Aerosol Generating Device Battery Monitoring

Abstract

An aerosol generating device (100) is provided, comprising an indicator (104) and a controller (102) connectable to a battery (106) and a heater (108). The heater may be configured to aerosolize a unit of an aerosol generating material in an aerosolization process, and the battery may be configured to provide power to the heater to perform one or more aerosolization processes. The controller is configured to: measure a charge level of the battery; determine whether the measured charge level is sufficient for the heater to perform only a predetermined number N of aerosolization processes; and use the indicator in a first manner to indicate when the measured charge level is sufficient for the heater to perform only N aerosolization processes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to aerosol generating devices, and more particularly to battery monitoring of aerosol generating devices. Background Art

[0002] Aerosol generating devices such as e-cigarettes and other aerosol inhalers or vaporizing 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 that is arranged to heat a vaporizable or aerosolizable product. In operation, the vaporizable or aerosolizable product is heated by the heater to vaporize or aerosolize the components of the product, thereby inhaling for the consumer. In some examples, the product may include tobacco, or may be similar to a traditional cigarette, and in other examples, the product may be a liquid or a liquid content in a capsule.

[0004] Accurate battery monitoring is required in such devices. It is therefore an object of the present invention to address such challenges. Summary of the invention

[0005] According to a first aspect, an aerosol generating device is provided, which includes an indicator and a controller connectable to a battery and a heater, the heater being configured to aerosolize a unit of an aerosol generating material during an aerosolization process, and the battery being configured to provide power to the heater for performing one or more aerosolization processes, wherein the controller is configured to: measure the charge level of the battery; determine whether the measured charge level is sufficient for the heater to perform only a predetermined number N of aerosolization processes; and use the indicator in a first manner to indicate when the measured charge level is sufficient for the heater to perform only N aerosolization processes.

[0006] In this way, a warning may be provided to the user of the aerosol generating device when the remaining battery power is only sufficient to perform N aerosolization processes. This allows the user to foresee the need to charge the battery before it is depleted, thereby eliminating the risk of running out of power while using the device.

[0007] Preferably, the aerosolization process includes a heating scheme performed by a heater to aerosolize an aerosol-generating material consumable. Preferably, the aerosol-generating material is tobacco. Preferably, the unit of aerosol-generating material includes a tobacco rod (similar to a traditional cigarette). Alternatively, the aerosol-generating material can be a vapor-forming liquid, and the unit of aerosol-generating material can include a capsule of a vapor-forming liquid. Preferably, the aerosolization includes heating the aerosol-generating material without burning it to produce an aerosol or vapor. Preferably, the indicator is at least one of a visual indicator, an audible indicator or a tactile indicator. The indicator may include an indicator that can be operated in one or more ways or a plurality of indicators that can be operated in one or more ways. Preferably, the predetermined number N of aerosolization processes is one (N=1), representing that the remaining power of the battery is only sufficient for one aerosolization process. In another example, N=2, representing that the remaining power of the battery is only sufficient for two aerosolization processes. In another example, N may be equal to the total number of units of aerosol-generating material (or tobacco rods) in a pack, for example, N = 20. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that N may be any other suitable positive integer.

[0008] Preferably, when determining whether the measured power level is sufficient for the heater to perform only N aerosolization processes, the controller is further configured to: compare the measured power level with a first predetermined power level and a second predetermined power level, wherein the first predetermined power level corresponds to a power level of the battery that is insufficient for N+1 aerosolization processes, and the second predetermined power level corresponds to a power level of the battery that is sufficient for N aerosolization processes; and when the measured power level is less than the first predetermined power level and greater than or equal to the second predetermined power level, determine that the measured power level is sufficient for only N aerosolization processes.

[0009] In this way, the controller can determine when there is just enough power left in the battery to completely aerosolize N aerosol generating material consumables.

[0010] Preferably, the controller is configured to: measure the charge level of the battery before each aerosolization process; and / or measure the charge level of the battery after each aerosolization process; and / or measure the charge level of the battery when the heater is switched off.

[0011] Measuring the charge level before each aerosolization process and determining and indicating when the measured charge level is sufficient for only a predetermined number N of aerosolization processes is advantageous because the user can be made aware before an aerosolization process that they only have enough battery charge left for N processes. This is particularly advantageous where the predetermined number N is one, because the user will be informed before an aerosolization process that this is the last aerosolization process for which the battery has sufficient charge.

[0012] Measuring the charge level after each aerosolization process and determining and indicating when the measured charge level is sufficient for only a predetermined number N of aerosolization processes is advantageous because after the end of an aerosolization process, the user will be alerted if the battery level is only sufficient for a further N processes. This is particularly advantageous in the case where the predetermined number N is one, because the user will be informed that the next aerosolization process is the last aerosolization process for which the battery has sufficient charge.

[0013] Measuring the charge level after turning off the heater may provide a more accurate measure of the charge level of the battery since no heating load is applied.

[0014] Preferably, the aerosol generating device further comprises a closable opening through which the aerosol generating material is received, and wherein the controller is configured to: measure the charge level of the battery when it is determined that the closable opening is moved to a closed position; and / or measure the charge level of the battery when it is determined that the closable opening is moved to an open position.

[0015] In this way, the measurement of the charge level can be triggered by a user action at the end of the aerosolization process (determining that the closable opening has moved to the closed position) or at the beginning of the aerosolization process (determining that the closable opening has moved to the open position). This triggering allows the indication in the first way to be indicated at the appropriate time (at the end or beginning of the aerosolization process).

[0016] Preferably, upon determining that the closable opening is moved to the closed position, the controller is further configured to shut off the heater before determining the charge level of the battery.

[0017] Preferably, when it is determined that the closable opening has moved to the open position, the controller is further configured to: start a standby mode, during which the battery charge level is measured; and in response to determining that the battery charge level is sufficient for the heater to perform at least one complete aerosolization process, turn on the heater and exit the standby mode.

[0018] In this way, the measurement of the charge level may be performed intentionally before the heater is switched on; this may improve the accuracy of the measurement.

[0019] Preferably, the controller is further configured to: determine whether the measured power level is sufficient for the heater to perform at least one complete aerosolization process; and automatically turn on the heater in response to determining that the battery power level is sufficient for the heater to perform at least one complete aerosolization process; or turn on the heater in response to detection of an enable instruction when the battery power level is sufficient for the heater to perform at least one complete aerosolization process.

[0020] In this way, the heater is only switched on when there is sufficient power for complete aerosolisation. This avoids the aerosol generating device being able to only partially aerosolise a unit of aerosol generating material due to the battery being exhausted before the aerosolisation process is complete.

[0021] Preferably, the indicator comprises at least one light emitting source comprised in the aerosol generating device.

[0022] In this way, the indication may be visually communicated to a user of the device.

[0023] Preferably, the controller is further configured to: determine whether the measured charge level of the battery is lower than the charge level required for the heater to perform a complete aerosolization process; and in response to determining that the charge level of the battery is lower than the charge level required for a complete aerosolization process, use the indicator in a second manner to indicate that the measured charge level is insufficient for the heater to perform an aerosolization process.

[0024] In this way, the user is informed when there is insufficient power to carry out a complete aerosolisation process. This avoids the user discovering midway through the aerosolisation process that they were only able to partially aerosolise a unit of aerosol generating material due to the battery running out of power prior to completion of the aerosolisation process. This avoids potential waste of a unit of aerosol generating material due to only partial aerosolisation.

[0025] Preferably, the second way of using the indicator is different from the first way of using the indicator. Preferably, the first way includes illuminating the light source with a first flash frequency or pattern, and the second way includes illuminating the light source with a second different flash frequency or pattern. Alternatively, the first way includes illuminating the light source with a first color, and the second way includes illuminating the light source with a second different color. The light source used in the first way can be the same or a different light source to the light source used in the second way.

[0026] Preferably, the controller is further configured to determine that the measured charge level is lower than a charge level required for the heater to perform one complete aerosolization process in response to performing one aerosolization process after determining that the measured charge level is sufficient for the heater to perform only one complete aerosolization process.

[0027] In this way, it may be automatically determined that the charge level is insufficient for the heater to perform the aerosolization process.

[0028] Preferably, when measuring the charge level, the controller is configured to: measure the voltage of the battery; and compare the measured battery voltage with predetermined battery voltages and corresponding predetermined battery charge levels; and determine the measured battery charge level based on the comparison between the measured battery voltage and these predetermined battery voltages and corresponding predetermined battery charge levels.

[0029] In this way, the measurement of the battery voltage may be used to measure the charge level of the battery; this improves the accuracy of the measured battery charge level.

[0030] Preferably, the predetermined battery voltages and corresponding predetermined battery charge levels are stored in a memory accessible to the controller.

[0031] Preferably, the controller is further configured to: determine the available number of aerosolization processes that can be fully powered by the battery based on the measured power level; and use an indicator in a third manner to indicate the available number of aerosolization processes that can be fully powered by the battery.

[0032] In this way, the user of the aerosol generating device can be informed of the remaining number of available aerosolisation processes. This allows the user to plan their aerosolisation processes before charging the battery rather than unexpectedly finding that the charge level is too low for an aerosolisation process. This improves the user experience.

[0033] Preferably, the indication of the available number of aerosolization processes that can be sufficiently powered by the heater comprises illuminating a plurality of light sources corresponding to the available number of aerosolization processes.

[0034] According to a second aspect, there is provided an aerosol-generating device system comprising an aerosol-generating device according to the first aspect, and further comprising a battery and a heater.

[0035] According to a third aspect, a method for operating an aerosol generating device is provided, the aerosol generating device comprising an indicator and a controller connectable to a battery and a heater, the heater being configured to aerosolize a unit of an aerosol generating material during an aerosolization process, and the battery being configured to provide power to the heater for performing one or more aerosolization processes, wherein the method comprises: measuring the charge level of the battery by the controller; determining by the controller whether the measured charge level is sufficient for the heater to perform only a predetermined number N of aerosolization processes; and using the indicator in a first manner to indicate when the measured charge level is sufficient for the heater to perform only N aerosolization processes.

[0036] Preferably, the third aspect includes the preferred features of the first aspect.

[0037] According to a fourth aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, on which instructions are stored, which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to control an aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generating device includes an indicator and a controller connectable to a battery and a heater, the heater being configured to aerosolize units of an aerosol generating material during an aerosolization process, and the battery being configured to provide power to the heater for performing one or more aerosolization processes, and wherein the instructions cause the one or more processors to: measure the charge level of the battery through the controller; determine by the controller whether the measured charge level is sufficient for the heater to perform only a predetermined number N of aerosolization processes; and use the indicator in a first manner to indicate when the measured charge level is sufficient for the heater to perform only N aerosolization processes.

[0038] Preferably, the fourth aspect includes the preferred features of the first aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0040] Figure 1A and Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device having a closable opening in closed and open positions, respectively;

[0041] Figure 2 is a block diagram of components of an aerosol generating device;

[0042] Figure 3 is a flow chart of a method of operating an aerosol generating device;

[0043] Figure 4 is another flow chart of a method of operating an aerosol generating device;

[0044] Figure 5 is another flow chart of a method of operating an aerosol generating device;

[0045] Figure 6 is another flow chart of a method of operating an aerosol generating device; and

[0046] 7A to 7E is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device in a series of operating states. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Figure 1A and Figure 1B 1 shows a schematic representation of an aerosol generating device 100, which is also referred to as a vapor generating device or an electronic cigarette. The aerosol generating device 100 is arranged as a unit to receive an aerosol generating material. Figure 1A and Figure 1B In the example of the present invention, the unit of aerosol generating material may be a tobacco rod. Although the subsequent examples are directed to the unit of aerosol generating material being a tobacco rod, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure may also be readily applied to an aerosol generating device arranged to receive an aerosol generating material in the form of a vaporizable liquid, for example, the unit of aerosol generating material is a capsule containing a vaporizable liquid. In the context of the present disclosure, the terms vapor and aerosol may be used interchangeably.

[0048] Figure 1A and Figure 1B The aerosol generating device 100 comprises a closable opening 114 leading to a cavity or heating chamber within the housing 110 of the aerosol generating device 100. A tobacco rod can be inserted through the closable opening 114 so that a first portion of the tobacco rod is positioned within the cavity and a second portion of the tobacco rod extends outwardly from the cavity. A heater 108 is located within the cavity so as to engage the first portion of the tobacco rod. The heater 108 is arranged to heat the tobacco rod without burning it so as to generate an aerosol. The second portion of the tobacco rod forms a mouthpiece through which a user of the device can inhale the generated aerosol.

[0049] Opening and closing of the closable opening 114 is provided by a removable cover 112. Figure 1A and Figure 1B In the example of FIG. 1 , the movable cover 112 may be in the closed position ( Figure 1A ) and the open position ( Figure 1B ) In other examples, the movable cover 112 can be any other type of movable cover 112, such as a hinged cover.

[0050] When the slidable cover 112 moves between the two positions, the controller 102 of the aerosol generating device 100 (described in more detail later) may determine that the closable opening 114 has moved from the closed position ( Figure 1A ) to the open position ( Figure 1B ). The controller 102 may also determine that the closable opening 114 has moved from an open position to a closed position. One or more sensors may be arranged in the housing 110 of the aerosol generating device 100. When the slidable cover 112 moves to the open position, the controller 102 may use the sensor(s) to detect the position change, and therefore the movement of the cover 112.

[0051] One or more indicators 104, such as light emitting indicators (e.g., one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs)), are arranged in the housing 110 of the aerosol generating device 100. The indicator(s) 104 may be an LED bar comprising a plurality of LEDs. In other examples, the one or more indicators may be an audio indicator capable of emitting an audio signal, or a tactile indicator capable of providing a vibration signal to a user, or a combination of the above indicators.

[0052] Figure 2 Shown is a reference Figure 1A and Figure 1B A block diagram of further components of the aerosol generating device 100 .

[0053] As described above, the aerosol generating device 100 includes a heater 108 arranged in the cavity to aerosolize the tobacco rod or aerosol generating material. In some examples, the heater 108 provides heat to the tobacco rod by thermal conduction. In other examples, the heater 108 can be arranged to provide power to a heating element arranged in the tobacco rod by induction.

[0054] The aerosol generating device 100 comprises a battery 106. The battery 106 is used to power the aerosol generating device 100 (including the heater 108 and the indicator(s) 104).

[0055] The indicator(s) 104 are used to provide operational status information to a user of the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the indicator(s) 104 may indicate information related to the charge status of the battery 106, as described later. The indicator(s) 104 may also indicate information related to the usage status of the device, such as whether the device is turned on or off.

[0056] The operation of the aerosol generating device 100 is controlled by a controller 102. In some examples, the controller 102 is a microprocessor unit. The controller 102 comprises a memory and a processor, wherein the processor is arranged to execute instructions stored in the memory, which provide operational control of the aerosol generating device 100, including controlling the flow of power from the battery 106 to the heater 108.

[0057] In operation, a user of the aerosol-generating device 100 moves the slidable cover 112 from the closed position ( Figure 1A ) to the open position ( Figure 1B ), and inserting the tobacco rod into the cavity or heating chamber through the closable opening 114. Then, the heater 108 is activated. In some examples, the heater 108 is activated by the controller 102 detecting that the user has provided input (e.g., pressing a heating button integrated into the device). In other examples, the heater 108 can be activated by the controller 102 detecting the presence of the tobacco rod in the heating chamber; by detecting that the cover 112 moves from a closed position to an open position or a third position that activates heating; or by detecting airflow when the user inhales on the tobacco rod.

[0058] When the heater 108 is activated, power is directed from the battery 106 to the heater 108 by the controller 102. The battery 106 may store enough power to completely aerosolize one or more tobacco rods. Complete aerosolization of a tobacco rod may be considered an aerosolization process.

[0059] The heater 108 heats the tobacco rod, thereby forming an aerosol. The user of the device can then inhale on the end of the tobacco rod that protrudes from the device to inhale the generated aerosol.

[0060] After the tobacco rod has been aerosolized, the user can remove the expired tobacco rod from the device and remove the expired tobacco rod by moving the cover 112 to the closed position ( Figure 1A ) to close the closable opening 114. In some examples, the controller 102 can determine to turn off the heater 108 by stopping the flow of power from the battery 106 to the heater 108. The controller 102 can determine to turn off the heater 108 in response to detecting that the user is no longer pressing the heat button. In other examples, the controller 102 can determine to turn off the heater 108 when it is detected that the movable cover 112 has moved from the open position to the closed position.

[0061] During operation of the aerosol generating device 100, the controller 102 is configured to determine the charge level of the battery 106 and to send an alert to the user of the aerosol generating device 100 if the remaining charge level of the battery 106 is only sufficient to perform a predetermined number of aerosolization processes. For example, the controller 102 may determine when the remaining battery charge level is sufficient to perform only one more aerosolization process. In this way, the user may be alerted to the fact that after aerosolizing the next tobacco rod, the battery 106 needs to be charged for the subsequent aerosolization process. This eliminates the risk that a user wishes to perform an aerosolization process with a subsequent tobacco rod only to find that they are unable to do so because the device does not have sufficient remaining power.

[0062] This process will refer to Figure 3 The flowchart presented in FIG. 2 is explained in more detail.

[0063] In step S301 , the controller 102 measures the power level of the battery 106 .

[0064] In step S302 , the controller 102 determines whether the measured power level is sufficient for the heater 108 to perform only a predetermined number N of aerosolization processes.

[0065] In step S303 , the controller 102 uses the indicator(s) 104 in a first manner to indicate when the measured charge level is sufficient for the heater 108 to perform only N aerosolization processes.

[0066] In more detail, in step S301, in order to measure the charge level of the battery 106, the controller 102 measures a battery electrical parameter indicating the charge level. In an example, when measuring the charge level of the battery 106, the controller 102 is configured to measure the voltage of the battery 106. Then, the measured battery voltage is compared with a predetermined battery voltage corresponding to a predetermined battery charge level.

[0067] As the state of charge (i.e., charge level) of the battery 106 decreases, for example due to the aerosolization process being performed, the voltage measured across the battery 106 also decreases. Thus, a relationship between the charge level as a percentage of the maximum charge level and the battery voltage can be established. In other examples, other methods for determining the state of charge of the battery 106 can be used instead of the voltage measurement method.

[0068] Table 1 shows an exemplary lookup table for a battery 106 configured to provide power to a heater 108 for 20 aerosolization processes (i.e., a battery configured to provide power to a heater 108 for aerosolizing 20 tobacco rods); the table illustrates an exemplary relationship between the measured battery voltage, the corresponding battery charge level, and the corresponding number of remaining aerosolization processes that can be powered by the battery charge level.

[0069]

[0070]

[0071] Table 1

[0072] In the example where the battery 106 has the capacity to aerosolize 20 tobacco rods, a lookup table can be constructed by measuring the battery voltage before and after aerosolizing the tobacco rods until all 20 tobacco rods are aerosolized. This can be repeated for multiple batteries, and the average battery voltage for each remaining number of tobacco rod aerosolization processes can be determined.

[0073] In more detail, in step S302, in an example where the controller 102 is configured to determine and indicate when the battery 106 has only enough power to perform one more aerosolization process (N=1), the controller 102 compares the measured battery voltage with a first predetermined battery voltage and a second predetermined battery voltage defining the end points of the battery voltage range. The first predetermined battery voltage is a battery voltage corresponding to two remaining aerosolization processes (3470 mV), and the second predetermined battery voltage is a battery voltage corresponding to one remaining aerosolization process (3420 mV).

[0074] When the measured battery voltage is less than the minimum battery voltage for two remaining aerosolization processes (3470 mV in the example of Table 1) but greater than or equal to the minimum power level for one aerosolization process (3420 mV in the example of Table 1), the controller 102 determines that the remaining power level is sufficient for only one aerosolization process. That is, if the controller 102 determines that the measured battery voltage satisfies 3420 mV ≤ [measured battery voltage] < 3470 mV, then the controller 102 determines that the measured power level (through the measured battery voltage) is sufficient for the heater 108 to perform only one aerosolization process. In response to determining that the measured power level is sufficient for only one aerosolization process (S302), the controller 102 uses the (multiple) indicators 104 in a first manner to indicate that the measured power level is sufficient for only one aerosolization process (S303).

[0075] More generally, in step S302, the controller 102 may determine whether the measured charge level (e.g., determined by measuring the battery voltage as described above) is sufficient to perform only N more aerosolization processes, where N is an integer number of remaining aerosolization processes that the battery 106 can power. The controller 102 compares the measured charge level with a first predetermined charge level and a second predetermined charge level, where the first predetermined charge level corresponds to a charge level at which the battery 106 has insufficient charge to perform N+1 aerosolization processes, and the second predetermined charge level corresponds to a charge level at which the battery 106 has sufficient charge to perform N aerosolization processes. In other words, the first predetermined charge level corresponds to a minimum charge level required for the battery 106 to have N+1 aerosolization processes, and the second predetermined charge level corresponds to a minimum charge level required for the battery 106 to have N aerosolization processes. The controller 102 then determines that the measured charge level is sufficient to perform only N aerosolization processes when the measured charge level is less than the first predetermined charge level and greater than or equal to the second predetermined charge level.

[0076] That is, when the measured power level meets the following conditions, the controller 102 can determine that the measured power level is sufficient for the heater 108 to perform only N aerosolization processes: [the second predetermined power level for N aerosolization processes] ≤ [the measured battery power level] < [the first predetermined power level for N+1 aerosolization processes].

[0077] In this way, the controller 102 can determine when there is just enough power left in the battery 106 to fully aerosolize an aerosol generating material unit / consumable (eg, N tobacco rods).

[0078] In some examples, the controller 102 of the aerosol generating device 100 may be preprogrammed to determine and indicate when the measured power level is only sufficient for a specific number of remaining aerosolization processes (e.g., one remaining aerosolization process). That is, the device may be preset to determine and indicate to the user when only enough power is available for a specific number of aerosolization processes (e.g., one). In this case, the first predetermined power level and the second predetermined power level may be specifically stored in the memory.

[0079] In some examples (e.g., the examples detailed above), the predetermined number N of aerosolization processes may be one (N=1); this means that the remaining power of the battery is only sufficient for one aerosolization process. In another example, N=2, which means that the remaining power of the battery is only sufficient for two aerosolization processes. In another example, N may be equal to the total number of units (or tobacco rods) of aerosol-generating material in a pack, for example, N=20. However, it should be readily understood by those skilled in the art that N may be any other suitable positive integer.

[0080] In other examples, the user of the aerosol generating device 100 can define a predetermined number N of aerosolization processes that should be determined and indicated. For example, the user may wish to be indicated when there is only enough power left for two aerosolization processes. In such an example, the user can input the predetermined number N of aerosolization processes through an interface with the device (e.g., an interface built into the aerosol generating device 100, or a wired interface such as a USB connection, or a wireless interface such as a Bluetooth connection between the aerosol generating device 100 and an external device such as a smartphone). The controller 102 can then determine the first predetermined power level for the N+1 process and the second predetermined power level for the N process from a lookup table (e.g., Table 1) stored in a memory accessible to the controller 102.

[0081] For purposes of illustration, Table 2 shows an alternative exemplary lookup table for a battery 106 configured to provide power to the heater 108 for 10 aerosolization processes (ie, a battery configured to provide power to the heater 108 to aerosolize 10 tobacco rods).

[0082]

[0083] Table 2

[0084] In more detail, in step S303, indicating in a first manner using (multiple) indicators 104 may include illuminating one or more light sources (e.g., light emitting diodes (LEDs)) at a first flash frequency or in a first pattern. Alternatively or additionally, indicating in a first manner may include illuminating one or more light sources in a first color. In another example, indicating in a first manner using an indicator may include emitting a first audio signal using an audio transmitter such as a speaker. In another example, indicating in a first manner using an indicator may include vibrating the device in a first tactile feedback pattern using a vibration module. Indicating in a first manner using (multiple) indicators 104 may include any combination of the aforementioned indications performed by any combination of the aforementioned indicators.

[0085] The controller 102 may be configured to automatically indicate using the indicator(s) 104 in a first manner in response to determining that the measured charge level is only sufficient to perform a predetermined number N of aerosolization processes.

[0086] In some examples, the controller may automatically turn on the heater after step S303 or in response to detecting that a heater trigger (eg, a heating button) is pressed in conjunction with step S303 having occurred / occurring, thereby starting the aerosolization process.

[0087] Reference Figure 3 The described process may be performed by the controller 102 before the aerosolization process begins. That is, when the controller 102 determines that the aerosolization process is started, the controller 102 first measures the charge level of the battery 106, as described with reference to S301. The controller 102 then determines whether the measured charge level is sufficient to perform a predetermined number N of aerosolization processes (S302), and if so, indicates this using an indicator before directing power from the battery 106 to the heater 108 so that the heater 108 can aerosolize the tobacco rod (S303).

[0088] In a particular example, the controller 102 may detect that the closable opening 114 has moved from the closed position ( Figure 1A ) to the open position ( Figure 1B ), for example by detecting that the slidable cover 112 has moved between two positions. Figure 3 This may indicate the start of the aerosolization process. Alternatively, the controller 102 may execute the referenced Figure 3 The process described.

[0089] When it is determined that the closable opening has moved to the open position, for example, when the controller determines that the movable cover has moved to the open position, the controller can initiate a standby mode during which the charge level of the battery is measured. The controller can turn on the heater and exit the standby mode in response to determining that the charge level of the battery is sufficient to perform at least one complete aerosolization process. The controller can automatically turn on the heater in response to determining that the charge level of the battery is sufficient to perform at least one complete aerosolization process. Alternatively, when it is detected that a heater trigger (e.g., a heating button) is pressed, the controller can turn on the heater in combination with determining that the charge level of the battery is sufficient to perform at least one complete aerosolization process.

[0090] Measuring the charge level before each aerosolization process and determining and indicating when the measured charge level is sufficient to perform only a predetermined number N of aerosolization processes is advantageous because the user can be made aware before an aerosolization process that they only have enough battery power left for N processes. This is particularly advantageous where the predetermined number N is one, because the user will be informed before an aerosolization process that this is the last aerosolization process for which the battery 106 has enough power.

[0091] In another example, referring to Figure 3 The process described above can be performed after the controller 102 determines that the aerosolization process has ended. More specifically, when it is detected that the closable opening 114 has moved from the open position ( Figure 1B ) moves to the closed position ( Figure 1A ), the controller 102 may execute reference Figure 3 This may indicate that the aerosolization process has ended. Alternatively, the controller 102 may execute the referenced Figure 3 The process described.

[0092] Measuring the charge level after each aerosolization process and determining and indicating when the measured charge level is sufficient to perform only a predetermined number N of aerosolization processes is advantageous because after the end of an aerosolization process, if the battery charge level is only sufficient for a further N processes, a warning will be given to the user. This is particularly advantageous when the predetermined number N is one, because the user will be informed that the next aerosolization process is when the battery 106 has enough charge to perform the last aerosolization process.

[0093] In another example, referring to Figure 3 The process described may be performed after the controller 102 turns off the heater 108. Specifically, the controller 102 may be configured to turn off the heater 108 before determining the charge level of the battery 106 in response to determining that the closable opening 114 has moved to the closed position.

[0094] Measuring the charge level after turning off the heater 108 may provide a more accurate measurement of the charge level of the battery 106 since no heating load is applied.

[0095] When referring to Figure 3 The described processes and the above examples with respect to when the aerosolization process occurs may be used in conjunction with one another. For example, the charge level of the battery 106 may be measured (S301), and the determination (S302) and indication (S303) may be performed both before and after the aerosolization process.

[0096] Figure 4A flow chart showing further steps performed by the controller 102 after measuring the battery charge level in step S301 is shown.

[0097] In step S402 , after measuring the charge level of the battery 106 in step S301 , the controller 102 determines whether the measured charge level is sufficient for the heater 108 to perform at least one complete aerosolization.

[0098] In step S403, the controller 102 turns on the heater 108. Step S403 may occur automatically in response to determining that the charge level of the battery 106 is sufficient for the heater 108 to perform at least one complete aerosolization process. Alternatively, step S403 may occur in response to the detection of an activation instruction when the charge level of the battery 106 is sufficient for the heater 108 to perform at least one complete aerosolization process. In some examples, the activation instruction may include the controller 102 detecting that a user has pressed a heating button, the controller 102 detecting the presence of a tobacco rod in the heating chamber; by detecting that the cover 112 moves from a closed position to an open position or a third position that activates heating; or detecting airflow when a user inhales on the tobacco rod.

[0099] In this way, the heater 108 is only switched on when there is sufficient power for complete aerosolisation. This avoids the aerosol generating device 100 being able to only partially aerosolise the tobacco rod due to the battery 106 being exhausted before the aerosolisation process is complete.

[0100] Figure 5 A flow chart showing further steps performed by the controller 102 after measuring the battery charge level in step S301 is shown.

[0101] In step S502 , after measuring the charge level of the battery 106 in step S301 , the controller 102 determines whether the measured charge level of the battery 106 is lower than the charge level required for the heater 108 to perform a complete aerosolization process.

[0102] In step S503 , in response to determining that the charge level of the battery 106 is below the charge level required for a complete aerosolization process, the controller 102 uses the indicator(s) 104 in a second manner to indicate that the measured charge level is insufficient for the heater 108 to perform an aerosolization process.

[0103] Indicating using the (multiple) indicator 104 in a second manner may include illuminating one or more light sources (e.g., LEDs) at a second flash frequency or in a second pattern. The second flash frequency or second pattern may be different from the first flash frequency or first pattern associated with the first manner of using the (multiple) indicator 104. Alternatively or additionally, indicating using the second manner may include illuminating one or more light sources in a second color different from the first color associated with the first manner. In another example, indicating using the indicator in a second manner may include using an audio transmitter such as a speaker to emit a second audio signal different from the first audio signal associated with the first manner. In another example, indicating using the indicator in a second manner may include using a vibration module to vibrate the device in a second tactile feedback pattern different from the first tactile feedback pattern associated with the first manner. Indicating using the (multiple) indicator 104 in a second manner may include any combination of the aforementioned indications made by any combination of the aforementioned indicators.

[0104] In this way, the user is informed when there is insufficient power to carry out a complete aerosolisation process. This avoids the user discovering midway through the aerosolisation process that they were only able to partially aerosolise the tobacco rod due to the battery 106 running out of power prior to completion of the aerosolisation process. This avoids the potential waste of tobacco rods due to only partial aerosolisation.

[0105] The indication in the second manner may occur after the heater has been turned off, for example when the movable cover is closed and the controller determines to turn off the heater. Alternatively, the indication in the second manner may occur when the movable cover is moved to the open position, and for example, the device enters standby mode.

[0106] After the heater is switched off after the last aerosolization process with battery power remaining, the aerosolization mode cannot be enabled again. For example, the heater is fixed in the off mode regardless of any action of the movable cover or the heater button. The device can only be enabled again after the battery is charged to a level at least equal to or above the minimum threshold or at a level that triggers an indication that the remaining battery is sufficient for only one aerosolization process. The aerosol generating device can still be operated in standby mode for battery charge checks (e.g. as a confirmation of a low level).

[0107] In some examples, the controller 102 is configured to determine that the measured power level is lower than the power level required for the heater 108 to perform one complete aerosolization process in response to performing one aerosolization process after determining that the measured power level is sufficient for the heater 108 to perform only one complete aerosolization process. That is, if the controller 102 determines that the measured power level is sufficient for only one complete aerosolization process, then after this next aerosolization process has been performed, the controller 102 may determine that the power level is then lower than the power level required for any further aerosolization process, and the controller 102 may then automatically indicate using the indicator(s) 104 in a second manner (S503).

[0108] Figure 6 A flow chart showing further steps performed by the controller 102 after measuring the battery charge level in step S301 is shown.

[0109] In step S602 , after measuring the charge level of the battery 106 in step S301 , the controller 102 is configured to determine the available number of aerosolization processes that can be fully powered by the battery 106 based on the measured charge level.

[0110] In step S603, the controller 102 uses the indicator(s) 104 in a third manner to indicate an indication of the available number of aerosolization processes that can be fully powered by the battery 106. The controller 102 may turn on the heater after or in conjunction with the indication in the third manner.

[0111] Steps S602 and S603 may occur before steps S302 and S303 , for example, when the number of available aerosolization processes of the battery is greater than or equal to N.

[0112] In more detail, in step S602, the controller 102 may determine the available number of aerosolization processes that can be fully powered by comparing the measured power level of the battery 106 (e.g., by measuring the battery voltage as described above) with a lookup table containing battery power levels and corresponding numbers of remaining aerosolization processes that can be powered by the battery power levels (e.g., exemplary tables presented as Tables 1 and 2). The lookup table may be stored in a memory accessible to the controller 102.

[0113] In some examples, the indication of the available number of aerosolization processes that can be fully powered by the battery 106 can be presented as the number of remaining tobacco rods that can be aerosolized on the visual display. In other examples, the indication of the available number of aerosolization processes that can be fully powered by the battery 106 can be presented as a percentage of the total battery capacity.

[0114] In another example, the indicator(s) 104 may include a plurality of light sources, such as LEDs that may form an LED strip 104. Indicating in a third manner may include illuminating a number of LEDs of such an LED strip in proportion to the battery charge level and / or the available number of aerosolization processes that may be adequately powered by the battery 106.

[0115] In a specific embodiment, in step S301, the controller 102 measures the charge level of the battery 106 by measuring the battery voltage. This is converted to the battery charge using a lookup table. If the indicator includes 8 LEDs, then the number of LEDs (NUM_LEDS_ILLUMINATED) to be illuminated in step S603 can be calculated from the measured charge level of the battery (BATTERY_CHARGE) as follows: NUM_LEDS_ILLUMINATED = (BATTERY_CHARGE*8) / 100)

[0116] For example, if the charge level of the battery 106 is calculated to be 50%, then 5 LEDs will be illuminated.

[0117] More generally, the number of illuminated LEDs in the total number of LEDs (NUM_LEDS_TOTAL) can be expressed as: NUM_LEDS_ILLUMINATED = (BATTERY_CHARGE * NUM_LEDS_TOTAL) / 100)

[0118] When NUM_LEDS_ILLUMINATED is a non-integer, it is rounded to the nearest integer.

[0119] In this way, as the battery charge decreases, the number of illuminated LEDs decreases to communicate this information to the user of the device. 7A to 7E Intuitively presented. Fig. 7A This corresponds to a fully charged battery 106, wherein the LED strip is fully illuminated. Figure 7B This corresponds to a battery 106 having a charge level of 75%. Figure 7C This corresponds to the battery 106 having a charge level of 50%. Fig.7D This corresponds to a battery 106 having a charge level of 25%.

[0120] When NUM_LEDS_ILLUMINATED is less than one, one LED may be illuminated, as described below. Fig. 7EIn the embodiment of the present invention, the LEDs of the LED bar flash at a certain frequency to indicate that the remaining battery power is only enough for one more aerosolization process (rather than zero LED lighting). That is, the LED bar indicates in the first manner. When the power level drops below this point, the LED will flash at a different frequency (e.g., a higher frequency) to indicate that the remaining battery power is insufficient for one more aerosolization process. That is, the LED bar will indicate in the second manner.

[0121] In other examples, a display integrated into the device may present a percentage charge level, or a discrete number of aerosolization processes that may be powered by the remaining battery charge level.

[0122] The LED bar 104 can be further used to indicate the heating stage of the aerosolization process. For example, when the heater 108 of the aerosol generating device 100 is heated to the operating (or target aerosolization) temperature, the LEDs of the LED bar 104 can be illuminated sequentially by the controller 102, in proportion to the heating progress based on the heater temperature determined by the controller compared to the operating temperature. As the illumination proceeds, the illuminated LEDs can flash in a pulsating manner during the heating stage. A first tactile feedback (e.g., a single vibration) can also be provided by the vibration module to indicate that the heating process has begun. A second tactile feedback (e.g., two shorter vibrations) can be provided to indicate that the heating is complete. When the device is ready for the aerosolization process, indicative tactile feedback (e.g., two shorter vibrations) can be provided when the LED bar is fully illuminated.

[0123] The LED bar 104 may also be used to indicate the progress of the aerosolization process, wherein the LEDs of the LED bar 104 are sequentially extinguished as the process progresses. The controller 102 determines the progress of the process, for example, based on the elapsed time of a predetermined aerosolization process time period. Near the end of the process, for example, when 20 seconds remain, a vibration module may be used to provide a single tactile feedback vibration. At the same time, near the end of the process, the LED bar 104 may pulse or flash. When the process has ended, another tactile feedback vibration may be provided to indicate this to the user of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0124] In the foregoing example, the length of a single haptic feedback vibration may be, for example, 1 second, and two shorter haptic feedback vibrations may, for example, include a 0.5 second vibration, followed by a 0.3 second pause, followed by another 0.5 second vibration. The haptic feedback vibration may be provided by a vibration module triggered by the controller 102 .

[0125] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the (multiple) indicators 104 used in the first manner, the second manner, and the third manner may be the same indicator or different indicators. In some examples where there are multiple indicators, the first manner, the second manner, and the third manner may use a subset of the multiple indicators. For example, when the indicator is a plurality of LEDs, one LED may flash at different frequencies or in different patterns for the first manner and the second manner, and a plurality of LEDs may illuminate to show the charge level in the third manner.

[0126] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and / or Figure 6 The described processes may be combined to form a single overall process based on measuring the charge level of the battery 106 and performing subsequent further actions.

[0127] The processing steps performed by the controller 102 described herein may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium or storage device associated with the controller 102. Computer-readable media may include non-volatile media and volatile media. Volatile media may include semiconductor memory and dynamic memory, among others. Non-volatile media may include optical disks and magnetic disks, among others.

[0128] It should be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that the aforementioned embodiments in the foregoing description are not limiting; the features of each embodiment may be appropriately incorporated into other embodiments.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device comprising an indicator and a controller connectable to a battery and a heater, the heater being configured to aerosolize a unit of an aerosol generating material in an aerosolization process, and the battery being configured to supply power to the heater to perform one or more aerosolization processes, wherein: The controller is configured to: measuring the charge level of the battery; determining whether the measured charge level is sufficient for the heater to perform only a predetermined number N of aerosolization processes; and using the indicator in a first manner to indicate when the measured charge level is sufficient for the heater to perform only N aerosolization processes, Wherein, when determining whether the measured power level is sufficient for the heater to perform only N aerosolization processes, the controller is further configured to: Comparing the measured charge level with a first predetermined charge level and a second predetermined charge level, wherein the first predetermined charge level corresponds to a charge level of the battery that is insufficient for N+1 aerosolization processes, and the second predetermined charge level corresponds to a charge level of the battery that is sufficient for N aerosolization processes; and When the measured charge level is less than the first predetermined charge level and greater than or equal to the second predetermined charge level, it is determined that the measured charge level is sufficient to perform only N aerosolization processes.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The controller is configured to: measuring the charge level of the battery prior to each aerosolization process; and / or measuring the charge level of the battery after each aerosolization process; and / or The charge level of the battery is measured when the heater is turned off.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The aerosol-generating device further comprises a closable opening through which the aerosol-generating material is received, and wherein the controller is configured to: When it is determined that the closable opening has moved to the closed position, measuring the charge level of the battery; and / or When it is determined that the closable opening has moved to the open position, the charge level of the battery is measured.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 3, wherein: When it is determined that the closable opening is moved to the closed position, the controller is further configured to shut off the heater before determining the charge level of the battery.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 3, wherein: When it is determined that the closable opening is moved to the open position, the controller is further configured to: initiating a standby mode, during which the charge level of the battery is measured; and The heater is turned on and the standby mode is exited in response to determining that the charge level of the battery is sufficient for the heater to perform at least one complete aerosolization process.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The controller is further configured to: determining whether the measured charge level is sufficient for the heater to perform at least one complete aerosolization process; and automatically turning on the heater in response to determining that the battery charge level is sufficient for the heater to perform at least one complete aerosolization process; or The heater is turned on in response to detecting an activation instruction when the charge level of the battery is sufficient for the heater to perform at least one complete aerosolization.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The indicator comprises at least one light emitting source comprised in the aerosol generating device.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The controller is further configured to: determining whether the measured charge level of the battery is below a charge level required for the heater to perform a complete aerosolization process; and In response to determining that the charge level of the battery is below a charge level required for a complete aerosolization process, the indicator is used in a second manner to indicate that the measured charge level is insufficient for the heater to perform an aerosolization process.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The controller is further configured to: In response to performing an aerosolization process after determining that the measured charge level is sufficient for the heater to perform only one complete aerosolization process, determining that the measured charge level is below a charge level required for the heater to perform one complete aerosolization process.

10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: When measuring the charge level, the controller is configured to: measuring the voltage of the battery; and comparing the measured battery voltage to a predetermined battery voltage and a corresponding predetermined battery charge level; and The measured battery charge level is determined based on a comparison of the measured battery voltage with the predetermined battery voltages and corresponding predetermined battery charge levels.

11. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The controller is further configured to: determining, based on the measured charge level, the available number of aerosolization processes that can be fully powered by the battery; and In a third way the indicator is used to indicate the available number of aerosolization processes that can be fully powered by the battery.

12. An aerosol-generating device system comprising an aerosol-generating device according to any preceding claim, and further comprising the battery and the heater.

13. A method of operating an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device comprising an indicator and a controller connectable to a battery and a heater, the heater being configurable to aerosolize a unit of aerosol generating material in an aerosolization process, and the battery being configurable to provide power to the heater to perform one or more aerosolization processes, wherein the method comprises: measuring, by the controller, a charge level of the battery; determining, by the controller, whether the measured charge level is sufficient for the heater to perform only a predetermined number N of aerosolization processes; as well as using the indicator in a first manner to indicate when the measured charge level is sufficient for the heater to perform only N aerosolization processes, Wherein, determining whether the measured power level is sufficient for the heater to perform only N aerosolization processes comprises: Comparing the measured charge level with a first predetermined charge level and a second predetermined charge level, wherein the first predetermined charge level corresponds to a charge level of the battery that is insufficient for N+1 aerosolization processes, and the second predetermined charge level corresponds to a charge level of the battery that is sufficient for N aerosolization processes; and When the measured charge level is less than the first predetermined charge level and greater than or equal to the second predetermined charge level, it is determined that the measured charge level is sufficient to perform only N aerosolization processes.

14. A non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to control an aerosol generating device, wherein: The aerosol generating device comprises an indicator and a controller connectable to a battery and a heater, the heater being configurable to aerosolize a unit of aerosol generating material in an aerosolization process, and the battery being configurable to provide power to the heater to perform one or more aerosolization processes, and wherein the instructions cause the one or more processors to: measuring, by the controller, a charge level of the battery; determining, by the controller, whether the measured charge level is sufficient for the heater to perform only a predetermined number N of aerosolization processes; and using the indicator in a first manner to indicate when the measured charge level is sufficient for the heater to perform only N aerosolization processes, Wherein, when the controller determines whether the measured power level is sufficient for the heater to perform only N aerosolization processes, the instructions cause the one or more processors to execute: Comparing the measured charge level with a first predetermined charge level and a second predetermined charge level, wherein the first predetermined charge level corresponds to a charge level of the battery that is insufficient for N+1 aerosolization processes, and the second predetermined charge level corresponds to a charge level of the battery that is sufficient for N aerosolization processes; and When the measured charge level is less than the first predetermined charge level and greater than or equal to the second predetermined charge level, it is determined that the measured charge level is sufficient to perform only N aerosolization processes.

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