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(11) | EP 4 566 465 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | AEROSOL GENERATING SYSTEM COMPRISING AN APPARATUS AND A CONSUMABLE PACK |
| (57) There is provided a system comprising: an aerosol generating apparatus (1), a consumable
pack (110) having a machine-readable element (112), the consumable pack including
at least one consumable (70) for use with the aerosol generating apparatus (1), wherein
the machine-readable element (112) includes an identifier code; and a machine-readable
element reader (100) operable to read the machine-readable element (112) to acquire
the identifier code. A control unit (120) of the aerosol generating apparatus (1)
is configured to cause the aerosol generating apparatus (1) to enter a session-enabled
mode based on the acquired identifier code, wherein in the session-enabled mode an
aerosol generating session is available in response to a user request for aerosol
generation in response to a user request for aerosol generation, and to maintain a
session count of initiated aerosol generation sessions. The control unit (120) of
the aerosol generating apparatus (1) is further configured to enter a session-disabled
mode when the session count exceeds a predetermined permitted number of aerosol generating
sessions, wherein in the session-disabled mode an aerosol generating session is unavailable
in response to a user request for aerosol generation.
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FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating system, an aerosol generating apparatus and a consumable pack.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A typical aerosol generating apparatus may comprise a power supply, an aerosol generating unit that is driven by the power supply, an aerosol precursor, which in use is aerosolised by the aerosol generating unit to generate an aerosol, and a delivery system for delivery of the aerosol to a user. For example, a user has a single aerosol generating device. The device is engaged with a consumable, which includes aerosol precursor. The consumable is used by the user until the aerosol precursor until exhausted. The consumable is then disposed of and replaced with a new consumable. The user periodically purchases consumables for use with their device. Generally, the device does not determine which consumables are presently being used with the device. There is no control possible from the system supplier over the consumables used with a particular device. This presents a risk of counterfeit consumables or consumables unsuitable for use with the particular device.
[0003] A drawback with known aerosol generating apparatuses is thus control over consumables used with such devices.
[0004] Despite the effort already invested in the development of aerosol generating apparatuses/systems further improvements are desirable.
SUMMARY
[0005] At a general level, the present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating apparatus having a session-enabled mode and a session-disabled mode. In the session enabled mode, an aerosol generating session from a consumable is available on user request (e.g., by the user activating a heater of the device to heat the consumable). In the session-disabled mode, an aerosol generating session is unavailable on user request (e.g., the device is not operable to heat a consumable). According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating apparatus, a consumable pack having a machine-readable element, the consumable pack including at least one consumable for use with the aerosol generating apparatus, wherein the machine-readable element includes an identifier code; and a machine-readable element reader operable to read the machine-readable element to acquire the identifier code. A control unit of the aerosol generating apparatus is configured to cause the aerosol generating apparatus to enter a session-enabled mode based on the acquired identifier code, wherein in the session-enabled mode an aerosol generating session is available in response to a user request for aerosol generation in response to a user request for aerosol generation; to maintain a session count of initiated aerosol generation sessions; and to enter a session-disabled mode when the session count exceeds a predetermined permitted number of aerosol generating sessions, wherein in the session-disabled mode an aerosol generating session is unavailable in response to a user request for aerosol generation.
[0006] Such a system may provide improved control over consumables used with the aerosol generating apparatus and may have applications in anti-counterfeiting for consumables, as well as for age verification of users. In general, the user acquires a pack containing a number of consumables. The device will operate to permit the user to use those consumables from the pack in a predetermined number of aerosol generation sessions. The device will cease to operate when the predetermined number of sessions is exceeded. This means that a genuine pack of consumables permits the user to use the genuine consumables within that pack. When the pack is exhausted, the device stops operating. This means that without the identifier code of a genuine pack, the user is prevented from using the device. Counterfeit consumables would not possess a suitable identifier code, and thus the user would not be able to operate the device to use non-genuine consumables.
[0007] In some examples, the predetermined permitted number of aerosol generating sessions is one. In this way, a user is required to acquire the identifier code to initiate each aerosol generating session, providing improved control over sage of the aerosol generating system.
[0008] The control unit may be configured to cause the aerosol generating body to maintain an identifier code usage count of initiated aerosol generation sessions associated with the identifier code; and to not enter a session-enabled mode or to remain in a session-disabled mode based on the acquired identifier code when the identifier code usage count is equal to or greater than an identifier code usage count limit.
[0009] The identifier code usage count limit may correspond to or exceed the number of consumables of the consumable pack. The number of consumables of the consumable pack may also be referred to as the capacity of the consumable pack, i.e. the number of consumables of the consumable pack as sold to a customer.
[0010] In some arrangements, the number of consumables held by the consumable pack may be included in the identifier code. For example, the identifier code may include a record of a number of consumables held by the consumable pack.
[0011] Optionally, the controller may be configured to calculate the identifier code usage count limit with reference to the number of consumables held by the consumable pack.
[0013] The controller may be configured to enter the session-disabled mode conditional on a determination by the control unit that a maximum session number has been reached.
[0014] Optionally, the predetermined permitted number of aerosol generating sessions corresponds to or exceeds the number of consumables of the consumable pack. As noted above, the number of consumables of the consumable pack may also be referred to as the capacity of the consumable pack.
[0015] In some examples, the number of consumables held by the consumable pack is included in the identifier code.
[0016] The controller may be configured to calculate the number of aerosol generating sessions with reference to the number of consumables held by the consumable pack.
[0017] The machine-readable element may be an NFC tag and the machine-readable element reader may be an NFC reader.
[0019] The system may further comprise an external device comprising the reader. Optionally, the external device is provided as a smart device, such as a mobile phone or a tablet computer.
[0020] In some arrangements, the system further comprises an external server configured to receive the acquired identifier code; search a database of authorised identifier codes for an entry matching the acquired identifier code; and, if an entry matching the acquired identifier code is found, transmit a command to the aerosol generating apparatus instructing the control unit to cause the aerosol generating apparatus to enter the session-enabled mode.
[0021] The machine-readable element reader may be operable to communicate the acquired identifier code directly to the control unit, with the control unit then verifying the acquired identifier code. In other arrangements, the acquired identifier code is verified by the machine-readable element reader or by a further device such as an external server or an external device, and a command is then sent to the control unit to instruct the control unit to cause the aerosol generating apparatus to enter the session-enabled mode.
[0022] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an aerosol generating apparatus comprising a control unit configured to cause the aerosol generating apparatus to: enter a session-enabled mode based on an identifier code, wherein in the session-enabled mode the aerosol generating apparatus is configured to initiate an aerosol generating session in response to a user request for aerosol generation; and enter a session-disabled mode after initiating a number of aerosol generating sessions, wherein in the session-disabled mode an aerosol generating session is unavailable in response to a user request for aerosol generation.
[0023] Optionally, the aerosol generating apparatus further comprises the machine-readable element reader.
[0024] According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a consumable pack comprising a plurality of consumables for use with the aerosol generating apparatus according to the second aspect of the invention, and a machine-readable element including the identifier code.
[0025] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of preparing a consumable pack for use. Preparing the consumable pack for use may also be referred to as "activation" of the consumable pack.
[0026] The method according to the fourth aspect comprises providing a machine-readable element writer and a consumable pack including a machine-readable element; sending a request for an identifier code to an external server; receiving an identifier code from the external server; using the machine-readable element writer to write the identifier code to the machine-readable element to thereby prepare the consumable pack for use.
[0028] In some examples, the request for an identifier code includes identification information. Optionally the identification information includes identification information relating to at least one of the seller and a purchaser of the consumable pack. Optionally, the identification information relating to the purchaser includes information indicative of the age of the purchaser.
[0029] The method may include setting the machine-readable element to a read-only mode after writing the identifier code to the machine-readable element.
[0031] In some arrangements, the machine-readable element is an NFC tag and the machine-readable element writer is an NFC writer.
[0032] Any of the features described above with reference to the first aspect, the second aspect or the third aspect are applicable also to the fourth aspect.
[0033] According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of supplying an identifier code by an external server. The method comprises, by the external server, receiving a request for an identifier code for encoding in a machine-readable element of a consumable pack; verifying the request and transmitting an identifier code in response to the request for an identifier code.
[0034] Optionally, the request for an identifier code includes identification information relating to at least one of the seller and a purchaser of a consumable pack; and verifying the request includes verifying the identification information.
[0035] Verifying the request may include accessing a database of authorised sellers authorised to sell the consumable pack and comparing the identification information relating to the seller against the database of authorised sellers.
[0036] In some examples, verifying the request includes verifying identification information relating to the purchaser of the consumable pack. Optionally, the identification information relating to the purchaser includes information indicative of the age of the purchaser.
[0037] Optionally, the method includes accessing a database of authorised identifier codes to record the identifier code to the database upon successfully verifying the request.
[0038] The method may further include recording information associated with the request in a database. For example, the information associated with the request can be recorded in the above-mentioned database of authorised identifier codes.
[0039] Any of the features described above with reference to the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect or the fourth aspect are applicable also to the fifth aspect.
[0040] The present disclosure may provide electrical circuitry and/or a computer program configured to cause an aerosol generating system to perform any method or method step disclosed herein. A computer readable medium comprising the computer program is also disclosed.
[0041] The preceding summary is provided for purposes of summarizing some examples to provide a basic understanding of aspects of the subject matter described herein. Accordingly, the above-described features should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the subject matter described herein in any way. Moreover, the above and/or proceeding examples may be combined in any suitable combination to provide further examples, except where such a combination is clearly impermissible or expressly avoided. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent from the following text and the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0042] Aspects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of examples in reference to the appended drawings in which like numerals denote like elements.
Fig. 1 is a block system diagram showing an example aerosol generating apparatus.
Fig. 2 is a block system diagram showing an example implementation of the apparatus of Fig. 1, where the aerosol generating apparatus is configured to generate aerosol from a liquid precursor.
Figs. 3A and 3B are schematic diagrams showing an example implementation of the apparatus of Fig. 2.
Fig. 4 is a block system diagram showing an example implementation of the apparatus of Fig. 1, where the aerosol generating apparatus is configured to generate aerosol from a solid precursor.
Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example implementation of the apparatus of Fig. 4.
Fig. 6 is schematic diagram showing an example implementation of a system including the apparatus, a machine-readable element reader included in the apparatus, and a consumable pack.
Fig. 7 is schematic diagram showing an example implementation of a system including the apparatus, the consumable pack, an external device including the machine-readable element reader, and an external server.
Fig. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating an example operating method for the system of Fig. 6 or 7.
Fig. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating another example operating method for the system of Fig. 6 or 7.
Fig. 10 is schematic diagram showing an example implementation of a system including the consumable pack, a second external device including a machine-readable element writer, and the external server.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0043] Before describing several examples implementing the present disclosure, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited by specific construction details or process steps set forth in the following description and accompanying drawings. Rather, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure that the systems, apparatuses and/or methods described herein could be embodied differently and/or be practiced or carried out in various alternative ways.
[0044] Unless otherwise defined herein, scientific and technical terms used in connection with the presently disclosed inventive concept(s) shall have the meanings that are commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, and known techniques and procedures may be performed according to conventional methods well known in the art and as described in various general and more specific references that may be cited and discussed in the present specification.
[0045] Any patents, published patent applications, and non-patent publications mentioned in the specification are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
[0046] All examples implementing the present disclosure can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While particular examples have been described, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to the systems, apparatus, and/or methods and in the steps or in the sequence of steps of the methods described herein without departing from the concept, spirit, and scope of the inventive concept(s). All such similar substitutions and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope, and concept of the inventive concept(s) as defined by the appended claims.
[0047] The use of the term "a" or "an" in the claims and/or the specification may mean "one," as well as "one or more," "at least one," and "one or more than one." As such, the terms "a," "an," and "the," as well as all singular terms, include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Likewise, plural terms shall include the singular unless otherwise required by context.
[0048] The use of the term "or" in the present disclosure (including the claims) is used to mean an inclusive "and/or" unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or unless the alternatives are mutually exclusive. For example, a condition "A or B" is satisfied by any of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).
[0049] As used in this specification and claim(s), the words "comprising, "having," "including," or "containing" (and any forms thereof, such as "comprise" and "comprises," "have" and "has," "includes" and "include," or "contains" and "contain," respectively) are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.
[0050] Unless otherwise explicitly stated as incompatible, or the physics or otherwise of the embodiments, examples, or claims prevent such a combination, the features of examples disclosed herein, and of the claims, may be integrated together in any suitable arrangement, especially ones where there is a beneficial effect in doing so. This is not limited to only any specified benefit, and instead may arise from an "ex post facto" benefit. This is to say that the combination of features is not limited by the described forms, particularly the form (e.g. numbering) of example(s), embodiment(s), or dependency of claim(s). Moreover, this also applies to the phrase "in one embodiment," "according to an embodiment," and the like, which are merely a stylistic form of wording and are not to be construed as limiting the following features to a separate embodiment to all other instances of the same or similar wording. This is to say, a reference to 'an,' 'one,' or 'some' embodiment(s) may be a reference to any one or more, and/or all embodiments, or combination(s) thereof, disclosed. Also, similarly, the reference to "the" embodiment may not be limited to the immediately preceding embodiment. Further, all references to one or more embodiments or examples are to be construed as non-limiting to the claims.
[0051] The present disclosure may be better understood in view of the following explanations, wherein the terms used that are separated by "or" may be used interchangeably:
As used herein, an "aerosol generating apparatus" (or "electronic(e)-cigarette") may be an apparatus configured to deliver an aerosol to a user for inhalation by the user. The apparatus may additionally/alternatively be referred to as a "smoking substitute apparatus", if it is intended to be used instead of a conventional combustible smoking article. As used herein a combustible "smoking article" may refer to a cigarette, cigar, pipe or other article, that produces smoke (an aerosol comprising solid particulates and gas) via heating above the thermal decomposition temperature (typically by combustion and/or pyrolysis). An aerosol generated by the apparatus may comprise an aerosol with particle sizes of 0.2 - 7 microns, or less than 10 microns, or less than 7 microns. This particle size may be achieved by control of one or more of: heater temperature; cooling rate as the vapour condenses to an aerosol; flow properties including turbulence and velocity. The generation of aerosol by the aerosol generating apparatus may be controlled by an input device. The input device may be configured to be user-activated, and may for example include or take the form of an actuator (e.g. actuation button) and/or an airflow sensor.
[0052] Each occurrence of the aerosol generating apparatus being caused to generate aerosol for a period of time (which may be variable) may be referred to as an "activation" of the aerosol generating apparatus. The aerosol generating apparatus may be arranged to allow an amount of aerosol delivered to a user to be varied per activation (as opposed to delivering a fixed dose of aerosol), e.g. by activating an aerosol generating unit of the apparatus for a variable amount of time, e.g. based on the strength/duration of a draw of a user through a flow path of the apparatus (to replicate an effect of smoking a conventional combustible smoking article).
[0053] The aerosol generating apparatus may be portable. As used herein, the term "portable" may refer to the apparatus being for use when held by a user.
[0054] As used herein, an "aerosol generating system" may be a system that includes an aerosol generating apparatus and optionally other circuitry/components associated with the function of the apparatus, e.g. one or more external devices and/or one or more external components (here "external" is intended to mean external to the aerosol generating apparatus).
[0055] As used herein, an "external device" and "external component" may include one or more of a: a charging device, a mobile device (which may be connected to the aerosol generating apparatus, e.g. via a wireless or wired connection); a networked-based computer (e.g. a remote server); a cloud-based computer; any other server system.
[0056] An example aerosol generating system may be a system for managing an aerosol generating apparatus. Such a system may include, for example, a mobile device, a network server, as well as the aerosol generating apparatus.
[0057] As used herein, an "aerosol" may include a suspension of precursor, including as one or more of: solid particles; liquid droplets; gas. Said suspension may be in a gas including air. An aerosol herein may generally refer to/include a vapour. An aerosol may include one or more components of the precursor.
[0058] As used herein, a "precursor" may include one or more of a: liquid; solid; gel; loose leaf material; other substance. The precursor may be processed by an aerosol generating unit of an aerosol generating apparatus to generate an aerosol. The precursor may include one or more of: an active component; a carrier; a flavouring. The active component may include one or more of nicotine; caffeine; a cannabidiol oil; a non-pharmaceutical formulation, e.g. a formulation which is not for treatment of a disease or physiological malfunction of the human body. The active component may be carried by the carrier, which may be a liquid, including propylene glycol and/or glycerine. The term "flavouring" may refer to a component that provides a taste and/or a smell to the user. The flavouring may include one or more of: Ethylvanillin (vanilla); menthol, Isoamyl acetate (banana oil); or other. The precursor may include a substrate, e.g. reconstituted tobacco to carry one or more of the active component; a carrier; a flavouring.
[0059] As used herein, a "storage portion" may be a portion of the apparatus adapted to store the precursor. It may be implemented as fluid-holding reservoir or carrier for solid material depending on the implementation of the precursor as defined above.
[0060] As used herein, a "flow path" may refer to a path or enclosed passageway through an aerosol generating apparatus, e.g. for delivery of an aerosol to a user. The flow path may be arranged to receive aerosol from an aerosol generating unit. When referring to the flow path, upstream and downstream may be defined in respect of a direction of flow in the flow path, e.g. with an outlet being downstream of an inlet.
[0061] As used herein, a "delivery system" may be a system operative to deliver an aerosol to a user. The delivery system may include a mouthpiece and a flow path.
[0062] As used herein, a "flow" may refer to a flow in a flow path. A flow may include aerosol generated from the precursor. The flow may include air, which may be induced into the flow path via a puff by a user.
[0063] As used herein, a "puff" (or "inhale" or "draw") by a user may refer to expansion of lungs and/or oral cavity of a user to create a pressure reduction that induces flow through the flow path.
[0064] As used herein, an "aerosol generating unit" may refer to a device configured to generate an aerosol from a precursor. The aerosol generating unit may include a unit to generate a vapour directly from the precursor (e.g. a heating system or other system) or an aerosol directly from the precursor (e.g. an atomiser including an ultrasonic system, a flow expansion system operative to carry droplets of the precursor in the flow without using electrical energy or other system). A plurality of aerosol generating units to generate a plurality of aerosols (for example, from a plurality of different aerosol precursors) may be present in an aerosol generating apparatus.
[0065] As used herein, a "heating system" may refer to an arrangement of at least one heating element, which is operable to aerosolise a precursor once heated. The at least one heating element may be electrically resistive to produce heat from the flow of electrical current therethrough. The at least one heating element may be arranged as a susceptor to produce heat when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field. The heating system may be configured to heat a precursor to below 300 or 350 degrees C, including without combustion.
[0066] As used herein, a "consumable" may refer to a unit that includes a precursor. The consumable may include an aerosol generating unit, e.g. it may be arranged as a cartomizer. The consumable may include a mouthpiece. The consumable may include an information carrying medium. With liquid or gel implementations of the precursor, e.g. an e-liquid, the consumable may be referred to as a "capsule" or a "pod" or an "e-liquid consumable". The capsule/pod may include a storage portion, e.g. a reservoir or tank, for storage of the precursor. With solid material implementations of the precursor, e.g. tobacco or reconstituted tobacco formulation, the consumable may be referred to as a "stick" or "package" or "heat-not-burn consumable". In a heat-not-burn consumable, the mouthpiece may be implemented as a filter and the consumable may be arranged to carry the precursor. The consumable may be implemented as a dosage or pre-portioned amount of material, including a loose-leaf product.
[0067] As used herein, an "aerosol generating session" may be a user-initiated mode of operation of the aerosol generating unit for generating aerosol by suitably operating the heating system. The session is generally between 1 and 7 minutes in length. Commencement of the session may be upon receipt of a request for aerosol generation. For example, the request may be the user pressing a button or triggering a sensor, in response to which an aerosol generating session is initiated, e.g. by commencing operation of the heating system. In some examples, the aerosol generating session begin with an initial heating phase (a "pre heat" period or phase), during which the heater is operated to reach a predetermined target operating temperature, e.g. 300 degrees C. When the predetermined target operating temperature is reached, an aerosol generation phase follows during which the heater is maintained at or close to a target temperature. The intention is that the user uses the aerosol generating device to inhale aerosol during the aerosol generation phase. The user may take several "puffs" during the aerosol generation phase, e.g. 6 to 14 puffs. As such, the aerosol generating session may be initiated by user request at some time prior to the aerosol generation phase, by virtue of the initial heating period. The target temperature during the aerosol generation phase may evolve as the aerosol generation phase progresses. At the conclusion of the aerosol generation phase, operation of the heating system may be terminated. The heating system may then naturally cool to ambient temperature. The aerosol generation phase may conclude when a corresponding condition is met, for example expiry of a predetermined period of time (measured from achievement of target temperature, or from the user request) or another user request to the device is provided, e.g., a session termination request. The aerosol generating session may conclude after the aerosol generation phase, for example after expiry of a cooling down period in which the heating system cools towards ambient temperature, or may conclude at the same time as the aerosol generation phase. In the context of heated tobacco systems, generally a user initiates an individual aerosol generating session for each consumable and disposes of the consumable after the end of the aerosol generating session. The predetermined period of time of the individual aerosol generating session, which may be around 300 seconds, may allow for a majority of the active component of the consumable to be aerosolised in an expected number of "puffs", e.g. 90 percent or more of the active component.
[0068] As used herein, an "information carrying medium" may include one or more arrangements for storage of information on any suitable medium. Examples include: a computer readable medium; a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) transponder; codes encoding information, such as optical (e.g. a bar code or QR code) or mechanically read codes (e.g. a configuration of the absence or presents of cut-outs to encode a bit, through which pins or a reader may be inserted).
[0069] As used herein "heat-not-burn" (or "HNB" or "heated precursor") may refer to the heating of a precursor, typically tobacco, without combustion, or without substantial combustion (i.e. localised combustion may be experienced of limited portions of the precursor, including of less than 5% of the total volume).
[0070] As used herein, "electrical circuitry" may refer to one or more electrical components, examples of which may include: an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC); electronic/electrical componentry (which may include combinations of transistors, resistors, capacitors, inductors etc); one or more processors; a non-transitory memory (e.g. implemented by one or more memory devices), that may store one or more software or firmware programs; a combinational logic circuit; interconnection of the aforesaid. The electrical circuitry may be located entirely at the apparatus, or distributed between the apparatus and/or on one or more external devices in communication with the apparatus, e.g. as part of a system.
[0071] As used herein, a "processing resource" (or "processor" or "controller") may refer to one or more units for processing data, examples of which may include an ASIC, microcontroller, FPGA, microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP) capability, state machine or other suitable component. A processing resource may be configured to execute a computer program, e.g. which may take the form of machine readable instructions, which may be stored on a non-transitory memory and/or programmable logic. The processing resource may have various arrangements corresponding to those discussed for the circuitry, e.g. on-board and/or off board the apparatus as part of the system. As used herein, any machine executable instructions, or computer readable media, may be configured to cause a disclosed method to be carried out, e.g. by a aerosol generating apparatus or system as disclosed herein, and may therefore be used synonymously with the term method.
[0072] As used herein, an "external device" (or "peripheral device") may include one or more electronic components external to an aerosol generating apparatus. Those components may be arranged at the same location as the aerosol generating apparatus or remote from the apparatus. An external device may comprise electronic computer devices including: a smartphone; a PDA; a video game controller; a tablet; a laptop; or other like device.
[0073] As used herein, a "computer readable medium/media" (or "memory" or "data storage") may include any medium capable of storing a computer program, and may take the form of any conventional non-transitory memory, for example one or more of: random access memory (RAM); a CD; a hard drive; a solid state drive; a memory card; a DVD. The memory may have various arrangements corresponding to those discussed for the circuitry /processor. The present disclosure includes a computer readable medium configured to cause an apparatus or system disclosed herein to perform a method as disclosed herein.
[0074] As used herein, a "communication resource" (or "communication interface") may refer to hardware and/or firmware for electronic information/data transfer. The communication resource may be configured for wired communication ("wired communication resources") or wireless communication ("wireless communication resource"). Wireless communication resources may include hardware to transmit and receive signals by radio and may include various protocol implementations e.g. the 802.11 standard described in the Institute of Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and Bluetooth™ from the Bluetooth Special Interest Group of Kirkland Wash. Wired communication resources may include; Universal Serial Bus (USB); High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) or other protocol implementations. The apparatus may include communication resources for wired or wireless communication with an external device.
[0075] As used herein, a "network" (or "computer network") may refer to a system for electronic information/data transfer between a plurality of apparatuses/devices. The network may, for example, include one or more networks of any type, which may include: a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN); a telephone network (e.g. a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and/or a wireless network); a local area network (LAN); a metropolitan area network (MAN); a wide area network (WAN); an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network; a private network; the Internet; an intranet.
[0076] It will be appreciated that any of the disclosed methods (or corresponding apparatuses, programs, data carriers, etc.) may be carried out by either a host or client, depending on the specific implementation (i.e. the disclosed methods/apparatuses are a form of communication(s), and as such, may be carried out from either 'point of view', i.e. in corresponding to each other fashion). Furthermore, it will be understood that the terms "receiving" and "transmitting" encompass "inputting" and "outputting" and are not limited to an RF context of transmitting and receiving electromagnetic (e.g. radio) waves. Therefore, for example, a chip or other device or component for realizing embodiments could generate data for output to another chip, device or component, or have as an input data from another chip, device, or component, and such an output or input could be referred to as "transmit" and "receive" including gerund forms, that is, "transmitting" and "receiving," as well as such "transmitting" and "receiving" within an RF context.
[0077] Referring to Fig. 1, an example aerosol generating apparatus 1 includes a power supply 2, for supply of electrical energy. The apparatus 1 includes an aerosol generating unit 4 that is driven by the power supply 2. The power supply 2 may include an electric power supply in the form of a battery and/or an electrical connection to an external power source. The apparatus 1 includes a precursor 6, which in use is aerosolised by the aerosol generating unit 4 to generate an aerosol. The apparatus 2 includes a delivery system 8 for delivery of the aerosol to a user.
[0078] Electrical circuitry (not shown in Fig. 1) may be implemented to control the interoperability of the power supply 4 and aerosol generating unit 6.
[0079] In variant examples, which are not illustrated, the power supply 2 may be omitted since, e.g. an aerosol generating unit implemented as an atomiser with flow expansion may not require a power supply.
[0080] Fig. 2 shows an implementation of the aerosol generating apparatus 1 of Fig. 1, where the aerosol generating apparatus 1 is configured to generate aerosol from a liquid precursor.
[0082] In this example, the body 10 includes the power supply 4. The body may additionally include any one or more of electrical circuitry 12, a memory 14, a wireless interface 16, one or more other components 18.
[0083] The electrical circuitry 12 may include a processing resource for controlling one or more operations of the body 10 and consumable 30, e.g. based on instructions stored in the memory 14.
[0084] The wireless interface 16 may be configured to communicate wirelessly with an external (e.g. mobile) device, e.g. via Bluetooth.
[0085] The other component(s) 18 may include one or more user interface devices configured to convey information to a user and/or a charging port, for example (see e.g. Fig. 3).
[0086] The consumable 30 includes a storage portion implemented here as a tank 32 which stores the liquid precursor 6 (e.g. e-liquid). The consumable 30 also includes a heating system 34, one or more air inlets 36, and a mouthpiece 38. The consumable 30 may include one or more other components 40.
[0087] The body 10 and consumable 30 may each include a respective electrical interface (not shown) to provide an electrical connection between one or more components of the body 10 with one or more components of the consumable 30. In this way, electrical power can be supplied to components (e.g. the heating system 34) of the consumable 30, without the consumable 30 needing to have its own power supply.
[0088] In use, a user may activate the aerosol generating apparatus 1 when inhaling through the mouthpiece 38, i.e. when performing a puff. The puff, performed by the user, may initiate a flow through a flow path in the consumable 30 which extends from the air inlet(s) 34 to the mouthpiece 38 via a region in proximity to the heating system 34.
[0089] Activation of the aerosol generating apparatus 1 may be initiated, for example, by an airflow sensor in the body 10 which detects airflow in the aerosol generating apparatus 1 (e.g. caused by a user inhaling through the mouthpiece), or by actuation of an actuator (e.g. a button) included in the body 10. Upon activation, the electrical circuitry 12 (e.g. under control of the processing resource) may supply electrical energy from the power supply 2 to the heating system 34 which may cause the heating system 32 to heat liquid precursor 6 drawn from the tank to produce an aerosol which is carried by the flow out of the mouthpiece 38.
[0090] In some examples, the heating system 34 may include a heating filament and a wick, wherein a first portion of the wick extends into the tank 32 in order to draw liquid precursor 6 out from the tank 32, wherein the heating filament coils around a second portion of the wick located outside the tank 32. The heating filament may be configured to heat up liquid precursor 6 drawn out of the tank 32 by the wick to produce the aerosol.
[0091] In this example, the aerosol generating unit 4 is provided by the above-described heating system 34 and the delivery system 8 is provided by the above-described flow path and mouthpiece 38.
[0092] In variant embodiments (not shown), any one or more of the precursor 6, heating system 34, air inlet(s) 36 and mouthpiece 38, may be included in the body 10. For example, the mouthpiece 36 may be included in the body 10 with the precursor 6 and heating system 32 arranged as a separable cartomizer.
[0093] Figs. 3A and 3B show an example implementation of the aerosol generating apparatus 1 of Fig. 2. In this example, the consumable 30 is implemented as a capsule/pod, which is shown in Fig. 3A as being physically coupled to the body 10, and is shown in Fig. 3B as being decoupled from the body 10.
[0094] In this example, the body 10 and the consumable 30 are configured to be physically coupled together by pushing the consumable 30 into an aperture in a top end 11 the body 10, with the consumable 30 being retained in the aperture via an interference fit.
[0095] In other examples (not shown), the body 10 and the consumable 30 could be physically coupled together in other ways, e.g. by screwing one onto the other, through a bayonet fitting, or through a snap engagement mechanism, for example.
[0097] The body 10 also includes a user interface device configured to convey information to a user. Here, the user interface device is implemented as a light 15, which may e.g. be configured to illuminate when the apparatus 1 is activated. Other user interface devices are possible, e.g. to convey information haptically or audibly to a user.
[0098] In this example, the consumable 30 has an opaque cap 31, a translucent tank 32 and a translucent window 33. When the consumable 30 is physically coupled to the body 10 as shown in Fig. 3a, only the cap 31 and window 33 can be seen, with the tank 32 being obscured from view by the body 10. The body 10 includes a slot 15 to accommodate the window 33. The window 33 is configured to allow the amount of liquid precursor 6 in the tank 32 to be visually assessed, even when the consumable 30 is physically coupled to the body 10.
[0099] Fig. 4 shows an implementation of the aerosol generating apparatus 1 of Fig. 1, where the aerosol generating apparatus 1 is configured to generate aerosol by a heat-not-burn process.
[0101] In this example, the body 50 includes the power supply 4 and a heating system 52. The heating system 54 includes at least one heating element 54. The body may additionally include any one or more of electrical circuitry 56, a memory 58, a wireless interface 60, one or more other components 62.
[0102] The electrical circuitry 56 may include a processing resource for controlling one or more operations of the body 50, e.g. based on instructions stored in the memory 58. The memory 58 is configured to store information digitally. The memory 58 may be configured to store information permanently or temporarily, i.e. include non-volatile or volatile memory. In some examples, the memory 58 is provided as flash memory.
[0103] The wireless interface 60 may be configured to communicate wirelessly with an external (e.g. mobile) device, e.g. via Bluetooth. Communication with an external device is described with reference to Figure 8 below.
[0104] The other component(s) 62 may include an actuator, one or more user interface devices configured to convey information to a user and/or a charging port.
[0105] The body 50 is configured to engage with the consumable 70 such that the at least one heating element 54 of the heating system 52 penetrates into the solid precursor 6 of the consumable. In use, a user may activate the aerosol generating apparatus 1 to cause the heating system 52 of the body 50 to cause the at least one heating element 54 to heat the solid precursor 6 of the consumable (without combusting it) by conductive heat transfer, to generate an aerosol which is inhaled by the user.
[0106] Fig. 5 shows an example implementation of the aerosol generating device 1 of Fig. 4. As depicted in Fig. 5, the consumable 70 is implemented as a stick, which is engaged with the body 50 by inserting the stick into an aperture at a top end 53 of the body 50, which causes the at least one heating element 54 of the heating system 52 to penetrate into the solid precursor 6.
[0107] The consumable 70 includes the solid precursor 6 proximal to the body 50, and a filter distal to the body 50. The filter serves as the mouthpiece of the consumable 70 and thus the apparatus 1 as a whole. The solid precursor 6 may be a reconstituted tobacco formulation.
[0108] In this example, the at least one heating element 54 is a rod-shaped element with a circular transverse profile. Other heating element shapes are possible, e.g. the at least one heating element may be blade-shaped (with a rectangular transverse profile) or tube-shaped (e.g. with a hollow transverse profile).
[0109] In this example, the body 50 includes a cap 51. In use the cap 51 is engaged at a top end 53 of the body 50. Although not apparent from Fig. 5, the cap 51 is moveable relative to the body 50. In particular, the cap 51 is slidable and can slide along a longitudinal axis of the body 50.
[0110] The body 50 also includes an actuator 55 on an outer surface of the body 50. In this example, the actuator 55 has the form of a button.
[0111] The body 50 also includes a user interface device configured to convey information to a user. Here, the user interface device is implemented as a plurality of lights 57, which may e.g. be configured to illuminate when the apparatus 1 is activated and/or to indicate a charging state of the power supply 4. Other user interface devices are possible, e.g. to convey information haptically or audibly to a user.
[0112] The body may also include an airflow sensor which detects airflow in the aerosol generating apparatus 1 (e.g. caused by a user inhaling through the consumable 70). This may be used to count puffs, for example.
[0113] In this example, the consumable 70 includes a flow path which transmits aerosol generated by the at least one heating element 54 to the mouthpiece of the consumable.
[0114] In this example, the aerosol generating unit 4 is provided by the above-described heating system 52 and the delivery system 8 is provided by the above-described flow path and mouthpiece of the consumable 70.
[0115] Fig. 6 shows an aerosol generating system including the aerosol generating apparatus 1, an aerosol generating body 50, a machine-readable element reader 100, and a consumable pack 110.
[0116] The consumable pack 110 houses one or multiple consumables 30, 70 within. The consumables are suitable for use with the aerosol generating body 50. The pack may include for example, a total of 20 consumables. This is a common number in heated tobacco / heat not burn systems. The pack may alternatively include a smaller number of consumables, e.g. one to four consumables. This is a common number in aerosol generating systems using a liquid precursor.
[0117] The aerosol generating body 50 includes the machine-readable element reader 100 (also referred to as "reader 100"). The reader 100 is operable to read a machine-readable element 112 of the consumable pack 110. In particular, the machine-readable-element 112 includes an identifier code which may be acquired by the reader 100. Any suitable machine-readable element 112 may be used. In some examples, the machine-readable element 112 is an optically readable element such as a 1D or 2D barcode and, correspondingly, the machine-readable element reader 100 is a barcode scanner or a camera. In some examples, the machine-readable element 112 is an electronic tag, such as a radio-frequency identification tag (or 'RFID tag') or a near-field communication tag (or `NFC tag'), and the reader 100 may be a corresponding reader. In Fig. 6, interaction between the reader 100 and the machine readable element 112 is illustrated as a dashed double-headed arrow.
[0118] The body 50 includes a control unit 120. The control unit 120 is part of the electrical circuitry 12 of the body 50. The control unit 120 provides a processing resource for controlling functions of the aerosol generating apparatus 1. In particular, the control unit 120 is configured to control supply of aerosol/vapour based on the acquired identifier code that is communicated to the control unit 120.
[0119] The control unit 120 is configured to cause the body 50 to enter a session-enabled mode based on the identifier code. In the session-enabled mode, the body 50 is configured to permit the user to initiate an aerosol generating session in response to a user request for aerosol generation. The request for aerosol generation from the user may include the user pressing of a button on the body 50 or the user performing a puff.
[0120] The control unit 120 maintains a session count of the number of sessions used in respect of the acquired identifier code. The control unit 120 increments the count of the number of sessions with each completed or each initiated session.
[0121] The control unit 120 is configured to compare the session count with a predetermined permitted number of aerosol generation sessions associated with the acquired identifier.
[0122] When the session count is equal to or exceeds the predetermined permitted number of aerosol generation sessions then the control unit 120 is further configured to cause the aerosol generating apparatus 1 to enter a session-disabled mode. In the session-disabled mode, an aerosol generating session is unavailable in response to a user request for aerosol generation. In other words, in the session-disabled mode the aerosol generating unit 4 of the aerosol-generating apparatus 1 remains inactive despite the user request for aerosol generation.
[0123] When a second, new, identifier code is obtained by the control unit 120, the session count is reset to zero. The control unit 120 thus re-enters the session-enabled mode.
[0124] The second identifier code is provided with a second consumable pack. The second identifier code is different from the first identifier code. The predetermined permitted number of aerosol generating sessions associated with the first identifier code may be the same as or different from a predetermined permitted number of aerosol generating sessions associated with the second identifier code.
[0125] As such, the user is generally prevented from using the aerosol generating apparatus 1 unless they have a consumable pack with a new identifier code. Without a new identifier code against which the predetermined number of sessions has not been used, the apparatus 1 will not operate to generate aerosol. By controlling the availability of identifier codes, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 can be prevented from operating with counterfeit consumables.
[0126] In Fig. 6 the reader 100 is integrated with the body 50. Fig. 7 shows another exemplary aerosol generating system in which the reader 100 is separately provided from the body 50. In the example of Fig. 7, the reader 100 is included in a first external device 130. The first external device 130 may be any suitable type of device for including the reader 100. In this example, the first external device 130 is a smart device, e.g. a smart phone. Suitably, the body 50 is configured to communicate wirelessly, e.g. via Bluetooth™, with the first external device 130, via the wireless interface 60 included in the body 50 and via a corresponding wireless interface included in the first external device 130. Moreover, the first external device 130 is configured to communicate with an external server 140 using a suitable wired or wireless connection, e.g. a cellular network and/or the internet.
[0127] The first external device 130 is operable to cause the machine-readable element reader 100 to read the machine-readable element 112 of the consumable pack 110. In Fig. 7, the interaction between the reader 100 and the readable element 112 is illustrated as a dashed double-headed arrow. The first external device 130 thereby acquires the identifier code from the machine-readable element 112.
[0128] The first external device 130 is configured to communicate the acquired identifier code to the external server 140. A wireless connection between the first external device 130 and the external server 140 is illustrated as a dashed-dotted double-headed arrow in Fig. 7.
[0129] The external server 140 is configured to receive the acquired identifier code and to verify the acquired identifier code. Suitably, the server 140 maintains a database of authorised identifier codes. Using the database of authorised identifier codes, the external server 140 verifies the acquired identifier code. In particular, the external server 140 is configured to access and search the database of authorised identifier codes for an entry in the database which matches the acquired identifier code. As such an acquired identifier code becomes an acquired and verified identifier code.
[0130] Some embodiments may rely on an acquired identifier from a consumable pack. In such embodiments, the control unit 120 may check that the acquired identifier appears to be genuine, e.g., via checking that the acquired identifier conforms with a predetermined format. Some other embodiments may require acquired and verified identifiers.
[0131] The database of authorised identifier codes includes entries corresponding to identifier codes which are indicated as relating to authorised sales transactions. An authorised sales transaction may be a sales transaction by an authorised seller instructed to follow certain transaction requirements, e.g. age verification of the person purchasing the consumable pack 110.
[0132] The database of authorised identifier codes may also or instead correspond to identifier codes on consumable packs that are genuine - i.e. that have been manufactured by the provider of the system.
[0133] If no matching entry is found in the database that indicates the acquired identifier code relates to an authorised sales transaction and or genuine consumable pack, the acquired identifier code is not successfully verified by the server. As such, the external server 140 may communicate unsuccessful verification to the first external device 130, or the external server 140 may take no action.
[0134] If an entry matching the acquired identifier code is found in the database of authorised identifier codes, the external server 140 transmits a command to the first external device 130. In turn the first external device 130 instructs the control unit 120 of the body 50 , to enter the session-enabled mode.
[0135] In some examples, the instruction includes, or corresponds to, the acquired and verified identifier code. The control unit 120 enters the session-enabled mode in response to receiving the acquired and verified identifier code. The instruction may include the predetermined permitted number of aerosol generating sessions associated with the acquired and verified identifier code.
[0136] In other examples, the acquired and verified identifier code is not transmitted to the control unit 120. Instead the first external device 130 instructs the control unit 120 to enter the session enabled mode. The instruction may include the predetermined permitted number of aerosol generating sessions associated with the acquired and verified identifier code.
[0137] In some embodiments, the acquired (and potentially verified) identifier code is locally stored in the memory 58 of the aerosol generating apparatus 1. This allows the control unit 120 to track the number of aerosol generating sessions associated with the identifier code via comparison with the session count.
[0138] Figs. 8 and 9 illustrate how the aerosol generating system may be operated. More particularly, Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing a process wherein the acquired identifier code is used to control the aerosol generating apparatus 1 to enter the session-enabled mode for initiating a predetermined number of permitted aerosol generation sessions before entering the session-disabled mode.
[0139] By contrast, Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing a process wherein the aerosol generating apparatus 1 enters the session-disabled mode after initiating each aerosol generation session. In this case, the same acquired identifier code may be used to repeatedly enter the session-enabled mode and thereby initiate multiple permitted aerosol generation sessions. The control unit 120 may maintain and increment an identifier code usage count of initiated aerosol generation sessions associated with that acquired identifier code. The identifier code usage count thus records the number of times that a particular identifier code has been acquired and used to initiate an aerosol generation session. When the identifier code usage count associated with the acquired identifier code exceeds an identifier code usage count limit associated with the acquired identifier code, then the control unit 120 enters the session-disabled mode.
[0140] Alternatively, if the consumable pack includes only a single consumable, the session enabled mode may be enabled for only one aerosol generation session. That is, the predetermined permitting number of aerosol generation sessions is equal to one.
[0141] According to Fig. 8, operation of the aerosol generating system includes a step S100 wherein the identifier code is acquired, as described above with reference to the examples of Figs. 6 and 7. The acquired identifier code may be communicated to the control unit 120, as described with reference to Fig. 6, or the external server 140, as described with reference to Fig. 7.
[0142] The control unit 120 enters the session-enabled mode based on the identifier code in a step S110 (the identifier code may have been verified by the external server 140).
[0143] Entering the session-enabled mode may be conditional on determining whether the identifier code was previously used to enter the session-enabled mode. If the identifier code has previously been used, then the control unit 120 may decline entering the session-enabled mode or enter the session disabled mode. If the acquired code is transmitted to the external server 140, and the external server 140 determines that the acquired identifier code has been previously used, then the server may not instruct the control unit 120 to enter the session-enabled mode.
[0144] Following step S110, an aerosol generating session is initiated upon user request in a step S120. The session count associated with the identifier code is incremented by one. The session count may be incremented at the start of a session or at the completion of a session.
[0145] In a step S130 following initiating of the aerosol generating session, the control unit 120 determines whether the predetermined number of permitted aerosol generating sessions associated with the identifier code has been reached by comparing the session count with the predetermined permitted number of aerosol generation sessions. The predetermined permitted number of aerosol generation sessions may be equal to or exceed the number of consumables within the consumable pack.
[0146] For example, the predetermined permitted number of aerosol generation sessions associated with the identifier code may be 25 sessions. As such, the user may be permitted to initiate 25 aerosol generation sessions using the identifier code. When 25 sessions have been activated (when session count = 25), the aerosol generation device enters the session-disabled mode. No 26th aerosol generation session is therefore possible. In this example, the number of consumables included within the pack of consumables may be 20. The number of consumables in the pack refers to the number of consumables held by the consumable pack as retailed, e.g. at the point of sale. One consumable corresponds to one aerosol generation session.
[0147] The predetermined maximum number of permitted aerosol generation sessions associated with the identifier code may be higher than the number of consumables in the pack having the identifier code. As such, the user may have enough permitted sessions to allow for a number of failed / or accidental aerosol generation sessions, while still allowing the possibility for the user to use all of the consumables in the pack.
[0148] When an aerosol generation session is requested by the user, the control unit 120 compares the session count with the predetermined permitted number of aerosol generation sessions.
[0149] If the control unit 120 determines that the session count is lower than or equal to the predetermined permitted number of aerosol generation sessions, the aerosol-generating device 1 remains in the session-enabled mode, illustrated by arrow S132.
[0150] If the control unit 120 determines that the session count is higher than the predetermined permitted number of aerosol generation sessions, the control unit 120 causes the aerosol-generating device 1 to enter the session-disabled mode in a step S140. That is to say, the controller 120 is configured to enter the session-disabled mode conditional on a determination by the control unit 120 that the predetermined permitted number of aerosol generation sessions has been reached.
[0151] According to the process illustrated in Fig. 8, the user needs to utilise the reader 100 only once to cause the aerosol-generating apparatus 1 to enter the session-enabled mode for the predetermined permitted number of aerosol generation sessions. In such examples, the number of aerosol generating sessions, described above, corresponds to the predetermined permitted number of aerosol generation
[0152] In other examples, the user utilises the reader 100 each time an aerosol generating session is to be initiated, and the user may do so repeatedly provided that the predetermined permitted number of aerosol generation associated with the identifier code has not been exceeded. In Fig. 9, such a process is illustrated.
[0153] According to Fig. 9, the user needs to utilise the reader 100 each time a session is to be initiated to cause the aerosol-generating apparatus 1 to enter the session-enabled mode. Operation of the aerosol generating system includes a step S200 wherein the identifier code is acquired. The acquired identifier code is communicated to the control unit 120 of the aerosol generating apparatus 1, as described with reference to Fig. 6, or the external server 140, as described with reference to Fig. 7. Below, it is assumed that the acquired identifier code has been communicated to the control unit 120, but it may likewise be communicated to the external server 140 with consequent instruction from the server to the control unit 120.
[0154] The control unit 120 is configured to write the identifier code to the memory 58. The control unit 120 may further track the number of times an aerosol generating session has been initiated based on the identifier code (an identifier code usage count) by suitably updating the memory 58. For example, the control unit 120 may refer to the memory 58 to determine whether the maximum number of sessions associated with the identifier code (an identifier code usage count limit) has been reached.
[0155] When an aerosol generation session is requested by the user, the control unit 120 compares an identifier code usage count associated with the acquired identifier with the identifier code usage count limit. In a step S210, the control unit 120 determines whether the identifier code usage count exceeds the identifier code usage count limit associated with the identifier code.
[0156] As described above, the maximum number of aerosol generating sessions associated with the identifier code may be, for example, 25. If the control unit 120 determines that the maximum number of sessions has been reached, the aerosol-generating device 1 enters the session-disabled mode, indicated by arrow S214. However, if the control unit 120 determines that the maximum number of sessions has not been reached, e.g. that no more than 25 sessions were initiated based on the identifier code, the aerosol-generating device 1 proceeds to the session-enabled mode, illustrated by arrow S212. That is to say, the control unit 120 is configured to enter the session-enabled mode conditional on a determination by the control unit that the maximum number of sessions associated with the identifier code has not been reached.
[0157] Where step S210 is performed by the external server 140, the identifier code is communicated to the external server 140. The external server 140 transmits a command instructing the aerosol generating apparatus 1 to enter the session-enabled mode conditional on successfully determining that the acquired identifier code corresponds to an entry in the database of authorised identifier codes.
[0158] In a step S220, the control unit 120 causes the aerosol-generating device 1 to enter the session-enabled mode. According to the example described with reference to Fig. 9, the aerosol-generating device 1 enters the session-enabled mode for a single aerosol generating session, i.e. the number of sessions is equal to one.
[0159] In a step S230, an aerosol generating session is initiated upon user request. Since the session-enabled mode has been entered for initiating a single aerosol generating session, this causes the aerosol-generating device 1 to enter the session-disabled mode upon request of a second aerosol generating session.
[0160] The process of Fig. 9 is repeatable using the same identifier code to repeatedly enter the session-enabled mode, until the maximum number of sessions (identifier code usage count limit) is reached to cause the process to proceed from step S210 to step S240.
[0161] According to some examples, the memory 58 is configured to store a plurality of identifier codes. For example, the memory 58 may include a database configured to store 50 identifier codes. The database may be configured such that, when the capacity of the database is reached, an identifier code recorded in the database first is deleted in order to store a newly acquired identifier code in the database. That is to say, the oldest entry in the database is deleted in order to provide capacity for adding a new entry to the database.
[0162] Fig. 10 shows the consumable pack and a second external device 160. The second external device 160 includes a machine-readable element writer 162 (or 'writer 162').
[0163] The writer 162 is operable to update the machine-readable element 112 where the machine-readable element 112 is of a writable type. For example, the machine-readable element 112 may be an NFC tag. The writer 162 may be used to write the identifier code to the machine-readable element 112. In Fig. 10, interaction between the writer 162 and the machine-readable element 112 is illustrated by a dashed double-headed arrow.
[0164] The writer 162 may further be configured to set the machine-readable element 112 to a "read only" mode, where such a mode is available for the specific machine-readable element 112. This may prevent subsequent tampering.
[0165] The writer 162 may be utilised, for example, at a point of sale. As such, the machine-readable element 112 is provided with the identifier code as part of an authorised sales transaction, e.g. once a purchaser has been age verified. As a result, the user will be not permitted to commence an aerosol generating session with the aerosol generating device 1 without an authorised sale having occurred, since no identifier code would have been written to the machine-readable element.
[0166] In this example, the writer 162 receives the identifier code from the external server 140. Suitably, a wired or wireless connection with the external server 140 is provided and the second external device 160 transmits a request for an identifier code to the external server 140.
[0167] The external server 140 verifies the request from the second external device 160, e.g. by checking a list of sellers authorised to sell the consumable pack 110, and in response transmits the identifier code to the aerosol generating apparatus 1. In the event that verification is unsuccessful, the external server 140 declines the request, e.g. by taking no further action in response to the request and, in particular, not sending the identifier code.
[0168] Moreover, as part of the transaction with the second external device 160, the external server 140 records the identifier code in the database of authorised identifier codes.
[0169] The external server 140 may further record information associated with the sale of the consumable pack 110, for example by recording this information in the database of authorised identifier codes. The recorded information may enable subsequently identifying the seller of the consumable pack 110 with reference to the identifier code. As such, the information recorded by the external server 140 may include a seller ID, or the time and location of the sale.
[0170] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or in the following claims, or in the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for obtaining the disclosed results, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.
[0171] While the invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0172] For the avoidance of any doubt, any theoretical explanations provided herein are provided for the purposes of improving the understanding of a reader. The inventors do not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.
[0173] Any section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described.
[0174] Throughout this specification, including the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" and "include", and variations such as "comprises", "comprising", and "including" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.
[0175] It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value, and/or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by the use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term "about" in relation to a numerical value is optional and means for example +/- 10%.
1. An aerosol generating system comprising:
an aerosol generating apparatus (1),
a consumable pack (110) having a machine-readable element (112), the consumable pack including at least one consumable (70) for use with the aerosol generating apparatus (1), wherein the machine-readable element (112) includes an identifier code; and
a machine-readable element reader (100) operable to read the machine-readable element (112) to acquire the identifier code;
wherein a control unit (120) of the aerosol generating apparatus (1) is configured to cause the aerosol generating apparatus (1) to:enter a session-enabled mode based on the acquired identifier code, wherein in the session-enabled mode an aerosol generating session is available in response to a user request for aerosol generation in response to a user request for aerosol generation;
maintain a session count of initiated aerosol generation sessions; and
enter a session-disabled mode when the session count exceeds a predetermined permitted number of aerosol generating sessions, wherein in the session-disabled mode an aerosol generating session is unavailable in response to a user request for aerosol generation.
2. The system according to claim 1,
wherein the predetermined permitted number of aerosol generating sessions is one.
wherein the predetermined permitted number of aerosol generating sessions is one.
3. The system according to claim 2,
wherein the control unit (120) is configured to cause the aerosol generating apparatus (1) to:
wherein the control unit (120) is configured to cause the aerosol generating apparatus (1) to:
maintain an identifier code usage count of initiated aerosol generation sessions associated with the identifier code; and
to remain in a session-disabled mode based on the acquired identifier code when the identifier code usage count is equal to or greater than an identifier code usage count limit.
4. The system according to claim 3,
wherein the identifier code usage count limit is equal to or greater than a number of consumables (70) within the consumable pack (110).
wherein the identifier code usage count limit is equal to or greater than a number of consumables (70) within the consumable pack (110).
5. The system according to claim 4,
wherein the identifier code includes a record of a number of consumables (70) held by the consumable pack (110); and
wherein the control unit (120) is configured to calculate the identifier code usage count limit based on the record of the number of consumables (70) held by the consumable pack (110).
6. The system according to claim 1,
wherein the predetermined permitted number of aerosol generating sessions is at least two.
wherein the predetermined permitted number of aerosol generating sessions is at least two.
7. The system according to claim 6, wherein the predetermined permitted number of aerosol
generating sessions is equal to or greater than a number of consumables (70) within
the consumable pack (110).
8. The system according to claim 7,
wherein the control unit (120) is configured to calculate the predetermined permitted number of aerosol generating sessions from the number of consumables (70) within the consumable pack (110).
wherein the control unit (120) is configured to calculate the predetermined permitted number of aerosol generating sessions from the number of consumables (70) within the consumable pack (110).
9. The system according to any preceding claim, wherein the machine-readable element
(112) is an NFC tag, and the machine-readable element reader (100) is an NFC reader.
10. The system according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol generating apparatus
(1) comprises the reader (100).
11. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising an external device
(130); wherein the external device (130) comprises the reader (100), wherein optionally
the external device is operably connected to the aerosol generating apparatus (1).
12. The system according to any preceding claim, further comprising an external server
(140) configured to:
receive the acquired identifier code;
search a database of authorised identifier codes for an entry matching the acquired identifier code;
if an entry matching the acquired identifier code is found in the database, transmit a command to the aerosol generating apparatus (1) to allow the control unit (120) to cause the aerosol generating apparatus to enter the session-enabled mode.
13. An aerosol generating apparatus (1) comprising,
a control unit (120) configured to cause the aerosol generating apparatus (1) to:
enter a session-enabled mode based on the acquired identifier code, wherein in the
session-enabled mode an aerosol generating session is available in response to a user
request for aerosol generation in response to a user request for aerosol generation;
maintain a session count of initiated aerosol generation sessions; and
enter a session-disabled mode when the session count exceeds a predetermined permitted
number of aerosol generating sessions, wherein in the session-disabled mode an aerosol
generating session is unavailable in response to a user request for aerosol generation.
14. The aerosol generating apparatus (1) according to claim 13,
further comprising a machine-readable element reader (100).
further comprising a machine-readable element reader (100).
15. A consumable pack (110), comprising:
at least one consumable (70) for use with the aerosol generating apparatus (1) according to claim 14, and;
a machine-readable element (112) including the identifier code.