Ownership validation method for aerosol provision system and aerosol provision system

The ownership validation method for aerosol provision systems uses wireless signals to verify ownership without Bluetooth pairing, addressing data security and user inconvenience issues.

WO2025215244A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2025-10-16NICOVENTURES TRADING LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/EP2025/060142
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-04-12
Filing Date
2025-04-11
Publication Date
2025-10-16

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Aerosol provision systems face data security issues and user inconvenience due to the need for continuous Bluetooth connections and pairing operations for ownership verification.

Method used

An ownership validation method that uses wireless signals carrying preset identification information to verify system ownership without Bluetooth pairing, allowing the system to monitor for the presence of an authorized external storage device within a preset range.

Benefits of technology

This method enhances data security and user convenience by eliminating the need for Bluetooth connections and pairing operations, enabling quick and secure ownership verification.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

There is provided an ownership validation method for an aerosol provision system and an aerosol provision system. The method comprises: in response to a trigger event, receiving at the aerosol provision system a wireless signal from an external storage device within a preset distance from the aerosol provision system, wherein the wireless signal contains preset identification information. If the preset identification information corresponds to preset validation pass information associated with the aerosol provision system, it is determined that the external storage device has ownership rights for the aerosol provision system.
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Description

[0001] OWNERSHIP VALIDATION METHOD FOR AEROSOL PROVISION SYSTEM AND AEROSOL PROVISION SYSTEM

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the field of aerosol provision technology, particularly to an ownership validation method for an aerosol provision system, an unlocking method for an aerosol provisions system and an aerosol provision system.

[0004] Background

[0005] In the e-cigarette industry, an aerosol provision system is configured to generate aerosols from aerosol generating substrates (e.g., substrate containing tobacco or tobacco leaf) for the user to puff. The aerosol provision system usually may be bound to the owner to restrict the use of the aerosol provision system by personnel other than the owner, such as preventing and prohibiting teenagers from smoking. Therefore, after the aerosol provision system is activated, its owner may be assigned an identifier, and the aerosol provision system will open the corresponding permissions after recognizing the identifier.

[0006] At present, aerosol provision systems may establish a connection with the owner's device through Bluetooth to recognize the identifier. However, the Bluetooth connection and recognition process typically requires the data channel to remain connected at all times and requires the opening of the device or system's operating permissions, which may cause data security issues. The recognition process may also require the user to perform pairing operations and repeatedly connect, which may bring inconvenience to the user.

[0007] Summary

[0008] In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an ownership validation method for an aerosol provision system and an aerosol provision system, for achieving the effect of verifying the ownership of the aerosol provision system without the user having to perform a Bluetooth connection operation.

[0009] In accordance with a first aspect, there is provided an ownership validation method for an aerosol provision system, and the method comprises the following steps: in response to a trigger event for ownership validation, obtaining a wireless signal from an external storage device within a preset range, wherein the wireless signal carries preset identification information. And if the preset identification information corresponds to the validation pass information preset for the system, determining that the external storage device has ownership of the system. The wireless signal may carry preset identification information through its name, and the method may comprise parsing the name of the obtained wireless signal to obtain the preset identification information.

[0010] The trigger event for ownership validation may comprise meeting a preset ownership validation condition, and / or an ownership validation request generated in response to a user’s operation.

[0011] The ownership validation request generated in response to the user’s operation may comprise an ownership validation request generated when the user and the system initiate a puffing session, and / or an ownership validation request generated by the user applying a preset operation to the interactive interface of the system.

[0012] The method may comprise prohibiting the response to the trigger event for ownership validation once detecting that the remaining power of the system is below a threshold.

[0013] The validation pass information may comprise the serial number of the system, and the preset identification information may be set and generated by the external storage device based on the serial number of the system.

[0014] In accordance with another aspect, an unlocking method for an aerosol provision system is provided. The system has a locked state and an unlocked state. When the system is configured in the locked state, a user cannot perform a preset operation. The method comprises the following steps: according to the ownership validation method as described in the first aspect, determining whether there exists an external storage device within a preset range that has ownership of the system, and if so, controlling the system to unlock or maintain the unlocked state.

[0015] The method may comprise controlling the system to enter the locked state once detecting the end of a puffing session with the system.

[0016] The method may comprise monitoring whether a user applies an operation to the system in the unlocked state. Optionally, if no operation is applied by the user, the system may be controlled to enter the locked state after a standby preset time.

[0017] In accordance with another aspect, an aerosol provision system is provided. The system comprises a housing for containing articles and a controller configured to execute the ownership validation method as described in the first aspect or the unlocking method as described in the second aspect.

[0018] The system may comprise a heating element, wherein the heating element may be configured to be allowed to activate and heat the articles when an external storage device with ownership of the system is detected within a preset range.

[0019] In accordance with a another aspect, a management system for an aerosol provision system is provided, the management system comprises an aerosol provision system as described in the third aspect and an external storage device, the external storage device is configured to broadcast a wireless signal, the wireless signal carries preset identification information.

[0020] The external storage device may be configured to generate preset identification information based on the obtained corresponding information of the system through application software, and to add the preset identification information to its own wireless signal for broadcasting.

[0021] In accordance with a another aspect, an electronic device is provided, the electronic device comprises a memory, one or more processors, and one or more applications, wherein the one or more applications are stored in the memory, and the one or more applications are configured such that when invoked by the one or more processors, the one or more processors execute the method as described in the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0022] In accordance with another aspect, a computer readable storage medium is provided, the computer readable storage medium stores multiple program codes, wherein the program codes are adapted to be loaded and executed by a processor to execute the method as described in the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0023] In accordance with another aspect, a method of validating ownership of an aerosol provision system is provided. The method comprises, in response to a trigger event, receiving at the aerosol provision system a wireless signal from an external storage device within a preset distance from the aerosol provision system, wherein the wireless signal contains preset identification information; and determining that the external storage device has ownership rights for the aerosol provision system if the preset identification information corresponds to preset validation pass information associated with the aerosol provision system.

[0024] The method may include one or more or all of the features described above or below.

[0025] In accordance with another aspect, a method of unlocking an aerosol provision system is provided. The aerosol provision system has a locked state and an unlocked state, wherein in the locked state the aerosol provision system is configured to prevent a user from performing a preset operation. The method comprises: determining, via the method of validating ownership described above (or below), whether an external storage device exists within a preset distance from the aerosol provision system that has ownership rights for the aerosol provision system; and if it is determined that there exists an external storage device within a preset distance from the aerosol provision system that has ownership rights for the aerosol provision system, arranging the aerosol provision system in the unlocked state or maintaining the aerosol provision system in the unlocked state.

[0026] The method may include one or more or all of the features described above or below.

[0027] In accordance with another aspect, an aerosol provision system is provided. The aerosol provision system comprises a housing for receiving at least a portion of one or more articles containing aerosol generating material and a controller. The controller is configured to: in response to a trigger event, receive a wireless signal from an external storage device within a preset distance from the aerosol provision system, wherein the wireless signal contains preset identification information; and determine that the external storage device has ownership rights for the aerosol provision system if the preset identification information corresponds to preset validation pass information associated with the aerosol provision system.

[0028] The aerosol provision system may include one or more or all of the features described above or below.

[0029] The aerosol provision system may be configured to perform one or more of the methods described above or below.

[0030] In accordance with another aspect, an aerosol provision system is provided. The aerosol provision system comprises: a housing for receiving at least a portion of one or more articles containing aerosol generating material and a controller, wherein the aerosol provision system has a locked state and an unlocked state, wherein in the locked state the aerosol provision system is configured to prevent a user from performing a preset operation. The controller is configured to: in response to a trigger event, receive a wireless signal from an external storage device within a preset distance from the aerosol provision system, wherein the wireless signal contains preset identification information, determine that the external storage device has ownership rights for the aerosol provision system if the preset identification information corresponds to preset validation pass information associated with the aerosol provision system, and if the external storage device is determined to have has ownership rights for the aerosol provision system, arrange the aerosol provision system in the unlocked state or maintain the aerosol provision system in the unlocked state.

[0031] The aerosol provision system may include one or more or all of the features described above or below.

[0032] The aerosol provision system may be configured to perform one or more of the methods described above or below.

[0033] In accordance with another aspect, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device, comprises a memory, one or more processors, and one or more applications, wherein the one or more applications are stored in the memory. The one or more applications are configured such that when invoked by the one or more processors, the one or more processors are caused to: in response to a trigger event, receive a wireless signal from an external storage device within a preset distance from an aerosol provision system, wherein the wireless signal contains preset identification information, and determine that the external storage device has ownership rights for the aerosol provision system if the preset identification information corresponds to preset validation pass information associated with the aerosol provision device.

[0034] The electronic device may include one or more or all of the features described above or below. The one or more applications may be configured such that when invoked by the one or more processors, the one or more processors are caused to execute one or more of the methods described above or below.

[0035] In accordance with another aspect, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device comprises a memory, one or more processors; and one or more applications, wherein the one or more applications are stored in the memory. The one or more applications are configured such that when invoked by the one or more processors, the one or more processors are caused to, in response to a trigger event, receive a wireless signal from an external storage device within a preset distance from an aerosol provision system, wherein the wireless signal contains preset identification information, determine that the external storage device has ownership rights for the aerosol provision system if the preset identification information corresponds to preset validation pass information associated with the aerosol provision system, and if the external storage device is determined to have ownership rights for the aerosol provision system, arrange the aerosol provision system in an unlocked state or maintain the aerosol provision system in the unlocked state, wherein in a locked state the aerosol provision system is configured to prevent a user from performing a preset operation.

[0036] The electronic device may include one or more or all of the features described above or below.

[0037] The one or more applications may be configured such that when invoked by the one or more processors, the one or more processors are caused to execute one or more of the methods described above or below.

[0038] In accordance with another aspect, a computer readable storage medium is provided. The computer readable storage medium is configured to store multiple program codes. The program codes are adapted to be loaded and executed by a processor to cause the processor to: in response to a trigger event, receive a wireless signal from an external storage device within a preset distance from an aerosol provision system, wherein the wireless signal contains preset identification information, and determine that the external storage device has ownership rights for the aerosol provision system if the preset identification information corresponds to preset validation pass information associated with the aerosol provision system.

[0039] The computer readable storage medium may include one or more or all of the features described above or below.

[0040] The program codes may be adapted such that when executed by a processor, the processor is caused to execute one or more of the methods described above or below.

[0041] In accordance with another aspect, a computer readable storage medium is provided. The computer readable storage medium is configured to store multiple program codes. The program codes are adapted to be loaded and executed by a processor to cause the processor to: in response to a trigger event, receive a wireless signal from an external storage device within a preset distance from an aerosol provision system, wherein the wireless signal contains preset identification information, determine that the external storage device has ownership rights for the aerosol provision system if the preset identification information corresponds to preset validation pass information associated with the aerosol provision system, and if the external storage device is determined to have ownership rights for the aerosol provision system, arrange the aerosol provision system in an unlocked state or maintain the aerosol provision system in the unlocked state, wherein in a locked state the aerosol provision system is configured to prevent a user from performing a preset operation.

[0042] The computer readable storage medium may include one or more or all of the features described above or below.

[0043] The program codes may be adapted such that when executed by a processor, the processor is caused to execute one or more of the methods described above or below.

[0044] The above one or more embodiments of the present application may have at least one or more beneficial effects as follows.

[0045] In embodiments, based on the preset identification information carried in the wireless signal of the external storage device, the aerosol provision system may directly verify whether the external storage device has ownership by monitoring the signal, without any Bluetooth pairing and connection operations, thus avoiding data security issues caused by the connection. Also, the user is not required to perform pairing operations, thus bringing more convenience to the user.

[0046] Additional aspects and advantages will be partially presented in the following description, some of which will become apparent from the following description.

[0047] Brief Description of Drawings

[0048] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the disclosed content will become easier to understand. It is easy for those skilled in the art to understand that these drawings are only for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of protection. In addition, similar numbers in the figure are used to represent similar components, where:

[0049] FIG.1 is a schematic diagram of validation between an aerosol provision system and an owner;

[0050] FIG.2 is a schematic diagram of validation of a long connection mode between an existing aerosol provision system and an owner;

[0051] FIG.3 is a schematic diagram of validation of a short connection mode between an existing aerosol provision system and an owner;

[0052] FIG.4 is a flow chart illustrating an ownership validation method for an aerosol provision system; FIG.5 is a flow chart illustrating another ownership validation method for an aerosol provision system; and

[0053] FIG.6 is a schematic diagram of a specific validation process for the ownership validation of an aerosol provision system.

[0054] Detailed Description

[0055] The following describes some embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that these embodiments are only for explaining the technical principles and are not intended to limit the scope of protection.

[0056] As used herein, the term “delivery system” is intended to encompass systems that deliver at least one substance to a user in use, and includes: combustible aerosol provision systems, such as cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, and tobacco for pipes or for roll-your-own or for make-your-own cigarettes (whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes or other smokable material); non-combustible aerosol provision systems that release compounds from an aerosol-generating material without combusting the aerosol-generating material, such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials; and aerosol-free delivery systems that deliver the at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, transdermally or in another way without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to, lozenges, gums, patches, articles comprising inhalable powders, and oral products such as oral tobacco which includes snus or moist snuff, wherein the at least one substance may or may not comprise nicotine.

[0057] According to the present disclosure, a “combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is combusted or burned during use in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0058] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a combustible aerosol provision system, such as a system selected from the group consisting of a cigarette, a cigarillo and a cigar.

[0059] In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to a component for use in a combustible aerosol provision system, such as a filter, a filter rod, a filter segment, a tobacco rod, a spill, an aerosol-modifying agent release component such as a capsule, a thread, or a bead, or a paper such as a plug wrap, a tipping paper or a cigarette paper. According to the present disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0060] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system.

[0061] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

[0062] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0063] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0064] Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non- combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device.

[0065] In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosolgenerating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

[0066] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a non-combustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may, for example, be an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energised so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or to a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source.

[0067] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol-modifying agent. In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol-modifying agent.

[0068] In some embodiments, the delivery system is an aerosol-free delivery system that delivers at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, transdermally or in another way without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to, lozenges, gums, patches, articles comprising inhalable powders, and oral products such as oral tobacco which includes snus or moist snuff, wherein the at least one substance may or may not comprise nicotine.

[0069] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may be an aerosolgenerating material or a material that is not intended to be aerosolised. As appropriate, either material may comprise one or more active constituents, one or more flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and / or one or more other functional materials.

[0070] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises an active substance. The active substance as used herein may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may for example be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics, psychoactives. The active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active substance may comprise for example nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, cannabis or another botanical.

[0071] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B12.

[0072] As noted herein, the active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes.

[0073] As noted herein, the active substance may comprise or be derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof. As used herein, the term "botanical" includes any material derived from plants including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibres, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husk, shells or the like. Alternatively, the material may comprise an active compound naturally existing in a botanical, obtained synthetically. The material may be in the form of liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, shreds, strips, sheets, or the like.

[0074] Example botanicals are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, licorice (liquorice), matcha, mate, orange skin, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed (anise), basil, bay leaves, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, Wintergreen, beefsteak plant, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab or any combination thereof. The mint may be chosen from the following mint varieties: Mentha Arventis, Mentha c.v., Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata c.v., Mentha piperita c.v, Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cardifolia, Memtha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata c.v. and Mentha suaveolens.

[0075] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is tobacco. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and hemp.

[0076] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from rooibos and fennel.

[0077] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises a flavour. As used herein, the terms "flavour" and "flavourant" refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensorial sensation in a product for adult consumers. They may include naturally occurring flavour materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice (liquorice), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed (anise), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herb, Wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, piment, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, mate, orange skin, rose, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, beefsteak plant, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavour enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, liquid such as an oil, solid such as a powder, or gas.

[0078] In some embodiments, the flavour comprises menthol, spearmint and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and / or redberry. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from cannabis.

[0079] In some embodiments, the flavour may comprise a sensate, which is intended to achieve a somatosensorial sensation which are usually chemically induced and perceived by the stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or in place of aroma or taste nerves, and these may include agents providing heating, cooling, tingling, numbing effect. A suitable heat effect agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether and a suitable cooling agent may be, but not limited to eucolyptol, WS-3.

[0080] Aerosol-generating material is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain an active substance and / or flavourants. In some embodiments, the aerosolgenerating material may comprise an “amorphous solid”, which may alternatively be referred to as a “monolithic solid” (i.e. non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may for example comprise from about 50wt%, 60wt% or 70wt% of amorphous solid, to about 90wt%, 95wt% or 100wt% of amorphous solid.

[0081] The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and / or flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional material. The aerosol-former material may comprise one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-former material may comprise one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1 ,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-Erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, a diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0082] The one or more other functional materials may comprise one or more of pH regulators, colouring agents, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and / or antioxidants.

[0083] The material may be present on or in a support, to form a substrate. The support may, for example, be or comprise paper, card, paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted material, a plastics material, a ceramic material, a composite material, glass, a metal, or a metal alloy. In some embodiments, the support comprises a susceptor. In some embodiments, the susceptor is embedded within the material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one or either side of the material.

[0084] A consumable is an article comprising or consisting of aerosol-generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. A consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol-modifying agent. A consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate aerosol in use. The heater may, for example, comprise combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

[0085] A susceptor is a material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically- conductive material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be magnetic material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both electrically-conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms. The device that is configured to generate the varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator, herein.

[0086] An aerosol-modifying agent is a substance, typically located downstream of the aerosol generation area, that is configured to modify the aerosol generated, for example by changing the taste, flavour, acidity or another characteristic of the aerosol. The aerosol-modifying agent may be provided in an aerosol-modifying agent release component, that is operable to selectively release the aerosol-modifying agent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be an additive or a sorbent. The aerosolmodifying agent may, for example, comprise one or more of a flavourant, a colourant, water, and a carbon adsorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be a solid, a liquid, or a gel. The aerosol-modifying agent may be in powder, thread or granule form. The aerosol-modifying agent may be free from filtration material.

[0087] An aerosol generator is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

[0088] The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery systems (which may also be referred to as vapour delivery systems) such as nebulisers or e-cigarettes. Throughout the following description the term "e-cigarette" or "electronic cigarette" may sometimes be used, but it will be appreciated this term may be used interchangeably with aerosol delivery system I device and electronic aerosol delivery system I device. Furthermore, and as is common in the technical field, the terms "aerosol" and "vapour", and related terms such as "vaporise", "volatilise" and "aerosolise", may generally be used interchangeably.

[0089] Aerosol delivery systems (e-cigarettes) often, though not always, comprise a modular assembly comprising a reusable device part and a replaceable (disposable / consumable) cartridge part. Often, the replaceable cartridge part will comprise the aerosol-generating material and the vaporiser (which may collectively be called a “cartomizer”) and the reusable device part will comprise the power provision (e.g. rechargeable power source) and control circuitry. It will be appreciated these different parts may comprise further elements depending on functionality. For example, the reusable device part will often comprise a user interface for receiving user input and displaying operating status characteristics, and the replaceable cartridge device part in some cases comprises a temperature sensor for helping to control temperature. Cartridges are electrically and mechanically coupled to the control unit for use, for example using a screw thread, bayonet, or magnetic coupling with appropriately arranged electrical contacts. When the aerosol-generating material in a cartridge is exhausted, or the user wishes to switch to a different cartridge having a different aerosol- generating material, the cartridge may be removed from the reusable part and a replacement cartridge attached in its place. Systems and devices conforming to this type of two-part modular configuration may generally be referred to as two-part systems / devices.

[0090] It is common for electronic cigarettes to have a generally elongate shape. For the sake of providing a concrete example, certain embodiments of the disclosure will be taken to comprise this kind of generally elongate two-part system employing disposable cartridges. However, it will be appreciated that the underlying principles described herein may equally be adopted for different configurations, for example single-part systems or modular systems comprising more than two parts, refillable devices and single-use disposables, as well as other overall shapes, for example based on so-called box-mod high performance devices that typically have a boxier shape. More generally, it will be appreciated certain embodiments of the disclosure are based on aerosol delivery systems which are operationally configured to provide functionality in accordance with the principles described herein and the constructional aspects of systems configured to provide the functionality in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure is not of primary significance.

[0091] With reference to FIG 1 , an aerosol provision system 200 may be bound to an owner 100. Usually, an external storage device of a user (such as mobile phones, etc.) may be considered to be the owner 100 to be bound to the aerosol provision system 200. As shown in FIG 1 , the aerosol provision system 200 may identify and check the ownership of the owner 100 during use. If the identification cannot be made or the validation is incorrect, the aerosol provision system 200 is automatically locked to prevent anyone from using it.

[0092] An example aerosol provision system may be configured to verify ownership of the owner 100 through a Bluetooth connection, which includes but is not limited to verifying the usage rights, operation rights, control rights, and other permissions. A Bluetooth connection validation method may adopt one or more methods. An example of which may be a long connection method as shown in FIG. 2, in which the aerosol provision system 200 may maintain a Bluetooth connection with the external storage device to verify whether the external storage device owns the aerosol provision system 200. By “owns” it is meant that the external storage device has the necessary permissions to trigger or maintain operation of the aerosol provision system. In this example, once the connection is disconnected (e.g. terminated), the aerosol provision system 200 is locked until the connection is restored. In another example, a short connection method may be adopted, as shown in FIG. 3, in which the aerosol provision system 200 is equipped with a timer. When a certain time period is exceeded, the aerosol provision system 200 broadcasts a signal via Bluetooth. After receiving the signal, the nearby external storage device may write a preset value to the aerosol provision system 200 and may disconnect from the aerosol provision system 200. The aerosol provision system 200 may determine whether to lock, unlock or maintain an unlocked state according to the written preset value. During the Bluetooth connection validation method, the aerosol provision system 200 establishes a connection channel with the external storage device, which can pose a risk of hacker intrusion. The data and related permissions cannot be guaranteed to be safe, and the user may be required to perform multiple operations to pair and connect the aerosol provision system 200 during use. In the above-mentioned short connection method, the user may need to write the corresponding preset value multiple times, which brings many inconveniences to the user. Based on this, an ownership validation method for an aerosol provision system is provided, which can verify the ownership of aerosol provision systems 200 without the need for users to perform Bluetooth connection operations, thereby improving the security of data and enhancing the convenience of users using the aerosol provision system.

[0093] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of the steps of an ownership validation method for an aerosol provision system according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, an ownership validation method for an aerosol provision system according to an embodiment comprises the following steps S101 to S102.

[0094] In step S101 , in response to a trigger event for ownership validation, a wireless signal from an external storage device is obtained (e.g. received) within a preset range (i.e. within a preset distance from the device or proximity to the device), wherein the wireless signal contains preset identification information.

[0095] In an embodiment, when the aerosol provision system needs to verify the ownership of its owner (i.e. whether the owner has access / use rights necessary to use the aerosol provision system or cause the aerosol provision system to function), it may receive the wireless signal of the external storage device within a preset range. Since the owner's wireless signal contains (e.g. directly carries) preset identification information, the preset identification information may be obtained when the signal is scanned without the need for signal connection. In this embodiment, the method of including the preset identification information in the wireless signal comprises directly setting the preset identification information in the name of the wireless signal (e.g. an identifier or address). When the aerosol provision system receives the signal, it may parse the preset identification information from the name. The wireless signal may be a Bluetooth signal or a WIFI signal without specific limitation. In an embodiment, the trigger event for ownership validation may comprise meeting a preset ownership validation condition. For example, setting the owner's ownership to be verified every 3 minutes, or verifying the owner's ownership once 3 minutes after the user has not operated the aerosol provision system, and other validation events initiated after meeting the preset conditions. By setting the preset conditions, the aerosol provision system may automatically perform ownership validation without any user operation.

[0096] In an embodiment, the trigger event for ownership validation may also comprise an ownership validation request generated in response to a user’s operation. For example, when the user initiates a puffing session (i.e. causes the system to initiate a puffing session), the aerosol provision system initiates ownership validation. In another example, the user applies a preset operation to the interactive interface of the aerosol provision system to generate an ownership validation request, etc. The validation request behaviour initiated by the user's active control does not need to be connected and verified all the time. This can save power of the aerosol provision system. In addition, there is no need to connect a device, and the validation is convenient and fast. In terms of validation, the aerosol provision system may determine whether to initiate validation. Furthermore, multiple ownership trigger events may exist and be set simultaneously to meet the ownership validation under various conditions and facilitate user use.

[0097] In an embodiment, the trigger event for ownership validation may be restricted based on the power level of the aerosol provision system. For example, when the remaining power of the aerosol provision system is detected to be lower than a threshold, responding to the trigger event for ownership validation is prohibited, and the user is prompted that the power level is low or the aerosol provision system is locked. This can effectively manage the power supply of the aerosol provision system and improve its service life.

[0098] In step S102, if the preset identification information corresponds to validation pass information preset for the system, it is determined that the external storage device has ownership of the system.

[0099] In an embodiment, the preset identification information may include but is not limited to information generated based on the serial number of the aerosol provision system. For example, the external storage device generates a flag bit as a wireless signal flag bit by inputting the serial number of the aerosol provision system and obtaining a character string encrypted by a key, which is set in the name of the wireless signal. The aerosol provision system performs signal scanning to receive the flag bit, i.e., the preset identification information. In this embodiment, there is no restriction on the method of obtaining the serial number, which can be obtained through the device website, the cloud, and the device QR code, etc.

[0100] In an embodiment, the aerosol provision system parses and verifies the obtained preset identification information. If the preset identification information confirms the legality of the aerosol provision system, the external storage device has ownership of the aerosol provision system and the ownership validation is complete. Through this validation method, it is possible to monitor and detect whether the owner is nearby. This process does not require any signal connection process and is safe and convenient.

[0101] Based on the above steps S101- S102, in embodiments, based on the preset identification information contained in the wireless signal of the external storage device, the aerosol provision system may directly verify whether the external storage device has ownership of the aerosol provision device by monitoring for the signal without any Bluetooth pairing and connection operations, thus avoiding data security issues caused by the connection. Also, the user is not required to perform pairing operations, which brings more convenience to the user.

[0102] Furthermore, referring to FIG. 5, a schematic flow chart of the main steps of ownership validation method of an aerosol provision system according to an embodiment is provided. As shown in FIG. 5, an ownership validation method for an aerosol provision system according to an embodiment may comprise the following steps S201 to S202.

[0103] In step S201 , the external storage device obtains aerosol provision system information to generate preset identification information.

[0104] In step S202, the external storage device sets the preset identification information in a wireless signal and broadcasts the wireless signal.

[0105] In step S203, in response to a trigger event for ownership validation, the aerosol provision system receives a wireless signal of the external storage device within a preset range (i.e. within a preset distance or proximity).

[0106] In step S204, the aerosol provision system verifies the received wireless signal. If the preset identification information corresponds to validation pass information preset for the aerosol provision system, it is determined that the external storage device has ownership of the aerosol provision system.

[0107] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, a method of ownership validation using a serial number of an aerosol provision system device is shown, which specifically comprises the following steps:

[0108] The external storage device (e.g., a mobile phone) obtains the serial number corresponding to the aerosol provision system 200, and performs encryption processing to obtain preset identification information. For example, the device serial number may be obtained from a server of the aerosol provision system 200, or the cloud 400, etc. The external storage device sets the preset identification information in a Bluetooth signal and broadcasts the Bluetooth signal.

[0109] When the user starts to use the aerosol provision system 200, the aerosol provision system 200 scans and detects the Bluetooth signal broadcast within a preset range (i.e. within a preset distance or proximity), and receives the preset identification information from the Bluetooth signal.

[0110] If the aerosol provision system 200 can decrypt the preset identification information to the corresponding serial number through the device key, the external storage system can be determined to be the owner and has ownership.

[0111] Based on the above steps, in embodiments, based on the preset identification information contained in the wireless signal of the external storage device, the aerosol provision system may directly verify whether the external storage device has ownership by monitoring the signal without any Bluetooth pairing and connection operations, thus avoiding data security issues caused by the connection. Also, the user is not required to perform pairing operations, which brings more convenience to the user. The specific implementation of the ownership validation method for an aerosol provision system is described in steps S101-102, and repetition will not be repeated.

[0112] Furthermore, an unlocking method for an aerosol provision system is provided. The system has a locked state and an unlocked state, and while the system is configured in the locked state, a user cannot perform a preset operation. The method may comprise the following steps: by the ownership validation method as described above, determining whether there exists an external storage device within a preset range (i.e. within a preset distance or proximity) that has ownership of the system, and if so, unlocking the system or maintaining the system in the unlocked state.

[0113] In one embodiment, once the end of a puffing session is detected by the system, the aerosol provision system enters the locked state to prevent non-owners from using the aerosol provision system. When the aerosol provision system needs to be used, it is verified and unlocked by the ownership validation method mentioned above.

[0114] In one embodiment, the aerosol provision system monitors whether the user applies an operation when it is in the unlocked state. If no operation is applied by the user, the aerosol provision system enters the locked state after a preset time. For example, the aerosol provision system detects that the user has applied no puffing behaviour, and then locks after waiting for 60 seconds. The gradual locking method is convenient for the user to puff and use, and there is no need to verify multiple times during puffing intervals. If the aerosol provision system initiates ownership validation in the unlocked state, the unlocked state will remain unchanged if ownership exists. Based on the above unlocking method steps, the example embodiments perform unlocking and locking operations on the aerosol provision system using the ownership validation method as in steps S101-S102, which is more convenient for users, effectively prevents non-owners from using the aerosol provision system, and increases the safety of the aerosol provision system. The specific principles and effects of an aerosol provision system ownership validation method are described in steps S101-102, and will not be repeated.

[0115] It should be pointed out that although the above embodiments describe each step in a specific order, those of ordinary skill in the art can understand that the different steps do not necessarily have to be executed in this order. They can be executed simultaneously (in parallel) or in other orders, and these changes are within the scope of protection.

[0116] Furthermore, an aerosol provision system is provided, and the aerosol provision system may comprise a housing for containing the product (e.g. an article comprising aerosol generating material) and a controller. The controller is configured to execute the ownership validation method as described above or the unlocking method as described above.

[0117] In an embodiment, the aerosol provision system comprises a heating element, wherein the heating element is configured to activate and heat one or more articles when an external storage device with ownership of the system is detected within a preset range (i.e. within a preset distance or proximity). That is, the aerosol provision system may only be activated for heating when the owner is around the aerosol provision system, which effectively prevents non-owners or teenagers from using it. The specific ownership validation method or the unlocking method is described in the above steps and principles, and will not be repeated.

[0118] Furthermore, a management system for an aerosol provision system is provided. The management system comprises the aerosol provision system as described above and an external storage device, wherein the external storage device is configured to broadcast a wireless signal, and the wireless signal contains preset identification information.

[0119] In an embodiment, the external storage device may be any device that has the function of storing and broadcasting wireless signals, such as a mobile phone, a tablet, etc. Furthermore, the external storage device may be used as a geographic fence, such as a router, etc., which is set up in a certain area to broadcast signals in the certain area. If the aerosol provision system leaves this area and cannot detect the signal, it will not be activated or unlocked. In an embodiment, the external storage device is configured to generate preset identification information based on the obtained corresponding information of the aerosol provision system through application software, and to add the preset identification information to the wireless signal for broadcasting. That is, the preset identification information may be configured for the wireless signal of the external storage device through the application software to enable signal broadcasting within a certain range (i.e. distance or proximity), so that the aerosol provision system can receive the identification information in the wireless signal.

[0120] Furthermore, an electronic device is also provided. The electronic device comprises a memory, one or more processors, and one or more applications. Wherein the one or more applications are stored in the memory, and the one or more applications are configured such that when invoked by the one or more processors, the one or more processors execute the method described in any of the embodiments above.

[0121] The electronic device, in an embodiment comprises a memory and a processor. The memory may be configured to store a program for executing the ownership validation method or the unlocking method of the above method embodiment, and the processor may be configured to execute the program in the memory, which includes but is not limited to the program for executing the ownership validation method or the unlocking method of the above method embodiment. For ease of explanation, only the parts related to the embodiment are shown. For specific technical details not disclosed, please refer to the method part of the embodiment.

[0122] In an embodiment, the electronic device may be a control device including various electronic components. In some possible implementations, the electronic device may comprise multiple storage devices and multiple processors. The program for executing the ownership validation method or the unlocking method of the above method embodiment may be divided into multiple subprograms, each of which may be loaded and run by a processor to execute different steps of the ownership validation method or the unlocking method of the above method embodiment. Specifically, each subprogram may be stored in different memories, respectively, and each processor may be configured to execute programs in one or more memories to jointly implement the ownership validation method or the unlocking method of the above method embodiment. That is, each processor executes different steps of the ownership validation method or the unlocking method of the above method embodiment, respectively, to jointly implement the ownership validation method or the unlocking method of the above method embodiment.

[0123] The above-mentioned electronic devices are used to execute the embodiment of the ownership validation method shown in FIG 4. The technical principles, technical problems solved and technical effects produced by the two are similar. Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that for the convenience and conciseness of description, the specific working process and related instructions of the electronic device can refer to the contents described in the embodiment of the ownership validation method, which will not be repeated here.

[0124] It is understood by those skilled in the art that all or part of the process in the method for implementing the above embodiment can also be completed by instructing the relevant hardware through a computer program. The computer program can be stored in a computer readable storage medium, and when executed by a processor, it can implement the steps of the above-mentioned various method embodiments. Among them, the computer program comprises computer program code, and the computer program code can be in source code form, object code form, executable file or some intermediate form. The computer readable storage medium may comprise any entity or device, medium, USB flash drive, portable hard disk, magnetic disk, optical disk, computer memory, read-only memory, random access memory, electric carrier signal, telecommunication signal and software distribution medium that can carry the computer program code. It should be noted that the content contained in the computer readable storage medium can be appropriately added or removed according to the requirements of legislation and patent practice in the jurisdiction. For example, in some jurisdictions, according to legislation and patent practice, computer readable storage media do not include electric carrier signals and telecommunication signals.

[0125] Furthermore, a computer readable storage medium is also provided. In a computer readable storage medium embodiment, the computer readable storage medium can be configured to store a program for executing the ownership validation method or the unlocking method of the above-mentioned method embodiment, and the program can be loaded and run by the processor to implement the above-mentioned ownership validation method or the unlocking method. For ease of explanation, only the parts related to the embodiments. For specific technical details not disclosed, please refer to the method part of the embodiments. The computer readable storage medium may be a storage device formed by various electronic devices. Optionally, the computer readable storage medium in the embodiment is a non-transitory computer readable storage medium.

[0126] Furthermore, it should be understood that since the setting of each module is only for illustrating the functional modules of the device, the physical devices corresponding to these modules may be the processor itself, or a part of the software in the processor, a part of the hardware, or a part of the combination of software and hardware. Therefore, the number of the modules in the figure is only illustrative. It can be understood by those skilled in the art that the modules in the system can be adaptively split or merged. Such splitting or merging of specific modules will not cause the technical solution to deviate. Therefore, the technical solutions after splitting or merging will fall within the protection scope.

[0127] It should be understood that each part may be implemented by hardware, software, firmware or combinations thereof. In the above implementations, multiple steps or methods may be implemented with software or firmware stored in memory and executed by an appropriate instruction execution system. For example, if it is implemented by hardware, as in another implementation, it can be implemented by any one of the following technologies known in the art or combinations thereof: discrete logic circuits with logic gate circuits for implementing logic functions for data signal, special integrated circuits with appropriate combined logic gate circuits, programmable gate arrays (PGAs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc.

[0128] The referential terminology "an embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples" means that specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment or example are comprised in at least one embodiment or example. The indicative expression of the above-mentioned terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the described specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable way in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0129] Moreover, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used merely for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, the characteristics defined as "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly comprise at least one such characteristic. The term "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0130] Unless explicitly defined and limited, terms such as "mounting," "connecting," "connection," "fixing," etc., should be understood broadly. For instance, the connection can be a fixed connection or a detachable connection, or integrated; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediary medium, it can be the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless explicitly defined otherwise. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meanings of these terms in the context of the application based on the circumstances.

[0131] Although the embodiments have been shown and described above, it should be understood that the above-described embodiments are exemplary and should not be considered as limiting. Those skilled in the art within the scope of the application can make variations, modifications, replacements, and variations to the above-described embodiments.

Claims

Claims1. A method of validating ownership of an aerosol provision system, the method comprising: in response to a trigger event, receiving at the aerosol provision system a wireless signal from an external storage device within a preset distance from the aerosol provision system, wherein the wireless signal contains preset identification information; and determining that the external storage device has ownership rights for the aerosol provision system if the preset identification information corresponds to preset validation pass information associated with the aerosol provision system.

2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the wireless signal comprises a name, and wherein the preset identification information is contained in the name; the method comprising: parsing the name of the wireless signal to obtain the preset identification information.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the trigger event comprises: an ownership validation request generated in response to a user operation.

4. The method according to claim 1 , 2 or 3, wherein the trigger event comprises: meeting a preset ownership validation condition.

5. The method according to claim 3, wherein the user operation comprises: the user initiating a puffing session; and / or the user applying a preset operation to an interactive interface of the aerosol provision system.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising: determining a remaining power of the aerosol provision system; and if the remaining power of the aerosol provision system is below a threshold, prohibiting a response to the trigger event.

7. The method according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein, the preset validation pass information comprises a serial number of the aerosol provision system; and the preset identification information is generated by the external storage device based on the serial number of the aerosol provision system.

8. A method of unlocking an aerosol provision system, wherein the aerosol provision system has a locked state and an unlocked state, wherein in the locked state the aerosol provision system is configured to prevent a user from performing a preset operation, the method comprising: determining, via the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, whether an external storage device exists within a preset distance from the aerosol provision system that has ownership rights for the aerosol provision system; and if it is determined that there exists an external storage device within a preset distance from the aerosol provision system that has ownership rights for the aerosol provision system, arranging the aerosol provision system in the unlocked state or maintaining the aerosol provision system in the unlocked state.

9. The method according to claim 8, comprising: detecting the end of a puffing session of the aerosol provision system, and in response to detecting the end of a puffing session, arranging the aerosol provision system in the locked state.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, comprising: in the unlocked state, monitoring whether a user applies an operation to the aerosol provision system; and if no operation is applied by the user, arranging the aerosol provision system in the locked state after a standby preset time.

11. An aerosol provision system, comprising: a housing for receiving at least a portion of one or more articles containing aerosol generating material; and a controller, configured to: in response to a trigger event, receive a wireless signal from an external storage device within a preset distance from the aerosol provision system, wherein the wireless signal contains preset identification information; and determine that the external storage device has ownership rights for the aerosol provision system if the preset identification information corresponds to preset validation pass information associated with the aerosol provision system.

12. An aerosol provision system, comprising:a housing for receiving at least a portion of one or more articles containing aerosol generating material; and a controller, wherein the aerosol provision system has a locked state and an unlocked state, wherein in the locked state the aerosol provision system is configured to prevent a user from performing a preset operation, wherein the controller is configured to: in response to a trigger event, receive a wireless signal from an external storage device within a preset distance from the aerosol provision system, wherein the wireless signal contains preset identification information; determine that the external storage device has ownership rights for the aerosol provision system if the preset identification information corresponds to preset validation pass information associated with the aerosol provision system; and if the external storage device is determined to have ownership rights for the aerosol provision system, arrange the aerosol provision system in the unlocked state or maintain the aerosol provision system in the unlocked state.

13. The aerosol provision system according to claim 11 or 12, comprising: a heating element, wherein the heating element is configured to heat the one or more articles when an external storage device having ownership rights for the aerosol provision system is detected within a preset distance from the aerosol provision system.

14. A management system for an aerosol provision system, comprising: the aerosol provision system as claimed in claim 11 , 12 or 13; and an external storage device, wherein the external storage device is configured to broadcast a wireless signal, and wherein the wireless signal contains preset identification information.

15. The management system according to claim 14, wherein the external storage device is configured to: generate, via application software, the preset identification information based on information obtained from the aerosol provision system ; and add the preset identification information to the wireless signal for broadcasting.

16. An electronic device, comprising: a memory; one or more processors; andone or more applications, wherein the one or more applications are stored in the memory, and wherein the one or more applications are configured such that when invoked by the one or more processors, the one or more processors are caused to: in response to a trigger event, receive a wireless signal from an external storage device within a preset distance from an aerosol provision system, wherein the wireless signal contains preset identification information; and determine that the external storage device has ownership rights for the aerosol provision system if the preset identification information corresponds to preset validation pass information associated with the aerosol provision device.

17. An electronic device, comprising: a memory; one or more processors; and one or more applications, wherein the one or more applications are stored in the memory, and wherein the one or more applications are configured such that when invoked by the one or more processors, the one or more processors are caused to: in response to a trigger event, receive a wireless signal from an external storage device within a preset distance from an aerosol provision system, wherein the wireless signal contains preset identification information; determine that the external storage device has ownership rights for the aerosol provision system if the preset identification information corresponds to preset validation pass information associated with the aerosol provision system; and if the external storage device is determined to have ownership rights for the aerosol provision system, arrange the aerosol provision system in an unlocked state or maintain the aerosol provision system in the unlocked state, wherein in a locked state the aerosol provision system is configured to prevent a user from performing a preset operation.

18. A computer readable storage medium configured to store multiple program codes, wherein the program codes are adapted to be loaded and executed by a processor to cause the processor to: in response to a trigger event, receive a wireless signal from an external storage device within a preset distance from an aerosol provision system, wherein the wireless signal contains preset identification information; and determine that the external storage device has ownership rights for the aerosol provision system if the preset identification information corresponds to preset validation pass information associated with the aerosol provision system.

19. A computer readable storage medium configured to store multiple program codes, wherein the program codes are adapted to be loaded and executed by a processor to cause the processor to: in response to a trigger event, receive a wireless signal from an external storage device within a preset distance from an aerosol provision system, wherein the wireless signal contains preset identification information; determine that the external storage device has ownership rights for the aerosol provision system if the preset identification information corresponds to preset validation pass information associated with the aerosol provision system; and if the external storage device is determined to have ownership rights for the aerosol provision system, arrange the aerosol provision system in an unlocked state or maintain the aerosol provision system in the unlocked state, wherein in a locked state the aerosol provision system is configured to prevent a user from performing a preset operation.

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