Aerosol delivery device, and related methods and computer program products for controlling aerosol delivery device on the basis of input characteristics

Abstract

To provide an aerosol delivery device, and related methods and computer program products for controlling the aerosol delivery device on the basis of input characteristics.SOLUTION: A method may include an aerosol delivery device determining a characteristic of user input to the aerosol delivery device 100. The method may further include the aerosol delivery device 100 determining a control function having a defined association with the characteristic. The method may additionally include the aerosol delivery device performing the control function in response to the user input.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices, such as smoking articles, and more particularly to aerosol delivery devices and related methods and computer program products for controlling the aerosol delivery devices based at least in part on input characteristics. The smoking articles may be configured to heat a material that may be made from or derived from tobacco or that may otherwise incorporate tobacco to form an inhalable substance for human consumption. [Background technology]

[0002] Many smoking devices have been proposed over the years as an improvement or replacement for smoking products that require the burning of tobacco for use. Many of these devices are purportedly designed to provide the sensation associated with cigarette, cigar, or pipe smoking without delivering significant amounts of incomplete combustion and pyrolysis products resulting from the combustion of tobacco. To this end, numerous smoking products, flavor generators, and medicinal inhalers have been proposed that utilize electrical energy to vaporize or heat volatile materials or attempt to provide the sensation of cigarette, cigar, or pipe smoking without significant tobacco combustion. See, for example, U.S. Patent No. 7,726,320 to Robinson et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0255702 to Griffith, Jr. et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0000638 to Sebastian et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0060554 to Collett et al., and U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 647,000, filed October 8, 2012, which are incorporated herein by reference, for various alternative smoking articles, aerosol delivery devices, and heat sources described in the background art.

[0003] Continuing developments in the field of aerosol delivery devices have resulted in increasingly sophisticated aerosol delivery devices. However, due to factors such as form factor, many aerosol delivery devices have relatively limited user interface mechanisms through which control inputs can be provided by a user. Thus, providing control inputs for controlling various device functions and settings remains problematic. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 7,726,320 [Patent Document 2] US Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0255702 [Patent Document 3] US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0000638 [Patent Document 4] US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0060554 [Patent Document 5] U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 647,000 Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol delivery device, as well as related methods and computer program products for controlling the aerosol delivery device based at least in part on an input characteristic. For example, in one aspect, a method for controlling an aerosol delivery device based at least in part on a user input characteristic is provided. The method may include the aerosol delivery device determining a characteristic of a user input to the aerosol delivery device. The method may further include the aerosol delivery device determining a control function having a defined association with the characteristic. The method may further include the aerosol delivery device performing the control function in response to the user input.

[0006] In another aspect, an aerosol delivery device is provided that can include processing circuitry configured to at least determine a characteristic of a user input to the aerosol delivery device, determine a control function having a defined association with the characteristic, and implement the control function in response to the user input.

[0007] In a further aspect, a computer program product is provided that may include at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having program instructions stored thereon. The stored program instructions may include program code for determining a characteristic of a user input to an aerosol delivery device. The stored program instructions may further include program instructions for determining a control function having a defined association with the characteristic. The stored program instructions may further include program instructions for performing the control function in response to the user input.

[0008] In an additional aspect, a method is provided for controlling an aerosol delivery device based at least in part on a characteristic of an inhalation input. The method may include the aerosol delivery device determining a characteristic of the inhalation input to the aerosol delivery device. The method may further include the aerosol delivery device determining a control function having a defined association with the characteristic. The method may further include the aerosol delivery device performing the control function in response to the inhalation input.

[0009] In yet a further aspect, an aerosol delivery device is provided that can include an inhalation sensor and processing circuitry coupled to the inhalation sensor. The inhalation sensor can be configured to detect an inhalation input to the aerosol delivery device. The processing circuitry can be configured to at least determine a characteristic of the inhalation input, determine a control function having a defined association with the characteristic, and implement the control function in response to the inhalation input.

[0010] In another aspect, a computer program product is provided that may include at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having program instructions stored thereon. The stored program instructions may include program code for determining a characteristic of an inhalation input to an aerosol delivery device. The stored program instructions may further include program instructions for determining a control function having a defined association with the characteristic. The stored program instructions may further include program instructions for performing the control function in response to the inhalation input.

[0011] Accordingly, the present disclosure includes, but is not limited to, the following exemplary embodiments.

[0012] Exemplary embodiment 1: An aerosol delivery device is provided, comprising: an inhalation sensor configured to detect an inhalation input to the aerosol delivery device; and processing circuitry coupled to the inhalation sensor, the processing circuitry configured to cause the aerosol delivery device to at least determine a characteristic of the inhalation input, determine a control function having a defined association with the characteristic, and perform the control function in response to the inhalation input.

[0013] Exemplary Embodiment 2: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding or subsequent exemplary embodiment, or combination thereof, wherein the control function includes a function other than heating the aerosol precursor composition to form an inhalable substance.

[0014] Exemplary Embodiment 3: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding or subsequent exemplary embodiment, or combination thereof, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to cause the aerosol delivery device to perform a control function, at least in part, by causing the aerosol delivery device to provide an indication of the level of aerosol precursor composition remaining in a cartridge operatively engaged with the aerosol delivery device in response to an inhalation input.

[0015] Exemplary embodiment 4: An aerosol delivery device as described in any preceding or subsequent exemplary embodiment, or a combination thereof, wherein the aerosol delivery device further comprises a battery, and the processing circuitry is configured to cause the aerosol delivery device to perform a control function, at least in part, by causing the aerosol delivery device to provide an indication of the charge level of the battery.

[0016] Exemplary embodiment 5: An aerosol delivery device as described in any preceding or subsequent exemplary embodiment, or a combination thereof, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to cause the aerosol delivery device to perform a control function, at least in part, by causing the aerosol delivery device to change configuration settings of the aerosol delivery device.

[0017] Exemplary embodiment 6: An aerosol delivery device as described in any preceding or subsequent exemplary embodiment, or a combination thereof, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to cause the aerosol delivery device to change configuration settings, at least in part, by causing the aerosol delivery device to change one or more of the following: a light-emitting diode (LED) indicator configuration setting, a tactile feedback configuration, a heating profile configuration, an aerosol precursor composition vaporization setting, an inhalation control setting, or a battery management setting.

[0018] Exemplary embodiment 7: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding or subsequent exemplary embodiment, or a combination thereof, wherein the characteristics include one or more of the duration of inhalation, the total number of inhalations in the inhalation input, the interval between two inhalations, the inhalation force, or the detection of reverse inhalation.

[0019] Exemplary Embodiment 8: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding or subsequent exemplary embodiment, or a combination thereof, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to receive a user input configured to cause the aerosol delivery device to perform a control function in response to the inhalation input, rather than heating the aerosol precursor composition to form an inhalable substance in response to the inhalation input, and to change the control mode in response to the user input, wherein the control function is performed at least in part based on the change in control mode.

[0020] Exemplary embodiment 9: A method is provided for controlling an aerosol delivery device based at least in part on a user input characteristic, the method including the aerosol delivery device determining a characteristic of a user input to the aerosol delivery device, determining a control function having a defined association with the characteristic, and performing the control function in response to the user input.

[0021] Exemplary embodiment 10: The method of any preceding or subsequent exemplary embodiment, or a combination thereof, further comprising the aerosol delivery device determining, based at least in part on the characteristics, that the user input is for a control function other than a default function associated with the input mechanism through which the user input was received.

[0022] Exemplary Embodiment 11: The method of any preceding or subsequent exemplary embodiment, or combination thereof, wherein the control function includes a function other than heating an aerosol precursor composition to form an inhalable substance or switching the power state of the aerosol delivery device.

[0023] Exemplary Embodiment 12: The method of any preceding or subsequent exemplary embodiment, or a combination thereof, wherein performing the control function includes one or more of providing an indication of the level of aerosol precursor composition remaining in a cartridge operably engaged with the aerosol delivery device, or providing an indication of the charge level of a battery installed in the aerosol delivery device.

[0024] Exemplary embodiment 13: The method of any preceding or subsequent exemplary embodiment, or a combination thereof, wherein performing a control function includes changing a configuration setting of the aerosol delivery device.

[0025] Exemplary embodiment 14: The method of any preceding or subsequent exemplary embodiment, or combination thereof, wherein changing the configuration settings includes changing one or more of a light-emitting diode (LED) indicator configuration setting, a tactile feedback configuration setting, a heating profile configuration, an aerosol precursor composition vaporization setting, an inhalation control setting, or a battery management setting.

[0026] Exemplary embodiment 15: The method of any preceding or subsequent exemplary embodiment, or a combination thereof, wherein the user input includes an inhalation input consisting of one or more inhalations.

[0027] Exemplary embodiment 16: The method of any preceding or subsequent exemplary embodiment, or a combination thereof, wherein determining the characteristic includes determining one or more of the duration of an inhalation, the total number of inhalations in the inhalation input, the interval between two inhalations, the inhalation force, or the detection of a reverse inhalation.

[0028] Exemplary Embodiment 17: The method of any preceding or subsequent exemplary embodiment, or a combination thereof, further comprising: receiving, by the aerosol delivery device, a second user input, wherein the second user input is configured to change a control mode of the aerosol delivery device to cause the aerosol delivery device to perform a control function in response to the inhalation input, rather than heating the aerosol precursor composition to form an inhalable substance in response to the inhalation input; and changing the control mode in response to the second user input.

[0029] Exemplary embodiment 18: The method of any preceding or subsequent exemplary embodiment, or a combination thereof, wherein the user input comprises manipulation of the aerosol delivery device.

[0030] Exemplary embodiment 19: The method of any preceding or subsequent exemplary embodiment, or a combination thereof, wherein determining the characteristic includes determining one or more of the type of operation, the direction of movement of the aerosol delivery device, the change in orientation of the aerosol delivery device, the angular displacement of the aerosol delivery device, the acceleration of the aerosol delivery device, or the number of recurring movement patterns during the operation.

[0031] Exemplary embodiment 20: A computer program product for controlling an aerosol delivery device based at least in part on user input characteristics is provided, the computer program product comprising at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon program instructions, the program instructions including: program code for determining a characteristic of a user input to the aerosol delivery device; program code for determining a control function having a defined association with the characteristic; and program code for implementing the control function in response to the user input.

[0032] Exemplary Embodiment 21: A computer program product as described in any preceding or subsequent exemplary embodiment, or a combination thereof, wherein the program instructions further include program code for determining, based at least in part on the characteristics, that the user input is for a control function other than a default function associated with the input mechanism through which the user input was received.

[0033] Exemplary Embodiment 22: A computer program product as described in any preceding or subsequent exemplary embodiment, or a combination thereof, wherein the program code for performing the control function includes program code for one or more of providing an indication of the level of aerosol precursor composition remaining in a cartridge operably engaged with the aerosol delivery device, or providing an indication of the charge level of a battery installed in the aerosol delivery device.

[0034] Exemplary embodiment 23: A computer program product as described in any preceding or subsequent exemplary embodiment, or a combination thereof, wherein the program code for performing the control functions includes program code for changing configuration settings of the aerosol delivery device.

[0035] Exemplary Embodiment 24: The computer program product of any preceding or subsequent exemplary embodiment, or any combination thereof, wherein the user input includes an inhalation input consisting of one or more inhalations.

[0036] Exemplary embodiment 25: The computer program product of any preceding or subsequent exemplary embodiment, or a combination thereof, wherein the user input comprises manipulation of an aerosol delivery device.

[0037] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from a reading of the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are briefly described below. The present disclosure includes any combination of two, three, four, or more features or elements described in this disclosure, regardless of whether such features or elements are explicitly combined or otherwise described in the description of a particular embodiment herein. The present disclosure is intended to be read collectively such that any separable features or elements of the disclosure, in any of its aspects and embodiments, should be considered as intended, i.e., as combinable, unless the context of the disclosure clearly dictates otherwise.

[0038] It will therefore be understood that this Summary is provided merely for the purpose of summarizing some exemplary embodiments in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it will be understood that the exemplary embodiments described above are examples only, and should not be construed as limiting the scope or spirit of the present disclosure in any way. Other embodiments, aspects, and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of some of the described embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0039] Having thus described the present disclosure in the foregoing general terms, reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0040] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view through an electronic smoking article including a control body and a cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view through an electronic smoking article comprising a cartridge and a control body and including a reservoir housing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1 shows a block diagram of an apparatus that may be implemented in an aerosol delivery device, according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 shows a flow chart according to one example method for controlling an aerosol delivery device based at least in part on input characteristics, according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 1 shows a flow chart according to one exemplary method for controlling an aerosol delivery device based at least in part on characteristics of an inhalation input, according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1 shows a flow chart according to one exemplary method for controlling an aerosol delivery device based at least in part on characteristics of the operation of the aerosol delivery device, according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 1 shows a flow chart according to one exemplary method for changing a control mode of an aerosol delivery device, according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0041] The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof. These exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Indeed, the disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0042] Some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to aerosol delivery devices, as well as related methods and computer program products for controlling the aerosol delivery devices based at least in part on input characteristics. Aerosol delivery devices (e.g., smoking articles) that may be used in various exemplary embodiments may include, by way of non-limiting example, so-called "electronic cigarettes." It should be understood that the features, components, features, and methods associated with such aerosol delivery devices may be embodied in many different forms and associated with a variety of articles.

[0043] In this regard, the present disclosure provides a description of an aerosol delivery device that uses electrical energy to heat a material to form an inhalable substance (preferably without burning the material to any significant extent), and most preferably, such an article is small enough to be considered a "handheld" device. The aerosol delivery device may provide some or all of the sensations of smoking a cigarette, cigar, or pipe (e.g., inhalation and exhalation habits, taste or flavor type, organoleptic effects, physical sensations, usage habits, visual cues such as those provided by a visible aerosol, etc.) without burning any components of the article or device to any significant extent. The aerosol delivery device may not generate smoke in the sense of an aerosol resulting from the by-products of tobacco combustion or thermal decomposition, but rather, may generate smoke in the sense that the article or device may produce a vapor (including vapor in an aerosol that may be considered to be described as smoke-like and that may be considered to be a visible aerosol) resulting from the volatilization or vaporization of certain components of the article or device. In a highly preferred embodiment, the aerosol delivery device may incorporate tobacco and / or tobacco-derived components.

[0044] The aerosol delivery device of the present disclosure may also be characterized as a vapor product, smoking article, or drug delivery article. Accordingly, such an article or device may be adapted to provide one or more substances (e.g., flavors and / or pharmaceutically active ingredients) in an inhalable form or state. For example, the inhalable substance may be substantially in vapor form (i.e., a substance in the gas phase at a temperature below its critical point). Alternatively, the inhalable substance may be in aerosol form (i.e., a suspension of solid particles or liquid droplets in a gas). For purposes of brevity, the term "aerosol" as used herein is intended to include vapors, gases, and aerosols in any form or type suitable for human inhalation, whether or not visible, and whether or not in a form that can be considered smoke-like.

[0045] During use, the aerosol delivery device of the present disclosure can be subjected to many of the physical actions that an individual would take when using a traditional smoking article (e.g., a cigarette, cigar, or pipe, which is used by lighting and inhaling tobacco.) For example, a user of the aerosol delivery device of the present disclosure can hold the article in the same manner as a traditional smoking article, draw on one end of the article to inhale the aerosol generated by the article, and puff at selected time intervals.

[0046] The aerosol delivery device of the present disclosure generally includes several components provided within an outer body or shell. The overall design of the outer body or shell can vary, and the format or configuration of the outer body can vary, which can define the overall size and shape of the aerosol delivery device. Typically, an elongated body resembling the shape of a cigarette or cigar can be formed from a single, integral shell, or alternatively, the elongated body can be formed from two or more separable parts. For example, an aerosol delivery device can include an elongated shell or body that is substantially tubular in shape and thus can resemble the shape of a traditional cigarette or cigar. In one embodiment, all of the components of the present aerosol delivery device are housed within a single outer body or shell. Alternatively, an aerosol delivery device can include two or more shells that are joined and separable. For example, the aerosol delivery device may have a control body at one end that includes an outer body or shell containing one or more reusable components (e.g., a rechargeable battery and various electronics for controlling the operation of the article), to which an outer body or shell containing a disposable portion (e.g., a disposable flavor-containing cartridge) may be removably attached at the other end. More specific formats, configurations, and arrangements of components within a single-shell unit or within a multi-part, separable-shell unit will become apparent in light of the further disclosure provided herein. Furthermore, the design and component arrangements of various aerosol delivery devices may be understood by considering commercially available electronic aerosol delivery devices, such as the representative products listed in the Background section of this disclosure.

[0047] The aerosol delivery devices of the present disclosure most preferably comprise some combination of a power source (e.g., a power source), at least one control component (e.g., a means for activating, controlling, regulating, and terminating electrical power for heat generation, such as by controlling electrical current that power source to other components of the article, e.g., a microcontroller), a heater or heat-generating component (e.g., an electrical resistance heating element or component commonly referred to as an "atomizer"), an aerosol precursor composition (e.g., a liquid that can generate an aerosol when sufficient heat is applied, such as ingredients commonly referred to as "smoke juice," "e-liquid," and "e-juice"), and a mouthpiece region or tip that allows the aerosol delivery device to be drawn upon for aerosol inhalation (e.g., a defined airflow path through the article so that, when drawn upon, the generated aerosol can be drawn therethrough). Exemplary formulations of aerosol precursor materials that may be used in accordance with the present disclosure are described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2013 / 0008457 to Zheng et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0048] The arrangement of components within the present aerosol delivery device may vary. In certain embodiments, the aerosol precursor composition may be located near one end of the article (e.g., in a cartridge, which may be replaceable and disposable in certain circumstances), which may be proximal to the user's mouth to maximize aerosol delivery to the user. However, other configurations are not excluded. Generally, the heating element may be located sufficiently close to the aerosol precursor composition so that heat from the heating element can volatilize the aerosol precursor (as well as one or more flavorants, medications, etc., which may also be provided for delivery to the user) and form an aerosol for delivery to the user. When the heating element heats the aerosol precursor composition, an aerosol is formed, emitted, or generated in a physical form suitable for inhalation by the consumer. It should be noted that the foregoing terms are intended to be interchangeable, such that references to release, releasing, releases, or released include form or generate, forming or generating, forms or generates, and formed or generated. Specifically, the inhalable substance is released in the form of a vapor or an aerosol, or a mixture thereof. Furthermore, the selection of various aerosol delivery device components can be understood by considering commercially available electronic aerosol delivery devices, such as representative products listed in the Background section of this disclosure.

[0049] The aerosol delivery device incorporates a battery or other power source to provide sufficient current to provide various functionalities for the article, such as resistive heating, powering a control system, and powering indicators. The power source can take on a variety of embodiments. The power source is preferably capable of delivering sufficient power to rapidly heat the heating element to provide aerosol formation and power the article for the desired period of use. The power source is preferably sized to fit conveniently within the aerosol delivery device to allow for easy handling of the aerosol delivery device, and is also preferably lightweight enough so as not to detract from the desired smoking experience.

[0050] FIG. 1 provides an exemplary embodiment of an aerosol delivery device 100 that can be used in various embodiments. As can be seen from the cross-section shown in the figure, the aerosol delivery device 100 can include a regulator 102 and a cartridge 104, which can be permanently or removably arranged in a functional relationship. In this regard, the regulator 102 can include a cartridge-engaging portion, and the cartridge 104 can include a regulator-engaging portion, to support engagement between the regulator 102 and the cartridge 104 so that the regulator 102 and cartridge 104 can be arranged in a functional relationship. For example, the cartridge-engaging portion of the regulator 102 can be provided by one or more aspects of its coupler 120, proximal attachment end 122, and / or regulator protrusion 124, as described further below. The regulator-engaging portion of the cartridge 104 can be provided by one or more aspects of the plug 140 and / or distal attachment end 142, as described further below. Although a threaded engagement between the control body 102 and cartridge 104 is shown in FIG. 1, it will be appreciated that additional engagement means may be used, such as a press fit engagement, an interference fit, a magnetic engagement, or the like.

[0051] In certain embodiments, one or both of the controller 102 and cartridge 104 may be referred to as disposable or reusable. For example, the controller may have a replaceable or rechargeable battery and, therefore, can be combined with any type of recharging technology, including connection to a typical electrical outlet, connection to a car charger (e.g., a cigarette lighter receptacle), and connection to a computer via a Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable, etc. For example, an adapter including a USB connector on one end and a controller connector on the opposite end is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 840,264, filed March 15, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. It will be understood that embodiments including a rechargeable battery may include any type of rechargeable battery, such as, by way of non-limiting example, lithium-ion batteries (e.g., rechargeable lithium manganese dioxide batteries), lithium-ion polymer batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, rechargeable alkaline batteries, any combination thereof, and / or other types of rechargeable batteries. Additionally, in some embodiments, the cartridge may include a single-use cartridge, as disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0060555 to Chang et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, the control body 102 includes a control component 106 (e.g., a microcontroller), a flow sensor 108, and a battery 110, which may be variably arranged, and may include multiple indicators 112 at the distal end 114 of the outer body 116. The indicators 112 may be provided in various numbers, may take different shapes, and may even be openings within the body (such as for emitting sound when such an indicator is present). In the illustrated embodiment, a tactile feedback component 101 is included along with the control component 106. Thus, the tactile feedback component may be integrated with one or more components of the smoking article to provide a vibration or similar tactile indication of use or status to the user. See, for example, the disclosure of U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 946,309, filed July 19, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0053] An air inlet 118 may be disposed within the outer body 116 of the regulator 102. A coupler 120 may also be included at a proximal mounting end 122 of the regulator 102 and extend into a regulator protrusion 124 to facilitate electrical connection with the sprayer or components thereof, such as a resistive heating element (described below), when the cartridge 104 is attached to the regulator. Although the air inlet 118 is shown as being provided within the outer body 116, in alternative embodiments, the air inlet may be provided within a coupler, for example, as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 841,233, filed March 15, 2013.

[0054] The cartridge 104 includes an outer body 126 having a mouth opening 128 at the mouthpiece 130 of the body to allow air and entrained vapor (i.e., components of the aerosol precursor composition in inhalable form) to pass from the cartridge to the consumer during inhalation of the aerosol delivery device 100. The aerosol delivery device 100 may, in some embodiments, be substantially rod-shaped, or substantially tubular-shaped, or substantially cylindrical-shaped. Additional shapes and dimensions (e.g., rectangular or triangular cross-sections, etc.) are encompassed in other embodiments.

[0055] The cartridge 104 further includes a sprayer 132 comprising a resistive heating element 134 (e.g., a wire coil) configured to generate heat and a liquid transport element 136 (e.g., a wick) configured to transport a liquid. Various embodiments of materials configured to generate heat when an electric current is applied therethrough may be used to form the resistive heating element 134. Exemplary materials from which the wire coil may be formed include Kanthal (FeCrAl), Nichrome, molybdenum disilicide (MoSi), molybdenum silicide (MoSi), aluminum-doped molybdenum disilicide (Mo(Si,Al)), and ceramics (e.g., positive temperature coefficient ceramics). In addition to the above, exemplary heating elements and materials for use therein are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,060,671 to Counts et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,093,894 to Deevi et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,224,498 to Deevi et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,224,498 to Sprinkel et al. No. 5,228,460 to Jr. et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,322,075 to Deevi et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,353,813 to Deevi et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,468,936 to Deevi et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,498,850 to Das, U.S. Pat. No. 5,659,656 to Das, U.S. Pat. No. 5,498,855 to Deevi et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,530,225 to Hajaligol, U.S. Pat. No. 5,665,262 to Hajaligol, U.S. Pat. No. 5,573,692 to Das et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,591,368 to Fleischhauer et al., the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0056] Electrically conductive heater terminals 138 (e.g., positive and negative terminals) at either end of the heating element 134 are configured to conduct electrical current through the heating element and are configured to be attached to appropriate wiring or circuitry (not shown) to form an electrical connection between the heating element and the battery 110 when the cartridge 104 is connected to the regulator 102. Specifically, a plug 140 may be disposed at a distal mounting end 142 of the cartridge 104. When the cartridge 104 is connected to the regulator 102, the plug 140 engages the coupler 120 to form an electrical connection such that electrical current controllably flows from the battery 110, through the coupler and plug, to the heating element 134. The outer body 126 of the cartridge 104 may continue across the distal mounting end 142, such that this end of the cartridge is substantially closed with the plug 140 protruding therefrom.

[0057] The liquid transport element may be combined with a liquid reservoir to transport the aerosol precursor composition to the aerosolization zone. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the cartridge 104 includes a reservoir layer 144, which in this embodiment comprises a layer of nonwoven fibers formed in the shape of a tube that surrounds the inside of the cartridge outer body 126. The aerosol precursor composition is held within the reservoir layer 144. The liquid component may be adsorptively held by the reservoir layer 144, for example. The reservoir layer 144 is in fluid communication with the liquid transport element 136. The liquid transport element 136 transports the aerosol precursor composition stored within the reservoir layer 144 to the aerosolization zone 146 of the cartridge 104 by capillary action. As shown, the liquid transport element 136 is in direct contact with the heating element 134, which in this embodiment is in the form of a metal wire coil.

[0058] It is understood that aerosol delivery devices that can be manufactured according to the present disclosure can include various combinations of components useful in forming electronic aerosol delivery devices. See, for example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0000638 to Sebastian et al., which discloses a reservoir and heater system for controllably delivering multiple aerosolizable materials in an electronic smoking article, and which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Additionally, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0060554 to Collett et al., which discloses an electronic smoking article including a microheater, and which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0059] See also U.S. Patent Publication No. 2013 / 0213419, which discloses a ribbon of electrically resistive mesh material that can be wrapped around a wick, and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2013 / 0192619, which discloses a heater coil centered around a wick, with the coil windings having substantially uniform spacing between each winding. In certain embodiments according to the present disclosure, the heater may comprise a metal wire that can be wound at a variable pitch around a liquid transport element, such as a wick. An exemplary variable pitch heater that can be used according to the present disclosure is described in U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 827,994, filed March 14, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0060] Reference is also made to the liquid supply reservoir formed of an elastomeric material and adapted to be manually compressed to pump the liquid material, as described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2013 / 0213418. In certain embodiments according to the present disclosure, the reservoir may be formed of a fibrous material, such as a fibrous mat or tube, that can absorb or adsorb the liquid material.

[0061] In another embodiment, the cartridge may be formed substantially entirely from one or more carbon materials, which may offer advantages in terms of biodegradability and the absence of wires. In this regard, the heating element may include foam carbon, the reservoir may include carbonized fabric, and graphite may be used to form electrical connections with the battery and controller. Such carbon cartridges may, in some embodiments, be combined with one or more elements described herein to provide illumination for the cartridge. One exemplary embodiment of a carbon-based cartridge is provided in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0255702 to Griffith, Jr. et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0062] During use, when a user draws on article 100, heating element 134 is activated (e.g., by a flow sensor, etc.), causing the components of the aerosol precursor composition to vaporize within aerosolization zone 146. Drawing on mouthpiece 130 of article 100 causes ambient air to enter inlet 118 and pass through central openings in coupler 120 and plug 140. Within cartridge 104, the drawn air passes through air passage 148 within airway conduit 150 and combines with vapor formed in aerosolization zone 146 to form an aerosol. This aerosol immediately travels from aerosolization zone 146, passes through air passage 152 within airway conduit 154, and exits through mouth opening 128 within mouthpiece 130 of article 100.

[0063] The various components of the aerosol delivery device according to the present disclosure can be selected from those described in the art and commercially available. An example of a battery that can be used according to the present disclosure is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0028766, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0064] An exemplary mechanism that can provide inhalation actuation capability includes a Model 163PC01D36 silicon sensor manufactured by the MicroSwitch Division of Honeywell, Inc. (Freeport, Ill.). A further example of a demand-operated electrical switch that can be used in a heating circuit according to the present disclosure is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,735,217 to Gerth et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Further descriptions of current regulation circuits and other control components, including microcontrollers, that may be useful in the present aerosol delivery devices are provided in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,922,901, 4,947,874, and 4,947,875, all to Brooks et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,372,148 to McCafferty et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,040,560 to Fleischhauer et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 7,040,314 to Nguyen et al., all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0065] See also International Publication Nos. WO 2013 / 098396, WO 2013 / 098397, and WO 2013 / 098398, which describe controllers configured to control power supplied from a power source to a heater element as a means for monitoring device conditions such as the temperature of the heater, the airflow through the heater, and the presence of aerosol-forming material near the heater. In certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides various control systems adapted to monitor status indicators, such as by communication between a microcontroller within the controller and a microcontroller or other electronics within a cartridge component.

[0066] The aerosol precursor, which may also be referred to as an aerosol precursor composition or a vapor precursor composition, may contain one or more different components. For example, the aerosol precursor may contain a polyhydric alcohol (e.g., glycerin, propylene glycol, or a mixture thereof). Additional representative types of aerosol precursor compositions are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,793,365 to Sensabaugh, Jr. et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,101,839 to Jakob et al., PCT Publication No. WO 98 / 57556 to Biggs et al., and Chemical and Biological Studies on New Cigarette Prototypes that Heat Instead of Burn Tobacco, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company Monograph (1988), the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0067] Still further components may be utilized in the aerosol delivery devices of the present disclosure. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,154,192 to Sprinkel et al. discloses an indicator that may be used with a smoking article; U.S. Pat. No. 5,261,424 to Sprinkel, Jr. discloses a piezoelectric sensor that, in association with the mouthpiece of the device, detects the movement of a user's lips associated with taking a puff and can then induce heating; U.S. Pat. No. 5,372,148 to McCafferty et al. discloses an inhalation sensor for controlling energy flow to a heat load array in response to a pressure drop through the mouthpiece; U.S. Pat. No. 5,967,148 to Harris et al. discloses a receptacle in a smoking device that includes an identification device that detects non-uniformity in the infrared transmittance of an inserted component and a controller that executes a detection routine when a component is inserted into the receptacle; U.S. Pat. No. 6,040,560 to Fleischhauer et al. describes a defined, executable power cycle with multiple differential phase shifts; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,934,289 to Watkins et al. discloses photonic-optronic components; U.S. Pat. No. 5,954,979 to Counts et al. discloses means for modifying the resistance of draw through a smoking device; U.S. Pat. No. 6,803,545 to Blake et al. discloses certain battery configurations for use within smoking devices; U.S. Pat. No. 7,293,565 to Griffen et al. discloses various charging systems for use with smoking devices; U.S. Pat. No. 8,402,976 to Fernando et al. discloses computer interfacing means for smoking devices that facilitate charging and allow computer control of the device; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0163063 to Fernando et al. discloses an identification system for smoking devices; and WO 2010 / 003480 to Flick discloses a fluid flow sensing system that indicates inhalation within an aerosol generation system, all of the foregoing disclosures are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.Further examples of components relating to electronic aerosol delivery articles and disclosing materials or components that may be used in the articles include U.S. Pat. No. 4,735,217 to Gerth et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,249,586 to Morgan et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,388,574 to Ingebrethsen, U.S. Pat. No. 5,666,977 to Higgins et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,053,176 to Adams et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 6,164,287 to White. No. 6,196,218 to Voges, U.S. Patent No. 6,810,883 to Felter et al., U.S. Patent No. 6,854,461 to Nichols, U.S. Patent No. 7,832,410 to Hon, U.S. Patent No. 7,513,253 to Kobayashi, U.S. Patent No. 7,896,006 to Hamano, U.S. Patent No. 6,772,756 to Shayan, U.S. Patent No. 8,156,944 to Hon, U.S. Patent No. 8,333,383 to Hon. No. 65,742 to Hon, U.S. Pat. No. 8,375,957 to Hon, U.S. Pat. No. 8,393,331 to Hon, U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2006 / 0196518 and 2009 / 0188490 to Hon, U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2009 / 0272379 to Thorens et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2009 / 0260641 and 2009 / 0260642 to Monsees et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 014 to Oglesby et al. Nos. 9118 and 2010 / 0024834, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0307518 to Wang, WO 2010 / 091593 to Hon, WO 2013 / 089551 to Foo, U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 841,233 filed March 15, 2013, and U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 170,838 filed February 3, 2014, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The various materials disclosed by the foregoing documents may be incorporated into the present device in various embodiments, and all of the foregoing disclosures are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

[0068] The foregoing description of the use of the article may be applied to the various embodiments described herein with slight modifications, which may be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the further disclosure provided herein. However, the above description of the use is not intended to limit the use of the article, but is provided to comply with all requirements of the disclosure of the present disclosure.

[0069] A further exemplary embodiment of a smoking article 200 (e.g., an aerosol delivery device) including a reservoir housing 244 that may be used in various embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 2. As shown in the figure, a controller 202 may be formed from a controller shell 201 that may include a control component 206, a flow sensor 208, a battery 210, and an LED 212. A cartridge 204 may be formed with a cartridge shell 203 that encloses a reservoir housing 244 in fluid communication with a liquid transport element 236 adapted to vent or otherwise transport an aerosol precursor composition stored in the reservoir housing to a heater 234. An opening 228 may be present in the cartridge shell 203 to allow formed aerosol to escape from the cartridge 204. Such components are representative of components that may be present in a cartridge and are not intended to limit the scope of cartridge components encompassed by the present disclosure. The cartridge 204 may be adapted to engage with the regulator 202 via a press-fit engagement between the regulator protrusion 224 and the cartridge receptacle 240. Such engagement may facilitate a stable connection between the regulator 202 and the cartridge 204, as well as establish an electrical connection between the battery 210 and control component 206 within the regulator and the heater 234 within the cartridge. In this regard, the regulator protrusion 224 may provide a cartridge-engaging portion, and the cartridge receptacle 240 may provide a regulator-engaging portion, to enable functional engagement between the regulator 202 and the cartridge 204. The cartridge 204 may also include one or more electronic components 250, which may include ICs, memory components, sensors, etc. The electronic components 250 may be adapted to communicate with the control component 206.

[0070] In some embodiments, the electronic smoking article may include a hollow shell adapted to enclose one or more additional elements of the device. The hollow shell may be a single, integral part containing all elements of the electronic smoking article. In such two-part embodiments, the hollow shell may be associated with the cartridge shell or the regulator shell.

[0071] Having described several exemplary embodiments of an aerosol delivery device that can be used in various exemplary embodiments, several embodiments of an aerosol delivery device and related methods and computer program products for controlling the aerosol delivery device based at least in part on input characteristics will now be described. Some of such exemplary embodiments disclosed herein benefit users of the aerosol device by allowing the user to provide a wider range of control inputs to the aerosol delivery device regarding the performance of various control functions. In this regard, the aerosol delivery device of some exemplary embodiments may be configured to determine the control function to be performed in response to a user input based at least in part on the characteristics of the user input. Thus, for example, an input mechanism of a user interface of an aerosol delivery device may be used to provide multiple distinct control inputs and / or may be repurposed to perform a control function other than the default function associated with the user interface mechanism, depending on the characteristics of the user input to the input mechanism. For example, in some embodiments, an inhalation input to an aerosol delivery device may be utilized to perform one or more control functions in addition to inducing heating of an aerosol precursor composition to form an inhalable substance, depending on the characteristics of the inhalation input.

[0072] Thus, some exemplary embodiments increase the number of control inputs that can be provided to an aerosol delivery device, thereby providing a user with a more nuanced level of control over device functionality without adding additional input mechanisms to the aerosol delivery device. In this manner, this variety of control inputs that can be provided by a given input mechanism can provide a user with more control over the aerosol delivery device without having to add additional input mechanisms to the aerosol delivery device, which can be costly and / or result in an undesirable device form factor.

[0073] 3 shows a block diagram of an apparatus 300 that may be implemented in an aerosol delivery device, such as aerosol delivery device 100 and / or smoking article 200, according to some exemplary embodiments. In some exemplary embodiments, apparatus 300 may be implemented in a controller of an aerosol delivery device, such as controller 102 and / or controller 202. It will be understood that components, devices, or elements shown in FIG. 3 and described below with respect to the figure may not be required and, therefore, may be omitted in certain embodiments. Furthermore, some embodiments may include additional or different components, devices, or elements than those shown in FIG. 3 and described below with respect to the figure.

[0074] In some exemplary embodiments, apparatus 300 may include processing circuitry 310 that is configurable to perform and / or control the performance of the aerosol delivery device functions in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments disclosed herein. As such, processing circuitry 310 may be configured to perform data processing, application execution, and / or other processing and management services that may be implemented to perform the aerosol delivery device functions in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0075] In some embodiments, apparatus 300 or portion(s) or component(s) thereof, such as processing circuitry 310, may include one or more chipsets, each of which may include one or more chips. Thus, processing circuitry 310 and / or one or more additional components of apparatus 300 may be configured to implement an embodiment on a chipset, which in some cases may be implemented in an aerosol delivery device.

[0076] Processing circuitry 310 may include, for example, an embodiment of control component 106, control component 206, and / or electronic component 250. In some exemplary embodiments, processing circuitry 310 may include a processor 312 and, in some embodiments such as shown in FIG. 3, may further include memory 314. Processing circuitry 310 may communicate with and / or control a user interface 316, one or more sensors 318, and / or a control module 320.

[0077] The processor 312 may be embodied in various forms. For example, the processor 312 may be embodied as various hardware-based processing means, such as a microprocessor, coprocessor, controller, or various other computing or processing devices, including integrated circuits, including, for example, an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit), an FPGA (field-programmable gate array), any combination thereof, etc. Although shown as a single processor, it will be understood that the processor 312 may include multiple processors. The multiple processors may be in operative communication with each other and collectively configured to perform one or more functions of an aerosol delivery device in which the apparatus 300 may be implemented. In some exemplary embodiments, the processor 312 may be configured to execute instructions that may be stored in the memory 314 and / or otherwise accessible to the processor 312. Thus, whether configured by hardware or a combination of hardware and software, the processor 312, once configured accordingly, may be capable of performing operations in accordance with various embodiments.

[0078] In some exemplary embodiments, memory 314 may include one or more memory devices. Memory 314 may include fixed and / or removable memory devices. In some embodiments, memory 314 may provide a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium capable of storing computer program instructions that may be executed by processor 312. In this regard, memory 314 may be configured to store information, data, applications, instructions, etc. for enabling apparatus 300 to perform various functions of a control entity in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, memory 314 may be configured to store control software, configuration settings, and / or other data, programs, etc. that may be used to control the operation of the aerosol delivery device. In some embodiments, memory 314 may be in communication with one or more of processor 312, user interface 316, sensor(s) 318, or control module 320 via a bus(es) for communicating information between components of apparatus 300.

[0079] In some exemplary embodiments, device 300 may further include a user interface 316. User interface 316 may be in communication with processing circuitry 310 to receive indications of user input and / or provide audible, visual, mechanical, or other output to the user. For example, user interface 316 may include one or more buttons, keys, and / or other input mechanisms that allow a user to control the operation of the aerosol delivery device. For example, user interface 316 may provide input mechanism(s) that allow a user to power the aerosol delivery device on / off, activate a heating element to generate vapor or aerosol for inhalation, and / or otherwise activate and / or control functions of the aerosol delivery device. In some exemplary embodiments, user interface 316 may include input mechanisms, such as mouth opening 128, mouthpiece 130, and / or associated inhalation sensing components, that may allow a user to provide inhalation input to the aerosol delivery device. As a further example, user interface 316 may provide one or more indicators (e.g., indicator 112), such as one or more LEDs (e.g., LED 212), a display, a speaker, and / or other output mechanisms, that may be used to indicate the operational status of the aerosol delivery device, the battery charge level, the amount of aerosol precursor composition remaining in a cartridge that may be engaged with a control, and / or to provide other status information to a user that may be related to the operation of the aerosol delivery device. In some exemplary embodiments, user interface 316 may include a vibrator and / or other tactile feedback device (e.g., tactile feedback component 101) that can impart vibrations and / or other movements to the aerosol delivery device to provide feedback in response to user input, provide status notifications (e.g., status regarding the remaining battery charge level, status regarding the level of aerosol precursor composition in the cartridge, and / or other status notifications that may be provided), and / or provide other feedback or notifications to the user.

[0080] Device 300 may further include one or more sensors 318. Sensor 318 may be implemented as part of user interface 316 and / or may help user interface 316 facilitate detection of user input and / or one or more characteristics thereof. In some embodiments, sensor(s) 318 may include an inhalation sensor that may be configured to detect inhalation input to the aerosol delivery device. In embodiments in which device 300 includes an inhalation sensor, the inhalation sensor may be embodied by any of the various inhalation sensors discussed above and / or other suitable sensors for detecting a user inhaling on the aerosol delivery device. For example, sensor 318 may include an inhalation sensor that may be configured to detect pressure and / or airflow changes that may occur when a user inhales (e.g., inhales) on the aerosol delivery device (e.g., mouthpiece 130 of aerosol delivery device 100). As a further example, sensor 318 may include an inhalation sensor that may include one or more piezoelectric sensors that may be associated with the mouthpiece of the aerosol delivery device to detect movement of the user's lips associated with the inhalation input. In some exemplary embodiments, sensor 318 may be configured to detect reverse inhalation, which may be characterized by airflow and / or pressure changes opposite to those associated with inhaling air to inhale vaporized aerosol precursor composition. Reverse inhalation may be induced, for example, by a user blowing into the mouthpiece of the aerosol delivery device rather than sucking on it. As another example, reverse inhalation may be induced by a user sucking on an inlet, such as inlet 118, to cause airflow to flow in the opposite direction to that associated with the airflow when the user sucks on the mouthpiece. In some exemplary embodiments, sensor(s) 318 may additionally or alternatively include one or more motion sensors that may be configured to detect changes in movement and / or orientation of the aerosol delivery device that may result from manipulation of the aerosol delivery device. By way of non-limiting example, embodiments that include motion sensors may include accelerometers, gyroscopes, inclinometers, and / or other sensors that may be configured to detect device movement in response to characteristics of manipulation and / or movement of the aerosol delivery device.For example, a motion sensor according to some exemplary embodiments may be configured to measure and / or otherwise sense acceleration (and / or changes therein), angular displacement, rotation, orientation, and / or other characteristics of motion that may be associated with operation of the aerosol delivery device.

[0081] Apparatus 300 may further include a control module 320. Control module 320 may be embodied in various ways, such as circuitry, hardware, a computer program product comprising a computer-readable medium (e.g., memory 314) that stores computer-readable program instructions executable by a processing device (e.g., processor 312), or some combination thereof. In some embodiments, processor 312 (or processing circuitry 310) may include or otherwise control control module 320.

[0082] Control module 320 may be configured to determine one or more characteristics associated with a user input that may be received by user interface 316. In some exemplary embodiments, control module 320 may be configured to determine one or more characteristics of the user input based at least in part on information that may be detected and provided by sensor(s) 318.

[0083] For example, in some embodiments, the user input may include an inhalation input, which may consist of one or more inhalations. The control module 320 may be configured to determine the duration of the inhalation, the total number of inhalations in the inhalation input, the interval between each two inhalations in the inhalation input, the inhalation force (e.g., as measured by the amount of air drawn in by the inhalation, the rate at which air is drawn in by the inhalation, etc.), and / or other characteristics of the inhalation input. In some exemplary embodiments, the inhalation input may include a reverse inhalation input, and the control module 320 may be configured to distinguish the inhalation input as a reverse inhalation input from a normal inhalation input and / or determine one or more characteristics of the reverse inhalation input, such as the duration of the reverse inhalations, the total number of reverse inhalations, the interval between the reverse inhalations, the reverse inhalation force, etc. Thus, when determining characteristics of an inhalation, such as the duration of an inhalation, the total number of inhalations in the inhalation input, the interval between each two inhalations in the inhalation input, or the inhalation force, is described, it will be understood that such inhalation characteristics may include detecting the characteristics of a reverse inhalation. As a further example, in some embodiments, the user input may include manipulation of the aerosol delivery device. The control module 320 may be configured to determine one or more characteristics of the manipulation (e.g., based at least in part on data that may be detected and provided by a motion sensor), such as acceleration (and / or change therein), angular displacement, direction of motion, orientation, number of recurring motion patterns that may be performed during manipulation (e.g., shaking the device back and forth, tapping the device multiple times, etc.), and / or other characteristics of motion that may be associated with manipulation of the aerosol delivery device. The control module 320 may further be configured to determine a type of manipulation. For example, the type of manipulation may include alternating aerosol delivery, performing a simulated de-ashing operation by shaking the aerosol delivery device, tilting the aerosol delivery device, tapping and / or flicking the aerosol delivery device, etc. (e.g., as if de-ashing a conventional cigarette), and / or other manipulation of the aerosol delivery device.In this regard, the type of manipulation may be considered a characteristic of the manipulation, which may be detected at least in part based on data from the motion sensor and determined at least in part based on one or more additional characteristics of the manipulation. For example, a shaking manipulation may be characterized by a series of repeated accelerations and decelerations in substantially opposite directions on a plane. In some exemplary embodiments, the manipulation input may include a series of movements that may include multiple types of manipulations.

[0084] As an additional example, in some embodiments, the user input may include a series and / or combination of inputs that may utilize multiple input mechanisms that may be provided by the user interface 316. For example, in some embodiments, the user input may include an inhalation input and / or a manipulation input in combination with a user actuating a button that may be provided by the user interface 316. As a further example, in some embodiments, the user input may include a sequence of one or more actuations of a button(s), one or more inhalation inputs, one or more manipulation inputs, and / or any sequential combination of inputs via any other user input mechanism(s) that may be provided by the user interface 316.

[0085] Each user input characteristic may have a defined association with a respective control function. The control module 320 may therefore be configured to determine control functions that have a defined association with the characteristic(s) of the user input received for the aerosol delivery device. For example, some embodiments may utilize a database and / or other data structure that may store a library of control functions and their associated user input characteristics. In this regard, given a determined characteristic of the user input, the control module 320 of some exemplary embodiments may be configured to search for that characteristic in the data structure and determine control functions that have a defined association with that characteristic.

[0086] The control module 320 may be further configured to perform a control function associated with a characteristic(s) of the received user input. It will be understood that any control function that may be performed by the aerosol delivery device may be associated with a given characteristic of the user input.

[0087] For example, in some embodiments, the control module 320 may be configured to provide a status indicator in response to a user input having particular characteristic(s). This status indicator may include any status indicator that may be related to the operation of the aerosol delivery device and / or its consumable components. For example, in some embodiments, an indication of the level of aerosol precursor composition remaining in a cartridge engaged with the aerosol delivery device may be provided in response to a user input having particular characteristic(s). As a further example, in some embodiments, an indication of the charge level of a battery that may be implemented in the aerosol delivery device may be provided in response to a user input having particular characteristic(s). Such a status indicator may be provided, for example, by any output mechanism that may be included in the user interface 316. For example, one or more LEDs and / or other indicator(s) may be configured to display different colors, different brightness levels, various numbers of illuminated indicators, some combination thereof, etc. to indicate a status such as the level of aerosol precursor composition and / or the remaining battery charge level. As a further example, such status information may be displayed on a display that may be included in the aerosol delivery device, according to some embodiments.

[0088] In some exemplary embodiments, the control module 320 may be configured to change the configuration setting(s) of the aerosol delivery device in response to user input having particular characteristic(s). The changed configuration setting(s) may include the setting of any adjustable operating parameter that may be related to the operation of the aerosol delivery device.

[0089] For example, changing the configuration settings may include changing the configuration settings of an element of the user interface 316, such as the functionality of LEDs and / or other indicator(s) that may be provided by the user interface 316, a vibrator and / or other haptic feedback device, and / or other user interface elements. In embodiments in which the user interface 316 includes a vibrator and / or other haptic feedback device, it will be understood that any of a variety of haptic feedback configuration settings may be changed. For example, the vibration intensity of the haptic feedback device may be increased or decreased based on characteristics of a user input, according to some exemplary embodiments. Additionally or alternatively, as another example, haptic feedback (e.g., for various event notifications) may be activated / deactivated based on characteristics of a user input, according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0090] As a further example, heating profile configuration settings may be changed. As another example, changing the configuration settings may include changing aerosol precursor composition vaporization settings, such as settings defining the amount of aerosol precursor composition vaporized per inhalation, and / or other configuration settings that may be related to the vaporization of the aerosol precursor composition. As yet a further example, changing the configuration settings may include changing inhalation control settings, such as the number of inhalations allowed within a period and / or per smoking session, the minimum time interval that must elapse between inhalations, and / or other settings that may affect device behavior with respect to a user's inhalation. In some embodiments, battery management settings, such as settings related to battery charging and / or settings that may regulate battery consumption, may be changed.

[0091] As a further example, the control module 320 may be configured to activate / deactivate wireless communication interfaces that may be implemented in the aerosol delivery device in response to user input having particular characteristic(s). For example, an aerosol delivery device according to some exemplary embodiments may implement one or more wireless communication interfaces that may enable the aerosol delivery device to communicate data to and / or receive data from another device. For example, the aerosol delivery device of some embodiments may include a Bluetooth interface, a near field communication (NFC) interface, an infrared (IR) interface, a Wi-Fi interface, and / or other wireless communication interfaces. In such embodiments, the wireless communication interface(s) may be activated / deactivated in response to user input having particular characteristic(s).

[0092] In some exemplary embodiments, a control function that may be implemented in response to a user input (e.g., based on characteristics of the user input) may be a function other than a default function that may be associated with the input mechanism through which the user input was received. For example, if the user input was an inhalation input, the control function may be a function other than heating the aerosol precursor composition to form an inhalable substance. As another example, if the user input included actuation of a button used to switch the power state (e.g., on / off) of the aerosol delivery device, the control function may include a control function other than switching the power state. In some such exemplary embodiments, characteristics of the user input may be used by control module 320 to determine that a control function other than a default function associated with the input mechanism should be implemented. As a non-limiting example, if an inhalation input consisting of a series of one or more short puffs (e.g., puffs having less than a defined duration) is received, control module 320 may determine that a control function other than and / or in addition to heating the aerosol precursor composition to form an inhalable substance should be implemented, and may determine and implement the associated control function.

[0093] 4 shows a flow chart according to an exemplary method for controlling an aerosol delivery device based at least in part on input characteristics, according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. One or more of the processing circuitry 310, processor 312, memory 314, user interface 316, sensor(s) 318, or control module 320 may provide means for performing one or more of the operations shown in and described with respect to FIG.

[0094] Operation 400 may include the aerosol delivery device determining a characteristic(s) of a user input to the aerosol delivery device. The user input may include any single input and / or combination of inputs via one or more user interface mechanisms. By way of non-limiting example, the user input may include an inhalation input, a manipulation input, and / or other forms of input.

[0095] Act 410 may include the aerosol delivery device determining a control function having a defined association with the characteristic(s) determined in Act 400. Act 420 may include the aerosol delivery device implementing the determined control function in response to a user input.

[0096] 5 shows a flow chart according to an exemplary method for controlling an aerosol delivery device based at least in part on characteristics of an inhalation input, according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of the method of FIG. 4 in which the user input may include an inhalation input. One or more of the processing circuitry 310, processor 312, memory 314, user interface 316, sensor(s) 318, or control module 320 may, for example, provide means for performing one or more of the operations shown in and described with respect to FIG.

[0097] Operation 500 may include the aerosol delivery device sensing an inhalation input, such as may include one or more inhalations and / or one or more back-inhalations into the aerosol delivery device. For example, an inhalation sensor, such as may be provided by sensor(s) 318, may be used to detect the inhalation input.

[0098] Operation 510 may include determining one or more characteristics of the inhalation input. For example, operation 510 may include determining the duration of the inhalation, the total number of inhalations in the inhalation input, the interval between each of two inhalations in the inhalation input, the inhalation force (e.g., as measured by the amount of air drawn in by the inhalation, the rate at which air is drawn in by the inhalation, etc.), and / or other characteristics of the inhalation input. In this respect, operation 510 may correspond, for example, to an embodiment of operation 400 in which the user input includes an inhalation input.

[0099] Operation 520 may include the aerosol delivery device determining a control function having a defined association with the characteristic(s) determined in operation 510. Operation 520 may thus correspond to an embodiment of operation 410. Operation 530 may include the aerosol delivery device implementing the determined control function in response to the inhalation input. Operation 530 may thus correspond to an embodiment of operation 420.

[0100] Any of a variety of control functions may be implemented based on the characteristics of the inhalation input. In this regard, different inhalation durations, number of inhalations (e.g., number of inhalations in an inhalation input), intervals between inhalations, inhalation forces, and / or other inhalation input characteristics may be associated with different respective control functions, such that the inhalation input may be used to achieve a user-desired function other than, or in addition to, heating the aerosol precursor composition to form an inhalable substance.

[0101] For example, in some embodiments, an inhalation input comprising three consecutive short inhalations (e.g., three consecutive inhalations having durations below a threshold) can provide an indication of the level of aerosol precursor composition remaining in the cartridge. As another example, an inhalation input comprising two long inhalations (e.g., two consecutive inhalations having durations above a threshold) can be used to check the charge level remaining in the battery of an aerosol delivery device.

[0102] As a further example, in some embodiments, characteristics such as inhalation duration and / or inhalation force may be used to modify a configuration setting having a range of possible settings. For example, inhalations having a duration and / or force above a threshold may be used to increase the amount of aerosol precursor composition vaporized per inhalation, while inhalations having a duration and / or force below the threshold may be used to decrease the amount of aerosol precursor composition vaporized per inhalation.

[0103] As another example, reverse inhalation can be used to change the configuration setting in one direction, and normal inhalation can be used to change the configuration setting in another direction in a manner that can be used to inhale vaporized aerosol precursor composition. As a specific application example of changing a configuration setting based on distinguishing between normal inhalation and reverse inhalation, normal inhalation can be used to increase the amount of aerosol precursor composition vaporized per inhalation, and reverse inhalation can be used to decrease the amount of aerosol precursor composition vaporized per inhalation.

[0104] 6 shows a flow chart according to an exemplary method for controlling an aerosol delivery device based at least in part on characteristics of the operation of the aerosol delivery device, according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of the method of FIG. 4 in which user input may include operation of the aerosol delivery device. One or more of the processing circuitry 310, processor 312, memory 314, user interface 316, sensor(s) 318, or control module 320 may, for example, provide means for performing one or more of the operations shown in and described with respect to FIG.

[0105] The operation 600 may include the aerosol delivery device sensing manipulation of the aerosol delivery device. For example, a motion sensor, which may be provided by the sensor(s) 318, may be used to detect the manipulation.

[0106] Operation 610 may include determining one or more characteristics of the manipulation. For example, operation 610 may include determining a type of manipulation, a direction of movement of the aerosol delivery device, a change in orientation of the aerosol delivery device resulting from the manipulation, an angular displacement of the aerosol delivery device resulting from the manipulation, an acceleration (and / or change therein) associated with the manipulation, a number of recurring movement patterns during the manipulation, and / or other characteristics of the movement that may be associated with the manipulation of the aerosol delivery device. In this respect, operation 610 may correspond to, for example, an embodiment of operation 400 in which the user input includes a manipulation of the aerosol delivery device.

[0107] Operation 620 may include the aerosol delivery device determining a control function having a defined association with the characteristic(s) determined in Operation 610. Operation 620 may thus correspond to an embodiment of Operation 410. Operation 630 may include the aerosol delivery device implementing the determined control function in response to the manipulation. Operation 630 may thus correspond to an embodiment of Operation 420.

[0108] Any of a variety of control functions can be implemented based on the characteristics of the operation. For example, in some embodiments, shaking the aerosol delivery device can provide an indication of the charge level remaining in the battery of the aerosol delivery device. As another example, in some embodiments, operating the aerosol delivery device as if de-ashing an actual cigarette, such as by flicking or tapping the aerosol delivery device a defined number of times (e.g., three times), can be used to test the level of aerosol precursor composition remaining in the cartridge.

[0109] As a further example, in some embodiments, characteristics such as the direction and / or angular displacement of the actuation movement can be used to change a configuration setting having a range of possible settings. For example, actuation by rotating and / or tilting the aerosol delivery device in a first direction can be used to increase the amount of aerosol precursor composition vaporized per inhalation, while rotating and / or tilting the aerosol delivery device in a second direction can be used to decrease the amount of aerosol precursor composition vaporized per inhalation. As another example, actuation with an angular displacement above a threshold can be used to increase the amount of precursor composition vaporized per inhalation, while actuation with an angular displacement below the threshold can be used to decrease the amount of aerosol precursor composition vaporized per inhalation.

[0110] The aerosol delivery device of some exemplary embodiments may be switched between different control modes. For example, the aerosol delivery device may operate in a first control mode in which user input via the input mechanism may result in performance of a default function associated with the input mechanism, or may operate in a second control mode in which an alternative control function may be performed based at least in part on characteristics of the user input, e.g., according to one or more of the methods of FIGS. 4-6. As a more specific example of some such embodiments, when operating in the first control mode, an inhalation input may be used to trigger heating of the aerosol precursor composition to form an inhalable substance, and when operating in the second control mode, an alternative control function other than heating the aerosol precursor composition may be performed in response to the inhalation input. For example, a user input, such as an actuation of a button, may be performed before and / or simultaneously with the user input, such as an inhalation input or operation, to trigger operation of an alternative control mode, which may be used to perform a control function based at least in part on characteristics of the user input, according to one or more of the methods of FIGS. 4-6.

[0111] 7 shows a flow diagram according to an exemplary method for changing the control mode of an aerosol delivery device, according to some such exemplary embodiments. One or more of the processing circuitry 310, processor 312, memory 314, user interface 316, sensor(s) 318, or control module 320 may provide means for performing one or more of the operations shown in and described with respect to FIG.

[0112] Operation 700 may include the aerosol delivery device receiving a user input to change the control mode to an alternative control mode. Operation 710 may include changing the control mode to the alternative control mode in response to the user input.

[0113] It will be understood that the method of Figure 7 may be applied in combination with any one or more of the methods of Figures 4-6. For example, when applied in combination with the method of Figure 5, the inhalation input that may be sensed in operation 500 may result in heating of the aerosol precursor composition to form an inhalable substance, and operations 510-530 may be omitted if the aerosol delivery device is not operating in an alternative control mode. However, if the aerosol delivery device is operating in an alternative control mode as a result of operations 700-710, operations 510-530 may be performed in response to the inhalation input.

[0114] Numerous modifications and other embodiments of the present disclosure will come to mind for one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated drawings. It is to be understood, therefore, that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

1. 1. An aerosol delivery device comprising: a sensor configured to detect a user input to the aerosol delivery device, the sensor being a motion sensor, the user input comprising a manipulation of the aerosol delivery device; and and processing circuitry coupled to the motion sensor, wherein the processing circuitry provides the aerosol delivery device with at least: determining a characteristic of the user input; determining a control function having a defined relationship with the characteristic; and An aerosol delivery device configured to cause the control function to be performed in response to the user input.

2. 10. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the characteristics include one or more of the type of operation, the angular displacement of the aerosol delivery device, or the number of recurring movement patterns during the operation.

3. 3. The aerosol delivery device of claim 2, wherein the characteristic comprises one or more of an acceleration of the aerosol delivery device, a change in orientation of the aerosol delivery device, or a direction of movement of the aerosol delivery device.

4. 10. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein operating the aerosol delivery device comprises shaking, flicking, tapping, rotating, or tilting the aerosol delivery device, or a series of these actions, or a combination thereof.

5. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1 , wherein the motion sensor is or includes a gyroscope or an inclinometer.

6. The aerosol delivery device of claim 5 , wherein the motion sensor comprises an accelerometer.

7. 10. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the control function includes a function other than heating an aerosol precursor composition to form an inhalable substance, switching the power state of the aerosol delivery device, or switching the operating state of the aerosol delivery device.

8. 10. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the aerosol delivery device is configured to determine a control function having a defined association with the characteristic by referencing a data structure having a defined association between the control function and the characteristic.

9. 2. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the sensor includes an inhalation sensor in addition to the movement sensor, the inhalation sensor configured to detect inhalation input to the aerosol delivery device, and the processing circuitry is configured to cause the aerosol delivery device to perform the control function, at least in part, by causing the aerosol delivery device to provide an indication of the level of aerosol precursor composition remaining in a cartridge operably engaged with the aerosol delivery device in response to the inhalation input.

10. 10. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the aerosol delivery device comprises a battery, and the processing circuitry is configured to cause the aerosol delivery device to perform the control function, at least in part, by causing the aerosol delivery device to provide an indication of the charge level of the battery.

11. 10. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to cause the aerosol delivery device to perform the control function, at least in part, by causing the aerosol delivery device to change configuration settings of the aerosol delivery device.

12. 12. The aerosol delivery device of claim 11, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to cause the aerosol delivery device to change the configuration settings, at least in part, by causing the aerosol delivery device to change one or more of a light-emitting diode (LED) indicator configuration setting, a tactile feedback configuration setting, a heating profile configuration setting, an aerosol precursor composition vaporization configuration setting, an inhalation control configuration setting, or a battery management configuration setting.

13. 2. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the sensor includes an inhalation sensor in addition to the movement sensor, the inhalation sensor configured to detect inhalation input to the aerosol delivery device, and the characteristics include one or more of the duration of inhalation, the total number of inhalations in the inhalation input, the interval between two inhalations, the inhalation force, or the detection of reverse inhalation.

14. the sensors include an inhalation sensor in addition to the motion sensor, the inhalation sensor configured to detect inhalation input to the aerosol delivery device; The processing circuitry may configure the aerosol delivery device to: receiving, in response to the inhalation input, another user input configured to change a control mode of the aerosol delivery device and cause the aerosol delivery device to perform the control function, rather than heating the aerosol precursor composition to form an inhalable substance in response to the inhalation input; and further configured to change the control mode in response to the other user input; The aerosol delivery device of claim 1 , wherein the control function is performed based at least in part on a change in the control mode.

15. 1. A method for controlling an aerosol delivery device based at least in part on a user input characteristic, the aerosol delivery device comprising: determining a characteristic of a user input to the aerosol delivery device, the user input comprising a manipulation of the aerosol delivery device, the user input being detected by a motion sensor of the aerosol delivery device; determining a control function having a defined association with the characteristic; and performing the control function in response to the user input.

16. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein determining the characteristic includes determining one or more of the type of operation, the angular displacement of the aerosol delivery device, or the number of recurring movement patterns during the operation.

17. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein determining the characteristic comprises determining a direction of movement of the aerosol delivery device, a change in orientation of the aerosol delivery device, or an acceleration of the aerosol delivery device.

18. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein determining the characteristics of the user input including manipulation of the aerosol delivery device includes determining the characteristics of the user input including shaking, flicking, tapping, rotating, or tilting the aerosol delivery device, or a series of these actions, or a combination thereof.

19. The method of claim 15 , wherein determining the characteristic of the user input comprises determining the characteristic of the user input detected by the motion sensor being or including a gyroscope or an inclinometer.

20. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein determining the characteristic of the user input comprises determining the characteristic of the user input detected by the motion sensor including an accelerometer.

21. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein determining the control function comprises heating an aerosol precursor composition to form an inhalable substance, switching a power state of the aerosol delivery device, or determining the control function other than switching an operating state of the aerosol delivery device.

22. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein determining the control function comprises determining the control function having a defined association with the property by referencing a data structure having the defined association between the control function and the property.

23. the aerosol delivery device comprising:

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising determining, based at least in part on the characteristic, that the user input is for a control function other than a default function associated with an input mechanism through which the user input was received.

24. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein performing the control function includes one or more of providing an indication of the level of aerosol precursor composition remaining in a cartridge operably engaged with the aerosol delivery device or providing an indication of the charge level of a battery installed in the aerosol delivery device.

25. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein performing the control function comprises changing a configuration setting of the aerosol delivery device.

26. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein changing the configuration settings comprises changing one or more of a light-emitting diode (LED) indicator configuration setting, a tactile feedback configuration setting, a heating profile configuration setting, an aerosol precursor composition vaporization configuration setting, an inhalation control configuration setting, or a battery management configuration setting.

27. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the user input comprises, in addition to the user input comprising manipulation of the aerosol delivery device, an inhalation input consisting of one or more inhalations.

28. 28. The method of claim 27, wherein determining the characteristic comprises determining one or more of the duration of an inhalation, the total number of inhalations in the inhalation input, the interval between two inhalations, the inhalation force, or the detection of a reverse inhalation.

29. the aerosol delivery device comprising: receiving a combination of user inputs including the user input and a second user input, the second user input configured to change a control mode of the aerosol delivery device in response to the inhalation input to cause the aerosol delivery device to perform the control function rather than heating an aerosol precursor composition to form an inhalable substance in response to the inhalation input; 28. The method of claim 27, further comprising: changing the control mode in response to the second user input.

30. 1. A computer program product for controlling an aerosol delivery device based at least in part on user input characteristics, the computer program product comprising at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium having program instructions stored thereon, the program instructions comprising: program code for determining a characteristic of a user input to the aerosol delivery device, the user input being detected by a motion sensor of the aerosol delivery device, the user input comprising a manipulation of the aerosol delivery device; and program code for determining a control function having a defined association with the characteristic; and program code for implementing said control function in response to said user input.

31. 31. The computer program product of claim 30, wherein the program instructions for determining the characteristic include program instructions for determining one or more of the type of operation, the angular displacement of the aerosol delivery device, or the number of recurring movement patterns during the operation.

32. 32. The computer program product of claim 31 , wherein the program instructions for determining the characteristic comprise program instructions for determining a direction of movement of the aerosol delivery device, a change in orientation of the aerosol delivery device, or an acceleration of the aerosol delivery device.

33. 31. The computer program product of claim 30, wherein the program instructions for determining the characteristic of the user input comprising manipulation of the aerosol delivery device comprise determining the characteristic of the user input comprising shaking, flicking, tapping, rotating, or tilting the aerosol delivery device, or a series of these actions, or a combination thereof.

34. 31. The computer program product of claim 30, wherein the program instructions for determining the characteristic comprise program instructions for determining a characteristic of the user input detected by the motion sensor being or including a gyroscope or an inclinometer.

35. 35. The computer program product of claim 34, wherein the program instructions for determining the characteristic include program instructions for determining a characteristic of the user input detected by the motion sensor including an accelerometer.

36. 31. The computer program product of claim 30, wherein the program instructions for determining the control function comprise program instructions for determining the control function other than heating an aerosol precursor composition to form an inhalable substance, switching a power state of the aerosol delivery device, or switching an operating state of the aerosol delivery device.

37. 31. The computer program product of claim 30, wherein the program instructions for determining the control functions comprise program instructions for determining the control functions having the defined associations with the characteristics by referencing a data structure having the defined associations between control functions and characteristics.

38. The program instructions:

31. The computer program product of claim 30, further comprising program code for determining, based at least in part on the characteristic, that the user input is for a control function other than a default function associated with the input mechanism through which the user input was received.

39. 31. The computer program product of claim 30, wherein the program code for performing the control functions includes program code for one or more of providing an indication of a level of aerosol precursor composition remaining in a cartridge operably engaged with the aerosol delivery device or providing an indication of a charge level of a battery installed in the aerosol delivery device.

40. 31. The computer program product of claim 30, wherein the program code for performing the control functions comprises program code for changing configuration settings of the aerosol delivery device.

41. 31. The computer program product of claim 30, wherein the user input comprises, in addition to the user input comprising manipulation of the aerosol delivery device, an inhalation input consisting of one or more inhalations.

Images