Bioacoustic Sensing for Aerosol Device User and Consumable Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing biometric authentication methods for aerosol-generating devices are vulnerable to counterfeiting and require special hardware, while existing consumable verification methods lack robust physical authentication.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing acoustic actuators and sensors to capture and analyze modulated acoustic signals through the human body or consumable, leveraging unique anatomical and physiological variations for user and consumable authentication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If acoustic sensors are integrated into hearing aids, then auditory scene analysis capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauditory scene analysis capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines acoustic sensors with hearing aid devices to integrate environmental sound capture capabilities directly into the hearing aid, enabling auditory scene analysis without requiring separate external recording devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hearing aid device performs multiple functions including amplification, noise reduction, and environmental sound capture for auditory scene analysis, making it a multi-functional device that replaces or supplements traditional single-function hearing aids

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sensors are integrated into a single device, then functionality is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic action by capturing environmental sounds only during specific periods or events (such as during speech events or when needed for scene analysis) rather than continuously, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical signal processing systems with electronic and software-based processing, which consumes less power while achieving the same or better functionality in noise reduction and scene analysis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If acoustic sensors are added to hearing aids, then sound capture capability is improved, but susceptibility to external noise increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound capture capabilityVSAvoidsusceptibility to external noise

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of external noise into a benefit by using the acoustic sensors to capture environmental sounds that are then processed through noise reduction algorithms, transforming noise into useful information for auditory scene analysis and contextual awareness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback mechanisms where captured environmental sounds are analyzed and used to adjust the hearing aid's signal processing in real-time, continuously optimizing noise reduction and scene separation based on the acoustic environment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Provides secure, hardware-independent user authentication and consumable verification, reducing the risk of counterfeit use and ensuring the authenticity of consumables, without additional user burden.

Implementation Method 1

an acoustic sensor integrated into the hearing aid device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic sensing: Acoustics

Implementation Method 2

a processor configured to separate a speech signal from environmental sounds

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal processing:

Data Source

PatentEP4362786B1Device incorporating bioacoustics sensing

Publication Date: 2026.04.29 PHILIP MORRIS PRODUCTS SA

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AI summary

A system for capturing information related to an aspect associated with an aerosol-generating device is provided. The aspect comprises at least one of a user aspect and a consumable aspect. The system comprises a signal capture system comprising one or more acoustic actuators configured for generating an acoustic signal, and an acoustic sensor, wherein the one or more acoustic actuators and the acoustic sensor are located at predetermined locations with respect to the aerosol-generating device such that an acoustic signal generated by at least one of the one or more acoustic actuators is modulated at least in part according to the aspect before being detected by the acoustic sensor, thereby capturing the information related to the aspect.