Power selection for aerosol-generating devices

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device (102) includes a single power button (152), a heating element (134) to generate aerosol using an aerosol-generating article, and a controller (128) including one or more processors and operably coupled to the single power button and the heating element. The controller is configured to provide a plurality of different power levels for use with the heating element to generate aerosol using the aerosol-generating device, provide a selected power level of the plurality of different power levels at which the aerosol-generating device is presently configured for use with the heating element to generate aerosol, and change the selected power level to a different power level of the plurality of different power levels in response to a user pressing the single power button.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to apparatus, methods, and computer program products for adjusting the power used in generating aerosols from an aerosol generating matrix. Power adjustment can be initiated by a user using a single button on the aerosol generating device and can be indicated using one or more indicators located on the aerosol generating device. Background Technology

[0002] Adjusting power settings, such as power output levels, used to generate aerosols from an aerosol generating matrix are often cumbersome and time-consuming. For example, a user may need to utilize additional devices besides the aerosol generating device itself to adjust the power settings on the aerosol generating device. In one instance, a user might need to use a user interface device, such as a software application or app on a cellular phone, to adjust the power settings, which must then be synchronized and configured with the aerosol generating device via a wired or wireless connection. This can involve numerous steps, each offering the potential for problems or inefficiencies. In another case, a user might use a docking station or charger for the aerosol generating device to adjust the power settings, which may also require operatively connecting to the aerosol generating device to synchronize and configure it. Furthermore, such additional devices may not be available when a user wants to change one or more power settings, such as the power output level, while using their aerosol generating device (e.g., the user may not have access to their user interface device or docking station). Furthermore, the need to use additional devices to adjust the power settings on the aerosol generating device may consume additional power (e.g., to provide wired or wireless data transmission to and from the additional devices).

[0003] Users may accidentally or unintentionally adjust various settings, such as power settings, using a previous aerosol generating device. For example, such previous aerosol generating devices do not provide guarantees or technology to prevent accidental or unintentional adjustments. In one instance, a positionable or rotary switch on a previous aerosol generating device could be used to select a temperature setting, which could be accidentally or unintentionally selected (e.g., in a user's pocket), resulting in undesirable power output or temperature setting changes.

[0004] In addition, some previous aerosol generating devices did not allow users to change power settings, such as power output levels, which did not allow users to optimize battery consumption or adjust the amount of aerosol generated (e.g., the size of the "cloud" per inhalation or aspiration).

[0005] Furthermore, aerosol generating devices are typically small to facilitate user portability. This small size necessitates a limited number of display and input devices, and may restrict battery size. Consequently, the smaller size can make it difficult for users to adjust power settings, such as power output levels. Additionally, larger or more numerous display devices may require more power, potentially limiting usage between charges, especially when battery size is limited.

[0006] More specifically, aerosol generating devices may need to be physically very small. For example, an aerosol generating device could be only a fraction the size of a regular cigarette to provide a similar feel and gain widespread acceptance among smokers of regular combustible cigarettes. Alternatively, for example, an aerosol generating device could be small in size simply for easy carrying by the user. Therefore, the hardware on which software can be embedded needs to be very compact, which leaves very limited space for the user interface or display device. Typically, there is also no space for user interface features, one or more user-selectable buttons (e.g., push-buttons, non-push-buttons such as contact or capacitive switches, etc.) and one or more indicators (e.g., lights such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), liquid crystal displays, etc.).

[0007] Therefore, previous aerosol generating devices may not offer power setting adjustments, and those that do may be time-consuming, cumbersome, power-intensive, and prone to accidents.

[0008] U.S. Patent No. 10,398,173 describes a dual-voltage electronic cigarette control assembly, characterized in that the control circuit board is provided with a power management module configured to alternately output a high preset voltage or a low preset voltage, and includes a boost (stepping) unit, a buck (stepping) unit, or a buck-boost unit using a key switch. The key switch may include a single-button switch, wherein two different stable voltages are alternately output depending on the duration of button press.

[0009] U.S. Patent No. 8,781,307 describes a rotary switch or slide switch that is coupled to a switchable fixed resistor bank with different resistances to allow incremental adjustment of the output voltage supplied to the heating element.

[0010] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0262459A1 describes pressing a "temperature setting button" (disclosed by removing the mouthpiece) to cycle through the temperature settings in the firmware, with the new settings reflected on an LED.

[0011] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0128967A1 describes a vaporizer that includes a power switch having two settings, namely a power-off setting and a power-on setting, and in another embodiment, the power switch may include several settings, such as a power-off setting, a low-power setting for controlling the temperature of the vaporizer, and a high-temperature setting. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The aim is to provide a simple, reliable power setting adjustment for aerosol generating devices that is cumbersome and energy-efficient. This invention can be described as providing a simple, reliable power setting adjustment for aerosol generating devices.

[0013] According to one aspect of the invention, a method for use with an aerosol generating device is provided, comprising providing a plurality of different power levels for use with a heating element to generate aerosols using the aerosol generating device. The method further comprises providing a selected power level from the plurality of different power levels at which the aerosol generating device is currently configured to be used with the heating element to generate aerosols, and changing the selected power level to a different power level from the plurality of different power levels in response to a user pressing a single power button. Furthermore, the user pressing a single power button is or includes a number of times the user presses a single power button once within an engagement time period.

[0014] According to one aspect of the invention, a computer program product is provided for use with an aerosol generating device, the computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable medium thereon storing program code configured to provide a plurality of different power levels for use with a heating element to generate aerosols when the program product is run on a computer. The program product also provides a selected power level at which the aerosol generating device is currently configured to be used with the heating element to generate aerosols, and changes the selected power level to a different power level among the plurality of different power levels in response to a user pressing a single power button. Furthermore, the user pressing a single power button is or includes the number of times the user presses a single power button once during an engagement time period.

[0015] According to one aspect of the invention, an aerosol generating apparatus is provided, the aerosol generating apparatus comprising a single power button; a heating element for generating an aerosol using an aerosol generating article; and a controller including one or more processors operatively coupled to the single power button and the heating element. The controller is configured to provide a plurality of different power levels for use with the heating element to generate an aerosol, providing a selected power level at which the aerosol generating apparatus is currently configured to use with the heating element to generate an aerosol, and changing the selected power level to a different power level among the plurality of different power levels in response to a user pressing the single power button. Furthermore, the user pressing the single power button is or includes a number of times the user presses the single power button once within an engagement time period.

[0016] This invention, including the aspects described herein, offers advantages over prior art devices because the use of a single power button makes power setting adjustments less cumbersome and more timely, reduces manufacturing costs, complexity, and the risk of accidents. Using a single power button simplifies and speeds up power setting adjustments. Furthermore, a single press of the power button may not cause a change in power settings (e.g., a change in power level), thus avoiding unintentional or accidental activation (e.g., when the aerosol generator is in the user's pocket). Additionally, the user does not need to consult or use additional devices to synchronize or configure the aerosol generator, as power setting adjustments can be made by a single power button located on the aerosol generator.

[0017] Furthermore, this invention, including the aspects described herein, allows users to optimize battery consumption and adjust the amount of aerosol generated (e.g., the size of the "cloud" per inhalation or aspiration). Optimized battery consumption allows users to leave their charging devices and use their aerosol generating devices for longer periods. Additionally, adjusting the amount of aerosol generated allows users to customize their experience to their needs.

[0018] Therefore, in other words, for users of aerosol generating devices (e.g., e-cigarettes), it may be advantageous to change the output power level of the aerosol generating device to optimize battery consumption or change the size of the cloud generated by the aerosol generating device. Furthermore, the ability to change the power level using only the aerosol generating device can be described as "on-device" power settings, which provide the user with the ability to change the output power of the aerosol generating device without using an application on a user interface device or other device, and without using wired or wireless connections (e.g., USB or Bluetooth connections).

[0019] The engagement time period provides a time window during which a user can select a single power button to initiate or actuate a change in power level. The engagement time period defines the length sufficient for the user to select (e.g., touch, press, push, move, actuate, etc.) a single power button the required number of times to initiate or actuate a change in power level. In one aspect, the engagement time period is 2 seconds. In other aspects, the engagement time period is less than 2 seconds, such as 1.5 seconds or 1 second. In still other aspects, the engagement time period is greater than 2 seconds, such as 2.5 seconds, 3 seconds, or 5 seconds. Furthermore, the engagement time period can be described as 2 seconds or more.

[0020] Using a engagement time period and the number of times a single power button must be pressed within that period provides an advantage over previous devices because the engagement time period protects the power setting from change due to accidental or unintentional selection (e.g., pressing) of a single power button. The number of times a single button must be pressed within the engagement time period to initiate a power level change is programmed or preset to avoid such accidental or unintentional selection (e.g., pressing) of the single power button. In one aspect, the number of times a single button needs to be pressed within the engagement time period to change the power setting to 3. In another aspect, the number of times a single button needs to be pressed within the engagement time period is 2. In other words, the aerosol generating device includes a "triple button press" power level change. In other aspects, the number of times a single button needs to be pressed within the engagement time period is greater than 3, such as 4 or 5.

[0021] As described herein, multiple different power levels are provided (e.g., two or more different levels), each providing a different power level to provide different amounts of aerosol generation (at the same time period) when used. The aerosol generating device can be configured or pre-configured with a default power level (e.g., selected for the aerosol generating device at the time of manufacture). When describing the selection of the power level for the aerosol generating device, it should be understood that this selected power level is the current or present power level at which the aerosol generating device is currently or is configured to deliver power to the heating element to generate aerosols from the aerosol generating matrix. The power level can also be described as the power output level for the aerosol generating device, for example, because the power level is the amount of power output to the heating element or heater to generate aerosols from the aerosol generating matrix.

[0022] In one aspect, multiple different power levels include only or comprise a first power level and a second power level different from the first power level. In other words, in this aspect, multiple different power levels include a high power level and a low power level, with the low power level being lower than the high power level. Therefore, when using the high power level, more aerosols are generated in the same time period than at the low power level. Furthermore, when using the low power level, less power is consumed (or less battery life) in the same time period than at the high power level. In other aspects, more than two different power levels are provided, for example, three different power levels, five different power levels, etc.

[0023] Each power level can be defined in watts. In one aspect, only two different power levels are included, with the first or high power level being 5.5 watts and the second or low power level being 4.5 watts. In other aspects, multiple different power levels may include one or more of 1 watt, 2 watts, 2.5 watts, 3 watts, 3.5 watts, 4 watts, 5 watts, and 6 watts.

[0024] The aerosol generating device includes one or more indicators located on or a portion of the housing of the aerosol generating device. The indicators are configured to display power information to a user, such as the battery level of the aerosol generating device and the selected power level currently configured for the aerosol generating device as described herein. Preferably, one or more indicators include multiple or two or more lights, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs). One or more indicators are configured to emit light according to one or more selected features to provide power information. For example, one or more selected features may include on or off, light color, light flashing, light patterns, and combinations thereof. Thus, one or more indicators of the aerosol generating device are configured to display (and convey) power information to a user using one or more selected features.

[0025] In one aspect, one or more indicators indicate or provide the current battery level or charge of the battery in the aerosol generating device. For example, the aerosol generating device may include four indicators, and the four indicators, when illuminated (e.g., emitting light), may indicate that the battery is fully charged. When three of the four indicators are illuminated, the battery charge is 3 / 4; when two of the four indicators are illuminated, the battery charge is 1 / 2; and when one of the four indicators is illuminated, the battery charge is 1 / 4.

[0026] To indicate the current battery level, the indicator can be continuously (e.g., constantly) or intermittently (e.g., for a portion of the time) illuminated in response to action. For example, an aerosol generating device may include sensors, such as motion sensors, that detect when a user has moved the aerosol generating device, and in response to such movement, the indicator showing the current battery level can be temporarily illuminated. Alternatively, for example, a user may select (e.g., touch, press, push, move, actuate, etc.) a single power button once or twice to activate the indicator displaying the battery level. The indicator does not consume a great deal of power, so unintentionally or accidentally activating the battery level display does not waste a significant amount of power.

[0027] On the other hand, one or more indicators indicate or provide the current power level at which the aerosol generating apparatus is configured to heat the aerosol generating matrix to generate aerosols. For example, the aerosol generating apparatus may include four indicators, and the current power level may be high when all four indicators are lit (e.g., emitting light). Furthermore, the current power level may be low when two of the four indicators are lit.

[0028] To indicate the current power level of an aerosol generating device, the indicator can be continuously (e.g., constantly) or intermittently (e.g., for a portion of the time) illuminated in response to action. For example, the aerosol generating device may include sensors, such as motion sensors, that detect when a user has moved the aerosol generating device, and in response to such movement, the indicator showing the current power level of the aerosol generating device can be illuminated. Furthermore, for example, a user may select (e.g., touch, press, push, move, actuate, etc.) a single power button once or multiple times to activate the power level display using the indicator. The indicator does not consume a significant amount of power, therefore, unintentionally or accidentally activating the display of the aerosol generating device's power level will not waste a large amount of power.

[0029] On the other hand, the current power level and power level changes (in response to a user-initiated power level change) can be indicated by one or more indicators. More specifically, one or more indicators can display information to the user that the current or selected power level has changed and the current or selected power level currently configured on the aerosol generating device. For example, in response to a power level change (which, as described herein, can be performed by selecting a single power button a number of times within an engagement period), one or more indicators can emit or display light using a specified pattern to indicate that a power level change has occurred. In one aspect, two of the four indicators are illuminated in a "breathing" manner (e.g., emitting light) and rapidly pulse to indicate that the power level has changed to a low power level, and all four indicators are illuminated in a "breathing" manner (e.g., emitting light) and rapidly pulse to indicate that the power level has changed to a high power level.

[0030] In one aspect, the indicator displays the current power level and the power level change, which may occur or be performed over a change period. When the change period expires, the indicator will no longer display the current power level and the power level change. Furthermore, in one aspect, the battery level is redisplayed or re-indicated after the change period expires. The change period may be between 2 seconds and 10 seconds. In one aspect, the change period is 3 seconds. In one aspect, during the change period, the brightness of a first set of indicators may rapidly increase and then decrease (e.g., "breathing"), indicating a change in power to a first power level among multiple different power levels; during the change period, the brightness of a second set of indicators may rapidly increase and then decrease (e.g., "breathing"), indicating a change in power to a second power level among multiple different power levels.

[0031] Advantageously, using the same indicators as described herein to display power levels, power level changes, and battery charge at multiple different power levels of the aerosol generating device reduces the complexity, manufacturing cost, and aesthetics of the aerosol generating device. Therefore, the present invention can be described as an improvement that utilizes existing indicators or displays (e.g., LEDs) previously used only to display battery charge (or other information) but now also quickly and accurately convey information relating to the current power level and power level changes of the aerosol generating device.

[0032] Therefore, the illustrative aerosol generating device can be described as currently having two different power levels, and when the power level is 5.5 watts, pressing a single power button three times changes the power level to 4.5 watts, and conversely, when the power level is 4.5 watts, pressing a single power button three times changes the power level to 5.5 watts. Furthermore, if the new power level is set to 5.5 watts, four indicators (e.g., LEDs) will begin a rapid breathing motion for 3 seconds, at which point the indicators return to indicating the battery level; if the new power level is 4.5 watts, the two bottom indicators will begin a rapid breathing motion for 3 seconds, at which point the indicators return to indicating the battery level.

[0033] The aerosol generating apparatus may define a cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating article and may include a heater configured to heat the aerosol-generating matrix of the article to generate an aerosol. The heater may include blades configured to insert into the aerosol-generating article to transfer heat to the aerosol-generating matrix of the article. The aerosol generating apparatus may include a power source to power at least the heater and may be configured to be connected to or operatively coupled to a host device. The host device may include an interface connected to or operatively coupled to the aerosol generating apparatus to at least charge the power source of the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0034] For example, aerosols generated from articles containing a heated but unburned tobacco matrix contain certain smoke components in lower amounts or concentrations than those produced by the combustion and pyrolytic degradation of tobacco in conventional cigarettes. In a known type of aerosol generating device, an aerosol is generated by transferring heat from a heat source to a physically separated aerosol generating article, including, for example, a tobacco matrix. The device is configured such that the heat source does not burn the matrix. During use, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol generating matrix via heat transfer from the heat source and are entrained in the air drawn in via the aerosol generating article. As the released compounds cool, they condense to form an aerosol inhaled by the user.

[0035] The aerosol generating apparatus may include other means for transmitting data to, for example, a user interface device and a communication interface for transmitting data from thereto, as well as a controller including one or more processors. For example, a wireless communication interface, such as a Bluetooth wireless protocol interface, may be used between the aerosol generating apparatus and other means. The controller may include one or more processors (e.g., microprocessors) that may operate in conjunction with an associated data storage device or memory to access processing programs or routines and one or more types of data that may be used to perform illustrative methods. For example, processing programs or routines stored in the data memory may include programs or routines for: checking or determining the current battery charge; indicating the current battery charge using an indicator; maintaining or providing a selected power level for generating aerosols using a heater; changing the selected power level in response to a user action; displaying or indicating a power level change using an indicator; displaying or indicating the currently selected power level for generating aerosols using a heater; performing self-diagnosis, statistics, matrix mathematics, compression algorithms (e.g., data compression algorithms), normalization algorithms, comparison algorithms, or any other processing for implementing one or more illustrative methods and processes described herein.

[0036] In one or more embodiments, the aerosol generating apparatus can be described as being implemented using one or more computer programs, data memory (e.g., volatile or non-volatile memory and / or storage elements), input devices, and output devices that execute on one or more programmable processors (e.g., microcontrollers, programmable logic devices, etc.) including processing capabilities. The program code and / or logic described herein can be applied to input data to perform the functionality described herein and generate desired output information. The output information can be applied as input to one or more other devices and / or processes as described herein, or as applied in a known manner.

[0037] A computer program product for implementing the processes described herein can be provided using any programmable language (e.g., a high-level procedural and / or object-oriented programming language suitable for communicating with a computer system). Any such program product can be stored, for example, on any suitable device, such as a storage medium readable by a general-purpose or special-purpose program, for configuring and operating a computer's controller device when the suitable device is accessed to perform the processes described herein. In other words, at least in one embodiment, a user interface device can be implemented using a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium configured with a computer program, wherein the storage medium is configured to cause the computer to operate in a specific and predefined manner to perform the functions described herein.

[0038] The exact configuration of the controller for the aerosol generating apparatus is not limiting, and substantially any apparatus capable of providing suitable computing and control capabilities to implement the illustrative methods described herein can be used. In view of the foregoing, it will be readily understood that the functionality described in one or more embodiments of the invention can be implemented in any manner known to those skilled in the art. Thus, the computer language, controller, or any other software / hardware used to implement the processes described herein should not limit the scope of the systems, processes, or programs described herein (e.g., the functionality provided by these processes or programs). The methods and processes described in this disclosure can be implemented at least in part in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof, including those belonging to devices or various components. For example, various aspects of the technology can be implemented in one or more processors, including one or more microprocessors, DSPs, ASICs, FPGAs, CPLDs, microcontrollers, or any other equivalent integrated or discrete logic circuit systems, and any combination of such components. When implemented in software, the functionality belonging to the systems, apparatus, and methods described in this disclosure can be embodied in instructions on a computer-readable medium, such as RAM, ROM, NVRAM, EEPROM, FLASH memory, magnetic data storage media, optical data storage media, etc. The instructions can be executed by one or more processors to support one or more aspects of the functionality described in this disclosure.

[0039] The terms “controller” and “processor” refer to any device or apparatus capable of providing suitable computing and control capabilities (such as, for example, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an equivalent discrete or integrated logic circuit, or any combination thereof) and capable of providing suitable data storage capabilities (including any medium containing potentially readable and / or writable digital bits (e.g., encoded in binary, ternary, etc.) such as volatile or non-volatile memory, CD-ROM, magnetically recordable media such as magnetic disks or magnetic tapes).

[0040] The term "communication interface" refers to any device or apparatus, various telemetry circuits and antennas, capable of providing suitable data communication capabilities between an aerosol generating apparatus, a host device and a user interface device (e.g., a physical data coupler, each of which may include at least one data interface port for transmitting data that can be paired with each other when the aerosol generating apparatus is received by the host device), and may use one or more wired or wireless (e.g., radio frequency) data transmission protocols, such as, for example, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, any protocol in the UHF band, any protocol in the SHF band, any protocol in the low frequency band, or combinations thereof.

[0041] As described herein, exemplary aerosol generating devices include one or more user-selectable buttons, such as a single power button. One or more user-selectable buttons can be described as being configured to be selected by a user to perform or activate one or more actions of the aerosol generating device. As used herein, a user can select a user-selectable button by touching, clicking, tapping, or sliding a user-selectable switch with a body part (e.g., a finger). One or more user-selectable buttons can also be multi-purpose. For example, one or more user-selectable buttons can perform various actions when selected by the user, such as powering the device, displaying the current battery level, etc., and the user can use a selected pattern to activate another action separate from the main action of the button, such as displaying a power level or changing the selected power level. More specifically, a user can perform a selection on a single user-selectable button based on a selected pattern, which can trigger or activate a change in the selected power level, and display the power level change and the newly selected power level using one or more indicators. The selected pattern can be a pattern that would not normally be triggered during typical use of the aerosol generating device. Furthermore, the selected pattern can be a pattern that is unlikely to be accidentally triggered when the aerosol generating device is carried in a user's pocket. In one instance, the selected pattern may include a series of quick selections of a single user-selectable button within a selected engagement time period, for example, and preferably, three selections within two seconds.

[0042] The term "aerosol generating apparatus" refers to an apparatus configured to use or utilize an aerosol generating article that releases volatile compounds to form an aerosol that can be inhaled by a user. The term "aerosol generating article" refers to an article comprising a matrix capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form aerosols upon heating. Aerosols generated from the aerosol generating article according to the invention may be visible or invisible and may contain vapors (e.g., fine particles of a gaseous substance that are typically liquid or solid at room temperature) as well as droplets of gas and condensed vapors. A "heated aerosol generating article" is an aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol generating matrix and configured for use with an aerosol generating apparatus configured to heat but not burn the aerosol generating matrix. An example of a heated aerosol generating article is the IQOS heat bar, also known as MARLBORO HEATSTICKS from Phillip Morris International for use in IQOS heated non-combustible aerosol generating apparatuses, also from Phillip Morris International.

[0043] The invention is defined in the claims. However, a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples is provided below. Any one or more features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0044] Example Ex1: A method for use with an aerosol generating device, the method comprising: providing a plurality of different power levels for use with a heating element to generate aerosols using the aerosol generating device; providing a selected power level among the plurality of different power levels at which the aerosol generating device is currently configured to be used with the heating element to generate aerosols; and changing the selected power level to a different power level among the plurality of different power levels in response to a user pressing a single power button.

[0045] Example Ex2: A computer program product for use with an aerosol generating device, the computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable medium on which program code is stored, the program code being configured to, when the program product is run on a computer,: provide a plurality of different power levels for use with a heating element to generate aerosols using the aerosol generating device; provide a selected power level among the plurality of different power levels at which the aerosol generating device is currently configured to be used with the heating element to generate aerosols; and, in response to a user pressing a single power button, change the selected power level to one of the plurality of different power levels.

[0046] Example Ex3: An aerosol generating apparatus includes: a single power button; a heating element for generating an aerosol using an aerosol generating article; and a controller including one or more processors and operatively coupled to the single power button and the heating element, wherein the controller is configured to: provide a plurality of different power levels for use with the heating element to generate an aerosol using the aerosol generating apparatus; provide a selected power level among the plurality of different power levels at which the aerosol generating apparatus is currently configured to be used with the heating element to generate an aerosol; and, in response to a user pressing the single power button, change the selected power level to one of the plurality of different power levels.

[0047] Example Ex4: According to any one of Ex1 to Ex3, the method, computer program product, or aerosol generating apparatus, wherein the user pressing the single power button includes the number of times the user presses the single power button once during the engagement time period.

[0048] Example Ex5. According to the method, computer program product, or aerosol generating device in Ex4, the number of times the user presses the single power button during the engagement time period is 3.

[0049] Example Ex6: The method, computer program product, or aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Ex4 to Ex5, wherein the engagement time period is 2 seconds.

[0050] Example Ex7: A method, computer program product, or aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Ex1 to Ex6, wherein the plurality of different power levels include only a first power level and a second power level different from the first power level.

[0051] Example Ex8: According to the method, computer program product, or aerosol generating apparatus in Ex7, wherein the first power level is 5.5 watts and the second power level is 4.5 watts.

[0052] Example Ex9: A method, computer program product, or aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Ex1 to Ex8, wherein the method further includes, and the program code is further configured to perform, or the controller is further configured to perform: indicating battery level using one or more indicators on the aerosol generating apparatus; indicating a power level change using one or more indicators on the aerosol generating apparatus during a change period in response to the user pressing the single power button to change the selected power level to a different power level among the plurality of different power levels; and re-indicating the battery level using one or more indicators on the aerosol generating apparatus after the change period has expired.

[0053] Example Ex10: According to the method, computer program product, or aerosol generating apparatus of Ex9, indicating the power level change using one or more indicators on the aerosol generating apparatus includes: rapidly increasing and then decreasing the brightness of a first group of the one or more indicators during the change period to indicate that the power level has changed to a first power level among the plurality of different power levels; and rapidly increasing and then decreasing the brightness of a second group of the one or more indicators during the change period to indicate that the power level has changed to a second power level among the plurality of different power levels.

[0054] Example Ex11: A method, computer program product, or aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Ex9 to Ex10, wherein the time period is changed to 3 seconds. Attached Figure Description

[0055] Referring now to the accompanying drawings, which depict one or more aspects described in this disclosure. However, it should be understood that other aspects not depicted in the drawings fall within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Similar designations used in the drawings refer to similar parts, steps, etc. However, it should be understood that using designations to refer to a part in a given drawing is not intended to limit a part labeled with the same designation in another drawing. Furthermore, using different designations to refer to parts in different drawings is not intended to indicate that parts with different designations cannot be the same as or similar to parts with other designations. The schematic diagrams are not necessarily drawn to scale and are presented for illustrative rather than limiting purposes. The accompanying drawings depict one or more aspects described in this disclosure. However, it should be understood that other aspects not depicted in the accompanying drawings fall within the scope and spirit of this disclosure.

[0056] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an illustrative aerosol generating apparatus 100, including an aerosol generating device 102.

[0057] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A view of the indicator 162 of the illustrative aerosol generating device 102, which provides notification of power level changes and the currently selected power level.

[0058] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating a method for changing the selected power level of the aerosol generating device 102. Detailed Implementation

[0059] exist Figure 1The illustration depicts an illustrative aerosol generating apparatus 100. Preferably, the aerosol generating apparatus 100 includes an aerosol generating device 102 comprising a cavity 132 for receiving, for example, an aerosol generating article 104 (heat rod 104) and a heater 134 configured to provide a heat source to the heat rod 104, thereby generating an inhalable aerosol. The aerosol generating device 102 also includes a controller 128 comprising one or more processors and associated memory. The controller 128 may be associated with the heater 134 to configure, in particular, the power level of the heater 134 to generate aerosols when heating the aerosol generating article. The controller 128 includes or provides a selected or current power level, which may be stored in the memory. Additionally, the controller 128 includes or provides other variables related to the power level change process, such as engagement time periods, the number of times a user-activated button needs to be selected along with the engagement time period to initiate a power level change, and the change time period. The controller 128 may also include a communication interface, such as a wireless communication interface, for communication, for example, with other devices (e.g., a host device or a user interface device). The communication interface of the controller 128 may preferably include a BLUETOOH interface. The aerosol generating device 102 also includes a power supply 126 and power and data interface ports 130.

[0060] As shown in the figure, the aerosol generating device 102 includes a single user-selectable power button 152 and multiple indicators 162-1, 162-2, 162-3, and 162-4. The single user-selectable power button 152 can be user-selectable (e.g., pressable), as indicated by the dashed arrow. As described herein, the user-selectable button can in particular be selectable to initiate a power level change of the aerosol generating device 102. For example, if a user presses the single power button 152 three times within a 5-second engagement period, the aerosol generating device 102 will change the selected or current power level to a different power level among a plurality of different power levels. In an example where the aerosol generating device 102 has two power levels, namely a low power level and a high power level, depending on which power level is selected before the power level change, initiating or performing a power level change using the single power button 153 will cause the selected or current power level to switch from a low power level to a high power level or from a high power level to a low power level. Although... Figure 1 The aerosol generating device 102 depicted includes a single power button 152, but it should be understood that the aerosol generating device 102 may include multiple user-selectable buttons. However, in instances where the aerosol generating device 102 includes multiple user-selectable buttons, only one of the user-selectable buttons can be designated as a power button that the user can use to start or perform power level changes and power level displays. Furthermore, in aerosol generating device 102 including... Figure 1One aspect of the single button 152 shown is that the single button 152 has one or more functions or uses beyond power level change and power level notification, such as “powering on” or “powering off” the aerosol generating device 102 (e.g., the aerosol generating device 102 can be “powered on” or “powered off” by “long” selection or pressing button 152).

[0061] Multiple indicators 162-1, 162-2, 162-3, and 162-4 can depict light patterns indicating or displaying battery charge, selected power level, and power level change notifications or indications. For example, some of indicators 162-1, 162-2, 162-3, and 162-4 can illuminate the selected color, while some of indicators 162-1, 162-2, 162-3, and 162-4 can remain unilluminated (keep dark) to indicate battery charge. Furthermore, for example, some of indicators 162-1, 162-2, 162-3, and 162-4 can illuminate the selected color and change its brightness, while some of indicators 162-1, 162-2, 162-3, and 162-4 can remain unilluminated (keep dark) to indicate power level changes and newly selected power levels.

[0062] exist Figure 2 The middle shows Figure 1 Examples of diagrams 180, 181, 182, and 183 illustrating the power information provided by the indicator 162 of the illustrative aerosol generating device 102. Keys 179 are provided in these diagrams, showing that each of the indicators 162-1, 162-2, 162-3, and 162-4 can provide or display light, no light, and “breathing” light.

[0063] As shown in Example 180, indicators 162-1, 162-2, and 162-3 are displaying or emitting light indicating that the battery level is currently approximately 75% of its capacity. While in this state as shown in Example 180, the user may wish to change the power level of the aerosol generating device 102, and therefore, can select button 152 a desired number of times during the engagement period to initiate the power level change. Once the user initiates or performs the power level change, each of indicators 162-1, 162-2, 162-3, and 162-4 will display or emit light, rapidly increasing and then decreasing its brightness to indicate that the power level has changed to a high power level, as shown in Example 181. Indicators 162-1, 162-2, 162-3, and 162-4 will indicate a high power level for a period of time, such as 5 seconds, and then revert to displaying or indicating the battery level again, as shown in Example 182. Once the user initiates or performs a subsequent power level change (i.e., after the power level change shown in Example 181), indicators 162-1 and 162-2 will display or emit light, while rapidly increasing and then decreasing their brightness, and indicators 162-3 and 162-4 will not illuminate (remain dark) to indicate that the power level has changed to a low power level, as shown in Example 183.

[0064] exist Figure 3 An illustrative method 200 for changing a selected power level of an aerosol generating apparatus 102 is shown. Method 200 includes providing multiple different power levels 202 for use with a heating element to generate aerosols, and providing a selected power level 204 among the multiple different power levels. The selected power level is the power level that the aerosol generating apparatus is currently or is configured to use when generating aerosols.

[0065] In response to selecting a single power button 152, method 200 may initiate or begin a engagement period 206, which defines the time period during which the user can select a single power button 152 to actuate or initiate a change in power level. If the user has selected the single power button 152 the required number of times (n) within the engagement period 208, method 200 will change the selected power level 210. Conversely, if the user has not selected the single power button 152 the required number of times (n) within the engagement period 208, method 200 will not change the selected power level 212. After changing or not changing the selected power level, method 200 will revert to waiting for the initial selection of the single power button 205.

[0066] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise stated, all figures representing quantities, quantities, percentages, etc., shall be understood to be modified by the term "about" in all cases. Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically listed herein. Thus, in this context, the number A is understood as A ± 1% A. Within this context, the number A can be considered as a value within the general standard error for the measurement of the attribute modified by the number A. In some cases used in the appended claims, the number A may deviate from the percentages listed above, provided that the amount of deviation from A does not materially affect the essential and novel features of the claimed invention. Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically listed herein.

[0067] All scientific and technical terms used herein have their common meaning in the art, unless otherwise indicated. Definitions provided herein are for ease of understanding of certain terms frequently used herein. As used herein, unless explicitly indicated otherwise, the singular forms “a” and “the” cover embodiments having plural references. As used herein, unless explicitly indicated otherwise, “or” is generally used in its meaning encompassing “and / or”. The term “and / or” means one or all of the listed elements or any combination of two or more of the listed elements. As used herein, “having,” “comprising,” “including,” etc., are used in their open sense and generally mean “including (but not limited to)”. It should be understood that “consistent with,” “comprises,” etc., are included in “comprising”, etc. The terms “preferred” and “preferred” refer to embodiments of the invention that may provide certain benefits in certain contexts. However, other embodiments may also be preferred in the same or other circumstances. Furthermore, the description of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are useless and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of this disclosure, including the claims.

Claims

1. A method for use with an aerosol generating apparatus (102), characterized in that, The method includes: Provides multiple different power levels for use with the heating element (134) to generate aerosols using the aerosol generating device (102); The aerosol generating device, which provides one of the plurality of different power levels, is currently configured to be used with the heating element (134) at the selected power level to generate aerosols; Use one or more indicators (162-1, 162-2, 162-3, 162-4) on the aerosol generating device to indicate battery power; In response to the user pressing a single power button (152), the selected power level is changed to a different power level among the plurality of different power levels; During the time period following the user pressing the single power button to change the selected power level to a different power level among the plurality of different power levels, one or more indicators on the aerosol generating device are used to indicate the power level change; and After the changed time period expires, one or more indicators on the aerosol generating device are used to re-indicate the battery charge level.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The user pressing the single power button includes the user pressing the single power button multiple times during the engagement period.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, During the engagement period, the user presses the single power button (152) 3 times.

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The engagement time period is 2 seconds.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of different power levels include only a first power level and a second power level that is different from the first power level.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first power level is 5.5 watts, and the second power level is 4.5 watts.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Using one or more indicators (162-1, 162-2, 162-3, 162-4) on the aerosol generating device to indicate the power level change includes: The brightness of a first set of indicators among the one or more indicators is rapidly increased and then decreased during the change period, thereby indicating that the power level has changed to a first power level among the plurality of different power levels; and The brightness of a second set of indicators among the one or more indicators is rapidly increased and then decreased during the change period, thereby indicating that the power level has changed to a second power level among the plurality of different power levels.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Change the time period to 3 seconds.

9. A computer program product for use with an aerosol generating device (102), characterized in that, The computer program product includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium on which program code is stored, the program code being configured to run on a computer: Provides multiple different power levels for use with the heating element (134) to generate aerosols using the aerosol generating device (102); The aerosol generating device, which provides one of the plurality of different power levels, is currently configured to be used with the heating element at the selected power level to generate aerosols; Use one or more indicators (162-1, 162-2, 162-3, 162-4) on the aerosol generating device to indicate battery power; In response to the user pressing a single power button (152), the selected power level is changed to a different power level among the plurality of different power levels; During the time period following the user pressing the single power button to change the selected power level to a different power level among the plurality of different power levels, the one or more indicators on the aerosol generating device are used to indicate the power level change; as well as After the changed time period expires, one or more indicators on the aerosol generating device are used to re-indicate the battery charge level.

10. The computer program product according to claim 9, characterized in that, The user pressing the single power button includes the user pressing the single power button multiple times during the engagement period.

11. The computer program product according to claim 10, characterized in that, During the engagement period, the user presses the single power button (152) 3 times.

12. The computer program product according to claim 10, characterized in that, The engagement time period is 2 seconds.

13. The computer program product according to claim 9, characterized in that, The plurality of different power levels include only a first power level and a second power level that is different from the first power level.

14. The computer program product according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first power level is 5.5 watts, and the second power level is 4.5 watts.

15. The computer program product according to claim 9, characterized in that, Using one or more indicators (162-1, 162-2, 162-3, 162-4) on the aerosol generating device to indicate the power level change includes: The brightness of a first set of indicators among the one or more indicators is rapidly increased and then decreased during the change period, thereby indicating that the power level has changed to a first power level among the plurality of different power levels; and The brightness of a second set of indicators among the one or more indicators is rapidly increased and then decreased during the change period, thereby indicating that the power level has changed to a second power level among the plurality of different power levels.

16. The computer program product according to claim 9, characterized in that, Change the time period to 3 seconds.

17. An aerosol generating device (102), characterized in that, The device includes: Single power button (152); Heating element (134), said heating element being used to generate an aerosol using an aerosol generating article; and Controller (128), the controller including one or more processors and operably coupled to the single power button and the heating element, the controller being configured to: Provides multiple different power levels for use with heating elements to generate aerosols using the aerosol generating device; The aerosol generating device, which provides one of the plurality of different power levels, is currently configured to be used with the heating element at the selected power level to generate aerosols; Use one or more indicators (162-1, 162-2, 162-3, 162-4) on the aerosol generating device to indicate battery power; In response to the user pressing the single power button (152), the selected power level is changed to a different power level among the plurality of different power levels; During the time period following the user pressing the single power button to change the selected power level to a different power level among the plurality of different power levels, the one or more indicators on the aerosol generating device are used to indicate the power level change; and After the changed time period expires, one or more indicators on the aerosol generating device are used to re-indicate the battery charge level.

18. The aerosol generating apparatus (102) according to claim 17, characterized in that, The user pressing the single power button includes the user pressing the single power button multiple times during the engagement period.

19. The aerosol generating apparatus (102) according to claim 18, characterized in that, During the engagement period, the user presses the single power button (152) 3 times.

20. The aerosol generating apparatus (102) according to claim 18, characterized in that, The engagement time period is 2 seconds.

21. The aerosol generating apparatus (102) according to claim 17, characterized in that, The plurality of different power levels include only a first power level and a second power level that is different from the first power level.

22. The aerosol generating apparatus (102) according to claim 21, characterized in that, The first power level is 5.5 watts, and the second power level is 4.5 watts.

23. The aerosol generating apparatus (102) according to claim 17, characterized in that, Using one or more indicators (162-1, 162-2, 162-3, 162-4) on the aerosol generating device to indicate the power level change includes: The brightness of a first set of indicators among the one or more indicators is rapidly increased and then decreased during the change period, thereby indicating that the power level has changed to a first power level among the plurality of different power levels; and The brightness of a second set of indicators among the one or more indicators is rapidly increased and then decreased during the change period, thereby indicating that the power level has changed to a second power level among the plurality of different power levels.

24. The aerosol generating apparatus (102) according to claim 17, characterized in that, Change the time period to 3 seconds.

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