RU2850502C2 - Aerosol generating device - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: technical means.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to the field of aerosol generating devices. The aerosol generating device contains a control circuit and an energy storage device that supplies electrical energy to the control circuit for generating aerosol. The control circuit determines the amount of energy currently stored and the amount of energy that can currently be stored in the energy storage device, and evaluates its status relative to a threshold value. The threshold value corresponds to the threshold energy required to perform the main heating function of the device at a specified heating temperature or higher during a session of use, and to perform auxiliary functions of the device other than the main heating function. The control circuit connects or disconnects the main heating function and auxiliary functions of the device based on the assessment made.

EFFECT: increased efficiency of energy storage device utilisation, extended service life.

15 cl, 4 dwg

Description

The present disclosure generally relates to the field of aerosol-generating devices and aerosol-generating systems. In particular, the present disclosure relates to electronic aerosol-generating devices and systems configured to generate an aerosol by heating at least a portion or region of an aerosol-generating article or substrate. The present disclosure also relates to the use of one or more aerosol-generating devices or systems, to methods for controlling the operation of aerosol-generating devices or systems, to corresponding computer programs, and to corresponding computer-readable media storing one or more of such computer programs.

Aerosol-generating devices are typically portable devices that a user can use to consume or experience, for example, over one or more use sessions, an aerosol generated by heating an aerosol-generating substrate, or at least an aerosol-generating article containing such a substrate. It should be understood that aerosol-generating devices can generate aerosol by other means, such as vibration, atomization, or other means.

Exemplary aerosol-generating substrates may comprise a solid substrate material, such as tobacco material or tobacco cast leaf (TCL) material. The substrate material may, for example, be assembled, often with other elements or components, to form a substantially rod-shaped aerosol-generating article. Such a rod or such an aerosol-generating article may be shaped and sized for at least partial insertion into an aerosol-generating device, which may, for example, comprise a heating element for heating the aerosol-generating article and/or the aerosol-generating substrate. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol-generating substrates may comprise one or more liquids and/or one or more solids, which may, for example, be supplied to the aerosol-generating device in the form of a cartridge or container. Examples of aerosol-generating articles may, for example, comprise a cartridge or container containing or fillable with a liquid and/or solid substrate, which may vaporize during aerosol consumption by the user based on the heating of the substrate. Typically, such a cartridge or container may be connected to, attached to, and/or at least partially inserted into an aerosol-generating device. Alternatively, the cartridge may be permanently mounted to the aerosol-generating device and refilled by introducing liquid and/or solid substrate material into the cartridge.

To generate an aerosol during use or consumption, the user typically activates the user interface of the aerosol-generating device, thereby initiating the supply of electrical energy to one or more aerosol-generating means or aerosol generators, such as one or more heating elements or heat sources, for example, to heat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate or article. At least a portion of the aerosol-generating means or aerosol generator, for example at least a portion of the heating element, may be located in the aerosol-generating device. Alternatively or additionally, at least a portion of the aerosol-generating means or aerosol generator, for example at least a portion of the heating element, may be located in the aerosol-generating article.

Exemplary heating elements may utilize one or more of resistive heating, induction heating, and microwave heating, using electrical energy supplied through, extracted from, or stored within the energy storage device of the aerosol-generating device. Exemplary energy storage devices may include one or more batteries, one or more capacitors, one or more supercapacitors, one or more rechargeable batteries, or other types of energy storage devices.

Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol-generating device may be configured to supply electrical energy to one or more other aerosol-generating means, aerosol machines, or aerosol generators for generating the aerosol. For example, the aerosol-generating device and/or aerosol-generating article may comprise one or more vibrating elements, one or more vibrating screens, one or more atomizing devices, or other aerosol-generating means.

Typically, the amount of electrical energy provided by the energy storage device and usable by the user of the aerosol generating device, or available to the user of the aerosol generating device to operate the aerosol generating device, such as to perform one or more functions of the aerosol generating device, may be limited, potentially limiting the functionality or usability of the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol.

Furthermore, limitations in the energy storage capacity and/or frequent use of the aerosol-generating device over one or more use sessions may result in frequent charging and discharging of the energy storage device. Potentially, such frequent charging and discharging of the energy storage device could negatively impact the energy storage device's performance, and its ability to store electrical energy could potentially decline over time. After a certain operating time or the energy storage device's useful life, the aerosol-generating device, or at least the energy storage device, may need to be replaced.

Therefore, it may be desirable to create an improved aerosol generating device or system, such as an aerosol generating device or system that overcomes or mitigates one or more of the above-mentioned disadvantages.

This is achieved by the subject matter of the present invention according to the independent claims. The features used, where necessary, are presented by the dependent claims and this description.

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to one or more aerosol-generating devices and one or more aerosol-generating systems configured to generate an aerosol from at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article or substrate, for example, by supplying electrical energy to one or more aerosol generators. The present disclosure also relates to the use of such one or more aerosol-generating devices and/or one or more aerosol-generating systems, to methods for controlling the operation of such one or more aerosol-generating devices and/or one or more systems, to corresponding computer programs, and to corresponding non-transitory computer-readable media storing one or more of such computer programs. Any disclosure presented hereinabove and hereinafter with reference to one aspect of the present disclosure applies equally to any other aspect of the present disclosure.

According to the first aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol is proposed. The aerosol generating device comprises a control circuit and an energy storage device configured to supply electrical energy to the control circuit for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating article. The control circuit may be operatively connected to the energy storage device. The control circuit is configured to determine a state of the storage device for the energy storage device, indicating at least one of the amount of electrical energy currently stored and the amount of electrical energy that can currently be stored in the energy storage device. The control circuit is also configured to evaluate, for example, a process and/or analysis, of the determined state of the storage device relative to at least one threshold value associated with at least one device function for the aerosol generating device. The control circuit is also configured to enable or disable, based on the evaluation, at least one device function for the aerosol generating device. Moreover, at least one device function associated with at least one threshold value may be enabled or disabled. Alternatively or additionally, at least one other device function, which may be different from the at least one device function associated with the at least one threshold value, may be enabled or disabled.

According to the first aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol-generating device is proposed for generating an aerosol. The aerosol-generating device comprises a control circuit and an energy storage device configured to supply electrical energy to the control circuit for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating article. The control circuit can be operatively connected to the energy storage device. The control circuit is configured to determine a storage device status for the energy storage device, indicating at least one of the amount of electrical energy currently stored and the amount of electrical energy that can currently be stored in the energy storage device. The control circuit is also configured to evaluate a certain state of the accumulator relative to at least one threshold value, wherein at least one threshold value is related to the threshold energy required to perform the primary heating function of the aerosol-generating device, to heat the aerosol-generating article at a given heating temperature or above it to generate an aerosol during at least one use session, and to perform at least one auxiliary function of the device for the aerosol-generating device, different from the primary heating function. The control circuit is also configured to enable or disable, based on the evaluation, at least one of the primary heating function and at least one auxiliary function of the device.

According to the first aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol-generating device is proposed for generating an aerosol. The aerosol-generating device comprises a control circuit and an energy storage device configured to supply electrical energy to the control circuit for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating article. The control circuit may be operatively connected to the energy storage device. The control circuit is configured to determine a state of the storage device, including an operability state of the energy storage device, indicating the amount of electrical energy that can currently be stored in the energy storage device, and to evaluate the determined state of the storage device relative to at least one threshold value associated with at least one device function for the aerosol-generating device. The control circuit is also configured to enable or disable, based on the evaluation, at least one device function for the aerosol-generating device. Moreover, at least one device function associated with at least one threshold value may be enabled or disabled. Alternatively or additionally, at least one other device function, which may be different from at least one device function associated with at least one threshold value, may be enabled or disabled.

According to the first aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol-generating device for generating an aerosol is proposed. The aerosol-generating device comprises a control circuit and an energy storage device configured to supply electrical energy to the control circuit for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating article. The control circuit can be operatively connected to the energy storage device. The control circuit is configured to determine a state of the storage device for the energy storage device, indicating at least one of the amount of electrical energy currently stored and the amount of electrical energy that can currently be stored in the energy storage device. The control circuit is also configured to evaluate the determined state of the storage device relative to at least one threshold value associated with at least one function of the device for the aerosol-generating device, wherein at least the threshold value is adjustable. The control circuit is also configured to enable or disable, based on the evaluation, at least one function of the device. Moreover, at least one function of the device associated with at least one threshold value can be enabled or disabled. Alternatively or additionally, at least one other device function, which may be different from the at least one device function associated with the at least one threshold value, may be enabled or disabled.

It should be noted that any feature, function, or element of an aerosol-generating device according to one aspect of the present disclosure may be combined with any feature, function, or element of an aerosol-generating device according to another aspect of the present disclosure. That is, aerosol-generating devices according to different aspects of the present disclosure may be combined with one another. Furthermore, any disclosure presented herein with reference to an aerosol-generating device according to any one or more aspects of the present disclosure is equally applicable to any one or more aerosol-generating devices according to any one or more additional aspects of the present disclosure.

In one example, the energy storage and/or control circuit may be configured to supply electrical energy to at least one aerosol generating means or at least one aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article configured to be connected to the aerosol-generating device. The exemplary aerosol generators or means may include one or more heating elements, one or more heat sources, one or more vibrating elements, one or more vibrating screens, and one or more spray devices.

For example, the energy storage device and/or the control circuit may be configured to supply electrical energy to at least one heating element for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating article configured to be connected to an aerosol-generating device, for example, based on heating at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article.

As used herein, enabling a device function may refer to or include enabling a device function, such as allowing the device function to be executed, such as by a user of an aerosol-generating device. Alternatively or additionally, enabling a device function may include activating the device function so that it can be executed, such as based on one or more user inputs or automatically. For example, enabling or enabling a device function may include configuring an aerosol-generating device so that the device function is executable or can be executed, such as by a user. Alternatively or additionally, enabling a device function may include providing or granting the user of the aerosol-generating device access to the device function. In a non-limiting example, a flag or label indicating that the device function is enabled may be set by a control circuit based on an evaluation of the state of the drive relative to at least one threshold for enabling the device function.

As used herein, disabling a device function may refer to or include preventing a device function, such as preventing the execution of a device function, such as by a user. Alternatively or additionally, disabling a device function may include deactivating a device function such that it cannot be executed, such as based on one or more user inputs or automatically. Alternatively or additionally, disabling a device function may include not providing or permitting the user of the aerosol-generating device to access the device function. For example, disabling or preventing a device function may include configuring the aerosol-generating device such that the device function and/or its execution are blocked. In a non-limiting example, a flag or mark indicating that the device function is prevented may be set by the control circuit based on an evaluation of the drive state relative to at least one threshold value to disable the device function.

Accordingly, enabling or disabling a device feature may include changing, modifying, or reconfiguring the aerosol-generating device so that the said device feature is available or unavailable in the aerosol-generating device, for example, available or unavailable to a user of the aerosol-generating device. Alternatively or additionally, enabling or disabling a device feature may include adapting the composition or set of device features available in the aerosol-generating device. For example, enabling a device feature may include expanding the composition or set of device features available in the aerosol-generating device via the said device feature. Alternatively or additionally, disabling a device feature may include reducing the composition or set of device features available in the aerosol-generating device via the said device feature. Alternatively or additionally, disabling a device feature may include removing the said device feature from the composition or set of device features available in the aerosol-generating device.

Assessing the state of the energy storage device relative to at least one threshold value and enabling or disabling at least one device function based on this can ensure energy management and efficient operation of the aerosol-generating device. Specifically, device operation can be optimized by adapting the composition or set of device functions available in the aerosol-generating device based on the assessed state of the storage device. In other words, the device's functionality can be adapted according to the assessed state of the storage device, which can optimize or maximize the overall functionality of the device with respect to available energy. Furthermore, the functional versatility and flexibility of the device can be increased.

The aerosol-generating device according to the present disclosure may, in particular, relate to an electronic aerosol-generating device configured to generate an aerosol, in particular an aerosol that can be inhaled by a user of the aerosol-generating device during or during one or more use sessions based on heating at least a portion of a heating element, at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article, and/or at least a portion of an aerosol-generating substrate contained in the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating device according to the present disclosure may also be referred to as a non-combustion heating device.

Exemplary aerosol-generating articles or substrates suitable for use with the aerosol-generating device of the present disclosure may be formed in the form of a rod and at least partially inserted into the aerosol-generating device. Alternative exemplary aerosol-generating articles may comprise a container or cartridge that may be permanently attached or releasably connected to the aerosol-generating device. Typically, a liquid, solid, or a mixture of solid and liquid aerosol-generating substrates is contained within such an aerosol-generating article or may be inserted into it and heated to generate an aerosol. Any such, as well as other, shapes and designs of aerosol-generating articles may be used with the aerosol-generating device and system of the present disclosure.

In general, the control circuit, also referred to herein as the device control circuit, may be configured to control one or more device functions for the aerosol-generating device. In particular, the device control circuit may include one or more processors for processing data or signals. The device control circuit may be configured to functionally control the aerosol-generating device, its energy storage device, and/or one or more additional components of the aerosol-generating device. Functional control may include controlling the operation of the aerosol-generating device and/or one or more of its components. If necessary, functional control of one or more device functions and/or the energy storage device may include generating and/or supplying one or more control signals to one or more components of the aerosol-generating device, such as, for example, the energy storage device.

When used herein, the energy storage device of the aerosol-generating device may be configured to store or may store electrical energy that can be supplied to at least one heating element for generating the aerosol. If necessary, the energy storage device may be rechargeable, for example, by connecting the aerosol-generating device to a power source or an additional device, also referred to herein as a receiver, of the aerosol-generating system. For example, the energy storage device may be recharged by connecting the aerosol-generating device to an additional device or power source via a cable or inductive connection.

It should be noted that an aerosol-generating device may contain multiple energy storage devices. Accordingly, any reference to a single energy storage device, as described above and below, includes multiple energy storage devices.

In one example, the energy storage device may include one or more batteries, one or more accumulators, capacitors, or other types of energy storage devices for storing electrical energy, such as, for example, an energy storage device configured to store potential energy associated with a change in the configuration of the internal chemical elements or molecules of the energy storage device. A combination of any of the aforementioned energy storage devices may also be implemented in the aerosol-generating device according to the present disclosure.

At least one heating element may refer to or designate any one or more of an induction heating element, a resistive heating element, or a microwave heating element. In other words, the heating element may be configured to heat the aerosol-generating article using one or more of induction heating, microwave heating, and resistive heating.

In one example, the heating element may be an induction heating element, such as one comprising an induction coil, configured to inductively heat a susceptor or susceptor material located in an aerosol-generating article or substrate. Alternatively or additionally, the heating element may comprise one or more heating plates or resistive heating elements, which may be at least partially inserted into the aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating substrate and to which electrical energy is supplied to generate the aerosol. Alternatively or additionally, the heating element may include a microwave generator configured to heat the aerosol-generating article based on microwave heating. Additionally or alternatively, other forms may be used, such as gapped loop resonators.

At least a portion of the heating element or the entire heating element may be located or disposed in an aerosol-generating device. Alternatively or additionally, at least a portion of the heating element or the entire heating element may be located or disposed in an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a heating device or a heating circuit that includes or includes at least one heating element. For example, a portion of the heating element, circuit, or heating device may be located in the aerosol-generating device, and another portion of the heating element, circuit, or device may be located in the aerosol-generating article. Furthermore, it should be noted that the aerosol-generating device and/or the aerosol-generating article may comprise a plurality of heating elements. Accordingly, any reference herein above or below to a single heating element may include a plurality of heating elements.

In one example, an aerosol-generating device may comprise one or more user interfaces configured to be activated, controlled, or operated by a user to activate or operate the aerosol-generating device to generate the aerosol. Examples of user interfaces may include a button, a switch, a touchscreen, an acoustic interface, a gesture control interface, a haptic interface, a tactile interface, or a combination thereof.

The control circuit may be configured to receive and/or process one or more user inputs from the user interface and operate or power the heating element, respectively, the heating circuit, or the heating device, including the heating element, to generate an aerosol in accordance with one or more user inputs. For example, in response to actuation of the user interface, electrical energy may be supplied to at least one heating element to heat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article and generate the aerosol.

As discussed above, an aerosol-generating device may comprise a composition or set of multiple device functions that can, in principle, be performed or executed by the aerosol-generating device, for example, based on user input and/or automatically. One or more of these device functions may be accessible to the user and/or may be performed or executed by the user. For example, the user may control the aerosol-generating device and/or one or more user interfaces of the aerosol-generating device to perform one or more device functions.

As used herein, a device function may refer to any operation or function of an aerosol generating device that includes functional control of the aerosol generating device and/or one or more components of the aerosol generating device, a control circuit, such as functional control of one or more of at least one heating element, an energy storage device, and one or more user interfaces of the aerosol generating device.

In one example, one or more functions of the device may include a primary heating function of the aerosol-generating device, which is also referred to herein as a primary function of the device. The primary heating function may refer to the operation of the aerosol-generating device to heat at least a portion of at least one heating element, at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article, and/or a substrate to a temperature equal to or exceeding a predetermined heating temperature of the heating element, the aerosol-generating article, and/or the aerosol-generating substrate to generate the aerosol. As used herein, a predetermined heating temperature may refer to or denote a temperature, temperature level, or temperature range above room temperature sufficient to generate the aerosol and/or release the aerosol from the aerosol-generating article or substrate, wherein the released aerosol can be inhaled by the user.

Depending on the type and composition of the specific aerosol-generating article or substrate to be used with the device, the desired heating temperature may range from 250 degrees Celsius to 450 degrees Celsius, in particular from 270 degrees Celsius to 430 degrees Celsius, and more specifically from 315 degrees Celsius to 355 degrees Celsius. These temperatures may be suitable operating temperatures or heating temperatures sufficient to enable the release of volatile compounds from the aerosol-generating substrate.

The primary heating function of an aerosol-generating device may be performed or accomplished during or during a usage session. As used herein, a usage session may refer to a period of time during which a user may use the device to generate, consume, sense, or inhale an aerosol using the aerosol-generating device. A usage session may also be finite. In other words, a usage session may have a beginning, an end, and a duration. The duration of a usage session, measured in time, may be affected by use during the usage session. The duration of a usage session may have a maximum duration defined by the maximum time from the start of the usage session. The duration of a usage session may be shorter than the maximum time if one or more monitored parameters reach a specified threshold before the maximum time from the start of the usage session has elapsed. For example, the one or more monitored parameters may comprise one or more of: i) the cumulative number of puffs from a series of puffs taken by the user since the start of the usage session, and ii) the cumulative volume of aerosol emitted from the aerosol-forming substrate since the start of the usage session.

It should be noted that the operation of the aerosol generating device during a session of use for generating an aerosol may be used synonymously in this document with the operation of the aerosol generating device in the primary function of the device, during the operation of the device to perform the primary heating function, during the execution or performance of the primary heating function of the device and/or during the heating of one or more of the heating elements, the aerosol generating article and the aerosol generating substrate to a temperature equal to or exceeding a predetermined heating temperature.

One or more device functions may include one or more auxiliary device functions. An auxiliary device function may relate to an operation or function of the aerosol-generating device that differs from the primary heating function of the aerosol-generating device. For example, an auxiliary device function may differ from the primary heating function in one or more of the following respects: function type, function purpose, function duration, one or more components involved in performing the function, and power consumption. However, an auxiliary device function may differ in any other aspect, property, or element relative to the primary heating function.

As used herein, evaluating a certain state of a storage device relative to at least one threshold value associated with at least one device function for an aerosol-generating device may include analyzing the certain state of the storage device relative to at least one threshold value. For example, at least one threshold value may be associated with at least one device function based on defining and/or encoding one or more criteria that preferably must be met so that at least one device function can be performed or executed by the aerosol-generating device. Accordingly, by evaluating the state of the storage device relative to the threshold value, the state of the storage device may be analyzed in terms of one or more criteria that preferably must be met in order to perform at least one device function.

If necessary, such analysis or assessment of the drive state may include comparing the drive state with at least one threshold value. Alternatively or additionally, the analysis or assessment of the drive state may include converting the drive state and/or threshold value into a converted drive state and/or converted threshold value. In a non-limiting example, a threshold value or drive state related to electrical energy may be converted into a threshold value or drive state related to capacity, and vice versa.

If necessary, one or more drive state variables may be obtained from a determined drive state or calculated based thereon to evaluate the drive state, for example, based on a comparison of one or more obtained drive state variables with at least one threshold value. Alternatively or additionally, one or more additional threshold values may be provided, calculated, or obtained from the at least one threshold value to evaluate the drive state. One or more of the threshold values or additional threshold values may, for example, be mutually compared with the drive state and/or one or more drive state variables obtained therefrom.

As noted above, at least one threshold value may be associated with or related to at least one device function. For example, the threshold value may be related to the heating of the aerosol-generating article, substrate, and/or heating element, such as during one or more use sessions or during one or more pause modes, as described in more detail below.

In a non-limiting example, at least one threshold value may describe and/or indicate one or more criteria, specified criteria, requirements, and/or preconditions for performing one or more device functions associated with the at least one threshold value. In other words, at least one threshold value may reflect or encode one or more criteria, one or more requirements, and/or mandatory preconditions that must be met to perform at least one device function and/or to enable at least one device function, for example, to allow the user to perform at least one device function.

In one example, at least one threshold value may indicate and/or be related to the energy consumption of the aerosol-generating device to perform or execute one or more functions of the device. For example, at least one threshold value may indicate and/or be related to the amount of energy required to perform one or more functions of the device. Alternatively or additionally, at least one threshold value may be related to the energy consumption to perform one or more functions of the device.

In one example, at least one threshold value may be related to and/or indicative of the amount of energy required to perform the primary heating function of the aerosol-generating device during one or more use sessions. Alternatively or additionally, at least one threshold value may be related to and/or indicative of the amount of energy required to heat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article to or above a predetermined heating temperature during or over one or more use sessions. Alternatively or additionally, at least one threshold value may be related to and/or indicative of the amount of energy required to perform one or more auxiliary functions of the device.

Alternatively or additionally, at least one threshold value associated with at least one device function may be associated with one or more characteristics and/or indicate one or more characteristics of the energy storage device. For example, at least one threshold value may indicate one or more predetermined criteria that the energy storage device must meet in order to activate at least one device function.

In one example, a certain state of the energy storage device may include at least one of a current energy level for electrical energy stored in the energy storage device and a state of health of the energy storage device, indicating the amount of electrical energy currently capable of being stored in the energy storage device. For example, the current energy level may relate to or indicate the current state of charge of the energy storage device. The state of charge may also be referred to herein as the state of charge. Furthermore, the energy capable of being stored in the energy storage device may be related to or indicated by the current capacity or storage capacity of the energy storage device. Accordingly, the state of the energy storage device may indicate one or both of the current state of charge of the energy storage device and the storage capacity of the energy storage device.

If necessary, the storage state may include one or more storage variables or storage state variables, such as one indicating the current state of charge of the energy storage device and another indicating the storage capacity of the energy storage device.

In particular, when an aerosol-generating device is frequently used or operated to generate an aerosol, the quality or performance of the energy storage device, which may relate to or indicate its ability to store electrical energy, may decline over time. This effect may also be referred to as aging or the aging effect of the energy storage device. By assessing the state of the device, the aging effect of the energy storage device can be comprehensively considered for energy management, which may further improve overall energy efficiency. Furthermore, by taking the aging effect into account, the composition of the device's functions available to the user can be dynamically adjusted according to the performance or condition of the energy storage device.

Furthermore, limitations in the energy storage capacity and/or frequent use of the aerosol-generating device over one or more use sessions may result in frequent charging and discharging of the energy storage device. Potentially, such frequent charging and discharging of the energy storage device could negatively impact the energy storage device's performance, and its ability to store electrical energy could potentially decline over time. After a certain operating time or lifespan of the energy storage device, the aerosol-generating device, or at least the energy storage device, may be replaced. By assessing the condition of the energy storage device, excessive charging and/or discharging can also be reduced or avoided, which may extend the operating time of the energy storage device and the aerosol-generating device.

It should be noted that in the context of the present disclosure, the terms "energy" and "capacity" of an energy storage device may be used interchangeably and/or may be converted into each other. For example, an energy value, such as one given in Wh or mWh, may be calculated based on the capacity of the energy storage device, such as one given in Ah or mAh, multiplied by the nominal voltage of the energy storage device.

According to one example, assessing a determined state of the energy storage device may include comparing the determined state of the energy storage device to at least one threshold value. Optionally, the at least one threshold value may indicate a threshold state of the energy storage device. For example, the at least one threshold value may indicate a threshold or minimum amount of electrical energy currently stored in the energy storage device. Alternatively, or additionally, the at least one threshold value may indicate a threshold value or minimum state of charge of the energy storage device.

For example, after the control circuit determines that the drive state reaches or exceeds at least one threshold, the control circuit may enable at least one device function for execution, for example, by the user. Alternatively, or additionally, after determining that the drive state is below at least one threshold, the control circuit may disable at least one device function for execution, for example, by the user.

Alternatively, after the control circuit determines that the drive state reaches or exceeds at least one threshold, the control circuit may disable at least one device function for execution, for example, by a user. Alternatively, or additionally, after determining that the drive state is below at least one threshold, the control circuit may enable at least one device function for execution, for example, by a user.

In one example, at least one threshold value may indicate a threshold energy or an amount of energy required to operate the aerosol-generating device during at least one use session to generate an inhalable aerosol based on heating the aerosol-generating article, in particular to a temperature equal to or exceeding a predetermined heating temperature, to generate the aerosol. Alternatively or additionally, at least one threshold value may indicate a threshold energy or an amount of energy required to perform the primary heating function of the aerosol-generating device. Based on an assessment of the state of the accumulator with such a threshold energy, it can be reliably determined whether the amount of energy currently stored in the energy accumulator is sufficient to complete at least one use session and/or sufficient to allow the user to sense or consume at least one aerosol-generating article during one or more use sessions.

For example, the accumulator state may indicate the current state of charge, and the control circuit may be configured to compare the accumulator state with a threshold value, which may indicate a threshold energy or an amount of energy required to operate the aerosol-generating device during at least one use session to generate an inhalable aerosol based on the heating of the aerosol-generating article, in particular a temperature equal to or exceeding a predetermined heating temperature, for generating the aerosol. After determining that the accumulator state or the state of charge indicated by the accumulator state reaches or exceeds the threshold value, at least one function of the device, such as the primary heating function, may be enabled. Alternatively or additionally, after determining that the accumulator state or the state of charge indicated by the accumulator state is below the threshold value, at least one function of the device, such as the primary heating function, may be disabled. Accordingly, in the latter case, the user may be prevented from using the aerosol-generating device to generate an aerosol during one or more use sessions.

In an exemplary embodiment, the control circuit may be configured to activate at least one function of the device after determining, based on the evaluation performed, that the current energy level of electrical energy stored and/or storable in the energy accumulator is sufficient to operate the aerosol-generating device during at least one use session for generating an inhalable aerosol based on heating the aerosol-generating article to a temperature equal to or exceeding a predetermined heating temperature for generating the aerosol. Accordingly, the control circuit may be configured to determine, based on the evaluation performed, whether the amount of energy currently stored in the energy accumulator is sufficient to complete one or more use sessions.

In an additional example, at least one threshold value may indicate a threshold energy required to perform the primary heating function of the aerosol-generating device during at least one use session, wherein the primary heating function includes supplying electrical energy to at least one heating element to heat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article to a temperature equal to or exceeding a predetermined heating temperature to generate an aerosol. Alternatively or additionally, the control circuit may be configured to activate the primary heating function after determining, based on the evaluation, that the current energy level for the electrical energy stored and/or storable in the energy accumulator is sufficient to perform the primary heating function during at least one use session to generate an inhalable aerosol. Accordingly, the primary heating function may be activated by the control circuit only if the energy stored and/or capable of being stored in the energy storage device is sufficient to perform the primary function at least once during at least one use session, for example, using at least one aerosol generating article.

If necessary, in response to determining that the energy stored in the energy accumulator is sufficient to perform the primary heating function during one or more usage sessions, for example, using one or more aerosol-generating articles, the control circuit may indicate to the user the availability of one or more usage sessions, for example, based on the activation of one or more user interfaces of the aerosol-generating device, such as a control light, one or more LEDs, or a display.

Furthermore, if necessary, the control circuit may be configured to determine, based on the evaluation, the number of usage sessions and/or the number of times the primary function may be performed before recharging the energy storage device, respectively, with a fully charged energy storage device. If necessary, the number of usage sessions or sensory experiences of the aerosol-generating product available to the user may be indicated and/or notified to the user, for example, based on the activation of one or more user interfaces of the aerosol-generating device.

In an exemplary embodiment, at least one threshold value may indicate a threshold energy required to terminate the current usage session for generating an inhalable aerosol based on heating the aerosol-generating article, in particular to a temperature equal to or exceeding a predetermined heating temperature, for generating the aerosol. The current usage session may refer to a currently ongoing usage session or a usage session that has already been started or initiated by the user. Accordingly, the control circuit may be configured to determine during the current usage session whether sufficient energy is stored in the energy accumulator to terminate the usage session. The control circuit may, if necessary, indicate and/or notify the user of the possibility or impossibility of terminating the current usage, for example, based on the activation of one or more user interfaces of the device.

Alternatively or additionally, at least one threshold value may indicate the threshold energy required to complete a predetermined number of usage sessions for generating an inhalable aerosol based on heating the aerosol-generating article to a temperature equal to or exceeding the predetermined heating temperature for generating the aerosol. The predetermined number of usage sessions may indicate the maximum number of usage sessions that can be completed with the amount of energy currently stored in the energy storage device, for example, before recharging the energy storage device and/or after charging the energy storage device. It should be noted that after charging the energy storage device may refer to "after the last charging of the energy storage device" or "between two consecutive charging events," or may be used synonymously herein. Alternatively or additionally, the predetermined number of usage sessions may indicate the number of usage sessions that can be completed by the device or are available to the user with a full charge of the energy storage device and/or with a fully charged energy storage device. Alternatively or additionally, the predetermined number of use sessions may indicate, describe, and/or represent the number of use sessions in which the aerosol-generating device is operational or capable of operation before the next, subsequent, or consecutive charging event. Alternatively or additionally, the predetermined number of use sessions may indicate, describe, and/or represent the number of use sessions in which the aerosol-generating device is operational or capable of operation with a charged or fully charged energy storage device and/or between two consecutive charging events.

It should be noted that a fully charged energy storage device or a fully charged energy storage device may refer to or designate an energy storage device that has been charged to its maximum energy capacity, such that the maximum amount of electrical energy is stored in the energy storage device. The maximum energy capacity, also referred to herein as storage capacity or energy storage device capacity, may be determined by the physical or chemical limits of the energy storage device. Alternatively, or additionally, the maximum energy capacity may be determined by the corresponding configuration of the energy storage device.

If necessary, the control scheme may indicate to the user a specified number of sessions and/or notify the user about them, for example, based on one or more user interfaces.

For example, the specified number of use sessions may be at least one use session, preferably at least two use sessions, at least three use sessions, at least four use sessions, or even more use sessions. Alternatively, to generate an aerosol over at least one, two, three, four, or even more use sessions, the user may use a minimum of one, two, three, four, or even more aerosol-generating articles.

In one example, the control circuit may be configured to enable at least one function of the device, such as a primary heating function and/or one or more auxiliary functions of the device, after determining, based on the assessment made, that the current energy level for electrical energy stored and/or the storage of which is possible in the energy accumulator is sufficient to complete the current usage session and/or to complete a predetermined number of usage sessions for generating an inhalable aerosol based on heating the aerosol-generating article to a temperature equal to or exceeding a predetermined heating temperature for generating the aerosol. Alternatively or additionally, the control circuit may be configured to disable at least one function of the device, such as the primary heating function or one or more auxiliary functions of the device, after determining, based on the assessment made, that the current energy level for electrical energy stored and/or the conservation of which is possible in the energy accumulator is insufficient to complete the current usage session and/or to complete a predetermined number of usage sessions for generating an inhalable aerosol based on heating the aerosol-generating article to a temperature equal to or exceeding a predetermined heating temperature for generating the aerosol.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a heating circuit and/or a heating device, which can operate in at least two operating modes—an aerosol release mode and a pause mode. Accordingly, the aerosol-generating device can operate in at least two operating modes. The heating circuit may be part of the control circuit or may be provided by it. The aerosol-generating device, the heating circuit, and/or the control circuit may be configured to heat the heating element, the aerosol-generating article, and/or the substrate at a first temperature level in the aerosol release mode. The first temperature level may correspond to a predetermined heating temperature or a temperature higher. The aerosol-generating device may be further configured to heat the heating element, the aerosol-generating article, and/or the substrate at a second temperature level below the first temperature level in the pause mode of the aerosol-generating device. The second temperature level may, for example, relate to a temperature above room temperature and below the first temperature level.

In another example, at least one threshold value may indicate a threshold energy required to operate the aerosol generating device during at least one pause of use in a pause mode that interrupts a use session.

A user session or perception of a sensation, also referred to herein as the perception of a sensation from an aerosol-generating article, may be interrupted, for example, by switching the device to a pause mode, and resumed by the user later. In this case, the aerosol-generating article or substrate is maintained in the pause mode of the aerosol-generating device at a temperature below the first temperature level and/or below the predetermined heating temperature used during normal use of the device (in particular, during the user perception of a sensation or a usage session), but still above or significantly above room temperature. That is, the second temperature level may preferably be selected so as to avoid deterioration of the quality of the unused substrate or aerosol-generating article. In particular, the second temperature level may be selected so as to be low enough to minimize the consumption of the substrate or article in the pause mode, and at the same time high enough to avoid condensation of steam in the device, which could otherwise affect the quality of the unused substrate or aerosol-generating article.

During use of the device, in particular when it is necessary to perform the perception of a sensation by the user or a usage session, the heating element, the heating circuit and/or the heating device may operate in the aerosol release mode, whereas during a pause in the use of the device, i.e. when the perception of a sensation by the user or a usage session should not occur, and/or when the usage session is interrupted by a pause, the aerosol-generating device may operate in the pause mode. During both the aerosol release mode and the pause mode of the aerosol-generating device, the heating element, the heating circuit and/or the heating device may be in operation, in particular in the heating operation, although at different temperature levels, namely at a first temperature level during the aerosol release mode, which may be selected high enough to generate the aerosol, and at a second temperature level below the first temperature level during the pause mode, which may be selected low enough to minimize the consumption of the substrate, while avoiding the deterioration of its properties.

Depending on the type and composition of the specific aerosol-generating article or substrate to be used with the device, the first temperature level may range from 250 degrees Celsius to 450 degrees Celsius, in particular from 270 degrees Celsius to 430 degrees Celsius, and more specifically from 315 degrees Celsius to 355 degrees Celsius. These temperatures may be suitable operating temperatures or heating temperatures sufficient to ensure the release of volatile compounds from the aerosol-generating article or substrate, for example, during one or more use sessions and/or when the device is operating in aerosol-release mode. For example, the first temperature level and/or heating temperature for liquid aerosol-generating articles or substrates may be lower than the first temperature level for solid aerosol-generating articles or substrates.

In general, the second temperature level can be selected to maintain the usability of the aerosol-generating article or substrate for an extended period of time. The second temperature level may also depend on the type and composition of the aerosol-generating article or substrate to be used with the device. Accordingly, the second temperature level can range from 175 degrees Celsius to 225 degrees Celsius, in particular from 185 degrees Celsius to 215 degrees Celsius, and more specifically from 195 degrees Celsius to 205 degrees Celsius. These temperatures are low enough to minimize substrate consumption during the pause mode, yet high enough to prevent vapor condensation within the device, which could degrade the quality of the aerosol-generating article or substrate.

In order to avoid condensation effects in the device, in particular to avoid condensation of substances in the article or aerosol-forming substrate, the second temperature level may be at least 150 degrees Celsius, in particular at least 175 degrees Celsius, preferably at least 185 degrees Celsius, more preferably at least 195 degrees Celsius.

Conversely, to minimize substrate or product consumption during the pause mode, the second temperature level may be no more than 220 degrees Celsius, in particular no more than 225 degrees Celsius, preferably no more than 215 degrees Celsius, and more preferably at least 205 degrees Celsius. In particular, the second temperature level may be selected to reduce aerosol formation by at least 50 percent compared to the aerosol release mode.

In relative terms, the second temperature level may be lower than the first temperature level, for example, by at least 50 degrees Celsius, in particular at least 75 degrees Celsius, more in particular at least 100 degrees Celsius.

The above temperature values preferably represent average temperatures of the aerosol-generating article or substrate during device operation. Furthermore, as already mentioned, the temperature values may depend, among other things, on the type and composition of the aerosol-generating article or substrate to be used with the device.

As used herein, the "pause mode" may refer to a first mode of operation of an aerosol-generating device, in which the heating element, heating circuit, and/or heating device may operate during a pause in operation, i.e., a pause in the use of the aerosol-generating device. This pause refers to when the user's perception of a sensation or use session is suspended, and aerosol release may not occur or may at least be reduced to a minimum level. In other words, in the pause mode, the aerosol-generating device is in a pause in use.

Conversely, the aerosol release mode may refer to a second mode of operation of the aerosol-generating device, which is an operating mode with normal heating of the heating element, circuit, and/or aerosol-generating device, in which the heating element, heating circuit, and/or heating device may operate during user use of the device, i.e., during the user's perception of a sensation or a usage session, in particular, when aerosol generation occurs. Generally, aerosol generation may occur continuously or on-demand, in particular, puff-based, i.e., upon the user's demand to perform a puff.

The aerosol-generating device may optionally comprise at least one sensor configured to output a sensor signal indicating whether the device is being operated by a user (i.e., being used by the user) or is in a pause (i.e., a pause in use). Advantageously, such a sensor can facilitate automatic detection of whether the heating element can be switched to a pause mode, since the device is not currently being used and, therefore, there is a pause in operation (i.e., a pause in use). Thus, aerosol generation can be stopped in a timely manner to avoid continued, but unwanted, consumption of the aerosol-forming substrate. Similarly, such a sensor can facilitate automatic detection of whether the heating element should be switched back to aerosol release mode (i.e., back to normal heating mode for aerosol generation) when the user wishes to resume the user experience or use session.

In one example, the control circuit may be configured to switch and/or configure the aerosol generating device into an aerosol release mode or a pause mode based on an evaluation of the determined state of the accumulator relative to at least one threshold value.

For example, the control circuit may be configured to connect and/or enable at least one function of the device after determining, based on the assessment made, that the current energy level of the electrical energy stored and/or storable in the energy accumulator is sufficient to operate the aerosol generating device during at least one pause of use in the pause mode that interrupts the use session.

In an exemplary embodiment, at least one threshold value may indicate and/or be related to a threshold energy required to perform at least one auxiliary device function for an aerosol-generating device. Alternatively or additionally, the control circuit may be configured to connect and/or enable at least one auxiliary device function after determining, based on the evaluation performed, that the current energy level of the electrical energy stored and/or capable of being stored in the energy accumulator is sufficient to perform at least one auxiliary device function for the aerosol-generating device. Accordingly, the state of the accumulator may be analyzed in terms of whether it stores sufficient energy to perform or complete at least one auxiliary device function. If the energy stored and/or capable of being stored in the energy accumulator is sufficient to perform the auxiliary device function, the function may be connected or activated. Consequently, the range of functions or functionalities available to the user may be expanded or increased. Alternatively or additionally, after determining that the energy stored and/or the conservation of which is possible in the energy storage device is insufficient to perform or complete the auxiliary function of the device, said function may be prevented, disabled and/or deactivated, for example, in such a way that it cannot be initiated by the user, and/or in such a way that it is not available to the user.

In one example, the auxiliary function of the device may be unrelated to heating and/or different from heating the aerosol-generating device during a usage session for generating the aerosol, such as heating the aerosol-generating article to a temperature equal to or exceeding a predetermined heating temperature to generate the aerosol. Alternatively, or additionally, the auxiliary function of the device may be associated with a pause mode that interrupts a usage session.

In yet another example, at least one function of the device may include at least one of a primary heating function of the aerosol-generating device for generating an aerosol during at least one use session based on heating the aerosol-generating article to a temperature equal to or exceeding a predetermined heating temperature for generating the aerosol, and at least one auxiliary function of the aerosol-generating device that is different from the primary heating function. In other words, at least one function of the device, with which at least one threshold value may be associated and/or which may be enabled or disabled by the control circuit based on the evaluation of the state of the accumulator, may relate to one or both or include one or both of the primary heating function and the auxiliary function of the device that is different from the primary function of the device. For example, the control circuit may evaluate the state of the accumulator at least in terms of the primary heating function, and, if necessary, in terms of one or more auxiliary functions of the device.

For example, the auxiliary function of the device may include one or more of operating the aerosol-generating device at a reduced power consumption relative to operation during a usage session or in an aerosol release mode for generating an aerosol, heating at least one heating element and/or the aerosol-generating article to a temperature below a heating temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol, heating at least one heating element and/or the aerosol-generating article to a temperature above room temperature and below a heating temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol, heating at least one heating element and/or the aerosol-generating article to a temperature above room temperature and below a heating temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol for a predetermined period of time, such as during a pause in use, activating or deactivating the haptic control of the aerosol-generating device, activating or deactivating one or more user interfaces of the aerosol-generating device, operating the user interface of the aerosol-generating device, operating the communication circuit of the device, An aerosol-generating device, for connecting the aerosol-generating device to a computing device or a receiving device, for operating a sensor of the aerosol-generating device, and for operating a biometric sensor of the aerosol-generating device to authenticate a user. The operation may include one or more of actuation, connection, disconnection, activation, and deactivation. In general, any function of the device other than the primary heating function may be considered or referred to as an auxiliary function of the device in the context of the present disclosure.

In an exemplary embodiment, at least one threshold value may be related to the threshold energy required for a) performing the primary heating function of the aerosol-generating device during at least one session of use for generating an aerosol, and b) performing an auxiliary function of the device, different from, different from and/or not related to the primary heating function of the aerosol-generating device. In other words, at least one threshold value may indicate the energy consumption during the performance of both the primary heating function and at least one auxiliary function of the device. It should be noted that two threshold values may also be used - a first threshold value indicating the energy required to perform the primary heating function of the aerosol-generating device during at least one session of use for generating an aerosol, and a second threshold value indicating the energy required to perform the auxiliary function of the device.

If necessary, at least one threshold value may be related to a threshold energy required for operation of the aerosol generating device, a) during at least one session of use in an aerosol release mode generating an inhalable aerosol, based on heating of the aerosol generating article to a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined heating temperature, and b) during a pause of use in a pause mode interrupting at least one session of use. Alternatively or additionally, the control circuit may be configured to connect a) the primary heating function of the aerosol-generating device during at least one session of use for generating an aerosol based on heating the heating element, article and/or substrate to a temperature equal to or exceeding a predetermined heating temperature, and b) at least one auxiliary function of the aerosol-generating device, different from, distinct from and/or not associated with the primary heating function, after determining, based on the assessment made, that the current energy level for electrical energy stored and/or the storage of which is possible in the energy accumulator is sufficient to perform the primary heating function and at least one auxiliary function of the device for the aerosol-generating device. Alternatively or additionally, after determining, based on the assessment made, that the current energy level for electrical energy stored and/or the preservation of which is possible in the energy storage device is insufficient to perform the primary heating function and at least one auxiliary function of the device for the aerosol generating device, the control circuit may disable or prevent one or both of the primary heating function and at least one auxiliary function of the device.

For example, at least one auxiliary function of the device may relate to and/or be associated with heating the heating element, the aerosol-generating article, and/or the substrate to a second temperature level or a second temperature during a pause mode or a pause in use of the device, wherein the second temperature level may be above room temperature and below the predetermined heating temperature or the first temperature level. Accordingly, the control circuit may reliably determine whether the energy storage device has accumulated sufficient electrical energy to perform the primary heating function during one or more use sessions and to perform at least one pause in use, interrupting one or more use sessions. Overall, this may allow for a reliable determination of whether the device can operate during one or more pauses in use. Furthermore, operation of the device in the pause mode may be dynamically permitted or prevented depending on the state of the energy storage device. In turn, the number of use sessions may be maximized for the user, for example, based on preventing the pause mode and/or at least one auxiliary function of the device.

In an exemplary embodiment, the control circuit may be configured to initiate or request a recharge of the energy storage device based on an evaluation of a determined state of the device relative to at least one threshold value. For example, after determining that an insufficient amount of energy is stored and/or can be stored in the energy storage device, the control circuit may repeatedly request the user to recharge the energy storage device, for example, to a predetermined state of charge or to the maximum state of charge of the energy storage device. Accordingly, initiating the recharge of the energy storage device may include indicating to the user, for example, based on the activation of one or more user interfaces, that the device should be recharged. Alternatively, or additionally, initiating the recharge may include placing the device in an inactive state for further use.

In one example, at least one threshold value may indicate a proportion of the current maximum capacity of the energy storage device, in particular from approximately 70% to approximately 100% of the current maximum capacity, preferably at least approximately 90% of the current maximum capacity. As noted above, as an alternative to or in addition to the capacity threshold value, one or more corresponding energy threshold values may be used.

For example, the primary heating function and, if necessary, one or more auxiliary functions of the device may be activated after the control circuit determines that the current capacity of the energy storage device, its state of charge, and/or the amount of energy stored therein equals or corresponds to at least 70%, at least 80%, or at least 90% of the current maximum capacity of the energy storage device. The current maximum capacity of the energy storage device may indicate the maximum amount of electrical energy that can currently be stored in the energy storage device. For example, due to the aging effects of the energy storage device, the current maximum capacity may be equal to or lower than the initial or nominal capacity of the energy storage device. The latter may, for example, refer to the capacity of the device without the effects of aging.

In one example, determining the state of the energy storage device may include determining the current energy level of electrical energy stored and/or storable in the energy storage device relative to the current maximum energy capacity. The current energy level of the stored electrical energy may indicate the current state of charge of the energy storage device. Alternatively, or additionally, the current energy level of storable electrical energy may indicate the current capacity, the capacity of the energy storage device, and/or the current maximum capacity of the energy storage device.

The control circuit may be configured to determine the current maximum capacity of the energy storage device. Alternatively or additionally, the control circuit may be configured to determine the initial maximum capacity and/or the initial storage capacity of the energy storage device. If necessary, the control circuit may be configured to determine a relative percentage or fraction of the current maximum capacity relative to the initial maximum capacity of the energy storage device.

In one example, at least one threshold value may indicate a proportion of the initial maximum capacity of the energy storage device, in particular from approximately 35% to approximately 75% of the initial maximum capacity. For example, if the control circuit determines that the current maximum capacity or the current storage capacity of the energy storage device falls below the specified proportion of the initial maximum capacity or the initial storage capacity indicated by the threshold value, one or both of the primary heating function and at least one auxiliary function of the device, such as the pause mode, may be disabled.

Alternatively or additionally, at least one threshold value may indicate whether the energy storage device has reached a predetermined state of charge during a previous charging event, in particular a constant voltage state of approximately 3 to 5 V, such as approximately 3.4 V to approximately 3.9 V, in particular a charging voltage of approximately 3.65 V. Overall, this may allow the amount of electrical energy currently stored in the energy storage device to be determined.

If necessary, the control circuit may be configured to determine whether the energy storage device was charged to a predetermined state of charge during a previous charging event. As noted above, the predetermined state of charge may refer to a DC voltage of approximately 3 to 5 V, such as approximately 3.4 V to approximately 3.9 V, in particular approximately 3.65 V. Based on the determination of the state of charge achieved during the previous charging event, the control circuit may determine the amount of electrical energy currently stored in the energy storage device and, therefore, available for one or more functions of the device.

It should be noted that any other characteristic of the previous charging event may be used to estimate the amount of energy stored in the energy storage device. For example, the charging current profile (or charging current versus charging time) may be used. Alternatively, or additionally, the charging time may be used. For example, the control circuit may be configured to determine whether the energy storage device was charged within a specified charging time, in accordance with a specified charging profile, and/or with a specified charging current during the previous charging event. As used herein, a charging event may refer to the period of time during which electrical energy is supplied to the energy storage device from an energy source and/or from an additional device of the aerosol generating system.

In the exemplary embodiment, determining the state of the storage device may include determining the operational state of the energy storage device. Alternatively or additionally, the control circuit may be configured to determine the operational state of the energy storage device. Alternatively or additionally, determining the state of the storage device may include determining the age of the energy storage device.

As used herein, the energy storage device's health status may indicate the maximum energy and/or be related to the maximum energy that can currently be stored in the energy storage device, the current maximum capacity, and/or the current storage capacity of the energy storage device. For example, due to frequent charging and discharging of the energy storage device, the energy storage device's health status may deteriorate over time, which is also referred to as the age effect or aging of the energy storage device. Accordingly, determining the health status or health status of the energy storage device may include determining the current or the actual maximum capacity of the energy storage device. Determining the health status of the energy storage device can generally ensure energy management that takes into account the aging of the energy storage device, thereby ensuring more accurate and efficient energy management. Furthermore, the user's usability of the device may be improved, for example, in terms of maximizing the number of usage sessions that the user can use the device with before recharging the energy storage device and/or with a fully charged energy storage device.

In the exemplary configuration, at least one threshold value may indicate a threshold health state and/or a threshold age of the energy storage device. Accordingly, assessing the state of the energy storage device relative to the threshold value may include analyzing the energy storage device in terms of its health state. Furthermore, at least one device function may be enabled or disabled depending on the determined and assessed health state.

In one example, the control circuit may be configured to determine the health state of the energy storage device based on determining one or more of the current maximum capacity of the energy storage device, the current maximum capacity of the energy storage device relative to the initial maximum capacity of the energy storage device, the number of use sessions during which the aerosol generating device was used to generate the aerosol, the operating time during which the aerosol generating device was operated or used to generate the aerosol, charging data related to charging the energy storage device during one or more charging cycles, and the total energy consumption of the aerosol generating device. Alternatively or additionally, the control circuit may be configured to determine and/or monitor one or more of the current maximum capacity of the energy storage device, the initial maximum capacity of the energy storage device, the current maximum capacity of the energy storage device relative to the initial maximum capacity of the energy storage device, the number of use sessions during which the aerosol generating device has been used to generate an aerosol, for example, since the energy storage device was last charged, the operating time during which the aerosol generating device has been operated to generate an aerosol, charging data related to charging the energy storage device during one or more charging cycles, and the total energy consumption of the aerosol generating device. Any one or more of these quantities may be used to reliably determine, evaluate, and/or calculate the health state.

In another exemplary embodiment, determining the state of the storage device may include determining a current maximum capacity and/or a current storage capacity for the energy storage device, indicating the maximum amount of energy that can be stored in the energy storage device, and determining a current energy level or amount of electrical energy currently stored in the energy storage device.

If necessary, at least one threshold value may include a first threshold value for the current energy level, state of charge and/or amount of energy available in the energy storage device, and a second threshold value for the current maximum capacity of the energy storage device, indicating the maximum amount of energy that can currently be stored in the energy storage device, wherein the control circuit may be configured to compare the determined current energy level with the first threshold value and to compare the determined current maximum capacity of the energy storage device with the second threshold value.

Taking into account the storage capacity, or the amount of energy that can theoretically be stored (e.g., the theoretical storage capacity, of an energy storage device), as well as the actual state of charge of the energy storage device, can enable comprehensive energy management. In turn, the device's functionality can be precisely tailored to the user's specific needs. For example, the number of use sessions or sensory experiences can be maximized by disabling one or more auxiliary device functions, or limited by disabling the primary heating function.

In another exemplary embodiment, the at least one threshold value includes a first threshold value for a current energy level or amount of energy available in the energy storage device and a second threshold value for a current maximum capacity of the energy storage device indicating the maximum amount of energy that can currently be stored in the energy storage device, wherein the control circuit may be configured to compare the determined current energy level with the first threshold value and to compare the determined current maximum capacity of the energy storage device with the second threshold value.

In another exemplary embodiment, at least one threshold value may be adjustable and/or variable. Alternatively or additionally, the control circuit may be configured to adjust, change, replace, modify, exchange, and/or vary at least one threshold value.

For example, at least one threshold value can be adjusted by the control circuit based on or in accordance with the user's specific needs or requirements. For example, the number of usage sessions and/or pauses available to or initiated by the user can be optimized, e.g., maximized. Alternatively, or additionally, the number of usage sessions can be specified by the user. Consequently, the versatility and flexibility of the device can be increased.

In one example, the control circuit may be configured to adjust, adapt, and/or change at least one threshold value based on historical data indicating past or previous use of the aerosol-generating device and/or indicating the user's consumption behavior. In one example, the control circuit may be configured to determine and/or obtain the user's consumption behavior based on the historical data.

It has been discovered that different users may have different consumption behaviors, which may, for example, relate to consumption time or be defined as the consumption time for one or more use sessions and/or the duration of one or more use sessions during which the heating element, aerosol-generating article, and/or substrate may be heated to a temperature equal to or exceeding the set heating temperature. Consequently, the energy required or consumed by the user per use session may vary from user to user. Such different consumption behaviors can be reflected in an adjustable threshold value, and energy management can therefore be precisely tailored to the consumption behavior of a specific user.

The exemplary users may consume, for example, less than approximately 100 mAh, in particular less than approximately 95 mAh, such as from approximately 60 mAh to approximately 85 mAh, of energy per usage session and/or per aerosol-generating article. If a fixed threshold value for the maximum amount of energy stored and/or conserved in the energy accumulator were used, such users would have to wait longer for charging than is actually necessary to perceive the sensation during the next usage session. In other words, some users, in particular those whose consumption behavior requires less energy per usage session, may be forced to recharge the energy accumulator when a fixed threshold value was used, although the energy accumulator may still store enough energy to complete one or more usage sessions. Such scenarios can be effectively prevented or avoided by adjusting the threshold value. In other words, an adjustable or variable threshold value can allow for flexible handling of the different needs of different users.

Furthermore, when using a fixed threshold, the user may not be allowed to pause between puffs and/or during a use session. By adjusting the threshold, the user can flexibly control the device, for example, between puffs and/or during a use session. Overall, the device's functionality and user experience can be improved.

The aerosol-generating device may optionally include data storage or memory. For example, archived data may be stored in the data storage. Alternatively, or additionally, the archived data may be stored on a computing device, such as a server, server network, or mobile device, capable of communicating with the aerosol-generating device, such as via the aerosol-generating device's communication circuitry.

As used herein, a computing device may refer to any device or apparatus with data processing capabilities, such as a server, server network, mobile device, smartphone, tablet, smart device, or smart wearable device. A computing device may be capable of communicating or transmitting data, such as wirelessly or wired, to an aerosol-generating device. Accordingly, a computing device may include an interface or communication circuit configured to transmit data, such as historical data or other data, to the aerosol-generating device.

In general, historical data may indicate a user's consumption behavior over one or more usage sessions. Specifically, historical data may store data related to one or more usage sessions. For example, historical data may store one or more of the following: start time, stop time, duration, energy consumption, number of puffs during a usage session, total number of puffs, number of sensation perceptions, number of usage sessions, number of aerosol-generating products used, and other information related to one or more usage sessions.

Alternatively or additionally, the historical data may contain data related to or indicating one or more pauses in use and/or device operation in pause mode. For example, the historical data may store the start time, stop time, and/or duration of one or more pauses in use. Alternatively or additionally, the historical data may store the energy consumption during one or more pauses in use.

Alternatively or additionally, the historical data may contain data relating to energy and/or indicative of energy consumed to perform one or more functions of the device.

In one example, the control circuit may be configured to calculate, based on historical data indicating the operation of the aerosol-generating device for generating an aerosol, the amount of energy used during one usage session, and to adjust at least one threshold value based on the determined amount of energy used during this one usage session. If necessary, the determined amount of energy used during one usage session may correspond to at least one threshold value and/or be used as it. In general, the energy used during one usage session may refer to the energy actually used in a real usage session. Alternatively or additionally, the energy used during one usage session may refer to or designate an average or mean value of the energy used or consumed during a usage session. It should be noted that the energy used during one usage session may substantially correspond to the energy required to perform the primary heating function of the aerosol-generating device during one usage session.

In yet another example, at least one threshold value may indicate a threshold energy or a threshold energy value required to operate the aerosol generating device during at least one usage session to generate an inhalable aerosol based on heating the heating element, the aerosol generating article, and/or the substrate to a temperature equal to or exceeding a predetermined heating temperature, preferably wherein the at least one threshold value may be less than about 100 mAh, such as less than about 95 mAh, preferably from about 60 mAh to 85 mAh. Typical devices currently in use may have a fixed threshold value of approximately 100 mAh or even more. Therefore, by lowering the threshold value, the user may be provided with more usage sessions or sensation perceptions before recharging the energy storage device and/or with a fully charged energy storage device.

In another example, the control circuit may be configured to determine, based on historical data indicating the operation of the aerosol-generating device to generate an aerosol, the maximum number of use sessions during which the aerosol-generating device is usable or can be used with a fully charged energy storage device, per charge of the energy storage device, since the energy storage device was last charged, and/or between two consecutive charging events. Furthermore, the control circuit may be configured to adjust at least one threshold value based on the determined maximum number of use sessions. Accordingly, the control circuit may analyze the historical data and calculate and/or estimate the maximum number of use sessions.

If necessary, the maximum number of usage sessions may be indicated and/or notified to the user, for example, based on the activation, operation control of one or more user interfaces, and/or control of one or more user interfaces. Alternatively or additionally, the control circuit may be configured to indicate to the user a certain maximum number of usage sessions based on the user interface control of the aerosol-generating device. For example, a series of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) may be turned on or off in accordance with the maximum number of usage sessions, or other notification means may be used instead or in addition.

Alternatively or additionally, the currently available number of usage sessions, for example depending on the amount of energy currently stored in the energy storage device, may be indicated and/or notified to the user, for example based on the activation of one or more user interfaces.

In an additional example, the control circuit may be configured to determine the maximum number of pause modes or usage pauses that can be activated by a user with a fully charged energy storage device after the energy storage device has been charged for the last time, based on the energy storage device's charge, between two consecutive charging events, and/or before recharging the energy storage device. If necessary, the number of pause modes or usage pauses may also be indicated and/or notified to the user, for example, based on the activation of one or more user interfaces.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the control circuit may be configured to enable and/or permit the use of the aerosol-generating device for a usage session for generating an aerosol based on heating the heating element, the aerosol-generating article, and/or the substrate to a temperature equal to or exceeding a predetermined heating temperature, for example, a subsequent usage session, regardless of the number of previous usage sessions during which the aerosol-generating device was used after the previous or last charging process. Accordingly, regardless of whether the device was used after the last or previous charging process during one or more usage sessions, the control circuit may enable or disable at least one function of the device, in particular the primary heating function. Consequently, the device may implement user-specific energy management.

Alternatively or additionally, at least one threshold value may be adjustable and/or changeable based on user input. Alternatively or additionally, at least one threshold value may be adjusted and/or changed based on user input. Alternatively or additionally, the control circuit may be configured to change and/or modify at least one threshold value based on user input. Such user input may, for example, be received via one or more user interfaces of the aerosol generating device. Alternatively or additionally, the user input may be received from an additional device of the aerosol generating system and/or from a computing device, such as a server or a mobile device, communicatively connected to the aerosol generating device. Accordingly, the threshold value may be modified by the user in accordance with his preferences or requirements. In addition, the user may have the ability to regulate his consumption behavior, for example, by limiting or reducing the number of usage sessions per fully charged energy storage device.

In one example, at least one threshold value may be adjustable or adjusted based on user input indicating the number of sensations per charge cycle, per charge, or per full charge of the energy storage device and/or indicating the duration of a single use session. As used herein, a charge cycle may refer to a cycle of fully charging the energy storage device and fully discharging the energy storage device. Accordingly, at least one threshold value may be adjustable or adjusted based on user input indicating the number of sensations or use sessions per full charge of the energy storage device and/or indicating the duration of a single use session. Accordingly, the user may modify or adjust the threshold value according to their preferences or requirements based on the provision of intuitive user input or information.

For example, the user may specify the duration of a single usage session and/or the number of usage sessions per fully charged energy storage device or per full charge of the energy storage device through one or more user inputs, and the control circuit may calculate a corresponding energy or capacity threshold. Based on an assessment of the determined state of the energy storage device with the calculated energy or capacity threshold, the user may be provided with a number of usage sessions per charge cycle and/or usage sessions of the user-specified duration.

Alternatively or additionally, the additional device and/or computing device configured to be connected for communicating with the aerosol generating device may calculate one or more threshold values based on user input and transmit a corresponding control signal indicating one or more threshold values to the aerosol generating device.

It should be noted that a fully charged energy storage device may refer to the energy storage device being charged to its current maximum capacity or state of charge, which may be determined by physical or chemical limitations of the energy storage device and/or a control circuit, for example, by configuring the energy storage device controller to limit the current maximum capacity or state of charge to a specific value. Alternatively or additionally, a fully discharged energy storage device may refer to an empty energy storage device, or to a current minimum capacity or minimum state of charge, which may be determined by physical or chemical limitations of the energy storage device and/or a control circuit, for example, by configuring the energy storage device controller to limit the current minimum capacity or state of charge to a specific value. Upon reaching the minimum capacity, the control circuit may request, initiate, and/or cause recharging of the energy storage device.

In an exemplary embodiment, the control circuit may be configured to calculate and/or generate at least one threshold value based on historical data collected in one or more past or previous usage sessions. For example, the aerosol generating device or the control circuit may be configured to store or record data related to the usage session during operation. For example, one or more of the start time, stop time, duration, energy consumption, decrease in the amount of energy stored in the energy storage device, decrease in the capacity of the energy storage device, temperature, temperature profile, an indication of interruption of the usage session by a pause mode, the number of pause modes or usage pauses during the usage session, or other information, such as information related to charging the energy storage device, may be stored or recorded by the control circuit for one or more past or previous usage sessions. The historical data may, for example, be stored in a data storage of the aerosol generating device. Alternatively or additionally, the archived data may be transmitted to one or more of an additional device and a computing device, such as a server or a mobile device, capable of being connected to communicate with the aerosol-generating device. The archived data may contain one or more data elements related to one or more usage sessions and/or one or more usage pauses or one or more pause modes.

The control circuit may also be configured to process and/or analyze one or more data elements from the historical data and determine one or more threshold values for assessing the state of the energy storage device. For example, one or more threshold values related to energy consumption per usage session and/or capacity change per usage session may be determined by the control circuit. Consequently, the user's consumption behavior, as reflected in the historical data, may be used to dynamically adjust at least one threshold value and/or to adapt the number of usage sessions provided to the user per fully charged energy storage device.

In one example, the control circuit may be configured to determine or calculate at least one threshold value based on a specified number of previous or past usage sessions. For example, a number of data elements from the historical data corresponding to a specified number of previous or past usage sessions may be processed and/or analyzed by the control circuit to obtain or calculate at least one threshold value for assessing the state of the energy storage device.

In a non-limiting example, only the most recent usage session or the corresponding data element from the historical data may be used to calculate at least one threshold value. Alternatively, two or more, for example from two to 20, preferably from two to 16, previous or past usage sessions or corresponding data elements from the historical data may be used to calculate at least one threshold value. In the latter case, at least one threshold value may reflect the average or mean energy consumption or the decrease in the energy storage capacity during the usage session.

In an exemplary embodiment, the control circuit may be configured to calculate or compute a threshold value based on a current value of the moving average of energy consumption per usage session and/or the duration of the usage session, for example, based on processing corresponding data elements from historical data. Accordingly, at least one threshold value may be calculated by the control circuit based on determining the current value of the moving average of energy consumption per usage session and/or the duration of the usage session. Accordingly, the current value of the moving average of energy consumption per usage session may correspond to an average or mean amount of energy consumed during one or more usage sessions considered in the moving average. Alternatively or additionally, the current value of the moving average of the duration of the usage session may correspond to an average or mean duration of the usage sessions considered in the moving average.

In general, calculating a threshold based on a moving average value can reduce the amount of data stored in an aerosol-generating device. For example, only the current moving average value can be stored in the aerosol-generating device's data storage, eliminating the need to store historical data. Specifically, the current moving average value can even be stored solely in random access memory (RAM).

For example, the control circuit may be configured to calculate a current value of the moving average of energy consumed or energy consumption based on a previous or last value of the moving average of energy consumption, which may be stored, if necessary, in a data store or RAM of the aerosol generating device, and/or retrieved from them, and based on the amount of energy used or consumed during the last or previous session of use.

If necessary, the most recent moving average value can be multiplied by a specific factor or constant C and added to the amount of energy used or consumed during the most recent usage session. Furthermore, the result of this calculation can be divided by the constant or factor C plus one or normalized by the constant or factor C plus one to obtain a new or current moving average value. The constant or factor C can, for example, range from approximately 2 to several tens; for example, the constant or factor C could be approximately 9.

In mathematical expression, the current value of the moving average CV can be calculated as , where C is a constant or coefficient, and LV is the last or previous value of the moving average. Initially (for example, when the device is used for the first time), when there is no last or previous value as such, a dummy value can be used. The current value of the moving average for energy consumption per usage session can then be used as at least one threshold value or can be used to calculate at least one threshold value.

Alternatively or additionally, the control circuit may be configured to calculate a current value of the moving average duration of a usage session based on a previous or last value of the moving average duration of a usage session, which may be stored, if necessary, in a data storage or RAM of the aerosol generating device, and/or retrieved from them, and based on the duration of the last or previous usage session.

If necessary, the most recent moving average value can be multiplied by a specific factor or constant C and added to the duration of the most recent session. Furthermore, the result of this calculation can be divided by the constant or factor C plus one or normalized by the constant or factor C plus one to obtain a new or current moving average value. The constant or factor C can, for example, range from approximately 2 to several tens; for example, the constant or factor C could be approximately 9.

Mathematically expressed current value of moving average CV can be calculated as where C is a constant or coefficient, and LV is the last, previous, or preceding value of the moving average. The current value of the moving average of the usage session duration can then be used as at least one threshold value or can be used to calculate at least one threshold value.

In an optionally usable embodiment, the control circuit may be configured to calculate at least one threshold value based on the calculation of a plurality of values from a plurality of moving averages of the amount of energy consumed during a usage session, the energy consumption per usage session, and/or the duration of the usage session. In this case, different moving averages from the plurality of moving averages may differ in terms of the number of usage sessions and/or the time period considered for a particular moving average, respectively, for calculating the corresponding values.

For example, a first value of a first moving average for the energy consumed per usage session and/or duration of a usage session may be calculated based on a first number of previous usage sessions, and a second value of a second moving average for the energy consumed per usage session and/or duration of a usage session may be calculated based on a second number of previous usage sessions. Moreover, the first number of previous usage sessions may differ from the second number of previous usage sessions. In particular, the first number of previous usage sessions may be less than the second number of previous usage sessions.

In a non-limiting example, the first number of previous usage sessions may range from approximately 2 to approximately 20 previous or past usage sessions, and the second number of previous usage sessions may range from approximately 200 to approximately 20,000 usage sessions. Accordingly, the first moving average may only consider the last few usage sessions, such that the corresponding value reflects the user's short-term behavior. Conversely, the second moving average may reflect the user's long-term behavior or habits.

In one example, the control circuit may be configured to calculate at least one threshold value based on calculating the average energy per usage session and/or the average duration of the usage session based on multiplying the second value of the second moving average Value_2 by a constant or variable coefficient C and based on multiplying the first value of the first moving average Value_1 by one minus the constant or variable coefficient C.

The mathematically expressed threshold value T can be calculated as , where C is a constant or variable coefficient, Value_1 is the first value of the first moving average, and Value_2 is the second value of the second moving average. The constant or variable coefficient C can, for example, range from 0.2 to 0.9, such as 0.7.

Depending on whether the first and second values correspond to average energy consumption or duration, the threshold value can also be given as an average or average threshold energy consumption or duration. Other parameters, such as the relative energy loss per session, can be used instead or in addition.

If necessary, the number of usage sessions considered by the control circuit for calculating at least one threshold value may be user-defined, for example based on the provision of one or more data inputs by the user.

The control circuit may be configured to determine, based on historical data indicating the operation of the aerosol-generating device in the pause mode, the amount of energy consumed during one pause of use, and to adjust at least one threshold value based on the determined amount of energy. For example, one or more of the start time, stop time, duration, energy consumption, decrease in the amount of energy stored in the energy accumulator, decrease in the capacity of the energy accumulator, temperature, temperature profile, an indication of interruption of the usage session by the pause mode, the number of pause modes or usage pauses during the usage session may be stored or recorded by the control circuit for one or more past or previous pauses of use or pause modes initiated by the user. The historical data may, for example, be stored in the data storage of the aerosol-generating device.

The control circuit may also be configured to process and/or analyze one or more data elements from the historical data and determine one or more threshold values for assessing the state of the energy storage device. For example, one or more threshold values related to energy consumption during a pause in use (or pause mode) and/or a change in capacity during a pause in use (or pause mode) may be determined by the control circuit. Consequently, the user's consumption behavior, reflected in the historical data, may be used to dynamically adjust at least one threshold value and/or to adapt the number of pauses in use permitted or granted to the user per fully charged energy storage device.

In one example, the control circuit may be configured to determine or calculate at least one threshold value based on a specified number of previous or subsequent use pauses or pause modes. For example, a number of data elements from the historical data corresponding to a specified number of previous or past use pauses or pause modes may be processed and/or analyzed by the control circuit to obtain or calculate at least one threshold value for assessing the state of the energy storage device. In a non-limiting example, only the most recent use pause or the corresponding data element from the historical data may be used to calculate at least one threshold value. Alternatively, two or more, for example from two to 20, preferably from two to 16, previous or past use pauses or corresponding data elements from the historical data may be used to calculate at least one threshold value. In the latter case, at least one threshold value may reflect the average or mean energy consumption or the decrease in the capacity of the energy storage device per use pause. If necessary, the number of use pauses considered by the control circuit to calculate the at least one threshold value may be user-defined, for example based on the provision of one or more user inputs.

If necessary, the control circuit may be configured to generate or calculate, based on historical data, a first threshold value indicating energy consumption during one or more usage sessions, and a second threshold value indicating energy consumption during one or more usage pauses. Alternatively or additionally, the first and second threshold values may be calculated for the duration of the usage session or other parameters.

In one example, at least one threshold value may indicate the threshold energy required to operate the aerosol-generating device during at least one pause in use that interrupts the use session. Non-limiting and exemplary threshold values may range from about 2 mAh to about 80 mAh, such as from about 10 mAh to about 65 mAh. However, other values may be used.

In an exemplary embodiment, at least one threshold value may be received from a computing device or an additional device configured to communicate with the aerosol generating device. The additional device may also be referred to herein as a receiving device.

For example, the aerosol generating device may be configured to be connected, such as functionally and/or with the ability to be connected for communication, to an additional or receiving device for supplying electrical energy to the energy storage device, wherein at least one threshold value may be received from the additional or receiving device when the aerosol generating device is connected to the additional device.

An additional or receiving device may be configured to at least partially accommodate the aerosol-generating device, for example, for charging the aerosol-generating device and/or for storing the aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may be configured to be wirelessly charged by the additional device. For example, the additional device and the aerosol-generating device may have an inductive connection for charging the energy storage device of the aerosol-generating device. Alternatively or additionally, the control circuit may be configured to establish an electrical connection with the additional device for charging the energy storage device. Accordingly, the aerosol-generating device may be configured to be operatively connected to the additional device for charging the energy storage device of the aerosol-generating device.

Alternatively or additionally, the additional device may comprise a communication interface for connecting the additional device to the aerosol-generating device and, for example, for transmitting at least one threshold value or corresponding control signal from the additional device to the aerosol-generating device. If necessary, the connection for communicating between the aerosol-generating device and the additional device may be established by operatively connecting the aerosol-generating device to the additional device for charging the aerosol-generating device, and vice versa.

In one example, the additional device may comprise a user interface for receiving one or more user inputs, such as for setting at least one threshold value or information that allows obtaining at least one threshold value, such as the number of usage sessions and/or usage pauses per fully charged energy storage device, the duration of a usage session and/or usage pause, on the additional device, which can be transmitted to the aerosol generating device.

Alternatively or additionally, the additional device may be connected for communication with a computing device, such as a server, server network, computer, tablet, smartphone, or mobile device, and at least one threshold value or corresponding control signal may be received by the additional device from the computing device and then transmitted to the aerosol-generating device. Alternatively or additionally, archival data may be transmitted and/or exchanged between the aerosol-generating device and the additional device, between the computing device and the aerosol-generating device, and/or between the computing device and the additional device.

In an exemplary embodiment, at least one threshold value may indicate a period of time or duration of a single use session. Alternatively or additionally, at least one threshold value may indicate a period of time or duration of a single pause in use. Accordingly, at least one threshold value may be time-based. If necessary, the state of the energy storage device may also be time-based, for example, it may indicate the time during which the device can operate with one fully charged energy storage device, after the energy storage device was last charged, based on the full charge of the energy storage device, and/or between two consecutive charging events for generating an aerosol during one or more use sessions and/or during one or more pauses in use. Based on a time-based assessment of the energy storage device's state relative to a threshold value during operation, at least one device function, such as a specific number of use sessions and/or use pauses reflected by the threshold value, can be provided or permitted to the user using a single fully charged energy storage device and/or before a forced recharge of the energy storage device. Alternatively or additionally, the time-based threshold value can be converted into an energy- or capacity-based value, or another quantity, and compared to the state of the energy storage device or the quantity derived therefrom.

In another example, at least one threshold value may indicate the average energy consumption per usage session. Alternatively, or additionally, at least one threshold value may indicate the average decrease in energy storage capacity per usage session.

Alternatively or additionally, at least one threshold value may indicate the average energy consumption during a pause in use, interrupting one or more use sessions. Alternatively or additionally, at least one threshold value may indicate the average decrease in energy storage capacity during a pause in use or a pause mode.

As noted above, the control circuit may, in one example, be configured to calculate at least one threshold value based on the historical data and store the calculated at least one threshold value in a data storage of the aerosol generating device. Alternatively or additionally, the control circuit may be configured to retrieve historical data from a data store of the aerosol generating device and/or from an external data source, wherein the historical data indicates one or more of the number of usage sessions during which the aerosol generating device operated to generate an aerosol, the number of usage pauses during which the aerosol generating device operated in a pause mode interrupting one or more usage sessions, the duration of one or more usage sessions, the duration of one or more usage pauses interrupting one or more usage sessions, the energy consumption during one or more usage pauses, the total energy consumption, charging data related to charging the energy storage device during one or more charging cycles, the residual energy in the energy storage device before recharging during one or more charging cycles, and the energy consumption per usage session.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the control circuit may be configured to determine the energy storage device's operational state based on historical data indicating the operation of the aerosol-generating device for generating an aerosol. Accordingly, the control circuit may be configured to determine the energy storage device's operational state based on processing the historical data. For example, the control circuit may determine or calculate the energy storage device's operational state based on one or more of the number of use sessions and/or use pauses during which the device has operated, the total energy consumption, the operating time or operating time, the current maximum capacity, the relative decrease in capacity relative to the initial maximum capacity, and/or other information stored in the historical data, as also described in more detail above and below in this document.

In one example, the control circuit may be configured to calculate at least one threshold value based on data received from a computing device or an additional device configured to communicate with the aerosol generating device. For example, historical data or data related to one or more user inputs may be received from the computing device and/or an additional or receiving device.

The control circuit may be configured to calculate at least one threshold value based on historical data relating to one or more previous usage sessions and/or one or more previous usage pauses. If necessary, the control circuit may be configured to calculate an average or mean energy consumption for the energy consumed during a plurality of usage sessions and/or usage pauses, based on historical data indicating the operation of the aerosol-generating device during one or more usage sessions and/or one or more usage pauses. Alternatively or additionally, an average or mean duration of a usage session or one or more other parameters may be calculated.

In the exemplary configuration, the aerosol-generating device may comprise at least a portion of a heating element, a heating device, or a heating circuit connected to the energy storage device and configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article. Accordingly, at least a portion of the heating element, the heating device, and/or at least a portion of the heating circuit may be integrated into the aerosol-generating device.

For example, a resistive blade, resonator, excitation coil, microwave generator, or other type of heating element may be at least partially contained and/or embedded in the aerosol generating device.

Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol generating device may be configured to be connected to an aerosol generating article that includes at least a portion of a heating element, a heating device, or a heating circuit, wherein the energy storage device may be configured to supply electrical energy to at least one heating element of the aerosol generating article to generate the aerosol.

For example, a resistive blade, resonator, excitation coil, microwave generator, or other type of heating element may be at least partially housed and/or embedded in the aerosol generating article and may be powered by or supplied with electrical energy derived from an energy storage device of the aerosol generating device.

According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol-generating system is provided, which comprises an aerosol-generating device as described above and below herein, and an aerosol-generating article configured to be connected or coupled to the aerosol-generating device for generating an aerosol. The aerosol-generating device can generate the aerosol, for example, by supplying electrical energy to one or more aerosol generators to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating article. Any disclosure presented above and below herein with reference to an aerosol-generating device according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure and one or more aerosol-generating articles is equally applicable to the aerosol-generating system, and vice versa.

The energy storage device and/or control circuit may be configured to supply electrical energy to at least one aerosol generating means or aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from at least a portion of the aerosol generating article configured to be connected to the aerosol generating device. Examples of aerosol generators or means may include one or more heating elements, one or more heat sources, one or more vibration elements, one or more vibration screens, and one or more spray devices.

For example, the energy storage device and/or the control circuit may be configured to supply electrical energy to at least one heating element for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating article configured to be connected to an aerosol-generating device, for example, based on heating at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article.

An additional aspect of the present disclosure relates to the use of an aerosol generating device and/or system as described above and below herein.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for controlling the operation of an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device operating according to the method may be an aerosol-generating device as described above and below with reference to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, any function, feature, and/or element described above and below with reference to an aerosol-generating device may represent a feature, function, element, and/or step of a method for controlling the operation of an aerosol-generating device, and vice versa. Alternatively or additionally, the method may relate to a method for controlling the operation of an aerosol-generating system, as described above and below.

An aerosol-generating device operating in accordance with the method of the present disclosure includes an energy storage device configured to supply electrical energy to a control circuit for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating article. The control circuit may be operatively connected to the energy storage device. The energy storage device may supply electrical energy to a heating element for heating at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article configured to be connected to the aerosol-generating device. The method includes at least:

determining, by means of a control circuit, a storage state for an energy storage device indicating the amount of electrical energy currently stored and/or which can be stored in the energy storage device;

evaluating the determined state of the accumulator relative to at least one threshold value associated with heating of the aerosol-generating article; and

connecting or disconnecting, based on the assessment made, at least one function of the device associated with heating the aerosol-generating article.

A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of controlling the operation of an aerosol generating device, the method comprising at least:

determining, using a control circuit, a storage state for an energy storage device indicating at least one of an amount of electrical energy currently stored and an amount of electrical energy that can currently be stored in the energy storage device;

evaluating the determined state of the accumulator relative to at least one threshold value, wherein the at least one threshold value is related to a threshold energy required to perform the primary heating function of the aerosol-generating device, to heat the aerosol-generating article at or above a predetermined heating temperature to generate an aerosol during at least one use session, and to perform at least one auxiliary device function for the aerosol-generating device other than the primary heating function; and

connecting or disconnecting, based on the assessment made, at least one of the main heating function and at least one auxiliary function of the device

A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of controlling the operation of an aerosol generating device, the method comprising at least:

determining, using the control circuit, the state of the storage device, including the state of the energy storage device’s operability, indicating the amount of electrical energy that can currently be stored in the energy storage device;

evaluating the determined state of the storage device relative to at least one threshold value associated with at least one device function of the aerosol generating device; and

connecting or disconnecting, based on the assessment made, at least one function of the device.

A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of controlling the operation of an aerosol generating device, the method comprising at least:

determining, using a control circuit, a storage state for an energy storage device indicating at least one of an amount of electrical energy currently stored and an amount of electrical energy that can currently be stored in the energy storage device;

evaluating the determined state of the storage device relative to at least one threshold value associated with at least one device function of the aerosol generating device, wherein at least the threshold value is adjustable; and

connecting or disconnecting, based on the assessment made, at least one function of the device.

Any of the methods described with reference to one or more aspects of the present disclosure may be combined with one or more steps of one or more additional methods in accordance with one or more additional aspects of the present disclosure.

The energy storage device and/or control circuit may be configured to supply electrical energy to at least one aerosol generating means or aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article configured to be connected to the aerosol-generating device. Examples of aerosol generators or means may comprise one or more heating elements, one or more heat sources, one or more vibration elements, one or more vibration screens, and one or more spray devices.

For example, the energy storage device and/or the control circuit may be configured to supply electrical energy to at least one heating element for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating article configured to be connected to an aerosol-generating device, for example, based on heating at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article.

In one example, determining the state of the storage device may include determining at least one of a current energy level for electrical energy stored in the energy storage device and a health state of the energy storage device indicating the amount of electrical energy that is currently capable of being stored in the energy storage device.

In another example, assessing a determined state of the accumulator may include comparing or cross-comparing the determined state of the accumulator with at least one threshold value. Optionally, at least one function of the device may be activated by the control circuit after determining, based on the assessment, that the current energy level of the electrical energy stored and/or storable in the energy accumulator is sufficient to operate the aerosol-generating device during at least one use session for generating an inhalable aerosol based on heating the aerosol-generating article to a temperature equal to or exceeding a predetermined heating temperature.

In one example, the method may also include engaging the primary heating function after determining, based on the assessment, that the current energy level of the electrical energy stored and/or capable of being stored in the energy accumulator is sufficient to perform the primary heating function during at least one usage session for generating an inhalable aerosol. Alternatively or additionally, the method may also include engaging at least one device function after determining, based on the assessment, that the current energy level of the electrical energy stored and/or capable of being stored in the energy accumulator is sufficient to complete the current usage session and/or to complete a predetermined number of usage sessions for generating an inhalable aerosol based on heating of the aerosol-generating article.

In a further example, the method may include enabling at least one function of the device after determining, based on the assessment, that the current energy level of the electrical energy stored and/or storable in the energy accumulator is sufficient to operate the aerosol generating device during at least one pause of use in the pause mode that interrupts the use session.

Alternatively or additionally, the method may also include connecting at least one auxiliary function of the device after determining, based on the assessment made, that the current energy level for electrical energy stored and/or which can be stored in the energy storage device is sufficient to perform at least one auxiliary function of the device for the aerosol generating device.

The method may also include connecting at least one of the primary heating function of the aerosol-generating device for generating an aerosol during at least one session of use based on heating the aerosol-generating article to a predetermined heating temperature or above it, and at least one auxiliary function of the aerosol-generating device, different from, distinct from and/or not associated with the primary heating function, or for heating the aerosol-generating device during a session of use for generating an aerosol.

The method also includes enabling one or more auxiliary functions of the device, including one or more of operating the aerosol generating device at a reduced power consumption relative to operation during a usage session for generating an aerosol, heating at least one heating element and/or an aerosol generating article to a temperature below a heating temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol, heating at least one heating element and/or an aerosol generating article to a temperature above room temperature and below a heating temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol, heating at least one heating element and/or an aerosol generating article to a temperature above room temperature and below a heating temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol for a given period of time, operating a user interface of the aerosol generating device, operating a communication circuit of the aerosol generating device for connecting for communication of the aerosol generating device with a computing device or a receiving device, operating the device during a pause in use or in a pause mode, operating a sensor of the aerosol generating device aerosol, activation or deactivation of haptic control and operation of the biometric sensor of the aerosol generating device for user authentication.

The method may also include connecting a) the primary heating function of the aerosol-generating device during at least one session of use for generating an aerosol and b) at least one auxiliary function of the aerosol-generating device, different from, distinct from and/or not associated with the primary heating function of the aerosol-generating device, after determining, based on the assessment made, that the current energy level for electrical energy stored and/or the conservation of which is possible in the energy accumulator is sufficient to perform the primary heating function and at least one auxiliary function of the device for the aerosol-generating device.

Alternatively or additionally, after determining, based on the assessment made, that the current energy level for electrical energy stored and/or the conservation of which is possible in the energy storage device is insufficient to perform the primary heating function and at least one auxiliary function of the device for the aerosol generating device, the primary heating function and/or the auxiliary function of the device can be switched off or prevented from being initiated by the user.

If necessary, the method may also include starting a recharge of the energy storage device based on an assessment of the determined state of the storage device relative to at least one threshold value, for example, after determining that the current energy level for electrical energy stored and/or conserved in the energy storage device is insufficient to perform the primary heating function and at least one auxiliary function of the device for the aerosol generating device.

In one example, determining the state of the energy storage device may include determining the current energy level of electrical energy stored and/or storable in the energy storage device relative to the current maximum energy capacity. If necessary, the initial maximum capacity of the energy storage device may be determined by the control circuit.

In one example, the method may further include determining whether the energy storage device was charged to a predetermined state of charge during a previous charging event.

In another example, determining the condition of a storage device may include determining the age or health status of the energy storage device.

The method may also include determining one or more of the current maximum capacity of the energy storage device, the current maximum capacity of the energy storage device relative to the initial maximum capacity of the energy storage device, the number of use sessions during which the aerosol generating device was used to generate the aerosol, the operating time during which the aerosol generating device was operated to generate the aerosol, charging data related to charging the energy storage device during one or more charging cycles, and the total energy consumption of the aerosol generating device.

If necessary, determining the state of the storage device may include determining the current maximum capacity of the energy storage device, which indicates the maximum amount of energy that can be stored in the energy storage device, and determining the current energy level or amount of electrical energy currently stored in the energy storage device.

As an example, at least one threshold value may include a first threshold value for the current energy level or amount of energy available in the energy storage device, and a second threshold value for the current maximum capacity of the energy storage device, indicating the maximum amount of energy that can currently be stored in the energy storage device.

If necessary, the method may also include one or more of comparing the determined current energy level with a first threshold value and comparing the determined current maximum capacity of the energy storage device with a second threshold value.

In another example, the method may also include adjusting, modifying, changing, replacing, and/or altering at least one threshold value.

For example, at least one threshold value may be adjusted based on historical data indicating past use of the aerosol generating device and/or indicating the user's consumption behavior.

Alternatively or additionally, the method may further include calculating at least one threshold value based on historical data indicating the operation of the aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol, the amount of energy used during one usage session, and adjusting the at least one threshold value based on the determined amount of energy used during one usage session.

In one example, the method may also include determining, based on historical data indicating the operation of the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol, a maximum number of use sessions during which the aerosol generating device is suitable for use with a fully charged energy storage device, and adjusting at least one threshold value based on the determined maximum number of use sessions.

The method may also include indicating to the user a specific maximum number of use sessions based on the user interface control of the aerosol-generating device. For example, a series of LEDs corresponding to the number of use sessions or sensations available to the user given the current state of the energy storage device may be illuminated or controlled by a control circuit.

The method may also include connecting or allowing use of the aerosol generating device for a subsequent use session, regardless of the number of previous use sessions during which the aerosol generating device was used after the previous charging process.

In one example, at least one threshold value may be adjusted and/or changed based on user input.

Alternatively or additionally, the method may also include calculating at least one threshold value based on historical data collected during one or more past usage sessions.

Alternatively or additionally, the method may also include determining, based on historical data indicating operation of the aerosol generating device in pause mode, the amount of energy used during one pause of use, and adjusting at least one threshold value based on the determined amount of energy.

The method may also include determining the health status, age, and/or storage condition of the energy storage device based on historical data indicating the operation of the aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol during one or more use sessions and/or during one or more use pauses or one or more pause modes.

If necessary, the method may also include calculating at least one threshold value based on data received from a computing device or a receiving device configured to be connected for communication with the aerosol generating device.

For example, at least one threshold value may be calculated based on historical data relating to one or more previous usage sessions. Alternatively, or additionally, the average energy consumption consumed during multiple usage sessions may be calculated based on historical data indicating the operation of the aerosol-generating device to generate the aerosol, and, if necessary, used as a threshold value.

An additional aspect of the present disclosure relates to a computer program that, when executed by an aerosol-generating device or an aerosol-generating system, instructs the aerosol-generating device or system to perform the steps of one or more methods according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, as described above and below herein.

An additional aspect of the present disclosure pertains to a computer-readable medium, such as a non-transitory computer-readable medium, storing a computer program that, when executed by an aerosol-generating device or an aerosol-generating system, instructs the aerosol-generating device or system to perform the steps of one or more methods according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, as described above and below herein.

It should be emphasized that any feature, step, function, element, technical effect and/or advantage described herein with reference to one aspect of the present disclosure is equally applicable to any other aspect of the present disclosure.

The following is a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

Example 1a. An aerosol generating device comprising:

a control circuit and an energy storage device configured to supply electrical energy to the control circuit for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating article;

wherein the control circuit is designed with the ability to:

determining the storage state of an energy storage device, indicating the amount of electrical energy currently stored and/or which can be stored in the energy storage device;

evaluating the determined state of the accumulator relative to at least one threshold value associated with at least one device function of the aerosol generating device, such as associated with heating of the aerosol generating article; and

connecting or disconnecting, based on the assessment made, at least one function of the device.

Example 1b. An aerosol generating device comprising:

a control circuit and an energy storage device configured to supply electrical energy to the control circuit for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating article;

wherein the control circuit is designed with the ability to:

determining a storage state for an energy storage device indicating at least one of the amount of electrical energy currently stored and the amount of electrical energy that can currently be stored in the energy storage device;

evaluating a determined state of the accumulator relative to at least one threshold value, wherein the at least one threshold value is related to a threshold energy required to perform the primary heating function of the aerosol-generating device, to heat the aerosol-generating article at or above a predetermined heating temperature to generate an aerosol during at least one use session, and to perform at least one auxiliary device function for the aerosol-generating device other than the primary heating function; and

connecting or disconnecting, based on the assessment made, at least one of the main heating function and at least one auxiliary function of the device.

Example 1c. An aerosol generating device comprising:

a control circuit and an energy storage device configured to supply electrical energy to the control circuit for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating article;

wherein the control circuit is designed with the ability to:

determining the state of the storage device, which includes the state of operability of the energy storage device, indicating the amount of electrical energy that can currently be stored in the energy storage device;

evaluating the determined state of the accumulator relative to at least one threshold value associated with at least one device function of the aerosol generating device; and

connecting or disconnecting, based on the assessment made, at least one function of the device.

Example 1d. An aerosol generating device comprising:

a control circuit and an energy storage device configured to supply electrical energy to the control circuit for generating an aerosol from the aerosol generating device;

wherein the control circuit is designed with the ability to:

determining a storage state for an energy storage device indicating at least one of the amount of electrical energy currently stored and the amount of electrical energy that can currently be stored in the energy storage device;

evaluating a determined state of the storage device relative to at least one threshold value associated with at least one device function of the aerosol generating device, wherein at least the threshold value is adjustable; and

connecting or disconnecting, based on the assessment made, at least one function of the device.

Example 1e. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, in which the energy storage device is configured to supply electrical energy to one or more aerosol generators for generating an aerosol from at least a portion of the aerosol generating article configured to be connected to the aerosol generating device.

Example 1f. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, in which the energy storage device is configured to supply electrical energy to at least one heating element for heating at least a portion of the aerosol generating article configured to be connected to the aerosol generating device.

Example 1g. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein the control circuit is operatively connected to the energy storage device.

Example 2. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein the determined state of the storage device includes at least one of a current energy level for electrical energy stored in the energy storage device and a state of operability of the energy storage device indicating the amount of electrical energy that can currently be stored in the energy storage device.

Example 3. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein evaluating the determined state of the storage tank includes comparing the determined state of the storage tank with at least one threshold value, preferably wherein the determined state of the storage tank is expressed as a value.

Example 4. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, in which at least one threshold value indicates a threshold energy required to operate the aerosol generating device during at least one use session to generate an inhalable aerosol based on heating the aerosol generating article to a temperature equal to or greater than a predetermined heating temperature to generate the aerosol.

Example 5. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, in which the control circuit is configured to enable at least one function of the device after determining, based on the assessment made, the current energy level for electrical energy stored and/or the storage of which is possible in the energy accumulator, is sufficient for the operation of the aerosol generating device, during at least one session of use, for generating an inhalable aerosol based on heating the aerosol generating article to a temperature equal to or exceeding a predetermined heating temperature, for generating the aerosol.

Example 6. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, in which at least one threshold value indicates a threshold energy required to perform a primary heating function of the aerosol generating device during at least one use session, wherein the primary heating function includes supplying electrical energy to at least one heating element to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating article to a temperature equal to or greater than a predetermined heating temperature to generate an aerosol.

Example 7. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, in which the control circuit is configured to activate the primary heating function after determining, based on the assessment made, that the current energy level for electrical energy stored and/or the storage of which is possible in the energy accumulator is sufficient to perform the primary heating function during at least one session of use for generating an inhalable aerosol.

Example 8. An aerosol-generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein at least one threshold value indicates a threshold energy required to complete a current usage session for generating an inhalable aerosol based on heating the aerosol-generating article to a temperature equal to or exceeding a predetermined heating temperature for generating the aerosol; and/or wherein the at least one threshold value indicates a threshold energy required to complete a predetermined number of usage sessions for generating an inhalable aerosol based on heating the aerosol-generating article to a temperature equal to or exceeding a predetermined heating temperature for generating the aerosol.

Example 9. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, in which the control circuit is configured to connect at least one function of the device after determining, based on the assessment made, that the current energy level for electrical energy stored and/or the conservation of which is possible in the energy accumulator is sufficient to complete the current usage session and/or to complete a predetermined number of usage sessions for generating an inhalable aerosol based on heating the aerosol generating article to a temperature equal to or exceeding a predetermined heating temperature for generating the aerosol.

Example 10. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein at least one threshold value indicates a threshold energy required to operate the aerosol generating device during at least one pause of use in a pause mode that interrupts a session of use.

Example 11. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, in which the control circuit is configured to enable at least one function of the device after determining, based on the assessment made, that the current energy level for electrical energy stored and/or the conservation of which is possible in the energy accumulator is sufficient for the operation of the aerosol generating device during at least one pause of use in the pause mode, interrupting the session of use.

Example 12. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein at least one threshold value indicates a threshold energy required to perform at least one auxiliary device function for the aerosol generating device.

Example 13. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, in which the control circuit is configured to connect at least one auxiliary function of the device after determining, based on the assessment made, that the current energy level for electrical energy stored and/or the conservation of which is possible in the energy accumulator is sufficient to perform at least one auxiliary function of the device for the aerosol generating device.

Example 14. The aerosol generating device of example 13, wherein the auxiliary function of the device is not related to heating or is different from heating the aerosol generating device during a use session to generate an aerosol based on heating the aerosol generating article to a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined heating temperature to generate the aerosol; and/or

In this case, the auxiliary function of the device is associated with the pause mode, which interrupts the usage session.

Example 15. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, in which at least one function of the device includes at least one of a primary heating function of the aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol during at least one use session based on heating the aerosol generating article to a temperature equal to or exceeding a predetermined heating temperature for generating an aerosol, and at least one auxiliary function of the aerosol generating device that is different from the primary heating function.

Example 16. An aerosol generating device according to any one of examples 12-15, wherein the auxiliary function of the device includes one or more of:

operation of the aerosol generating device with reduced energy consumption relative to operation during a session of use for generating the aerosol;

heating at least one heating element and/or aerosol-generating article to a temperature below a heating temperature sufficient to generate the aerosol;

heating at least one heating element and/or aerosol-generating article to a temperature above room temperature and below a heating temperature sufficient to generate the aerosol;

heating at least one heating element and/or aerosol generating article to a temperature above room temperature and below a heating temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol for a given period of time;

activation or deactivation of the haptic control of the aerosol generating device;

operation of the user interface of the aerosol generating device;

operation of the communication circuit of the aerosol generating device for connecting for communication of the aerosol generating device with a computing device or a receiving device;

operation of the aerosol generating device sensor; and

operation of the biometric sensor of the aerosol-generating device to authenticate the user.

Example 17. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, in which at least one threshold value is related to a threshold energy required to a) perform the primary function of heating the aerosol generating device during at least one session of use for generating an aerosol, and b) perform an auxiliary function of the aerosol generating device other than the primary function of heating the aerosol generating device.

Example 18. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, in which at least one threshold value is related to a threshold energy required for operation of the aerosol generating device, a) during at least one session of use in an aerosol release mode generating an inhalable aerosol based on heating the aerosol generating article to a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined heating temperature, and b) during a pause in use in a pause mode interrupting at least one session of use.

Example 19. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, in which the control circuit is configured to connect a) the primary heating function of the aerosol generating device during at least one session of use for generating an aerosol and b) at least one auxiliary function of the aerosol generating device, other than the primary heating function of the aerosol generating device, after determining, based on the assessment made, that the current energy level for electrical energy stored and/or the storage of which is possible in the energy accumulator is sufficient to perform the primary heating function and at least one auxiliary device function for the aerosol generating device.

Example 20. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein the control circuit is configured to initiate or request recharging of the energy storage device based on an assessment of a determined state of the storage device relative to at least one threshold value.

Example 21. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein at least one threshold value indicates a proportion of the current maximum capacity of the energy storage device, in particular from about 70% to about 100% of the current maximum capacity, preferably at least about 90% of the current maximum capacity.

Example 22. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein determining the state of the accumulator includes determining the current energy level for electrical energy stored and/or which can be stored in the energy accumulator, relative to the current maximum energy capacity.

Example 23. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein the control circuit is configured to determine the current maximum capacity of the energy storage device.

Example 24. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein at least one threshold value indicates a proportion of the initial maximum capacity of the energy storage device, in particular from about 35% to about 75% of the initial maximum capacity.

Example 25. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein the control circuit is configured to determine the initial maximum capacity of the energy storage device.

Example 26. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein at least one threshold value indicates a predetermined degree of charge that the energy storage device has reached during a previous charging event, in particular a constant voltage degree of approximately 3.65 V charging voltage.

Example 27. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein the control circuit is configured to determine whether the energy storage device was charged to a predetermined state of charge during a previous charging event.

Example 28. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein determining the state of the accumulator includes determining the operability state of the energy accumulator; and/or

in which the control circuit is configured to determine the operability state of the energy storage device.

Example 29. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples,

wherein at least one threshold value indicates a threshold state of performance and/or a threshold age of the energy storage device.

Example 30. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein determining the state of the accumulator includes determining the age of the energy accumulator.

Example 31. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, in which the control circuit is configured to determine the state of operation of the energy storage device based on determining one or more of the current maximum capacity of the energy storage device, the current maximum capacity of the energy storage device relative to the initial maximum capacity of the energy storage device, the number of use sessions during which the aerosol generating device has been used to generate the aerosol, the operating time during which the aerosol generating device has been operated to generate the aerosol, charging data related to charging the energy storage device during one or more charging cycles, and the total energy consumption of the aerosol generating device.

Example 32. An aerosol-generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein the control circuit is configured to determine one or more of a current maximum capacity of the energy storage device, an initial maximum capacity of the energy storage device, a current maximum capacity of the energy storage device relative to the initial maximum capacity of the energy storage device, a number of use sessions during which the aerosol-generating device has been used to generate the aerosol, an operating time during which the aerosol-generating device has been operated to generate the aerosol, charging data related to charging the energy storage device during one or more charging cycles, and a total energy consumption of the aerosol-generating device.

Example 33. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein determining the state of the storage device includes determining the current maximum capacity of the energy storage device, indicating the maximum amount of energy that can be stored in the energy storage device, and determining the current energy level or amount of electrical energy currently stored in the energy storage device.

Example 34. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein the at least one threshold value includes a first threshold value for a current energy level or amount of energy available in the energy storage device, and a second threshold value for a current maximum capacity of the energy storage device, indicating the maximum amount of energy that can currently be stored in the energy storage device; and

wherein the control circuit is configured to compare the determined current energy level with the first threshold value and to compare the determined current maximum capacity of the energy storage device with the second threshold value.

Example 35. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein at least one threshold value is adjustable; and/or

in which the control circuit is configured to adjust at least one threshold value.

Example 36. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein the control circuit is configured to adjust at least one threshold value based on historical data indicating past use of the aerosol generating device and/or indicating the user's consumption behavior.

Example 37. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein the control circuit is configured to calculate, based on historical data indicative of the operation of the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol, an amount of energy used during one or more usage sessions, such as during a single usage session, and adjust at least one threshold value based on the determined amount of energy used during one or more usage sessions, such as during a single usage session.

Example 38. An aerosol-generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein at least one threshold value indicates a threshold energy required to operate the aerosol-generating device during at least one use session to generate an inhalable aerosol based on heating of the aerosol-generating article; and/or

wherein at least one threshold value is less than about 95 mAh, preferably from about 60 mAh to 85 mAh.

Example 39. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, in which the control circuit is configured to determine, based on historical data indicating the operation of the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol, a maximum number of use sessions during which the aerosol generating device is suitable for use with a fully charged energy storage device, and to adjust at least one threshold value based on the determined maximum number of use sessions.

Example 40. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein the control circuit is configured to indicate to the user a certain maximum number of usage sessions based on control of the user interface of the aerosol generating device.

Example 41. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein the control circuit is configured to enable or permit use of the aerosol generating device for a subsequent use session regardless of the number of previous use sessions during which the aerosol generating device was used after the previous charging process.

Example 42. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein at least one threshold value is adjustable based on user input; and/or

in which the control circuit is configured to change or modify at least one threshold value based on user input.

Example 43. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein at least one threshold value is adjustable based on user input indicating the number of usage sessions per charge cycle of the energy storage device and/or indicating the duration of one or more usage sessions, such as one usage session.

Example 44. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein the control circuit is configured to calculate at least one threshold value based on historical data collected during one or more past usage sessions.

Example 45. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein the control circuit is configured to calculate at least one threshold value based on or on the calculation of the current value of the moving average energy consumption per usage session and/or the duration of the usage session, for example based on processing the corresponding data elements from the archived data

Example 46. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein the control circuit is configured to calculate a current value of the moving average of energy consumption per usage session and/or duration of usage session based on a previous or preceding value of the moving average of energy consumption per usage session and/or duration of usage session, such as stored in a data storage or RAM of the aerosol generating device.

Example 47. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein the control circuit is configured to calculate at least one threshold value based on a calculation of a plurality of moving average values of the amount of energy consumed during a usage session, energy consumption per usage session, and/or the duration of a usage session, wherein the different moving averages differ in terms of the number of usage sessions considered for a particular moving average.

Example 48. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein the control circuit is configured to calculate at least one threshold value based on calculating a first value of a first moving average for the energy consumed per usage session and/or the duration of the usage session based on a first number of previous usage sessions, and a second value of a second moving average for the energy consumed per usage session and/or the duration of the usage session based on a second number of previous usage sessions, wherein the first number of previous usage sessions differs from the second number of previous usage sessions. In particular, the first number of previous usage sessions may be less than the second number of previous usage sessions.

Example 49. The aerosol generating device of example 48, wherein the first number of previous use sessions is less than the second number of previous use sessions.

Example 50. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein the control circuit is configured to determine, based on historical data indicating operation of the aerosol generating device in pause mode, the amount of energy used during one pause of use, and adjust at least one threshold value based on the determined amount of energy.

Example 51. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein at least one threshold value indicates a threshold energy required to operate the aerosol generating device during at least one pause in use that interrupts the use session; and/or

wherein at least one threshold value is in the range of from about 2 mAh to about 65 mAh.

Example 52. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein at least one threshold value is received from a computing device or a receiving device configured to be connected for communicating with the aerosol generating device.

Example 53. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein at least one threshold value indicates a period of time or duration of a single session of use.

Example 54. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein at least one threshold value indicates a period of time or duration of one pause of use.

Example 55. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein at least one threshold value indicates an average energy consumption per use session.

Example 56. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein at least one threshold value indicates an average energy consumption during a pause in use that interrupts a session of use.

Example 57. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein the control circuit is configured to calculate at least one threshold value based on the archived data and store the calculated at least one threshold value in the data storage of the aerosol generating device.

Example 58. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, in which the control circuit is configured to retrieve historical data from a data store of the aerosol generating device and/or from an external data source, wherein the historical data indicates one or more of a number of usage sessions during which the aerosol generating device was operated to generate an aerosol, a number of usage pauses during which the aerosol generating device was operated in a pause mode interrupting one or more usage sessions, a duration of one or more usage sessions, a duration of one or more usage pauses interrupting one or more usage sessions, energy consumption during one or more usage sessions, energy consumption during one or more usage pauses, total energy consumption, charging data related to charging the energy storage device during one or more charging cycles, residual energy in the energy storage device before recharging during one or more charging cycles, and energy consumption per usage session.

Example 59. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein the control circuit is configured to determine the operability state of the energy storage device based on historical data indicating the operation of the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol.

Example 60. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein the control circuit is configured to calculate at least one threshold value based on data received from a computing device or a receiving device configured to be connected for communication with the aerosol generating device.

Example 61. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein the control circuit is configured to calculate at least one threshold value based on historical data relating to one or more previous usage sessions.

Example 62. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein the control circuit is configured to calculate an average energy consumption for the energy consumed during a plurality of use sessions based on historical data indicating the operation of the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol.

Example 63. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, also comprising a heating element connected to an energy storage device and configured to heat the aerosol generating article.

Example 64. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to be connected to an aerosol generating article that includes at least one heating element; and wherein the energy storage device is configured to supply electrical energy to at least one heating element of the aerosol generating article to generate the aerosol.

Example 64a. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein the aerosol comprises nicotine.

Example 65. An aerosol generating system comprising:

an aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, and

an aerosol-generating article configured to be coupled or connected to an aerosol-generating device for generating an aerosol from at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article, optionally by heating at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article.

Example 65a. An aerosol generating system according to example 65, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises an aerosol generating substrate containing nicotine.

Example 66. Use of an aerosol generating device according to any of examples 1a-64a or an aerosol generating system according to any of examples 65-65a for generating an aerosol.

Example 67a. A method for controlling the operation of an aerosol-generating device that includes an energy storage device configured to supply electrical energy to a control circuit operatively designed to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating article, wherein the method comprises:

determining, by means of a control circuit, a storage state for an energy storage device indicating the amount of electrical energy currently stored and/or which can be stored in the energy storage device;

evaluating the determined state of the accumulator relative to at least one threshold value associated with at least one device function for the aerosol generating device, in particular associated with heating of the aerosol generating article; and

connecting or disconnecting, based on the assessment made, at least one function of the device, for example the main heating function and/or at least one auxiliary function of the device.

Example 67b. A method for controlling the operation of an aerosol generating device, including an energy storage device configured to supply electrical energy to a control circuit for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating article, wherein the method comprises:

determining, using a control circuit, a storage state for an energy storage device indicating at least one of an amount of electrical energy currently stored and an amount of electrical energy that can currently be stored in the energy storage device;

evaluating the determined state of the accumulator relative to at least one threshold value, wherein the at least one threshold value is related to a threshold energy required to perform the primary heating function of the aerosol-generating device, to heat the aerosol-generating article at or above a predetermined heating temperature to generate an aerosol during at least one use session, and to perform at least one auxiliary device function for the aerosol-generating device other than the primary heating function; and

connecting or disconnecting, based on the assessment made, at least one of the main heating function and at least one auxiliary function of the device.

Example 67c. A method for controlling the operation of an aerosol generating device, including an energy storage device configured to supply electrical energy to a control circuit for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating article, wherein the method comprises:

determining, using the control circuit, the state of the storage device, including the state of operability of the energy storage device, indicating the amount of electrical energy that can currently be stored in the energy storage device;

evaluating the determined state of the storage device relative to at least one threshold value associated with at least one device function of the aerosol generating device; and

connecting or disconnecting, based on the assessment made, at least one function of the device.

Example 67d. A method for controlling the operation of an aerosol generating device that includes an energy storage device configured to supply electrical energy to a control circuit for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating article, wherein the method includes:

determining, using a control circuit, a storage state for an energy storage device indicating at least one of an amount of electrical energy currently stored and an amount of electrical energy that can currently be stored in the energy storage device;

evaluating the determined state of the storage device relative to at least one threshold value associated with at least one device function of the aerosol generating device, wherein at least the threshold value is adjustable; and

connecting or disconnecting, based on the assessment made, at least one function of the device.

Example 67e. The method according to any of examples 67a-67d, according to which the energy storage device is configured to supply electrical energy to a heating element for heating an aerosol-generating article configured to be connected to the aerosol-generating device.

Example 67f. The method according to any of examples 67a-67e, according to which the control circuit is operatively connected to the energy storage device.

Example 67e. The method according to any of examples 67a-67d, according to which the energy storage device is configured to supply electrical energy to one or more aerosol generators for generating an aerosol from at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article configured to be connected to the aerosol-generating device.

Example 67f. The method according to any of examples 67a-67e, according to which the energy storage device is configured to supply electrical energy to at least one heating element for heating at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article configured to be connected to the aerosol-generating device.

Example 67g. The method according to any of examples 67a-67f, according to which the control circuit is operatively connected to the energy storage device.

Example 68. The method according to any one of examples 67a-67g, according to which determining the state of the storage device includes determining at least one of a current energy level for electrical energy stored in the energy storage device and a state of operation of the energy storage device indicating the amount of electrical energy that is currently possible to store in the energy storage device.

Example 69. The method according to any of examples 67a-68, according to which the evaluation of the determined state of the drive includes comparing the determined state of the drive with at least one threshold value.

Example 70. The method according to any of examples 67a-69, according to which at least one function of the device is connected by the control circuit after determining, based on the assessment made, that the current energy level of electrical energy stored and/or the storage of which is possible in the energy accumulator is sufficient for the operation of the aerosol-generating device during at least one session of use for generating an inhalable aerosol based on heating the aerosol-generating article to a temperature equal to or exceeding a predetermined heating temperature.

Example 71. The method according to any of examples 67a-70, also comprising connecting the primary heating function after determining, based on the assessment made, that the current energy level of electrical energy stored and/or the storage of which is possible in the energy accumulator is sufficient to perform the primary heating function during at least one use session for generating an inhalable aerosol based on heating the aerosol-generating article to a temperature equal to or exceeding a predetermined heating temperature.

Example 72. The method according to any of examples 67a-71, also comprising connecting at least one function of the device after determining, based on the assessment made, the current energy level for electrical energy stored and/or the storage of which is possible in the energy accumulator, is sufficient to complete the current session of use and/or to complete a predetermined number of sessions of use for generating an inhalable aerosol based on heating the aerosol-generating article to a temperature equal to or exceeding a predetermined heating temperature.

Example 73. The method according to any of examples 67a-72, also comprising connecting at least one function of the device after determining, based on the assessment made, that the current energy level for electrical energy stored and/or storable in the energy accumulator is sufficient to operate the aerosol generating device during at least one pause of use in the pause mode interrupting the use session.

Example 74. The method according to any of examples 67a-73, also comprising connecting at least one auxiliary function of the device after determining, based on the assessment made, that the current energy level for electrical energy stored and/or the preservation of which is possible in the energy accumulator is sufficient to perform at least one auxiliary function of the device for the aerosol generating device.

Example 75. The method according to any of examples 67a-74, also comprising connecting at least one of a primary heating function of the aerosol-generating device for generating an aerosol during at least one use session and at least one auxiliary function of the aerosol-generating device, other than the primary heating function and/or other than heating the aerosol-generating device during a use session for generating an aerosol based on heating the aerosol-generating article to a temperature equal to or exceeding a predetermined heating temperature.

Example 76. The method according to any of examples 67a-75, also comprising connecting one or more auxiliary functions of the device, including one or more of:

operation of the aerosol generating device with reduced energy consumption relative to operation during a session of use for generating the aerosol;

heating at least one heating element and/or aerosol-generating article to a temperature below a heating temperature sufficient to generate the aerosol;

heating at least one heating element and/or aerosol-generating article to a temperature above room temperature and below a heating temperature sufficient to generate the aerosol;

heating at least one heating element and/or aerosol generating article to a temperature above room temperature and below a heating temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol for a given period of time;

operation of the user interface of the aerosol generating device;

operation of the communication circuit of the aerosol generating device for connecting for communication of the aerosol generating device with a computing device or a receiving device;

operation of the aerosol generating device sensor; and

operation of the biometric sensor of the aerosol-generating device to authenticate the user.

Example 77. The method according to any of examples 67a-76, also comprising connecting a) a primary heating function of the aerosol-generating device during at least one session of use for generating an aerosol, and b) at least one auxiliary function of the aerosol-generating device other than the primary heating function of the aerosol-generating device, after determining, based on the assessment performed, that the current energy level of electrical energy stored and/or the storage of which is possible in the energy accumulator is sufficient to perform the primary heating function and at least one auxiliary device function for the aerosol-generating device.

Example 78. The method according to any of examples 67a-77, also comprising starting the recharging of the energy storage device based on the assessment of the determined state of the storage device relative to at least one threshold value.

Example 79. The method according to any of examples 67a-78, according to which determining the state of the storage device includes determining the current energy level for electrical energy stored and/or the preservation of which is possible in the energy storage device, relative to the current maximum energy capacity.

Example 80. The method according to any one of examples 67a-79, further comprising determining the initial maximum capacity of the energy storage device.

Example 81. The method of any one of examples 67a-80, further comprising determining whether the energy storage device was charged to a predetermined state of charge during a previous charging event.

Example 82. The method according to any of examples 67a-81, according to which determining the state of the storage device includes determining the age of the energy storage device.

Example 83. The method of any one of examples 67a-82, further comprising determining one or more of a current maximum capacity of the energy storage device, a current maximum capacity of the energy storage device relative to an initial maximum capacity of the energy storage device, a number of use sessions during which the aerosol generating device has been used to generate the aerosol, an operating time during which the aerosol generating device has been operated to generate the aerosol, charging data related to charging the energy storage device during one or more charging cycles, and a total energy consumption of the aerosol generating device.

Example 84. The method according to any one of examples 67a-83, according to which determining the state of the storage device includes determining the current maximum capacity of the energy storage device, indicating the maximum amount of energy that can be stored in the energy storage device, and determining the current energy level or amount of electrical energy currently stored in the energy storage device.

Example 85. The method of any one of examples 67a-84, wherein the at least one threshold value includes a first threshold value for a current energy level or amount of energy available in the energy storage device, and a second threshold value for a current maximum capacity of the energy storage device, indicating the maximum amount of energy that can currently be stored in the energy storage device; and wherein the method also includes:

comparison of a certain current energy level with a first threshold value and

comparison of the determined current maximum capacity of the energy storage device with a second threshold value.

Example 86. The method according to any one of examples 67a-85, further comprising adjusting at least one threshold value.

Example 87. The method according to any one of examples 67a-86, further comprising adjusting at least one threshold value based on historical data indicating past use of the aerosol generating device and/or indicating the user's consumption behavior.

Example 88. The method according to any one of examples 67a-87, further comprising calculating at least one threshold value based on historical data indicating the operation of the aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol, the amount of energy used during one or more usage sessions, preferably during a single usage session, and adjusting the at least one threshold value based on the determined amount of energy used during one or more usage sessions, preferably during a single usage session.

Example 89. The method according to any one of examples 67a-88, further comprising determining, based on historical data indicating the operation of the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol, a maximum number of use sessions during which the aerosol generating device is suitable for use with a fully charged energy storage device, and adjusting at least one threshold value based on the determined maximum number of use sessions.

Example 90. The method according to any one of examples 67a-89, further comprising indicating to the user a determined maximum number of usage sessions based on control of the user interface of the aerosol generating device.

Example 91. The method according to any of examples 67a-90, further comprising connecting or allowing use of the aerosol generating device for a subsequent use session regardless of the number of previous use sessions during which the aerosol generating device was used after the previous charging process.

Example 92. The method according to any one of examples 67a-91, according to which at least one threshold value is adjusted based on user input.

Example 93. The method of any one of examples 67a-92, further comprising calculating at least one threshold value based on historical data collected during one or more past usage sessions.

Example 94. The method according to any one of examples 67a-93, further comprising determining, based on historical data indicating operation of the aerosol generating device in pause mode, the amount of energy used during one or more pauses of use, preferably during one pause of use, and adjusting at least one threshold value based on the determined amount of energy.

Example 95. The method according to any one of examples 67a-94, further comprising receiving at least one threshold value from a computing device or a receiving device configured to be connected for communication with the aerosol generating device.

Example 96. The method according to any one of examples 67a-95, further comprising calculating at least one threshold value based on the archived data and storing the calculated at least one threshold value in the data storage of the aerosol generating device.

Example 97. The method of any one of examples 67a-96, further comprising processing historical data indicative of one or more of a number of usage sessions during which the aerosol-generating device was operated to generate an aerosol, a number of usage pauses during which the aerosol-generating device was operated in a pause mode interrupting one or more usage sessions, a duration of one or more usage sessions, a duration of one or more usage pauses interrupting one or more usage sessions, energy consumption during one or more usage pauses, total energy consumption, charging data related to charging the energy storage device during one or more charging cycles, residual energy in the energy storage device before recharging during one or more charging cycles, and energy consumption per usage session.

Example 98. The method according to any one of examples 67a-97, further comprising determining the operational state of the energy storage device based on historical data indicating the operation of the aerosol generating device for generating the aerosol.

Example 99. The method according to any one of examples 67a-98, further comprising calculating at least one threshold value based on data received from a computing device or a receiving device configured to be connected for communication with the aerosol generating device.

Example 100. The method according to any one of examples 67a-99, further comprising calculating at least one threshold value based on historical data related to one or more previous usage sessions.

Example 101. The method of any one of examples 67a-100, further comprising calculating an average energy consumption for energy consumed during a plurality of use sessions based on historical data indicating operation of the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol.

Example 101a. The method of any one of examples 67a-101, wherein the aerosol comprises nicotine.

Example 101b. The method according to any one of examples 67a-110a, according to which the aerosol-generating article comprises an aerosol-generating substrate containing nicotine.

Example 102. A computer program that, when executed by an aerosol-generating device or an aerosol-generating system, instructs the aerosol-generating device or system to perform the steps of the method according to any of examples 67a-101b.

Example 103. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a computer program according to example 102.

Below, the examples will be further described with reference to graphic materials, in which:

Fig. 1 shows an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating system;

Fig. 2 shows an example charging profile of the energy storage device of an aerosol generating device;

Fig. 3 illustrates the aging of the energy storage device of the aerosol generating device; and

Fig. 4 illustrates one or more methods for controlling the operation of one or more aerosol generating devices.

The graphics are schematic only and are not drawn to scale. Identical or similar parts, elements, and/or steps are generally identified by identical or similar reference numbers.

Fig. 1 shows an exemplary aerosol generating device 100. The aerosol generating device 100 in Fig. 1 is shown as an example as part of an aerosol generating system 1000 that includes optional components such as an aerosol generating article 200, an additional device 300, a mobile device 400, and a computing device 500. It should be noted that the aerosol generating device 100 can operate as a stand-alone device 100 without any of the optional components 200, 300, 400, 500 of the system 1000.

The aerosol generating device 100 includes one or more energy storage devices 102 for storing electrical energy and/or for supplying electrical energy for generating the aerosol. The one or more energy storage devices may be one or more batteries (e.g., a lithium-ion battery). When the energy storage device(s) 102 is/are a battery/batteries, the cathode material may comprise lithium cobalt oxide (LCO), lithium manganese oxide (LMO), lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC), lithium iron phosphate (LFP), and/or lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA). The anode material may comprise carbon (e.g., graphite), silicon, and/or lithium titanate oxide (LTO).

The exemplary aerosol generating device 100 shown in Fig. 1 includes at least a portion of a heating circuit 104 with at least one heating element 106 for heating at least a portion of an aerosol generating article 200 configured to be connected to the aerosol generating device 100. It should be noted that the heating circuit 104 and the heating element 106 are used only when necessary. Alternatively or additionally, at least a portion of the heating circuit 104, the heating device 104 and/or the heating element 106 may be built into or housed in the aerosol generating article 200, or they may be entirely built into or housed therein.

It should also be noted that the heating element 106 is shown in Fig. 1 for illustrative purposes only as an induction coil configured to inductively heat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article 200, for example, a current-collecting material located in the aerosol-generating substrate 202 of the aerosol-generating article 200. Alternatively or additionally, at least one heating element 106 may be configured to perform one or more of resistive heating and microwave heating.

It should also be noted that the aerosol-generating article 200 is shown in Fig. 1 only by way of example, as having the shape of a rod or a tubular shape and as being capable of being at least partially inserted through the opening 105 of the housing 107 of the aerosol-generating device 100, for example, into the heating chamber 109 of the aerosol-generating device 100. In other exemplary designs, the aerosol-generating article 200 may have the shape of a container or cartridge, which may be fixedly integrated into the aerosol-generating device 100, or which may be configured to be connected to the device 100.

The aerosol generating device 100 also comprises a control circuit 110 or a device control circuit 110, operatively connected to the energy storage device 102. The control circuit 110 may optionally include one or more processors 112 for processing data. The control circuit 110 may comprise a microcontroller comprising a processor, memory, and an input/output means.

Furthermore, if necessary, the aerosol generating device 100 and/or the control circuit 110 include a data store 114 for storing data such as, for example, the state of the storage device for the energy storage device, one or more threshold values associated with at least one function of the device, and/or historical data indicating one or more past usage sessions and/or one or more past pauses in usage, as described in more detail above in this document and below in this document.

Alternatively or additionally, software instructions may be stored in the data store 114 that, when executed by the control circuit 112, instruct the aerosol generating device 100 to perform one or more functions of the device 100, as described above and below in this document. The aerosol generating device 100 optionally includes a user interface 120 for receiving one or more user inputs, for example, for operating the aerosol generating device 100 to generate an aerosol. The user interface 120 is shown as an example as a button in Fig. 1. Any other type of user interface 120, such as an acoustic interface, a haptic interface, a touch interface, a display, an arrangement of one or more LEDs, or the like, may be optionally included in the aerosol generating device 100 as an alternative or in addition.

In addition, if necessary, the aerosol generating device 100 includes an interface or communication circuit 130 for connecting for communication of the aerosol generating device 100 with one or more optionally used components of the aerosol generating system 1000, in particular with one or more of the additional device 300, the mobile device 400 and the computing device 500.

The aerosol generating device 100 and its interface or communication circuit 130 may implement one or more types of communication interfaces or communication protocols. In particular, the interface or communication circuit 130 may be configured to implement wired and/or wireless communication with one or more of the computing device 500, the mobile device 400, and the additional device 300. For example, the communication interface 130 may be based on one or more of bus communication, cable communication, Bluetooth communication, wireless local area network communication, infrared communication, near field communication, Internet communication, or any other suitable type of communication and communication protocols.

The aerosol generating device 100 may, if necessary, be connected to, for example, at least partially inserted into, an additional device 300 for charging the energy storage device 102 and/or for storing the aerosol generating device 100. Charging may, for example, be based on inductive charging or charging via electrical connections.

The aerosol generating device 100 and/or the control circuit 110 are configured to supply electrical energy to at least one heating element 106 for heating at least a portion of the aerosol generating article 200.

In addition, the control circuit 110 of the device may be configured to determine a state of the storage device for the energy storage device, indicating at least one of the amount of electrical energy currently stored and the amount of electrical energy that can currently be stored in the energy storage device 102. In addition, the control circuit 110 may be configured to evaluate the determined state of the storage device relative to at least one threshold value associated with at least one device function for the aerosol-generating device 110, for example, associated with heating the aerosol-generating article. In addition, the control circuit 110 may be configured to enable or disable, based on the evaluation made, at least one device function for the aerosol-generating device 100.

Alternatively or additionally, the control circuit 110 may be configured to determine a state of the accumulator for the energy accumulator 102 indicating at least one of the amount of electrical energy currently stored and the amount of electrical energy that can currently be stored in the energy accumulator, to evaluate the determined state of the accumulator relative to at least one threshold value, wherein at least one threshold value is related to the threshold energy required to perform the primary heating function of the aerosol-generating device 100 for heating the aerosol-generating article 200 at a given heating temperature or above it for generating an aerosol during at least one use session, and to perform at least one auxiliary device function for the aerosol-generating device 100 other than the primary heating function. The control circuit 110 may also be configured to enable or disable, based on the evaluation made, at least one of the primary heating function and at least one auxiliary function of the device for the aerosol generating device 100.

Alternatively or additionally, the control circuit 110 may be configured to determine a state of the storage device, including a state of operability of the energy storage device 102, indicating the amount of electrical energy that can currently be stored in the energy storage device, evaluate the determined state of the storage device relative to at least one threshold value associated with at least one device function for the aerosol-generating device 100, and connect or disconnect, based on the evaluation made, at least one function of the aerosol-generating device 100.

Alternatively or additionally, the control circuit 110 may be configured to determine a state of the storage device for the energy storage device, indicating at least one of the amount of electrical energy currently stored and the amount of electrical energy that can currently be stored in the energy storage device 102, to evaluate the determined state of the storage device relative to at least one threshold value associated with at least one device function for the aerosol-generating device 100, wherein at least the threshold value is adjustable. In addition, the control circuit 100 may be configured to enable or disable, based on the evaluation made, at least one device function for the aerosol-generating device 100.

Various exemplary designs and configurations of aerosol-generating device 100 are described and summarized below. In one example, the determined state of the accumulator includes at least one of a current energy level for electrical energy stored in the energy accumulator and an energy accumulator operability state indicating the amount of electrical energy currently capable of being stored in the energy accumulator. For example, control circuit 110 may compare the determined state of the accumulator to a threshold value.

For example, at least one threshold value may indicate a threshold energy required to operate the aerosol-generating device 100 during at least one use session to generate an inhalable aerosol based on heating the aerosol-generating article 100 to a temperature equal to or exceeding a predetermined heating temperature to generate the aerosol. Alternatively or additionally, at least one threshold value may indicate a threshold energy required to perform a primary heating function of the aerosol-generating device 100 during at least one use session, wherein the primary heating function includes supplying electrical energy to at least one heating element 106 to heat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article 200 to a temperature equal to or exceeding a predetermined heating temperature to generate the aerosol.

For example, at least one threshold value may indicate a threshold energy required to terminate the current usage session for generating an inhalable aerosol based on heating the aerosol generating article 200 to a temperature equal to or greater than a predetermined heating temperature for generating the aerosol.

Alternatively or additionally, at least one threshold value may indicate a threshold energy required to operate the aerosol generating device 100 during at least one pause in use in a pause mode that interrupts a use session.

Alternatively or additionally, at least one threshold value may indicate a threshold energy required to perform at least one auxiliary device function for the aerosol-generating device. The auxiliary device function may not involve heating, or may differ from heating the aerosol-generating device during a usage session for generating an aerosol based on heating the aerosol-generating article to a temperature equal to or exceeding a predetermined heating temperature for generating the aerosol. Alternatively or additionally, the auxiliary device function may be associated with a pause mode that interrupts the usage session.

If necessary, the auxiliary function of the device may include one or more of operating the aerosol generating device at a reduced power consumption relative to operation during a use session for generating the aerosol; heating at least one heating element and/or the aerosol generating article to a temperature below a heating temperature sufficient to generate the aerosol; heating at least one heating element and/or the aerosol generating article to a temperature above room temperature and below a heating temperature sufficient to generate the aerosol; heating at least one heating element and/or the aerosol generating article to a temperature above room temperature and below a heating temperature sufficient to generate the aerosol for a predetermined period of time; activating or deactivating haptic control of the aerosol generating device; operating a user interface of the aerosol generating device; operating a communication circuit of the aerosol generating device for connecting for communication of the aerosol generating device with a computing device or a receiving device; operation of the aerosol generating device sensor; and operation of the biometric sensor of the aerosol generating device for user authentication.

In one example, at least one threshold value is related to a threshold energy required for a) performing the primary function of heating the aerosol-generating device during at least one session of use for generating an aerosol, and b) performing an auxiliary function of the aerosol-generating device different from the primary function of heating the aerosol-generating device. The control circuit 110 may be configured to connect a) the primary function of heating the aerosol-generating device during at least one session of use for generating an aerosol and b) at least one auxiliary function of the aerosol-generating device different from the primary function of heating the aerosol-generating device, after determining, based on the evaluation performed, that the current energy level for the electrical energy stored and/or the storage of which is possible in the energy accumulator is sufficient to perform the primary function of heating and at least one auxiliary function of the device for the aerosol-generating device.

If necessary, the control circuit 110 may be configured to initiate or request a recharge of the energy storage device 102 based on an estimated state of the energy storage device relative to at least one threshold value.

In addition, the control circuit 110 may be configured to determine the operability state of the energy storage device 102. If necessary, at least one threshold value may indicate a threshold operability state and/or a threshold age of the energy storage device 102.

In addition, the control circuit 110 may be configured to determine the state of operation of the energy storage device 102 based on the determination of one or more of the current maximum capacity of the energy storage device 102, the current maximum capacity of the energy storage device 102 relative to the initial maximum capacity of the energy storage device, the number of use sessions during which the aerosol generating device 100 was used to generate the aerosol, the operating time during which the aerosol generating device 100 operated to generate the aerosol, charging data related to charging the energy storage device 102 during one or more charging cycles, and the total energy consumption of the aerosol generating device 100.

In another example, the control circuit 110 may be configured to determine a current maximum capacity of the energy storage device 102, indicating the maximum amount of energy that can be stored in the energy storage device 102, and a current energy level or amount of electrical energy that can currently be stored in the energy storage device 102.

If necessary, the control circuit 110 may be configured to adjust at least one threshold value, for example, based on one or more user inputs and/or based on historical data indicative of past use of the aerosol generating device and/or indicative of the user's consumption behavior.

The control circuit 110 may be configured to calculate, based on historical data indicating the operation of the aerosol-generating device for generating an aerosol, the amount of energy used during one usage session, and to adjust at least one threshold value based on the determined amount of energy used during one usage session. For example, at least one threshold value may indicate the threshold energy required for the operation of the aerosol-generating device 100 during at least one usage session for generating an inhalable aerosol based on heating of the aerosol-generating article, and wherein the at least one threshold value may be less than about 95 mAh, preferably from about 60 mAh to 85 mAh.

The control circuit 110 may also be configured to determine, based on historical data indicating the operation of the aerosol generating device 100 for generating an aerosol, a maximum number of usage sessions during which the aerosol generating device is suitable for use with a fully charged energy storage device 102, and to adjust at least one threshold value based on the determined maximum number of usage sessions.

If necessary, the control circuit 110 may be configured to operate the user interface 120 to indicate to the user a certain maximum number of usage sessions.

Alternatively or additionally, the control circuit 110 may be configured to determine, based on historical data indicating the operation of the aerosol generating device 100 in a pause mode, the amount of energy used during one pause of use, and to adjust at least one threshold value based on the determined amount of energy. For example, at least one threshold value may indicate the threshold energy required to operate the aerosol generating device 100 during at least one pause of use interrupting a usage session, and wherein the at least one threshold value may be in the range from approximately 2 mAh to approximately 65 mAh.

Continuing with reference to Fig. 1 and the following Figs. 2 and 3, exemplary features of exemplary aerosol-generating devices 100 according to the present disclosure are summarized, which can be implemented separately or in combination with any of the functions of the aerosol-generating device 100 described above in this document. Fig. 2 shows an exemplary charging profile of the energy storage device 102 of the aerosol-generating device 100, and Fig. 3 illustrates the aging of the energy storage device 102 of the aerosol-generating device 100.

The aerosol generating device 100 includes an energy storage device 102 and a control circuit 110, as described with reference to Fig. 1. One of the functions of the aerosol generating device 100 or an auxiliary function of the device may be a pause mode, which may allow the user to interrupt the current usage session and resume it without significant deterioration of the aerosol generating article 200, for example, due to condensation of steam in the device 100 or the article 200. As described in detail above, the device 100 can be switched by the user, for example, based on the activation of the user interface 120, from the aerosol release mode, in which the main heating function of the device 100 can be active, and the heating element 106 can be heated to a predetermined heating temperature, to the pause mode. During the pause in use or in the pause mode, the temperature of the heating element 106 can be maintained at a temperature above room temperature and below the predetermined heating temperature.

The control circuit 110 of the device 100 may be configured to determine, based on an evaluation of a determined storage state for the energy storage device 102, with at least one threshold value associated with a pause mode or a function of the device, whether to enable or connect the pause mode in the device 100.

Typically, a pause mode may allow users to pause between puffs during a usage session. A pause may, for example, range from a few seconds to a couple of minutes, such as eight or ten minutes. During a usage pause, the temperature of the substrate 202, article 200, and/or heating element 106 may be maintained at a certain level, such as a second temperature level, as described above. When the pause mode is terminated by the user or otherwise ends, the temperature will increase to a predetermined heating temperature or the first temperature level, allowing the user to continue the sensation perception or usage session. Since energy will be consumed during the pause mode, one or more requirements, one or more criteria, or one or more preconditions may be considered to ensure that the energy accumulator 102 has sufficient energy to complete the sensation perception or usage session, which preferably must be met to activate the pause mode. One or more of these requirements may be defined or included in at least one threshold value that is evaluated by the accumulator state for the energy accumulator 102.

For example, at least one threshold value indicative of the current capacity of the energy storage device 102 and/or at least one threshold value indicative of the health state of the energy storage device 102 may be considered and used by the control circuit 110 to estimate the storage state of the energy storage device 102.

In particular, the capacity value of the energy storage device 102 or the amount of electrical energy currently stored in the energy storage device 102 may be, for example, at least 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, and 100% of the current maximum capacity. Preferably, the capacity value or the amount of electrical energy currently stored in the energy storage device 102 should be at least 90%, 95%, and 100% of the current maximum capacity.

Alternatively or additionally, the pause mode may be connected after determining that the energy storage device 102 is fully charged.

In other embodiments, the control circuit 110 may determine whether a particular state of charge has been reached in a previous charging cycle. Fig. 2 shows an exemplary charging profile of the energy storage device 102 of the aerosol generating device 100, wherein the charging voltage 150 and charging current profiles 152 are shown in arbitrary units depending on the charging time in arbitrary units.

In a non-limiting example, at least one threshold value may indicate a given degree of charge that the energy storage device has reached during a previous charging event, in particular a constant voltage degree shown by reference numeral 155 in Fig. 2. The indicated constant voltage degree may occur at a charging voltage of 3.65 V. Alternatively or additionally, one or more characteristics related to the charging current and charging time may be considered by the control circuit 110 to evaluate the state of the storage device and/or enable or disable the pause mode.

Alternatively or additionally, the control circuit 110 may be configured to determine the state of the storage device, including the state of operability or indicating the age of the energy storage device 102. In general, the energy storage device 102 may, over time, and the current capacity of the storage device or the amount of energy that can currently be stored in the energy storage device 102 may decrease over time.

Fig. 3 illustrates the aging of the energy storage device 102 of the aerosol generating device 100. The completely filled energy storage device 102, located on the left in Fig. 3, may indicate the initial capacity of the energy storage device 102 or its capacity. With increasing time, shown by the sequential illustrations from left to right in Fig. 3, the current storage capacity for the energy storage device 102 decreases. This may mean that the energy storage device 102 loses some of its ability to store energy and/or can store less and less energy per fully charged energy storage device with increasing time.

The control circuit 110 may be configured to determine the health status or age of the energy storage device 102 based on determining one or more of the number of sensation perceptions, the total energy consumption, the time of use and the current maximum capacity, the current maximum capacity of the energy storage device, the current maximum capacity of the energy storage device relative to the initial maximum capacity of the energy storage device, the number of use sessions during which the aerosol generating device was used to generate the aerosol, the operating time during which the aerosol generating device was operated to generate the aerosol, charging data related to charging the energy storage device during one or more charging cycles, and the total energy consumption of the aerosol generating device.

When one or more of the above-mentioned values reach and/or exceed their respective thresholds, the pause mode and/or specified primary heating function may be disabled or prevented.

The current maximum capacity may exceed at least 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, and 70% of the initial capacity of the energy storage device 102. If the current maximum capacity falls below, for example, 50%, 55%, and 60% of the initial capacity, then the pause mode and/or the main heating function cannot be enabled or connected.

For example, the initial capacity of the energy storage device 102 may be approximately 300 mAh. The current maximum capacity will be equal to the initial capacity. After repeating the cycle (charging and discharging), the energy storage device 102 may age, and the maximum capacity may decrease, as shown in Fig. 3. In this case, the capacity value may refer to the capacity available in the energy storage device 102.

The determination of the availability of the pause mode may be determined or checked, for example, at the end of each charging event or when the user removes the device 100 from the additional device 300, at the beginning of the perception of a sensation and during the perception of a sensation or a usage session.

After determining that the pause mode can be activated or enabled, the control circuit 110 may actuate the user interface 120, such as by indicating to the user the availability of the pause mode or notifying the user of its availability. For example, an LED may indicate the availability or unavailability of the pause mode. Alternatively, or additionally, the availability of the pause mode may be indicated by changing the color of one or more LEDs or elements of the user interface 120.

If necessary, the availability may be shown in response to user input, such as in response to a button press or an actuation of the user interface 120.

The capacity of the energy storage device 102 may be determined or checked at the end of a charging event or when the user removes the device 100 from the additional device 300.

The control circuit 110 may, if necessary, simulate the fuel flow indicator of the aerosol-generating device 100 and/or issue a request to the fuel flow indicator or the charging circuit of the device 100 to check the capacity of the energy storage device 102 or the energy stored in the energy storage device 102 and the current maximum capacity or storage capacity for the energy that can be stored in the energy storage device 102. The control circuit 110 may compare the results from the fuel flow indicator to determine whether the pause mode should be enabled. When the user attempts to activate the pause mode (or when the user removes the device 100 from the additional device 300), the control circuit 110 may issue an instruction to the indicator or control the operation of the indicator, notifying whether the pause mode is enabled or activated.

The indicator may, for example, be a visual indicator (e.g., an LED indicator), an audible indicator, a vibration or tactile indicator, a touch indicator, or a combination thereof. In particular, the user interface 120 may display a pause symbol with two parallel vertical bars, as used in media players.

The health status can be determined or checked at the end of charging or when the user removes the device 100 from the additional device 300. The control circuit 110 can request storage data, data retention or archival data, for example, related to the initial battery capacity, the number of sensations or usage sessions, the total energy consumption, the time of use or other, as described above. The control circuit 110 may simulate or query the fuel consumption indicator (device 100) for the current maximum capacity of the energy storage device 102. The control circuit 110 may also evaluate the operational state to determine whether the pause mode should be enabled. When the user attempts to activate the pause mode or when the user removes the device 100 from the additional device 300, the control circuit 110 may issue an instruction to the indicator or control the operation of the indicator, notifying whether the pause mode is enabled or activated. The indicator may, for example, be a visual indicator (e.g., an LED indicator), an audio indicator, a vibration or tactile indicator, a haptic indicator, or a combination thereof. In particular, a pause symbol with two parallel vertical bars, used in media players, may be shown in the user interface 120.

Alternatively or additionally, an adjustable or variable threshold value may be implemented in the aerosol generating device 100, as generally shown by way of example below.

In standard conventional devices, a fixed threshold value of energy stored in the energy accumulator 102, or the current capacity, is considered to determine whether a usage session or sensation can be provided. Also, only a fixed number of usage sessions, such as two, may be provided per fully charged energy accumulator 102. Therefore, the user can be notified by the control circuit 110 of the presence of sufficient capacity based on the standard capacity value. If the remaining capacity in the energy accumulator is less than the standard capacity value, the device will recommend the user to recharge the device. For example, if the remaining capacity is below the standard capacity value, such as 60 mAh, the device must be recharged until the standard energy value is reached, such as 95 mAh, to trigger a notification, such as a light, that the user has been provided or allowed an additional sensation or usage session.

However, it has been found that different users may have different consumption times for each sensation or usage session, and therefore the energy required per sensation or usage session may vary from user to user. Most users consume one sensation more quickly, and the required capacity or energy will be less than approximately 95 mAh, for example, approximately 50-85 mAh. Using an adjustable threshold to evaluate the state of the accumulator, such as the current capacity or energy stored in the energy accumulator 102, allows for flexible meeting the different needs of different users. Alternatively, or additionally, the pause mode can be dynamically enabled or disabled based on the adjustable threshold.

Instead of relying on a standard or fixed capacity value, such as 95 mAh, a capacity threshold and/or an energy threshold may be used. The capacity threshold or energy threshold may be used to determine whether the device will allow the next sensory experience or usage session and/or pause mode. Providing the next sensory experience or usage session may not depend on the number of points, sensory experiences, or usage sessions provided by the fully charged energy storage device 102 or since the last charging event.

The aerosol generating device 100 comprises a user interface 120, for example serving as an indicator, a control circuit 110, and, if necessary, a fuel consumption indicator configured to be connected to an energy storage device 102.

The fuel consumption indicator can be simulated and implemented in the control circuit 110. The control circuit 110 can be configured to measure the remaining capacity or energy stored in the energy accumulator 102. The control circuit 110 can be configured to compare the remaining capacity with the energy threshold to check whether the remaining capacity can provide the energy threshold. The control circuit 110 can either convert the capacity into energy or the energy into the capacity to determine whether the remaining capacity is sufficient for the next, for example, N+1, sensation perceptions or usage sessions; and indicate the result of whether the remaining capacity is sufficient for the next sensation perception, using the indicator or user interface 120.

Thus, the user of the aerosol-generating device 100 can be alerted when the remaining battery capacity is only sufficient for the next sensation or use. This approach allows the user to be alerted to the need to charge the energy storage device 102 before it runs out of power, thereby eliminating the risk of running out of power while using the device 100.

The capacity threshold value or the energy threshold value may be obtained in various ways. For example, (a) a fixed capacity value of 85 mAh or 0.272 mWh with a nominal voltage of 3.2 V may be used, (b) this value may be entered by the user via an interactive platform, for example, using the computing device 500 or the mobile device 400, and/or (c) calculated in accordance with historical data collected during the previous perception(s) of sensation and/or session(s) of use.

If the remaining capacity or energy is above a threshold value, such as above 85 mAh or above 0.272 mWh, then the control circuit 110 may allow the next sensation perception or the next usage session.

An interactive platform, such as an app, may be provided to users, allowing them to view usage data or historical data, such as the duration of each sensory experience or usage session, and/or enter a preferred duration of each sensory experience or usage session, such as seven minutes. Either the interactive platform or the control circuit 110 of the device 100 may calculate a capacity threshold or an energy threshold. In the former case, the energy threshold and/or the capacity threshold may be transmitted to the device 100.

Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol-generating device 100 may collect historical data, such as energy consumption during each previous sensory experience or usage session, capacity consumption during each previous sensory experience or usage session, recharging, charging time, battery charge level, charger type, and other data, and calculate at least one threshold value, such as one reflecting a sufficient amount of energy or capacity required for one sensory experience or usage session. The energy threshold value may be calculated as the average energy consumption and, if necessary, the standard deviation.

Alternatively or additionally, the energy threshold can be based on the energy consumed during one or more sensations or usage sessions. For example, it could be based on the first sensation after the last full charge. It could also be based on the previous two or more sensations or usage sessions. It could also be based on the previous sixteen to twenty or even more sensations or usage sessions.

Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol-generating device 10 may calculate a capacity threshold or a sufficient capacity required for a single perceived sensation or usage session. The capacity threshold may be calculated as the average capacity consumption and, if necessary, the standard deviation.

The historical data may be stored in a data storage or memory of the aerosol generating device 100, such as records of energy consumed during previous usage sessions and/or capacity consumed during previous usage sessions.

Device 100 may allow the user to pause between puffs during a single sensation or usage session and switch device 100 to a pause mode, as described above. During the pause mode, energy or capacity may be expended, as energy or capacity may be used to maintain the aerosol-generating substance or article 200 at a certain temperature above room temperature. The energy or capacity for the sensation or usage session and the energy or capacity for the pause may be stored separately in the archived data.

For example, control circuit 110 may calculate average energy consumption as the average energy of previous usage sessions or the average energy for previous usage sessions and for suspension during one or more usage pauses. Alternatively, or additionally, average capacity consumption may be calculated as the average capacity of previous usage sessions or the average capacity of previous usage sessions and for suspension during one or more usage pauses.

If desired, the calculated energy or capacity thresholds may be independent of the charging event. Alternatively, or additionally, the energy or capacity threshold may be dependent on the charging event. For example, after fully charging the energy accumulator 102, the user may experience the first sensation and the second sensation or use session. The user fully recharges the battery and experiences the third sensation. The user's ability to experience the fourth sensation will depend solely on the data from the third sensation or use session.

The control circuit 110 of the device 100 can determine whether the remaining capacity in the energy storage device 102 exceeds a threshold energy value. In particular, the control circuit 110 can determine whether the next usage session can be provided at the end of the usage session (N). As a result, the user can be notified whether the N+1 sensation or usage session can be provided, for example, using the user interface 120.

If energy is used for comparison, control circuit 110 can retrieve historical data from the memory or data storage of device 100 and calculate an energy threshold value according to past sensory perceptions or usage sessions, as described above. Control circuit 110 can query or simulate a fuel consumption indicator to determine the remaining capacity or energy stored in energy accumulator 102. Control circuit 110 can convert energy values into capacity values, if necessary. Then, one or more of the current energy or capacity of energy accumulator 102 can be compared with the corresponding one or more threshold values to determine whether the next usage session and/or pause mode can be allowed. A notification of the result can be issued via indicator or user interface 120, for example, a visual indicator (e.g., an LED indicator), an audible indicator, a vibration or tactile indicator, or a haptic indicator.

Alternatively or additionally, control circuit 110 may retrieve historical data from memory or data storage and calculate an energy threshold value based on past sensory perceptions or usage sessions, for example, 16-20 sensory perceptions. Control circuit 110 may simulate or query the fuel consumption indicator to determine the remaining capacity. If necessary, the energy threshold value may be converted into a capacity threshold value and compared with the remaining capacity to determine whether the next sensory perception or usage session can be permitted. A notification of the result may be provided via indicator or user interface 120, for example, via a visual indicator (e.g., an LED indicator), an audible indicator, a vibration or tactile indicator, or a haptic indicator.

If the capacity is used for comparison, the control circuit 110 can retrieve historical data from the memory or data storage and calculate a capacity threshold value according to past sensory perceptions or usage sessions, for example, 16-20 sensory perceptions. The control circuit 110 can simulate or query the fuel consumption indicator to determine the remaining capacity or stored energy. The control circuit 110 can compare the capacity threshold value and the remaining capacity to determine whether to allow the next sensory perception or the next usage session. A notification of the result can be issued via the indicator or user interface 120, for example, via a visual indicator (e.g., an LED indicator), an audible indicator, a vibration or tactile indicator, or a haptic indicator.

Fig. 4 illustrates one or more methods for controlling the operation of one or more aerosol generating devices, such as the aerosol generating device 100 described with reference to any one or more of the previous figures.

At step S1, the storage state of the energy storage device 102, indicating the amount of electrical energy currently stored and/or which can be stored in the energy storage device 102, is determined using the control circuit 110.

At step S2, the determined state of the storage device is evaluated relative to at least one threshold value associated with at least one device function for the aerosol generating device 100, in particular associated with heating the aerosol generating article 200.

Alternatively or additionally, step S2 may include evaluating the determined state of the accumulator relative to at least one threshold value, wherein the at least one threshold value is related to a threshold energy required to perform the primary heating function of the aerosol generating device 100, to heat the aerosol generating article 200 at or above a given heating temperature to generate an aerosol during at least one use session, and to perform at least one auxiliary device function for the aerosol generating device 100, other than the primary heating function

Alternatively or additionally, step S2 may include determining, using control circuit 110, a state of the storage device, including a state of operation of energy storage device 102, indicating the amount of electrical energy that can currently be stored in energy storage device 102.

Alternatively or additionally, step S2 may include evaluating the determined state of the storage device relative to at least one threshold value associated with at least one device function for the aerosol generating device 100, wherein at least the threshold value is adjustable.

In step S3, at least one function of the device, such as the primary heating function and/or at least one auxiliary function of the device, of the aerosol generating device 100, is enabled or disabled based on the assessment made.

Alternatively or additionally, step S3 may include connecting or disconnecting, based on the evaluation made, at least one of the primary heating function and at least one auxiliary function of the device.

It should be noted that any one or more of the features, functionalities, and configurations of the aerosol generating device 100 as described above herein may be implemented as optional, additional, or alternative steps in the method of Fig. 4.

For the purposes of this description and the appended claims, except where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, amounts, percentages, etc., should be understood as modified in all instances by the term "approximately" or "substantially." Also, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and include any intermediate ranges therebetween, which may or may not be specifically listed herein. Therefore, in this context, the number A is understood as A ± 20% of A. In this context, the number A can be considered to include numerical values that are within the common standard error for the measurement of the property that the number A modifies. Also, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and include any intermediate ranges therebetween, which may or may not be specifically listed herein.

Although the present invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive; the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Upon examination of the drawings, the description of the invention, and the appended claims, those skilled in the art who practice the claimed invention may understand and apply other variations of the disclosed embodiments.

In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the singular does not exclude a plurality. The fact that certain measures are mentioned in different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to achieve an advantage. No reference signs in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Claims (28)

1. An aerosol generating device comprising a control circuit and an energy storage device configured to supply electrical energy to the control circuit to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating article; wherein the control circuit is configured to determine a storage state for the energy storage device indicating at least one of the amount of electrical energy currently stored and the amount of electrical energy that can currently be stored in the energy storage device; evaluating a determined state of the accumulator relative to at least one threshold value, wherein said at least one threshold value is related to a threshold energy required to perform the primary heating function of the aerosol-generating device, to heat the aerosol-generating article at or above a given heating temperature to generate an aerosol during at least one use session, and to perform at least one auxiliary function of the aerosol-generating device other than the primary heating function; and connecting or disconnecting, based on the assessment made, at least one of the main heating function and at least one auxiliary function of the device. 2. An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary function of the device is associated with a pause mode that interrupts a session of use. 3. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one threshold value indicates a threshold energy required to operate the aerosol generating device during at least one pause of use in a pause mode interrupting a session of use. 4. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control circuit is configured to activate said at least one auxiliary function of the device after determining, based on the assessment made, that the current energy level for electrical energy stored and/or the storage of which is possible in the energy accumulator is sufficient for the operation of the aerosol generating device during at least one pause of use in the pause mode, interrupting the session of use. 5. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the auxiliary function of the device comprises one or more of: operation of the aerosol generating device with reduced energy consumption relative to operation during a session of use for generating the aerosol; heating said at least one heating element and/or aerosol-generating article to a temperature below a heating temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol; heating said at least one heating element and/or aerosol-generating article to a temperature above room temperature and below a heating temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol; heating said at least one heating element and/or aerosol generating article to a temperature above room temperature and below a heating temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol for a given period of time; activation or deactivation of the haptic control of the aerosol generating device; operation of the user interface of the aerosol generating device; operation of the communication circuit of the aerosol generating device for connecting for communication of the aerosol generating device with a computing device or a receiving device; operation of the aerosol generating device sensor; and operation of the biometric sensor of the aerosol-generating device to authenticate the user. 6. An aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one threshold value is related to a threshold energy required for the operation of the aerosol-generating device, a) during at least one use session in an inhalable aerosol generation mode that generates an aerosol based on heating the aerosol-generating article to a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined heating temperature, and b) during a pause in use in a pause mode that interrupts at least one use session. 7. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control circuit is configured to include a) a primary heating function of the aerosol generating device during at least one session of use for generating an aerosol and b) said at least one auxiliary function of the aerosol generating device, other than the primary heating function of the aerosol generating device, when determining, based on the assessment made, that the current energy level of the electrical energy stored and/or the storage of which is possible in the energy accumulator is sufficient to perform the primary heating function and said at least one auxiliary function of the aerosol generating device. 8. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the determined state of the energy storage device includes at least one of a current energy level for electrical energy stored in the energy storage device and a state of operability of the energy storage device indicating the amount of electrical energy that is currently capable of being stored in the energy storage device. 9. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein evaluating the determined state of the storage tank comprises comparing the determined state of the storage tank with said at least one threshold value. 10. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the primary heating function comprises supplying electrical energy to said at least one heating element to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating article to a temperature equal to or greater than a predetermined heating temperature to generate the aerosol; and an auxiliary function of the device includes supplying electrical energy to said at least one heating element for heating at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article to a temperature below a predetermined heating temperature for generating the aerosol. 11. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control circuit is also configured to determine, based on the evaluation made, the number of pauses in use during which the aerosol generating device is operational. 12. The aerosol generating device of claim 11, wherein the control circuit is further configured to actuate a user interface of the device to indicate a specified number of pauses in use. 13. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control circuit is configured to initiate or request a recharge of the energy storage device based on an assessment of the determined state of the storage device relative to said at least one threshold value. 14. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein determining the state of the storage device includes determining the current energy level of electrical energy stored and/or capable of being stored in the energy storage device, relative to the current maximum energy capacity. 15. An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims and an aerosol generating article configured to be connected to or connected to the aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from at least a portion of the aerosol generating article.