Battery module

Abstract

A battery module and an aerosol provision device comprising such a battery module is described. The battery module includes a battery and one or more electric circuit that are responsive, at least in part, to an input, to cause a persistent change in the one or more circuits to prevent charging of the battery and / or to prevent transfer of electrical power from the battery to the aerosol provision device.

Description

[0001] Battery Module

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present specification relates to a battery module. The present specification relates to devices of aerosol provision systems. The present specification relates to methods, controllers, and devices of aerosol provision systems.

[0004] Background

[0005] The present specification relates to a battery module, such as a battery module for providing electrical power to an aerosol generator of an aerosol generating device (such as an e-cigarette or similar device).

[0006] Aerosol provision devices are known that produce an aerosol during use, which is inhaled by a user. Aerosol provision devices are known that comprise batteries for providing electrical power (which may for example be used in producing the aerosol). There remains a need for further developments in this field.

[0007] Summary

[0008] The scope of protection sought for various embodiments of the invention is set out by the independent claims. The embodiments and features, if any, described in this specification that do not fall under the scope of the independent claims are to be interpreted as examples useful for understanding various embodiments of the invention.

[0009] In a first aspect, this specification describes battery module connectable to an aerosol provision device for generating aerosol, the battery module comprising: a battery; and one or more electric circuits, wherein the battery module is configured to, responsive, at least in part, to an input, cause a persistent change in the one or more circuits to prevent charging of the battery and / or to prevent transfer of electrical power from the battery to the aerosol provision device. The battery module may be removable or replaceable in some way.

[0010] Some example embodiments further comprise a conductor couplable to a corresponding conductor on the aerosol provision device to transfer said electrical power from the battery to the aerosol provision device. The persistent change in the one or more circuits may prevent the transfer of power of the aerosol provision device via the conductor. The one or more electric circuits may comprise an output circuit that selectively connects the battery to the conductor. The battery module may further comprise one or more terminals through which the battery is chargeable, wherein the persistent change in the one or more circuits prevents charging of the battery through the one or more terminals. The one or more electric circuits may comprise an input circuit that selectively connects the battery to the one or more terminals.

[0011] In some example embodiments, the input is indicative of a battery end-of-life condition being met.

[0012] The battery module may be configured to provide an output indicative of said persistent change. For example, the output may be for display to a user.

[0013] The battery module may further comprise a controller configured to generate the input based, at least in part, on sensor data.

[0014] The battery module may be configured to receive said input from the aerosol provision device.

[0015] The persistent change may include at least one of: a change of data in a data storage medium; a change in state of a transistor or physical switch; and a change in state of a fuse.

[0016] In a second aspect, this specification describes an aerosol provision system comprising a battery module as set out above with respect to the first aspect, and further comprising said aerosol provision device for generating aerosol.

[0017] In a third aspect, this specification describes a method comprising: obtaining an input at a battery module, wherein the battery module is connectable to an aerosol provision device for generating aerosol; and causing a persistent change in one or more circuits of the battery module to prevent charging of the battery and / or to prevent transfer of electrical power from the battery to the aerosol provision device via the conductor. The input may be indicative of a battery end-of-life condition being met.

[0018] The method may comprise generating said input (e.g. using a controller of the battery module). The method may comprise receiving said input from the aerosol provision device.

[0019] The method may further comprise providing an output indicative of said persistent change. For example, the output may be for display to a user (e.g. a display of the aerosol provision device and / or a display of some other device, such as using an App of a mobile phone or similar mobile computing device).

[0020] In some example embodiments, the input is indicative of a battery end-of-life condition being met.

[0021] The persistent change may include at least one of: a change of data in a data storage medium; a change in state of a transistor or physical switch; and a change in state of a fuse.

[0022] In a fourth aspect, this specification describes computer-readable instructions which, when executed by a computing apparatus, cause the computing apparatus to perform (at least) any method as described herein (including the method of the third aspect described above).

[0023] In a fifth aspect, this specification describes a computer-readable medium (such as a non-transitory computer-readable medium) comprising computer program instructions stored thereon for performing (at least) any method as described herein (including the method of the third aspect described above).

[0024] In a sixth aspect, this specification describes an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code which, when executed by the at last one processor, causes the apparatus to perform (at least) any method as described herein (including the method of the third aspect described above).

[0025] In a seventh aspect, this specification describes a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to: obtain an input at a battery module, wherein the battery module is connectable to an aerosol provision device for generating aerosol; and cause a persistent change in one or more circuits of the battery module to prevent charging of the battery and / or to prevent transfer of electrical power from the battery to the aerosol provision device via the conductor. In an eighth aspect, this specification describes a kit of parts comprising: a battery module as set out above with respect to the first aspect; and an aerosol provision device for generating aerosol. The kit of parts may further comprise an article comprising an aerosol generating material for use in the aerosol provision device. The article may be a removable article comprising an aerosol generating material. The aerosol provision device may include a heater for heating aerosol generating material (e.g. as provided by the article). Alternatively, the article may include a heater.

[0026] In a ninth aspect, this specification describes a battery module connectable to an aerosol provision device for generating aerosol, the battery module comprising: a battery for providing electrical power to the aerosol provision device; a data storage medium; and a controller configured to obtain and store battery data (e.g. battery usage data) in the data storage medium. The battery module may be removable or replaceable.

[0027] In some example embodiments, the controller is configured to receive some or all of said obtained battery data from the aerosol provision device when the battery module is connected to said aerosol provision device.

[0028] In some example embodiments, the controller is configured to provide stored battery data to the aerosol provision device when the battery module is connected to said aerosol provision device.

[0029] The battery module may further comprise one or more sensors, wherein at least some of said battery data is obtained from one or more of said one or more sensors. The said one or more sensors may include a pressure sensor for obtaining pressure measurements indicative of battery swelling, and wherein the battery data comprises said pressure measurements.

[0030] The battery module may further comprise a conductor couplable to a corresponding conductor on the aerosol provision device for providing said electrical power to the aerosol provision device.

[0031] The said battery data may, for example, comprise one or more of: a state of charge of the battery; a maximum capacity of the battery; state of health data for the battery; a battery end of life metric; battery-aerosol provision device pairing information; heating session data; number of charging sessions; charge time data; Coulomb register data; and session data for one or more charging sessions and / or aerosol generating sessions.

[0032] The controller may configured to activate or deactivate said battery module based, at least in part, on said battery data. Alternatively, or in addition, the controller may be configured to derate performance of the battery (e.g. in order to seek to extend battery life) based, at least in part, on said battery data. In some example embodiments, the derating of the battery is carried out before the battery is deactivated.

[0033] In a tenth aspect, this specification describes an aerosol provision system a battery module as set out above with respect to the ninth aspect and further comprising said aerosol provision device for generating aerosol.

[0034] In a eleventh aspect, this specification describes an aerosol provision device for generating aerosol, the aerosol provision device being connectable to a battery module, the battery module comprising a battery and a data storage medium storing battery data, wherein the aerosol provision device is configured to receive electrical power from the battery of the battery module, and wherein the aerosol provision device comprises: a controller configured to obtain at least some of said battery data from the battery module. The controller may be configured to activate or deactivate said battery module based, at least in part, on said battery data. Alternatively, or in addition, the controller may be configured to derate performance of the battery (e.g. in order to seek to extend battery life) based, at least in part, on said battery data. In some example embodiments, the derating of the battery is carried out before the battery is deactivated.

[0035] In a twelfth aspect, this specification describes an aerosol provision system comprising an aerosol provision device as set out above with respect to the eleventh aspect and a battery module as set out above with respect to the ninth aspect, wherein the battery module is replaceably attached to the aerosol provision device.

[0036] In a thirteenth aspect, this specification describes a method comprising: obtaining, by a controller of a battery module, battery data relating to said battery module, wherein the battery module is connectable to an aerosol provision device for generating aerosol; and storing the obtained battery data in a data storage medium of the battery module. The method may comprise providing an output based on the stored battery data in response to a request. The method may comprise determining whether to activate or deactivate the battery module based, at least in part, of the battery data.

[0037] In a fourteenth aspect, this specification describes a method comprising battery data from a battery module that is connectable to an aerosol provision device for generating aerosol, wherein the battery module comprises a battery and a data storage medium storing battery data. The method may comprise activating or deactivating said battery module based, at least in part, on said battery data. The method may comprise derating performance of the battery based, at least in part, on said battery data. The said de-rating may be for extended (or attempting to extend) a usage time of said battery.

[0038] In a fifteenth aspect, this specification describes computer-readable instructions which, when executed by a computing apparatus, cause the computing apparatus to perform (at least) any method as described herein (including the methods of the thirteenth or fourteenth aspects described above).

[0039] In a sixteenth aspect, this specification describes a computer-readable medium (such as a non-transitory computer-readable medium) comprising computer program instructions stored thereon for performing (at least) any method as described herein (including the methods of the thirteenth or fourteenth aspects described above).

[0040] In a seventeenth aspect, this specification describes an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code which, when executed by the at last one processor, causes the apparatus to perform (at least) any method as described herein (including the methods of the thirteenth or fourteenth aspects described above).

[0041] In an eighteenth aspect, this specification describes a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to: obtain battery data relating to a battery module, wherein the battery module is connectable to an aerosol provision device for generating aerosol; and store the obtained battery data in a data storage medium of the battery module.

[0042] In a nineteenth aspect, this specification describes a kit of parts comprising: a battery module as set out above with respect to the ninth aspect; and an aerosol provision device for generating aerosol. The kit of parts may further comprise an article comprising an aerosol generating material for use in the aerosol provision device. The article may be a removable article comprising an aerosol generating material. The aerosol provision device may include a heater for heating aerosol generating material (e.g. as provided by the article). Alternatively, the article may include a heater.

[0043] In a twentieth aspect, this specification describes a battery module connectable to an aerosol provision device for generating aerosol, the battery module comprising: a battery for providing electrical power to the aerosol provision device; and a machine- readable medium storing a battery identifier.

[0044] The battery identifier may uniquely identify the battery.

[0045] The battery identifier may be indicative of characteristics of the battery.

[0046] The machine-readable medium may comprise a quick-response, QR, code storing the battery identifier. The machine-readable medium may comprise a digital storage accessible via a digital bus and storing the battery identifier, and the battery identifier may be readable from the digital storage via the digital bus. The battery module may comprise a near-field communication, NFC, tag, the machine-readable medium may comprise a memory of the NFC tag, the memory storing the battery identifier, and the battery identifier may be obtainable from the memory via an NFC reader device. The battery module may comprise a radio-frequency identification, RFID, device, and the machine-readable medium may comprise a memory of the RFID device, the memory storing the battery identifier, and the battery identifier may be obtainable from the memory via an RFID reader device. The machine-readable medium may comprise an optically readable medium storing the battery identifier, and the battery identifier may be readable from the machine-readable medium using an optical sensor. The machine- readable medium may comprise a resistor, an electrical property of the resistor being indicative of the battery identifier, and the battery identifier may be readable from the machine-readable medium using one or more voltage and / or current sensors.

[0047] In a twenty-first aspect, this specification describes an aerosol provision device for generating aerosol, the aerosol provision device being connectable to a battery module, the battery module comprising a battery and a machine-readable medium storing a battery identifier, wherein the aerosol provision device is configured to, when connected to the battery module, receive electrical power from the battery of the battery module, and wherein the aerosol provision device comprises a controller configured to obtain the battery identifier from the machine-readable medium of the battery module. The aerosol provision device may comprise an optical sensor, the machine-readable medium of the battery module to which the aerosol provision device is connectable may comprise a quick-response, QR, code storing the battery identifier, and the controller may be configured to read the battery identifier from the QR code using the optical sensor.

[0048] The machine-readable medium of the battery module to which the aerosol provision device is connectable may comprise a digital storage storing the battery identifier, and the controller may be configured to read the battery identifier from the digital storage of the machine-readable medium via a digital bus when the aerosol provision device is connected to the battery module.

[0049] The aerosol provision device may comprise a near-field communication, NFC, or radiofrequency identification, RFID, reader, the battery module to which the aerosol provision device is connectable may comprise an NFC tag or RFID device, the machine-readable medium of the battery module to which the aerosol provision device is connectable may comprise a memory of the NFC tag or RFID device storing the battery identifier, and the controller may be configured to obtain the battery identifier from the memory of the NFC tag or RFID device using the NFC or RFID reader.

[0050] The aerosol provision device may comprise an optical sensor, the machine-readable medium of the battery module to which the aerosol provision device is connectable may comprise an optically readable medium storing the battery identifier, and the controller may be configured to obtain the battery identifier from the machine- readable medium using the optical sensor.

[0051] The aerosol provision device may comprise a voltage and / or current sensor, the machine-readable medium of the battery module to which the aerosol provision device is connectable may comprise a resistor, an electrical property of the resistor being indicative of the battery identifier, and the controller may be configured to obtain the battery identifier from the machine-readable medium using the voltage and / or current sensor.

[0052] The aerosol provision device may be a non-combustible aerosol provision device.

[0053] The aerosol provision device may be configured to receive a removable article comprising an aerosol generating material. In a twenty-second aspect, this specification describes a method comprising: obtaining, by a controller of an aerosol provision device, a battery identifier from a machine-readable medium of a battery module, the battery module being connectable to the aerosol provision device to provide electrical power from a battery of the battery module to the aerosol provision device.

[0054] In a twenty-third aspect, this specification describes computer-readable instructions which, when executed by a computing apparatus, cause the computing apparatus to perform (at least) any method as described herein (including the method of the twenty-second aspect described above).

[0055] In a twenty-fourth aspect, this specification describes a computer-readable medium (such as a non-transitory computer-readable medium) comprising computer program instructions stored thereon for performing (at least) any method as described herein (including the method of the twenty-second aspect described above).

[0056] In a twenty-fifth aspect, this specification describes an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code which, when executed by the at last one processor, causes the apparatus to perform (at least) any method as described herein (including the method of the twenty-second aspect described above).

[0057] In a twenty-sixth aspect, this specification describes a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to: obtain a battery identifier from a machine-readable medium of a battery module, the battery module being connectable to the aerosol provision device to provide electrical power from a battery of the battery module to the aerosol provision device.

[0058] In a twenty-seventh aspect, this specification describes a kit of parts comprising: a battery module set out above with respect to the twentieth aspect; an aerosol provision device as set out with respect to the twenty-first aspect; and an article comprising an aerosol generating material for use in the aerosol provision device. In some examples, the article is a removable article comprising an aerosol generating material.

[0059] In a twenty-eighth aspect, this specification describes an aerosol provision system comprising an aerosol provision device as set out above with respect to the twenty- first aspect; and a battery module as set out above with respect to the twentieth aspect.

[0060] The aerosol provision system may comprise a replaceable article comprising an aerosol generating material.

[0061] In a twenty-ninth aspect, this specification describes a controller for an aerosol provision device, the controller being configured to: obtain, or attempt to obtain, a battery identifier from a machine-readable storage medium of a battery module; and determine whether to permit or prevent generation of aerosol by the aerosol provision device based at least in part on the outcome of said obtaining or attempting to obtain.

[0062] The obtaining, or attempting to obtain, a battery identifier from a machine-readable storage medium of a battery module may comprise determining whether the battery module comprises a machine-readable storage medium storing a battery identifier; and the determining whether to permit or prevent generation of aerosol by the aerosol provision device may be based at least in part on the determination of whether the battery module comprises a machine-readable storage medium storing a battery identifier.

[0063] Determining whether the battery module comprises a machine-readable storage medium storing a battery identifier may comprise obtaining data from a reader configured to read the machine-readable storage medium and determining whether the obtained data comprises a battery identifier.

[0064] Determining whether a battery module comprises a machine-readable storage medium storing a battery identifier may comprise retrieving data from a machine-readable medium of the battery module via a digital bus and determining whether that data comprises a battery identifier.

[0065] Determining whether data comprises a battery identifier may comprise determining whether the data comprises data in a battery identifier format.

[0066] The controller may be configured to, in response to determining that a battery module connected to the aerosol provision device does not comprise a machine-readable storage medium storing a battery identifier, notify a user that the battery module is not recognised, and prevent generation of aerosol by the aerosol provision device. The controller may be configured to, at least partly in response to receiving from the user an acknowledgement of the notification, permit generation of aerosol by the aerosol provision device.

[0067] The controller may be configured to permit generation of aerosol by the aerosol provision device based at least in part on the determination of whether the battery module comprises a machine-readable storage medium storing a battery identifier.

[0068] The obtaining, or attempting to obtain, a battery identifier from a machine-readable storage medium of a battery module may comprise obtaining a battery identifier; and the determining of whether to permit or prevent generation of aerosol by the aerosol provision device may be based at least in part on the battery identifier.

[0069] Determining whether to permit or prevent generation of aerosol by the aerosol provision device based at least in part on the battery identifier may comprise determining based on the battery identifier whether the battery module is compatible with the aerosol provision device.

[0070] The controller may be further configured to obtain an indication of the requirements of the aerosol provision device, wherein the battery identifier may be indicative of capabilities of the battery module, and wherein the determination of whether the battery module is compatible with the aerosol provision device may further be based at least in part on the indication of the requirements of the aerosol provision device.

[0071] The controller may be configured to prevent generation of aerosol based at least in part on having determined that the battery module is not compatible with the aerosol provision device.

[0072] Determining whether to permit or prevent generation of aerosol by the aerosol provision device based at least in part on the battery identifier may comprise determining based at least in part on the battery identifier whether the battery module is registered with the aerosol provision device, and permitting or preventing generation of aerosol by the aerosol provision device based at least in part on whether the battery module is registered with the aerosol provision device.

[0073] Determining based at least in part on the battery identifier whether the battery module is registered with the aerosol provision device may comprise obtaining one or more battery identifiers of battery modules registered with the aerosol provision device, and comparing the battery identifier with the one or more battery identifiers of battery modules registered with the aerosol provision device.

[0074] The controller may further be configured to, based at least in part on having determined that the battery module is registered with the aerosol provision device, permit generation of aerosol by the aerosol provision device.

[0075] The controller may further be configured to, based on having determined that the battery module is not registered with the aerosol provision device, prevent generation of aerosol by the aerosol provision device.

[0076] The controller may further be configured to, based on having determined that the battery module is not registered with the aerosol provision device, prompt a user to register the battery module with the aerosol provision device.

[0077] In a thirtieth aspect, this specification describes an aerosol provision device comprising any controller as described herein (including the controller of the twentyninth aspect, described above).

[0078] The aerosol provision device may be a non-combustible aerosol provision device.

[0079] The aerosol provision device may be configured to receive a removable article comprising an aerosol generating material.

[0080] In a thirty-first aspect, this specification describes an aerosol provision system comprising any aerosol provision device as described herein (including the aerosol provision device of the thirtieth aspect, described above) and a battery module, the battery module comprising a battery configured to provide electrical power to the aerosol provision system when connected to the aerosol provision device, the battery module further comprising a machine-readable storage medium storing a battery identifier, wherein the battery module is replaceably attached to the aerosol provision device.

[0081] The aerosol provision system may comprise a replaceable article comprising an aerosol generating material.

[0082] In a thirty-second aspect, this specification describes a kit of parts comprising: any aerosol provision device as described herein (including the aerosol provision device of the thirtieth aspect, described above); a battery module comprising a battery configured to provide electrical power to the aerosol provision system when connected to the aerosol provision device, the battery module further comprising a machine- readable storage medium storing a battery identifier; and an article comprising an aerosol generating material for use in the aerosol provision device. In some examples the article is a removable article comprising an aerosol generating material.

[0083] In a thirty-third aspect, this specification describes a method of controlling an aerosol provision device, the method comprising: obtaining, or attempting to obtain, a battery identifier from a machine-readable storage medium of a battery module; and determining whether to permit or prevent generation of aerosol by the aerosol provision device based at least in part on the outcome of said obtaining or attempting to obtain.

[0084] The obtaining, or the attempting to obtain, a battery identifier from a machine- readable storage medium of a battery module may comprise determining whether the battery module comprises a machine-readable storage medium storing a battery identifier; and the determining whether to permit or prevent generation of aerosol by the aerosol provision device may be based at least in part on the determination of whether the battery module comprises a machine-readable storage medium storing a battery identifier.

[0085] The determining of whether the battery module comprises a machine-readable storage medium storing a battery identifier may comprise obtaining data from a reader configured to read the machine-readable storage medium and determining whether the obtained data comprises a battery identifier.

[0086] The determining of whether the battery module comprises a machine-readable storage medium storing a battery identifier may comprise retrieving data from a machine- readable medium of the battery module via a digital bus and determining whether that data comprises a battery identifier.

[0087] The determining of whether data comprises a battery identifier may comprise determining whether the data comprises data in a battery identifier format.

[0088] The method may further comprise, in response to determining that a battery module connected to the aerosol provision device does not comprise a machine-readable storage medium storing a battery identifier, notifying a user that the battery module is not recognised, and preventing generation of aerosol by the aerosol provision device.

[0089] The method may further comprise receiving from the user an acknowledgement of the notification, and based at least in part on receiving the acknowledgement, permitting generation of aerosol by the aerosol provision device.

[0090] The method may further comprise, based at least in part on determining that a battery module connected to the aerosol provision device comprises a battery identifier, permitting generation of aerosol by the aerosol provision device.

[0091] The obtaining, or attempting to obtain, a battery identifier from a machine-readable storage medium of a battery module may comprise obtaining a battery identifier; and the determining of whether to permit or prevent generation of aerosol by the aerosol provision device may be based at least in part on the battery identifier.

[0092] The determining of whether to permit or prevent generation of aerosol by the aerosol provision device based at least in part on the battery identifier may comprise determining based on the battery identifier whether the battery module is compatible with the aerosol provision device.

[0093] The method may further comprise obtaining an indication of requirements of the aerosol provision device, wherein the battery identifier is indicative of capabilities of the battery module, and wherein the determination of whether the battery module is compatible with the aerosol provision device is further based at least in part on the indication of requirements of the aerosol provision device.

[0094] The method may further comprise preventing generation of aerosol by the aerosol provision device based at least in part on determining that the aerosol provision device not compatible with the battery module.

[0095] The determining of whether to permit or prevent generation of aerosol by the aerosol provision device based at least in part on the battery identifier may comprise determining, based at least in part on the battery identifier, whether the battery module is registered with the aerosol provision device, and permitting or preventing generation of aerosol by the aerosol provision device based at least in part on whether the battery module is registered with the aerosol provision device. The determining, based at least in part on the battery identifier, of whether the battery module is registered with the aerosol provision device may comprise obtaining one or more battery identifiers of battery modules registered with the aerosol provision device, and comparing the battery identifier with the one or more battery identifiers of battery modules registered with the aerosol provision device.

[0096] The method may further comprise, based at least in part on determining that the battery module is registered with the aerosol provision device, permitting generation of aerosol by the aerosol provision device.

[0097] The method may further comprise, based on determining that the battery module is not registered with the aerosol provision device, preventing generation of aerosol by the aerosol provision device.

[0098] The method may further comprise, based on determining that the battery module is not registered with the aerosol provision device, prompting a user to register the battery module with the aerosol provision device.

[0099] In a thirty-fourth aspect, this specification describes computer-readable instructions which, when executed by a computing apparatus, cause the computing apparatus to perform (at least) any method as described herein (including the method of the thirty- third aspect described above).

[0100] In a thirty-fifth aspect, this specification describes a computer-readable medium (such as a non-transitory computer-readable medium) comprising computer program instructions stored thereon for performing (at least) any method as described herein (including the method of the thirty-third aspect described above).

[0101] In a thirty-sixth aspect, this specification describes an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code which, when executed by the at last one processor, causes the apparatus to perform (at least) any method as described herein (including the method of the thirty-third aspect described above).

[0102] In a thirty-seventh aspect, this specification describes a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to: obtain, or attempt to obtain, a battery identifier from a machine-readable storage medium of a battery module; and determine whether to permit or prevent generation of aerosol by the aerosol provision device based at least in part on the outcome of said obtaining or attempting to obtain.

[0103] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0104] Example embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following schematic drawings, in which:

[0105] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol provision system in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0106] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an aerosol provision system in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0107] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a battery module in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0108] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a battery module in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0109] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an aerosol provision system in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0110] FIGS. 6 and 7 are flow charts showing algorithms in accordance with an example embodiments;

[0111] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an aerosol provision system in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0112] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a battery module in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0113] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an aerosol provision system in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0114] FIGS. 11 to 16 are flow charts showing algorithms in accordance with example embodiments;

[0115] FIGS. 17 - 20 are a schematic diagrams of aerosol provision systems in accordance with example embodiments;

[0116] FIGS. 21 and 22 are a flow diagrams of methods in accordance with example embodiments;

[0117] FIG. 23 is a block diagram of a non-combustible aerosol provision system in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0118] FIG. 24 is a block diagram of a system in accordance with an example embodiment; and

[0119] FIG. 25 is a block diagram of a processing system that may be used to implement an example embodiment. Detailed Description

[0120] As used herein, the term "delivery system" is intended to encompass systems that deliver at least one substance to a user, and includes non-combustible aerosol provision systems that release compounds from an aerosol-generating material without combusting the aerosol-generating material, such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials.

[0121] According to the present disclosure, a "combustible" aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is combusted or burned during use in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0122] According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustible" aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0123] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system.

[0124] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

[0125] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosolgenerating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0126] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosolgenerating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosolgenerating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product. Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a noncombustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the noncombustible aerosol provision device.

[0127] In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosolgenerating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

[0128] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a non- combustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may, for example, be an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energised so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or to a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source.

[0129] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol-modifying agent.

[0130] In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol-modifying agent.

[0131] Aerosol-generating material is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or semi-solid (such as a gel) which may or may not contain an active substance and / or flavourants.

[0132] The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and / or flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional material.

[0133] The aerosol-generating material may comprise or be in the form of an aerosolgenerating film. The aerosol-generating film may comprise a binder, such as a gelling agent, and an aerosol former. Optionally, a substance to be delivered and / or filler may also be present. The aerosol-generating film may be substantially free from botanical material. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially tobacco free.

[0134] A consumable is an article comprising or consisting of aerosol-generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. A consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosolmodifying agent. A consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate aerosol in use. The heater may, for example, comprise combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

[0135] A susceptor is a material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically-conductive material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be magnetic material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both electrically-conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms. The device that is configured to generate the varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator, herein.

[0136] An aerosol generator is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

[0137] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol provision system, indicated generally by reference numeral 10, in accordance with an example embodiment. The aerosol provision system 10 comprises aerosol provision device 12 and battery module 14. Aerosol provision device 12 comprises aerosol generating material 16 and an aerosol generator 18. The battery module 14 comprises a battery 15 (e.g. a rechargeable battery) or some other electrochemical storage system (e.g. one or more batteries, such as Li-ion batteries or some other battery technology, such as Li-Metal, Na-ion etc.) and / or one or more supercapacitors. A controller (not shown) may be provided as part of the aerosol provision device 12, the battery module 14, or both.

[0138] The battery module 14 is reversibly (e.g., detachably) connectable to aerosol provision device 12 (such that the battery module may be removable or replaceable). For example, one or both of aerosol provision device 12 and battery module 14 may comprise a connector assembly configured to retain the battery module 14 in a position (or limited range of positions) with respect to aerosol provision device 12. The battery module 14 may, for example, be connected to the side or base of the aerosol provision device 12 or could, for example, be inserted into the device. The skilled person will be aware of many suitable configurations.

[0139] The battery 15 is configured to provide electrical power to the aerosol provision device 12 when the battery module 14 is connected to aerosol provision device 12. For example, the battery module 14 and aerosol provision device 12 may comprise corresponding electrical contacts configured to engage when the battery module 14 is connected to aerosol provision device 12 to allow electrical power to be transferred conductively from the battery 15 to the aerosol provision device 12. In other example embodiments, the battery 15 may be configured to provide power to aerosol provision device wirelessly (e.g. inductively). For example, the battery module 14 may comprise a coil which, when battery 15 is connected to aerosol provision device 12 (for example, using a connector assembly), is positioned to be inductively coupled with a corresponding coil in aerosol provision device 12 to permit wireless power transfer.

[0140] The battery 15 may be rechargeable. The battery module 14 may comprise a charging port that is accessible when battery module 14 is connected to aerosol provision device 12 (e.g., to facilitate charging while battery module 14 connected to aerosol provision device 12). In some example embodiments, the battery module 14 comprises a charging port that is inaccessible (e.g., obscured) when battery module 14 is connected to aerosol provision device 12, preventing charging using the port. In some example embodiments, battery module 14 comprises a coil for receiving power wirelessly, to facilitate wireless charging of the battery 15. The battery module 14 may additionally or alternatively have a two-way power connection with aerosol provision device 12 when the devices are connected, so that the battery 15 may be charged via a charging port or wireless charging circuit of aerosol provision device 12. The battery module 14 may have power connections (e.g. ports) that can be used to provide electrical power to the aerosol provision device 12, without charging the battery 15 (for example by locating the aerosol provision system 10 within a docking station).

[0141] When the aerosol generating material 16 is acted upon by the aerosol generator 18, an aerosol may be generated. For example, in some example embodiments the aerosol generator 18 may be a heater, and the aerosol generating material 16 may be heated by the aerosol generator to form an aerosol. In some example embodiments, the aerosol generator 18 may be a susceptor, a resistive heater, an ultrasonic transducer, some other heater, or a mechanism to generate an aerosol without heating (such as a pump, a vibration mechanism, etc.). The aerosol generating material 16 may be a film or gel. In example embodiments in which aerosol generator 18 is a susceptor, components (such as coils) which may be inductively coupled with the susceptor and driven with a suitable alternating current to heat the susceptor.

[0142] In some example embodiments, aerosol generating material 16 is retained in a consumable that is removable from aerosol provision device 12. In some example embodiments, this consumable may further include the aerosol generator, or portions of the aerosol generator. Therefore, in some embodiments, aerosol provision device 12 is connectable to a consumable comprising aerosol generating material and an aerosol generator 18 to provide aerosol. In other example embodiments, aerosol provision device 12 is connectable to a consumable comprising aerosol generating material 16.

[0143] Elements of the system 10 may be provided separately, for example as a kit of parts. An example kit of parts may include a battery module 14, an aerosol provision device for generating aerosol, and an article comprising an aerosol generating material for use in the aerosol provision device. The article may be a removable article (such as an e-cigarette stick) comprising an aerosol generating material.

[0144] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an aerosol provision system (e.g. a non-combustible aerosol provision device), indicated generally by the reference numeral 20. The system has many similarities with the system 10 described above.

[0145] The aerosol provision system 20 comprises a battery module 21 (e.g. having a rechargeable battery), one or more control modules 22 and an aerosol generator 23. The aerosol generator 23 may comprise a resistive heater for heating an aerosolisable material (e.g. a film or a gel) to generate an aerosol (e.g. a vapour). The aerosolisable material is sometimes referred to an as aerosol generating material. It should be noted that the use of resistive heating of an aerosolisable material is described by way of example only. The principles described herein are applicable other aerosol provision systems (such as systems using induction heating).

[0146] In the use of the device 20, air is drawn into an air inlet of the aerosol generator 23, as indicated by arrow 26. An aerosol generated by the aerosol generator 23 exits the device at an air outlet, as indicated by arrow 27 (for example into the mouth of a user of the system 20).

[0147] The aerosol generator 23 may be separable from the battery module 21; such an aerosol generator may be referred to as a "consumable part". Thus, for example, in the use of the aerosol provision device 20, the consumable aerosol generator 23 may be replaced after use, with the battery module 21 being re-used with a different consumable part. The control module 22 may be part of the aerosol generator 23, the battery module 21 or both. The control module 22 could also be a separate component (e.g. separate from both the battery module 21 and the aerosol generator 23).

[0148] Alternatively, or in addition, the battery module 11 may be replaceable. Thus, for example, the aerosol generator 23 could be used with a different battery module and / or the battery module 21 may be used with a different aerosol generator.

[0149] Of course, the aerosol provision systems 10 and 20 are provided by way of example only and is highly schematic. Many variants are possible.

[0150] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a battery module 30 in accordance with an example embodiment. The battery module 30 is connectable to an aerosol provision device for generating an aerosol. The battery module 30 may be removable or replaceable. The battery module 30 is an example implementation of the battery modules 14 and 21 described above.

[0151] The battery module 30 comprises a battery 32 and one or more electric circuits (first electric circuit 34 and second electric circuit 35 are shown in FIG. 3). As discussed in detail below, example embodiments may be provided to cause a persistent change in the one or more electric circuits to prevent charging of the battery 32 and / or to prevent transfer of electrical power from the battery 32 to a connected aerosol provision device (e.g. the aerosol provision device 12 or the aerosol generator 23 described above). The change caused by the electric circuit(s) may be persistent through at least one charge / discharge cycle. In some example embodiments the persistent change may be irreversible.

[0152] The electric circuit(s) 34, 35 may be responsive, at least in part, to an input. The input may be indicative of a battery end-of-life condition being met (as discussed further below). Example end-of-life (EOL) conditions include: a fixed number of charge cycles of the battery, a maximum temperature threshold being reached / exceeded, a signal from one or more sensors (e.g. a pressure sensor or a fuel gauge) being received, etc.

[0153] In some example embodiments, the first electric circuit 34 is an output circuit that selectively connects the battery 32 to a conductor that is couplable to a corresponding conductor of an aerosol provision device. Thus, the first electric circuit 34 can be used to determine whether electrical power can be transferred from the battery 32 to the respective aerosol provision device. The persistent change in the one or more circuits referred to above may prevent the transfer of power of the aerosol provision device via the conductor.

[0154] In some example embodiments, the second electric circuit 35 is an input circuit that selectively connects the battery 32 to one or more terminals through which the battery 32 is chargeable. The persistent change in the one or more circuits referred to above may prevent charging of the battery through the one or more terminals.

[0155] In some example embodiments, one or more of the first and second electric circuits 34, 35 is omitted from the battery module 30 (hence those modules are shown in dotted form in FIG. 3). In some example embodiments, both the first and second electric circuits 34, 35 are provided.

[0156] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a battery module 40 in accordance with an example embodiment. The battery module 40 provides further details of an example implementation of the battery modules 14, 21 and 30 described above.

[0157] The battery module 40 comprises a battery 42, a controller 43, a data storage module 44, one or more sensors 45, a first switching module 46, a second switching module 47, and a communications module 48. Note that at least some of the elements of the battery module 40 may be omitted in some example embodiments. The battery 42, the first switching module 46 and the second switching module 47 are example implementations of the battery 32, the first electric circuit 34, and the second electric circuit 35 of the battery module 30 described above.

[0158] The one or more sensors 45 may be used to provide at least some battery data to the controller 43. By way of example, the sensors may include a pressure sensor for obtaining pressure measurements indicative of battery swelling, and wherein the battery data comprises said pressure measurements. A battery may be deactivated in the event that a detected degree of swelling exceeds a safe level.

[0159] Other example sensors (that could be provided in any combination, in addition to, or instead of, a pressure sensor) include: a temperature sensor, a battery fuel gauge, an altimeter, a global positioning system (GPS) device, a vibration sensor, a Bluetooth module (e.g. to enable remove activation or deactivation of the device), a relative humidity sensor, or an RFID sensor).

[0160] High power devices (such as an aerosol generator) place a strain on battery (e.g. due to temperature and discharge currents). This can lead to problems (e.g. pouch cells swelling) - thermal runaway is possible. Such problems (which may be detected by the sensor(s) referred to above) may lead to a battery being deactivated (sometimes referred to as "bricking" in the art).

[0161] The data storage module 44 may have one or more registers storing one or more battery parameters (such as one or more of: a voltage level of the battery 42, a state of charge of the battery, a maximum capacity of the battery, a temperature of the battery 42, an internal resistance of the battery 42, a number of charge cycles of the battery 42, pressure reading from a pressure sensor, a state of health of the battery, a battery end of life metric (e.g. remaining usage time for the battery), identifiers of devices that the battery has been paired with, the number of heating sessions / puff (e.g. per charge, for the most recent charge and / or over the total life of the battery), number of sessions used for each device (if the battery has been used with multiple devices), total charge time (e.g. for the most recent charge and / or over the lifetime of the battery), maximum charge time for a single cycle, Coulomb register (that may be used to monitor cell degradation), etc.). Alternatively, or in addition, the data storage module may store sessions data for one or more recent sessions (e.g. the latest 100 session). Such session may include, for example, the duration of each session (e.g. in seconds) and / or the maximum battery temperature during the respective session. The communication module 48 may, for example, enable communications with an external module, such as a mobile phone. For example, the communications module 48 may enable Bluetooth communication, or some other wireless communication, with an application installed on a user's mobile phone (or some other mobile computing device or to some other device, such as a docking station). This may enable battery information (such as details of a deactivated or bricked battery) to be provided to the user. Alternatively, or in addition, battery health updates could be provided (e.g. whilst the device is in use). In some example embodiments, the device with which the communication module communicates (e.g. a mobile phone or a docking station) may be used to enable a user to provide input and / or may be used as a display to provide information to the user or consumer.

[0162] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an aerosol provision system in accordance with an example embodiment. The system comprises a battery module 52, an aerosol provision device 54 and a power source 56. The battery module 52 may, for example, be the battery module 30 or 40 described above.

[0163] The example battery module 52 has three external connections to the aerosol provision device 54 (although more connections, e.g. 4, 5,6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 connections etc., could be provided in some example embodiments). As shown in the battery module 40, these may be (or may include) the outputs of the first switching module 46 and the output of the controller 43. Alternatively, two electrical outputs may be provided (e.g. the outputs of the first switching module 46 or the outputs of the first electric circuit 34 of the battery module 30); this configuration may be provided if there is no mechanism to enable a controller of the battery module to communicate with the aerosol provision device over a dedicated connection.

[0164] By way of example, one example implementation includes up to six connectors as follows:

[0165] • Connector 1: positive voltage connection

[0166] • Connector 2: negative voltage connection

[0167] • Connector 3: negative temperature coefficient connection

[0168] • Connector 4: Sensor input or control input (e.g. fuel gauge)

[0169] • Connector 5: Data connection

[0170] • Connector 6: Second sensor connection.

[0171] A conductor of the battery module 52 may be provided that is couplable to a corresponding conductor on the aerosol provision device 54 to transfer electrical power from a battery of the battery module to the aerosol provision device. The persistent change discussed above may prevent the transfer of power of the aerosol provision device via the conductor. For example, an output circuit of the battery module (e.g. the first electric circuit 34 or the first switching module 46) may selectively connect the battery to the conductor.

[0172] Similarly, the battery module 52 has two external connections to the power source 56; these may be the inputs of the second switching module 47. The power source 56 may be a battery charging pack, a mains power connection, or some other power source. The external connections may provide terminals through which the battery of the battery module is chargeable. The persistent change discussed above may prevent charging of the battery through the terminals. For example, an input circuit of the battery module (e.g. the second electric circuit 35 of the second switching module 47) may selectively connect the battery to the one or more terminals. In an alternative embodiment, the persistent change may allow a reduction in charge rate (e.g. allowing a high charge rate when the battery is new, a reduced charge rate (e.g. 50%, 70% or some other percentage of the high charge rate) when a first criteria is reached, and preventing charge when a second criteria (e.g. an end-of-life criteria) has been met.

[0173] The persistent change discussed above may be implemented in many different ways. These include: a change of data in a data storage medium, such as the data storage module 44 (e.g. changing a bit used in logic controlling a transistor or physical switch); a change in state of a transistor or physical switch (such as the first and second electric circuits 34 and 35, or the first and second switching modules 46 and 47); and a change in state of a fuse (which may, for example, implement the electric circuits 34 and 35 or the switching modules 46, 47).

[0174] FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing an algorithm, indicated generally by the reference numeral 60, in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0175] The algorithm 60 starts at operation 62 where an input (e.g. an end-of-life (EOL) input) is obtained at a battery module (e.g. at battery module 30 or 40). The battery module is connectable to an aerosol provision device for generating aerosol. The input may be indicative of a battery end-of-life condition being met.

[0176] The operation 62 may be implemented by the input being received at the battery module (e.g. at the controller 43 of the battery module from, for example, a connected aerosol provision device, or from elsewhere, such as via the communication module 48). Alternatively, or in addition, the input may be generated at the battery module (e.g. at the controller 43). For example, the input may be generated based, at least in part, on sensor data received at the controller 43 from the one or more sensors 45.

[0177] At operation 64 of the algorithm 64, a battery function of the battery module may be changed depending on the input obtained in the operation 62. For example, a change in one or more circuits of the battery module (such as the first and second electric circuits of the battery module 30 and the first and second switching modules of the battery module 40) may be initiated.

[0178] FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing an algorithm, indicated generally by the reference numeral 70, in accordance with an example embodiment. The algorithm 70 may be used to implement the operation 64 of the algorithm 60.

[0179] At operation 72, the transfer of electrical power from the battery module to a connected aerosol provision device is prevented. The operation 72 may be implemented by causing a persistent change in the first electric circuit 34, the first switching module 46, or some similar circuit).

[0180] At operation 74, charging of a battery of the battery module is prevented. The operation 74 may be implemented by causing a persistent change in the second electric circuit 35, the second switching module 47 or some similar circuit.

[0181] In some example embodiments, only one of the operations 72 and 74 is implemented. In other example embodiments, both of the operations 72 and 74 can be implemented.

[0182] Thus, the algorithms 60 and 70 can be used to make a removable battery module of an aerosol provision device inoperable (e.g. by preventing charging and / or discharging of relevant battery), so that an aerosol provision device that has a battery that has reached an end-of-life condition may be reused with a different battery, and so that a battery that has reached an end-of-life condition can be prevented from being reused with a different aerosol provision device.

[0183] A battery module in accordance with the principles described herein (such as the battery module 30 or the battery module 40) may include a mechanical connector assembly connectable to a corresponding mechanical connector assembly on an aerosol provision device to removably retain the battery module in a position with respect to the aerosol provision device. The position in which the connector assembly retains the battery module is a position in which the conductor of the battery module is coupled with the conductor of the aerosol provision device. The conductor may comprise a terminal engageable with a terminal of the corresponding conductor of the aerosol provision device to form a direct electrical connection between the respective conductors, however this is not essential to all example embodiments. For example, the conductor may comprise a coil inductively couplable with a coil of the corresponding conductor of the aerosol provision device.

[0184] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an aerosol provision system, indicated generally by the reference numeral 1030, in accordance with an example embodiment. The system 1030 comprises an aerosol provision device 32 (that has similarities with the aerosol provision devices 12 and 23) and a battery module 1034 (that has similarities with the battery modules 14 and 21). Together, the aerosol provision 1032 and the battery module 1034 form the aerosol provision system 1030. The aerosol provision device 1032 and the battery pack 1034 may be separable. Indeed, different battery modules may be used with the aerosol provision device 1032 and the battery module 1034 may be used with different aerosol provision devices.

[0185] The aerosol provision device 1032 comprise an aerosol generator 1035 and a controller 1036. The controller 1036 may be in two-way communication with the aerosol generator 1035. Alternatively, the controller 1036 may simply provide signals to the aerosol generator 1035.

[0186] The battery module 1034 comprises a battery 1037, a controller 1038 and data storage medium 1039 (e.g. a memory device). The controller 1038 may be in two-way communication with the battery 1037 and may be in two-way communication with the data storage medium 1039. Moreover, the controller 1038 of the battery module 1034 may be in two-way communication with the controller 1036 of the aerosol provision device 1032.

[0187] In the use of the system 1030, the battery 1037 provides electrical power to the aerosol provision device 1032 (specifically the aerosol generator 1035), when the battery 1037 and aerosol provision device 1032 are electrically connected. The controller 1038 of the battery module 1034 is configured to obtain battery data and to store obtained battery data in the data storage medium 1039, as discussed in detail below. For example, the data storage medium 1039 may include one or more registers for storing data under the control of the controller 1038.

[0188] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a battery module 1040 in accordance with an example embodiment. The battery module 1040 provides further details of an example implementation of the battery modules 14, 21 and 1034 described above.

[0189] The battery module 1040 comprises a battery 1042, a controller 1043, a data storage module 1044, one or more sensors 1045, a first switching module 1046, a second switching module 1047 and a communications module 1048. Note that at least some of the modules of the battery module 1040 may be omitted in some example embodiments.

[0190] The battery 1042, the controller 1043 and the data storage module 1044 are example implementations of the battery 1037, the controller 1038 and the data storage medium 1039 described above.

[0191] The controller 1043 may be in two-way communication with one or more of the battery 1042, the data storge module 1044, the sensor(s) 1045, the first switching module 1046, the second switching module 1047 and the communications module 1048.

[0192] The one or more sensors 1045 may be used to provide at least some battery data to the controller 1043. By way of example, the sensors may include a pressure sensor for obtaining pressure measurements indicative of battery swelling, and wherein the battery data comprises said pressure measurements. A battery may be deactivated in the event that a detected degree of swelling exceeds a safe level.

[0193] Other example sensors (that could be provided in any combination, in addition to, or instead of, a pressure sensor) include: a temperature sensor, a battery fuel gauge, an altimeter, a global positioning system (GPS) device, a vibration sensor, a Bluetooth module (e.g. to enable remove activation or deactivation of the device), a relative humidity sensor, or an RFID sensor).

[0194] The data storage module 1044 may have one or more registers storing one or more battery parameters (such as one or more of: a voltage level of the battery 1042, a state of charge of the battery, a maximum capacity of the battery, a temperature of the battery 1042, an internal resistance of the battery 1042, a number of charge cycles of the battery 1042, pressure reading from a pressure sensor, a state of health of the battery, a battery end of life metric (e.g. remaining usage time for the battery), identifiers of devices that the battery has been paired with, the number of heating sessions / puff (e.g. per charge, for the most recent charge and / or over the total life of the battery), number of sessions used for each device (if the battery has been used with multiple devices), total charge time (e.g. for the most recent charge and / or over the lifetime of the battery), maximum charge time for a single cycle, Coulomb register (that may be used to monitor cell degradation), etc.). Alternatively, or in addition, the data storage module may store sessions data for one or more recent sessions (e.g. the latest 100 session). Such session may include, for example, the duration of each session (e.g. in seconds) and / or the maximum battery temperature during the respective session.

[0195] The first switching module 1046 is an output circuit that, in some example embodiments, selectively connects the battery 1042 to a conductor that is couplable to a corresponding conductor of an aerosol provision device. Thus, the first switching module 1046 can be used to determine whether electrical power can be transferred from the battery 1042 to the respective aerosol provision device (such as the device 1032 described above). A persistent change in the state of the first switching module 1046 can be used to prevent the transfer of power of the aerosol provision device via the conductor.

[0196] Similarly, the second switching module 1047 is an input circuit that, in some example embodiments, selectively connects the battery 1042 to one or more terminals through which the battery 1042 is chargeable. A persistent change in the state of the second switching module 1047 can be used to prevent charging of the battery 1042 through the one or more terminals.

[0197] The communication module 1048 may, for example, enable communications with an external module, such as a mobile phone. For example, the communications module 1048 may enable Bluetooth communication, or some other wireless communication, with an application installed on a user's mobile phone (or some other mobile computing device or to some other device, such as a docking station). This may enable battery information to be provided to the user. Alternatively, or in addition, battery health updates could be provided (e.g. whilst the device is in use). In some example embodiments, the device with which the communication module communicates (e.g. a mobile phone or a docking station) may be used to enable a user to provide input and / or may be used as a display to provide information to the user or consumer.

[0198] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an aerosol provision system in accordance with an example embodiment. The system comprises a battery module 1052, an aerosol provision device 1054 and a power source 1056. The battery module 1052 may, for example, be the battery module 1034 or 1040 described above.

[0199] The example battery module 1052 has three external connections to the aerosol provision device 1054 (although more connections, e.g. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 connections etc., could be provided in some example embodiments). As shown in the battery module 1040, these may be (or may include) the outputs of the first switching module 1046 and the output of the controller 1043. Alternatively, two electrical outputs may be provided (e.g. the outputs of the first switching module 1046 of the battery module 1030); this configuration may be provided if there is no mechanism to enable a controller of the battery module to communicate with the aerosol provision device over a dedicated connection.

[0200] By way of example, one example implementation includes up to six connectors as follows:

[0201] • Connector 1: positive voltage connection

[0202] • Connector 2: negative voltage connection

[0203] • Connector 3: negative temperature coefficient connection

[0204] • Connector 4: Sensor input or control input (e.g. fuel gauge)

[0205] • Connector 5: Data connection

[0206] • Connector 6: Second sensor connection.

[0207] A conductor of the battery module 1052 may be provided that is couplable to a corresponding conductor on the aerosol provision device 1054 to transfer electrical power from a battery of the battery module to the aerosol provision device. The persistent change discussed above may prevent the transfer of power of the aerosol provision device via the conductor. For example, an output circuit of the battery module (e.g. the first electric circuit 1034 or the first switching module 1046) may selectively connect the battery to the conductor.

[0208] Similarly, the battery module 1052 has two external connections to the power source 1056; these may be the inputs of the second switching module 1047. The power source 1056 may be a battery charging pack, a mains power connection, or some other power source. The external connections may provide terminals through which the battery of the battery module 1052 is chargeable. The persistent change discussed above may prevent charging of the battery through the terminals. For example, an input circuit of the battery module (e.g. the second electric circuit 1035 of the second switching module 1047) may selectively connect the battery to the one or more terminals. In an alternative embodiment, the persistent change may allow a reduction in charge rate (e.g. allowing a high charge rate when the battery is new, a reduced charge rate (e.g. 50%, 70% or some other percentage of the high charge rate) when a first criteria is reached, and preventing charge when a second criteria (e.g. an end- of-life criteria) has been met.

[0209] The persistent change discussed above may be implemented in many different ways. These include: a change of data in a data storage medium, such as the data storage module 1044 (e.g. changing a bit used in logic controlling a transistor or physical switch); a change in state of a transistor or physical switch (such as the first and second switching modules 1046 and 1047); and a change in state of a fuse (which may, for example, implement the switching modules 1046, 1047).

[0210] FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing an algorithm, indicated generally by the reference numeral 1060, in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0211] The algorithm 1060 starts at operation 1062, where battery data relating to a battery module (such as the battery module 1034, 1040 or 1052) is obtained by a controller of the respective battery module. For example, battery data may be obtained from the controller 1036 of the aerosol generator (e.g. when the battery module is connected to said aerosol provision device) and / or from one or more sensors 1045.

[0212] At operation 1064, obtained battery data is stored in a data storage medium of the battery module (e.g. data storage medium 1039 or data storage module 1044).

[0213] At operation 1066, a battery function of the battery module may be changed based, for example, on the battery data obtained in the operation 1062. For example, a change in one or more circuits of the battery module (such as the first and second switching modules of the battery module 1040) may be initiated. Note that in some example embodiments, the operation 1066 is omitted. FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing an algorithm, indicated generally by the reference numeral 1070, in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0214] The algorithm 1070 starts at operation 1072, where a request for battery data is obtained. The request may be received at a controller of a battery module (e.g. the controller 1038 or 1043), for example from an aerosol provision device that is being used with the battery module (e.g. from the controller 1036) or from an associated computing device or application (e.g. via the communication module 1048).

[0215] At operation 1074, the requested battery data is output in response to the request.

[0216] The battery data may be provided (in the operation 1074) to the respective aerosol provision device when the battery module is connected to said aerosol provision device. Indeed, battery data may be provided to the respective aerosol provision device when the battery module is connected to said aerosol provision device without waiting for a request to do so (i.e. omitted the operation 1072).

[0217] As noted above, the operation 1072 may be implemented at a controller of an aerosol provision device that is configured to obtain at least some of said battery data from the battery module. In some example embodiments, the controller of the aerosol provision device may be configured to activate or deactivate the respective battery module based, at least in part, on said battery data.

[0218] FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing an algorithm, indicated generally by the reference numeral 1080, in accordance with an example embodiment. The algorithm 1070 may be used to implement the operation 66 of the algorithm 1060.

[0219] At operation 1082, the transfer of electrical power from the battery module to a connected aerosol provision device is prevented (for example based, at least in part, on battery data obtained in the operation 1062). The operation 1082 may be implemented by causing a persistent change in the first switching module 1046, or some similar circuit.

[0220] At operation 1084, charging of a battery of the battery module is prevented (for example based, at least in part, on battery data obtained in the operation 1062). The operation 1084 may be implemented by causing a persistent change in the second switching module 1047 or some similar circuit. Thus, the algorithm 1080 can be used to make a removable battery module of an aerosol provision device inoperable (e.g. by preventing charging and / or discharging of relevant battery), so that an aerosol provision device that has a battery that has reached an end-of-life condition may be reused with a different battery, and so that a battery that has reached an end-of-life condition can be prevented from being reused with a different aerosol provision device. Example end-of-life (EOL) conditions include: a fixed number of charge cycles of the battery, a maximum temperature threshold being reached / exceeded, a signal from one or more sensors (e.g. a pressure sensor or a fuel gauge) being received, etc.

[0221] In some example embodiments, only one of the operations 1082 and 1084 is implemented. In other example embodiments, both of the operations 1082 and 1084 can be implemented. In yet other embodiments, the operation 1066 (and hence the algorithm 1080) are omitted entirely.

[0222] FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing an algorithm, indicated generally by the reference numeral 1090, in accordance with an example embodiment. The algorithm 1090 may be implemented by a controller of a battery module (such as the controller 1038 or the controller 1043), the controller of an aerosol provision device (such as the controller 1036) or a combination therefore (or indeed elsewhere).

[0223] The algorithm 1090 starts at operation 1092, where battery data relating to a battery module (such as the battery module 1034, 1040 or 1052) is obtained by (or from) a controller of the respective battery module. For example, battery data may be obtained from the controller 1036 of the aerosol generator (e.g. when the battery module is connected to said aerosol provision device) and / or from one or more sensors 1045.

[0224] At operation 1094, battery data is output in some way, for example using a user- perceivable display. For example, battery data may be provided (e.g. via Bluetooth) to a mobile phone of the user.

[0225] At operation 1096, a decision is taken to activate or deactivate the battery module. The decision may be taken at a controller of the battery module, at a controller of the aerosol provision device, or elsewhere (e.g. at a processor a user device).

[0226] Note that in some example embodiments, one or more of the steps of the algorithm 1090 may be omitted. FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing an algorithm, indicated generally by the reference numeral 80, in accordance with an example embodiment. The algorithm 80 may be implemented by a controller of a battery module (such as the controller 43 or controller 1043), the controller of an aerosol provision device (such as the controller 22) or a combination therefore (or indeed elsewhere).

[0227] The algorithm 80 starts at operation 82, where a decision is taken to activate or deactivate the battery module. The operation 82 is an example implementation of the operation 64 of the algorithm 60 (where the battery function is changed). The operation 82 is also an example implementation of the operation 1066 of the algorithm 1060 (where the battery function is also changed).

[0228] At operation 84, an output is provided to a device and / or a user informing the device / user of the outcome of the operation 82.

[0229] The operation 84 enables a consumer to be informed that a battery has been activated. Examples methods of implementing the operation 84 include:

[0230] • Enabling the battery to provide a small amount of power to a device together with a warning message (e.g. "battery disabled") that can be displayed by the device.

[0231] • Sending a message (e.g. using the communications module 48) to an external device (e.g. to a user's mobile phone) to enable a message (such as "battery disabled") to be displayed to the user.

[0232] • Allowing the battery to be charged to a limited degree, to provide sufficient power to enable a display message to be display of a device screen or on a display of the battery module.

[0233] The skilled person will be aware of other methods for implementing the operation 84.

[0234] FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing an algorithm, indicated generally by the reference numeral 100, in accordance with an example embodiment. The algorithm 100 is an example implementation of the operation 64 of the algorithm 60, the operation 82 of the algorithm 80, the operation 1066 of the algorithm 1060, or the operation 1096 of the algorithm 1090 described above. The algorithm 100 may be implemented by a controller of a battery module (such as controller 43, controller 1038, or controller 1043), a controller of an aerosol provision device (such as the controller 1036) or a combination thereof (or indeed elsewhere). The algorithm 100 starts at operation 102, where a relevant controller derates the performance of the respective battery based, at least in part, on battery data. In some examples, battery performance may be de-rated based on battery data obtained in the operation 1062 of the algorithm 1060 or the operation 1092 of the algorithm 1090. In some examples, the controller derates the performance of the respective battery based at least in part on an EOL input obtained in operation 62 of algorithm 60. The battery may be de-rated in an attempt to extend battery usage time.

[0235] At operation 104 of the algorithm 100, the relevant controller deactivates the respective battery module.

[0236] In some example embodiments, as a battery is used, the battery may first be de-rated (operation 102) before later being deactivated (operation 104). This provides a stepwise process for deactivating the respective battery module. This process of deactivating the respective battery module may be performed as part of an end-of-life procedure. The operations 102 and 104 may, for example, be implemented by the circuit 34, the circuit 35, or both.

[0237] A battery module in accordance with the principles described herein (such as the battery module 1034 or the battery module 1040) may include a mechanical connector assembly connectable to a corresponding mechanical connector assembly on an aerosol provision device to removably retain the battery module in a position with respect to the aerosol provision device. The position in which the connector assembly retains the battery module is a position in which the conductor of the battery module is coupled with the conductor of the aerosol provision device. The conductor may comprise a terminal engageable with a terminal of the corresponding conductor of the aerosol provision device to form a direct electrical connection between the respective conductors, however this is not essential to all example embodiments. For example, the conductor may comprise a coil inductively couplable with a coil of the corresponding conductor of the aerosol provision device.

[0238] Principles described herein enable usage of a battery (e.g. consumer usage) to be collected (e.g. in addition collecting usage data of a particular aerosol provision device). Battery usage data can be particularly useful if the battery is used across multiple devices. Of course, at least some of the features of the algorithms described above with reference to FIGS. 6, 7, and 11 to 16 may be combined in some example embodiments.

[0239] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol provision system in accordance with an example embodiment, indicated generally by reference numeral 2001.

[0240] System 2001 comprises aerosol provision device 2002 and battery module 2004.

[0241] Aerosol provision device 2002 comprises aerosol generating material 2006, aerosol generator 2008, controller 2010, reader 2028, sensor(s) 2009, battery module detector 2032, and wireless power receiver 2030. Battery module 2004 comprises battery 2012 (e.g., a rechargeable battery) or some other electrochemical storage system (e.g., one or more batteries, such as Li-ion batteries) and / or one or more supercapacitors. Battery module 2004 further comprises tag 2036, sensor(s) 2038, controller 2034, wireless power transmitter 2040, and charging port 2042.

[0242] Battery module 2004 is reversibly (e.g., detachably and / or reattachably) connectable to aerosol provision device 2002. For example, one or both of aerosol provision device 2002 and battery module 2004 may comprise a connector assembly configured to retain battery module 2004 in a position (or limited range of positions) with respect to aerosol provision device 2002. The battery module 2004 may, for example, be connected to the side or base of the aerosol provision device 2002 or could, for example, be inserted into the device. The skilled person will be aware of many suitable configurations.

[0243] Aerosol provision device 2002 may comprise a battery module detector 2032, such as an optical or capacitive sensor, configured to detect the connection of battery module 2004 to device 2002. For example, when battery module 2004 is retained in position by a connector assembly, it may contact a capacitive sensor and be detected.

[0244] Battery module 2004 is configured to provide power to aerosol provision device 2002 when connected to aerosol provision device 2002. In the illustrated example of system 2001, battery module 2004 is configured to provide power to aerosol provision device 2002 wirelessly. In this example, battery module 2004 comprises a wireless power transmitter 2040 (e.g., comprising a coil) configured to wirelessly transmit power for reception by wireless power receiver 2030 (e.g., comprising another coil). For example, battery module 2004 may comprise a coil that, when battery module 2004 is connected to aerosol provision device 2002 (for example, using a connector assembly), is positioned to be inductively coupled with a corresponding coil in aerosol provision device 2002 to permit wireless power transfer.

[0245] Battery 2012 of battery module 2004 may be rechargeable. In example system 2001, battery module 2004 comprises charging port 2042, through which battery 2012 may be charged (for example, by connecting the charging port to a source of electrical power). Charging port 2042 may be accessible when battery module 2004 is connected to aerosol provision device 2002 (e.g., to facilitate charging while battery module 2004 is connected to aerosol provision device 2002). In other examples, charging port 2042 may be inaccessible (e.g., obscured) when battery module 2004 is connected to aerosol provision device 2002, preventing charging using the port. In other examples, battery module 2004 comprises a wireless power receiver (e.g., comprising a coil) for receiving power wirelessly, to facilitate wireless charging of battery 2012. Battery module 2004 may additionally or alternatively have a two-way power connection with aerosol provision device 2002 when the devices are connected, so that battery 2012 may be charged via a charging port or wireless charging circuit of aerosol provision device 2002. The battery module 2014 may have power connections (e.g., ports) that can be used to provide electrical power to the aerosol provision device 2012, without charging the battery 2015 (for example by locating the aerosol provision system 2010 within a docking station).

[0246] Controller 2010 may be configured to receive user inputs. User inputs may be received from sensors 2009, which may include one or more sensors configured to detect user interaction with the device, or from other user interface elements on aerosol provision device 2002. Controller 2010 may further be configured to receive user inputs from one or more separate devices having user interface elements, for example via comms module 2015. Comms module 2015 may comprise a wireless transceiver via which comms module 2015 may be configured to wirelessly communicate with external devices using a wireless networking protocol. In some examples comms module 2015 may communicate with external device using the Bluetooth standard. Controller 2010 may be configured to respond to inputs received via the comms module. For example, the comms module may receive a remote deactivation command, and the controller may accordingly deactivate aerosol provision device 2002. Controller 2010 may additionally or alternatively be configured to receive power from battery 2012 of battery module 2004. Controller 2010 may be configured to provide a driving current or voltage to aerosol generator 2008 using power from battery 2004 based at least partly on user inputs. In some examples, controller 2010 may be configured to receive one or more inputs from one or more sensors 2009, such as temperature, current, or voltage sensors, and controller 2010 may control the provision of a driving current based at least in part on input from the sensors 2009. Other example sensors (that could be provided in any combination, in addition to, or instead of, a pressure sensor) include: a temperature sensor, a battery fuel gauge, an altimeter, a global positioning system (GPS) device, a vibration sensor, a Bluetooth module (e.g. to enable remove activation or deactivation of the device), a relative humidity sensor, or an RFID sensor).

[0247] When the aerosol generating material 2006 is acted upon by the aerosol generator 2008, an aerosol may be generated. For example, in some embodiments the aerosol generator 2008 may be a heater, and the aerosol generating material 2006 may be heated by the aerosol generator to form an aerosol. In some examples, the aerosol generator 2008 may be a susceptor, a resistive heater, an ultrasonic transducer, some other heater, or a mechanism to generate an aerosol without heating (such as a pump, a vibration mechanism, etc.). The aerosol generating material 2006 may be a film or gel. In examples in which aerosol generator 2008 is a susceptor, controller 2010 may comprise components (such as coils) which may be inductively coupled with the susceptor and driven with a suitable alternating current to heat the susceptor.

[0248] In some embodiments, aerosol generating material 2006 is retained in a consumable that is removable from aerosol provision device 2002. In some embodiments this consumable may further include the aerosol generator 2008, or portions of the aerosol generator 2008. Therefore, in some embodiments, aerosol provision device 2002 comprises controller 2010 and is connectable to a consumable comprising aerosol generating material and an aerosol generator 2008 to provide aerosol. In other embodiments aerosol provision device 2002 comprises controller 2010 and aerosol generator 2008 and is connectable to a consumable comprising aerosol generating material 2006.

[0249] Battery module 2004 comprises a machine-readable medium storing a battery identifier. In this embodiment, the machine-readable medium comprises a memory of tag 2036 of battery module 2004. Tag 2036 may be a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tag, a Near-Field Communication (NFC) tag, or another device having a memory that may be read wirelessly. Tag 2036 may comprise an antenna, a controller, and a memory. Aerosol provision device 2002 comprises a corresponding reader 2028 (e.g., an RFID reader or an NFC reader device), configured to read tag 2036 to read the battery identifier from the memory of the tag. Reader 2028 may be configured to transmit a prompt signal to a receiver of tag 2036. Tag 2036 may be configured to retrieve data from the memory and transmit this data to reader 2028 in response to receiving the prompt signal. Tag 2036 may be powered by the prompt signal or by battery 2012.

[0250] In some embodiments, the machine-readable medium may comprise a resistor, or a resistive component such as a fuse. Electrical properties of the resistor or resistive component, such as a resistance, or a voltage-resistance profile, or a currentresistance profile, may be measured by aerosol provision device 2002, for example using sensors 2009 of aerosol provision device, electrically coupled to terminals of the resistor or resistive device via contacts of a connector assembly. Electrical properties of the resistor or resistive component may be measured by the sensor. The measured electrical properties may in some embodiments be mapped to properties of the battery using a mapping or lookup table. For example, in some embodiments a particular resistance, or range of resistances may be mapped to a set of one or more battery properties, which may for example comprise a minimum charge level at which the battery may be discharged.

[0251] In some embodiments the resistor or resistive component may also serve as a fuse, and may be configured to prevent discharging of the battery if the drawn current is too great, (for example, because the battery has been incorrectly identified from the battery identifier, which may at least in part be derived from properties of the fuse).

[0252] In some embodiments, such as in system 2001, battery module 2004 comprises controller 2034. In some embodiments controller 2034 may control charging and / or discharging of the battery. Additionally, or alternatively, controller 2034 may regulate the voltage, current, or power output of the battery. In some embodiments controller 2034 receives input from one or more sensors 2038. Sensors 2038 may comprise one or more of temperature, current, voltage, altitude, vibration, and / or relative humidity sensors. Sensors 2038 may additionally or alternatively comprise a satellite navigation receiver (such as a GPS receiver) for positioning. Sensors 2038 may comprise a fuel gauge. One or more current and or voltage sensors may monitor the voltage and / or charging and discharging current through the battery, the output of which may be used by controller 2034 to determine a state of charge of the battery. Controller 2034 may in some embodiments comprise a Bluetooth module (e.g., to enable remove activation or deactivation of the device).

[0253] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol provision system in accordance with an example embodiment, indicated generally by the reference numeral 2061. Aerosol provision system 2061 comprises aerosol provision device 2062 and battery module 2064. Aerosol provision device 2062 and battery module 2064 are similar to their counterparts in aerosol provision system 2001 and differ in how the battery identifier is stored in a machine-readable medium of battery module 2064, and how the battery identifier is obtained from the machine-readable medium by aerosol provision device 2062.

[0254] Instead of or in addition to tag 2036, in aerosol provision system 2061 battery module 2064 comprises quick-response code (QR code) 2049. QR code 2049 stores (e.g., encodes in a visual machine-readable format) the battery identifier. Instead of or in addition to reader 2028, in aerosol provision system 2061 aerosol provision device 2062 comprises an optical sensor 2048 configured to scan QR code 2049 and derive the battery identifier from the scan.

[0255] FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol provision system in accordance with an example embodiment, indicated generally by the reference numeral 2071. Aerosol provision system 2071 comprises aerosol provision device 2072 and battery module 2074. Aerosol provision device 2072 and battery module 2074 are similar to their counterparts in aerosol provision system 2001 and differ in how data and power are transferred between battery module 2074 and aerosol provision device 2072.

[0256] Aerosol provision device 2072 of aerosol provision system 2071 comprises electrical contacts 2046, and battery module 2074 of aerosol provision system 2071 comprises electrical contacts 2044. These electrical contacts may facilitate one- or two-way electrical power transfer between aerosol provision device 2072 and battery module 2074 (e.g., by creating a conductive path between a battery terminal and a terminal of aerosol provision device 2072). In this embodiment, electrical contacts 2044 and 2046 also facilitate data transfer between device 2072 and battery module 2074 (e.g., by forming part of a data bus between a controller and / or digital storage of battery module 2074 and a controller and / or data storage of device 2072). The electrical contacts that facilitate data transfer between battery module 2074 and device 2072 may be the same contacts that facilitate electrical power transfer (e.g., a data signal and power may use the same connection) or the electrical contacts may be separate (e.g., data and power may use dedicated connections). Electrical contacts 2044 and 2046 may be used in addition to or alternatively to wireless power transmitter 2040 and receiver 2030.

[0257] Fig. 19 does not illustrate how many electrical contacts or terminals facilitate data and / or power transfer. In some examples, two connections (e.g., positive and neutral voltage, or positive and negative voltage) are provided for power transfer. In some examples, up to four data connections may be provided between battery module 2074 and device 2072.

[0258] By way of example, one example implementation includes up to six connectors as follows:

[0259] • Connector 1: positive voltage connection

[0260] • Connector 2: negative voltage connection

[0261] • Connector 3: negative temperature coefficient connection

[0262] • Connector 4: Sensor input or control input (e.g., fuel gauge)

[0263] • Connector 5: Data connection

[0264] • Connection 6: Second sensor connection.

[0265] In other examples, up to ten, or ten or more connectors may be used.

[0266] In some embodiments the electrical contacts facilitate a two-way power connection between battery module 2074 and aerosol provision device 2072 when the devices are connected, and battery 2012 may be additionally or alternatively charged by a charging port located on aerosol provision device 2072.

[0267] Battery module 2074 of aerosol provision system 2071 comprises digital storage 2014. Digital storage 2014 stores a battery identifier. The battery identifier is retrievable from battery module 2004 via a digital bus. In this example digital storage 2014 has a data connection (e.g., via a digital bus) with controller 2034 of battery module, which may communicate the battery identifier to the aerosol provision device (e.g., to controller 2010) via a digital bus comprising electrical contacts of electrical contacts 2046 and 2044.

[0268] In other examples, controller 2034 is not required to retrieve the battery identifier from digital storage 2014, and controller 2010 may retrieve the battery identifier directly from digital storage 2014.

[0269] Digital storage 2014 may comprise a non-volatile memory. The memory may comprise non-erasable or erasable memory. Digital storage 2014 may comprise flash memory, magnetic storage, and / or optical storage.

[0270] The use of wireless power transfer between the battery module and the aerosol provision device is discussed above in connection with systems 2001 and 2061, while the use of electrical contacts to form a conductive connection for transferring power has been discussed in connection with system 2071. In other embodiments the wireless power transfer of systems 2001 and 2061 may be replaced or supplemented with conductive power transfer using electrical contacts. Similarly, in other embodiments the conductive power transfer of system 2071 may be supplemented or replaced with the wireless power transfer of systems 2001 and 2061.

[0271] The use of machine-readable storage media comprising tags (e.g., RFID or NFC tags) for storing a battery identifier and the use of corresponding device side readers is discussed above in connection with system 2001. The use of machine-readable storage media comprising QR codes for storing a battery identifier and the use of corresponding device side sensors is discussed above in connection with system 2061. The use of digital storage media accessible via a digital bus is discussed above in connection with system 2071. In other embodiments the tags and readers of system 2001 may be replaced or supplemented with the QR codes and sensors and / or the digital storage media and bus of systems 2061 and 2071. Additionally or alternatively, the QR codes and sensors of system 2061 may be replaced or supplemented with the tags and readers and / or the digital storage media and bus of systems 2001 and 2071. Additionally or alternatively, the digital storage media and bus of system 2071 may be replaced or supplemented with the tags and readers and / or the QR codes and sensors of systems 2001 and 2061.

[0272] FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol provision system in accordance with example embodiments, indicated generally by reference numeral 2200. Aerosol provision system 2200 comprises aerosol provision device 2202 and battery module 2204. In some embodiments aerosol provision device 2202 may comprise features of aerosol provision device 2002, 2062, or 2072. In some embodiments battery module 2204 may comprise features of battery module 2004, 2064, or 2074.

[0273] Battery module 2204 comprises battery 2212 and machine-readable medium 2214. Aerosol provision device 2202 comprises controller 2210.

[0274] Battery module 2204 is connectable to aerosol provision device 2202 and, when connected to aerosol provision device 2202, is configured to provide power from battery 2212 to aerosol provision device 2202. FIG. 20 does not show how power is transferred from battery 212 to aerosol provision device 2202, but in some embodiments the arrangements described in connection with systems 2001, 2061, or 2071 may be used (e.g., conductive or wireless power transfer may be used). Machine-readable medium 2214 stores a battery identifier. The battery identifier may uniquely identify the battery. For example, the battery identifier may comprise or correspond to digital information, such as a string of characters, unique to the battery module. Properties of the battery, such as maximum rated current, rated voltage, maximum possible charge, etc., may be derivable at least partly from the battery identifier. For example, the whole or parts of the battery identifier may map to battery properties using a mapping or lookup table, which may be stored in a memory of controller 2210 of aerosol provision device 2202. In other embodiments, the battery identifier may map to battery properties using a lookup table stored remote from aerosol provision device 2204. For example, controller 2210 may be in communication with an external device via a comms module and may access a lookup table stored on or accessible to the external device. The external device may be a computing device running an application configured to access the lookup table. The external device may access the lookup table over a network, for example, the external device and a server storing the lookup table may be connected to the same network, such as the internet, and the external device may be configured to access the whole of or relevant parts of the lookup table. The battery identifier may additionally or alternatively identify any one or more of a batch of battery modules to which battery module 2204 belongs, a place of manufacture of battery module 2204, a date and / or time of manufacture of battery module 2204. In some embodiments, properties of the battery module derivable at least partly from the battery identifier (in some embodiments using a lookup table or mapping) may include one or more of discharge characteristics of the battery, such as any one or more of a discharging voltage, a rated discharging current, a rated discharging power, a maximum and / or minimum charge level at which the battery may be safely discharged, and a maximum and / or minimum temperature at which the battery may be safely discharged.

[0275] Additionally or alternatively properties of the battery module derivable at least partly from the battery identifier (in some embodiments using a lookup table or mapping) may include one or more of charging characteristics of the battery, such as any one or more of a charging voltage, a charging current, a charging power, a maximum and / or minimum charge level at which the battery may be safely charged, and a maximum and / or minimum temperature at which the battery may be safely charged.

[0276] One or more discharge characteristics of the battery of the battery module may need to meet requirements of a particular aerosol provision device for that aerosol provision device to safely generate aerosol using that battery module as a power source. Aerosol provision device 2202 may be compatible with a plurality of different battery modules 2204, for example because the discharge characteristics of each meets the requirements of aerosol provision device 2202. The charging characteristics of compatible battery modules may however be different, for example because the battery chemistry / size, etc. of the battery is different. This may result in different compatible battery modules having different safe maximum charging rates.

[0277] Aerosol provision device 2202 is connectable to battery module 2204 and is configured to receive power from battery 2212 when connected to battery module 2204 as discussed above. Controller 2210 is configured to obtain the battery identifier from machine-readable medium 2214. In some embodiments, controller 2210 may use the obtained battery identifier to distinguish between battery modules used with the device (for example, if the battery identifier uniquely identifies the battery). In some embodiments, controller 2210 may use the obtained battery identifier to determine the compatibility of battery 2212 with aerosol provision device 2202 (for example, if the battery identifier maps to battery properties, the battery properties may be compared to a set of requirements for aerosol provision device 2202, or the battery identifier may be compared to a list of battery identifiers compatible with aerosol provision device 2202 to determine compatibility). In some embodiments, controller 2210 may use the obtained battery identifier to determine whether the battery module is the subject of a recall (for example, the battery identifier may indicate that battery module 2204 is part of a batch of batteries that is the subject of a recall). Controller 2210 may comprise a microcontroller.

[0278] The machine-readable medium 2214 may in some embodiments be optically readable by a sensor on the aerosol provision device 2202. For example, the machine readable medium 2214 may take the form of a barcode or quick-response (QR) code applied to the battery module 2204 such that the code is readable by a corresponding optical sensor of the aerosol provision device 2202. In other embodiments, the machine- readable medium 2214 may be a digital storage accessible via a connector, and the battery identifier may be readable from the digital storage via the connector. For example, in some embodiments the connector may be a connector connectable to a corresponding connector on aerosol provision device 2202, and controller 2210 may retrieve the battery identifier from the machine-readable medium via this connection. For example, controller 2210 may retrieve the battery identifier from a machine- readable medium comprising a digital storage (e.g., memory) via a digital bus. The digital bus may transfer data between aerosol provision device 2202 and battery module 2204 via respective connectors of aerosol provision device 2202 and battery module 2204.

[0279] In some embodiments the machine-readable medium 2214 may be the memory of an NFC tag of battery module 2204, and the battery identifier may be retrievable from the memory of the NFC tag using an NFC reader. Aerosol provision device 2202 may include an NFC reader that controller 2210 may use to retrieve the battery identifier.

[0280] In some example embodiments, the machine-readable medium 2214 may be the memory of an RFID device of the battery module 2204, and the battery identifier may be retrievable from the memory of the RFID device using a reader. Aerosol provision device 2202 may include an RFID reader that controller 2210 may use to retrieve the battery identifier.

[0281] FIG. 21 is a flow diagram showing a method in accordance with an example embodiment, indicated generally by reference numeral 2300. Steps of method 2300 may be carried out by a controller, such as controller 2010 or 2210.

[0282] At step 2302, a battery identifier is obtained, or an attempt to obtain a battery identifier is made (e.g., by a controller).

[0283] In some examples, attempting to obtain a battery identifier comprises executing some or all of the steps of a method of obtaining a battery identifier, either by executing that method until a battery identifier is obtained or by executing the method until it is determined that a battery identifier has not been or cannot be obtained. For instance, in examples in which the battery identifier is stored in a QR code, a step of attempting to detect a QR code (e.g., by capturing an image or obtaining a captured image) may be carried out, and the method may determine that no QR code is present (and hence, that a battery identifier cannot be obtained from a QR code in the captured image), or proceed to a step of attempting to derive a battery identifier from the QR code. It may be determined at a later step that a battery identifier cannot be obtained from a QR code in the captured image, and the method may determine at that stage that a battery identifier cannot be obtained. For example, data retrieved from the QR code may be processed to determine that the QR code does or does not store a battery identifier. For example, it may be determined from metadata, formatting, or the content of the data stored on the QR code that data stored on the QR code does not comprise a battery identifier. The battery identifier may be stored on a machine-readable medium, such as one or more of the machine-readable media described in connection with system 2200.

[0284] At step 2304, it is determined (e.g., by the controller) whether to permit or prevent the generation of aerosol by an aerosol provision device based at least in part on the outcome of obtaining or attempting to obtain the battery identifier.

[0285] Permitting the generation of aerosol by an aerosol provision device may in some examples comprise placing or keeping the aerosol provision device in a state in which the device is configured to respond to one or more user inputs by generating aerosol. In contrast, preventing the generation of aerosol by an aerosol provision device may in some examples comprise placing or keeping the device in a state in which the device is not configured to respond to the one or more user inputs by generating aerosol.

[0286] By permitting or preventing the generation of aerosol by an aerosol provision device based at least in part on the outcome of the obtaining or attempting to obtain the battery identifier, device control decisions can be informed by information on the battery (e.g., derived from the battery identifier or from the presence or absence of a battery identifier). In some examples, a decision to permit or prevent the generation of aerosol may be based only in part on the outcome of obtaining or attempting to obtain the battery identifier, for example, because a decision to permit generation of aerosol may be overridden (e.g., because of a fault detected in another part of the system), or because a decision to prevent generation of aerosol may be overridden.

[0287] FIG. 22 is a flow diagram of a method in accordance with an example embodiment, indicated generally by reference numeral 2400. Steps of method 2400 may be carried out by a controller, such as controller 2010 or 2210.

[0288] At step 2402, method 2400 starts. In some examples this method may be executed when the attachment of a battery module to an aerosol provision device is detected (for example, by the capacitive sensor described in connection with system 2100). Additionally or alternatively, this method may be executed whenever the device is powered on, or whenever the device leaves a standby mode, or based on some other condition.

[0289] Step 2404 comprises obtaining or attempting to obtain a battery identifier. This step may in some embodiments correspond to step 2302 of method 2300. In some embodiments, the outcome of obtaining or attempting to obtain a battery identifier may comprise obtaining the battery identifier or not obtaining the battery identifier. If a battery identifier is not obtained, it may be decided at step 2406 that the method is to proceed to step 2408.

[0290] At step 2408 a notification is sent to a user of the aerosol provision device. In some example embodiments the notification is sent via a display device integrated into the aerosol provision device, or via a display device networked with, but not necessarily integrated into the aerosol provision device (for example via a wireless networking protocol). In some embodiments the notification may be displayed to a user on a display of a mobile phone, tablet, docking station, or other computing device running an application (app) in communication with the aerosol provision device. The notification may indicate to the user that the battery is not recognised (for example, because no machine-readable storage medium was detected, because no data was recovered, or because data recovered from the machine-readable storage medium did not comprise data recognised as a battery identifier). The notification may prompt the user to acknowledge the notification. For example, the notification may comprise a waiver, and a request to acknowledge the waiver by accepting it.

[0291] At step 2410, if the user does not provide a suitable acknowledgement, the method proceeds to step 2412 and it is decided not to permit aerosol generation. If the user does provide a suitable acknowledgement, for example by accepting a waiver, the method may proceed to step 2418, and it may be decided to permit aerosol generation. If a user provides the acknowledgement at step 2410, an indication of the acknowledgement having been provided may be stored in a memory (e.g. a memory of controller 2010, or controller 2210). If the indication of the acknowledgement having been provided is stored in memory, the method may in some embodiments proceed directly from step 2406 to 2418, or from step 2404 to 2418, or from step 2402 to 2418. The indication of the acknowledgement may be associated with the current battery, so in some embodiments may only be valid until the battery is replaced. In other embodiments the indication of the acknowledgement may be associated with a battery identified by data associated with or obtained from the battery, such as data retrieved from the battery, or data related to current and / or voltage supplied by the battery (e.g., current and / or voltage data determined at the aerosol provision device, using current and / or voltage sensors in the aerosol provision device). In further embodiments, the indication of the acknowledgement may not be associated with a particular battery, and may instead indicate that one or more of steps 2402 to 2418 may be skipped regardless of which unidentified battery is used.

[0292] In some embodiments, the method includes a further step (not illustrated on Fig. 22) of determining whether a battery module has been replaced, or is not associated with the acknowledgement. If it is determined that a battery module has been replaced, or is not associated with the acknowledgement, the acknowledgement may be deleted, ignored, or not relied upon, and the method may proceed through steps 2404 to 2412 or 2418 without skipping steps 2404 to 2410.

[0293] Determining whether a battery module has been replaced may comprise determining based on data from battery module sensor 2032 that a battery has been removed. Additionally or alternatively, determining that a battery module has been replaced or is not associated with the acknowledgment may comprise determining that a different result has been obtained at step 2404 (e.g. where data not comprising a battery identifier is retrieved at step 2404, this data or data derived therefrom may be stored, and it may be determined whether this data has changed the next time step 2404 is carried out). Additionally or alternatively, determining that a battery module has been replaced or is not associated with the acknowledgment may comprise determining from sensors (such as sensors 2009, which may comprise current and / or voltage sensors configured to obtain information on current and / or voltage supplied by a battery module to the aerosol provision device) that the properties of a battery module in use with an aerosol provision device are different from those of a battery module previously in use with an aerosol provision device, and / or with which the acknowledgement is associated.

[0294] The decision to permit or not permit aerosol generation may in some examples persist until the method starts again at step 2402.

[0295] If at step 2404 a battery identifier is obtained, it may be decided at step 2406 that the method is to proceed to step 2414.

[0296] At step 2414, it is determined whether the battery module is compatible with the aerosol provision device. The aerosol provision device may require that a battery module supply a particular current and / or voltage, and may additionally or alternatively place other requirements on the battery module. Battery modules may therefore be compatible or incompatible with a given aerosol provision device. The battery identifier may be indicative of the capabilities and / or properties of the battery module (for example, a rated current, voltage, power, etc.)

[0297] Determining whether the battery module is compatible with the aerosol provision device may comprise obtaining an indication of the requirements of the aerosol provision device. Between the indication of the requirements and the battery identifier it can be determined whether a battery module having that identifier is compatible with an aerosol provision device having those requirements. For example, the indication of the requirements may simply indicate a type of aerosol provision device (e.g., the indication of requirements may be an indicator unique to the product or combination of hardware), the battery identifier may also uniquely identify the battery module product or hardware combination, and the compatibility may be determined by cross referencing a lookup table. In other examples, the indication of requirements indicates a set of suitable battery identifiers, the battery identifier may indicate a set of suitable aerosol provision devices, and / or the requirements and battery identifier may comprise or be mapped to a set of specifications that are compared to one another to determine compatibility.

[0298] If at step 2414 it is determined that the battery module is not compatible with the aerosol provision device, the method may proceed to step 2412, at which aerosol generation is not permitted.

[0299] The method may otherwise proceed to step 2416, at which it may be determined whether the battery module is registered with the aerosol provision device. In some embodiments, step 2416 may not be included, and if the battery is compatible the method may proceed directly to step 2418.

[0300] Determining at step 2416 whether the battery module is registered with the aerosol provision device may comprise obtaining a list of one or more battery identifiers of battery modules registered with the aerosol provision device, and comparing the battery identifier of the battery module with the list of battery identifiers. The list of battery identifiers may be stored in a non-volatile data storage or memory of the aerosol provision device. Additionally, or alternatively, the list of battery identifiers may be retrieved or accessed as needed from an external device connected to the aerosol provision device (e.g., via a wireless Bluetooth connection). If the battery module is registered, the method may proceed to step 2418, at which aerosol generation may be permitted. If the battery module is not registered, the user may be prompted to register the battery module with the aerosol provision device.

[0301] If the battery module is determined not to have been registered, the method may proceed to step 2420, at which a user may be prompted to register the battery module. The registration process may be carried out at the aerosol provision device, and / or the registration process may comprise communication with a further device (such as a mobile computing device or docking station), and / or a server. For example, in some embodiments the user may be prompted to enter details (on a user interface of the aerosol provision device or a further device) for registration on a database external to the aerosol provision device. The user may use a user interface of a mobile phone, tablet computer, docking station, or other computing device to perform the registration process. The mobile phone, tablet computer, or other computing device may run an application in communication with the aerosol provision device and / or an external database. Using a device other than the aerosol provision device to carry out battery registration may reduce the required number of user interface elements on the aerosol provision device to allow for registration. Information from the registration process may be sent to an external database, and this may allow registration information from multiple batteries, devices, and / or users to be collated.

[0302] At step 2422 it may again be determined whether the battery module has been registered, and if the battery module has not been registered the method may proceed to step 2412, and if the battery module has been registered the method may proceed to step 2418.

[0303] In other embodiments, aerosol generation may be permitted regardless of whether the battery module is registered. Therefore, at step 2422, once the prompt to register an unregistered battery module has been sent to the user, the method may proceed to step 2418 and permit generation of aerosol.

[0304] FIG. 23 is a block diagram of a non-combustible aerosol provision system in accordance with an example embodiment, indicated generally by reference numeral 2500. Aerosol provision system 2500 is an example of an aerosol provision system as described in connection with systems 2001, 2061, 2071 and 2200.

[0305] Aerosol provision system 2500 comprises an aerosol provision device 2502 and battery module 2504. Aerosol provision device 2502 comprises control circuit 2510, and an aerosol generator 2508. The aerosol generator 2508 may comprise a resistive heater for heating an aerosolisable material (e.g., a solid, a liquid, a film or a gel, any of which may comprise tobacco, a tobacco extract, a tobacco derivative etc.) to generate an aerosol (e.g. a vapour). The aerosolisable material is sometimes referred to an as aerosol generating material. It should be noted that the use of resistive heating of an aerosolisable material is described by way of example only. The principles described herein are applicable other aerosol provision systems (such as systems using induction heating) and other aerosolisable materials.

[0306] In the use of aerosol provision system 2500, air is drawn into an air inlet of the aerosol generator 2508, as indicated by arrow 2520. An aerosol generated by the aerosol generator 2508 exits the device at an air outlet, as indicated by arrow 2522 (for example into the mouth of a user of system 2500).

[0307] In some example embodiments, the aerosol provision device 2502 of aerosol provision system 2500 comprises two main components, namely a control section comprising controller 2510 (which may be referred to as a reusable part) and a consumable part comprising aerosol generator 2508 (which may be referred to as a replaceable or disposable cartridge). In the use of the aerosol provision device 2502, the control section and the consumable part may be releasably connected at an interface 2524. The consumable part may be removable and replaceable (e.g. when the consumable part is used), with the control section being re-used with a different consumable part.

[0308] Of course, the aerosol provision system 2500 is provided by way of example only and is highly schematic. Many variants are possible. For example, in some example embodiments, air is drawn into an air inlet in the control section, passes through the interface 2524, and exits the consumable part. Moreover, in some example embodiments, the aerosol provision device may not be separable into two parts.

[0309] Battery module 2504 comprises battery 2512 (e.g., a rechargeable battery). In the use of the aerosol provision system 2500, the aerosol provision device 2502 and the battery module may be releasably connected at an interface 2526. The battery module may be removable and replaceable (e.g. when the battery is empty, or when the battery is no longer suitable for recharging), with the control section being re-used with a different battery module. Corresponding battery module 2504 and aerosol provision device connectors for transferring power between components of battery module 2504 and aerosol provision device 2502 may be releasably connectable at interface 2526. Additionally or alternatively, corresponding battery module 2504 and aerosol provision device connectors for transferring data between components of battery module 2504 and aerosol provision device 2502 may be releasably connectable at interface 2526. Battery module 2504 further comprises machine- readable storage medium 2514. Machine-readable storage medium 2514 stores a battery identifier.

[0310] Fig. 24 is a block diagram of a system, indicated generally by the reference numeral 700, in accordance with an example embodiment. The system 700 comprises a battery module 702 (such as any of the battery modules described above), an aerosol provision device 704 for generating aerosol, and an article 706. The elements of the system 700 may be provided separately as a kit of parts.

[0311] The article 706 may comprise an aerosol generating material for use in the aerosol provision device 704. The article 706 could take the form of a stick (e.g. a heated tobacco stick or e-cigarette) or a pod.

[0312] The aerosol provision device 704 may include a heater for heating aerosol generating material (e.g. as provided by the article 706). Alternatively, the article 706 may include a heater. In some example embodiments, the article 706 is omitted entirely (e.g. the aerosol provision device may include aerosol generating material; thus, a kit of parts may be provided with just the battery module 702 and the aerosol provision device 706).

[0313] FIG. 25 is a block diagram of a processing system, indicated generally by the reference numeral 600, that may be used to implement one or more of the example embodiments described previously. The processing system 600 may, for example, be (or may include) an apparatus referred to in the claims below.

[0314] The processing system 600 may have a processor 604, a memory 602 coupled to the processor (e.g. comprising a random access memory (RAM) and / or a read only memory (ROM)). The processing system 600 may also comprise one or more input / output (I / O) modules 606, such as one or more user interface modules.

[0315] The memory 602 may comprise code which, when executed by the processor 604 implements aspects of the methods and algorithms described herein.

[0316] A controller is described in connection with methods 60, 70, 80, 100, 1060, 1070, 1080, 1090, 2300 and 2400, and systems 20, 40, 1030, 1040, 2001, 2061, 2071, 2200, and 2500. In each of these cases, the controller may comprise processing system 600.

[0317] The controller may be configured to receive inputs, which may for example include user input from a user interface and / or sensor data (e.g., voltage, current, or temperature data, which may provide feedback on the performance of an aerosol provision system). The controller may additionally or alternatively receive data from other sources, such as a sensor for obtaining the battery identifier as described above. The processor may execute instructions stored in the memory to process these inputs and generate control signals. In some examples, the controller comprises circuitry for generating a suitable voltage or current for driving the aerosol generator based on control signals from the processor. For example, the controller may accept power from a battery (such as battery 12, 212, or 312) as input, and comprise components for one or more of voltage regulation, current regulation, AC-DC conversion, DC-AC conversion, or modifying a voltage or current frequency, amplitude, or waveform of an electric signal to provide a suitable driving current or voltage to an aerosol generator. The controller may be configured to permit or cause the generation of aerosol (for example, by generating or not generating a particular control signal which may cause or prevent the generation of aerosol). The controller may further be configured to prevent the generation of aerosol (for example, by generating or not generating a control signal which may prevent or cause the generation of aerosol).

[0318] The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc, other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

Claims

Claims1. A battery module connectable to an aerosol provision device for generating aerosol, the battery module comprising: a battery; and one or more electric circuits, wherein the battery module is configured to, responsive, at least in part, to an input, cause a persistent change in the one or more circuits to prevent charging of the battery and / or to prevent transfer of electrical power from the battery to the aerosol provision device.

2. A battery module as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a conductor couplable to a corresponding conductor on the aerosol provision device to transfer said electrical power from the battery to the aerosol provision device, wherein the persistent change in the one or more circuits prevents the transfer of power of the aerosol provision device via the conductor.

3. A battery module as claimed in claim 2, wherein the one or more electric circuits comprise an output circuit that selectively connects the battery to the conductor.

4. A battery module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising one or more terminals through which the battery is chargeable, wherein the persistent change in the one or more circuits prevents charging of the battery through the one or more terminals.

5. A battery module as claimed in claim 4, wherein the one or more electric circuits comprise an input circuit that selectively connects the battery to the one or more terminals.

6. A battery module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the input is indicative of a battery end-of-life condition being met.

7. A battery module as claimed in any one of claims to 1 to 6, further comprising a controller configured to generate the input based, at least in part, on sensor data.

8. A battery module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the battery module is configured to receive said input from the aerosol provision device.

9. A battery module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said battery module is removable or replaceable.

10. A battery module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the persistent change includes at least one of: a change of data in a data storage medium; a change in state of a transistor or physical switch; and a change in state of a fuse.

11. An aerosol provision system comprising a battery module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, and further comprising said aerosol provision device for generating aerosol.

12. A method comprising: obtaining an input at a battery module, wherein the battery module is connectable to an aerosol provision device for generating aerosol; and causing a persistent change in one or more circuits of the battery module to prevent charging of the battery and / or to prevent transfer of electrical power from the battery to the aerosol provision device via the conductor.

13. A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the input is indicative of a battery end-of-life condition being met.

14. A method as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13, further comprising providing an output indicative of said persistent change.

15. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to: obtain an input at a battery module, wherein the battery module is connectable to an aerosol provision device for generating aerosol; and cause a persistent change in one or more circuits of the battery module to prevent charging of the battery and / or to prevent transfer of electrical power from the battery to the aerosol provision device via the conductor.

16. A kit of parts comprising: a battery module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10; and an aerosol provision device for generating aerosol.

17. A battery module connectable to an aerosol provision device for generating aerosol, the battery module comprising: a battery for providing electrical power to the aerosol provision device; a data storage medium; and a controller configured to obtain and store battery data in the data storage medium.

18. A battery module as claimed in claim 17, wherein said battery data comprises battery usage data.

19. A battery module as claimed in claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the controller is configured to receive some or all of said obtained battery data from the aerosol provision device when the battery module is connected to said aerosol provision device.

20. A battery module as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the controller is configured to provide stored battery data to the aerosol provision device when the battery module is connected to said aerosol provision device.

21. A battery module as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 20, further comprising one or more sensors, wherein at least some of said battery data is obtained from one or more of said one or more sensors.

22. A battery module as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 21, further comprising a conductor couplable to a corresponding conductor on the aerosol provision device for providing said electrical power to the aerosol provision device.

23. A battery module as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 22, wherein said battery data comprises one or more of: a state of charge of the battery; a maximum capacity of the battery; state of health data for the battery; a battery end of life metric; battery-aerosol provision device pairing information; heating session data; number of charging sessions; charge time data;Coulomb register data; and session data for one or more charging sessions and / or aerosol generating sessions.

24. A battery module as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 23, wherein said battery module is removable or replaceable.

25. An aerosol provision device for generating aerosol, the aerosol provision device being connectable to a battery module, the battery module comprising a battery and a data storage medium storing battery data, wherein the aerosol provision device is configured to receive electrical power from the battery of the battery module, and wherein the aerosol provision device comprises: a controller configured to obtain at least some of said battery data from the battery module.

26. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 25, wherein the controller is configured to activate or deactivate said battery module based, at least in part, on said battery data.

27. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 25 or claim 26, wherein the controller is configured to derate performance of the battery based, at least in part, on said battery data.

28. An aerosol provision system comprising the aerosol provision device as claimed claim in any one of claims 25 to 27 and the battery module as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 24, wherein the battery module is replaceably attached to the aerosol provision device.

29. A method comprising: obtaining, by a controller of a battery module, battery data relating to said battery module, wherein the battery module is connectable to an aerosol provision device for generating aerosol; and storing the obtained battery data in a data storage medium of the battery module.

30. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to:obtain battery data relating to a battery module, wherein the battery module is connectable to an aerosol provision device for generating aerosol; and store the obtained battery data in a data storage medium of the battery module.

31. A kit of parts comprising: a battery module as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 24; and an aerosol provision device for generating aerosol.

32. A battery module connectable to an aerosol provision device for generating aerosol, the battery module comprising: a battery for providing electrical power to the aerosol provision device; and a machine-readable medium storing a battery identifier.

33. The battery module of claim 32, wherein the battery identifier uniquely identifies the battery.

34. The battery module of claim 32 or claim 33, wherein the battery identifier is indicative of characteristics of the battery.

35. The battery module of any of claims 32 - 34, wherein the machine- readable medium comprises any one or more of: a quick-response, QR, code storing the battery identifier; an optically readable medium storing the battery identifier, wherein the battery identifier is readable from the machine-readable medium using an optical sensor; a resistor, an electrical property of the resistor being indicative of the battery identifier, wherein the battery identifier is readable from the resistor of the machine readable-medium using one or more voltage and / or current sensors; and a digital storage accessible via a digital bus and storing the battery identifier, wherein the battery identifier is readable from the digital storage via the digital bus.

36. The battery module of any of claims 32 - 35, wherein the battery module comprises any one or more of: a near-field communication, NFC, tag, wherein the machine-readable medium comprises a memory of the NFC tag, the memory storing the battery identifier, and wherein the battery identifier is obtainable from the memory via an NFC reader device; anda radio-frequency identification, RFID, device, and wherein the machine- readable medium comprises a memory of the RFID device, the memory storing the battery identifier, and wherein the battery identifier is obtainable from the memory via an RFID reader device.

37. An aerosol provision device for generating aerosol, the aerosol provision device being connectable to a battery module, the battery module comprising a battery and a machine-readable medium storing a battery identifier, wherein the aerosol provision device is configured to, when connected to the battery module, receive electrical power from the battery of the battery module, and wherein the aerosol provision device comprises: a controller configured to obtain the battery identifier from the machine- readable medium of the battery module.

38. The aerosol provision device of claim 37, wherein the machine-readable medium of the battery module to which the aerosol provision device is connectable comprises a digital storage storing the battery identifier, wherein, when the aerosol provision device is connected to the battery module, the controller is configured to read the battery identifier from the digital storage of the machine-readable medium via a digital bus.

39. The aerosol provision device of claim 37 or claim 38, wherein the aerosol provision device comprises any one or more of: an optical sensor, wherein the machine-readable medium of the battery module to which the aerosol provision device is connectable comprises a quick-response, QR, code storing the battery identifier, and wherein the controller is configured to read the battery identifier from the QR code using the optical sensor; a voltage and / or current sensor, wherein the machine-readable medium of the battery module to which the aerosol provision device is connectable comprises a resistor, an electrical property of the resistor being indicative of the battery identifier, and wherein the controller is configured to obtain the battery identifier from the machine-readable medium using the voltage and / or current sensor; and an optical sensor, wherein the machine-readable medium of the battery module to which the aerosol provision device is connectable comprises an optically readable medium storing the battery identifier, and wherein the controller is configured to obtain the battery identifier from the machine-readable medium using the optical sensor.

40. The aerosol provision device of any of claims 37 - 39, wherein the aerosol provision device comprises a near-field communication, NFC, or radiofrequency identification, RFID, reader, wherein the battery module to which the aerosol provision device is connectable comprises an NFC tag or RFID device, wherein the machine-readable medium of the battery module to which the aerosol provision device is connectable comprises a memory of the NFC tag or RFID device storing the battery identifier, and wherein the controller is configured to obtain the battery identifier from the memory of the NFC tag or RFID device using the NFC or RFID reader.

41. The aerosol provision device as claimed in any one of claims 37 to 40, wherein the aerosol provision device is a non-combustible aerosol provision device.

42. The aerosol provision device as claimed in any one of claims 37 to 41, wherein the aerosol provision device is configured to receive a removable article comprising an aerosol generating material.

43. An aerosol provision system comprising the aerosol provision device as claimed in any one of claims 37 to 42 and the battery module as claimed in any one of claims 32 to 36, wherein the battery module is replaceably attached to the aerosol provision device.

44. A method comprising: obtaining, by a controller of an aerosol provision device, a battery identifier from a machine-readable medium of a battery module, the battery module being connectable to the aerosol provision device to provide electrical power from a battery of the battery module to the aerosol provision device.

45. A kit of parts comprising: a battery module as claimed in any one of claims 32 to 36; an aerosol provision device as claimed in any one of claims 37 to 42; and an article comprising an aerosol generating material for use in the aerosol provision device.

46. A controller for an aerosol provision device, the controller being configured to: obtain, or attempt to obtain, a battery identifier from a machine-readable storage medium of a battery module; anddetermine whether to permit or prevent generation of aerosol by the aerosol provision device based at least in part on the outcome of said obtaining or attempting to obtain.

47. The controller of claim 46, wherein: the obtaining, or attempting to obtain, a battery identifier from a machine- readable storage medium of a battery module comprises determining whether the battery module comprises a machine-readable storage medium storing a battery identifier; and the determining whether to permit or prevent generation of aerosol by the aerosol provision device is based at least in part on the determination of whether the battery module comprises a machine-readable storage medium storing a battery identifier.

48. The controller of claim 47, wherein: determining whether the battery module comprises a machine-readable storage medium storing a battery identifier comprises obtaining data from a reader configured to read the machine-readable storage medium and determining whether the obtained data comprises a battery identifier, and additionally or alternatively wherein determining whether a battery module comprises a machine-readable storage medium storing a battery identifier comprises retrieving data from a machine-readable medium of the battery module via a digital bus and determining whether that data comprises a battery identifier.

49. The controller of claim 48, wherein determining whether data comprises a battery identifier comprises determining whether the data comprises data in a battery identifier format.

50. The controller of any of claims 47 - 49, wherein the controller is configured to, in response to determining that a battery module connected to the aerosol provision device does not comprise a machine-readable storage medium storing a battery identifier, notify a user that the battery module is not recognised, and prevent generation of aerosol by the aerosol provision device.

51. The controller of claim 50, wherein the controller is configured to, at least partly in response to receiving from the user an acknowledgement of the notification, permit generation of aerosol by the aerosol provision device.

52. The controller of any of claims 47 - 51, wherein the controller is configured to permit generation of aerosol by the aerosol provision device based at least in part on the determination of whether the battery module comprises a machine-readable storage medium storing a battery identifier.

53. The controller of any of claims 47 - 52, wherein: the obtaining, or attempting to obtain, a battery identifier from a machine- readable storage medium of a battery module comprises obtaining a battery identifier; and the determining of whether to permit or prevent generation of aerosol by the aerosol provision device is based at least in part on the battery identifier.

54. The controller of claim 53, wherein determining whether to permit or prevent generation of aerosol by the aerosol provision device based at least in part on the battery identifier comprises determining based on the battery identifier whether the battery module is compatible with the aerosol provision device55. The controller of claim 54, wherein the controller is further configured to obtain an indication of the requirements of the aerosol provision device, wherein the battery identifier is indicative of capabilities of the battery module, and wherein the determination of whether the battery module is compatible with the aerosol provision device is further based at least in part on the indication of the requirements of the aerosol provision device, and additionally or alternatively wherein the controller is configured to prevent generation of aerosol based at least in part on having determined that the battery module is not compatible with the aerosol provision device.

56. The controller of any of claims 53 - 55, wherein the determining of whether to permit or prevent generation of aerosol by the aerosol provision device based at least in part on the battery identifier comprises determining based at least in part on the battery identifier whether the battery module is registered with the aerosol provision device, and permitting or preventing generation of aerosol by the aerosol provision device based at least in part on whether the battery module is registered with the aerosol provision device.

57. The controller of claim 56, wherein determining based at least in part on the battery identifier whether the battery module is registered with the aerosol provision device comprises obtaining one or more battery identifiers of batterymodules registered with the aerosol provision device, and comparing the battery identifier with the one or more battery identifiers of battery modules registered with the aerosol provision device.

58. The controller of claim 56 or 57, wherein the controller is further configured to perform any one or more of: based at least in part on having determined that the battery module is registered with the aerosol provision device, permit generation of aerosol by the aerosol provision device; based on having determined that the battery module is not registered with the aerosol provision device, prevent generation of aerosol by the aerosol provision device; and based on having determined that the battery module is not registered with the aerosol provision device, prompt a user to register the battery module with the aerosol provision device.

59. An aerosol provision device comprising the controller of any of claims 46 - 58.

60. The aerosol provision device of claim 59, wherein the aerosol provision device is a non-combustible aerosol provision device, and additionally or alternatively wherein the aerosol provision device is configured to receive a removable article comprising an aerosol generating material.

61. An aerosol provision system comprising the aerosol provision device of any of claims 59 - 60 and a battery module, the battery module comprising a battery configured to provide electrical power to the aerosol provision system when connected to the aerosol provision device, the battery module further comprising a machine- readable storage medium storing a battery identifier, wherein the battery module is replaceably attached to the aerosol provision device.

62. A kit of parts comprising: an aerosol provision device as claimed in any one of claims 59 - 60; a battery module comprising a battery configured to provide electrical power to the aerosol provision system when connected to the aerosol provision device, the battery module further comprising a machine-readable storage medium storing a battery identifier; andan article comprising an aerosol generating material for use in the aerosol provision device.

63. A method of controlling an aerosol provision device, the method comprising: obtaining, or attempting to obtain, a battery identifier from a machine-readable storage medium of a battery module; and determining whether to permit or prevent generation of aerosol by the aerosol provision device based at least in part on the outcome of said obtaining or attempting to obtain.

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