Personal carrying cartridge for electronic vaping device

Abstract

A personal carrying cartridge for an electronic vaping device is disclosed. A personal carrying case (100) for housing an electronic vaping device (101) includes a communication interface (114) configured to establish a communication link (210, 320) with the electronic vaping device (101) and a remotely located computer device (220). A control circuit (118) contained in the cartridge (100) may control elements of the electronic vaping device (101) in accordance with control commands received from the computer device (220). The control circuit (118) may control an element of the e-vaping device via an e-vaping device communication link (320), and the control circuit (118) may receive the control command via a computer device communication link (210).

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese invention patent application with application number 201780011905.0, application date March 10, 2017, and titled “Personal Carrying Box for Electronic Steam Cigarette Device”. The divisional application directly targeted by this application is Chinese invention patent application 202111179820.8. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to electronic vapor devices or electronic vapor devices configured to generate dispersions using formulations, and more particularly to personal carrying cases configured to charge the electronic vapor devices. Background Art

[0003] An electronic vaping device (EVD), also referred to herein as an electronic vaping device, may be used by adult e-vaping smokers for portable vaping. A personal carrying case (PCC) may provide a housing for one or more portions of an e-vaping device and thus provide a mobile storage location for one or more e-vaping devices between vapings. In some cases, a PCC accommodates a disassembled e-vaping device, wherein a power section of the e-vaping device is contained in a separate portion of the PCC relative to another section of the e-vaping device. A PCC may enable an adult e-vaping smoker to, for example, store multiple power sections of an e-vaping device so that an adult e-vaping smoker can replace a depleted power section. In some cases, a PCC enables charging of a power section of an e-vaping device to extend the vaping ability of the e-vaping device. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to some example embodiments, a personal carrying case (PCC) for accommodating an electronic vapor cigarette device (EVD) includes a first communication interface, a second communication interface, and a control device. The first communication interface may be configured to establish a first communication link with the EVD. The second communication interface may be configured to establish a second communication link with a remotely located computer device. The control device may be configured to control at least one element of the EVD according to a control command received from the computer device, the control command is received via the second communication link, and the control device controls the at least one element of the EVD via the first communication link.

[0005] In some example embodiments, the second communication link may be an ad hoc wireless network communication link.The control device may be configured to command the second communication interface to establish the second communication link based on the first communication interface establishing the first communication link with the EVD.

[0006] In some example embodiments, the control device may be configured to control the at least one element to selectively inhibit the EVD from generating a dispersion.

[0007] In some example embodiments, the control device may be configured to control the at least one element to selectively adjust at least one parameter of light emitted by a starting light of the EVD during smoking of the vapor.

[0008] In some example embodiments, the control device may be configured to receive information from at least one element of the EVD via the first communication link, the information being related to at least one element of the EVD. The control device may be further configured to determine a state related to the EVD based on the information. The control device may be further configured to transmit the state to the computer device via the second communication link.

[0009] In some example embodiments, the EVD may include a cartridge and a power supply section, the cartridge being configured to produce a dispersion based on receiving electrical power, the power supply section including an EVD power supply and a control circuit, the EVD power supply being configured to supply the electrical power to the cartridge, and the EVD control circuit being configured to selectively control the supply of electrical power from the EVD power supply to the cartridge.

[0010] In some example embodiments, the information may include cartridge information related to the cartridge of the EVD.

[0011] In some example embodiments, the cartridge information may include at least one of: identification information identifying the cartridge; flavoring information indicating a flavor of a formulation stored in a reservoir of the cartridge; and formulation reservoir level information indicating an amount of the formulation stored in the reservoir of the cartridge.

[0012] In some example embodiments, the control device may be configured to associate the cartridge with a cartridge record based on the cartridge information. The control device may be further configured to generate EVD usage history information based on monitoring EVD information received from the EVD over time, the EVD usage history information being related to the use of the EVD to produce a dispersion during the puffing of vapor. The control device may be further configured to associate the EVD usage history information with the cartridge record based on associating the cartridge information contained in the monitored EVD information with the cartridge associated with the cartridge record.

[0013] In some example embodiments, the control device may be configured to receive the cartridge information from a cartridge storage device contained within the cartridge via the first communication link.

[0014] In some example embodiments, the information may include EVD power supply information indicative of a charge level of the EVD power supply.The control device may be configured to receive the EVD power supply information from the power supply segment via the first communication link.

[0015] In some example embodiments, the control device may be configured to generate a notification based on the information, the notification indicating that at least one operating parameter of the EVD at least meets a warning threshold.

[0016] According to some example embodiments, a method may include establishing a first communication link with an electronic vapor device (EVD) housed in a personal carrying case (PCC); establishing a second communication link with a remotely located computer device; and controlling at least one element of the EVD via the first communication link based on a control command transmitted from the computer device to the PCC, the control command being transmitted via the second communication link.

[0017] In some example embodiments, the second communication link may be an ad hoc wireless network communication link.

[0018] In some example embodiments, controlling the at least one element may include at least one of: selectively inhibiting the EVD from producing a dispersion; selectively adjusting at least one parameter of light emitted by a startup light of the EVD during smoking of a vapor; and selectively deactivating the startup light of the EVD.

[0019] In some example embodiments, the method may further include receiving information from at least one element of the EVD via the first communication link, the information being related to at least one element of the EVD; determining a state related to the EVD based on the information; and transmitting the state to the computer device via the second communication link.

[0020] According to some example embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may store program code. The program code, when executed by a computer processing device, may cause the computer processing device to establish a first communication link with an electronic vapor cigarette device (EVD) contained in a personal carrying case (PCC); establish a second communication link with a remotely located computer device; and control at least one element of the EVD via the first communication link according to a control command transmitted from the computer device to the PCC, the control command being transmitted via the second communication link.

[0021] In some example embodiments, the second communication link may be an ad hoc wireless network communication link.

[0022] In some example embodiments, controlling the at least one element may include at least one of: selectively inhibiting the EVD from producing a dispersion; selectively adjusting at least one parameter of light emitted by a startup light of the EVD during smoking of a vapor; and selectively deactivating the startup light of the EVD.

[0023] In some example embodiments, the program code, when executed by a computer processing device, may further cause the computer processing device to receive information from at least one element of the EVD via the first communication link, the information being related to at least one element of the EVD; determine a status related to the EVD based on the EVD information; and transmit the status to the computer device via the second communication link.

[0024] According to some example embodiments, a method may include establishing a communication link with a control device of a remotely located personal carrying case (PCC); receiving EVD status information related to at least one element of the coupled EVD via the communication link; and displaying a graphical representation of the EVD status information. The PCC may be coupled to an electronic vapor device (EVD).

[0025] In some example embodiments, the EVD status information may include information indicating a ratio of a formulation held in a reservoir of the EVD, the formulation ratio indicating an amount of the formulation held in the reservoir relative to an amount of the formulation held in a fully filled reservoir of the EVD. The graphical representation of the EVD status information may include a graphical representation of the reservoir and a graphical representation of the ratio of the formulation held in the reservoir.

[0026] In some example embodiments, the EVD status information may include information indicating a charge level of an EVD power source of the EVD.The graphical representation of the EVD status information may include a graphical representation of the EVD power source and a graphical representation of the charge level of the EVD power source.

[0027] In some example embodiments, the EVD status information may include information indicating a remaining number of single puffs that the EVD can provide using current resources within the EVD. The graphical representation of the EVD status information may include a graphical representation of the remaining number of single puffs that can be provided by the EVD.

[0028] According to some example embodiments, a method includes establishing a communication link with a control device of a remotely located personal carrier case (PCC); displaying a control settings display interface indicating at least one control setting, according to which the control device of the PCC can control one or more elements of the connected EVD; receiving specific instructions from an adult electronic cigarette smoker to adjust the at least one control setting based on the interaction of the adult electronic cigarette smoker with the at least one interactive icon to establish an adjusted control setting; and transmitting one or more control commands to the control device of the PCC to command the control device to control one or more elements of the connected EVD according to the adjusted control setting. The PCC can be connected to an electronic vapor cigarette device (EVD). The display interface can include at least one interactive icon associated with the at least one control setting, the at least one interactive icon including a graphical representation of the at least one control setting.

[0029] In some example embodiments, the at least one interactive icon may include a slider icon. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Example embodiments will be described in more detail with respect to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various figures unless otherwise specified, and wherein:

[0031] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a personal carrying case (PCC) for an electronic vapor device (EVD), according to some example embodiments.

[0032] Figure 2 Schematic diagram illustrating a PCC communicatively coupled to both an EVD and a remotely located computer device, according to some example embodiments.

[0033] Figure 3 A schematic block diagram illustrating a PCC control device managing records associated with a plurality of independent cartridges according to some example embodiments.

[0034] Figure 4 A status information display interface generated by a remotely located computer device according to some example embodiments is described.

[0035] Figure 5 A control settings display interface generated by a remotely located computer device according to some example embodiments is described.

[0036] Fig. 6A An EVD usage display interface generated by a remotely located computer device according to some example embodiments is described.

[0037] Figure 6BAn EVD usage display interface generated by a remotely located computer device according to some example embodiments is described.

[0038] Figure 7 A shopping display interface generated by a remotely located computer device according to some example embodiments is described.

[0039] Figure 8 A flow chart illustrating a method for interacting with an EVD and a remotely located computer device according to some example embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] It should be noted that these drawings are intended to illustrate the general characteristics of methods or structures used in specific example embodiments and to supplement the written description provided below. However, these drawings are not drawn to scale and may not accurately reflect the precise structural or performance characteristics of any given embodiment, and should not be interpreted as being limited or restricted by the included range values ​​or properties of the example embodiments.

[0041] One or more example embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, example embodiments may be implemented in various different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the illustrated embodiments. In fact, the illustrated embodiments are provided as examples in order to make the present disclosure thorough and complete, and the embodiments will fully convey the concepts of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. Therefore, known procedures, elements, and techniques may not be described with respect to some example embodiments. Unless otherwise noted, the same reference numerals throughout the drawings and written descriptions represent the same elements, and therefore will not be described repeatedly.

[0042] Although the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, regions, layers, or sections, these elements, regions, layers, or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, region, layer, or section from another element, region, layer, or section. Therefore, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the first element, region, layer, or section discussed below may be referred to as a second element, region, layer, or section.

[0043] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "below", "below", "lower", "below", "above", "upper", etc. may be used herein to describe the relationship between an element or feature and another element or feature as shown in the figure. It should be understood that, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figure, it is expected that the spatial relative terms cover different orientations of the device when in use or operation. For example, if the device in the figure is turned over, the element described as being "below" or "below" or "below" other elements or features will be oriented "above" other elements or features. Therefore, the example terms "below" and "below" can cover both the above and below orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptors used herein can be interpreted accordingly. In addition, when an element is referred to as being "between" two elements, the element may be the only element between the two elements, or one or more other intermediate elements may be present.

[0044] As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to also include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "include" and "comprising" when used in this specification specify the presence of stated features, wholes, steps, operations, or elements, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, or groups thereof. When preceding a list of elements, expressions such as "at least one of" modify the entire list of elements and do not modify individual elements in the list. Also, the term "exemplary" is intended to refer to an example or illustration.

[0045] When an element is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” “coupled to,” or “adjacent to” another element, the element may be directly on, connected to, coupled to, or adjacent to the other element, or one or more other intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” “directly coupled to,” or “closely adjacent to” another element, there are no intervening elements present.

[0046] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the example embodiments belong. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology and the present disclosure, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0047] Example embodiments may be described with reference to symbolic representations of acts and operations that may be implemented in conjunction with units or devices discussed in greater detail below (e.g., in the form of flowcharts, job diagrams, data flow diagrams, structure diagrams, block diagrams, etc.). Although discussed in a particular manner, the functions or operations specified in a particular block may be performed in a manner different from the flow specified in the flowchart, job diagram, etc. For example, functions or operations described as being performed serially in two consecutive blocks may actually be performed simultaneously, or in some cases in a reverse order.

[0048] Units or devices according to one or more example embodiments may be implemented using hardware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, a hardware device may be implemented using a processing circuit, such as, but not limited to, a processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a controller, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a system-on-chip (SoC), a programmable logic unit, a microprocessor, or any other device capable of responding to and executing instructions in a defined manner. In some example embodiments, a hardware device may be implemented using an application-specific integrated chip (ASIC).

[0049] Software may include a computer program, program code, instructions, or some combination thereof for instructing or configuring hardware devices, either independently or collectively, to operate as desired. The computer program or program code may include at least one of a program or computer-readable instruction, a software element, a software module, a data file, a data structure, etc., that can be implemented by one or more hardware devices, such as one or more of the hardware devices mentioned above. Examples of program code include both machine code produced by a compiler and higher-level program code executed using an interpreter.

[0050] For example, when the hardware device is a computer processing device (e.g., a processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a controller, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a microprocessor, etc.), the computer processing device may be configured to implement the program code by performing arithmetic, logic, and input / output operations according to the program code. Once the program code is loaded into the computer processing device, the computer processing device may be programmed to execute the program code, thereby transforming the computer processing device into a special-purpose computer processing device. In a more specific example, when the program code is loaded into a processor, the processor becomes programmed to execute the program code and operations corresponding thereto, thereby transforming the processor into a special-purpose processor.

[0051] The software, data, or both may be implemented permanently or temporarily in any type of machine, element, physical or virtual device, or computer storage medium or device capable of providing instructions or data to or being interpreted by a hardware device. The software may also be distributed over a network-connected computer system so that the software is stored and executed in a distributed manner. Specifically, for example, the software and data may be stored by one or more computer-readable recording media, including tangible or non-transitory computer-readable storage media discussed herein.

[0052] According to one or more example embodiments, a computer processing device may be described as including various functional units that perform various operations, functions, or operations and functions to improve the clarity of the description. However, the computer processing device is not intended to be limited to these functional units. For example, in one or more example embodiments, various operations, functions, or operations and functions of a functional unit may be performed by other functional units in the functional unit. In addition, the computer processing device may perform the operations, functions, or operations and functions of various functional units without subdividing the operations, functions, or operations and functions of the computer processing unit into these various functional units.

[0053] The unit or device according to one or more example embodiments may also include one or more storage devices. The one or more storage devices may be tangible or non-temporary computer-readable storage media, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), permanent mass storage device (e.g., disk drive), solid-state (e.g., NAND flash memory) device, any other identical data storage mechanism capable of storing and recording data, and combinations thereof. One or more storage devices may be configured to store computer programs, program codes, instructions, or a combination thereof for one or more operating systems, for implementing the example embodiments described herein, or for both. A drive mechanism may also be used to load a computer program, program code, instruction, or a combination thereof from an independent computer-readable storage medium to one or more storage devices, one or more computer processing devices, or both. Such independent computer-readable storage media may include a Universal Serial Bus (USB) flash drive, a memory stick, a Blu-ray / DVD / optical drive, a memory card, other identical computer-readable storage media, and combinations thereof. A computer program, program code, instruction, or a combination thereof may be loaded from a remote data electronic storage device to one or more storage devices, one or more computer processing devices, or both via a network interface rather than via a local computer-readable storage medium. In addition, a computer program, program code, instruction, or some combination thereof may be loaded to one or more storage devices, one or more processors, or both over a network from a remote computing system that is configured to transmit, distribute, or transmit and distribute the computer program, program code, instruction, or some combination thereof. The remote computing system may transmit, distribute, or transmit and distribute the computer program, program code, instruction, or some combination thereof via a wired interface, an air interface, any other similar media, and combinations thereof.

[0054] One or more hardware devices, one or more storage devices, computer programs, program codes, instructions, or some combination thereof may be specially designed and constructed for the purposes of example embodiments, or they may be known devices that have been altered, modified, or altered and modified for the purposes of example embodiments.

[0055] A hardware device, such as a computer processing device, may execute an operating system (OS) and one or more software applications running on the OS. The computer processing device may also access, store, manipulate, process, and create data in response to the execution of the software. For simplicity, one or more example embodiments may be illustrated as a computer processing device; however, those skilled in the art will appreciate that a hardware device may include multiple processing elements and multiple types of processing elements. For example, a hardware device may include multiple processors or a processor and a controller. In addition, other processing configurations are possible, such as parallel processors.

[0056] Although described with reference to specific examples and drawings, modifications, additions and substitutions of the example embodiments may be made in various ways according to the descriptions made by those skilled in the art. For example, the described techniques may be performed in a different order from the described methods, and the elements such as the described systems, architectures, devices, circuits, etc. may be connected or combined differently from the above methods, and the results may be achieved by other elements or equivalents and combinations thereof as appropriate.

[0057] Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of a personal carrying case (PCC) for an electronic vapor device (EVD) according to some example embodiments. As described herein, the electronic vapor device may include one or more of the features set forth in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0192623 to Tucker et al., filed on January 31, 2013, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0192619 to Tucker et al., filed on January 14, 2013, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. As used herein, the term "electronic vapor device" includes all types of electronic vapor devices, regardless of form, size, or shape.

[0058] The PCC 100 includes a body element 110, also referred to herein as the PCC "body." The body 110 includes an electronic vapor cigarette device slot 112. The slot 112 extends into the interior of the body 110. The slot 112 is configured to receive at least a portion of an assembled EVD 101.

[0059] In some example embodiments, PCC 100 includes a cover element 120, also referred to herein as a PCC "cover". In some example embodiments, cover 120 is configured to be coupled to body 110 such that cover 120 and body 110 together establish a housing that can accommodate assembled EVD 101. Figure 1 As shown, the cover 120 may be coupled to the body 110 via a hinge mechanism 121 .

[0060] like Figure 1 As shown, the assembled EVD 101 can be inserted into the slot 112. The EVD 101 is inserted along the longitudinal axis of the slot 112 and the EVD 101. The EVD 101 includes a cartridge (or first section) 102 and a power section (or second section) 106. The cartridge 102 can be replaceable and can be replaced via an interface ( Figure 1 ) is connected or disconnected from the power supply section 106 in a removable manner.

[0061] The power section 106 includes at least one power source 107 and an electronic vapor cigarette device electrical connection 109 at the top of the electronic vapor cigarette device 101. The power section 106 may also include one or more indicator lights at the top, including one or more LEDs. The at least one power source 107 will now be referred to herein as an EVD power source 107, but it should be understood that the at least one power source 107 encompasses multiple power sources, including one or more rechargeable batteries. The electronic vapor cigarette device electrical connection 109 will now be referred to herein as an interface 109, but it should be understood that the electronic vapor cigarette device electrical connection 109 encompasses multiple interfaces, including one or more communication interfaces and electrical interfaces.

[0062] The cartridge 102 includes at least one dispersion generator 103 configured to generate a dispersion. The dispersion generator 103 may generate the dispersion based on the electrical power supply from the power supply section 106.

[0063] Dispersion generator 103 can be configured to produce dispersion based on evaporating pre-steam formulation to produce steam. Dispersion generator 103 can include pre-steam formulation storage for preserving one or more pre-steam formulations. One or more of pre-steam formulations can be included in those described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0020823 granted to Lipowicz et al. filed on July 16, 2014 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0313275 granted to Anderson et al. filed on January 21, 2015, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Dispersion generator 103 can include a heater configured to heat at least a portion of pre-steam formulation to evaporate pre-steam formulation and produce steam. Dispersion generator 103 can include a dispensing interface configured to draw pre-steam formulation from pre-steam formulation storage. The dispense interface may be in fluid communication with the heater, such that the dispense interface draws the pre-steam formulation into fluid communication with the heater and the heater vaporizes the pre-steam formulation drawn through the dispense interface. In some example embodiments, the heater is coupled to the dispense interface. The dispense interface may include a wick. The heater may be configured to communicate between the cartridge 102 and the power supply section 106 via an interface ( Figure 1 106. For example, the dispersion generator 103 may be a vaporizer including a heater coupled to a dispense interface, wherein the dispense interface draws the pre-steam formulation from a reservoir. The heater may apply heat to the dispense interface to vaporize the pre-steam formulation drawn from the reservoir, thereby forming vapor.

[0064] The dispersion generator 103 can be an atomizer configured to generate a dispersion based on applying mechanical force to a dispersion pre-formulation. For example, the dispersion generator 103 can be an atomizer including one or more of a fluid sprayer assembly, a valve assembly, a pump assembly, a combination thereof, and the like.

[0065] The cartridge 102 may include an outlet end insert 104 at the outlet end of the EVD 101. The outlet end insert 104 may include one or more outlet ports through which the dispersion may be drawn during the drawing of the vapor.

[0066] During the inhalation of the vapor, the EVD power supply 107 in the power section 106 can supply electrical power to the elements of the dispersion generator 103 in the cartridge 102. The elements can generate dispersion based on the supplied electrical power. Thus, the EVD power supply 107 can support the dispersion generator 103 to generate dispersion. The dispersion can be drawn through the outlet end insert 104. The elements can include one or more of a heater of a vaporizer, a mechanical element of an atomizer, or some combination thereof.

[0067] In some example embodiments, the electronic vapor cigarette device 101 includes one or more instances of a control circuit. The control circuit may include one or more of a processing circuit and a storage device. The control circuit may control the generation of a dispersion liquid through the electronic vapor cigarette device. Figure 1 In the example embodiment shown in , the power supply section 106 includes a control circuit 108 .

[0068] The control circuit 108 may include processing circuits, including but not limited to a processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a controller, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a system-on-chip (SoC), a programmable logic unit, a microprocessor, or any other device capable of responding to and executing instructions in a defined manner. In some example embodiments, the control circuit 108 may be at least one of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and an ASIC chip.

[0069] The control circuit 108 may be configured as a special purpose machine by executing computer readable program code stored on an electronic storage device. The program code may include at least one of a program or computer readable instructions, software elements, software modules, data files, data structures, etc. that can be implemented by one or more hardware devices such as one or more of the control circuits mentioned above. Examples of program code include both machine code produced by a compiler and higher-level program code executed using an interpreter.

[0070] The control circuit 108 may be configured to control the supply of electrical power from the power source 107 to the dispersion generator 103 in the cartridge 102. In some example embodiments, the control circuit 108 is configured to selectively supply electrical power to the dispersion generator 103 based on one or more command signals, execution of one or more instances of program code stored at the EVD 101, and some combination thereof.

[0071] like Figure 1 As shown, the barrel 102 includes an electronic storage device 105. The electronic storage device 105 can store information related to the barrel 102. The identification information can include information that uniquely identifies the barrel, the formulation contained in the barrel, or a certain combination thereof. The identification information can include one or more unique identifiers related to the barrel 102. The unique identifier can include a flavoring identifier that identifies at least one of the flavors and flavorings associated with the formulation stored in the barrel 102. The unique identifier can identify one or more of the manufacturer of the barrel 102, the brand and model of the barrel 102, a certain combination thereof, etc. The unique identifier can include one or more of the stock keeping unit ("SKU"), the universal product code ("UPC"), the international article number ("EAN"), the global trade item number ("GTIN"), the Australian product number ("APN"), etc.

[0072] Electronic storage device 105 may be configured to be communicatively coupled to interface 109 via power supply segment 106. In some example embodiments, power supply segment 106 includes electronic storage device ( Figure 1 102), wherein the electronic storage device may store information related to the cartridge 102. The electronic storage device in the power supply section 106 may store information accessed from the electronic storage device 105 in the cartridge 102. In some example embodiments, the control circuit 108 is configured to access the electronic storage device 105 and the identification information stored thereon.

[0073] like Figure 1As shown, the PCC body 110 may include an interface 114 in a slot 112. The PCC 100 may be configured to connect to the EVD 101 via the connection of the interfaces 114 and 109 when the EVD 101 is inserted into the slot 112. The connection may include one or more of a physical connection, an electrical connection, and a communication connection. For example, the interface 114 may include an electrical connector configured to establish an electrical connection between the PCC 100 and the EVD 101 via contacting an electrical connector included in the EVD interface 109. The interface 114 may be configured to transmit data between the EVD 101 and the PCC 100, thereby establishing a communication link between one or more parts of the PCC 100 and one or more parts of the EVD 101.

[0074] In some example embodiments, PCC 100 may include an electrical charging circuit (ECC) 116. ECC 116 may be configured to be electrically coupled to interface 114. ECC 116 may include a battery 117. Battery 117 is referred to herein as PCC battery 117.

[0075] The ECC 116 may be configured to selectively supply electrical power to the EVD 101 based on the EVD 101 being electrically coupled to the ECC 116 via the interfaces 114, 109. In some example embodiments, the PCC 100 may be configured to charge the EVD power supply 107 of the EVD 101 electrically coupled to the ECC 116. Thus, the PCC 100 may enable the EVD 101 to support additional vapor through the electronic vapor device, thereby improving the sensory experience provided by the electronic vapor device.

[0076] The PCC 100 may include a control device 118 electrically coupled to one or more of the ECC 116 and the interface 114. It should be understood that the control device 118 is a computer processing device. The control device includes at least one of a processing circuit and at least one electronic storage device.

[0077] The control circuit 118 may include processing circuits, including but not limited to a processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a controller, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a system-on-chip (SoC), a programmable logic unit, a microprocessor, or any other device capable of responding to and executing instructions in a defined manner. In some example embodiments, the control device 118 may be an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0078] The control circuit 118 can be configured as a special purpose machine by executing computer readable program code stored on an electronic storage device. The program code may include a program or computer readable instructions, software elements, software modules, data files, data structures, combinations thereof, etc. that can be implemented by one or more hardware devices such as one or more of the control circuits mentioned above. Examples of program code include both machine code generated by a compiler and higher-level program code executed using an interpreter.

[0079] In some example embodiments, the control device 118 may include a transceiver, also referred to herein as a transceiver interface. The transceiver interface may be configured to communicate with one or more devices via establishing a communication link with the devices. The one or more devices may include one or more computer processing devices, including one or more mobile computer devices, smart phones, etc. The transceiver interface may include any known wireless communication interface, including an ad hoc network communication interface.

[0080] In some example embodiments, one or more of ECC 116 or control device 118 are absent from PCC 100. For example, ECC 116 may be absent from PCC 100, and control device 118 may be configured to communicatively couple with EVD 101 via interface 114.

[0081] like Figure 1 As shown, the interface 114 may be positioned at the bottom of the slot 112. However, it should be understood that the interface 114 may be positioned at various locations in the slot 112, including one or more portions of the sidewalls of the slot 112.

[0082] The control device 118 may be configured to communicate with one or more portions of the EVD 101 via a communication link between the control device 118 and one or more portions of the EVD 101. The communication link may be established through an interface in the PCC 100. This interface may be an interface 114. In some example embodiments, this interface is a transceiver interface included in the PCC 100. In some example embodiments, this interface is included in the control device 118.

[0083] The control device 118 may be configured to receive information from the EVD 101 via a communication link established with the EVD 101. For example, the control device 118 may be configured to receive information related to the power supply segment 106, including information indicating the status of the EVD power supply 107. Such information, also referred to herein as EVD power supply information, may include information indicating the amount of electrical power stored in the EVD power supply 107 (e.g., the “charge level” of the EVD power supply 107).

[0084] In another example, the control device 118 can be configured to receive information related to the cartridge 102, including one or more of the amount (e.g., "reservoir level") of the pre-dispersion formulation (also referred to herein as "formulation") stored in the formulation reservoir of the dispersion generator 103. The information related to the cartridge 102, also referred to herein as cartridge information, can include identification information identifying the cartridge 102, flavorant information associated with the cartridge, some combination thereof, and the like. The control device 118 can receive the cartridge information by communicating with one or more of the control circuit 108 or the electronic storage device 105.

[0085] In some example embodiments, the control device 118 is configured to generate and transmit command signals to one or more elements of the EVD 101. The command signals, when received at the EVD 101, may be executed by one or more elements of the EVD 101 to control at least one element of the EVD 101. The command signals may be executed by the control circuit 108. The command signals may be transmitted from the control device 118 to the EVD 101 via a communication link established with the EVD 101. In some example embodiments, the control device 118 is configured to control one or more elements of the EVD 101 independently of the control circuit 108.

[0086] Figure 2 Schematic diagram illustrating a PCC communicatively coupled to both an EVD and a remotely located computer device, according to some example embodiments.

[0087] like Figure 2 As shown, the PCC 100 includes an interface 114, a control device 118, an interface 206 and a transceiver 208. Figure 1In the PCC 100 shown in FIG. 1 , the interface 114 may be included in Figure 1 The PCC 100 includes an interface 114 shown in FIG. Figure 1 In the PCC 100 shown in FIG. 1 , the control device 118 may be included in Figure 1 In the control device 118 shown in .

[0088] The control device 118 includes at least one instance of a processing circuit 205 and at least one electronic storage device 207. In some example embodiments, one or more elements 114, 208, 206 of the PCC 100 are included in the control device 118. For example, the transceiver 208 may be included in the control device 118. In some example embodiments, the PCC 100 includes an ECC ( Figure 2 1). The ECC may be included in the control device 118. In some example embodiments, the control device 118 is included in the ECC 116.

[0089] like Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the PCC 100 is configured to establish a communication link between the control device 118 and the EVD 101 via the interface 114. The PCC 100 may be configured to connect to the EVD 101 via the respective interfaces 114, 109 of the PCC 100 and the EVD 101. Figure 2 As shown in the illustrated embodiment of , the EVD 101 can include at least one start light 111 at the top of the EVD 101, wherein the start light 111 and the interface 109 are both located at the top. Also as shown, the EVD 101 can include a standalone cartridge 102 and a power supply section 106. The cartridge 102 includes an interface 113 and the power supply section 106 includes an interface 115. The cartridge 102 and the power supply section 106 can be configured to be coupled via the interfaces 113, 115.

[0090] In some example embodiments, the EVD 101 is configured to communicatively couple one or more portions of the respective cartridge 102 and the power supply segment 106 via the coupling interfaces 113, 115. For example, when the cartridge 102 includes an electronic storage device 105 configured to store information related to the cartridge 102, the EVD 101 may be configured to communicatively couple the electronic storage device 105 to the interface 109 of the power supply segment 106, such that the control device 118 may be communicatively coupled to the electronic storage device 105 via the interface 114 via a communication link established between the control device 118 and the EVD 101. In some example embodiments, the EVD 101 is configured to communicatively couple the electronic storage device 105 to the control circuit 108 of the power supply segment 106, such that the control circuit 108 may access information stored at the electronic storage device 105.

[0091] The computer device 220 includes a control device 224, a transceiver interface 222, a display 228, and one or more interfaces 226. The control device 224 may include an instance of a processing circuit 225 and one or more of an electronic storage device 227. The display 228 may be configured to display one or more graphical interfaces to the adult electronic cigarette smoker 230, wherein the one or more graphical interfaces are associated with one or more of the PCC 100 or the EVD 101. The display 228 may be a touch screen display interface.

[0092] The computer device 220 may be a remotely located computer device 220 relative to the PCC 100. For example, the computer device 220 may be one or more of a smart phone, a tablet computer, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, an electronic accessory device, an electronic peripheral device, etc. As shown, the transceiver 208 may be configured to establish a communication link 210 between the PCC 100 and the computer device 220. In some example embodiments, the transceiver 208 is a wireless network communication interface, such that the communication link 210 is a wireless network communication link. In some example embodiments, the transceiver 208 is an ad hoc wireless network communication interface, such that the communication link 210 is an ad hoc wireless network communication link.

[0093] In some example embodiments, the control device 118 is configured to control the transceiver 208 to control the establishment and dismantling of the communication link 210. In some example embodiments, the control device 118 commands the transceiver 208 to establish the communication link 210 with the selected computer device 220. The control device 118 may command the transceiver 208 to establish the communication link 210 with the selected computer device 220 based on a command received at the control device 118 from the interface 206. The control device 118 may command the transceiver 208 to establish the communication link 210 with the selected computer device 220 based on the interface 114 to establish the communication link between the control device 118 and one or more portions of the EVD 101.

[0094] In some example embodiments, control device 118 is configured to control one or more elements of EVD 101 based on control commands received from computer device 220 via communication link 210. The one or more elements of EVD 101 may include one or more of any elements included in one or more of cartridge 102 or power supply section 106. For example, control device 118 may control one or more of control circuit 108, EVD power supply 107, dispersion generator 103, and the like.

[0095] Controlling one or more elements of the EVD 101 may include selectively enabling or disabling one or more elements of the EVD 101. For example, even in response to receipt of a vapor command signal at the control circuit 108, the control device 118 may command the control circuit 108 to inhibit the supply of electrical power from the EVD power supply 107 to the dispersion generator 103, so that the control device 118 "locks" the EVD 101 from producing any dispersion. In another example, the control device 118 may control an electrical switch in the EVD 101 to electrically decouple the dispersion generator 103 from the EVD power supply 107. Thus, the control device 118 may selectively enable or disable the vapor suction function of the EVD 101 based on a control command received from the computer device 220 via the communication link 210.

[0096] In another example, the control device 118 may instruct the control circuit 108 to adjust one or more operating parameters related to the start-up light 111. The control circuit 108 may control the start-up light 111 during the puffing of the vapor according to the one or more operating parameters. Such operating parameters may include one or more of the brightness of the emitted light, the color temperature of the emitted light, the activation continuity of the emitted light, whether the start-up light 111 is activated or deactivated by the emitted light during the puffing of the vapor, and a combination thereof.

[0097] The interfaces 206, 226 may each include one or more interfaces through which the adult electronic cigarette smoker 230 may interact with one or more portions of the PCC 100 or the computer device 220, respectively. The interfaces 206, 226 may include a tactile interface, a button, a touch screen interface, some combination thereof, and the like. In some example embodiments, the adult electronic cigarette smoker 230 may interact with the interfaces 206, 226 to provide commands to one or more of the control devices 118, 224. For example, the control device 118 may command the transceiver 208 to establish a communication link 210 with the computer device 220 based on the adult electronic cigarette smoker 230 interacting with the one or more interfaces 206, 226.

[0098] In some embodiments, the adult electronic cigarette smoker 230 may interact with the interface 226 to command the control device 224 to generate a control command and transmit the control command to the PCC control device 118 via the communication link 210. The control command may command the control device 118 to perform a specific control on the EVD 101. The specific control may be specified by the adult electronic cigarette smoker 230 via interaction with the interface 226. The control device 118 may control one or more elements of the EVD 101 based on the control command to implement the specified specific control of the EVD 101. In some example embodiments, the control device 118 generates one or more control signals and transmits the control signals to the control circuit 108 to implement the specified specific control of the EVD 101. The one or more control signals, when executed by the control circuit 108, may cause the control circuit 108 to perform the specified specific control of the EVD 101 by controlling one or more specific elements of the EVD 101. In some example embodiments, independent of control circuit 108 , control device 118 directly controls one or more elements via a communication link established between control device 118 and EVD 101 .

[0099] In some example embodiments, the control device 118 transmits information related to one or more of the PCC 100 or the EVD 101 to the computer device 220 via the communication link 210. The information may be provided to the adult e-cigarette smoker 230 via the display 228 of the computer device 220. In some example embodiments, the information includes status information, wherein the status information indicates the status of one or more portions of the PCC 100 or the EVD 101. For example, the status information may indicate one or more states of the EVD ("EVD states"), wherein the EVD states include one or more of a charge level of the EVD power source 107, a reservoir level of the dispersion generator 103, a lock state indicating whether the EVD 101 is "locked", a charge state indicating whether the EVD power source 107 is charged, an activation light state indicating an operating parameter according to which the activation light is controlled during the puffing of the vapor, or some combination thereof. In another example, the status information may indicate one or more states of the PCC ("PCC states"), where the PCC states include one or more of the charge levels of the PCC batteries 117 included in the PCC 100. The EVD status information may include information indicating the state of the cartridge 102, information indicating the state of the power supply section 106, and the like. The cartridge status information may include information indicating the reservoir level associated with the dispersion generator 103, the amount of vapor remaining, and the like. The EVD power supply status information may include information indicating the charge level of the EVD power supply 107, the number of recharges remaining, and the like.

[0100] In some example embodiments, the information associated with the EVD 101 includes historical usage history information associated with one or more cartridges 102 of the EVD 101, the EVD 101 as a whole, or some combination thereof.

[0101] The control device 118 may access information related to one or more portions of the EVD 101, wherein the information is accessed from one or more of the electronic storage device 105 and the control circuit 108. The information may include identification information. The control device 118 may process the information to determine the status of one or more of the cartridge 102, the power supply segment 106, or the EVD 101 as a whole. The control device 118 may process the information to identify one or more of the cartridge 102, the power supply segment 106, the EVD 101 as a whole, and the like.

[0102] The control device 118 may associate one or more of the determined cartridge states, identification information, and the like with the cartridge record, such that the control device 118 may track over time one or more EVD states associated with a given EVD 101, cartridge 102, power supply segment 106, and the like. Based on such tracking, the control device 118 may generate usage history information including information indicating the amount of vapor smoke over time using a given EVD 101 or cartridge 102, the rate at which such vapor smoke is depleted over time, the rate at which one or more of the reservoir level of the dispersion generator 103 or the charge level of the EVD power supply 107 is depleted over time, a planned time at which one or more of the reservoir level of the dispersion generator 103 or the charge level of the EVD power supply 107 is depleted below a threshold level based on the determined depletion rate, some combination thereof, and the like.

[0103] The control device 118 may transmit one or more instances of information to the computer device 220 via the communication link 210. The information may be transmitted based on the link 210 established, the control device 118 receiving an information request signal from the computer device 220 via the communication link 210, some combination thereof, or the like.

[0104] In some example embodiments, control device 118 may transmit one or more notifications to computer device 220 based on a determination that one or more cartridge states, EVD power states, EVD states, PCC states, etc. at least meet a threshold associated with one or more notifications. Such notifications may include a message indicating a particular state and further indicating that the particular state does not exceed a particular threshold.

[0105] The notifications may include reminders to replace the cartridge 102, recharge the EVD power source 107, recharge the PCC battery 117 of the PCC 100, etc. Independent of the control device 118 receiving a request for such notifications from the computer device 220, the notifications may be transmitted to the computer device 220 and displayed on the display 228. The notifications may be referred to as "push notifications" because the notifications are "pushed" from the control device 118 to the computer device 220, independent of receiving a request for such notifications from the computer device 220 at the control device 118.

[0106] Figure 3 To illustrate the management of records associated with multiple independent cartridges according to some example embodiments, Figure 2 A schematic block diagram of the PCC control device 118 is shown.

[0107] As shown, the EVD 101 may be communicatively coupled to a control device 118 in the PCC 100 via an interface 114 such that a communication link 320 is established between the control device 118 and one or more portions of the EVD 101 .

[0108] As further shown, the EVD 101 may include a power supply segment 106 and a cartridge 102, wherein the cartridge 102 is one of a plurality of various cartridges 102-1 to 102-N. As used herein, "N" is a positive integer having a value of at least one (1). Different cartridges 102-1 to 102-N may be connected 314 to the power supply segment 106 at different times. Therefore, the EVD 101 may include different cartridges 102-1 to 102-N at different times. When the control device 118 is communicatively connected to the EVD 101 via the link 320, the control device 118 may be communicatively connected to the cartridge 102 at that time, which is connected to the power supply segment 106. Therefore, the control device 118 may be communicatively connected to different cartridges 102-1 to 102-N at different times when establishing the communication link 320, based on which the cartridge 102 is connected to the power supply segment 106 when establishing the link 320.

[0109] like Figure 3As shown in , each cartridge 102-1 to 102-N may include a dispersion generator 103 and an electronic storage device 105. As described herein, the dispersion generator 103 may include different types of dispersion generators configured to produce different types of dispersions. For example, the dispersion generator 103 may be an evaporator or an atomizer. The evaporator may produce a dispersion as steam. The evaporator may generate steam by heating the pre-steam formulation to evaporate at least a portion of the pre-steam formulation. The atomizer may generate a dispersion by applying mechanical force to the pre-dispersion formulation. The atomizer may include one or more mechanical elements configured to apply mechanical force. For example, the atomizer may include a pressurized tank for storing the pre-dispersion formulation, and the atomizer may further include one or more mechanical elements including a valve, a pump, a sprayer, a combination thereof, etc. One or more parts of the atomizer including a mechanical element may apply mechanical force to the pre-dispersion formulation to produce a dispersion. For example, the atomizer may be configured to generate a dispersion via one or more of releasing a pressurized pre-dispersion formulation into a lower pressure environment; spraying pre-dispersion formulation particles; evaporating a volatile pre-dispersion formulation into an environment; some combination thereof, and the like.

[0110] Each electronic storage device 105 contained in a given cartridge 102 may be configured to store information related to the respective cartridge 102 containing the electronic storage device 105. Such information may include information related to one or more dispersion generators 103 contained in the respective cartridge 102. The control device 118 may be configured to access information from the electronic storage device 105 of the cartridge 102 to which the control device 118 is communicatively coupled via the communication link 320.

[0111] The information stored at a given electronic storage device 105 may include identification information associated with a cartridge 102 that includes the electronic storage device 105. The identification information may include information that uniquely identifies a given cartridge 102, a formulation contained in a dispersion generator 103 of a cartridge 102, or some combination thereof. The identification information may include one or more unique identifiers associated with a given cartridge 102. The unique identifier may include a flavoring identifier that identifies at least one of a taste and a flavoring associated with a formulation stored in a dispersion generator 103 of a given cartridge 102. The unique identifier may identify one or more of a manufacturer of a given cartridge 102, a brand and model of a given cartridge 102, some combination thereof, and the like. The unique identifier may include one or more of a stock keeping unit (“SKU”), a universal product code (“UPC”), an international article number (“EAN”), a global trade item number (“GTIN”), an Australian product number (“APN”), and the like.

[0112] The information associated with a given cartridge 102 and stored in the electronic storage device 105 of the given cartridge 102 may include information indicating one or more of the amount of formulation held in the reservoir of the dispersion generator 103 of the given cartridge 102 (“reservoir level”). The information associated with a given cartridge 102 may also be referred to herein as cartridge information associated with the given cartridge 102.

[0113] In some example embodiments, power supply segment 106 includes EVD power supply 107 and electronic storage 119. Electronic storage 119 may include information accessed from electronic storage 105 of cartridge 102 coupled to power supply segment 106. The accessed information may include at least some of the information stored at electronic storage 105.

[0114] The control device 118 is configured to generate and manage cartridge records 350-1 to 350-N associated with the corresponding cartridges 102-1 to 102-N. Each cartridge record 350 in the records 350-1 to 350-N is associated with an independent cartridge 102 in the cartridges 102-1 to 102-N. It should be understood that the given cartridge to which a given cartridge record 350 is associated will be referred to herein as the "associated cartridge" relative to the given cartridge record 350.

[0115] Each cartridge record 350 includes information related to the associated cartridge 102. This information may include at least one of identification information 352 associated with the associated cartridge 102, cartridge state information 354 associated with a given cartridge 102, and cartridge usage history information 356 associated with the associated cartridge 102. The control device 118 may be configured to generate and manage the records 350-1 to 350-N over time based on information accessed from the respective cartridges 102-1 to 102-N over time. The control device 118 may access this information based on communication with one or more of the electronic storage devices 105 and the electronic storage device 119 via the link 320. In order to generate and manage the records 350-1 to 350-N, the control device 118 may be configured to store, update, etc., one or more of the information 352, 354, 356 associated with the various records 350-1 to 350-N.

[0116] like Figure 3, a given cartridge record 350 includes cartridge identification information 352. When the control device is connected 320 to a given cartridge 102 of the cartridges 102-1 to 102-N, the control device 118 may determine that the given cartridge 102 is associated with a given cartridge record 350 of the cartridge records 350-1 to 350-N based on comparing the identification information accessed from the electronic storage device 105 of the given cartridge 102 with the identification information 352 contained in the various cartridge records 350-1 to 350-N. When the identification information accessed from the electronic storage device 105 corresponds to the identification information 352 of at least one of the cartridge records 350, the control device 118 may update at least some of the information 352, 354, 356 associated with at least one cartridge record 350 based at least on the information accessed from the electronic storage device 105 of the given cartridge 102. Such updates may include determining new cartridge status information 354, usage history information 356, and the like based on at least the information accessed from the electronic storage device 105 of the associated cartridge 102.

[0117] As shown, each record 350 includes cartridge status information 354 indicating one or more states of the associated cartridge 102 and usage history information 356 indicating usage of the associated cartridge 102 over time. The cartridge status information 354 may include, for example, information indicating the reservoir level of one or more dispersion generators 103 of the associated cartridge 102. The control device 118 may update the cartridge status information 354 over time based on information accessed from the electronic storage device 105 of the associated cartridge 102.

[0118] In some example embodiments, the control device 118 updates the cartridge status information 354 in the record 350 based on information accessed from various sources, including sources separate from the electronic storage device 105 of the associated given cartridge 102. For example, when a given cartridge 102 associated with a given record 350 is coupled to the EVD power supply section 106 when the cartridge 102 is connected to the control device 118, the control device 118 may update the status information 354 indicating the reservoir level of the given cartridge 102 based on tracking the charge level of the EVD power supply 107 over time. The control device 118 may correlate the depletion of the charge level of the EVD power supply 107 over time with the corresponding depletion of the reservoir level of the given cartridge 102 over time. In some example embodiments, the control device 118 may update the status information 354 based on information accessed from the electronic storage device 119.

[0119] Similarly, the control device 118 may update the usage history information 356 in the record 350 associated with a given cartridge 102 based on information accessed from various sources, including sources separate from the electronic storage device 105 of the given cartridge 102. For example, when the cartridge 102 associated with the given record 350 is connected to the EVD power supply section 106 when the cartridge 102 is connected to the control device 118, the control device 118 may update the usage history information 356 that tracks a single steam puff over time based on tracking the charge level of the EVD power supply 107 over time. The usage history information indicating the occurrence of a single steam puff may be generated based on the detection of the single steam puff. The single steam puff may be detected based on the triggering of a sensor included in the EVD 101. The sensor may generate a signal based on being triggered. One or more electronic storage devices 105, 119 may store information indicating the occurrence of steam based on detecting the generated signal and correlating the time when the signal was generated with the occurrence of steam at that time. The control device 118 may correlate discrete amounts of charge level depletion of the EVD power source 107 over time to corresponding single puffs of vape for a given cartridge 102 over time.

[0120] In some example embodiments, the usage history information 356 associated with the given cartridge 102-1 to 102-N is generated at the electronic storage device 105 of the given cartridge 102-1 to 102-N. In some example embodiments, the usage history information 356 associated with the given cartridge 102-1 to 102-N is generated at the electronic storage device 119 of the power supply section 106, and the given cartridge 102-1 to 102-N is connected 314 to the power supply section. The usage history information 356 can be generated over time based on continuous steam smoke. The usage history information 356 associated with the given cartridge 102-1 to 102-N may include information indicating the distribution of single steam smoke puffs using the given cartridge 102-1 to 102-N over time. The distribution of steam smoke may indicate the time period in which the single steam smoke puffs using the given cartridge 102-1 to 102-N occurred, the duration associated with the single steam smoke puffs using the given cartridge 102-1 to 102-N, and the like. The control device 118 may update the usage history information 356 stored in a given record 350-1 to 350-N based on accessing the usage history information from one or more of the various electronic storage devices 105 of the cartridges 102-1 to 102-N. In some example embodiments, the control device 118 may update one or more instances of the usage history information 356 stored in one or more records 350-1 to 350-N based on accessing the usage history information from the electronic storage device 119 of the power supply segment 106.

[0121] In some example embodiments, the control device 118 generates a new cartridge record 350 based on a determination that the identification information associated with the given cartridge 102 accessed from the electronic storage device of the given cartridge 102 does not correspond to the identification information associated with any existing record 350. The new record may include the identification information associated with the given cartridge 102, and the control device 118 may populate the record with the cartridge status information 354 and the usage history information 356 accordingly.

[0122] In some example embodiments, the control device 118 is configured to delete one or more records 350-1 to 350-N. The control device 118 may delete the records 250 based on receiving a delete command from the remotely located computer device 220 via the communication link 210. The control device 118 may delete the records 350 based on the number of records 350-1 to 350-N stored at the PCC 100 exceeding a first threshold number. The control device 118 may selectively delete a certain amount of records 350 so that the number of remaining records 350 is reduced to at least a second threshold number, which may be the same or different from the first threshold number. When the control device 118 deletes the records 350 based on the number of records 350-1 to 350-N stored at the PCC 100 exceeding the first threshold number, the control device 118 may selectively delete the records 350-1 to 350-N in order of decreasing age such that the oldest records 350 are deleted first. The control device 350 may delete a given record 350 in response to a time period that has passed since the last update of the given record 350 exceeding a time threshold. The control device may delete the record 350 based on one or more interface interactions of the adult e-cigarette smoker 230 with the PCC 100.

[0123] Figure 4 Describes some example embodiments of the Figure 2 The status information display interface generated by the remotely located computer device 220.

[0124] In some example embodiments, the computer device display 228 of the computer device 220 displays an EVD status interface 401, wherein the EVD status interface 401 provides status information indicating a status of one or more portions of the EVD 101 coupled to the PCC 100, a status of one or more portions of the PCC 100, or some combination thereof. The PCC 100 coupled to the EVD may be communicatively coupled to the computer device 220 via the communication link 210. The interface 401 may provide information received from the control device 118 of the PCC 100 via the communication link.

[0125] like Figure 4As shown in FIG. 4 , EVD status interface 401 may include graphical representations of EVD 101 and one or more portions of PCC 100 communicatively coupled to computer device 220. For example, EVD status interface 401 includes graphical representation 404 of PCC 100 and graphical representation 402 of EVD 101.

[0126] As shown, the graphical representation 404 of the PCC 100 includes a graphical representation of the charge level of the PCC battery 117 of the PCC 100, thereby providing an adult e-cigarette smoker with a visually observable indication of the charge level of the PCC battery 117. In addition, the EVD status interface 401 may provide PCC status information 420 indicating the status of the PCC battery 117. The PCC battery status may include the charge level of the PCC battery 117. As shown, the information 420 may indicate the charge level of the PCC battery 117 as a percentage of a full charge.

[0127] In some example embodiments, comprising Figure 4 , the information 420 may indicate the charge level of the PCC battery 117 as the number of times the PCC battery 117 can fully charge the EVD power source 107 of the EVD 101 before the PCC battery 117 is fully discharged, discharged below a threshold charge level, or some combination thereof. For example, the information 420 may indicate the number of times the PCC battery 117 can fully charge the EVD power source 107 of the EVD 101 before the amount of electrical power stored in the PCC battery 117 is not greater than the amount of electrical power stored in the EVD power source 107.

[0128] The graphical representation 402 of the EVD 101 includes a graphical representation 403 of the cartridge 102 of the EVD 101 and a graphical representation 405 of the power supply section 106 of the EVD 101. The graphical representation 403 of the cartridge section 102 includes a graphical representation of the amount of formulation in the reservoir of the dispersion generator 103 of the cartridge (i.e., the "reservoir level"), thereby providing a visually observable indication of the reservoir level to the adult e-cigarette smoker. The graphical representation 405 of the power supply section 106 includes a graphical representation of the charge level of the EVD power supply 107 in the power supply section 106, thereby providing a visually observable indication of the charge level of the EVD power supply 107 to the adult e-cigarette smoker.

[0129] EVD status interface 401 may provide status information 410 related to EVD 101. As shown, information 410 may include cartridge identification information 412, cartridge status information 414 indicating one or more cartridge statuses, and EVD power status information 416 indicating one or more EVD power statuses.

[0130] In some example embodiments, comprising Figure 4, the cartridge identification information 412 may include information that uniquely identifies the cartridge 102, the formulation contained in the cartridge 102, or some combination thereof.

[0131] In some example embodiments, comprising Figure 4 , the cartridge status indicated by the cartridge status information 414 may include a reservoir level of the cartridge 102, wherein the reservoir level is indicated as a proportion of the amount of formulation held in a fully filled reservoir. The reservoir level may be indicated as the number of times the current amount of formulation held in the reservoir can be used to produce a dispersion (i.e., how much vapor the cartridge 102 can support before the formulation held in the reservoir is sufficiently depleted to prevent the cartridge 102 from supporting additional vapor).

[0132] In some example embodiments, comprising Figure 4 , the EVD power state indicated by the EVD power state information 416 may include a charge level of the EVD power source 107, wherein the charge level of the EVD power source 107 is indicated as a proportion of the amount of electrical power stored in a fully charged EVD power source 107. The EVD power charge level may be indicated as the number of times the EVD 101 can produce a dispersion to support vapor given the current charge level of the EVD power source 107 (i.e., how much vapor the EVD power source 107 can support before the electrical power stored in the EVD power source 107 is sufficiently depleted to prevent the EVD 101 from supporting additional vapor).

[0133] Figure 5 Describes some example embodiments of the Figure 2 The control settings display interface generated by the remotely located computer device 220.

[0134] In some example embodiments, the computer device display 228 of the computer device 220 displays a control settings interface 501, wherein the control settings interface 501 provides information indicating various control settings via which the PCC control device 118 can control one or more elements of the EVD 101; information related to one or more of the EVD 101 or the PCC 100 can be transmitted to the computer device 220; combinations thereof, and the like. The control settings interface 501 may include interactive icons via which the adult electronic cigarette smoker 230 can interact to specify one or more control settings. The control settings interface 501 may include interactive icons that provide one or more graphical representations of the one or more control settings. The computer device 220 including the display 228 may generate one or more control commands based on the control settings specified by the one or more adult electronic cigarette smokers. The one or more control commands may be transmitted to the control device 118 of the PCC 100 via the communication link 210 between the control device 118 and the computer device 220. Thus, the control command may be initiated by the adult e-cigarette smoker 230 based on the interaction between the adult e-cigarette smoker 230 and the interface 226 of the computer device 220 .

[0135] The control settings interface 501 includes a set of push notification settings 510. The push notification settings 510 include a set of activation icons 511A-B. The adult electronic cigarette smoker 230 can interact with one or more of the icons 511A-B to selectively enable or disable push notifications. In addition, the push notification settings 510 include a set of icons 514, 516, 518, each of which is associated with a separate push notification that the adult electronic cigarette smoker 230 can selectively enable. Each push notification is associated with at least one threshold level of at least one EVD state or PCC state. When a given notification is enabled, the computer device 220 including the display 228 above can generate a control command that specifies a given notification and commands the control device 118 of the PCC 100 to selectively push the notification to the computer device 220 when the relevant given EVD state or PCC state at least meets the threshold value associated with the notification.

[0136] like Figure 5 As shown, the push notification icons may include an icon 514 associated with an EVD reservoir level notification. The EVD reservoir level notification may be a push notification generated when the reservoir level of the reservoir in the EVD 101 coupled to the PCC 100 at least meets a threshold reservoir level.

[0137] The push notification icons may include an icon related to an EVD power supply charge level notification 516. The EVD power supply charge level notification may be a push notification generated when the charge level of the EVD power supply 107 in the EVD 101 coupled to the PCC 100 at least meets a threshold charge level.

[0138] The push notification icons may include an icon 518 related to a PCC battery charge level notification. The PCC battery charge level notification may be a push notification generated when the charge level of the PCC battery 117 in the PCC 100 at least meets a threshold charge level.

[0139] As shown, icons 514 and 516 indicate that EVD reservoir level notifications and EVD power charge level notifications are enabled. Icon 518 indicates that PCC battery charge level notifications are disabled. The adult electronic cigarette smoker 230 can selectively enable or disable individual notifications via interaction with one or more icons 514, 516, 518. The adult electronic cigarette smoker 230 can enable or disable all notifications via interaction with one or more interfaces 226 of the computer device 220, as shown by icons 511A-B. In some embodiments, the display 228 is a touch-sensitive display interface and the icons 511A-B, 514, 516, 518 are interactive icons, and the adult electronic cigarette smoker 230 can interact via the interactive icons to enable or disable one or more notifications.

[0140] In some example embodiments, the respective notifications indicated by icons 514, 516, 518 may be associated with separate notification messages. Upon enabling a given notification, computer device 220 including display 228 may generate and communicate one or more control commands to control device 118 of PCC 100. The control commands may include an indication to selectively enable or disable a given notification, an indication of a threshold associated with a given notification, an indication of a notification message associated with a given notification, or some combination thereof.

[0141] When the control command indicates disabling a given notification, the control device 118 may avoid communicating the notification when the determined EVD state, PCC state, etc. at least meets a threshold value associated with the notification. When the control command indicates enabling a given notification, the control device 118 may transmit the given notification to the computer device 220 when the determined EVD state, PCC state, etc. at least meets a threshold value associated with the given notification. The transmitted notification may indicate that the determined EVD state, PCC state, etc. at least meets the threshold value associated with the notification. The transmitted notification may include a notification message associated with the notification.

[0142] The control settings interface 501 includes a lock interface 520 that indicates via icons 521A-B whether to disable the EVD 101 connected to the PCC 100 so that the EVD 101 is disabled to prevent the evaporation (i.e., disabled to prevent the formation of dispersion). The adult electronic cigarette smoker 230 can selectively enable or disable the EVD 101 via interaction with one or more interfaces 226 of the computer device 220, as shown by icons 521A-B. In some embodiments, the display 228 is a touch-sensitive display interface and the icons 521A-B are interactive icons, and the adult electronic cigarette smoker 230 can interact via the interactive icons to enable or disable the EVD 101.

[0143] The computer device 220 may generate a control command based on the interaction of the adult electronic cigarette smoker 230 with the computer device 220 to enable or disable the EVD 101. The control command may include a command to enable or disable the EVD 101 according to the interaction of the adult electronic cigarette smoker 230 with the computer device 220. The control command may be transmitted to the control device 118 of the PCC 100 via the communication link 210 between the computer device 220 and the control device 118. After receiving the control command, the control device 118 may control one or more elements of the EVD 101 according to the control command, and the control device 118 is communicatively coupled to the EVD to selectively enable or disable the EVD 101.

[0144] The control settings interface 501 includes a start light interface 530, which indicates via icons 531A-B whether the start light 111 coupled to the EVD 101 connected to the PCC 100 is configured to emit light when the EVD 101 produces a dispersion. The start light interface 530 further indicates via icons 532, 533, 534, 535, 536, 537 various operating parameters according to which the start light 111 of the EVD 101 is controlled during the puffing of the vapor. The adult electronic cigarette smoker 230 can selectively enable or disable the EVD start light 111 via interaction with one or more interfaces 226 of the computer device 220, as shown by icons 531A-B; control one or more operating parameters of the EVD start light 111, as shown by icons 532-537; or some combination thereof. In some embodiments, the display 228 is a touch-sensitive display interface and one or more of the icons 531A-B, 532 - 537 are interactive icons via which the adult e-cigarette smoker 230 can interact to control the EVD activation light 111 .

[0145] The adult electronic cigarette smoker 230 may interact with the one or more interfaces 226 of the computer device 220 to adjust operating parameters, including selectively enabling or disabling the EVD activation light 111 , as indicated by icons 531A-B.

[0146] The adult electronic cigarette smoker 230 can interact with one or more interfaces 226 to adjust operating parameters, including the brightness of the light emitted by the EVD startup light 111 during the puffing of the vapor, as shown by icons 532-533. The illustrated icons 532-533 include a sliding scale 532, and the icon 533 is positioned to indicate the relative brightness of the light emitted by the EVD startup light 111 during the puffing of the vapor along the sliding scale.

[0147] The adult electronic cigarette smoker 230 can interact with one or more interfaces 226 to adjust operating parameters, including the color temperature of the light emitted by the EVD startup light 111 during the puffing of the vapor, as shown by icons 534-535. The illustrated icons 534-535 include a sliding scale 534, and the icon 535 is positioned to indicate the relative color temperature of the light emitted by the EVD startup light 111 during the puffing of the vapor along the sliding scale.

[0148] The adult electronic cigarette smoker 230 can interact with one or more interfaces 226 to adjust operating parameters, including the activation continuity according to which light is emitted by the EVD activation light 111 during the puff of the vapor, as shown by icons 536-537. The illustrated icons 536-537 include a sliding scale 536, and the icon 537 is positioned to indicate the relative frequency of the pulses of light emitted by the EVD activation light 111 during the puff of the vapor along the sliding scale.

[0149] Based on the interaction of the adult electronic cigarette smoker 230 with the computer device 220 to control the EVD startup light 111 as indicated by one or more of the icons 531-537, the computer device 220 may generate one or more control commands. The control commands may include commands to enable or disable the EVD startup light 111 according to the interaction of the adult electronic cigarette smoker 230 with the computer device 220; adjust one or more operating parameters of the EVD startup light 111, etc. The control commands may be transmitted to the control device 118 of the PCC 100 via the communication link 210 between the computer device 220 and the control device 118. After receiving the control commands, the control device 118 may control one or more elements of the EVD 101 according to the control commands, and the control device 118 is communicatively coupled to the EVD to control the EVD startup light 111.

[0150] Fig. 6A Describes some example embodiments of the Figure 2 The EVD usage display interface generated by the remotely located computer device 220. Figure 6B Describes some example embodiments of the Figure 2 The EVD usage display interface generated by the remotely located computer device 220.

[0151] In some example embodiments, the computer device display 228 displays a usage history interface 601 , wherein the usage history interface 601 provides information indicating a usage history of one or more cartridges to support vaping by an EVD coupled to a PCC, wherein the PCC is connected to a computer device including the computer device display interface 228 .

[0152] The usage history information may be generated based on monitoring one or more instances of cartridge status information, EVD power supply status information, status information, etc. over time. For example, usage history information including a history of the puffing of vapor supported by a given EVD 101 may be based on a history of the reservoir level of the cartridge 102 of the EVD 101, a history of the EVD power supply charge level of the EVD power supply 107 of the EVD 101, a history of the triggering of a sensor included in the EVD 101, some combination thereof, and the like. The sensor included in the EVD 101 may be at least one of a pressure sensor, a MEMS sensor, and the like. The sensor may generate a signal based on being triggered, and the control circuit 108 of the EVD 101 may initiate the generation of dispersion by the dispersion generator 103 in the EVD 101 based on detecting the generated signal. The usage history information may be generated at one or more of a control device 118 included in a PCC 100, a computer device 220 communicatively connected to the PCC 100, or some combination thereof, to which the EVD 101 may be docked. The usage history information generated at the control device 118 may be transmitted to the computer device 220 via the communication link 210 .

[0153] In some example embodiments, when determining the EVD state, PCC state, etc., based on the specific cartridge 102 being coupled to the EVD 101, the usage history information may be associated with a specific cartridge 102. For example, a separate instance of a determined EVD power supply charge level may be associated with a separate cartridge 102, based on which the cartridge 102 is coupled to the EVD power supply 107 in parallel. Associating the usage history information with the cartridge 102 may include associating the usage history information with a cartridge record associated with the cartridge 102. In some example embodiments, the usage history information may be selectively displayed based on associating the usage history information with one or more specific cartridge records. Therefore, the usage of different cartridges 102 may be tracked more accurately.

[0154] In some example embodiments, the usage history interface 601 provides cartridge identification information 610 that identifies individual cartridges 102 that have been used to support vaping with the coupled EVD 101. As shown, the information 610 may include unique identifiers 611, 612 associated with the individual cartridges 102. As further shown, a given identifier may be highlighted to illustrate that the usage history information 620, 650 displayed on the interface 601 includes usage history information associated with the given identifier.

[0155] Fig. 6A The usage history interface 601 is shown with the identifier 611 highlighted and the identifier 612 not highlighted. Thus, the information 610 indicates that the usage history information 620, 650 includes usage history information associated with the cartridge 102 associated with the identifier 611 and excludes usage history information associated with the cartridge associated with the identifier 612.

[0156] Figure 6B The usage history interface 601 is shown with both the identifier 611 and the identifier 612 highlighted. Thus, the information 610 indicates that the usage history information 620, 650 includes both the usage history information associated with the cartridge 102 associated with the identifier 611 and the usage history information associated with the cartridge 102 associated with the identifier 612.

[0157] The usage history interface 601 includes a graphical representation 620 of usage history information indicating the usage of one or more cartridges 102 over time to support vaping. The graph 620 shows the number of vaping puffs 622 for each of a set of time periods 624. Fig. 6A and 6B In the illustrated embodiment shown in , a graph 620 shows the amount of vapor puff 622 for each individual day in a set of days 625 prior to and including today.

[0158] The illustrated graph 620 is a bar graph, but it should be understood that the graph 620 may be any type of graph illustrating vapor over one or more time periods, including a line graph, a pie chart, and the like.

[0159] like Fig. 6A and 6B As shown in FIG. 6 , a graph 620 shows the amount of puffs of steam supported by each cartridge 102 indicated by a unique indicator 611-612 that is highlighted. For example, in FIG. Fig. 6A In the example, in which the unique indicator 611 is highlighted and the unique indicator 612 is not highlighted, the graphic 620 includes a set of bars 630 indicating the number of puffs of steam supported by the cartridge associated with the unique indicator 611. Fig. 6A, wherein both unique indicators 611 and 612 are highlighted, a graphic 620 includes a set of bars 630 indicating the number of puffs of steam supported by the cartridge 102 associated with the unique indicator 611 and another set of bars 640 indicating the number of puffs of steam supported by the cartridge 102 associated with the unique identifier 612. Figure 6B As shown in , separate groups of bars 630, 640 may be arranged on the graph 620 to indicate the total number of puffs of vapor collectively supported by the cartridges 102 associated with all of the highlighted unique indicators 611-612.

[0160] The use history interface 601 includes a text representation 650 of the use history information indicating the use of one or more cartridges 102 over time to support steam. Information 650 includes information 652 and information 654. Information 652 indicates a specific number of times of puffing steam supported by one or more cartridges 102 associated with the highlighted unique indicator 611-612 during a specific time period, including the current time period (e.g., "today"). Information 654 indicates a specific number of times of puffing steam supported by one or more cartridges 102 associated with the highlighted unique indicator 611-612 during another time period that may include a series of multiple time periods. The multiple time periods of the series may include the current time period. The multiple time periods of the series may include all time periods, so that information 654 indicates the total number of times of puffing steam supported by one or more cartridges 102 associated with the highlighted unique indicator 611-612 (e.g., "today").

[0161] Figure 7 Describes some example embodiments of the Figure 2 A shopping display interface generated by the remotely located computer device 220.

[0162] In some example embodiments, the computer device display 228 displays a shopping interface 701 in which the usage history interface 501 provides information indicating a usage history of one or more cartridges 102 to support vaping via an EVD 101 coupled to a PCC 100, wherein the PCC 100 is connected to a computer device 220 that includes the computer device display interface 228.

[0163] In some example embodiments, the interaction of the adult electronic cigarette smoker 230 with the computer device 220 may have an interface 226 that facilitates the purchase of a cartridge 102, wherein the cartridge 102 to be purchased is similar to the cartridge 102 of the EVD 101 coupled to the PCC 100 to which the computer device 220 is communicatively connected. The cartridge 102 may be identified based on identification information associated with the cartridge 102. The control device 118 of the PCC 100 may access the identification information from one or more portions of the EVD 101, including the electronic storage device 105 contained in the cartridge 102. The control device 118 may transmit the identification information to the computer device 220. The control device 118 may further transmit EVD status information associated with the cartridge 102, including a reservoir level.

[0164] Based on the information related to the cartridge 102 received from the control device 118, the computer device 220 may provide a shopping interface 701 configured with current purchase options related to the cartridge corresponding to the cartridge 102. The purchase options may be provided to the adult electronic cigarette smoker 230 via the display interface 228. The purchase options may provide the closest location where the corresponding cartridge 102 is available for purchase, an interface via which the adult electronic cigarette smoker 230 may order one or more corresponding cartridges 102, or some combination thereof. Thus, the adult electronic cigarette smoker 230 may have the ability to purchase cartridges similar to the cartridge 102 currently connected to the PCC 100.

[0165] As shown, shopping interface 701 includes target barrel indicator 702. Indicator 702 indicates a specific barrel 102, and the additional information 710, 720 presented by interface 701 is related to the barrel. Indicator 702 shows a unique identifier related to a specific barrel 102. The unique identifier can be selected from a list of unique identifiers, can be manually input, etc. In some example embodiments, target barrel indicator 702 includes one or more examples of identification information related to barrel 102, including information identifying at least one of the flavoring and taste of the formulation stored in barrel 102. The identification information can be received from a PCC 100 that is communicatively connected to a computer device 220.

[0166] As shown, the shopping interface 701 includes a representation 710 of a set of store entries 711 arranged at increasing distances from the current geographic location of the computer device 220. Each entry 711 includes an identification 712 of a store where one or more EVD devices associated with the identifier 702 are available for purchase. Each entry 711 also includes an indication 714 of the physical address and proximity of the identified store and an interactive map icon 716 via which the adult e-cigarette smoker 230 can interact to access a map display of at least the geographic location of the identified store.

[0167] The displayed store entry 711 can be selected from the list of entries. Each store entry can be associated with a list of cartridges 102 available for purchase at the store indicated by the entry. The list of cartridges 102 can identify the available cartridges 102 by a unique identifier. The unique identifier, according to which the cartridge 102 is identified as available for purchase, can correspond to an identifier 702, and a specific cartridge 102 can be specified via the identifier. The entry can be selected based on one or more of associating the identifier 702 with an identifier of an available cartridge 102 associated with the entry 711, a physical location and proximity associated with the entry 711, or some combination thereof.

[0168] As shown, the shopping interface 701 may include an online purchase portal 720. The portal may present a representation 722 of the cartridge 102 corresponding to the identifier 702, information 724 related to the corresponding cartridge 102, and an interactive icon 726, via which the adult electronic cigarette smoker 230 may interact to purchase the corresponding cartridge 102. The computer device 220 including the display 228 may be communicatively connected to the purchase service via a communication network, and the portal 720 may be displayed based on the interaction between the computer device and the purchase service. The purchase service may be implemented on one or more computer systems remotely located from the computer device 220 and communicatively connected to the computer device 220 via one or more communication networks.

[0169] Figure 8 1 is a flow chart illustrating a method for interacting with an EVD and a remotely located computer device according to some example embodiments. The interaction may be implemented via a control device. The control device implementing the transmission may include at least the above reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The control device 118 of the PCC 100 is illustrated and described.

[0170] refer to Figure 8 At 802, the control device determines whether the PCC is connected to the EVD. If so, at 804, the control device commands the interface to establish a communication link between the PCC and the EVD. The determination may be based on the control device receiving information from the EVD via the interface. The communication link may include a direct connection between one or more parts of the PCC and one or more parts of the EVD. In some example embodiments, the communication link is a wireless network communication link.

[0171] At 806, the control device accesses EVD power segment information via communication with one or more portions of the EVD. The control device may access information stored at the control circuit 108; query information from the control circuit 108; generate information based on monitoring one or more portions of the power segment of the EVD; some combination thereof, etc. For example, the control device may generate EVD power supply charge level information based on monitoring the EVD power supply via a communication link.

[0172] At 808, the control device accesses cartridge information via communication with one or more portions of the EVD. The control device may access information stored at a control circuit in the EVD; access information stored at an electronic storage device in the cartridge of the EVD; generate information based on monitoring one or more portions of the cartridge; some combination thereof, etc. For example, the control device may access cartridge identification information based on accessing data from an electronic storage device in the cartridge.

[0173] At 810, the control device determines a state of one or more portions of the EVD and generates EVD state information indicative of the determined state.The control device determines the EVD state based on one or more of the cartridge information or the power segment information.

[0174] The determination at 810 may include determining 812 an identity of the cartridge based on the cartridge information accessed from the EVD. Determining the identity of the cartridge may include determining one or more unique identifiers of the cartridge; determining one or more properties of a formulation stored in the cartridge; and some combination thereof.

[0175] The determination at 810 may include determining 814 a formulation reservoir level of one or more dispersion generators of the cartridge based on the cartridge information accessed from the EVD. The reservoir level may include information indicating one or more of an amount of formulation held in a reservoir of the cartridge, a ratio of formulation held in a reservoir of the cartridge relative to an amount of formulation held in a fully filled reservoir of the cartridge, an amount of vapor that may be provided via generation of dispersion using the formulation held in the reservoir of the cartridge, and some combination thereof.

[0176] The determination at 810 may include determining 816 a charge level of an EVD power source included in a power section of the EVD. The EVD power source charge level may include information indicating one or more of an amount of electrical power stored in the EVD power source, a ratio of electrical power stored in the EVD power source relative to an amount of electrical power stored in a fully charged EVD power source, an amount of vapor that can be provided by fully discharging the EVD power source, and some combination thereof.

[0177] At 820, the control device determines a charge level of a PCC battery included in the PCC. The charge level may include information indicating one or more of an amount of electrical power stored in the PCC battery, a ratio of the electrical power stored in the PCC battery relative to the amount of electrical power stored in a fully charged PCC battery, a number of vapor puffs that can be provided by fully discharging the PCC battery, a number of times the internal battery of the PCC can fully charge the EVD, and some combination thereof.

[0178] At 830, the control device determines whether the cartridge of the coupled EVD is associated with an existing cartridge record. The cartridge record may be stored locally at the control device or at an electronic storage device communicatively coupled to the control device. The cartridge record may include identification information that uniquely identifies the EVD cartridge associated with the record. The determination at 830 may include comparing the cartridge identification information determined at 812 with identification information contained in one or more cartridge records. At 840, if it is determined that the cartridge identification information determined at 812 is not associated with identification information contained in any one of the cartridge records, the control device forms a new cartridge record and associates the determined cartridge identification information with the new record, thereby forming a cartridge record associated with the cartridge of the coupled EVD.

[0179] At 850, the control device correlates the cartridge information accessed at 808 and the EVD status information determined at 810 with the cartridge record to monitor the usage of the cartridge associated with the EVD device. This monitoring may include monitoring the number of vapor puffs per unit of time passed by the cartridge, the rate of use of the cartridge, the usage of the cartridge, and parameters similar to the cartridge (e.g., common flavorings), etc.

[0180] The above description has been provided for the purpose of illustration and description. The description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure. The individual elements or features of a particular example embodiment are generally not limited to the particular embodiment, but are interchangeable and can be used for a selected embodiment when applicable, even if not specifically shown or described. The individual elements or features of a particular example embodiment can also be varied in a variety of ways. Such variations should not be considered as departing from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A method comprising: Establishing a communication link with a control device of a remotely located personal carrying case PCC, said PCC being connected to an electronic vapor cigarette device EVD; receiving, via the communication link, EVD status information associated with at least one element of the coupled EVD; as well as Displays a graphical representation of the EVD status information.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The EVD status information includes information indicating a ratio of a formulation held in a reservoir of the EVD, the ratio of the formulation indicating an amount of the formulation held in the reservoir relative to an amount of the formulation held in a fully filled reservoir of the EVD; and The graphical representation of the EVD status information includes a graphical representation of the reservoir and a graphical representation of the proportion of the formulation held in the reservoir.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The EVD status information includes information indicating a charge level of an EVD power supply of the EVD; and The graphical representation of the EVD status information includes a graphical representation of the EVD power source and a graphical representation of the charge level of the EVD power source.

4. The method according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein The EVD status information includes information indicating the remaining number of single puffs of steam that the EVD can provide using current resources within the EVD; and The graphical representation of the EVD status information includes a graphical representation of the remaining number of single puffs of vapor that can be provided by the EVD.

Images