Aerosol providing device, system, charging unit and method of operating same

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to aerosol providing devices, systems, charging units, and methods of operating the same. An aerosol providing device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material is provided. The aerosol providing device includes a device electronic circuit including a device general purpose input-output pin; and a device communication interface configured to communicate with a charger communication interface of the charging unit. The device electronic circuitry is configured to connect the device general purpose input-output pin to the device communication interface such that the aerosol providing device communicates with the charging unit via the device general purpose input-output pin. A method of operating an aerosol providing device, a charging unit for an aerosol providing device, a method of operating a charging unit for an aerosol providing device, and an aerosol providing system are also provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol providing device, an aerosol providing system, a method of operating an aerosol providing device, a charging unit for an aerosol providing device, and a method of operating a charging unit for an aerosol providing device. Background Art

[0002] Smoking articles, such as cigarettes, cigars, etc., conventionally burn tobacco during use, thereby generating tobacco smoke. Efforts are currently being made to create alternatives for such articles. In this regard, it is particularly envisaged to heat but not burn a suitable material to release certain compounds, especially in an inhalable aerosol. The suitable material may or may not contain tobacco and may or may not contain nicotine. Such a material may be provided, for example, in a cylindrical unit or, more generally, in an article containing aerosol generating material.

[0003] Other examples are vapor providing devices and systems, such as electronic cigarettes, which typically include a reservoir containing a source liquid with a formulation that may or may not contain nicotine, from which an aerosol is generated, such as by evaporation or other means. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol providing device for generating an aerosol from aerosol generating material, the aerosol providing device comprising:

[0005] a device electronic circuit including device general input-output pins; and

[0006] a device communication interface configured to communicate with a charger communication interface of a charging unit,

[0007] wherein the device electronic circuit is configured to connect the device general input-output pins to the device communication interface such that the aerosol providing device communicates with the charging unit via the device general input-output pins.

[0008] The aerosol providing device may be configured to transmit data to the charging unit via the device general input-output pins.

[0009] The aerosol providing device may be configured to receive data from the charging unit via the device general input-output pins.

[0010] The device electronic circuit may be configured to connect the device general input-output pins to the device communication interface in response to the aerosol providing device entering a device sleep mode.

[0011] The device electronic circuit can be configured to disconnect the device general-purpose input-output pin from the device communication interface in response to the aerosol providing device entering the device active mode.

[0012] The device electronic circuit can include a device universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter.

[0013] The device electronic circuit can be configured to connect the device universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter to the device communication interface such that the aerosol providing device communicates with the charging unit via the device universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter.

[0014] The device electronic circuit can be configured to connect the device universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter to the device communication interface in response to the aerosol providing device entering the device active mode.

[0015] The aerosol providing device can be configured to enter the device active mode in response to data received at the device general-purpose input-output pin having a data bit rate higher than the active threshold.

[0016] Data received at the device general-purpose input-output pin having a data bit rate higher than the active threshold can indicate that the data has been transmitted via the charger universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter.

[0017] The aerosol providing device can be configured to enter the device sleep mode in response to data received at the device universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter having a data bit rate lower than the sleep threshold.

[0018] Data received at the device universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter having a data bit rate lower than the sleep threshold can indicate that the data has been transmitted via the charger general-purpose input-output pin.

[0019] The aerosol providing device can be configured to enter the device sleep mode in response to the aerosol providing device being in the device active mode for a device timeout period.

[0020] According to a second aspect, there is provided a system comprising the aerosol providing device as described in the first aspect and a charging unit.

[0021] According to a third aspect, there is provided a method of operating an aerosol providing device configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-forming material, the aerosol providing device including a device electronic circuit including a device general-purpose input-output pin, wherein the method includes communicating the aerosol providing device with a charging unit via the device general-purpose input-output pin.

[0022] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a charging unit for an aerosol providing device configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-forming material, the charging unit comprising:

[0023] A charger electronic circuit, the charger electronic circuit including charger general input-output pins; and

[0024] A charger communication interface configured to communicate with a device communication interface of an aerosol providing device,

[0025] wherein the charger electronic circuit is configured to connect the charger general input-output pins to the charger communication interface such that a charging unit communicates with the aerosol providing device via the charger general input-output pins.

[0026] The charging unit may be configured to transmit data to the aerosol providing device via the charger general input-output pins.

[0027] The charging unit may be configured to receive data from the aerosol providing device via the charger general input-output pins.

[0028] The charger electronic circuit may be configured to connect the charger general input-output pins to the charger communication interface in response to the charging unit entering a charger sleep mode.

[0029] The charger electronic circuit may be configured to disconnect the charger general input-output pins from the charger communication interface in response to the charging unit entering a charger active mode.

[0030] The charger electronic circuit may include a charger universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter.

[0031] The charger electronic circuit may be configured to connect the charger universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter to the charger communication interface such that the charging unit communicates with the aerosol providing device via the charger universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter.

[0032] The charger electronic circuit may be configured to connect the charger universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter to the charger communication interface in response to the charging unit entering a charger active mode.

[0033] The charging unit may be configured to enter a charger sleep mode in response to the charging unit being in a charger active mode for a charger timeout period.

[0034] The charging unit may be configured to enter a charger sleep mode in response to data received at the charger universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter having a data bit rate below a sleep threshold.

[0035] Data received at the charger universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter having a data bit rate below a sleep threshold may indicate that data has been transmitted via the device general input-output pins.

[0036] Data received at the charger universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter at a data bit rate below a sleep threshold may indicate that the aerosol provision device has been disconnected from the charging unit.

[0037] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a system comprising the charging unit of the fourth aspect and an aerosol provision device.

[0038] According to a sixth aspect, there is provided a method of operating a charging unit for an aerosol provision device configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-forming material, the charging unit comprising charger electronic circuitry including charger universal input-output pins, wherein the method comprises communicating the charging unit with the aerosol provision device via the charger universal input-output pins.

[0039] According to a seventh aspect, there is provided a system comprising the aerosol provision device of the first aspect and the charging unit of the fourth aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Various embodiments will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0041] Figure 1 An aerosol provision system is shown, which includes an aerosol provision device located within a charging unit;

[0042] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of communication between the aerosol provision device and the charging unit is shown;

[0043] Figure 3 A method of operating an aerosol provision device is shown; and

[0044] Figure 4 A method of operating a charging unit is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming material" is a material capable of generating an aerosol, such as when heated, irradiated, or otherwise stimulated. The aerosol-forming material may be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid, or gel, which may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorants. The aerosol-forming material may include any plant-based material, such as tobacco-containing materials, and may include, for example, one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, and tobacco substitutes. The aerosol-forming material may also include other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine depending on the product.

[0046] The aerosol - forming material can be in the form of, for example, a solid, a liquid, a gel, a wax, etc. The aerosol - forming material can also be, for example, a combination or blend of materials. The aerosol - forming material can also be referred to as a "smokable material".

[0047] The aerosol - forming material can include a binder and an aerosol - forming agent. Optionally, an active substance and / or a filler can also be present. Optionally, a solvent such as water is also present, and one or more other components of the aerosol - forming material can be soluble or insoluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol - forming material is substantially free of plant material. In some embodiments, the aerosol - forming material is substantially free of tobacco.

[0048] The aerosol - forming material can include or be an "amorphous solid". The amorphous solid can be a "monolithic solid". In some embodiments, the amorphous solid can be a dried gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material that can retain some fluid, such as a liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol - forming material can include, for example, from about 50 wt%, 60 wt% or 70 wt% of amorphous solid to about 90 wt%, 95 wt% or 100 wt% of amorphous solid.

[0049] The aerosol - forming material can include an aerosol - forming film. The aerosol - forming film can include a sheet or can be a sheet, which can optionally be shredded to form shredded pieces. The aerosol - forming sheet or shredded pieces can be substantially free of tobacco.

[0050] According to the present disclosure, a "non - combustible" aerosol - delivery system is a system in which the constituent aerosol - forming material of the aerosol - delivery system (or its components) is not burned or combusted in order to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0051] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non - combustible aerosol - delivery system, such as a powered non - combustible aerosol - delivery system.

[0052] In some embodiments, the non - combustible aerosol - delivery system is an electronic cigarette, also known as an e - cigarette device or an electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that nicotine does not need to be present in the aerosol - forming material.

[0053] In some embodiments, the non - combustible aerosol - delivery system is an aerosol - forming material heating system, also known as a heat - not - burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0054] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system is a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or more of which can be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials can be in the form of, for example, a solid, a liquid, or a gel, and can contain or can be free of nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material can include, for example, tobacco or non-tobacco products.

[0055] Typically, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system can include a non-combustible aerosol delivery device and a consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol delivery device.

[0056] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a consumable that includes an aerosol-generating material and is configured to be used with a non-combustible aerosol delivery device. Throughout the present disclosure, these consumables are sometimes referred to as articles.

[0057] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system, such as its non-combustible aerosol delivery device, can include a power source and a controller. The power source can be, for example, an electrical power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source includes a carbon substrate that can be energized to distribute power in the form of heat to the aerosol-generating material or a heat transfer material adjacent to the exothermic power source.

[0058] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system can include an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0059] In some embodiments, a consumable for use with a non-combustible aerosol delivery device can include an aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0060] An aerosol-generating material is a material capable of generating an aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated, or otherwise stimulated. The aerosol-generating material can be in the form of, for example, a solid, a liquid, or a semi-solid (such as a gel), which can contain or can be free of active substances and / or flavorants.

[0061] The aerosol-generating material can contain a binder and an aerosol former. Optionally, active substances and / or fillers can also be present. Optionally, a solvent, such as water, is also present, and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material can be soluble or insoluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of plant material. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of tobacco.

[0062] The aerosol - forming material may comprise or be an aerosol - forming film. The aerosol - forming film may be formed by combining an adhesive (such as a gelling agent) with a solvent (such as water), an aerosol - forming agent, and one or more other components (such as an active substance) to form a slurry, and then heating the slurry to volatilize at least some of the solvent to form the aerosol - forming film. The slurry may be heated to remove at least about 60 wt%, 70 wt%, 80 wt%, 85 wt% or 90 wt% of the solvent. The aerosol - forming film may be a continuous film or a discontinuous film, with discrete portions of such a film disposed on a support. The aerosol - forming film may be substantially free of tobacco.

[0063] The aerosol - forming film may comprise a sheet or be a sheet, which may optionally be shredded to form shredded pieces.

[0064] The aerosol - forming material may include one or more active substances and / or flavorants, one or more aerosol - forming materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0065] An aerosol generator is a device configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol - forming material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol - forming material to thermal energy in order to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol - forming material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol - forming material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol - forming material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, and electrostatic energy.

[0066] A consumable is an article that comprises or consists of an aerosol - forming material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed by a user during use. The consumable may include one or more other components, such as an aerosol - forming material storage area, an aerosol - forming material transfer component, an aerosol - forming area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. The consumable may also include an aerosol generator, such as a heater, which emits heat during use to generate an aerosol from the aerosol - forming material. The heater may, for example, include a combustible material, a material that can be heated by conduction, or a susceptor.

[0067] A susceptor is a heating material that can be heated by penetration with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor can be a conductive material such that penetration of the susceptor with a varying magnetic field causes inductive heating of the heating material. The heating material can be a magnetic material such that penetration of the heating material with a varying magnetic field causes hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor can be both conductive and magnetic such that the susceptor can be heated by both heating mechanisms. An aerosol providing device configured to generate a varying magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator.

[0068] A non-flammable aerosol providing system can include modular components that include both a reusable aerosol providing device and a replaceable aerosol generating article. In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol providing device can include a power source and a controller (or control circuitry). The power source can include, for example, an electrical power source such as a battery or a rechargeable battery. In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol providing device can also include an aerosol generating component. However, in other embodiments, the aerosol generating article can partially or fully include the aerosol generating component.

[0069] Inductive heating is a process in which a conductive object, called a susceptor, is heated by penetration of the object with a varying magnetic field. The process is described by Faraday's law of induction and Ohm's law. An induction heater can include an electromagnet and means for passing a varying current, such as alternating current, through the electromagnet. When the electromagnet and the object to be heated are properly positioned relative to each other such that the resulting varying magnetic field generated by the electromagnet penetrates the object, one or more eddy currents are generated within the object. The object has a resistance to the flow of current, and when such eddy currents are generated in the object, their flow against the resistance of the object causes the object to be heated. This process is referred to as Joule, Ohmic, or resistive heating.

[0070] Hysteresis heating is a process in which an object made of a magnetic material is heated by penetration of the object with a varying magnetic field. A magnetic material can be considered to include many atomic-level magnets or magnetic dipoles. When a magnetic field penetrates such a material, the magnetic dipoles align with the magnetic field. Thus, when a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field generated by an electromagnet, penetrates the magnetic material, the orientation of the magnetic dipoles changes with the varying applied magnetic field. This reorientation of the magnetic dipoles causes heat to be generated in the magnetic material.

[0071] When an object is both conductive and magnetic, penetration of the object with a varying magnetic field can cause both Joule heating and hysteresis heating in the object. Additionally, the use of a magnetic material can enhance the magnetic field, which can enhance Joule heating.

[0072] Various embodiments will now be described in more detail.

[0073] Figure 1There is shown an aerosol provision system 10, which includes an aerosol provision device 12 and a charging unit 14. The charging unit 14 is configured to charge the power source of the aerosol provision device 12. When the charging unit 14 is in electrical communication with the device 12, the charging unit 14 charges the device 12. For example, as will be described, when the device 12 is docked in the charging unit 14, the charging unit 14 charges the device 12.

[0074] In Figure 1 it, the illustrated device 12 is located within a cavity or socket 16 of the charging unit 14. The device 12 is inserted into the socket through an opening 18 of the socket 16. The device 12 can be inserted through the opening along the longitudinal side of the charging unit 14. The device 12 can be inserted through the opening at the end of the device 12 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. The charging unit 14 includes a first end or proximal end 20 provided with the opening 18, and a second end or distal end 22 opposite to the proximal end. The charging unit 14 defines a longitudinal axis X along the direction extending between the proximal end 20 and the distal end 22.

[0075] The charging unit 14 includes a housing 24 that surrounds the internal components of the charging unit 14. The housing 24 includes a proximal surface 26 disposed at the proximal end 20 and the opening 18 of the cavity 16 extending through the proximal surface 26.

[0076] The aerosol provision device 12 can be withdrawn from the charging unit 14 for use by the user separately from the charging unit 14 before being reinserted into the socket 16 through the opening 18. In some arrangements, the aerosol provision device 12 is also available when inserted into the charging unit 14.

[0077] The aerosol provision device 12 can include an elongate structure extending along the longitudinal axis. The aerosol provision device 12 has a proximal end that is closest to the user (e.g., the user's mouth) when the user uses the proximal end to inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol provision device 12. The aerosol provision device 12 further includes a distal end that is farthest from the user during use. The proximal end can also be referred to as the mouth end.

[0078] The aerosol provision device 12 includes an opening leading to a heating chamber. A rod-shaped aerosol-generating article containing an aerosol-generating material can be inserted through the opening and can be held within the heating chamber of the aerosol provision device 12. The aerosol-generating article can be heated by a heating element such that an aerosol or other inhalable medium can be generated, which can then be inhaled by a user of the aerosol provision device 12.

[0079] The device 12 can include one or more user-operable control elements disposed on an outer surface of the device 12, which can be used to operate the aerosol provision device.

[0080] The aerosol providing device 12 includes a general circuit (not shown) configured to control various aspects of the device 12. In particular, the general circuit may include device general input-output (GPIO) pins. The GPIO pins are unconstrained digital signal pins on an integrated circuit board or an electronic circuit board. The GPIO pins can be used as inputs, outputs, or both.

[0081] The device general circuit also includes a device communication interface. The device general electronic circuit connects the device general input-output (GPIO) pins to the device communication interface. In an arrangement, the device general electronic circuit includes a device general asynchronous receiver-transmitter (UART). The UART is hardware for asynchronous serial communication. The data format and transmission speed (bit rate) of the data to be transmitted are configurable.

[0082] The device general input-output (GPIO) pins can be arranged to enable communication between the device communication interface of the device 12 and the electronic circuit in the charging unit 14.

[0083] The charging unit 14 includes charger electronic circuitry. The charger electronic circuitry includes charger general input-output (GPIO) pins. The charger electronic circuitry also includes a charger communication interface for the charging unit. The charger electronic circuitry is configured to connect the charger general input-output pins to the charger communication interface. The charger electronic circuitry may include a charger general asynchronous receiver-transmitter.

[0084] In use, the device general input-output pins are connected to the device communication interface. Via the device general input-output pins, the device 12 communicates with the charging unit. In an arrangement, the charger general input-output pins are connected to the charger communication interface such that the charging unit communicates with the device 12 via the charger general input-output pins. The use of general input-output pins in each of the device 12 and the charging unit 14 reduces power consumption, which in turn can enhance or extend the battery life of the power source.

[0085] The communication between the device 12 and the charging unit 14 via the device general input-output pins can be communication for transmitting data from the device 12 to the charging unit 14. The data transmitted relates to the connection state between the device 12 and the charging unit 14. The device general input-output pins are also configured to receive data related to the connection state from the charging unit 14. The communication conducted in this way between the device 12 and the charging unit 14 indicates the transmission of data between them. When data is transmitted between the device 12 and the charging unit 14, the device 12 and the charging unit 14 are connected to each other.

[0086] As Figure 2As shown, device 12 sends communication 30 to charging unit 14. In response, charging unit 14 sends communication 32 to device 12. Communications 30, 32 can be transmitted via general-purpose input-output or universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter.

[0087] When device 12 is received by charging unit 14, device 12 can enter device sleep mode. In sleep mode, device 12 can be in a power-saving mode. In response to entering sleep mode, the device electronic circuit is configured to connect the device general-purpose input-output pins to the device communication interface. In an arrangement, device 12 can enter sleep mode in response to a user input. In an arrangement, the aerosol providing device 12 can be configured to enter device sleep mode in response to device 12 being in device active mode for a device timeout period or in response to a predetermined period of device inactivity.

[0088] When device 12 is removed from charging unit 14, device 12 can enter active mode. In active mode, device 12 can be ready for use or in use. In response to entering active mode, the device electronic circuit is configured to disconnect the device general-purpose input-output pins from the device communication interface. In an arrangement, device 12 can enter active mode in response to a user input or in response to the start of a usage session, e.g., if device 12 is used while still inserted in charging unit 14.

[0089] Communication via the device general-purpose input-output pins can be in the form of a periodic signal, e.g., at intervals of 200 ms. This can be referred to as heartbeat communication.

[0090] The communication can have a predetermined bit rate, which is the rate at which data is transferred between device 12 and charging unit 14, or vice versa. The bit rate can determine the communication state between device 12 and charging unit 14.

[0091] In an arrangement, device 12 is configured to enter device active mode in response to data received at the device general-purpose input-output pins having a data bit rate higher than a threshold. The interval between GPIO communications can be approximately 100 ms, which can also be the threshold data bit rate. This means that the rate of data transfer is higher than the threshold. In an arrangement, data received at the device general-purpose input-output pins having a data bit rate higher than the active threshold data bit rate indicates that the data has been transmitted via the charger universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter.

[0092] In the arrangement, the device 12 is configured to enter a device sleep mode in response to data received at the device universal synchronous receiver-transmitter having a data bit rate below a threshold. The threshold data bit rate may be a sleep threshold data bit rate. In the arrangement, data received at the device universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter having a data bit rate below the sleep threshold data bit rate indicates that the data has been transmitted via the charger universal input-output pin.

[0093] As described above, the charging unit 14 may be configured to transmit data to the aerosol providing device 12 via the charger universal input-output pin or via the charger universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter. The charging unit 14 may also be configured to receive data from the aerosol providing device 12 via the charger universal input-output pin or via the charger universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter. The asynchronous receiver-transmitter may transmit data information such as a sleep state mode status, a battery status, or information about a user session. Other data information is also contemplated.

[0094] The charging unit 14 may also be in a charger sleep mode or a charger active mode. The charging unit 14 may enter the charger sleep mode after being in the charger active mode for a specified or predetermined period of time. In the charger sleep mode, the charging unit 14 may be in a power saving mode.

[0095] In response to the charging unit 14 entering the charger sleep mode, the charger electronic circuit is configured to connect the charger universal input-output pin to the charger communication interface. In this way, the charging unit 14 communicates with the device 12 via the charger universal input-output pin.

[0096] In response to the charging unit 14 entering the charger active mode, the charger electronic circuit is configured to disconnect the charger universal input-output pin from the charger communication interface.

[0097] In response to the charging unit 14 entering the charger active mode from the charger sleep mode and the charger electronic circuit disconnecting the charger universal input-output pin from the charger communication interface, the charger electronic circuit instead connects the charger communication interface to the charger universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter. In this way, the charging unit 14 communicates with the aerosol providing device 12 via the charger universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter.

[0098] In the charger active mode, the charging unit 14 may be configured to enter the charger sleep mode in response to data received at the charger universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter having a data bit rate below the sleep threshold data bit rate. This indicates that the data has been transmitted via the device universal input-output pin of the device 12. In the charger sleep mode, charger data is transmitted and received via the charger universal input-output pin.

[0099] In the arrangement, when the charging unit 14 is in the active mode, data received at the charger universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter at a data bit rate below the sleep threshold can indicate that the device 12 has been disconnected from the charging unit 14.

[0100] When communication between the aerosol providing device 12 and the charging unit 14 is via each or both of the general purpose input-output pins, information related to the connection state is provided. This information can relate to the voltage transmitted via the respective pin. The data transmitted can be signals of high and low voltages, which provide heartbeat communication between the two. Thus, such communication is particularly useful when each or both of the aerosol providing device 12 and the charging unit 14 are in the sleep mode. The power used for communication between the device 12 and the charging unit 14 in the sleep mode is relatively lower than using one or each of the universal asynchronous receiver-transmitters.

[0101] In the active mode, more information may need to be transmitted between the charging unit 14 and the device 12. For example, information related to battery charge, heating temperature, heating mode, session information, or battery status information can be transmitted via the respective charging universal asynchronous transmitter-receiver.

[0102] In the arrangement, the sleep threshold and the active threshold for each of the aerosol providing device 12 and the charging unit 14 can be set to predetermined values in order to determine how frequently the device 12 can wake up from the sleep mode to enter the active mode. Such thresholds can be adjusted depending on the power requirements of the aerosol providing device 12.

[0103] Reference Figure 3 , a method of operating the aerosol providing device 12 is shown. In S1-1, the device 12 is in the device active mode. In the device active mode, the device is ready for use or is in use (e.g., the device is ready to activate the aerosol generator in response to inhalation, or the device is activating the aerosol generator). The device 12 is connected to and communicates with the charging unit 14 in the charger active mode. Data is transmitted between the device 12 and the charging unit 14 via the device universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter and the charger universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter respectively.

[0104] In S1-2, and in response to the device 12 being in the device active mode for a device timeout period, in response to a predetermined device inactivity period, or in response to a user input, the device 12 enters the device sleep mode. The device 12 can also enter the device sleep mode in response to the charging unit 14 entering the charger active mode (where, for example, the device 12 detects this due to the charging unit 14 communicating via the charger GPIO at a lower bit rate).

[0105] In S1-3, the device 12 is in the device sleep mode. In the device sleep mode, the device electronic circuit connects the device general input-output pins to the device communication interface. The aerosol providing device 12 communicates with the charging unit 14 via the device general input-output pins. The device 12 transmits data to the charging unit 14 via the device general input-output pins. Subsequently, the device 12 receives data from the charging unit 14 via the device general input-output pins.

[0106] In S1-4, and in response to data received at the device general input-output pins having a data bit rate higher than a threshold (which may indicate that the charging unit is in the charger active mode and transmitting data via the charger UART), the device returns to S1-1, where the device operates in the device active mode.

[0107] Reference Figure 4 , shows a method of operating the charging unit 14. In S2-1, the charging unit 14 is in the charging unit active mode. The charging unit 14 communicates with the device 12. The charger electronic circuit is connected to the charger communication interface. The charging unit 14 communicates with the device 12 via the charger universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter. The device 12 communicates with the charging unit 14 via the device universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter.

[0108] In S2-2, the charging unit 14 enters the device sleep mode in response to one of the following: the charging unit 14 has been in the charging unit active mode for a predetermined timeout period; a user input; removal of the device 12 from the charging unit 14; and data received at the charger universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter having a data bit rate lower than a sleep threshold (which may indicate that the device is in the device sleep mode).

[0109] In S2-3, the charging unit 14 is in the charging unit sleep mode. In the charging unit sleep mode, the charger electronic circuit connects the charger communication interface to the charger general input-output pins. The charger communication interface communicates with the device communication interface of the aerosol providing device 12. Communication via the charger general input-output pins. Communication via the charger general input-output pins is to transmit and receive data from the device general input-output pins of the device 12 at the charging unit 14.

[0110] In S2-3, the data transmitted can be at a predetermined data bit rate. In S2-4, and in response to the data bit rate being higher than a threshold data bit rate (which may indicate that the device 12 is in the device active mode and transmitting via the device UART), the charging unit 14 returns to S2-1, where the charging unit 14 operates in the charging unit active mode. The charging unit 14 may also return to the charger active mode in response to being in the sleep mode for a predetermined sleep mode timeout period.

[0111] The various embodiments described herein are only for helping to understand and teach the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative samples of the embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. It should be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limitations on the scope of the invention defined by the claims or on equivalents of the claims, and that other embodiments can be utilized and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. The various embodiments of the invention can suitably include, consist of, or consist essentially of suitable combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., in addition to those specifically described herein. Further, the present disclosure can include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. An aerosol providing device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating material, the aerosol providing device comprising: a device electronic circuit, the device electronic circuit including device general input-output pins; and a device communication interface configured to communicate with a charger communication interface of a charging unit, wherein the device electronic circuit is configured to connect the device general input-output pins to the device communication interface such that the aerosol providing device communicates with the charging unit via the device general input-output pins.

2. The aerosol providing device according to claim 1, wherein, The aerosol providing device is configured to transmit data to the charging unit via the device general input-output pins, and / or wherein the aerosol providing device is configured to receive data from the charging unit via the device general input-output pins.

3. The aerosol providing device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The device electronic circuit is configured to connect the device general input-output pins to the device communication interface in response to the aerosol providing device entering a device sleep mode.

4. The aerosol providing device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The device electronic circuit is configured to disconnect the device general input-output pins from the device communication interface in response to the aerosol providing device entering a device active mode.

5. The aerosol providing device according to claim 1, wherein, The device electronic circuit includes a device universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter.

6. The aerosol providing device according to claim 5, wherein, The device electronic circuit is configured to connect the device universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter to the device communication interface such that the aerosol providing device communicates with the charging unit via the device universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter.

7. The aerosol providing device according to claim 6, wherein, The device electronic circuit is configured to connect the device universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter to the device communication interface in response to the aerosol providing device entering a device active mode.

8. The aerosol providing device according to claim 7, wherein, The aerosol providing device is configured to enter the device active mode in response to data received at the device general input-output pins having a data bit rate higher than an active threshold.

9. The aerosol providing device according to claim 8, wherein, The data received at the device general input-output pins having a data bit rate higher than the active threshold indicates that the data has been transmitted via a charger universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter.

10. The aerosol providing device according to claim 7, wherein, The aerosol providing device is configured to enter a device sleep mode in response to data received at the device universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter having a data bit rate lower than a sleep threshold.

11. The aerosol providing device according to claim 10, wherein, The data received at the device universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter having a data bit rate lower than the sleep threshold indicates that the data has been transmitted via a charger general input-output pin.

12. An aerosol providing system comprising the aerosol providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 11 and the charging unit.

13. A method of operating an aerosol provision device configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-forming material, the aerosol provision device including device electronic circuitry including a device general input-output pin, wherein, The method includes communicating the aerosol providing device with the charging unit via the device general input-output pins.

14. A charging unit for an aerosol providing device configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material, the charging unit comprising: a charger electronic circuit, the charger electronic circuit including charger general input-output pins; and a charger communication interface configured to communicate with a device communication interface of the aerosol providing device, Wherein, the charger electronic circuit is configured to connect the charger universal input-output pin to the charger communication interface such that the charging unit communicates with the aerosol providing device via the charger universal input-output pin.

15. The charging unit according to claim 14, wherein, The charging unit is configured to transmit data to the aerosol providing device via the charger universal input-output pin, and / or wherein the charging unit is configured to receive data from the aerosol providing device via the charger universal input-output pin.

16. The charging unit according to claim 14 or 15, wherein, The charger electronic circuit is configured to connect the charger universal input-output pin to the charger communication interface in response to the charging unit entering the charger sleep mode.

17. The charging unit according to claim 14 or 15, wherein, The charger electronic circuit is configured to disconnect the charger universal input-output pin from the charger communication interface in response to the charging unit entering the charger active mode.

18. The charging unit according to claim 14, wherein, The charger electronic circuit includes a charger universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter.

19. An aerosol providing system comprising the charging unit and the aerosol providing device according to any one of claims 14 to 18.

20. A method of operating a charging unit of an aerosol providing device, the aerosol providing device being configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material, the charging unit including a charger electronic circuit, the charger electronic circuit including charger universal input-output pins, wherein, The method includes communicating the charging unit with the aerosol providing device via the charger universal input-output pin.

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