EP4231864A1

EP4231864A1 - Method for controlling using an aerosol generation device and associated method

Info

Publication number: EP4231864A1
Application number: EP21798667.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Stéphane Hedarchet; Kyle ADAIR
Original assignee: JT International SA
Current assignee: JT International SA
Priority date: 2020-10-22
Filing date: 2021-10-22
Publication date: 2023-08-30
Also published as: JP2023546804A; WO2022084509A1

Abstract

The invention related to a method (60) for controlling using an aerosol generation device in a using area, the aerosol generation device comprising a control unit configured to control the operation of the aerosol generation device according to an operation configuration chosen between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration; the method (60) comprising the following steps: - scanning (62) the using area for broadcast signals, each broadcast signal being identifiable by a signal identifier associated to an electronic device having generated the broadcast signal; - determining (64) the operation configuration of the aerosol generation device according to at least one signal identifier associated to the electronic device; - controlling (66) the operation of the aerosol generation device according to the determined operation configuration.

Description

Method for controlling using an aerosol generation device and associated method

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns a method for controlling using an aerosol generation device in a using area.

The present invention also concerns a system configured to implement such a method.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Different types of aerosol generation devices are already known in the art.

Generally, such devices comprise a storage portion for storing an aerosol forming precursor, which can comprise for example a liquid or in a form of tobacco stick. A heating system is formed of one or more electrically activated resistive heating elements arranged to heat said precursor to generate the aerosol. The aerosol is released into a flow path extending between an inlet and outlet of the system. The outlet may be arranged as a mouthpiece, which a user inhales through for delivery of the aerosol.

In some areas, using of an aerosol generation device can be prohibited. Such areas may be for example public transports, hospitals or even schools. A contrario, in some areas, using an aerosol generation device can be allowed. Such area may be a private car, a house, a garden.

In order to prevent using the aerosol generation device in a predetermined area, different methods for disabling the operation of an aerosol generation device in such an area are known in the art.

For example, one of these methods consists in using a wireless beacon frame transmitted to the aerosol generation device by an external device arranged in the area. The beacon frames may be transmitted as a broadcast signal in the area and generally comprise a special disabling message causing disabling the aerosol generation device or at least its vaping capacity upon reception the beacon frames by a control unity of the device. In this case, the control unit of the aerosol generation device is configured to receive the beacon frames and extract from them the disabling message without pairing with the external device. In some other cases, notably while using a Bluetooth transmission protocol, a pairing between the aerosol generation device and the external device is necessary in order to transmit the disabling message. In this case, the disabling message is transmitted by signal exchanged between the aerosol generation device and the external device after their paring.

However, the existing methods are not completely satisfactory. Indeed, according to these methods, the control unit of the aerosol generation device has to be adapted to receive and decode a disabling message. This requires relatively strong calculation capacities that is not always possible for an aerosol generation device. Additionally, in case of pairing between the aerosol generation device and the external device, an additional user action is usually required to perform the pairing. Moreover, a paring may sometimes be failed so as the user should repeat the same actions several times.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aim of the invention is to improve the existing controlling methods and make it possible to control the operation of the aerosol generation device in a predetermined area in a simple manner and without requiring strong calculation capacities from different component of the aerosol generation device.

For this purpose, the invention relates to a method for controlling using an aerosol generation device in a using area, the aerosol generation device comprising a control unit configured to control the operation of the aerosol generation device according to an operation configuration chosen between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration; the method comprising the following steps:

- scanning the using area for broadcast signals, each broadcast signal being identifiable by a signal identifier associated to an electronic device having generated the broadcast signal;

- determining the operation configuration of the aerosol generation device according to at least one signal identifier associated to the electronic device, the signal identifier being a unique identifier of this broadcast signal; - controlling the operation of the aerosol generation device according to the determined operation configuration.

Thanks to this method, it is possible to control the operation of the aerosol generation device based on the signal identifier of an electronic device generating the signal. This method is thus simpler as compared to the methods of the state of the art. In particular, no pairing between different devices is needed. Additionally, there is no need to extract a special disabling message from the transmitted signal, only the signal identifier is used to control the aerosol generation device. This makes it possible to control the device using less calculation capacities. The controlling method according to the invention is thus faster than the methods of the art in which pairing or decoding is needed. Moreover, the method according to the invention is robust since the method requires using a signal identifier of an electronic device for determining the operation configuration. Additionally, the method according to the invention is more convenient because the signal identifiers of a variety of electronic devices can be used and as mentioned above pairing and decoding are not needed.

According to some embodiments, the signal identifier identifies the electronic device in a unique way.

Thanks to these features, as compared to the method of the art, there is no need to add a specific additional code in the broadcast signal generated by the electronic device indicating a vaping policy that has to be decoded.

According to some embodiments, the signal identifier is distinct from a vaping policy message indicating a predefined vaping policy.

Using these features, there is no need to decode any message as in the state of the art. The method according to the invention is thus faster than the method of the art in which a vaping code has to be decoded.

According to some embodiment, each broadcast signal comprises the signal identifier and a payload filed, the signal identifier being distinct from the payload field. According to some embodiments, the step of scanning and/or the step of determining are/is carried out by the aerosol generation device or by a mobile device associated to the aerosol generation device.

Using these features, it is possible to use a mobile device, such a smartphone, to carry out at least some steps of the method. Thus, it is possible to reduce requirements imposed on different components of the aerosol generation device.

According to some embodiments, the or each signal identifier is representative of a MAC address of the electronic device having generated the signal.

Using these features, only the MAC address is used for determining the operation configuration of the aerosol generation device. Using the MAC address enables to use a pre-existing address linked to the electronic device without sending another message representative of a using policy as it is the case in the state of the art. Using such a MAC address is thus convenient.

According to some embodiments, during the step of scanning, the scanning unit only performs a function of receiver of the broadcast signals.

Using these features, no bidirectional connection is established between the aerosol generation device or the mobile device associated to the aerosol generation device and the electronic device. Only a recovery of the broadcast signal identifier is performed by the aerosol generation device or the mobile device associated to the aerosol generation device.

According to some embodiments, the step of determining the operation configuration comprises comparing said signal identifier with a list of reference identifiers issued from a control database, the list of reference identifiers being associated to a plurality of electronic devices that are configured to generate the broadcast signals according to a wireless communication protocol.

Using these features, it is possible to determine the operation configuration in a quick and simple way. Moreover, the step of comparing ensures robustness of the step of determining and is convenient for a user. According to some embodiments, for each reference identifier of the list of reference identifiers, the control database further comprises a using policy, the operation configuration being determined according to the using policy associated to the reference identifier matching said signal identifier.

Using these features, a user of the aerosol generation device may associate to the reference identifier a using policy. Thus, the user can customize the controlling of the aerosol generation device.

According to some embodiments, the list of reference identifier is predetermined and/or updatable during a maintenance operation.

It is thus advantageously possible to customize the reference identifiers of the list of reference identifiers.

According to some embodiments, the method further comprises a step of adding a new reference identifier to the list of reference identifiers.

Using these features, the list of reference identifiers may be updated.

According to some embodiments, the method further comprises a step of secured identification, said step of adding a new reference identifier is carried out if the secured identification is successful.

Using these features, a new reference identifier may be added in a secured way.

According to some embodiments, said step of adding a new reference identifier is carried out after the step of scanning the using area for broadcast signals, the new reference identifier being chosen from a list of signal identifiers of the identified broadcast signals.

Using these features, the adding of a new reference identifier can be performed in a simple way. According to some embodiments, at least one reference identifier of the list of reference identifiers is determined according to using authorizations of the aerosol generation device applied in a given using area.

It is thus possible to prevent using the aerosol generation device in some public areas such as schools, hospitals, public transports, etc.

According to some embodiments, the method further comprises a step of user authentication step, the operation configuration being further determined basing on the user authentication.

It is thus possible to allow a pre-registered user, also referred to “authentic user” to use the aerosol generation device. Such step ensures that the person in possession of the aerosol generation device has permission to use the aerosol generation device.

According to some embodiments, the user authentication step comprises comparing a reference feature with at least one feature chosen in the group comprising:

- predetermined movement of the aerosol generation device;

- predetermined pressure exerted onto the aerosol generation device;

- airflow parameter measured in an airflow channel of the aerosol generation device;

- user’s iris or fingerprint.

According to some embodiments, the user authentication step comprises identifying the aerosol generation device with a communication device, the aerosol generation device and the communication device communicating according to a Near Field Communication protocol or an Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) protocol.

Advantageously, the user authentication step can be performed in a secured way.

The invention also relates to an aerosol generation device comprising a controlling system for controlling the device in a using area and comprising a scanning unit, a determination unit and a control unit configured to perform the method for controlling as described above; the determination unit storing locally a list of reference identifiers associated to a plurality of electronic devices that are configured to generate broadcast signals and being configured to compare said signal identifier with the list of reference identifiers. BRIEF DECRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention and its advantages will be better understood upon reading the following description, which is given solely by way of non-limiting example and which is made with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an aerosol generation device comprising a controlling system according to a first embodiment of the invention;

- Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing in more detail the controlling system of Figure 1 ; using an aerosol generation device;

- Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a MAC address;

- Figure 4 is a flowchart of a method for controlling using the aerosol generation device of Figure 1 ;

- Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing a controlling system for the aerosol generation device of Figure 1 , according to a second embodiment of the invention; and

- Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing a controlling system for the aerosol generation device of Figure 1 , according to a third embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Before describing the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the details of construction or process steps set forth in the following description. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure that invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways.

As used herein, the term “aerosol generation device” or “device” may include a smoking device to deliver an aerosol to a user, including an aerosol for smoking, by means of aerosol generating unit (e.g. a heater or atomizer which generates vapor which condenses into an aerosol before delivery to an outlet of the device at, for example, a mouthpiece, for inhalation by a user. The device may be portable. “Portable” may refer to the device being for use when held by a user. The device may be adapted to generate a variable amount of aerosol, e.g. by activating an atomizer for a variable amount of time (as opposed to a metered dose of aerosol), which can be controlled by a trigger. The trigger may be user activated, such as a vaping button and/or inhalation sensor. The inhalation sensor may be sensitive to the strength of inhalation as well as the duration of inhalation so as to enable more or less vapor to be provided based on the strength of inhalation (so as to mimic the effect of smoking a conventional combustible smoking article such as a cigarette, cigar or pipe, etc.). The device may include a temperature regulation control to drive the temperature of the heater and/or the heated aerosol generating substance (aerosol pre-cursor) to a specified target temperature and thereafter to maintain the temperature at the target temperature regardless of the amount of substrate (pre-cursor) available at the aerosol generating unit and regardless of the strength with which a user inhales.

As used herein, the term “control unit” refers to a component of the system for controlling according to the invention and configured to be part of the aerosol generation device. The control unit is configured to control the operation of the device according to a determined operation configuration. Thus, the control unit can control the operation of the heater and/or the power provided for example by a battery and/or the pressure of the precursor or the air.

As used herein, the term “operational settings” may refer to settings usable by the control unit of the device to control the operation of the device. The operational settings may thus refer to a temperature of the heater and/or current or voltage values provided by the battery and/or precursor or air pressure values. The operational settings may be normal or adjusted. The normal operational settings are used when the device is operated normally, i.e. without prohibition. In this case, all functions of the device are workable in a default setting or in a default operation mode to enable full capacity of aerosol generation. The adjusted operational settings are used when the device is operated under restrictions imposed for example by the using area where the device is used. Such restriction may comprise a duration of vaping. The adjusted operational setting may cause disabling operation of the aerosol generation device.

As used herein, the term “control signal” may refer to a signal transmitted to the control unit to cause a modification in the operation of the device. For example, a control signal can cause a modification of the operational settings by the control unit of the device. A control signal can also include operational settings to be used by the control unit. According to other examples, a control signal can include an enabling signal causing normal operation of the device to generate aerosol, i.e. using normal operational settings by the control unit, an adjusting signal causing adjusted operation of the device to generate aerosol, i.e. using adjusted operational settings without disabling the device, and a disabling signal causing disabling the device to generate aerosol, i.e. using adjusted operational settings causing disabling the device to generate aerosol. According to the different embodiments of the invention, the control signal can be generated by a distant server, a local server, a scan terminal, a mobile device or the aerosol generation device.

As used herein, the term “aerosol” may include a suspension of precursor as one or more of: solid particles; liquid droplets; gas. Said suspension may be in a gas including air. Aerosol herein may generally refer to/include a vapor. Aerosol may include one or more components of the precursor.

As used herein, the term “aerosol-forming precursor” or “precursor” or “aerosolforming substance” or “substance” may refer to one or more of a: liquid; solid; gel; mousse; other substance. The precursor may be processable by an atomizer of the device to form an aerosol as defined herein. The precursor may comprise one or more of : nicotine; caffeine or other active component. The active component may be carried with a carrier, which may be a liquid. The carrier may include propylene glycol or glycerine. A flavoring may also be present. The flavoring may include Ethylvanillin (vanilla), menthol, Isoamyl acetate (banana oil) or similar. A solid aerosol forming substance may be in the form of a rod, which contains processed tobacco material, a crimped sheet or oriented strips of reconstituted tobacco (RTB).

As used herein, the term “using area” may refer to an area wherein a specific using policy relative to using of an aerosol generation device is applied. Such an area may be a transport mean, notably public transport means like a bus, a train, an aircraft, etc. or an individual transport means like a car, a building, notably a hospital, a school, a house.

As used herein, the term “operation configuration” may refer to a configuration of the aerosol generation device. The configuration is either a locked configuration, a restricted configuration or an unlocked configuration of the aerosol generation device. In the locked configuration, the aerosol generation device is disabled and cannot generate aerosol. In the unlocked configuration, the aerosol generation device is able to generate aerosol. In the locked configuration, the operational settings are adjusted and cause disabling operation of the aerosol generation device. In the restricted configuration, the operational settings cause operation of the aerosol generation device under restrictions. In the unlocked configuration, the operational settings are normal.

As used herein, the term “electronic device” refers to a device located in a using area, which is able to emit a broadcast signal identifiable by a signal identifier. The electronic device can be a hardware element located in the using area.

As used herein, the term “signal identifier” refers to a unique identifier of a broadcast signal emitted by an electronic device. Such an identifier may be associated with the electronic device. Such signal identifier can be a unique identifier assigned to the electronic device having generated the broadcast signal, the signal identifier being predefined and identifying the electronic device in a unique way. Thus, the signal identifier can refer, for example, to the MAC (acronym for “Media Access Control”) address of the electronic device.

As used herein, the term “using policy” may refer to a policy establishing if using the aerosol generation device is allowed, restricted or forbidden in a using area. The using policy may be determined by authorities. For example, vaping may be forbidden or restricted in hospitals, schools, airplanes, etc. In some cases, using policy may also be determined by a user of the aerosol generation device. For example, the user may decide that vaping is allowed in his car and in his house.

As used herein, the term “control database” may refer to a database stored locally or distantly and defining a list of reference identifiers. The reference identifiers correspond to signal identifiers of a plurality of electronic devices. In some cases, in the control database, each reference identifier is associated to a using policy.

As used herein, the term “mobile device” may refer to a device, which is able to establish a data connection with the aerosol generation device. Advantageously, the mobile device is also able to establish a connection with a distant server via for example a global computer network as Internet. The mobile device includes human-computer interaction means such a touch screen or a screen associated with control means, to allow a user to communicate with the distant server and with the aerosol generation device. Thus, the mobile device may be a smartphone, a laptop, a personal computer, a tablet, a smartwatch or all other connected device. In some cases, the mobile device can determine the operation configuration operation for the associated aerosol generation device.

As used herein, the term “distant server” may refer to one or several computers able to provide a distant service such for example an updatable database. The distant service can be required by a user via the aerosol generation device, the mobile device associated to this aerosol generation device or a scan terminal.

FIRST EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Referring to Figure 1 , an aerosol generation device 10 used in the different embodiments of the invention will be first explained.

Particularly, the aerosol generation device 10 comprises a battery 12 for powering the device 10, a heating system 14 powered by the battery 12, a precursor compartment 16 in contact with the heating system 14 and a controlling system 18 for controlling using the aerosol generation device 10 in a using area. The aerosol generation device 10 may further comprise other components performing different functionalities of the device 10. These other components are known per se and will be not explained in further detail below.

The battery 12 is for example a known battery designed to be charged using the power supply furnished by an external charger and to provide a direct current of a predetermined voltage.

The precursor compartment 16 is designed to store the precursor used to generate aerosol. Particularly, based on the nature of the precursor, the precursor compartment 16 can be designed to store the precursor in a liquid and/or solid form. The precursor compartment 16 can be fixed in respect with the body of the aerosol generation device 10 or removable from it. In the first case, the precursor compartment 16 can be refilled with the precursor. In the second case, the precursor compartment 16 can present a replaceable cartridge (e.g., a pod or capsule containing e-liquid) or consumable (e.g., a tobacco rod) that can be removed and replaced by another one when the precursor is no longer available. In some embodiments, the replaceable cartridge can be also refilled with the precursor. In some examples, the precursor compartment 16 may comprise a payload identifier making it possible to determine the nature of the precursor and/or its composition.

The heating system 14 comprises a heater in contact with the precursor compartment 16 or integrated partially into this compartment 16. Powered by the battery 12 and controlled by the control unit, the heater is able to heat the precursor comprised in the precursor compartment 16 to generate aerosol.

The controlling system 18 for controlling using the aerosol generation device 10 in a using area, according to a first embodiment of the invention, will be now explained in reference to Figure 2

As explained above, the using area may be transport means, notably a public transport means like a bus, a train, an aircraft, etc. or individual transport means like a car, a building, notably a hospital, a school, a house. In the example of Figure 2, two using areas are considered. For example, a first using area 20 may be a car of a user of the aerosol generation device 10 and a second using area 22 being a train. The first using area 20 and the second using area 22 are called by the generic term “using areas” in the following.

At least one electronic device is located in each using area. The electronic device may be an electronic hardware or electronic component located in each using area, configured to emit broadcast signals. For example, the electronic device is specific to the using area. As for the first using area 20, the electronic device may be an electronic component of the car, referred in the following as “car electronic device 24” and configured to emit broadcast signals 24A. For example, the car electronic device 24 is a part of the car and for example located in the central console of the car. In particular, the car electronic device 24 can be a part of an entertainment system of the car. As for the second using area 22, the electronic device may be an electronic component of the train, referred in the following as “train electronic device 26” and configured to emit broadcast signals 26A. For example, the train electronic device 26 is a part of the train and for example located in each train wagon. In particular, the train electronic device 26 may be a part of a communication system of the train. The car electronic device 24 and the train electronic device 26 can also be referred in the following by the generic term “electronic devices 24, 26”. The broadcast signals 24A, 26A may be emitted by the electronic devices 24, 26 according to a wireless communication protocol. The wireless communication protocol is for example chosen in the group comprising, for example, a Bluetooth protocol, a WIFI protocol, a Near Field Communication (NFC) Protocol, a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) protocol or a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) protocol.

As also explained above, each broadcast signal 24A, 26A is identifiable by a signal identifier ID24A, ID26A. According to a particular example, the signal identifier is a unique identifier associated to the electronic device 24, 26. In particular, the signal identifier identifies the electronic device 24, 26 broadcasting the signal 24A, 26A. As mentioned above, the signal identifier ID24A, ID26A can refer, for example, to the MAC address of the electronic device 24, 26.

An example of such a broadcast signal emitted by an electronic device according to Bluetooth protocol is shown in Figure 3. Thus, according to this example, the broadcast signal comprises a preamble, an access address, a PDU (“Protocol Data Unit”) and a CRC (“Cyclic Redundancy Check”). The PDU notably comprises a header, the signal identifier such as the MAC address and a payload field. The payload field is intended to contain functional data. According to invention, the payload field may be empty as no functional data issued from an external device is used by the controlling system 18.

As it is shown on Figure 2, the controlling system 18 comprises a control unit 28, a scanning unit 30 and a determination unit 32. According to some particular examples, the controlling system 18 may further comprise at least an authentication unit 34, an identification unit 36 and a localization unit 38.

The control unit 28 is able to control the operation of the aerosol generation device 10, using operational settings according to a determined operation configuration of the aerosol generation device 10. Particularly, using the operational settings, the control unit 28 is able to control the heater temperature and/or the power provided from the battery 12 to the heating system and/or the pressure for example at the air inlet or aerosol outlet.

The scanning unit 30 is configured to scan a using area for broadcast signals diffused by electronic devices located in this using area. The scanning unit 30 is configured to retrieve a signal identifier of at least one broadcast signal from the electronic device in the using area. Advantageously according to the invention, the scanning unit 30 is not going to pair with the electronic device. In other words, the scanning unit 30 is not going to establish a bi-directional connection with the electronic device and is configured only to retrieve a signal identifier of a broadcast signal. In other words, according to this example, the scanning unit 30 only performs a function of receiver of the broadcast signals.

The scanning unit 30 is adapted to retrieve the signal identifier of the broadcast signal. Namely, in the case of the broadcast signal shown in Figure 3, the scanning unit only retrieves the MAC address and ignores the preamble, the access address, the header, the payload and the CRC. In other words, the scanning unit 30 does not need to retrieve other data than the signal identifier. In particular, the scanning unit 30 does not retrieve other data than the signal identifier and/or does not to decode other data than the signal identifier.

Thus, when the aerosol generation device 10 comprising the controlling system 18 is in the first using area 20, the scanning unit 30 is configured to retrieve the signal identifier ID24A of the broadcast signal 24A emitted by the car electronic device 24 and when the aerosol generation device 10 is in the second using area 26, the scanning unit 30 is configured to retrieve the signal identifier ID26A of the broadcast signal 26A emitted by the train electronic device 26.

The scanning unit 30 is adapted to send to the determination unit 32 the retrieved signal identifiers ID24A, ID26A from the scanned broadcast signal 24A, 26A.

The determination unit 32 is configured to determine an operation configuration of the aerosol generation device 10 according to at least one signal identifier associated to the electronic device 24, 26, chosen between the locked configuration, the restricted configuration or the unlocked configuration. In other words, the determination unit 32 is configured to determine the operation configuration of the aerosol generation device 10 according to at least one signal identifier associated to the scanned broadcast signal by the scanning unit 30. The determination unit 32 is connected to the scanning unit 30 and is adapted to receive from the scanning unit 30 the at least one signal identifier retrieved by the scanning unit 30. Thus, when the controlling system 18 is in the first using area 20, the determination unit 32 is configured to determine the operation configuration of the aerosol generation device 10 based on the retrieved signal identifier ID24A associated to the car electronic device 24, and, when the controlling system 18 is in the second using area 22, the determination unit 32 is configured to determine the operation configuration of the aerosol generation device 10 based on the retrieved signal identifier ID26A associated to the train electronic device 26.

According to some examples, the determination unit 32 comprise a memory 40 able to store a control database 42. The control database 42 comprises a list of reference identifiers. Each reference identifier is a reference signal identifier associated to an electronic device, as the electronic devices 24, 26 defined above, configured to emit broadcast signals 24A, 26A according to a wireless communication protocol. The reference identifiers associated to the electronic devices 24 and 26 are respectively referred as REF24, REF26 in the following. For example, the control database 42 is able to store for each reference identifier, for example for each reference identifier REF24, REF26, a using policy as defined above.

According to some examples, the list of reference identifiers may be modified or updated. For example, a reference identifier REF24, REF26 may be added in the list of reference identifiers by the user. According to some examples, the list of reference identifiers may be updatable during a maintenance operation. Such a maintenance operation can be done at a service center or via a platform with enhanced security, such as an application or a website. For example, the list of reference identifiers may be modified by a user.

The determination unit 32 is configured to compare the signal identifier to the reference identifiers. Moreover, the determination unit 32 is adapted to determine the operation configuration according to the using policy associated to the reference identifier matching said signal identifier. For example, the determination unit 32 is configured to further determine the operation configuration based on a user authentication performed by the authentication unit 34.

The authentication unit 34 enables authenticate the user of the aerosol generation device 10, e.g. to determine if the user matches with a pre-registered user of the aerosol generation device 10 and thus if she/he is allowed to use the aerosol generation device. Indeed, the pre-registered user of the aerosol generation device is a user allowed to use the aerosol generation device 10. In particular, the authentication unit 34 is configured to compare a reference feature associated to the pre-registered user with at least one feature chosen in the group comprising the movement of the aerosol generation device 10, a pressure exerted onto the aerosol generation device 10, an airflow parameter measured in an airflow channel of the aerosol generation device 10, the user’s iris and/or fingerprint. Said feature can be obtained by sensors arranged in the aerosol generation device 10, such as an accelerometer, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) measuring a pressure called hereinafter “MEMS pressure sensor”, an iris sensor and/or a fingerprint sensor. In particular, the MEMS pressure sensor is adapted to measure a pressure in the airflow path of the aerosol generation device 10 and to compare such measured pressured to a vaping profile of the pre-registered user. The MEMS pressure sensor can be part of the inhalation sensor as defined above.

The identification unit 36 is configured to communicate with a communication device, to identify the aerosol generation device 10. The identification unit 36 is adapted to determine if the aerosol generation device is known from the using area communication device. The communication device may be a using area communication device that may be arranged in the using area. The identification unit 36 may be configured to store an identification data of the aerosol generation device 10. The identification unit 36 is, for example, configured to perform a short-range wireless communication with the using area communication device, when the identification unit 36 is close to the using area communication unit. The wireless communication protocol is for example a known short- range protocol communication, such as a Near Field Communication (NFC) Protocol or a Radio Frequency (RFID) protocol, etc. The using area communication device may store pre-loaded identification data. As an example, the using area communication device may be located in the first using area. Other using area communication devices may be arrange in other using areas such as an office, a platform of a train station, etc. As a variant, the communication device may be an associated mobile device such as a smartphone, computer, or server which communicates with the aerosol generation device 10.

The localization unit 38 for determining the localization of the controlling system 18, is for example a GPS (“Global Positioning System”). Using the units described above, the controlling system 18 according to the first embodiment is able to perform a method 60 for controlling using the aerosol generation device 10 in a using area which will be now explained in reference to Figure 4.

Initially, it is considered that the aerosol generation device 10 is in the locked configuration and that a user will enter in a using area, such as the first using area 20 for example.

The method 60 comprises a step of scanning 62 a using area for broadcast signals, performed by the scanning unit 30. In case when a broadcast signal as explained above is detected, the scanning unit 30 extracts from this signal the corresponding signal identifier. Particularly, in the example of Figure 2, during this step 62, the scanning unit 30 scans the first area 20 for broadcast signals and when the broadcast signal 24A diffused by the car electronic device 24 is detected, the scanning unit 30 extracts only the signal identifier ID24A from this signal 24A. Particularly, the scanning unit 30 does not perform pairing with the car electronic device 24.

During the next step 64, the determination unit 32 determines the operation configuration of the aerosol generation device 10 according to the signal identifier extracted from the broadcast signal during the previous step. Advantageously according to the invention, the operation configuration may be determined by comparing said signal identifier with the list of reference identifiers issued from the control database 42, as defined above.

Particularly, according to the example of Figure 2, during the step of determining 64, said car signal identifier ID24A is compared with the reference identifiers REF24 and REF26 of the list of reference identifiers of the control database 42 where it matches with the reference identifier REF24. Then, the determination unit 32 determines the using policy associated to this reference identifier REF24 in the control database 42. In the example, the using policy is “authorization of using the aerosol generation device 10”. Such using policy is represented by “YES” in Figure 2. Then, based on the determined using policy, the operation configuration of the aerosol generation device 10 is determined. In this case of the first using area 20, the operation configuration is the unlocked configuration. During the next step 66, the control unit 28 controls the operation of the aerosol generation device according to the determined operation configuration. Particularly, according to the example of Figure 2, during this step 66, the control unit 28 emits an enabling control signal causing normal operation of the aerosol generation device 10 to generate aerosol corresponding to the unlocked configuration. Thus, the user is able to vape in the first using area 20, namely his car, using the aerosol generation device 10.

In the case where the aerosol generation 10 is initially in the unlocked configuration and a user enters in the second using area 22, the method for controlling carried out in relation to the second using area is the same as the controlling method carried out in relation to the first using area disclosed above. In particular, the operation configuration determined during the step of determining 64 is the locked configuration. Thus, the user is not able to vape in the second using area 22, that-is-to say, the train.

According to some embodiments, the method 60 comprises a step of user authentication 68. This comprises comparing a reference feature of a pre-registered user with at least one associated feature to determine if the actual user matches with a preregistered user of the aerosol generation device. In particular, the step of user authentication 68 is to allow the authentic/pre-registered user to use the aerosol generation device 10. For example, during this step, the authentication unit 34 may compare the movement of the aerosol generation device 10 and/or a pressure exerted onto the aerosol generation device 10 and/or an airflow parameter measured in the airflow channel of the aerosol generation device 10 and/or a user’s iris of fingerprint with an associated reference feature of the pre-registered user. If the feature matches with the reference feature, the user authentication 68 is successful.

As a variant or in complement, the step of user authentication 68 may comprise identifying the aerosol generation device 10 through communication between the identification unit 36 and the communication device defined above. If an identification data stored in the identification unit 38 matches with a pre-loaded identification data stored in the using area communication device, the secured identification of the aerosol generation device 10 is successful and thus the user is authenticated.

For example, the step of user authentication 68 is performed before the step of determining 64. As a variant, the step of user authentication 68 is performed during the step of determining 64, after the using policy is determined. If the using policy is an authorization to use the aerosol generation device in the using area, before determining the operation configuration of the aerosol generation device 10, the step of user authentication 68 is performed. Then, if the secured authentication by the aerosol generation device 10 of a pre-registered user is successful, the operation configuration is the unlocked configuration. On the contrary, if the aerosol generation device 10 cannot identify authentic user, the operation configuration is the locked configuration.

According to some embodiments, the method 60 further comprises a step of adding a new reference identifier in the list of reference identifiers of the control database 42. This step can be performed by the user of the aerosol generation device 10 e.g., through an associated mobile device such as a smartphone, computer, or server which communicates to the aerosol generation device 10. As a variant or complement, the step of adding a new reference identifier is performed during a maintenance operation of the aerosol generation device 10.

According to some embodiments, the method 60 further comprises a step of secured identification performed before the step of adding a new reference identifier in the control database 42. The step of secured identification enables to identify the aerosol generation device 10. In particular, this step is carried out if the secured identification is successful. For example, the step of secured identification is performed by communication of the identification unit 36 with a communication device as defined above. If the identification data stored in the identification unit matches with a pre-loaded identification data of the communication device, the secured identification is successful.

According to another example, the step of secured identification is carried out by the authentication unit 34 which compares the movement of the aerosol generation device 10 and/or a pressure exerted onto the aerosol generation device 10 and/or an airflow parameter measured in the airflow channel of the aerosol generation device 10 and/or a user’s iris of fingerprint with an associated reference feature of a pre-registered user. If the feature matches with the reference feature, the step of secured identification is carried out.

According to some embodiments, the method 60 further comprises a step of determining localization of the controlling system 18 using the localization unit 36. Basing on the determined localization, if no reference identifier is retrieved by the scanning unit 30 during the step of scanning 62, the control unit 28 determines the operation configuration by comparing the determined localization with pre-loaded localizations. As an example, pre-loaded localizations are localizations for which the operation configuration of the aerosol generation device is the unlocked configuration. For example, the pre-loaded localization are stored in a memory of the localization unit 38 or in a memory of the control unit 28.

SECOND EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

An aerosol generation device according to a second embodiment differs from the aerosol generation device 10 explained above only by the controlling system. The controlling system according to the second embodiment is denoted by reference 118 and will be explained in more detail with reference to Figure 5.

Particularly, as it is showed on Figure 5, the controlling system 118 comprises a control unit 128, a scanning unit 130, a determination unit 132, an authentication unit 134, an identification unit 136 and a localization unit 138 similar respectfully to the control unit 28, the scanning unit 30, the determination unit 32, the authentication unit 34, the identification unit 36 and the localization unit 38 described above. The controlling system 118 differs from the controlling system 18 described in relation with Figures 1 to 3 in that it further comprises human-computer interaction means 180. These means 180 comprise a display screen 182 and control means comprising for example a plurality of buttons 184, 186. According to the second embodiment, the human-computer interaction means are part of the aerosol generation device.

The display screen 182 is configured to display the signal identifiers ID24A, ID26A retrieved by the scanning unit 130. Moreover, the display screen 182 is configured to display the reference identifiers REF24, REF26 of the list of reference identifiers. The display screen 182 can be for example a touch screen.

The button 184 is a scrolling button configured to scroll in the list of reference identifiers and/or in the list of broadcast signals retrieved by the scanning unit 130. Moreover, the button 186 may be configured to select a reference identifier and/or a broadcast signal identifier. For example, the buttons 184, 186 are physical buttons. In some cases, the buttons 184, 186 can be touch buttons displayed on the display screen 182. The controlling system 118 according to the second embodiment is able to perform a method for controlling using an aerosol generation device 10 in a using area which is similar to the method 60 explained above in relation to Figure 4.

With the controlling system 118 of the second embodiment, the method for controlling 160 can further comprise a step of choosing one broadcast signal among a plurality of broadcast signals retrieved by the scanning unit 30. Such step of choosing is performed by the user of the aerosol generation device using the control means to select one signal identifier among the plurality of signal identifier retrieved by the scanning unit 130.

With the controlling system 118 of the second embodiment, the step of adding a new reference identifier may be carried out after the step of scanning 62 the using area 20, 22 for broadcast signals 24A, 26A. For example, the new reference identifier is chosen from a list of signal identifiers retrieved during the step of scanning, referred as “list of retrieved signal identifiers” in the following. Thus, during the step of adding a new reference identifier in the list of reference identifiers, the user can select a broadcast signal identifier from the list of retrieved signal identifier and add it in the list of reference identifiers. The selection is for example done using the control means. The user can also add a using policy associated to the new reference identifier.

According to some embodiments, after the step of determining localization of the controlling system 118, the method 60 can comprise a step of sending push notifications to the user of the aerosol generation device 118 to ask the operation configuration of the aerosol generation device 118 to be applied in the determined localization if the determined localization if not part of the pre-loaded localization stored. For example, push notifications are displayed on the display screen 182. If the determined localization is associated by the user to the unlocked configuration, such determined localization is stored for the future.

THIRD EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

An aerosol generation device according to a third embodiment differs from the aerosol generation device 10 explained above only by the controlling system. The aerosol generation device according to the third embodiment is denoted by reference 210 and the controlling system according to the third embodiment is denoted by reference 218 and will be explained in more detail with reference to Figure 6.

As it is shown on Figure 6, the aerosol generation device 210 is associated to a mobile device 290 as defined above. Moreover, as it is showed on Figure 6, the controlling system 218 comprises a control unit 228, a scanning unit 230, a determination unit 232, an authentication unit 234, an identification unit 236, a localization unit 238 and human-computer interaction means 280 similar respectfully to the control unit 128, the scanning unit 130, the determination unit 132, the authentication unit 134, the identification unit 136, the localization unit 138 and the human-computer interaction means 180 described above. The controlling system 218 according to the third embodiment differs from the controlling system 118 disclosed in Figure 5 in that it further comprises a communication unit 292 adapted to communicate with the mobile device 290.

In this example, the scanning unit 230, the determination unit 232, the authentication unit 234, the identification unit 236, the localization unit 238 and the human-computer interaction means 280 are integrated into of the mobile device 290, and, the control unit 228 and the communication unit 292 are integrated into the aerosol generation device 210.

The communication unit 292 is configured to perform for example short-range wireless communications with the mobile device 290 or a scan terminal, when such a device is in a close position with the aerosol generation device 210. Thus, the communication unit 292 is able to perform one of the known short-range communication protocols such as Bluetooth, RFID, NFS, etc. In some embodiments, the communication unit 292 is further configured to perform long-range wireless communications with any electronic device. Thus, the communication unit 18 is able to perform communications using one of the known long-range protocols such as Wi-Fi, LoRa, 3G, 4G, 5G, etc.

According to some embodiments, the communication unit 292 is configured only to receive data from the mobile device 290. In some other embodiments, the communication unit 292 is configured to receive data from the mobile device 290 and to transmit data to such a device 290.

Finally, according to some embodiments, the communication unit 292 is configured to perform wire communications with an appropriate device, e.g., via a USB cable. The mobile device 290 is configured to determine the operation configuration of the aerosol generation device 210 and to transmit the determined operation configuration to the communication unit 292 of the aerosol generation device 210.

The communication unit 292 is configured to transmit the determined operation configuration to the control unit 228.

According to some embodiments, the controlling system 218 comprises the humancomputer interaction means as explained in relation with the second embodiment.

The controlling system 218 according to the third embodiment of the invention is able to perform a method for controlling the using of an aerosol generation device 210 in a using area 20, 22. This method differs from the method for controlling 60 described in relation to Figure 4 only in that the step of scanning 62 and the step of determining 64 are performed by the mobile device 290 and the step of controlling 66 is performed by the aerosol generation device 210.

According to some embodiments, the step of user authentication is performed by the mobile device 290.

According to some embodiments, the step of secured identification is performed by the mobile device 290.

FOURTH EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

An aerosol generation device according to a fourth embodiment differs from the aerosol generation device 10 explained above only by the controlling system. The controlling system according to the fourth is not represented on the figures.

Particularly, the controlling system comprises a control unit, a scanning unit, a determination unit, an authentication unit, an identification unit and a localization unit similar respectfully to the control unit 28, the scanning unit 30, the determination unit 32, the authentication unit 34, the identification unit 36 and the localization unit 38 described above. The controlling system differs from the controlling system 18 described in relation with Figures 1 to 3 by its control database 42. The control database 42 according to the fourth embodiment is configured to store only reference identifiers associated to the operation configuration which is the unlocked configuration. Particularly, in the case of the specific example described above, the control database 42 only stores reference identifier REF24 and not REF26 associated to the train electronic device 26. In a variant, the control database 42 is configured to store only reference identifiers associated to the operation configuration which is the locked configuration.

The controlling system according to the fourth embodiment of the invention is able to perform a method for controlling the using of an aerosol generation device 10 in a using area. The method for controlling only differs from the method of controlling 60 describes in relation to Figure 4 only by the step of determining 64.

Indeed, when the controlling system is in the first using area 20, during the step of determining 64, the car signal identifier ID24A extracted matches with the reference identifier REF24 of the control database 42. Then, the determination unit 32 automatically determines the operation configuration of the aerosol generation device, which is in the present example the unlocked configuration. On the contrary, when the controlling system is in the second using area 22, the train signal identifier then does not match with any reference identifier of the control database 42. The determination unit 32 thus automatically determines the operation configuration of the aerosol generation device 10, which is in the present example the locked configuration.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Other embodiments of the invention are still possible. These embodiments can combine different features of the previously described embodiments.

Claims

25 CLAIMS

1. A method (60) for controlling using an aerosol generation device (10; 210) in a using area (20, 22), the aerosol generation device (10; 210) comprising a control unit (28; 128; 228) configured to control the operation of the aerosol generation device (10; 210) according to an operation configuration chosen between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration; the method (60) comprising the following steps:

- scanning (62) the using area (20, 22) for broadcast signals (24A, 26A), each broadcast signal (24A, 26A) being identifiable by a signal identifier (ID24A, ID26A) associated to an electronic device (24, 26) having generated the broadcast signal (24A, 26A), the signal identifier (ID24A, ID26A) being a unique identifier of this broadcast signal (24A, 26A);

- determining (64) the operation configuration of the aerosol generation device (10; 210) according to at least one signal identifier (ID24A, ID26A) associated to the electronic device (24, 26);

- controlling (66) the operation of the aerosol generation device (10; 210) according to the determined operation configuration.

2. The method (60) of claim 1 , wherein the signal identifier (ID24A, ID26A) identifies the electronic device (24, 26) in a unique way.

3. The method (60) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the signal identifier (ID24A, ID26A) is distinct from a vaping policy message indicating a predefined vaping policy.

4. The method (60) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each broadcast signal (24A, 26A) comprises the signal identifier (ID24A, ID26A) and a payload filed, the signal identifier (ID24A, ID26A) being distinct from the payload field.

5. The method (60) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of scanning (62) and/or the step of determining (62) are/is carried out by the aerosol generation device (10; 210) or by a mobile device (290) associated to the aerosol generation device (210).

6. The method (60) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each signal identifier (ID24A, ID26B) is representative of a MAC address of the electronic device (24, 26) having generated the signal (24A, 26A).

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein during the step of scanning (62), the scanning unit (30; 130; 230) only performs a function of receiver of the broadcast signals (24A, 26A).

8. The method (60) according to claim any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of determining (62) the operation configuration comprises comparing said signal identifier (ID24A, ID26B) with a list of reference identifiers issued from a control database (42), wherein the list of reference identifiers is associated to a plurality of electronic devices (24, 26) that are configured to generate the broadcast signals (24A, 26A) according to a wireless communication protocol.

9. The method (60) according to claim 8, wherein for each reference identifier (REF24, REF26) of the list of reference identifiers, the control database (42) further comprises a using policy, the operation configuration being determined according to the using policy associated to the reference identifier (REF24, REF26) matching said signal identifier (ID24A, ID26A).

10. The method (60) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the list of reference identifiers is predetermined and/or updatable during a maintenance operation.

11 . The method (60) according to claim 8 or 9, further comprising a step of adding a new reference identifier to the list of reference identifiers.

12. The method (60) according to claim 11 , further comprising a step of secured identification, said step of adding a new reference identifier is carried out if the secured identification is successful.

13. The method (60) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein said step of adding a new reference identifier is carried out after the step of scanning (62) the using area (20, 22) for broadcast signals, the new reference identifier being chosen from a list of signal identifiers of the identified broadcast signals.

14. The method (60) according any one of claims 8 or 13, wherein at least one reference identifier of the list of reference identifiers is determined according to using authorizations of the aerosol generation device (10; 210) applied in a given using area (20, 22).

15. The method (60) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a step of user authentication step (68), the operation configuration being further determined basing on the user authentication.

16. The method (60) according to claim 15, wherein the user authentication step (68) comprises comparing a reference feature with at least one feature chosen in the group comprising:

- predetermined movement of the aerosol generation device (10; 210);

- predetermined pressure exerted onto the aerosol generation device (10; 210);

- airflow parameter measured in an airflow channel of the aerosol generation device (10; 210);

- user’s iris or fingerprint.

17. The method (60) according to claim 15, wherein the user authentication step (68) comprises identifying the aerosol generation device (10; 210) with a communication device, the aerosol generation device (10; 210) and the communication device communicating according to a Near Field Communication protocol or an Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) protocol.

18. An aerosol generation device (10) comprising a controlling system (18; 118) for controlling the device (10) in a using area (20, 22) and comprising a scanning unit (30; 130), a determination unit (32; 132) and a control unit (28; 128) configured to perform the method for controlling (60) according to any of the preceding claims; the determination unit (32; 132) storing locally a list of reference identifiers associated to a plurality of electronic devices (24, 26) that are configured to generate broadcast signals and being configured to compare said signal identifier with the list of reference identifiers.