EA042582B1 - METHOD FOR CONSUMABLE MATERIAL AUTHENTICATION FOR USE WITH AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE - Google Patents

Description

The field of technology to which the invention belongs

The present invention generally relates to an aerosol generating device such as electronic cigarettes. In particular, it refers to an electronic cigarette capable of contactless payment.

Background of the invention

Aerosol generating devices such as electronic cigarettes are becoming more and more popular. At the same time, there is a growing demand to make such devices smarter and more convenient and easy to use. However, adding additional features to these devices can make them more complex and costly. In addition, some of these features may require you to store sensitive information on your device in order to activate, which can lead to potential security issues.

In some aerosol generating devices, the starting material used to generate the aerosol is stored in a removable consumable unit such as a cartridge. Thus, when the raw material is used up, the cartridge can be easily removed and replaced. Some unauthorized organizations manufacture counterfeit cartridges for use with aerosol generating devices. Such cartridges may be of poor quality and potentially dangerous for both the device and the user. It may not be obvious to the user whether the cartridge is genuine or not. Thus, the user may unknowingly use a counterfeit cartridge with their device. This is clearly undesirable for both the consumer and the manufacturer of such aerosol generating devices and original cartridges.

The object of the present invention is to solve the problems mentioned above.

The essence of the invention

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for authenticating a consumable for use with an aerosol generating device, the method comprising initiating messages between an aerosol generating device and a first entity to obtain a consumable from a first entity for use with an aerosol generating device, wherein the device, the aerosol-generating one is associated with the device ID, and the consumable is associated with the consumable ID; sending a device ID and a consumable ID from the first entity to a second entity, the second entity being configured to associate and store the device ID with the consumable ID; and verifying the use of the consumable with the aerosol generating device.

Preferably, using the above method, an aerosol generating device such as an electronic cigarette can be used to purchase a cartridge for use from a vendor. It is also possible to verify the use of a purchased cartridge with an electronic cigarette with the help of a seller and a remote server. Thus, it is possible to identify counterfeit cartridges and protect the interests of both the manufacturer and the user.

Preferably, the use of a consumable with an aerosol generating device is verified based on the association between the device ID and the consumable ID.

Preferably, the method also includes storing the ID of the consumable that is used with the aerosol generating device in the aerosol generating device, whether the consumable is authenticated or not; and sending a consumable ID stored in the aerosol generating device along with a device ID from the aerosol generating device to the second entity.

Preferably, the method also includes comparing the device ID and the consumable ID received from the aerosol generating device with a link between the device ID and the consumable ID obtained from the first entity to determine whether the use of the consumable with the aerosol generating device is confirmed or not. ; and sending a notification to the aerosol generating device if the use of the consumable with the aerosol generating device is not confirmed.

Preferably, the method also includes sending the consumable ID by the first entity to the aerosol generating device upon successful receipt of the consumable.

Preferably, the method also includes storing the consumable ID in the aerosol generating device and unlocking the aerosol generating device for use based on the stored consumable ID.

Preferably, the method also includes scanning a consumable ID for comparison with a consumable ID obtained from the first entity and stored in the aerosol generating device; and removing the consumable ID from the aerosol generating device if the comparison matches.

Preferably, the method also includes sending an unlock command by the first entity to the aerosol generating device upon successful receipt of the consumable, wherein the unlock command contains information indicating the number of units in the consumable package to be allowed for use with the aerosol generating device.

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Preferably, the release command further comprises information indicative of a usage time period associated with the consumable.

Preferably, the method also includes automatically locking the aerosol generating device when the number of units in the consumable package has been used up or when the usage time period associated with the consumable has expired.

Preferably, the method also includes initiating a contactless payment using the contactless payment interface to provide an aerosol generating device identifier to the first entity when a security condition is met.

Preferably, the method also includes wirelessly communicating with the personal computing device, wherein the security condition includes detecting that the personal computing device is in the vicinity of the aerosol generating device.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an aerosol generating device is provided, comprising a processor for performing the steps of the above method; a storage device for storing the device ID and/or consumable ID; and a communication unit configured to communicate with at least one of the first object, the second object, and the personal computing device.

According to another aspect of the invention, a remote server is provided, comprising a storage device; a communication interface configured to receive a first device ID for an aerosol generating device and a first consumable ID for a consumable from a first entity, and a second device ID for an aerosol generating device and a second consumable ID for a consumable from a personal computing device ; and a processor configured to compare the first device ID and the first consumable ID with the second device ID and the second consumable ID, respectively, to verify the authenticity of the consumable.

According to another aspect of the invention, a computer-readable medium is provided that contains program instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the method described above.

Brief description of graphic materials

Embodiments of the present invention are described below by way of example with reference to the drawings, in which FIG. 1 is an exemplary aerosol generating device with improved usability in accordance with an aspect of the invention;

in fig. 2 is a block diagram showing various modules in the device of FIG. 1;

in fig. 3 is a diagram of a system in which the device of FIG. 1 interacts with other objects in the system;

fig. 4 is a flow chart of the method performed by the apparatus of FIG. 1 in accordance with an aspect of the invention;

in fig. 5 is an exemplary database of users of various aerosol generating devices;

fig. 6 is a block diagram of a remote server in the system of FIG. 3 and in FIG. 7 is a flow chart of the method implemented in the system of FIG. 3.

Detailed description

Various aspects of the present invention will be described below. It should be noted that in the following descriptions of the drawings, the same or like parts are identified by the same or like reference numerals. It should be noted that the graphic materials are schematic and the ratio between the sizes differs from the real one. Therefore, about specific dimensions, etc. should be judged on the basis of the following descriptions. It is understood that parts whose relationship and relationship of respective sizes differ between the respective figures are included.

In FIG. 1 shows an aerosol generating device 100 of the non-combustion type, which is an instrument for inhaling a flavorant and/or stimulant without combustion. The device 100 is rod-shaped with a main body 101 extending from a mouthpiece-free end 102 to a mouthpiece-like end 103. An air passage, or duct, is formed in the main body 101 between opposite ends 102, 103. The device 100 in the present example is an aerosol generating device or vaping device, which is hereinafter referred to as the electronic cigarette 100. The electronic cigarette 100 operates by vaporizing or heating an aerosol source contained within the electronic cigarette 100 to release a flavor or stimulant for inhalation by the user through the mouthpiece end 103. The aerosol source in the electronic cigarette 100 preferably includes a removable disposable unit, such as a tobacco rod, that the user can place into the cavity provided in the main body 101, in which the heating element can provide heat. A temperature sensor may also be provided in a cavity in the main body 101. The design and operation of such a device is well known in the art and will be understood by one skilled in the art.

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The electronic cigarette 100 also includes an activation switch 104 that can be configured to perform at least one of turning the power supply of the electronic cigarette 100 on and off. body 101 of the electronic cigarette 100. The switch 104 may also include a shake sensor, a touch screen, a biometric sensor, a voice recognition unit, or any other unit for recognizing input from a user.

The electronic cigarette 100 also includes a near field communication (NFC) module 105 in the form of a chip or tag, preferably located within the main body 101. The electronic cigarette 100 may have more than one NFC tag 105, such as one located on the main body 101 of the electronic cigarette 100, and the other on the cartridge.

The electronic cigarette 100 preferably also includes a visual indicator 106 placed on the surface of the main body 101. The visual indicator 106 may be in the form of an elongated strip of adjacent LEDs. Similarly, any indicator or feedback method may be used, such as other light sources, a mechanical indicator, a liquid crystal display, a sound emitter, a vibrating unit, or any other LED configuration, such as a ring array of LEDs. The LED strip 106 may comprise a plurality of LED strips, with each strip optionally having a different LED color. The LED strip 106 may indicate any status of the device, such as indicating that a Bluetooth-enabled device is scanning, that the battery is low, that an error has occurred, or that a wireless connection could not be found. Additionally, it may display the progress of an ongoing operation, such as the progress of preheating, the progress of scanning, or the progress of charging. This can be achieved by turning on or off one or more LEDs, turning on or off LEDs of a particular color, or any such convenient selection of LEDs that conveniently informs the user of the status of the device. The remaining amounts of available device resources, such as remaining battery power or remaining amount of aerosol forming substrate, may be communicated to the user using the LED strip 106 by proportionally or otherwise appropriately turning on or off a number of consecutive LEDs in the strip. The progress of any operation described above may also be indicated in this manner. Alternatively or additionally, information may be provided to the user by changing the brightness of one or more LEDs, or by flashing the LEDs at a predetermined rate.

In FIG. 2 shows the various components of an electronic cigarette or device 100. The electronic cigarette 100 includes a consumable module 201a and a heating element 202 heated to vaporize the consumable unit 201b or cartridge placed in the consumable module 201a to release an aerosol containing flavor and/or stimulant to inhaled by the user. In the present example, the consumable unit 201b is a substance containing nicotine. The consumable unit 201b may be in the form of a solid or a liquid, and it is heated by the heating element 202 to release the aerosol without combustion. The heating element 202 may be powered by a power supply 203 . The power supply 203 is, for example, a lithium ion battery. Power supply 203 supplies the power required to operate electronic cigarette 100. For example, power supply 203 supplies power to all components or modules contained in electronic cigarette 100. In an alternative example, a heating element is placed in a consumable in the form of a liquid.

The consumable unit 201b may include an additional flavor source (not shown) provided at the end 103 in the form of a mouthpiece behind the consumable unit 201a, holding the consumable unit 201b and generating flavor for inhalation by the user along with the aerosol generated from the consumable unit 201b. Examples of a flavoring source that can be used include shredded tobacco, a molded article including raw tobacco shaped into pellets, a molded article including raw tobacco shaped to be in the form of a sheet. The flavoring source may include a plant such as mint or an herb other than tobacco. A flavor, such as menthol, may be added to the flavor source.

The electronic cigarette 100 also includes a first communication module containing a contactless payment interface. In the present example, the contactless payment interface is the NFC module 105 as described above. Through the NFC module 105, the electronic cigarette 100 can communicate with any other NFC-enabled device. Preferably, in the present invention, the NFC module 105 is used to make contactless payment using the electronic cigarette 100 to purchase a product or service from a merchant. This is described in detail below with reference to FIG. 3 and 4.

The electronic cigarette 100 further comprises a second communication module, which is preferably a Bluetooth module 204. The Bluetooth module 204, typically in the form of a chip or tag, can be placed anywhere on the main body 101 of the electronic cigarette 100. Using the Blue module 204

- 3 042582 tooth, the electronic cigarette 100 is capable of establishing a close range and secure communication with another Bluetooth-enabled device such as a smartphone. This is described in detail below with reference to FIG. 3 and 4. It should be noted that the second communication module 204 may also be capable of communicating using one of the known long range protocols such as Wi-Fi, 3G, 4G, 5G, etc.

The electronic cigarette 100 also includes a controller 205 configured to control various modules or components in the electronic cigarette. The controller 205 may also process data received by the NFC module 105 and the Bluetooth module 204 .

The electronic cigarette 100 may include a storage device 206 and other modules 207 such as a visible light emitting accessory, a display, and a sound emitter. The storage device 206 is configured to store the device ID, consumable ID, and data received from various sensors, as well as vaping usage history and information such as user settings and preferences. A visible light emitting element, such as an LED, may be located on the tip of the non-mouthpiece end 102. Such an LED may exhibit a first light emission mode in a puff state when the aerosol is inhaled and a second light emission mode different from the first light emission mode in a non-puff state when the aerosol is not inhaled. Here, the light emission mode is determined by a combination of parameters such as the amount of light of the light emitting element, the number of light emitting elements in the illumination state, the color of the light emitting element, and the cycle in which the light emitting element is lit and the light emitting element is not lit. A different light emission mode means that at least one of the above parameters is different.

In FIG. 3 shows a system 300 including an electronic cigarette 100 and various other related items. System 300 includes a personal computing device 301, which may be a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or wearable gadget owned by a user of electronic cigarette 100. Electronic cigarette 100 may be connected to device 301 via Bluetooth module 205. For simplicity, the personal computing device 301 is hereinafter referred to as a smartphone 301. To connect the electronic cigarette 100 to the smartphone 301, the user preferably presses the switch 104 on the electronic cigarette 100 for a predetermined period or a predetermined number of times. This activates the Bluetooth module 205, which then scans for a Bluetooth signal from a nearby device. If the Bluetooth interface on the smartphone 301 is turned on and in discovery mode, the electronic cigarette 100 finds the smartphone 301 and requests the smartphone 301 to connect or pair with it. When the user of the smartphone 301 receives a request from the electronic cigarette 100, both devices are paired. Alternatively, such a pairing process may be initiated or requested on the smartphone 301 and the user controls the electronic cigarette 100 to accept and complete the pairing process between the electronic cigarette 100 and the smartphone 301. The electronic cigarette 100 preferably stores a device ID such as the MAC address of the smartphone 301 , in the storage device 206 to be able to automatically connect to it whenever the smartphone 301 is within Bluetooth range. The electronic cigarette 100 may periodically check the Bluetooth connection with the smartphone 301. The smartphone 301 may run an application (APP) through which the user can control and manage the functions of the electronic cigarette 100.

The system 300 further includes a point of sale terminal 303, which may be an NFC-enabled point-of-sale (POS) terminal at a point of sale or placed on a vending machine. The vending terminal 303 has a merchant payment interface, such as an NFC tag, similar to the NFC module 105 in the electronic cigarette 100, through which it can interact with the electronic cigarette 100. As is known in the art, for NFC communication, devices must be in close proximity to each other to enable data exchange. In the present invention, the user uses the electronic cigarette 100 to pay for a product or service at a point of sale or vending machine. To do this, the user brings the electronic cigarette 100 close enough to the vending terminal 303 and can press the switch 104 or shake the electronic cigarette 100 so that the NFC module 105 interacts with the NFC tag on the vending terminal 303. The electronic cigarette 100 receives data such as transaction amount, merchant ID etc., from the trading terminal 303 and transmits this data to the smartphone 301 via an established Bluetooth connection between the two devices. The controller 205 may facilitate such data transfer.

The vending terminal 303 may also include means for reading the unique device identifier or device ID associated with the electronic cigarette 100 and the unique cartridge identifier or consumable ID associated with the cartridge 201b.

System 300 also includes a clearing house 304, which is essentially the server of the issuing bank with which the user has an account. The clearing house 304 is able to verify the user data transmitted to him by the trading terminal 303 and confirm the payment. For ease of presentation, the clearing house 304 is referred to hereafter as the issuer 304.

The system 300 further comprises an electronic cigarette server 305 connected via

- 4 042582 communication with the vending terminal 303. The e-cigarette server 305 is a remote server maintained and managed by the manufacturer of the electronic cigarette 100 or a trusted third party authorized by the manufacturer of the electronic cigarette 100. The server 305 of the electronic cigarette can also be connected by communication with the electronic cigarette 100 and smartphone 301. The e-cigarette server 305 may be accessible to the user through the electronic cigarette 100 and/or the smartphone 301 connected to the electronic cigarette 100, as well as the vending terminal 303. In some cases, the e-cigarette server 305 may determine adjustable operating settings for the electronic cigarette 100 that require maintenance. In some embodiments, the electronic cigarette server 305 may determine the composition of the aerosol emitted using, for example, only the brand and/or model of the electronic cigarette 100 or any other characteristic of the device, such as, for example, its identifier. In this case, the e-cigarette server 305, for example, can access an emissions test report regarding that make and/or model of the e-cigarette 100 or any other characteristic of the device. In some embodiments, the electronic cigarette server 305 is capable of storing device and cartridge information, as described below. The electronic cigarette server 305 may also store the user's personal data, such as user ID, user identification code, age, photo, location, preferences, list of authorized users, and so on.

Preferably, various entities in system 300 are connected via network 306. Network 306 may be a public network such as the Internet. Some communications within system 300 may be over a secure private link, such as between the e-cigarette server 305 and the issuer 304.

As used herein, a device ID is a unique device identifier that may be associated with a number or series of alphanumeric characters, or any other form of identification that allows each aerosol generating device, such as electronic cigarette 100, to be identified, preferably in a unique manner. It can be assigned, for example, to each aerosol generating device when it is manufactured or purchased. In some cases, it may correspond to the serial number of the product.

As used herein, the term Consumable ID is a unique cartridge identifier, which is a number or series of alphanumeric characters, or any other form of identification that uniquely identifies and authenticates each cartridge, such as cartridge 201b. It can be assigned, for example, to each cartridge when it is manufactured or purchased. In some cases, it may correspond to the serial number of the product. In some embodiments, the implementation of the ID of the consumable allows you to determine the nature of the source material and/or its composition, stored in the cartridge.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that other entities, such as a directory server, tokenization platform, merchant bank, etc., may also be present in system 300. Moreover, entities in system 300 may communicate with each other via wired links or wirelessly. System 300 also complies with well-known security protocols and standards well established in online banking systems.

In FIG. 4 shows a contactless payment method using an aerosol generating device or an electronic cigarette 100. In step 601, the aerosol generating device is activated. In the present example, the user presses the switch 104 once to turn on the electronic cigarette 100. The visual indicator 106 may light up to indicate that the electronic cigarette 100 is activated. to enable the NFC module 105 and the Bluetooth module 204. Instead, the electronic cigarette 100 may be activated by shaking the device or by using a voice command. In addition, the user may be authenticated using biometric data, such as scanning his or her fingerprints using a fingerprint sensor located on the switch 104.

At 402, a wireless connection (eg, NFC connection) is established with the trading terminal. This can be achieved, for example, when the device is in close proximity to the contactless payment interface. In the present example, the user requests a merchant (for example, a cashier at a store) or makes a selection at a vending machine (for example, an automatic ticket vending machine at a train station) to initiate a payment process using the vending terminal 303. For example, the user may request and select a particular flavor for an e-cigarette 100 compatible consumable at an e-cigarette outlet. The user then brings the electronic cigarette 100 in close proximity to the vending terminal 303 to establish an NFC connection.

At step 403, it is determined whether a signal has been received from the payment interface. In the present example, under normal circumstances, the NFC module 105 in the electronic cigarette 100 detects the NFC tag in the vending terminal 303 and vice versa. The vending terminal 303 sends a signal to the electronic cigarette 100 requesting the user's payment credentials from the electronic cigarette 100 via the established NFC connection. If the signal is not received by the electronic cigarette 100, the user may need to move the device even closer to the vending terminal 602 to establish a connection.

At step 404, it is determined whether the aerosol generating device can detect the user's electronic device. In the present example, after receiving a signal from the vending terminal 303, the controller 205 scans Bluetooth-enabled devices in its immediate vicinity via the Bluetooth module 204 to determine whether the smartphone 301 is in the vicinity of the electronic cigarette 100. If the smartphone 301 has previously been authenticated and connected to the electronic cigarette 100, the electronic cigarette 100 corresponds to the MAC address of the smartphone 301 stored in the memory 206. The electronic cigarette 100 can also rapidly establish a connection with the smartphone 301. However, establishing a connection or association with the smartphone 301 is optional. As long as the electronic cigarette 100 can locate the previously authenticated smartphone 301 in its vicinity, the process proceeds to step 606. However, if the electronic cigarette 100 cannot locate the smartphone 301 to authenticate the user, it proceeds to step 605. At step 405, the transaction is rejected. In the present example, without detecting the smartphone 301, the electronic cigarette 100 cannot authenticate the user. The merchant terminal 303 waits a certain amount of time (typically a few seconds) to receive payment credentials, after which it aborts the transaction.

At step 406, the identifier of the aerosol generating device is sent to the trading terminal. In the present example, when the smartphone 301 is detected, the electronic cigarette 100 sends its device ID to the vending terminal 303. The controller 205 may facilitate sending the device ID via the NFC module 105 to the vending terminal 303.

At step 407, the device ID is sent to the server. In the present example, upon receiving the device ID from the electronic cigarette 100, the vending terminal 303 sends the device ID to the electronic cigarette server 305. The electronic cigarette server 100 stores a user profile of a given user, including user name, age, registered vaping devices (one or more) with their respective device IDs, registered payment method (eg, credit card information), and so on.

At block 408, the user's payment credentials are retrieved from the server using the device ID. In the present example, the electronic cigarette server 305 maintains a database of all registered users and securely stores their user profiles, including payment credentials. The electronic cigarette server 305 searches the associated user's device ID in the database and retrieves the user's payment credentials, such as registered credit card information associated with the device ID. An example of such a database 500 is shown in FIG. 5.

The database 500 stores a profile of each user registered with the electronic cigarette server 305 . Each user profile stores information such as the username, device ID of the associated e-cigarette, payment credentials, vaping history, home address, and so on. For example, the second row of database 500 stores the profile of a user named Tim, who has three e-cigarette IDs associated with his profile, has a Visa credit card associated with his profile, and his home address is stored in the database. The electronic cigarette server 305 may allow the user to make changes or additions to the profile stored in the database 500 after the user has been authenticated. It should be understood that the fields shown in database 500 are non-limiting and there may be many more fields in the database that would be known to one of skill in the art.

At step 409, the payment credentials are sent to the clearing house. In the present example, the electronic cigarette server 305 sends the received user payment credentials back to the merchant terminal 303 to process the payment, and then the merchant terminal 303 transmits the received payment credentials to the issuer 304. Alternatively, the electronic cigarette server 305 sends the received user payment credentials directly issuer 304 to process the payment. The electronic cigarette server 305 preferably sends payment credentials over a secure channel to the issuer 304 to minimize the risk of any online fraud.

At step 410 receive approval from the clearing house. In the present example, the issuer 304 verifies the payment credentials received from the electronic cigarette server 305 to verify the payment. If the issuer 304 is unsure of the payment, it can authenticate the user using one or more known methods, such as sending a one-time password (OTP) to the smartphone 301 or asking the user to confirm the transaction through a banking application on the smartphone 301. If the issuer 304 is confident in the transaction and the user has sufficient funds in the account, he approves the payment and sends a confirmation to the electronic cigarette server 305, which in turn sends a confirmation signal to the vending terminal 303. Upon receipt of the confirmation, the vending terminal 303 may display on its screen a message for the merchant about approval payment. The user may also receive confirmation directly from the issuer 304 through the smartphone 301. This may be in the form of an update in the banking application or a text message on the smartphone 301 from the issuer 304.

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However, if the verification fails or there is insufficient funds in the user's account, the issuer 304 rejects the transaction and it is also reported to the trading terminal 303 in the same manner as above.

In the method described above, the electronic cigarette 100 is used as a contactless payment device to initiate the payment process with the merchant terminal 303. However, the electronic cigarette 100 uses the user's smartphone 301 to authenticate the user and sends the device ID to the merchant terminal for further payment processing via the electronics server 305. cigarettes. The e-cigarette server 100 then retrieves the user's payment credentials using the device ID and completes the payment process with the issuer 304. The electronic cigarette 100 cannot make a payment without detecting the smartphone 301, making the payment process more secure. Moreover, since the electronic cigarette 100 does not store the user's payment credentials, there are no data security issues when using the electronic cigarette 100 to make a payment. Acting as a device for initiating an interim payment between a merchant terminal 303 and a smartphone 301, the aerosol generating device 100 of the present invention provides comfort and improved usability without complicating or compromising the security of online transactions.

In an alternative embodiment, smartphone 301 stores users' payment credentials and facilitates payment processing between merchant terminal 303 and issuer 304. In such an embodiment, electronic cigarette 100 connects to merchant terminal 303 using NFC and sends the received signal from merchant terminal 303 to smartphone 301. The electronic cigarette 100 receives the user's payment credentials from the smartphone 301 using a Bluetooth connection, and sends the received payment credentials to the merchant terminal 303 using NFC. The merchant terminal 303 then sends the issuer's payment credentials 304 to process the payment. Thus, the payment is made using the smartphone 301, but through the electronic cigarette 100 as an intermediary for added security.

In FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of the various components of the electronic cigarette server 305. The electronic cigarette server 305 includes a processor 301 that may include one or more processor units for executing various instructions such as associating a device ID and a consumable ID, and a memory 602 storing such instructions and other information. Memory 602 may include, but is not limited to, random access memory (RAM) such as dynamic RAM (DRAM) or static RAM (SRAM), read only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and non-volatile memory (NVRAM). The above types of storage devices are illustrative only and thus do not limit the types of storage devices used to store a computer program.

The storage device 602 includes a database 500 storing device and user information such as user ID, device ID, consumable ID, and so on. The database 500 may be embedded in the remote server 305, or it may be external to the remote server 305 and located remotely. For example, the remote server 305 may contain one or more hard drives as a storage device.

The processor 601 is operatively coupled to the communications interface 604 such that the remote server 305 is able to communicate with other devices of the system 300, such as a smartphone 301 and a merchant terminal 303. For example, the communications interface 604 may receive messages from another member of the system 300 over the network 306, depending on the function of the electronic cigarette server 305 in the context of the system 300.

In FIG. 7 shows a flow diagram 700 for a method according to another aspect of the invention as implemented in system 300. It should be noted that not all steps are shown in diagram 600 and the steps may not necessarily be performed in the order shown.

At step 701, the consumable item associated with the consumable ID is obtained from the first entity for use with the aerosol generating device associated with the device ID. In the present example, the user is using a consumable item such as the cartridge 201b with the electronic cigarette 100. When the cartridge used with the electronic cigarette 100 is used up or a replacement cartridge is needed, the user can purchase a new cartridge from a reseller authorized to sell such cartridges. A user may enter a store and use the electronic cigarette 100 as a payment device to purchase a new cartridge, such as the cartridge 201b described above. When a user brings the electronic cigarette 100 in close proximity to the vending terminal 303, the NFC reader in the vending terminal 303 contacts or communicates with the NFC module in the electronic cigarette 100 to initiate a contactless payment technology payment. It should be noted that the point of sale (PoS) terminal 303 may be a point-of-sale (PoS) terminal in a store or an automatic vending machine located in any public place.

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The electronic cigarette 100 may further comprise a device identification element configured to provide a device identifier (device ID) to the vending terminal 303. The identification element may be embedded in the electronic cigarette 100 or located on the outer surface of its body. In the case where the identification element is embedded in the electronic cigarette 100, this element may be formed by a chip containing a memory device storing the device ID and capable of communicating with an external device, such as a vending terminal 303, to transmit this identifier using a known small communication protocol. radius, such as, for example, NFC. In the case when the identification element is located on the outer surface of its body, it can be formed by a label containing, for example, a QR code or a bar code that encrypts the device ID. In one embodiment, the device identifier is recorded on the label using, for example, alphanumeric characters.

Cartridge 201b may also include a cartridge identification element configured to provide a unique cartridge identifier or consumable ID. As the device identification element for the electronic cigarette 100, the cartridge identification element may be formed by a chip containing a storage device storing the ID of the consumable to be able to communicate with an external device to transmit this ID using a known short-range communication protocol such as, for example, , NFC. According to other embodiments, the cartridge identification element may be formed by a label containing, for example, a QR code or a barcode encrypting the consumable ID. In one embodiment, the consumable ID is recorded on the label using, for example, alphanumeric characters.

The consumable ID provided by the cartridge identification element can be read by the identification means. These means of identification comprise, depending on the nature of the element, a photo/video camera and/or an RF reader and/or an optical reader and/or mechanical/electronic contact surfaces. In some cases, such identification means may be built into the electronic cigarette 100 such that the consumable module 201a can read the consumable ID. In some other embodiments, the means of identification may be embedded in a mobile device, such as a smartphone 301 associated with the electronic cigarette 100, or any other external device, such as a vending terminal 303.

At step 702, the device ID and the consumable ID are passed from the first entity to the second entity, which associates and stores the device ID with the consumable ID. In the present example, when using the electronic cigarette 100 to purchase the cartridge 201b, the vending terminal 303 reads the device ID from the electronic cigarette 100 as well as the consumable ID from the cartridge 201b. If payment is not made using the electronic cigarette 100, the merchant may still ask the user to scan the electronic cigarette 100 at the vending terminal 303 or other scanning terminal to read the device ID. Once the transaction is confirmed, the vending terminal 303 sends the device ID and consumable ID to the electronic cigarette server 305 . The e-cigarette server 305 then associates the device ID with the consumable ID and stores them together in the database 500. It should be noted that the consumable or cartridge 201b can be purchased in a package containing several individual cartridges or sticks.

In step 703, the consumable ID is checked to authenticate the consumable. In the present example, the cartridge 201b is being tested for use with the electronic cigarette 100, i. to ensure that the cartridge 201b is not counterfeit and fit for consumption. This can be done in various ways, as described below.

In the first embodiment, the user purchases the cartridge 201b in a multi-cartridge package, the package also has a consumable ID or package ID, such as a barcode or QR code, for example. Alternatively, the consumable ID or package ID can be sent directly to the electronic cigarette 100 by the vending terminal 303. This information is then stored in the electronic cigarette 100. Later, when the user needs to use the purchased cartridge 201b with the electronic cigarette 100, the consumable ID is read by the electronic cigarette 100 to determine the authenticity of the cartridge 201b and use it to activate or unlock the electronic cigarette 100 for use. After reading the data, the consumable ID stored on the electronic cigarette 100 can be deleted or invalidated so that it can only be used once. In this way, an unauthorized party is blocked from later using the package to store consumables that are not necessarily authorized or safe, reducing the chance of counterfeiting.

In the second embodiment, the merchant terminal 303 sends an unlock command containing information indicating the number of cartridges in the package or the period of time the cartridges are used. The electronic cigarette 100 has an internal counter included in the other modules 207 to monitor vaping consumption, and the controller 205 disables the device when the cartridge 201b is used up. For example, if a user bought 2 packages (each containing

- 8 042582 individual cartridges), an unlock command is sent to the electronic cigarette 100, allowing it to authorize 60 cartridges for use in the electronic cigarette 100. After all these 60 cartridges are used up, the electronic cigarette 100 automatically locks the device. Preferably, this prevents an unauthorized user from using the electronic cigarette 100 unless, at the time of purchasing the cartridges, the user is in possession of the device. This also helps prevent the use of counterfeit consumables, as only the number of packs purchased from an authorized retailer is allowed to be used with the 100 e-cigarette.

In the third embodiment, no unlock information or command is sent back to the electronic cigarette 100. At the time of purchase, the device ID and consumable ID are only sent to the electronic cigarette server 305 to store the connection in the database 500. Each time the user unlocks the device with Consumable ID or package ID as described above, the electronic cigarette 100 records and stores the consumable ID or package ID internally in the storage device 206 regardless of the authentication of the consumable. Subsequently, when the user connects the electronic cigarette 100 to the smartphone 301, device information, used cartridges or packs, and puff and vaping history records are uploaded to the electronic cigarette server 305. The electronic cigarette server 305 then uses the downloaded device and consumable information to perform a comparison with the communication information stored in the database 500 at the time of purchase. In other words, the device ID and consumable ID stored in the electronic cigarette 100 are compared with the device ID and consumable ID stored in the electronic cigarette server 305 . The comparison can be used to identify any unauthorized package (eg, stolen from a 303 vending machine, counterfeit package with a fake ID), unauthorized device (eg, stolen e-cigarette), or for regulatory purposes. In this case, the electronic cigarette server 305 preferably sends an alert to the owner of the electronic cigarette 100 that a non-authentic consumable has been used with the electronic cigarette 100.

The previous description of illustrative embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting as to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and changes are possible in light of the teachings above or by practice of the disclosed embodiments.

The processing steps described herein performed by the main control unit or controller may be stored in a permanent computer-readable medium or data store associated with the main control unit. The computer-readable storage medium may include non-volatile media and volatile media. Volatile media may include, but are not limited to, semiconductor memories and dynamic memories. Non-volatile media may include, among others, optical discs and magnetic discs.

A person skilled in the art will easily understand that the above embodiments in the above description are not restrictive; features of each embodiment may be used in other embodiments as appropriate.

Claims (15)

1. A method for authenticating a consumable for use with an aerosol generating device, the method comprising initiating communication between the aerosol generating device and a first entity to obtain a consumable from the first entity for use with the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device communicating with the device ID, and the consumable is associated with the consumable ID; sending a device ID and a consumable ID from the first entity to a second entity, the second entity being configured to associate and store the device ID with the consumable ID; and checking the use of the consumable with the aerosol generating device. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the use of the consumable with the aerosol generating device is verified based on the association between the device ID and the consumable ID. 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising storing the consumable ID of the consumable used with the aerosol generating device in the aerosol generating device, whether the consumable is authenticated or not; and sending a consumable ID stored in the aerosol generating device along with a device ID from the aerosol generating device to the second entity. 4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that it further comprises - 9 042582 comparison of the device ID and the consumable ID received from the aerosol generating device with the association between the device ID and the consumable ID received from the first object to determine whether the use of the consumable with the aerosol generating device is confirmed or not; and sending a notification to the aerosol generating device if the use of the consumable with the aerosol generating device is not confirmed. 5. The method of claim 1 further comprising sending the consumable ID by the first entity to the aerosol generating device upon successful receipt of the consumable. 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising storing the consumable ID in the aerosol generating device and unlocking the aerosol generating device for use based on the stored consumable ID. 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising scanning the consumable ID for comparison with the consumable ID obtained from the first object and stored in the aerosol generating device, and deleting the consumable ID from the aerosol generating device if the comparison matches. 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising sending an unlock command by the first entity to the aerosol generating device upon successful receipt of the consumable, wherein the unlock command contains information indicative of the number of units in the consumable package to be resolved. for use with an aerosol generating device. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the unlock command further comprises information indicative of a usage time period associated with the consumable. 10. The method according to any one of claims 8 or 9, further comprising automatically locking the aerosol generating device when the number of units in the consumable package has been used up or when the usage time period associated with the consumable has expired. 11. The method according to any preceding claim, further comprising initiating a contactless payment using a contactless payment interface to provide an aerosol generating device identifier to the first entity when a security condition is met. 12. The method of claim 11 further comprising wirelessly communicating with the personal computing device, wherein the security condition comprises detecting that the personal computing device is in the vicinity of the aerosol generating device. 13. An aerosol generating device, comprising a processor for performing the steps in the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12; a storage device for storing the device ID and/or consumable ID; and a communication unit configured to communicate with at least one of the first object, the second object, and the personal computing device. 14. Remote server containing a storage device; a communication interface configured to receive a first device ID for an aerosol generating device and a first consumable ID for a consumable from a first entity, and a second device ID for an aerosol generating device and a second consumable ID for a consumable from a personal computing device and a processor configured to compare the first device ID and the first consumable ID with the second device ID and the second consumable ID, respectively, to verify the authenticity of the consumable. 15. A computer-readable medium containing program instructions which, when executed by a processor, implements the method of any one of claims 1-12.