Operational control of an aerosol-generating system

Abstract

A method of controlling operation of an aerosol-generating system is described. The method comprises receiving, via a communication interface of the aerosol-generating system, a sequence of read requests to read a one or more values stored at the aerosol-generating system, and determining, by a control circuitry of the aerosol-generating system, an operation associated with the received sequence of read requests.

Description

[0001] OPERATIONAL CONTROL OF AN AEROSOL-GENERATING SYSTEM

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of aerosol-generating systems and devices for generating aerosol. In particular, the present disclosure relates to electronic aerosolgenerating systems and devices configured to generate aerosol inhalable by a user and / or to generate nicotine-containing aerosol, for example based on heating at least a part of an aerosolgenerating article or substrate. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a method of controlling operation of an aerosol-generating system, to an aerosol-generating system configured to perform such method, to a computer program causing the aerosol-generating system to perform such method and to a computer-readable medium storing such program. Further, the present disclosure relates to a method of controlling operation of an aerosolgenerating system via a computing device, to a computing device configured to perform such method, to a computer program causing the computing device to perform such method and to a computer-readable medium storing such program.

[0003] Typical aerosol-generating systems can be designed as one-part systems including an aerosol-generating device that can be operated by a user to generate aerosol. Alternatively, aerosol-generating systems can be designed as two-part systems or devices comprising an aerosol-generating device and a companion device for storing and / or charging the aerosolgenerating device. In either design or configuration, the aerosol-generating system or device can be used by a user for consuming or inhaling, for instance in one or more usage sessions, aerosol generated based on heating an aerosol-generating article or substrate couplable to the aerosolgenerating system. In the context of the present disclosure, an aerosol-generating system can refer to both a one-part system and a two-part system, unless explicitly specified otherwise.

[0004] The aerosol-generating article can, for example, comprises an aerosol-forming or aerosolgenerating substrate, such as a tobacco or nicotine containing substrate. The aerosol-generating article may can be configured in shape and size to be inserted at least partially into the aerosolgenerating device or system, for example in the form of a stick. The aerosol-generating system or device may comprise one or more heating elements for heating the aerosol-generating article or substrate to generate aerosol. Other exemplary aerosol-generating articles may comprise a cartridge containing a liquid, which can be vaporized based on heating the liquid to generate aerosol. Such cartridges can also be configured in shape and size to be inserted at least partially into the aerosol-generating device or system. Alternatively, the cartridge may be fixedly mounted to the aerosol-generating device or system and refillable with liquid.

[0005] Typically, aerosol-generating systems and / or at least aerosol-generating devices thereof are designed as compact, portable and / or handheld devices with a relatively small form factor. As a consequence, space available for a user interface and / or control means for controlling operation of the aerosol-generating system or device, such as for example buttons, displays and the like, can be limited. On the other hand, aerosol-generating systems typically provide numerous features, functionalities and / or settings that should preferably be controllable or invokable by a user based on actuating the user interface and / or control means for controlling the system.

[0006] It may therefore be desirable to provide for an improved aerosol-generating system and / or device with an improved operational control mechanism or means. In particular, it may be desirable to provide for an improved aerosol-generating system and / or device allowing to comprehensively control operation thereof by a user, for example to control one or more features, functionalities and / or settings of the aerosol-generating system.

[0007] These advantages may be achieved by the features described herein.

[0008] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to an aerosol-generating system, an aerosolgenerating device, a companion device and a corresponding method of controlling operation of such systems and / or devices. Further aspects of the present disclosure relate to a corresponding computer program and a computer-readable medium storing such program. Yet further aspects of the present disclosure relate to a computing device for controlling operation an aerosolgenerating system, a method of controlling operation of an aerosol-generating system via such computing device, a corresponding computer program and a computer-readable medium storing such program. It is noted that any disclosure presented herein with reference to one or an aspect of the present disclosure, equally applies to any other aspect of the present disclosure, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of controlling operation of an aerosol-generating system. Alternatively or additionally, the method may refer to a method of operating and / or operationally controlling an aerosol-generating system. Alternatively or additionally, the method may refer to a method of determining and / or performing an operation at the aerosol-generating system. The method comprises receiving, via a communication interface of the aerosol-generating system, a sequence of read requests to read one or more values stored at the aerosol-generating system. For example, the method may comprise receiving a sequence of read requests to read a sequence of values stored at the aerosol-generating system. Therein, the sequence of read requests may be received by the aerosol-generating system from a computing device, which may also be referred to as external computing device herein. The method further comprises determining, by a control circuitry of the aerosol-generating system, an operation associated with the received sequence of read requests.

[0010] By providing and / or transmitting the sequence of read requests to the aerosol-generating system, the aerosol-generating system may be operated in terms of at least determining the operation associated with the sequence of read requests, and optionally in terms of triggering execution of said operation at the aerosol-generating system. Therein, different sequences of read requests may be associated with different operations that can be performed by the aerosol- generating system. Accordingly, the aerosol-generating system may be comprehensively operated or controlled by a user based on providing the corresponding sequence of read requests. Such operational control of the aerosol-generating system may not require any physical interaction of a user with a user interface and / or control means of the aerosol-generating system. Hence, overall control of the aerosol-generating system may be improved, for example in terms of providing a mechanism to operate or control the aerosol-generating system. Such mechanism may be used in addition to or instead of controlling the aerosol-generating system via a user interface and / or control means thereof. Also, seamless or remote control of the aerosolgenerating system based on the sequence of read requests can be enabled. Accordingly, the control mechanism of controlling operation of the aerosol-generating system based on receiving a sequence of read requests via a communication interface of the system can enhance overall control of the system.

[0011] Moreover, comparatively complex information may be encoded in the sequence of read requests received at the aerosol-generating system, for example compared to transmitting only a single read request for operationally control the aerosol-generating system. Hence, a larger number of different operations, for example associated with different sequences of read requests that may differ in one or more of the read requests, can be determined and optionally performed by the aerosol-generating system. Also, security of the communication and / or operational control can be enhanced, since a single read request that may be received by chance cannot cause the aerosol-generating system to determine and optionally perform an operation.

[0012] In the context of the present disclosure, the terms controlling operation of the aerosolgenerating system, operationally controlling the aerosol-generating system, operating the aerosol-generating system and controlling the aerosol-generating system can be used interchangeably and / or synonymously. In particular, any of these terms can refer to, mean or include at least determining an operation for execution by the control circuitry of the aerosolgenerating system.

[0013] The communication interface of the aerosol-generating system may be configured for one or both wired and wireless connection or communication between the aerosol-generating system and the computing device. Typical communication interfaces may be based on or configured for one or more of USB (Universal Serial Bus) communication, LAN (Local Area Network) communication, Wireless LAN communication, Wireless Personal Area Network communication (WPAN), Bluetooth communication, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication, infrared (IR) communication, nearfield communication (NFC), radio communication, cellular network communication, as an example. The actual communication or data exchange between the aerosol-generating system and the computing device may be based on a corresponding communication standard or protocol, such as for example the USB, IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi or WLAN), Bluetooth (including BLE), Zigbee, 3G, 4G, 5G, 6G, LTE, EDGE, or other communication protocol.

[0014] As used herein, the sequence of read requests may refer to or include a plurality of single read requests. For example, each read request of the sequence of read requests may request receipt of at least one value stored at the aerosol-generating system. Accordingly, the sequence of read requests may refer to an ordered series of read requests, which may be initiated by the computing device to retrieve the one or more values stored at the aerosol-generating system and / or corresponding with the sequence of read requests. In other words, the sequence of read requests may refer to an ordered set of data retrieval operations performed via the communication interface, for example in accordance with a communication protocol or standard defined at the aerosol-generating system and / or the computing device, to read and / or retrieve the one or more values, e.g. as sequence of values, stored at the aerosol-generating system.

[0015] In a non-limiting example, the sequence of read requests, a single read request or each read request of the sequence of read requests that is received by the aerosol-generating system may optionally initiate, trigger and / or cause the aerosol-generating system to read the respective value requested by said read request and / or sequence of read requests, for example from a data storage or memory of the aerosol-generating system. Accordingly, upon receiving the sequence of read requests and / or upon receiving a single request of the sequence of read requests, the aerosol-generating system may optionally read one or more values requested by the sequence of read requests and / or requested by said single read request. It is noted that an actual reading of a value requested by one or more read requests or the sequence of read requests is not necessary for determining and / or performing the operation associated with the received sequence of read requests. Hence, reading one or more values for one or more read requests or the sequence of read requests received at the aerosol-generating system is optional only.

[0016] In a further non-limiting example, the sequence of read request, a single read request or each read request of the sequence of read requests that is received by the aerosol-generating system may optionally initiate, trigger and / or cause the aerosol-generating system to transmit the respective value requested by said read request or sequence of read requests to the external computing device. Accordingly, upon receiving the sequence of read requests and / or upon receiving a single request of the sequence of read requests, the aerosol-generating system may optionally transmit one or more values requested by the sequence of read requests and / or requested by said single read request to the computing device. It is noted that an actual transmission of a value requested by one or more read requests or the sequence of read requests is not necessary for determining and / or performing the operation associated with the received sequence of read requests. Hence, transmitting, from the aerosol-generating system to the external computing device, one or more values for one or more read requests or the sequence of read requests received at the aerosol-generating system is optional only.

[0017] The sequence of read requests may, for example, be received by the aerosol-generating system in the form of one or more data packets or messages. Such data packets or messages, and hence the read requests, may be structured, formatted and / or have a content that follows or is based on a communication protocol or standard according to which the computing device and the aerosol-generating system can exchange data or communicate with each other via their respective communication interfaces. Alternatively or additionally, one or more values corresponding to the sequence of read requests and / or one or more single read requests thereof may optionally be transmitted from the aerosol-generating system to the external computing device in the form of one or more data packets or messages.

[0018] For instance, each read request of the sequence of read requests may include or be indicative of a read command instructing or causing the aerosol-generating system to one or more of read, respond by transmission of, send, and transmit the corresponding value stored at the aerosol-generating system and / or corresponding to the read request. Alternatively or additionally, each read request may include information or be indicative of the requested value, such that the aerosol-generating system can identify and / or locate the requested value. For example, a data address of a data storage or memory of the aerosol-generating system, the length of the data to be read, and / or any relevant authentication or access control credentials may be included in a read request and / or the sequence of read requests.

[0019] In an example, single or individual read requests of the sequence of read requests may be transmitted by the computing device and / or received at the aerosol-generating system in succession, consecutively or one after the other. For instance, individual read requests of the sequence may be spaced apart from each other in time. Alternatively, at least some of the read requests of the sequence of read requests may be transmitted simultaneously by the computing device and / or received simultaneously at the aerosol-generating system.

[0020] Optionally, the read requests in the sequence of read requests may be subject to timing constraints. Such timing constraints may be imposed by the communication protocol and may ensure that the read requests are handled within a specific timeframe or period of time at the aerosol-generating system and / or the computing device, as for example defined in the communication protocol. This can help to ensure that the sequence of read requests and / or one or more individual read requests thereof have been transmitted correctly by the computing device and / or received correctly by the aerosol-generating system.

[0021] In the context of the present disclosure, the values stored at the aerosol-generating system may refer to or include one or more quantities or data elements requestable, accessible, readable and / or retrievable by the computing device from the aerosol-generating system. Therein, the values may be stored at a data storage or memory of the aerosol-generating system. The term value, however, is to be construed broadly and can refer to any data element, such as for example one or more numerical values, one or more characters, one or more strings, one or more text elements, one or more binary data elements or any other data element storable at the aerosolgenerating system.

[0022] The one or more values stored at the aerosol-generating system may be configured or defined at the aerosol-generating system and / or the computing device as values open for read access via the communication interface. Generally, any value or data element may be defined at the aerosol-generating system and / or the computing device, for example based on a corresponding definition in a communication protocol or standard, to be accessible, readable or open for read via the communication interface. As noted above, such values open for read access can include, for example, random numbers, strings, characters, or binary data elements which may be generated and / or stored at the aerosol-generating system.

[0023] In an example, the values stored at the aerosol-generating system may be values associated with and / or indicative of one or more characteristics of the aerosol-generating system. Optionally, the one or more characteristics of the aerosol-generating system may be open for read access via the communication interface to one or more computing devices. For instance, the one or more characteristics, respectively the values thereof or associated therewith, may be defined in a communication protocol or standard for data exchange or communication between the aerosol-generating system and the computing device.

[0024] Non-limiting examples of values associated with and / or indicative of the one or more characteristics of the aerosol-generating system may include one or more of a sensor value of a sensor, a firmware version, a software version of the communication interface, a state value of an energy storage, a value indicative of a heating profile, a value indicative of one or more settings, a value indicative of usage data, and a value indicative of an operational mode of the aerosol-generating system.

[0025] For example, a temperature value of a temperature sensor of the aerosol-generating system may be requested by one or more of the read requests of the sequence of read requests. Alternatively or additionally, a capacity value of a remaining capacity or overall capacity of an energy storage may be requested by one or more of the read requests of the sequence of read requests. Alternatively or additionally, a charge state or a voltage state of the energy storage may be requested by one or more of the read requests of the sequence of read requests. Alternatively or additionally, a value indicative of an operational mode, such as a pause mode, a heating mode, an idle mode, a usage mode, a charging mode or the like, may be requested by one or more of the read requests of the sequence of read requests. Alternatively or additionally, usage data optionally within a certain period of time, such as e.g. a number of usage sessions experienced by a user, a number of puffs taken by a user, a number of aerosol-generating articles consumed by a user, a time period the aerosol-generating system has been used by user to generate aerosol, a time period since purchasing the device or any other usage data or use-related data may be requested by one or more of the read requests of the sequence of read requests.

[0026] The method may further comprise performing the operation associated with the received sequence of read requests at the aerosol-generating system. Performing the operation may include one or more of triggering the operation, initiating the operation, partly or completely executing the operation, and scheduling the operation for execution.

[0027] As used herein, an operation associated with the sequence of read requests may refer to or include one or more functions, features or settings of the aerosol-generating system, which may be executable or performable by the aerosol-generating system.

[0028] For example, the operation may comprise one or more of altering an operational mode of the aerosol-generating system, changing an operational mode of the aerosol-generating system, switching between different operational modes of the aerosol-generating system, maintaining an operational mode of the aerosol-generating system. For instance, in response to receipt of the sequence of read request, the system may be configured or switched into a pause mode, a heating mode, an idle mode, a usage mode, a charging mode or other operational mode of the aerosol-generating system. Alternatively or additionally, the operation may comprise one or more of modifying one or more settings of the aerosol-generating system, changing a heating profile, modifying or actuating a user interface of the aerosol-generating system, switching a user interface on or off, actuating one or more control means of the aerosol-generating system, activating a user profile, configuring the aerosol-generating system from a locked state prohibiting aerosol generation to an unlocked state allowing aerosol-generation, configuring the aerosolgenerating system from an unlocked state to a locked state, maintaining the aerosol-generating system in a locked or unlocked mode, configuring the communication interface, and turning on or off one or more components of the aerosol-generating system.

[0029] In an exemplary implementation, the aerosol-generating system may have a locked state, in which generation of aerosol may be prevented or prohibited, and an unlocked state, in which generation of aerosol by a user may be allowed or enabled. Further, the aerosol-generating system may be configured or switched from the locked state into the unlocked state based on receipt of a corresponding sequence of read requests associated with the operation of configuring the system from the locked into the unlocked state. In other words, the aerosol may be unlocked based on receipt of a sequence of read requests associated with the unlocking of the system. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol-generating system may be configured or switched from the unlocked state into the locked state based on receipt of a corresponding sequence of read requests associated with the operation of configuring the system from the unlocked into the locked state. In other words, the aerosol may be locked based on receipt of a sequence of read requests associated with the locking of the system. Accordingly, a locking and unlocking mechanism based on receipt of corresponding one or more sequences of read requests can be implemented or provided to the user.

[0030] Optionally, the sequence of read requests may be received from a computing device of a user authorized to use or operate the aerosol-generating system, for example authorized to use the aerosol-generating system for aerosol consumption. A user authorized to use the system may, for example, be a user of legal age, an adult user, an owner of the aerosol-generating system or otherwise authorized user.

[0031] In an exemplary implementation, the method may comprise determining whether the sequence of read requests was transmitted from or provided by a computing device of an authorized user. Alternatively or additionally, the method may comprise accepting the sequence of read requests, determining the operation associated therewith and / or executing said operation if or only if the sequence of read requests was transmitted from or provided by a computing device of an authorized user. Alternatively or additionally, the method may comprise discarding the sequence of read requests if the sequence of read requests was transmitted from or provided by a computing device of a non-authorized user, such as for example an underage user. Accordingly, User Access Prevention (UAP) and / or Youth Access Prevention (YAP) may be implemented at the aerosol-generating system based on the concept of receiving a sequence of read requests at the aerosol-generating system. Whether or not a user and / or a computing device of a user is authorized to use or operate the aerosol-generating system may be defined in a communication protocol or may be defined by other means, such as for example by means of a control software or software instruction stored at the aerosol-generating system.

[0032] The method may further comprise providing the one or more values stored at the aerosolgenerating system, for example a sequence of values stored at the aerosol-generating system, via the communication interface of the aerosol-generating system. Therein, providing the one or more values and / or sequence of values may include transmitting the one or more values and / or sequence of values from the aerosol-generation system to the computing device. Optionally, a time information indicative of a point in time the sequence of read requests and / or one or more individual read requests thereof have been received at the aerosol-generation system may be provided and / or transmitted via the communication interface of the aerosol-generating system. Alternatively or additionally, a time information indicative of a period of time during which the sequence of read requests and / or one or more individual read requests thereof have been received at the aerosol-generation system may be provided and / or transmitted via the communication interface of the aerosol-generating system. Providing the one or more values, respectively, the sequence of values corresponding with the sequence of read requests via the communication interface can ensure or confirm that the sequence of read requests and / or one or more individual read requests have been received correctly at the aerosol-generating system. Further, providing time information such as a point time of receipt and / or a period of time for receiving the sequence of read requests and / or one or more individual read requests thereof can allow to determine that the read requests have been received in a timely manner and / or that the values have been provided in a timely manner, for example in accordance with one or more time constraints defined in a communication protocol for data exchange between the aerosol-generating system and the computing device.

[0033] In an example, the method may comprise transmitting the values corresponding with the sequence read requests and / or one or more individual read requests thereof from the aerosolgenerating system via the communication interface, thereby confirming receipt of the sequence of read requests and / or confirming timing, for example correct timing, of one or more read requests of the sequence of read requests. As mentioned hereinabove, one or more time constraints for receipt of a read request, for receipt of the sequence of read requests, for transmission of a value corresponding to one or more read requests, and / or for transmission of a sequence of values corresponding with the sequence of read requests may be defined in a communication protocol for data exchange between the aerosol-generating system and the computing device. Such time constraints may define the timing. Alternatively or additionally, meeting the one or more time constraints can refer to a “correct” timing of one or more read requests of the sequence of read requests.

[0034] The method may further comprise confirming that the sequence of read requests is received within a predetermined period of time for receiving the sequence of read requests. Alternatively or additionally, the method may comprise confirming that one or more of the read requests of the sequence of read requests are received within a predetermined period of time for receiving said one or more read requests. Accordingly, one or more of a period of time for receiving a single or individual read request and a period of time for receiving the entire sequence of read requests may be predefined or defined, for example as time constraints, at the aerosol-generating system. Further, confirming that the sequence of read requests and / or individual read requests have been received within the respective period of time may ensure correct or faultless data communication between the aerosol-generating system and the computing device.

[0035] In an exemplary implementation, determining the operation associated with the received sequence of read requests may include evaluating, by the control circuitry, log data of the aerosolgenerating system. Therein, the log data may be indicative of data communications via the communication interface. For instance, each read request received at the aerosol-generating system may be logged based on storing corresponding log data at the aerosol-generating system, for example in the form of a log file. Alternatively or additionally, log data indicative of the sequence of read requests may be stored at a data storage of the aerosol-generating system. Storing log data for the read requests and / or the sequence of read requests may allow to define complex sequences comprising a plurality of read requests, while also ensuring that such sequences can be reliably identified or recognized by the aerosol-generating system.

[0036] In an example, receiving the sequence of read requests at the aerosol-generating system may include accepting the sequence of read requests and / or one or more individual read requests thereof by the aerosol-generating system. Alternatively or additionally, receiving the sequence of read requests at the aerosol-generating system may include storing the sequence of read requests, one or more individual read requests thereof and / or data indicative thereof at the aerosol-generating system, for example as log data. The aerosol-generating system and / or the control circuitry thereof may further be configured to analyze or process the log data, respectively the stored read requests, to identify or recognize the received sequence of read requests, for example in order to determine the operation associated therewith.

[0037] In a further exemplary implementation, determining the operation associated with the received sequence of read requests may include confirming, by the control circuitry, that the received sequence of read requests matches a predefined sequence of read requests. In other words, the aerosol-generating system may be configured to determine whether a received sequence of read requests matches or corresponds to a sequence of read requests that is predefined at the aerosol-generating system. Optionally, predefining the sequence of read requests may include defining one or more of an order of the read requests, a timing of one or more read requests, a timing of the sequence of read requests and one or more operations associated with the sequence of read requests, respectively, one or more operations that should be performed in response to receipt of the sequence of read requests. Alternatively or additionally, predefining the sequence of read requests at the aerosol-generating system may include generating said sequence of read requests at the aerosol-generating system and / or computing device. Generally, determining the operation based on one or more predefined sequences of read requests may ensure that the aerosol-generating system correctly responds to a sequence of read requests and may increase security, because arbitrary or non-predefined sequences of read requests may be discarded by the aerosol-generating system, thereby avoiding that the aerosolgenerating system can be operated by an unauthorized user or computing device of an unauthorized user.

[0038] In yet another exemplary implementation, determining the operation associated with the received sequence of read requests may include decoding the received sequence of read requests. Therein, decoding the received sequence of read requests may optionally include confirming, by the control circuitry, that the received sequence of read requests is predefined at the aerosol-generating system or matches a predefined sequence of read requests.

[0039] For example, determining the operation associated with the received sequence of read requests may include comparing, by the control circuitry, the received sequence of read requests to one or more, in particular to a plurality of predefined sequences of read requests, and identifying a predefined sequence of read requests among the plurality of sequences of read requests that matches or corresponds to the received sequence of read requests. Therein, the plurality of predefined sequences of read requests may be stored in a data storage of the aerosolgenerating system, for example in a look-up table or array.

[0040] Accordingly, a plurality of sequences of read requests may be defined or predefined at the aerosol-generating system, wherein different sequences of read requests may differ in one or more read requests, in an order of the read requests, in a timing of one or more read requests, in a period of time for receiving one or more read requests, in a timing of the entire sequences of read requests, in a period of time for receiving the respective sequence of read requests and / or with respect to the operation associated with the respective sequence of read requests. For instance, each predefined sequence of read requests of the plurality of predefined sequences of read requests may be associated with one or more particular or predefined operations to be performed by the aerosol-generating system in response to receipt of the respective sequence of read requests. This may allow to perform various different operations at the aerosol-generating system based on providing or transmitting different sequences of read request to the aerosolgenerating system. Hence, comprehensive operational control of the aerosol-generating system may be facilitated.

[0041] In an example, the sequence of read requests may be received via a wireless communication interface of the aerosol-generating system, preferably via a Bluetooth-based or wireless LAN-based communication interface. Accordingly, the sequence of read requests may be wirelessly received by the aerosol-generating system. Alternatively or additionally, one or more values corresponding with one or more read requests of the sequence of read requests may be provided by the aerosol-generating system, for example may be transmitted by the aerosolgenerating system via its communication interface. Wireless transmission of the sequence of read requests may provide a convenient way of controlling the aerosol-generating system, for example when compared to wired connections requiring the user to couple the computing device with a cable to the aerosol-generating system.

[0042] The sequence of read requests may be received based on or using connectionless communications via the wireless communication interface. Alternatively or additionally, one or more values corresponding with the one or more read requests may be transmitted by the aerosol- generating system to the computing device based on or using connectionless communications. Generally, using connectionless communications may allow for a data communication between the aerosol-generating system and the computing device even if paired connections are not possible between the devices or if pairing fails for any reason.

[0043] As used herein, the term “connectionless communications” refers in particular to communications which take place without pairing of devices and / or without association to one or more access points, e.g. WiFi access points. Connectionless communications may take place between two end points with messages or data packets being sent from one end point to another without prior arrangement, i.e. , without first ensuring that the recipient is available and ready to receive data. The term “connectionless communications” is used herein in contrast to communications using a prearranged, fixed data channel, as in the case of connection-oriented communication.

[0044] Connectionless communications may comprise multicast and / or broadcast operations in which the same data are transmitted to several recipients in a single transmission. For example, connectionless communications may comprise communications using at least one broadcast / advertising beacon, and / or using at least one broadcast / advertising packet, as in the case of Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy, and as such may be referred to in terms of communications using an advertising mode, also referred to as peripheral mode. In order to be able to both send and receive data using connectionless communications, the aerosol-generating system may be configured to switch between operation in a peripheral mode and operation in a central mode. The aerosol-generating system may be configured to transmit data, for example one or more values corresponding with one or more read requests of the sequence of read requests, when operating in a peripheral mode and to receive data when operating in a central mode. Similarly, the computing device may be further configured to switch between operation in a peripheral mode and operation in a central mode. The computing device may be further configured to receive data, for example one or more values corresponding with one or more read requests of the sequence of read requests, when operating in a central mode and to transmit data, for example the sequence of read requests or one or more read requests, when operating in a peripheral mode. Connectionless communications may alternatively comprise monitoring network traffic using e.g. network sniffing and / or packet analysis, which can take place without any association between the aerosol-generating system and an access point.

[0045] As used herein, the term “peripheral mode”, also referred to as “peripheral role”, refers to a mode or role in which the respective system or device advertises its presence and waits for a device operating in central mode to connect to it, whereas the term “central mode” or “central role” refers to a mode or role in which the system or device scans for or discovers other devices. The terms “central mode” and the “peripheral mode” may refer to pre-connection modes or roles. Post connection, the device operating in central mode may operate as a master and the device operating in peripheral mode may operate as a slave. Also, upon connecting devices may be “paired”, whereas they may not be paired when exchanging information using connectionless communications. The peripheral and central mode are also referred to as Generic Attribute Profile roles a device can operate in, in particular when using BLE functionality.

[0046] Generally, it may be desirable to limit or restrict use of an aerosol-generating system or aerosol-generating device to generate aerosol to one or more particular users, for example to authorized users. In particular, it may be desirable to perform User Access Prevention (UAP) and / or Youth Access Prevention (YAP) methods to prevent unauthorized or underage users from accessing and using such aerosol-generating devices or systems. Existing UAP and YAP methods commonly require a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connection or wired connection, for example via USB, to unlock an aerosol-generating system for use. The aerosol-generating system must pair correctly with an external computing device such as a smartphone or PC, which usually exchanges information with a server to obtain an unlock grant for unlocking the aerosolgenerating system. To identify a user of the computing device and / or to check their age or authorization, dedicated means at the computing device like biometric authentication, fingerprint sensor or camera for picture identification, or e.g. an additional secure code given only to the computing device’s owner or user, can be used. Corresponding data related to the user and / or aerosol-generating system can, for example, be stored in a database at a server to associate the aerosol-generating system with the computing device, such as the smartphone of the user.

[0047] When purchased by a user, an aerosol-generating system or device can be in a locked state, in which the device cannot be operated by the user to generate aerosol. UAP and / or YAP control of the aerosol-generating device or system is usually performed once at the beginning of the lifetime of the aerosol-generating system, for example when purchased at a retail store, to ensure it is purchased by an authorized user, for example a user of legal age (also referred to herein as adult user). Optionally, such aerosol-generating system may require re-authorization via BLE pairing or wired connection of the aerosol-generating system to the associated computing device before or at the start of a usage session in order to generate aerosol.

[0048] Establishing wired connection between the aerosol-generating system and the computing device may be inconvenient for users, and may not even be available with some computing devices. Regarding unlocking based on BLE pairing, on the other hand, observations have shown that some computing devices, and thus also aerosol-generating systems, have difficulty in successfully completing the BLE pairing process, particularly with Android-based computing devices or smartphones. Prior to the commercial launch of the aerosol-generating system, exhaustive testing is usually performed to identify and resolve any BLE incompatibilities. However, new computing devices are released throughout the lifetime of the aerosol-generating system, while even previously compatible devices can become incompatible after firmware updates. Undertaking action to resolve such incompatibilities can be time consuming and expensive and typically require modification of the firmware of the aerosol-generating system. Until the new firmware is released, affected systems cannot be unlocked using BLE. Even once a firmware update for the aerosol-generating system is released, affected systems may not be updated using BLE due to the pairing issue.

[0049] Accordingly, receiving the sequence of read requests based on or using connectionless communications at the aerosol-generating system and / or transmitting one or more values corresponding with the one or more read requests from the aerosol-generating system to the computing device based on or using connectionless communications can mitigate or overcome the issues described above caused by BLE pairing incompatibilities with computing devices. Also, improved or enhanced UAP and / or YAP control may be provided by the aerosol-generating system, for example by allowing only computing devices of authorized users to lock or unlock the aerosol-generating system based on the sequence of read requests.

[0050] The method may further comprise generating and / or computing a sequence of read requests at the aerosol-generating system based on a look-up table or array with a plurality of entries, each entry mapping an index to a respective predefined sequence of read requests. Alternatively or additionally, decoding the received sequence of read requests may include generating a sequence of read requests at the aerosol-generating system based on a look-up table or array with a plurality of entries, each entry mapping an index to a respective predefined sequence of read requests. In other words, the generated sequence of read requests may be used for decoding the sequence of read requests received via the communication interface of the aerosol-generating system. The index of each entry may be unique for the respective entry, thereby allowing to uniquely identify the entry and / or the respective predefined sequence of read requests based on the index.

[0051] Exemplary indexes may be numbers or counters, for example uniquely numbering or counting the entries of the array or look-up table. Any other appropriate form of indexes, such as binary values, string values, random numbers, or characters may be used instead or in addition thereto. Generating the sequence of read requests at the aerosol-generating system may increase or enhance security of the communication between the computing device and the aerosol-generating system. In particular, man in the middle attacks, where a broadcast sequence of read requests may be recorded and used to operate the aerosol-generating system, can be reliably prevented or avoided.

[0052] The method may comprise and / or generating the sequence of read requests at the aerosolgenerating system may include identifying or selecting one of the predefined sequences of read requests based on an index of the array or look-up table. Optionally, one or more sequences of read requests generated at the aerosol-generating system may be stored at a data storage of the aerosol-generating system as one or more predefined sequences of read requests, which may for example be used for decoding one or more sequences of read requests received via the communication interface.

[0053] In an exemplary implementation, the sequence of read requests may be generated at the aerosol-generating system based on or using one of the indexes as input to a hash function, also referred to herein as cryptographic function or cryptographic hash function. Using one of the indexes of the array or look-up table stored at the aerosol-generating system for generating the sequence of read requests may allow to generate a sequence of read requests that is specific for or to the aerosol-generating system, thereby enhancing security of the communication between the computing device and the aerosol-generating system.

[0054] In a further exemplary implementation, the sequence of read requests may be generated based on or using one of the indexes and a secret key, also referred to herein as secret cryptographic key, device secret, unique device secret or shared key, as inputs to a hash function. The secret key may be shared or pre-shared among the computing device and the aerosolgenerating system, enabling the aerosol-generating system to decode the received sequence based on the sequence of read requests generated at or by the aerosol-generating system. For instance, the secret key may be shared among the devices based on or using a web server, for example when purchasing the aerosol-generating system. Using a secret key in addition to the index as input in the hash function may allow to generate a sequence of read requests that may be unique to the aerosol-generating system, and any device or computing device that knows or shares the secret key. Hence, security of the communication can further be enhanced or increased based on using the secret key as input for the hash function.

[0055] In a further example, the sequence of read requests may be generated based on or using one of the indexes, and one or both of a secret key and a unique device identifier of the aerosolgenerating system as inputs to a hash function. Accordingly, the secret key and / or the unique device identifier may be used in addition to the index to generate the sequence of read requests. The unique device identifier, as used herein, may refer to an identification code, for example a numeric or alphanumeric code, uniquely identifying the aerosol-generating system, the aerosolgenerating device, and / or the companion device. For instance, the unique device identifier may be or include a device serial number, a codentify or the like of the aerosol-generating system. The secret key and / or the unique device identifier may be shared or pre-shared among the computing device and the aerosol-generating system, enabling the aerosol-generating system to decode the received sequence based on the sequence of read requests generated at or by the aerosolgenerating system. For instance, the secret key and / or unique device identifier may be shared among the devices based on or using a web server, for example when purchasing the aerosolgenerating system.

[0056] Non-limiting examples of hash functions that may be used for generating the sequence of read requests are Secure Hash Algorithms, also known as SHA, which is a family of cryptographic functions designed to keep data secure. A SHA function can be generated based on or using a hash message authentication code (HMAC) or message authentication code (MAC). In cryptography, a hash message authentication code, which may be expanded as either keyed- hash message authentication code or hash-based message authentication code, is a specific type of message authentication code (MAC) involving a cryptographic hash function such as SHA and optionally a secret cryptographic key, such as e.g. the secret key, and / or one or more further unique keys, such as e.g. the unique device secret. Hence, HMAC can provide authentication optionally using one or more shared secrets. Examples of hash or SHA functions are e.g., SHA, SHA-2 or SHA-3; the resulting MAC algorithm is termed HMAC-X, where X is the hash function used (e.g. HMAC-SHA256 or HMAC-SHA3-512). The cryptographic strength of the HMAC may depend upon the cryptographic strength of the underlying hash function, the size of its hash output, and the size and quality of the one or more keys. Accordingly, HMAC can provide authentication using one or more secret (cryptographic) keys and / or one or more shared secrets. Any other cryptography method can be used, instead or in addition, to generate a unique sequence of read requests.

[0057] One of the indexes of the array or look-up table may be inputted to a hash function to generate a sequence of read requests. An output of the hash function may then provide or constitute the sequence of read requests generated at the aerosol-generating system, which may optionally be used for decoding a received sequence of read requests by the aerosol-generating system, for example a sequence of read requests received from the computing device via the communication interface. Optionally, one or more of a secret key, a unique device identifier, and one or more further keys, may be inputted to the hash function. The output obtained from the hash function may provide or constitute a unique sequence of read requests, which may be unique to the aerosol-generating system due to usage of one or more of the secret key, the unique device identifier, and the one or more further keys.

[0058] The method may further comprise providing, via the communication interface of the aerosolgenerating system, the secret key and / or the unique device identifier of the aerosol-generating system to a computing device. For example, the secret key and / or the unique device identifier may be transmitted via the communication interface directly to the computing device. Alternatively, the secret key and / or the unique device identifier may be transmitted via the communication interface and via another computing device, such as a webserver hosting a user account, to the computing device. Hence, the secret key and / or the unique device identifier may be shared directly or indirectly with the computing device.

[0059] Alternatively or additionally, the secret key and / or the unique device identifier may be shared among the computing device and the aerosol-generating system based on reading a QR code or Barcode, broadcast via the communication interface, and manual entry using a user interface of the computing device and / or the aerosol-generating system.

[0060] The method may further comprise comparing the received sequence of read requests to the sequence of read requests generated at the aerosol-generating system based on the look-up table or array. Based on such comparison, it may be ensured that the computing device, respectively the user of the computing device, is authorized to control the aerosol-generating system based on the sequence of read requests. Also, man in the middle attacks can effectively be avoided. Optionally, the operation associated with the received sequence of read requests may only be determined and / or performed by the control circuitry of the aerosol-generating system, if the received sequence of read requests matches or corresponds to sequence of read requests generated at the aerosol-generating system.

[0061] The method may further comprise providing, via the communication interface, an index of an entry of the look-up table or array to a computing device. Optionally, the index may be provided to the computing device in response to receiving, via the communication interface, a request to provide an index from the computing device.

[0062] Providing the index may include transmitting the index, respectively, a data packet or signal indicative thereof to the computing device. Providing an index of an entry to the computing device may enable the computing device to compute or generate a sequence of read requests. The sequence of read requests generated at the computing device may then be transmitted or provided by the computing device to the aerosol-generating system and compared to a sequence of read requests generated at the aerosol-generating system based on the same index as provided to the computing device. This allows for a secure data communication between the computing device and the aerosol-generating system.

[0063] The method may further comprise modifying or altering the index, for example to obtain a next or subsequent index, at the aerosol-generating system upon providing the index to the computing device and / or upon generating a sequence of read requests based on said index at the aerosol-generating system. Alternatively or additionally, the method may comprise determining a subsequent or next index for receipt and / or decoding of a subsequent or next sequence of read requests.

[0064] Accordingly, the index may be changed, for example based on determining the next or subsequent index, at the aerosol-generating system for a computation of the next or subsequent sequence of read requests. Optionally, the modified, changed or altered index, respectively, the next or subsequent index, may be provided to the computing device, further optionally upon request of the computing device, thereby enabling the computing device to compute or generate a next or subsequent sequence of read requests.

[0065] A second aspect of the present disclosure relates to a computer program comprising instructions, which, when the program is executed by an aerosol-generating system, cause the aerosol-generating system to carry out the steps of the method according to the first aspect of the present disclosure.

[0066] A third aspect of the present disclosure relates to a computer-readable medium, for example a non-transitory computer-readable medium, storing a computer program comprising instructions, which, when the program is executed by an aerosol-generating system, cause the aerosolgenerating system to carry out the steps of the method according to the first aspect of the present disclosure.

[0067] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating system configured to carry out steps of the method according to the first aspect.

[0068] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure relates to aerosol-generating system, comprising a communication interface configured to receive a sequence of read requests to read a sequence of values stored at the aerosol-generating system. The aerosol-generating system further comprises a control circuitry configured to determine an operation associated with the received sequence of read requests.

[0069] In an example configuration, the aerosol-generating system according to the fourth and / or fifth aspect of the present disclosure may comprise an aerosol-generating device, and optionally an aerosol-generating article for generating aerosol. Further optionally, the aerosol-generating system may comprise a companion device configured to charge and / or at least partly receive the aerosol-generating device, for example in a cavity arranged in a housing of the companion device. Therein, either the aerosol-generating device or the companion device, or both the aerosolgenerating device and the companion device may be configured to carry out steps of the method according to first aspect.

[0070] The aerosol-generating system, the aerosol-generating device and / or the companion device may include a control circuitry with one or more processors for data processing, and in particular for processing the received sequence of read requests. As used herein, the term “control circuitry of the aerosol-generating system” refers to one or both a control circuitry of the aerosol-generating device and the companion device. In other words, the control circuitry of the aerosol-generating system may be implemented in one of the aerosol-generating device and the companion device, or the control circuitry of the system may be included in both the aerosolgenerating device and the companion device. The aerosol-generating system, the aerosol-generating device and / or the companion device may include the communication interface for receipt of the sequence of read requests. As used herein, the term “communication interface of the aerosol-generating system” refers to one or both a communication interface of the aerosol-generating device and the companion device. In other words, the communication interface of the aerosol-generating system may be implemented in one of the aerosol-generating device and the companion device, or the communication interface of the system may be included in both the aerosol-generating device and the companion device.

[0071] Optionally, the aerosol-generating device and the companion device may be operatively and / or communicatively coupled, for example via respective communication interfaces. Such communicative and / or operative coupling can be a wired or wireless coupling, for example via Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy or wireless LAN. The communication interface for coupling the companion device and the aerosol-generating device can be the same as or may differ from the communication interface of the aerosol-generating system for receiving the sequence of read requests.

[0072] The term “circuitry”, as used herein, may comprise, for example, singly or in any combination, hardwired circuitry, programmable circuitry such as computer processors comprising one or more individual instruction processing cores, state machine circuitry, and / or firmware that stores instructions executed by programmable circuitry. Modules may, collectively or individually, be embodied as circuitry that forms a part of one or more devices or systems as described herein.

[0073] The aerosol-generating system, the aerosol-generating device and / or the companion device may include at least one energy storage for storing electrical energy and / or for supplying the aerosol-generating device with electrical energy. For example, the companion device may be configured to supply electrical energy to the aerosol-generating device to charge the at least one energy storage of the aerosol-generating device. In other words, the companion device may be configured to charge the aerosol-generating device and / or the at least one energy-storage thereof. The at least one energy storage of the aerosol-generating device and / or companion device may, for example, comprise at least one battery, at least one accumulator, at least one capacitor or any other energy storage.

[0074] For generating aerosol during use or consumption, for example in one or more usage sessions, a user typically actuates a user interface of the aerosol-generating system, aerosolgenerating device and / or companion device, thereby triggering supply of one or more aerosolgenerating means with electrical energy, such as one or more heating elements or heat sources, for example to heat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate or article couplable to the aerosol-generating device. At least a part of the aerosol-generating means, for example at least a part of the heating element, can be arranged in the aerosol-generating device. Alternatively or additionally, at least a part of the aerosol-generating means, for example at least a part of the heating element, can be arranged in the aerosol-generating article. Exemplary heating elements can be based on one or more of resistive heating, inductive heating and microwave heating using electrical energy supplied via, drawn from or stored in an energy storage of the aerosol-generating system, or received from an external power or energy source. It is noted that alternatively or additionally other aerosol generating means can be used, for example a non-thermal aerosol generator.

[0075] A usage session, also referred to as an “experience” or an “experience session”, may have a particular start, an end and a duration. The start and / or end may be initiated or triggered by the user, for example based on actuating a user interface of the aerosol-generating system. A usage session may generally be characterized by the aerosol-generating device being operated to heat at least a part of an aerosol-generating article, for example above a threshold temperature or heating temperature sufficient to release aerosol, for example nicotine-containing aerosol, from the aerosol-generating article, which may be inhaled by the user. Optionally, a usage session may be interrupted or paused by a user, for example based on actuating a user interface of the aerosol-generating system and / or based on configuring the aerosol-generating system in a pause mode.

[0076] The control circuitry of the aerosol-generating system may further be configured to perform or execute the operation associated with the received sequence of read requests at the aerosolgenerating system.

[0077] Optionally, the control circuitry of the aerosol-generating system may be configured to determine the operation associated with the received sequence of read requests based on confirming that the received sequence of read requests matches a predefined sequence of read requests.

[0078] In an example, the control circuitry of the aerosol-generating system may be configured to determine the operation associated with the received sequence of read requests based on decoding the received sequence of read requests. Optionally, the control circuitry of the aerosolgenerating system may be configured to decode the received sequence of read requests based on confirming that the received sequence of read requests is predefined at the aerosol-generating system or matches a predefined sequence of read requests.

[0079] For example, the control circuitry of the aerosol-generating system may be configured to determine the operation associated with the received sequence of read requests based on comparing the received sequence of read requests to one or more predefined sequences of read requests. Alternatively or additionally, the control circuitry of the aerosol-generating system may be configured to determine the operation associated with the received sequence based on comparing the received sequence of read requests to a plurality of predefined sequences of read requests, and identifying a predefined sequence of read requests among the plurality of predefined sequences of read requests that matches or corresponds to the received sequence of read requests. For instance, the aerosol-generating system may include a data storage or memory for storing, respectively storing, the plurality of predefined read requests, for example in the form of a look-up table or array.

[0080] The control circuitry of the aerosol-generating system may further be configured to generate a sequence of read requests based on a look-up table or array with a plurality of entries, each entry mapping an index to a respective predefined sequence of read requests.

[0081] Optionally, the control circuitry of the aerosol-generating system may be configured to generate the sequence of read requests based on using one of the indexes as input to a hash function.

[0082] In an example, the sequence of read requests may be generated based on using one of the indexes and a secret key as inputs to the hash function.

[0083] In yet another example, the sequence of read requests may be generated based on using one of the indexes, a secret key, and a unique device identifier of the aerosol-generating system as inputs to a hash function.

[0084] The control circuitry of the aerosol-generating system may further be configured to provide, via the communication interface, one or more of the secret key and the unique device identifier of the aerosol-generating system to a computing device. Accordingly, one or more of the secret key and the unique device identifier may be shared between the aerosol-generating system and the computing device.

[0085] The control circuitry of the aerosol-generating system may be configured to compare the received sequence of read requests to the sequence of read requests generated by the aerosolgenerating system based on the look-up table or array.

[0086] The control circuitry of the aerosol-generating system may further be configured to provide, via the communication interface, an index of an entry of the look-up table or array to a computing device. This may allow the computing device to compute or generate a sequence of read requests based on the index provided by the aerosol-generating system.

[0087] Optionally, the control circuitry of the aerosol-generating system may be configured to provide the index in response to receiving a request to provide an index from the computing device.

[0088] Further optionally, the control circuitry of the aerosol-generating system may be configured to modify or alter the index upon providing the index to the computing device. For example, the control circuitry of the aerosol-generating system may be configured to determine a subsequent or next index for receipt of a subsequent or next sequence of read requests.

[0089] The control circuitry of the aerosol-generating system may be configured to determine the operation associated with the received sequence of read requests based on evaluating, analyzing and / or processing log data of the aerosol-generating system, preferably wherein the log data is indicative of data communications via the communication interface. For instance, the aerosolgenerating system may comprise a data storage for storing or storing log data indicative of the sequence of read requests.

[0090] The control circuitry of the aerosol-generating system may further be configured to confirm that the sequence of read requests is received within a predetermined period of time for receiving the sequence of read requests. Alternatively or additionally, the control circuitry of the aerosolgenerating system may be configured to confirm that one or more of the read requests of the sequence of read requests is received within a predetermined period of time for receiving said one or more read requests.

[0091] The control circuitry of the aerosol-generating system may further be configured to provide the sequence of values corresponding with the sequence of read requests via the communication interface of the aerosol-generating system, for example to the computing device.

[0092] For example, the control circuitry of the aerosol-generating system may be configured to transmit the one or more values corresponding with one or more read requests of the sequence of read requests from the aerosol-generating system via the communication interface, for example to the computing device, to confirm receipt of the sequence of read requests and / or to confirm timing of one or more read requests.

[0093] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of controlling operation of an aerosol-generating system via or using a computing device, for example a computing device communicatively coupled or couplable to the aerosol-generating system. Alternatively or additionally, the method may refer to a method of operating and / or operationally controlling an aerosol-generating system via or using a computing device, for example a computing device communicatively coupled or couplable to the aerosol-generating system. Alternatively or additionally, the method may refer to a method of transmitting a sequence of read requests to the aerosol-generating system via or using a computing device. The method comprises receiving, a user input at a user interface of the computing device, the user input requesting execution of an operation at the aerosol-generating system. The method further comprises determining, by a processing circuitry of the computing device, a sequence of read requests to read one or more values, for example a sequence of values, stored at the aerosolgenerating system. For example, the sequence of read requests may be determined based on the user input and / or based on the operation requested for execution. Accordingly, the determined sequence of read requests may be associated with the operation requested for execution by or based on the user input. The method further comprises transmitting, via a communication interface of the computing device, the determined sequence of read requests to the aerosolgenerating system to execute the operation at the aerosol-generating system. Alternatively or additionally, the method may comprise transmitting, via the communication interface of the computing device, the determined sequence of read requests to the aerosol-generating system to instruct and / or cause the aerosol-generating system to perform or execute said operation.

[0094] By determining and / or transmitting the sequence of read requests to the aerosol-generating system, the aerosol-generating system may be operated or instructed to execute the operation associated with the sequence of read requests based on a user input at the computing device. Therein, different sequences of read requests may be associated with different operations that can be performed by the aerosol-generating system. For example, different operations to be performed may be selected by the user at the user interface of the computing device based on corresponding user input. Accordingly, the aerosol-generating system may be comprehensively operated or controlled by a user via the computing device. Such control of the aerosol-generating system may not require any physical interaction of a user with a user interface and / or control means of the aerosol-generating system. Hence, overall control of the aerosol-generating system may be improved, for example in terms of providing a mechanism to operate or control the aerosol-generating system. Such mechanism may be used in addition to or instead of controlling the aerosol-generating system via a user interface and / or control means thereof. Also, seamless or remote control of the aerosol-generating system based on the sequence of read requests provided via the computing device can be enabled.

[0095] The computing device can, for example, be a mobile device, a smart device, a smart phone, a Bluetooth device, a server, a server network, a tablet, a personal computer, a cloud computing network, a router, or any other data processing apparatus.

[0096] The communication interface of the computing device may be configured for one or both wired and wireless connection or communication between the aerosol-generating system and the computing device. Typical communication interfaces may be based on or configured for one or more of USB (Universal Serial Bus) communication, LAN (Local Area Network) communication, Wireless LAN communication, Wireless Personal Area Network communication (WPAN), Bluetooth communication, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication, infrared (IR) communication, nearfield communication (NFC), radio communication, cellular network communication, as an example. The actual communication or data exchange between the aerosol-generating system and the computing device may be based on a corresponding communication standard or protocol, such as for example the USB, IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi or WLAN), Bluetooth (including BLE), Zigbee, 3G, 4G, 5G, 6G, LTE, EDGE, or other communication protocol.

[0097] For example, the sequence of read requests may be determined by the processing circuitry of the computing device based on a look-up table or array associated with, including and / or being indicative of a plurality of predefined sequences of read requests. Optionally, each predefined sequence of read requests associated with the look-up table or array may be associated with a respective operation to be performed at the aerosol-generating system.

[0098] The sequence of read requests may be determined by the processing circuitry of the computing device based on selecting, among a plurality of predefined sequences of read request stored at a data storage of the computing device, for example stored in a look-up table or array, the sequence of read requests associated with the operation requested for execution by the user input.

[0099] In an example, receiving the user input at the user interface may comprise providing, at the user interface, one or more indications or items, each indication or item being associated with a respective operation executable at the aerosol-generating system. For instance, a list of indications or items corresponding to a list of operations may be provided at the user interface, for example displayed. The method may further comprise receiving a selection input at the user interface, the selection input selecting one of the plurality of indications or items associated with the operation for which execution is requested at the aerosol-generating system.

[0100] Accordingly, a list of items or indications may be displayed at the user interface and the user may select one or more of the indications or items based on a selection input and / or user input, for example by clicking or marking the respective one or more indications or items. Upon receiving the selection input, respectively, the user input, the processing circuitry may determine one or more operations associated with the selected indications or items, and may determine one or more sequences of read requests associated with the one or more operations. The processing circuitry may further transmit the determined one or more sequences of read requests to the aerosol-generating system to instruct or cause the aerosol-generating system to perform or execute said one or more operations.

[0101] For example, the operation requested for execution by the user input may comprise one or more of altering an operational mode of the aerosol-generating system, changing an operational mode of the aerosol-generating system, switching between different operational modes of the aerosol-generating system, maintaining an operational mode of the aerosol-generating system. For instance, in response to receipt of the sequence of read request, the system may be configured or switched into a pause mode, a heating mode, an idle mode, a usage mode, a charging mode or other operational mode of the aerosol-generating system. Alternatively or additionally, the operation may comprise one or more of modifying one or more settings of the aerosol-generating system, changing a heating profile, modifying or actuating a user interface of the aerosol-generating system, switching a user interface on or off, actuating one or more control means of the aerosol-generating system, activating a user profile, configuring the aerosolgenerating system from a locked state prohibiting aerosol generation to an unlocked state allowing aerosol-generation, configuring the aerosol-generating system from an unlocked state to a locked state, maintaining the aerosol-generating system in a locked or unlocked mode, configuring the communication interface, and turning on or off one or more components of the aerosol-generating system.

[0102] The method may further comprise transmitting the sequence of read requests within a predetermined period of time for transmitting the sequence of read requests. Alternatively or additionally, the method may comprise transmitting one or more of the read requests of the sequence of read requests within a predetermined period of time for transmitting said one or more read requests. Accordingly, one or more of a period of time for transmitting a single or individual read request and a period of time for transmitting the entire sequence of read requests may be predefined or defined at the computing device. Transmitting the sequence of read requests and / or individual read requests within the respective period of time may ensure correct or faultless data communication between the aerosol-generating system and the computing device.

[0103] In an example, the sequence of read requests may be transmitted via a wireless communication interface of the computing device, such as for example a Bluetooth-based or wireless LAN-based communication interface.

[0104] Optionally, the sequence of read requests may be transmitted by the computing device based on or using connectionless communications via the wireless communication interface. Alternatively or additionally, one or more values corresponding with the one or more read requests may be transmitted by the aerosol-generating system to the computing device based on or using connectionless communications. Generally, using connectionless communications may allow for a data communication between the aerosol-generating device and the computing even if paired connections are not possible between the devices or fail.

[0105] The computing device may be further configured to switch between operation in a peripheral mode and operation in a central mode. The computing device may be further configured to receive data, for example one or more values corresponding with one or more read requests of one or more sequences of read requests, when operating in a central mode and to transmit data, for example the sequence of read requests, when operating in a peripheral mode.

[0106] The method may further comprise receiving the sequence of values corresponding with the sequence of read requests via the communication interface of the computing device, preferably thereby confirming receipt of the sequence of read requests at the aerosol-generating system and / or confirming timing of one or more read requests. In other words, the computing device may determine correct receipt of the sequence of read requests at the aerosol-generating system based on receiving the sequence of values corresponding with the sequence of read requests from the aerosol-generating system.

[0107] The method may further comprise generating and / or computing a sequence of read requests at the computing device based on a look-up table or array with a plurality of entries, each entry mapping an index to a respective predefined sequence of read requests. For instance, generating and / or computing the sequence of read requests may comprise determining one or more of an entry, an index and one of the predefined sequences of read requests from the plurality of entries of the look-up table or array.

[0108] As described with reference to the method according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the index of each entry may be unique for the respective entry, thereby allowing to uniquely identify the entry, to identify the respective predefined sequence of read requests, and / or to compute or generate the respective predefined sequence of read requests based on the index.

[0109] Exemplary indexes may be numbers or counters, for example uniquely numbering or counting the entries of the array or look-up table. Any other appropriate form of indexes, such as binary values, string values, random numbers, or characters may be used instead or in addition thereto. Generating the sequence of read requests at the computing device may increase or enhance security of the communication between the computing device and the aerosolgenerating system. In particular, man in the middle attacks, where a broadcast sequence of read requests may be recorded and used to operate the aerosol-generating system, can be reliably prevented or avoided.

[0110] The method may comprise and / or generating the sequence of read requests at the computing device may include identifying or selecting one of the predefined sequences of read requests based on an index of the array or look-up table. Optionally, one or more sequences of read requests generated at the computing device may be stored at a data storage of the computing device as one or more predefined sequences of read requests, which may optionally be transmitted or which may be transmittable via the communication interface, for example based on transmitting one or more corresponding data packets or signals from the computing device to the aerosol-generating system.

[0111] In an exemplary implementation, the sequence of read requests may be generated and / or computed at the computing device based on or using one of the indexes as input to a hash function, also referred to herein as cryptographic function or cryptographic hash function. Using one of the indexes of the array or look-up table stored at the computing device for generating the sequence of read requests may allow to generate a sequence of read requests that is specific for or to the aerosol-generating system and / or the computing device, thereby enhancing security of the communication between the computing device and the aerosol-generating system. In a further exemplary implementation, the sequence of read requests may be generated and / or computed at the computing device based on or using one of the indexes and a secret key, also referred to herein as secret cryptographic key, unique device secret or shared key, as inputs to a hash function. The secret key may be shared or pre-shared among the computing device and the aerosol-generating system, enabling the aerosol-generating system to decode the received sequence based on the sequence of read requests generated at or by the aerosol-generating system. For instance, the secret key may be shared among the devices based on or using a web server, for example when purchasing the aerosol-generating system. Using a secret key in addition to the index as input in the hash function may allow to generate a sequence of read requests that may be unique to the aerosol-generating system and the computing device. Hence, security of the communication can further be enhanced or increased based on using the secret key as input for the hash function.

[0112] In a further example, the sequence of read requests may be generated and / or computed at the computing device based on or using one of the indexes, and one or both of a secret key and a unique device identifier of the aerosol-generating system as inputs to a hash function. Accordingly, the secret key and / or the unique device identifier may be used in addition to the index to generate the sequence of read requests at the computing device. The secret key and / or the unique device identifier may be shared or pre-shared among the computing device and the aerosol-generating system, enabling the aerosol-generating system to decode the received sequence based on the sequence of read requests generated at or by the aerosol-generating system. For instance, the secret key and / or unique device identifier may be shared among the devices based on or using a web server, for example when purchasing the aerosol-generating system.

[0113] One of the indexes of the array or look-up table may be inputted to a hash function at the computing device. An output of the hash function may then provide or constitute a sequence of read requests generated at the computing device that can be transmitted to the aerosolgenerating system. Optionally, one or more of a secret key, a unique device identifier, and one or more further keys, may be inputted to the hash function. The output obtained from the hash function may provide or constitute a unique sequence of read requests, which may be unique to the aerosol-generating system and computing device, and which may be transmitted from the computing device to the aerosol-generating system to execute or perform the operation associated therewith.

[0114] Optionally, one or more of the unique device identifier of the aerosol-generating system and the secret key, and optionally one or more further secret keys, may be received at the computing device via the communication interface, for example from the aerosol-generating system. Accordingly, one or more the unique device identifier, the secret key, and one or more further secret keys may be shared between the aerosol-generating system and the computing device.

[0115] In an optional implementation, an index of an entry of the look-up table or array may be received at the computing device via the communication interface, preferably from the aerosolgenerating system.

[0116] Further optionally, the method may comprise transmitting, via the communication interface of the computing device to the aerosol-generating system, a request to provide an index of an entry of the look-up table or array.

[0117] A seventh aspect of the present disclosure relates to a computer program comprising instructions, which, when the program is executed by a computing device, cause the computing device to carry out the steps of the method according to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure.

[0118] An eighth aspect of the present disclosure relates to a computer-readable medium, for example a non-transitory computer-readable medium, storing a computer program comprising instructions, which, when the program is executed by a computing device, cause the computing device to carry out the steps of the method according to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure.

[0119] A ninth aspect of the present disclosure relates to a computing device for controlling operation of an aerosol-generating system. The computing device may be configured to carry out steps of the method according to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure.

[0120] The computing device may comprise a user interface configured to receive a user input to request execution of an operation at the aerosol-generating system. The computing device further comprises a processing circuitry configured to determine, for example based on the user input, a sequence of read requests to read a sequence of values stored at the aerosol-generating system. The computing device further comprises a communication interface configured to transmit the determined sequence of read requests to the aerosol-generating system to execute the operation at the aerosol-generating system.

[0121] The processing circuitry of the computing device may include one or more processors for data processing, and in particular for processing the user input.

[0122] The processing circuitry may be configured to determine the sequence of read requests based on a look-up table or array comprising a plurality of predefined sequences of read requests. Therein, each predefined sequence of read requests may optionally be associated with a respective operation to be performed at or performable by the aerosol-generating system.

[0123] In an example, the processing circuitry may be configured to determine the sequence of read requests based on selecting, among a plurality of predefined sequences of read request stored at a data storage of the computing device, for example in a look-up table or array, the sequence of read requests associated with the operation requested for execution by the user input. The processing circuitry may further be configured to transmit the sequence of read requests within a predetermined period of time for transmitting the sequence of read requests. Alternatively or additionally, the processing circuitry may be configured to transmit one or more of the read requests of the sequence of read requests within a predetermined period of time for transmitting said one or more read requests. This may ensure correct transmission of the sequence of read request, respectively of one or more individual or single read requests.

[0124] The computing device may further be configured to receive one or more values corresponding with the sequence of read requests. For example, the computing device may be configured to receive a sequence of values corresponding with the sequence of read requests.

[0125] Further, the computing device may be configured to confirm receipt of the sequence of read requests at the aerosol-generating system and / or to confirm timing of one or more read requests based on receiving one or more values, for example a sequence of values, corresponding with the sequence of read requests.

[0126] In an exemplary implementation, the processing circuitry may be configured to transmit the sequence of read requests via a wireless communication interface of the computing device, preferably a Bluetooth-based or wireless LAN-based communication interface.

[0127] Optionally, the processing circuitry may be configured to transmit the sequence of read requests via connectionless communications using the wireless communication interface. This may allow for data exchange or communication between the aerosol-generating system and the computing device, even when pairing is not possible or fails for some reason.

[0128] The processing circuitry may further be configured to provide one or more indications or items at the user interface, each indication or item being associated with a respective operation executable at the aerosol-generating system. The user interface and / or the processing circuitry may be configured to receive a selection input, the selection input selecting one or more of the plurality of indications or items associated with one or more operations for which execution is requested or requestable at the aerosol-generating system.

[0129] Further, the processing circuitry may be configured to generate a sequence of read requests at the computing device based on a look-up table or array with a plurality of entries, each entry mapping an index to a respective predefined sequence of read requests. For instance, the processing circuitry may be configured to generate the sequence of read requests based on one or more of an entry, and index and one of the predefined sequences of the look-up table or array.

[0130] For instance, the processing circuitry may be configured to generate the sequence of read requests based on using one of the indexes as input to a hash function.

[0131] Alternatively or additionally, the processing circuitry may be configured to generate the sequence of read requests based on using one of the indexes and a secret key as inputs to a hash function. Alternatively or additionally, the processing circuitry may be configured to generate the sequence of read requests based on using one of the indexes, a secret key, and a unique device identifier of the aerosol-generating system as inputs to a hash function. Optionally, also one or more further secret keys may be used as inputs to the hash function to generate the sequence of read requests at the computing device.

[0132] The communication interface may be configured to receive one or more of the unique device identifier of the aerosol-generating system, the secret key and one or more further secret keys, preferably from the aerosol-generating system.

[0133] Further, the communication interface may be configured to receive an index of an entry of the look-up table or array, preferably from the aerosol-generating system.

[0134] Optionally, the communication interface and / or the computing device may be configured to transmit a request, for example to the aerosol-generating system, to provide and / or receive an index of an entry of the look-up table or array, preferably from the aerosol-generating system.

[0135] The invention is defined in the claims. However, below there is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0136] Example 1 : A method of controlling operation of an aerosol-generating system, the method comprising: receiving, via a communication interface of the aerosol-generating system, a sequence of read requests to read one or more values, for example to read a sequence of values, stored at the aerosol-generating system; and determining, by a control circuitry of the aerosol-generating system, an operation associated with the received sequence of read requests.

[0137] Example 2: The method according to the previous example, further comprising: performing the operation associated with the received sequence of read requests at the aerosol-generating system.

[0138] Example 3: The method according to any one of the previous examples, wherein determining the operation associated with the received sequence of read requests includes confirming, by the control circuitry, that the received sequence of read requests matches a predefined sequence of read requests.

[0139] Example 4: The method according to any one of the previous examples, wherein determining the operation associated with the received sequence of read requests includes decoding the received sequence of read requests.

[0140] Example 5: The method according to the previous example, wherein decoding the received sequence of read requests includes confirming, by the control circuitry, that the received sequence of read requests is predefined at the aerosol-generating system or matches a predefined sequence of read requests.

[0141] Example 6: The method according to any one of the previous examples, wherein determining the operation associated with the received sequence of read requests includes comparing the received sequence of read requests to one or more predefined sequences of read requests.

[0142] Example 7: The method according to any one of the previous examples, wherein determining the operation associated with the received sequence of read requests includes:” “comparing, by the control circuitry, the received sequence of read requests to a plurality of predefined sequences of read requests; and identifying a predefined sequence of read requests among the plurality of sequences of read requests that matches or corresponds to the received sequence of read requests.

[0143] Example 8: The method according to the previous example, wherein the plurality of predefined read requests is stored in a data storage of the aerosol-generating system, preferably in a look-up table or array.

[0144] Example 9: The method according to any one of the previous examples, further comprising: generating a sequence of read requests at the aerosol-generating system based on a lookup table or array with a plurality of entries, each entry mapping an index to a respective predefined sequence of read requests.

[0145] Example 10: The method according to the previous example, wherein the sequence of read requests is generated based on using one of the indexes as input to a hash function.

[0146] Example 11 : The method according to any one of examples 9-10, wherein the sequence of read requests is generated based on using one of the indexes and a secret key as inputs to a hash function.

[0147] Example 12: The method according to any one of examples 9-11 , wherein the sequence of read requests is generated based on using one of the indexes, and one or more of a secret key and a unique device identifier of the aerosol-generating system as inputs to a hash function.

[0148] Example 13: The method according to the previous example, further comprising: providing, via the communication interface, the unique device identifier of the aerosolgenerating system to a computing device.

[0149] Example 14: The method according to any one of examples 11-13, wherein the secret key is shared between the aerosol-generating system and a computing device.

[0150] Example 15: The method according to any one of examples 9-14, further comprising:” “comparing the received sequence of read requests to the sequence of read requests generated at the aerosol-generating system based on the look-up table or array. Example 16: The method according to any one of examples 9-15, further comprising:” “providing, via the communication interface, an index of an entry of the look-up table or array to a computing device.

[0151] Example 17: The method according to the previous example, wherein the index is provided in response to receiving, via the communication interface, a request to provide an index from the computing device.

[0152] Example 18: The method according to any one of examples 16-17, further comprising: modifying or altering the index upon providing the index to the computing device.

[0153] Example 19: The method according to any one of examples 16-18, further comprising: determining a subsequent or next index for receipt and / or decoding of a subsequent or next sequence of read requests.

[0154] Example 20: The method according to any one of the previous examples, wherein determining the operation associated with the received sequence of read requests includes evaluating, by the control circuitry, log data of the aerosol-generating system, preferably wherein the log data is indicative of data communications via the communication interface.

[0155] Example 21 : The method according to any one of the previous examples, further comprising:” “storing log data indicative of the sequence of read requests at a data storage of the aerosol-generating system.

[0156] Example 22: The method according to any one of the previous examples, further comprising: confirming that the sequence of read requests is received within a predetermined period of time for receiving the sequence of read requests.

[0157] Example 23: The method according to any one of the previous examples, further comprising: confirming that one or more of the read requests of the sequence of read requests is received within a predetermined period of time for receiving said one or more read requests.

[0158] Example 24: The method according to any one of the previous examples, wherein the sequence of read requests is received via a wireless communication interface of the aerosolgenerating system, preferably a Bluetooth-based or wireless LAN-based communication interface.

[0159] Example 25: The method according to the previous example, wherein the sequence of read requests is received via connectionless communications using the wireless communication interface.

[0160] Example 26: The method according to any one of the previous examples, wherein the sequence of read requests is received from a computing device of a user authorized to use or operate the aerosol-generating system. Example 27: The method according to any one of the previous examples, wherein the sequence of read requests includes a plurality of single read requests, each requesting receipt of at least one value stored at the aerosol-generating system.

[0161] Example 28: The method according to any one of the previous examples, wherein the values stored at the aerosol-generating system are values associated with one or more characteristics of the aerosol-generating system, preferably wherein the one or more characteristics of the aerosol-generating system are open for read access via the communication interface to external computing devices.

[0162] Example 29: The method according to the previous example, wherein the values associated with the one or more characteristics of the aerosol-generating system include one or more of a sensor value of a sensor, a firmware version, a software version of the communication interface, a state value of an energy storage, a value indicative of a heating profile, a value indicative of one or more settings, a value indicative of usage data, and a value indicative of an operational mode of the aerosol-generating system.

[0163] Example 30: The method according to any one of the previous examples, wherein the values stored at the aerosol-generating system are configured at the aerosol-generating system as values open for read access via the communication interface.

[0164] Example 31 : The method according to any one of the previous examples, wherein the operation comprises one or more of altering an operational mode of the aerosol-generating system, maintaining an operational mode of the aerosol-generating system, modifying one or more settings of the aerosol-generating system, changing a heating profile, modifying or actuating a user interface of the aerosol-generating system, configuring the aerosol-generating system from a locked state prohibiting aerosol generation to an unlocked state allowing aerosol-generation, configuring the aerosol-generating system from an unlocked state to a locked state, maintaining the aerosol-generating system in a locked or unlocked mode, configuring the communication interface.

[0165] Example 32: The method according to any one of the previous examples, further comprising: providing the one or more values, for example the sequence of values, stored at the aerosolgenerating system via the communication interface of the aerosol-generating system.

[0166] Example 33: The method according to any one of the previous examples, further comprising: transmitting the one or more values corresponding with one or more read requests of the sequence of read requests from the aerosol-generating system via the communication interface, thereby confirming receipt of the sequence of read requests and / or confirming timing of one or more read requests. Example 34: A computer program comprising instructions, which, when the program is executed by an aerosol-generating system, cause the aerosol-generating system to carry out the steps of the method according to any one of the previous examples.

[0167] Example 35: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing the computer program according to example 34:

[0168] Example 36: An aerosol-generating system configured to carry out steps of the method according to any one of examples 1 to 33:

[0169] Example 37: The aerosol-generating system according to the previous example, comprising:” “an aerosol-generating device; optionally an aerosol-generating article for generating aerosol; and” “a companion device configured to charge the aerosol-generating device, wherein the aerosol-generating device and / or the companion device is configured to carry out steps of the method according to any one of examples 1 to 33:

[0170] Example 38: An aerosol-generating system, comprising: a communication interface configured to receive a sequence of read requests to read one or more values, for example a sequence of values, stored at the aerosol-generating system; and a control circuitry configured to determine an operation associated with the received sequence of read requests.

[0171] Example 39: The aerosol-generating system according to the previous example, wherein the control circuitry is further configured to perform or execute the operation associated with the received sequence of read requests at the aerosol-generating system.

[0172] Example 40: The aerosol-generating system according to the previous example, wherein the control circuitry is configured to determine the operation associated with the received sequence of read requests based on confirming that the received sequence of read requests matches a predefined sequence of read requests.

[0173] Example 41 : The aerosol-generating system according to any one of examples 38 to 40, wherein the control circuitry is configured to determine the operation associated with the received sequence of read requests based on decoding the received sequence of read requests.

[0174] Example 42: The aerosol-generating system according to the previous example, wherein the control circuitry is configured to decode the received sequence of read requests based on confirming that the received sequence of read requests is predefined at the aerosolgenerating system or matches a predefined sequence of read requests.

[0175] Example 43: The aerosol-generating system according to any one of examples 38 to 42, wherein the control circuitry is configured to determine the operation associated with the received sequence of read requests based on comparing the received sequence of read requests to one or more predefined sequences of read requests. Example 44: The aerosol-generating system according to any one of examples 38 to 43, wherein the control circuitry is configured to determine the operation associated with the received sequence based on:” “comparing the received sequence of read requests to a plurality of predefined sequences of read requests; and identifying a predefined sequence of read requests among the plurality of sequences of read requests that matches or corresponds to the received sequence of read requests.

[0176] Example 45: The aerosol-generating system according to the previous example, wherein aerosol-generating system includes a data storage for storing the plurality of predefined read requests, preferably in the form of a look-up table or array.

[0177] Example 46: The aerosol-generating system according to any one of examples 38 to 45, wherein the control circuitry is configured to generate a sequence of read requests based on a look-up table or array with a plurality of entries, each entry mapping an index to a respective predefined sequence of read requests.

[0178] Example 47: The aerosol-generating system according to the previous example, wherein the control circuitry is configured to generate the sequence of read requests based on using one of the indexes as input to a hash function.

[0179] Example 48: The aerosol-generating system according to example 46 or 47, wherein the sequence of read requests is generated based on using one of the indexes and a secret key as inputs to a hash function.

[0180] Example 49: The aerosol-generating system according to any one of examples 46 to 48, wherein the sequence of read requests is generated based on using one of the indexes, and one or more of a secret key and a unique device identifier of the aerosol-generating system as inputs to a hash function.

[0181] Example 50: The aerosol-generating system according to the previous example, wherein the control circuitry is configured to provide, via the communication interface, the unique device identifier of the aerosol-generating system to a computing device.

[0182] Example 51 : The aerosol-generating system according to any one of examples 46 to 50, wherein the secret key is shared between the aerosol-generating system and a computing device.

[0183] Example 52: The aerosol-generating system according to any one of examples 46 to 51 , wherein the control circuitry is configured to compare the received sequence of read requests to the sequence of read requests generated by the aerosol-generating system based on the lookup table or array.

[0184] Example 53: The aerosol-generating system according to any one of examples 46 to 52, wherein the control circuitry is configured to provide, via the communication interface, an index of an entry of the look-up table or array to a computing device. Example 54: The aerosol-generating system according to the previous example, wherein the control circuitry is configured to provide the index in response to receiving a request to provide an index from the computing device.

[0185] Example 55: The aerosol-generating system according to example 53 or 54, wherein the control circuitry is configured to modify or alter the index upon providing the index to the computing device.

[0186] Example 56: The aerosol-generating system according to any one of examples 53 to 55, wherein the control circuitry is configured to determine a subsequent or next index for receipt of a subsequent or next sequence of read requests.

[0187] Example 57: The aerosol-generating system according to any one of examples 38 to 56, wherein the control circuitry is configured to determine the operation associated with the received sequence of read requests based on evaluating log data of the aerosol-generating system, preferably wherein the log data is indicative of data communications via the communication interface.

[0188] Example 58: The aerosol-generating system according to any one of examples 38 to 57, further comprising a data storage for storing log data indicative of the sequence of read requests.

[0189] Example 59: The aerosol-generating system according to any one of examples 38 to 58, wherein the control circuitry is configured to confirm that the sequence of read requests is received within a predetermined period of time for receiving the sequence of read requests.

[0190] Example 60: The aerosol-generating system according to any one of examples 38 to 59, wherein the control circuitry is configured to confirm that one or more of the read requests of the sequence of read requests is received within a predetermined period of time for receiving said one or more read requests.

[0191] Example 61 : The aerosol-generating system according to any one of examples 38 to 60, wherein communication interface is a wireless communication interface of the aerosol-generating system, preferably a Bluetooth-based or wireless LAN-based communication interface.

[0192] Example 62: The aerosol-generating system according to any one of examples 38 to 61 , wherein the control circuitry is configured to provide the one or more values, for example the sequence of values, corresponding with the sequence of read requests via the communication interface of the aerosol-generating system.

[0193] Example 63: The aerosol-generating system according to any one of examples 38 to 62, wherein the control circuitry is configured to transmit the one or more values corresponding with one or more read requests of the sequence of read requests from the aerosol-generating system via the communication interface to confirm receipt of the sequence of read requests and / or confirm timing of one or more read requests. Example 64: The aerosol-generating system according to any of examples 38 to 63, comprising:” “an aerosol-generating device; and” “a companion device configured to charge the aerosol-generating device,” “wherein the communication interface and / or the control circuitry is implemented in one or both the aerosol-generating device and the companion device.

[0194] Example 65: A method of controlling operation of an aerosol-generating system via a computing device, the method comprising: receiving, a user input at a user interface of the computing device, the user input requesting execution of an operation at the aerosol-generating system; determining, by a processing circuitry of the computing device, a sequence of read requests to read one or more values, for example a sequence of values, stored at the aerosol-generating system; and transmitting, via a communication interface of the computing device, the determined sequence of read requests to the aerosol-generating system to execute the operation at the aerosol-generating system.

[0195] Example 66: The method according to the previous example, wherein the determined sequence of read requests is associated with the operation requested for execution by the user input.

[0196] Example 67: The method according to example 65 or 66, wherein the sequence of read requests is determined by the processing circuitry of the computing device based on a look-up table or array associated with a plurality of predefined sequences of read requests.

[0197] Example 68: The method according to the previous example, wherein each predefined sequence of read requests is associated with a respective operation to be performed at the aerosol-generating system.

[0198] Example 69: The method according to any one of examples 65 to 68, wherein the sequence of read requests is determined based on selecting, among a plurality of predefined sequences of read request stored at a data storage of the computing device, the sequence of read requests associated with the operation requested for execution by the user input.

[0199] Example 70: The method according to any one of examples 65 to 69, further comprising: generating a sequence of read requests at the computing device based on a look-up table or array with a plurality of entries, each entry mapping an index to a respective predefined sequence of read requests.

[0200] Example 71 : The method according to the previous example, wherein the sequence of read requests is generated based on using one of the indexes as input to a hash function.

[0201] Example 72: The method according to example 70 or 71 , wherein the sequence of read requests is generated based on using one of the indexes and a secret key as inputs to a hash function. Example 73: The method according to any one of examples 70 to 72, wherein the sequence of read requests is generated based on using one of the indexes, and one or more of a secret key and a unique device identifier of the aerosol-generating system as inputs to a hash function.

[0202] Example 74: The method according to the previous example, further comprising: receiving, via the communication interface, the unique device identifier of the aerosolgenerating system, preferably from the aerosol-generating system.

[0203] Example 75: The method according to any one of examples 72 to 74, wherein the secret key is shared between or received from the aerosol-generating system and the computing device.

[0204] Example 76: The method according to any one of examples 70 to 75, further comprising:” “receiving, via the communication interface, an index of an entry of the look-up table or array, preferably from the aerosol-generating system.

[0205] Example 77: The method according to the previous example, transmitting, via the communication interface to the aerosol-generating system, a request to provide an index.

[0206] Example 78: The method according to any one of examples 65 to 77, wherein the sequence of read requests is transmitted by the computing device within a predetermined period of time for transmitting the sequence of read requests.

[0207] Example 79: The method according to any one of examples 65 to 78, wherein one or more of the read requests of the sequence of read requests is transmitted by the computing device within a predetermined period of time for transmitting said one or more read requests.

[0208] Example 80: The method according to any one of examples 65 to 79, wherein the sequence of read requests is transmitted via a wireless communication interface of the computing device, preferably a Bluetooth-based or wireless LAN-based communication interface.

[0209] Example 81 : The method according to the previous example, wherein the sequence of read requests is transmitted via connectionless communications using the wireless communication interface.

[0210] Example 82: The method according to any one of examples 65 to 81 , further comprising: receiving the one or more values, for example the sequence of values, corresponding with the sequence of read requests via the communication interface of the computing device, preferably thereby confirming receipt of the sequence of read requests at the aerosol-generating system and / or confirming timing of one or more read requests.

[0211] Example 83: The method according to any one of examples 65 to 82, wherein the values stored at the aerosol-generating system are values associated with one or more characteristics of the aerosol-generating system, preferably wherein the one or more characteristics of the aerosol-generating system are open for read access via the communication interface to external computing devices.

[0212] Example 84: The method according to the previous example, wherein the values associated with the one or more characteristics of the aerosol-generating system include one or more of a sensor value of a sensor, a firmware version, a software version of the communication interface, a state value of an energy storage, a value indicative of a heating profile, a value indicative of one or more settings, a value indicative of usage data, and a value indicative of an operational mode of the aerosol-generating system.

[0213] Example 85: The method according to any one of examples 65 to 84, wherein the values stored at the aerosol-generating system are configured at the aerosol-generating system as values open for read access via the communication interface.

[0214] Example 86: The method according to any one of examples 65 to 85, wherein the computing device is a personal computer, a mobile device, a smartphone, or a smart device.

[0215] Example 87: The method according to any one of examples 65 to 86, wherein receiving the user input at the user interface comprises:” “providing, at the user interface, one or more indications, each indication being associated with a respective operation executable at the aerosol-generating system; and” “receiving a selection input at the user interface, the selection input selecting one of the plurality of indications associated with the operation for which execution is requested at the aerosol-generating system.

[0216] Example 88: The method according to any one of examples 65 to 87, wherein the operation requested for execution by the user input comprises one or more of altering an operational mode of the aerosol-generating system, maintaining an operational mode of the aerosol-generating system, modifying one or more settings of the aerosol-generating system, changing a heating profile, modifying or actuating a user interface of the aerosol-generating system, configuring the aerosol-generating system from a locked state prohibiting aerosol generation to an unlocked state allowing aerosol-generation, configuring the aerosol-generating system from an unlocked state to a locked state, maintaining the aerosol-generating system in a locked or unlocked mode, configuring the communication interface.

[0217] Example 89: A computer program comprising instructions, which, when the program is executed by a computing device, cause the computing device to carry out the steps of the method according to any one of examples 65 to 88:

[0218] Example 90: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing the computer program according to example 89:

[0219] Example 91 : A computing device for controlling operation of an aerosol-generating system, the computing device comprising: a user interface configured to receive a user input to request execution of an operation at the aerosol-generating system; a processing circuitry configured to determine a sequence of read requests to read one or more values, for example a sequence of values, stored at the aerosol-generating system; and a communication interface configured to transmit the determined sequence of read requests to the aerosol-generating system to execute the operation at the aerosol-generating system.

[0220] Example 92: The computing device according to the previous example, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to determine the sequence of read requests based on a lookup table or array comprising a plurality of predefined sequences of read requests.

[0221] Example 93: The computing device according to the previous example, wherein each predefined sequence of read requests is associated with a respective operation to be performed at the aerosol-generating system.

[0222] Example 94: The computing device according to any one of examples 91 to 93, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to determine the sequence of read requests based on selecting, among a plurality of predefined sequences of read request stored at a data storage of the computing device, the sequence of read requests associated with the operation requested for execution by the user input.

[0223] Example 95: The computing device according to any one of examples 91 to 94, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to generate a sequence of read requests at the computing device based on a look-up table or array with a plurality of entries, each entry mapping an index to a respective predefined sequence of read requests.

[0224] Example 96: The computing device according to the previous example, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to generate the sequence of read requests based on using one of the indexes as input to a hash function.

[0225] Example 97: The computing device according to any one of examples 91 to 96, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to generate the sequence of read requests based on using one of the indexes and a secret key as inputs to a hash function.

[0226] Example 98: The computing device according to any one of examples 91 to 97, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to generate the sequence of read requests based on using one of the indexes, and one or more of a secret key and a unique device identifier of the aerosolgenerating system as inputs to a hash function.

[0227] Example 99: The computing device according to the previous example, wherein the communication interface is configured to receive the unique device identifier of the aerosolgenerating system, preferably from the aerosol-generating system. Example 100: The computing device according to any one of examples 91 to 99, wherein the secret key is shared between or received from the aerosol-generating system and the computing device.

[0228] Example 101 : The computing device according to any one of examples 91 to 100, wherein the communication interface is configured to receive an index of an entry of the look-up table or array, preferably from the aerosol-generating system.

[0229] Example 102: The computing device according to the previous example, wherein the communication interface is configured to transmit a request to provide an index.

[0230] Example 103: The computing device according to any one of examples 91 to 102, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to transmit the sequence of read requests within a predetermined period of time for transmitting the sequence of read requests.

[0231] Example 104: The computing device according to any one of examples 91 to 103, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to transmit one or more of the read requests of the sequence of read requests within a predetermined period of time for transmitting said one or more read requests.

[0232] Example 105: The computing device according to any one of examples 91 to 104, wherein the computing device is configured to receive one or more values corresponding with the sequence of read requests.

[0233] Example 106: The computing device according to any one of examples 91 to 105, wherein the computing device is configured to confirm receipt of the sequence of read requests at the aerosol-generating system and / or to confirm timing of one or more read requests based on receiving one or more values corresponding with the sequence of read requests.

[0234] Example 107: The computing device according to any one of examples 91 to 106, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to transmit the sequence of read requests via a wireless communication interface of the computing device, preferably a Bluetooth-based or wireless LANbased communication interface.

[0235] Example 108: The computing device according to the previous example, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to transmit the sequence of read requests via connectionless communications using the wireless communication interface.

[0236] Example 109: The computing device according to any one of examples 91 to 108, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to provide one or more indications at the user interface, each indication being associated with a respective operation executable at the aerosol-generating system; and” “wherein the user interface and / or the processing circuitry is configured to receive a selection input, the selection input selecting one of the plurality of indications associated with the operation for which execution is requested at the aerosol-generating system.

[0237] Examples will now be further described with reference to the figures in which: FIG. 1 shows an exemplary aerosol-generating system and a computing device;

[0238] FIG. 2 shows a flow-chart illustrating a method of operationally controlling an aerosolgenerating system 1000;

[0239] FIG. 3 shows a flow chart illustrating a method of operationally controlling an aerosolgenerating system via a computing device;

[0240] FIG. 4 illustrates operational control of an aerosol-generating system via a computing device;

[0241] FIG. 5 illustrates a method of generating a sequence of read requests;

[0242] FIG. 6 illustrates operational control of an aerosol-generating system via a computing device;

[0243] FIG. 7 illustrates operational control of an aerosol-generating system via a computing device; and

[0244] FIG. 8 illustrates operational control of an aerosol-generating system via a computing device.

[0245] The figures are schematic only and not true to scale.

[0246] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary aerosol-generating system 1000 with an aerosol-generating device 100 for generating aerosol, for example nicotine-containing aerosol. The aerosolgenerating system 1000 of FIG. 1 is exemplary shown with optional components, including an aerosol-generating article 200 that is at least partly insertable into the aerosol-generating device100, and a companion device 300 configured to store and / or (re-)charge the aerosolgenerating device 100. It is noted that the aerosol-generating system 1000 may comprise the aerosol-generating device 100, and optionally the aerosol-generating article 200. Such configuration without companion device 300 may also be referred to as one-part system. Alternatively, the aerosol-generating system 1000 may include the aerosol-generating device100 and the companion device 300, and optionally the aerosol-generating article 200. Such configuration of the aerosol-generating system 1000 may also be referred to as two-part system. Although a companion device 300 is exemplary shown in FIG. 1, the figure description of all figures applies to both configurations, unless explicitly stated otherwise. Accordingly, any reference to the aerosol-generating system 1000 or its components includes reference to one or both the aerosol-generating device 100 and the companion device 300, and their respective components.

[0247] FIG. 1 further illustrates schematically a computing device 400, exemplary shown in the form of a mobile device 400 or smartphone 400, which can be communicatively and / or operationally coupled with the aerosol-generating system 1000, the aerosol-generating device 100 and / or the companion device 300. The aerosol-generating device 100 includes one or more energy storages 102 for storing electrical energy and / or for providing electrical energy to generate aerosol or perform other operations. The one or more energy storages 102 may be one or more batteries (e.g. a lithium- ion battery) or accumulators. When the energy storage(s) 102 is / are a battery / batteries the cathode material may comprise lithium-cobalt-oxide (LCO), lithium-manganese-oxide (LMO), lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt-oxide (NMC), lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP), and / or lithium- nickel-cobalt-aluminium-oxide (NCA). The anode material may comprise carbon (e.g. graphite), silicon and / or lithium-titanate-oxide (LTO).

[0248] The exemplary aerosol-generating device 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes at least a part of a heating circuit 104 with at least one heating element 106 for heating at least a part of an aerosolgenerating article 200 couplable to the aerosol-generating device 100. It should be noted that the heating circuit 104 and heating element 106 are optional only. Alternatively or additionally, at least a part of or the entire heating circuit 104, heating arrangement 104 and / or heating element 106 may be integrated or arranged in the aerosol-generating article 200.

[0249] Also, it should be noted that the heating element 106 is merely for illustrative purposes shown in FIG 1 as an inductive coil configured to inductively heat at least a part of the aerosolgenerating article 200, for example a susceptor material arranged in an aerosol-generating substrate 202 of the aerosol-generating article 200. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one heating element 106 may be configured for one or more of resistive heating and microwave heating. In another example, the aerosol-generating device 100 generates aerosol using a nonthermal aerosol-generating arrangement or aerosol generator, e.g., an ultrasonic aerosolgenerating arrangement or aerosol generator.

[0250] Further, it should be noted that the aerosol-generating article 200 is only exemplary shown in FIG. 1 as having a stick-like or tubular shape and as being at least partially insertable through an opening 105 of a housing 107 of the aerosol-generating device 100, for example into a heating chamber 109 of the aerosol-generating device 100. In other exemplary designs, the aerosolgenerating article 200 may be shaped as container or cartridge that may be integrated in the aerosol-generating device 100 or that may be couplable to the device 100. Other designs with solid or liquid aerosol-generating substrate 202 are possible and envisaged.

[0251] The aerosol-generating system 1000 includes one or more control circuitries 110, 310. In particular, a control circuitry 110 can be included in the aerosol-generating device 100, and alternatively or additionally, a control circuitry 310 may be included in the companion device 300. Any feature or function described herein with reference to the control circuitry 110, 310 of the aerosol-generating system 1000 can be implemented in the control circuitry 110 of the aerosolgenerating device 100 and / or the control circuitry 310 of the companion device 300. Also, the control circuitries 110, 310 may be operatively coupled to form a control arrangement of the aerosol-generating system 1000.

[0252] The control circuitry 110 of the aerosol-generating device 100 is operatively coupled to the energy storage 102. The control circuitry 110 may optionally include one or more processors 112 for data processing. For example, the control circuitry 110 may comprise a microcontroller comprising a processor, memory and input / output means of the companion device 300.

[0253] Alternatively or additionally, the control circuitry 310 may be operatively coupled with one or more energy storages 320 of the companion device 300. The control circuitry 310 may optionally include one or more processors for data processing. For example, the control circuitry 310 may comprise a microcontroller comprising a processor, memory and input / output means.

[0254] The aerosol-generating system 1000 further includes one or more data storages 114, 314 for storing data, such as for example log data indicative of one or more read requests and / or indicative of communications, as described in more detail hereinabove and hereinbelow. In particular, a data storage 114 can be included in the aerosol-generating device 100, and alternatively or additionally, a data storage 314 can be included in the companion device 300.

[0255] Also, software instructions may be stored in one or both data storages 114, 314, which when executed by the respective control circuitry 110, 310 instruct the aerosol-generating device 1000, the aerosol-generating device 100 and / or the companion device 300 to perform one or more functions of the system 1000, as described hereinabove and hereinbelow.

[0256] The aerosol-generating device 100 optionally includes a user interface 120 for receiving one or more user inputs from a user, for example to operate the aerosol-generating device 100 to generate aerosol in one or more usage sessions. The user interface 120 is exemplary shown as button in FIG. 1 . Any other type of user interface 120, such as an acoustic interface, a haptic interface, a touch interface, a display, an arrangement of one or more LEDs or the like can be included in the aerosol-generating device 100 instead or in addition. Alternatively or additionally, a user interface as described for the aerosol-generating device 100 can be included in the companion device 300.

[0257] The aerosol-generating system 1000 further includes one or more communication interfaces or circuitries 130, 330 for communicatively coupling the aerosol-generating system 1000 to one or more computing devices 400. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol-generating device 100 and the companion device 300 may be communicatively coupled via the communication interfaces 130, 330.

[0258] One or more communication interface types or communication protocols may be implemented in the aerosol-generating system 1000 and the one or more communication interfaces 130, 330. In particular, the one or more communication interfaces 130, 330 may be configured for one or both wired and wireless communication with the computing device 400 and / or with each other. For example, the one or more communication interfaces 130, 330 may be based on or configured for one or more of USB (Universal Serial Bus) communication, LAN (Local Area Network) communication, Wireless LAN communication, Wireless Personal Area Network communication (WPAN), Bluetooth communication, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication, infrared (IR) communication, nearfield communication (NFC), radio communication, cellular network communication, as an example. The actual communication or data exchange between the aerosol-generating system and the computing device may be based on a corresponding communication standard or protocol, such as for example the USB, IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi or WLAN), Bluetooth (including BLE), Zigbee, 3G, 4G, 5G, 6G, LTE, EDGE, or other communication protocol.

[0259] The aerosol-generating device 100 may optionally be coupled to, for example at least partly inserted into, the companion device 300 for charging the energy storage 102 and / or for storing the aerosol-generating device 100. Charging may, for example, be based on inductive charging or via electrical connections in a cavity of the companion device 300.

[0260] The aerosol-generating device 100 and / or the control circuitry 110 is configured to supply electrical energy to the at least one heating element 106 to heat at least a portion of the aerosolgenerating article 200.

[0261] The one or more energy storages 320 of the companion device 300 may be (re-)charged based on connecting the companion device 300 to a power source, for example via a charging cable, such as a USB cable.

[0262] The computing device 400of FIG. 1 can be communicatively couplable or coupled to the aerosol-generating system 100 via the one or more communication interfaces 130, 330 of the system 1000. The computing device 400 may include a processing circuitry 410, one or more energy storages 420, and one or more communication interfaces 430 for communicating with one or more of the aerosol-generating system 1000, the companion device 300 and the aerosolgenerating device 100. Optionally, the computing device 400 or processing circuitry 410 thereof may include a memory and input / output means.

[0263] The computing device 400 further includes one or more user interfaces 440. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the computing device 400 includes a touch display 440 as user interface, which can be configured to receive one or more user inputs and / or to provide information to the user. Other designs of the user interface 440, such as buttons, a keyboard, a mouse or the like can be used instead or in addition.

[0264] The general aspects of a communicative and / or operative coupling between the aerosolgenerating system 1000 and the computing device 400 are illustrated in FIG. 1 and in the flow charts shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively. Therein, FIG. 2 shows a flow-chart illustrating a method of operationally controlling the aerosol-generating system 1000 from the aerosolgenerating system’s 1000 perspective. FIG. 3 shows a flow chart illustrating a method of operationally controlling the aerosol-generating system 1000 via the computing device 400. Accordingly, FIG. 3 shows illustrates the operational control of the aerosol-generating system 1000 from the computing device’s perspective. The following description commonly refers to FIGS. 1 to 3, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0265] A user may provide a user input at the user interface 440 of the computing device 400 to request execution of an operation at the aerosol-generating system 1000. This user input may be received at the computing device 400, respectively, at the processing circuitry 410 thereof at step S10 shown in FIG. 3.

[0266] In a non-limiting example, one or more operations that are performable by the aerosolgenerating system 1000 may be displayed at step S10 in the form of one or more indications or items at the user interface 440, and the user may select one of the operations, for example based on marking or clicking one of the indications or items displayed at the user interface 440. The corresponding user input may also be referred to as selection input herein.

[0267] Based on the user input and / or selection input, the processing circuitry 410 of the computing device 400 may determine a sequence of read requests to read one or more values stored at the aerosol-generating system 1000, for example to read a sequence of values stored at the system 1000. This step is illustrated as step S12 in FIG. 3.

[0268] The processing circuitry 410 may optionally actuate the communication interface 430 to transmit the sequence of read requests to the aerosol-generating system 1000 to execute the operation selected based on the user input at the aerosol-generating system 1000, as illustrated at step S14 in FIG. 3. The sequence of read requests may, for example, be transmitted in the form of one or more data packets or messages to the aerosol-generating system 1000.

[0269] The aerosol-generating system 1000 may receive the sequence of read requests via its one or more communication interfaces 130, 330, as illustrated in step S1 in FIG. 2. The one or more control circuitries 110, 310 of the aerosol-generating system 1000 may determine the operation associated with the received sequence of read requests, which may correspond to or be equal to the operation selected by the user at the user interface 440 of the computing device 400. Determining the operation associated with the received sequence of read requests is illustrated in step S2 of FIG. 2.

[0270] Optionally, the operation may be performed or executed at the aerosol-generating system 1000, which is illustrated in optional step S3 of FIG. 2. As described in more detail hereinabove and hereinbelow, the methods illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 can comprise further optional steps.

[0271] Further optionally, the aerosol-generating system 1000 may provide or transmit the requested one or more values, for example a sequence of the requested values corresponding to the sequence of read requests, to the computing device 400. The one or more values requested by the sequence of read requests may include any value storable in one or more of the data storages 114, 314 of the aerosol-generating system 1000. For instance, the one or more values may be configured as being open for read in a corresponding communication protocol or standard that may apply for a data communication between the aerosol-generating system 1000 and the computing device 400.

[0272] For example, the one or more values requested based on the sequence of read requests may be associated with, descriptive of and / or indicative of one or more characteristics of the aerosol-generating system 1000. Exemplary characteristics of the aerosol-generating system 1000 can include one or more of a sensor value of a sensor, a firmware version, a software version of the communication interface(s) 130, 330, a state value of one or more energy storage 102, 320, a value indicative of a heating profile, a value indicative of one or more settings, a value indicative of usage data, and a value indicative of an operational mode of the aerosol-generating system 1000. Other characteristics or values thereof may be requested based on the sequence of read requests instead or in addition.

[0273] Non-limiting examples of operations requested for execution by the user input comprise one or more of altering an operational mode of the aerosol-generating system 1000, maintaining an operational mode of the aerosol-generating system 1000, modifying one or more settings of the aerosol-generating system 1000, changing a heating profile, modifying or actuating a user interface 120 of the aerosol-generating system 1000, configuring the aerosol-generating system 1000 from a locked state prohibiting aerosol generation to an unlocked state allowing aerosolgeneration, configuring the aerosol-generating system 1000 from an unlocked state to a locked state, maintaining the aerosol-generating system 1000 in a locked or unlocked mode, configuring the one or more communication interfaces 130, 330.

[0274] In an exemplary implementation, the computing device 400 and the aerosol-generating system 1000 may be communicatively coupled via Bluetooth Low Energy. Accordingly, the communication interfaces 430, 330, 130 may be configured for Bluetooth communication.

[0275] Optionally, data communication between the computing device 400 and the aerosolgenerating system 1000 may be based on connectionless communication, which may not require pairing of the computing device 400 and the aerosol-generating system 1000. For example, the computing device 400 may be operated in peripheral mode or role to broadcast or transmit the sequence of read requests to the aerosol-generating system 1000 or any computing device within a communication range of the computing device 400. The aerosol-generating system 1000, the aerosol-generating device 100 and / or the companion device 300 may be configured in central mode or role and may scan their communication range to receive broadcast messages, respectively the sequence of read requests from the computing device 400. Optionally, the aerosol-generating system 1000 may be configured in peripheral mode or role to broadcast the requested one or more values, for example the sequence of values. Further the computing device 400 may be configured in central mode or role to receive the broadcasted one or more values.

[0276] In the following, various aspects and non-limiting details related to the present disclosure and the operational control of the aerosol-generating system 1000 based on the sequence of read requests are summarized.

[0277] The present disclosure relates to aerosol-generating systems 1000, also referred to as electronic smoking devices Reduced Risk Devices (RRD). In an example, the aerosol-generating system’s 1000 one or more communication interfaces 130, 330 may be configured for wireless communication with the computing device, for example communication via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) or WiFi. Such connection could be established to connect or associate the aerosolgenerating system 1000 to a computing device 400 at the manufacturer website from time to time, for instance to register the aerosol-generating system 1000 after its purchase, or to upgrade the firmware (FW) of the aerosol-generating system 1000. Such connection could also be established on a regular basis, for instance, to tune or configure the aerosol-generating system’s 1000 functions or settings, for example beyond what could be done using the user interface 120 of the aerosol-generating system 1000, or to transfer usage data regarding the use of the aerosolgenerating system 1000 to the computing device 400.

[0278] In particular when it comes to BLE communication, however, some of aerosol-generating systems 1000 may fail to connect and / or pair by BLE to other computing devices 400. Ensuring compatibility with the wide ranging, and ever increasing, range of smart or computing devices 400 can be costly and time-consuming. Also, some smart or computing devices 400 may even be unable to fully connect and / or pair to the aerosol-generating system 1000. If the pairing is not possible, some interactions with the aerosol-generating system 1000 may not be executed via the user interface 120 of the system 1000. For instance, firmware updates or unlocking of the aerosol-generating system 1000 may not be performed via BLE if pairing is not possible or fails.

[0279] In the event the aerosol-generating system 1000 fails to connect and / or pair with the computing device 400, firmware updates would require either the aerosol-generating system 1000 pairing to another smart or computing device or the user visit a manufacturer’s store. As a result, the consumer or user may consider the aerosol-generating system 1000 faulty and return it to the manufacturer.

[0280] Such and similar issues are addressed by the present disclosure and resolved in the aerosol-generating system 1000 described herein. Hence, functions, such as firmware updates or unlocking some functionalities, of the aerosol-generating system 1000 even without BLE pairing can be performed based on the operational control of the aerosol-generating system 1000 described herein. Also, the present disclosure can provide an additional or alternative method to communicate with and / or control the aerosol-generating system 1000, even in case the system 1000 fails to connect and / or pair to the computing device 400, because one or more operations can be performed at the aerosol-generating system 1000 based on providing a sequence of read requests from a computing device 400. It is noted, though, that the present disclosure is not limited to Bluetooth communication between the aerosol-generating system 1000 and the computing device 400, but rather is applicable to any communication, including wired and wireless communication via various communication standards, such as BLE, Zigbee, cellular network communication, LAN, WLAN, WiFi and others.

[0281] For instance, the aerosol-generating system 1000 can be configured to open up one or more values, for example associated with one or more characteristics of the aerosol-generating system 1000, for read access to all other computing devices 400 in the communication range of the system without the need for pairing. Exemplary characteristics of the aerosol-generating system 1000 can include one or more of a sensor value of a sensor, a firmware version, a software version of the communication interface(s) 130, 330, battery voltage, battery charge, battery capacity, Bluetooth stack version, a state value of one or more energy storage 102, 320, a value indicative of a heating profile, a value indicative of one or more settings, a value indicative of usage data, and a value indicative of an operational mode of the aerosol-generating system 1000. Other characteristics or values thereof may be requested based on the sequence of read requests instead or in addition. Also, values non-associated or non-related to any characteristic, such as random values, can be used instead or in addition.

[0282] The sequence of read requests can be determined at the computing device 400, for example based on a user input, to trigger a specific action or operation on the aerosol-generating system 1000. For example, only if the correct sequence of read requests is logged by the aerosolgenerating system 1000, optionally with correct timings, the aerosol-generating system 1000 may initiate or perform the action or operation.

[0283] Accordingly, one or more predefined actions or operations can be triggered or executed, optionally over a wireless protocol without bonding and / or pairing of the communication partners. Such communication and operative control can serve for performing and / or triggering pre-defined operations, such as for example user interface changes, locking or unlocking the aerosolgenerating system 100, changing a heating profile, and many others in a non-trivial way i.e. , with a level of security to protect against opportunist or malicious triggering of those actions or operations. Also, such communication and operative control can be used in cases when the aerosol-generating system 1000 fails to connect by BLE to the computing device 400.

[0284] For example, when using BLE communication, a device can operate in one of four GAPs (Generic Attribute Profile) roles. These GAP rules include the peripheral role, which is used by a BLE device to advertise its existence. The device can broadcast “advertisement” packets which can include specific values determined by the device as payload that could be up to about 31 bytes. A further GAP role is the central role, which is used by a BLE device to discover other BLE devices by reading broadcasted advertisements. Since 2015, a BLE device can usually operate in these two GAP roles. Upon receiving an advertising signal, a device operating in central role could agree to start bilateral communicating, using BLE, with another device operating in peripheral role. This is known as “pairing”. For the operative control described herein, the aerosolgenerating system 1000 and the computing device 400 may not pair.

[0285] FIG. 4 illustrates operational control of an aerosol-generating system 1000 via a computing device 400. Therein, the operational control is illustrated from the aerosol-generating system’s 1000 and from the computing device’s 400 perspective.

[0286] In particular, FIG. 4 illustrates a computing device 400, and three aerosol-generating systems 1000, 1000’, 1000”, wherein aerosol-generating system 1000 is to be operationally controlled via the computing device 400. The computing device 400 and the aerosol-generating systems 1000, 1000’, 1000” shown in FIG. 4 may include the same features, functions and / or elements as described with reference to the foregoing figures, unless stated otherwise.

[0287] As illustrated by the arrow from the computing device 4000 to the aerosol-generating system 1000, the computing device 400 is configured to determine a sequence of read requests based on a user input at a user interface 440, and to transmit the sequence of read requests to the aerosol-generating system 1000.

[0288] In the example illustrated in FIG. 4 the computing device 400 and the aerosol-generating systems 1000, 1000’, 1000” are configured for BLE communication. As described above, the computing device 400 may be configured in peripheral role and broadcast and / or advertise the sequence of read requests. In the example of FIG. 4, the computing device 400 may transmit, send and / or broadcast in clear the sequence of read requests without BLE pairing, wherein the sequence of read requests can be received by the aerosol-generating systems 1000, 1000’, 1000” in the computing device’s 400 communication range. In other words, the computing device 400 can broadcast the sequence of read requests in clear, so that any device within the receiving range can log this sequence of read requests, for example in the form of corresponding log data.

[0289] The sequence of read requests exemplary transmitted by the computing device 400 shown in in FIG. 4 includes five read requests to request five values, listed as values 1 to 5 in FIG. 4, each value being optionally associated with a characteristic of the aerosol-generating system 1000. In a non-limiting example, read request 1 may refer to a read request to read a value (value 1) associated with a firmware version of the aerosol-generating system 1000. Read request 2 may refer to a read request to read a value (value 2) associated with software version of the communication interface 130, 330, such as a Bluetooth stack version. Read requests 3 and 4 may each refer to a read request to read a value (values 3 and 4) associated with a battery voltage of one or more energy storages 102, 320 of the aerosol-generating system 1000. Read request 5 may refer to a read request to read a value (value 5) associated with a firmware version of the aerosol-generating system 1000. Accordingly, the sequence of read requests 1 to 5 can form an ordered list of consecutive read requests 1 to 5. Other values associated with other characteristics, or even not associated with a characteristic, may be requested by the sequence of read requests instead or in addition.

[0290] The aerosol-generating systems 1000, 1000’, 1000” may be configured to open up certain characteristics for read access. All systems 1000, 1000’, 1000” that are within the broadcasting range of the computing device 400 can receive and can log this sequence of read requests. However, only one aerosol-generating system 1000 may be configured to decode the sequence of read requests and determine an operation associated with said sequence of read requests, which may optionally be performed or triggered.

[0291] For instance, the aerosol-generating systems 1000, 1000’, 1000” may each analyze their log data and check whether the received sequence of read requests corresponds to or matches a sequence of read requests that is predefined at the respective aerosol-generating system 1000, 1000’, 1000”. For instance, an array or look-up table 500 (see FIG. 6) with a plurality of entries indicative of a plurality of predefined sequences of read requests may be stored at the aerosolgenerating systems 1000, 1000’, 1000”. Optionally, one or more predefined sequences of read requests may be generated or computed at the aerosol-generating systems 1000, 1000’, 1000” to decode one or more sequences of read requests received from the computing device 400, as described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8.

[0292] In the example shown in FIG. 4, only aerosol-generating system 1000 may have a predefined sequence of read requests stored, which matches the received sequence of read requests. The aerosol-generating system 1000, therefore, can decode the received sequence of read requests based on determining that the received sequence matches the one stored at the system 1000. The aerosol-generating system 1000 can, thus, determine the operation associated with the received and / or the predefined sequence of read requests, and optionally perform said operation, which is illustrated by the solid arrow 1010 in FIG. 4. The aerosol-generating systems 1000’, 1000”, on the other hand, may not store or may not be able to generate a predefined sequence matching the received sequence of read requests. Hence, the aerosol-generating systems 1000’, 1000” may not be able to decode the received sequence of read requests and may not determine and / or perform the operation which is illustrated by the dashed arrows 1010’, 1010” in FIG. 4. Accordingly, the sequence of read requests may act as a personal identification number, similar to a PIN number / code, or a passcode used in the process of authenticating a user accessing the aerosol-generating system 1000.

[0293] FIG. 5 illustrates a method of generating and / or computing a sequence of read requests. The method may be performed at the computing device 400, at the aerosol-generating system 1000 or both. Unless stated otherwise, the computing device 400 and the aerosol-generating system 1000 of FIG. 5 comprise the same functions, features and / or elements as described with reference to the foregoing figures

[0294] In particular, the method of generating the sequence of read requests may increase security in the data communication and avoid man in the middle attacks, where one could record the computing device’s 400 broadcasts, and then could diffuse these broadcasts to other aerosolgenerating systems or reply several times on the same aerosol-generating system. To address this, a sequence of read requests that is specific or unique to the aerosol-generating system 1000 and / or the computing device 400 may be utilized, which is illustrated in or enabled by the method shown in FIG. 5.

[0295] As mentioned above, the computing device 400 and / or the aerosol-generating system 1000 may store an array or table 500 with a plurality of entries, each entry mapping an index to a predefined sequence of read requests. The indexes may, for example, refer to counters, numbers, random values, characters, symbols or other means to uniquely identify each entry of the array or look-up table.

[0296] In the exemplary method shown in FIG. 5, the sequence of read requests may be generated at the aerosol-generating system 1000 and / or the computing device 400 based on or using one of the indexes as inputs to a hash function. An output of the hash function may then provide or constitute the sequence of read values.

[0297] Optionally, one of the indexes and a secret key, also referred to herein as secret cryptographic key, device secret, unique device secret or shared key, may be used as inputs to the hash function, wherein the output of the hash function may constitute or provide the sequence of read requests. Alternatively or additionally to the secret key, the sequence of read requests may be generated based on or using one of the indexes, and one or both of the secret key and a unique device identifier of the aerosol-generating system as inputs to a hash function. Accordingly, the secret key and / or the unique device identifier may be used in addition to the index to generate the sequence of read requests at the aerosol-generating system 1000 and / or the computing device 400.

[0298] The unique device identifier, as used herein, may refer to an identification code, for example a numeric or alphanumeric code, uniquely identifying the aerosol-generating system 1000, the aerosol-generating device 100, and / or the companion device 300. For instance, the unique device identifier may be or include a device serial number, a codentify or the like of the aerosolgenerating system 1000.

[0299] The secret key and / or the unique device identifier may be shared or pre-shared among the computing device 400 and the aerosol-generating system 1000, enabling the aerosol-generating system to decode the received sequence based on the sequence of read requests generated at or by the aerosol-generating system 1000, and enabling the computing device 400 to generate a sequence of read requests that is decodable by the aerosol-generating system 1000. For instance, the secret key and / or unique device identifier may be shared among the devices 400, 1000 based on or using a web server, for example when purchasing the aerosol-generating system 1000. Alternatively or additionally, the secret key and / or the unique device identifier may be shared among the computing device 400 and the aerosol-generating system 1000 based on reading a QR code or Barcode, e.g., attached to a housing of the aerosol-generating system 1000, broadcast via the communication interface 430, 330, 130, and manual entry using a user interface 440 of the computing device 400 and / or a user interface 120 of the aerosol-generating system 1000.

[0300] In an example, the computing device 400 may generate a sequence of read requests based on a user input using an index of the array and optionally one or more of a secret key and a unique device identifier. The computing device 400 may transmit the sequence of read requests to the aerosol-generating system 1000. The aerosol-generating system 1000 may generate a sequence of read requests using the same index as the computing device 400 and optionally one or more of the secret key and the unique device identifier. The aerosol-generating system 1000 may then compare the received sequence with the one generated at the aerosol-generating system 1000. Upon confirming that the sequences correspond to each other, match each other and / or are equal, the aerosol-generating system 1000 may confirm that the received sequence of read requests is a predefined sequence and / or may decode the received sequence of read requests.

[0301] FIG. 6 illustrates operational control of an aerosol-generating system 1000 via a computing device 400. Unless stated otherwise, the computing device 400 and the aerosol-generating system 1000 of FIG. 6 comprise the same functions, features and / or elements as described with reference to the foregoing figures.

[0302] In particular, FIG. 6 illustrates operational control of the aerosol-generating system 1000 using a sequence of read requests that is unique to the aerosol-generating system 1000 and / or computing device 400, as described with reference to FIG. 5.

[0303] FIG. 6 shows on the left-hand side thereof the computing device 400 and the aerosolgenerating system 1000, wherein both have the secret key 29a9b27a92dea4acfdc99f4231690db4, for example stored at the respective data storage 114, 314. On the right-hand side of FIG. 6, generation of the sequence of read requests at the computing device 400 and / or the aerosol-generating system 1000 using the secret key and one index as input to a hash function is illustrated.

[0304] FIG. 6 also illustrates the array or look-up table 500 storing a plurality of entries mapping an index to a particular predefined sequence of read requests. The array 500 may be stored at the aerosol-generating system 1000. Optionally, also the computing device 400 may store such array 500. In FIG. 6, indexes 1 to 7 of the array 500 are exemplary shown and exemplary sequences of read requests, such as the FW version, Bluetooth stack version, battery voltage, battery voltage, FW version described with reference to FIG. 4, are represented in FIGS. 6 and 7 for reasons of simplicity by a sequence of numbers, similar to a PIN code. Thes PIN codes, however, can be replaced by any order or sequence of requests to read one or more values stored at the aerosol-generating system 1000. Also, the indexes or counters of the array 500 can be any random value. The array of indexes 500 and associated PINs or predefined sequences of read requests can be hardcoded in the aerosol-generating system 1000 or can be generated by any known methods.

[0305] For example, index 1 is associated to a sequence of read requests presented as 43305, index 2 is associated to a sequence of read requests presented as 01324, and so on, as seen in FIG. 6.

[0306] The unique device secret 29a9b27a92dea4acfdc99f4231690db4 and one index associated to the given PIN or sequence of read requests can be inputted to the hash function and outputted are decorrelated values. These decorrelated values can be truncated and result in a set of the extracted values, and these in turn may constitute or provide a sequence of read requests that can be transmitted to the aerosol-generating system 1000 by the computing device 400. In the same way, the aerosol-generating system 1000 may compute a sequence of read requests and intercompare the sequence with the sequence received from the computing device 400. Only if the sequences match or correspond with each other, the aerosol-generating system 1000 may determine and / or perform the operation associated with the sequences of read requests.

[0307] In cryptography, a hash message authentication code (HMAC) (HMAC sometimes expanded as either keyed-hash message authentication code or hash-based message authentication code) is a specific type of message authentication code (MAC) involving a cryptographic hash function and a secret cryptographic key. HMAC can provide authentication also using a shared secret. Examples of hash functions are e.g., SHA-2 or SHA-3; the resulting MAC algorithm is termed HMAC-X, where X is the hash function used (e.g. HMAC-SHA256 or HMAC-SHA3-512). The cryptographic strength of the HMAC depends upon the cryptographic strength of the underlying hash function, the size of its hash output, and the size and quality of the key. Any other cryptography method can be used to generate a unique sequence of read requests at the computing device 400 and / or the aerosol-generating system 1000. For example, and in a simplified manner shown on the right-hand side of FIG. 6, the secret key 29a9b27a92dea4acfdc99f4231690db4 and index 3 may be inputted to the hash function and outputted may be a unique sequence of read requests 55032.

[0308] FIG. 7 illustrates operational control of an aerosol-generating system 1000 via a computing device 400. Unless stated otherwise, the computing device 400 and the aerosol-generating system 1000 of FIG. 7 comprise the same functions, features and / or elements as described with reference to the foregoing figures.

[0309] In particular, FIG. 7 illustrates operational control of the aerosol-generating system 1000 using a sequence of read requests that is unique to the aerosol-generating system 1000 and / or computing device 400, as described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. In addition to generating the sequence of read requests based on an index of the array 500 and a secret key, as shown in FIG. 6, the sequence of read requests is generated in the example shown in FIG. 7 based on an index of the array 500, the secret key and a unique device identifier or UID.

[0310] FIG. 7 shows on the left-hand side thereof the computing device 400 and the aerosolgenerating system 1000, wherein both have the secret key 5ad202a8d807a879c5b7a32c4ddee049 and a UDI 0033006a0002000011b4. The UDI may also be a codentify. The secret key and the UDI may be stored at the respective data storages of the computing device 400 and system 1000. Analogue to FIG. 6, on the right-hand side of FIG. 7, generation of the sequence of read requests at the computing device 400 and / or the aerosolgenerating system 1000 is illustrated.

[0311] In the example shown in FIG. 7, the aerosol-generating system 1000 has an array 500 of indexes associated to specific sequences of read requests, as shown on the left-hand side of FIG. 7. For example, index 1 may be associated to sequence of read requests presented as 43305, index 2 may be associated to sequence of read requests presented as 01324, and so on, as seen in FIG. 7.

[0312] In a simplified manner and as described with reference to FIG. 6, the shared secret key, one index associated to a particular sequence of read requests and the UDI, e.g. a serial number or codentify, may be inputted to the hash function and outputted is a unique sequence of read requests, as shown on the right-hand side of FIG. 7. For example, and in a simplified manner, the secret key, index 3 and the UDI may be inputted to the hash function and outputted is a unique sequence of read requests 55032.

[0313] Summarizing, a sequence of read requests, which may be unique or specific for the aerosolgenerating system 1000 may be generated at the computing device 500 using an index and optionally one or more of a secret key and a UDI of the aerosol-generating system 1000. The computing device 400 may transmit the sequence of read requests to the aerosol-generating system 1000. The aerosol-generating system 1000 may receive the sequence of read requests, and for example store corresponding log data. By means of the one or more control circuitries 110, 310, the aerosol-generating system 1000 may analyze the log data to verify that the received sequence of read requests corresponds to or matches a predefined sequence of read requests. Such verification can comprise comparing the received sequence to a plurality of predefined sequences of read requests to identify the one matching the received sequence.

[0314] Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol-generating system 1000 may compute or generate one or more sequences of read requests. In particular, the aerosol-generating system 1000 may be configured to generate at least one sequence of read requests based on or using the same index, as used by the computing device 400, and optionally using one or more of the same secret key and the same UDI. The aerosol-generating system 1000 may compare the received sequence to the at least one generated at the aerosol-generating system 1000, thereby verifying that the received sequence matches or corresponds with the received sequence of read requests.

[0315] Further, upon this confirmation or verification, the aerosol-generating system 1000 may determine the operation associated with the received and / or generated sequence of read requests, and optionally perform said operation.

[0316] FIG. 8 illustrates operational control of an aerosol-generating system 1000 via a computing device 400. Unless stated otherwise, the aerosol-generating system 1000 and computing device 400 of FIG. 8 comprises the same features, functions and elements as described with reference to the foregoing figures.

[0317] The aerosol-generating system 1000 and the computing device 400 share a secret key. The secret key might be a unique secret or a common (shared) secret.

[0318] Optionally, the aerosol-generating system 1000 and the computing device 400 share a unique device identifier, such as a device serial number or codentify of the aerosol-generating system 1000.

[0319] The secret key and / or the unique device identifier can be shared via wired or wireless transmission, read out from a QR code placed on the device, broadcast by the device, manual entry or other means.

[0320] In the example of FIG. 8, the computing device 400 requests at step S401 the aerosolgenerating system 1000 to provide or share an index or index value associated with a predefined, for example unique, sequence of read requests. For example, a request to provide an index may be transmitted from the computing device 400 to the aerosol-generating system 1000.

[0321] At step S1001 the aerosol-generating system 1000 provides the requested index or index value, for example based on transmitting a corresponding data packet or message to the computing device 400.

[0322] The requested index or index value is received at the computing device 400 at step S402. At step S403, the computing device 400 generates a sequence of read requests based on using the received index, and optionally the secret key and / or unique device identifier to a hash function.

[0323] At step S1002, the aerosol-generating system 1000 inputs the index and optionally the secret key and / or unique device identifier to the same hash function as used by the computing device 400 to generate a sequence of read requests.

[0324] At step S404, the computing device 400 provides or transmits, for example broadcasts in clear, the sequence of read requests to the aerosol-generating system 1000.

[0325] The aerosol-generating system 1000 logs the sequence of read requests at step S1003, for example based on storing corresponding log data.

[0326] At step S1004, the aerosol-generating system 1000 compares the logged or received sequence of read requests with the sequence of read requests generated at step S1002.

[0327] At step S1005, the aerosol-generating system 1000 determines whether sequences match.

[0328] Upon confirming or verifying that the sequences match, at step S1006, the aerosolgenerating system 1000 determines, performs and / or triggers the operation associated with the sequence of read requests and as described in detail in the foregoing figures. If the sequences do not match, no operation may be determined, performed and / or triggered.

[0329] Optionally, the operation may only be determined, performed and / or triggered at step S1006 the aerosol-generating system’s 1000 time is synchronized with the computing device’s 400 time. That means the sequence of read requests may be logged withing a predefined time window. After this, the aerosol-generating system 1000 time should be resynchronized, and the operation cannot be triggered. That means that even if a correct sequence of read requests may be logged, but the time window has lapsed, the operation cannot be triggered.

[0330] In another example, the aerosol-generating system 1000 can modify or change the index for a subsequent or next sequence of read requests, as shown at step S1007. This can ensure that also the next sequence of read requests will be unique.

[0331] The array 500 of indexes and associated sequences of read requests (PINs) can be hardcoded in the aerosol-generating system 1000 and / or computing device 400 or can be generated at the devices. These sequences of read requests might be associated with an operation of the device. The array 500 of sequences of read requests with its associated operations might be hardcoded to the aerosol-generating system 1000 and / or the computing device 400 or may be encoded by any know methods. For example, each of a plurality of readable values may be maintained by the aerosol-generating system 1000 and / or computing device 400 and may correspond to a respective operation, e.g., the first two values might indicate a type of operation (e.g., in relation to a heating profile) and following readable values might indicate a specific operation (e.g., unlock). Non-limiting examples of functionalities or operations of the aerosol-generating system 1000 that can be unlocked based on successful decoding of the sequence of read requests include one-time unlock of the aerosol-generating system 1000 (e.g., in the context of youth access prevention (YAP)). After the aerosol-generating system 1000 is purchased by a LAU / LAS (Legal Age User / Legal Age Smoker), the aerosol-generating system 1000 may be unlocked after the log and decoding of a sequence of read requests.

[0332] Further exemplary operations may relate to on-going device verification, e.g. for YAP. During the use of the aerosol-generating system 1000 by a LAU / LAS, the identity of a computing device’s 400 user can be periodically verified and the aerosol-generating system 1000 can be periodically kept in unlocked state, for example after the log and decoding of a sequence of read requests.

[0333] Further exemplary operations may relate to unlock, activate and / or change some functionality of the aerosol-generating system 1000. During the use of the aerosol-generating system 1000 by a LAU / LAS, any firmware option, feature, function or setting can be activated, for example after the log and decoding of a sequence of read requests. In an example, another heating profile can be activated. In another example, the color of Ul LED can be changed, a puff control setting can be changed, a battery management setting can be changed, a haptic feedback setting can be changed, and the like.

[0334] For the purpose of the present description and of the appended claims, except where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and so forth, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about". Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein. In this context, therefore, a number A is understood as A ± 10% of A. Within this context, a number A may be considered to include numerical values that are within general standard error for the measurement of the property that the number A modifies. The number A, in some instances as used in the appended claims, may deviate by the percentages enumerated above provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein.

[0335] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered exemplary and not restrictive. The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used advantageously.

[0336] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method of controlling operation of an aerosol-generating system, the method comprising: receiving, via a communication interface of the aerosol-generating system, a sequence of read requests to read a one or more values stored at the aerosol-generating system; and determining, by a control circuitry of the aerosol-generating system, an operation associated with the received sequence of read requests.

2. The method according to the previous claim, further comprising: performing the operation associated with the received sequence of read requests at the aerosol-generating system.

3. The method according to any one of the previous claims, wherein determining the operation associated with the received sequence of read requests includes confirming, by the control circuitry, that the received sequence of read requests matches a predefined sequence of read requests.

4. The method according to any one of the previous claims, wherein determining the operation associated with the received sequence of read requests includes decoding the received sequence of read requests.

5. The method according to the previous claim, wherein decoding the received sequence of read requests includes confirming, by the control circuitry, that the received sequence of read requests is predefined at the aerosol-generating system or matches a predefined sequence of read requests.

6. The method according to any one of the previous claims, wherein determining the operation associated with the received sequence of read requests includes: comparing, by the control circuitry, the received sequence of read requests to a plurality of predefined sequences of read requests; and identifying a predefined sequence of read requests among the plurality of sequences of read requests that matches or corresponds to the received sequence of read requests.

7. The method according to any one of the previous claims, further comprising:generating a sequence of read requests at the aerosol-generating system based on a look-up table or array with a plurality of entries, each entry mapping an index to a respective predefined sequence of read requests.

8. The method according to the previous claim, wherein the sequence of read requests is generated based on using one of the indexes as input to a hash function.

9. The method according to any one of claims 7 and 8, wherein the sequence of read requests is generated based on using one of the indexes, and one or more of a secret key and a unique device identifier of the aerosol-generating system as inputs to a hash function.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, further comprising: comparing the received sequence of read requests to the sequence of read requests generated at the aerosol-generating system based on the look-up table or array.

11. The method according to any one of the previous claims, wherein determining the operation associated with the received sequence of read requests includes evaluating, by the control circuitry, log data of the aerosol-generating system, preferably wherein the log data is indicative of data communications via the communication interface.

12. The method according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the values stored at the aerosol-generating system are values associated with one or more characteristics of the aerosolgenerating system, preferably wherein the one or more characteristics of the aerosol-generating system are open for read access via the communication interface to external computing devices.

13. The method according to the previous claim, wherein the values associated with the one or more characteristics of the aerosol-generating system include one or more of a sensor value of a sensor, a firmware version, a software version of the communication interface, a state value of an energy storage, a value indicative of a heating profile, a value indicative of one or more settings, a value indicative of usage data, and a value indicative of an operational mode of the aerosol-generating system.

14. The method according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the operation comprises one or more of altering an operational mode of the aerosol-generating system, maintaining an operational mode of the aerosol-generating system, modifying one or more settings of the aerosol-generating system, changing a heating profile, modifying or actuating a user interface ofthe aerosol-generating system, configuring the aerosol-generating system from a locked state prohibiting aerosol generation to an unlocked state allowing aerosol-generation, configuring the aerosol-generating system from an unlocked state to a locked state, maintaining the aerosolgenerating system in a locked or unlocked mode, configuring the communication interface.

15. An aerosol-generating system configured to carry out steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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