Aerosol generation device with low power mode

Abstract

An aerosol generation device with a low power mode provides an aerosol generation device (520). The aerosol generation device comprises an internal clock, a communication interface (522) and a controller. The controller is configured to: record (804) one or more events and apply one or more internal timestamps to the one or more events, respectively, the one or more initial timestamps being relative to an initial internal time point; receive (806), by the communication interface, a current external time point; update (808) the internal clock from a current internal time point relative to the initial internal time point to the current external time point; and adjust (812), based on a difference between the current internal time point and the current external time point, the one or more internal timestamps to one or more external timestamps, respectively.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating apparatus, and more particularly to a low-power mode for an aerosol generating apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Aerosol generating devices (such as e-cigarettes and other aerosol inhalers or vaporization devices) are becoming increasingly popular consumer products.

[0003] Heating devices for vaporization or aerosolization are known in the art. Such devices typically include a heater arranged to heat a vaporizable product. In operation, the vaporizable product is heated by the heater to vaporize the components of the product for inhalation by a consumer. In some examples, the product may include tobacco; the tobacco may be in bulk, contained in a capsule, or similar to a conventional cigarette; in other examples, the product may be a liquid or liquid contents within a capsule.

[0004] There is a need to improve battery efficiency in aerosol generating devices. Therefore, the object of this invention is to address this challenge. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one aspect, an aerosol generating device is provided, arranged in a receiving capsule, the aerosol generating device comprising:

[0006] Sensors, arranged to detect the characteristics of capsules received in an aerosol generating device; and

[0007] The controller is configured to:

[0008] The sensor detects that the capsule received in the aerosol generating device is the initiating capsule; and

[0009] The aerosol generating device is activated in a low-power state in response to the detection that the initiating capsule has been received in the aerosol generating device.

[0010] Preferably, the aerosol generating device is configured to be set to a low-power state for transport and / or storage.

[0011] In this way, the aerosol generating device can be set to a low-power state for transport and storage, allowing the device's battery to be fully charged before transport, thus conserving battery power during transport and storage for subsequent first use by the consumer. Furthermore, this can be achieved in existing arrangements of standard capsule-based (or cartridge-based) aerosol generating devices without physically modifying the device when inserting an initial capsule (or cartridge) in place of a standard capsule containing vaporizable material. This automated method of initiating a low-power state upon detection of the initial capsule is faster and more efficient than manually programming each aerosol generating device to a low-power state for transport and storage.

[0012] Preferably, the aerosol generating device is arranged to receive aerosol generating materials.

[0013] Preferably, the controller is configured to detect, based on characteristics detected by the sensor, that the capsules received in the aerosol generating device are low-power initiating capsules.

[0014] Preferably, in a low-power state, a portion of the operating electronics of the aerosol generating device are disabled or de-energized compared to the normal operating state maintained when the aerosol generating device is used regularly by consumers.

[0015] Preferably, the aerosol generating device is arranged to receive a capsule containing a vaporizable substance, such as a fibrous material (e.g., tobacco) or a vaporizable liquid. Preferably, the capsule is received in a capsule holder.

[0016] Preferably, the initiating capsule is not necessarily a capsule containing vaporizable substances, but rather can be used to place the aerosol generating device in a production and / or packaging environment at a low power level.

[0017] Preferably, the initiating capsule has a characteristic that can be sensed by the aerosol generating device to distinguish it from a standard capsule containing a vaporizable substance, such as a vaporizable substance for consumers to generate and inhale vapor. This characteristic could be a different capsule size or shape, or instructions stored on an NFC chip within the capsule, etc.

[0018] Preferably, the aerosol generating device is an electronic cigarette.

[0019] Preferably, the controller is a microcontroller unit comprising one or more processors and a memory having instructions stored thereon.

[0020] Preferably, the controller is configured to disable part of the operating electronics of the aerosol generating device in an initial low-power state.

[0021] In this way, the gradual use of battery power by operating electronic devices is minimized during transportation and storage.

[0022] Preferably, the low power state is a power state in which operating electronic devices use less electricity than in the full operating power state, which is the power state for consumers to generate and inhale vapor.

[0023] Preferably, disabling a portion of the operating electronics includes powering off that portion of the operating electronics.

[0024] Preferably, the controller is configured to disable at least one of the following when the portion of the operating electronics is disabled: microcontroller unit, device temperature cut-off subcircuit, resistance measurement subcircuit, heater driver subcircuit, serial flash memory subcircuit, or battery fuel gauge subcircuit.

[0025] In this way, specific sub-circuits that do not require operation during transportation and storage are de-energized to conserve battery charge.

[0026] Preferably, disabling the device temperature shut-off subcircuit, resistance measurement subcircuit, heater driver subcircuit, linear power supply subcircuit, or battery fuel gauge subcircuit includes: respectively de-energizing the microcontroller unit, device temperature shut-off subcircuit, resistance measurement subcircuit, heater driver subcircuit, serial flash memory subcircuit, or battery fuel gauge subcircuit. Preferably, de-energizing the microcontroller unit also de-energizes the voltage supply to the light-emitting diode.

[0027] Preferably, the controller is configured to send triggers to the logic gate array of the operating electronics, causing the logic gate array to disable the power supply to the disabled portion of the operating electronics.

[0028] In this way, power can be selectively disabled from specific parts of the operating electronic device.

[0029] Preferably, the controller is further configured to maintain a low-power state when the initiating capsule is removed from the aerosol generating device.

[0030] In this way, the initiator capsules do not need to be transported with the aerosol generating device and can be reused in the factory environment. This also eliminates any confusion on behalf of consumers regarding the intended use of the initiator capsules they would otherwise receive.

[0031] Preferably, the aerosol generating device further includes an indicator, and the controller is further configured to indicate by the indicator that the aerosol generating device has entered a low-power state.

[0032] In this way, it can be determined that a low-power state has been successfully entered, thereby ensuring that the device is in a low-power state for transportation and storage.

[0033] Preferably, the indicator includes one or more light-emitting diodes.

[0034] In this way, a visual indicator is provided that the device has entered a low-power state.

[0035] Preferably, the controller is configured to disable the one or more light-emitting diodes to indicate that the aerosol generating device has entered a low-power state.

[0036] In this way, disabling or de-energizing the LED (which is normally turned on during device operation) saves power from the battery compared to energizing a separate indicator. This further contributes to power savings for transport and storage. Furthermore, LEDs are typically used as standard components in aerosol generating devices; making these LEDs versatile enough to indicate low-power states and communicate information to consumers eliminates the need to incorporate further indicators into the aerosol generating device, thereby simplifying manufacturing.

[0037] Preferably, the aerosol generating device is further arranged to detect a wake-up trigger condition, and wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to exit a low-power state in response to the wake-up trigger condition.

[0038] In this way, when a consumer receives the device, it can automatically exit the low-power state for the consumer to use.

[0039] Preferably, the wake-up triggering condition includes a cable attached to the aerosol generating device.

[0040] In this way, a typical action performed by the consumer (plugging in the charging cable) causes the device to exit a low-power state. This provides a simple and easy-to-understand method for users to wake up the aerosol generating device from a low-power state. This improves usability.

[0041] Preferably, the cable is a charging and / or data cable, such as a USB cable. Preferably, attaching the cable to the aerosol generating device includes a connector for the cable being received in a corresponding port of the aerosol generating device. Preferably, the second sensor includes a detector arranged to detect the power and / or data input via the cable.

[0042] Preferably, the aerosol generating device further includes an openable cover, and the wake-up trigger condition includes the openable cover moving between a closed position and an open position.

[0043] In this way, the device exits the low-power state by the typical action performed by the consumer when receiving the new device (opening the cover).

[0044] Preferably, the openable cover is arranged to cover the capsule housing of the aerosol generating device. Preferably, the wake-up trigger condition includes detecting that the cover has moved from the closed position to the open position.

[0045] Preferably, the aerosol generating device further includes an internal clock, and the controller is configured to set the internal clock to a non-operating state during the initial low-power state.

[0046] In this way, battery resources are not consumed by running a clock during transportation and storage before the consumer uses it for the first time.

[0047] Preferably, the controller is further configured to have the characteristics detected and read by the sensor via a communication chip in the received capsule.

[0048] In this way, the controller can determine that the capsule is a starting capsule rather than a standard capsule containing steam-generating material.

[0049] Preferably, the controller reads specific parameters via near-field communication.

[0050] Preferably, the controller is programmed to recognize characteristics as specific values ​​of variable fields in information stored in the capsule. For example, the variable field could be a 'production date' field, where the specific value of the production date is set to "00000".

[0051] Preferably, the sensor includes an electrical terminal configured to connect to a corresponding terminal in the initiating capsule, the electrical terminal being configured to read information stored in a memory in the initiating capsule, and wherein the controller is configured to determine that the information corresponds to a characteristic of the initiating capsule.

[0052] In another aspect, an energy-saving method for an aerosol generating device is provided, the method comprising:

[0053] The detection initiation capsule has been received in the aerosol generating device; and

[0054] The aerosol generating device is activated in a low-power state in response to the detection that the initiating capsule has been received in the aerosol generating device.

[0055] Preferably, the method includes: detecting that a low-power initiating capsule has been received in an aerosol generating device based on characteristics detected by a sensor, wherein the sensor is arranged to detect the characteristics of the capsule received in the aerosol generating device.

[0056] In another aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided that stores instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the following steps:

[0057] The detection initiation capsule has been received in the aerosol generating device; and

[0058] The aerosol generating device is activated in a low-power state in response to the detection that the initiating capsule has been received in the aerosol generating device.

[0059] Preferably, the step includes: detecting that a low-power initiating capsule has been received in the aerosol generating device based on characteristics detected by a sensor, wherein the sensor is arranged to detect the characteristics of the capsule received in the aerosol generating device.

[0060] In another aspect, an aerosol generating apparatus is provided, comprising:

[0061] Internal clock;

[0062] Communication interface; and

[0063] The controller is configured to:

[0064] Record one or more events and apply one or more internal timestamps to those events, wherein the one or more initial timestamps are relative to an initial internal time point;

[0065] The current external time point is received via the communication interface;

[0066] Update the internal clock from the current internal time point relative to the initial internal time point to the current external time point; and

[0067] Based on the difference between the current internal time point and the current external time point, adjust the one or more internal timestamps to one or more external timestamps respectively.

[0068] In this way, consumers can use aerosol generators with full timestamp functionality out of the box without needing to configure the generator's internal clock. This simplifies the setup process and improves the user experience.

[0069] Preferably, the internal timestamp is based on a scale relative to the initial internal time of the aerosol generating device, and the external timestamp is based on a scale relative to an absolute external time.

[0070] Preferably, the aerosol generating device is an electronic cigarette.

[0071] Preferably, the controller is a microcontroller unit comprising one or more processors and a memory having instructions stored thereon.

[0072] Preferably, the controller is further configured to start the internal clock from an initial internal time point in response to determining that the aerosol generating device has exited the low-power state.

[0073] In this way, consumers can use a new aerosol generator when it exits a low-power state configured for transport and storage, without needing to synchronize or set up the device. Furthermore, the low-power state allows the aerosol generator to be set with a higher battery charge level out of the box, eliminating the need for consumers to charge the device's battery before first use. These advantages combine to improve the overall user experience.

[0074] Preferably, the low-power state is a power state in which the operating circuit system of the aerosol generating device uses less electricity than in the full operating power state, which is the power state for consumers to generate and inhale vapor.

[0075] Preferably, the trigger includes detecting that the cable has been attached to the aerosol generating device, or that the openable cover of the aerosol generating device has moved between a closed position and an open position.

[0076] Preferably, the controller is configured to receive the current external time point from an application running on an electronic device that communicates with the aerosol generating device via a communication interface.

[0077] In this way, the internal clock of the aerosol generator can be easily updated using an external time, such as the external time of the smartphone communicating with the aerosol generator. Consumers do not need to manually configure the internal clock, thus simplifying the setup of new aerosol generators and improving the user experience.

[0078] Preferably, the controller is configured to update the internal clock to the current external time when the aerosol generating device is first connected to the electronic device.

[0079] In this way, the setup of a new aerosol generator is further simplified 'out of the box' by setting the internal clock to the current external time when the aerosol generator is first connected to an electronic device (such as a smartphone).

[0080] Preferably, the current external time point includes the current clock time of the electronic device.

[0081] In this way, the clock time of the electronic device can be used as the clock time of the aerosol generating device, thereby providing consistency between devices and improving interoperability.

[0082] Preferably, the communication interface is a Bluetooth interface, and the controller is configured to receive the current external time point through a Bluetooth connection to the electronic device via the Bluetooth interface.

[0083] In this way, the internal clock of the aerosol generating device can be updated to the external time in a user-friendly manner.

[0084] Preferably, the controller is configured to update the internal clock by writing the current external time point into the internal clock of the aerosol generating device.

[0085] In this way, all timestamps related to future events can be recorded based on an external absolute time.

[0086] Preferably, the low-power state is a power state in which a portion of the operating circuitry used by the aerosol generating device in full operation is disabled.

[0087] In this way, power is saved by ensuring that non-essential circuitry does not function during transport and storage before the new aerosol generating device is 'awakened' for its first use.

[0088] Preferably, the fully operational state is the state in which the aerosol generating device is ready for consumer use.

[0089] Preferably, the internal clock of the aerosol generating device is disabled before exiting the low-power state.

[0090] In this way, power is saved by not running the internal clock during transportation and storage before the new aerosol generating device is "wake up" for consumers to use the new device for the first time.

[0091] Preferably, when the internal clock is disabled, the internal clock is configured to be in a non-running state.

[0092] Preferably, the low-power state is configured for transporting and / or storing the aerosol generating device.

[0093] Preferably, the initial internal time point, the current internal time point, and the one or more internal timestamps are epoch times relative to a reference point inside the aerosol generating device, and the current external time point and the one or more external timestamps are epoch times relative to a reference point outside the aerosol generating device.

[0094] In this way, time adjustments can be calculated efficiently and accurately.

[0095] Preferably, all epoch times are recorded in the same format. In the example, the external reference point is the epoch date, such as the Unix reference epoch date of January 1, 1970.

[0096] Preferably, the controller is further configured to determine the activation time point, wherein the activation time point is determined as the difference between the current external time point and the current internal time point.

[0097] In this way, the 'on' time for the aerosol generator to identify trigger conditions can be determined on an absolute (external) time scale rather than a relative (internal) time scale. This is beneficial for accurately updating internal timestamps to external timestamps. It also allows associated applications on the electronic device to determine whether the aerosol generator was previously used as an activation point; if so, that activation point will not correspond to the time when the aerosol generator was first connected to the electronic device. This improves the quality assurance of the aerosol generator.

[0098] Preferably, the controller is configured to adjust the first internal timestamp among the one or more internal timestamps to the first external timestamp among the one or more external timestamps in the following manner:

[0099] Determine the difference between the first internal timestamp and the initial internal time point; and

[0100] The difference between the first internal timestamp and the initial internal time point is added to the activation time point.

[0101] In this way, internal timestamps can be converted to external or absolute times. This provides consumers with clearer and more user-friendly events because external times are consumer-recognizable.

[0102] Preferably, the adjustment process is repeated for each of the one or more internal timestamps until all internal timestamps are adjusted to the corresponding external timestamps.

[0103] Preferably, the events include data relating to inhalation at the aerosol generating device.

[0104] Preferably, the data relating to inhalation includes at least one of the following: timestamp, duration of inhalation or aspiration, vapor temperature, fluid or nicotine consumption, or capsule serial number. In this way, inhalation-related information useful to consumers can be recorded for their review.

[0105] In another aspect, a method for adjusting an internal clock in an aerosol generating device is provided, the method comprising:

[0106] Record one or more events and apply one or more internal timestamps to those events, wherein the one or more initial timestamps are relative to an initial internal time point;

[0107] Receive the current external time point;

[0108] Update the internal clock from the current internal time point relative to the initial internal time point to the current external time point; and

[0109] Based on the difference between the current internal time point and the current external time point, adjust the one or more internal timestamps to one or more external timestamps respectively.

[0110] Preferably, the method further includes: determining an activation time point, wherein the activation time point is determined as the difference between the current external time point and the current internal time point.

[0111] Preferably, adjusting the first internal timestamp among the one or more internal timestamps to the first external timestamp among the one or more external timestamps includes: determining the difference between the first internal timestamp and the initial internal time point; and adding the difference between the first internal timestamp and the initial internal time point to the activation time point.

[0112] In another aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided that stores instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the following steps:

[0113] Record one or more events and apply one or more internal timestamps to those events, wherein the one or more initial timestamps are relative to an initial internal time point;

[0114] Receive the current external time point;

[0115] Update the internal clock from the current internal time point relative to the initial internal time point to the current external time point; and

[0116] Based on the difference between the current internal time point and the current external time point, adjust the one or more internal timestamps to one or more external timestamps respectively.

[0117] Preferably, these steps further include: determining an activation time point, wherein the activation time point is determined as the difference between the current external time point and the current internal time point.

[0118] Preferably, adjusting the first internal timestamp among the one or more internal timestamps to the first external timestamp among the one or more external timestamps includes: determining the difference between the first internal timestamp and the initial internal time point; and adding the difference between the first internal timestamp and the initial internal time point to the activation time point. Attached Figure Description

[0119] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0120] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of the components of an aerosol generating device;

[0121] Figure 2AThis is a diagram of an example of an aerosol generating device with a closed lid;

[0122] Figure 2B This is a diagram of an example of an aerosol generating device with an open lid;

[0123] Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 3C This is a diagram of another example of an aerosol generating device;

[0124] Figure 3D and Figure 3E This is a diagram of another example of an aerosol generating device;

[0125] Figure 3F Is it suitable for and Figures 3A to 3C and Figures 3D to 3E A diagram of a capsule used in conjunction with an aerosol generating device;

[0126] Figure 3G This is a diagram showing the electrical terminal arrangement of the aerosol generating device;

[0127] Figure 4 This is a block diagram of the operating electronic components of an aerosol generating device;

[0128] Figure 5 This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device that communicates with external electronic devices.

[0129] Figure 6 It is a diagram of the graphical user interface of the application associated with the aerosol generating device;

[0130] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of the operational steps involved in starting and exiting low-power mode, executed by the controller of the aerosol generating device; and

[0131] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of the operational steps involved in the timestamp update process, executed by the controller of the aerosol generating device. Detailed Implementation

[0132] Figure 1A block diagram of the components of an aerosol generating device (also known as a vapor generating device or electronic cigarette) is shown. The aerosol generating device includes a heater (also known as a heater coil) 106, operating electronics or control devices 104, and a battery 102. The battery 102 provides power to the heater 106 and the control devices 104. The operating electronics or control devices 104 include a main control unit (i.e., a controller, which may be a microcontroller unit (MCU)) 108 and other operating circuitry 110 arranged to control the operation of the aerosol generating device. The controller includes: a memory having operating instructions for the aerosol generating device stored thereon; and one or more processors arranged to execute the instructions and control the operation of the aerosol generating device.

[0133] Heater 106 is arranged to aerosolize or vaporize the aerosol-generating material (also referred to as vapor-generating material). The vapor-generating material can be solid, such as tobacco or materials containing tobacco; this can be in bulk or within a capsule, or in a form similar to a conventional cigarette. The aerosol-generating material can also be liquid, such as a vaporizable liquid stored in a capsule, or any other suitable type of vaporizable material. For the purposes of this description, it will be understood that the terms vapor and aerosol are interchangeable. In some examples, the heater is arranged within the capsule or cigarette-like aerosol-generating material and may be connected to the aerosol-generating device, rather than being a component of the aerosol-generating device itself.

[0134] Figures 2A to 2B , Figures 3A to 3C ,as well as Figures 3D to 3E It shows that according to Figure 1 An example of an aerosol generating device with a block diagram.

[0135] exist Figure 2A and Figure 2B In the example, the aerosol generating device 200 includes a main body portion 222 and a cover portion 220. The cover portion 220 includes a cover 224 that is movably connected to the housing 226 of the main body portion 222.

[0136] Opening 228 is arranged in housing 226; opening 228 in closed position ( Figure 2A ) is covered by a lid or cap 224 and is in the open position ( Figure 2B It is not covered (or not covered by cover 224).

[0137] In the example, the cover 224 is movably connected to the housing such that it slides between a closed position and an open position. In other words, the cover 224 is a sliding door that can move between an open position and a closed position of the opening 228.

[0138] Although the cover 224 is described in this description as a sliding cover or door, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that any other suitable type of cover may be used, such as a hinged cover, a threaded cover, a pop-out cover, etc.

[0139] Opening 228 is arranged to receive aerosol-generating material. Aerosol-generating material 240 may be in a form similar to a conventional cigarette, i.e., tobacco wrapped in paper. Cigarette-like aerosol-generating material 240 is received in opening 228, with its distal end extending outward from the aerosol-generating device, allowing the consumer to inhale it. In alternative arrangements, the aerosol-generating material may be contained within a capsule (where the capsule can be received in the opening) or as loose tobacco inserted into the opening.

[0140] The heater of the aerosol generating device 200 can be arranged inside the housing, in the opening 228, so as to engage the aerosol generating material when received in the opening 228.

[0141] The housing further includes a battery 102 and a control device 104, which includes a controller 108 and other operating circuitry 110. A communication interface is further included within the housing, enabling the aerosol generating device to communicatively connect to an external electronic device, such as a smartphone. In this example, the communication interface is a Bluetooth chip.

[0142] Figures 3A to 3C Another example of an aerosol generating device 300a is shown. Figures 3A to 3C The device is arranged to receive a capsule 340 containing a liquid that generates aerosols, i.e., an aerosol generating capsule 340. Figure 3F A diagram of an aerosol generating capsule 340 suitable for such applications is shown.

[0143] Figure 3A A diagram of an aerosol generating device 300a is shown, in which an aerosol generating capsule 340 is connected; Figure 3B A cross-sectional view of this arrangement is shown. Figure 3C The corresponding cross-sectional view is shown, in which the aerosol generating capsule 340 has been removed.

[0144] The aerosol generating device 300a includes a main body portion 322 formed by a housing 326. The housing has an opening 328 for receiving an aerosol generating capsule 340. In some examples, a movable cover (not shown) may also be included to cover the opening, the cover being adjustable with reference to... Figure 2A and Figure 2BThe described cap operates in essentially the same manner. In operation, the aerosol generating capsule 340 is received in the opening and connected to the seat 312. The aerosol generating capsule 340 is connected to the seat by a suitable fastening, such as a magnetic connection, snap-fit, interference fit, threaded fit, bayonet fit, or any other suitable type of connection. In some examples, the capsule contains a heater, and the seat is arranged to electrically connect the heater contained within the aerosol generating capsule to the controller and other operating circuitry of the aerosol generating device to provide power to the heater. In other examples, the heater is within the seat itself and is arranged to engage the aerosol generating capsule when inserted into the opening.

[0145] Operating electronics 304 are contained within housing 326, including controller 108 and other operating circuitry 110. Housing also includes a communication interface 350 (e.g., a Bluetooth chip) for communicatively connecting to external electronic devices, and a battery 302 arranged to power aerosol generating device 300a. A button 309 is disposed on the outer surface of housing 326; this button is operable to control aerosol generating device 300a for purposes such as heating the aerosol-generating liquid. An indicator (e.g., a light-emitting diode (LED) 313) is also disposed on the outer surface of housing 326; LED 313 can provide indications to the consumer, such as the operating status of aerosol generating device 300a (i.e., whether the heater is engaged) and power status. In this example, LED 313 surrounds button 309.

[0146] The aerosol generating capsule 340 has a liquid reservoir 332, an aerosol channel 333, an atomizer arrangement 334, and a capsule circuitry (i.e., a capsule chip) 342, all housed within a capsule housing 318. The atomizer arrangement 334 includes a heater coil 306 and a wicking material 338. The wicking material 338 is arranged to transfer (or wick) liquid from the liquid reservoir 332 to the heater 306. The heater 306 provides heat to the wicked liquid and generates an aerosol. As an alternative to the liquid and wicking arrangement, the aerosol generating capsule 340 may alternatively comprise a viscous or solid aerosol generating material.

[0147] The aerosol generating capsule 340 has a mouthpiece portion 330 with an aerosol outlet mouthpiece opening 331. An aerosol channel 333 is arranged between the mouthpiece opening 331 and the atomizer device 334, such that when a consumer inhales or sucks through the mouthpiece opening, the aerosol generated by the liquid at the heater 306 is drawn out of the mouthpiece opening 331 through the aerosol channel for the consumer to inhale. An air inlet 360 may be arranged in the housing 326 of the main body portion 322 or in the aerosol generating capsule 340.

[0148] When received in opening 328, an electrical and data connection is established between the aerosol generating capsule 340 and the control device 104 of the main body 322, as will be referred to below. Figure 3F As described.

[0149] Figure 3D and Figure 3E A diagram showing another example of the aerosol generating device 300b is shown. Figure 3D and Figure 3E The device 300b is similar to Figures 3A to 3C The device 300a includes the same features, but with the addition of a sliding cover 324.

[0150] exist Figure 3D and Figure 3E In the example, the body 322 of the aerosol generating device 300b has a sliding cover 324. The sliding cover 324 is arranged to cover most of the elongated body 322 and can be in a first position ( Figure 3D ) and the second position ( Figure 3E They slide between the main body 322 in the longitudinal direction.

[0151] The sliding cover 324 has a front panel 324a and a rear panel, which are arranged to cover the main surface of the body 322.

[0152] First position ( Figure 3D In this device, the aerosol generating capsule 340 is substantially covered by a sliding cap 324, with the mouthpiece opening 331 exposed, allowing the user to inhale through the device. The end 322a of the body 322 opposite to the end that mates with the aerosol generating capsule 340 is not covered. In this way, the sliding cap 324 protects the aerosol generating capsule 340. Figure 3D The first position shown can be considered a “closed position” because the aerosol generating capsule 340 is essentially covered by the sliding cap 324.

[0153] In the second position ( Figure 3E In this position, the aerosol generating capsule 340 is not covered; that is, the sliding cover 324 has moved away from the aerosol generating capsule 340 and toward the opposite end 322a of the body 322 by a sliding action. In the second position, which is considered the "open position", the aerosol generating capsule 340 can be inserted into / removed from the seat 312.

[0154] Figure 3F It shows the fit with Figures 3A to 3C as well as Figures 3D to 3E A cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating capsule 340 used in conjunction with aerosol generating devices 300a and 300b. It will be understood that the dimensions of the aerosol generating capsule 340 are variable; for example, the aerosol generating capsule 340 can be more elongated (e.g., in...). Figure 3A and Figure 3B (in China), compared to Figure 3E The more compact capsule within stores a larger volume of liquid. For clarity, the liquid reservoir and aerosol channel of the aerosol generating capsule 340 are not shown in the diagram. Figure 3F As shown in the image; for clarity, Figure 3F It shows in Figures 3A to 3E The capsule circuit system 342 is not shown in the figure. Additionally, Figure 3G An electrical terminal arrangement 390 is shown on the base 312 of the main body 322 of the aerosol generating devices 300a and 300b, configured for connection to the electrical terminals of the aerosol generating capsule 340. The terminals of the capsule circuitry 342 and the terminals of the aerosol generating devices 300a and 300b combine to provide an interface between the capsule circuitry 342 and the controller 108 of the aerosol generating devices 300a and 300b. The terminals in the main body 322 of the aerosol generating devices 300a and 300b can be considered as sensors or interfaces for detecting and communicating with the aerosol generating capsule 340.

[0155] The capsule circuit system 342 includes electrical terminals, including power terminals 345a and 345b, and a data terminal 348. The power terminals 345a and 345b are arranged to connect the heater to the battery via the control device 104 of the aerosol generating devices 300a and 300b through corresponding power terminals 384 in the housing 312 of the aerosol generating devices 300a and 300b.

[0156] The capsule circuitry system 342 further includes a memory 344 and a controller 346 for reading from / writing to the memory. Data terminals 348 of the capsule circuitry system 342 are arranged to connect to corresponding data terminals 385 in the body 322, allowing the controller 104 in the body 322 to send and retrieve data from the capsule memory 344. Data stored in the capsule memory 344 may include usage data of the aerosol generating capsule 340, certification data of the aerosol generating capsule 340, type of the aerosol generating capsule 340, flavor of the materials in the aerosol generating capsule 340, remaining liquid volume in the aerosol generating capsule 340, manufacturing date of the aerosol generating capsule 340, and / or expiration date data of the aerosol generating capsule 340, and other suitable information. In alternative arrangements, aerosol generating devices 300a and 300b may include a wireless capsule interface to the capsule circuitry 342 of the aerosol generating capsule 340, the capsule circuitry including a corresponding wireless capsule interface. In this way, when the aerosol generating capsule 340 is received in the opening 328, the aerosol generating devices 300a and 300b can transmit and retrieve data from the capsule memory 344 via a wireless connection (e.g., near field communication (NFC) or radio frequency identification (RFID)). In other alternatives, the aerosol generating devices may read capsule information using optical sensors or image detectors.

[0157] The terminals 384, 385, and 387 of the main body can be configured as elongated conductive members, which are connected at one end to the base 312 and further to the control device 104. The opposite ends of the elongated members form free ends for connection to the corresponding terminals 448 of the aerosol generating capsule 340.

[0158] The terminals of body 322 may further include temperature determining terminals 387. These temperature determining terminals are configured as a measuring circuit to measure the voltage between a first power terminal 345a and a second power terminal 345b. This voltage can be used to accurately measure the heater temperature by determining the resistance of heater 306.

[0159] In the example, the components of the capsule circuit system 342 are arranged on a printed circuit board 343.

[0160] about Figures 2A-2B and Figures 3A-3GThe example aerosol generating devices 200, 300a, and 300b described herein may have been manufactured after a considerable period of time has passed before a consumer first uses the device (e.g., during transportation and storage). From the consumer's perspective, it is expected that the aerosol generating devices 200, 300a, and 300b have sufficient battery power for initial use, allowing them to be used 'out-of-the-box' after transportation and storage without prior battery charging. The problem faced in this art is that if a considerable period of time has passed during transportation and storage, the consumer may find that the aerosol generating devices 200, 300a, and 300b do not have sufficient battery charge for immediate use before first use. This could be due to residual battery depletion by the sub-circuits operating the electronics. In such cases, the consumer will be required to charge the battery before they can use the aerosol generating devices 200, 300a, and 300b.

[0161] To overcome this problem, aerosol generating devices 200, 300a, and 300b are set to a low-power mode by the manufacturer before shipping. Then, upon first use by the consumer, aerosol generating devices 200, 300a, and 300b are instructed to exit the low-power mode. This low-power mode maintains battery charge throughout its shelf life, ensuring that aerosol generating devices 200, 300a, and 300b have sufficient battery charge for immediate 'out-of-the-box' use by the consumer without prior battery charging.

[0162] exist Figures 2A-2B and Figures 3A-3G In the example, aerosol generating devices 200, 300a, and 300b are arranged to receive a capsule initiating a low-power mode, i.e., a low-power mode initiating capsule. In the example, the initiating capsule is inserted at the end of the manufacturing process, prior to packaging and shipping.

[0163] The initial capsule is generated from a cigarette-like aerosol-like material 240 (as in... Figures 2A-2B In the example) in a manner similar to that of a capsule containing aerosol-generating material 340 (as in Figures 3A-3G In the example, the capsule is inserted into openings 228 and 328 of aerosol generating devices 200, 300a, and 300b in a manner that is described above. The controller uses sensors arranged in openings 228 and 328 to detect the presence of the capsule and read capsule information stored in the capsule. Based on this information, the controller determines that the capsule is a low-power mode initiation capsule (rather than a standard capsule containing aerosol generating material).

[0164] In response to determining that the initiating capsule has been inserted, the controller initiates the low-power mode or low-power state of the aerosol generating devices 200, 300a, and 300b. The initiating capsule is then removed from the aerosol generating devices 200, 300a, and 300b, allowing them to be packaged for transport and sale.

[0165] When the initiator capsule is removed from the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating devices 200, 300a, and 300b remain in a low-power state until a subsequent wake-up trigger is received. Maintaining a low-power state while the initiator capsule is removed is advantageous because the initiator capsule does not need to be transported with the aerosol generating devices 200, 300a, and 300b, but can be reused during further manufacturing and packaging of the aerosol generating devices 200, 300a, and 300b. This also eliminates any confusion regarding the use of the initiator capsule on behalf of the end consumer.

[0166] In the case of receiving cigarette-shaped aerosol generating material 240 or bulk tobacco aerosol generating device (such as in Figures 2A-2B In the middle), the size of the initial capsule can be appropriately determined to be received in the opening 228, into which the cigarette-like aerosol generating material 240 is received.

[0167] In the case of receiving aerosol generating devices 300a and 300b containing a capsule of aerosol generating material 340 (e.g., in... Figures 3A-3G In the example, the size of the starting capsule can be similar to that of a standard capsule containing aerosol generating material 340, which is determined to be received in the opening 328 in place of the aerosol generating capsule 340. In this example, the starting capsule is a dummy capsule that does not contain aerosol generating material.

[0168] In the capsule 340 arranged to receive aerosol-generating material (e.g., reference...), Figures 3A-3GIn the aerosol generating devices 300a and 300b of the described aerosol generating material capsule, the aerosol generating devices 300a and 300b can be arranged to read information stored in the memory 344 of the capsule circuitry 342 in such an aerosol generating material capsule as previously described, using an electrical or wireless connection. Alternatively, the aerosol generating devices 300a and 300b can use optical sensors or image detectors to read information from the aerosol generating capsule 340. The starting capsule also stores information, for example, via a built-in chip. The sensors or interfaces in the aerosol generating devices 300a and 300b are arranged to read this information in the same manner as the aerosol generating material capsule 340. That is, the sensors or interfaces are multi-purpose to read information stored in both the aerosol generating material capsule 340 and the starting capsule. The starting capsules used in such aerosol generating devices 300a, 300b may include a modified form of at least one of the parameters stored at a standard aerosol generating material capsule 340; for example, the manufacturing date may be set to a specific value (e.g., 00000) indicating that the capsule is a starting capsule rather than a standard aerosol generating material capsule 340. The controller 108 may determine that the information stored at the starting capsule is information that triggers a low-power mode. The aerosol generating devices 300a, 300b are programmed to initiate a low-power mode upon determining the indicative parameters received from the starting capsule.

[0169] As described, the aerosol generating devices 300a, 300b, arranged to receive the aerosol generating material capsule 340, have a sensor or interface in the opening 328 for reading information stored at the capsule via, for example, an electrical or wireless connection (e.g., NFC or RFID interface) between the aerosol generating devices 300a, 300b and the capsule, or via an image detector or optical sensor. In addition to the aerosol generating material capsule 340, the controller can also use this sensor to detect and read the initial capsule.

[0170] Alternatively or additionally, a separate dedicated sensor may be arranged in openings 228, 328, specifically for detecting the initiating capsule. In particular, such an arrangement can be used in aerosol generating device 200 that may not originally include a capsule sensor or interface, for example, arranged to receive cigarette-like aerosol generating material 240 (see reference). Figures 2A-2B (As described) or aerosol generating device 200 for bulk tobacco. Moreover, aerosol generating devices 300a, 300b arranged to receive aerosol generating material capsules may include such separate dedicated initiation capsule sensors to replace or supplement multi-purpose aerosol generating material capsule sensors for detecting initiation capsules.

[0171] In embodiments where a separate, dedicated initiation capsule sensor is used, the initiation capsule parameters can be stored as information that the aerosol generating devices 200, 300a, and 300b are pre-programmed to recognize as an instruction to enter a low-power mode. This does not require modification of existing parameters such as the manufacturing date (because devices arranged to receive, for example, cigarette-like aerosol generating material 240 or bulk tobacco may be incompatible with such information); instead, it can be a specific parameter that the sensor is specifically arranged to recognize. That is, the aerosol generating devices 200, 300a, and 300b can have a sensor specifically arranged to detect the initiation capsule and the low-power mode instruction thereon; this sensor does not need to be a sensor arranged to detect and read the aerosol generating material capsule 340. Such a sensor may include an electrical interface in the openings 228 and 328, such as a reference... Figure 3F and Figure 3G The described electrical interface is between the aerosol generating devices 200, 300a, 300b and the initiating capsule. Alternatively, the sensor may include a wireless interface (e.g., an NFC or RFID interface) between the aerosol generating devices 200, 300a, 300b and the initiating capsule, wherein the aerosol generating devices 200, 300a, 300b can read the NFC or RFID chip in the initiating capsule when it is received in the openings 228, 328. In another alternative, the aerosol generating devices 200, 300a, 300b may be arranged to determine that the capsule received in the openings 228, 328 is an initiating capsule by an image detector or optical sensor that reads specific parameters of the initiating capsule in the openings 228, 328.

[0172] Figure 4 A block diagram of the operating electronics 400 of aerosol generating devices 200, 300a, and 300b is shown. The operating electronics 400 of the aerosol generating devices includes multiple sub-circuits responsible for the operation of various parts of the aerosol generating devices. These sub-circuits may include, but are not limited to, the following: a microcontroller unit and Bluetooth connectivity sub-circuit 402, a power switching sub-circuit 404, a serial flash memory sub-circuit 406 (which uses memory storage units to store suction records and event records), a light-emitting diode (LED) driver sub-circuit 408, a device temperature cutoff sub-circuit 410, a heater driver sub-circuit 412, a capsule connection sub-circuit 414, a button sub-circuit 416, a resistance measurement sub-circuit 418, a shelf-life power latch sub-circuit 420, a 3V linear power supply sub-circuit 422, a 4V buck / boost power supply sub-circuit 424 (which supplies 4V to the LED even when the battery voltage is low), a battery fuel gauge sub-circuit 426, a haptic driver sub-circuit 428, and a USB battery charging sub-circuit 430, such as... Figure 4 As shown in the image.

[0173] In low-power mode or low-power state, a portion of the operating electronics 400 of the aerosol generating devices 200, 300a, and 300b are disabled or de-energized compared to their normal operating state when regularly used by consumers. Therefore, in low-power state, the operating electronics 400 use less residual power than in full-power operating state.

[0174] More specifically, when entering low-power mode, the controller (or MCU) 402 disables specific sub-circuits of the operating electronics 400 (104, 304). The MCU recognizes the start packet and executes a routine that prepares the MCU for power-down. The MCU then triggers the logic gate array to disable the 3V linear power supply sub-circuit 426. This disconnects multiple sub-circuits, including the device temperature shut-off circuit 410, the resistance measuring device 418, the heater driver 412, the battery fuel gauge 426, the serial flash memory 406, and the MCU 402 itself. Furthermore, disconnecting the MCU also disconnects the 4V power supply to the LED driver, thereby also disconnecting the LED driver 408.

[0175] More specifically, when the controller recognizes that the initiating capsule has been received in the aerosol generating device, the output of the shelf-life power latch subcircuit 420 is cut off. This, in turn, cuts off the output of the 3V linear power supply subcircuit 422, thereby cutting off the power supply to the MCU 402 and the output of the power switching subcircuit 404. The output of the power switching subcircuit 404 powers subcircuits including the device temperature shut-off device 410, the resistance measuring element 418, and the heater driver 412; therefore, these subcircuits are cut off by cutting off the output of the power switching subcircuit 404. The output of the 3V linear power supply subcircuit 422 powers subcircuits including the MCU 402, the battery fuel gauge 426, and the serial flash memory 406; therefore, these subcircuits are cut off by cutting off the output of the 3V linear power supply subcircuit 422. Any subcircuit powered by either the output of the 3V linear power supply subcircuit 422 or the output of the power switching subcircuit 404 is cut off. Because the MCU 402 is cut off, the 4V power supply to the LED (i.e., the LED driver subcircuit 408) is also cut off.

[0176] Turning off the MCU also causes the internal clock of the aerosol generator to turn off or pause.

[0177] The aerosol generating device is equipped with an indicator arranged to indicate that a low-power mode has been entered, and that the initiating capsule can be removed once the low-power mode has been entered. In this example, the indicator is a visual indicator (e.g., one or more LEDs) that indicates entry into the low-power mode when it is turned off. The LEDs are turned off due to the de-energization of the LED driver sub-circuit 408, as shown in the reference. Figures 3A-3GAs described.

[0178] The indicator allows manufacturers to know that the aerosol generating device has entered a low-power mode for transport and storage, and that the initiator capsule can be removed.

[0179] Disabling or de-energizing LED(s) saves power at the battery compared to energizing individual indicators. This further contributes to power savings for transportation and storage. Furthermore, LEDs are typically used as standard components in aerosol generating devices; making these LEDs versatile for indicating low-power states and communicating information to consumers eliminates the need to incorporate further indicators into the aerosol generating device, thereby simplifying manufacturing.

[0180] Aerosol generating devices 200, 300a, and 300b are configured to exit low-power mode in response to a wake-up trigger condition. This is intended to occur when a new aerosol generating device is used for the first time after it has entered low-power mode for transport and storage. Specifically, the wake-up trigger is used to instruct the consumer to exit low-power mode for a new 'out-of-the-box' aerosol generating device that was not previously used by the consumer between transport / storage and first use. The wake-up trigger restores power to the MCU and energizes disabled sub-circuits.

[0181] In the first example, the lid or cap 224, 324 is in the closed position ( Figure 2A ) and opening position ( Figure 2B The movement between the caps (224, 324) acts as a trigger. An electrical connection can be established when the caps are in the closed (or open) position, and can be disconnected when they are in the open (or closed) position. That is, by detecting the connection being established or disconnected as the caps move between the two positions, the controller can determine whether the caps are in the open or closed state, and when they move between the open and closed states. When the initiating capsule is removed and the aerosol generating device enters a low-power state, the manufacturer can close the caps (224, 324); the consumer then opens the caps (224, 324) (e.g., inserting aerosol generating material), causing power to be restored to the MCU, and the aerosol generating device exits the low-power mode. Opening the cap or lid, rather than sliding it open, may also include: disconnecting a section of the aerosol generating device to expose the cavity into which the aerosol generating material capsule can be received, such as disconnecting the nozzle portion of the aerosol generating device from the battery portion, which has a suitable switch to detect that something has been removed.

[0182] In the second example, the wake-up trigger, which can be used in place of or attached to the first wake-up trigger, can be the detection that a cable has been attached to the aerosol generating device. For example, the cable can be a charging and / or data cable, such as a USB cable (or any other suitable type of cable, such as a micro USB, USB-B, USB-C, flash cable, etc.), which can be received in a corresponding port in the aerosol generating device. That is, the insertion of the cable into the cable port in the aerosol generating device causes a restoration of power to the MCU and the aerosol generating device to exit low-power mode.

[0183] More specifically, opening the cover or caps 224, 324 and / or inserting the cable activates the output of the shelf-life power latch subcircuit 420. This, in turn, activates the 3V linear power supply subcircuit 422. Activating the 3V linear power supply subcircuit 422 activates the MCU subcircuit 402, the battery fuel gauge subcircuit 426, and the serial flash memory subcircuit 406. Activating the output of the 3V linear power supply subcircuit 422 also activates the output of the power switching subcircuit 404, and thus activates the subcircuits powered by the power switching subcircuit, including the device temperature cutoff subcircuit 410, the resistance measurement subcircuit 418, and the heater driver subcircuit 412.

[0184] In this way, typical actions performed by the consumer (such as inserting a cable or opening the cover or cap 224, 324) cause the aerosol generator to exit low-power mode. This provides a simple and easy-to-understand method for users to wake up the aerosol generator from a low-power state, thereby improving usability.

[0185] When a consumer uses the aerosol generating device 520, time-stamped event data is recorded for each inhalation or vaping of the generated aerosol or vapor. The event data may include vaping duration, aerosol or vapor temperature, fluid and / or nicotine consumption, energy consumed per vaping, capsule serial number, etc., and the timestamp itself. In one example, knowing the liquid composition, the fluid and therefore nicotine consumption can be calculated based on the energy consumed per vaping. In another example, the energy consumed per vaping can be used to derive information about the airflow, which may be particularly useful in situations where there is no vaping sensor or pressure sensor on the aerosol generating device. Thus, using the energy consumed per vaping as event data is beneficial for providing more information by storing one type of event data. The event data may also include the start and end points of the vaping, the vaping duration (i.e., the length of the vaping), and the vaping interval (i.e., the time between consecutive vapings). The event data may also include any further suitable metrics for analyzing consumer behavior. The aerosol generating device 520 may be communicatively connected to an external electronic device 524 (e.g., a smartphone), such as... Figure 5As shown in the diagram, the aerosol generating device 520 has a communication interface 522, through which it can be connected to an external electronic device 524 via a communication medium between the communication interface 522 of the aerosol generating device 520 and a corresponding communication interface 526 of the external electronic device 524. For example, the communication medium 526 can be a wired connection (e.g., a USB connection) or a wireless connection (e.g., a Bluetooth connection). An application associated with the aerosol generating device 520 can be loaded onto the external electronic device 524. This application can be used to perform actions, including reviewing the inhalation history of the aerosol generating device 520 or providing instructions to the aerosol generating device 520 via the communication interface 522.

[0186] Timestamped event information can be transferred to an external electronic device 524 via communication interface 522. This allows consumers to review their usage records using a graphical user interface of the associated application available on the screen of the external electronic device 524.

[0187] Figure 6 An exemplary graphical user interface 600 is shown, presenting information to a consumer derived from event information received from an aerosol generating device 520 via a communication interface 522. Timestamps allow time and date to be assigned to the inhalation. The graphical interface 600 displays the consumer's inhalation history. In this example, this is displayed in hourly (602) and daily (604) arrangements, determined based on timestamped event information.

[0188] In low-power mode, the internal clock of the aerosol generating device 520 is turned off or paused (i.e., set to a "non-running" state). In effect, entering low-power mode keeps the internal clock in place for the time it was paused. When a wake-up trigger is detected and the device exits low-power mode, the internal clock resumes operation from the time it was turned off (or the default time, such as 00:00:00), which is considered the initial internal time point (T). 初始_内部 Therefore, the time of the internal clock (i.e., internal time) will not match the external time of the real world.

[0189] When the aerosol generating device 520 connects to an external electronic device 524 via communication interface 522, the controller determines the external device time (i.e., the clock time of the external electronic device 524) and updates (or synchronizes) the internal clock to that external clock time (i.e., the external time) using the clock time of the external device 524. In this example, the application writes the DeviceClock feature to the Device Information Bluetooth service. In this way, a new 'out-of-the-box' aerosol generating device 520 can update its internal clock from the internal time to the external time the first time it connects to the external electronic device 524.

[0190] If a user uses a new 'out-of-the-box' aerosol generator 520 before connecting it to an external device 524 (i.e., an aerosol generator 520 that has exited low-power mode but whose internal clock has not yet been updated to the external time), the aerosol generator 520 will record a timestamp of the event data relative to an initial internal time point. This internal timestamp T 内部_戳 Internal time is used based on the time elapsed since the initial internal time point.

[0191] When synchronized with an external electronic device clock, the controller determines the activation time of the aerosol generator 520 as the point in time when the aerosol generator 520 exits low-power mode, based on absolute external time rather than relative internal time. Activation time T 启用 Calculated as the current external time T 当前_外部 (That is, the time of the external electronic device during synchronization) and the current internal time T 当前_内部 (That is, the difference between the internal clock and the initial internal time when the aerosol generating device exits low-power mode):

[0192] T 启用 = T 当前_外部 - T 当前_内部

[0193] To facilitate simple subtraction and addition of clock times, these clock times can be stored as epoch times.

[0194] Controller uses enable time T 启用 and initial internal time T 初始_内部 Internal timestamp T 内部_戳 Each update in the array is an external timestamp (i.e., a timestamp based on an external time) T. 外部_戳 :

[0195] T 外部_戳 = (T) 内部_戳 - T 初始_内部 ) + T 启用

[0196] Alternatively, the controller can enable time T 启用 With the initial internal time T 初始_内部 The difference between them is added to each internal timestamp to update the internal timestamp to the external timestamp.

[0197] Figure 7 An exemplary flowchart is shown, illustrating the operational steps performed by the controller of the aerosol generating device involving initiating and exiting the previously described low-power mode.

[0198] At step 702, the controller detects via a sensor that the capsule received in the aerosol generating device is the starting capsule.

[0199] At step 704, the controller initiates a low-power state of the aerosol generating device in response to detecting that the initiating capsule has been received in the aerosol generating device.

[0200] At step 706, the controller disables a portion of the operating electronics of the aerosol generating device during the initial low-power state.

[0201] Optionally, at step 708, the controller indicates via an indicator that the aerosol generating device has entered a low-power state.

[0202] Optionally, at step 710, the controller maintains a low-power state when the initiating capsule is removed from the aerosol generating device.

[0203] Figure 8 An exemplary flowchart is shown, illustrating the operational steps involved in the previously described timestamp update process performed by the controller of the aerosol generating device.

[0204] Optionally, at step 802, the controller starts its internal clock from the initial internal time point in response to determining that the aerosol generating device has exited the low-power state.

[0205] At step 804, the controller records one or more events and applies one or more internal timestamps to the one or more events respectively, the one or more initial timestamps being relative to an initial internal time point.

[0206] At step 806, the controller receives the current external time point through the communication interface.

[0207] At step 808, the controller updates the internal clock from the current internal time point relative to the initial internal time point to the current external time point.

[0208] Optionally, at step 810, the controller determines the activation time point, wherein the activation time point is determined as the difference between the current external time point and the current internal time point.

[0209] At step 812, the controller adjusts the one or more internal timestamps to one or more external timestamps based on the difference between the current internal time point and the current external time point.

[0210] In addition to the power savings provided by the low-power mode for transportation and storage, further power savings can be achieved between consumer uses by putting the aerosol generator into standby mode. Between uses, when the user is not using the aerosol generator, the lid or cap 224, 324 can be positioned in the closed position. The controller can determine that the lid or cap 224, 324 is in the closed position using a suitable sensor (e.g., the sensor previously described with reference to the wake-up trigger). When the controller determines that the lid or cap 224, 324 is in the closed position, it may cause the aerosol generator to enter standby mode to save power. Alternatively or additionally, the controller may cause the aerosol generator to enter standby mode after determining that the lid or cap 224, 324 has remained in the open position for a preset threshold amount of time. The preset threshold can be configured in an application at an external electronic device and indicated to the aerosol generator using a communication interface.

[0211] The standby mode involves suspending at least some sub-circuits of the operating electronics when the aerosol generator is not in use; these sub-circuits are not essential for the operation of the aerosol generator. This preserves the battery charge. During operation, the consumer opens the cover or cap 224, 324 to insert the aerosol generating material. The controller determines that the cover or cap 224, 324 has been opened and causes the aerosol generator to exit standby mode by energizing the suspended sub-circuits. More specifically, in standby mode, the output of the power switching sub-circuit 404 is turned off, thereby shutting down the device temperature cutoff sub-circuit 410, the resistance measurement sub-circuit 418, and the heater driver sub-circuit 412.

[0212] The processing steps described herein, performed by the main control unit or controller, can be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium or storage device associated with the main control unit. Computer-readable media can include both non-volatile and volatile media. Volatile media can include semiconductor memory and dynamic memory, etc. Non-volatile media can include optical discs and magnetic disks, etc.

[0213] Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the foregoing embodiments described are not limiting; features of each embodiment may be appropriately incorporated into other embodiments.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, comprising: Internal clock; Communication interface; as well as The controller is configured to: Record one or more events and apply one or more internal timestamps to those events, the internal timestamps being relative to an initial internal time point; The current external time point of the external electronic device is received through this communication interface; Determine the activation time point, wherein the activation time point is determined as the difference between the current external time point and the current internal time point; Update the internal clock from the current internal time point relative to the initial internal time point to the current external time point; and Based on the difference between the current internal time point and the current external time point, adjust the one or more internal timestamps to one or more external timestamps respectively; The controller is configured to adjust the first internal timestamp of the one or more internal timestamps to the first external timestamp of the one or more external timestamps in the following manner: Determine the difference between the first internal timestamp and the initial internal time point; and The difference between the first internal timestamp and the initial internal time point is added to the activation time point so that timestamped event information can be transferred to the external electronic device via the communication interface.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein, The controller is further configured to start the internal clock from the initial internal time point in response to determining that the aerosol generating device has exited the low-power state.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to receive the current external time point from an application running on an electronic device that communicates with the aerosol generating device via the communication interface.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus as described in claim 3, wherein, The controller is configured to update its internal clock to the current external time when the aerosol generating device is first connected to the electronic device.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus as described in claim 3, wherein, The current external time point includes the current clock time of the electronic device.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein, The communication interface is a Bluetooth interface, and the controller is configured to receive the current external time by using a Bluetooth connection to the electronic device via the Bluetooth interface.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The controller is configured to update the internal clock by writing the current external time point into the internal clock of the aerosol generating device.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus as described in claim 2, wherein, The low power state is a power state in which a portion of the operating circuitry used by the aerosol generating device in full operation is disabled.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus as described in claim 2, wherein, The internal clock of the aerosol generating device is disabled before exiting this low-power state.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein, This low-power state is configured for transporting and / or storing the aerosol generating device.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1-5, 8-10, wherein, The initial internal time point, the current internal time point, and the one or more internal timestamps are epoch times relative to a reference point inside the aerosol generating device, and the current external time point and the one or more external timestamps are epoch times relative to a reference point outside the aerosol generating device.

12. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1-5, 8-10, wherein, These events include data relating to inhalation from the aerosol generating device.

13. A method for adjusting an internal clock in an aerosol generating device, the method comprising: Record one or more events and apply one or more internal timestamps to those events, the internal timestamps being relative to an initial internal time point; Receive the current external time from external electronic devices via the communication interface; Determine the activation time point, wherein the activation time point is determined as the difference between the current external time point and the current internal time point; Update the internal clock from the current internal time point relative to the initial internal time point to the current external time point; and Based on the difference between the current internal time point and the current external time point, adjust the one or more internal timestamps to one or more external timestamps respectively; Specifically, adjusting the first internal timestamp of the one or more internal timestamps to the first external timestamp of the one or more external timestamps includes: Determine the difference between the first internal timestamp and the initial internal time point; and The difference between the first internal timestamp and the initial internal time point is added to the activation time point so that timestamped event information can be transferred to the external electronic device via the communication interface.

14. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the following steps: Record one or more events and apply one or more internal timestamps to those events, the internal timestamps being relative to an initial internal time point; Receive the current external time from the external electronic device via the communication interface; Determine the activation time point, wherein the activation time point is determined as the difference between the current external time point and the current internal time point; Update the internal clock from the current internal time point relative to the initial internal time point to the current external time point; and Based on the difference between the current internal time point and the current external time point, adjust the one or more internal timestamps to one or more external timestamps respectively; Specifically, adjusting the first internal timestamp of the one or more internal timestamps to the first external timestamp of the one or more external timestamps includes: Determine the difference between the first internal timestamp and the initial internal time point; and The difference between the first internal timestamp and the initial internal time point is added to the activation time point so that timestamped event information can be transferred to the external electronic device via the communication interface.

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