Method for indicating direction to area of interest and vapor generating device

Abstract

A vapour generating device is disclosed. The vapour generating device comprises a vapour generating apparatus configured to generate an aerosol; a receiver configured to receive a positioning signal; a processor configured to determine a direction from a determined position of the vapour generating device to a region of interest; and an indicator configured to indicate the direction of the region of interest to a user of the vapour generating device. The vapour generating device enables a user to be guided to a region of interest, such as a designated vaping area or a retail establishment that sells electronic cigarette supplies.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a vapour generating device. In particular, the direction to a particular geographical area is determined using a vapour generating device. BACKGROUND

[0002] Vaping devices, such as e-cigarettes, are becoming a popular alternative to traditional cigarettes. In some countries, vaping in certain public places can be restricted in a similar way to traditional smoking. This can mean that vaping is only allowed in certain designated vaping areas.

[0003] This has led to developments to prevent the use of vaping devices outside of these designated vaping areas. US2015181945A1 and US2018286208A1 describe disabling or locking a vaping device when it enters an unauthorised location where vaping is not allowed.

[0004] Due to the density and scale of the population, it is likely that restrictions allowing vaping in only certain areas will be implemented in large cities. However, large cities are fast changing environments, with new buildings, offices and businesses appearing all the time. This means that the location of these designated vaping areas can change, or new vaping areas can be created which have a high footfall.

[0005] This can cause difficulties for people who want to vape. They can not know the location of a place where they are allowed to vape or how to get to a vaping area from their current location.

[0006] If a person who wants to vape does not know the location or direction to a nearby vaping area, they can use their smartphone to determine the direction to that location by using a mapping application. This can cause an additional burden for people who want to vape, such that they always need to remember to carry their phone in addition to their vaping device when they want to vape. However, they can often forget to carry their smartphone with them in situations where they can have simply left a building due to indoor vaping restrictions. This means that they can not be able to do this when they need to find a designated vaping area, and can have to return to the building to retrieve their smartphone.

[0007] The above also applies to other places of interest within a city or area. For example, a person who vapes can want to find the nearest e-cigarette store, such as to purchase new e-cigarette supplies. SUMMARY

[0008] According to an aspect of the present application there is provided a vapour generating device comprising: a vapour generating apparatus configured to generate an aerosol; a receiver configured to receive a positioning signal; a processor configured to determine a direction from a determined position of the vapour generating device to a region of interest; and an indicator configured to indicate the direction of the region of interest to a user of the vapour generating device.

[0009] In this way, a user (i.e. a person vaping) can find their way to a particular location. The location can be one that they wish to find (such as a shop selling vaping supplies) or one that they need to find in order to vape (such as a designated vaping area).

[0010] This can enable a user to find a region of interest without having to rely on a conventional navigation device such as a map or a mobile communications device. It can also remove the reliance on a user interface of a mobile communications device to obtain a directional prompt.

[0011] By determining the position of the vapour generating device via the positioning signal received from the receiver, the direction to the region of interest can be communicated to the user by the indicator. This can mean that the user does not necessarily have to carry their conventional navigation device with them, or at least they do not have to waste time using a conventional navigation device. The vapour generating device can indicate the direction to the user in an intuitive and easy to understand manner.

[0012] Preferably, the vapour generating device can be an electronic cigarette. The skilled person will appreciate that an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) can include all types of dedicated vaping or atomising devices.

[0013] The receiver can be a GNSS receiver configured to receive a GNSS signal to determine GNSS coordinates of the vapour generating device. This enables an accurate position of the vapour generating device to be determined.

[0014] The GNSS receiver can be a GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou or any other type of satellite navigation system.

[0015] Alternatively, the receiver can be any type of wireless receiver capable of determining a position. This can involve the use of a wireless network such as GSM or Wi-Fi. This can be based on network cell identification, signal strength or any other network parameter.

[0016] Preferably, the indicator is a visual indicator. This provides a visual indication which is easy for the user to understand. The visual indicator can be an LED indicator. This can also keep the power consumed by the indicator low, as LEDs typically do not require much power. This can ensure that the indicator does not consume the power of the battery of the vaping device too quickly, which can otherwise cause inconvenience to the user. As the user navigates towards the area of interest, the indicator can be updated to provide the user with real-time directional information. Alternatively, the visual indicator can be any type of visual indicator. This can be, for example, a CFL or halogen lighting device.

[0017] The visual indicator can have an area for indicating a forward direction, an area for indicating a rearward direction, an area for indicating a left direction, and an area for indicating a right direction.

[0018] A marker can be provided to indicate the direction when navigating, and / or to indicate the orientation in which the user is holding the vapour generating device. Alternatively, one end of the vapour generating device can be conventionally considered to be the top of the device, and the opposite end of the device can be conventionally considered to be the bottom of the device, so that the user knows how to hold the device.

[0019] Alternatively, the direction in which the vapour generating device is held can not matter, as the vapour generating device can know the way in which the user is holding the device. This can be determined by the processor before the indication is displayed, by determining the orientation of the vapour generating device.

[0020] The vapour generating device can comprise a compass. The compass can be able to detect the Earth's magnetic field. Alternatively or additionally, the vapour generating device can comprise one or more accelerometers. The accelerometers can be able to determine tilt information. This can provide details about how the vapour generating device is oriented, such as when it is in the user's hand. Information from the compass and the accelerometers can be used to determine how the vapour generating device is oriented, so that the directional indicator points in the correct direction to the area of interest.

[0021] The visual indicator can comprise a plurality of bars, each end of the bars being configured to indicate a particular direction. In some arrangements, the bars can be LED bars; alternatively, they can be any type of visual indicator as described above. In some arrangements, the plurality of bars can intersect. The bars can be arranged so that they form a cross shape.

[0022] By having a cross (also known as a plus) shape, the user can easily identify the direction being indicated. Each end of the cross can indicate a different direction to the other ends. The left end of the cross can indicate left, the right end of the cross can indicate right, the top end of the cross can indicate forward, and the bottom end of the cross can indicate rearward. This provides navigation in four points on the compass. The directions are relative to the point of view of the user.

[0023] In some arrangements, more than one end of the visual indicator bar can be illuminated at a time. This can indicate that the direction in which the area of interest lies is not necessarily limited to forward, rearward, left or right. For example, if the area of interest is forward but on the left, then both the forward indicator and the left indicator can be illuminated. This can provide the user with a precise directional indication.

[0024] In other arrangements, the visual indicator can indicate the distance to the area of interest in a particular direction. For example, the proportion of the visual indicator bar that is illuminated can indicate the distance to the area of interest. The visual indicator bar can be illuminated along its length in an amount that is proportional to the distance to the area of interest in that direction. This can be each end of the bar that can be illuminated along its length in a proportion that depends on the distance to the area of interest in that direction. For example, if the area of interest is more than a certain distance in that direction, then the end of the bar can be fully illuminated along its length. However, if the area of interest is below a certain distance in that direction, then the end of the bar can only be partially illuminated along its length. In some arrangements, the amount illuminated along the length can gradually decrease as the smoking device gets closer and closer to the area of interest. Alternatively, in some arrangements, the opposite arrangement can be implemented, i.e. the proportion of the length of the bar that is illuminated increases as the smoking device gets closer and closer to the area of interest.

[0025] Alternatively or additionally, the visual indicator can be arranged in a circular shape. The circular shape can be an annulus. The illuminated portion of the circle can indicate the direction. As mentioned above, this can be a ring of LEDs. In this way, a precise indication of the direction to the area of interest can be provided to the user.

[0026] The circle or annulus can comprise a plurality of segments. Each segment can be configured to indicate a particular direction. In some instances, there can be four segments. However, in other instances, having more segments can improve the precision as a more precise directional indication is provided to the user. For example, the circle can be divided into 6, 8, 10, 12 segments or more.

[0027] Preferably, the vapour generating device further comprises a receiving unit configured to receive the location information of the area of interest. In this way, the location information of the area of interest can be provided to the vapour generating device. This can mean that the smoking device does not necessarily have to store the location information of the area of interest in the memory for a long time.

[0028] Additionally, this can mean that the smoking device can receive updates about the area of interest.

[0029] This can be important if the area of interest changes regularly (such as if the area of interest is a designated vaping area or an e-cigarette shop). These areas can regularly move location, or close. This ensures that the vaping device can have the most up to date information.

[0030] The receiving unit can be a Bluetooth module. In this way, the vapour generating device can connect with a nearby electronic device also having a Bluetooth module to receive the location information. This can be a user's mobile communication device. The mobile communication device can transmit the location information to the vapour generating device.

[0031] Alternatively, the receiving unit can be any type of wireless receiver or physical connection (such as a lead in the form of a USB cable for transferring data between the vapour generating device and a user's electronic device). The location information can also be received from any type of communication system or server. These devices can have received the location information from a database or directory. This can be the World Wide Web or any other source of information.

[0032] The receiving unit can receive the location information when the user requires navigation in the direction of the area of interest. This can be when the method is performed to indicate the direction of interest. This can be initiated by user interaction when the user desires to go to the area of interest, causing the receiving unit to receive the location information of the area of interest.

[0033] Alternatively, the vapour generating device can have received the location information before the user requires navigation to the area of interest. For example, the e-cigarette generating device can receive the location information periodically. For example, the e-cigarette generating device can receive the location information every hour, every day, every week, every month or any other time period. Alternatively, the vapour generating device can download the location information each time the vapour generating device is connected to the device from which it receives the location information. Alternatively, the vapour generating device can itself decide that it is in a new geographical area (for example, a new city) and requires updated location information of the area of interest, causing the vapour generating device to download the location information the next time it connects to the data source. The location information of the area of interest can comprise a map of the geographical area including the locations of a plurality of areas of interest within the geographical area.

[0034] The processor can be further configured to determine which of the plurality of areas of interest is closest to the vapour generating device and to determine a direction to the closest area of interest, causing the indicator to indicate the direction to the closest area of interest to the user.

[0035] There can be many areas of interest in a geographical area. This ensures that the user is directed to the closest area of interest to them. Advantageously, this saves the user time in reaching their destination. Additionally, it reduces the power consumption of the battery of the vapour generating device as the user will use the directional function for a shorter period of time.

[0036] Alternatively, other criteria can be used to determine which of the areas of interest to direct the user to. For example, the criteria can be a particular type of area of interest, for example, an e- cigarette shop or a designated vaping area. The criteria can also include the area of interest that is determined to be the easiest to navigate to. This can involve requiring the user to make the minimum number of directional turns, or to cross the minimum number of roads.

[0037] The area of interest can be a designated vaping area or a retail establishment. Alternatively, the area of interest can be any other type of area that the user can want to navigate to.

[0038] The vapour generating device can be for vaping tobacco or a tobacco substitute. It can be a liquid vaporiser, or a heated tobacco-type e-cigarette (such as a heat-not-burn device). Alternatively, it can be any other type of device for generating an aerosol, such as an inhaler for medical purposes.

[0039] According to another aspect, there is provided a method performed on a vapour generating device for indicating directions to an area of interest, the method comprising: receiving a positioning signal at a receiver; determining, at a processor, a direction from a determined position of the vapour generating device to an area of interest; and indicating, by an indicator, a direction to the area of interest to a user of the vapour generating device.

[0040] Preferably, the vapour generating device can be an e-cigarette.

[0041] Preferably, the method further comprises repeating the steps of receiving, determining and indicating, such that the indication is updated as the user navigates towards the area of interest.

[0042] The method can comprise repeating the receiving, determining and indicating at fixed points in time. Alternatively or additionally, the determining and / or indicating steps can be repeated when it is determined that the vapour generating device is at a particular location. For example, it can be determined that the vapour generating device is at a location where there are multiple routes available (such as a crossroads). This can be a criterion that causes the indicator to be updated.

[0043] In this way, the directions to the area of interest can be updated at periodic intervals. This ensures that the indicator provides the user with updated directional cues as the user navigates towards the area of interest. This can be used to ensure that the directional indicator is provided to the user based on their current location at a particular moment in time.

[0044] The fixed points in time can be every second, every 10 seconds, every 30 seconds, every minute, every five minutes or any other time period. The time interval can be based on a particular parameter, such as the user’s typical walking speed or the distance to the area of interest.

[0045] According to another aspect, there is provided a computer program product comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method of the above-mentioned aspect.

[0046] According to another aspect, there is provided a computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method of the above-mentioned aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0047] Figure 1 A schematic internal view of a vapour generating device according to the present application is shown;

[0048] Figure 2 A schematic external view of a vapour generating device according to the present application is shown, illustrating an indicator according to a first embodiment;

[0049] Figure 3 A schematic external view of a vapour generating device according to the present application is shown, illustrating an indicator according to a second embodiment;

[0050] Figure 4 A schematic view of a system for enabling geographical navigation using a vapour generating device is shown;

[0051] Figure 5 A map showing a geographical area of a vaping booth and a current location of a user is shown;

[0052] Figure 6a And Figure 6b A map showing a geographical area of a vaping device navigating to a vaping booth is shown; and

[0053] Figure 7 A method for indicating a direction to an area of interest on a vapour generating device is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] Figure 1 A schematic internal view of a vapour generating device 101 according to the present application is shown. The vapour generating device 101 is for vaping tobacco or a tobacco substitute product, also known as an electronic-cigarette or e-cigarette.

[0055] The vapour generating device 101 is configured to generate an aerosol. The vapour generating device can be a liquid vaporiser or a heated tobacco type electronic cigarette, such as a heat-not-burn type device.

[0056] These can be provided as consumables to be used as attachments to liquid vaporisers by flavouring or substance (such as nicotine) enhancing the vapour. Typically, the flavour enhancer is provided as a consumable in the form of a flavoured filter. The filter can also be provided without flavour and can be configured to remove larger vapour droplets and protrusions from the vapour. Alternatively, the consumable can be a tobacco rod comprising an aerosol forming substance such as propylene glycol or glycerol and configured to release vapour when heated (i.e. a so-called "heat stick").

[0057] Alternatively, the vapour generating device can comprise a reservoir configured to be filled with a vaporisable material. This can be a vaporisable liquid such as an e-liquid described above, such as an aerosol forming substance. Alternatively, the vaporisable material placed into the reservoir can be a tobacco extract.

[0058] The vapour generating device 101 comprises a puff module 103. The puff module 103 is responsible for controlling the generation of vapour. This can control an atomiser (not shown) which heats a vaporisable material to form an aerosol. The vapour generating device 101 has a mouthpiece 102 through which a user puffs to inhale the aerosol.

[0059] The vapour generating device also comprises a GPS module 105, a Bluetooth module 107 and an indicator module 113.

[0060] Control for each of these modules is provided by a processor 109 in conjunction with a memory 111, both of which are present in the vapour generating device 101.

[0061] The GPS module 105 is configured to determine the GPS position of the vapour generating device 101. This can be used to determine the exact location of the vapour generating device 101 for providing directions to a particular location.

[0062] The Bluetooth module 107 enables the vapour generating device 101 to connect to other devices with Bluetooth capability. By forming a Bluetooth connection, map information can be downloaded to the vapour generating device 101. This map information can be stored in the memory 111 of the vapour generating device 101. The map information comprises details of nearby puffing areas which allow for vaping. The map information can be stored in the memory 111 for long or short term storage, depending on when the vapour generating device 101 receives the map information.

[0063] The processor 109 is configured to determine the current location of the vapour generating device 101 using GPS coordinates provided by the GPS module 105. The processor 109 can then use map information to determine the direction from the current location of the vapour generating device 101 to a nearby vaping area. The processor 111 then instructs the indicator module 113 to control the indicator to display the direction from the current location of the vapour generating device 101 to a nearby vaping area.

[0064] Figure 2 A schematic external view of a vapour generating device 101 according to the present application is shown. The vapour generating device 101 comprises a cross-shaped LED indicator 201. The cross-shaped LED indicator 201 has four ends 203, 205, 207, 209. Each end 203, 205, 207, 209 of the cross of the LED indicator 201 indicates a different direction to the user.

[0065] When the user views the indicator 201 in the orientation shown in Figure 2 , end 203 indicates "forward", end 207 indicates "backward", end 205 indicates "left" and end 209 indicates "right".

[0066] End 209 of the indicator 201 is currently illuminated in the arrangement shown in Figure 2 . This currently indicates to the user to go right. More than one end of the LED indicator 201 can be illuminated at any one time. For example, if a vaping area is in front but to the right, then both ends 203 and 209 can be illuminated to indicate this to the user. Alternatively, if a vaping area is behind but to the left, then both ends 205 and 207 can be illuminated at one time.

[0067] Figure 3 A schematic external view of a vapour generating device 101 according to the present application is shown, showing a different indicator 301 to the indicator 201 shown in Figure 2 . Figure 3 The indicator in Figure 3 is a ring-shaped LED indicator 301. The ring-shaped LED indicator 301 is divided into individual segments around the circumference of the ring. Each of these segments indicates a particular direction. One such segment 303 is shown illuminated in Figure 3 . Segment 303 is illuminated to indicate the direction from the current location of the vapour generating device 101 to a vaping area. In the arrangement shown in Figure 3 , when viewed from the viewpoint shown in Figure 3 , it is approximately to the right front. By having many segments, this can provide a more accurate way of indicating direction to the user than using the indicator 201 shown in Figure 2 .

[0068] When the user has reached the desired location, the LED indicator can indicate to the user that they have reached the destination. This can be done by illuminating the entire LED indicator. Alternatively, it can also be done by the LED indicator going off. Or a different type of indication can be used, such as an audible indicator or a haptic indicator.

[0069] The vapor generation device 101 further comprises a compass and one or more accelerometers (not shown). These ensure that the orientation of the vapor generation device 101 can be determined, so that the indicator 201, 301 adjusts in response to the movement of the user and points the user in the right direction. In particular, the compass can determine directional information about where the vapor generation device 101 is pointing, and the accelerometers are used to determine tilt information.

[0070] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a system 400 for implementing geographical navigation using a vapor generation device 101 according to the present application is shown. The system 400 comprises a vapor generation device 101 as shown in Figure 1 . The vapor generation device 101 can have an indicator as shown in Figure 2 or Figure 3 , or any other type of indicator suitable for indicating directions to a user (note that the indicator module is not explicitly shown in Figure 4 .

[0071] The GPS module 105 of the vapor generation device 101 receives GPS signals 413 from GPS satellites represented by GPS transmitters 401 in Figure 4 . The processor 109 of the vapor generation device 101 uses these GPS signals to determine the current location of the vapor generation device 101. This can be started periodically, or by a trigger event caused by the user when the user wishes to find directions to a vaping area.

[0072] The Bluetooth module 107 establishes a Bluetooth connection 411 with a mobile communication device 405. The vapor generation device 101 can then receive map information from the mobile communication device 405, which includes details of the location of one or more vaping areas. The processor 109 can then use the location information to determine the directions from the current location of the vapor generation device 101 (obtained by using GPS coordinates) to a vaping area.

[0073] The mobile communication device 405 can be a smartphone of the user. As Figure 4As shown, the mobile communication device 405 receives map information from the server 203. The server 403 is a central repository which stores details of all vaping areas for a certain geographical region. For example, it can store map information containing details of all vaping areas in a particular city. The mobile communication device communicates with the server over a wireless signal 415 (such as Wi-Fi, 5G, 4G, 3G, etc.) to download the map information.

[0074] A process of how a user can be guided to a particular vaping area using the vapour generating device 101 according to the present application will now be discussed.

[0075] The navigation process is initiated when the user wishes to vape an e-cigarette. This can be user initiated. For example, the navigation process can occur by activating a particular button on the vapour generating device 101 or by a gesture such as the user shaking the vapour generating device. Alternatively, the navigation process can be initiated automatically by the vapour generating device. This can include the vapour generating device determining that the user is attempting to vape an e-cigarette in an unpermitted location. Rather than causing the heating device to turn on, this causes the GPS module 105 to obtain GPS coordinates of the current location of the vapour generating device 101 and the processor to determine the current location of the vapour generating device 101.

[0076] The processor 109 then determines a direction to a vaping area based on the map information previously received at the vaping device 101 and stored in the memory 111.

[0077] The processor 109 then instructs the indicator module 113 to cause the indicator 201, 301 to display a direction indicator to the vaping area. The user can then follow the direction indicator to navigate to the vaping area.

[0078] During the navigation of the user to the vaping area, the processor 109 continuously determines updated locations of the vapour generating device 101. This is then used during the navigation process to determine a continuously updated direction to the destination vaping area from the current location. The indicator 201, 301 displays the continuously updated direction based on the latest location of the vapour generating device 101 that has been determined. In this way, the update of the direction indicator can be triggered based on the current GPS coordinates of the vapour generating device 101. For example, a change in the GPS coordinates of the vapour generating device can cause the indicator to be updated. Alternatively or additionally, the update of the indicator can be made periodically. The update of the direction indicator can be every second, every 10 seconds, every 30 seconds, every minute, every five minutes or any other time period. This can be based on a particular parameter such as the typical walking speed of the user or the distance to the vaping area.

[0079] Once the user reaches the predetermined vaping zone, the process will stop, with the indicator indicating to the user that they have reached their destination. This can occur by the indicator flashing, by the indicator turning off, or any other type of indication discussed herein.

[0080] As discussed above, the vapour generating device 101 has stored map information relating to geographical areas in its memory 111. Preferably, the vapour generating device 101 has obtained the map information from the mobile communications device 405 at an earlier point in time before the user wishes to use the vapour generating device 101 for navigation. Thus, navigation can be performed using the vapour generating device 101 even when not in proximity to the mobile communications device 405, such as when the user is not carrying their mobile communications device 405.

[0081] The vapour generating device 101 can periodically download map information over the Bluetooth connection 411. This can be at periodic intervals, such as daily, weekly or monthly. This can be selected depending on the frequency of likely changes to vaping zones. The user can pre-select particular geographical areas that they are likely to be in. This can be the city in which they live or a particular area within it. Alternatively, if they are visiting a particular location that they have not visited before, they can download the map information for that area prior to visiting the area.

[0082] Alternatively, if the map information has not been downloaded to the vapour generating device 101 prior to visiting a particular location, the vapour generating device 101 can determine itself that it is in a new geographical area upon arrival and that it needs to update the map information stored in the memory.

[0083] In this regard, the vapour generating device can send a request to the mobile communications device 405 (e.g. a paired smartphone) over the Bluetooth connection 411 to download new map information. The mobile communications device 405 can then send the map information for this new location to the vapour generating device. The vapour generating device can then store this updated map information in its memory. The processor of the vapour generating device can decide whether to replace the existing map information with this newly received map information or to store this new map information in addition to the previously stored map information.

[0084] Although the navigation process is discussed above as starting by an action relating to the vapour generating device 101, it can instead start by an action performed on or by the mobile communications device 405.

[0085] The user can have on their mobile communications device 405 (such as their smartphone) an application comprising instructions for using the vapour generating device 101 as a navigation device. This application can be pre-installed on the mobile communications device 405 or downloaded from an app store. The user can then launch the application on their mobile communications device 405 and select the option to use the vapour generating device 101 as a navigation device. Figures 1 to 4The illustrated vapour generating device 101 is a software of the function that guides the user to the vaping area. The user who wants to vape an e-cigarette executes a software application (also called an app) on their mobile communication device 405.

[0086] The mobile communication device 405 then pairs with the vapour generating device 101 through the Bluetooth connection 411. The vapour generating device 101 can already be paired with the mobile communication device 405, or they can pair at the moment the user wishes to vape an e-cigarette.

[0087] The execution of the software on the mobile communication device 405 causes map information to be sent from the mobile communication device 405 to the vapour generating device 101 through the Bluetooth connection 411. The map information relates to a certain geographical area that the user can select through the user interface of the mobile communication device 405. Alternatively, it can be automatically selected by the mobile communication device based on the current location of the user. The current location of the user can have been determined by the mobile communication device based on GPS signals 413 received by the vaping device or its own positioning equipment (through GNSS signals or radio signals). As discussed above, the mobile communication device 405 has received the map information from the server 403.

[0088] The mobile communication device 405 sends a signal to the vapour generating device 101 through the Bluetooth connection 411 to determine its current location. The GPS module 105 obtains GPS coordinates of the current location of the vapour generating device 101, which are used by the processor 109 to determine the current location of the vapour generating device. The processor 109 then determines the direction to the vaping area based on the current location and the map information.

[0089] The direction is then indicated to the user through the indicators 201, 203 as described above, and updated during the navigation of the user to the vaping area as described above.

[0090] Figure 5 A map showing geographical locations representing map information that can be provided from the mobile communication device to the vapour generating device 101 is shown. The current location 501 of the vapour generating device 101 is shown for clarity, the current location 501 not being provided by the map information, but determined by the mobile communication device 101 through the GPS module 105.

[0091] Two vaping areas, vaping room 503 and vaping room 505, are shown. These areas are designated vaping areas where vaping an e-cigarette is legally allowed. These areas are provided in the map information received by the vapour generating device 101. The processor of the vapour generating device 101 is configured to determine the direction from the current location to one of the vaping areas 503, 505.

[0092] From Figure 5It can be seen that the map information can include a plurality of vaping zones 503, 505. The processor of the vapor generation device is configured to select one of the vaping zones 503, 505 to direct the user to. This can be determined based on which vaping zone is closest to the current location of the vapor generation device 101. This can be the exact distance between the two locations, or the distance of the route that the user will take between the two locations. However, other criteria can be used. The criteria can include the vaping zone that is determined to be the easiest to navigate to. This can involve requiring the user to make the minimum number of directional turns or cross the minimum number of roads as a pre-set rule. The pre-set rule can be input by the user through an interface on the electronic device (e.g. smartphone) and the pre-set rule can be transmitted from the electronic device to the vapor generation device when the electronic device and vapor generation device are connected.

[0093] Figure 6a and Figure 6b It is shown that the vapor generation device navigates from the current location 501 shown in Figure 5 to the vaping zone 503.

[0094] In Figure 6a the vapor generation device is currently at the start location 501. When viewed from the location shown in Figure 6a the indicator 201 indicates that the destination vaping zone 503 is to the left relative to the current orientation of the vapor generation device 101.

[0095] Figure 6b It is shown that the user navigates from the start location 501 to the destination vaping zone 503. The user has now started to navigate in the direction indicated by the indicator 201 shown in Figure 6a Figure 6b The indicator in has now been updated based on the current direction to the vaping zone 503 and the current orientation of the vapor generation device 101. As can be seen, the indicator 201 indicates that the vaping zone is to the front left. This is indicated by the two ends 203 and 205 being illuminated. The indicator will update until the user reaches the vaping zone 503.

[0096] Figure 7 is a flowchart indicating a method performed on a vapor generation device 101 for indicating a direction to a zone of interest.

[0097] The method begins at step 701.

[0098] At step 703, the vapor generation device receives a positioning signal at a receiver of the vapor generation device. As explained above, this can be performed in a GPS module.

[0099] Step 705 involves determining, at the processor of the vapour generating device, a direction from the determined location of the vapour generating device to the area of interest.

[0100] Step 707 involves indicating the direction to the area of interest to the user of the vapour generating device by an indicator.

[0101] At step 709, it is optionally determined whether the user has reached the area of interest. If the user has reached the area of interest, the process ends at step 711.

[0102] Optionally, if the user has not reached the area of interest, steps 703 to 707 are repeated until the user reaches the area of interest or until they stop the process. This provides the user with an updated directional indicator.

[0103] The above figures have been described in relation to navigating to a specified vaping area. However, the vapour generating device can be used to navigate to any area of interest to the user. For example, the user can realise that they have run out of e- cigarette supplies and need to go to an e- cigarette shop. The vapour generating device can be used to navigate the user to a specific e- cigarette shop.

[0104] Having described aspects of the disclosure in detail, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of aspects of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. As various changes could be made in the above constructions, products, and methods without departing from the scope of aspects of the disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

[0105] Although it has been discussed above that the vapour generating device contains both a GPS module and a Bluetooth module, this need not be the case. The Bluetooth module can be any type of wireless module. For example, WI-FI or NFC connections can be used to receive map information. Alternatively, the vapour generating device can have a radio receiver capable of receiving data over a typical telecommunications network, such as 3G, 4G, 5G, etc. In other arrangements, the vapour generating device can download map information over a wired connection. A physical cable, such as a USB connection, can be received in a port of the vapour generating device to download map information to the vapour generating device.

[0106] Alternatively, rather than receiving map information from a mobile communications device, the vapour generating device can receive map information directly from a server. For example, the vapour generating device can connect directly with a server. This can use any of the connection types discussed above. Alternatively, map information can be pre-loaded on the vapour generating device. As such, it can not necessarily be required for a Bluetooth module.

[0107] The GPS module can alternatively be any type of GNSS receiver. For example, it can be a GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou or any other type of satellite navigation system.

[0108] Alternatively, the GPS module can be any type of wireless receiver capable of determining a position. This can involve the use of a wireless network such as GSM or Wi-Fi. This can be based on network cell identification, signal strength or any other network parameter. Alternatively, the GPS module can not be present. In the case where the position of the mobile communication device is assumed to be the same as the mobile device, the vapour generating device can instead receive the position of the vapour generating device from the mobile communication device, for example over a Bluetooth connection.

[0109] The indicator is also not limited to Figure 2 and Figure 3 the indicators shown in Figures 1 to 3. Figure 3 The indicator 301 shown in Figure 4 can have multiple segments each indicating a different direction. In some examples, there can be four segments. However, in other examples, having more segments can improve accuracy as a more precise direction indication is provided to the user. For example, the circle can be divided into 6, 8, 10, 12 segments or more.

[0110] Additionally, rather than taking the form of a ring, the indicator 301 can be a full circle with no central region free of LEDs. The circular indicator can have segments indicating directions, with each segment extending from the centre point of the circle. Alternatively, the indicator can be any type of shape that can convey a direction to the user.

[0111] The LED indicator can be a single colour. Alternatively, the LED indicator can be composed of multiple colours. For example, each direction can be indicated by a different colour to each other. Figure 2 The indicator end 203 in Figure 5 can have a different colour to end 205, with each end likewise having a different colour to end 207 and with each end likewise having a different colour to end 209. This can assist the user in quickly distinguishing between different directions.

[0112] Alternatively, the indicator can be a different type of indicator. For example, it can be a tactile, audible or other type of visual indicator. Audible or tactile indicators can be particularly important for users with visual impairments. Tactile feedback can occur through a vibration module. The vibration module provides a vibration to the user, with the type of vibration indicating a different direction to the user. For example, the length or intensity of the vibration can indicate a direction to the user. Alternatively, audible vibrations can comprise different sounds indicating a particular direction to the user. Any combination of these feedback types can be used.

[0113] The above embodiments also describe the use of a compass and accelerometer to determine the orientation of the steam generating device. These are not essential components, and any alternative method can be used to ensure that the correct direction is indicated to the user. For example, if the user always holds the steam generating device in a specific orientation, such as flat in their palm, then there is no need to consider the tilt information of the steam generating device.

[0114] The vapor generator does not have to be a specific electronic cigarette, but can be any type of vapor generator. For example, it can be a vapor generator for medical use, such as an inhaler for asthma or other respiratory conditions. In this case, the vapor generator can be configured to guide the user to a point of interest. This could be, for example, guiding them to a pharmacy when their vapor generator runs out of dose. Alternatively, it could be guiding them to a hospital or doctor's office, for example, when they are feeling unwell.

[0115] As mentioned above, Figure 2 Each end of the LED indicator 201 shown indicates a specific direction to the user by illuminating from the center of the indicator to its end. Alternatively, the length of each illuminated LED can represent the distance to the area of ​​interest in that direction. For example, if the area of ​​interest exceeds a certain distance, the indicator can illuminate along its full length, such as... Figure 2 As shown. However, if the distance to the area of ​​interest is less than a certain distance, the indicator may only illuminate a portion of the indicator's length.

[0116] Although map information received from a mobile communication device is described as indicating various designated catch-up areas, alternatively, the map information may provide detail for only a single catch-up area. While this map information... Figure 5 The information shown is a map, but the information provided by the mobile communication device (or server) can alternatively be the coordinates of the area of ​​interest. For example, the map may already be stored on the steam generator. Alternatively, the mobile device can send prompts to the steam generator to indicate the direction the indicator is showing to the user. This replaces the steam generator determining the direction itself.

Claims

1. A steam generating apparatus, comprising: A vapor-generating device configured to produce aerosols; A receiver configured to receive location signals; A processor configured to determine the direction from a defined location of the steam generating device to the area of ​​interest; as well as An indicator configured to direct the user of the steam generating device toward the area of ​​interest; The vapor-generating device is an electronic cigarette. This indicator is a visual indicator. The visual indicator has an area for indicating the forward direction, an area for indicating the backward direction, an area for indicating the left direction, and an area for indicating the right direction.

2. The steam generating apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The receiver is a GNSS receiver configured to receive GNSS signals to determine the GNSS coordinates of the steam generating device.

3. The steam generating apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, Multiple regions can simultaneously provide instructions. The orientation of the steam generating device is determined by a processor, thereby ensuring that the direction indicator points to the correct direction of the area of ​​interest.

4. The steam generating apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The visual indicator includes multiple LED strips, each end of which is configured to indicate a specific direction.

5. The steam generating apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein, The multiple LED strips are arranged to form a cross shape.

6. The steam generating apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The visual indicator is arranged in a circular shape.

7. The steam generating apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a receiving unit configured to receive location information of the area of ​​interest.

8. The steam generating apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein, The receiving unit is a Bluetooth module.

9. The steam generating apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 8, wherein, The location information for the area of ​​interest includes a map of the geographic region, which includes the locations of multiple areas of interest within that geographic region.

10. The steam generating apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein, The processor is further configured to determine which of the plurality of areas of interest is closest to the steam generating device and to determine the direction to the closest area of ​​interest, thereby causing the indicator to indicate to the user the direction to the closest area of ​​interest.

11. The steam generating apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The area of ​​concern is the designated area for consumption or retail establishments.

12. A method for indicating a direction to an area of ​​interest, performed on a steam generating apparatus, wherein, The vapor-generating device is an electronic cigarette, and the method includes: Receive positioning signals at the receiver; Determine the direction from a specific location of the steam generating device to the area of ​​interest at the processor; and The indicator directs the user of the steam generating device to the area of ​​interest. This indicator is a visual indicator. The visual indicator has an area for indicating the forward direction, an area for indicating the backward direction, an area for indicating the left direction, and an area for indicating the right direction.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising repeating these receiving, determining, and indicating steps, such that the indication is updated as the user navigates toward the area of ​​interest.

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