Connected evaporator device system

Abstract

An evaporator system may include an evaporator device communicatively coupled with a user device configured to control functionality and / or characteristics of the evaporator device. The vaporizer device can be used as a substitute for traditional combustible cigarettes. Thus, the user device may be configured to collect usage data from the vaporizer device and generate recommendations to enhance and / or accelerate transitions from traditional combustible cigarettes to the vaporizer device. For example, a user device may provide suction training to achieve a more satisfactory initial experience. Alternatively and / or additionally, the user device may recommend a cabin type and / or a suction mode associated with the total intake reduction.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application entitled "Connected Vaporizer Device System" filed June 27, 2019, application number 201980056763.9.

[0002] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0003] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 824,725, filed March 27, 2019, entitled "Connected Vaporizer Device System," U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 793,889, filed January 17, 2019, entitled "Connected Vaporizer Device System," U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 760,918, filed November 13, 2018, entitled "Connected Vaporizer Device System," and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 690,947, filed June 27, 2018, entitled "Connected Vaporizer Device System," the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

[0004] This application is also related to U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 605,890, filed May 25, 2017, entitled "Electronic Vaporizer Control," which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 341,579, filed May 25, 2016, entitled "Electronic Vaporizer Control," the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0005] The devices, systems, and methods described herein relate to vaporizer devices (e.g., electronic vaporizer devices) and methods of using, controlling, manufacturing, etc. such devices, which can optionally include devices having two or more portions, such as a cartridge containing a vaporizable substance and a body portion including one or more other components. The subject matter described herein also relates to methods, techniques, devices, and systems to provide guidance on how to use a vaporizer device to achieve a more satisfying experience. The methods, techniques, devices, and systems described below provide a vaporizer device inhalation or puffing training. BACKGROUND

[0006] Vaporizer devices are generally intended, and often are, effective replacements for conventional combustible cigarettes. Smokers of conventional combustible cigarettes often turn to vaporizer devices as a replacement in an attempt to reduce consumption of conventional combustible cigarettes. Smokers attempting to replace conventional combustible cigarettes with vaporizer devices need to learn how to use the vaporizer devices as effective replacements.

[0007] Vaporizer devices, which can also be referred to as vaporizers, e-vaporizer devices, or E-vaporizer devices, can be used to deliver an aerosol (or“vapor”) containing one or more active ingredients by inhalation of the aerosol by a user of the vaporization device. For example, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) include a class of battery- operated vaporizer devices that can be used to simulate the experience of smoking tobacco or other substances without combusting tobacco or other materials.

[0008] Electronic vaporizer devices are increasingly popular for both regulated medical uses, drug delivery, and consumption of tobacco and other plant-based smokable materials. Electronic vaporizer devices can be especially portable, self-contained, and easy to use. While many devices can now communicate wirelessly with external controllers (e.g., smartphones), such devices can be controlled by one or more switches, buttons, etc. (controls) on the vaporizer.

[0009] Such wireless control is primarily limited to temperature settings and other features that are already and can be more conveniently performed on the device itself. These systems can not automate or calibrate the operation of the device based on detection of the material or type of material loaded into the device. Such systems can also typically not track dosages and / or not allow modification of the device based on dosage information. Further, the presently described systems can not provide social interaction with other users. For example, in terms of dosing, previous attempts to predetermine the dose of vapor and / or active ingredients in the vapor are unsatisfactory. Systems that predetermine the dose by limiting the amount of material to be delivered in a session often falsely assume that all of the material will be inhaled and can not adjust for partial dosing. Such systems can also meter the amount of material and require precise measurement of the mass and / or volume of material delivered for vaporization or measurement of the difference between the starting mass / volume and the mass or volume after delivery. These measurements can be difficult, require high accuracy and expense, and can result in inaccurate results. Further, current dosing control e-cigarette devices typically control the dose delivered without linking to or without actual knowledge of the user’s actual clinical and medical needs and can not allow the controlled dose to be adjusted based on the user’s biometrics (e.g., weight, age, and symptoms, etc.). Existing systems can also lack features that allow users to customize usage according to their habits and goals and their social needs.

[0010] In use of a vaporizer device, a user inhales an aerosol, often referred to as a vapor, that can be generated by a heating element vaporizing a vaporizable material, which can be a liquid, a solution, a solid, a wax, or any other form compatible with use of the particular vaporizer device. The vaporizable material used with the vaporizer can be disposed within a cartridge (e.g., a portion of the vaporizer that houses the vaporizable material in a reservoir) that includes a mouthpiece (e.g., for a user to inhale).

[0011] To receive the inhalable aerosol generated by the vaporizer device, in certain instances, a user can activate the vaporizer device by drawing on it, by pressing a button, or by other methods. "Drawing" as the term is commonly used (and used herein) refers to a user inhaling in a manner that causes an amount of air to be drawn into the vaporizer device such that the inhalable aerosol is produced by the combination of the vaporized vaporizable material and the air.

[0012] A typical method by which a vaporizer device generates an inhalable aerosol from a vaporizable material involves heating the vaporizable material in a vaporization chamber (or heater chamber) to cause the vaporizable material to transform into a gas (or vapor) phase. A vaporization chamber generally refers to an area or volume in a vaporizer device in which a heat source (e.g., conductive, convective, and / or radiative) causes heating of a vaporizable material to produce a mixture of air and vaporized vaporizable substance to form a vapor for inhalation by a user of the vaporization device.

[0013] In some embodiments of a vaporizer device, a vaporizable material can be drawn out of a reservoir and into a vaporization chamber by a wicking element (wick). Such drawing of the vaporizable material into the vaporization chamber can be at least partially due to capillary action provided by the wick, which pulls the vaporizable material along the wick in a direction toward the vaporization chamber. However, as the vaporizable material is drawn out of the reservoir, the pressure inside the reservoir can decrease, creating a vacuum and countering the capillary action. This can decrease the efficiency of the wick in drawing the vaporizable material into the vaporization chamber, decreasing the efficiency of the vaporization device in vaporizing the required amount of vaporizable material, for example, when a user draws on the vaporizer device. Furthermore, the vacuum created in the reservoir can eventually result in not all of the vaporizable material being drawn into the vaporization chamber, wasting the vaporizable material. Accordingly, there is a need for improved vaporization devices and / or vaporization cartridges that improve or overcome these issues.

[0014] As used herein, the term vaporizer device consistent with the current subject matter generally refers to a portable, standalone device that is convenient for personal use. Typically, such devices are controlled by one or more switches, buttons, touch-sensitive devices, or other user input functions on the vaporizer, which can generally be referred to as controls, although many devices have recently become available that can wirelessly communicate with external controllers (e.g., smartphones, smartwatches, other wearable electronic devices, etc.). In this context, control generally refers to the ability to affect one or more of a variety of operational parameters, which can include, but are not limited to, causing a heater to turn on and / or off, adjusting the minimum and / or maximum temperatures to which a heater can heat during operations that a user can access on the device, various games or other interactive features, and / or any of a variety of other operations.

[0015] A variety of vaporizable materials having various contents and various proportions of such contents can be contained in a cartridge. For example, certain vaporizable materials can have a small percentage of active ingredients relative to the total volume of the vaporizable material due to regulatory requirements for the percentage of certain active ingredients. As such, a user can need to vaporize a large amount of the vaporizable material (e.g., compared to the total volume of the vaporizable material that can be stored in the cartridge) to achieve a desired effect. The systems, devices, and methods described herein address at least these issues and concerns. SUMMARY

[0016] Systems, methods, and articles of manufacture including tangible computer program products for connected vaporizer devices are provided. In one aspect, a system is provided that includes at least one processor and at least one memory. The at least one memory can include program code that, when executed by the at least one processor, provides operations. The operations can include receiving first usage data associated with a first user that interacted with a first vaporizer device and determining, based at least on the first usage data, a first recommendation for the first user that interacted with the first vaporizer device and / or a second vaporizer device.

[0017] In some variations, one or more features of the systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein including the following features can optionally be included in any workable combination. The first usage data can include a flavor of a vaporizable material inserted into a cartridge of the first vaporizer device, a strength of the vaporizable material, an amount of the vaporizable material remaining in the cartridge, a timing of one or more puffs on the first vaporizer device, a strength of one or more puffs, a duration of one or more puffs, a frequency of one or more puffs, a total dosage of active ingredients delivered by one or more puffs, and / or a length of time between two or more consecutive puffs.

[0018] In some variations, the first usage data can further include user input indicative of smoothness of vapor drawn by the one or more puffs. The user input can include motion and / or sound associated with the user coughing, tapping the vaporizer device, shaking the vaporizer device, and / or moving the vaporizer device in a particular pattern.

[0019] In some variations, the first recommendation can include a flavor and / or intensity of the vaporizable material based at least on the flavor and / or intensity of the vaporizable material being associated with a lower frequency of puffs, a lower total dose of active ingredient delivered, and / or a longer length of time between two or more consecutive puffs than another flavor and / or intensity of the vaporizable material.

[0020] In some variations, the first recommendation can include a timing of the one or more puffs based at least on the timing of the one or more puffs being associated with a lower frequency of puffs, a lower total dose of active ingredient delivered, and / or a longer length of time between two or more consecutive puffs than another timing of the one or more puffs.

[0021] In some variations, the first user can be determined to be similar to the second user. A second recommendation for the second user to interact with a third vaporizer device can be determined based at least on the first usage data. The first user and the second user can be determined to be similar based at least on one or more attributes associated with each of the first user and the second user, and wherein the one or more attributes include demographic information, preferences, and / or quit goals. The first user and the second user can be determined to be similar by applying at least a clustering algorithm configured to identify one or more groups of similar users based on the one or more attributes associated with each of the first user and the second user. The second recommendation can include a flavor of a vaporizable material in a cartridge inserted into the first vaporizer device, an intensity of the vaporizable material, a timing of one or more puffs on the first vaporizer device, an intensity of the one or more puffs, a duration of the one or more puffs, a frequency of the one or more puffs, a total dose of active ingredient delivered by the one or more puffs, and / or a length of time between two or more consecutive puffs.

[0022] In some variations, the first usage data can include a first type of data having a first sampling rate and a second type of data having a second sampling rate.

[0023] In some variations, sample aggregation can be performed to generate one or more data samples having a third sampling rate that is lower than the first sampling rate and the second sampling rate based on the first plurality of data samples including the first type of data and / or the second plurality of data samples including the second type of data. The one or more data samples having the third sampling rate can be stored in a log. The third sampling rate can be determined based at least on whether the one or more data samples include behavioral data or diagnostic data. The third sampling rate can be determined based at least on the first user having a goal to transition from combustible cigarettes to vaporizer devices, reduce usage of combustible cigarettes, and / or reduce usage of vaporizer devices.

[0024] In some variations, bulk aggregation can be performed to generate a metric based on the first plurality of data samples including the first type of data. The metric can be generated based on the first plurality of data samples collected by a single thread. Generation of the metric can further exclude a second plurality of data samples collected by another thread. The metric can include a temperature rise time, an observed temperature, a deviation from a temperature setpoint, a pressure differential, a maximum pressure differential, a minimum pressure differential, and / or an average pressure differential.

[0025] In some variations, a user interface can be generated. The user interface can be configured to display the first recommendation on a user device associated with the first user.

[0026] In some variations, the first recommendation can be further generated based on a usage pattern of combustible cigarettes. The usage pattern can include a combustible cigarette brand consumed by the first user, a type of combustible cigarette, and / or an amount of combustible cigarettes. The first recommendation can include a strength of vaporizer material in a cartridge inserted into the first vaporizer device, a timing of one or more puffs on the first vaporizer device, a strength of one or more puffs, a duration of one or more puffs, a frequency of one or more puffs, a total dose of active ingredient delivered by one or more puffs, and / or a length of time between two or more consecutive puffs that would deliver the same amount of active ingredient to the first user as a combustible cigarette consumed by the first user.

[0027] In some variations, the first usage data can be received from a user device coupled with the first vaporizer device.

[0028] In another aspect, a method can include receiving first usage data associated with a first user interacting with a first vaporizer device; and determining, based at least on the first usage data, a first recommendation for the first user interacting with the first vaporizer device and / or a second vaporizer device.

[0029] In some variations, one or more features of the disclosure herein including the following features can optionally be included in any workable combination. The first usage data can include a flavor of the vaporizable material, an intensity of the vaporizable material, an amount of the vaporizable material remaining in a cartridge inserted into the first vaporizer device, a timing of one or more puffs on the first vaporizer device, an intensity of one or more puffs, a duration of one or more puffs, a frequency of one or more puffs, a total dose of active ingredients delivered by one or more puffs, and / or a length of time between two or more consecutive puffs.

[0030] In some variations, the first usage data can further include a user input indicative of a smoothness of vapor inhaled by one or more puffs. The user input can include a motion and / or a sound associated with a user coughing, tapping the vaporizer device, shaking the vaporizer device, and / or moving the vaporizer device in a particular pattern.

[0031] In some variations, the first recommendation can include a flavor and / or an intensity of the vaporizable material based at least on the flavor and / or the intensity of the vaporizable material being associated with a lower frequency of puffs, a lower total dose of active ingredients delivered, and / or a longer length of time between two or more consecutive puffs than another flavor and / or intensity of the vaporizable material.

[0032] In some variations, the first recommendation can include a timing of one or more puffs based at least on the timing of the one or more puffs being associated with a lower frequency of puffs, a lower total dose of active ingredients delivered, and / or a longer length of time between two or more consecutive puffs than another timing of one or more puffs.

[0033] In some variations, the method can further include determining that the first user is similar to the second user based at least on one or more attributes associated with each of the first user and the second user, the one or more attributes including demographic information, preferences, and / or quit goals, and determining a second recommendation for the second user for interacting with a third vaporizer device based at least on the first usage data. The first user and the second user can be determined to be similar by applying at least a clustering algorithm configured to identify one or more groups of similar users based on one or more attributes associated with each of the first user and the second user.

[0034] In some variations, the first recommendation can be further generated based on a usage pattern of the combustible cigarettes. The usage pattern can include a brand of combustible cigarettes consumed by the first user, a type of combustible cigarettes, and / or an amount of combustible cigarettes. The first recommendation can include a strength of a vaporizer material inserted in a cartridge of the first vaporizer device, a timing of one or more puffs on the first vaporizer device, a strength of one or more puffs, a duration of one or more puffs, a frequency of one or more puffs, a total dose of active ingredients delivered by one or more puffs, and / or a length of time between two or more consecutive puffs that would deliver the same amount of active ingredients to the first user as the combustible cigarettes consumed by the first user.

[0035] In another aspect, a computer program product is provided that includes a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions. The instructions can cause operations that can be performed by at least one data processor. The operations can include receiving usage data associated with a first user that interacted with a first vaporizer device and determining, based at least on the usage data, a first recommendation for the first user that interacts with the first vaporizer device and / or a second vaporizer device and / or a second recommendation for a second user that interacts with a third vaporizer device.

[0036] In another aspect, a system is provided that includes a first vaporizer device, a user device communicatively coupled with the first vaporizer device, and a remote server. The remote server can include at least one processor and at least one memory. The at least one memory can include program code that, when executed by the at least one processor, provides operations. The operations can include receiving, from the user device, usage data associated with a first user that interacted with a first vaporizer device and determining, based at least on the usage data, a first recommendation for the first user that interacts with the first vaporizer device and / or a second vaporizer device and / or a second recommendation for a second user that interacts with a third vaporizer device.

[0037] In another aspect, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus can include means for receiving, from a user device, usage data associated with a first user that interacted with a first vaporizer device and means for determining, based at least on the usage data, a first recommendation for the first user that interacts with the first vaporizer device and / or a second vaporizer device and / or a second recommendation for a second user that interacts with a third vaporizer device.

[0038] In another aspect, a system is provided that includes at least one processor and at least one memory. The at least one memory can include program code that, when executed by the at least one processor, provides operations. The operations can include receiving first data including one or more puff characteristics determined based at least on a first puff on a vaporizer device; and determining, based at least on the first data, an adjustment to the one or more puff characteristics.

[0039] In some variations, one or more of the features disclosed herein including the following features can optionally be included in any workable combination. The one or more puff characteristics can include an intensity of a puff, a duration of a puff, and / or an amount of time between two or more consecutive puffs.

[0040] In some variations, the one or more puff characteristics can include a mean, a median, a maximum, a minimum, a mode, and / or a range of values of one or more characteristics associated with the first puff and the second puff on the vaporizer device.

[0041] In some variations, the adjustment can be further determined based on a difference between the one or more puff characteristics and one or more optimal puff characteristics. An indication of the difference between the one or more puff characteristics and the one or more optimal puff characteristics can be output to a user. The indication can be output to the user by generating at least a graphical user interface configured to display the indication. The indication can be output to the user using one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs), sound, and / or haptic feedback.

[0042] In some variations, the one or more optimal puff characteristics can be determined based at least on a flavor, a concentration, and / or an amount of vaporizable material remaining in a cartridge inserted in the vaporizer device. The flavor, the concentration, and / or the amount of vaporizable material remaining in the cartridge can be determined by reading at least a feature associated with the cartridge. The feature can be encoded in a pattern and / or a circuit.

[0043] In some variations, second data including user feedback associated with at least the first puff can be received. The adjustment to the one or more puff characteristics can be further determined based on the second data. The user feedback can include a user input indicating a smoothness of a vapor drawn by the first puff. A user interface configured to receive the user input from the user indicating the smoothness of the vapor drawn by the first puff can be generated. The user input can include a motion associated with the user coughing, tapping the vaporizer device, shaking the vaporizer device, and / or moving the vaporizer device in a particular pattern. The user input can include a sound associated with the user coughing, tapping the vaporizer device, shaking the vaporizer device, and / or moving the vaporizer device in a particular pattern.

[0044] In some variations, a user interface configured to display to a user an adjustment to one or more puff characteristics can be generated.

[0045] In some variations, first data including one or more puff characteristics determined based at least on a first puff on a vaporizer device can be received via a wireless communication link.

[0046] In another aspect, a method is provided. The method can include receiving first data including one or more puff characteristics determined based at least on a first puff on a vaporizer device, and determining an adjustment to the one or more puff characteristics based at least on the first data.

[0047] In some variations, one or more features of the methods disclosed herein including the following features can optionally be included in any workable combination. The one or more puff characteristics can include an intensity of a puff, a duration of a puff, and / or an amount of time between two or more consecutive puffs.

[0048] In some variations, the one or more puff characteristics can include a mean, median, maximum, minimum, mode, and / or range of one or more features associated with the first puff and a second puff on the vaporizer device.

[0049] In some variations, the adjustment can be further determined based on a difference between the one or more puff characteristics and one or more optimal puff characteristics. The method can further include outputting to a user an indication of the difference between the one or more puff characteristics and the one or more optimal puff characteristics. The indication can be output to the user by generating at least a graphical user interface configured to display the indication. The indication can be output to the user using one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs), sound, and / or haptic feedback.

[0050] In some variations, the one or more optimal puff characteristics can be determined based at least on a flavor, a concentration, and / or an amount of vaporizable material remaining in a cartridge inserted in the vaporizer device. The method can further include determining the flavor, the concentration, and / or the amount of vaporizable material remaining in the cartridge by reading at least a feature associated with the cartridge. The feature can be encoded in a pattern and / or a circuit.

[0051] In some variations, the method can further include receiving second data including user feedback associated with at least the first puff, and determining the adjustment to the one or more puff characteristics further based on the second data. The user feedback can include a user input indicating a smoothness of a vapor drawn by the first puff. The user input can include a motion associated with a user coughing, tapping the vaporizer device, shaking the vaporizer device, and / or moving the vaporizer device in a particular pattern. The user input can include a sound associated with a user coughing, tapping the vaporizer device, shaking the vaporizer device, and / or moving the vaporizer device in a particular pattern.

[0052] In some variations, the method can further include generating a user interface configured to display to the user an adjustment to one or more puff characteristics.

[0053] In some variations, the first data can be received from the vaporizer device via a wireless communication link.

[0054] In another aspect, a computer program product is provided that includes a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions. The instructions can cause operations that can be performed by at least one data processor. The operations can include receiving data including one or more puff characteristics determined based on at least one or more puffs on a vaporizer device and determining an adjustment to the one or more puff characteristics based on at least the data.

[0055] In another aspect, a system is provided that includes a vaporizer device, a user device communicatively coupled with the vaporizer device, and a remote server. The remote server can include at least one processor and at least one memory. The at least one memory can include program code that when executed by the at least one processor provides operations. The operations can include receiving data including one or more puff characteristics determined based on at least one or more puffs on a vaporizer device and determining an adjustment to the one or more puff characteristics based on at least the data.

[0056] In another aspect, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus can include means for receiving data including one or more puff characteristics determined based on at least one or more puffs on a vaporizer device and means for determining an adjustment to the one or more puff characteristics based on at least the data.

[0057] In another aspect, a system is provided that includes at least one processor and at least one memory. The at least one memory can include program code that when executed by the at least one processor provides operations. The operations can include capturing a first image of an identity document of a user, capturing a second image of the user, and unlocking a vaporizer device in response to a match between the first image and the second image, the unlocking of the vaporizer device including enabling one or more functions of the vaporizer device that are disabled when the vaporizer device is in a locked state.

[0058] In some variations, one or more features of the present disclosure disclosed herein including the following features can optionally be included in any workable combination. An insertion of a cartridge can be detected at the vaporizer device. In response to the insertion of the cartridge, a user interface configured to display to a first user a prompt to capture the first image and / or the second image can be generated.

[0059] In some variations, a user interface can be further generated in response to determining that the cartridge contains a controlled substance. The determination that the cartridge contains a controlled substance can be made by at least reading a feature associated with the cartridge. The feature can be encoded in a pattern and / or circuit.

[0060] In some variations, it can be determined whether the vaporizer device is associated with another user. The vaporizer device can be further unlocked in response to the vaporizer device not being associated with another user. In response to the vaporizer device not being associated with another user, the vaporizer device can be linked to the user by at least creating an association between a device feature of the vaporizer device and a user feature of the user. Data received from the vaporizer device can be anonymized by at least associating with a device feature of the vaporizer device and not a user feature of the user.

[0061] In some variations, it can be determined whether the user is associated with a threshold amount of activated vaporizer devices. The vaporizer device can be further unlocked in response to the user not being associated with a threshold amount of activated vaporizer devices.

[0062] In some variations, a first image and a second image can be received from a user device coupled with the vaporizer device. The unlocking of the vaporizer device can include sending a private key to the user device for unlocking the vaporizer device.

[0063] In some variations, the one or more functions of the vaporizer device can include vaporization of a vaporizable material inserted in a cartridge in the vaporizer device.

[0064] In some variations, the unlocking of the vaporizer device can also prevent the vaporizer device from entering a locked state when the vaporizer device and / or a user device in communication with the vaporizer device is determined to be in one or more designated areas. The one or more designated areas can be defined by a range of a wireless beacon and / or a geofence.

[0065] In some variations, it can be determined whether an age indicated by an identification document of the user exceeds a threshold. The vaporizer device can be further unlocked in response to the age indicated by the identification document of the user exceeding the threshold. The threshold can be determined based at least on a location of the vaporizer device and / or a user device communicatively coupled with the vaporizer device.

[0066] In some variations, the matching can be performed at a remote server. The unlocking can be triggered in response to receiving an indication of a match between the first image and the second image from the remote server.

[0067] In another aspect, a method is provided. The method can include: capturing a first image of an identification document of a user; capturing a second image of the user; and unlocking a vaporizer device in response to a match between the first image and the second image, the unlocking of the vaporizer device including enabling one or more functions of the vaporizer device that are disabled when the vaporizer device is in a locked state.

[0068] In some variations, the method can further include: detecting insertion of a cartridge at the vaporizer device; and generating a user interface configured to display a prompt to the first user to capture the first image and / or the second image in response to the insertion of the cartridge. The user interface can be further generated in response to determining that the cartridge contains a controlled substance. The determination that the cartridge contains the controlled substance can be made by reading at least a feature associated with the cartridge. The feature can be encoded in a pattern and / or a circuit.

[0069] In some variations, the method can further include determining whether the vaporizer device is associated with another user; and further unlocking the vaporizer device in response to the vaporizer device not being associated with the other user. The vaporizer device can be linked to the user by creating an association between a device feature of the vaporizer device and a user feature of the user in response to the vaporizer device not being associated with the other user. Data received from the vaporizer device can be anonymized by associating at least with a device feature of the vaporizer device and not with a user feature of the user.

[0070] In some variations, the method can further include: determining whether the user is associated with a threshold amount of activated vaporizer devices; and further unlocking the vaporizer device in response to the user not being associated with the threshold amount of activated vaporizer devices.

[0071] In some variations, the first image and the second image can be received from a user device coupled with the vaporizer device. The unlocking of the vaporizer device can include sending a private key to the user device for unlocking the vaporizer device.

[0072] In some variations, the one or more functions of the vaporizer device can include vaporization of a vaporizable material in a cartridge inserted in the vaporizer device.

[0073] In some variations, the unlocking of the vaporizer device further prevents the vaporizer device from entering a locked state when the vaporizer device and / or a user device in communication with the vaporizer device is in one or more designated areas. The one or more designated areas can be defined by a range of a wireless beacon and / or a geofence.

[0074] In some variations, the method can further include determining whether an age indicated by the user’s identification document exceeds a threshold, and unlocking the vaporizer device further in response to the age indicated by the user’s identification document exceeding the threshold. The threshold can be determined based at least on a location of the vaporizer device and / or a user device communicatively coupled with the vaporizer device.

[0075] In some variations, the matching can be performed at a remote server. The unlocking can be triggered in response to receiving an indication of a match between the first image and the second image from the remote server.

[0076] In another aspect, a computer program product is provided that includes a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions. The instructions can cause operations that can be performed by at least one data processor. The operations can include capturing a first image of an identification document of a user, capturing a second image of the user, and unlocking a vaporizer device in response to a match between the first image and the second image, the unlocking of the vaporizer device including enabling one or more functions of the vaporizer device that are disabled when the vaporizer device is in a locked state.

[0077] In some variations, a system is provided that includes a vaporizer device, a remote server, and a user device communicatively coupled with the vaporizer device. The user device can include at least one processor and at least one memory. The at least one memory can include program code that, when executed by the at least one processor, provides operations. The operations can include capturing a first image of an identification document of a user, capturing a second image of the user, and unlocking the vaporizer device in response to receiving an indication of a match between the first image and the second image from the remote server, the unlocking of the vaporizer device including enabling one or more functions of the vaporizer device that are disabled when the vaporizer device is in a locked state.

[0078] In some variations, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus can include means for capturing a first image of an identification document of a user, means for capturing a second image of the user, and means for unlocking a vaporizer device in response to a match between the first image and the second image, the unlocking of the vaporizer device including enabling one or more functions of the vaporizer device that are disabled when the vaporizer device is in a locked state.

[0079] In another aspect, a system is provided that includes at least one processor and at least one memory. The at least one memory can include program code that, when executed by the at least one processor, provides operations. The operations can include determining whether a vaporizer device is within a communication range, and triggering one or more outputs at the vaporizer device in response to determining that the vaporizer device is within the communication range.

[0080] In some variations, one or more features disclosed herein including the following features can optionally be included in any workable combination. The determination that the vaporizer device is within the communication range can be based at least on one or more beacon messages advertised by the vaporizer device.

[0081] In some variations, the one or more outputs can include an audio indicator, a visual indicator, and / or a haptic indicator.

[0082] In some variations, in response to determining that the vaporizer device is outside the communication range, a user interface displaying a last location in which the vaporizer device was determined to be within the communication range can be generated. The user interface can display a map including an indication of the last location in which the vaporizer device was determined to be within the communication range.

[0083] In another aspect, a method is provided. The method can include determining whether a vaporizer device is within a communication range; and in response to determining that the vaporizer device is within the communication range, triggering one or more outputs at the vaporizer device.

[0084] In some variations, one or more features disclosed herein including the following features can optionally be included in any workable combination. The determination that the vaporizer device is within the communication range can be based at least on one or more beacon messages advertised by the vaporizer device.

[0085] In some variations, the one or more outputs can include an audio indicator, a visual indicator, and / or a haptic indicator.

[0086] In some variations, the method can further include, in response to determining that the vaporizer device is outside the communication range, generating a user interface displaying a last location in which the vaporizer device was determined to be within the communication range. The user interface can display a map including an indication of the last location in which the vaporizer device was determined to be within the communication range.

[0087] In another aspect, a computer program product is provided that includes a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions. The instructions can cause operations to be performed that can be executed by at least one data processor. The operations can include determining whether a vaporizer device is within a communication range; and in response to determining that the vaporizer device is within the communication range, triggering one or more outputs at the vaporizer device.

[0088] In another aspect, a system is provided that includes a vaporizer device and a user device communicatively coupled with the vaporizer device. The user device can include at least one processor and at least one memory. The at least one memory can include program code that, when executed by the at least one processor, provides operations. The operations can include determining whether the vaporizer device is within a communication range of the user device and triggering one or more outputs at the vaporizer device in response to determining that the vaporizer device is within the communication range of the user device.

[0089] In another aspect, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus can include means for determining whether a vaporizer device is within a communication range and means for triggering one or more outputs at the vaporizer device in response to determining that the vaporizer device is within the communication range.

[0090] In another aspect, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus can include a container configured to receive a vaporizer device, a first coupling configured to secure the vaporizer device within the container to a user device, and a second coupling configured to provide a data connection between the vaporizer device inside the container and the user device.

[0091] In some variations, one or more features of the present disclosure including the following features can optionally be included in any workable combination. The first coupling can secure the vaporizer device within the container to a perimeter, a front surface, and / or a back surface of the user device.

[0092] In some variations, the first coupling can include a friction fit coupling, a snap fit coupling, a magnetic coupling, and / or an adhesive coupling.

[0093] In some variations, the second coupling can provide access to a serial port and / or a parallel port on the user device.

[0094] In some variations, the second coupling can include an adapter configured to allow a first type of port on the vaporizer device to couple with a second type of port on the user device.

[0095] In some variations, the second coupling can include a pin connector and / or a universal serial bus (USB) port.

[0096] In some variations, the container can include one or more retention mechanisms configured to retain the vaporizer device inside the container. The one or more retention mechanisms can include a snap fit, a friction fit, a magnet, and / or an adhesive.

[0097] In another aspect, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus can include means for receiving a vaporizer device, means for securing the vaporizer device inside the receiving means to a user device, and means for providing a data connection between the vaporizer device inside the receiving means and the user device.

[0098] Aspects of the current subject matter relate to management of operations (e.g., one or more settings or operational parameters of a vaporizer). In some aspects, a cartridge can be coupled to a vaporizer body. The cartridge can include a vaporizable material and a heater and a feature, which can optionally be a cartridge memory. The vaporizer body can include a controller that can exchange data with the feature (e.g., via unidirectional or bidirectional communication). The exchange of data can optionally be via the same circuit through which power from a power source of the vaporizer body is delivered to the heater of the cartridge.

[0099] In another aspect, a vaporizer system can include a device in communication with a vaporizer. The device can execute software or other instructions that result in an application that can be used to obtain information from the vaporizer, optionally over a wireless communication channel. Additionally, the application can relay commands to a controller of the vaporizer to affect one or more operations of the vaporizer.

[0100] Implementations of the current subject matter can include, but are not limited to, methods consistent with the descriptions provided herein and articles that comprise a tangible, machine-readable medium operable to cause one or more machines (e.g., computers, etc.) to result in operations that implement one or more of the features described above. Similarly, computer systems are also described that can include one or more processors and one or more memories coupled to the one or more processors. The memories can comprise non-transitory computer- readable or machine-readable storage media that can include one or more programs configured to cause the one or more processors to perform one or more of the operations described herein. Computer-implemented methods consistent with one or more implementations of the current subject matter can be implemented by one or more data processors, by one or more application specific computers, or by one or more computers. Such data processors can be located in a single computer or multiple computers. Multiple computers can be connected, and they can exchange data and / or commands and / or other instructions and the like over a connection, which can be local, remote, direct, wired, wireless, etc., including a connection through a network (e.g., a wide area network, the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network, a wired or wireless network, etc.), through a direct connection between one or more of the multiple computers, etc.

[0101] In certain aspects of the current subject matter, challenges related to the presence of a liquid vaporizable material in or near certain susceptible components of an electronic vaporizer device can be addressed by including one or more features described herein or by equivalent / equivalent methods as can be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. Aspects of the current subject matter relate to methods and systems for managing airflow in a vaporizer device. In one aspect, a method of manufacturing a vaporizer cartridge is described.

[0102] In some variations, one or more of the following features can optionally be included in any workable combination. The airflow control feature can include a fluid passage extending between the reservoir chamber and the airflow passage. A diameter of the fluid passage can be sized to allow surface tension of the vaporizable material to prevent fluid passage along the fluid passage when the reservoir pressure is about the same as the second pressure along the airflow passage. The diameter can be sized to allow the surface tension to be broken when the reservoir pressure is less than the second pressure along the airflow passage, thereby allowing an amount of air to pass through the airflow control feature and into the reservoir.

[0103] In some implementations of the current subject matter, the airflow control feature can include a check valve or a duckbill valve. The airflow control feature can include a coating including a vent material extending over an opening of the fluid passage. The coating can include a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) material. The airflow control feature can include one or more of a baffle, a valve, and a pump. The airflow control feature can include a vent channel extending along at least one side of a wick housing containing a vaporization chamber, and the vent channel can extend between the reservoir and the vaporization chamber. The airflow control feature can include a vent channel extending through a wick housing containing a vaporization chamber, and the vent channel can extend between the reservoir and the vaporization chamber.

[0104] In some implementations of the current subject matter, the cartridge can further include a pressure sensor configured to sense a pressure along the airflow passage. The cartridge can further include a second passage configured to draw air through a portion of the cartridge, and the second passage can be configured to join with the airflow passage downstream of the vaporization chamber. The cartridge can further include a pressure sensing passage extending between an outlet of the cartridge and the pressure sensor, and the pressure sensing passage can be separate from the airflow passage.

[0105] The cartridge can further include an inlet positioned along a first side of the cartridge and an outlet positioned along a second side of the cartridge. The airflow path can extend between the inlet and the outlet, and the inlet and the outlet can be positioned along the first side and the second side, respectively, such that the inlet and the outlet are open when the cartridge is inserted into the vaporizer device body in a first position and the inlet and the outlet are closed when the cartridge is inserted into the vaporizer device body in a second position. The wicking element can include a flat configuration including at least one pair of opposing sides extending parallel to each other.

[0106] In another interrelated aspect of the current subject matter, a method includes allowing an airflow through an evaporation chamber of a vaporizer device, thereby causing the airflow to combine with an aerosol formed in the evaporation chamber. The aerosol can be formed by vaporizing a vaporizable material drawn from a porous wick extending between the evaporation chamber and a reservoir containing the vaporizable material. The method can also include drawing the vaporizable material along the porous wick from the reservoir to the evaporation chamber, thereby creating a first pressure in the reservoir that is less than a second pressure in an area outside of the reservoir. Additionally, the method can include breaking a surface tension of the vaporizable material along a vent channel extending between the reservoir and the area outside of the reservoir, thereby allowing an amount of air from the vent channel to enter the reservoir. Additionally, the method can include increasing the first pressure in the reservoir such that the first pressure is approximately equal to the second pressure.

[0107] In some implementations of the current subject matter, the method can also include preventing the fluid from passing along the vent channel due to the first pressure being approximately equal to the second pressure. The prevention can be controlled by a fluid tension of the vaporizable fluid. The vaporizable fluid can include at least one of the vaporizable material and air. The airflow control feature can include a vent channel extending through a wick housing that houses the evaporation chamber. The airflow control feature can include a fluid channel extending between the reservoir chamber and the airflow passage.

[0108] In another interrelated aspect of the current subject matter, a vaporizer cartridge for coupling to a vaporizer body to form a vaporizer device is described. The cartridge can include a reservoir housing defining a reservoir chamber for containing a vaporizable material, and a mouthpiece coupled to the reservoir housing. The cartridge can also include an air tube assembly that can include a wick housing portion configured to position a wicking element and a heating element in an evaporation chamber to vaporize a vaporizable material in the evaporation chamber. The air tube assembly can also include a duct portion that includes a portion of an airflow path extending through the evaporation chamber and the mouthpiece, thereby allowing the vaporized vaporizable material to be drawn into a user. Additionally, the cartridge can also include a filter housing portion configured to position a filter proximate to the mouthpiece.

[0109] In some implementations of the current subject matter, the air tube assembly can be made from a single molded portion. The duct portion can be made from metal. The filter housing and the wick housing can be made from plastic.

[0110] The details of one or more variations of the subject matter described herein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages of the subject matter described herein will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. While certain features of the currently disclosed subject matter are described for illustrative purposes with regard to electronic vaporizer devices, it should be readily understood that such features are not intended to be limiting. The claims that follow this disclosure are intended to define the scope of the protected subject matter. Attached Figure Description

[0111] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate certain aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein and, together with this description, help to explain some principles related to the disclosed embodiments. In the drawings:

[0112] FIG. 1A An example of an evaporator apparatus consistent with the implementation of the present topic is shown;

[0113] FIG. 1B , FIG. 1C , FIG. 1D and FIG. 1E Examples of variations of evaporator devices and barrel assemblies consistent with embodiments of the present subject are shown;

[0114] FIG. 2 A proportional-integral-derivative controller for an evaporator unit is shown, which can be adapted to detect the barrel using a barrel identification circuit consistent with the implementation of the present subject.

[0115] FIG. 3 The communication between the evaporator device, user device, and server is shown in an implementation consistent with the present topic;

[0116] FIG. 4 A functional block diagram of a user device for implementing features consistent with the described subject matter, according to some example implementations, is shown.

[0117] FIG. 5 An example of a user interface for an application that can be used with an evaporator device consistent with the implementation of the present topic is shown;

[0118] FIG. 6 An example of a user interface for an application that can be used with an evaporator device consistent with the implementation of the present topic is shown;

[0119] FIG. 7 An example of a user interface for an application that can be used with an evaporator device consistent with the implementation of the present topic is shown;

[0120] FIG. 8 An example of a user interface for an application that can be used with an evaporator device consistent with the implementation of the present topic is shown;

[0121] FIG. 9A to FIG. 9F An example of a user interface is shown for use with an evaporator or an evaporator-related application consistent with the implementation of the present topic;

[0122] FIG. 10An example of a user interface for an application used with an evaporator is shown, which includes a command menu consistent with the implementation of the current topic;

[0123] FIG. 11 An example of a user interface that can be used as part of an application interface consistent with an implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0124] FIG. 12 An example of a user interface displaying a user information dashboard consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0125] FIG. 13 An example of a user interface for controlling the operation of an associated evaporator consistent with an implementation of the present topic is shown;

[0126] FIG. 14 An example of a user interface consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0127] FIG. 15 Examples of user interfaces for customizing applications and / or evaporators consistent with implementations of the current topic are shown;

[0128] FIG. 16 An example of a user interface consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0129] FIG. 17 An example of a user interface that can be presented by an application consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0130] FIG. 18 An example of a user interface that can be used to guide users in operating an evaporator and / or associated application consistent with an implementation of the present topic is shown.

[0131] FIG. 19 An example of a user interface that can be used to guide users in controlling the evaporator using an application consistent with the implementation of the present topic is shown;

[0132] FIG. 20 An example user interface for programming / documentation consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0133] FIG. 21 An example of a user interface using an application that is consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0134] FIG. 22 An example of a user interface that can be used in accordance with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0135] FIG. 23An example of a user interface using an application that is consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0136] FIG. 24 An example of a user interface using an application that is consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0137] FIG. 25 An example of a user interface using an application that is consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0138] FIG. 26 An example of a user interface using an application that is consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0139] FIG. 27 An example of a user interface using an application that is consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0140] FIG. 28 An example of a user interface using an application that is consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0141] FIG. 29 An example of a user interface using an application that is consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0142] FIG. 30 An example of a user interface using an application that is consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0143] FIG. 31 An example of a user interface using an application that is consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0144] FIG. 32 An example of a user interface consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0145] FIG. 33 An example of a user interface consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0146] FIG. 34 An example of a user interface consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0147] FIG. 35 An example of a user interface consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0148] FIG. 36 An example of a user interface consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0149] FIG. 37 An example of a user interface consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0150] FIG. 38 An example of a user interface consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0151] FIG. 39 An example of a user interface consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0152] FIG. 40 An example of a user interface consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0153] FIG. 41 An example of a user interface consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0154] FIG. 42 An example of a user interface consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0155] FIG. 43 An example of a user interface consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0156] FIG. 44 An example of a user interface consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0157] FIG. 45 An example of a user interface consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0158] FIG. 46 An example of a user interface consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0159] FIG. 47 An example of a user interface consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0160] FIG. 48 An example of a user interface consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0161] FIG. 49 An example of a user interface consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0162] FIG. 50 An example of a user interface consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0163] FIG. 51 An example of a user interface consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0164] FIG. 52 An example of a user interface consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0165] FIG. 53 An example of a user interface consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0166] FIG. 54 An example of a user interface consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0167] FIG. 55 An example of a user interface consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0168] FIG. 56 An example of a user interface consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0169] FIG. 57 An example of a user interface consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0170] FIG. 58 An example of a user interface consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0171] FIG. 59 An example of a user interface consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0172] FIG. 60 An example of a user interface consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0173] FIG. 61 An example of a user interface consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0174] FIG. 62 An example of a user interface consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0175] FIG. 63 An example of a user interface consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0176] FIG. 64 An example of a user interface consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0177] FIG. 65 An example of a user interface consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0178] FIG. 66 An example of a user interface consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0179] FIG. 67 An example of a user interface consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0180] FIG. 68 An example of a user interface consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0181] FIG. 69 An example of a user interface consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0182] FIG. 70 An example of a user interface consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0183] FIG. 71 An example of a user interface consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0184] FIG. 72 An example of a user interface consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0185] FIG. 73 An example of a user interface consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0186] FIG. 74 An example of a user interface consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0187] FIG. 75 An example of a user interface consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0188] FIG. 76 An example of a user interface consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0189] FIG. 77 An example of a user interface consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0190] FIG. 78 An example of a user interface consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0191] FIG. 79 An example of a user interface consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0192] FIG. 80 An example of a user interface consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0193] FIG. 81 An exemplary method consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0194] FIG. 82A and FIG. 82B An exemplary method consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0195] FIG. 83 An exemplary method consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0196] FIG. 84 A block diagram of an activation system for an evaporator unit is shown;

[0197] FIG. 85A process flowchart illustrating aspects of a method having one or more features consistent with an implementation of the present topic is shown;

[0198] FIG. 86A to FIG. 86C An example of a docking station consistent with the implementation method of the current topic is shown;

[0199] FIG. 87A to FIG. 87C Another example of a docking station consistent with the implementation of the present topic is shown;

[0200] FIG. 88A to FIG. 88D An example of an activation system consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0201] FIG. 89A to FIG. 89D An example of an activation system consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0202] FIG. 90A to FIG. 90D An example of an activation system consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0203] FIG. 91A to FIG. 91D An example of an activation system consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0204] FIG. 92A to FIG. 92D An example of an activation system consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0205] FIG. 93A to FIG. 93D An example of an activation system consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0206] FIG. 94A to FIG. 94D An example of an activation system consistent with the implementation of the current topic is shown;

[0207] FIG. 95 An example of an evaporator device with a 5-pin connector consistent with the implementation of the present topic is shown;

[0208] FIG. 96 A flowchart illustrating the initial setup process for an evaporator apparatus consistent with an embodiment of the present subject is depicted;

[0209] FIG. 97 A flowchart illustrating the process of pairing an evaporator device with a user device consistent with an implementation of the present subject is depicted;

[0210] FIG. 98 A flowchart illustrating a process for locating retailers, consistent with an implementation method consistent with the present topic, is depicted.

[0211] FIG. 99 A flowchart illustrating an in-store activation process consistent with the implementation method of the current topic is depicted;

[0212] FIG. 100 A flowchart illustrating a process for age verification of users, consistent with an implementation method consistent with the present topic, is depicted.

[0213] FIG. 101 An example of a user interface consistent with the implementation of the current topic is depicted;

[0214] FIG. 102 A table is depicted illustrating instances of data fields included in cabin features consistent with the implementation of the present topic;

[0215] FIG. 103A An example of a user interface consistent with the implementation of the current topic is depicted;

[0216] FIG. 103B An example of a user interface consistent with the implementation of the current topic is depicted;

[0217] FIG. 103C An example of a user interface consistent with the implementation of the current topic is depicted;

[0218] FIG. 103D An example of a user interface consistent with the implementation of the current topic is depicted;

[0219] FIG. 103E An example of a user interface consistent with the implementation of the current topic is depicted;

[0220] FIG. 103F Examples of user interfaces consistent with the implementation methods of the current topic are depicted; and

[0221] FIG. 103G An example of a user interface consistent with the implementation of the current topic is depicted.

[0222] In practice, similar reference numerals indicate similar structures, features, or elements. Detailed Implementation

[0223] Embodiments of the present subject matter include methods, apparatus, articles of manufacture, and systems relating to the evaporation of one or more materials for inhalation by a user. Exemplary embodiments include evaporator devices and systems including evaporator devices. In the following description and claims, the term "evaporator" is used generally to refer to a standalone device and any device comprising two or more separable parts (e.g., an evaporator body including a battery and other hardware and a cartridge including an evaporable material). As used herein, an "evaporator system" may include one or more components, such as means for communicating with the evaporator (e.g., wirelessly or via a wired connection) and optionally the evaporator itself. Evaporators or one or more components of an evaporator system consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter may be configured for user control and operation.

[0224] An evaporator device, also known as an evaporator, electronic evaporator device, or e-evaporator device, is used to deliver an aerosol (or “vapor”) containing one or more active ingredients by inhalation of the aerosol by the user of the evaporator device. For example, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) include a class of battery-powered evaporator devices that can be used to simulate the experience of smoking without burning tobacco or other substances. Typically, such evaporators are handheld devices that heat (by convection, conduction, radiation, or some combination thereof) the evaporable material to deliver an inhalable dose of the material. The evaporable material used with the evaporator can be housed in a cartridge (e.g., a portion of the evaporator that contains the evaporable material in a reservoir) or other container that can be refilled when empty, or a disposable cartridge preferably containing other evaporable materials of the same or different types. An evaporator can be a cartridge-based evaporator, a cartridgeless evaporator, or a multi-purpose evaporator that can be used with or without a cartridge. For example, a multipurpose evaporator may include a heating chamber (e.g., an oven) configured to receive evaporable material directly within the heating chamber, and also a cartridge having a reservoir or similar container for holding the evaporable material. In various embodiments, the evaporator may be configured for use with liquid evaporable materials (e.g., a carrier solution in which active and / or inactive components are suspended or held in solution, or the evaporable material itself in liquid form) or solid evaporable materials. Solid evaporable materials may include plant material that discharges a portion of the plant material as evaporable material (e.g., such that after the evaporable material is discharged to a user for inhalation), or optionally, the evaporable material itself in solid form, such that all solid material can ultimately be evaporated for inhalation. Liquid evaporable materials can also be completely evaporated, or may include a portion of liquid material remaining after all suitable inhalation material has been consumed.

[0225] Consistent with some embodiments of the present subject matter, evaporators and / or evaporator systems can be configured to identify the evaporable material to be evaporated and adjust the operation of the evaporator accordingly. For example, the evaporator may be adapted to receive a barrel or other pre-filled container holding the evaporable material (e.g., a solution of evaporable material, nicotine, hemp crops, and / or another active ingredient) and to identify and / or determine information about the evaporable material and / or the barrel or other pre-filled container, such as one or more of the following: the type of evaporable material, the concentration of the evaporable material in the solution or other non-pure form of evaporable material contained in the barrel's reservoir or other container, the amount of evaporable material in the barrel's reservoir or other container (e.g., mass and volume, etc.), the construction of the barrel (e.g., the type of specific components or parts present in the barrel, such as heater power or configuration, one or more electrical properties, etc.), the batch number of the barrel, the production date of the barrel, the expiration date after which the barrel must not be used, the manufacturing date or filling date of the barrel, etc.

[0226] Evaporators consistent with embodiments of the present subject can be configured to connect (e.g., wirelessly or via a wired connection) to a communication device (or alternatively, a device) that communicates with the evaporator. Such a device can be a component of the evaporator system as described above and can include first communication hardware that can establish a wireless communication channel with second communication hardware of the evaporator. For example, a device used as part of the evaporator system can include a general-purpose computing device (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, personal computer, certain other portable devices such as a smartwatch, etc.) that executes software to generate a user interface that enables a user of the device to interact with the evaporator. In other embodiments of the present subject, such a device used as part of the evaporator system can be dedicated hardware, such as a remote control or other wireless or wired device having one or more physical or software (e.g., configurable on a screen or other display device and selectable via user interaction with a touchscreen or some other input device such as a mouse, pointer, trackball, cursor button, etc.) interface.

[0227] The device, as part of the aforementioned evaporator system, can be used for any of one or more functions, such as controlling dosage (e.g., dosage monitoring, dosage setting, dosage limiting, user tracking, etc.), acquiring location information (e.g., location of other users, location of retailers / commercial premises, evaporation location, relative or absolute location of the evaporator itself, etc.), evaporator personalization (e.g., naming the evaporator, locking / password protecting the evaporator, adjusting one or more parental controls, associating the evaporator with a user group, registering the evaporator with the manufacturer or warranty maintenance organization, etc.), engaging in social activities with other users (e.g., gaming, social media communication, interacting with one or more groups, etc.), etc.

[0228] In some embodiments of the present subject, the evaporator may include functionality for communicating with a barrel containing evaporable material. The evaporator may also communicate with a device that is part of an evaporator system, although this is not required. Whether under the control of a device that is part of an evaporator system, communicating with that device in other ways, or as a separate unit from the evaporator system, the evaporator may be configured to modify and control its operation based on one or more parameters received from the barrel or accessed from a database or other information source based on the barrel's identifier.

[0229] For example, an evaporator consistent with the implementation of the present subject can be configured to identify the feed cylinder and record (and in some cases transmit) or otherwise acquire information about the feed cylinder. In other words, computing elements such as controllers associated with the evaporator body can acquire information about the feed cylinder via some form of data exchange. Various methods of feed cylinder identification by the evaporator are within the scope of the present subject, including those described in more detail below. Any of the methods described herein can be performed with or without the addition of wireless communication / connections also described herein, but such wireless connections as those described herein can be advantageously applied, as will be described in more detail below.

[0230] Implementations of the present topic also include methods using evaporators and / or evaporator systems to achieve functions such as determining and / or controlling the dosage, amount, etc., of one or more chemical species of the evaporable material or the evaporable material itself.

[0231] Embodiments of the present subject matter include devices relating to the evaporation of one or more materials for inhalation by a user. In the following description, the term "evaporator" is used generally to refer to an evaporator device. Examples of evaporators consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter include electronic evaporators, e-evaporator devices, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), etc. Such evaporators are typically portable, handheld devices that heat an evaporable material to provide an inhalable dose. The evaporable material used with the evaporator may optionally be housed in a cartridge (e.g., a portion of the evaporator that contains the evaporable material in a reservoir) or other container, which can be refilled when empty, or a disposable cartridge preferably containing other evaporable materials of the same or different types. The evaporator can be a cartridge-based evaporator, a cartridgeless evaporator, or a multipurpose evaporator that can be used with or without a cartridge. For example, a multipurpose evaporator may include a heating chamber (e.g., an oven) configured to receive evaporable material directly within the heating chamber, and also a hopper or other alternative device having a reservoir, volume, etc., for at least partially containing an available amount of evaporable material. In various embodiments, the evaporator may be configured for use with liquid evaporable materials (e.g., a carrier solution in which active and / or inactive components are suspended or held in solution, or the evaporable material itself in pure liquid form) or solid evaporable materials. Solid evaporable materials may include plant material that discharges a portion of the plant material as evaporable material (e.g., such that after the evaporable material is discharged to a user for inhalation, a portion of the plant material remains as waste), or optionally, the evaporable material itself in solid form (e.g., “wax”), such that all solid material can ultimately be evaporated for inhalation. Liquid evaporable materials may also be completely evaporated, or may include a portion of liquid material remaining after all suitable inhalation material has been consumed.

[0232] Reference FIG. 1AThe block diagram shows that the evaporator device 100 typically includes a power source 22 (e.g., a battery, which may be a rechargeable battery) and a controller 24 (e.g., a processor, circuitry, etc., capable of performing logic). The controller controls the delivery of heat to the atomizer 26 to convert the evaporable material from a condensed form (e.g., solid, liquid, solution, suspension, at least a portion of untreated plant material, etc.) into a gaseous phase. The controller 24 may be part of one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs) consistent with certain embodiments of the present subject matter. After the evaporable material is converted into a gaseous phase, depending on the type of evaporator, the physical and chemical properties of the evaporable material, and / or other factors, at least some of the gaseous evaporable material may condense to form particulate matter as part of an aerosol in at least partially local equilibrium with the gaseous phase. This aerosol can form some or all of the inhalable dose provided by the evaporator device 100 for a given aspiration or suction at the evaporator. It will be understood that the interaction between the gas phase and the condensate phase in an aerosol produced by an evaporator can be complex and dynamic, as factors such as ambient temperature, relative humidity, chemical composition, flow conditions in the airflow path (both inside the evaporator and in the airways of humans or other animals), and the mixing of the gaseous or aerosol phase of the evaporable material with other airflows can affect one or more physical parameters of the aerosol. In some evaporators, especially those used to transport more volatile evaporable materials, the inhalable dose can be predominantly present in the gas phase (i.e., the formation of condensate phase particles can be very limited).

[0233] Evaporators used with liquid evaporable materials (e.g., pure liquids, suspensions, solutions, mixtures, etc.) typically include an atomizer 26, in which a wicking element (also referred to herein as a wick (not shown in the text)) is employed. FIG. 1A (As shown in the diagram), which may include any material capable of inducing fluid movement through capillary pressure) delivers a quantity of liquid evaporable material to the atomizer, including a heating element (also not shown in the diagram). FIG. 1A (As shown in the diagram). A wicking element is typically configured to draw liquid evaporable material from a reservoir configured to contain (and may contain in use) such material, allowing the liquid evaporable material to be evaporated by heat supplied from a heating element. The wicking element may also optionally allow air to enter the reservoir to replace the volume of the removed liquid. In other words, capillary action draws the liquid evaporable material into the wick for evaporation by the heating element (described below), and in some embodiments of the present subject matter, air can be returned to the reservoir through the wick to at least partially equalize the pressure in the reservoir. Other methods of allowing air to return to the reservoir to equalize pressure are also within the scope of the present subject matter.

[0234] Heating elements can be or include one or more of conductive heaters, radiant heaters, and convection heaters. One type of heating element is a resistance heating element, which may be constituted or at least comprised of a material (e.g., a metal or alloy, such as a nickel-chromium alloy or a non-metallic resistor) configured to dissipate electrical energy as heat when current passes through one or more resistive segments of the heating element. In some embodiments of the present subject matter, the atomizer may include a heating element comprising a resistance coil or other heating element wound around, positioned within, integrated into the integral shape of the wicking element, pressed into thermal contact with the wicking element, or otherwise arranged to deliver heat to the wicking element to cause the liquid evaporable material drawn from the reservoir by the wicking element to evaporate for subsequent inhalation by the user as a gaseous and / or condensed phase (e.g., aerosol particles or droplets). Other wicking element, heating element, and / or atomizer assembly configurations are also possible, as discussed further below.

[0235] Some evaporators can also, or alternatively, be configured to generate an inhalable dose of gaseous and / or aerosol phase evaporable material via heating a non-liquid evaporable material (e.g., a solid evaporable material, such as wax) or plant material containing evaporable material (e.g., tobacco leaves and / or portions thereof)). In such evaporators, the resistance heating element may be part of the wall of an oven or other heated chamber in which the non-liquid evaporable material is placed, or otherwise incorporated into or in thermal contact with that wall. Alternatively, one or more resistance heating elements may be used to heat air passing through or through the non-liquid evaporable material to induce convective heating of the non-liquid evaporable material. In yet other instances, one or more resistance heating elements may be arranged in close contact with the plant material such that direct conductive heating of the plant material occurs from within the mass of the plant material (e.g., as opposed to conduction only from the wall of the oven).

[0236] The heating element can be activated (e.g., by association with the user's inhalation at the evaporator nozzle 30, such as by aspirating, inhaling, etc.) (e.g., by a controller, optionally part of the evaporator body as described below, that allows current to flow from a power source through a circuit including a resistance heating element, optionally part of the evaporator cartridge as described below). This inhalation causes air to flow from an air inlet along an airflow path through an atomizer (e.g., a wicking element and a heating element), optionally through one or more condensation zones or chambers, to an air outlet in the nozzle. The incoming air traveling along the airflow path passes through the atomizer, entraining the vapor-phase evaporable material into the air. As described above, the entrained vapor-phase evaporable material can condense as it passes through the remainder of the airflow path, allowing an inhalable dose of the evaporable material in aerosol form to be delivered from the air outlet (e.g., in the nozzle 30 for the user to inhale).

[0237] Activation of the heating element can be achieved by automatically detecting suction activation in response to user interaction with one or more input devices 33 (e.g., buttons or other tactile controls of the evaporator device 100), receiving signals from a computing device communicating with the evaporator, and / or by other methods for determining whether suction is occurring or about to occur, based on one or more signals generated by one or more sensors 32 (e.g., one or more pressure sensors configured to detect pressure along the airflow path relative to ambient pressure (or alternatively, measure changes in absolute pressure), one or more motion sensors of the evaporator, one or more flow sensors of the evaporator, capacitive lip sensors of the evaporator).

[0238] As noted, an evaporator consistent with embodiments of the present subject can be configured to connect (e.g., wirelessly or via a wired connection) to a computing device (or optionally two or more devices) that communicates with the evaporator. For this purpose, controller 24 may include communication hardware 34. Controller 24 may also include memory 36. The computing device may be a component of the evaporator system that also includes the evaporator device 100, and may include its own communication hardware that can establish a wireless communication channel with the communication hardware 34 of the evaporator device 100. For example, a computing device used as part of the evaporator system may include a general-purpose computing device (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, personal computer, certain other portable devices such as a smartwatch, etc.) that executes software to generate a user interface that enables a user of the device to interact with the evaporator. In other embodiments of the present subject, such a device used as part of the evaporator system may be dedicated hardware, such as a remote control or other wireless or wired device having one or more physical or software (e.g., configurable on a screen or other display device and selectable via user interaction with a touchscreen or some other input device such as a mouse, pointer, trackball, cursor button, etc.) interface. The evaporator may also include one or more output features or devices for providing information to the user.

[0239] The computing device, as part of the aforementioned evaporator system, can be used for any of one or more functions, such as controlling dosage (e.g., dosage monitoring, dosage setting, dosage limiting, user tracking, etc.), controlling sessions (e.g., session monitoring, session setting, session limiting, user tracking, etc.), controlling nicotine delivery (e.g., switching between nicotine and non-nicotine evaporable materials, adjusting the amount of nicotine delivered, etc.), acquiring location information (e.g., the location of other users, the location of retailers / commercial locations, the evaporation location, the relative or absolute location of the evaporator itself, etc.), evaporator personalization (e.g., naming the evaporator, locking / password protecting the evaporator, adjusting one or more parental controls, associating the evaporator with user groups, registering the evaporator with the manufacturer or warranty maintenance organization, etc.), engaging in social activities with other users (e.g., gaming, social media communication, interacting with one or more groups, etc.). The terms "sessioning," "session," "evaporator session," or "vapor session" are generally used to refer to a period dedicated to the use of the evaporator. This period may include a time period, a dosage amount, an amount of evaporable material, and / or the like.

[0240] In instances where the computing device provides signals related to the activation of the resistance heating element, or in other instances where the computing device is coupled to the evaporator to achieve various control or other functions, the computing device executes one or more sets of computer instructions to provide a user interface and low-level data processing. In one instance, the computing device detecting user interaction with one or more user interface elements may signal the evaporator unit 100 to activate the heating element or reach full operating temperature to generate an inhalable dose of vapor / aerosol. Other functions of the evaporator can be controlled through user interaction with the user interface on the computing device communicating with the evaporator.

[0241] The temperature of the resistance heating element of the evaporator can depend on a number of factors, including: the amount of electrical power delivered to the resistance heating element and / or the duty cycle of the delivered electrical power; conductive heat transfer to other parts of the electronic evaporator and / or to the environment; latent heat loss due to the evaporation of the evaporable material from the wicking element and / or the atomizer as a whole; and convective heat loss due to airflow (e.g., air passing through the heating element or the atomizer as a whole when a user inhales onto the electronic evaporator). As described above, in order to reliably activate the heating element or heat it to the desired temperature, in some embodiments of the present subject, the evaporator may utilize a signal from a pressure sensor to determine when the user inhales. The pressure sensor may be positioned in the airflow path and / or may be connected (e.g., via a channel or other path) to the airflow path connecting the inlet and outlet of the air intake device through which the user inhales the generated vapor and / or aerosol, such that the pressure sensor experiences a pressure change as the air travels from the air inlet through the evaporator device to the air outlet. In some embodiments of the present topic, the heating element can be activated in association with the user's suction, for example by detecting pressure changes in the airflow path via a pressure sensor, such as by automatically detecting suction.

[0242] Typically, the pressure sensor (and any other sensor 32) may be positioned on or coupled (e.g., physically or wirelessly connected or electronically connected) to the controller 24. To ensure accurate measurements and maintain the durability of the evaporator, it may be advantageous to provide a resilient seal 42 to separate the airflow path from other parts of the evaporator. The seal 42, which may be a gasket, may be configured to at least partially surround the pressure sensor, such that the connection from the pressure sensor to the internal circuitry of the evaporator is separated from the portion of the pressure sensor exposed to the airflow path. In examples of barrel-based evaporators, the seal 42 may also separate portions of one or more electrical connections between the evaporator body 50 and the evaporator barrel 52. The evaporator barrel 52 may also be referred to as a chamber or compartment 52. This arrangement of the seal 42 in the evaporator assembly 100 can help mitigate the potentially damaging effects on evaporator components due to interactions with environmental factors such as water in the vapor or liquid phase, other fluids such as evaporable materials, and / or reduce air escape from the designed airflow path within the evaporator. Unwanted air, liquid, or other fluids passing through and / or coming into contact with the evaporator's circuitry can cause various adverse effects, such as altered pressure readings, and / or may cause the accumulation of undesirable substances such as moisture, evaporable materials, etc., in certain components of the evaporator, where they can lead to poor pressure signals, degraded performance of pressure sensors or other components, and / or a shortened lifespan of the evaporator. Leaks in seal 42 can also cause the user to inhale air that has already flowed through a portion of the evaporator unit, which contains or is made of materials that may not be desirable to be inhaled.

[0243] A common type of vaporizer recently popularized includes an evaporator body 50, which includes a controller 24, a power supply 22 (e.g., a battery), one or more sensors 32, charging contacts, a seal 42, and a cartridge container 54 configured to receive an evaporator cartridge 52 for connection to the evaporator body via one or more of various attachment structures. In some instances, the evaporator cartridge 52 includes a reservoir 56 for containing liquid evaporable material and a mouthpiece 30 for delivering an inhalable dose to a user. The evaporator cartridge may include an atomizer 26 having a wicking element and a heating element, or alternatively, one or both of the wicking element and the heating element may be part of the evaporator body. In embodiments where any part of the atomizer 26 (e.g., the heating element and / or the wicking element) is part of the evaporator body, the evaporator may be configured to supply liquid evaporator material from the reservoir in the evaporator cartridge to the atomizer portion included in the evaporator body.

[0244] The construction of a cylinder-based evaporator for producing an inhalable dose of non-liquid evaporable material by heating such material is also within the scope of this subject matter. For example, an evaporator cylinder may comprise a large amount of plant material that has been treated and shaped to be in direct contact with portions of one or more resistance heating elements, and such an evaporator cylinder may be configured to be mechanically and electrically coupled to an evaporator body that includes a processor, a power supply, and electrical contacts for connecting to the respective cylinder contacts to complete a circuit with one or more resistance heating elements.

[0245] In this configuration, where the power supply 22 is part of the evaporator body 50 and the heating element is disposed in an evaporator in an evaporator barrel 52 configured to be coupled to the evaporator body 50, the evaporator assembly 100 may include electrical connection features (e.g., means for completing circuitry) to complete circuitry including a controller 24 (e.g., a printed circuit board, a microcontroller, etc.), a power supply, and a heating element. These features may include at least two contacts (referred to herein as barrel contacts 60) on the bottom surface of the evaporator barrel 52 and at least two contacts (referred herein as container contacts 62) disposed near the bottom of the barrel container of the evaporator assembly 100, such that the barrel contacts 60 and the container contacts 62 are electrically connected when the evaporator barrel 52 is inserted into and coupled to the barrel container 54. The circuitry completed by these electrical connections allows current to be supplied to the resistance heating element and can also be used for additional functions, such as measuring the resistance of the resistance heating element to determine and / or control the temperature of the resistance heating element based on the thermal coefficient of the resistance heating element's resistivity, identifying the barrel based on one or more electrical characteristics of other circuitry of the resistance heating element or evaporator barrel, and so on.

[0246] In some instances of the present topic, the at least two barrel contacts and the at least two container contacts can be configured to be electrically connected in any of at least two orientations. In other words, by inserting the evaporator barrel 52 into the barrel container 54 in a first rotational orientation (around the end of the evaporator barrel 52 with the barrel inserted into the barrel container 54 of the evaporator body 50 along its axis), such that the first barrel contacts of the at least two barrel contacts 60 are electrically connected to the first container contacts of the at least two container contacts 62, and the second barrel contacts of the at least two barrel contacts 60 are electrically connected to the second container contacts of the at least two container contacts 62, one or more circuits required for evaporator operation can be completed. Furthermore, by inserting the evaporator barrel 52 into the barrel container 54 in a second rotational orientation, such that the first barrel contacts of the at least two barrel contacts 60 are electrically connected to the second container contacts of the at least two container contacts 62, and the second barrel contacts of the at least two barrel contacts 60 are electrically connected to the first container contacts of the at least two container contacts 62, one or more circuits required for evaporator operation can be completed. The following further describes the feature that the evaporator barrel 52 can be reversibly inserted into the barrel container 54 of the evaporator body 50.

[0247] In one example of an attachment structure for connecting the evaporator barrel 52 to the evaporator body, the evaporator body 50 includes pawls (e.g., recesses, protrusions, etc.) projecting inwardly from the inner surface of the barrel container 54. One or more outer surfaces of the evaporator barrel 52 may include corresponding recesses. FIG. 1A (Not shown in the diagram), when one end of the evaporator barrel 52 is inserted into the barrel container 54 on the evaporator body 50, the notch can be fitted and / or otherwise snapped onto such a pawl. When the evaporator barrel 52 and the evaporator body 50 are coupled (e.g., by inserting the end of the evaporator barrel 52 into the barrel container 54 of the evaporator body 50), the pawl entering the evaporator body 50 can be fitted into the notch of the evaporator barrel 52 and / or otherwise retained within the recess of the evaporator barrel 52 to hold the evaporator barrel 52 in place during assembly. Such a pawl-recess assembly can provide sufficient support to hold the evaporator barrel 52 in place, thereby ensuring good contact between at least two barrel contacts 60 and at least two container contacts 62, while allowing the evaporator barrel 52 to be released from the evaporator body 50 when the user pulls on the evaporator barrel 52 with reasonable force to disengage the evaporator barrel 52 from the barrel container 54.

[0248] In addition to the above discussion regarding the reversibility of the electrical connection between the evaporator barrel and the evaporator body, which makes at least two rotational orientations of the evaporator barrel within the barrel container possible, in some evaporators, the shape of the evaporator barrel, or at least the shape of the end of the evaporator barrel configured for insertion into the barrel container, can have at least second-order rotational symmetry. In other words, the evaporator barrel, or at least the insertable end of the evaporator barrel, can be symmetrical when rotated 180° about an axis along which the evaporator barrel is inserted into the barrel container. In such configurations, the evaporator circuitry can support the same operation regardless of the symmetrical orientation of the evaporator barrel.

[0249] In some instances, the evaporator barrel, or at least the evaporator barrel configured such that its end inserted into the barrel container has a non-circular cross-section transverse to the axis along which it is inserted into the barrel container. For example, the non-circular cross-section can be approximately rectangular, approximately elliptical (e.g., having an approximately oval shape), non-rectangular but having two sets of parallel or approximately parallel opposite sides (e.g., having a parallelogram shape), or other shapes having at least second-order rotational symmetry. In this context, approximating a shape implies a fundamental similarity to the shape in question, but the edges of the shape in question need not be perfectly linear, nor do the vertices need to be perfectly sharp. In any description of a non-circular cross-section herein, rounding of either the edges or vertices of the cross-sectional shape is considered.

[0250] The at least two barrel contacts and at least two container contacts can take various forms. For example, one or two sets of contacts may include conductive pins, tabs, posts, receiving holes for pins or posts, etc. Certain types of contacts may include springs or other actuating components to create better physical and electrical contact between the contacts on the evaporator barrel and the contacts on the evaporator body. Electrical contacts may optionally be gold-plated and / or may include other materials.

[0251] FIG. 1A to FIG. 1E Example features that may be included in an evaporator consistent with the implementation of the present topic are shown. FIG. 1A A schematic diagram of an evaporator assembly 100 using a feed cylinder 52 is shown, and FIG. 1B to FIG. 1E A view of an exemplary evaporator apparatus 100 having an evaporator body 50 and a feed cylinder 52 is shown. FIG. 1B and FIG. 1C The image shows top views before and after the feed cylinder 52 is connected to the evaporator body 50. FIG. 1D This is a perspective view of an evaporator assembly 100, which includes an evaporator body 50 coupled to a feed cylinder 52. FIG. 1EA perspective view of a variant of a container 52 for holding liquid evaporable material is shown. Typically, when an evaporator includes a container (e.g., container 52), container 52 may include one or more reservoirs 56 for the evaporable material. The reservoirs 56 of container 52 may contain any suitable evaporable material, including solutions of nicotine or other organic materials.

[0252] The following is an example for reference. FIG. 2 Describe an example of this data exchange circuit.

[0253] FIG. 1B to FIG. 1E An example of an evaporator assembly 100 having an evaporator body 50 and a feed cylinder 52 is shown. The evaporator body 50 and the feed cylinder 52 are in... FIG. 1B It was shown as not connected, and in FIG. 1C Connect in the middle. FIG. 1D A perspective view of the combined evaporator body 50 and feed cylinder 52 is shown. FIG. 1E A single barrel 52 is shown. FIG. 1B to FIG. 1E Examples include FIG. 1A The text generally displays many features. Other configurations, including some or all of the features described herein, are also within the scope of this topic.

[0254] The evaporator unit can be configured to make its assembly more manufacturable. For example, the unit may require multiple operations to assemble the complete unit. The manufacturing process can increase throughput by utilizing an assembly architecture that minimizes the number of discrete operations required for manual production lines. Additionally, the unit can utilize co-molded parts and other mass production techniques to minimize the number of parts and reduce discrete system components. The unit can also be constructed using an assembly process designed to favor semi-automatic assembly methods that leverage features that enable automated assembly. The assembly process can utilize techniques that result in equally good or higher first-pass yields (FPY) by leveraging features that increase FPY.

[0255] The evaporator unit can be configured to simplify unit assembly by using a protection circuit module (PCM) attached to the original battery cell before final assembly testing and packaging (FATP). The PCM of the protection circuit and / or the fuel gauge can be connected to the original battery cell at the battery manufacturer or packaging assembly manufacturer to improve the safety and efficiency of the production line.

[0256] FIG. 3A schematic representation 300 illustrates communication between an evaporator device 100, a user device 305 wirelessly communicating with the evaporator device 100, and a remote server 307 capable of communicating directly with the evaporator device 100 or through the user device 305. The user device 305 can be a handheld mobile device such as a smartphone, smartwatch, or tablet, or a desktop or laptop computing device. As mentioned above, the user device 305 can optionally be a dedicated remote control device. In some aspects, the evaporator device 100, the user device 305, and the remote server 307 can form an evaporator system.

[0257] Usually, such as FIG. 3 As schematically illustrated herein, any evaporator device (such as evaporator device 100) described herein can remotely communicate with a remote server 307 and / or a user device 305 such as wearable electronics (e.g., Google Glass, smartwatches, smart clothing, etc.), smartphones, self-service terminals, tablets, personal computers, etc. Therefore, any of these evaporators 100 can include communication hardware 34, which can be implemented via a communication chip (e.g., a second communication hardware) inside or on top of the evaporator device 100. Examples of wireless chips can include Bluetooth chips (e.g., Parani BCD 210, Texas Instruments (TI) CC2650 Bluetooth single-chip solution, etc.) and Near Field Communication (NFC) chips (e.g., Qualcomm QCA1990, etc.) configured to enable NFC and / or enhanced Wi-Fi or Bluetooth communication, where NFC is used for link setup. As will be described in detail below, when configured to read such... FIG. 1A In the schematic embodiment of the barrel 52, one or more of these wireless circuits can be used to communicate with or between barrels 52. For example, NFC can be used to read feature 28 (as an RFID tag) on ​​barrel 52.

[0258] The wireless communication chip may include a Wi-Fi-enabled chip, such as TI's SimpleLink CC3000, which can connect the device to a Wi-Fi network. In some embodiments of the present subject, the wireless circuitry includes a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, a Nano SIM card, etc., on the evaporator board (e.g., allowing 3G / 4G cellular network communication). Alternative forms of communication may be used to establish bidirectional communication between the evaporator device 100 and the user device 305.

[0259] The connection between the evaporator unit 100 and the user unit 305 can be automatic (after initial setup), or can be started by the user through various settings, or can be started by shaking the evaporator unit 100.

[0260] As described above, any evaporator device including a barrel described herein can be configured to identify and / or recognize the barrel. One or more identification / recognition methods may be used. The evaporator can determine information about the barrel and / or the evaporable material held in the barrel, such as one or more of the following: the type of evaporable material (e.g., nicotine, hemp crops, etc.), the concentration of the evaporable material, the amount of the evaporable material, the configuration of the barrel (e.g., heater, electrical properties, etc.), the batch number of the barrel, the production date of the barrel, the expiration date, etc. This information may be directly encoded on the barrel or may be provided as a reference indicator so that the evaporator (or a processor communicating with the evaporator) can use it as an index to look up some or all of this information, or a combination of reference numbers and directly encoded materials may be provided.

[0261] In some embodiments of the present topic, the barrel can be identified and / or distinguished by the engagement between the barrel and the evaporator. The barrel can be configured to include keyed interactions with the evaporator. For example, the shape of the barrel can be detected by the evaporator. For example, the barrel may include n pins or protrusions. When the barrel is inserted (e.g., by completing an electrical connection), the evaporator can detect these pins; for n pins, there are 2 n A combination of tags.

[0262] The evaporator can be configured or identified based on detectable electrical properties of its electrical connection with the barrel. For example, the evaporator can make electrical contact with the heater through two or more electrical contacts and / or other electrical contacts, and characteristic resistance, inductance, or time response (e.g., time constant, RC time constant, LC circuit resonance, etc.) can be detected.

[0263] In some embodiments of the present subject matter, the cartridge can be identified and / or distinguished by markings on the cartridge that are recognized by the evaporator. These markings may be visible or invisible to the user. For example, the cartridge can be marked with characteristic UV, IR, or other wavelength-specific inks that can be detected by the evaporator, and may include, for example, a marker-specific emitter / detector pair. For example, the marking may include an infrared scannable barcode located on the cartridge. In some embodiments of the present subject matter, the marking may be a pattern indicating information about the cartridge and / or its contents (evaporable material), such as a QR code, barcode, etc. The marking may be symbolic, including alphanumeric characters. The marking can be directly “read” or detected by the evaporator, which may include a camera or other optical detector, or indirectly detected via communication with a second device having a camera, etc. (e.g., a wearable device, smartphone, etc.). For example, the markings on the barrel can be detected by a smartphone such as user device 305; the smartphone can use an application (e.g., software) on the smartphone to look up one or more properties from a lookup table to identify the markings, or it can communicate the markings directly to the evaporator that can look up the properties, and / or it can communicate with a remote server that can look up the properties and communicate them directly or via the smartphone to the evaporator.

[0264] In some implementations of the present topic, the wick can be identified using RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology. RFID tags have been used for inventory control in a wide variety of applications. Some RFID technologies use active devices that have their own power source, while others use passive RFID devices that interact with another powered device, which enables data transmission without relying on the passive device's power source. For example, the wick can include one or more RFID chips or components that can be detected and read by a reader on the evaporator to identify and receive information about the wick.

[0265] In some embodiments of the present topic, the barrel can be identified and / or recognized by communicating with a memory (e.g., EEPROM) on the barrel via an electrical connection to the evaporator. In embodiments where a heater is present on the barrel, for example... FIG. 1AThe exemplary evaporator shown may advantageously communicate with a memory using one or more electrical connections (e.g., contact 60) on the barrel, which are also used to power and / or control the heater. This can be particularly challenging when the barrel can engage with the evaporator in more than one orientation and / or control the heater via the same contacts, and when modulation of the electrical signals applied / received between the barrel and the evaporator can alter the control and / or temperature determination of the heater. In addition to those electrical contacts controlling the heater, one or more other electrical contacts may be used. Typically, communication between the barrel and the evaporator can be unidirectional (e.g., reading information about the barrel and / or evaporable material from the barrel via the evaporator) or bidirectional (e.g., reading information about the barrel and / or evaporable material and writing information about device operation, such as number of uses, usage time, temperature setting, etc.). Information can be written to the barrel, and this information can be used to derive other information about the barrel, including the amount of material remaining in the barrel, etc.

[0266] Generally, any evaporator described herein can estimate, measure, and / or predict the amount of vapor and / or material (including active ingredients) in the vapor that can be delivered to the user. For example, as described in detail below, the devices described herein can be used to determine and / or control the dosage of evaporable materials.

[0267] Information about the barrel and / or the evaporable material held within it can be particularly helpful in determining the dosage. For example, one or more of the following information can be used to accurately estimate the dosage: the type of evaporable material (e.g., nicotine, hemp crops, etc.), the concentration of the evaporable material, the content of the evaporable material, the amount of the evaporable material, the configuration of the barrel (e.g., heater, electrical properties, etc.), the batch number of the barrel, the production date of the barrel, the expiration date, the thermal properties of the evaporable material, etc. In some embodiments of the present subject matter, dosage and / or usage information may be stored (written) on the barrel (e.g., in memory).

[0268] Evaporators, evaporator systems, and user-customized methods for using them in device setup and drug administration based on activity patterns are also within the scope of this topic. Evaporators and / or evaporator systems consistent with the present description can allow users to personalize the evaporator and engage in social activities.

[0269] Evaporators and / or evaporator systems consistent with embodiments of the present subject can be configured to facilitate social interaction through the evaporator. For example, the evaporator can be configured to share usage information with others, such as third parties (e.g., healthcare providers including doctors), to better manage prescriptions and medical care. Evaporators and / or evaporator systems can also be configured to communicate with non-medical third parties (e.g., friends, colleagues, etc.) and unknown third parties (making some or all information publicly available). In some embodiments of the present subject, the evaporator described herein, either by itself or with one or more communication devices that are part of the evaporator system, can be identified from the evaporator and provide information about operation, status, or user input to public or private networks. In some embodiments of the present subject, the evaporator and / or evaporator system can be configured to provide one or more interactive games for use by the user and / or multiple users of different (or the same) evaporators, including multiplayer games that can be used with multiple different evaporators. Games can be tied to the operation of the evaporator and / or the user's manipulation of the evaporator (e.g., based on accelerometer output, touch or lip sensing, suction detection, etc.).

[0270] Evaporators and / or evaporator systems consistent with the implementation of the present topic can also be configured to provide location information, which may include information about one or more of the following nearby user locations: other users (known or unknown users, designated or undesignated users, etc.), retailers, specific locations (lounge, club, evaporator-friendly location), etc. Evaporators and / or evaporator systems can also be configured to facilitate ordering based on the use or operation of the evaporator and / or evaporator system.

[0271] The evaporator may include GPS functionality, or GPS information may be accessed from another device that communicates with the evaporator as part of the evaporator system.

[0272] As will be described in more detail herein, the evaporator can be connected to (e.g., communicate with) an additional device (e.g., portable, wearable, smartphone, desktop, laptop, etc.) that enables user-programmable dose control, real-time usage monitoring, personalized usage settings, device locking, and social features. For example, the evaporator and / or evaporator system may include features related to safety controls, such as parental controls, user age controls / restrictions, and anti-theft controls. The evaporator and / or evaporator system may include anti-theft and / or authentication functions that can lock or otherwise restrict the use / operation of the device when it is stolen and / or used with counterfeit parts, and may also be configured to allow locking (e.g., parental locks) to prevent child use or otherwise prevent unauthorized third-party operation. This type of anti-counterfeiting or other locking features can be implemented using a cartridge reader. For example, a cartridge reader from a verified source or supplier may include a hash or some other verification code as part of the reader, and the evaporator may lock the use of the evaporator if a cartridge lacking the necessary hash or verification code is coupled to the evaporator body. Such features can be used to require user authentication at the device communicating with the evaporator to unlock its use. In one instance, the feed cylinder may include an identifier indicating that it contains a controlled substance, and an application on the device may require the user (in response to determining this via identifier information received from the feed cylinder) to verify his or her identity (e.g., via password input, biometric authentication, etc.), and for the application, verify that the identified user is authorized to use the controlled substance before being able to connect that feed cylinder to the evaporator body. In another instance, a feed cylinder containing nicotine or hemp crops may require user authentication, such that an application on the device only allows the user to use the evaporator if their identity has been verified and they have been registered as being over the minimum age.

[0273] In some instances, safety controls can be incorporated via an application running on a device communicating with the evaporator. For example, the application running on the device communicating with the evaporator may receive an identifier from the evaporator itself, or alternatively / additionally, an identifier from the feed cylinder, and may determine, based on or otherwise using the identifier, whether the user profile includes safety settings or other settings related to the evaporator or feed cylinder. Consistent with embodiments of the present subject, such functionality may be wholly or partially included within the evaporator (and / or feed cylinder), or it may be distributed between the evaporator and a user interface, which may be presented on an add-on device that is part of the evaporator assembly, such as a wearable and / or handheld device, tablet, laptop, desktop computer, electronic self-service terminal, etc., and operational control logic. The control logic or other software functions used to provide these features may include a user interface and may provide input / output and analytical capabilities for modulating the operation of the evaporator. Examples of first communication hardware for the device and / or second communication hardware for the evaporator have been described above.

[0274] Barrel identification

[0275] Typically, an evaporator may include one or more technologies for barrel identification and / or communication, including the use of marking (e.g., QR codes, IR or US markings, etc.), mechanical and / or electronic keying, etc. In particular, methods and apparatus for electronic barrel identification and communication are described herein, wherein the barrel can transmit information between the barrel and the evaporator via unidirectional or, in some embodiments of the present subject, bidirectional (including dual-channel or multi-channel) electronic communication, such that the evaporator can receive information from the barrel. This information may include information about the evaporable material and / or the barrel, such as one or more of the following: the type of evaporable material, the concentration of the evaporable material, the amount of the evaporable material, the volume of the evaporable material, the properties of the evaporable material (e.g., thermal properties, composition, etc.), the configuration of the barrel (e.g., heater, electrical properties, etc.), batch number, production date, expiration date, barrel authentication, etc.

[0276] A barrel identification circuit (also referred to herein as a barrel or chamber identification circuit) can be configured to communicate such information from the barrel and transmit it to the evaporator. The barrel identification circuit may include a memory (e.g., an EEPROM). In barrel variants (where the heater (e.g., a resistance heating element, such as a resistance coil or resistance wire) is controlled by applying power to one or more (e.g., 2, 3, 4, etc.) heater contacts that communicate with corresponding contacts on the evaporator), despite the increased complexity and potential for damage to the heater, the barrel identification circuit can still communicate with the evaporator via the same heater contacts.

[0277] Systems for identifying evaporator unit barrels (e.g., chamber identifiers) can be implemented. More specifically, the identification system can utilize identification chips, patterns, tags, coating layers applied to the barrel, barrel packaging, barrel identification circuitry, etc., that can contain or convey information (e.g., electronically stored information). Information can be read using cameras, tag readers (e.g., radio frequency identification (RFID) technology), optical sensors, by connecting the barrel to contacts of the evaporator unit (e.g., spring pins), by direct and / or wired connections, and / or via other information collection systems. Depending on the implementation (e.g., based on cost), readable or more complex rewritable memory can be utilized. For example, this information can be used to control how the barrel performs, to communicate information to user devices, external applications, or servers for analysis.

[0278] The evaporator assembly can be configured such that each insertion of the canister / chamber into the evaporator body 50 feels identical to the user. For example, a consistent (device-to-device) chamber retention force between the evaporator body and the canister can be within a 25% tolerance range. In some aspects, the tolerance range can be greater than or less than 25%. To achieve a consistent chamber retention force, the spring-loaded contact design for the chamber interface can be designed to withstand repeated connections between the chamber and the evaporator body. The spring-loaded contact design may include a spring configured to consistently provide chamber retention force over time and configured to reduce the possibility of permanent spring deformation. The evaporator assembly and / or the spring-loaded contact design can be configured to provide a tolerance stack to compensate for extreme cases of container contact, canister contact, and / or pin travel to ensure excellent chamber electrical signal integrity between the chamber and the evaporator body. The evaporator assembly can be configured to pass a wobbling test criterion and, together with the chamber retention, to provide sufficient spring force to ensure excellent electrical signal integrity with the chamber. Evaporator units can be configured to improve product reliability by performing unit-side wiping / cleaning actions on the chamber-side contacts (e.g., barrel contacts 60). For example, a wiping action can be generated on the contacts of the chamber when the chamber is inserted into the unit (e.g., barrel container 54) to create better electrical connectivity. The wiping action can be accomplished by including a mechanical cover or wiper on the evaporator body 50 and / or the chamber 52. The mechanical cover or wiper can be configured to retract and wipe the container contacts 62 and / or barrel contacts 60 when the chamber 52 is inserted into the unit. Although mechanical wipers are described herein, computer-aided or other wiping methods can also be implemented.

[0279] The term "cabin" is used in the following description and throughout this document to refer to the evaporator barrel (e.g., a portion of the evaporator that contains evaporable materials, such as...). FIG. 1A to FIG. 1EThe evaporator may include a container (e.g., a canister 52) or other container that can be refilled when empty or is disposable, preferably for holding new compartments containing the same or different types of additional evaporable material. For example, a multipurpose evaporator may include a heating chamber (e.g., an oven) configured to receive a compartment having a reservoir or similar container for holding the evaporable material. In some embodiments of the present subject, the evaporator may include functionality for communicating with the compartment containing the evaporable material. The evaporator may also communicate with a device (e.g., a mobile phone, user device 305, etc.) that is part of the evaporator system, but this is not required. Whether under the control of a device that is part of the evaporator system or otherwise communicating with that device, or as a separate unit from the evaporator system, the evaporator may be configured such that its operation can be modified and controlled based on one or more parameters received from the compartment or accessed from a database or other information source (e.g., a remote server 307) based on compartment identification. For example, an evaporator consistent with embodiments of the present subject may be configured to identify and (in some cases transmit) or otherwise acquire information about the compartment (e.g., a “compartment identifier”). In other words, computing elements associated with the evaporator body, such as controller 24, can obtain information about the compartment via data exchange. Various methods for compartment identification / recognition via the evaporator are within the scope of this subject matter. While wireless connections like those described herein can be advantageously applied, any of the methods described herein can be performed with or without the addition of wireless communication / connection.

[0280] The term "application" is used generally in the following description and throughout this document to refer to a user interface configured to enable a user to interact with a communication device (or alternatively, a device) that communicates with the evaporator. Such a device may be a component of the evaporator system as described above and may include first communication hardware that can establish a wireless communication channel with second communication hardware of the evaporator. For example, a user device used as part of the evaporator system may include a general-purpose computing device (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, personal computer, another user device such as a smartwatch, user device 305, etc.) that executes software to generate a user interface for enabling the user of the user device to interact with the evaporator.

[0281] Consistent with some implementations of the present topic, evaporators and / or evaporator systems can be configured to identify cabin identifiers to retrieve cabin information and information about cabin usage (e.g., tracking data locations of usage patterns, switching success rates of consumers in specific geographic locations and specific demographics to understand areas of interest to improve switching rates). Evaporator systems can also be configured to integrate with applications to obtain more information about consumers and their intended use (e.g., if a consumer wishes to reduce their nicotine consumption over time, the device can be algorithmically used by reducing the amount of nicotine or vapor over time (which may include different cabin configurations of 5%, 3%, and / or 1.7% nicotine). Information about consumers and / or their intended use can be determined based on user feedback. For example, the application can ask or prompt users for answers regarding consumer preferences and / or intended use. User feedback can also include learned behaviors based on past use. Information retrieved from the cabin and / or user feedback can be included in user profiles, usage profiles, device profiles, etc.

[0282] The evaporator system can be configured to allow an application to communicate with the evaporator unit regarding how to algorithmically control vapor delivery and / or other adjustable characteristics. The application can provide recommendations to consumers based on intended use, user profiles, usage records, chamber identifiers, etc. For example, the application can recommend to a user who wants to achieve a goal of switching from a 5% nicotine chamber to a 3% nicotine chamber. The evaporator system can then verify, at least in part, based on the chamber identifier, that the consumer has indeed switched to a lower nicotine chamber (e.g., the 3% chamber) before the evaporator system activates the evaporator unit's functionality, thus disallowing the consumer from continuing to use the higher (e.g., 5%) chamber. The evaporator system can also be configured to deliver the same amount of vapor to the user but with adjusted nicotine concentration. The evaporator system can adjust the evaporator's operating temperature to change the total particulate matter (TPM) (e.g., nicotine) delivered to the user.

[0283] The evaporator system can also be configured to prevent consumers from refilling the compartment based on a compartment identifier, which can improve product safety. In response to identifying a compartment identifier connected to the evaporator, the evaporator system can track compartment usage and determine whether that usage is consistent with a compartment that has been tampered with, refilled, reused, etc. For example, the evaporator system can determine that the amount of usage in the compartment exceeds a threshold number of times the evaporable material in the compartment can be drawn. This can indicate that the container has been refilled, and the evaporator system can disable the functionality of the compartment and / or the evaporator unit. In other respects, the evaporator system can determine from the compartment identifier that a particular compartment has been used with multiple evaporator units, exceeding a threshold number of units consistent with normal use (e.g., resale). The evaporator system can also prevent the use of the compartment and / or the evaporator based on other information obtained from the compartment identifier and / or the compartment (e.g., location, compartment lifespan, manufacturer identifier, retailer identifier, number of insertions, number of draws, etc.).

[0284] The evaporator system can be configured for unidirectional data transmission of information about the compartment (e.g., reading data from the compartment, such as manufacturing date, etc.). The evaporator system can also be configured for bidirectional data transmission of information about the compartment (e.g., reading and writing to the compartment). For example, user preferences regarding how vapor is delivered (e.g., for each specific stock unit (SKU)) can be recorded by writing preference information into the compartment (without requiring an application to control preferences). Compartment identification can also be based on the resistance of the heater coil. In some aspects, the device can measure resistance to determine the nicotine level and / or the flavor of the compartment. For example, compartments with 5%, 3%, or 1.7% nicotine levels can be configured to use different coil resistances or discrete ranges of coil resistance to heat different levels of nicotine. The compartment can store this information using only a few bits (e.g., 3 bits). The compartment can also include more bits to store more information and can contain specific bit formats to store information related to the compartment, user, evaporator device, usage, etc. In some aspects, the evaporator system can combine coil resistance with other compartment information obtained based on the compartment identifier. The evaporator system can also use optical or QR or emitter / detector pairs in the device to locate a point at a specific location on the bottom of the chamber to determine flavor or other chamber information.

[0285] Features that can be beneficial to users include usage tracking and management. Specific data collected can help determine whether changes to the device, whether manual or automatic, are needed, based on specific real-time values, minimums, maximums, or averages of the collected data. Vapor and nicotine content can be useful information. Draw start time and draw duration can also provide users with detailed information about how device usage can vary depending on their inhalation. The device can identify when a user reduces their usage and deliver more or less nicotine in a draw. In some respects, the evaporator device can communicate to users the amount of draw, nicotine, evaporating material, etc., they have allocated daily, weekly, or monthly. The device can also be adjusted based on the time of day. For example, if a user prefers higher levels of nicotine at night, the device can be set to automatically deliver higher levels of nicotine at night. Similarly, information about altitude and temperature can be collected, providing similar benefits. One or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) on the canister and / or evaporator body can be varied according to flavor and / or the canister used. Alternatively, these settings can be configured on a server, and specific settings can be tested and implemented in real time on-site. This information can be tracked and settings can be saved for the user in multiple barrels, then transferred from one barrel to another.

[0286] The evaporator system can also prompt users with information about their preferences to determine if changes should be made to the system. For example, users can be prompted to answer questions about their past usage (e.g., "What type of smoker are you?", "What type of cigarettes do you smoke?", "Are you a menthol smoker / unfiltered smoker, etc.?", "How many cigarettes do you smoke per day?"). Based on the user's answers, there may be a set of different flavors and / or associated total particulate matter (TPM) best suited for a particular user (e.g., 20 cigarettes per day vs. menthol smoker). After collecting usage data, the system can provide recommendations based on previous smoking profiles. In some respects, the application can periodically inquire about current smoking habits.

[0287] In some implementations of the present topic, tracking can be used to record data (e.g., cigarette use, smoking history) based on gestures to the evaporator device (e.g., tapping the evaporator device a specific number of times, shaking the evaporator device for a specified duration, moving the evaporator device into a specific mode) or other user input, without having to enter information into the application. User input can be used to characterize usage and satisfaction with a smoking cessation program over a period of time and / or specific flavors / strengths to improve future recommendations. For example, satisfaction or usage reviews can be combined with flavor data and other demographic data to enhance user profiles (flavor / smoking cessation / reduction journey) to make recommendations on flavor, strength, total particulate matter, etc., and / or combinations thereof. For example, vapor thickness or operating temperature (producing different vapor thicknesses) may be more suitable for certain flavors.

[0288] In some embodiments of the present topic, usage tracking may also include tracking usage relative to one or more usage limits set by the user. The user can set usage limits by entering values ​​corresponding to the usage limits via a user interface. To help the user determine appropriate usage limits, the user device may output one or more usage statistics associated with the user via a user interface, such as average daily, weekly, and / or monthly pumping volumes. Alternatively and / or additionally, the user may indicate a goal to reduce usage, in which case the usage limit may be automatically determined based on previous usage levels. For example, if the user pumps a certain number of times x on the device in a first unit of time (e.g., day, week, month, etc.), the usage limit may be set for the number of pumping volumes xn for subsequent unit of time (e.g., the second day, the second week, the second month, etc.).

[0289] FIG. 103A Figure B illustrates an example of a user interface consistent with the implementation of the present topic. (See reference) FIG. 103A The user device can display a user interface 1030, which can display one or more usage statistics associated with the user to facilitate setting usage restrictions for the user. FIG. 103A In the example shown, the user interface 1030 displays the average daily usage based on the average number of puffs performed per day. However, it should be understood that the user interface 1030 may also display other statistics at the same and / or different granularities, such as the average daily, weekly, and / or monthly consumption of active ingredients as measured in equivalent cigarette counts, weights, etc.

[0290] refer to FIG. 103B The user device can display a user interface 1032, which can be configured to receive input from the user to set usage restrictions. FIG. 103BIn the example shown, the user interface 1032 may include a scrolling horizontal dial that can be adjusted to increase and / or decrease the value of the usage limit. However, it should be understood that the user interface 1032 may include different elements for inputting the usage limit. Furthermore, the usage limit can be set according to various quantities, such as the amount aspirated, the amount of chamber used, the amount of active ingredient consumed, etc.

[0291] In some implementations of the present topic, usage tracking may also include informing users of their progress toward meeting usage limits. FIG. 103C An instance of user interface 1034 is depicted, which includes a progress table 1040 showing that the user has performed zero pumps out of a set daily limit of 50 pumps. (Reference) FIG. 103D The progress bar 1040 can be updated to show that the user has performed 20 of the 50 daily pumps set for the user. Additionally, as... FIG. 103E As shown, the progress chart 1040 can also be updated to show when the user has exceeded the 50-puff daily limit set for the user. It should be understood that the progress chart 1040 can be one type of visual representation used to show the user's progress toward reaching the usage limit. Other types of visual representations can also be used, such as including... FIG. 103F The bar chart 1050 is shown in the example of the user interface 1036 depicted in the image. (As in...) FIG. 103F As shown in the figure, the bar chart 1050 can display one or more usage statistics, wherein usage below the usage limit is shown in one way (e.g., using a first color, symbol, etc.), and usage above the usage limit is shown in a different way (e.g., using a second color, symbol, etc.).

[0292] FIG. 103E Another example of a user interface 1038 is depicted, which notifies the user of its progress toward reaching a usage limit. The user interface 1038 may include a banner 1060 displayed on the user device to convey an alert about the percentage (e.g., 50% or a different portion) of the usage limit set for the user. It should be understood that the user can set the threshold percentage that triggers the notification. Furthermore, the user device may communicate the alert to the user in various ways, including visual alerts (e.g., LEDs), audio alerts, haptic alerts, etc. This notification may be provided by the user device and / or an evaporator device coupled to the user device.

[0293] In some embodiments of the present topic, the setting of usage limits can be a tracking mechanism that does not affect the operation of the evaporator device. For example, the evaporator device can remain active even if the user has exceeded the usage limit set for the user. Alternatively, the operation of the evaporator device can depend on the user's progress toward reaching the user-set usage limit. For example, the evaporator device can be configured to shut down for a period of time in response to the user having reached the user-set usage limit. The evaporator device can be configured to adjust the amount of active ingredient delivered to the user (e.g., by adjusting total particulate matter (TPM)) based on the user's progress toward reaching the user-set usage limit. Thus, as the user moves closer to exceeding the user-set usage limit, the evaporator device can deliver a proportionally smaller amount of active ingredient.

[0294] In some embodiments of the present topic, evaporator devices and / or evaporator systems can be configured to generate recommendations regarding inhalation time, inhalation frequency, flavor, strength, total particulate matter, etc., based on usage patterns associated with a user and / or a group of similar users. For example, one or more groups of similar users can be identified based on the similarity of individual user demographics, preferences, smoking cessation goals, etc. Groups of similar users can be identified by applying one or more clustering algorithms, such as k-means clustering, mean-shift clustering, fuzzy C-means clustering, expectation-maximization clustering, hierarchical clustering, etc. Evaporator devices and / or evaporator systems can generate recommendations by applying filtering techniques (e.g., collaborative filtering, content-based filtering, etc.) such that recommendations for a first user can include the first type of cabin (e.g., flavor, strength, total particulate matter, etc.) based on the first type of cabin being similar to a second type of cabin preferred by the first user and / or similar to a second type of cabin preferred by a second user.

[0295] In some embodiments of the present subject matter, evaporator devices and / or evaporator systems can generate recommendations for users by identifying one or more correlations existing within the usage patterns of at least the user and / or a group of similar users. For example, evaporator devices and / or evaporation systems can identify correlations between the total intake of active ingredients (e.g., daily, weekly, and / or monthly intake of nicotine, hemp crops, etc.), the type of chamber (e.g., flavor, strength, total particulate matter, etc.), and / or the vaping pattern. As used herein, a “vaping pattern” can include the time of a single vaping (e.g., a first vaping at 10 AM, a second vaping at 10:15 AM, etc.), the frequency of a single vaping (e.g., the amount vaped per minute, hour, etc.), the dose of a single vaping, etc. Thus, evaporator devices and / or evaporation systems can generate recommendations regarding the type of chamber and / or vaping patterns that reduce and / or minimize total intake.

[0296] For example, if the evaporator unit and / or evaporator system determines that the total intake of the user and / or similar user group may be low when the user and / or similar user group uses a first-type chamber instead of a second-type chamber, the evaporator unit and / or evaporator system may recommend the first-type chamber to the user instead of the second-type chamber. The evaporator unit and / or evaporator system may also recommend a suction mode (e.g., timing, frequency, dosage, etc.) associated with a lower total intake for the first user. It should be understood that recommendations regarding suction modes can be specific to the type of chamber. Thus, the evaporator unit and / or evaporator system can respond to the use of a first-type chamber (e.g., a first-type chamber is inserted into the evaporator unit) by at least providing recommendations regarding suction modes (e.g., timing, frequency, dosage, etc.) that reduce and / or minimize the total intake of the first-type chamber.

[0297] In some embodiments of the present subject matter, the vaporizer device and / or vaporizer system can generate recommendations for the user based on the user's usage patterns of combustible cigarettes. For example, the user's usage patterns may include the brand of combustible cigarettes, the type of combustible cigarette (e.g., mild, menthol, etc.), the amount of combustible cigarettes consumed (e.g., the amount of combustible cigarettes used in a day, a week, etc.), etc. These recommendations may include a chamber type and / or vaping pattern that mimics the user's usage patterns. For example, recommendations may include a certain chamber strength, vaping duration, vaping frequency, vaping intensity, the dose delivered per vaping, and / or the length of time between consecutive vapings that deliver the same amount of active ingredient to the user as the combustible cigarettes used by the user.

[0298] In some embodiments of the present subject matter, the evaporator device and / or evaporator system can be configured to adjust the operating parameters of the evaporator device based on recommendations. Adjustments corresponding to at least a portion of the recommendations can be performed automatically and / or in response to user input instructing a user to accept at least a portion of the recommendations. For example, the evaporator device and / or evaporator system can identify, at least based on a chamber identifier, that a user has inserted a chamber of a first type recommended to the user into the evaporator device. In response to the user inserting the first type of chamber recommended to the user, the evaporator device and / or evaporator system can adjust the heater temperature according to the suction mode (e.g., timing, frequency, dosage, etc.) also included in the recommendations. Alternatively and / or additionally, the evaporator device and / or evaporator system can adjust the total particulate matter (TPM) of active ingredients (e.g., nicotine, hemp crops, etc.) in the vapor generated by the evaporator device based on recommendations.

[0299] In some embodiments of the present topic, the evaporator device and / or evaporator system can also be configured to generate recommendations based on one or more other factors, such as device health, battery life, etc. The evaporator device and / or evaporator system can also generate recommendations to suit time periods when the evaporator device may be unavailable to the user (e.g., flights, meetings, etc.) by at least identifying correlations between evaporation duration, chamber type, and / or evaporation mode. For example, when a user and / or a similar user group uses a certain type of chamber and / or evaporation mode, the evaporator device and / or evaporator system can detect no evaporation for a period x. Thus, the evaporator device and / or evaporator system can recommend that user use that type of chamber and / or observation evaporation mode before the evaporator device is unavailable to the user during the time period. For example, the evaporator device and / or evaporator system can determine that a user and / or a similar user group may not perform any evaporation for four hours after 10 chamber evaporations of a 5% intensity mango flavor. Thus, in order to prepare the user for a four-hour flight in which the evaporator unit is unavailable, the user may be advised to evaporate the cabin 10 times with a 5% mango flavor before takeoff.

[0300] Device information such as power output, battery voltage, and charging details (start time, duration, start and end battery charge, etc.) can also be helpful for users to understand their usage. Error conditions such as battery failure, communication problems, pressure sensor malfunctions, LED sensor malfunctions, and battery fatigue can be tracked to help identify problems with the device or hopper.

[0301] The evaporator unit's cartridge identification system can also incorporate social media functionality, where various consumption and usage information can be provided by users on various social media sites. From a marketing perspective, this can be beneficial, as "word-of-mouth" on social media is a form of free advertising, and social media is crucial for the growth of individual businesses. A "golden ticket" cartridge can remind users that they have won something specific, such as a free pack of cartridges. As mentioned earlier, this "golden ticket" feature can also be implemented through social media functionality.

[0302] Consumer tracking features can identify various details about the cartridges themselves, providing users with very useful information and the potential to increase sales. The ability to identify when a cartridge is nearing empty can provide options for automatically ordering new cartridges or reminding users when they need to order. This can encourage casual users to order more cartridges, preventing users from using up cartridges without remembering to order more or delaying doing so due to the need to manually purchase them. Additionally, when cartridges are about to run out, users can be prompted with customer satisfaction surveys and / or feedback, which is often the best time to understand feedback on the device or specific cartridges and / or flavors. Marketing opportunities can be considered, as users can be prompted with discounts and / or multiple packs of the same or different flavors based on consumption patterns.

[0303] Identification systems for vaporizer cartridges can include various security features, such as counterfeit detection and / or prevention. The system can identify whether cartridges from different manufacturers are being used, in which case the cartridges will not be heated, rendering them useless. This provides assurance that consumers will not use vaporizers with cartridges from different manufacturers simply because different flavors are available and / or the cartridges are cheaper. Other security features can include anti-theft detection. The cartridge can be verified against a specific device or an external device, so that if the cartridge is stolen, it will not be usable with different e-cigarette devices. Another security feature can include the implementation of thresholds, such as the number of uses per cartridge and / or the number of times a cartridge can be refilled, thereby limiting the use of competitor cartridges and / or the refilling of counterfeit cartridges.

[0304] Another useful implementation of the identification system could be point-of-purchase and / or cartridge tracking information. From a legal and security perspective and / or from a marketing perspective, the location and / or date of the initial cartridge purchase, along with seller information, are beneficial. For example, if cartridges are found to be in the possession of a minor, the purchase information can identify whether the seller failed to conduct age verification at the point of purchase or whether the cartridges were being purchased by an "age-appropriate" person and provided to a minor. From a marketing perspective, if it is determined that a large quantity of cartridges were purchased from a particular seller, marketing strategies can be adjusted to increase sales. Furthermore, it is easier to track recalls of specific batches of cartridges because users can be notified of recalls of specific cartridges.

[0305] The barrel identification circuit can also be configured to allow the barrel to be inserted into the evaporator in multiple orientations without disrupting the operation of the barrel identification circuit.

[0306] In some embodiments of the present topic, the evaporator can be configured to both read from and write to memory, for example, when using a barrel identification circuit. In this example, the evaporator can write to the barrel identification circuit. (See above reference.) FIG. 1A and FIG. 2The evaporator may include a controller that controls the application of power from a battery to a heater to heat and thus evaporate the evaporable material. Any of these controllers may include a printed circuit board (PCB) and may further include: a microcontroller; a switch; a resistance measurement circuit including a reference resistor or Wheatstone bridge and a differential operational amplifier; and an algorithm including logic for controlling parameters. In some embodiments of the present subject, the controller (e.g., a microcontroller, processor, etc.) cycles the switch at fixed intervals to measure the resistance of the resistive heating element relative to a reference resistor and applies algorithmic control parameters to control the temperature of the resistive heating element. This same circuitry controlling the heater may be adapted to read and / or modify memory in a barrel connected via electrical contacts of the heater.

[0307] like FIG. 2 As shown in the block diagram, the evaporator can utilize a proportional-integral-derivative (PI) controller or a PI controller programmed to follow a specific proportional-integral-derivative (PI) control law algorithm. The PI controller calculates the "error" value as the difference between the measured process variable and the desired setpoint. When PI-based control is enabled, the power to the coil is monitored to determine if acceptable evaporation is occurring. With a given airflow to the coil, if the device is generating vapor (removing heat from the coil to form vapor), more power is required to maintain the coil at a given temperature. If the power required to maintain the coil at the set temperature falls below a threshold, the device indicates that it is currently unable to generate vapor. Under normal operating conditions, this indicates that there is not enough liquid in the core for normal evaporation to occur.

[0308] In parallel with this type of proportional-integral-derivative controller, the evaporator controller can also monitor changes in the load on the heater contacts (electrodes) to read from the barrel memory, thereby identifying the barrel and receiving information from the barrel, as described above.

[0309] Therefore, the printed circuit board may also include logic capable of detecting signals (resistance changes) at the heater contacts when the information stored in the memory is output from the memory. When the microcontroller runs a proportional-integral-derivative control law algorithm, in addition to detecting the difference (error) between the setpoint and the coil temperature to control the coil power so that the coil reaches the setpoint temperature (e.g., between 200°C and 400°C), the microcontroller can also decode digital signals sent from the barrel along the heater contacts, wherein the received signals include information about the barrel and / or the evaporable material inside the barrel.

[0310] A battery or other power source can power the microcontroller (MCU). The microcontroller can turn on the heater's power for a predetermined time period (e.g., every 100ms - 1ms), allowing the MCU to measure a reference voltage (e.g., R).ref The voltage between R2 and R_COIL. When Q2 is off, the control law controls Q1 via PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) to power the coil (when Q1 is on, the battery discharges through Q1 and R_COIL). The signal applied by the memory at the heater electrode contacts can be detected as R_COIL. coil The changes. In some embodiments of the present subject of the device, the device body also includes at least one: a second heater contact; a power switch; a pressure sensor; and an indicator light.

[0311] Typically, the resistance of the heating element (i.e., the resistance between the contacts) can be an input to a microcontroller. In some cases, the resistance can be determined by the microcontroller based on measurements from a circuit with resistors having at least one known resistance, such as a Wheatstone bridge. Alternatively, the resistance of the heating element can be measured using a voltage divider in contact with the heating element and a resistor with a known and substantially constant resistance. The measurement of the heating element's resistance can be amplified by an amplifier. This amplifier can be an operational amplifier or an instrumentation amplifier. The amplified signal can be substantially noise-free. In some cases, the charging time of the voltage divider between the heating element and the capacitor can be determined to calculate the resistance of the heating element. In some cases, the microcontroller can disable the heating element during the resistance measurement. The resistance of the heating element can be a function of its temperature, allowing the temperature to be determined directly from the resistance measurement. The output of the memory (digital signal output) can also be determined from these resistance measurements. Because the unknown contact thermal resistance between the temperature sensor and the heating element is eliminated, a more accurate measurement can be produced by determining the temperature directly from the heating element's resistance measurement rather than from an additional temperature sensor. Furthermore, the memory output can be determined based on small changes (e.g., those detected using a Wheatstone bridge in the evaporator circuitry) without compromising heater control as it would be based on changes in thermal resistivity. Temperature measurements can be determined directly from the memory output, which can be digitally decoded by the microprocessor, either individually or in parallel, while ignoring the effects of the memory output.

[0312] FIG. 2 The PID control block diagram shown is an example of the resistance measurement circuit used in this PID control scheme. FIG. 2The block diagram includes measurement circuitry that measures the resistance of the resistance heater (e.g., a coil) and provides an analog signal to the microcontroller, the device temperature (which can be directly measured and / or input to the microcontroller), and inputs from sensors (e.g., pressure sensors, buttons, or any other sensors). For example, when a user is suctioning from the device or when the device is planned to be set to a higher temperature (e.g., standby temperature), the microcontroller can use the sensor input to determine when the resistance heater should be heated. The measurement circuitry can also decode changes in electrical properties (e.g., resistance) measured at the heater's electrical contacts to determine barrel information.

[0313] FIG. 2 In this circuit, signals from the measurement circuit are directly fed to the microcontroller and the summing block. FIG. 3 The summation block in the diagram represents the functions that the microcontroller can perform when the device is heating; the summation block can show that the control algorithm uses errors (e.g., in this case, the target resistance minus the measured resistance of the resistive heater) to calculate the power applied to the coil until the next coil measurement is performed.

[0314] In the example shown, the signal from the measurement circuit can also reach the microcontroller directly. When the device has not yet heated the resistance heater, for example, some time has passed since the device was last heated, the resistance heater can be used to determine the baseline resistance (also referred to here as the resistance of the resistance heater at ambient temperature). Alternatively or additionally, the baseline resistance can be determined by determining when the coil resistance changes over time at a rate below a certain stability threshold. Therefore, a measurement of the coil's resistance can be used to determine the baseline resistance of the coil at ambient temperature.

[0315] A known baseline resistance can be used to calculate the target resistance related to the target rise in coil temperature. Similarly, fluctuations in this reference resistance at an appropriate frequency corresponding to the output of the EEPROM can be decoded as information from the barrel memory. FIG. 2 The configuration shown represents an example of a data exchange circuit consistent with the implementation of the present topic, wherein data can be transferred between a barrel memory (e.g., in an implementation where the identifier 28 of barrel 52 includes a barrel memory for storing information about barrel 52) and a controller 24, which is part of an evaporator body 50 coupled to barrel 52. Such a data exchange circuit allows data (e.g., one or more parameters of the barrel, evaporable material contained in the barrel, etc.) to be transferred between the barrel memory and the controller 24, which is part of the evaporator body 50.

[0316] FIG. 2The example provides both the delivery of electrical energy from a power source 22, which is part of the evaporator body 50, to an atomizer 26, which is part of the cartridge 52, and data exchange between an identifier 28 on the cartridge 52 and a controller 24, which is part of the evaporator body 50, by engaging only two mating electrical contacts (cart contacts) on the cartridge 52 with corresponding electrical contacts (evaporator body contacts) on the evaporator body 50. Other embodiments of the data exchange circuitry for such data exchange may include the use of a dedicated data circuit separate from the power delivery circuitry, which is used to transfer power from the power source 22 (on the evaporator body) to the atomizer 26 (on the cartridge). However, having two separate circuits for data exchange and power delivery would increase hardware complexity, as more than two sets of mating electrical contacts may be required. The embodiments of the present subject allow the use of two mating contacts, one on the cartridge 52 and the other on the evaporator body 50, for data exchange and power delivery. It will be understood that the above references FIG. 2 The fluctuation of the baseline resistance discussed represents an option for data exchange and power delivery via a combination of single-pair mating electrical contacts. For example, within the scope of the present topic, data exchange can be encoded in the power supply circuit by fluctuations or modulation of one or more of the following: frequency, resistance (as described above), current pulses, voltage, etc.

[0317] A baseline (also known as the resistance of the resistance heater at ambient temperature) can also be used to calculate the target resistance. The evaporator temperature can be used to calculate the absolute target coil temperature rather than the target temperature rise. For example, the evaporator temperature can be used to calculate the absolute target coil temperature for more precise temperature control.

[0318] The evaporator unit can be configured for reliable temperature control. For example, for 100% unused units, the test swing resistance on new units and / or new coils may be <10 mOhm. The unit can be configured to have an acceptable swing resistance of <20 mOhm on >=95% of the units before and after testing, after extensive unit use (spring contact abuse test). Testing may include cyclically heating the test load chamber with wet / dry cycles and chamber insertion at 10k cycles.

[0319] The resistance of the heating element can be a function of its temperature (and the output of the barrel storage device connected in parallel with the heating coil), allowing the temperature to be determined from resistance measurements. The output of the barrel storage device can be detected by analyzing relatively small resistance changes over a specific frequency (time) range; these changes can be ignored or filtered out when calculating the temperature. The resistance of the heating element has a roughly linear relationship with its temperature.

[0320] The same barrel identification circuit can also be programmed with information about the barrel, the evaporable material, and the barrel history, including, for example, usage time and / or total power applied.

[0321] Information stored in memory (read and / or written) can be encoded, including using encryption, error-correcting encoding (e.g., Hamming codes, etc.). In operation, when the barrel is first inserted into the evaporator body, the evaporator microcontroller can be configured to first determine whether encoded information about the barrel and / or signals identifying barrel compatibility with the evaporator can be read from the barrel. Information can be read using the evaporator's measurement circuitry. In some embodiments of the present subject, the evaporator can use default settings even when the barrel may not be read (e.g., barrel identification circuitry may be omitted or cannot be read from the barrel identification circuitry).

[0322] During operation, if detected, the evaporator can periodically (e.g., after each suction, etc.) write to the memory in the barrel identification circuit. This writing can be performed by the evaporator by applying power to the capacitor circuit within a predetermined timer cycle. The evaporator microcontroller can then apply a bit pattern to one of the contacts by applying a high voltage at a controlled rate, which will be received by the memory's I / O lines.

[0323] The evaporator can signal to the memory to request a read from it, similar to how a device writes to memory. The battery voltage applied to the heater contacts can then be disconnected, allowing the memory (e.g., EEPROM) to control the I / O lines and use them to output data, thus providing a digital output (switching the I / O lines low / high). This data output transmits the output detected by the evaporator via a resistance measurement circuit. Typically, if the memory is transferring data, it can affect the absolute accuracy of temperature control; the evaporator can be configured so that the device does not heat when the memory is transferring (outputting), and normal heating operation does not trigger memory data transfer.

[0324] The barrel identification circuitry consistent with one or more embodiments of the present topic can be integrated and / or combined into a custom chip (e.g., an ASIC). Such dedicated circuitry can be included as an identifier (e.g., FIG. 1A The identifier 28 shown in the figure.

[0325] Alternatively or additionally, the evaporator can be incorporated into the LDS (Laser Direct Sequencing) method and the resulting structure. In LDS, circuit traces are integrated into one or more mechanical components of the evaporator, such as the evaporator housing and / or the evaporator body housing, as an alternative to a conventional printed circuit board. As a result, weight and assembly space can be effectively reduced. For example, a three-dimensional circuit carrier can be injection molded from a modified polymer material, allowing laser activation of circuit traces on the surface of the circuit carrier. The circuit layout can be directly etched onto the plastic part using a laser, typically immediately after injection molding (without tools or masks). The activated areas can be metallized in a chemical metallization bath to establish conductive traces. Other similar processes, such as molded interconnects or Midentifier constructions, can be used alternatively or additionally, where injection molding and hot stamping are used to integrate conductive structures. Therefore, any component described herein can include LDS-doped materials compatible with the LDS method used to form the circuit. In particular, electrical traces for the barrel (e.g., embodied as and / or in a circuit identifier 28) can be formed directly on the plastic part of the barrel without requiring an additional PCB.

[0326] As will be described in more detail below, information stored in the memory of the barrel identification circuit (such as the information described herein) can be used for dosage control (e.g., calculating and storing dosage information) and for safety, communication, and storing operating parameters, particularly in devices with wireless capabilities. However, barrel identification can also be useful even without wireless communication capabilities.

[0327] As discussed, memory (e.g., EEPROM) can store information about the evaporable material and / or the barrel. An example of the information that can be stored may include values ​​related to specific performance characteristics of the heating element, such as the nominal heater R (resistance) for the barrel, which includes the heating element of the barrel. This value can be determined and stored at the factory during the manufacture / production of the apparatus, and / or subsequently. Storing the specific R value for each barrel in the memory belonging to that barrel can be useful for precise temperature control of the apparatus, including determining the baseline resistance at ambient temperature, as described above. Although the resistance / baseline measurement on the production line may differ slightly from the measurement used by the apparatus, baseline adjustment (determined by an algorithm) can also be used. Alternatively or additionally, once a reliable baseline for the barrel has been determined, this baseline can be associated with an identifier belonging to the specific barrel (e.g., in a remote database, on a remote server, etc.) so that if the barrel is removed and reinserted (once the barrel identifier is determined), the same baseline value can still be used, which is a faster check than waiting for a stable baseline to be detected.

[0328] Typically, storing barrel characteristics (such as the heater's resistance) within the barrel itself can also be useful for verifying that the connection between the evaporator and the barrel is good and that the evaporator's resistance measurement circuitry is functioning correctly. Therefore, in any of the methods and apparatus described herein, the nominal barrel resistance can be stored in the barrel's memory (or can be stored on a remote server / device and retrieved based on a unique barrel identifier) ​​and can be used to verify that the connection between the device and the chamber is good and / or that the device's resistance measurement circuitry is functioning correctly and / or that the barrel's resistance has not changed since the barrel was assembled or filled.

[0329] As described above, in some embodiments of the present topic, the evaporator can write usage information into the barrel's memory; the usage information can be used to estimate the amount of evaporable material that has been removed from the barrel and the amount of remaining evaporable material. The usage information may include the number of suction / absorption cycles, the dosage delivered, etc.

[0330] Cabin Identifier Technical Specifications

[0331] By way of non-limiting example, consistent with the implementation of the present subject matter as described herein, one or more embodiments may include one or more of the following basic cabin identifier device requirements: a maximum electrical supply voltage of 3.3 volts; a minimum supply voltage of 1.8 volts; a maximum electrical supply current of 5 mA; a data interface: 1-Wire serial; a minimum data rate of 50 kbps; a package: a 2-pin package; pin 1: power / serial shared; pin 2: ground; a minimum ESD resistance: ±8 kV; a cloning-resistant security element: ECDSA signature verification; a minimum one-time programmable flash memory for Mfg.: 92 bits; a factory one-time settable value: a unique identifier and / or private key for ECDSA security; a non-resettable counter: a 9-bit counter and / or a 16-bit counter; a non-resettable fusion bit: 5 bits; a scratchpad flash memory: 32 bits; a maximum length x width x height (L x W x H): 3 mm x 3 mm x 1 mm; and / or an interface pad: an exposed pad for direct interface to spring-fingered contacts.

[0332] To further illustrate, FIG. 102 Table 1200 is depicted, which lists the data fields that may be included in a cabin identifier consistent with the embodiments of the present subject. It should be understood that a cabin identifier consistent with the embodiments of the present subject may include one or more data fields shown in Table 1200. Furthermore, as... FIG. 102 As shown, a cabin identifier consistent with the embodiments of the present topic may include data fields set during manufacturing and data fields set by the evaporator device during operation.

[0333] Refer again FIG. 102A cabin identifier consistent with the embodiments of the present subject may include one or more data fields programmed during manufacturing, the values ​​of which indicate cabin structure, cabin flavor, cabin strength, manufacturing date, filling date, filling plant, manufacturing plant, and heater coil resistance. Each data field may store one or more data bits. For example, cabin structure may be stored as a 5-bit value, cabin flavor as an 8-bit value, cabin strength as a 3-bit value, manufacturing date and filling date as 16-bit values ​​each, filling plant and manufacturing plant as 6-bit values ​​each, and heater coil resistance as a 32-bit value. Alternatively and / or additionally, a cabin identifier consistent with the embodiments of the present subject may include one or more data fields whose values ​​correspond to a private key (e.g., a 256-bit Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA) key) and a unique cabin identifier (e.g., a 64-bit value). The authenticity of the cabin carrying a cabin identifier consistent with the embodiments of the present subject may be determined based on the private key and / or the unique cabin identifier included in the cabin identifier.

[0334] In some embodiments of the present subject matter, the cabin identifier, consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter, may further include one or more data fields whose values ​​can be set by an evaporator device inserted into a cabin carrying the cabin identifier. These data field values ​​may correspond to a suction counter (e.g., a 10-bit value), cabin power (e.g., a 16-bit value), lock fusion (e.g., a 6-bit value), and / or a miscellaneous data register (e.g., a 32-bit value). It should be understood that at least some of these data values ​​may not be reset, including, for example, the suction counter, cabin power, and lock fusion.

[0335] By way of non-limiting example, consistent with the implementation of the present subject matter as described herein, one or more embodiments may include one or more of the following guiding principles for mechanically attaching a bay identifier to a bay: surface mount assembly / surface mount technology (SMA / SMT) must not require access to a PCB or other substrate prior to installation; it must be directly attached to the bay mechanically; it must be mechanically robust to survive high-speed assembly; and / or it must be packaged / ready for high-speed insertion. Examples of one or more embodiments for mechanically attaching a bay identifier to a bay may include one or more of the following: a flat package with quad flat no-lead (QFN) pads; heating the post and / or adhesive into the cavity; packaging on a stud; and / or attachment methods including: thermal posting; adhesive; snap-fit; encapsulation; spur and / or pressing.

[0336] By way of non-limiting example, consistent with the implementation of the present subject matter as described herein, one or more embodiments may include one or more operations of the following cabin identifier manufacturing process: installation into the cabin (e.g., using a robot and / or automated placement and attachment to the cabin body; the packaging must be mechanically robust to withstand high-speed installation); initial communication (e.g., electrical testing and programming initial manufacturing information into the cabin identifier integrated circuit, which must support high-speed inline programming for automation); handling and stuffing; filling the cabin; further communication (e.g., later and / or pre-fill programming and locking of the cabin identifier integrated circuit; high-speed inline programming must be supported during the filling operation); handling, stuffing and packaging; and / or shipping.

[0337] Application / connectivity.

[0338] The evaporator and / or evaporator system may include software, firmware, or hardware that is detachable from or separable from the evaporator and communicates wirelessly with it. For example, an application (“app”) may execute on a processor of a portable and / or wearable device, including a smartphone, smartwatch, or similar device, which may be referred to as a personal digital device or optionally simply as a device that is part of the evaporator system (e.g., FIG. 3 User device 305 in the middle). These digital devices can provide an interface for users to participate in and interact with functions related to the evaporator, including data communication between the evaporator and the digital devices and / or with other third-party processors (e.g., servers, such as in the middle). FIG. 3 Data communication with server 307 in the device. For example, a user may optionally control certain aspects of the evaporator (temperature, dosage, etc.) and / or transmit and receive data back and forth with the evaporator via a wireless communication channel between the device's first communication hardware and the evaporator's second communication hardware. Data communication may be in response to one or more user actions (e.g., including interaction with a user interface displayed on the device) and / or as a background operation, so that the user does not have to initiate or authorize data communication processing.

[0339] The user interface can be deployed on a digital device and can help users operate the evaporator. For example, a user interface operating on a digital device can include icons and text elements that inform the user about various ways to adjust or configure evaporator settings.

[0340] The vaporizer may include or incorporate one or more authentication features. For example, the user interface (“app”) may include, for instance, PIN-based authentication and biometric authentication (which may include fingerprint-based authentication, iris-based authentication, facial recognition authentication, etc.). Authorization may include age analysis, such as facial feature analysis, to estimate or calculate the user's age. Authorization may be used to lock / unlock the vaporizer.

[0341] The authentication process can be embodied in the features of an application installed and running on a personal digital device capable of communicating data using wired or wireless methods (e.g., as part of the evaporator system described herein). The personal digital device (e.g., a smartphone) may have an operating system capable of running applications.

[0342] After a period of inactivity, such as by entering a "sleep mode" when no use is detected within a predetermined and / or preset time period, the evaporator can be made inactive. In some embodiments of the present subject matter, in order to activate the evaporator and thus enable it to be used by a user for the purpose of generating vapor, user authentication is necessary to ensure that the device is used by the intended user and to prevent unauthorized use, accidental or unintentional activation of the device, or ingestion of active ingredients (including nicotine or hemp crops) by individuals of legal age using the device. Personal identification number (PIN)-based authentication can apply a user-selected PIN code to verify final use. Alternatively and / or additionally, one or more forms of biometric authentication can be used to authenticate the user and reactivate the evaporator. For example, a fingerprint-based authentication process can authenticate the user. An iris-based authentication process can use eye or iris scanning, etc., to authenticate the user. Facial recognition-based authentication can use facial scanning or image processing algorithms to authenticate the user. If the personal digital device has a camera (e.g., a forward-facing camera), iris-based and facial recognition-based authentication may be particularly useful.

[0343] Once a threshold criterion is met, the personal evaporator can be disabled. For example, the evaporator can be made inactive after a period of inactivity. The inactivity period can be preset and / or selected by the user (e.g., using control software running on the personal digital device). Therefore, the inactivity period can be a configurable parameter of the evaporator. The application software / firmware may include the ability to unlock or activate the evaporator using authentication, as described above.

[0344] An authentication process can be performed. If the authentication process fails, the evaporator can remain disabled. If the authentication process succeeds, the evaporator can be unlocked and ready for use.

[0345] The evaporator may include a heating element configured to heat an evaporable material. The application may be configured to disable and / or lock the evaporator by disabling power supply and / or use to the heater element. For example, a control system (e.g., via firmware) may be configured to selectively disable certain (e.g., standard heating) actions of the user actuating the heater element. In some aspects, the device may be configured to ignore pressure sensor readings and / or other markings of user aspiration on the device. The application may be configured to provide notification indicating that the evaporator has been operationally disabled and / or locked. Alternatively or additionally, the device may be configured to alert the user that the device is locked when it is determined that the user is attempting to aspirate on the device (e.g., using one or more LEDs, sound, touch, etc.). In some embodiments, the evaporator may be configured to become operable in response to the evaporator being within a threshold range of the user's device. In some embodiments, the evaporator may be configured to become operable in response to receiving a signal from the user's device. In some embodiments, the evaporator may be configured to become inoperable in response to receiving a signal from the user's device. For example, users can lock and / or unlock the evaporator by inputting user information into the application, such as using a touch recognizer.

[0346] The evaporator unit can be configured to lock, disabling critical functions (e.g., steam generation) to prevent unauthorized use of the locked unit. In some implementations, the evaporator unit paired with the application can implement a lock / unlock feature, allowing a given user to lock the unit, thereby preventing unauthorized users from unlocking and / or accessing the evaporator unit. The locking feature can be configured with strong security (e.g., encryption, firewall, etc.) to prevent hacking from compromising the locking function.

[0347] The application can be configured to disable and / or lock the evaporator in response to it being outside a threshold communication range with the user device. For example, if the evaporator is out of communication range with the user device, the evaporator can be configured to disable evaporator operation, making the evaporator inoperable until it returns to communication range with the user device.

[0348] The application device can be configured to disable and / or lock the evaporator in response to location and / or time parameters (e.g., how long the evaporator has been out of range of the user device).

[0349] The application can be configured to enable and / or unlock the evaporator in response to the evaporator being within a threshold communication range with the user device. For example, the evaporator can resume operation in response to being within the communication range with the user device.

[0350] The evaporator can be configured to receive information associated with a first user and a first user device. The evaporator can be configured to activate and / or unlock evaporator operation in response to communicatively coupled evaporator and the first user device associated with the first user and within a threshold communication range. The evaporator can be configured to disable evaporator operation in response to the evaporator being outside the threshold communication range with the first user device. The evaporator can be configured to disable evaporator operation in response to communicatively coupled evaporator with a second user and / or a second user device. For example, if the first user pairs the first evaporator with the first user device, the first evaporator can be disabled and / or locked in response to a second user attempting to pair the first evaporator with the second user device. FIG. 23 to FIG. 30 An exemplary user interface for tracking reports and other data is shown, indicating minor usage, retailers, locations, reviews, surveys, preventative measures, etc.

[0351] Locking the device can be performed by disabling the power supply to the evaporator's heater elements, pressure sensors, or other components.

[0352] In some embodiments, an evaporator device locking feature for locking (e.g., disabling) or unlocking (e.g., enabling) the evaporator device from the user device's user interface can be configured to be available when the evaporator device is within the user's communication range (e.g., the user device is within a threshold range of the evaporator device). In response to the evaporator device being locked, the evaporator device can be configured to disable some or all of its functions. In response to the detection of an attempted suction / drawing on the locked evaporator device, the evaporator device can be configured to display a "Locked" LED indication, block airflow, and / or provide another indication that the device is locked. In some aspects, locking the evaporator device can change the state of the home screen on the user interface such that if the evaporator device is locked, a "Locked" notification is displayed, and the user can unlock the evaporator device from the home screen. The evaporator device can be configured so that the user can unlock the evaporator device only via an application logged into the user's account. In some embodiments of the present subject, the locking and / or unlocking features can be available with or without Wi-Fi and / or with the user / device having data service reception.

[0353] In some embodiments, the evaporator device and / or user application may be configured to display a first notification of a locked device that is "within range" (e.g., the user device is within a threshold range of the evaporator device). In some embodiments, the evaporator device and / or user application may be configured to display a second notification of a locked evaporator device that is "out of range" (e.g., the user device is outside a threshold range of the evaporator device), such as... FIG. 28As shown. The evaporator device and / or user application can be configured to display options for the user to "selectively join" some or all of the "auto-lock" features. For example, the evaporator device and / or user application can be configured to display a time-based countdown timer for "auto-lock" of the evaporator device while it is "in range" (e.g., the user device is within a threshold range of the evaporator device). In some embodiments of the present subject, the user may have the option to specify the length of time following the "auto-lock" response (e.g., a time different from the default 24 hours). In some embodiments, the evaporator device can be configured to automatically lock in response to a change in the evaporator device from an "in range" state to an "out of range" state. In some embodiments, the evaporator device can be configured to automatically lock in response to the evaporator device being "out of range" for a defined period of time (e.g., 24 hours). In some embodiments of the present subject, the evaporator device can be configured to automatically unlock in response to returning to a range state. In some implementations, the evaporator device and / or user application may be configured to display overlay descriptions of locking / unlocking features and / or images and / or animated GIF representations of the evaporator within and / or outside the range.

[0354] FIG. 23 to FIG. 30 An exemplary user interface is shown, which may appear in an application installed on a communication device that communicates with the evaporator (e.g., as part of an "application" or other software on a user's mobile device). FIG. 23 to FIG. 30 The user interface includes locking and reporting features that can provide benefits in providing data and evaporator-specific controls to prevent unauthorized and / or minors from using, purchasing, etc., the evaporator.

[0355] FIG. 23 An application screen view or similar method can be used to prompt the user of the evaporator to implement the device lock feature. In one instance, this could be provided as an "optional entry" feature, giving the evaporator a default state that does not automatically transition to a locked state. Alternatively, the lock feature could require the user to "optional exit" to disable automatic locking. In other instances, the automatic lock feature may not be a user-configurable option.

[0356] FIG. 24 and FIG. 25The screen view displays the information presented to the user when the Select Enter feature is selected. This screen explains that if the user's mobile device does not communicate with the evaporator for a period exceeding a threshold duration, the evaporator will automatically enter a locked state. Functionally, when this feature is enabled, the evaporator's controller (e.g., microcontroller, PCB, software running on a programmable processor, other computing hardware, etc.) can perform operations that track the duration since the last successful communication with a user's mobile device paired with the evaporator. If this duration exceeds a certain threshold, the evaporator controller can, for example, interrupt normal operation of the evaporator by blocking the current supply to the heating element or preventing the atomizer, which otherwise causes the generation of inhalable aerosols, from being activated.

[0357] FIG. 26 and FIG. 27 The screen view displays the effect of activating controls such as sliders ( FIG. 26 and FIG. 27 The user interface elements (such as the top left corner of the screen) are used to disable and enable the auto-lock feature. In one exemplary implementation, the user can, for example, via... FIG. 23 to FIG. 25 The view selection allows users to enter or exit, and features an automatic locking function. At any given time, the user can choose to use... FIG. 26 and FIG. 27 The on / off selection shown enables or disables the auto-lock feature for its evaporator. This feature may need to be disabled if the user intends to use the evaporator for a period of time when their mobile device is not nearby, or if the user's mobile device needs to be turned off or is otherwise in a state where it cannot communicate with the evaporator. In some embodiments of the present subject, it may be advantageous to have a time limit for the auto-lock disabling feature, so that the evaporator controller reverts to the auto-lock enabled state after a certain fixed or user-configurable duration during which the auto-lock has been disabled.

[0358] In some embodiments, the evaporator device and / or user application may be configured to display a first notification of a locked device that is "within range" (e.g., the user device is within a threshold range of the evaporator device). In some embodiments, the evaporator device and / or user application may be configured to display a second notification of a locked evaporator device that is "outside range" (e.g., the user device is outside a threshold range of the evaporator device), such as... FIG. 28As shown. The evaporator device and / or user application can be configured to display an option for the user to "select to enter" some or all of the "auto-lock" features. For example, the evaporator device and / or user application can be configured to display a time-based countdown timer for "auto-lock" of the evaporator device while it is "in range" (e.g., the user device is within a threshold range of the evaporator device). In some embodiments of the present subject, the user may have the option to specify the length of time following an "auto-lock" response (e.g., a time different from the default 24 hours). In some embodiments, the evaporator device can be configured to automatically lock in response to a change in the evaporator device from an "in range" state to an "out of range" state. In some embodiments, the evaporator device can be configured to automatically lock in response to the evaporator device being "out of range" for a defined period of time (e.g., 24 hours). In some embodiments of the present subject, the evaporator device can be configured to automatically unlock in response to returning to a range state. In some implementations, the evaporator device and / or user application may be configured to display overlay descriptions of locking / unlocking features and / or images and / or animated GIF representations of the evaporator within and / or outside the range.

[0359] in other words, FIG. 28 A screen view is shown that indicates that automatic locking is enabled and the evaporator is out of range of the mobile device (and therefore unavailable until communication between the mobile device and the evaporator is re-established). FIG. 29 An optional screen view is shown, which can include requiring the user's mobile device to receive a password or some biometric authentication (such as a fingerprint sensor reader, facial recognition, etc.) to reauthorize use of the evaporator, thereby allowing communication between the mobile device and the evaporator controller to resume evaporator operation. Such a feature can prevent minors or other unauthorized users from using the evaporator solely by being located somewhere sufficiently close to the user's mobile device (e.g., in an adjacent room, etc.) to allow communication between the mobile device and the evaporator to be re-established. FIG. 30 An example of a screen view is shown, which can indicate that the appropriate authorization has not yet been received, so that the evaporator will remain disabled.

[0360] In some implementations, an evaporator locking feature for locking (e.g., disabling) or unlocking (e.g., enabling) the evaporator unit from the user device's user interface can be configured to be available when the evaporator is within communication range of a communication device (e.g., the user device is within a threshold range of the evaporator unit). In response to the evaporator unit being locked, the evaporator unit can be configured to disable some or all of its functions. In various instances, locking the evaporator can include one or more of the following: disabling power supply to the heater element, ignoring inputs from pressure sensors or other switches configured to start the evaporator to generate aerosols, etc. In response to detecting an attempt to draw / pump air onto the locked evaporator unit, the evaporator unit can be configured to display a "Locked" LED indication, block airflow, and / or provide another indication that the unit is locked. In some aspects, locking the evaporator unit can change the state of the home screen on the user interface such that if the evaporator unit is locked, a "Locked" notification is displayed, and the user can unlock the evaporator unit from the home screen. The evaporator unit can be configured so that the user can unlock the evaporator unit only via an application logged into that user account. In some implementations of the present topic, locking and / or unlocking features may be available with or without Wi-Fi and / or with the user / device receiving data services.

[0361] In addition to the automatic locking feature described above, the evaporator device can also be configured to provide an "access feature" to registered application users for account login, with or without age verification. The evaporator device can optionally be configured such that access feature availability is linked to the application and / or user login, rather than to a specific user mobile device. In some implementations, a user device using a device application with a specific user logged into a user account can unlock / lock a specific device previously locked by that user using another example of the device application.

[0362] FIG. 31 to FIG. 36 An exemplary user interface screen view that may appear in an application installed on a communication device is shown. FIG. 31 to FIG. 36 The user interface screen views involve reporting features that can be used on mobile devices that do not require pairing with the evaporator. It should be understood that although the shape and size of these screen views are consistent with the dimensions of mobile devices such as smartphones, the indicated user interface functions can be implemented on any computing device such as a tablet, desktop, or laptop.

[0363] FIG. 31 and FIG. 32A screen view is displayed through which a person can report vaporizers (referred to in this view as "devices" being used by unauthorized users (e.g., minors)). This view allows the input of a serial number and includes data input options (here, a drop-down or scroll menu, but optionally any type of input including free text) for the reporter to indicate their title or other identifying information. For use in a school setting (e.g., if these features are used to prevent the use of vaporizers in schools by individuals other than minors), the title could be "School Administrator," "Teacher," or "Advisor," etc. The view also includes fields for inputting information identifying the school and a "Submit" user interface element to allow data transfer of the input to a server for analysis, aggregation, etc. The view may include user interface elements to provide the user with instructions on how to find the device's serial number, and optionally, instructions to send the device to a location that can be analyzed to determine its origin.

[0364] exist FIG. 33 and FIG. 34 In the middle of the screen view, an instance of an invalid serial number being entered is displayed. Here, the user interface can prompt the user to check the serial number again. If the serial number is correct relative to the confiscated evaporator, the user can be prompted to report it as a counterfeit evaporator, which can trigger further actions. If the device is identified as counterfeit, then... FIG. 35 The screen view can prompt the user to enter any further information available, such as the location and date of purchase, and can add prompts to request the user to send the device to the manufacturer or other locations for analysis and investigation. FIG. 36 It is an instance of the "Thank you" screen view.

[0365] FIG. 37 to FIG. 41 Exemplary screen views are shown, which can be displayed on any computing device to visually display data results based on data reported via the methods discussed herein and other methods. It will be understood that these screen views can be displayed on any type of computing device.

[0366] FIG. 37The screen view displays a map view that includes markers for schools with various overlay options, allowing users to select the data types to be displayed on the map relative to one or more locations. Overlays may include a hotspot map type view, which shows the frequency of different events determined based on the collected data. Data sources used for collection may include, for example, school reports (e.g., which can be entered via the screen view described above), retailer data (e.g., sales volume at a given location, tracking information on the source of sales of confiscated vaporizers, etc.), social media data (e.g., data relating to the estimated age and demographics of social media users discussing vaporizers and / or their use relative to the estimated locations of those social media users), covert shopper data (e.g., data on unauthorized or insufficiently authorized sales to covert investigators attempting to purchase vaporizers from retail stores), regulatory reports (e.g., from the FDA, etc.), etc. The screen view may also include a data insights subview that can display information about recently added data, trends, etc. Clicking on a given school location enables in-depth research into a specific data type. For example, by easily displaying the geographic correlation between school confiscations, social media, illegal sales activities, etc., such a screen view can be used to develop strategies to prevent underage use of vaporizers.

[0367] FIG. 38 The screen view shows an example of a news delivery mentioning a given school about vaporizers and / or the use of such devices by minors. FIG. 39 The screen view displays a summary of the reports on confiscated devices for the selected school location. FIG. 40 The screen view displays a map with heatmaps but no other data, and FIG. 41 The screen view displays a map with highlighted social media information.

[0368] FIG. 42 to FIG. 49 A screen view is displayed illustrating exemplary features of data-driven functionality, such as those described above, used in tracking the use and / or sale of illicit evaporators. The data source control box allows users to view data from different sources as an overlay on a location-based map. FIG. 42 The image prominently features a fictional retail store and covers content mentioned on social media. FIG. 43 Examples of additional data insights related to the fictitious retail store are shown, along with statistics (e.g., six confirmed confiscated devices have been sold here). FIG. 44 A map view without data coverage was displayed. FIG. 45 Options for refining to additional retailer reports are displayed. FIG. 46 Examples of data from such reports are shown, including details of the confiscated devices, etc. FIG. 47 to FIG. 49Social media data with estimated locations is displayed to allow inferences about relevance to a given retail store and other data sources.

[0369] In addition to the data sources shown above (which can be used with existing evaporators that may not contain connectivity features), other data sources provided by such connected evaporators can further enrich the functionality of the current topic. For example, geofencing can be set up near schools and / or other places where evaporator use by minors is considered problematic. Evaporators with connectivity features can be detected in such areas, enabling the mapping of potential hotspots of illegal use. In other instances, mobile-executable applications can be provided to teachers or other school staff. Such applications allow mobile devices to act as mobile detectors of evaporators in their vicinity. Collecting serial number data or other data from such evaporators can better track the origin of evaporators used by teenagers and other minors.

[0370] In some implementations of the present topic, the vaporizer and / or associated applications may have a dashboard-style user interface where a user can view one or more metrics indicating his or her progress over time. These metrics may be generated from or otherwise derived from individual data (e.g., user-specific data) and / or group data (e.g., aggregated and anonymized data from multiple users). For example, group data may show, as a group, what the average smoking conversion rate is at any given time since the user started using the vaporizer. The device may provide a view in which the user can select other users to define a group (a group of people) based on other users' starting conditions (e.g., number of packs per day, age, gender, etc.).

[0371] The dashboard can be configured to display different smoking cessation programs and their success rates for specific individuals, groups, subgroups, and / or demographics. For example, for a specific group (e.g., women aged 30 to 39 in Southern California), the dashboard and group data might show a 50% success rate for the first smoking cessation program and a 75% success rate for the second. Users can select a second smoking cessation program and view different actions associated with that program (e.g., nicotine concentration, flavor, timeline, frequency of use, diet, etc.). For example, by tracking flavor and other cabin information using a cabin identifier, the vaporizer system can determine and provide recommendations on which flavor profiles, concentrations, vapor consistency, frequency of use, duration of use, etc., are best suited for an individual with a given personal goal, user profile, group profile, past use, age, gender, etc. If a user deviates from their smoking cessation program, the vaporizer system can be configured to provide recommendations for resuming the program (e.g., counseling, community involvement, groups, products, etc.). FIG. 50 to FIG. 54 An exemplary user interface is shown for plotting different data related to smoking cessation metrics on a dashboard.

[0372] In some respects, aggregated smoking cessation information can be combined with machine learning algorithms to provide improved recommendations based on user interactions and / or feedback received from other users, vaporizer devices, apps, websites, reviews, etc.

[0373] The evaporator device can be configured to provide "access features" to registered application users for account login, with or without age verification. The evaporator device can be configured such that access feature availability can be linked to the application and / or user login rather than to a specific user device. In some implementations, a user device using a device application with a specific user logged into a user account can unlock / lock a specific device previously locked by that user using another example of the device application.

[0374] The evaporator device can be configured to allow access functionality to operate on the user device without Wi-Fi, LTE, or other internet connectivity. The access functionality can respond to the device being within Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) range of the user device and the user currently logged into their account. In such implementations, unlocking or locking the evaporator device from the application can be done without requiring a request to an external server.

[0375] In some embodiments of the present topic, pairing, locking, and / or unlocking of the evaporator unit can be accessed only by logging into an application linked to the user's account for the evaporator unit. The evaporator unit can be configured to self-lock after an extended period of inactivity with the user's device and / or application. For example, if the evaporator unit is not connected to the paired application within a set window (e.g., 1 second, 24 hours, 7 days, and / or other durations), the evaporator unit can automatically lock to prevent unauthorized use of a lost or stolen evaporator unit.

[0376] The evaporator unit can be configured such that the locking feature persists during electrical events. Configuration and status data for such features must be maintained in the non-volatile memory of the evaporator unit to survive power-on reset (POR) and / or other reset conditions.

[0377] The evaporator unit can be configured such that the locking device cannot be factory reset (lock-hold feature), and can provide the user with an indication that the evaporator unit is locked. For example, if the user attempts to "factory reset" the locked evaporator unit, the evaporator unit can display a "locked" LED indicator without performing a reset.

[0378] The evaporator device can be configured such that the lock-holding features include security sufficient to prevent hacking from compromising the locking function. In some implementations of the present subject, a shared private key must be used to lock / unlock the evaporator device. The shared private key can be generated by the application and transmitted to the evaporator device during a lock request. To unlock the device, the application can be configured to provide a challenge-response authorization to the evaporator device using the private key to initiate an unlock sequence.

[0379] Evaporator devices can be configured to authorize allowed evaporator devices to link to different user devices owned by the same user account holder. For example, if a user loses her user device, she can be able to log in to the application on her new user device and connect the evaporator device to the new user device. For evaporator devices previously paired with another user device and associated with a user account holder, the evaporator device can be able to pair with the new user device in response to the application's user credentials being the same as the user credentials used to pair the evaporator device on the previously paired user device.

[0380] The evaporator device can be configured such that authorized users do not need to "handshake pair" (e.g., perform an electronic handshake communication exchange) with the same user device logged into the same user account after the initial pairing and / or linking to the user account. For example, when the evaporator device is linked to a user account (with or without age verification), the evaporator device can "remember" the pairing until it is unlinked from the user account. User credentials can be stored on the evaporator device, thus preserving the linked application information.

[0381] Evaporator devices can be linked and authorized (e.g., linked to an account, with or without age verification) to enable the provision of a specific set of characteristics to a user based on authorization and / or linking. Evaporator devices can be configured to link to authorized and authenticated devices and provide a specific set (full set) of characteristics to a user via the application.

[0382] Evaporator devices can be configured such that, without the device owner explicitly releasing the evaporator device from the original account, authorized ownership prevents another account holder from linking an evaporator device to another account, thereby making theft more difficult by communicating that the evaporator device has been paired with another account user. For evaporator devices previously paired with another user device and associated with a user account, the evaporator device can be paired with a new user device only if the user credentials of the application are the same as those used to pair the evaporator device on the previously paired user device. In some embodiments, in response to the evaporator device being paired with a first user account and / or a first user device, the evaporator device can be configured such that it cannot be paired with a second user account and / or a second user device.

[0383] Evaporator units can be configured for authorizing ownership. For example, if a user attempts to link an evaporator unit paired with a first user account to a second user account, the user interface can be configured to display the name of the evaporator unit and / or the second user (e.g., if the user accidentally swaps them with a friend).

[0384] The evaporator device can be configured to connect to a user device in a single communication. For example, the evaporator device can be paired and bound to a single Bluetooth central user device, allowing subsequent pairing and binding to override previous connections.

[0385] The evaporator unit can be configured to pair with a Bluetooth central user device when locked, allowing the evaporator unit to be unlocked by any Bluetooth central user device logged into the user account.

[0386] Evaporator devices can be configured to allow users to link only a specified number of evaporator devices within each time period to prevent abuse by minors (e.g., device disabling to prevent juvenile delinquency). For example, matching e-commerce regulations might allow a maximum of five devices to be linked every 90 days (e-commerce purchase restrictions). The application can be configured to allow users to link another evaporator device after a communication date.

[0387] The evaporator unit can be configured for "shake-pairing" for initial pairing of the evaporator unit with a user account (to prevent pairing with other evaporator units within the range). The evaporator unit can provide an indication that it has been shaken and is ready for pairing.

[0388] Evaporator devices can be configured such that counterfeit evaporator devices may be unable to connect to the application and / or cloud during the initial pairing process with a user device. The application can be configured to verify that the evaporator device is not counterfeit before allowing it to link to the user account and / or provide any application services (such as firmware updates). Such processes can leverage industry-standard security procedures to ensure the service is secure and untamperable.

[0389] Evaporator units can be configured to allow genuine evaporator units to take steps to pair and link only to genuine manufacturer applications and the cloud, ensuring security. Evaporator units can be configured to independently verify that the connected applications and / or cloud are provided by the manufacturer, not a third-party service, to prevent fraud and other unauthorized activities. Such processes can leverage industry-standard security procedures to ensure the service is secure and untamperable.

[0390] The evaporator unit can be configured such that the initial pairing and user device linking (of a non-associated unit) must occur when the application has internet access. Internet access may be required to verify a genuine (as opposed to a counterfeit) evaporator unit.

[0391] The evaporator device can be configured to allow a user to pair an additional device with their account (“Add Device”) within a limit (e.g., the number of devices x within a certain time period y). The application can be configured to verify such criteria and provide a verification (or not) notification.

[0392] Unless the unit is locked, the evaporator unit can be configured for a "factory reset". A factory reset may include resetting the evaporator unit to a new factory state, including clearing the logs, and resetting the data collection "study mode" to "standard mode". If a reset gesture is attempted while the evaporator unit is locked (e.g., if the compartment is removed and / or inserted), the evaporator unit can be configured to cause the LEDs to display a "locked" indication. The user must first unlock the unit to enable the factory reset. Factory reset gestures may include vertical orientation (with the compartment pointing upwards), removing the compartment, orientation (with the compartment end pointing downwards), inserting the compartment, removing the compartment a second time, orientation with the compartment end pointing upwards, re-inserting the compartment, etc.

[0393] The evaporator device can be configured such that if a user loses a locked device and removes it from their user account, and then finds it again, they can reconnect to the device by logging into their user account to resume use. If the device is lost while locked and an attempt is made to re-pair it with the account originally associated with the device, the device can function normally and the link to that account can be restored. If an attempt is made to re-pair it with a different account, the device can remain locked.

[0394] Evaporator devices can be configured to allow devices not yet associated with an account (even if they are not authorized to be linked to a user device) to be re-paired and bound to any user device and any user account, enabling the device to be repaired and bound to the application without imposing an ownership structure on the link until the device is connected to the evaporator device user account.

[0395] In some implementations, an evaporator device that is not yet linked to another user account can be paired and bound to that user device and the application without requiring the user to log in to the application (e.g., for a new evaporator device where the user has not yet logged in or authenticated). However, the application can be configured to provide a simplified set of features until the user logs in with an existing user account or creates a new user account.

[0396] In some implementations, a user can unlink the evaporator unit from the associated user account (e.g., if the user wants to abandon the evaporator unit, or they have lost it). In one implementation, a new user of the evaporator unit can see the data of a previous user (e.g., usage data). The evaporator unit associated with the account can be released from the user account (“unlinked”) when the application is in or out of range. The evaporator unit can be configured to perform a factory reset, including unlocking the evaporator unit if it is “locked”, and clearing the logs but keeping the firmware up to date in response to an attempt to re-pair the evaporator unit with the application.

[0397] The evaporator unit can be configured such that, in response to the firmware (master / running image) being overwritten / updated, the evaporator unit may malfunction (e.g., may not produce steam). A static LED mode (or other indicator) can be provided to alert the user that the evaporator unit is undergoing an update. In some embodiments of the present subject, basic evaporator unit functionality can be suspended in response to firmware being loaded into the microcontroller memory. A static LED mode (or other indicator) can be displayed during the update state to alert the user that the evaporator unit is running and the firmware is being updated.

[0398] To prevent device firmware updates from interfering with data logging, the complete log can be downloaded and deleted from the evaporator device before the firmware update occurs. The evaporator device can be configured such that if a connection to a peripheral device fails (e.g., the device goes out of range, the application crashes, or the user device restarts), the firmware update can resume from the stop point in response to the user device reconnecting within a threshold time period (e.g., within five minutes).

[0399] The evaporator unit can be configured to implement an image verification safeguard (or other protection) to ensure that when a newly updated firmware is run on the evaporator unit, a fail-safe protection is in place, configured to revert to the previous firmware in response to a failure of the new firmware. The evaporator unit can implement a fail-safe firmware image bootloader, thereby verifying the integrity of the image so that the old image can be retained as a fail-safe backup before booting the new image, until the new image is successfully booted. The bootloader can be configured to implement mechanisms for determining whether the firmware image has been successfully booted (e.g., a watchdog timer, a reset counter, and other means can be used to mitigate undesirable behavior and evaporator unit congestion).

[0400] Evaporator units can be configured for background firmware updates, enabling servers to initiate seamless, autonomous (e.g., without user intervention) firmware updates to maintain updated firmware across connected evaporator units. Evaporator unit firmware can be automatically updated (without user knowledge or intervention), allowing firmware updates to be systematically pushed to users to ensure new features are pushed to evaporator units to fix critical bugs and / or test new features.

[0401] In some implementations of the present topic, the evaporator device can be configured for background firmware updates, such that the evaporator device must wait until a 60-minute inactivity period (another time interval) has elapsed before initiating the firmware update, thus ensuring the process is as non-destructive as possible. During the inactivity period, new evaporator device firmware can be pushed to and verified on the evaporator device, and the master firmware boot image can be updated. Inactivity can be defined by events such as the evaporator device or all evaporator devices being charged / on a charger, inactivity for a certain period of time, a specific time of day, or prolonged periods of non-vaporization. Firmware transfer can be determined based on the appropriate connection to the user device.

[0402] The evaporator unit can be configured for background firmware updates, allowing normal evaporator unit behavior to be interrupted when firmware download and updates occur. In some embodiments of the present subject, the update process may take 1-5 minutes. During the background firmware update, if movement is detected or if the evaporator unit has been removed from the charger, the evaporator unit may display an LED pattern (or other indication) to notify the user that the firmware is being updated and normal functionality is unavailable.

[0403] In some implementations, evaporator unit firmware updates can be configured to provide an immediate update in response to firmware update availability. This update can be displayed on the "Home" screen of the evaporator unit application user interface. The application can be configured to allow the user to "Update Now" and / or obtain information about the nature of the update. In some implementations of this topic, a "Top of Page" reminder for the currently selected evaporator unit can be displayed on the application's Home screen, configured to update the evaporator unit firmware by the user selecting the "Update Firmware Now" option. Some implementations of this topic may include an overlay (e.g., a gray background) where the user can "Update" or "Cancel" the firmware update. In response to the user's "Cancel" command, the "Update Firmware" reminder can be displayed at the top of the page while allowing continued functionality of other application features. A "Learn More" option can be provided to offer user information about the update. In response to selecting "Update Now," the evaporator unit firmware update page flow can be presented. In some implementations, the evaporator unit can be configured to remind the user when the installed firmware version expires. The user can be able to select an option via the user interface to automatically update the evaporator unit firmware (e.g., enable automatic firmware updates).

[0404] The evaporator device can be configured to prevent file corruption during firmware download (which could lead to evaporator device malfunction) and verify image signatures to ensure the firmware image is not corrupted during download. The integrity of the downloaded firmware image must be verified to ensure the evaporator device does not run corrupted (e.g., malicious or other) firmware. Algorithms such as the Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA) can be used to ensure this signature is mathematically unbreakable.

[0405] In some implementations, the evaporator unit can be configured for firmware updates, allowing new firmware to be immediately applied to the evaporator unit at certain times, thereby replacing normal evaporator unit functions to ensure proper operation. Such updates are typically used during the evaporator unit linking process (to the user device and / or application) and can be used for critical firmware updates. The evaporator unit may support a mode in which a firmware image is immediately downloaded and the master image is updated upon receiving a command. In the immediate update mode, all other evaporator unit functions are replaced by the update process. In turn, firmware can be downloaded from the user device and / or application, and an update to the master image can occur.

[0406] In some implementations, the evaporator device can be configured such that if a problem occurs during an immediate firmware update (e.g., loss of connection to the evaporator device, loss of connection to the Internet, etc.), the application can communicate the error or problem to the user and automatically cancel the update, returning to the previous evaporator device state and application user interface.

[0407] In some implementations, the evaporator device can be configured to allow an immediate firmware update process to occur as quickly as possible to ensure a positive user experience (e.g., forcing image downloads and main firmware swaps to be completed within <3 minutes or <1 minute).

[0408] In some implementations, the evaporator device can be configured such that during an immediate firmware update, the application provides a progress / status bar to estimate the remaining time to complete the update. In some implementations of the current topic, user confirmation is required before startup. The estimated image download time and the micro-estimated refresh time can be closely mapped to the actual download time through preprocessing, past history, testing, aggregated data from other devices, etc.

[0409] In some implementations, the evaporator device can be configured for master image exchange to facilitate testing different firmware versions on the same evaporator device and / or updating the master firmware to different image recognizers based on commands received from the Bluetooth central user device. If more than one image is stored on the evaporator device (internal and / or external flash memory), a method may allow the Bluetooth central user device to initiate an update to a given firmware image stored in one of the non-volatile memory regions of the evaporator device.

[0410] In some embodiments, to prevent the evaporator unit from being blocked during firmware updates (particularly the exchange of old and new firmware), the evaporator unit's battery must be in a minimum charge state before updating the running firmware. In some embodiments of the present subject matter, when updating the running image with a newly downloaded image, the evaporator unit's battery level must be greater than 25% (or some other percentage), or it must be connected to a charger, which can be verified by the user device and / or the firmware. In some embodiments of the present subject matter, to prevent the evaporator unit from being blocked during the firmware update process, the user device's battery must be in a minimum charge state before updating the running firmware. During immediate firmware updates, the user device's battery must be charged to 25% or connected to a charger.

[0411] The evaporator unit can be configured with robust in-place security measures to prevent external parties from accessing and / or reading the evaporator unit firmware. For example, all local images can be stored in an encrypted format. In some implementations of this topic, the implementation must undergo audits by the National Cyber ​​Security Center (NCC) and / or other security bodies. The evaporator unit and / or barrel can include a 256-bit private key within an encryption chip for military-grade security.

[0412] In some implementations, usage data can be linked to a user account so that data can be retained if a user logs into the application on different user devices (or logs out and then logs in again). Usage data may include one or more of the following: vapor experience, target data (e.g., from user settings, new user onboarding processes), guided suction results, location history, and / or other usage data.

[0413] In some implementations, if a user deletes their associated user account, all data associated with that user must be irreversibly and irrevocably delinked from that user's account in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). User applications can be configured to delink user data, provide user data upon user request (e.g., via CSV, etc.), and provide users with a terms and conditions page.

[0414] In some implementations, a user can perform age verification from one of multiple application locations, resulting in an associated update to the application's feature set. The application's "Account Settings" page may display the "Verified Age" for the user's country (or other geographic region) and may include other information associated with the user and / or the account associated with the user. In response to age verification updates, enabled features may include checkout, evaporator replacement, external web pages, mobile sites, and / or other features. Checkout, evaporator replacement, and other features may require age verification. Age verification can be accessed from one or more of the following: checkout (e.g., shopping), account menu, evaporator replacement process, login, internet connection, and / or other application features. The user's age verification status may be reflected in the account settings. The application may provide the age verification status and which country the verification applies to. Users may be offered the option to perform age verification from within the application. An external mobile web page may be provided in response to an unverified request.

[0415] In some implementations, the age verification process may include verification using a database service. In some implementations, personal user information such as Social Security numbers, driver's licenses, ID cards, credit records, or facial recognition may be used to verify a user's age. In some implementations, two-factor authentication may be used to verify a user's name and phone number (e.g., via SMS receiving code). Other age verification procedures may include a "passport" feature. For example, a user may create an authorized access identifier via the user device's user interface. The evaporator device may be configured to disable functionality when it moves away from the vicinity of the associated user device. The functionality may be re-enabled in response to returning to a threshold proximity to the associated user device. In some implementations, the evaporator device may be configured to remain enabled in response to exceeding a threshold proximity to the user device for a finite duration (e.g., the evaporator device may be locked once a given time period expires).

[0416] In some implementations, the evaporator device may be configured such that activation via a user interface on the user device is required prior to use. In some implementations, the evaporator device may be configured for immediate use after purchase without requiring activation through pairing with a user device for a limited period. For example, the evaporator device may be used by the user for a period of time after purchase (e.g., one day, one week, one month, and / or other durations) or usage (e.g., ten suctions, one canister, and / or other usage), but the evaporator device may be configured to lock (e.g., disable functionality) in response to a threshold time period and / or usage expiration if the user has not registered via the user interface. As described further in detail below, registration may include a user age verification process.

[0417] FIG. 55 to FIG. 69 An exemplary user interface is shown, which may appear in an application installed on a communication device that communicates with the evaporator (e.g., as part of an "application" or other software on a user's mobile device). FIG. 55 to FIG. 69 The user interface involves an age verification feature that can provide benefits in terms of providing data and evaporator-specific controls for preventing unauthorized and / or minor use, purchase, etc., of the evaporator. In one embodiment, the evaporator can be configured to activate the function only after the age verification process is successfully completed via the user interface. In another embodiment, the evaporator can be configured to disable in response to failure to complete the age verification process within a threshold duration after purchase.

[0418] It can be used FIG. 55The application screen view or similar method can be used to prompt the evaporator user to perform the device age verification feature. In one instance, the user can be prompted to enter the age verification process by consenting to the age verification. Alternatively, in response to the user "optionally exiting" the age verification process and / or falling below a threshold age, the evaporator can be configured to disable the feature. The threshold age can be based on consumer laws and / or other considerations in the user's geographic region.

[0419] FIG. 56 to FIG. 59 The screen view displays the view that may be presented to the user when selecting and agreeing to the age verification feature. This screen may prompt the user to enter personal user information (e.g., user's name and phone number). In some implementations, other user information may be required, such as Social Security number, driver's license, ID card, credit history, and facial recognition. In response to the user entering user information, the age verification feature can be configured to verify the user's age using one or more authentication methods. For example, two-factor authentication can be used to verify the user's name and phone number (e.g., receiving a code via SMS). The user can then receive an authentication message containing a unique or "one-time use" numeric and / or alphanumeric security code, such as... FIG. 60 As shown.

[0420] like FIG. 61 and FIG. 62 As shown, the system can prompt users to enter the security code they received. Once the user enters the security code, they can use... FIG. 55 The application screen view or similar method can be used to communicate that user information is being verified. User information can be verified using one or more of a third-party verification system, a user information database, and / or other verification methods. The duration of the verification process can be displayed (e.g., "in one minute" and / or other durations). In response to successful verification of user information, a notification can be sent via... FIG. 64 The application screen view or similar method can be used to notify the user. However, if user information cannot be verified, it can be done via... FIG. 65 The application screen view or similar method can notify the user and prompt the user to provide additional user information to continue the age verification process.

[0421] In response to unverified users continuing the verification process FIG. 66 to FIG. 69 A screen view or similar method may be used to prompt the user to provide user information files, such as a valid driver's license, state ID, passport, Social Security number, and / or other information. The application may be configured to access one or more features of the user's device (e.g., camera features) to capture, scan, or otherwise record the user's information. In one implementation, facial recognition may be used to verify and authenticate a photograph provided by the user. In response to the submission of user information files and / or images, FIG. 69An application screen view or similar method can be used to communicate that user information is being verified. In some implementations, an estimated duration of the verification time and / or a status bar can be displayed. In response to successful verification of user information, a notification can be sent via... FIG. 64 The application screen view or similar method is used to notify the user.

[0422] Once the age verification process is complete, you can proceed via... FIG. 70 The application screen view or similar method prompts one or more user actions (such as shaking the evaporator and / or other user input) to configure the evaporator for activation. FIG. 71 As shown, this can provide confirmation of the activation of the evaporator unit.

[0423] In some implementations of the current topic, in response to the user exiting and returning to the application, such as FIG. 72 The screen view shown can be provided. New users can initiate the age verification process, or existing verified users can "log in" to their associated user account. The logged-in, verified user can then access other features of the application, including the pairing process between the vaporizer device and mobile devices or other user devices, such as... FIG. 73 As shown. The application can provide logged-in, verified users with quick start guides and / or other introductory instructions (e.g., user manuals and / or usage tutorials configured to familiarize users with the evaporator unit). Additional training and habit management procedures may also be provided, as further described herein. In some implementations, after activation, the device can be periodically re-verified in the background with little or no user intervention. For example, the evaporator may need to connect to the user's device periodically (e.g., weekly, bi-weekly, and / or for other durations).

[0424] FIG. 74 to FIG. 80 The screen view shows an implementation of an auto-lock feature associated with the age verification feature, which is configured to disable and enable the vaporizer via a user interface, as in combination with... FIG. 23 to 30 In some implementations, an age verification process may be required only in response to the insertion of a specific cartridge type (e.g., a flavor cartridge) into the evaporator device.

[0425] FIG. 81 to FIG. 83 One or more age verification methods are described to ensure the appropriate age of use for evaporator devices. For example... FIG. 81As shown, the first purchase of a device in a store may require one or more of the following actions for age verification and / or device activation: (1) purchasing a disabled device in the store; (2) unpacking and downloading the mobile application; (3) age verification based on public records; (4) activating the evaporator device by pairing it with a user device via Bluetooth and / or other connections; and / or (5) automatic re-verification of the device. Subsequent purchases of a device in a store may require one or more of the following actions for age verification and / or device activation: (1) purchasing a disabled device in the store; (2) activating the evaporator device by pairing it with a user device via Bluetooth and / or other connections; and / or (3) automatic re-verification of the device. The first online purchase of a device may require one or more of the following actions to age verification and / or device activation: (1) creating an online account and age verification before making the online purchase; (2) receiving the disabled device, unpacking and downloading the mobile application; (3) logging into the application using online account credentials; (4) activating the vaporizer device by pairing it with the user device via Bluetooth and / or other connections; and / or (5) automatically re-verifying the device.

[0426] like FIG. 82A As shown, another embodiment of the age verification method for ensuring the appropriate age of an evaporator unit may include one or more of the following operations to perform age verification and / or unlocking of the evaporator unit: (1) unpacking the evaporator unit and / or barrel; (2) downloading an application; (3) age verification; (4) unlocking the evaporator unit by pairing it with a user device via Bluetooth and / or other connections; and / or (5) automatically re-verifying the unit. In the age verification method for ensuring the appropriate age of an evaporator unit... FIG. 82B In another embodiment shown, one or more of the following operations may be included for age verification and / or unlocking of the evaporator device: (1) unpacking the evaporator device and / or barrel; (2) reading the provided adolescent prevention information; (3) downloading the application; (4) verifying age based on public records; and (5) activating the evaporator device by pairing it with a user device via Bluetooth and / or other connections.

[0427] like FIG. 83 As shown, another embodiment of the age verification method for ensuring the appropriate age of use of the evaporator device may include one or more of the following operations for age verification via a user interface: (1) providing a welcome screen; (2) providing new user information and prompting for age verification information; (3) verifying user information through authentication; and / or (4a) providing a notification of successful age verification; or (4b) requiring additional age verification information.

[0428] After a user's age is verified and their associated evaporator device is unlocked using one or more methods described herein, the user may be required to re-authenticate periodically. Re-authentication may be required daily, every specific number of days, weekly, every specific number of weeks, monthly, every specific number of months, etc. (e.g., based on firmware within the evaporator device). In some implementations, the evaporator device may require re-authentication every two weeks. Re-authentication may be performed via a user device using a specific application capable of communicating with the evaporator device, such as those described herein. For example, re-authentication may require the user to periodically electronically pair their evaporator device with the user device via an application (e.g., via Bluetooth). In some aspects, a re-authentication period may begin once the evaporator device detects that it is no longer paired with the user device, and this period may be restarted each time the evaporator device detects that it is paired with the user device, regardless of the most recent pairing (e.g., based on a restart of a specific re-authentication process implemented by the application), etc.

[0429] In some implementations, after a user has been age-verified using one or more methods described herein, an application running on the user's device may store the user's credentials indicating that the user is age-verified (e.g., user account information with a specific value for an "age-verified" field associated with the user account). In some implementations, credentials may be created as part of a registration process implemented using an application running on the user's device. In some implementations, after the user's initial account setup and / or age verification, the user's device may receive credentials or a portion thereof from a server. For example, if a user age-verifies themselves using a web browser, a dedicated self-service terminal, multi-factor authentication (e.g., via email, SMS, etc.), and / or other methods outside of an application running on the user's device, a server configured to communicate with the user's device may send credentials or a portion thereof to the user's device. In some aspects, if credentials stored on the user's device indicate that the user is age-verified, the user may be allowed to (re)authenticate themselves solely for the purpose of unlocking the user's device. In some aspects, devices purchased using an age-verified user account may be shipped in an active state but may still require (re)authentication within a specified period.

[0430] In some aspects, users can be restricted from purchasing a specific number of evaporator units and / or feed cylinders used with the evaporator units within a specific time period. For example, in some aspects, users can be restricted from purchasing more than one, two, three, etc. units within a month (e.g., a calendar month or a rolling purchase based on the last evaporator unit purchase). In some aspects, users can be restricted from purchasing more than ten, fifteen, and twenty sets of feed cylinders (e.g., each set has two, three, four, five, etc.) within a month (e.g., a calendar month or a rolling purchase based on the last set of evaporator units purchased). In some implementations, user purchases can be tracked through more than one source. For example, a user's total purchases within a specific time period can be determined based on data received through user devices, web browsers, self-service terminals, retail stores (e.g., through point-of-sale systems), online retailers, servers configured to communicate with one or more of them, etc. To track a user's total purchases, the user can be required to use an age-verified user account for each purchase.

[0431] To prevent users from creating multiple user accounts, a user can be restricted to one account for each set of unique credentials (e.g., unique information that identifies only one person). To determine if a set of credentials is unique, the system (e.g., via a server) can require the user to provide a valid name, date of birth, permanent address, and the last four digits of their Social Security number. This information can be verified by a third party and / or cross-referenced with publicly available records to confirm that the person is an adult in their location / jurisdiction. If a user's public records do not match or they do not wish to provide their Social Security number, the user can be required to upload or swipe (via a card reader) a valid government-issued identifier for compliance checks. In some aspects, users may need to verify themselves through multi-factor authentication. For example, to create a user account, the user may be required to provide a phone number, and then a code sent to that phone number before proceeding. In some aspects, a code may only be sent to the phone if the phone number is known to be associated with a person of legal age to purchase a vaporizer device. In some aspects, the SIM card associated with the phone number can be verified, and the user may only be allowed to use the code sent to the phone number if the SIM card is verified (e.g., when the SIM card is associated with the phone number). Alternatively, users may be required to upload or swipe (via a card reader) a valid government-issued identifier and scan their face via a facial recognition interface (e.g., by executing an application on the user's device used for account creation). To prevent users from using multiple user accounts from different users, users may be required to verify themselves each time they make a purchase using their user account, such as through electronic verification of the identifier (e.g., a driver's license), facial recognition, etc.

[0432] In some implementations, a self-service terminal or other device can be configured for device activation. For example, a self-service terminal can be configured to receive user input to verify the user's age according to the methods described herein. Once the user has passed age verification, the self-service terminal can provide the user with a receipt containing a code (e.g., barcode, QR code, numeric, alphanumeric string, etc.) to present to a store clerk. The store clerk can scan or enter the code into a system instructing the user what they can purchase before allowing the store to sell the evaporator unit or cartridge to the user. In some aspects, the self-service terminal can be connected (e.g., physically, electronically, and / or in communication with) to a vending machine that has an evaporator unit and / or cartridge. Once the user has passed age verification and made a purchase, the vending machine can dispense the purchased item to the user.

[0433] In some aspects, the evaporator devices stored in the vending machine can be disabled and / or authentication (e.g., via one or more device pairing methods described herein) can be required before a user can use the evaporator device. In some aspects, the evaporator device may not be configured for wireless communication with the user device. Therefore, such evaporator devices can be prevented from being activated based on information stored in the device (such as a register (e.g., 1 bit) within the evaporator device). To activate the device, the user may need to place the device in an interface that communicates with the self-service terminal. After age verification of the user and placement of the evaporator device in the interface, the self-service terminal can be configured to change the value of the register to unlock the device. In some embodiments, the interface may include a tray and / or cable with an electronic interface capable of communicating with the evaporator device via an interface built into the evaporator device (e.g., USB or other data communication interface, such as one or more pins). Once the device is unlocked, the serial number or other unique identifier associated with the evaporator device, activation date, purchase date, etc., can be associated with the user account for tracking purposes. Although a self-service terminal has been described, any device capable of communicating with the device without using wireless communication can be used.

[0434] Activation system for connecting evaporator unit

[0435] In some embodiments of the present subject matter, the evaporator unit can be configured to ensure age-appropriate purchase and / or use. For example, evaporator units allocated to retailers for in-store purchase by consumers can be sold in a locked or disabled state. When the unit is purchased in-store for the first time, age verification and / or initial setup of the unit may be required before use. An activation system can be provided so that after purchasing the evaporator unit, the user can activate the evaporator unit on-site using the activation system in response to successful completion of security verification provided by the activation system.

[0436] In some implementations, an activation system for activating evaporator units may be provided, for example, in a retail store. For instance, the activation system may be configured to receive input from a user who purchases the evaporator unit and verify the user according to one or more methods described herein. The activation system may include a user device. The user device may be an electronic self-service terminal, such as a self-service terminal, tablet computer, smartphone, personal computer, etc. For example, the user device may be an interactive self-service terminal configured to unlock the evaporator unit for commercial use in response to an authorized user entering user information via a touchscreen, trackball, computer keyboard, buttons, and / or other input devices configured to communicate with the user device. Alternatively and / or additionally, the activation system may be coupled to and / or integrated with a point-of-sale (POS) system.

[0437] The activation system may include one or more of a user device and a docking station coupled to the user device. The docking station may also be configured to receive and couple with an evaporator device, thereby communicatively connecting the evaporator device and the user device. For example, the docking station may provide a mechanical connection between the evaporator device and the user device, securing the evaporator device to at least a portion of the user device (e.g., the periphery of the user device, the front surface of the user device, the rear surface of the user device, etc.). Alternatively and / or additionally, the docking station may provide electrical and / or optical coupling between the evaporator device and the user device, enabling the evaporator device and the user device to exchange data signals. For example, the docking station may provide the evaporator device with direct and / or indirect access to serial and / or parallel ports on the user device. Alternatively and / or additionally, the docking station may include an adapter that allows coupling of a first type of port on the evaporator device to a second type of port on the user device.

[0438] The activation system may include security controls incorporated into an application executed on a user device communicating with the docking station and / or evaporator unit. For example, the application executing the security controls on the user device communicating with the docking station and / or evaporator unit may receive an identifier for the evaporator unit and determine whether security settings are included in the user profile or other settings associated with the evaporator unit. The user interface may be presented on the user device, which is part of the activation system running the control logic, such as a handheld device, tablet, laptop, desktop computer, interactive kiosk, etc. The control logic or other software functions used to provide these features may include a user interface and may provide input / output and analysis capabilities for modulating the operation of the evaporator unit. Examples of first communication hardware for the user device and / or second communication hardware for the evaporator unit have been described above. Such features may be used to require user authentication at the user device communicating with the docking station and / or evaporator unit to unlock the evaporator unit before use.

[0439] The activation system can be communicatively coupled to the evaporator device via a wired and / or wireless connection. For example, in some embodiments, the activation system can be configured to transmit firmware uploads from the user device to the evaporator device when the evaporator device is coupled to the docking station, which in turn couples the evaporator device to the user device. The docking station may include a 5-pin connector configured to align and couple with a 5-pin connector on the evaporator device to enable communication between the evaporator device and the docking station and / or the user device. In response to successful security authentication by the user at the user device, the user device can upload firmware to the evaporator device, which starts or activates the evaporator device for consumer use.

[0440] In some embodiments of the present subject matter, the 5-pin connector of the evaporator device and / or docking station may include two pins configured for charging and three pins configured for serial connection. Alternatively and / or additionally, the docking station may include a wired connection configured to couple to one or more ports on a user device, such as Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports (e.g., USB-A, USB-B, USB-C, mini USB, micro USB, and USB 3, etc.) and an illuminated connector. According to some exemplary embodiments, instead of a wired connection and / or in addition to a wired connection, the activation system may be configured to enable the user device to communicatively couple to the evaporator device via a wireless connection such as Bluetooth.

[0441] The docking station may include a container. At least one end of the container may be open to receive the evaporator device, while the opposite end of the container may include a connector (e.g., a 5-pin connector, a USB port, etc.) that engages with a corresponding connector on the evaporator device. Connecting the evaporator device to the docking station may include inserting the evaporator device into the docking station. The docking station may include one or more mechanisms for retaining at least a portion of the evaporator device within the docking station, such as snap-fit ​​connections, friction connections, and magnets. Furthermore, the docking station may be secured to the user device using one or more of snap-fit ​​connections, adhesives, etc.

[0442] In some embodiments of the present subject matter, the connector may be built into a user device such as a tablet case and / or adhered to the back of the tablet. As described further in detail below, the docking station may be configured to maintain coupling with the evaporator device via magnetic force, tension, and / or other mechanisms while the evaporator device communicates with the user device. For example, a 5-pin connector may include a magnet configured to hold the evaporator device in position when coupled to the docking station. Alternatively, the docking station may include a spring member configured to hold the evaporator device. The user can insert the evaporator device into the docking station, which can provide a stable connection to the user device while the user completes security verification and / or firmware unlocking of the evaporator device. One or more components of the activation system may be configured to couple to an external power source to provide charging to one or both of the user device and / or the evaporator device.

[0443] To achieve a consistent connection between the evaporator unit and the docking seat, the docking seat may include a spring-loaded contact configuration capable of withstanding repeated connections between the evaporator unit and the docking seat. The spring-loaded contact design may include a spring configured to hold the evaporator unit in position while it is received by the docking seat. The spring-loaded contact design of the evaporator unit and / or the docking seat may be configured to provide consistent tension between the evaporator unit and the docking seat to ensure stable contact and excellent electrical signal integrity between the electrical contact pins of the evaporator unit and the electrical contact pins of the docking seat.

[0444] FIG. 84 A block diagram of an activation system 8400 for an evaporator assembly 8402 is shown. The activation system 8400 may include one or more of a user device 8406, a docking station 8404, and / or an evaporator assembly 8402. The evaporator assembly 8402 may be configured to be coupled to the docking station 8404. In a first embodiment, coupling may include inserting the evaporator assembly 8402 into the docking station 8404 by sliding the connecting end of the evaporator assembly 8402 from an open end (e.g., a first side of the docking station) into the docking station 8404, such as... FIG. 87A to FIG. 87C As shown. The docking seat 8404 can use magnetic coupling to hold the evaporator assembly 8402 in place. In another embodiment, the evaporator assembly 8402 can be coupled to the docking seat 8404 by inserting the connecting side of the evaporator assembly 8402 into the connecting side of the docking seat 8404. The docking seat 8404 may include a spring-loaded contact configured to hold the evaporator assembly 8402 in place by tension, such that the spring is compressed when the evaporator assembly 8402 is inserted into the docking seat 8404. The tip of the evaporator assembly 8402 can then be inserted (e.g., snapped into place) into the tip of the docking seat 8404, as... FIG. 86A to FIG. 86CAs shown.

[0445] The docking station 8404 can be configured to connect to the user device 8406. The docking station 8404 can be connected to the user device 8406 via a wired connection, such as through a USB-C port, or wirelessly coupled to the user device 8406, for example, via Bluetooth. The user device 8406 can be configured to send power and / or data to the docking station 8404 via connection 8408. Similarly, the docking station 8404 can be configured to transmit power and / or data to the evaporator device 8410 via connection 8410. Power from an external power source can be delivered to one or more of the docking station 8404, the evaporator device 8402, and / or the user device 8406 via connection 8412. FIG. 85 A process flow diagram 8500 is shown, illustrating features of a method consistent with one or more embodiments of the present subject. It should be understood that other embodiments may include or exclude certain features. At 8502, a docking station 8404 may be coupled to a user device 8406. At 8504, an evaporator device 8402 may be inserted into the docking station 8404. At 8506, the user device 8406 may communicate with the evaporator device 8402. At 8508, the user device 8406 may prompt the user to verify their qualifications (e.g., age verification) to unlock the evaporator device 8402 and enable its use. At 8510, in response to the user successfully completing qualification verification, the evaporator device 8402 may be unlocked for use.

[0446] FIG. 86A to FIG. 86C An embodiment of a docking seat 8604 is shown. The docking seat 8604 may include a spring end 8614 and a connecting end 8616. The spring end 8614 is configured to retract to allow insertion of an evaporator assembly 8602. The connecting end 8616 may include one or more connecting terminals configured to align and engage with one or more connecting terminals of the evaporator assembly 8602. The docking seat 8604 may include a user device attachment 8618 configured to attach to a user device and / or enclose the user device housing.

[0447] FIG. 87A to FIG. 87CAnother embodiment of the docking seat 8704 is shown. The evaporator assembly 8702 can be configured to be slidably coupled to the docking seat 8704 such that the connecting end of the evaporator assembly 8702 can slide into the open end 8714 of the docking seat 8704. In response to the evaporator assembly 8702 being fully inserted into the docking seat 8704, one or more connecting terminals at the connecting end of the evaporator assembly 8702 can be aligned and coupled to one or more connecting terminals at the connecting end 8716 of the docking seat 8704. The docking seat may include a user device attachment 8718 configured to attach to a user device 8706 and / or enclose the housing of the user device 8706.

[0448] FIG. 88A to FIG. 88D Rear, front, top, and side perspective views of an embodiment of the activation system 8800 consistent with the embodiments of the present subject are shown respectively. The activation system 8800 may include an evaporator device 8802 configured to insert into a docking seat 8804. The docking seat 8804 may be configured to connect to a user device 8806.

[0449] FIG. 89A to FIG. 89D Rear, front, top, and side perspective views of an embodiment of the activation system 8900 consistent with the embodiments of the present subject are shown respectively. The activation system 8900 may include an evaporator device 8902 configured to insert into a docking seat 8904. The docking seat 8904 may be configured to connect to a user device 8906.

[0450] FIG. 90A to FIG. 90D Rear, front, top, and side perspective views of an embodiment of the activation system 9000 consistent with the embodiments of the present subject are shown respectively. The activation system 9000 may include an evaporator device configured to insert into a docking seat 9004. The docking seat 9004 may be configured to connect to a user device 9006.

[0451] FIG. 91A to FIG. 91D Rear, front, top, and side perspective views of an embodiment of the activation system 9100 consistent with the embodiments of the present subject are shown respectively. The activation system 9100 may include an evaporator device 9102 configured to be inserted into a docking seat 9104. The docking seat 9104 may be configured to be connected to a user device 9106.

[0452] FIG. 92A to FIG. 92DRear, front, top, and side perspective views of an embodiment of the activation system 9200 consistent with the embodiments of the present subject are shown respectively. The activation system 9200 may include an evaporator device 9202 configured to insert into a docking seat 9204. The docking seat 9204 may be configured to connect to a user device 9206.

[0453] FIG. 93A to FIG. 93D Rear, front, top, and side perspective views of an embodiment of the activation system 9300 consistent with the embodiments of the present subject are shown respectively. The activation system 9300 may include an evaporator device 9302 9202 configured to insert into a docking seat 9304. The docking seat 9304 may be configured to connect to a user device 9306.

[0454] FIG. 94A to FIG. 94D Rear, front, top, and side perspective views of an embodiment of the activation system 9400 consistent with the embodiments of the present subject are shown respectively. The activation system 9400 may include an evaporator device 9402 configured to insert into a docking seat 9404. The docking seat 9404 may be configured to connect to a user device 9406.

[0455] FIG. 95 An example of an evaporator device with a 5-pin connector is shown. Pin 9520 may include a CH_A pin, a SWDIO pin, a TX pin, an RX (SWDCLK) pin, and a CH_B pin. The CH_A and CH_B pins can provide inputs to a bridge rectifier for reversible charging of the evaporator device. The TX and RX pins can be used as transmit and receive lines, respectively, for establishing serial communication with the evaporator device. FIG. 95 In the example of the evaporator unit shown, the signal on the RX line can be multiplexed with the SWCLK signal. The signals on the SWDIO line and the SWCLK signal can be used to debug the evaporator unit. For example, the SWCLK signal can be a clock signal from the host computer that controls the debugging of the evaporator unit, while the SWDIO pin can be a bidirectional data pin that communicates input and output data for debugging the evaporator unit.

[0456] In some aspects, users may be allowed to purchase evaporator units and / or cylinders exceeding a set limit, but the evaporator units and / or cylinders may be held until the current time period in which the user exceeds the set limit expires. For example, if a user is limited to purchasing more than two evaporator units per month, and the user attempts to purchase a third evaporator unit in the same month (a calendar month or a rolling month based on the purchase of the first evaporator unit), the evaporator unit may be held until the end of that month. When the month ends, the evaporator unit may be released to the user (e.g., automatically transported). Alternatively or additionally, the number of activations a user may activate within each specified time period (e.g., twice per month). Activations may be tracked by a server configured to communicate with multiple devices configured for evaporator unit activation (e.g., user devices executing dedicated applications, etc.). In an exemplary implementation, if a user is limited to activating more than two evaporator units per month, and the user attempts to activate a third evaporator unit in the same month (a calendar month or a rolling month based on the activation of the first evaporator unit), the device configured for evaporator unit activation may prevent the user from activating the device until the end of that month. The device can notify users that they have exceeded their activation limits and / or provide information indicating when they will be able to activate the evaporator device. If a user returns the device, additional activation information can be credited to the user's account for a specific period.

[0457] In some respects, in addition to limiting the purchase and / or activation of a certain number of evaporator units per month, users may also be limited to purchasing and / or activating a certain number of evaporator units per year. For example, it may prevent users from purchasing and / or activating more than two evaporator units per month and more than ten units per year.

[0458] In some implementations, when a user uses their user account to purchase or activate an evaporator device, the serial number, MAC address, or other unique identifier associated with the evaporator device, activation date, purchase date, etc., can be associated with the user account for tracking purposes. If it is determined that a user account is associated with inappropriate activity (e.g., providing evaporator devices to minors, shipping evaporator devices to other jurisdictions, etc.), that user account can be blocked / prevented from making additional purchases or activations.

[0459] Age verification can also be linked to location information to determine if a user meets an age threshold. For example, the evaporator and / or application may receive Global Positioning System (GPS) information to identify the evaporator and / or application's location. In some respects, the age threshold may be based on geographic location, such as a specific country, state, city, and county. If the age threshold has changed based on the evaporator and / or application's location, the evaporator and / or application can re-authenticate the user based on the updated age threshold. In some respects, meeting the age verification requirements may additionally or alternatively be based on GPS information. For example, based on a determined GPS location, the user may be prompted to provide specific documents (such as a driver's license or passport, or passport only, etc.) sufficient for age verification based on the jurisdiction covering the GPS location.

[0460] Performing this multi-factor verification through proximity detection can reduce the likelihood of minors using and / or using vaporizers without authorization. Furthermore, linking proximity and / or location information with age verification and / or identification information allows for greater flexibility in preventing vaporizer operation in designated areas.

[0461] The evaporator device can be configured to receive evaporator device settings from the user via an application. Evaporator device settings may include changing the evaporator device name. The user account can be configured to store the user's evaporator device settings, such that if the user logs into a new user account on a new user device, the user's previous settings can be retained. Evaporator device settings retained by the user account may include brightness, lock status, low battery warning, evaporator device name, and / or other settings. The user account can be configured to unlink the evaporator device from the user account. As a non-limiting example, in response to the user's selection to "unlink the evaporator device," a prompt may be provided, such as "Are you sure you want to unlink <John's Device> from your account? The evaporator device can be reset to factory settings and can be linked to any other user's account." In response to the user's "yes" selection, the evaporator device can be unlinked. In response to the user's "no" selection, unlinking may not remove usage data from the user account, may remove all location data, and / or may remove the evaporator device from location features.

[0462] Additionally, evaporator unit settings may include the evaporator unit's warranty and / or registration status. In response to an unregistered evaporator unit (e.g., when the evaporator unit is not linked to an account because the user is not logged in), a warranty registration page may be displayed, providing evaporator unit information and prompting the user to create or log in to a user account. In some embodiments of the present subject, the application may be configured to allow users to create new accounts and / or log in to existing accounts using existing Google, Facebook, and / or other account login information.

[0463] In some implementations, the battery level of the evaporator unit can be displayed on the user device without enabling the evaporator application. For example, "Battery Service" can be configured to display the battery level of the evaporator unit as an icon through the user device's user interface. Such evaporator unit information can be displayed in response to the evaporator unit being within a threshold range on the user device.

[0464] The evaporator device can be configured to provide a low battery warning. For example, a user can select via a user interface to receive a push notification in response to the battery reaching a threshold battery level (e.g., 20% battery level). In some embodiments of this topic, the low battery warning can be provided by one or more LEDs. The low battery feature can be provided via evaporator device settings in the user interface, which can be accessed from the evaporator device card (e.g., from a key on the card). In some embodiments of this topic, the low battery feature can be enabled in response to an application being enabled on the user device. The user can turn the low battery warning feature on / off. In some embodiments of this topic, the low battery feature can be enabled in response to the evaporator device being within range of the user device. In some embodiments of this topic, the evaporator device does not need to be within range to select the low battery feature, but the feature can only be enabled on the evaporator device once it is within range. In response to the evaporator device being outside range, the low battery feature can be displayed as disabled on the user interface. In response to a user attempting to enable the low battery feature for an evaporator device outside range, the user can receive a notification to return to the range of the evaporator device. In some implementations of the present topic, push notifications from the user interface must be enabled on the user device. Users can adjust the notification method for threshold battery level or low battery notification features through the evaporator device settings in the user interface.

[0465] The evaporator can perform onboard data collection, data analysis, and / or data transmission methods. As described above, an evaporator with wired or wireless communication capabilities can interface with digital consumer technology products (e.g., smartphones, tablets, laptops / netbooks / desktop computers), wearable wireless technologies (e.g., "smartwatches") and other wearable technologies (e.g., Google Glass) or through the use of programs, software, firmware, GUIs, wireless communication, wired communication, and / or similar software commonly referred to as applications or "apps." A wired communication connection can be used to interface the evaporator to a digital consumer technology product for the purpose of data transmission and exchange between the evaporator and the digital consumer technology product (and thus also for interfacing with applications running on the digital consumer technology product). A wireless communication connection can be used to interface the evaporator to a digital consumer technology product for the purpose of data transmission and exchange between the evaporator and a digital wireless interface. The evaporator can use a wireless interface, including one or more of an infrared (IR) transmitter, a Bluetooth interface, an 802.11-specified interface, and / or communication with a cellular telephone network, to communicate with consumer technologies.

[0466] The evaporator may include a microcontroller system. The microcontroller system can control the functions of the evaporator system and / or facilitate the transmission and / or retention of specific data with an external host (e.g., a mobile phone, computer terminal, etc.) via wireless (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)) and / or hardwired interfaces. An antenna system may be used for data transmission to and from the microcontroller system. The software and / or firmware of the microcontroller system may be remotely upgradable.

[0467] The evaporator can be configured to perform onboard data collection, data analysis, and / or data transmission. Data may include one or more of the following: suction characteristics, charging events, device health, error events, accelerometer readings, motion detection, and / or other data associated with the evaporator device. Suction characteristics may include one or more of the following: suction start time, suction length, average power, minimum power, maximum power, rise time, overshoot, deviation from setpoint, average suction intensity, minimum suction intensity, maximum suction intensity, temperature rise time, evaporator device orientation, and / or other suction characteristics. For example, average suction intensity may be determined by pressure differential. Charging events may include the use of a battery charger, the duration of charger use, and / or the type of charging used (e.g., a stand-up charger or charging box). The state of charge flow can be calculated after suction and / or incrementally. The state of charge flow can be determined for load voltage (e.g., when the battery is connected) and / or for open-circuit voltage (e.g., when the battery is not connected). Device health may include one or more of the following: number of pumps per battery charge, resistance baseline, resistance rise time, double-click of the evaporator unit, device orientation, pressure sensor readings, altitude measurement, ambient temperature, and / or other evaporator unit health characteristics. For example, an accelerometer may be used to determine the orientation of the evaporator unit, double-click of the evaporator unit, and / or other data. The evaporator unit may be configured to handle communication error events. Error events may include one or more of the following: accelerometer lock-up, pressure sensor error (e.g., "unreadable"), pressure sensor error (e.g., "bad data"), LED sensor error (e.g., "unreadable / unwriteable"), charger circuitry error (e.g., "unable to communicate with charger" or "battery failure"), battery fatigue, and / or other error events.

[0468] Evaporator units can be configured to have sufficient data capacity for critical lifespan status and counters, and to effectively store error data on erroneous return authorization (RMA) units without any unit, application pairing (e.g., a week of heavy use) and / or a meaningful amount of prior use data available to the user for use tracking application characteristics (e.g., at least three weeks). Evaporator units can be configured to collect data on total unit lifespan statistics and error code counters (e.g., total suction, drops, and / or errors). For example, an evaporator unit can be configured to collect high-density data related to suction volume n that is sufficiently detailed for diagnosis (e.g., 2,800 for 97% of users over 7 days × 200 suctions per day). Alternatively and / or additionally, evaporator units can also be configured to collect low-density data (e.g., three weeks of heavy use days) related to additional suction volume m sufficient to detect changes and / or patterns in unit use and frequency (e.g., timestamped usage patterns, suction, and / or suction size). Evaporator units can be configured to collect data without interrupting steam generation and / or degrading unit performance.

[0469] The vaporizer unit can be configured to measure and control the display of daily / weekly / monthly usage via a user interface. The user interface can be configured to display "average puffs per cigarette (or chamber)" based on the user's inhalation measurements on the vaporizer unit. The vaporizer unit can be configured to measure and differentiate between small, medium, and / or large inhalations, and convert this measurement into a standardized result for display to the user (e.g., large inhalation = 2 puffs, small inhalation = 1 / 2 puff, etc.). The user interface can be configured to switch the inhalation unit from "puffs" to another unit. The user interface can be configured to display usage information such as average puff count, daily puffs, peak consumption time, etc.

[0470] The evaporator unit can be configured to prevent flash memory writes from affecting device performance (e.g., erasing and writing to the NRF52's internal flash memory can cause the device to stop operating normally, with the worst-case timeout exceeding the suction wait time). The evaporator unit can be configured for transport mode, thereby entering a factory-preserved ultra-low power sleep mode to maintain battery life, as a means of archiving the device for most users out-of-the-box use requirements. The evaporator unit can be configured to wake from ultra-low power sleep mode in response to initial compartment insertion. In response to initial compartment insertion, the evaporator unit can be configured to pair with a telephone or other user device. For subsequent pairings, the compartment must be removed.

[0471] The evaporator unit can be configured to remotely configure the unit between different “modes” for data collection and / or storage. Each mode can be categorized by one or more of the following: the type of data collected, the rate at which data is captured and / or stored, actions taken in response to the unit exhausting its memory, and / or other classifications. Mode classification allows for different data collection for standard unit functions and / or research purposes, where data synchronization can occur at a more frequent pace, and the different data can be valuable. Research mode can be exited using a standard factory reset. Robust security prevents accidental entry into research mode, ensuring that users can only enter “research mode” through explicit action by the manufacturer and / or customer service team (e.g., by invitation from an authorized research / beta testing team).

[0472] Evaporator units can be configured to remotely update data pattern characteristics (at what frequency the data types are collected) based on the implementation of new features and new understanding of which data are most valuable.

[0473] The evaporator device can be configured to remotely adapt to a data collection and / or storage mode suitable for research purposes using a "study mode". The "study mode" may require collecting different sets of fields and / or higher data storage and recording rates, which may be necessary for recording in-sip data (as opposed to the "per-sip data" required by the "standard data mode"). For example, in-sip recording may include a rate of ~20 Hz per aspirate. Device data captured in study mode can be referenced via the "Device Data: Type" label.

[0474] Evaporator devices can be configured to capture a specified dataset from a specified user group at a specified rate. Changes to the data collected from this user group can be made remotely (by the manufacturer) without updating the firmware on the evaporator device. For example, in response to an issue discovered with a particular batch of devices, an update can occur to the data type collected from all devices in that specific batch. Devices can be configured in research mode, enabling users to create “experiments” for a given group of devices. As a non-limiting example, in an experiment, users may be required to: 1. Create or register a group of participants / devices in the experiment (based on batch, user geographic location, and user characteristics, etc.); 2. Define the data type and rate of data collection; 3. Define the duration and / or termination of the experiment; 4. Define the location where the data will be stored, or how the data will be tagged to separate experimental data from production data; 5. Define what happens when device memory runs out (e.g., whether data is overwritten or the experiment stops); 6. Test the experiment on a local test device before full rollout; and / or 7. Remotely “start” the formal experiment to the audience via a server (e.g., the “cloud”).

[0475] The evaporator unit can be configured so that the default mode for data collection by the evaporator unit is "Standard Mode". Standard Mode can be characterized by a specific set of data collection fields, data storage and / or recording rates, and / or the action of the unit's memory being full. The unit data captured in this mode can be referenced via the "Unit Data: Type" label.

[0476] The evaporator device can be configured such that, in a first mode (e.g., standard mode), the device can retain without loss device health data including overall device life statistics and error code counters (e.g., total suction, drops, errors, etc.), “high-density” data associated with the most recent suction amount n, which is sufficiently detailed for diagnostic purposes (e.g., for 97% of users, 7 days x 200 suctions / day = 2,800), and “low-density” data associated with the next most recent suction amount m, which is sufficiently detailed to detect changes in device usage and frequency and / or patterns (e.g., timestamped usage patterns, suction and / or suction size). It should be understood that the “high-density” and / or “low-density” data can be stored in a circulating buffer such that when the buffer reaches its maximum capacity, older data can be overwritten by new data.

[0477] The evaporator device can be configured such that, in a second mode (e.g., research mode), device health data, including overall device life statistics and error code counters (e.g., total suction, drop, error), will not be lost due to memory limitations, while all other data retention and / or overwriting processes after reaching data storage limits can follow, for example, the specific requirements of the corresponding experiment specified by the researcher. For example, the experiment can be stopped, and the evaporator device can be returned from the second mode (e.g., research mode) to the first mode (e.g., standard mode). In response to a change in operating mode, data stored on the evaporator device can be compressed, while older data existing in the circulation buffer can be overwritten. The evaporator device can be configured with robust security and / or other safeguards to prevent consumer access to certain operating modes (e.g., research mode).

[0478] The evaporator device may be configured with memory to ensure that firmware updates do not affect and / or corrupt any recorded data. For example, the device may require all recorded data to be transferred to the device before updating and / or partitioning data storage areas for recording and / or firmware updates, making it less likely that one process will affect / hinder / corrupt another process, and for improving testability and / or quality control of each process. The stored data can remain unchanged during firmware updates and gated firmware updates via data push to the cloud. During firmware upgrades, the memory blocks used for data storage can be lockable to prevent corruption of stored device data and statistics.

[0479] Evaporator devices can be configured such that data storage is designed to ensure that flash memory areas are not burned out (made unusable) by excessive writing to those areas. For example, a device with heavy use and heavy synchronization has a lifespan of 18 months. Data storage must implement wear leveling or other techniques to ensure that specific flash memory areas are not burned out. Wear leveling should be performed on flash memory sectors, and precautions should be taken to ensure that wear is leveled even during repeated write events.

[0480] The evaporator unit can be configured so that data recording does not interfere with normal device function (e.g., steam generation) in all modes throughout all time periods. The evaporator unit can also be configured for RMA (Research and Development). For example, if the device is an RMA version, product development / research must be able to extract all existing data from the device (Bluetooth not required), regardless of whether the data has been synced to the cloud.

[0481] To maximize the likelihood and / or frequency of data uploads, evaporator units can be configured to upload unit data automatically and / or opportunistically in the background, requiring no direct user intervention. Evaporator units can be configured to upload data recorded on the unit, ensuring normal unit functionality remains available. Evaporator units can be configured to upload data in bulk during downtime and when user device and / or application connectivity permits, until the unit data buffer is cleared, connectivity is lost, or a higher-priority unit function replaces the data upload.

[0482] The evaporator unit can be configured for streaming (real-time) data uploads of certain data types to facilitate features such as guided suction training, utilization measurement, and sessions. Streaming data uploads can be configured for certain sensor data states (e.g., differential pressure) to enhance application visualization.

[0483] For even greater user privacy and anonymity, the evaporator device can be configured such that the advertising beacon packet identifier can both (1) anonymize each device for each associated user account and (2) be modified to be non-constant, thus making it easier to associate. When this feature is enabled / disabled, the advertising payload data should be updated or rolled over to the new “code”. The evaporator device can be configured with peripheral devices to broadcast advertising packets (e.g., iBeacon, etc.) to determine the proximity of the user’s device and / or the application to the device. The advertising frequency can be balanced with user experience (e.g., how long a user has to wait while searching for a device, the level of accuracy of GPS location, etc.) and battery consumption. For example, the evaporator device can be configured to send advertising packets at a frequency below a maximum frequency (e.g., no more than one packet every 5 seconds) and / or above a minimum frequency (e.g., at least one packet every 8 seconds).

[0484] Evaporator devices can be configured to maintain a log of the most recent (one or more) known connection locations (e.g., receipt of ad packets) in response to user login and device linking to the user's account, in order to provide the user with a point on a map where the device was last "seen".

[0485] The evaporator device can be configured with an audible location, such that when the device is within range and connected to an application (on any logged-in user device with login credentials), the application can be configured to trigger / sound a buzzer (or provide any other notification) on the device associated with the user account. The evaporator device can be configured with security features to prevent unassociated applications and / or user accounts from triggering the buzzer, ensuring that the security cannot be compromised by a penetration tester and that a secure connection to the device is required to activate the buzzer.

[0486] The evaporator device can be configured to allow location features to be used on a user device without Wi-Fi, LTE, or other internet connections, and can respond to a peripheral device being within Bluetooth range of the user device and an application logging into the user account. Such range connectivity and buzzer functionality can be independent of external server requests.

[0487] The evaporator device can be configured to be located via a user interface map. The user interface can be configured to display the last known location of the evaporator and the time when the evaporator device was last detected at that location. Evaporator devices outside the range can be displayed with a first notification, while evaporator devices within the range can be displayed with a second notification. For example, the user interface can provide information about the size, color, and / or shape of evaporator devices within the range that differ from those outside the range. Evaporator devices within the range can be displayed on the map in a first color and / or graphic. In some embodiments of the present topic, the user can zoom in and / or zoom out and navigate around the map. For example, a default location and zoom level of the map can be set such that evaporator devices of interest are displayed. Alternatively and / or additionally, other information may be provided for the evaporator unit, including: the name of the evaporator unit, the distance of the last connection (0.# or #mi), and the time, displayed in any of the following ways: - X minutes ago (if < 60 minutes ago) - "Today XX:XX" (if 12:00 am - now) - "Yesterday XX:XX" (if yesterday 12 am - 11:59 pm) - "Day XX:XX" (if < 7 days ago, where day is the day of the week) - MMM DD XX:XX – etc.

[0488] Evaporators can interface with digital consumer technology products and applications (e.g., communicate) as a relay of information and data to add other functionalities.

[0489] The evaporator can be configured to emit a signal in response to a prompt communicated by a user device. The signal may include one or both audible and visual signals, such as sound emitted by a speaker or illumination emitted by a light-emitting diode (LED). For example, an LED disposed on the evaporator body may illuminate in response to successful pairing of the evaporator with the user device.

[0490] The evaporator device may include a user interface. By way of non-limiting example, x LEDs may be positioned on one face of the device to provide a user interface. In other embodiments, x white LEDs may be positioned linearly, perpendicular to the length of the device on a wide surface, evenly spaced and centered on the end cap near the aluminum body-to-end cap joint, and / or in other placement locations. Additionally, the evaporator device may include one or more LEDs of different colors adjacent to one or more of the x LEDs for indicating lockout and / or error codes. The evaporator device may be configured to distinguish the LED side and non-LED side of the device, for example, visually distinguishing the front and back of the device (sides with and without LEDs). The evaporator device may be configured such that the LED brightness is sufficient to make the LEDs visible outdoors in sunlight or midday sun. Although certain colors and numbers of LEDs have been described herein, other combinations of LED colors and numbers are also within the scope of this application.

[0491] The user interface can be configured to adjust and / or customize evaporator device settings. For example, a user can adjust the LED brightness from a default level via a slider (e.g., a continuous scale). The evaporator device can be configured such that brightness updates and / or other user customizations of the evaporator device can be applied in real time as the slider moves, in response to the evaporator device being within a threshold range of the user's device.

[0492] The evaporator may include one or more sensors. Information associated with the evaporator may include information received by the one or more sensors. The one or more sensors may include an airflow sensor configured to measure the airflow level through the evaporator. The airflow sensor may include a coil serving as a hot-wire anemometer. The airflow may respond to a user drawing air through the evaporator via an opening in the evaporator's suction nozzle. The user device may be configured to receive sensor information indicating the airflow level provided by the user through the evaporator. In some aspects, airflow measurement may be used to increase the level of steam delivered to the user. For example, more forceful suction may provide more power to the device and / or heater, resulting in more steam for the user, rather than the binary on / off mode that occurs if a differential pressure threshold is met. Steam delivery may be modulated based on the pull / suction intensity. The user device may be configured to present a graphical representation of the airflow level within a user interface. The user device may be configured to present instructions to the user within the user interface in response to the airflow level being determined. For example, the user interface may prompt the user to modify the airflow level provided by the user through guided walkthroughs and / or games. Additionally, vapor delivery can be responsive to suction intensity (based on pressure regulation power) depending on what is detected in the chamber (e.g., flavor, concentration, remaining suction, etc.).

[0493] The evaporator can be configured to adjust one or more elements of the evaporator in response to user use. For example, the evaporator can be configured to adjust the power to the heating element of the evaporator in response to a threshold pressure level provided by the user. For example, the evaporator can adjust the output level of the evaporable material in response to a threshold airflow level provided by the user. In some embodiments, the threshold pressure level, threshold airflow level, and / or other threshold levels can be configured to be adjustable. The user device can be configured to provide notifications to the user in response to user use of the evaporator. For example, a reminder can be presented to the user to prevent initial overuse.

[0494] The user device can be configured to receive input from the user. For example, the user device can be configured to receive information about the user's smoking history, vaporizer usage history, goals, and / or other user information. In some aspects, the device can be used to capture information about when the user takes an action other than inhaling (e.g., detecting when the user taps the device twice to record when the user is smoking, tapping it three times when the user is craving a cigarette, etc.). In some aspects, the user can additionally or alternatively input this information into an application. The ...

Claims

1. A system comprising: At least one data processor; and At least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one data processor, cause the at least one data processor to perform operations including: Capture the first image of the user's identity document; Capture the user's second image; as well as The evaporator device is unlocked in response to a match between the first image and the second image. Unlocking the evaporator device includes enabling one or more functions of the evaporator device that are disabled when the evaporator device is locked.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising causing the at least one data processor to perform operations including: The insertion of the feed cylinder is detected at the evaporator assembly; and In response to the insertion of the barrel, a user interface is generated that is configured to display a prompt to a first user indicating the capture of the first image and / or the second image.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the user interface is further generated in response to determining that the barrel contains a controlled substance.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the presence of the controlled substance in the barrel is determined by at least reading an identifier associated with the barrel, and wherein the identifier is encoded in a pattern and / or circuit.

5. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one data processor is further configured to perform operations including: Determine whether the evaporator unit is associated with another user; and The evaporator unit is further unlocked in response to the fact that it is not associated with another user.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the at least one data processor is further configured to perform operations including: In response to the evaporator device not being associated with another user, the evaporator device is linked to the user by creating an association between at least the device identifier of the evaporator device and the user identifier of the user.

7. The system of claim 6, further comprising causing the at least one data processor to perform operations including: Data is received from the evaporator device, and the data is anonymized by being associated with at least the device identifier of the evaporator device and not with the user identifier of the user.

8. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least one data processor is further configured to perform operations including: Determine whether the user is associated with an activated evaporator device of a threshold amount; and The evaporator device is further unlocked in response to the user not being associated with the activated evaporator device of the threshold amount.

9. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first image and the second image are received from a user device coupled to the evaporator device, and wherein unlocking the evaporator device comprises sending a private key to the user device for unlocking the evaporator device.

10. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the one or more functions of the evaporator device include the evaporation of an evaporable material inserted into a barrel in the evaporator device.

11. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the unlocking of the evaporator device further prevents the evaporator device from entering a locked state when the evaporator device and / or a user device communicating with the evaporator device are determined to be in one or more designated areas.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the one or more designated areas are defined by the range of wireless beacons and / or geofences.

13. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the at least one data processor is further configured to perform operations including: Determine whether the age indicated by the user's identity document exceeds a threshold; and The evaporator device is further unlocked in response to the user's identity document indicating that the age exceeds the threshold.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the threshold is determined at least based on the location of the evaporator device and / or a user device communicatively coupled to the evaporator device.

15. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the matching is performed at a remote server, and wherein the unlocking is triggered in response to receiving an indication from the remote server that a match is being made between the first image and the second image.

16. A computer-implemented method, comprising: Capture the first image of the user's identity document; Capture the user's second image; as well as The evaporator device is unlocked in response to a match between the first image and the second image. Unlocking the evaporator device includes enabling one or more functions of the evaporator device that are disabled when the evaporator device is locked.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: The insertion of the feed cylinder is detected at the evaporator assembly; as well as In response to the insertion of the barrel, a user interface is generated that is configured to display a prompt to a first user indicating the capture of the first image and / or the second image.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the user interface is further generated in response to determining that the barrel contains a controlled substance.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the presence of the controlled substance in the barrel is determined by at least reading an identifier associated with the barrel, and wherein the identifier is encoded in a pattern and / or circuit.

20. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 19, further comprising: Determine whether the evaporator unit is associated with another user; as well as The evaporator unit is further unlocked in response to the fact that it is not associated with another user.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising: In response to an evaporator device not being associated with another user, the evaporator device is linked to the user by creating an association between at least the device identifier of the evaporator device and the user identifier of the user.

22. The method of claim 21, further comprising: Data is received from the evaporator device, and the data is anonymized by being associated with at least the device identifier of the evaporator device and not with the user identifier of the user.

23. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 22, further comprising: Determine whether the user is associated with an activated evaporator device of a threshold amount; as well as The evaporator device is further unlocked in response to the user not being associated with the activated evaporator device of the threshold amount.

24. The method of any one of claims 16 to 23, wherein the first image and the second image are received from a user device coupled to the evaporator device, and wherein unlocking the evaporator device comprises sending a private key to the user device for unlocking the evaporator device.

25. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 24, wherein the one or more functions of the evaporator device include the evaporation of an evaporable material inserted into a barrel in the evaporator device.

26. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 25, wherein the unlocking of the evaporator device further prevents the evaporator device from entering a locked state when the evaporator device and / or a user device communicating with the evaporator device are in one or more designated areas.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the one or more designated areas are defined by the range of a wireless beacon and / or a geofence.

28. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 27, wherein the at least one data processor is further configured to perform operations including: Determine whether the age indicated by the user's identity document exceeds a threshold; and The evaporator device is further unlocked in response to the user's identity document indicating that the age exceeds the threshold.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the threshold is determined based at least on the location of the evaporator device and / or a user device communicatively coupled to the evaporator device.

30. The method of any one of claims 16 to 29, wherein the matching is performed at a remote server, and wherein the unlocking is triggered in response to receiving an indication from the remote server that a match is being made between the first image and the second image.

31. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by at least one data processor, cause operations including: Capture the first image of the user's identity document; Capture the user's second image; and The evaporator device is unlocked in response to a match between the first image and the second image. Unlocking the evaporator device includes enabling one or more functions of the evaporator device that are disabled when the evaporator device is locked.

32. A system comprising: Evaporator unit; Remote server; and A user device communicatively coupled to the evaporator unit, the user device including at least one data processor and at least one memory storing instructions, the instructions, when executed by the at least one data processor, causing the at least one data processor to perform operations including: Capture the first image of the user's identity document; Capture the user's second image; as well as In response to receiving an indication from the remote server that the first image and the second image match, the evaporator device is unlocked. Unlocking the evaporator device includes enabling one or more functions of the evaporator device that are disabled when the evaporator device is locked.

33. An apparatus comprising: A device for capturing a first image of a user's identity document; Device for capturing a second image of the user; and A means for unlocking an evaporator device in response to a match between the first image and the second image, wherein unlocking the evaporator device includes enabling one or more functions of the evaporator device that are disabled when the evaporator device is locked.

34. A system comprising: At least one data processor; and At least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one data processor, cause the at least one data processor to perform operations including: Receive first data including one or more suction characteristics, said one or more suction characteristics being determined at least based on a first suction on the evaporator device; and Based at least on the first data, adjustments to the one or more suction features are determined.

35. A computer-implemented method, comprising: Receive first data including one or more suction features, said one or more suction features being determined at least based on a first suction on the evaporator device; as well as Based at least on the first data, adjustments to the one or more suction features are determined.

36. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by at least one data processor, cause operations including: Receive data including one or more suction characteristics, said one or more suction characteristics being determined based at least on one or more suctions on the evaporator device; and Based at least on the data, adjustments to the one or more suction features are determined.

37. A system comprising: Evaporator unit; User equipment, which is communicatively coupled to the evaporator unit; and A remote server, the remote server including at least one data processor and at least one memory storing instructions, the instructions, when executed by the at least one data processor, causing the at least one data processor to perform operations including: Receive data including one or more suction characteristics, said one or more suction characteristics being determined based at least on one or more suctions on the evaporator device; and Based at least on the data, adjustments to the one or more suction features are determined.

38. An apparatus comprising: A means for receiving data including one or more suction features, said one or more suction features being determined based at least on one or more suctions on an evaporator device; and A means for determining, at least based on the data, the adjustment of the one or more suction characteristics.

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