A smoking action detection method, a detection module and an electronic cigarette

Abstract

The application discloses a smoking action detection method, a detection module and an electronic cigarette. The method comprises the following steps: S1: the electronic cigarette makes N sampling counters start counting sampling periods at different time points, and the N sampling counters count the sampling periods at different time points; S2: the counting values of the first sampling counter to the Nth sampling counter are taken as smoking counting values, and whether the electronic cigarette is in a smoking action is judged based on the smoking counting values, a reference value and a smoking change threshold. The sensitivity and accuracy of smoking detection can be considered at the same time, and the smoking action of a user can be quickly and accurately detected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electronic cigarette technology, specifically to a method for detecting smoking actions in an electronic cigarette, a detection module, and an electronic cigarette. Background Technology

[0002] Electronic cigarettes are small in size and generally have small battery capacities, requiring high power consumption during standby. However, they also need to have a smoking detection function in standby mode. When a user smokes, the circuit must quickly and accurately detect the smoking action, generate a wake-up signal, and immediately put the electronic cigarette into smoking mode. Therefore, the smoking detection circuit must detect smoking actions quickly and accurately while having strict power consumption requirements.

[0003] In existing e-cigarettes, the capacitance of the capacitive microphone changes when a user inhales, resulting in a change in the frequency of the microphone clock signal. The e-cigarette detects this change in frequency by monitoring the microphone clock. Current technology typically involves counting the microphone clock signals at a fixed sampling period to detect these frequency changes. However, a sampling period that is too short can affect detection accuracy and lead to false detections; a sampling period that is too long can negatively impact the e-cigarette's sensitivity and degrade the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides a method, detection module, and electronic cigarette for detecting smoking actions in electronic cigarettes. This method simultaneously balances the sensitivity and accuracy of smoking detection, enabling rapid and accurate detection of the user's smoking actions. The specific technical solution of this invention is as follows:

[0005] A method for detecting smoking actions in an electronic cigarette, comprising the following steps: S1: The electronic cigarette causes N sampling counters to start counting sampling periods at different times, and the N sampling counters count sampling periods at different times; S2: The count values ​​of the first to the Nth sampling counters are used as smoking count values, and the electronic cigarette is used to determine whether it is in a smoking action based on the smoking count value, a baseline value, and a smoking change threshold; wherein, N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2.

[0006] Further, in step S1, the electronic cigarette causes N sampling counters to start counting the sampling period at different times, ensuring that all N sampling counters count the sampling period at different times. This includes the following steps: the electronic cigarette starts counting using the first sampling counter at time 1, starts counting using the second sampling counter at time 2, and so on, until the Nth sampling counter starts counting at time N; at time N+1, the first sampling counter ends counting and starts counting for the next sampling period; at time N+2, the second sampling counter ends counting and starts counting for the next sampling period, and so on, until the Nth sampling counter ends counting and starts counting for the next sampling period; the electronic cigarette repeats the above two steps to continuously acquire the count values ​​of the N sampling counters.

[0007] Furthermore, N is 3.

[0008] Furthermore, the electronic cigarette uses a reference clock to count a time counter, and the time taken for the time counter to count a set value is used as the time between the Nth time and the N+1th time.

[0009] Furthermore, the sampling counter counts the sampling period, including the following steps: the electronic cigarette starts counting the sampling counter using the microphone clock at time M, and ends counting at time M+N, so that the sampling counter completes one sampling period and obtains the count value; where M is a natural number.

[0010] Furthermore, the electronic cigarette uses the first count value of the first sampling counter as the reference value.

[0011] Furthermore, each time the electronic cigarette obtains a count value from the sampling counter, it compares the obtained count value with a reference value. If the obtained count value is greater than the reference value, then the count value is used as the reference value.

[0012] Further, in step S2, determining whether the e-cigarette is in a smoking action based on the smoking count value, the baseline value, and the smoking change threshold includes the following steps: each time the e-cigarette obtains a count value from the sampling counter, it uses that count value as the smoking count value, obtains the difference between the baseline value and the smoking count value, and then compares the ratio of the difference to the baseline value with the smoking change threshold. If the ratio of the difference to the baseline value is greater than the smoking change threshold, it is determined that the e-cigarette is in a smoking action; if the ratio of the difference to the baseline value is not greater than the smoking change threshold, it is determined that the e-cigarette is not in a smoking action.

[0013] A detection module is provided, which executes the above-described method for detecting the smoking action of an electronic cigarette. The detection module includes a reference clock unit, a microphone clock unit, and a counter unit. The reference clock unit is used to provide a fixed reference clock. The microphone clock unit is used to generate a microphone clock of a corresponding frequency based on the capacitance value of the capacitive microphone of the electronic cigarette. The counter unit includes a time counter for determining the time and several sampling counters for providing the count value.

[0014] An electronic cigarette, the electronic cigarette including a control module and the detection module described above.

[0015] Compared with existing technologies, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: The technical solution of this application uses multiple sampling counters to start counting the sampling period at different times, so that N sampling counters count the sampling period at different times, forming overlapping counting. Under a larger sampling period, the detection accuracy is maintained and false detection is prevented. The set time is used as the detection period to determine whether the e-cigarette is being smoked, thus maintaining the sensitivity of the e-cigarette and improving the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating the smoking action detection method for electronic cigarettes according to the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the time-varying nature of the electronic cigarette of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electronic cigarette of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout.

[0020] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the directional terms such as "center", "lateral", "longitudinal", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", and "counterclockwise" indicate the orientation and positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. They should not be construed as limiting the specific protection scope of this invention.

[0021] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features. Thus, the use of "first" and "second" to define a feature may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature, and in the description of this invention, "at least" means one or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0022] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "assembly," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can also refer to a mechanical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or a connection through an intermediate medium; or they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0023] In this invention, unless otherwise specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "below," and "over" the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Above," "below," and "below" the second feature includes the first feature being directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0024] The following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, further illustrates specific embodiments of the present invention, making the technical solution and its beneficial effects clearer and more explicit. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, but should not be construed as limiting the invention.

[0025] Reference Figure 1 It is known that a method for detecting smoking actions in an electronic cigarette includes the following steps:

[0026] Step S1: The electronic cigarette causes N sampling counters to begin counting sampling cycles at different times, ensuring that all N sampling counters count sampling cycles at different times; where N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2. The sampling counters are based on the microphone clock clk_mic and count in each sampling cycle. When the electronic cigarette first starts working, the count value of the sampling counter is the base value CNT_INI, and thereafter, the count value of the sampling counter sampled in each sampling cycle is the real-time value CNT_REAL, i.e., the smoking count value. The "time" refers to a specific point in time.

[0027] In one embodiment, step S1 involves the electronic cigarette causing N sampling counters to begin counting sampling periods at different times. This includes the following steps: the electronic cigarette starts counting using the first sampling counter at time 1, the second sampling counter at time 2, and so on, until the Nth sampling counter starts counting; at time N+1, the first sampling counter stops counting and begins the next sampling period; at time N+2, the second sampling counter stops counting and begins the next sampling period, and so on, until the Nth sampling counter stops counting and begins the next sampling period. The electronic cigarette repeats these two steps to continuously acquire the count values ​​of the N sampling counters. By having the sampling counters start counting sampling periods at different times, the cigarette smoke count value can be acquired at different times. The detection period is one moment, and depending on the number of sampling counters, the detection period is one-Nth of the sampling period. This improves the detection sensitivity.

[0028] In one embodiment, N is 3, meaning three sampling counters are used for counting. Figure 2As shown, when the electronic cigarette starts working, the first sampling counter starts counting at time t1, the second sampling counter starts counting at time t2, and the third sampling counter starts counting at time t3. At time t4, the first sampling counter completes one sampling cycle, and its count value at time t4 can be used as the real-time value CNT_REAL, i.e., the smoking count value. Simultaneously, at time t4, the frequency change of the microphone clock is detected to determine whether the electronic cigarette is in a smoking state. Then, the first sampling counter enters the next sampling cycle and starts counting again. At time t5, the second sampling counter completes one sampling cycle, and its count value at time t5 can be used as the real-time value CNT_REAL. Then, the second sampling counter enters the next sampling cycle and starts counting again. Simultaneously, the frequency change of the microphone clock is detected at time t5. At time t6, the third sampling counter completes one sampling cycle, and its count value at time t6 can be used as the real-time value CNT_REAL. Then, the third sampling counter enters the next sampling cycle and starts counting again. Simultaneously, the frequency change of the microphone clock is detected at time t6. At time t7, the first sampling counter completes another sampling cycle, and the count value of the second sampling counter at time t7 can be used as the real-time value CNT_REAL of the sampling counter. Then the first sampling counter enters the next sampling cycle and starts counting again. Simultaneously, the frequency change of the microphone clock is detected at time t7. This process continues, providing a real-time value CNT_REAL, i.e., the smoking count value, for the electronic cigarette at each time point.

[0029] In one embodiment, the electronic cigarette uses a reference clock to count a time counter. The time taken for the time counter to count a set value is the time between time N and time N+1. That is, at time t1, the time counter starts counting. Each time the reference clock sends a clock pulse, the time counter counts once, i.e., the count value is incremented by one. When the count value of the time counter equals the set value, time t2 is reached. The time period during which the time counter counts is the time between the two times. The counting speed of the time counter is determined by the clock pulse interval of the reference clock. Therefore, the specific value of the time between the two times can be set by adjusting the frequency of the reference clock. By using one time counter to control the counting time of multiple sampling counters, the practicality is high.

[0030] In one embodiment, the sampling counter counts the sampling period, including the following steps: the electronic cigarette starts counting the sampling counter using the microphone clock at time M, and ends counting at time M+N, so that the sampling counter completes one sampling period and obtains the count value; where M is a natural number. That is, when there are three sampling counters, the first sampling counter starts counting at time t1. Every time the microphone clock emits a clock pulse, the first sampling counter counts once, that is, the count value is incremented by one. When the time counter counts to time t4, it completes the counting of one sampling period, the first sampling counter stops counting, outputs the count value, and starts counting again.

[0031] In one embodiment, the electronic cigarette uses the first count value of the first sampling counter as the reference value CNT_INI. For convenience, after the electronic cigarette is powered on and reset, the first count value of the first sampling counter is used as the reference value CNT_INI. At this time, the electronic cigarette can use or not use the count value of the first sampling counter for smoking detection. The electronic cigarette can also pre-set the reference value CNT_INI according to the frequency of the reference clock and the microphone clock, which can make the reference value more accurate. When setting the reference value CNT_INI according to the frequency of the microphone clock and the reference clock, the reference clock is used to count the time counter, and the microphone clock is used to count the first sampling counter. When the time counter counts to the sampling period, the first sampling counter and the time counter stop counting, and the count value of the first sampling counter is used as the reference value CNT_INI, which can make the reference value more accurate.

[0032] In one embodiment, when the first count value of the first sampling counter is used as the reference value CNT_INI, the electronic cigarette compares the acquired count value with the reference value each time it acquires a count value from the sampling counter. If the acquired count value is greater than the reference value, then that count value is used as the reference value. When smoking, the capacitance of the capacitive microphone increases, causing the frequency of the corresponding microphone clock signal to decrease, which in turn causes the count value of the sampling counter to decrease. If the capacitive microphone is affected when the first sampling counter is counting the first count value, the acquired reference value will be too small, potentially leading to inaccurate detection. However, when the capacitive microphone is not affected, the count value of the sampling counter is at its maximum. Therefore, using the maximum count value of the sampling counter as the reference value can improve the accuracy of detection.

[0033] Step S2: Use the count values ​​of the first to Nth sampling counters as the smoking count values ​​respectively, and determine whether the e-cigarette is in the act of smoking based on the smoking count value, the baseline value and the smoking change threshold.

[0034] In one embodiment, step S2, determining whether the e-cigarette is in a smoking action based on the smoking count value, a baseline value, and a smoking change threshold, includes the following steps: Each time the e-cigarette acquires a count value from the sampling counter, this count value is used as the smoking count value. The difference between the baseline value and the smoking count value is obtained. Then, the ratio of the difference to the baseline value is compared with the smoking change threshold. If the ratio of the difference to the baseline value is greater than the smoking change threshold, the e-cigarette is determined to be in a smoking action. If the ratio of the difference to the baseline value is not greater than the smoking change threshold, the e-cigarette is determined not to be in a smoking action. When the change in the real-time value CNT_REAL of the sampling counter relative to the baseline value CNT_INI exceeds the smoking change threshold VARY_THRE ((CNT_INI - CNT_REAL) / CNT_INI > VARY_THRE), a smoking action is detected. The smoking change threshold VARY_THRE is the percentage change in the microphone clock frequency; that is, if the frequency change of the microphone clock exceeds the smoking change threshold VARY_THRE, a smoking action is detected. According to the smoking detection method, the reference value CNT_INI is used as the denominator of the percentage change in the microphone clock clk_mic frequency. The larger the reference value CNT_INI, the higher the detection accuracy. Therefore, the longer the sampling period, the better, in order to improve the accuracy of smoking detection.

[0035] As one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, when there are three sampling counters, their sampling periods overlap, and at each detection period (i.e., at each moment), one sampling counter always meets the sampling requirements of the sampling period. At each smoking detection moment, the three counters poll to update the sampled value to the real-time value CNT_REAL of the sampling counter. Thus, the sampling period of each counter is T_S = 3t, the detection period is T_D = t, and the sampling period T_S is three times the detection period T_D. Assuming the detection period T_D = 20ms, then the sampling period T_S = 60ms. The smoking change threshold VARY_THRE = 3.5%. The reference clock clk_ref = 33KHz, and the microphone clock clk_mic = 20KHz when there is no smoking. Then, the reference value CNT_INI = 1200, and a smoking action will only be detected when the difference in the frequency change of the microphone clock clk_mic is greater than CNT_INI * VARY_THRE = 1200 * 3.5% = 42. The detection accuracy can reach 1 / 1200, and the sampling counter change threshold (CNT_INI - CNT_REAL) can reach 42, demonstrating strong detection accuracy and robustness.

[0036] A detection module executes the above-described method for detecting smoking actions in an electronic cigarette. The detection module includes a reference clock unit, a microphone clock unit, and a counter unit. The reference clock unit provides a fixed reference clock. The microphone clock unit generates a microphone clock of a corresponding frequency based on the capacitance value of the electronic cigarette's capacitive microphone. The counter unit includes a time counter for determining the moment and several sampling counters for providing count values. The reference clock unit provides a fixed reference clock clk_ref. The microphone clock unit detects the capacitance value of the capacitive microphone and converts it into a microphone clock signal clk_mic of a corresponding frequency. When smoking, the capacitance value of the capacitive microphone increases, and the frequency of the corresponding microphone clock signal clk_mic decreases. The microphone clock frequency change detection circuit generates a stable sampling period T_S based on the reference clock ck_ref, and counts the microphone clock clk_mic in each sampling period T_S. Simultaneously, it generates a stable detection period T_D to detect the frequency change of the microphone clock clk_mic. The circuit checks whether the frequency change of the microphone clock clk_mic exceeds the smoking change threshold VARY_THRE to determine if smoking has occurred. The smoking detection module of the electronic cigarette needs to detect the user's smoking action in standby / sleep mode, therefore, there are strict requirements on the power consumption of each functional circuit. In the application example, the reference clock clk_ref of the reference clock circuit is 33kHz, and the microphone clock clk_mic is 20kHz when there is no smoking; both are low-frequency clocks to meet the low-power consumption requirement.

[0037] An electronic cigarette, the electronic cigarette including a control module and the detection module described above.

[0038] Compared with existing technologies, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: The technical solution of this application uses multiple sampling counters to start counting the sampling period at different times, so that N sampling counters count the sampling period at different times, forming overlapping counting. Under a larger sampling period, the detection accuracy is maintained and false detection is prevented. The set time is used as the detection period to determine whether the e-cigarette is being smoked, thus maintaining the sensitivity of the e-cigarette and improving the user experience.

[0039] In the description of this specification, the terms "in one embodiment," "preferred," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. The illustrative expressions of the above terms in this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. The connection methods linked in the description of this specification have significant effects and practical utility.

[0040] Based on the above description of the structure and principle, those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. Improvements and substitutions made using techniques known in the art based on the present invention all fall within the protection scope of the present invention and should be defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A method for detecting smoking actions in an electronic cigarette, characterized in that, The method includes the following steps: S1: The electronic cigarette causes N sampling counters to start counting the sampling period at different times, so that all N sampling counters count the sampling period at different times. S2: The count values ​​of the first to Nth sampling counters are used as the smoking count values ​​respectively. Based on the smoking count values, the baseline value and the smoking change threshold, it is determined whether the e-cigarette is in the act of smoking. Where N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2; In step S1, the electronic cigarette causes N sampling counters to start counting the sampling period at different times, ensuring that all N sampling counters count the sampling period at different times. This includes the following steps: The electronic cigarette starts counting using the first sampling counter at time 1, the second sampling counter at time 2, and so on, until the Nth time when the Nth sampling counter starts counting. At time N+1, the first sampling counter ends counting and begins counting for the next sampling period. At time N+2, the second sampling counter ends counting and begins counting for the next sampling period, and so on. At time N+N, the Nth sampling counter ends counting and begins counting for the next sampling period. The electronic cigarette repeatedly executes two steps—starting and ending the count of N sampling counters—to continuously acquire the count values ​​of the N sampling counters.

2. The method for detecting smoking action of an electronic cigarette according to claim 1, characterized in that, The value of N is 3.

3. The method for detecting smoking action of an electronic cigarette according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electronic cigarette uses a clock pulse from a reference clock to trigger a time counter for counting. The time taken for the time counter to count a set number of times is taken as the time between the Nth time and the N+1th time.

4. The method for detecting smoking action of an electronic cigarette according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sampling counter counts the sampling periods, including the following steps: The electronic cigarette starts counting the sampling counter using the microphone clock at time M and ends counting at time M+N, so that the sampling counter completes one sampling cycle and obtains the count value. Where M is a natural number.

5. The method for detecting smoking action of an electronic cigarette according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electronic cigarette uses the first count value of the first sampling counter as the reference value.

6. The method for detecting smoking action of an electronic cigarette according to claim 5, characterized in that, Each time the electronic cigarette obtains a count value from the sampling counter, it compares the obtained count value with a reference value. If the obtained count value is greater than the reference value, then the count value is used as the reference value.

7. The method for detecting smoking action of an electronic cigarette according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S2, determining whether the e-cigarette is being used for smoking is based on the smoking count, baseline value, and smoking change threshold, including the following steps: Each time the electronic cigarette obtains a count value from the sampling counter, it uses that count value as the smoking count value, obtains the difference between the baseline value and the smoking count value, and then compares the ratio of the difference to the baseline value with the smoking change threshold. If the ratio of the difference to the baseline value is greater than the smoking change threshold, it is determined that the electronic cigarette is in the act of smoking; if the ratio of the difference to the baseline value is not greater than the smoking change threshold, it is determined that the electronic cigarette is not in the act of smoking.

8. A detection module, characterized in that, The detection module performs the smoking action detection method of the electronic cigarette according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The detection module includes a reference clock unit, a microphone clock unit, and a counter unit. The reference clock unit is used to provide a fixed reference clock. The microphone clock unit is used to generate a microphone clock of a corresponding frequency according to the capacitance value of the capacitive microphone of the electronic cigarette. The counter unit includes a time counter for determining the time and several sampling counters for providing the count value.

9. An electronic cigarette, characterized in that, The electronic cigarette includes a control module and the detection module as described in claim 8.

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