User identification system and method

Abstract

A user identification system for an aerosol provision system, the user identification system comprising: a PPG sensor; and a user identification module configured to provide an indication of identification of a user of the aerosol provision system, where the user identification module is configured to: receive a signal from the PPG sensor, identify values of one or more identification features from the received signal, and provide an indication of identification of the user of the aerosol provision system; comparing the identified value of the one or more identification features with a pre-obtained corresponding reference value of the one or more identification features, and outputting the result of the comparison to a controller of the aerosol supply system, the controller is configured to control one or more operations of the aerosol supply system in response to a result of the comparison.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a user identification system for an electronic aerosol provision system, such as a nicotine delivery system (e.g. an electronic cigarette or the like). BACKGROUND

[0002] Electronic aerosol provision systems, such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), typically contain a reservoir of source liquid which contains a formulation, typically including nicotine, from which an aerosol is generated, for example by heat vaporisation. Accordingly, an aerosol source for an aerosol provision system can 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, electrical power is supplied to the heating element to vaporise source liquid in the vicinity of the heating element, thereby generating an aerosol for the user to inhale. Such devices are typically provided with one or more air inlet apertures located away from a mouthpiece of the system. When a user draws on a mouthpiece on the end of the mouthpiece connected to the system, air is drawn in through the air inlet apertures and past the aerosol source. There is a flow path connection between the aerosol source and an opening in the mouthpiece, such that air drawn past the aerosol source continues along the flow path to the mouthpiece opening, carrying some aerosol from the aerosol source with it. The air carrying the aerosol exits the aerosol provision system through the mouthpiece opening for the user to inhale.

[0003] Because such electronic aerosol provision systems typically contain nicotine, their use is regulated in many areas of the world. In particular, it is often prohibited to sell such systems to minors. However, even where the sale of aerosol provision systems is regulated and controlled, there are concerns about unauthorised use of these aerosol provision systems, whether this is in relation to minors or others.

[0004] Different approaches are described which seek to help address some of these issues. SUMMARY

[0005] According to a first aspect of certain embodiments, there is provided a user identification system for an aerosol provision system, the user identification system comprising a PPG sensor and a user identification module configured to provide an indication of an identification of a user of the aerosol provision system. The user identification module is configured to receive a signal from the PPG sensor, identify a value of one or more identification features from the received signal, compare the identified value of the one or more identification features to corresponding reference values of the one or more identification features obtained in advance, and output a result of the comparison to a controller of the aerosol provision system, the controller being configured to control one or more operations of the aerosol provision system in response to the result of the comparison.

[0006] According to a second aspect of certain embodiments, there is provided a system for providing an aerosol to a user, the system comprising the user identification system of the first aspect; and an aerosol provision system comprising a controller for controlling operation of the aerosol provision system.

[0007] According to a third aspect of certain embodiments, there is provided a method of identifying a user of an aerosol provision system using a user identification system comprising a PPG sensor and a user identification module. The method comprises: receiving a signal from the PPG sensor; identifying values of one or more identification features from the received signal; comparing the identified values of the one or more identification features to corresponding reference values of the one or more identification features obtained in advance; and outputting a result of the comparison to a controller of the aerosol provision system, the controller being configured to control one or more operations of the aerosol provision system in response to the result of the comparison.

[0008] According to a fourth aspect of certain embodiments, there is provided a user identification apparatus for an aerosol provision apparatus, the user identification apparatus comprising a PPG sensor apparatus and a user identification module apparatus, the user identification module apparatus being configured to provide an indication of identification of a user of the aerosol provision apparatus. The user identification module apparatus is configured to receive a signal from the PPG sensor apparatus, to identify values of one or more identification features from the received signal, to compare the identified values of the one or more identification features to corresponding reference values of the one or more identification features obtained in advance, and to output a result of the comparison to a controller apparatus of the aerosol provision apparatus, the controller apparatus being configured to control one or more operations of the aerosol provision apparatus in response to the result of the comparison.

[0009] It will be appreciated that features and aspects of the disclosure described above in relation to the first and second aspects of the disclosure are equally applicable to, and can be combined with, embodiments of the disclosure according to the other aspects of the disclosure as appropriate, and not only in the specific combinations described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] Embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic overview of a system according to aspects of the disclosure, the system comprising an aerosol provision system consisting of an aerosol provision apparatus and a cartridge, and a user identification system consisting of a PPG sensor and a user identification module; Figure 2 two graphs of a typical PPG sensor signal representative of a user’s heartbeat are shown, including indications of several identification features associated with the PPG sensor signal; Figure 3 An exemplary method for performing user identification based on PPG sensor signals is shown in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; Figure 4 An implementation of the system of Figure 1 is shown in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, wherein the user identification system is provided in a remote device communicatively coupled to the aerosol provision system; and Figure 5 An implementation of the system of Figure 1 is shown in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, wherein the user identification system is provided as part of the aerosol provision system (i.e. integrated with the aerosol provision system). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are discussed / described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments can be implemented routinely and are not discussed / described in detail for the sake of brevity. 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 routine techniques for implementing such aspects and features.

[0012] The present disclosure relates to delivery systems including non-combustible aerosol provision systems that release compounds from aerosol generating material without combusting the aerosol generating material, such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems to generate aerosols using combinations of aerosol generating materials. Furthermore, and as is common in the art, the terms “vapor” and “aerosol” and related terms such as “vaporize,” “vaporizing,” and “smoke” can be used interchangeably.

[0013] An aerosol generating material is a material that is capable of generating an aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. The aerosol generating material may, for example, be in the form of a liquid or a gel, which can or can not include active substances and / or flavourings. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material can comprise an “amorphous solid”, which can alternatively be referred to as a “monolithic solid” (i.e. non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid can be a dry gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material that can retain some fluid (e.g. liquid) within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material may, for example, comprise from about 50 wt%, 60 wt% or 70 wt% of an amorphous solid, to about 90 wt%, 95 wt% or 100 wt% of an amorphous solid.

[0014] In some embodiments, the or each aerosol generating material can comprise one or more active ingredients, one or more flavourings, one or more aerosol former materials, and / or one or more other functional materials.

[0015] An active substance as used herein can be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance can for example be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics, psychoactives. The active substance can be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active substance can include for example nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theophylline, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, or components, derivatives or combinations thereof. The active substance can include one or more components, derivatives or extracts of tobacco or another plant.

[0016] In some embodiments, the active substance includes nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance includes caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B12.

[0017] As indicated herein, the active substance can include or be derived from one or more plants or components, derivatives or extracts thereof. As used herein, the term "botanical" includes any material derived from a plant, including but not limited to extracts, leaves, bark, fibers, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, skin, husks, etc. Alternatively, the material can include active compounds that are naturally occurring in a plant, synthetically obtained. The material can be in the form of a liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, shreds, strips, flakes, etc. Examples of botanicals are tobacco, eucalyptus, anise, cocoa, fennel, lemon grass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos tea, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, licorice, matcha, mate, orange peel, papaya, rose, sage, green or black tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed (anise), basil, bay leaves, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, sambucus, vanilla, wintergreen, perilla, turmeric, curcuma, sandalwood, caraway, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, black currant, valerian, allspice, mace, damiana, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, rue, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theophylline, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab or any combination of the above. The mint can be selected from the following mint varieties: field mint, mint variety, nile mint, peppermint, lemon mint, peppermint variety, peppermint variety, curly leaf mint, cardiff mint, long leaf mint, variegated mint, spearmint, mint variety and mild mint.

[0018] In some embodiments, the active substance includes or is derived from one or more plants or components, derivatives or extracts thereof, and the plant is tobacco.

[0019] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plants or their components, derivatives or extracts, and the plant is selected from eucalyptus, star anise and cocoa.

[0020] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plants or their components, derivatives or extracts, and the plant is selected from rodiflubenzuron and anethole.

[0021] As used herein, the terms "flavoring agent" and "flavoring ingredient" refer to materials that, where permitted by local regulations, can be used in products intended to produce a desired taste, aroma, or other sensory experience for adult consumers. These can include naturally occurring flavoring ingredients, herbal medicines, extracts of herbal medicines, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, licorice, hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, anise, cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herbs, holly, cherry, berries, raspberries, cranberries, peach, apple, orange, mango, Clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruits, etc.). Papaya, rhubarb, grapes, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Durum Brand liqueur, bourbon whiskey, Scotch whisky, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, quinoa bark, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, areca nut, hookah, pine, honey extract, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cinnamon, caraway, cognac, jasmine Ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, mustard, allspice, ginger, coriander, coffee, peppermint oil, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos tea, flax, ginkgo, hazelnut, hibiscus, bay leaf, yerba mate, orange peel, rose, tea leaves (e.g., green or black tea), thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, perilla, turmeric, coriander, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, bell pepper, nutmeg Peel, damiensis, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, parsley, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavor enhancers, bitter taste receptor blockers, sensory receptor activators or stimulants, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, plant extracts, or breath fresheners. They can be imitations, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They can be in any suitable form.

[0022] In some embodiments, the flavoring agent includes menthol, spearmint, and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavor includes flavor components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits, and / or cranberries. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent includes eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent includes flavoring components extracted from tobacco.

[0023] In some embodiments, in addition to or in place of aroma or taste receptors, flavoring agents may include sensory agents designed to induce somatosensory sensations, which are typically chemically induced and perceived through stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), and these sensory agents may include agents that provide heating, cooling, tingling, or numbing effects. Suitable heat-effecting agents may be, but are not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether, and suitable coolants may be, but are not limited to, leucine ethanol, WS-3.

[0024] Aerosol forming agent materials may include one or more components capable of forming aerosols. In some embodiments, the aerosol forming agent material may include one or more of the following: glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl octanoate, triethyl citrate, glyceryl triacetate, a mixture of diacetic acids, benzyl benzoate, benzyl acetate, phenyl acetate, glyceryl tribocate, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0025] One or more other functional materials may include one or more of pH adjusters, colorants, preservatives, adhesives, fillers, stabilizers, and / or antioxidants.

[0026] Aerosol modifiers are typically substances located downstream of the aerosol generation region, configured to modify the generated aerosols, for example, by altering their taste, aroma, acidity, or other characteristics. Aerosol modifiers can be incorporated into aerosol modifier releasing components, operable to selectively release the aerosol modifier.

[0027] Aerosol modifiers may be, for example, additives or adsorbents. Aerosol modifiers may contain, for example, one or more of fragrances, colorants, water, and carbon adsorbents. Aerosol modifiers may be, for example, solids, liquids, or gels. Aerosol modifiers may be in powder, filament, or granular form. Aerosol modifiers may not contain filter materials.

[0028] According to this disclosure, a "non-flammable" aerosol supply system is a system in which the component aerosol generating materials of the aerosol supply system (or its components) do not burn or ignite, in order to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0029] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is an electronic cigarette, also known as an electronic vaping device, electronic cigarette, or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not required. Throughout the following description, the term "electronic cigarette" is sometimes used, but the term is used interchangeably with aerosol (vapor) supply system.

[0030] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a thermally non-combustible system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0031] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is a mixing system that uses a combination of aerosol-generating materials to generate aerosols, one or more of which can be heated. Each of these aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in solid, liquid, or gel form and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the mixing system includes liquid or gel aerosol-generating materials and solid aerosol-generating materials. Solid aerosol-generating materials may include, for example, tobacco or non-tobacco products.

[0032] Typically, a non-flammable aerosol supply system may include a non-flammable aerosol supply device and consumables for use with the non-flammable aerosol supply device. In some embodiments, this disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating materials and configured for use with a non-flammable aerosol supply device. Throughout this disclosure, these consumables are sometimes referred to as articles.

[0033] Consumables are articles that include or consist of aerosol-generating materials, some or all of which are intended to be consumed by the user during use. Consumables may include one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material delivery assembly, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, packaging, a nozzle, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. Consumables may also include an aerosol generator, such as a heater, which heats the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol during use. The heater may include, for example, a flammable material, a material that can be heated by electrical conduction, or a sensor.

[0034] In some embodiments, a non-flammable aerosol supply system, such as its non-flammable aerosol supply device, may include a power source and a controller. For example, the power source may be an electrical power supply.

[0035] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system may include an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a nozzle, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0036] An aerosol generator is an apparatus configured to generate aerosols from an aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to thermal energy to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to generate aerosols from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

[0037] The following description will focus on embodiments where an aerosol supply system is a source liquid, serving as an aerosol generating material, is vaporized to generate an aerosol for user inhalation. In such embodiments, the article is more commonly referred to as a cartridge. As described above, the cartridge is mechanically engaged with an aerosol supply device. However, it should be understood that the principles of this disclosure can be applied to aerosol supply systems capable of evaporating various aerosol generating materials, such as solids or gels, as described above.

[0038] This disclosure relates to a user identification system for use with an aerosol supply system. The user identification system includes a user identification module and a PPG sensor. The user identification module is arranged to provide an indication of user identification of the aerosol supply system based on the values ​​of one or more identification features received from the PPG sensor, compare the identification values ​​of the identification features with pre-obtained corresponding reference values ​​of the features, and output the comparison result to a controller of the aerosol supply system, which is configured to control one or more operations of the aerosol supply system in response to the comparison result. In this way, user identification relative to an authorized user known to the user identification module can be determined using the PPG sensor signal. User identification can be determined in a non-invasive and convenient manner using the PPG sensor. By determining the user identification, the aerosol supply system can be controlled in response to this determination; for example, by locking the aerosol supply system (i.e., preventing aerosol generation) when the user is not identified as a known user, or by unlocking the aerosol supply system (i.e., allowing aerosol generation) when the user is identified as a known user. Therefore, a convenient and non-invasive method for restricting the use of the aerosol supply system 1 can be implemented.

[0039] Figure 1 The system is schematically illustrated according to certain aspects of this disclosure. The system includes an aerosol supply system 1 (in... Figure 1 (shown in cross section) and user identification system 100.

[0040] Figure 1 The aerosol supply system 1 shown includes two main components: an aerosol supply device 2 and a replaceable / disposable cartridge 4 (which is an example of a consumable or item). Figure 1The aerosol supply system 1 is an example of a modular configuration of the aerosol supply system 1. In this regard, the aerosol supply device 2 and the cartridge 4 can be engaged or disengaged from each other at the interface 6. However, as stated above, the principles of this disclosure are also applicable to other configurations of the aerosol supply system 1, such as a single-piece or modular configuration in which the device 2 and the cartridge 4 can be integrally formed (or in other words, the aerosol supply device 1 is provided with an integrally formed aerosol generating material storage area or portion), or suitable for tobacco heating products in which the article consumable or comprising tobacco is inserted into the atomization (e.g., heating) chamber of the aerosol supply device.

[0041] In this example, the aerosol supply system 1 is generally elongated and cylindrical. The dimensions of the aerosol supply system 1 can be determined to approximate those of a conventional cigarette. However, it should be understood that the overall dimensions and shape of the aerosol supply system 1 are not important to the principles of this disclosure. In some other embodiments, the aerosol supply system 1 may conform to a different overall shape; for example, the aerosol supply device 2 may be based on so-called box-type high-performance devices that typically have a more box-like shape.

[0042] Device 2 includes components generally designed to have a longer lifespan than cartridge 4. In other words, device 2 is designed to be used sequentially with multiple cartridges 4. Cartridge 4 includes components (such as aerosol generating materials) that are consumed during the use of aerosol supply system 1 in the process of forming an aerosol for delivery to the user.

[0043] exist Figure 1 In an exemplary modular configuration, device 2 and cartridge 4 are releasably coupled together at a first interface 6. When the aerosol-generating material in cartridge 4 is depleted or the user simply wishes to switch to a different cartridge 4 (e.g., containing a different aerosol-generating material), cartridge 4 can be removed from device 2 and a replacement cartridge 4 can be attached to the position of device 2. Interface 6 provides a structural connection between device 2 and cartridge 4 and can be established according to a wide range of conventional techniques, such as based on threads, latching mechanisms, bayonet fastenings, or magnetic coupling. In some embodiments, interface 6 may also provide electrical coupling between device 2 and cartridge 4 using suitable electrical contacts. Electrical coupling can allow power and / or data to be supplied to / from cartridge 4.

[0044] It should also be understood that in some embodiments, the cartridge 4 may be refillable. That is, when the cartridge 4 is depleted, it can be refilled with aerosol-generating material using a suitable mechanism (such as a one-way refill valve). The cartridge 4 can be removed from the device 2 for refilling. In other examples, the cartridge 4 may be configured to be refilled when attached to the device 2.

[0045] In embodiments where the aerosol supply system 1 is a single component or an integrated system, the aerosol supply system 1 can be designed to be disposable once the aerosol generating material is depleted. Alternatively, the aerosol supply system 1 may be provided with suitable mechanisms, such as one-way valves, to allow the integrated cartridge 4 (or integrated aerosol generating material storage area) to be refilled with aerosol generating material.

[0046] exist Figure 1 In the middle, the cartridge component 4 includes a cartridge shell 42, an aerosol generating material storage area 44, an aerosol generator 48, an aerosol generating material delivery assembly 46, an outlet or opening 50, and an air path 52.

[0047] The cartridge housing 42 supports other components of the cartridge 4 and provides a mechanical interface 6 to the device 2. The cartridge housing 42 is formed of a suitable material, such as plastic or metal. In the described embodiment, the cartridge housing 42 is generally circularly symmetrical about the longitudinal axis along which the cartridge 4 is coupled to the device 2. In this example, the cartridge 4 has a length of approximately 4 cm and a diameter of approximately 1.5 cm. However, it will be understood that specific geometries and, more generally, the overall shape may vary in different embodiments. The cartridge 4 includes a first end broadly defined by the interface 6 and a second end opposite the first end and including an opening 50. The second end including the opening is intended to be received in or by the user's mouth and may be referred to as the mouthpiece end of the cartridge 4.

[0048] Inside the cartridge casing 42 is an aerosol generating material storage area 44, which may be referred to herein as memory 44. Figure 1 The cartridge 42 is configured to store a liquid aerosol generating material, referred herein as a source liquid, e-liquid, or liquid. The source liquid can be broadly conventional and may contain nicotine and / or other active ingredients, and / or one or more flavorings, as described above. In some embodiments, the source liquid may not contain nicotine. The memory 44 is suitably configured to hold or retain the liquid therein.

[0049] In this example, the memory 44 has an annular shape, having an outer wall defined by the cartridge housing 42 and an inner wall defining an air path 52 through the cartridge 4. The memory 44 is closed at each end with an end wall to contain liquid. The memory 44 can be formed according to conventional techniques; for example, it can comprise a plastic material and be integrally molded with the cartridge housing 42.

[0050] The cartridge 4 further includes an aerosol generator 48. The aerosol generator 48 is an apparatus configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material (e.g., a source liquid). The cartridge 4 also includes an aerosol generating material delivery assembly 46 configured to deliver the aerosol generating material from an aerosol generating material storage region 44 (e.g., a memory 44) to the aerosol generator 48. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material delivery assembly 46 may be integrated with the aerosol generator 48 to form a combined aerosol generator 48 and aerosol generating material delivery assembly 46.

[0051] Aerosol generator 48 is configured to generate aerosols from aerosol generating material. In some embodiments, aerosol generator 48 is a heater 48. Heater 48 is configured to subject the aerosol generating material to thermal energy in order to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol generating material to form an aerosol. For example, heater 48 may take the form of a resistance wire or trace intended to allow current to pass between its ends, or a sensor element intended to generate heat when exposed to an alternating magnetic field. However, in other embodiments, aerosol generator 48 is configured to generate aerosols from the aerosol generating material without heating. For example, aerosol generator 48 may be configured to subject the aerosol generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

[0052] The aerosol generating material delivery assembly 46 is configured to deliver aerosol generating material from the aerosol generating material storage area 44 (memory 44) to the aerosol generator 48. The properties of the aerosol generating material can indicate the form of the aerosol generating material delivery assembly 46. For example, for liquid or viscous gel aerosol generating materials, the aerosol generating material delivery assembly 46 is configured to use capillary action to deliver the liquid or viscous gel aerosol generating material. For example, the aerosol generating material delivery assembly 46 may include porous materials (e.g., ceramics) or fiber bundles (e.g., glass or cotton fibers) capable of delivering liquid / viscous gels using capillary action.

[0053] exist Figure 1 In the described embodiment, the aerosol generator 48 is a heater 48 in the form of a coil made of metal wire (such as nickel-chromium alloy (Cr20Ni80) wire). Figure 1 In one embodiment, the aerosol generating material delivery assembly 46 is a wick 46 in the form of a fiber bundle, such as glass fiber. Figure 1As shown, heater 48 is wound around wick 46, such that heater 48 is positioned near wick 46 and thus also supplied to any liquid held in wick 46. In some other embodiments, aerosol generator 48 may include a porous ceramic core 46 and conductive tracks disposed on the surface of the porous ceramic core serving as heater 48. In yet another embodiment, heater 48 and wick 46 may be combined into a single component, for example, a plurality of sintered steel fibers forming a planar structure.

[0054] The heater 48 and wick 46 are positioned towards the ends of the reservoir 44. In this example, the wick 46 extends laterally across the cartridge air path 52, its end extending into the liquid reservoir 44 through an opening in the inner wall of the reservoir 44. The size of the opening in the inner wall of the reservoir is determined to approximately match the size of the wick 46 to provide a reasonable seal against leakage from the liquid reservoir 44 into the cartridge air path 52 without overcompressing the wick 46, which could negatively impact its fluid transfer performance. The wick 46 is thus configured to transport liquid from the reservoir 44 to the vicinity of the heater 48 via capillary action.

[0055] The wick 46 and heater 48 are arranged in the cartridge air path 52, such that the area of ​​the cartridge air path 52 surrounding the wick 46 and heater 48 effectively defines the vaporization zone for the cartridge 4. This vaporization zone is the area where the cartridge 4 initially generates vapor. In use, electricity can be supplied to the heater 48 to evaporate a certain amount of liquid drawn into the vicinity of the heater 48 by the wick 46.

[0056] The aerosol is delivered to the user via an outlet 50 located at the mouthpiece end of the cartridge 4. During use, the user can place their lips on or around the mouthpiece end of the cartridge 4 and inhale air / aerosol through the outlet 50. More specifically, air is drawn in and travels along air path 52, passing through aerosol generator 48, where aerosol is entrained in the air, and the combined aerosol / air is then inhaled by the user through opening 50. Although Figure 1 The mouthpiece end of the cartridge 4 is shown as an integral part of the cartridge 4, but a separate mouthpiece assembly may be provided that is releasably coupled to the end of the cartridge 4.

[0057] The device 2 includes a housing 12, an optional indicator 14, an inhalation sensor 16 located in a chamber 18, a controller or control circuit 20, a power supply 26, an air inlet 28, and an air path 30.

[0058] Device component 2 includes: a housing 12 having an opening defining an air inlet 28 for the aerosol supply system 1; a power supply 26 for providing operating power to the aerosol supply system 1; a controller or control circuit 20 for controlling and monitoring the operation of the aerosol supply system 1; and an inhalation sensor (suction detector) 16 located in a chamber 18. Device 2 further includes an optional indicator 14.

[0059] The outer casing 12 may be formed of, for example, plastic or metal, and in this example has a circular cross-section that roughly conforms to the shape and size of the cartridge 4, so as to provide a smooth transition between the two components at the interface 6. In this example, the device 2 has a length of approximately 8 cm, so the total length of the aerosol supply system 1 when the cartridge 4 and the device 2 are coupled together is approximately 12 cm. However, and as already noted, it should be understood that the overall shape and dimensions of the aerosol supply system 1 of this disclosure are not important to the principles described herein.

[0060] The housing 12 also includes an air inlet 28 connected to an air path 30 provided by the device 2. When the device 2 and the cartridge 4 are coupled together, the device air path 30 is further connected across the interface 6 to the cartridge air path 52. In this regard, the interface 6 is also arranged to provide connection between the corresponding air paths 30 and 52, allowing air and / or aerosol to pass along the coupled air paths 30, 52. In other embodiments, the device 2 does not include an air path 30, but the cartridge 4 includes an air path 52 and a suitable air inlet that allows air to enter the air path 52 when the cartridge 4 and the device 2 are coupled.

[0061] In this example, the power source 26 is battery 26. Battery 26 can be rechargeable and can be of a wide range of conventional types, such as those commonly used in aerosol supply systems and other applications requiring the delivery of relatively high current over relatively short periods. Battery 26 can be, for example, a lithium-ion battery. Battery 26 can be recharged via a suitable charging connector (e.g., a USB connector) located at or within housing 12. Alternatively, device 2 may include appropriate circuitry to facilitate wireless charging of battery 26.

[0062] Control circuitry 20 is suitably configured / programmed to control the operation of aerosol supply system 1. Control circuitry 20 can be considered as logically comprising various sub-units / circuit elements associated with different aspects of the operation of the aerosol supply system, and can be implemented by providing a control chip of the form of a (micro)controller, processor, ASIC, or similar. Control circuitry 20 can be arranged to control any function associated with system 1. By way of non-limiting example only, in addition to functions such as controlling visual indicators (e.g., LEDs) / displays, communication functions for communicating with external devices, etc., this function may include charging or recharging battery 26, discharging battery 26 (e.g., for providing power to heater 48). Control circuitry 20 may be mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB). It should also be noted that the functions provided by control circuitry 20 may be separated across multiple circuit boards and / or across components not mounted to a PCB, and these additional components and / or PCBs may be suitably located within the aerosol supply device. For example, the function of the control circuit 20 for controlling the (recharging) charging function of the battery 26 can be provided separately from the function for controlling the discharging function of the battery 26 (e.g., on different PCBs).

[0063] As described above, when the device 2 and the cartridge 4 are coupled together at the interface 6, the interface 6 provides an electrical connection between the device 2 and the cartridge 4. More specifically, electrical contacts on the device 2, coupled to the power supply 26, are electrically coupled to electrical contacts on the cartridge, which are coupled to the heater 48. Therefore, under the proper control of the control circuit 20, power from the power supply 26 can be supplied to the heater 48, thereby allowing the heater 48 to evaporate the liquid near the heater 48 held in the wick 46.

[0064] exist Figure 2 In this example, the aerosol supply device 2 includes a chamber 18 housing an inhalation sensor 16, which in this example is a pressure sensor 16. However, the inhalation sensor 16 can be any suitable sensor, such as an airflow sensor, for sensing when a user inhales at the mouthpiece end of the cartridge 4 and subsequently inhales air along air paths 30, 52. Therefore, the presence of the chamber 18 is optional, and its presence can depend on the characteristics of the selected inhalation sensor 16.

[0065] Pressure sensor 16 is in fluid communication with air path 30 in device 2 (e.g., chamber 18 branches off from air path 30 in device 2). Therefore, when a user inhales through opening 50, a pressure drop exists in chamber 18, which, if sufficient, is detected by pressure sensor 16. In response to detecting user inhalation, aerosol supply system 1 is controlled to generate aerosol. That is, when pressure sensor 16 detects a pressure drop in pressure sensor chamber 18, control circuitry 20 responds by causing power supplied from battery 26 to aerosol generator 48 sufficient to cause vaporization of the liquid held within wick 46. This is an example of an aerosol supply system referred to as "suction-actuated". Pressure sensor 16 can be used to start and / or stop the power supply to heater 48 (e.g., when pressure sensor detects no inhalation).

[0066] In other embodiments, the aerosol supply system 1 includes a button or other user-actuable mechanism. When the button or other user-actuable mechanism is actuated by a user, the control circuitry 20 causes power to be supplied to the heater 48, as described above. This is an example of an aerosol supply system referred to as "button-actuated". The button can be used to start and / or stop the power supply to the heater 48 (e.g., when the user releases the button). In some embodiments, both the button (or other user-actuable mechanism) and the inhalation sensor 16 can be used to control the power delivery to the heater 48, for example by requiring the button to be pressed and indicating the pressure drop in inhalation before power is supplied to the heater 48.

[0067] The user identification system 100 is shown to include two main components: a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor 102 and a user identification module 104.

[0068] PPG sensor 102 is a sensor configured to acquire and output volumetric images via optical devices according to widely conventional techniques. Figure 2 A typical volumetric plethysmogram is shown (explained in more detail below). A typical PPG sensor 102 includes a light source such as an LED and a photodetector. The light sensor illuminates an area of ​​the user's skin, and the photodetector receives the corresponding light signal (which may be reflected from or transmitted through the user's skin, depending on the configuration of the PPG sensor 102). According to this disclosure, the PPG sensor 102 can be any conventional PPG sensor.

[0069] User identification module 104 is capable of receiving and processing the output signal from PPG sensor 102. Therefore, user identification module 104 can be embodied as a suitable computer, (micro)controller, etc., with appropriate processing capabilities. Furthermore, user identification module 104 can have appropriate communication capabilities, i.e., it can have suitable input / output interfaces to allow the reception and transmission of different signals. User identification module 104 can be arranged to receive / transmit signals via wired or wireless (such as Bluetooth™) mechanisms, depending on the implementation at hand.

[0070] As will be explained in more detail below, the user identification module 104 is configured to acquire an output signal from the PPG sensor 102, analyze the signal from the PPG sensor 102 and identify values ​​(or multiple values) of certain features from the received signal, and then perform a comparison of the identified values ​​for these features with previously obtained corresponding reference values. The pre-obtained reference values ​​may be determined, for example, during a learning or training phase of the operation of the PPG sensor 102 for a given user. Therefore, a comparison is performed to compare the current value of the feature with the reference value corresponding to the specific user. Thus, based on the comparison result, the identification module 104 can output the comparison result to, for example, the control circuit 20 of the aerosol supply system 1, which can be considered as indicating the current user's identification to the previously determined or identified user.

[0071] Figure 2 A typical volumetric plethysmogram (referred to in this paper as the PPG signal) is shown. Figure 2 The amplitude A of the PPG signal (along the y-axis, in arbitrary units) as a function of time t (along the x-axis, in arbitrary units) is shown. PPG signals are typically used to detect changes in blood volume or blood flow by illuminating an area of ​​a user's skin with light (e.g., infrared light) and measuring changes in light absorption. Therefore, the PPG signal represents the user's heartbeat and / or heart rate. It should be understood that certain areas of the user's skin are more suitable for obtaining accurate and precise PPG signals compared to other areas. For example, the fingertip is often considered a suitable location for obtaining PPG signals.

[0072] To avoid being bound by theory, PPG signals typically show the systolic (compression) and diastolic (dilation) phases of the heartbeat. Figure 2 It shows along Figure 2 The curve represents the points (indicated by black dots). Typically, the peaks of the curve correspond to the maximum blood volume achieved during the systolic (compression) phase of the heartbeat (and actually correspond to the maximum blood volume measured in the corresponding vessel), while the troughs correspond to the minimum blood volume achieved during the diastolic (dilation) phase of the heartbeat (and actually correspond to the minimum blood volume measured in the corresponding vessel). Systole is typically defined from the trough to the double notch (in...). Figure 2(Displayed as point D in the image), the diastolic phase is defined from the double swirl wave D to the subsequent trough.

[0073] While it is generally accepted that a person's heart rate (i.e., beats per minute) is relatively variable and can vary based on factors such as whether a person is exercising or relaxing, the inventors have identified certain characteristics or properties of a user's heartbeat (such as those measured via PPG signals) that remain relatively consistent between heartbeats for a given user or are consistent with appropriate processing of the PPG signals. Furthermore, at least some of these characteristics have been found to allow for potential differentiation between different users. That is, for a given user, the values ​​of certain so-called identifying features or properties in the PPG signal are specific to that user.

[0074] Figure 2 Two versions of the same typical PPG signal are shown; however, Figure 2 The top curve in the graph shows the first set of characteristics or properties of the PPG signal, while the bottom curve shows the second set of characteristics or properties of the PPG signal.

[0075] First, taking the top image, we can define the following identification features of the PPG signal: Given the time t1 between the minimum (i.e., trough) and maximum (i.e., peak) values ​​of the PPG signal during the contraction phase; Given the minimum value (i.e., trough) of the PPG signal and the time t2 between the double swirl wave D (which can also be considered as the time or duration of the contraction period). The time difference Δt between time t1 and t2 corresponds to the time between the maximum value (i.e. the peak) of a given PPG signal and the double-spin-out D. Given the midpoint of the amplitude of the rising edge of the peak of the PPG signal (i.e., the midpoint between the trough and the peak during the contraction period) and the width or time W1 between the double vortex D; The width or time W2 between the midpoint of the amplitude of the rising edge of a given PPG signal peak (i.e., the midpoint between the trough and the peak of the contraction period) and the midpoint of the amplitude of the falling edge of the peak (i.e., the midpoint between the peak in the subsequent (i.e., the later in time) trough). The pulse time interval t defined between two corresponding points on a continuous pulse. pi (exist Figure 2 In the diagram, this is shown as the midpoint of the rising edge of the continuous peak (in the diagram). The amplitude y between the amplitude of the double-spin trap and the amplitude of the previous trough (which can also be defined as the difference between the amplitude at the double-spin trap and the amplitude at the trough). Given the region A1 between the minimum value (i.e., the trough) of the PPG signal and the double constriction wave D (which also corresponds to the contraction period region); and Region A2 is between the double-spin notch wave D and the subsequent minimum (i.e., trough) of the given PPG signal.

[0076] For convenience, each of these features is... Figure 3 One of the graphs indicates this. Although in Figure 3 As not shown above, further identifying features of the PPG signal can be defined as the root mean square difference (RMSSD) between consecutive pulses and pulse intervals. For example, this can be calculated as t of the first pulse. pi Subtract the second continuous pulse t pi The square root of the square (e.g., RMSSD = √(t)) pi (1)–t pi (2)) 2 ).

[0077] Based on one or more of the features mentioned above, a user identification process has been proposed that can be used to identify users (or determine whether the user of PPG sensor 102 is a specific user).

[0078] According to the first embodiment, the user identification module 104 is configured to determine the degree to which the identification features (i.e., one or more of the features mentioned above) of a PPG signal obtained (e.g., from a user) correspond to the identification features of a PPG signal previously obtained from an authorized or known user. More specifically, the user identification module 104 is configured to determine the degree to which the obtained PPG signal belongs to an authorized or known user.

[0079] According to the first embodiment, the user identification module 104 determines the measurement value M according to the following equation: M=(F store -F M ) 2 (1) Among them, F M It is equal to the measured characteristic value of the obtained PPG signal (i.e., the signal currently obtained from PPG sensor 102), and F store This is equivalent to the reference value obtained before the feature is determined from multiple PPG signals pre-obtained by the authorized user.

[0080] Equation (1) above actually performs a measurement of a specific characteristic of the current PPG sensor signal (i.e., the term F in Equation 1).M The reference value of the same characteristic as the PPG sensor signal obtained in advance and corresponding to a specific (i.e., authorized) user (i.e., term F in Equation 1). store Comparison between ).

[0081] To describe the process of performing user identification using equation (1), see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 2 . Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for performing a user identification process using a user identification system 100 according to a first embodiment.

[0082] The method begins at step S1, in which reference values ​​are determined for one or more characteristics of the PPG signal (i.e., one or more characteristics described above).

[0083] To determine the reference value for the characteristics of the PPG sensor signal obtained in advance and corresponding to a specific user (i.e., the term F in Equation 1) store In some implementations, one or more historical PPG sensor signals corresponding to that particular user are obtained before any identification process is performed. In some implementations, signals covering a single heartbeat (e.g., similar to...) are obtained from the particular user. Figure 2 The image shows a single historical PPG sensor signal. However, to help provide a more reliable and / or accurate identification process, multiple historical PPG sensor signals covering multiple heartbeats are obtained from a specific user.

[0084] For example, in some embodiments, in step S1, the first user may use the user identification module 104 and the PPG sensor 102 to perform a learning process. More specifically, the first user may be instructed to use the PPG sensor 102 to perform one or more measurements to provide one or more PPG sensor signals, which are then recorded and stored by the user identification module 104. In the case of obtaining multiple PPG sensor signals, these signals may be obtained over an extended time period, including on different days and / or at different times of day, to record the first user's PPG signals under various conditions and thereby help improve the accuracy of the identification process. In any case, these PPG sensor signals obtained during the learning phase are considered to represent historical PPG sensor signals belonging to the first user.

[0085] Once historical PPG sensor signals have been acquired, the user identification module 104 is configured to determine reference values ​​for one or more characteristics of the PPG signals. For example, the user identification module 104 may determine a reference value for the root mean square difference between consecutive pulse-to-pulse intervals (RMSSD), the amplitude y between the amplitude of a double notch and the previous trough, the time t2 between the minimum value (i.e., the trough) and the double notch D, etc. When multiple historical PPG sensor signals exist, the reference value determined by the user identification module 104 for a given characteristic may be the average of all historical PPG sensor signals from a first user for that characteristic.

[0086] Therefore, it should be understood that the reference value obtained for a specific feature corresponds to the first (or authorized user) and is obtained or determined before any user identification process is performed.

[0087] In some implementations, instead of performing a learning process as part of step S1, suitable reference values ​​may be provided to the user identification module 104 for the corresponding characteristics of the first user. For example, the user identification module 104 may be programmed by the user with suitable reference values, or the reference values ​​may be obtained from medical records or other sources. In other words, the principles of this disclosure extend to the user identification module 104 being provided with (rather than determined) reference values ​​for the corresponding characteristics.

[0088] Once the reference value for the corresponding feature is determined or obtained, the user identification module 104 can then perform the user identification process.

[0089] In step S2, the user identification module 104 receives a sensor signal from the PPG sensor 102. The sensor signal represents the current PPG sensor signal. It should be understood that the current PPG sensor signal may or may not be provided by the first user. In fact, the PPG sensor signal may be provided by a second user.

[0090] In step S3, the user identification module 104 is configured to determine the value of a given identification feature of the PPG sensor signal. The process performed here can be similar to the processing performed on historical PPG sensor signals in step S1. That is, the user identification module 104 is configured to obtain from the current PPG sensor signal the root mean square difference between continuous pulses and pulse intervals (RMSSD), the amplitude y between the amplitude of the double-rotation notch and the previous trough, the minimum value (i.e., the trough), and the time t2 between the double-rotation notch D, etc. It is possible that the current PPG sensor signal covers multiple heartbeats, and if so, the user identification module 104 can be configured to obtain the average value of each different heartbeat in the current PPG sensor signal.

[0091] In step S4, the user identification module is configured to compare a determined value of a given identification feature of the current PPG sensor signal with a reference value of the given identification feature obtained in advance (i.e., in step S1). According to equation (1), this comparison is based on the square of the difference between the determined value of the given identification feature of the current PPG sensor signal and the reference value of the given identification feature obtained in advance. It should be understood that if this difference is large, the measured value M of equation (1) is also large. A large difference between the determined value of the given identification feature of the current PPG sensor signal and the reference value of the given identification feature obtained in advance indicates the fact that the feature of the current PPG sensor signal has a low correlation with the feature of historical PPG sensor signals. Conversely, if this difference is small, the measured value M of equation (1) is also small, where a small difference between the determined value of the given identification feature of the current PPG sensor signal and the reference value of the given identification feature obtained in advance indicates the fact that the feature of the current PPG sensor signal has a high correlation with the feature of historical PPG sensor signals.

[0092] In step S5, the user identification module is configured to output a comparison result to the control circuit 20 of the aerosol supply system 1. In some embodiments, the user identification module 104 may output a measured value M to the control circuit 20, and the control circuit 20 is subsequently configured to perform one or more actions based on the value of the measured value M. In other embodiments, the user identification module 104 is configured to output a comparison result indicating that the (current) user is considered to be identified as a specific (or first) user based on the measured value M being below a threshold. As described above, if the difference between the determined value of a given identification feature of the current PPG sensor signal and a pre-obtained reference value of the given identification feature is small, this indicates that the feature of the current PPG sensor signal (provided by the current user) is highly correlated with the feature of the historical PPG sensor signal (provided by the first user), and therefore there is a high confidence that the current user is the first user. Therefore, by setting the threshold to an appropriate value, when the measured value M is below that value, the user identification mechanism 104 is configured to output a comparison result to the control circuit 20 of the aerosol supply system 1, indicating that the current user is considered to be the first user. Therefore, the control circuit 20 of the aerosol supply system 1 is configured to perform an action in response to the output.

[0093] Based on the comparison results, the control circuit 20 of the aerosol supply system 1 is configured to perform an action.

[0094] exist Figure 3In this implementation, in step S6a, the control circuit 20 is configured to cause the aerosol supply system 1 to perform an unlocking operation or remain in the unlocked state when the comparison result indicates that the user is considered identified. That is, when the measured value M indicates a small difference and therefore indicates a high correlation between the characteristics of the current PPG sensor signal and the characteristics of the historical PPG sensor signal, the control circuit 20 may be configured to either perform an unlocking operation (e.g., allowing the heater 48 to be used when the pressure sensor 16 detects user inhalation and / or when the user actuates the button, as described above), or remain in the unlocked state if the aerosol supply system 1 is currently in the unlocked state.

[0095] Conversely, in step S6b, control circuit 20 is configured to cause aerosol supply system 1 to perform a locking operation or remain in a locked state when the comparison result indicates that the user is not considered to be identified. That is, when the measured value M indicates a large difference, and therefore indicates a low correlation between the characteristics of the current PPG sensor signal and the characteristics of the historical PPG sensor signal, control circuit 20 may be configured to either perform a locking operation (e.g., to prevent the use of heater 48 when pressure sensor 16 detects user inhalation and / or when the user actuates the button, as described above), or remain in a locked state if aerosol supply system 1 is currently in a locked state.

[0096] Therefore, it can be seen that by using certain identification features derived from the PPG sensor signal provided by the PPG sensor 102, it is possible to identify to some extent whether the current user interacting with the PPG sensor 102 is a specific user known or identified in advance by the user identification module 104. Based on this identification, features of the electronic aerosol supply system 1 can be controlled, and specifically, locking or unlocking operations can be provided to help restrict unauthorized (or unidentified) users' use of the aerosol supply system 1.

[0097] Equation (1) represents a first implementation of the algorithm used by the user identification module 104. However, certain modifications can be made accordingly.

[0098] Equation (2) represents the first modification to equation (1).

[0099] M=(F store -F M / FV) 2 (2)

[0100] In equation (2), the value FV is included. The value FV is a value corresponding to the average variability of a given characteristic as determined from multiple PPG signals corresponding to several users (which may or may not include the first or authorized user).

[0101] In practice, the value FV is used to normalize the difference between a determined value of a given identification feature of the current PPG sensor signal and a reference value of that given identification feature obtained in advance based on typical variability observed from multiple different users. That is, for some of the identification features listed above, even for a given user, some variability can be observed in the actual value obtained for that identification feature, for example, from one day to another. The value FV can be used to help determine whether this variability is within or outside the expected limits of a particular feature.

[0102] For example, suppose we consider Figure 1 The time t1. In this example, and only by way of example, the average (i.e., the mean or median) obtained from the historical PPG signal can be set to, for example, 0.34 s. The value of the feature t1 from the current PPG signal can be observed as 0.26 s. This represents a difference of 0.08 s. However, if the FV value of feature t1 is, for example, 0.12 s, then it is evident that 0.08 / 0.12 is less than 1. This would mean that a difference of 0.08 s is not anomalous compared to the normal variation indicated by the value FV. Conversely, if the FV value of feature t1 is, for example, 0.04 s, then it is evident that 0.08 / 0.04 is greater than 1. This would mean that a difference of 0.08 s is considered anomalous compared to the normal variation indicated by the value FV. Since equation (2) squares the normalized difference, it should be recognized that any value greater than 1 will have a more significant effect on the measured value M than a value less than 1.

[0103] By normalizing this difference, it becomes easier to identify discrepancies (where anomalous differences exist) between a determined value of a given identification feature of the current PPG sensor signal and a pre-obtained reference value for that given identification feature, and any threshold set with respect to the measured value M can be implemented with greater accuracy. Furthermore, as will be discussed in more detail below, normalizing this difference also allows for the use of multiple distinct identification features of the PPG signal during the identification process. In this regard, it should be understood that the value FV corresponds to the average variability of a given feature and will therefore vary on a feature-by-feature basis.

[0104] In some implementations, the value FV is determined from multiple PPG signals pre-obtained corresponding to multiple different users (which may or may not include the first or authorized user). This variation can be predetermined and determined, for example, by the manufacturer of the identification system 100 based on conducting trials or otherwise obtaining PPG signals from multiple users. In other implementations, the value FV is determined from multiple historical PPG signals obtained from the first or authorized user. In other words, historical PPG signals can be used to obtain both the average value of a given characteristic corresponding to the first user and the average variability of that given characteristic corresponding to the variability observed in the first user.

[0105] In principle, the user identification module 104 can be configured to implement equation (1) or equation (2) with respect to any of the identification features listed above. However, it has been observed that certain identification features provide more accurate results in successfully determining whether the current user is identified as an authorized user or a known user.

[0106] Data (i.e., PPG signals) were obtained from a total of 19 subjects across multiple examples. For each PPG signal obtained, amplitude and duration were normalized to allow for meaningful comparisons. That is, each individual PPG sensor reading was normalized for amplitude (by subtracting the minimum amplitude from the PPG sensor signal and dividing by the difference between the maximum amplitude (i.e., peak) and the minimum amplitude (i.e., trough)) and duration using interpolation. Relatively large inter-subject variability was observed in the subjects' data for time- and amplitude-based parameters. Inter-subject variability in these parameters was generally low (though not zero) and therefore considered less suitable as candidates for user identification. However, in the features RMSSD and t... pi The maximum variability among subjects was observed, with the feature RMSSD indicating the maximum variability (followed by t). pi And t1). Using these identification features in equation (2) and changing the threshold used to evaluate whether the measurement value M corresponds to an authorized user, it was also observed that these identification features have a maximum receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.7227 for feature RMSSD and for feature t1. pi It has a minimum equality error rate (ERR) of 0.7437 and 0.3348 for feature RMSSD and for feature t pi It has a value of 0.3371. In performing the above authorization, the dataset of the given user was used as the authorized or known user, while the dataset of the remaining 18 subjects was used as the intruder, and the identification performance was evaluated based on the true acceptance rate (i.e., real users were thus identified) and the true rejection rate (i.e., non-real users were thus identified) while changing the threshold used for comparison with the measurement value M.

[0107] Therefore, according to some implementations, the user identification system 100 is configured to identify RMSSD or t based on the current PPG signal. pi The value of the identification feature, and the RMSSD or t pi The identification value of the identification feature is compared with the RMSSD or t obtained in advance from historical PPG sensor signals. pi The corresponding reference values ​​of the identification features are compared.

[0108] Regarding the use of a single identification feature in the user identification process, the identification feature RMSSD or tpi Any of these has been shown to produce suitable authentication performance, as described above.

[0109] However, when using multiple identification features, authentication performance can be improved (e.g., regarding the true acceptance rate—that is, the percentage of genuine users identified as authorized users—and the true rejection rate—that is, the percentage of fake users not identified as authorized users).

[0110] In some embodiments, the user identification module 104 is configured to use at least two of the one or more identification features when performing a comparison between the identification values ​​of the at least two identification features and corresponding reference values ​​of the at least two identification features obtained in advance. In some embodiments, the at least two identification features include the root mean square difference of the continuous pulse to pulse interval (RMSSD) and the pulse time interval (t) between two corresponding points on the continuous pulse. pi However, it should be understood that in other implementations, different combinations of identification features may be used.

[0111] In other embodiments, the user identification module 104 is configured to use at least four of the one or more identification features when performing a comparison between the identification values ​​of the at least four identification features and corresponding reference values ​​of the at least four identification features obtained in advance. In some embodiments, the at least four identification features include the root mean square difference of the continuous pulse to pulse interval (RMSSD), the pulse time interval between two corresponding points on the continuous pulse (t... pi The values ​​are: t1, the time between the minimum and maximum values ​​of the pulse; and W2, the width or time between the midpoint of the amplitude of the rising edge of the peak and the midpoint of the amplitude of the falling edge of the peak. However, it should be understood that different combinations of identification features may be used in other embodiments.

[0112] In this implementation considering multiple identification features, equation (2) can be modified as follows: (3) Among them, F Mi F is equal to the value of the measured characteristic i of the obtained PPG signal (i.e., the signal currently obtained from PPG sensor 102). storei It is equal to the reference value obtained before feature i, determined from multiple PPG signals pre-obtained from the authorized user, and FV i It equals the normalization parameter of feature i.

[0113] According to equation (3), the measured value M is defined as the current PPG sensor signal F. Mi The determined value of a given recognition feature and the reference value F of the given recognition feature obtained in advance for multiple recognition features N.storei The sum of squares of the normalized differences between the two has been observed to enable more accurate identification of the user compared to using a single identification feature (as described above).

[0114] For example, by using RMSSD, t pi The use of t1 and W2 as identification features improves the authentication performance of the user identification module 104. More specifically, in this embodiment, compared to using only the RMSSD described above, the ROC of the multi-feature model is improved to 0.82, with an EER of 0.26. Correspondingly, the true acceptance rate (and true rejection rate) is 0.74.

[0115] Therefore, the above has generally described that the user identification module 104 is configured to identify the value of one or more identification features based on the PPG signal received from the PPG sensor 102, compare the identified value of the one or more identification features with the corresponding reference value of the one or more identification features obtained in advance, and output the comparison result to the aerosol supply system 1 to provide an indication of user identification of the aerosol supply system 1.

[0116] While the user identification module 104 has been described above as being configured to acquire historical PPG sensor signals to determine reference values ​​for one or more identification features, in some embodiments, when the user identification module 104 outputs a comparison result indicating that the user is considered identified (i.e., the current user is a given or authorized user), the user identification module 104 is configured to update the reference values ​​for these identification features using the identification values ​​from the current PPG sensor signals. For example, see... Figure 4 Following or in parallel with step S6a, the user identification module 104 is configured to update the reference value of a given identification feature in step S1 using the value determined in step S3. This may include replacing the reference value at step S1 with the determined value at step S3, or in other embodiments, including the determined value at step S3 (potentially along with the corresponding PPG signal) in the historical PPG signal. In this way, if there are any small changes in the user's heart rate characteristics, such as over time, the user identification module 104 can provide a reference value of the identification feature that remains relevant to the given (authorized) user.

[0117] See back Figure 5 The user identification system 100 is schematically shown relative to the aerosol supply system 1.

[0118] Figure 5An embodiment of the user identification system 100 implemented in a remote device 110 is illustrated schematically. The remote device 110 is provided remotely from the aerosol supply system 1, but includes appropriate circuitry communicatively coupled to the aerosol supply system 1, such that, for example, comparison results can be transmitted to the control circuitry 20 of the aerosol supply system 1.

[0119] The remote device 110 may include, for example, a wearable device (such as a smartwatch), a smartphone, or a similar remote device. In such an implementation, it should be understood that the PPG sensor 102 is integrated with the remote device 110 and is therefore arranged such that a user can interact with the PPG sensor 102 while interacting with the remote device 110.

[0120] Figure 5 An embodiment of the user identification system 100 implemented in the aerosol supply system 1 is illustrated schematically.

[0121] exist Figure 5 In this embodiment, a user identification system 100 (specifically, a PPG sensor 102 and a user identification module 104) is provided as part of an aerosol supply system 1, and more specifically, as part of an aerosol supply device 2. The PPG sensor 102 is at least partially disposed on the outer surface of the housing 12 of the aerosol supply device 2. Specifically, the PPG sensor 102 includes a sensing surface arranged such that a user of the aerosol supply system 1 can contact the sensing surface while holding the aerosol supply system 1. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the user identification module 104 may be provided as... ​ The user identification module 104 is a separate module shown and is provided to communicate with the control circuit 20 (e.g., wired), or alternatively, the user identification module 104 may be integrated with the control circuit 20.

[0122] Whether the user identification system 100 is part of the remote device 110 or the aerosol supply system 1, it has been found that when a PPG sensor signal is acquired over a duration of 20 seconds or longer (or, in other words, including data of more than 20 seconds), the accuracy of determining the value of one or more identification features from the PPG signal from the PPG sensor 102 is improved. In this way, the PPG sensor signal is able to capture multiple heartbeats, and therefore, the variability between heartbeats can be accounted for or reduced, for example, by averaging, when determining the value of any identification feature. Furthermore, it has been found that accuracy is improved when the user is in good contact with the sensing surface of the PPG sensor 102. Therefore, as described above regarding… ​ As described, the proper location of the PPG sensor 102 (whether implemented in a remote device or in the aerosol supply system 1) is important in some embodiments.

[0123] Furthermore, it should be understood that while other heart rate sensors exist, such as electrocardiogram (ECG)-based heart rate sensors, the PPG sensor 102 generally offers greater user convenience. For example, in ECG-based heart rate sensors, electrodes typically must be attached to the user's body. While this may be acceptable in a hospital setting, it adds a degree of inconvenience to the user, for example, when using an aerosol delivery system (note that such systems are typically used intermittently for short periods). Therefore, the PPG sensor 102 generally offers improved user convenience compared to other types of heart rate sensors, such as ECG sensors.

[0124] Therefore, a user identification system for an aerosol supply system has been described, comprising a PPG sensor and a user identification module configured to provide an indication of user identification for the aerosol supply system. The user identification module is configured to receive a signal from the PPG sensor, identify the value of one or more identification features based on the received signal, compare the identified value of the one or more identification features with a pre-obtained corresponding reference value for the one or more identification features, and output the comparison result to a controller of the aerosol supply system, the controller being configured to control one or more operations of the aerosol supply system in response to the comparison result. A system for supplying aerosols to a user and a method for identifying a user of an aerosol supply system have also been described.

[0125] While the above embodiments focus in some aspects on specific example aerosol supply systems, it should be understood that the same principles can be applied to aerosol supply systems using other technologies. That is, the specific manner in which various aspects of the aerosol supply system function are not directly related to the basic principles of the examples described herein.

[0126] To address various problems and improve the prior art, this disclosure illustrates, by way of description, various embodiments in which the claimed invention can be implemented. 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. Various embodiments may suitably include various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, devices, etc., other than those specifically described herein, constitute various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, devices, etc., or consist substantially of various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, devices, etc., and therefore it should be recognized that features of dependent claims may be combined with features of independent claims in combinations other than those expressly stated in the claims. This disclosure may include other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. A user identification system for an aerosol supply system, the user identification system comprising: PPG sensor; as well as The user identification module is configured to provide indications for identifying users of the aerosol supply system. The user identification module is configured as follows: Receive signals from the PPG sensor Identify the values ​​of one or more identification features from the received signal. The identification values ​​of the one or more identification features are compared with the corresponding reference values ​​of the one or more identification features obtained in advance, and The result of the comparison is output to the controller of the aerosol supply system, the controller being configured to control one or more operations of the aerosol supply system in response to the result of the comparison.

2. The user identification system according to claim 1, wherein, The user identification module is configured to output a comparison result indicating that the user is considered to be identified, based on a calculation where the difference between the identification value and the reference value using one or more identification features is less than a threshold.

3. The user identification system according to claim 2, wherein, The calculation includes normalizing the difference between the identification value and the reference value for each of the one or more identification features.

4. The user identification system according to claim 3, wherein, Normalizing the difference between the identified value and the reference value for each of the one or more identified features includes normalization based on a normalization parameter that depends on the given identified feature.

5. The user identification system according to claim 4, wherein, The normalization parameters are based on one or more PPG sensor signals corresponding to multiple different users.

6. The user identification system according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein, The calculation includes the sum of the normalized differences between the identified value and the reference value for each of the one or more identified features, and the sum of the normalized differences is compared with the threshold.

7. The user identification system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The reference values ​​of the one or more identification features obtained in advance are derived from one or more received signals from the PPG sensor obtained at an earlier time.

8. The user identification system according to claim 6, wherein, The reference value for a given identification feature is the average of the corresponding values ​​identified in one or more received signals from the PPG sensor obtained at an earlier time.

9. The user identification system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The signal received from the PPG sensor is normalized for at least one of amplitude and duration.

10. The user identification system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The one or more identification features are selected from the group consisting of: average pulse-to-pulse interval, root mean square difference of consecutive pulse-to-pulse interval, time between the midpoint of the rising edge and the midpoint of the falling edge of a pulse, and time between the minimum and maximum points of a pulse.

11. The user identification system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The user identification module is configured to perform the comparison based on the identification values ​​of at least two of the one or more identification features.

12. The user identification system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The user identification module is configured to perform the comparison based on the identification values ​​of at least four of the one or more identification features.

13. The user identification system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, When the user identification module is configured to output a comparison result indicating that the user is considered to be identified, the user identification module is configured to update the corresponding reference value of one or more pre-obtained identification features using the identification values ​​of the one or more identification features.

14. A system for providing aerosols to a user, the system comprising: The user identification system according to any one of claims 1 to 13; as well as An aerosol supply system, including a controller for controlling the operation of the aerosol supply system.

15. The system according to claim 14, wherein, The controller is configured to cause the aerosol supply system to perform an unlocking operation or remain in an unlocked state when the result of the comparison indicates that the user is considered identified.

16. The system according to claim 14 or 15, wherein, The controller is configured to cause the aerosol supply system to perform a locking operation or remain locked when the result of the comparison indicates that the user is considered unidentified.

17. The system according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein, The PPG sensor, controller, and user identification module are installed in the aerosol supply system.

18. The system according to claim 17, wherein, The PPG sensor includes a sensing surface arranged such that a user can contact the sensing surface while holding the aerosol delivery system.

19. The system according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein, The system includes a remote device communicatively coupled to the aerosol supply system, wherein the PPG sensor and user identification module are located in the remote device.

20. The system according to any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein, The aerosol supply system comprises an aerosol supply device and removable consumables, the consumables including an aerosol generation material storage area for storing aerosol generation materials.

21. A method for identifying users of an aerosol supply system using a user identification system, said user identification system comprising a PPG sensor and a user identification module, wherein, The method includes: Receive signals from the PPG sensor The values ​​of one or more identification features are identified from the received signal, and the identified values ​​of one or more identification features are compared with the corresponding reference values ​​of one or more identification features obtained in advance. The result of the comparison is output to the controller of the aerosol supply system, the controller being configured to control one or more operations of the aerosol supply system in response to the result of the comparison.

22. A user identification device for an aerosol supply apparatus, the user identification device comprising: PPG sensor device; as well as The user identification module device is configured to provide an indication of user identification for the aerosol supply device. The user identification module device is configured as follows: Receive signals from the PPG sensor device. Identify the values ​​of one or more identification features from the received signal. The identification values ​​of the one or more identification features are compared with the corresponding reference values ​​of the one or more identification features obtained in advance, and The comparison result is output to a controller device of the aerosol supply device, the controller device being configured to control one or more operations of the aerosol supply device in response to the comparison result.

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