Session control system

Abstract

A session control system for a device includes at least one processor and a memory coupled to the at least one processor. The memory is configured to store instructions. The at least one processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the session control system to: detect when a session begins (502), start a session timer (504), incrementing a suction variable when an airflow sensor detects that suction has been performed (506), and initiate a session timer (507) when the airflow sensor detects that suction has been performed (508). Monitoring a relationship of the session timer to a time threshold and monitoring a relationship of the suction variable to a suction threshold (508), and ending the session in response to reaching a session threshold. The session timer is configured to measure a session duration and the suction variable corresponds to a total number of suctions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heat-not-burn (HNB) aerosol-generating device and a capsule configured to generate an aerosol without involving substantial pyrolysis of an aerosol-forming substrate. Background Art

[0002] Some electronic devices are configured to heat plant material to a temperature sufficient to release the components of the plant material while keeping the temperature below the ignition point of the plant material to avoid any substantial pyrolysis of the plant material. Such devices may be referred to as aerosol-generating devices (e.g., heat-not-burn aerosol-generating devices), and the plant material being heated may be tobacco. In some cases, the plant material may be directly introduced into the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device. In other cases, the plant material may be pre-packaged in a separate container to facilitate insertion into and removal from the aerosol-generating device. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The appended claims set forth novel and useful systems, devices, and methods for a session control system for an aerosol-generating device. Exemplary embodiments are also provided to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the claimed subject matter.

[0004] For example, in some exemplary embodiments, a session control system for a device is described. The session control system may include: at least one processor and a memory coupled to the at least one processor. The memory may be configured to store instructions. The at least one processor may be configured to execute the instructions to cause the session control system to detect: when a session starts, start a session timer, increment a puff variable when an airflow sensor detects that a puff has been made, monitor the relationship between the session timer and a time threshold and the relationship between the puff variable and a puff threshold, and end the session in response to reaching a session threshold. The session timer may be configured to measure the session duration and the puff variable may correspond to the total number of puffs made.

[0005] In some exemplary embodiments, the session threshold may be reached when the puff variable is equal to the puff threshold. In some exemplary embodiments, the puff threshold may be 20 puffs.

[0006] In some exemplary embodiments, the session threshold may be reached when the session duration is equal to the time threshold. In some exemplary embodiments, the time threshold may be seven minutes.

[0007] In some exemplary embodiments, a session may start when a control button is actuated and the device starts to preheat.

[0008] In some exemplary embodiments, the session timer may be started when the device is preheating.

[0009] In some exemplary embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to execute instructions to cause a session control system to display a session progress indicator on a consumer interface of the device. The session progress indicator may correspond to the remaining session duration until a session threshold is reached. In some exemplary embodiments, the remaining session duration until the session threshold is reached is the lesser of a percentage of the remaining time required for a session timer to equal a time threshold and a percentage of the remaining number of puffs required for a puff variable to equal a puff threshold.

[0010] In some exemplary embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to execute instructions to cause the session control system to display a session completion indicator when the session threshold is reached.

[0011] In some exemplary embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to execute instructions to cause the session control system to: actuate a haptic actuator when 20% of the session remains until the session threshold is reached and actuate the haptic actuator when the session threshold is reached.

[0012] In some exemplary embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to execute instructions to cause the session control system to start a periodic timer simultaneously with the session timer. The periodic timer may be configured to measure an indicator reporting time. In some exemplary embodiments, the indicator reporting time may be ten seconds. In some exemplary embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to execute instructions to cause the session control system to generate an indicator report when the periodic timer expires. The indicator report may include: a percentage of the remaining time required for the session timer to equal the time threshold and a percentage of the remaining number of puffs required for the puff variable to equal the puff threshold.

[0013] In some exemplary embodiments, detecting that a puff has been made may include: detecting an airflow through the device using an airflow sensor, measuring the duration of the airflow through the device, determining whether the duration of the airflow through the device is greater than a puff duration threshold, and incrementing a puff variable if the duration of the airflow through the device is greater than the puff duration threshold. In some exemplary embodiments, the puff duration threshold may be 350 milliseconds. In some exemplary embodiments, detecting that a puff has been made may further include: starting a hysteresis timer if the duration of the airflow through the device is greater than the puff duration threshold, restarting the hysteresis timer if the airflow sensor detects additional airflow through the device before the hysteresis timer expires, and incrementing the puff variable when the hysteresis timer expires. In some exemplary embodiments, the hysteresis timer may be two seconds.

[0014] In some exemplary embodiments, monitoring the relationship between a session timer and a time threshold and the relationship between a draw variable and a draw threshold may include: setting a first flag to indicate that the percentage of the remaining time threshold or the percentage of the remaining draw threshold is equal to 20%, and setting a second flag to indicate that the percentage of the remaining time threshold or the percentage of the remaining draw threshold is equal to 0%. In some exemplary embodiments, monitoring the relationship between a session timer and a time threshold and the relationship between a draw variable and a draw threshold may further include: actuating a haptic actuator of the device when the first flag is set, and actuating a second haptic actuator when the second flag is set.

[0015] In some exemplary embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to execute instructions to cause a session control system to: calculate the amount of energy used by the device and monitor the relationship between the amount of energy used by the device and an energy threshold. In some exemplary embodiments, when the amount of energy used by the device is equal to the energy threshold, a session threshold may be reached.

[0016] In some exemplary embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to execute instructions to cause a session control system to: track the amount of time that airflow has flowed through the device since a draw was made and monitor the relationship between the amount of time that airflow has flowed through the device since a draw was made and a draw time threshold. In some exemplary embodiments, when the amount of time that airflow has flowed through the device since a draw was made is equal to the draw time threshold, a session threshold may be reached.

[0017] Also described herein is a multi - session control system for a device. The multi - session control system may include: at least one processor and a memory coupled to the at least one processor. The memory may be configured to store instructions. The at least one processor may be configured to execute instructions to cause the multi - session control system to: detect when a session begins, start a device timer, increment a draw variable when an airflow sensor detects that a draw has been made, monitor the relationship between the device timer and a time threshold and the relationship between the draw variable and a draw threshold, and turn off the device in response to reaching a device threshold. The device timer may be configured to measure the total usage time of the device, and the draw variable may correspond to the total number of draws made.

[0018] In some exemplary embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to execute instructions to cause the multi - session control system to: detect when a session ends, pause the device timer when the session ends, detect when a new session begins, and restart the device timer when the device is warming up after a new session begins.

[0019] The present disclosure also describes a non - transitory computer - readable medium that includes instructions which, when executed by a processing circuit of a device, cause the device to perform the functions described herein. These functions can include: detecting when a session begins, starting a session timer, incrementing a puff variable when an airflow sensor detects that a puff has been made, monitoring the relationship of the session timer to a time threshold and the relationship of the puff variable to a puff threshold, and ending the session in response to reaching a session threshold. The session timer can be configured to measure the session duration, and the puff variable can correspond to the total number of puffs made.

[0020] The present disclosure also describes a session control system for a device. The session control system can include a processor device and a memory device. The memory device can be coupled to the processor device and can be configured to store instructions. The processor device can be configured to execute the instructions to cause the session control system to: detect when a session begins, start a session timer, increment a puff variable when an airflow sensor detects that a puff has been made, monitor the relationship of the session timer to a time threshold and the relationship of the puff variable to a puff threshold, and end the session in response to reaching a session threshold. The session timer can be configured to measure the session duration, and the puff variable can correspond to the total number of puffs made.

[0021] The present disclosure also describes a method of operating a session control system of a device. The method can include: detecting when a session begins, starting a session timer, incrementing a puff variable when an airflow sensor detects that a puff has been made, monitoring the relationship of the session timer to a time threshold and the relationship of the puff variable to a puff threshold, and ending the session in response to reaching a session threshold. The session timer can be configured to measure the session duration, and the puff variable can correspond to the total number of puffs made.

[0022] The present disclosure also describes a non - transitory computer - readable medium that includes instructions which, when executed by a processing circuit of a device, cause the device to perform the functions described herein. The functions can include: detecting when a session begins, starting a device timer, incrementing a puff variable when an airflow sensor detects that a puff has been made, monitoring the relationship of the device timer to a time threshold and the relationship of the puff variable to a puff threshold, and shutting down the device in response to reaching a device threshold. The device timer can be configured to measure the total usage time of the device, and the puff variable can correspond to the total number of puffs made.

[0023] Also described herein is a multi-session control system for a device. The multi-session control system may include a processor device and a memory device. The memory device may be coupled to the processor device and may be configured to store instructions. The processor device may be configured to execute instructions to cause the multi-session control system to: detect when a session begins, start a device timer, increment a puff variable when an airflow sensor detects that a puff has been taken, monitor the device timer relative to a time threshold and the puff variable relative to a puff threshold, and shut down the device in response to reaching the device threshold. The device timer may be configured to measure the total usage time of the device and the puff variable may correspond to the total number of puffs taken.

[0024] Also described herein is a method of operating a multi-session control system for a device. The method may include detecting when a session begins, starting a device timer, incrementing a puff variable when an airflow sensor detects that a puff has been taken, monitoring the device timer relative to a time threshold and the puff variable relative to the puff threshold, and shutting down the device in response to reaching the device threshold. The device timer may be configured to measure a total time the device is in use, and the puff variable may correspond to a total number of puffs taken.

[0025] Objects, advantages, and preferred modes of making and using the claimed subject matter may best be understood by referring to the drawings in conjunction with the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The various features and advantages of the non-limiting embodiments of the present invention may become more apparent by reading the detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. Unless explicitly noted, the drawings should not be considered to be drawn to scale. The various dimensions of the drawings may have been exaggerated for clarity.

[0027] Figure 1 is an upper right front perspective view of an apparatus according to at least one example embodiment.

[0028] Figure 2A is an upper right front perspective view of the device with the cover opened and the device including the capsule.

[0029] Figure 2B is a bottom perspective view of the device.

[0030] Figure 2C is a bottom view of the device.

[0031] Figure 3 is a block diagram of a session control system of the apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0032] Figure 4A and Figure 4B are different embodiments of icons that can be presented on the communication screen of the device.

[0033] Figure 5 is a block diagram of a method for operating a session control system of the device.

[0034] Figure 6 is a block diagram of another method for operating a session control system of the device.

[0035] Figure 7 is a block diagram of a method for increasing the suction variable of a session control system.

[0036] Figure 8 is a block diagram of a method for actuating a haptic actuator of a session control system.

[0037] Figure 9 is a block diagram of a method for ending a session of the device.

[0038] Figure 10 is a block diagram of a multi - session control system of the device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0039] Figure 11 is a block diagram of a method for operating a multi - session control system of the device. Detailed Description

[0040] Some detailed exemplary embodiments are disclosed herein. However, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative for the purpose of describing the exemplary embodiments. However, the exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many alternative forms and should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein.

[0041] Thus, although the exemplary embodiments are capable of various modifications and alternative forms, the exemplary embodiments are shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that there is no intention to limit the exemplary embodiments to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the exemplary embodiments will cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the exemplary embodiments. Throughout the description of the drawings, like reference numerals represent like elements.

[0042] It should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on", "connected to", "coupled to", or "covering" another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected to, coupled to, or covering the other element or layer, or there may be intervening elements or layers. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on", "directly connected to", or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed related items.

[0043] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, regions, layers, and / or parts, these elements, regions, layers, and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, region, layer, or part from another region, layer, or part. Thus, without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments, the first element, component, region, layer, or part discussed below may be referred to as the second element, region, layer, or part.

[0044] For ease of description, spatially relative terms (such as "below", "beneath", "lower", "above", and "upper", etc.) may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature shown in the drawings to another element or feature. It should be understood that, in addition to the orientation described in the drawings, the spatially relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the drawings is flipped, an element described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features will be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the term "below" can include both orientations of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0045] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing various exemplary embodiments only and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are also intended to include the plural forms. It will also be understood that the terms "includes", "including", "comprises", and / or "comprising" specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, and / or elements, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or groups thereof.

[0046] When the term "about" or "substantially" is used in this specification in connection with a numerical value, it means that the associated numerical value includes manufacturing or operational tolerances around the stated value (e.g., ±10%). Additionally, when the term "substantially" or "about" is used in connection with a geometric shape, it means that precision of the geometric shape is not required but the degree of freedom of the shape is within the scope of the present disclosure. Further, whether a numerical value or a shape is modified with "about", "substantially", or "approximately", it will be understood that these values and shapes should be interpreted as including manufacturing or operational tolerances around the stated numerical value or shape (e.g., ±10%).

[0047] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the exemplary embodiments belong. It should also be understood that terms (including those defined in commonly used dictionaries) should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0048] As used herein, "coupled" includes both removably coupled and permanently coupled. For example, when an elastic layer and a support layer are removably coupled to each other, the elastic layer and the support layer can be separated when sufficient force is applied.

[0049] Hardware can be implemented using processing or control circuitry, such as but not limited to: one or more processors, one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more microcontrollers, one or more arithmetic logic units (ALUs), one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), one or more microcomputers, one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more systems on a chip (SoCs), one or more programmable logic units (PLUs), one or more microprocessors, one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or any other device capable of responding and / or executing instructions in a defined manner.

[0050] Figure 1 and Figures 2A to 2C is a diagram of an apparatus 100 according to some exemplary embodiments. In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 can be an aerosol generating apparatus. Referring to Figure 1, showing a top perspective view of the device 100. In some embodiments, the body of the device 100 may have a generally oblong or pebble shape. The body of the device 100 may include a housing 102 and a lid mechanism or lid 104. The housing 102 may have a first end 106 and a second end 108 opposite the first end 106. The lid may have a first end 110 and a second end 112 opposite the first end 110. The first end 110 of the lid 104 may be fixedly coupled to the second end 108 of the housing 102 at a first point 114 and may be releasably coupled to the second end 108 of the housing 102 at a second point 116. The first point 114 of the housing 102 may be located on a first side 118 of the device 100. The second point 116 of the housing 102 may be located on a second side 120 of the device 100.

[0051] In some exemplary embodiments, the device 100 may further include a mouthpiece 122. In at least some exemplary embodiments, the mouthpiece 122 may include a first end 124 and a second end 126 opposite the first end 124. The second end 126 of the mouthpiece 122 may be coupled to the second end 112 of the lid 104. In some embodiments, the second end 126 of the mouthpiece 122 may be releasably coupled to the second end 112 of the lid 104. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the mouthpiece 122 may be tapered between the first end 124 and the second end 126. For example, the diameter or average length / width dimension of the first end 124 may be less than the diameter or average length / width dimension of the second end 126. Towards the first end 124, the taper may have a slightly inward curvature 128, which is configured to receive the lips of an adult consumer and improve comfort and experience. In some embodiments, the first end 124 may have an oblong or oval shape and may include one or more outlets 130. For example, the first end 124 may include four outlets 130 such that: during use of the device 100, four or more different regions or quadrants of an adult consumer's mouth may be engaged. In other embodiments, the mouthpiece 122 may have fewer outlets than four outlets 130 or more outlets than four outlets 130.

[0052] In some exemplary embodiments, the housing 102 may include: a consumer interface panel 132 disposed on the second side 120 of the device 100. For example, the consumer interface panel 132 may be an oval panel extending along the second side 120 of the device 100. The consumer interface panel 132 may include: a latch release button 134 and a communication screen 136 and / or control buttons 138. For example, in at least some exemplary embodiments, the consumer interface panel 132 may include: a communication screen 136 disposed between the latch release button 134 and the control buttons 138. As shown, the latch release button 134 may be disposed toward the second end 108 of the device 100, and the control buttons 138 may be disposed toward the first end 106 of the device 100. The latch release button 134 and the control buttons 138 may be adult consumer interaction buttons. The latch release button 134 and the control buttons 138 may have: a generally circular shape with a central depression or central pit configured to direct the pressure applied by an adult consumer, but the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. The control buttons 138 may turn the device 100 on and off. Although only two buttons are shown, it should be understood that more or fewer buttons may be provided depending on the available functions and the desired adult consumer interface.

[0053] The communication screen 136 may be a consumer interface, such as a human-machine interface (HMI) display. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the communication screen 136 may be an integrated thin-film transistor (“TFT”) screen. In other exemplary embodiments, the communication screen 136 is an organic light-emitting diode (“OLED”) or light-emitting diode (“LED”) screen. The communication screen 136 is configured for adult consumer engagement and may have a generally oblong shape.

[0054] In some embodiments, the exterior of the housing 102 and / or the lid 104 may be formed of: metal (e.g., aluminum and stainless steel, etc.); aesthetic, food-contact grade plastics (e.g., polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) material, liquid crystal polymer (LCP), copolyester plastic, or any other suitable polymer and / or plastic); or any combination thereof. Similarly, the mouthpiece member 122 may be formed of: metal (e.g., aluminum and stainless steel, etc.); aesthetic, food-contact grade plastics (e.g., polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) material, liquid crystal polymer (LCP), copolyester plastic, or any other suitable polymer and / or plastic); and / or plant-based materials (e.g., wood and bamboo, etc.). One or more inner surfaces of the housing 102 and / or the lid 104 may be formed of or coated with a high-temperature plastic (e.g., polyether ether ketone (PEEK) or liquid crystal polymer (LCP), etc.).

[0055] Figure 2AShows another top perspective view of the device 100, where the lid 104 is in the open configuration. The lid 104 can be fixedly coupled to the housing 102 at a first point 114 by a hinge 202 or other similar connector, and the hinge 202 or other similar connector allows the lid 104 to move (e.g., swing and rotate) from the open position to the closed position. In some embodiments, the hinge 202 can be a torsion spring. In at least some exemplary embodiments, the housing 102 can include a recess 204 at the first point 114. The recess 204 can be configured to receive a portion of the lid 104, thereby allowing the lid 104 to move easily and smoothly from the open position to the closed position (and vice versa). The recess 204 can have a structure corresponding to the opposing portion of the lid 104. For example, as shown, the recess 204 can include a substantially curved portion 206 having a generally concave shape that corresponds to the curvature of the lid 104 having a generally convex shape.

[0056] The lid 104 can be releasably coupled to the housing 102 at a second point 116 by a latch 208 or other similar connector, and the latch 208 or other similar connector allows the lid 104 to be fixed or fastened in the closed position and can be easily released to allow the lid 104 to move from the closed position to the open position. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the latch 208 can be coupled to a latch release mechanism disposed within the housing 102. The latch release mechanism can be configured to move the latch 208 from a first or closed position to a second or open position.

[0057] When the lid 104 is in the open position as Figure 2A shown, the cartridge receiving cavity 210 of the housing 102 is exposed. The cartridge connector 212 can define the cartridge receiving cavity 210 of the housing 102. In some embodiments, the cartridge connector 212 can be mounted or otherwise fastened to a printed circuit board (PCB) within the housing 102.

[0058] As Figure 2A shown, the cartridge 214 can be received by the cartridge receiving cavity 210. The cartridge can house the consumables of the device 100. In some embodiments not shown herein, there can be a gasket disposed around the cartridge 214 to help fasten the cartridge 214 in place within the housing 102. The cartridge 214 can include a housing 216 configured to contain an aerosol-forming substrate and a heater. In some embodiments, the housing 216 can be in the form of a cover, such as a shell or a cartridge case. In some embodiments, the cartridge 214 can include a first end cap 217 and a second end cap. The second end cap can be opposite the first end cap 217 such that when the cartridge 214 is received by the cartridge receiving cavity 210, the second end cap is disposed within the housing 102.

[0059] As discussed herein, an aerosol-forming substrate is a material or combination of materials that can produce an aerosol. An aerosol refers to a substance generated or output by the disclosed and claimed devices and their equivalents. The material can include a compound (e.g., nicotine), where when the material is heated, an aerosol containing the compound is produced. The heating can be below the combustion temperature so as to produce an aerosol without involving significant pyrolysis of the aerosol-forming substrate or the substantial generation of combustion by-products (if any). Thus, in an exemplary embodiment, no pyrolysis occurs during heating and aerosol generation. In other cases, there may be some pyrolysis and combustion by-products, but the extent can be considered relatively minor and / or merely incidental.

[0060] The aerosol-forming substrate can be a fibrous material. For example, the fibrous material can be a plant-based material. The fibrous material is configured to release a compound upon heating. The compound can be a component naturally present in the fibrous material. For example, the fibrous material can be a plant material (e.g., tobacco), and the released compound can be nicotine. The term "tobacco" includes: any tobacco plant material, which includes tobacco leaves, tobacco plugs, reconstituted tobacco, compressed tobacco, shaped tobacco, or powdered tobacco and combinations thereof from one or more tobacco plant species such as Nicotiana rustica and Nicotiana tabacum.

[0061] In some exemplary embodiments, the tobacco material can include materials from any member of the genus Nicotiana. Additionally, the tobacco material can include: a mixture of two or more different tobacco varieties. Examples of suitable types of tobacco materials that can be used include (but are not limited to): flue-cured tobacco, burley tobacco, dark tobacco, Maryland tobacco, Oriental tobacco, rare tobacco, specialty tobacco, and mixtures thereof, etc. The tobacco material can be provided in any suitable form, including but not limited to: tobacco sheet, processed tobacco material (e.g., volume-expanded or puffed tobacco), processed tobacco stem (e.g., cut-rolled or cut-puffed tobacco stem), reconstituted tobacco material, and mixtures thereof, etc. In some exemplary embodiments, the tobacco material is in the form of a substantially dry tobacco substance. Additionally, in some instances, the tobacco material can be mixed and / or combined with at least one of propylene glycol, glycerin, sub-combinations thereof, or combinations thereof.

[0062] The compound can also be a natural component of a medicinal plant having a medically acceptable therapeutic effect.

[0063] In addition, the compound can be or can additionally include: a non-naturally occurring additive that is subsequently introduced into the fibrous material. In one case, the fibrous material can include at least one of: cotton, polyethylene, polyester, rayon, or a combination thereof, etc. (e.g., in the form of gauze). In another case, the fibrous material can be a cellulose material (e.g., a non-tobacco material). In any case, the introduced compound can include nicotine and / or a flavorant. The flavorant can be from natural sources (e.g., plant extracts (e.g., tobacco extracts)) and / or artificial sources. In yet another case, when the fibrous material includes tobacco, the compound can be or can additionally include one or more flavorants (e.g., menthol, mint, vanilla). Thus, the compound within the aerosol-forming substrate can include naturally occurring components and / or non-naturally occurring additives. In this regard, it should be understood that the existing level of the natural components of the aerosol-forming substrate can be increased by supplementation. For example, the existing level of nicotine in a certain amount of tobacco can be increased by supplementing with a nicotine-containing extract.

[0064] The first end cap 217 can include a first opening 218. In some embodiments, the first opening 218 can be a series of openings provided through the first end cap 217. Similarly, the second end cap can include a second opening, which in some embodiments can be a series of openings. In some embodiments, the first end cap 217 and / or the second end cap can be transparent so as to serve as a window configured to allow viewing of the contents / components (e.g., the aerosol-forming substrate and / or the heater) within the capsule 214.

[0065] The capsule receiving cavity 210 can have a base located inside the housing 102. In some embodiments, the base can include at least one contact point that can be configured to couple to one or more contact points of the capsule 214 when the capsule 214 is received by the capsule receiving cavity 210. When the capsule 214 is inserted into the capsule receiving cavity 210, the weight of the capsule 214 itself may not be sufficient to compress at least one contact point of the base of the capsule receiving cavity 210. Thus, the capsule 214 can simply rest on the exposed pins of the at least one contact point without causing any compression (or any significant compression) of the electrical contacts of the at least one contact point. In addition, when the lid 104 itself pivots to transition to the closed position, its weight may not cause any significant compression of the electrical contacts of the at least one contact point, but can simply rest on the capsule 214 in an intermediate, partially open / closed position. In such a case, deliberately taking an action (e.g., a downward force) to close the lid 104 will cause the surface 220 of the lid 104 to press down on the capsule 214 to provide the required seal and will also cause the capsule 214 to compress, thereby fully engaging the electrical contacts of the at least one contact point.

[0066] In addition, the fully closed lid 104 can result in engagement with the latch 208, which can maintain the closed position and the required mechanical / electrical engagement involving the bladder 214 until released (e.g., via the latch release button 134). The force required to close the lid 104 can help ensure and / or improve the air / aerosol seal and help provide a more robust electrical connection, as well as improve the device and thermal efficiency and battery life by reducing or eliminating early power consumption and / or parasitic heating of the bladder 214.

[0067] The lid 104 can include a lumen 222 that can be adapted to receive the housing 102 when the lid is in the closed position. In some embodiments, the lumen 222 of the lid 104 can include: an impact or engagement member or surface 220 that is configured to engage the bladder 214 when the lid 104 pivots to transition to the closed position. The surface 220 of the lid 104 can include recesses and / or elastic materials corresponding to the size and shape of the bladder to enhance the interface with the bladder to provide the required seal. In some embodiments, the lid 104 can further include an opening 224 that can be adapted to receive the second end 126 of the mouthpiece 122. The mouthpiece 122 can include at least one extension 226 that can be received by the opening 224 of the lid 104 to secure the mouthpiece 122 to the lid 104. In some embodiments, the lid 104 can further include a protrusion that can be configured to couple with a recess 228 of the housing 102. When the lid 104 is coupled to the housing 102 in the closed position, the protrusion can be embedded within the recess 228.

[0068] Referring to Figure 2B, shows a bottom perspective view of the device 100. In some embodiments, the housing 102 may define a port or a charging connector 250. The charging connector may be defined or provided at the first end 106 of the housing 102. The charging connector 250 may be configured to receive current from an external power source (e.g., via a USB / mini-USB cable) to charge the power source inside the device 100. In some embodiments, a protective grille 252 is provided around the charging connector 250. The protective grille 252 may be configured to help reduce or prevent debris from entering and / or inadvertently blocking the incoming air flow. For example, the protective grille 252 may define a plurality of pores 254 along its length or path. As shown, the protective grille 252 may have an annular form surrounding the charging connector 250. In this regard, the pores 254 may also be arranged (e.g., in a series arrangement) around the charging connector 250. Each pore 254 may have an oval or circular shape, but is not limited thereto. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the protective grille 252 may include an approved food contact material. For example, the protective grille 252 may include plastic, metal (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum), or any combination thereof. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the surface of the protective grille 252 may be coated with, for example, a thin layer of plastic and / or anodized.

[0069] The pores 254 in the protective grille 252 may serve as an inlet for air inhaled into the device 100. During operation of the device 100, the ambient air entering through the pores 254 in the protective grille 252 around the charging connector 250 will converge to form a combined flow, which then travels to the capsule 214. For example, the pores 254 may be in fluid communication with the capsule receiving cavity 210. In at least one exemplary embodiment, air may be inhaled from the pores 254 and pass through the capsule receiving cavity 210. For example, air may pass through the capsule 214 received by the capsule receiving cavity 210 and be discharged from the mouthpiece 122.

[0070] Referring to Figure 2C , shows a bottom view of the device 100. In some embodiments, the charging connector 250 may be a component that defines a cavity 256 and has a protrusion 258 within the cavity 256. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the protrusion 258 does not extend beyond the edge of the cavity 256. Additionally, the charging connector 250 may also be configured to send data to and / or receive data from another aerosol generating device (e.g., a heat-not-burn (HNB) aerosol generating device) and / or other electronic devices (e.g., a phone, a tablet, a computer, etc.) (e.g., via a USB / mini-USB cable). In at least one embodiment, the device 100 may alternatively or additionally be configured to communicate wirelessly (e.g., via Bluetooth) with such other aerosol generating devices and / or electronic devices.

[0071] As will be appreciated, device 100 and cartridge 214 include additional components (e.g., a heater and an internal airflow path), such as those described in Attorney Docket No. 24000NV-000847-US, filed on the same date as the present application and having application number XX / XXX,XXX, and entitled "Heat-Not-Burn (HNB) Aerosol Generating Device and Cartridge", the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0072] Referring Figure 3 , a block diagram of a session control system 300 of device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. Session control system 300 may be configured to monitor the session progress of device 100. Session control system 300 may also be configured to end the session when a session threshold is reached. In some embodiments, session control system 300 may monitor two or more criteria to determine the progress of the session and to determine when the session threshold is reached. The first criterion may be the number of puffs taken since the start of the session. The second criterion may be the elapsed time of the session. The third criterion may be the energy consumed by device 100 during the session. The fourth criterion may be the amount of time air has flowed through device 100 since a puff was taken (e.g., a puff made by a consumer). The session threshold may be reached when the number of puffs taken since the start of the session equals a puff threshold, the elapsed time of the session equals a time threshold, the amount of energy used by device 100 to power the heater equals an energy threshold, or the amount of time air has flowed through device 100 since a puff was taken equals a puff time threshold. In some embodiments, any of the above criteria may be monitored alone or in combination to determine when the session threshold has been reached.

[0073] When the session is considered complete, session control system 300 may end the session of device 100. In some embodiments, session control system 300 may end the session of device 100 by turning off the heater of device 100. In some embodiments, session control system 300 may also be configured to communicate the progress of the session of device 100 to the consumer via the communication screen 136 of device 100 or another output method.

[0074] The session control system 300 may include a processor 302, a memory 304, a control button 138, an airflow sensor 306, an energy meter 307, a haptic actuator 308, a heater 309 coupled to a heating engine controller 310, and a power supply 311. In some embodiments, the memory 304 may include a draw variable 312, a first flag 322, and a second flag 324, and the processor 302 may include a timer 314. In other embodiments, the draw variable 312, the first flag 322, and / or the second flag 324 may be stored in the processor 302, such as in the local memory of the processor 302, and the timer 314 may execute using instructions stored in the memory 304. The processor 302 may communicate with the memory 304, the control button 138, the airflow sensor 306, the energy meter 307, the haptic actuator 308, the heater 309, the heating engine controller 310, the power supply 311, the draw variable 312, the timer 314, the first flag 322, and the second flag 324.

[0075] The processor 302 may be: hardware including logic circuitry, a hardware / software combination that may be configured to execute software, or a combination thereof. For example, the processor 302 may include, but is not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a system on a chip (SoC), a programmable logic unit, a microprocessor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other similar devices. The processor 302 may be configured as a dedicated machine (e.g., a processing device) to execute software or instructions stored in the memory 304. The software may be embodied as: program code that includes instructions for performing and / or controlling any or all of the operations described herein as being performed by the processor 302.

[0076] In other exemplary embodiments, other processing circuits or control circuits may be used.

[0077] The memory 304 is illustrated as being external to the processor 302, and in some exemplary embodiments, the memory 304 may be on the processor 302. The memory 304 may be described by any one of the terms "storage medium", "computer-readable storage medium", or "non-transitory computer-readable storage medium", and may represent one or more devices for storing data, including read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic RAM, core memory, disk storage media, optical storage media, flash devices, and / or other tangible machine-readable media for storing information. The term "computer-readable medium" may include, but is not limited to: portable or fixed storage devices, optical storage devices, and various other media capable of storing, containing, or carrying instructions and / or data.

[0078] The draw variable 312 can be a counter that can be set to zero when a session of the device 100 begins. Each time a draw is detected, the draw variable 312 can be incremented by 1. A draw can be detected when negative pressure is applied through the mouthpiece 122 of the device 100 after the consumer places their mouth on the mouthpiece 122 of the device 100. In some embodiments, the draw variable 312 can be compared to a draw threshold to determine the progress of the session of the device 100. When the draw variable 312 equals the draw threshold, the session threshold can be reached. In some embodiments, the draw threshold can be 20 draws made by the consumer, such that when the draw variable 312 equals 20, the session threshold can be reached. As described in further detail below, in some embodiments, the airflow sensor 306 can be configured to detect draws such that the draw variable can be incremented each time the consumer makes a draw.

[0079] The timer 314 can include one or more timers configured to measure one or more times / time periods associated with the device 100 and / or the session control system 300. The timer 314 can include a session timer 316 that can be configured to measure the session time. The session time can be the duration of a session of the device 100. When the session time equals a time threshold, the session threshold can be reached. In some embodiments, the time threshold can be seven minutes, such that when the session time equals seven minutes, the session threshold can be reached.

[0080] The timer 314 can include a periodic timer 318 that can be configured to measure the metric reporting time. In some embodiments, the metric reporting time can be less than the session time. When the metric reporting time expires, information related to the session progress can be calculated and output on at least the communication screen 136. In some embodiments, the periodic timer 318 can be started simultaneously with the session timer 316. Additionally, the periodic timer 318 can be refreshed once it expires such that information related to the session progress can be calculated and output on the communication screen 136 periodically during the session. In some embodiments, the metric reporting time can be ten seconds such that the periodic timer 318 is reset every ten seconds and information related to the session progress is calculated and output on at least the communication screen 136. However, the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0081] The timer 314 can include a hysteresis timer 320 that can be configured to measure the hysteresis time. The hysteresis time can be the minimum duration between draws of the device 100 such that each draw is measured as a separate draw by the airflow sensor 306 and the draw variable 312. The hysteresis time will be explained in more detail below.

[0082] In some embodiments, the session control system 300 may further include at least one flag that may be set to indicate the status of a session of the device 100. The at least one flag may include a first flag 322 and a second flag 324. The first flag 322 may be set when any session metric is equal to a first threshold. For example, the first flag 322 may be set when the percentage of remaining draws of the draw variable 312 equal to the draw threshold is equal to the first threshold, when the percentage of remaining time of the session time equal to the time threshold is equal to the first threshold, when the percentage of the amount of remaining energy of the amount of energy used by the device 100 to power the heater 309 to reach the energy threshold is equal to the first threshold, or when the percentage of the time that air flow passes through the device 100 equal to the draw time threshold is equal to the first threshold. In some embodiments, the first threshold may be 20%.

[0083] The second flag 324 may be set when any session metric is equal to a second threshold. For example, the second flag 324 may be set when the percentage of remaining draws of the draw variable 312 equal to the draw threshold is equal to the second threshold, when the percentage of remaining time of the session time equal to the time threshold is equal to the second threshold, when the percentage of the amount of remaining energy of the amount of energy used by the device 100 to power the heater 309 to reach the energy threshold is equal to the second threshold, or when the percentage of the remaining time that air flow passes through the device 100 equal to the draw time threshold is equal to the second threshold. In some embodiments, the second threshold may be 0%.

[0084] The control button 138 may be configured to generate a signal indicating that the consumer has switched the device 100 to an "on" state or an "off" state. When the device 100 is switched to the "on" state, the device 100 may start preheating. In some embodiments, once the control button 138 is pressed, the session may start. Although the session starts when the control button 138 is pressed, the session timer 316 may not start until the device 100 is preheated. Once the device 100 is preheated, the session timer 316 may start.

[0085] The airflow sensor 306 can be configured to detect and / or measure the characteristics of the airflow through the device 100. For example, the airflow sensor 306 can be configured to detect when air flows through the device 100. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the airflow sensor 306 can be: a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) flow or pressure sensor, or another type of sensor configured to measure airflow (such as a hot-wire anemometer). In other embodiments, the airflow sensor 306 can be another known sensor. By detecting a suction with a flow value greater than or equal to about 1 mL / s and terminating the suction when the flow value subsequently drops to about 0 mL / s, the airflow sensor 306 can operate as a suction sensor. In one exemplary embodiment, the airflow sensor 306 can be a differential pressure sensor based on a MEMS flow sensor, where the differential pressure (in pascals) is converted to an instantaneous flow reading (in mL / s) using a curve-fitting calibration function or a look-up table (of the flow value for each differential pressure reading). In another exemplary embodiment, the flow sensor can be a capacitive pressure-drop sensor.

[0086] In some embodiments, the airflow sensor 306 can be communicatively coupled to the processor 302 such that the processor 302 is configured to measure the duration of the airflow through the device 100. It should be understood that although it can be said that the airflow sensor 306 detects a suction, in fact, it may be the processor 302 that detects the signal received from the airflow sensor 306, thereby detecting that a suction has been performed. In some embodiments, a suction can be detected when a negative pressure is detected through the mouthpiece 122 of the device 100. In some embodiments, the airflow sensor 306 can be communicatively coupled to the suction variable 312 of the processor 302 such that: each time the airflow sensor 306 detects that a suction has been performed, the suction variable 312 is incremented. In some embodiments, the processor 302 can be configured to compare the duration of the airflow through the device 100 with a suction duration threshold. If the duration of the airflow through the device 100 is less than the suction duration threshold, the suction variable 312 may not be incremented. If the duration of the airflow through the device 100 is greater than or equal to the suction duration threshold, the processor 302 can increment the suction variable 312.

[0087] Determining whether the duration of the airflow through the device 100 is greater than or less than the suction duration threshold will accommodate consumers who are accustomed to generating short bursts of airflow through the device 100. Any suction less than the suction duration threshold will not increment the suction variable 312, and thus the session will not be shortened due to any of these short suctions. In some embodiments, the suction duration threshold can be 350 milliseconds. Thus, if the suction time is less than 350 milliseconds, the processor will not increment the suction variable 312.

[0088] The airflow sensor 306 can also be communicatively coupled to the hysteresis timer 320 of the processor 302. As described above, the hysteresis timer 320 can be configured to measure a hysteresis time. The hysteresis timer 320 can be initiated at the end of a puff that exceeds the puff duration threshold and before the puff variable 312 is incremented. If an additional puff end is detected before the hysteresis timer expires, the hysteresis timer 320 can be restarted. Once the hysteresis timer 320 expires, the puff variable 312 can be incremented and the hysteresis timer 320 can be reset such that: the hysteresis timer 320 can be initiated when the next puff end is detected. In some embodiments, the hysteresis time can be two seconds. The hysteresis timer 320 can be configured to prevent overcounting of puffs, especially for consumers with a "double puff" configuration. These consumers may be accustomed to taking a short puff first and then a long puff. The hysteresis timer 320 can prevent the puff variable 312 from counting both of these puffs to prevent overcounting of puffs.

[0089] In some embodiments, the airflow sensor 306 can also be configured to store or track the amount of time that airflow has flowed through the device 100 since the consumer took a puff. The amount of time that airflow has flowed through the device 100 since the consumer took a puff can be monitored based on a puff time threshold. The amount of time that airflow has flowed through the device 100 can be the total amount of time during a session, and can include any double puffs or puffs shorter than the puff duration threshold as described above. In some embodiments, a session threshold can be reached such that: if the amount of time that airflow has flowed through the device 100 reaches the puff time threshold, the session of the device 100 can end.

[0090] The energy meter 307 can be configured to measure the amount of energy that the device 100 uses to power the heater 309 during a session. In some embodiments, the energy meter 307 can also be configured to compare the amount of energy that the device 100 uses to power the heater 309 with an energy threshold. In some embodiments, if the amount of energy that the device 100 uses to power the heater 309 during a session equals the energy threshold, a session threshold can be reached.

[0091] The communication screen 136 can be configured to display information related to the device 100. The communication screen 136 can be configured to display one or more icons to convey information related to the device 100. For example, the communication screen 136 can be configured to display a session progress indicator that can indicate the remaining length of the session until the session threshold is reached. The remaining length of the session until the session threshold is reached can be the minimum of the percentage of remaining puffs required for the puff variable 312 to equal the puff threshold and the percentage of remaining time required for the session time to equal the time threshold. The communication screen 136 can also be configured to display a session completion indicator that can indicate that the session threshold has been reached and the session has ended.

[0092] The haptic actuator 308 can be: a haptic motor, which can be disposed within the housing 102 of the device 100. The haptic actuator 308 can be configured to: cause the device to vibrate when the haptic actuator 308 is actuated. The haptic actuator 308 can be configured to: be actuated by the processor 302 at a predetermined percentage of the remaining length of the session. In some embodiments, the haptic actuator 308 can be configured to: be actuated when a first flag 322 of the session control system 300 is set. For example, the haptic actuator 308 can be configured to: be actuated at a first threshold (e.g., 20%) of the remaining session threshold. In some embodiments, the session may remain 20% when 20% of the suction threshold remains, 20% of the time threshold remains, 20% of the energy threshold remains, or 20% of the suction time threshold remains. The haptic actuator 308 can also be configured to: be actuated when a second flag 324 of the session control system 300 is set. For example, the haptic actuator 308 can be configured to: be actuated when a second threshold is reached (e.g., when the session threshold is reached), indicating that the session is complete. The session threshold can be reached when the number of suction operations measured by the suction variable 312 is equal to the suction threshold, the session time is equal to the time threshold, the energy measured by the energy meter 307 is equal to the energy threshold, or the amount of time that air flows through the device 100 is equal to the suction time threshold. In some embodiments, the haptic actuator 308 can be configured to: cause the device 100 to vibrate in a vibration mode when actuated.

[0093] The heating engine controller 310 can be communicatively coupled to the heater 309 of the device 100. In some embodiments, the heating engine controller 310 and the heater 309 can form a feedback loop with the energy meter 307. The output from the heater 309 can be a first input to the energy meter 307, and the output from the processor 302 can be a second input to the energy meter 307, such that the energy meter 307 receives current and voltage measurements of the device 100 to measure the amount of energy used by the device 100 to power the heater 309. In some embodiments, the heating engine controller 310 and the heater 309 can be elements of one or more of these circuits or can be coupled to one or more of these circuits: a heating voltage measurement circuit, a heating current measurement circuit, and / or a compensation measurement circuit, which are substantially as described in U.S. Application No. 17 / 151,409, filed on January 18, 2021, titled "HEAT-NOT-BURN (HNB) AEROSOL-GENERATING DEVICES INCLUDING INTRA-DRAW HEATER CONTROL, AND METHODS OF CONTROLLING A HEATER", the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0094] The processor 302 can be configured to: communicate with the heating engine controller 310 to turn on the heater 309 when the control button 138 detects that the device 100 has been powered on. The processor 302, working in cooperation with the heating engine controller 310, can also be configured to turn off the heater 309 of the device 100 when a session threshold has been reached and the session of the device 100 is complete.

[0095] The power source 311 can be an internal power source for powering the device 100 and the cartridge 214. The processor 302 can control the power supply of the power source 311 through a power control circuit (not shown). The power control circuit can include one or more switches or transistors for regulating the power output of the power source 311. The power source 311 can be a lithium-ion battery or a variant thereof (e.g., a lithium-ion polymer battery).

[0096] Referring Figures 4A to 4B , different exemplary embodiments of a display screen with a graphical user interface with icons are shown. In some embodiments, the display screen can be the communication screen 136 of the device 100. The icons displayed on the display screen or the communication screen 136 can generally be referred to as system icons. In some embodiments, Figure 4A and Figure 4B 's icons can be displayed on the communication screen 136 in various colors, shades, or sizes. For example, Figure 4A andFigure 4B The shaded area can be displayed as orange, cyan, or red, or can be displayed in any other suitable color. Figure 4A and Figure 4B The dashed lines shown in Figure 4A and Figure 4B Each icon in

[0097] Figure 4A shows a display screen with a graphical user interface having icons such as a session progress icon or a session progress indicator 402. When a session of the device 100 is in progress, the session progress indicator 402 can be displayed on the communication screen 136. The session progress indicator 402 can be oval-shaped, can be a capsule icon, and can include a plurality of bars 404. In some embodiments, each bar in the plurality of bars 404 can represent a predetermined consumption percentage of a consumable. For example, in some embodiments, there can be 10 bars, where each bar represents 10% consumption of the consumable. When a session of the device 100 is in progress, the session progress indicator 402 can be updated periodically. For example, when the periodic timer 318 expires, the session progress indicator 402 can be updated. In some embodiments, when the consumable is exhausted, a session threshold can be reached. Thus, the number of bars 404 displayed on the communication screen 136 can convey the remaining time until the session reaches the session threshold.

[0098] Figure 4B shows a display screen with a graphical user interface having icons such as a capsule completion icon or a capsule completion indicator 406. Once a session of the device 100 is completed, the capsule completion indicator 406 can be displayed on the communication screen 136. When the session threshold is reached, the session may be completed, which may be when the capsule is completely exhausted. In some embodiments, the capsule completion indicator 406 can be oval-shaped, can be a capsule icon, and its center can contain an "X". In some embodiments, the color of the capsule completion indicator 406 can be red.

[0099] Referring to Figure 5, a block diagram of a method 500 of a session control system 300 of an operating device 100 is shown. Once the control button 138 is pressed and the device 100 is powered on, the processor 302 can start the method 500. Then, the method 500 can proceed to step 502, where the processor 302 can detect that a session has started. In some embodiments, the session can start when the consumer presses the control button 138 to start the session. In other embodiments, the session can start when the heating engine controller 310 and / or the processor 302 determines that the heater 309 of the device 100 has been preheated.

[0100] Once the processor 302 of the session control system 300 detects in step 502 that the session has started, the method 500 can proceed to step 504, where the processor 302 starts the session timer 316. The session timer 316 can be configured to measure the duration of the session (which can be the session time). Once the session timer 316 is started, the processor 302 of the session control system 300 can be configured to monitor the relationship between the session time and the time threshold.

[0101] After starting the session timer 316 in step 504, the method 500 can proceed to step 506, where if the airflow sensor 306 detects suction, the processor 302 and / or the memory 304 increments the suction variable 312. Whether or not any suction is detected, the session timer 316 will remain active if the session is in progress. If the airflow sensor 306 and / or the processor 302 detects suction, the processor 302 and / or the memory 304 can increment the suction variable 312.

[0102] If suction is detected, the method 500 can proceed to the conditional step 508 after incrementing the suction variable 312. In the conditional step 508, the processor 302 can determine whether the session time measured by the session timer 316 is equal to the time threshold, or whether the suction variable 312 is equal to the suction threshold.

[0103] If the session time measured by the session timer 316 is not equal to the time threshold and the suction variable 312 is not equal to the suction threshold, the method 500 can return to step 506 along the "No" path, and if the airflow sensor 306 detects suction, the method 500 can continue to increment the suction variable 312. In addition, the session timer can continue to run until the session ends.

[0104] If the session time measured by the session timer 316 is equal to the time threshold or the draw variable 312 is equal to the draw threshold, the session threshold has been reached. Once the session threshold has been reached, the session ends, and method 500 can continue along the "Yes" path to the end. To end the session, the processor 302 can instruct the heating engine controller 310 to turn off the heater 309 of the device 100, and the session timer 316 and the draw variable 312 can be reset so that they can be started when a new session begins.

[0105] Referring Figure 6 , a block diagram of a method 600 for operating the session control system 300 of the device 100 is shown. Method 600 can be more detailed than Figure 5 the method 500 shown. Method 600 can begin when the device 100 is turned on by pressing the control button 138.

[0106] Once the device is turned on, method 600 can continue to step 602, where the processor 302 clears all timers, flags, and variables or sets them to their default values. In some embodiments, this can include resetting each of the draw variable 312, the first flag 322, the second flag 324, and the session timer 316, the periodic timer 318, and the hysteresis timer 320.

[0107] Once each of the variables, flags, and timers has been reset or cleared, method 600 can continue to step 604, where the processor 302 of the session control system 300 reads the session standard limits. In some embodiments, the session control system 300 can read the session standard limits from the memory 304. In some embodiments, the session standard limits can be the values of at least one of a draw threshold, a time threshold, an energy threshold, and a draw duration threshold. In some embodiments, the session standard limits can also include an indicator reporting time, a hysteresis time, and a draw duration threshold.

[0108] Once the session control system 300 reads the session standard limits, method 600 can continue to conditional step 606, where the processor 302 of the session control system 300 determines whether the session has started. In some embodiments, the session can start automatically when the device 100 is turned on. In other embodiments, the session can start when the consumer presses the control button 138. In other embodiments, the session can start after the session control system 300 processes each session standard limit. After the session control system 300 determines that the session has started, method 600 can continue from conditional step 606.

[0109] Once the session control system 300 has determined that the session has started, method 600 can proceed to step 608. At step 608, the processor starts the session timer 316. The session timer 316 can be configured to measure the session time. In some embodiments, the session timer 316 is only started when the heating engine controller 310 determines that the heater 309 of the device 100 has been preheated. The device 100 may have been preheated when the processor 302 determines that preheating has occurred based on at least one of a time threshold at which the device 100 has been preheated, an energy threshold reached by the device 100, and / or a temperature threshold reached by the device 100. This can ensure that the session time does not include any time during which the device 100 is preheating, because the consumer may not have access to the consumable while the device 100 is preheating.

[0110] After starting the session timer 316, method 600 can proceed to step 610, where the processor 302 starts the periodic timer 318. In some embodiments, the periodic timer 318 can be started simultaneously with the session timer 316. The periodic timer 318 can be configured to measure the metric reporting time.

[0111] Once the periodic timer 318 is started, method 600 can proceed to step 612. At step 612, if a puff is detected, the processor 302 and / or the memory 304 increments the puff variable 312. In some embodiments, the airflow sensor 306 can detect a puff through the device 100 and can be communicatively coupled to the puff variable 312. More details regarding incrementing the puff variable 312 will be described below with reference to Figure 7 Describe more details about incrementing the puff variable 312.

[0112] After incrementing the puff variable 312 in the case where a puff is detected, method 600 can proceed to the conditional step 614. At the conditional step 614, the processor 302 can determine whether the metric reporting time has expired. If the metric reporting time measured by the periodic timer 318 has not expired, method 600 can continue along the "no" path back to the conditional step 614. Once the metric reporting time of the periodic timer 318 has expired, method 600 can continue along the "yes" path to step 616.

[0113] At step 616, the processor 302 calculates the session metrics. In some embodiments, the session metrics can be the percentage of the remaining puffs required for the puff variable 312 to equal the puff threshold and the percentage of the remaining time required for the session time to equal the time threshold. Additionally or alternatively, the session metrics can include: the percentage of the remaining energy required for the amount of energy used by the device 100 to power the heater 309 to equal the energy threshold and the percentage of the remaining time required for the total time that air flows through the device 100 to equal the puff time threshold.

[0114] Once the session metrics are calculated in step 616, method 600 can proceed to step 618, where session control system 300 outputs the session metrics. In some embodiments, processor 302 can be configured to output the session metrics by displaying an icon or indication on communication screen 136 and / or by actuating haptic actuator 308 of device 100. Additional information regarding outputting the session metrics is described below with reference to Figure 8 additional information regarding outputting the session metrics.

[0115] After the session metrics are output in step 618, method 600 can proceed to conditional step 620. In conditional step 620, processor 302 of session control system 300 determines whether any of the session metrics is equal to zero. More specifically, session control system 300 can determine whether the percentage of remaining draw required for draw variable 312 to equal the draw threshold is equal to zero, whether the percentage of remaining time required for the session time to equal the time threshold is equal to zero, whether the percentage of remaining energy required for the amount of energy used by device 100 to power heater 309 to equal the energy threshold is equal to zero, or whether the percentage of remaining time required for the total time of airflow through device 100 to equal the draw time threshold is equal to zero.

[0116] If none of the session metrics is equal to zero, method 600 can proceed along the "No" path to step 610. In step 610, processor 302 restarts periodic timer 318, and method 600 proceeds as described above.

[0117] If any of the session metrics is equal to zero, method 600 can proceed along the "Yes" path to step 616, where heater 309 is turned off. After heating engine controller 310 has received a signal from processor 302 indicating that heater 309 should be turned off, heating engine controller 310 can turn off heater 309. Once heater 309 is turned off, the session has ended, and processor 302 can end method 600.

[0118] Referring to Figure 7 , a block diagram of method 700 for incrementing draw variable 312 upon detection of a draw in step 612 of method 600 is shown. When airflow sensor 306 detects the start of a draw in step 702, processor 302 can start method 700. More specifically, when airflow sensor 306 determines that the consumer has started applying negative pressure through mouthpiece 122 of device 100 to detect the start of a draw, processor 302 can start method 700. Once the end of the draw is detected, method 700 can proceed to step 704.

[0119] In step 704, the processor 302 may determine that the suction has ended. When the airflow sensor 306 determines that the consumer has stopped applying negative pressure through the mouthpiece 122 of the device 100, the processor 302 may determine that the suction has ended. Once the processor 302 determines that the suction has ended, the method 700 may proceed to conditional step 706.

[0120] In conditional step 706, the session control system 300 may determine whether the suction duration ended in step 704 is greater than a suction duration threshold. In some embodiments, the processor 302 may determine whether the suction duration is greater than the suction duration threshold. If the suction duration is not greater than the suction duration threshold, the method 700 may return to the start of the method 700 along the "No" path. The processor 302 may wait to execute the method 700 until the airflow sensor 306 detects the start of another suction. If the suction duration is greater than the suction duration threshold, the method 700 may proceed along the "Yes" path to step 708.

[0121] In step 708, the processor 302 may start the hysteresis timer 320. The hysteresis timer 320 may measure the hysteresis time. In some embodiments, the hysteresis time may be two seconds. After starting the hysteresis timer 320 in step 708, the method may proceed to conditional step 710.

[0122] In conditional step 710, the processor 302 may determine whether the hysteresis time has expired. If the hysteresis time has not expired, the method 700 may proceed along the "No" path to conditional step 712. In conditional step 712, the processor 302 may determine whether an additional suction end has been detected. If no additional suction end has been detected, the method 700 may proceed along the "No" path back to conditional step 710, and the processor 302 may determine whether the hysteresis timer 320 has expired. If the processor 302 does detect an additional suction end in conditional step 712, the method 700 may proceed along the "Yes" path to step 708, where the processor 302 starts the hysteresis timer 320. In some embodiments, if the method 700 proceeds from conditional step 712 to step 708, the hysteresis timer 320 may be restarted.

[0123] If the hysteresis timer 320 has expired in conditional step 710, the method 700 may proceed to step 714. In step 714, the processor 302 increments the suction variable 312. After incrementing the suction variable 312, the processor 302 may end the method 700 and may proceed to conditional step 614 of the method 600. In some embodiments, the method 700 may be executed each time the airflow sensor 306 detects a suction by detecting the airflow through the device 100.

[0124] Reference Figure 8 , a block diagram of method 800 showing the output session metrics for step 618 of method 600 is shown. Method 800 can start from step 618 of method 600. In some embodiments, the output session metrics can include: displaying an icon or indication on the communication screen 136 of device 100, and / or actuating the haptic actuator 308 of device 100. To determine what device 100 should output to convey the session metrics, method 800 can proceed to step 802. At step 802, the session control system 300 determines the minimum value among the session metrics. This can be the minimum value among the percentage of remaining suction required for the suction variable 312 to equal the suction threshold, the percentage of remaining time required for the session time to equal the time threshold, the percentage of remaining energy required for the amount of energy used by device 100 to power the heater 309 to equal the energy threshold, and the percentage of remaining time required for the total time of airflow through device 100 to equal the suction time threshold. The minimum value among the session metrics can be the session progress.

[0125] After determining the session progress at step 802, method 800 can proceed to step 804, where the processor 302 displays the session progress on the communication screen 136. In some embodiments, the session progress can be output by displaying a message or icon on the communication screen 136. For example, the processor 302 can display a session progress indicator 402 or a pod completion indicator 406 on the communication screen 136.

[0126] After outputting the session progress at step 804, method 800 can proceed to conditional step 806, where the session control system 300 determines whether the first flag 322 is set. If the session progress was less than the first threshold in the previous iteration of the periodic timer 318, the memory 304 and / or the processor 302 can set the first flag 322. If the first flag 322 is set, the session progress may be less than the first threshold, and the haptic actuator 308 may have previously vibrated device 100 to indicate the session progress to the consumer. If the first flag 322 is set, method 800 can continue along the "yes" path to conditional step 808.

[0127] At conditional step 808, the session control system 30 determines whether the second flag 324 has been set. If the session progress was less than the second threshold in the previous iteration of the periodic timer 318, the memory 304 and / or the processor 302 can set the second flag 324. If the second flag 324 is set, the session progress may be less than the second threshold, and the haptic actuator 308 may have previously vibrated device 100 to indicate the session progress to the consumer. If the second flag 324 is set, method 800 can continue along the "yes" path, and the processor 302 can end method 800.

[0128] If the first flag 322 is not set in conditional step 806, method 800 may continue along the "No" path to conditional step 810. In conditional step 810, the session control system 300 may determine whether the session progress is less than a first threshold. In some embodiments, the session progress may be less than the first threshold if any session metric is less than the first threshold. If the session progress is not less than the first threshold, method 800 may continue along the "No" path, and the processor 302 may end method 800.

[0129] If the session progress is less than the first threshold, method 800 may continue along the "Yes" path to step 812. In step 812, the memory 304 and / or the processor 302 of the session control system 300 may set the first flag 322 and may play a haptic alert. In some embodiments, playing the haptic alert may include: the processor 302 actuating the haptic actuator 308 of the device 100. After setting the first flag 322 and playing the haptic alert in step 812, the processor 302 may end method 800.

[0130] Referring again to conditional step 808, if the second flag 324 is not set, method 800 may continue along the "No" path to conditional step 814. In conditional step 814, the session control system 300 may determine whether the session progress is less than a second threshold. In some embodiments, the session progress may be less than the second threshold if any session metric is less than the second threshold. If the session progress is not less than the second threshold, method 800 may continue along the "No" path, and the processor 302 may end method 800.

[0131] If the session progress is less than the second threshold, method 800 may continue along the "Yes" path to step 816. In step 816, the processor 302 and / or the memory 304 of the session control system 300 may set the second flag 324 and may play a haptic alert. In some embodiments, the haptic alert played when setting the second flag 324 may be different from the haptic alert played when setting the first flag 322. As described above, playing the haptic alert may include: actuating the haptic actuator 308 of the device 100. After setting the second flag 324 and playing the haptic alert in step 816, the processor 302 may end method 800.

[0132] When the processor 302 ends method 800 along any of the above paths, the step 618 of outputting the session metrics of method 600 may be completed, and method 600 may continue to the conditional step 620 as discussed above Figure 6 discussed.

[0133] Referring Figure 9, a block diagram of a method 900 for ending a session is shown. In some embodiments, method 900 may represent a method for ending a session when any session metric is not equal to zero. This may occur when the device 100 has been adjusted to end the session immediately. For example, if the lid 104 is opened, the processor 302 may end any ongoing session of the device 100. Additionally, if any session metric is equal to zero at the same time, the processor 302 may prevent the haptic actuator 308 from playing the haptic alert twice.

[0134] When the session control system 300 receives a session end message, the processor 302 may start method 900. When the session control system 300 receives a session end message, the heating engine controller 310 may turn off the heater 309 of the device 100. As described above, the session end message may be received when all session metrics are not equal to zero but the session has ended through another action (such as opening the lid 104 of the device 100). After method 900 starts, it may proceed to step 902, where the processor 302 displays the bladder completion indicator 406 on the communication screen 136. The bladder completion indicator 406 may be used to convey to the consumer the information that the session has ended.

[0135] Once the bladder completion indicator 406 is displayed in step 902, method 900 may proceed to conditional step 904. In conditional step 904, the processor 302 and / or the memory 304 may determine whether the second flag 324 has been set. If the second flag 324 has not been set, method 900 may continue along the "No" path to step 906, where the haptic actuator 308 of the device 100 is actuated by the processor 302 to play a haptic alert. If the second flag 324 has been set, method 900 may continue along the "Yes" path, and the processor 302 may end method 900.

[0136] The processor 302 may ensure that the haptic actuator 308 does not play the haptic alert more times than required. For example, if the haptic actuator 308 has been actuated to play a haptic alert when the second flag 324 was previously set, the processor 302 may ensure that the haptic actuator 308 is not actuated again.

[0137] Refer to Figure 10, which shows a block diagram of the multi-session control system 1000 of the device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The multi-session control system 1000 may be configured to: monitor the progress of the device 100 in multiple sessions. The multi-session control system 1000 may also be configured to: turn off the device when a device threshold is reached. In some embodiments, the multi-session control system 1000 may monitor one or more criteria to determine the progress of the device 100 and determine when the device threshold is reached. The first criterion may be the number of draws. The second criterion may be the expiration time, which may be the device time. The third criterion may be the energy consumed by the device 100. The fourth criterion may be the amount of time air has flowed through the device 100 since the consumer made a draw. The fifth criterion may be the number of sessions of the device 100. The device threshold may be reached when the number of draws is equal to the draw threshold, the device time is equal to the time threshold, the amount of energy used by the device 100 to power the heater 309 is equal to the energy threshold, the amount of time air has flowed through the device since the consumer made a draw is equal to the draw time threshold, or the number of sessions of the device 100 is equal to the session threshold. In some embodiments, any of the above criteria may be monitored alone or in combination to determine when the device threshold has been reached.

[0138] When it is considered that the progress of the device 100 is complete, the multi-session control system 1000 may turn off the device 100. In some embodiments, the multi-session control system 1000 may also be configured to: communicate the progress of the device 100 to the consumer via the communication screen 136 or another output method of the device 100.

[0139] The multi-session control system 1000 may include: the processor 302, the memory 304, the control button 138, the airflow sensor 306, the energy meter 307, the tactile actuator 308, and the heating engine controller 310 described above with reference to Figure 3 In some embodiments, the processor 302 may include a timer 314, and the memory 304 may include a draw variable 312, a first flag 322, a second flag 324, and a session variable 1002. The timer 314 may include: one or more timers configured to measure one or more times related to the device 100 and / or the multi-session control system 1000. The timer 314 may include a session timer 316, a periodic timer 318, a hysteresis timer 320, and a device timer 1004. The processor 302 may communicate with the memory 304, the control button 138, the airflow sensor 306, the energy meter 307, the tactile actuator 308, the heating engine controller 310, the draw variable 312, the timer 314, the first flag 322, the second flag 324, and the session variable 1002.

[0140] The processor 302, the memory 304, the control button 138, the airflow sensor 306, the energy meter 307, the tactile actuator 308, the heating engine controller 310, the suction variable 312, the first flag 322, the second flag 324, the session timer 316, the periodic timer 318, and the hysteresis timer 320 have been referenced Figure 3 and function as described above.

[0141] The session variable 1002 can be a counter that can be set to zero when the device is powered on. Each time a new session starts, the memory 304 can increment the session variable 1002. In some embodiments, the multi-session control system 1000 can determine when a session starts and ends, as referenced above Figure 6 described.

[0142] The timer 314 can include a device timer 1004 that can be configured to measure device time. The device time can be the total amount of time that a session has been active since the device 100 was turned on. When the device time equals a time threshold, a device threshold can be reached.

[0143] Referenced Figure 11 , a block diagram of a method 1100 of the multi-session control system 1000 for operating the device 100 is shown. When the device 100 is turned on by pressing the control button 138, the processor 302 can start the method 1100.

[0144] Once the device is turned on, the method 1100 can proceed to step 1102, where the memory 304 and / or the processor 302 clears all timers, flags, and variables or sets them to default settings. In some embodiments, this can include resetting each of the suction variable 312, the session variable 1002, the first flag 322, the second flag 324, and the session timer 316, the periodic timer 318, the hysteresis timer 320, and the device timer 1004.

[0145] Once each of the variables, flags, and timers has been reset or cleared, the method 1100 can proceed to step 1104, where the multi-session control system 1000 reads standard limits. In some embodiments, the processor 302 can read the standard limits from the memory 304. In some embodiments, the standard limits can be at least one value of a suction threshold, a time threshold, an energy threshold, a suction duration threshold, and a session threshold. In some embodiments, the session standard limits can further include an indicator reporting time, a hysteresis time, and a suction duration threshold.

[0146] Once the multi-session control system 1000 reads the standard limits, the method 1100 can proceed to conditional step 1106, where the processor 302 of the multi-session control system 1000 determines whether a session has started. In some embodiments, the processor 302 can be configured to start a session when the device 100 is turned on. In other embodiments, the processor 302 can start a session when the consumer presses the control button 138. In other embodiments, the session can start after the multi-session control system 1000 has processed each standard limit. After the multi-session control system 1000 determines that a session has started, the method 1100 can proceed from conditional step 1106.

[0147] Once the multi-session control system 1000 has determined that a session has started, the method 1100 can proceed to step 1108. At step 1108, the processor 302 starts the device timer 1004. The device timer 1004 can be configured to measure device time. In some embodiments, the device timer 1004 starts only when the heating engine controller 310 determines that the heater 309 of the device 100 has been preheated. This can ensure that the device time does not include any time during which the device 100 is preheating, because the consumer may not have access to the consumable while the device 100 is preheating.

[0148] After the device timer 1004 is started, the method 1100 can proceed to step 1110, where the processor 302 starts the periodic timer 318. In some embodiments, the periodic timer 318 can be started simultaneously with the device timer 1004. The periodic timer 318 can be configured to measure the metric reporting time.

[0149] Once the periodic timer 318 is started, the method 1100 can proceed to step 1112. At step 1112, if a puff is detected, the memory 304 and / or the processor 302 increments the puff variable 312. In some embodiments, the airflow sensor 306 can detect a puff through the device 100 and can be communicatively coupled to the puff variable 312 via the processor 302. Additional details regarding incrementing the puff variable 312 were described above with reference to Figure 7 Additional details regarding incrementing the puff variable 312 are described.

[0150] After the memory 304 and / or the processor 302 increments the puff variable 312 in the event of a detected puff, the method 1100 can proceed to conditional step 1114. At conditional step 1114, the method 1100 can determine whether the metric reporting time has expired. If the metric reporting time measured by the periodic timer 318 has not expired, the method 1100 can continue along the "No" path back to conditional step 1114. Once the metric reporting time of the periodic timer 318 has expired, the method 1100 can continue along the "Yes" path to step 1116.

[0151] In step 1116, the processor 302 calculates device metrics. In some embodiments, the device metrics may be: the percentage of remaining puff required for the puff variable 312 to equal the puff threshold and the percentage of remaining time required for the device time to equal the time threshold. Additionally or alternatively, the device metrics may include: the percentage of remaining energy required for the amount of energy used by the device 100 to power the heater 309 to equal the energy threshold, the percentage of remaining time required for the total time of airflow through the device 100 to equal the puff time threshold, and / or the percentage of remaining sessions required for the session variable 1002 to equal the session threshold.

[0152] Once the processor 302 calculates the device metrics in step 1116, the method 1100 can proceed to step 1118, where the multi-session control system 1000 outputs the device metrics. In some embodiments, the processor 302 may be configured to communicate with the communication screen 136 and / or the haptic actuator 308 to output the device metrics as an icon or indication on the communication screen 136 and / or a vibration pattern of the haptic actuator 308 of the device 100. In some embodiments, the session progress indicator 402 and / or the cartridge completion indicator 406 may be displayed based on the device progress, similar to the session progress output discussed above with respect to Figures 4A to 4B the session progress output discussed above.

[0153] After the processor 302 outputs the device metrics in step 1118, the method 1100 can proceed to the conditional step 1120. In the conditional step 1120, the processor 302 of the multi-session control system 1000 determines whether any of the device metrics equals zero. More specifically, the multi-session control system 1000 may determine whether: the percentage of remaining puff required for the puff variable 312 to equal the puff threshold equals zero, the percentage of remaining time required for the device time to equal the time threshold equals zero, the percentage of remaining energy required for the amount of energy used by the device 100 to power the heater 309 to equal the energy threshold equals zero, the percentage of remaining time required for the total time of airflow through the device 100 to equal the puff time threshold equals zero, or the percentage of remaining sessions required for the session variable 1002 to equal the session threshold equals zero.

[0154] If none of the device metrics equals zero, method 600 can continue along the "No" path to conditional step 1122. At conditional step 1122, the processor 302 of the multi-session control system 1000 can determine whether the session has ended. As described above, the multi-session control system 1000 can determine whether the session has ended by following the steps of method 600. If the session has not ended, method 1100 can continue along the "No" path to step 1110, where the processor 302 restarts the metric timer. If the session has ended, method 1100 can continue along the "Yes" path to step 1124. At step 1124, the processor 302 can pause the device timer 1004.

[0155] After pausing the device timer 1004 at step 1124, method 1100 can continue to conditional step 1126. At conditional step 1126, the processor 302 can determine whether a new session has started. If a new session has not started, method 1100 can continue back along the "No" path to conditional step 1126. Once the processor 302 has determined that a new session has started, method 1100 can continue along the "Yes" path to step 1108, where the processor 302 restarts the device timer 1004. The device timer 1004 is restarted rather than reset after being paused at step 1124. In some embodiments, the device timer 1004 may not be restarted until the heater 309 of the device 100 is fully preheated.

[0156] Referring again to conditional step 1120, if any of the device metrics equals zero, method 1100 can continue along the "Yes" path to step 1128, where the heater 309 is turned off. The heater 309 can be turned off by the heating engine controller 310. Once the heater 309 is turned off, the processor 302 turns off the device to end method 1100.

[0157] The systems, devices, and methods described herein can provide significant advantages. The session control system 300 and the multi-session control system 1000 can provide a way to communicate session and device status to consumers. For example, the session control system 300 can provide an indication to the consumer of when an ongoing session will end, and the multi-session control system 1000 can provide an indication to the consumer of when the device 100 may turn off after several sessions. Both the session control system 300 and the multi-session control system 1000 can monitor several criteria of the device 100 so that the consumer can accurately understand the status of the session and / or the device 100. Additionally, the session control system 300 and the multi-session control system 1000 can be configured to turn off the heater 309 of the device 100 when a specified threshold is reached. This can provide a more consistent experience for the consumer as the session duration can be understood based on the usage of the device 100.

[0158] The appended claims set forth the novel and inventive aspects of the above subject matter, but the claims may also cover other subject matter not specifically recited. For example, certain features, elements, or aspects may be omitted from the claims if they are not necessary to distinguish the novel and inventive features from features known to a person of ordinary skill in the art. Features, elements, and aspects described in the context of certain embodiments may also be omitted, combined, or replaced with alternative features having the same, equivalent, or similar purpose without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A session control system for a device, the session control system comprising: At least one processor; And A memory coupled to the at least one processor and storing instructions; Wherein the at least one processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the session control system to: Detect when a session starts, Start a session timer configured to measure the session duration, Increment a suction variable when an airflow sensor detects that suction has occurred, the suction variable corresponding to the total number of times suction has occurred, Monitor the relationship between the session timer and a time threshold and the relationship between the suction variable and a suction threshold, and End the session in response to reaching a session threshold.

2. The session control system according to claim 1, wherein The session threshold is reached when the suction variable equals the suction threshold.

3. The session control system according to claim 2, wherein, The suction threshold is 20 suctions.

4. The session control system according to claim 1, wherein, The session threshold is reached when the session duration equals the time threshold.

5. The session control system according to claim 4, wherein, The time threshold is 7 minutes.

6. The session control system according to claim 1, wherein The session starts when a control button is actuated and the device starts preheating.

7. The session control system according to claim 1, wherein, The session timer is started when the device is preheating.

8. The session control system according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one processor is configured to execute instructions to cause the session control system to display a session progress indicator on a consumer interface of the device, the session progress indicator corresponding to the remaining session duration until the session threshold is reached.

9. The session control system according to claim 8, wherein, The remaining session duration until the session threshold is reached is the lower of the percentage of the remaining time required for the session timer to equal the time threshold and the percentage of the remaining number of suctions required for the suction variable to equal the suction threshold.

10. The session control system according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the session control system to display a session completion indicator when the session threshold is reached.

11. The session control system according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the session control system to: actuate a tactile actuator when 20% of the session remains until the session threshold is reached and actuate a tactile actuator when the session threshold is reached.

12. The session control system according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the session control system to start a periodic timer simultaneously with the session timer, the periodic timer being configured to measure an indicator reporting time.

13. The session control system according to claim 12, wherein, The indicator reporting time is 10 seconds.

14. The session control system according to claim 12, wherein, The at least one processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the session control system to generate an indicator report when the periodic timer expires, the indicator report including: the percentage of the remaining time required for the session timer to equal the time threshold and the percentage of the remaining number of suctions required for the suction variable to equal the suction threshold.

15. The session control system according to claim 1, wherein, Detecting that suction has occurred includes: Detecting an airflow through the device using the airflow sensor; Measuring the duration of the airflow through the device; Determining whether the duration of the airflow through the device is greater than a suction duration threshold; and If the duration of the airflow through the device is greater than the suction duration threshold, increment the suction variable.

16. The session control system according to claim 15, wherein, The suction duration threshold is 350 milliseconds.

17. The session control system according to claim 15, wherein, Detecting that suction has occurred further includes: Starting a hysteresis timer if the duration of the airflow through the device is greater than the suction duration threshold; If the airflow sensor detects additional airflow through the device before the expiration of the hysteresis timer, restart the hysteresis timer; and When the hysteresis timer expires, increment the suction variable.

18. The session control system according to claim 17, wherein, The hysteresis timer is 2 seconds.

19. The session control system according to claim 1, wherein, Monitoring the relationship of the session timer to the time threshold and the relationship of the suction variable to the suction threshold includes: Setting a first flag to indicate that the percentage of the remaining time threshold or the percentage of the remaining suction threshold is equal to 20%; and Setting a second flag to indicate that the percentage of the remaining time threshold or the percentage of the remaining suction threshold is equal to 0%.

20. The session control system according to claim 19, wherein, Monitoring the relationship of the session timer to the time threshold and the relationship of the suction variable to the suction threshold further includes: When the first flag is set, actuating a tactile actuator of the device; and When the second flag is set, actuating the tactile actuator.

21. The session control system according to claim 1, wherein The at least one processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the session control system to: Calculate the amount of energy used by the device for heating; And Monitor the relationship of the amount of energy used by the device for heating to an energy threshold.

22. The session control system according to claim 21, wherein, When the amount of energy used by the device is equal to the energy threshold, the session threshold is reached.

23. The session control system according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the session control system to: Track the amount of time that airflow has flowed through the device since a puff was taken; Monitor the relationship of the amount of time that airflow has flowed through the device since a puff was taken to a puff time threshold.

24. The session control system according to claim 23, wherein, When the amount of time that airflow has flowed through the device since a puff was taken is equal to the puff time threshold, the session threshold is reached.

25. A multi-session control system for a device, the multi-session control system comprising: At least one processor; And A memory coupled to the at least one processor and storing instructions; Wherein, the at least one processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the multi-session control system to: Detect when a session begins, Start a device timer configured to measure the total usage time of the device, When an airflow sensor detects that a puff has been taken, increment a suction variable corresponding to the total number of puffs taken, Monitor the relationship of the device timer to a time threshold and the relationship of the suction variable to a suction threshold, and In response to reaching a device threshold, turn off the device.

26. The multi-session control system according to claim 25, wherein, The at least one processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the multi-session control system to: Detect when the session ends; Pause the device timer when the session ends; Detect when a new session begins; and When the device preheats after the new session has begun, restart the device timer.

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