Electronic aerosol supply system and aerosol delivery method therefor

Abstract

An aerosol delivery method for an electronic aerosol supply system, comprising the steps of: detecting an inhalation action of a user (710); activating a heater of the aerosol generator to deliver the aerosol to the user (720); predicting a duration of the inhalation action of the user (730); calculating a proportion of predicted durations (740); and deactivating a heater of the aerosol generator after the calculated proportion of the predicted duration has elapsed (750); wherein as the predicted duration becomes longer, the calculation proportion of the predicted duration becomes smaller.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to electronic aerosol provision systems, such as nicotine delivery systems (e.g. electronic cigarettes and the like). BACKGROUND

[0002] Electronic aerosol provision systems, such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), typically comprise a source liquid reservoir containing a formulation, often comprising nicotine, from which an aerosol is generated, for example by thermal aerosolisation. An aerosol source for an aerosol provision system can thus comprise a heater having a heating element arranged to receive source liquid from the reservoir, for example by wicking / capillary action. When a user inhales on the device, power is supplied to the heating element to cause aerosolisation of source liquid in the vicinity of the heating element, thereby generating an aerosol for inhalation by the user. Such devices are typically provided with one or more air inlet holes located away from the mouthpiece end of the system. When a user draws on a mouthpiece connected to the mouthpiece end of the system, air is drawn in through the inlet holes and past the aerosol source. A flow path is connected between the aerosol source and an opening in the mouthpiece, such that the inhaled air passing the aerosol source continues along the flow path to the mouthpiece opening, thereby carrying some aerosol from the aerosol source. The aerosol-carrying air exits the aerosol provision system through the mouthpiece opening for inhalation by the user.

[0003] Typically, an electrical current is supplied to the heater when a user draws / puffs on the device. Typically, the electrical current is supplied to the heater, e.g. resistive heating element, in response to activation of an airflow sensor along the flow path when the user inhales / draws / puffs or in response to a button being activated by the user. The heat generated by the heating element is used to aerosolise the formulation. The released aerosol mixes with air drawn through the device by the consumer making the draw and forms an aerosol. When the user has finished the draw (falling airflow / pressure), the flow or pressure sensor deactivates the electrical heater by cutting off the electrical current. At this point in time, the heater is still at an elevated temperature capable of aerosolising a certain amount of liquid. The source of heat for this continued aerosolisation comes from the heat capacity of the heater itself. Subsequently, the heater cools down. When the temperature of the heater drops below the boiling point of the higher volatile formulation components (e.g. water, propylene glycol), the aerosolisation process stops. The aerosol released during the continued aerosolisation phase after deactivation is not delivered to the consumer as there is no more air flow through the device. Instead, the aerosol condenses on the inner walls of the device, leading to potential problems (e.g. clogging). The aerosolisation heat released by the heater during the continued aerosolisation phase can also be seen as an energy loss. The energy is lost as condensation heat which in turn heats up the structural components of the device. This problem is particularly severe in devices with larger heater elements.

[0004] Various approaches are described in an attempt to help address some of these issues. SUMMARY

[0005] According to a first aspect of some embodiments, there is provided a method of aerosol delivery for an electronic aerosol provision system according to claim 1.

[0006] According to a further aspect of some embodiments, there is provided an electronic aerosol provision system according to claim 15.

[0007] According to a further aspect of some embodiments, there is provided a system according to claim 16.

[0008] It will be appreciated that features and aspects of the application described above in relation to the first and other aspects of the application are equally applicable and can be suitably combined with embodiments of the application according to the other aspects of the application, without being limited to the particular combinations described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] Embodiments of the application will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic (exploded) view of an electronic aerosol provision system (such as an electronic cigarette) according to some embodiments of the present specification.

[0010] Figure 2 is a schematic view of a main body of an electronic cigarette according to some embodiments of the present specification. Figure 1

[0011] Figure 3 is a schematic view of an atomiser portion of an electronic cigarette according to some embodiments of the present specification. Figure 1

[0012] Figure 4 is a schematic view showing some aspects of one end of a main body portion of an electronic cigarette according to some embodiments of the present specification. Figure 1

[0013] Figure 5 is a schematic flow diagram showing some aspects of the operation of an electronic cigarette according to some embodiments of the present specification. Figure 1

[0014] Figure 6 is a schematic flow diagram showing some aspects of the operation of an electronic cigarette according to some embodiments of the present specification. Figure 1

[0015] Figure 7 is a schematic flow diagram showing a method of operating an electronic aerosol provision system according to some embodiments of the present specification.​​​​​

[0016] Figure 8A is a graph depicting aerosol detection and power supply time according to some embodiments of the present specification.

[0017] Figure 8B is a graph depicting cumulative aerosol mass as a function of puff duration according to some embodiments of the present specification.

[0018] Figure 9 is a graph depicting wasted aerosol as a function of puff duration according to some embodiments of the present specification.

[0019] Figure 10 is a graph depicting cumulative aerosol mass as a function of power according to some embodiments of the present specification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Aspects and features of some examples and embodiments are discussed / described herein. Some aspects and features of some examples and embodiments can be implemented conventionally and, for the sake of brevity, are not discussed / described in detail. It will therefore be appreciated that aspects and features of the apparatus and methods discussed herein that are not discussed in detail can be implemented in accordance with any conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features.

[0021] As mentioned above, the present disclosure relates to aerosol provision systems, such as electronic cigarettes. Throughout the following description, the term “electronic cigarette” is sometimes used, but this term can be used interchangeably with aerosol provision system or vapour provision system.

[0022] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram (not to scale) of an electronic vapour provision system (such as an electronic cigarette 10) according to some embodiments of the present invention. The electronic cigarette has a generally cylindrical shape, extending along a longitudinal axis indicated by the dashed line LA, and comprises two main components, namely a main body 20 and a cartridge 30. The cartridge comprises an internal chamber, including a reservoir of a carrier substance (such as, for example, nicotine), an atomiser (such as a heater), and a mouthpiece 35. References to “nicotine” in the following will be understood to be exemplary only, and any suitable carrier substance can be substituted. The reservoir can be a foam matrix or any other structure for retaining nicotine until it is required to be delivered to the atomiser. The atomiser is used to atomise the nicotine, and the cartridge 30 can also comprise a wick or similar device to deliver a small amount of nicotine from the reservoir to the atomiser or to an atomisation location in the vicinity of the atomiser. In the following, a heater is used as a specific example of an atomiser. However, it will be appreciated that other forms of atomiser (for example, those that utilise ultrasonic waves) can also be used.

[0023] The main body 20 includes a rechargeable battery unit or battery that powers the electronic cigarette 10, and a circuit board for overall control of the electronic cigarette. When the heater receives power from the battery under the control of the circuit board, the heater atomizes nicotine, and the atomized nicotine is then inhaled by the user through the mouthpiece 35. In some specific embodiments, the main body is also provided with a manual activation device 265, such as a button, switch, or touch sensor located on the outside of the main body.

[0024] like Figure 1 As shown, the main body 20 and the cartridge 30 can be detached from each other by separating them in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis LA, but when the device 10 is in use, they are detached via a connector (in... Figure 1 The connectors 25A and 25B (illustrated schematically) are joined together to provide a mechanical and electrical connection between the body 20 and the cartridge 30. The electrical connector 25B on the body 20 connects to the cartridge 30 and also serves as a socket for connecting a charging device (not shown) when the body 20 is detached from the cartridge 30. The other end of the charging device can be inserted into a USB socket to recharge the battery cell in the body 20 of the electronic cigarette 10. In other implementations, a cable may be provided for a direct connection between the electrical connector 25B on the body 20 and the USB socket.

[0025] The electronic cigarette 10 is provided with one or more holes serving as air inlets. Figure 1 (Not shown in the image). These holes connect to an air passage that runs through the electronic cigarette 10 to the mouthpiece 35. When the user inhales through the mouthpiece 35, air is drawn into this air passage through one or more air inlet holes, which are suitably located outside the electronic cigarette. When the heater is activated to vaporize nicotine from the cartridge, airflow passes through and combines with the nicotine aerosol, and this combination of airflow and nicotine aerosol then flows out of the mouthpiece 35 for the user to inhale. Except in disposable devices, when the nicotine supply is depleted, the cartridge 30 can be removed from the body 20 and discarded (and replaced with another cartridge if necessary).

[0026] It should be understood that Figure 1 The electronic cigarette 10 shown is illustrated by way of example and can be implemented in various other ways. For example, in some embodiments, the cartridge 30 is configured as two separable components, namely the cartridge and the atomizer. The cartridge includes a nicotine reservoir and a mouthpiece (which can be replaced when the nicotine from the reservoir is depleted), and the atomizer includes a heater (which is typically retained). As another example, the charging device can be connected to an additional or alternative power source, such as a car cigarette lighter.

[0027] Figure 2 This is according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 1A schematic (simplified) diagram of the main body 20 of the electronic cigarette 10. Figure 2 This can be roughly considered as a cross-section of a plane passing through the longitudinal axis LA of the electronic cigarette 10. Note that, for clarity, [the image has been changed from...]. Figure 2 Many parts and details of the main body are omitted, such as wiring and more complex shapes.

[0028] The main body 20 includes a battery or battery unit 210 for powering the electronic cigarette 10 in response to a user activation device. Additionally, the main body 20 includes a control unit for controlling the electronic cigarette 10. Figure 2 (Not shown in the image), such as chips, like application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or microcontrollers. A microcontroller or ASIC includes a CPU or microprocessor. The operation of the CPU and other electronic components is generally controlled, at least in part, by a software program running on the CPU (or other components). Such a software program can be stored in non-volatile memory (such as ROM), which can be integrated into the microcontroller itself or provided as a separate component. The CPU can access the ROM to load and execute separate software programs as needed and when required. The microcontroller also includes appropriate communication interfaces (and control software) for proper communication with other devices in body 10.

[0029] The control unit can operate to estimate the user's usage time. The usage time can be correlated with the user's previous inhalation duration (inhalation duration) and / or the interval between inhalations, both of which can indicate the duration of the next inhalation.

[0030] The control unit can also be operated to adjust the power supplied to the atomizer based on this estimate. This adjustment may include modifying the duration of power supply to the system during the user's inhalation, and / or modifying the amount / level of power supply.

[0031] The following description focuses on modifying the duration of power supply; however, it should be understood that similar modifications to the power level can be applied, as described later in this document.

[0032] Therefore, in the embodiments of this specification, the control unit is operable to estimate the user's expected inhalation duration and to ensure that the time for which power is supplied to the atomizer is shorter than the user's expected inhalation duration. Thus, the control unit is operable to measure the duration for which the user activates the device (i.e., the inhalation duration). Furthermore, the control unit is capable of storing the duration of continuous inhalation in a memory associated with the ASIC. The control unit can utilize the CPU to execute software programs to analyze inhalation information.

[0033] In some implementations, the CPU analyzes vaping information to learn the user's average vaping duration by calculating the cumulative total duration of all vaps and dividing it by the total number of vaps. In one implementation, the total number of vaps may be limited to a certain number of vaps N, such as at most the last 100 vaps or at most the last 10 vaps. Thus, the e-cigarette can be considered as responding to changes in usage behavior. It should be understood that for a "new" device, the user will make a limited number of vaps, which may be less than the total number typically used to calculate the average. For such a device, when the total number of vaps is less than the limit, the total number of vaps will be used to calculate the average. Alternatively, considering that the memory can be used to store the last N vaping durations in a first-in-first-out (i.e., cyclic) configuration, the memory may be configured with instances of N average vaping durations preloaded at manufacturing time, so that the system does not have to operate differently during initial use. Over time, these preloaded values ​​are replaced by measurements from the user. In some other implementations, the control unit learns the user's expected vaping duration by employing machine learning. The CPU can be manipulated to use specific software to analyze suction information and identify trends in user behavior. This also allows for greater responsiveness to evolving user needs.

[0034] As described above, the control unit can operate such that the time for which power is supplied to the atomizer is shorter than the user's expected inhalation duration. Therefore, the user is likely still inhaling even when the current supply has been cut off. When the current supply has been cut off, the heater remains at a sufficient temperature to continue atomizing the liquid for a shorter period. By cutting off power while the user is still inhaling, the aerosol released during the continued atomization phase (i.e., no power is supplied to the heater but the heater temperature is still sufficient to atomize the liquid) can be used to form an aerosol that the user can inhale. This aerosol portion, and the energy used to release it, can no longer be considered a loss. This improves energy efficiency and the number of inhalations available for a given battery capacity. Power to the heater is cut off after a period slightly shorter than the learned user inhalation duration has been activated. In some embodiments, the time for supplying power to the heater is 0.05 to 0.5 seconds shorter than the expected user inhalation duration. In one embodiment, the time for supplying power to the heater is 0.3 seconds shorter than the expected user inhalation duration. In other embodiments, the time is a ratio, such as a value between 70% and 95% of the estimated duration, decreasing as the estimated duration increases. This method is discussed in more detail below. Alternatively or additionally, the device manufacturer may measure the time required for the heating element to drop below the atomization temperature of the carrier liquid and use that time (or a suitable approximation thereof) as the advance cut-off time. In cases where different available carriers have different atomization temperatures, the lowest temperature (longest advance time) may optionally be selected, or the device may optionally be adapted to identify the carrier type and select an appropriate cut-off time.

[0035] The body 20 also includes a cap 225 to seal and protect the distal end of the electronic cigarette 10. Typically, an air inlet is provided in or near the cap 225 to allow air to enter the body 20 when the user inhales through the mouthpiece 35. A control unit or ASIC may be located next to or at one end of the battery 210. In some embodiments, the ASIC is attached to a sensor unit 215 to detect inhalation through the mouthpiece 35 (or alternatively, the sensor unit 215 may be located on the ASIC itself). An air path is provided from the air inlet through the electronic cigarette, through the airflow sensor 215 and the heater (in the atomizer or cartridge 30) to the mouthpiece 35. Therefore, when the user inhales through the mouthpiece of the electronic cigarette, the CPU detects such inhalation based on information from the airflow sensor 215.

[0036] At the end of the body 20 opposite to the cover 225 is a connector 25B for engaging the body 20 to the cartridge 30. Connector 25B provides both mechanical and electrical connections between the body 20 and the cartridge 30. Connector 25B includes a body connector 240, which is metallic (in some embodiments silver-plated), serving as a terminal (positive or negative) for electrical connection to the cartridge 30. Connector 25B also includes an electrical contact 250 for providing a second terminal for electrical connection to the cartridge 30, the second terminal having the opposite polarity to the first terminal (i.e., body connector 240). The electrical contact 250 is mounted on a coil spring 255. When the body 20 is attached to the cartridge 30, connector 25A on the cartridge 30 pushes against the electrical contact 250, thereby compressing the coil spring in the axial direction (i.e., in a direction parallel (collinear) to the longitudinal axis LA). Due to the elastic nature of spring 255, this compression causes spring 255 to tend to expand outward, which has the effect of pushing electrical contact 250 tightly against connector 25A of cartridge 30, thereby helping to ensure a good electrical connection between body 20 and cartridge 30. Body connector 240 is separated from electrical contact 250 by bracket 260, which is made of non-conductor (such as plastic) to provide good insulation between the two electrical terminals. Bracket 260 is shaped to facilitate the mutual mechanical engagement of connectors 25A and 25B.

[0037] As mentioned above, button 265 (which represents a form of manual activation device 265) may be located on the housing of body 20. Button 265 may be implemented using any suitable mechanism operable to be manually activated by the user (e.g., a mechanical button or switch, a capacitive or resistive touch sensor, etc.). It should also be understood that manual activation device 265 may be located on the housing of cartridge 30 instead of the housing of body 20, in which case manual activation device 265 may be attached to the ASIC via connectors 25A, 25B. Button 265 may also be located at the end of body 20, instead of (or attached to) cover 225.

[0038] Figure 3 This is according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the e-cigarette cartridge 30 of the electronic cigarette 10. Figure 3 The whole can be considered as a cross-section of a plane passing through the longitudinal axis LA of the electronic cigarette 10. Note that, for clarity, Figure 3 Many parts and details of the 30 smoke cartridge have been omitted, such as wiring and more complex shapes.

[0039] The cartridge 30 includes an air passage 355 extending along its central (longitudinal) axis from the mouthpiece 35 to a connector 25A for engaging the cartridge 30 to the body 20. A nicotine reservoir 360 is disposed around the air passage 335. The reservoir 360 may be implemented, for example, by providing cotton or foam soaked in nicotine. The cartridge 30 also includes a heater 365 for heating the nicotine from the reservoir 360 in response to a user inhaling it onto the electronic cigarette 10 to generate a nicotine aerosol, which flows through the air passage 355 and exits through the mouthpiece 35. The heater 365 is powered via lines 366 and 367, which are in turn connected via connector 25A to the opposite polarity (positive and negative, or vice versa) of the battery 210 in the body 20. Figure 3 Details of the wiring between power supply lines 366 and 367 and connector 25A are omitted.

[0040] Connector 25A includes an internal electrode 375, which may be silver-plated or made of some other suitable metal or conductive material. When the cartridge 30 is connected to the body 20, the internal electrode 375 contacts the electrical contact 250 of the body 20 to provide a first electrical path between the cartridge 30 and the body 20. Specifically, when connectors 25A and 25B are engaged, the internal electrode 375 abuts against the electrical contact 250 to compress the coil spring 255, thereby helping to ensure good electrical contact between the internal electrode 375 and the electrical contact 250.

[0041] The internal electrode 375 is surrounded by an insulating ring 372, which may be made of plastic, rubber, silicone, or any other suitable material. The insulating ring is surrounded by a cartridge connector 370, which may be silver-plated or made of some other suitable metal or conductive material. When the cartridge 30 is connected to the body 20, the cartridge connector 370 contacts the body connector 240 of the body 20 to provide a second electrical path between the cartridge 30 and the body 20. In other words, the internal electrode 375 and the cartridge connector 370 serve as positive and negative terminals (or vice versa) for appropriately supplying power from the battery 210 in the body 20 to the heater 365 in the cartridge 30 via power supply lines 366 and 367.

[0042] The cartridge connector 370 is provided with two lugs or tabs 380A and 380B that extend in opposite directions away from the longitudinal axis of the electronic cigarette 10. These tabs provide a bayonet fitting for engaging with the body connector 240 to connect the cartridge 30 to the body 20. This bayonet fitting provides a strong and robust connection between the cartridge 30 and the body 20, keeping the cartridge and body in a fixed position relative to each other with minimal wobbling or bending, and minimizing the possibility of accidental disconnection. Simultaneously, the bayonet fitting provides simple and quick connection and disconnection, connecting by inserting and rotating, and disconnecting by rotating (in the opposite direction) and then withdrawing. It should be understood that other embodiments may use different forms of connection between the body 20 and the cartridge 30, such as snap-fit ​​or threaded connections.

[0043] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing some details of the connector 25B located at the end of the body 20 according to some embodiments of the present invention (but details such as... are omitted for clarity). Figure 2 The connector shown contains most of its internal structure, such as bracket 260. Specifically, Figure 4 The housing 201 of the main body 20 is shown, which is typically in the form of a cylindrical tube. The housing 201 may include, for example, a metal inner tube with a paper or similar outer covering. The housing 201 may also include a manually activated device 265. Figure 4 (not shown in the image), making the manual activation device 265 easily accessible to the user.

[0044] The main connector 240 extends from the housing 201 of the main body 20. For example... Figure 4 The body connector 240 shown comprises two main parts: a shaft 241, shaped like a hollow cylindrical tube, sized to fit precisely inside the housing 201 of the body 20; and a lip 242, pointing radially outward away from the main longitudinal axis (LA) of the electronic cigarette. Where the shaft 241 of the body connector 240 does not overlap with the housing 201, a collar or sleeve 290, also cylindrical in shape, surrounds the shaft. The collar 290 is held between the lip 242 of the body connector 240 and the housing 201 of the body, together preventing the collar 290 from moving in the axial direction (i.e., parallel to the axis LA). However, the collar 290 is free to rotate about the shaft 241 (and therefore also about the axis LA).

[0045] As mentioned above, the cover 225 is provided with an air inlet hole to allow airflow when the user inhales through the mouthpiece 35. However, in some embodiments, such as those provided by... Figure 4As indicated by the two arrows, most of the air entering the device when the user inhales flows through the collar 290 and the body connector 240.

[0046] Figure 5 A flowchart is shown, illustrating the process performed by a control unit for controlling the operation of an electronic aerosol supply system according to some embodiments of this specification.

[0047] The process begins at step 500. In step 505, it is determined whether the device has been activated by the user. Activation could be via inhalation, button pressing, or touch sensor interaction. If the device has not been activated, the process returns to the beginning of step 505. Alternatively, if the device has been activated, the process proceeds to step 510, and a timer is started to measure the total duration of user activation. Immediately following, in step 515, the control unit causes power to be supplied to the atomizer (such as heater 365). This activates the atomizer and causes the liquid in the cartridge 30 to be atomized for the user to inhale.

[0048] The process then proceeds to step 520, where it is determined whether the device is still activated by the user, i.e., whether the user is still inhaling, pressing a button, or interacting with a touch sensor (if applicable). If it is determined in step 520 that the device is still activated, the process proceeds to step 525. In step 525, the control unit compares the current time with a first time interval (i.e., a period during which the control unit supplies power to the atomizer that is shorter than the expected inhalation duration). If the current time is less than the first time interval, the system returns to step 515 and continues to supply power to the atomizer. Steps 515, 520, and 525 form a loop that can only be interrupted by the user deactivating the device in step 520 or by the activation period exceeding the first time interval in step 525. If the user deactivates the device, the system proceeds to step 530 and immediately stops supplying power to the atomizer. Alternatively, if the activation period exceeds the first time interval, the system proceeds to step 540 and immediately stops supplying power to the atomizer.

[0049] After step 530, the control unit can immediately stop the timer in step 535, so that the measured time corresponds to the duration the device has been activated. Alternatively, after step 540, power to the atomizer has stopped, but the user is still activating the device, for example, still inhaling. Therefore, step 545 continuously queries whether the user has stopped activating the device. Once the user has stopped, the system proceeds to step 535 and the timer stops, so that the measured time corresponds to the duration the device has been activated. In step 550, the control unit incorporates the latest inhalation duration into the analysis of the expected inhalation duration to estimate the user's next expected inhalation duration. The next step 560 ends the process and returns the device to step 500, preparing for the next user activation. Note that although...Figure 6 The steps of starting the timer 510 and supplying power to the atomizer 515 are shown to be performed sequentially, but in practice these steps can be performed in parallel.

[0050] In one implementation, the first time interval is 0.3 seconds shorter than the user's expected inhalation duration. The expected 0.3 seconds represents a threshold time during which the user cannot detect the heater being prematurely turned off. For example, for an expected inhalation duration of 3 seconds, the first time interval would be 2.7 seconds. If the user presses the activation button for 2.9 seconds, 0.2 seconds of energy is saved. Considering the shorter time interval and the thermal inertia of the heater, the atomized liquid is inhaled during this period without wasting power. Furthermore, as the heater temperature decreases, the amount of atomized liquid decreases, and the additional atomized material condensing on the inner wall of the device once the user stops inhaling is also reduced. Other timing strategies may also be considered, as previously described herein.

[0051] Therefore, from Figure 5 It can be seen that unless the user stops vaping much earlier than the expected vaping duration, the power supply to the atomizer is only slightly shorter than the user's expected vaping duration. Generally, the atomizer remains active, thus atomizing the liquid for the necessary duration so that the user does not perceive a decrease in quality. This mechanism is hidden from the user and therefore does not require specific user action while using the device; for example, releasing button 265 to deactivate the device before finishing vaping. Instead, the function is built into the device to provide a more intuitive experience. It should also be understood that the same method can be used to set the power level instead of the power supply duration, or to set both the power level and the power supply duration to change the delivery of the active ingredient, and it should also be understood that the intervals between inhalations can be similarly measured and characterized to identify the correlation between the interval duration and the demand for active ingredient. For example, the latter approach may be useful once the system begins to change the power supply duration and / or level, as this may affect the inhalation duration due to changes in delivery (whether consciously or unconsciously at the user's end), resulting in abnormal inhalation durations, but the intervals between durations are unaffected because they are influenced by the user's desire to consume more active ingredient.

[0052] However, Figure 5The implementations detailed herein may provide an unsatisfactory user experience in some cases, particularly when the power supply duration is shortened, but may also produce less atomization due to the lower power level. If the actual user inhalation duration significantly exceeds the estimated (expected) user inhalation duration, the user may perceive a significant performance loss in the final stages of inhalation (and / or this reflects that the user did not experience the expected inhalation). To address this issue, some implementations of the device are further configured to restore power to the atomizer during a second period in response to a longer-than-expected inhalation.

[0053] therefore, Figure 6 A flowchart is shown illustrating the process performed by a control unit for controlling the operation of an electronic aerosol supply system according to some embodiments of this specification, wherein the system is further configured to resume power supply to the atomizer in response to a longer-than-expected inhalation.

[0054] The process begins at step 600. At step 605, it is determined whether the device has been activated by the user (again, for example, through inhalation, button pressing, or touch sensor interaction). If the device has not been activated, the process returns to the beginning of step 605. Alternatively, if the device has been activated, the process proceeds to step 610, and a timer is started to measure the total duration of user activation. Immediately following, at step 615, the control unit causes power to be supplied to the atomizer (such as heater 365). This activates the atomizer and causes the liquid in the cartridge 30 to be atomized for the user to inhale.

[0055] The process then proceeds to step 620, where it is determined whether the device is still activated by the user. If it is determined in step 620 that the device is still activated, the process proceeds to step 625. In step 625, the control unit compares the current time with a first time interval (i.e., a period during which the control unit supplies power to the atomizer that is shorter than the expected vaping duration). If the current time is less than the first time interval, the system returns to step 615 and continues to supply power to the atomizer. Steps 615, 620, and 625 form a loop that can only be interrupted by the user deactivating the device in step 620 or by the activation period exceeding the first time interval in step 625. If the user deactivates the device, the system proceeds to step 630 and immediately stops supplying power to the atomizer. Alternatively, if the activation period exceeds the first time interval, the system proceeds to step 640 and immediately stops supplying power to the atomizer.

[0056] After step 630, the control unit can immediately stop the timer in step 635, so that the measured time corresponds to the duration the device has been activated. Alternatively, after step 640, power supply to the atomizer has stopped, but the user is still activating the device, i.e., still inhaling. Therefore, step 645 queries whether the user has stopped activating the device. If the user has not activated the device, the control unit proceeds to step 635 and the timer stops, so that the measured time corresponds to the duration the device has been activated. If the user is still activating the device, the control unit proceeds to step 650 and queries whether the current time is greater than the expected inhalation duration. If the current time is not greater than the expected inhalation duration, the system loops back to step 645. However, if the current time is greater than the expected inhalation duration, the system proceeds to step 655 and the control unit resumes power supply to the atomizer. In step 660, the system continuously queries whether the user has stopped activating the device. Once the answer is no, the system proceeds to step 665 and the control unit stops power supply to the atomizer. Next, the control unit proceeds to step 635 and the timer stops, so that the measured time corresponds to the duration the device has been activated by the user. In step 670, the control unit incorporates the latest suction duration into the analysis of the expected suction duration to estimate the next suction duration. The next step, 680, ends the process and returns the device to step 600, preparing for the next user activation. It should be understood that the above method can also provide power at a first level within the expected time, and continue at a higher level if the user is still activating the device at that point. When these two methods are combined, for example, when power is restored after a cutoff, the restored power level can be the same as the original level (because it is still above zero), or a higher level can be used based on the assumption that the original level is insufficient.

[0057] However, different implementations can employ different methods to manage the power supply to the heater. Figure 6 One implementation supplies power to the heater for a first period of time that is slightly shorter than the expected inhalation duration, and then, if the user activates the device for longer than the expected inhalation duration, supplies power to the heater for a second period of time. In one implementation, instead of resuming at the same or higher power level as suggested above, it may be advantageous to resume supplying power to the heater at a lower power level in the second period of time, thereby reducing the continuous atomization phase after the user deactivates the device.

[0058] In alternative implementations, the device can be pulsed and repeatedly powered during the second period as the user continues to activate it. The cumulative energy supplied by the pulses within the same time period will be significantly less than the cumulative energy supplied by the power level in the first period. In any of these implementations, energy consumption is reduced, increasing the number of pumps that each battery can support, while ensuring that the device's performance is not significantly degraded. Additionally, by shortening the length of the continuous atomization phase, aerosol condensation on the inner wall of the device is reduced. In some implementations, the control unit may not completely stop powering the heater after the first period, but may immediately begin pulsed powering the heater or immediately power the heater at a lower power level during the second period. The heater's thermal inertia will decrease slowly; however, this will not happen as quickly as when the heater is de-energized, and therefore, if the user activates the device for longer than expected, they are unlikely to notice a performance loss.

[0059] As mentioned earlier, some implementations may employ a manual activation device 265 instead of, for example, an airflow sensor 215. The manual activation device can be activated by the user, causing the control unit to supply power to the atomizer to atomize the liquid. In these implementations, user activation of the manual activation device prompts the user to activate the device, thereby initiating the aforementioned, for example, in Figure 5 and Figure 6 The process described herein. The manual activation device 265 can be, for example, a physical button or switch, or a touch sensor (such as a resistive or capacitive touch sensor) that is activated simply by user contact. Furthermore, the methods for activating and deactivating the manual activation device 265 can take a range of different forms. For example, in some cases, the manual activation device can be activated for a predetermined period after the button 265 is pressed or touched, after which the manual activation device is deactivated. Although the user cannot have complete (direct) control over the power supply to the atomizer, this implementation helps ensure that the manual activation device is deactivated by the user.

[0060] In some implementations, the manual activation device 265 includes a button that is activated by a user pressing the button for the first time and then deactivated by a user pressing the button a second (subsequent) time. In other words, the manual activation device is activated and then deactivated by alternating button presses. During the period between the first and second presses, the microcontroller considers the manual activation device 265 to be active. This method has the advantage of providing the user with direct control over the duration of activation, but the manual activation device may remain active if the user forgets or does not press the button a second time. In another example, the manual activation device 265 is considered active as long as the user continues to press the button. This method also allows the user to control the activation duration of the atomizer. Furthermore, the user will naturally stop pressing the button 265 after finishing using the e-cigarette, so the manual activation device is unlikely to remain active unintentionally.

[0061] A similar approach can be used when the manual activation device 265 includes a touch sensor. That is, in one example, the manual activation device 265 is considered activated after the user's first touch of the touch sensor and then deactivated after the user's second touch. The manual activation device 265 is considered activated during the period between the first and second touches. In another example, the manual activation device 265 is considered activated as long as the user continues to touch the touch sensor.

[0062] In another example, if the manual activation device 265 includes a manual switch, such as a slideable or rotatable switch, the manual activation device 265 will be activated when the switch is in the "on" position and deactivated when the switch is in the "off" position. In this implementation, the switch can be biased towards the "off" position, requiring the user to continuously hold the switch in the "on" position for the manual activation device to be activated. In this case, when the user stops holding the switch in the "on" position, the switch will automatically return to the "off" position (under the action of a spring or other elastic biasing mechanism, etc.). This not only makes it more difficult for the switch to be unintentionally held in the "on" (activated) position, but it is also more convenient for the user because the user does not need to manually switch the switch back to the "off" position after inhaling e-cigarettes.

[0063] The manual activation device 265, whether a button, touch sensor, switch, or any other suitable device, is typically located in a position that makes it easily accessible to the user when holding the electronic cigarette 10 for inhalation. For example, the manual activation device 265 may be located closer to the proximal end (mouthpiece) of the electronic cigarette than the distal end (cap) because the user is more likely to hold the electronic cigarette near the proximal end (as is the case with traditional combustible cigarettes). Therefore, in Figure 1In the example shown, button 265 is located on the main body portion 25 (because the cartridge 30 is disposable), but at the end closest to the mouthpiece. This button can be conveniently activated (pressed, moved, or touched) by the user while holding the e-cigarette. While the manual activation mechanism has been described in detail with respect to the activation of the device and therefore the atomizer, it should be understood that in many embodiments, additional manual activation mechanisms may serve auxiliary functions such as on / off or locking switches.

[0064] In alternative embodiments, an airflow sensor can be implemented in the device, allowing the user to activate the device by inhaling through it and causing the control unit to power the atomizer to atomize the liquid. In these embodiments, user activation of the airflow sensor prompts the user to activate the device, thereby initiating the process described above, for example... Figure 5 and Figure 6 The process is described in [the text]. Body 20 includes a sensor unit 215 located in or near the air path through body 20 from the air inlet to the air outlet (leading to the atomizer). Sensor unit 215 may include a pressure drop sensor and a temperature sensor (also in or near the air path). However, it should be understood that sensor unit 215 may include a pressure drop sensor but not a temperature sensor, or may include an airflow monitor to directly measure airflow (rather than pressure drop). Therefore, when a user inhales through the mouthpiece of the e-cigarette, the control unit detects the inhalation based on information from the pressure drop sensor. In response to the detected inhalation, the CPU supplies power to the heater, which heats and atomizes the nicotine from the coil for the user to inhale.

[0065] Therefore, it should be understood that “activation” and “deactivation” can be considered equivalently as independent actions (such as pressing a button or turning on and then off a switch) or the beginning and end of a single action (such as sucking in, pressing a button, or interacting with a touch sensor).

[0066] Advantageously, the above-described implementation reduces the energy supplied to the heater during each aspiration. Therefore, this can increase the number of aspirations for a given battery capacity, or it can make it possible to reduce the battery capacity of the device. The shortened duration of the continuous atomization phase also reduces unwanted condensation on the inner walls of the device, increases the number of aspirations for a given liquid volume, and can also help mitigate carbon buildup, which occurs when the heater is on but there is no airflow in the device.

[0067] The techniques described above have been primarily referenced to estimating the duration of aspiration; however, it should be noted that the same methods apply to estimating the time interval between two aspirations, such as during an ongoing session as described elsewhere in this document.

[0068] The above-described techniques are also primarily described with reference to the provided methods, through which the electronic aerosol supply system can learn the user's inhalation behavior and modify the duration of power supply to the system during the user's inhalation. However, it should be noted that the same method applies to modifying the power level supplied to the system.

[0069] Therefore, more generally, in embodiments of this specification, the electronic aerosol supply system includes: an atomizer for atomizing a carrier for inhalation by a user of the electronic aerosol supply system (as described elsewhere herein); a power source for supplying power to the atomizer to atomize the carrier in response to user activation of the device (as described elsewhere herein); and a control unit configured to estimate the user's usage time (whether activation duration and / or interval, as described elsewhere herein); and to adjust the power supplied to the atomizer based on the estimation result (whether duration and / or level, as described elsewhere herein).

[0070] In embodiments of this specification, the control unit is configured to measure the user's actual usage time (whether it is the duration of the user's inhalation and / or the interval between inhalations) and compare the actual usage time with the estimated usage time, and adjust the power supplied to the atomizer based on the difference between the actual usage time and the estimated usage time; for example, whether the difference between the actual usage time and the estimated usage time exceeds a predetermined amount.

[0071] Regarding the case where the usage time is the user's atomizer activation duration (as described elsewhere in this document), in one instance, the control unit is configured to increase the power level supplied to the atomizer to supply more aerosol if the measured actual user time exceeds a predetermined estimated amount. Conversely, in another instance, if the measured actual user time is less than a predetermined estimated amount, the control unit is configured to decrease the power level supplied to the atomizer to supply less aerosol.

[0072] These two examples demonstrate a positive relationship between the duration of atomizer activation and the user's demand for aerosol.

[0073] In both instances, optionally and as described elsewhere in this document, for example, refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The control unit can also be optionally configured to supply power to the atomizer for a shorter time than the estimated usage time.

[0074] Furthermore, regarding the case where the usage time is the period between atomizer activations, in one instance, if the measured actual user time is less than a predetermined estimated amount, the control unit is configured to increase the power supplied to the atomizer to supply more aerosol. Conversely, in another instance where the usage time is the period between atomizer activations performed by the user, if the measured actual user time is greater than a predetermined estimated amount, the control unit is configured to decrease the power supplied to the atomizer to supply less aerosol.

[0075] These two examples illustrate a negative relationship between the duration of the interval between inhalations and the demand for aerosols.

[0076] In both instances, the usage time is optionally the period between atomizer activations by the user within a predetermined range consistent with a continuous usage session, rather than the stop period between sessions; in other words, the time between activations is assumed to be the period during which the user is actively consuming aerosol from the system (e.g., as if smoking a single cigarette), rather than the period during which, for example, the device has been put away or otherwise stopped from continuous use.

[0077] Since the system compares the user's actual time with an estimated value, in these implementations, the adjustment of the power to the atomizer is typically implemented for the next user activation of the device, because information about whether the actual time is greater or less than the estimated value can only be determined afterward (at least when the actual time is greater).

[0078] Whether the usage time refers to the duration of a user's atomizer activation or the time interval between atomizer activations, a predetermined amount of time exceeding or falling short of the estimate can be selected based on calculating the standard deviation associated with the average of N previous events (previously measured times, such as vapes or intervals), where N is typically a number between 10 and 100, as previously described herein. Then, in embodiments of this specification, this predetermined amount may optionally be a standard deviation of a specific amount from the average (whether a fraction (e.g., ½ SD or ¾ SD) or equal to or greater than 1 SD (e.g., 1 SD, 1½ SD, or 2 SD)). This method allows the system to effectively calibrate the user's behavior and detect when that behavior deviates from the norm, indicating either that the user has developed a sufficiently strong craving for the active ingredient to cause a measurable change in their behavior, or conversely, that the user is sufficiently satisfied to cause a measurable change in their behavior.

[0079] Whether the usage time refers to the duration of a user's atomizer activation or the time between atomizer activations, and regardless of whether the response involves modifying the duration and / or level of power supply, the control unit may optionally be configured to estimate the user's usage time in response to one or more situational factors external to the e-atomization system in order to improve the estimate, as these factors may affect how the user uses the system.

[0080] Therefore, for example, the control unit can be configured to estimate the user's usage time in response to selecting one or more of the following: the current time of day or the current day of the week (either of which may lead to, for example, a more relaxed or more rapid inhalation usage pattern), the current location (e.g., which may impose time limits on usage or different types of behavior), the identity of one or more nearby people, and (e.g., acting as a proxy for these people or locations) the identity of one or more nearby devices (e.g., using Bluetooth). ® Identifiers), because users may behave differently with family, friends or strangers, or as mentioned above, they may behave differently in different locations (including mobile locations such as cars).

[0081] As previously mentioned in this article, alternatively, as an alternative to compiled statistics such as rolling averages and, optionally, standard deviations, the control unit may employ machine learning software to learn the user’s expected activation duration.

[0082] As previously described herein, the control unit may also be configured to resume power supply to the atomizer during a second period if the user activates the device for longer than the user's intended duration, the second period ending when the user stops activating the device. During this period, the power level may be the same as before, higher (to help satisfy the user), or lower (to help reduce condensation), depending on the relative importance of these considerations to the designer.

[0083] As previously described herein, in embodiments of this specification, the above-described technology can set the power supply time as a ratio or proportion of the expected inhalation time; for example, a value between 95% and 70% of the estimated duration, which decreases as the estimated duration increases.

[0084] Therefore, it is also referenced now. Figure 7 In the embodiments of this specification, the aerosol delivery method for an electronic aerosol supply system includes the following steps: In the first step 710, the user's inhalation action is detected; as described elsewhere in this document, this can be accomplished, for example, using an airflow sensor 215.

[0085] In the second step 720, the heater of the aerosol generator is activated to deliver the aerosol to the user, as described elsewhere in this document.

[0086] In the third step 730, the duration of the user's inhalation action is predicted, as described elsewhere in this document.

[0087] In step 440, the proportion of the predicted duration is calculated (as a non-limiting example, between 70% and 95% of the predicted duration), as described elsewhere in this document.

[0088] In step 750, after the calculation of the predicted duration has been completed, the heater of the aerosol generator is deactivated, as described elsewhere in this document; and wherein, as the predicted duration increases, the calculation of the predicted duration decreases.

[0089] The latter point reflects the efficiency problem of conflict in the inhalation process.

[0090] First, it should be understood that there is a relatively fixed period at the start of inhalation during which power is supplied to the heater, but the heater has not yet reached the atomization temperature. This non-productive period can be considered as the expense of delivering the aerosol to the user, and it accounts for a larger proportion for short-duration inhalations. Therefore, frequent short-duration inhalations are less energy efficient in terms of the quality of the aerosol delivered to the user.

[0091] like Figure 8A As shown in the figure (the x-axis represents time, the left y-axis represents aerosol detection, and the right y-axis represents flow rate), for a constant inhalation airflow (the main horizontal line corresponds to a flow rate of 15 m / s), the initial aerosol detection rate is roughly similar for all inhalations because all inhalations share the same initial heater configuration, and it typically takes 0.5 to 0.7 seconds from heater activation to reach full output.

[0092] exist Figure 8A The heater is then switched off one second, two seconds, and three seconds after activation, respectively. It should be understood that in the case of switching off at one second, the heater has just reached full output before being deactivated, while the two-second and three-second durations each involve at least a period of full output.

[0093] Now also referencing Figure 8B This results in the suction duration being related to the cumulative aerosol mass ( Figure 8B There is a non-linear relationship between the "ACM" in the figure. The figure shows the promised mist quality produced by different suction durations for the same heater power (6.5 W), with each test interval lasting 30 seconds to ensure the heater is completely cooled.

[0094] Therefore, in principle, it is desirable to keep the heater on for as long as possible during short inhalation periods to maximize the aerosol quality delivered to the user; this will improve the ratio of battery power to aerosol quality generated throughout the usage session, and thus extend the device's usage time while delivering the desired total aerosol quality.

[0095] Secondly, it should be understood that there is a relatively fixed period at the end of the inhalation process during which the heater remains above the atomization temperature of the carrier material after power is no longer supplied, and therefore additional aerosol may be generated after the inhalation airflow has stopped. This uninhaled aerosol can be considered an expense in delivering the aerosol to the user, and it accounts for a larger proportion of this expense for short-duration inhalations. Therefore, specifically, frequent short-duration inhalations are less efficient in delivering the carrier material to the user in terms of aerosol quality. At the same time, this represents a degree of inefficiency for inhalations of any duration, and it can also cause problems if some or all of the generated aerosol condenses inside the device.

[0096] like Figure 9 As shown, similar to the battery overhead at the start of inhalation, the aerosol overhead at the end of inhalation has a non-linear relationship with the duration of inhalation, indicating that the proportion of aerosol generated by short inhalations is greater than that of long inhalations.

[0097] Therefore, in principle, it is desirable to briefly turn off the heater before the inhalation ends, so that the user can still effectively inhale the aerosol generated by the residual heat of the heater.

[0098] However, it should be understood that this method of improving aerosol delivery contradicts the desired method of improving battery use, specifically for short inhalation periods.

[0099] Therefore, in embodiments of the invention, and as described elsewhere herein, after anticipating the duration of the user's inhalation action, the electronic aerosol supply system calculates the proportion of the predicted duration during which the heater is deactivated, wherein the calculated proportion of the predicted duration decreases as the predicted duration increases.

[0100] Therefore, as a non-limiting example, the proportion could be 95% for a short expected inhalation (e.g., 1 second) and 70% for a long expected inhalation (e.g., 6 seconds). The proportion could vary linearly or non-linearly with duration and could be defined within a range, wherein the proportion could reach a maximum value during a predetermined short period (1 second, as a non-limiting example) and a minimum value during a predetermined long period (6 seconds, as a non-limiting example).

[0101] The maximum predetermined percentage can be 95%, 90%, 85%, or 80%, or a value between these values, while the minimum predetermined percentage can be 70%, 65%, 60%, 55%, or 50%, or a value between these values.

[0102] It is worth noting that the maximum percentage is less than 100%; therefore, an attempt is always made to shut off the heater before the predicted duration ends to try to extract the aerosol generated during the period of highest remaining temperature after the heater has been shut down, which would be the time during which a disproportionate amount of residual aerosol is generated. Optionally, the time difference between the calculated percentage of the predicted duration and the predicted duration itself corresponds to a time not less than the time required for the heater to cool down below the atomization temperature of the delivered aerosol; that is, the maximum percentage can be calculated to provide sufficient time for the heater to cool down to (or just below) the atomization temperature of the carrier.

[0103] At the same time, the minimum ratio is significantly lower than the maximum ratio; for example, in any implementation of this technology, there may be a 20%, 25%, or 30% difference between the minimum and maximum ratios. The minimum ratio provides improved battery efficiency and aerosol efficiency in the later stages of inhalation, and it has been empirically observed that users do not notice a gradual decrease in aerosol production at the end of a longer inhalation, possibly because the mouth and even the airway are already filled with aerosol.

[0104] Therefore, the above method provides a way to improve aerosol delivery efficiency for different inhalation durations, taking into account the differential efficiency and completion efficiency of battery use as a function of aerosol mass and unconsumed aerosol mass, which is particularly complex for short inhalation durations.

[0105] Another aspect of the aerosol delivery efficiency, which is a function of battery usage, is the power level supplied to the heater; now refer to Figure 10 For the same inhalation profile, the power-to-cumulative aerosol mass (“ACM”) ratio increases (becomes more efficient) as power increases. This is essentially because a certain proportion of power is used to raise the temperature of the heating element to the atomization temperature, while the remaining proportion is used to further raise the temperature to produce an aerosol; thus, for example, 1.5 W of power may not produce any aerosol at all because the heater does not reach the atomization temperature; while a 40% increase in power from 2.5 W to 3.5 W may result in a 100% increase in cumulative aerosol mass. This disproportionate benefit diminishes as the proportion of delivery power accounted for in the preheating temperature decreases, and around 6 to 7 watts, an increase in power results in an almost corresponding increase in aerosol.

[0106] Therefore, in terms of aerosol delivery efficiency as a function of battery usage, it is preferable to use a higher power level where possible. However, it should be understood that there may be reasons for choosing different battery power levels, such as extending usage time or maintaining battery life. Therefore, in embodiments of this specification, the heater may optionally be powered at a power level selected from a list of the following: within 30%, 20%, or 10% of the maximum power, or the maximum power. If the battery charge is low, the effective maximum power will naturally decrease.

[0107] Since power levels can affect the aerosol generation rate, in this case, the calculated proportion of the predicted duration can optionally be modified in response to the supplied power level, where the capping proportion is generally smaller as the power increases, or conversely, the capping proportion is generally longer as the selected power decreases below its maximum value. Of course, this may be limited by a maximum overall proportion such as 95%.

[0108] Techniques for predicting inhalation duration have been discussed elsewhere in this paper, such as learning the average inhalation duration or training machine learning systems to predict inhalation duration.

[0109] Thus, for example, the predicted duration of a user’s inhalation action could be in response to selecting one or more from a list consisting of: the average of a predetermined number of previous inhalation actions as described elsewhere in this document; the duration of the inhalation action at the corresponding time period within a sequence of previous inhalation actions (in other words, the duration of a particular sequence (such as the consumption of virtual cigarettes) includes duration characteristics); and the duration of the corresponding inhalation action within a predetermined inhalation action pattern (similar to the second example, but not necessarily based on time but on pattern, such as where inhalation is a function of habit).

[0110] Alternatively or additionally, the predicted duration of the user's inhalation action can be in response to the initial inhalation airflow gradient (e.g., during the first 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, or 0.5 seconds after inhalation is detected). In other words, the rate at which airflow increases at the start of inhalation indicates how quickly the user's lungs will expand. Because lung capacity is finite (and the user's maximum capacity can be determined from the integral of airflow in previous inhalations), the initial airflow gradient is a strong indicator of the type of inhalation in progress (e.g., forceful and rapid, or relaxed and slow) and therefore also its duration (based on the time to reach maximum capacity or the typically maximum inhalation volume).

[0111] It should be understood that gradient detection can also be combined with other techniques to improve estimation. For example, when using one or more gradient thresholds, averages can be maintained for gradients of different categories, making each average a more accurate estimate of the duration of that specific type of inhalation. Similarly, gradients can be used to characterize patterns or sequences within an inhalation session and can be used, for example, to estimate a user's location within a session (or identify session type) by using the correlation between the current sequence (or their threshold classification) and the stored sequence with the initial gradient.

[0112] In any case, once the duration of the user's inhalation action is predicted, a proportion of the predicted duration can be calculated using any of the techniques described herein, including selecting one or more from a list consisting of: using a predetermined linear relationship between the predicted duration and the proportion as described elsewhere herein; using a predetermined non-linear relationship between the predicted duration and the proportion as described elsewhere herein; and using a lookup table that provides a proportion of the corresponding predicted duration based on the entry closest to the predicted duration. This provides a piecewise or quantified implementation of the linear or non-linear relationship, but simplifies the calculation by pre-storing the results.

[0113] The techniques described above use conventional statistics to estimate the averages, patterns, thresholds, and relationships among the various parameters discussed in this paper to predict the inhalation duration and the proportion of that duration that powers the heater. Alternatively, one or more of these calculations can be learned using machine learning algorithms.

[0114] Therefore, in embodiments of this specification, the step of estimating the duration of a user's inhalation action can utilize a machine learning algorithm trained on a training set that includes one or more initial parameters of the inhalation action as input and the corresponding total duration of the inhalation action as the target output. Inputs may include, for example, one or more averages, mode location, initial airflow gradient, or other statistics about inhalation (e.g., the current target power level set for the heater, and / or battery charge, and / or the standard deviation associated with any provided averages). The target output is the observed actual inhalation duration. It should be understood that the machine learning system can be pre-trained before being used by a specific user (e.g., based on usage data obtained by the device's developer) and optionally, different models can be trained for different demographic data (e.g., using gender and / or height as proxy variables for lung capacity and any behavioral differences) to make the initial estimate suitable for the user. However, alternatively, the system can then continue learning for actual users based on the inhalation duration observed during use.

[0115] Similarly, the step of calculating the proportion of the predicted duration can use a machine learning algorithm trained on a training set that includes the duration of the inhalation action as input and the proportion value as the target output. In this case, the input duration can be the estimated duration of the inhalation, as this would be the information available from the previous step. Meanwhile, the target output includes the proportion value. Optionally, the target output can include both the proportion value and the ultimately observed inhalation duration, allowing the machine learning system to learn to anticipate any patterns of systemic inaccuracies in the estimation regarding the estimated time proportion (e.g., the estimation might become less accurate for the absolute time of a longer inhalation).

[0116] Optionally, in addition to at least the proportional value, the target output may also include a user satisfaction / dissatisfaction value, indicating whether the user is satisfied with the inhalation when the heater is activated during a proportion of the estimated inhalation duration indicated by the proportional value. These values ​​may be obtained by the developers during test use of the device. Subsequently, the user can provide input indicating dissatisfaction with the aerosol delivery, allowing the machine learning system to learn to calculate a modified proportion of the subsequent predicted duration in response to that input.

[0117] It should be understood that this method of receiving feedback from user input indicating dissatisfaction with aerosol delivery can be used to calculate the modification ratio of the subsequent predicted duration in response to the input, and is applicable to any other techniques described herein, such as modifying the linear, nonlinear, or lookup table relationship between the predicted duration and the saturation ratio during heater activation.

[0118] As mentioned above, machine learning systems can be trained on different user demographics. Similarly, machine learning systems can be trained, alternatively or additionally, on different corresponding models of electronic aerosol supply systems, as these models may have different heating profiles, different airflow paths, etc.; and they can also be trained on different carriers, as these carriers may produce aerosols of different qualities, different atomization temperatures, and / or different concentrations of active ingredients, which may be contrary to different inhalation behaviors and different acceptable heating ratios during inhalation.

[0119] Now refer to it again Figures 1 to 4In the generalized embodiment of this specification, the electronic aerosol supply system "EVPS" includes the following: a first sensor (e.g., airflow sensor 215) configured to detect a user's inhalation action; an aerosol generator including a heater (365). Second, a control unit (whose functions may be provided by a processor within the EVPS, a processor within a mobile phone communicating wirelessly with the EVPS, or a combination of both), configured to activate the heater to deliver aerosol to the user. Third, a duration processor (typically a control unit operating under appropriate software instructions), configured to predict the duration of the user's inhalation action. Fourth, a proportioning processor (typically a control unit operating under appropriate software instructions), configured to calculate a proportion of the predicted duration. The control unit is configured (e.g., under appropriate software instructions) to deactivate the heater generator after the calculation of the proportion of the predicted duration has been completed, and the proportioning processor is configured (e.g., under appropriate software instructions) to cause the calculated proportion of the predicted duration to decrease as the predicted duration increases.

[0120] Examples of implementations of the generalized methods and techniques described herein (e.g., by using suitable software instructions) are contemplated within the scope of this application, including but not limited to: - The calculated percentage corresponds to a value between a predetermined minimum percentage and a predetermined maximum percentage of the predicted duration of the inhalation action, as described elsewhere in this document; - In this case, the calculation ratio corresponds to a maximum percentage not exceeding 95%, as described elsewhere in this document; - Similarly, in this case, the calculated ratio corresponds to a minimum percentage of not less than 70%, as described elsewhere in this document; - The time difference between the calculated proportion of the predicted duration and the predicted duration itself corresponds to a time not less than the time required for the heater to cool down below the atomization temperature of the delivered aerosol, as described elsewhere in this document; - During the calculation of the predicted duration, the heater is powered at a power level selected from a list of the following: up to 30% of the maximum value, up to 20% of the maximum value, up to 10% of the maximum value, and the maximum value, as described elsewhere in this document; - In this case, the calculation scale for the predicted duration is modified in response to the supplied power level, as described elsewhere in this document; - The predicted duration of the user's inhalation action is in response to the initial inhalation airflow gradient, as described elsewhere in this document; - The predicted duration of a user's inhalation action responds to selection from one or more of the following: the average of a predetermined number of previous inhalation actions, the duration of the inhalation action at the corresponding time period within a sequence of previous inhalation actions, and the duration of the corresponding inhalation action within a predetermined inhalation action pattern, as described elsewhere herein.

[0121] - The scaling processor is configured to calculate a scale of the predicted duration based on one of the following: using a predetermined linear relationship between the predicted duration and the scale; using a predetermined non-linear relationship between the predicted duration and the scale; and using a lookup table to provide a scale value for the corresponding predicted duration based on the entry closest to the predicted duration, as described elsewhere in this document; - The processor is configured to predict the duration of a user's inhalation action using a machine learning algorithm trained on a training set that includes one or more initial parameters of the inhalation action as input and the corresponding total duration of the inhalation action as the target output, as described elsewhere in this document; - The scaling processor is configured to use a machine learning algorithm to calculate a scaling factor of the predicted duration, which is trained on a training set that includes the duration of the inhalation action as input and a scaling factor as the target output, as described elsewhere in this document; - In the two examples above, the corresponding machine learning algorithms were used for the models of the electronic aerosol supply systems, as described elsewhere in this document; - EVPS includes a user interface for receiving user input indicating dissatisfaction with aerosol delivery, and a scaling processor is configured to calculate a scaling factor for the subsequent prediction duration in response to that user input, as described elsewhere herein; and - The functions of the control unit and one or more processors in the processor may be implemented by a processor on the EVPS, a processor in a mobile phone or similar device that communicates with the EVPS over short range, or a combination of both, as described elsewhere in this document.

[0122] - And therefore in this example, the system may include an EVPS and a mobile communication device operable to communicate with the EVPS via a short-range wireless protocol, wherein the functions of at least one of the control unit, the duration processor, and the proportional processor are implemented at least in part by the mobile communication device.

[0123] To address various problems and advance the field, this disclosure illustrates, by way of description, various embodiments in which the claimed invention can be practiced. The advantages and features of this disclosure are merely representative examples of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. They are intended only to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed invention. It should be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects of this disclosure should not be considered as limitations on this disclosure as defined by the claims or on equivalents of the claims, and other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims. In addition to those specifically described herein, various embodiments may suitably include, constitute, or substantially constitute various combinations of, the disclosed elements, components, features, portions, steps, devices, etc., and therefore it will be understood that features of dependent claims may be combined with features of independent claims in combinations other than those expressly indicated in the claims. This disclosure may include other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. An aerosol delivery method for an electronic aerosol supply system, the aerosol delivery method comprising the following steps: Detecting the user's inhalation action; Activate the heater of the aerosol generator to deliver aerosol to the user; Predict the duration of the user's inhalation action; Calculate the proportion of the predicted duration; as well as After a calculated proportion of the predicted duration has elapsed, the heater of the aerosol generator is deactivated; wherein, As the predicted duration increases, the calculated proportion of the predicted duration decreases.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The calculated ratio corresponds to a value between a predetermined minimum percentage and a predetermined maximum percentage of the predicted duration of the inhalation action.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The calculated ratio corresponds to a maximum percentage of 95%.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The calculated ratio corresponds to a minimum percentage of 70%.

5. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The time difference between the calculated proportion of the predicted duration and the predicted duration itself corresponds to a time not less than the time required for the heater to drop below the atomization temperature of the conveying aerosol.

6. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, During the calculated proportion of the predicted duration, the heater is supplied with power at a power level selected from a list of: i. Within 30% of the maximum value; ii. Within 20% of the maximum value; iii. Within 10% of the maximum value; and iv. Maximum value.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The calculated proportion of the predicted duration is modified in response to the supplied power level.

8. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The predicted duration of the user's inhalation action is in response to the initial inhalation airflow gradient.

9. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The predicted duration of the user's inhalation action responds to selection of one or more from a list consisting of: i. The average of the predetermined number of previous inhalation actions; ii. The duration of the inhalation action within the corresponding time period of a previous series of inhalation actions; as well as iii. The duration of the corresponding inhalation action within the inhalation action of the predetermined mode.

10. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The step of calculating the proportion of the predicted duration includes selecting one from a list consisting of: i. Use a predetermined linear relationship between predicted duration and proportion; ii. Use a predetermined nonlinear relationship between the predicted duration and the proportion; as well as iii. Use a lookup table to provide a proportional value for the corresponding predicted duration based on the table entry that is closest to the predicted duration.

11. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The step of predicting the duration of the user's inhalation action uses a machine learning algorithm trained on a training set that includes one or more initial parameters of the inhalation action as input and the corresponding total duration of the inhalation action as the target output.

12. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The step of calculating the proportion of the predicted duration uses a machine learning algorithm trained on a training set that includes the duration of the inhalation action as input and the proportion value as the target output.

13. The method according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein, Appropriate machine learning algorithms are used for the corresponding models of electronic aerosol supply systems.

14. The method according to any preceding claim, comprising the following steps: Receive user input indicating dissatisfaction with aerosol delivery; and The modification ratio for the subsequent predicted duration is calculated in response to the user input.

15. An electronic aerosol supply system "EVPS", comprising: The sensor is configured to detect the user's inhalation action; Aerosol generator, including heater; The control unit is configured to activate the heater to deliver aerosol to the user; A duration processor is configured to predict the duration of the user's inhalation action; A scaling processor is configured to calculate a scaling factor for the predicted duration; and The control unit is configured to deactivate the heater generator after a calculated proportion of the predicted duration has elapsed; wherein, The scaling processor is configured such that as the predicted duration increases, the calculated scaling factor of the predicted duration decreases.

16. A system comprising EVPS according to claim 15; and A mobile communication device, operable to communicate with the EVPS via a short-range wireless protocol; wherein, The functions of at least one of the control unit, the duration processor, and the proportion processor are implemented at least in part by the mobile communication device.

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