or both of the main heating function and / or at least one auxiliary device function.

[0090] For example, at least one auxiliary device function may refer to and / or be associated with heating a heating element, aerosol generating article, and / or substrate to a second temperature level or a second temperature during a pause or pause mode of use of the device, where the second temperature level may be above room temperature and below a predetermined heating temperature or the first temperature level. Thus, the control circuit can reliably detect whether the energy storage unit has stored enough electrical energy to perform the main heating function in one or more use sessions and to perform at least one pause that interrupts one or more use sessions. Generally, this makes it possible to reliably determine whether the device can operate with one or more pauses. Furthermore, the operation of the device in pause mode may be dynamically allowed or prevented depending on the storage state of the energy storage unit. The number of use sessions can then be maximized for the user, for example, based on the prevention of pause modes and / or at least one auxiliary device function.

[0091] In an exemplary implementation, the control circuit may be configured to trigger or request a recharge of the energy storage unit based on an evaluation of the storage state determined with respect to at least one threshold. For example, if it is determined that an insufficient amount of energy is stored and / or can be stored in the energy storage unit, the control circuit may request the user to recharge the energy storage unit to, for example, a predetermined charge state or the maximum charge state of the energy storage unit. Thus, triggering a recharge of the energy storage unit may include, for example, informing the user that the device needs to be recharged based on the operation of one or more user interfaces. Alternatively or additionally, triggering a recharge may include deactivating the device for further use.

[0092] In one embodiment, at least one threshold may represent the current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit, particularly about 70% to about 100% of the current maximum capacity, preferably at least about 90% of the current maximum capacity. As described above, one or more corresponding energy thresholds may be used instead of, or in addition to, the capacity threshold.

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

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

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

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

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

[0098] In some cases, the control circuit may be configured to determine whether the energy storage unit was charged to a predetermined charging stage in a previous charging event. As described above, the predetermined charging stage may relate to a constant voltage stage of charging voltages of approximately 3 to 5V, for example, approximately 3.4V to approximately 3.9V, and in particular, approximately 3.65V. Based on determining the charging stage reached in the previous charging event, the control circuit can determine the amount of electrical energy currently stored in the energy storage unit, and therefore the amount of electrical energy available for one or more device functions.

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

[0100] In an exemplary implementation, determining the storage state may include determining the operational state of the energy storage unit. Alternatively, or additionally, the control circuit may be configured to determine the operational state of the energy storage unit. Alternatively, or additionally, determining the storage state may include determining the lifespan of the energy storage.

[0101] As used herein, the operating state of the energy storage unit indicates and / or correlates with the maximum energy currently that can be stored in the energy storage unit, the current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit, and / or the current storage capacity. For example, frequent charging and discharging of the energy storage unit may cause the operating state of the energy storage unit to deteriorate over time, which is also called the aging or aging of the energy storage unit. Therefore, determining the operation or operating state of the energy storage unit may include determining the current or actual maximum capacity of the energy storage unit. Determining the operating state of the energy storage unit generally enables energy management that takes into account the changes in the energy storage unit over time, thereby enabling more accurate and efficient energy management. Also, for example, the usefulness of the device for the user may be improved by maximizing the number of usage sessions that the device can be used by the user before recharging the energy storage unit and / or using a fully charged energy storage unit.

[0102] In an exemplary configuration, at least one threshold may indicate the threshold operating state and / or threshold elapsed time of the energy storage unit. Therefore, evaluating the storage state with respect to the threshold may involve analyzing the energy storage unit in terms of its operating state. Furthermore, at least one device function may be enabled or disabled depending on the determined and evaluated operating state.

[0103] In one embodiment, the control circuit may be configured to determine the operating status of the energy storage unit based on determining one or more of the following: the current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit, the current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit relative to the initial maximum capacity of the energy storage unit, the number of use sessions in which the aerosol generator was used to generate aerosols, the operating time the aerosol generator was operating or used to generate aerosols, charge data related to the charging of the energy storage unit in one or more charge cycles, and the total energy consumption of the aerosol generator. Alternatively or additionally, the control circuit may be configured to determine and / or monitor one or more of the following: the current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit, the initial maximum capacity of the energy storage unit, the current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit relative to the initial maximum capacity of the energy storage unit, the number of use sessions in which the aerosol generator was used to generate aerosols, for example, the operating time the aerosol generator was operated to generate aerosols because the energy storage unit was last charged, charge data related to the charging of the energy storage unit in one or more charge cycles, and the total energy consumption of the aerosol generator. Any one or more of these quantities may be used to reliably determine, estimate, and / or calculate the operating status.

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

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

[0106] Comprehensive energy management becomes possible by taking into account not only the actual charge state of the energy storage unit, but also its storage capacity, or, for example, the amount of energy that can be theoretically stored. Next, the repertoire of the device's functions can be adjusted to meet the specific requirements of the user. For example, the number of usage sessions or experiences may be maximized based on the prevention of one or more auxiliary device functions, or limited based on the prevention of the main heating function.

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

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

[0109] For example, at least one threshold may be adjusted by the control circuit based on or in accordance with user-specific needs or requirements. For instance, the number of usage sessions available to or initiated by a user, and / or the suspension of usage, may be optimized, for example, maximized. Alternatively or additionally, the number of usage sessions may be defined by the user. This can increase the versatility and flexibility of the device.

[0110] In one embodiment, the control circuit may be configured to adjust, adapt, and / or change at least one threshold based on historical data indicating past or previous use of the aerosol generator and / or historical data indicating user consumption behavior. In one embodiment, the control circuit may be configured to determine and / or derive user consumption behavior from historical data.

[0111] Different users may have different consumption behaviors, which may refer to, for example, the consumption time and / or duration of one or more usage sessions, or may be defined as consumption time and / or duration, during which the heating element, aerosol generating article, and / or substrate may be heated to a temperature above a predetermined heating temperature. Therefore, the energy required or consumed by a user per usage session may vary from user to user. These different consumption behaviors may be reflected in adjustable thresholds, and therefore energy management may be adjusted according to the consumption behavior of a particular user.

[0112] An exemplary user may consume less than approximately 100 mAh, particularly less than approximately 95 mAh, per usage session and / or per aerosol-generating item, for example, between approximately 60 mAh and 85 mAh. If a fixed threshold is used for the maximum amount of energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage unit, such users will need a longer charging time than is actually required to experience the next usage session. In other words, some users, particularly those with consumption behaviors that require less energy per usage session, may be forced to recharge the energy storage unit when the fixed threshold is used, even though the energy storage unit may still have enough energy to complete one or more usage sessions. Such scenarios can be effectively prevented or avoided based on adjusting the threshold. In other words, adjustable or variable thresholds allow for flexibility in addressing the different needs of different users.

[0113] Furthermore, when using fixed thresholds, users may not be able to pause between smoke inhalations and / or during usage sessions. By adjusting the thresholds, the device can be flexibly controlled by the user, for example, between smoke inhalations and / or during usage sessions. Overall, this can improve the functionality of the device and the user experience.

[0114] The aerosol generator may optionally include data storage or memory. For example, historical data may be stored in data storage. Alternatively or additionally, historical data may be stored in a computing device, such as a server, server network, or mobile device, which can be communicably connected to the aerosol generator by the aerosol generator's communication circuit.

[0115] As used herein, computing device may refer to any device or apparatus having data processing capabilities, such as a server, server network, mobile device, smartphone, tablet, smart device, and smart wearable. The computing device may be configured to communicate or transmit data to an aerosol generator, for example, wirelessly or via a wired connection. Therefore, the computing device may include a communication interface or circuitry configured to transmit data, such as historical data or other data, to the aerosol generator.

[0116] In general, historical data can reflect a user's consumption behavior over one or more usage sessions. In particular, data related to one or more usage sessions may be stored in the historical data. For example, one or more of the following information related to one or more usage sessions may be stored in the historical data: start time, stop time, duration, energy consumption, number of inhalations in a single usage session, total number of inhalations, number of experiences, number of usage sessions, number of aerosol-generating items used, and other information related to one or more usage sessions.

[0117] Alternatively, or additionally, data related to or indicating the suspension and / or operation of one or more uses of the device in pause mode may be included in the historical data. For example, the start time, stop time, and / or duration of one or more use pauses may be stored in the historical data. Alternatively, or additionally, energy consumption during use pauses may be stored in the historical data.

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

[0119] In one embodiment, the control circuit may be configured to calculate the amount of energy used in a single use session based on historical data showing the operation of the aerosol generator for generating aerosols, and to adjust at least one threshold based on the determined amount of energy used in a single use session. The determined amount of energy used in a single use session may correspond to and / or be used as at least one threshold. Generally, the energy used in a single use session may refer to the energy actually used in an actual use session. Alternatively, or additionally, the energy used in a single use session may refer to or indicate the average or average of the energy used or consumed per use session. It should be noted that the energy used in a single use session may substantially correspond to the energy required to perform the main heating function of the aerosol generator in a single use session.

[0120] In yet another embodiment, at least one threshold may represent the threshold energy or threshold energy value required to operate the aerosol generator during at least one use session to generate an inhalable aerosol based on the heating of the heating element, thereby heating the aerosol generating article and / or substrate to a temperature above a predetermined heating temperature, and preferably, at least one threshold may be less than about 100 mAh, for example, less than about 95 mAh, preferably about 60 mAh to 85 mAh. Typical devices currently in use may have a fixed threshold of about 100 mAh or more. Therefore, by reducing the threshold, more use sessions or experiences may be provided to the user before recharging the energy storage unit and / or using a fully charged energy storage unit.

[0121] In yet another embodiment, the control circuit may be configured to determine, based on historical data showing the operation of the aerosol generator for generating aerosols, whether the aerosol generator is usable because the energy storage unit has been charged since the last charge and / or between two consecutive charge events, or the maximum number of usage sessions that can be used with a fully charged energy storage unit for each charge of the energy storage unit. Furthermore, the control circuit may be configured to adjust at least one threshold based on the determined maximum number of usage sessions. Thus, the control circuit can analyze the historical data and calculate and / or estimate the maximum number of usage sessions.

[0122] Depending on the circumstances, the maximum number of sessions in use may be displayed and / or notified to the user, for example, based on activating, operating, and / or controlling one or more user interfaces. Alternatively or additionally, the control circuit may be configured to show the user the determined maximum number of sessions in use, based on controlling the user interface of the aerosol generator. For example, several light-emitting diodes, LEDs, may be switched on or off according to the maximum number of sessions in use, or other means of notification may be used instead or additionally.

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

[0124] In a further embodiment, the control circuit may be configured to determine, after the energy storage unit has been last charged, the maximum number of pause modes or use pauses that can be activated by the user with a fully charged energy storage unit between two consecutive charging events and / or before the energy storage unit is recharged. Optionally, the number of pause modes or use pauses may also be shown and / or notified to the user, for example, based on the activation of one or more user interfaces.

[0125] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the control circuit may be configured to enable and / or permit the use of an aerosol generator for a usage session to generate an aerosol based on heating of a heating element, thereby heating the aerosol generating article and / or substrate to a temperature above a predetermined heating temperature, for example, in a subsequent usage session, regardless of the number of previous usage sessions, the aerosol generator has been used since the last charging process or the last charging process. Thus, regardless of whether the device has been used since the last charging process or a previous charging process in one or more usage sessions, the control circuit may enable or disable at least one device function, in particular the main heating function. Thus, user-specific energy management can be implemented within the device.

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

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

[0128] For example, the user may specify the duration of a single usage session and / or the number of usage sessions per fully charged energy storage unit, or per full charge of an energy storage unit, through one or more user inputs, and the control circuit may calculate the corresponding threshold energy or capacity value. Based on an evaluation of the storage state determined by the calculated threshold energy or capacity value, the user may be given the number of usage sessions per charge cycle and / or the number of usage sessions with a user-defined duration.

[0129] Alternatively, or additionally, a companion device and / or computing device that can be communicatively connected to the aerosol generator may calculate one or more thresholds based on user input and transmit corresponding control signals indicating one or more thresholds to the aerosol generator.

[0130] It should be noted that a fully charged energy storage unit may refer to charging the energy storage unit to its current maximum capacity or charge state, which can be defined by the physical or chemical limitations of the energy storage unit and / or by the control circuit, for example, by configuring the controller of the energy storage unit to limit the current maximum capacity or charge state to a specific value. Alternatively or additionally, a fully discharged energy storage unit may refer to an empty energy storage unit, the current minimum capacity, or the minimum charge state, which may be defined by the physical or chemical limitations of the energy storage unit and / or by the control circuit, for example, by configuring the controller of the energy storage unit to limit the current minimum capacity or charge state to a specific value. When the minimum capacity is reached, the control circuit may request, trigger, and / or force a recharge of the energy storage unit.

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

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

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

[0134] In non-limiting embodiments, at least one threshold may be calculated using only the last usage session or corresponding data element of the historical data. Alternatively, at least one threshold may be calculated using two or more previous usage sessions or corresponding data elements of past data, for example, 2 to 20 times, preferably 2 to 16 times. In the latter case, at least one threshold may reflect the average or average energy consumption or capacity reduction of the energy storage unit per usage session.

[0135] In an exemplary implementation, the control circuit may be configured to calculate or determine thresholds based on, for example, the current value of the running average energy consumption per usage session and / or the duration of the usage session, based on processing corresponding data elements of historical data. Thus, at least one threshold may be calculated by the control circuit based on determining the current value of the running average energy consumption per usage session and / or the duration of the usage session. Thus, the current value of the running average energy consumption per usage session may correspond to the average or average amount of energy consumed in one or more usage sessions considered in the running average. Alternatively or additionally, the current value of the running average duration of the usage session may correspond to the average or average duration of the usage sessions considered in the running average.

[0136] In general, calculating thresholds based on the calculation of moving average values ​​can reduce the data volume stored in aerosol generators. For example, the data storage of an aerosol generator may not necessarily store historical data, but only the current value of the moving average. In particular, the current value of the running average may be stored only in random access memory (RAM).

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

[0138] In some cases, the final value of the running average may be multiplied by a specific coefficient or constant C and added to the amount of energy used or consumed in the last usage session. Furthermore, the result of this calculation may be divided by the constant or coefficient C plus 1, or normalized to provide a new or current value of the moving average. The constant or coefficient C may be in the range of, for example, about 2 to several tens, and for example, the constant or coefficient C may be about 9.

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

[0140] Alternatively, or additionally, the control circuit may be configured to calculate the current value of the moving average of usage session durations based on the previous or last value of the moving average of usage session durations, and based on the duration of the last or previous usage session, which may be optionally stored in and / or retrieved from the aerosol generator's data storage or RAM.

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

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

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

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

[0145] In non-limiting embodiments, the first number of previous usage sessions may be approximately 2 to 20, and the second number of previous usage sessions may be approximately 200 to 20,000. Thus, the first execution average may consider only the last few usage sessions so that the corresponding value reflects the user's short-term behavior. On the other hand, the second execution average may reflect the user's long-term behavior or habits.

[0146] In one embodiment, the control circuit may be configured to calculate at least one threshold based on calculating the average energy per session used and / or the average duration of a session used, by multiplying value_2, which is the second value of the second running average, by a constant or variable coefficient C, and by multiplying value_1, which is the first value of the first running average, by a value obtained by subtracting 1 from C, which is the constant or variable coefficient.

[0147] Mathematically, the threshold T can also be calculated as T = C*Value_2 + (1-C)*Value_1, where C is a constant or variable coefficient, Value_1 is the first value of the first running mean, and Value_2 is the second value of the second running mean. The constant or variable factor C may be between 0.2 and 0.9, for example, 0.7.

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

[0149] Depending on the circumstances, the number of usage sessions considered by the control circuit for calculating at least one threshold may be user-definable, for example, based on providing one or more user inputs.

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

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

[0152] In one embodiment, the control circuit may be configured to determine or calculate at least one threshold based on a predetermined number of previous or past use pauses or pause modes. For example, a number of data elements in the historical data corresponding to a predetermined number of previous or past use pauses or pause modes may be processed and / or analyzed by the control circuit to derive or calculate at least one threshold for evaluation using the energy storage state. In a non-limiting embodiment, at least one threshold may be calculated using only the last use pause or corresponding data element in the historical data. Alternatively, at least one threshold may be calculated using two or more previous use pauses or corresponding data elements in the historical data, for example, between 2 and 20, preferably between 2 and 16. In the latter case, at least one threshold may reflect the average or average energy consumption or capacity reduction of the energy storage per use pause. The number of use pauses considered by the control circuit for the calculation of at least one threshold may be user-definable, for example, based on providing one or more user inputs.

[0153] Depending on the circumstances, the control circuit may be configured to derive or calculate a first threshold representing energy consumption during one or more usage sessions, and a second threshold representing energy consumption during one or more usage pauses, based on historical data. Alternatively or additionally, the first and second thresholds for the duration of usage sessions or other parameters may be calculated.

[0154] In one embodiment, at least one threshold may represent the threshold energy required to operate the aerosol generator during at least one pause in use that interrupts a usage session. Non-limiting exemplary thresholds may range from about 2 mAh to about 80 mAh, for example, from about 10 mAh to about 65 mAh. However, other values ​​may be used.

[0155] In an exemplary implementation, at least one threshold may be received from a computing or companion device that can communicate with the aerosol generator. The companion device may also be referred to herein as a receiving device.

[0156] For example, the aerosol generator may be connectable, for example, in an operable and / or communicative manner to a companion device or receiver for supplying electrical energy to an energy storage unit, and at least one threshold may be received from the companion device or receiver when the aerosol generator is coupled to the companion device.

[0157] A companion device or receiving device may be configured to at least partially receive an aerosol generator, for example, to charge the aerosol generator and / or to house the aerosol generator. The aerosol generator may be configured to be charged wirelessly by the companion device. For example, the companion device and the aerosol generator may be inductively coupled to charge the energy storage unit of the aerosol generator. Alternatively, or additionally, a control circuit may be configured to establish an electrical connection with the companion device to charge the energy storage unit. Thus, the aerosol generator may be configured to be operably coupled to the companion device to charge the energy storage unit of the aerosol generator.

[0158] Alternatively or additionally, the companion device may include a communication interface for communicatively connecting the companion device to the aerosol generator and for transmitting, for example, at least one threshold or corresponding control signal from the companion device to the aerosol generator. In some cases, the communication connection between the aerosol generator and the companion device may be established when the aerosol generator is operably connected to the companion device for charging the aerosol generator, and vice versa.

[0159] In one embodiment, the companion device may include a user interface for receiving one or more user inputs to the companion device, such as information that enables the definition of or derivation of at least one threshold, for example, the number of usage sessions and / or usage downtime per fully charged energy storage, usage sessions and / or usage downtime, which may be transmitted to the aerosol generator.

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

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

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

[0163] Alternatively, or additionally, at least one threshold may represent the average energy consumption per usage pause that interrupts one or more usage sessions. Alternatively, or additionally, at least one threshold may represent the average decrease in energy storage capacity per usage pause or pause mode.

[0164] As described above, in one embodiment, the control circuit may be configured to calculate at least one threshold based on historical data and store the calculated at least one threshold in the aerosol generator's data storage. Alternatively or additionally, the control circuit may be configured to retrieve historical data from the aerosol generator's data storage and / or from an external data source, the historical data including one or more of the following: the number of use sessions in which the aerosol generator operated to generate aerosols; the number of use pauses in which the aerosol generator operated in pause mode interrupting one or more use sessions; the duration of one or more use sessions; the duration of one or more use pauses interrupting one or more use sessions; energy consumption during one or more use sessions; energy consumption during one or more use pauses; total energy consumption; charging data related to charging the energy storage unit in one or more charging cycles; whether energy remained in the energy storage unit before recharging in one or more charging cycles; and energy consumption per use session.

[0165] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the control circuit may be configured to determine the operating state of the energy storage unit based on historical data indicating the operation of an aerosol generator for generating aerosols. Thus, the control circuit may be configured to determine the storage state based on processing of historical data. For example, the control circuit may determine or calculate the operating state of the energy storage unit based on one or more of the number of usage sessions and / or usage pauses in which the device has been operated, total energy consumption, operating time or duration, current maximum capacity, initial maximum capacity and / or relative decrease in capacity to other information stored in the historical data, as described in more detail above and below in this specification.

[0166] In one embodiment, the control circuit may be configured to calculate at least one threshold based on data received from a computing device or companion device that can be coupled to communicate with the aerosol generator. For example, historical data or data related to one or more user inputs may be received from the computing device and / or companion device or receiving device.

[0167] The control circuit may be configured to calculate at least one threshold based on historical data associated with one or more previous usage sessions and / or one or more previous usage pauses. Optionally, the control circuit may be configured to calculate the average or average energy consumption of energy consumed during multiple usage sessions and / or usage pauses based on historical data showing the operation of the aerosol generator during one or more usage sessions and / or one or more usage pauses. Alternatively, or additionally, the average or average duration of usage sessions or one or more other parameters may be calculated.

[0168] In an exemplary configuration, the aerosol generator may include at least a heating element, heating arrangement, or heating circuit configured to be connected to an energy storage unit and to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating article. Thus, at least a portion of the heating element and / or heating circuit may be incorporated into the aerosol generating article.

[0169] For example, a resistive blade, a resonator, an excitation coil, a microwave generator, or other type of heat source may be at least partially disposed of and / or integrated into the aerosol generator.

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

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

[0172] Further aspects of this disclosure provide aerosol generating devices as described above and below in this specification, and aerosol generating systems comprising aerosol generating articles that can be coupled to or are coupled to the aerosol generating devices for generating aerosols. The aerosol generating devices can generate aerosols, for example, by supplying electrical energy to one or more aerosol generating devices to generate aerosols from the aerosol generating articles. The disclosures presented above and below this specification with reference to aerosol generating devices and / or aerosol generating articles according to one or more aspects of this disclosure also apply to aerosol generating systems, and vice versa.

[0173] The energy storage unit and / or control circuit may be configured to supply electrical energy to at least one aerosol generating means or aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from at least a portion of an aerosol generating article connectable to an aerosol generator. An exemplary aerosol generator or means may include one or more heating elements, one or more heat sources, one or more vibrating elements, one or more vibrating meshes, and one or more spraying devices.

[0174] For example, the energy storage unit and / or control circuit may be configured to supply electrical energy to at least one heating element, for example, based on heating at least a portion of the aerosol generating article, so that an aerosol is generated from the aerosol generating article which can be connected to an aerosol generating device.

[0175] Further aspects of this disclosure relate to the use of aerosol generators and / or systems described above and below in this specification.

[0176] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a method of operating an aerosol generator. An aerosol generator operating according to the method may be an aerosol generator described above and below in this specification with reference to one or more aspects of this disclosure. Thus, any feature functions and / or elements described above and below with reference to an aerosol generator may also be features, functions, elements and / or processes of a method of operating an aerosol generator, and vice versa. Alternatively, or additionally, the method may relate to a method of operating an aerosol generating system, as described above and below in this specification.

[0177] An aerosol generator operating according to the method of this disclosure includes an energy storage unit configured to supply electrical energy to a control circuit for generating aerosols from an aerosol generating article. The control circuit may be operably connected to the energy storage unit. The energy storage unit may supply electrical energy to a heating element to heat at least a portion of an aerosol generating article that can be connected to the aerosol generator. The method includes at least, - Using a control circuit, determine the storage state of the energy storage unit, which indicates the amount of electrical energy currently stored and / or available for storage in the energy storage unit. - Evaluate the determined storage state with respect to at least one threshold associated with heating of the aerosol-generating article, -Includes enabling or disabling at least one device function associated with heating the aerosol-generating article, based on the evaluation. Further aspects of this disclosure relate to a method for operating an aerosol generator, the method comprising at least, - Using a control circuit, determine the storage state of the energy storage unit, which indicates at least one of the amount of electrical energy currently stored and the amount of electrical energy that can currently be stored in the energy storage unit. -Evaluating the determined storage state with respect to at least one threshold, wherein at least one threshold correlates with the threshold energy required to perform the main heating function of the aerosol generator for heating the aerosol generating article to a predetermined heating temperature or higher in order to generate an aerosol during at least one use session, and to perform at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generator that is different from the main heating function. -Includes enabling or disabling the main heating function and at least one of the functions of at least one auxiliary device, based on the evaluation.

[0178] Further aspects of this disclosure relate to a method for operating an aerosol generator, the method comprising at least, - Using a control circuit, determine the storage state, including the operating state of the energy storage unit, which indicates the amount of electrical energy currently available for storage in the energy storage unit. - Evaluate the determined storage state with respect to at least one threshold associated with at least one device function of the aerosol generator, - This includes enabling or disabling at least one device function based on the evaluation. Further aspects of this disclosure relate to a method for operating an aerosol generator, the method comprising at least, - Using a control circuit, determine the storage state of the energy storage unit, which indicates at least one of the amount of electrical energy currently stored and the amount of electrical energy that can currently be stored in the energy storage unit. - To evaluate the determined storage state with respect to at least one threshold associated with at least one device function of an aerosol generator, wherein at least one threshold is adjustable. - This includes enabling or disabling at least one device function based on the evaluation.

[0179] Any one of the methods described with reference to one aspect of this disclosure may be combined with one or more steps of one or more further methods according to one or more further aspects of this disclosure.

[0180] The energy storage unit and / or control circuit may be configured to supply electrical energy to at least one aerosol generating means or aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from at least a portion of an aerosol generating article connectable to an aerosol generator. An exemplary aerosol generator or means may include one or more heating elements, one or more heat sources, one or more vibrating elements, one or more vibrating meshes, and one or more spraying devices.

[0181] For example, the energy storage unit and / or control circuit may be configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating article that can be connected to an aerosol generating device by supplying electrical energy to at least one heating element, for example, based on heating at least a portion of the aerosol generating article.

[0182] In one embodiment, determining the storage state may include determining at least one of the following: the current energy level of the electrical energy stored in the energy storage unit, and the operating state of the energy storage unit, which indicates the amount of electrical energy that can currently be stored in the energy storage unit.

[0183] In yet another embodiment, evaluating the determined storage state may include comparing or cross-comparing the determined storage state with at least one threshold. Optionally, at least one device function may be activated by a control circuit if, based on the evaluation, it is determined that the current energy level of electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage unit is sufficient to operate the aerosol generator during at least one use session to generate an inhalable aerosol based on heating the aerosol generating article to a temperature above a predetermined heating temperature.

[0184] In one embodiment, the method may further include enabling the primary heating function when, based on an evaluation, it determines that the current energy level of electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage unit is sufficient to perform the primary heating function for at least one use session to generate an inhalable aerosol. Alternatively or additionally, the method may further include enabling at least one device function when, based on an evaluation, it determines that the current energy level of electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage unit is sufficient to complete the current use session to generate an inhalable aerosol and / or to complete a predetermined number of use sessions.

[0185] In a further embodiment, the method may include enabling at least one device function when, based on an evaluation, it is determined that the current energy level of electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage unit is sufficient to operate the aerosol generator during at least one pause of use in a pause mode that interrupts a use session.

[0186] Alternatively or additionally, the method may further include, based on an assessment, enabling at least one auxiliary device function when determining that the current energy level of electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage unit is sufficient to perform at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generator.

[0187] The method may further include enabling at least one of the following: a main heating function of the aerosol generator for generating an aerosol in at least one use session based on heating the aerosol-generating article to a predetermined heating temperature or higher; and at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generator that is different from the main heating function, other than the main heating function, and / or unrelated to heating the aerosol generator, during the use session for generating an aerosol.

[0188] The method further includes enabling one or more auxiliary device functions, which include one or more of the following: operating the aerosol generator with reduced energy consumption for operation during a use session in order to generate an aerosol; heating at least one heating element and / or aerosol generating article to a temperature below a heating temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol; heating at least one heating element and / or aerosol generating article to a temperature above room temperature and below a heating temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol; heating at least one heating element and / or aerosol generating article to a temperature above room temperature and below a heating temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol for a predetermined period of time; operating the user interface of the aerosol generator; operating the communication circuit of the aerosol generator in order to connect the aerosol generator to a computing device or receiving device in a communicative manner; operating the device in a paused or paused mode for use; operating the sensors of the aerosol generator; activating or deactivating tactile control; and operating the biometric sensor of the aerosol generator for user authentication.

[0189] The method further includes a) activating the main heating function of the aerosol generator to generate an aerosol in at least one usage session, and b) determining, based on the evaluation, that the current energy level of the electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage unit is sufficient to perform the main heating function and the at least one auxiliary function of the aerosol generator.

[0190] Alternatively, or additionally, if, based on an assessment, it is determined that the current energy level of electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage unit is insufficient to perform the main heating function and / or at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generator, the main heating function and / or auxiliary device function may be disabled or prevented from being started by the user.

[0191] Depending on the circumstances, the method may further include triggering a recharge of the energy storage unit if, for example, it is determined, based on an evaluation of the determined storage state against at least one threshold, the current energy level of the electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage unit is insufficient to perform the main heating function and at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generator.

[0192] In one embodiment, determining the storage state may include determining the current energy level of electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage unit relative to the current maximum energy capacity. Optionally, the initial maximum capacity of the energy storage unit may be determined by a control circuit.

[0193] In one embodiment, the method may further include determining whether the energy storage unit was charged to a predetermined charging stage in a previous charging event.

[0194] In yet another embodiment, determining the storage state may include determining the number of years of use or the operating status of the energy storage unit.

[0195] The method may further include determining one or more of the following: the current maximum capacity of the energy storage; the current maximum capacity of the energy storage relative to the initial maximum capacity of the energy storage; the number of times the aerosol generator was used to generate aerosols; the operating time the aerosol generator was operated to generate aerosols; charging data related to the charging of the energy storage in one or more charging cycles; and the total energy consumption of the aerosol generator.

[0196] Depending on the circumstances, determining the storage state may include determining the current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit, which indicates the maximum amount of energy that can be stored in the energy storage unit, and determining the current energy level or amount of electrical energy stored in the energy storage unit.

[0197] As an example, at least one threshold may include a first threshold for the current energy level or amount of energy available in the energy storage unit, and a second threshold for the current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit, which indicates the maximum amount of energy that can currently be stored in the energy storage unit.

[0198] Depending on the circumstances, the method may further include comparing the determined current energy level with a first threshold and comparing the determined current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit with a second threshold.

[0199] In yet another embodiment, the method may further include adjusting, modifying, changing, replacing, and / or altering at least one threshold.

[0200] For example, at least one threshold may be adjusted based on historical data indicating past use of the aerosol generator and / or user consumption behavior.

[0201] Alternatively or additionally, the method may further include calculating at least one threshold based on historical data indicating the operation of an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol, and adjusting at least one threshold based on the amount of energy used in a single use session and the determined amount of energy used in a single use session.

[0202] In one embodiment, the method may further include determining the maximum number of usage sessions available in a fully charged energy storage unit of an aerosol generator based on historical data indicating the operation of the aerosol generator for generating aerosols, and adjusting at least one threshold based on the determined maximum number of usage sessions.

[0203] The method may further include informing the user of the determined maximum number of usage sessions based on controlling the user interface of the aerosol generator. For example, the number of LEDs corresponding to the number of usage sessions or experiences available to the user in the current state of the energy storage unit may be illuminated or controlled by the control circuit.

[0204] The method may further include enabling or making possible the use of the aerosol generator for subsequent use sessions, regardless of the number of previous use sessions, provided that the aerosol generator has been used since the previous charging process.

[0205] In one embodiment, at least one threshold can be adjusted and / or modified based on user input.

[0206] Alternatively, or additionally, the method may further include calculating at least one threshold based on historical data collected from one or more past usage sessions.

[0207] Alternatively or additionally, the method may further include determining the amount of energy used during a single pause based on historical data showing the operation of the aerosol generator in pause mode, and adjusting at least one threshold based on the determined amount of energy.

[0208] The method may further include determining the operating status, years of use, and / or storage status of the energy storage unit based on historical data showing the operation of the aerosol generator for generating aerosols during one or more use sessions and / or during one or more pauses or pause modes of use.

[0209] Depending on the circumstances, the method may further include calculating at least one threshold based on data received from a receiving device that can be communicatively connected to a computing device or an aerosol generator.

[0210] For example, at least one threshold may be calculated based on historical data related to one or more previous usage sessions. Alternatively or additionally, the average energy consumption of energy consumed during multiple usage sessions may be calculated based on historical data showing the operation of the aerosol generator for generating aerosols, and may be used as a threshold.

[0211] Further aspects of this disclosure relate to computer programs that, when performed by an aerosol generator or aerosol generating system, instruct the aerosol generator or system to carry out the steps of the method as described above and below herein.

[0212] Further aspects of this disclosure relate to a non-temporary computer-readable medium for storing a computer program that, when performed by an aerosol generator or aerosol generating system, instructs the aerosol generator or system to carry out the steps of the method as described above and below in this specification.

[0213] By reference to one aspect, it is emphasized that any features, steps, functions, elements, technical effects and / or benefits described herein are similarly applicable to any other aspect of this disclosure. [Examples]

[0214] A non-exclusive list of non-limiting embodiments is provided below. One or more features of these embodiments may be combined with one or more features of other embodiments, forms, or aspects described herein.

[0215] Example 1a: Aerosol generator, It comprises a control circuit and an energy storage unit configured to supply electrical energy to the control circuit in order to generate aerosols from an aerosol generating article, The control circuit Determine the storage state of the energy storage unit, which indicates the amount of electrical energy currently stored and / or available for storage in the energy storage unit. The determined storage state is evaluated with respect to at least one threshold associated with at least one device function of the aerosol generator, for example, associated with the heating of the aerosol generating article. An aerosol generator configured to enable or disable at least one device function based on an evaluation. Example 1b: Aerosol generator, It comprises a control circuit and an energy storage unit configured to supply electrical energy to the control circuit in order to generate aerosols from an aerosol generating article, The control circuit The energy storage state is determined, which indicates at least one of the amount of electrical energy currently stored and the amount of electrical energy that can currently be stored in the energy storage unit. The determined storage state is evaluated with respect to at least one threshold, where at least one threshold is correlated with the threshold energy required to perform the main heating function of the aerosol generator for heating the aerosol generating article to a predetermined heating temperature or higher in order to generate an aerosol during at least one use session, and to perform at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generator that is different from the main heating function. An aerosol generator configured to enable or disable, based on an evaluation, the main heating function and at least one of the functions of at least one auxiliary device. Example 1c: Aerosol generator, It comprises a control circuit and an energy storage unit configured to supply electrical energy to the control circuit in order to generate aerosols from an aerosol generating article, The control circuit The amount of electrical energy currently available for storage in the energy storage unit is determined, including the operating state of the energy storage unit. With respect to at least one threshold associated with at least one device function of the aerosol generator, the determined storage state is evaluated, An aerosol generator configured to enable or disable at least one device function based on an evaluation. Example 1d: Aerosol generator, It comprises a control circuit and an energy storage unit configured to supply electrical energy to the control circuit in order to generate aerosols from an aerosol generator. The control circuit The energy storage state is determined, which indicates at least one of the amount of electrical energy currently stored and the amount of electrical energy that can currently be stored in the energy storage unit. The determined storage state is evaluated with respect to at least one adjustable threshold associated with at least one device function of the aerosol generator, An aerosol generator configured to enable or disable at least one device function based on an evaluation. Example 1e: The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 1d, wherein the energy storage unit is configured to supply electrical energy to one or more aerosol generators in order to generate aerosols from at least a portion of an aerosol generating article that can be connected to an aerosol generator. Example 1f: The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 1e, wherein the energy storage unit is configured to supply electrical energy to at least one heating element in order to heat at least a portion of an aerosol generating article that can be connected to the aerosol generator. Example 1g: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 1f, wherein the control circuit is operably connected to the energy storage unit. Example 2: The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 1g, wherein the determined storage state includes at least one of the current energy level of the electrical energy stored in the energy storage unit and the operating state of the energy storage unit indicating the amount of electrical energy that can currently be stored in the energy storage unit. Example 3: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 2, wherein evaluating the determined storage state includes comparing the determined storage state with at least one threshold, and preferably the determined storage state is expressed as a value. Example 4: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 3, wherein at least one threshold indicates the threshold energy required to operate the aerosol generator during at least one use session to generate an inhalable aerosol, based on heating the aerosol generating article to a temperature above a predetermined heating temperature in order to generate an aerosol. Example 5: The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 4, wherein the control circuit is configured to activate at least one device function when it determines that the current energy level of electrical energy stored in and / or storable in the energy storage is sufficient to operate the aerosol generator during at least one use session to generate an inhalable aerosol based on an evaluation that heats an aerosol generating article to a temperature above a predetermined heating temperature in order to generate an aerosol. Example 6: The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 5, wherein at least one threshold indicates the threshold energy required to perform the main heating function of the aerosol generator during at least one use session, and the main heating function includes supplying electrical energy to at least one heating element to heat at least a portion of an aerosol generating article to a temperature above a predetermined heating temperature in order to generate an aerosol. Example 7: The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 6, wherein the control circuit is configured to activate the main heating function when it determines, based on an assessment, that the current energy level of electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage unit is sufficient to perform the main heating function for at least one use session for generating an inhalable aerosol. Example 8: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 7, wherein at least one threshold indicates the threshold energy required to complete the current use session to generate an inhalable aerosol based on heating an aerosol generating article to a temperature above a predetermined heating temperature in order to generate an aerosol; and / or, at least one threshold indicates the threshold energy required to complete a predetermined number of use sessions to generate an inhalable aerosol based on heating an aerosol generating article to a temperature above a predetermined heating temperature in order to generate an aerosol. Example 9: The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 8, wherein the control circuit is configured to activate at least one device function when it determines, based on an evaluation, that the current energy level of electrical energy that can be stored and / or kept in the energy storage is sufficient to complete the current use session for generating an inhalable aerosol based on heating an aerosol generating article to a temperature above a predetermined heating temperature in order to generate an aerosol, and / or to complete a predetermined number of use sessions. Example 10: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 9, wherein at least one threshold represents the threshold energy required to operate the aerosol generator during at least one pause in a pause mode that interrupts a usage session. Example 11: The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 10, wherein the control circuit is configured to enable at least one device function when it determines, based on an evaluation, that the current energy level of electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage unit is sufficient to operate the aerosol generator during at least one use pause in a pause mode that interrupts a use session.

[0216] Example 12: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 11, wherein at least one threshold represents the threshold energy required to perform at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generator. Example 13: The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 12, wherein the control circuit is configured to activate at least one auxiliary device function as it determines, based on an evaluation, that the current energy level of electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage unit is sufficient to perform at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generator. Example 14: The auxiliary device function is based on heating the aerosol generating article to a temperature above a predetermined heating temperature in order to generate an aerosol, and is therefore unrelated to or different from heating the aerosol generating device during a use session for aerosol generation; and / or The aerosol generator according to Example 13, wherein the auxiliary device function is associated with a pause mode that interrupts the usage session. Example 15: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 14, comprising at least one main heating function of the aerosol generator for generating an aerosol in at least one usage session, based on at least one device function heating an aerosol generating article to a temperature above a predetermined heating temperature in order to generate an aerosol, and at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generator that is different from the main heating function. Example 16: The auxiliary device function is To generate aerosols, the aerosol generator is operated with reduced energy consumption during the session, Heating at least one heating element and / or aerosol generating article to a temperature below a heating temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol, Heating at least one heating element and / or aerosol generating article to a temperature above room temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol, and below the heating temperature, Heating at least one heating element and / or aerosol generating article to a temperature above room temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol, and below the heating temperature, for a predetermined period of time, Activating or deactivating the tactile control of the aerosol generator, Activating the user interface of the aerosol generator, To enable communication between the aerosol generator and a computing device or receiving device, the communication circuit of the aerosol generator is activated, Activating the sensor of the aerosol generator, The method according to any one of Examples 12 to 15, comprising activating a biometric sensor of an aerosol generator for user authentication. Example 17: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 16, wherein at least one threshold correlates with the threshold energy required to a) perform the main heating function of the aerosol generator in at least one use session to generate an aerosol, and b) perform an auxiliary function of the aerosol generator that is different from the main heating function of the aerosol generator. Example 18: a) an aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 17, wherein at least one threshold correlates with the threshold energy required to operate the aerosol generator during at least one use session in an aerosol release mode that generates an inhalable aerosol based on heating an aerosol generating article to a temperature above a predetermined heating temperature, and b) interrupting at least one use session during a use pause mode. Example 19: The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 18, wherein the control circuit is configured to enable a) a primary heating function of the aerosol generator for at least one use session for generating aerosols, and b) at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generator distinct from the primary heating function of the aerosol generator, and based on evaluation, it is determined that the current energy level of electrical energy that can be stored and / or kept in the energy storage unit is sufficient to perform the primary heating function and at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generator. Example 20: The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 19, wherein the control circuit is configured to trigger or request recharging of the energy storage unit based on an evaluation of the storage state determined with respect to at least one threshold. Example 21: The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 20, wherein at least one threshold represents a percentage of the current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit, particularly about 70% to about 100% of the current maximum capacity, preferably at least about 90% of the current maximum capacity. Example 22: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 21, wherein determining the storage state includes determining the current energy level of electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage unit relative to the current maximum energy capacity. Example 23: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 22, wherein the control circuit is configured to determine the current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit. Example 24: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 23, wherein at least one threshold value represents a proportion of approximately 35% to approximately 75% of the initial maximum capacity of the energy storage unit. Example 25: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 24, wherein the control circuit is configured to determine the initial maximum capacity of the energy storage. Example 26: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 25, wherein at least one threshold indicates a predetermined charging stage reached by the energy storage unit in a previous charging event, particularly a constant voltage stage of a charging voltage of about 3.65V. Example 27: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 26, wherein the control circuit is configured to determine whether the energy storage unit was charged to a predetermined charging stage in a previous charging event. Example 28: Determining the storage state includes determining the operational state of the energy storage, and / or An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 27, wherein the control circuit is configured to determine the operating status of the energy storage unit. Example 29: An energy storage unit according to any one of Examples 1a to 28, wherein at least one threshold indicates the operating state of the threshold of the energy storage unit and / or the elapsed time of the threshold. Example 30: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 29, wherein determining the storage state includes determining the lifespan of the energy storage unit. Example 31: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 30, wherein the control circuit is configured to determine the operating state of the energy storage unit based on determining one or more of the following: the current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit, the current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit relative to the initial maximum capacity of the energy storage unit, the number of times the aerosol generator has been used to generate aerosols, the operating time of the aerosol generator to generate aerosols, the charging data related to the charging of the energy storage unit in one or more charging cycles, and the total energy consumption of the aerosol generator. Example 32: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 31, wherein the control circuit is configured to determine one or more of the following: the current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit, the initial maximum capacity of the energy storage unit, the current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit relative to the initial maximum capacity of the energy storage unit, the number of times the aerosol generator was used to generate aerosols, the operating time of the aerosol generator to generate aerosols, charging data related to the charging of the energy storage unit in one or more charging cycles, and the total energy consumption of the aerosol generator. Example 33: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 32, wherein determining the storage state includes determining the current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit, which indicates the maximum amount of energy that can be stored in the energy storage unit, and determining the current energy level or amount of the energy currently stored in the energy storage unit. Example 34: At least one threshold includes a first threshold for the current energy level or amount of energy available in the energy storage unit, and a second threshold for the current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit, indicating the maximum amount of energy that can currently be stored in the energy storage unit. The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 33, wherein the control circuit is configured to compare the determined current energy level with a first threshold and to compare the determined current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit with a second threshold. Example 35: At least one threshold is adjustable, and / or The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 34, wherein the control circuit is configured to adjust at least one threshold. Example 36: The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 35, wherein the control circuit is configured to adjust at least one threshold based on historical data indicating past use of the aerosol generator and / or historical data indicating user consumption behavior. Example 37: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 36, wherein the control circuit is configured to adjust at least one threshold based on historical data indicating the operation of the aerosol generator for generating aerosols, one or more usage sessions, for example, the amount of energy used in one usage session, and one or more usage sessions, for example, the determined amount of energy used in one usage session. Example 38: At least one threshold indicates the threshold energy required to operate the aerosol generator during at least one use session to generate an inhalable aerosol based on heating the aerosol generating article, and / or An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 37, wherein at least one threshold is less than about 95 mAh, preferably about 60 mAh to 85 mAh. Example 39: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 38, wherein the control circuit is configured to determine historical data indicating the operation of the aerosol generator for generating aerosols, the maximum number of usage sessions available in a fully charged energy storage unit, and to adjust at least one threshold based on the determined maximum number of usage sessions. Example 40: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 39, wherein the control circuit is configured to show the user the determined maximum number of sessions to be used, based on the control of the user interface of the aerosol generator. Example 41: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 40, wherein the control circuit is configured to enable or allow the use of the aerosol generator for subsequent use sessions, regardless of the number of previous use sessions, and the aerosol generator has been used since a previous charging process.

[0217] Example 42: At least one threshold is adjustable based on user input, and / or The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 41, wherein the control circuit is configured to change or modify at least one threshold based on user input. Example 43: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 32, wherein at least one threshold is adjustable based on user input indicating the number of usage sessions per charge cycle of the energy storage unit, and / or one or more usage sessions, e.g., the duration of a single usage session. Example 44: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 43, wherein the control circuit is configured to calculate at least one threshold based on historical data collected in one or more past usage sessions. Example 45: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 44, wherein the control circuit is configured to calculate at least one threshold based on, for example, processing corresponding data elements of historical data, calculating the running average of energy consumption per usage session and / or the current value of the duration of the usage session. Example 46: The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 45, wherein the control circuit is configured to calculate the current value of the average energy consumption per usage session and / or the duration of the usage session based on preceding or previous values ​​of the average energy consumption per usage session and / or the duration of the usage session, such that these values ​​are stored, for example, in the data storage or RAM of the aerosol generator. Example 47: The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 46, wherein the control circuit is configured to calculate at least one threshold based on calculating multiple run averages of the amount of energy consumed during a usage session, the energy consumption per usage session, and / or the duration of a usage session, wherein different run averages differ in terms of the number of usage sessions considered for a particular run average. Example 48: The control circuit is configured to calculate at least one threshold based on a first value of a first running average of the energy consumed per usage session and / or the duration of the usage session, based on a first number of previous usage sessions, and a second value of a second running average of the energy consumed per usage session and / or the duration of the usage session, based on a second number of previous usage sessions, wherein the first number of previous usage sessions is different from the second number of previous usage sessions, as described in any one of Examples 1a to 47. In particular, the first number of previous usage sessions may be smaller than the second number of previous usage sessions. Example 49: The aerosol generator according to Example 48, wherein the first number of previous usage sessions is smaller than the second number of previous usage sessions. Example 50: The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 49, wherein the control circuit is configured to determine the amount of energy used during a single pause in use based on historical data indicating the operation of the aerosol generator in pause mode, and to adjust at least one threshold based on the determined amount of energy. Example 51: At least one threshold indicates the threshold energy required to operate the aerosol generator during at least one pause in use that interrupts the use session, and / or An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 50, wherein at least one threshold is in the range of approximately 2 mAh to approximately 65 mAh. Example 52: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 51, wherein at least one threshold is received from a computing device or receiving device that can be communicatively connected to the aerosol generator. Example 53: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 52, wherein at least one threshold indicates the duration or time of a single usage session. Example 54: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 53, wherein at least one threshold indicates the duration or period of a single pause in use. Example 55: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 54, wherein at least one threshold indicates the average energy consumption per session of use. Example 56: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 55, wherein at least one threshold indicates the average energy consumption per usage pause that interrupts a usage session. Example 57: The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 56, wherein the control circuit is configured to calculate at least one threshold based on historical data and to store the calculated at least one threshold in the data storage of the aerosol generator. Example 58: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 57, wherein the control circuit is configured to acquire historical data from the aerosol generator's data storage and / or from an external data source, the historical data indicating one or more of the following: the number of use sessions in which the aerosol generator operated to generate aerosols; the number of use pauses in which the aerosol generator operated in a pause mode that interrupted one or more use sessions; the duration of one or more use sessions; the duration of one or more use pauses that interrupted one or more use sessions; energy consumption during one or more use sessions; energy consumption during one or more use pauses; total energy consumption; charging data related to charging the energy storage unit in one or more charging cycles; whether energy remained in the energy storage unit before recharging in one or more charging cycles; and energy consumption per use session. Example 59: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 58, wherein the control circuit is configured to determine the operating state of the energy storage unit based on historical data indicating the operation of the aerosol generator for generating aerosols. Example 60: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 59, wherein the control circuit is configured to calculate at least one threshold based on data received from a computing device or receiving device that can be communicably connected to the aerosol generator. Example 61: The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 60, wherein the control circuit is configured to calculate at least one threshold based on historical data related to one or more previous usage sessions. Example 62: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 61, wherein the control circuit is configured to calculate the average energy consumption of energy consumed during multiple usage sessions based on historical data indicating the operation of the aerosol generator for generating aerosols. Example 63: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 1a to 62, further comprising a heating element connected to an energy storage unit and configured to heat an aerosol generating article. Example 64: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 63, wherein the aerosol generator is connectable to an aerosol generating article containing at least one heating element, and the energy storage unit is configured to supply electrical energy to at least one heating element of the aerosol generating article to generate an aerosol. Example 64a: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1a to 63, wherein the aerosol contains nicotine. Example 65: Aerosol generation system, An aerosol generator described in any one of Examples 1a to 64a, An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating article that is connectable to or connected to an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from at least a portion of the aerosol generating article, in some cases based on heating at least a portion of the aerosol generating article. Example 65a: The aerosol generating system according to Example 65, wherein the aerosol generating article contains an aerosol generating substrate containing nicotine. Example 66: Use of an aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1a to 64a, or an aerosol generating system described in Example 65 or 65a, for generating an aerosol. Example 67a: A method for operating an aerosol generator, which includes an energy storage unit configured to supply electrical energy to a control circuit in an operable manner for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating article, Using a control circuit, the storage state of the energy storage unit is determined, which indicates the amount of electrical energy currently stored and / or available for storage in the energy storage unit. To evaluate the determined storage state with respect to at least one threshold associated with at least one device function of the aerosol generator, particularly associated with the heating of the aerosol generating article, A method comprising enabling or disabling at least one device function, for example, a main heating function and / or at least one auxiliary device function, based on an evaluation. Example 67b: A method for operating an aerosol generating device which includes an energy storage unit configured to supply electrical energy to a control circuit for generating aerosols from an aerosol generating article, Using a control circuit, the storage state of the energy storage unit is determined, which indicates at least one of the amount of electrical energy currently stored and the amount of electrical energy that can currently be stored in the energy storage unit. Evaluating the determined storage state with respect to at least one threshold, wherein at least one threshold correlates with the threshold energy required to perform the main heating function of the aerosol generator for heating an aerosol generating article to a predetermined heating temperature or higher in order to generate an aerosol during at least one usage session, and to perform at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generator that is different from the main heating function. A method comprising enabling or disabling, based on an evaluation, the main heating function and at least one of the functions of at least one auxiliary device.

[0218] Example 67C: A method for operating an aerosol generating device which includes an energy storage unit configured to supply electrical energy to a control circuit for generating aerosols from an aerosol generating article, Using a control circuit, the storage state, including the operating state of the energy storage unit, is determined, which indicates the amount of electrical energy currently available for storage in the energy storage unit. Evaluate the determined storage state with respect to at least one threshold associated with at least one device function of the aerosol generator, A method comprising enabling or disabling at least one device function based on an evaluation. Example 67d: A method for operating an aerosol generating device which includes an energy storage unit configured to supply electrical energy to a control circuit for generating aerosols from an aerosol generating article, Using a control circuit, the storage state of the energy storage unit is determined, which indicates at least one of the amount of electrical energy currently stored and the amount of electrical energy that can currently be stored in the energy storage unit. Evaluating the determined storage state with respect to at least one threshold associated with at least one device function of an aerosol generator, wherein at least one threshold is adjustable. A method comprising enabling or disabling at least one device function based on an evaluation. Example 67e: The method according to any one of Examples 67a to 67d, wherein the energy storage unit is configured to supply electrical energy to a heating element to heat an aerosol generating article that can be connected to an aerosol generating device. Example 67f: The method according to any one of Examples 67a to 67e, wherein the control circuit is operably connected to the energy storage unit. Example 67e: The method according to any one of Examples 67a to 67d, wherein the energy storage unit is configured to supply electrical energy to one or more aerosol generators in order to generate aerosols from at least a portion of an aerosol generating article that can be connected to an aerosol generator. Example 67f: The method according to any one of Examples 67a to 67e, wherein the energy storage unit is configured to supply electrical energy to at least one heating element to heat at least a portion of an aerosol generating article that can be connected to an aerosol generating device. Example 67g: The method according to any one of Examples 67a to 67f, wherein the control circuit is operably connected to the energy storage unit. Example 68: The method according to any one of Examples 67a to 67g, wherein determining the storage state includes determining at least one of the current energy level of the electrical energy stored in the energy storage unit and the operating state of the energy storage unit, which indicates the amount of electrical energy that can currently be stored in the energy storage unit. Example 69: The method according to any one of Examples 67a to 68, wherein evaluating the determined storage state includes comparing the determined storage state with at least one threshold. Example 70: The method according to any one of Examples 67a to 69, wherein at least one device function is sufficient to operate the aerosol generator during at least one use session to generate an inhalable aerosol, based on the evaluation that the current energy level of the electrical energy stored in the energy storage unit and / or that can be stored is sufficient to heat the aerosol generating article to a temperature above a predetermined heating temperature. Example 71: The method according to any one of Examples 67a to 70, further comprising enabling the main heating function when, based on an evaluation, it is determined that the current energy level of electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage is sufficient to perform the main heating function during at least one use session for generating an inhalable aerosol based on heating the aerosol generating article to a temperature above a predetermined heating temperature. Example 72: The method according to any one of Examples 67a to 71, further comprising enabling at least one device function when, based on an evaluation, it is determined that the current energy level of electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage unit is sufficient to complete the current use session and / or complete a predetermined number of use sessions in order to generate an inhalable aerosol based on heating an aerosol generating article to a temperature above a predetermined heating temperature. Example 73: The method according to any one of Examples 67a to 72, further comprising enabling at least one device function when, based on evaluation, it is determined that the current energy level of electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage unit is sufficient to operate the aerosol generator during at least one use pause in a pause mode that interrupts a use session. Example 74: The method according to any one of Examples 67a to 73, further comprising enabling at least one auxiliary device function when, based on an evaluation, it is determined that the current energy level of electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage is sufficient to perform at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generator. Example 75: The method according to any one of Examples 67a to 74, further comprising enabling at least one of the following: a main heating function of the aerosol generator for generating an aerosol in at least one use session, and at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generator, which is different from the main heating function and / or different from heating the aerosol generator during a use session, for generating an aerosol based on heating an aerosol generating article to a temperature above a predetermined heating temperature. Example 76: To generate aerosols, the aerosol generator is operated with reduced energy consumption during the session, Heating at least one heating element and / or aerosol generating article to a temperature below a heating temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol, Heating at least one heating element and / or aerosol generating article to a temperature above room temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol, and below the heating temperature, Heating at least one heating element and / or aerosol generating article to a temperature above room temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol, and below the heating temperature, for a predetermined period of time, Activating the user interface of the aerosol generator, To enable communication between the aerosol generator and a computing device or receiving device, the communication circuit of the aerosol generator is activated, Activating the sensor of the aerosol generator, The method according to any one of Examples 67a to 75, further comprising activating one or more auxiliary device functions, including activating a biometric sensor of an aerosol generator for user authentication. Example 77: The method of any one of Examples 67a to 76, comprising enabling a) the main heating function of the aerosol generator for at least one use session to generate an aerosol, and b) enabling at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generator, which is different from the main heating function of the aerosol generator, and further comprising enabling the main heating function of the aerosol generator and b) enabling at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generator, which is different from the main heating function of the aerosol generator, when, based on evaluation, it is determined that the current energy level of electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage unit is sufficient to perform the main heating function of the aerosol generator and at least one auxiliary device function, Example 78: The method according to any one of Examples 67a to 77, further comprising triggering a recharge of the energy storage unit based on an evaluation of the storage state determined with respect to at least one threshold. Example 79: The method according to any one of Examples 67a to 78, wherein determining the storage state comprises determining a current energy level of electrical energy stored in and / or storable in the energy storage unit relative to a current maximum capacity of the energy. Example 80: The method according to any one of Examples 67a to 79, further comprising determining an initial maximum capacity of the energy storage unit. Example 81: The method according to any one of Examples 67a to 80, further comprising determining whether the energy storage unit has been charged to a predetermined charging stage in a previous charging event. Example 82: The method according to any one of Examples 67a to 81, wherein determining the storage state comprises determining the service life of the energy storage. Example 83: The method according to any one of Examples 67a to 82, further comprising determining one or more of: a current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit, the current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit relative to the initial maximum capacity of the energy storage unit, the number of use sessions in which the aerosol generation apparatus has been used to generate aerosol, the operation time during which the aerosol generation apparatus has been operated to generate aerosol, charging data related to charging of the energy storage unit in one or more charging cycles, and the total energy consumption of the aerosol generation apparatus Example 84: The method according to any one of Examples 67a to 83, wherein determining the storage state comprises: determining a current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit that indicates the maximum amount of energy storable in the energy storage unit; and determining a current energy level or amount of electrical energy stored in the energy storage unit. Example 85: At least one threshold includes a first threshold for the current energy level or amount of energy available in the energy storage unit, and a second threshold for the current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit, which indicates the maximum amount of energy that can currently be stored in the energy storage unit. The determined current energy level is compared with the first threshold, The method according to any one of Examples 67a to 84, comprising comparing the determined current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit with a second threshold.

[0219] Example 86: The method according to any one of Examples 67a to 85, further comprising adjusting at least one threshold. Example 87: The method according to any one of Examples 67a to 86, further comprising adjusting at least one threshold based on historical data indicating past use of an aerosol generator and / or historical data indicating user consumption behavior. Example 88: The method according to any one of Examples 67a to 87, further comprising: calculating at least one threshold based on the operation of an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol, the amount of energy used in one or more use sessions, preferably historical data indicating one use session; and adjusting at least one threshold based on the determined amount of energy used in one or more use sessions, preferably one use session. Example 89: The method according to any one of Examples 67a to 88, further comprising: determining the maximum number of usage sessions available in a fully charged energy storage unit of an aerosol generator based on historical data indicating the operation of an aerosol generator for generating aerosols; and adjusting at least one threshold based on the determined maximum number of usage sessions. Example 90: The method according to any one of Examples 67a to 89, further comprising indicating to the user the determined maximum number of usage sessions based on controlling the user interface of the aerosol generator. Example 91: The method according to any one of Examples 67a to 90, further comprising enabling or facilitating the use of the aerosol generator for subsequent use sessions, regardless of the number of previous use sessions, provided that the aerosol generator has been used since the previous charging process. Example 92: The method according to any one of Examples 67a to 91, wherein at least one threshold is adjusted based on user input. Example 93: The method according to any one of Examples 67a to 92, further comprising calculating at least one threshold based on historical data collected from one or more past usage sessions. Example 94: The method according to any one of Examples 67a to 93, further comprising: determining the amount of energy used during one or more pauses, preferably one pause, based on historical data showing the operation of the aerosol generator in pause mode; and adjusting at least one threshold based on the determined amount of energy. Example 95: The method according to any one of Examples 67a to 94, further comprising receiving at least one threshold from a computing device or receiving device communicatively connected to an aerosol generator. Example 96: The method according to any one of Examples 67a to 95, further comprising calculating at least one threshold based on historical data and storing the calculated at least one threshold in the data storage of the aerosol generator. Example 97: The method according to any one of Examples 67a to 96, further comprising processing historical data indicating one or more of the following: the number of usage sessions in which the aerosol generator operated to generate aerosols, the number of usage pauses in which the aerosol generator operated interrupting one or more usage sessions, the duration of one or more usage sessions, the duration of one or more usage pauses interrupting one or more usage sessions, energy consumption during one or more usage sessions, energy consumption during one or more usage pauses, total energy consumption, charging data related to charging the energy storage unit in one or more charging cycles, and energy remaining in the energy storage unit before recharging in one or more charging cycles. Example 98: The method according to any one of Examples 67a to 97, further comprising determining the operating state of an energy storage unit based on historical data indicating the operation of an aerosol generator for generating aerosols. Example 99: The method according to any one of Examples 67a to 98, further comprising calculating at least one threshold based on data received from a computing device or receiving device communicatively connected to an aerosol generator. Example 100: The method according to any one of Examples 67a to 99, further comprising calculating at least one threshold based on historical data related to one or more previous usage sessions. Example 101: The method according to any one of Examples 67a to 100, further comprising calculating the average energy consumption of energy consumed during multiple usage sessions based on historical data showing the operation of an aerosol generator for generating aerosols. Example 101a: The method according to any one of Examples 67a to 101, wherein the aerosol contains nicotine. Example 101b: The method according to any one of Examples 67a to 110a, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises an aerosol-generating substrate comprising nicotine. Example 102: A computer program that, when executed by an aerosol-generating device or an aerosol-generating system, instructs the aerosol-generating device or system to perform the steps of the method according to any one of Examples 67a to 101b. Example 103: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing the computer program according to Example 102. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0220] Embodiments will now be further described with reference to the following drawings.

[0221] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating system, [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an exemplary charging profile for an energy storage portion of an aerosol-generating device, [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the change over time of the energy storage portion of an aerosol-generating device, [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows one or more methods of operating one or more aerosol-generating devices. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0222] These drawings are merely schematic and are not to scale. In principle, the same or similar parts, elements, and / or steps are designated with the same or similar reference numerals in the drawings.

[0223] Figure 1 shows an exemplary aerosol generator 100. The aerosol generator 100 in Figure 1 is shown exemplarily as part of an aerosol generation system 1000, which includes optional components such as an aerosol generating article 200, a companion device 300, a mobile device 400, and a computing device 500. Note that the aerosol generator 100 may operate as a standalone device 100 that does not include any of the optional components 200, 300, 400, or 500 of the system 1000.

[0224] The aerosol generator 100 includes one or more energy storage units 102 for storing electrical energy and / or providing electrical energy for generating aerosols. One or more energy storage units may be one or more batteries (e.g., lithium-ion batteries). If the energy storage unit 102 is a battery, the cathode material may include lithium cobalt oxide (LCO), lithium manganese oxide (LMO), lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC), lithium phosphate (LFP), and / or lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA). The anode material may include carbon (e.g., graphite), silicon, and / or lithium titanate (LTO).

[0225] The exemplary aerosol generator 100 shown in Figure 1 includes at least a portion of a heating circuit 104 having at least one heating element 106 for heating at least a portion of an aerosol generating article 200 that can be connected to the aerosol generator 100. Naturally, the heating circuit 104 and heating element 106 are optional. Alternatively or additionally, at least a portion or all of the heating circuit 104, heating device 104, and / or heating element 106 may be integrated or disposed within the aerosol generating article 200.

[0226] Furthermore, it should be noted that the heating element 106 shown in Figure 1 is for illustrative purposes only and is configured as an induction coil configured to inductively heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating article 200, for example, a susceptor material placed within the aerosol generating substrate 202 of the aerosol generating article 200. Alternatively or additionally, at least one heating element 106 may be configured for one or more of resistance heating and microwave heating.

[0227] Furthermore, it should be noted that the aerosol generating article 200, as having a rod-like or tubular shape and being at least partially insertable through the opening 105 of the housing 107 of the aerosol generating device 100, for example, into the heating chamber 109 of the aerosol generating device 100, is merely illustrative and not limited to the aerosol generating article 200. In other exemplary designs, the aerosol generating article 200 may be shaped as a container or cartridge that is fixedly integrated into the aerosol generating device 100 or can be connected to the device 100.

[0228] The aerosol generator 100 further comprises a control circuit 110 or device control circuit 110 operably connected to the energy storage unit 102. The control circuit 110 may include one or more processors 112 for data processing. The control circuit 110 may also include a microcontroller comprising a processor, memory, and input / output means.

[0229] Furthermore, the aerosol generator 100 and / or control circuit 110 may include, as described in more detail above and below in this specification, a data storage unit 114 for storing data such as, for example, the storage state of the energy storage unit, one or more thresholds associated with at least one device function, and / or historical data indicating one or more past usage sessions and / or pauses in use.

[0230] Alternatively or additionally, software instructions may be stored in data storage 114, which, when executed by control circuit 112, instruct the aerosol generator 100 to perform one or more functions of the device 100, as described above and below herein. The aerosol generator 100 optionally includes a user interface 120 for receiving one or more user inputs from a user, for example, for operating the aerosol generator 100 to generate aerosols. The user interface 120 is exemplified as buttons in Figure 1. Any other type of user interface 120, such as an acoustic interface, a haptic interface, a touch interface, a display, or an arrangement of one or more LEDs, may optionally be included in the aerosol generator 100, either alternatively or additionally.

[0231] Furthermore, the aerosol generator 100 may include a communication interface or circuit 130 for communicating with one or more of the components of the aerosol generating system 1000, particularly one or more of the companion device 300, mobile device 400, and computing device 500.

[0232] One or more communication interface types or communication protocols may be implemented in the aerosol generator 100 and its communication interface or circuit 130. In particular, the communication interface or circuit 130 may be configured for either or both wired and wireless communication with one or more of the computing device 500, mobile device 400, and companion device 300. For example, the communication interface 130 may be based on one or more of the following: BUS communication, cable communication, Bluetooth® communication, wireless local area network communication, infrared communication, short-range communication, Internet communication, or any other suitable type of communication or communication protocol.

[0233] The aerosol generator 100 may optionally be at least partially inserted into the companion device 300 for charging the energy storage unit 102 and / or for storing the aerosol generator 100. Charging may be based, for example, on inductive charging or via an electrical connection.

[0234] The aerosol generator 100 and / or control circuit 110 are configured to supply electrical energy to at least one heating element 106 to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating article 200.

[0235] Furthermore, the device control circuit 110 may be configured to determine the storage state of the energy storage unit, which indicates at least one of the amount of electrical energy currently stored and the amount of electrical energy that can currently be stored in the energy storage unit 102. Furthermore, the control circuit 110 may be configured to evaluate the determined storage state with respect to at least one threshold related to at least one device function of the aerosol generator 110, for example, related to heating the aerosol generating article. Furthermore, the control circuit 110 may be configured to enable or disable at least one device function of the aerosol generator 100 based on the evaluation.

[0236] Alternatively or additionally, the control circuit 110 may be configured to determine the storage state of the energy storage unit 102, which indicates at least one of the amount of electrical energy currently stored and the amount of electrical energy currently available for storage in the energy storage unit, and to evaluate the determined storage state with respect to at least one threshold, the at least one threshold, which correlates with the threshold energy required to perform the main heating function of the aerosol generator 100 for heating the aerosol generating article 200 to a predetermined heating temperature or higher in order to generate an aerosol in at least one usage session, and to perform at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generator 100 that is different from the main heating function. The control circuit 11 may further be configured to enable or disable at least one of the main heating function and at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generator 100 based on the evaluation.

[0237] Alternatively, or additionally, the control circuit 110 may be configured to determine a storage state, including the operating state of the energy storage 102 which indicates the amount of electrical energy currently available for storage in the energy storage unit, evaluate the determined storage state with respect to at least one threshold related to at least one device function of the aerosol generator 100, and enable or disable at least one device function of the aerosol generator 100 based on the evaluation.

[0238] Alternatively, or additionally, the control circuit 110 may determine the storage state of the energy storage unit, which indicates at least one of the amount of electrical energy currently stored and the amount of electrical energy that can currently be stored in the energy storage unit 102, and evaluate the determined storage state with respect to at least one threshold related to at least one device function of the aerosol generator 100, the threshold being configured to be adjustable. Furthermore, the control circuit 100 may be configured to enable or disable at least one device function of the aerosol generator 100 based on the evaluation.

[0239] The following describes and summarizes various exemplary designs and configurations of the aerosol generator 100. In one embodiment, the determined storage state includes at least one of the current energy level of the electrical energy stored in the energy storage unit and the operating state of the energy storage unit, which indicates the amount of electrical energy currently available for storage in the energy storage unit. For example, the control circuit 110 may compare the determined storage state with a threshold.

[0240] For example, at least one threshold may represent the threshold energy required to operate the aerosol generator 100 during at least one use session to generate an inhalable aerosol, based on heating the aerosol generating article 100 to a temperature above a predetermined heating temperature. Alternatively, or additionally, at least one threshold may represent the threshold energy required to perform the primary heating function of the aerosol generator 100 during at least one use session, the primary heating function including supplying electrical energy to at least one heating element 106 to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating article 200 to a temperature above a predetermined heating temperature to generate an aerosol.

[0241] For example, at least one threshold may indicate the threshold energy required to generate an inhalable aerosol and complete the current use session, based on heating the aerosol-generating article 200 to a temperature above a predetermined heating temperature.

[0242] Alternatively, or additionally, at least one threshold may represent the threshold energy required to operate the aerosol generator 100 during at least one pause in use in a pause mode that interrupts a use session.

[0243] Alternatively, or additionally, at least one threshold may represent the threshold energy required to perform at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generator. The auxiliary device function may be independent of or separate from aerosol generation, based on heating the aerosol generator during a usage session to heat the aerosol-generating article to a temperature above a predetermined heating temperature to generate an aerosol. Alternatively, or additionally, the auxiliary device function may be associated with a pause mode that interrupts the usage session.

[0244] Depending on the circumstances, the auxiliary device functions may include one or more of the following: operating the aerosol generator with reduced energy consumption for operation during a usage session to generate aerosols; heating at least one heating element and / or aerosol generating article to a temperature below a heating temperature sufficient to generate aerosols; heating at least one heating element and / or aerosol generating article to a temperature above room temperature and below a heating temperature sufficient to generate aerosols; heating at least one heating element and / or aerosol generating article for a predetermined period to a temperature above room temperature and below a heating temperature sufficient to generate aerosols; activating or deactivating the tactile control of the aerosol generator; operating the user interface of the aerosol generator; operating the communication circuit of the aerosol generator to connect the aerosol generator to a computing device or receiving device in a communicative manner; operating the sensors of the aerosol generator; and operating the biometric sensor of the aerosol generator for user authentication.

[0245] In one embodiment, at least one threshold correlates with a) a threshold energy required to perform the main heating function of the aerosol generator in at least one use session to generate an aerosol, and b) a threshold energy required to perform an auxiliary function of the aerosol generator that is different from the main heating function of the aerosol generator. The control circuit 110 may be configured to enable a) the main heating function of the aerosol generator in at least one use session to generate an aerosol, and b) at least one auxiliary function of the aerosol generator that is different from the main heating function of the aerosol generator, when, based on evaluation, it is determined that the current energy level of electrical energy stored and / or storable in the energy storage unit is sufficient to perform the main heating function and at least one auxiliary function of the aerosol generator.

[0246] In some cases, the control circuit 110 may be configured to trigger or request recharging of the energy storage unit 102 based on an evaluation of the storage state determined with respect to at least one threshold.

[0247] Furthermore, the control circuit 110 may be configured to determine the operating status of the energy storage unit 102. Optionally, at least one threshold may indicate the operating status of the threshold of the energy storage unit 102 and / or the number of years elapsed since the threshold was established.

[0248] Furthermore, the control circuit 110 may be configured to determine the operating state of the energy storage unit 102 based on determining one or more of the current maximum capacities of the energy storage unit 102, including the current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit 102 relative to the initial maximum capacity of the energy storage unit, the number of usage sessions in which the aerosol generator 100 was used to generate aerosols, the operating time in which the aerosol generator 100 operated to generate aerosols, charging data related to the charging of the energy storage unit 102 in one or more charging cycles, and the total energy consumption of the aerosol generator 100.

[0249] In yet another embodiment, the control circuit 110 may be configured to determine the current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit 102, which indicates the maximum amount of energy that can be stored in the energy storage unit 102 and the current energy level or amount of electrical energy currently stored in the energy storage unit 102.

[0250] Depending on the circumstances, the control circuit 110 may be configured to adjust at least one threshold based, for example, on one or more user inputs and / or on historical data indicating past use of the aerosol generator and / or on the user's consumption behavior.

[0251] The control circuit 110 may be configured to calculate the amount of energy used in a single use session based on historical data showing the operation of the aerosol generator for generating aerosols, and to adjust at least one threshold based on the determined amount of energy used in a single use session. For example, at least one threshold may represent the threshold energy required to operate the aerosol generator 100 during at least one use session to generate inhalable aerosols based on heating of the aerosol generating article, and at least one threshold may be less than about 95 mAh, preferably about 60 mAh to 85 mAh.

[0252] The control circuit 110 may be configured to determine the maximum number of usage sessions available in the fully charged energy storage unit 102 of the aerosol generator, based on historical data showing the operation of the aerosol generator 100 for generating aerosols, and to adjust at least one threshold based on the determined maximum number of usage sessions.

[0253] In some cases, the control circuit 110 may be configured to activate the user interface 120 to show the user the determined maximum number of sessions to be used.

[0254] Alternatively, or additionally, the control circuit 110 may be configured to determine the amount of energy used during a single pause based on historical data showing the operation of the aerosol generator 100 in pause mode, and to adjust at least one threshold based on the determined amount of energy. For example, at least one threshold may represent the threshold energy required to operate the aerosol generator 100 during at least one pause that interrupts a usage session, and at least one threshold may be in the range of about 2 mAh to about 65 mAh.

[0255] Continuing with reference to Figure 1 and the subsequent Figures 2 and 3, exemplary features of the exemplary aerosol generator 100 according to this disclosure are summarized, which can be implemented alone or in combination with any of the functions of the aerosol generator 100 described above. Figure 2 shows an exemplary charge profile of the energy storage unit 102 of the aerosol generator 100, and Figure 3 shows the change over time of the energy storage unit 102 of the aerosol generator 100.

[0256] The aerosol generator 100 includes an energy storage unit 102 and a control circuit 110, as described with reference to Figure 1. One of the device functions or auxiliary device functions of the aerosol generator 100 may be a pause mode, which allows the user to interrupt and resume an ongoing use session without substantial deterioration of the aerosol generating article 200, for example, due to condensation of vapor in the device 100 or article 200. As described in detail above, the device 100 may be switched by the user from an aerosol release mode, in which the heating element 106 may be heated to a predetermined heating temperature and put into pause mode, for example, based on activating the user interface 120. During pause or in pause mode, the temperature of the heating element 106 may be maintained at a temperature higher than room temperature and lower than a predetermined heating temperature.

[0257] The control circuit 110 of the device 100 may be configured to determine whether the device 100 should allow or enable the pause mode, based on an evaluation of the determined storage state of the energy storage unit 102, using at least one threshold associated with the pause mode or device function.

[0258] In general, the pause mode allows the user to pause between smoke inhalations during a usage session. The pause may range from, for example, a few seconds to a maximum of several minutes, for example, 8 or 10 minutes. During the usage pause, the temperatures of the substrate 202, article 200, and / or heating element 106 may be maintained at a specific level, for example, a second temperature level, as described above. When the pause mode is terminated by the user or otherwise terminated, the temperature rises to a predetermined heating temperature or first temperature level, allowing the user to continue the experience or usage session. Since energy is consumed during the pause mode, one or more requirements, criteria, or preconditions may be considered to ensure that the energy storage unit 102 has enough energy to complete the experience or usage session, and it is preferable that these be met for the activation of the pause mode. One or more of these requirements may be defined or included in at least one threshold evaluated using the storage state of the energy storage unit 102.

[0259] For example, at least one threshold indicating the current capacity of the energy storage unit 102 and / or at least one threshold indicating the operating state of the energy storage unit 102 are taken into consideration by the control circuit 110 and used to evaluate the storage state of the energy storage unit 102.

[0260] In particular, the capacity value of the energy storage unit 102, or the amount of electrical energy currently stored in the energy storage unit 102, may be, for example, at least 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, and 100% of the current maximum capacity. Preferably, the capacity value or amount of electrical energy currently stored in the energy storage unit 102 is at least 90%, 95%, and 100% of the current maximum capacity.

[0261] Alternatively, or additionally, the pause mode may be activated when it is determined that the energy storage unit 102 is fully charged.

[0262] In another embodiment, the control circuit 110 can determine whether a particular charge state was reached in a previous charge cycle. Figure 2 shows an exemplary charge profile of the energy storage unit 102 of the aerosol generator 100, where the charge voltage 150 and charge current 152 profiles are shown in terms of charge time in any unit versus any unit.

[0263] In non-limiting embodiments, at least one threshold may indicate a predetermined charging stage reached by the energy storage unit in a previous charging event, in particular the constant voltage stage indicated by reference numeral 155 in Figure 2. The constant voltage stage may be a charging voltage of 3.65V. Alternatively or additionally, one or more characteristics related to charging current and charging time may be considered by the control circuit 110 for evaluating the storage state and / or enabling or disabling the pause mode.

[0264] Alternatively, or additionally, the control circuit 110 may be configured to determine the storage state, including the operating state, or the storage state indicating the age of the energy storage unit 102. Generally, the current storage capacity of the energy storage unit 102 or the amount of energy currently stored in the energy storage unit 102 may decrease over time.

[0265] Figure 3 illustrates the change over time in the energy storage unit 102 of the aerosol generator 100. The fully filled energy storage unit 102 at the far left of Figure 3 may represent the initial capacity or storage capacity of the energy storage unit 102. As shown by the sequential diagram from left to right in Figure 3, the current storage capacity of the energy storage unit 102 decreases over time. This may mean that the energy storage unit 102 loses some of its ability to store energy, and / or that the amount of energy that can be stored in a fully charged energy storage unit decreases as time progresses.

[0266] The control circuit 110 may be configured to determine, based on determining one or more of the number of experiences, the operating status or age of the energy storage unit 102, total energy consumption, usage time and current maximum capacity, current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit, current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit relative to its initial maximum capacity, the number of usage sessions in which the aerosol generator was used to generate aerosols, the operating time in which the aerosol generator operated to generate aerosols, charging data related to the charging of the energy storage unit in one or more charging cycles, and the total energy consumption of the aerosol generator.

[0267] When one or more corresponding thresholds for one or more of the aforementioned quantities, pause mode, and / or are reached and / or exceeded, the pause mode and / or the main heating function may be disabled or blocked.

[0268] The current maximum capacity may be greater than at least 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, and 70% of the initial capacity of the energy storage unit 102. If the current maximum capacity falls to, for example, less than 50%, 55%, and 60% of the initial capacity, the pause mode and / or main heating function may not be permitted or enabled.

[0269] For example, the initial capacity of the energy storage unit 102 may be approximately 300 mAh. The current maximum capacity will be equal to the initial capacity. After repeated cycles (charging and discharging), the energy storage unit 102 will age, and the maximum capacity may decrease as shown in Figure 3. In this case, the capacity value may refer to the available capacity in the energy storage unit 102.

[0270] The availability of the pause mode can be determined or checked, for example, at the end of each charging event, or when the user extracts device 100 from companion device 300, at the start of the experience, and during the experience or usage session.

[0271] If the control circuit 110 determines that the pause mode can be activated or enabled, it may activate the user interface 120 to, for example, indicate or notify the user of the availability of the pause mode. For example, an LED may indicate the availability or non-availability of the pause mode. Alternatively or additionally, the availability of the pause mode may be indicated based on a change in the color of one or more LEDs or elements of the user interface 120.

[0272] In some cases, availability may be indicated in response to user input, for example, by pressing a button or activating the user interface 120.

[0273] The capacity of the energy storage unit 102 can be determined or checked at the end of a charging event or when the user removes the device 100 from the companion device 300.

[0274] The control circuit 110 may optionally simulate the fuel gauge of the aerosol generator 100 and / or call the fuel gauge or charging circuit of the device 100 to check the capacity of the energy storage unit 102 or the energy stored in the energy storage unit 102, and the current maximum capacity or storage capacity of the energy that can be stored in the energy storage unit 102. The control circuit 110 may compare the results from the fuel gauge to determine whether the pause mode should be allowed. When the user attempts to activate the pause mode (or when the user removes the device 100 from the companion device 300), the control circuit 110 may indicate or operate an indicator to notify whether the pause mode is allowed or enabled.

[0275] The indicator may be, for example, a visual indicator (e.g., an LED light), an audio indicator, a vibration or tactile indicator, a tactile indicator, or a combination thereof. In particular, a pause symbol having two parallel vertical bars, such as those used in media players, may be displayed on the user interface 120.

[0276] The operating status can be determined or checked at the end of charging or when the user removes the device 100 from the companion device 300. The control circuit 110 can request data storage to store data or historical data related to, for example, the initial capacity of the battery, the number of experience or usage sessions, total energy consumption, usage time, etc., as described above. The control circuit 110 can simulate or request a fuel gauge (of the device 100 relative to the current maximum capacity of the energy storage unit 102). The control circuit 110 may further estimate the operating status to determine whether the pause mode should be permitted. When the user attempts to activate the pause mode or when the user removes the device 100 from the companion device 300, the control circuit 110 can indicate or operate an indicator to notify whether the pause mode has been permitted or activated. The indicator may be, for example, a visual indicator (e.g., an LED light), an audio indicator, a vibration or tactile indicator, a tactile indicator, or a combination thereof. In particular, a pause symbol having two parallel vertical bars, such as those used in media players, may be shown on the user interface 120.

[0277] Alternatively, or additionally, an adjustable or variable threshold may be implemented in the aerosol generator 100, as illustrated below.

[0278] In a standard conventional device, a fixed threshold or current capacity of energy stored in the energy storage unit 102 is considered to determine whether a usage session or experience can be granted. Furthermore, only a fixed number of usage sessions, such as two, may be granted per fully charged energy storage unit 102. Therefore, the user may be notified by the control circuit 110 whether there is sufficient capacity based on the standard capacity value. If the remaining capacity in the energy storage unit is less than the standard capacity value, the device advises the user to recharge the device. For example, if the remaining capacity falls below the standard capacity value, e.g., 60mAh, the device should recharge until it reaches the standard energy value, e.g., 95mAh, and trigger a notification to the user, such as a light, to allow or permit an additional experience or usage session.

[0279] However, it was found that the energy required for each session or experience may vary from user to user, as the consumption time for each experience or session may differ. Most users consume a single experience for a shorter period, and the required capacity or energy is less than approximately 95mAh, for example, approximately 50-85mAh. Using an adjustable threshold to evaluate the storage state, such as the current capacity or energy stored in the energy storage unit 102, allows for flexible handling of different needs from different users. Alternatively, or additionally, the pause mode can be dynamically enabled or disabled based on the adjustable threshold.

[0280] Instead of relying on standard or fixed capacity values ​​such as 95mAh, threshold capacity values ​​and / or threshold energy values ​​can be used. The threshold capacity value or threshold energy value may be used to determine whether the device enables the next experience or usage session and / or pause mode. Whether the next experience or usage session is enabled may not depend on the number of credits, experiences, or usage sessions granted by the fully charged energy storage unit 102, or on the number of events since the last charge event.

[0281] The aerosol generator 100 includes, for example, a user interface 120 that functions as an indicator, a control circuit 110, and a fuel gauge that can be optionally connected to the energy storage unit 102.

[0282] A fuel gauge may be simulated and implemented in the control circuit 110. The control circuit 110 may be configured to measure the remaining capacity or energy stored in the energy storage unit 102. The control circuit 110 may be configured to compare the remaining capacity with a threshold energy value to check whether the remaining capacity can provide the threshold energy value. The control circuit 110 may convert capacity to energy or energy to capacity to determine whether the remaining capacity is sufficient for the next, e.g., N+1, experience or usage session, and may use an indicator or user interface 120 to show the result of whether the remaining capacity is sufficient for the next experience.

[0283] In this way, the user of the aerosol generator 100 can be alerted when there is only enough battery capacity left for the next experience or usage session. This allows the user to anticipate the need to recharge the energy storage unit 102 before it runs out, thereby eliminating the risk of running out of power when using the device 100.

[0284] Threshold capacitance values ​​or threshold energy values ​​can be obtained in various ways. For example, (a) the capacitance value may be fixed at 85 mAh, or 0.272 mWh may be used at a nominal voltage of 3.2 V, (b) the value may be entered by the user via an interactive platform using, for example, a computing device 500 or a mobile device 400, and / or (c) it may be calculated according to historical data collected in previous experiences and / or usage sessions.

[0285] If the remaining capacity or energy exceeds a threshold, for example, 85mAh or 0.272mWh, the control circuit 110 enables the next experience or usage session.

[0286] For example, an interactive platform, such as an app, may be provided to the user, allowing the user to view usage data and historical data, such as the length of each experience or usage session, and / or input the desired duration of an experience or usage session (e.g., 7 minutes). Either the interactive platform or the control circuit 110 of the device 100 may calculate a threshold capacitance value or a threshold energy value. In the former case, the threshold energy value and / or threshold capacitance value may be transmitted to the device 100.

[0287] Alternatively, or additionally, the aerosol generator 100 may collect historical data, such as energy consumption in each previous experience or use session, capacity consumption in each previous experience or use session, recharging, charging time, battery level, charger type, and others, and calculate, for example, at least one threshold that reflects the appropriate amount of energy or capacity required for a single experience or use session. In this case, the threshold energy value may be calculated as the average energy consumption and optionally as a standard deviation.

[0288] Alternatively, or additionally, the threshold energy value may be based on the energy consumed in one or more experience or use sessions. For example, this may be based on the first experience after the last fully charged session. It may also be based on two or more previous experience or use sessions. It may also be based on 16 to 20 or more previous experience or use sessions.

[0289] Alternatively, or additionally, the aerosol generator 10 may calculate a threshold volume value or appropriate volume amount required for a single experience or usage session. In this calculation, the threshold volume value may be calculated as the average volume consumption and, optionally, as the standard deviation.

[0290] The historical data may be stored in the data storage or memory of the aerosol generator 100, for example, in the form of a record of the energy consumed in a previous usage session and / or the capacity consumed in a previous usage session.

[0291] As described above, the device 100 allows the user to pause between smoke inhalation and smoke inhalation during a single experience or use session, and switches the device 100 to pause mode. During pause mode, energy or capacity may be consumed so that the aerosol generating article or article 200 can be held at a specific temperature above room temperature. The energy or capacity for the experience or use session and the energy or capacity for pausing may be stored separately in historical data.

[0292] For example, the control circuit 110 may calculate the average energy consumption as the average energy of a previous usage session, or the average energy for a previous usage session, and as the energy for pausing during the suspension of one or more uses. Alternatively or additionally, the average capacity consumption may be calculated as the average capacity of a previous usage session, or the average capacity for a previous usage session, and as the average capacity for pausing during the suspension of one or more uses.

[0293] In some cases, the calculated energy or capacity threshold may not depend on the charging event. Alternatively, or additionally, the energy or capacity threshold may depend on the charging event. For example, after fully charging the energy storage unit 102, the user may enjoy the first and second experiences or usage sessions. The user fully recharges the battery and enjoys the third experience. Whether the user can enjoy the fourth experience depends solely on the data from the third experience or usage session.

[0294] The control circuit 110 of the device 100 can determine whether the remaining capacity in the energy storage unit 102 is greater than a threshold energy value. In particular, the control circuit 110 can determine whether the next usage session can be granted at the end of usage session (N). The result can be used, for example, to notify the user whether they can be granted an N+1 experience or usage session using the user interface 120.

[0295] When energy is used for comparison, the control circuit 110 may, as described above, extract historical data from the memory or data storage of the device 100 and calculate threshold energy values ​​according to past experiences or usage sessions. The control circuit 110 may request or simulate a fuel gauge to determine the remaining capacity or energy stored in the energy storage unit 102. The control circuit 110 may, if applicable, convert energy values ​​to capacity values. Next, one or more of the current energy or capacity of the energy storage unit 102 can be compared to one or more corresponding thresholds to determine whether the next usage session and / or pause mode is acceptable. The result may be indicated by an indicator or user interface 120, for example, by means of a visual indicator (e.g., an LED light), an audio indicator, a vibration or tactile indicator, or a tactile indicator.

[0296] Alternatively, or additionally, the control circuit 110 may extract historical data from memory or data storage and calculate a threshold energy value according to past experiences or usage sessions, e.g., 16 to 20 experiences. The control circuit 110 may simulate or request a fuel gauge to determine the remaining capacity. Optionally, the threshold energy value may be converted to a threshold capacity value and compared with the remaining capacity to determine whether the next experience or usage session is permissible. The result may be indicated by an indicator or means of the user interface 120, e.g., a visual indicator (e.g., an LED light), an audio indicator, a vibration or tactile indicator, or a tactile indicator.

[0297] When capacity is used for comparison, the control circuit 110 may extract historical data from memory or data storage and calculate a threshold capacity value according to past experiences or usage sessions, e.g., 16 to 20 experiences. The control circuit 110 may simulate or request a fuel gauge to determine the remaining stored capacity or energy. The control circuit 110 may compare the threshold capacity value with the remaining capacity to determine whether to allow the next experience or usage session. The result may be indicated by an indicator or means of the user interface 120, e.g., a visual indicator (e.g., an LED light), an audio indicator, a vibration or tactile indicator, or a tactile indicator.

[0298] Figure 4 illustrates one or more methods for operating one or more aerosol generators, for example, the aerosol generator 100 described with reference to one or more of the figures above.

[0299] In step S1, the control circuit 110 determines the storage state of the energy storage unit 102, which indicates the amount of electrical energy currently stored and / or available for storage in the energy storage unit 102.

[0300] In step S2, the determined storage state is evaluated with respect to at least one threshold associated with at least one device function of the aerosol generator 100, in particular associated with the heating of the aerosol generating article 200.

[0301] Alternatively or additionally, step S2 may include evaluating a storage state determined with respect to at least one threshold, wherein the at least one threshold correlates with a threshold energy required to perform the primary heating function of the aerosol generator 100 in order to heat the aerosol generating article 200 to a predetermined heating temperature or higher in order to generate an aerosol in at least one use session, and correlates with a step to perform at least one auxiliary device function of the aerosol generator 100 that is different from the primary heating function.

[0302] Alternatively, or additionally, step S2 may include using the control circuit 110 to determine the storage state, including the operating state of the energy storage unit 102, which indicates the amount of electrical energy currently available for storage in the energy storage unit 102.

[0303] Alternatively, or additionally, step S2 may include evaluating the determined storage state with respect to at least one threshold associated with at least one device function of the aerosol generator 100, wherein the at least one threshold is adjustable.

[0304] In step S3, at least one device function of the aerosol generator 100, for example, the main heating function and / or at least one auxiliary device function, is enabled or disabled based on the evaluation.

[0305] Alternatively, or additionally, step S3 may include enabling or disabling at least one of the main heating function and at least one auxiliary device function based on an evaluation.

[0306] It should be noted that any one or more features, functions, and configurations of the aerosol generator 100 described herein can be implemented as any, supplementary, or alternative steps in the method shown in Figure 4.

[0307] 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 as being modified by the terms “about” or “substantially.” Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and any intermediate ranges therewith, which may or may not be specifically listed herein. Thus, in this context, number A is understood as A ± 20% of A. In this context, number A may be considered to include numbers within the normal standard error for the measured value of the changing characteristic. Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and any intermediate ranges therewith, which may or may not be specifically listed herein.

[0308] Although the present invention is illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the above description, such illustrations and descriptions are illustrative or representative and not limiting, and the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations of the disclosed embodiments can be understood and achieved by those skilled in the art and by practicing the present invention from a study of the drawings, disclosure and appended claims.

[0309] In the claims, the words “comprising” do not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite articles “a” or “an” do not exclude the plural. The mere fact that certain measures are enumerated in different dependent claims does not imply that combinations of these measures cannot be used advantageously. No reference numeral in the claims should be construed as limiting its scope.

Claims

1. Aerosol generator, Control circuit and An energy storage unit configured to supply electrical energy to the control circuit in order to generate aerosols from an aerosol generating article, The control circuit is equipped with, The storage state of the energy storage unit is determined, which indicates at least one of the amount of electrical energy currently stored in the energy storage unit and the amount of electrical energy that can be stored at the moment. The determined storage state is evaluated with respect to at least one adjustable threshold associated with at least one device function of the aerosol generator, Based on the above evaluation, enable or disable at least one device function, Based on historical data showing the operation of the aerosol generator for generating aerosols, the amount of energy used in one or more usage sessions is calculated. Based on the calculated amount of energy used in one or more of the aforementioned usage sessions, adjust the at least one threshold. An aerosol generator configured as follows.

2. The aerosol generator according to claim 1, wherein the control circuit is configured to adjust the at least one threshold based on historical data indicating past use of the aerosol generator.

3. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the control circuit is configured to calculate the amount of energy used in a single usage session and to adjust at least one threshold based on the calculated amount of energy used in a single usage session.

4. The aerosol generator according to claim 1, wherein the at least one threshold represents a threshold energy required to operate the aerosol generator during at least one use session in which an inhalable aerosol is generated based on heating the aerosol generating article to a predetermined heating temperature or higher.

5. The aerosol generator according to claim 1, wherein the control circuit is configured to determine the maximum number of usage sessions available in the fully charged energy storage unit of the aerosol generator based on historical data indicating the operation of the aerosol generator for generating aerosols, and to adjust the at least one threshold based on the determined maximum number of usage sessions.

6. The aerosol generator according to claim 5, wherein the control circuit is configured to show the user the determined maximum number of sessions to be used, based on controlling the user interface of the aerosol generator.

7. The aerosol generator according to claim 1, wherein the control circuit is configured to enable or permit the use of the aerosol generator for subsequent usage sessions, regardless of the number of previous usage sessions, and the aerosol generator has been in use since a previous charging process.

8. The at least one threshold is adjustable based on user input, and / or The aerosol generator according to claim 1, wherein the control circuit is configured to change or modify at least one threshold based on user input.

9. The aerosol generator according to claim 1, wherein the at least one threshold is adjustable based on user input indicating the number of usage sessions per charge cycle of the energy storage unit and / or the duration of a single usage session.

10. The aerosol generator according to claim 1, wherein the control circuit is configured to calculate the at least one threshold based on historical data collected in one or more past usage sessions.

11. The aerosol generator according to claim 1, wherein the control circuit is configured to determine the amount of energy used during a single pause based on historical data indicating the operation of the aerosol generator in pause mode, and to adjust the at least one threshold based on the determined amount of energy.

12. The aerosol generator according to claim 1, wherein the at least one threshold represents a threshold energy required to operate the aerosol generator during at least one pause that interrupts a usage session.

13. The aerosol generator according to claim 1, wherein the at least one threshold represents one or more of the following: the duration or length of a single usage session, the duration or length of a single usage pause, the average energy consumption per usage session, and the average energy consumption per usage pause that interrupts a usage session.

14. The aerosol generator according to claim 1, wherein the control circuit is configured to acquire historical data from and / or from an external data source, the historical data indicating one or more of the following: the number of use sessions in which the aerosol generator was operated to generate aerosols; the number of use pauses in which the aerosol generator was operated in a pause mode that interrupts one or more use sessions; the duration of one or more use sessions; the duration of one or more use pauses that interrupt one or more use sessions; the energy consumption during one or more use sessions; the energy consumption during one or more use pauses; the total energy consumption; charging data related to charging the energy storage unit in one or more charging cycles; the energy remaining in the energy storage unit before recharging in one or more charging cycles; and the energy consumption per use session.

15. Aerosol generation system, The aerosol generator according to claim 1, An aerosol generating article that is connectable to or connected to the aerosol generating device and generates an aerosol from at least a portion of the aerosol generating article, An aerosol generation system equipped with the following features.

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