Devices incorporating bioacoustic sensing

Abstract

A system is provided for capturing information regarding an aspect associated with an aerosol generating device, the aspect including at least one of a user aspect and a consumable aspect. The system includes a signal capture system including one or more acoustic actuators configured to generate an acoustic signal and an acoustic sensor, the one or more acoustic actuators and the acoustic sensor positioned at a predetermined position relative to the aerosol generating device such that an acoustic signal generated by at least one of the one or more acoustic actuators is at least partially modulated according to an aspect before being detected by the acoustic sensor, thereby capturing information regarding the aspect.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for capturing information regarding user or consumable aspects of an aerosol generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] US 9430043 B1 proposes using modulation of an acoustic signal transmitted through a user's hand to identify a current hand gesture. The acoustic signal may be detected on a wristband carried by the user. The wristband has signal processing components attached to it to generate a signal for controlling an electronic device based on the identified hand gesture.

[0003] WO2014 / 172905A1 relates to identifying users of electronic cigarettes. The user inputs user information by using an input device, and the user information may include biometric information such as voice information, fingerprint information, iris information, infrared vein information, face information, and palm shape information. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for capturing information about an aspect associated with an aerosol generating device, the aspect including at least one of a user aspect and a consumable aspect. The system comprises a signal capture system comprising one or more acoustic actuators configured to generate an acoustic signal, and an acoustic sensor. The one or more acoustic actuators and the acoustic sensor are positioned at a predetermined position relative to the aerosol generating device such that an acoustic signal generated by at least one of the one or more acoustic actuators is at least partially modulated according to an aspect before being detected by the acoustic sensor, thereby capturing information about the aspect.

[0005] The system according to the invention thus captures information based on a challenge-response mechanism in which an acoustic signal applied to one location is detected by an acoustic sensor at another defined location after transmission through the human body.

[0006] Acoustic signals passing through the human body are modulated by inherent anatomical and physiological variations such as joint tensions, soft tissue properties, bone properties, etc. Thus, the captured information is physical information that is very difficult to forge, and analysis of the modulated acoustic signals may be used to authenticate users with high accuracy.

[0007] Biometric authentication is secure because biological characteristics are unique to each individual as a result of natural variations, and it is very rare for two individuals to share the same characteristics. However, the most commonly used biometrics, such as fingerprints and facial features, are prone to theft and require special hardware to capture biometric data. Thus, the present invention provides a solution to overcome this problem. Furthermore, bioacoustic signals are directly acquired through the sensor components of the aerosol generating device instead of relying on externally acquired user information.

[0008] Alternatively, or additionally, the system captures information based on applying an acoustic signal to one location and detecting the modulated acoustic signal at other defined locations, such that the acoustic signal is modulated by transmission through the consumable.

[0009] The captured information may relate to consumable aspects that allow for authenticating the consumable. Modulation of the acoustic signature caused by the consumable is influenced by material density, material viscosity, material composition, and equivalent material properties that uniquely characterize tobacco products or e-liquids from authorized manufacturers. Thus, the claimed solution allows for verifying the authenticity of the consumable with physical criteria that are difficult to counterfeit. Thus, the present invention improves the protection of users from exposure to potentially harmful aerosols from unauthorized manufacturers, counterfeit tobacco products, or dangerous e-liquids.

[0010] The predetermined locations of the acoustic actuator and acoustic sensor may correspond to the contact points of a user's fingers on the aerosol generation device when the user is holding the aerosol generation device.

[0011] Thus, capturing user- or consumable-related information can be performed without burdening the user with any specific actions beyond simply using the aerosol generating device.

[0012] The one or more acoustic actuators may comprise a button and the acoustic signal generated by the button may include a first acoustic signal generated upon activation or actuation of the button and a second acoustic signal generated upon release of the button.

[0013] Detecting the first acoustic signal and the second acoustic signal may increase the amount of captured information.

[0014] Instead of an acoustic signal generated by a button including a first acoustic signal and a second acoustic signal, the aerosol generating device may be configured such that activation or operation of the button activates the signal capture system, and release of the button generates the acoustic signal.

[0015] The acoustic sensor may be included in a smartwatch.

[0016] The one or more acoustic actuators comprise a vibration speaker and the acoustic signal comprises a series of acoustic signals generated by the vibration speaker. Advantageously, the casing of the aerosol generating device comprises perforations at predetermined locations of the acoustic sensors.

[0017] Thus, the human body or consumable item may be probed with a series of acoustic signals to provide information differences in frequency.

[0018] An acoustic analysis system may be provided that is configured to assess the behavior based on the detected acoustic signal, the acoustic analysis system being configured to assess the behavior by comparing the detected acoustic signal to one or more reference signals.

[0019] The aspects may include user aspects, the information relating to the user aspects enabling evaluating a user of the aerosol generating device, the one or more reference signals including bioacoustic profiles of registered users of the aerosol generating device, and the acoustic analysis system configured to perform user identification from among the registered users.

[0020] Rating users of aerosol generating devices may protect the aerosol generating device from unauthorized use.

[0021] The aerosol generating device may be configured, in response to identifying a user, to adjust the process for heating the consumable based on a user profile of the user.

[0022] Thus, evaluating user behavior based on a modulated acoustic signal may make it possible to adjust the functionality of the aerosol generating device without burdening the user with additional actions for user identification.

[0023] The embodiment may include a consumable embodiment, and the information about the embodiment allows for evaluating a consumable inserted into the aerosol generating device, the one or more reference signals including an authentic consumable reference signal, and the acoustic analysis system is configured to verify the consumable by comparing an acoustic signature of the consumable to the authentic consumable reference signal.

[0024] The consumable may be provided in the tobacco plug. The tobacco plug may include one or more of powder, granules, pellets, pieces, spaghetti, strips, or sheets containing one or more of tobacco leaves, tobacco stem pieces, reconstituted tobacco, homogenized tobacco, extruded tobacco, expanded tobacco. Optionally, the tobacco plug may contain additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds that are released upon heating of the tobacco plug. Optionally, the tobacco plug may also include capsules, for example, containing additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds. Such capsules may melt during heating of the tobacco plug. Alternatively, or in addition, such capsules may be crushed before, during, or after heating of the tobacco plug.

[0025] When the tobacco plug includes homogenized tobacco material, the homogenized tobacco material may be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco. The homogenized tobacco material may be in the form of a sheet. The homogenized tobacco material may have an aerosol former content of greater than 5 percent on a dry weight basis. Alternatively, the homogenized tobacco material may have an aerosol former content of 5 to 30 percent by weight on a dry weight basis. The homogenized tobacco material sheet may be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco obtained by grinding or otherwise comminuted one or both of the tobacco lamina and the tobacco stems, or alternatively, or additionally, the homogenized tobacco material sheet may include one or more of tobacco dust, tobacco fines, and other particulate tobacco by-products formed, for example, during tobacco processing, handling, and transportation. The homogenized tobacco material sheet may include one or more inherent binders, which may be tobacco intrinsic binders, one or more extrinsic binders (i.e., tobacco extrinsic binders), or a combination thereof, to assist in agglomerating the particulate tobacco. Alternatively, or in addition, the homogenized tobacco material sheet may include other additives, including, but not limited to, tobacco and non-tobacco fibers, aerosol formers, humectants, plasticizers, flavorants, fillers, aqueous and non-aqueous solvents, and combinations thereof. The homogenized tobacco material sheet is preferably formed by a casting process of a type that generally involves casting a slurry including particulate tobacco and one or more binders onto a conveyor belt or other supporting surface, drying the cast slurry to form a homogenized tobacco material sheet, and removing the homogenized tobacco material sheet from the supporting surface.

[0026] The consumable may be provided within an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may have a total length of between about 30 mm and about 100 mm. The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of between about 5 mm and about 13 mm.

[0027] The aerosol-generating article may include a mouthpiece located downstream of the tobacco plug. The mouthpiece may be located at the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The mouthpiece may be a cellulose acetate filter plug. The mouthpiece is preferably approximately 7 millimeters in length, but may have a length of approximately 5 millimeters to approximately 10 millimeters.

[0028] The tobacco plug may have a length of approximately 10 mm.The tobacco plug may have a length of approximately 12 mm.

[0029] The tobacco plug may have a diameter of from about 5 millimeters to about 12 millimeters.

[0030] Preferably, the aerosol-generating article has an overall length of between approximately 40 mm and approximately 50 mm. Preferably, the aerosol-generating article has an overall length of approximately 45 mm. Preferably, the aerosol-generating article has an outer diameter of approximately 7.2 mm.

[0031] Thereby, the information regarding the consumable aspects may enable the consumable to be verified as an authentic consumable, thus protecting the user from inhaling potentially harmful aerosols from improper or counterfeit consumables.

[0032] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for capturing information about an aspect associated with an aerosol generating device, the aspect including at least one of a user aspect and a consumable aspect. The method includes generating an acoustic signal in response to a user activating a button on the aerosol generating device, the acoustic signal being at least partially modulated according to the aspect. The method further includes detecting the modulated acoustic signal by an acoustic sensor associated with the aerosol generating device, thereby capturing information about the aspect.

[0033] By detecting the modulated acoustic signal, information about the physical aspects of a material or body can be captured in order to characterize the material or body without relying on digital markers that are susceptible to forgery.

[0034] The method may further comprise comparing the detected acoustic signal with one or more reference signals for assessing a behavior, the behavior comprising a user behavior, the method further comprising performing the steps of generating an acoustic signal and detecting the modulated acoustic signal a number of times to record a bioacoustic profile of the user to be used as a reference signal for authenticating the user for assessing the user behavior.

[0035] Thus, a reference signal for authenticating a user can be captured in the aerosol generating device without relying on additional dedicated hardware.

[0036] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a use of an acoustic sensor for assessing an aspect associated with an aerosol generation device is disclosed, the use including providing an acoustic sensor such that an acoustic signal generated by a component associated with the aerosol generation device, when detected by the acoustic sensor, is modulated in a manner that facilitates assessment of an aspect associated with the aerosol generation device, the aspect including at least one of a user aspect and a consumable aspect.

[0037] The term "user aspects" as used in this disclosure relates to aspects related to a user of the aerosol generating device, such as the identity and age of the user, whereby the user may be authenticated using information captured, for example, by the user aspects. The term "consumable aspects" as used in this disclosure relates to aspects of a consumable inserted into the aerosol generating device, such as the brand authenticity or other quality of the consumable.

[0038] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, below is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of any other example, embodiment, or aspect described herein. EXAMPLES

[0039] Example 1: A system for capturing information regarding an aspect associated with an aerosol generating device, the aspect including at least one of a user aspect and a consumable aspect, the system comprising: 1. A signal acquisition system comprising: one or more acoustic actuators configured to generate an acoustic signal; An acoustic sensor, A system comprising one or more acoustic actuators and an acoustic sensor positioned at a predetermined position relative to the aerosol generating device, the signal capture system whereby an acoustic signal generated by at least one of the one or more acoustic actuators is at least partially modulated in accordance with an embodiment before being detected by the acoustic sensor, thereby capturing information regarding the embodiment.

[0040] Example 2: A system as described in Example 1, wherein the predetermined position corresponds to the contact point of a user's finger on the aerosol generation device when the user is holding the aerosol generation device.

[0041] Example 3: The system of example 1 or example 2, wherein the one or more acoustic actuators comprise buttons.

[0042] Example 4: The system described in Example 3, wherein the button is a power button of the aerosol generating device or a button for starting a heating process of the aerosol generating device.

[0043] Example 5: A system described in any one of Examples 3 or 4, wherein the acoustic signal generated by the button includes a first acoustic signal generated when the button is pressed and a second acoustic signal generated when the button is released.

[0044] Example 6: A system described in any one of Examples 3 to 5, wherein the aerosol generating device is configured such that pressing a button activates the signal capture system and releasing the button generates an acoustic signal.

[0045] Example 7: The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, further comprising a smartwatch, the smartwatch comprising an acoustic sensor.

[0046] Example 8: A system described in any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the predetermined position of the acoustic sensor is a position opposite the position of the button around the periphery of the aerosol generating device.

[0047] Example 9: A system described in any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the predetermined position of the acoustic sensor is a position on another side of the aerosol generating device relative to the predetermined position of the button.

[0048] Example 10: A system as described in Example 8, wherein the position opposite the predetermined position of the button is between 140 degrees and 220 degrees along the circumference of the aerosol generating device, measured from the predetermined position of the button.

[0049] Example 11: A system described in any one of Examples 1 to 10, wherein the predetermined position of the acoustic sensor is a position ergonomically preferred by the user for placing the first finger when holding the aerosol generating device.

[0050] Example 12: A system described in any one of Examples 1 to 11, wherein the predetermined position of the one or more acoustic actuators includes a position ergonomically preferred by a user for placing a second finger when holding the aerosol generating device between a first finger and a second finger.

[0051] Example 13: A system described in any one of Examples 1 to 12, wherein the one or more acoustic actuators include a vibration speaker and the acoustic signal includes a series of acoustic signals generated by the vibration speaker.

[0052] Example 14: A system as described in Example 13, wherein the vibration speaker is configured to generate a series of acoustic signals having a range of frequencies, the range of frequencies being selected based on consideration of the quality of bioacoustic transmission at frequencies within the selected range.

[0053] Example 15: A system described in any one of Examples 1 to 14, wherein the casing of the aerosol generating device has a perforation at a predetermined position of the acoustic sensor.

[0054] Example 16: The system of Examples 1-15, further comprising an acoustic analysis system configured to evaluate the behavior based on the detected acoustic signal.

[0055] Example 17: The system of Example 16, wherein the acoustic analysis system is provided within the aerosol generating device.

[0056] Example 18: A system described in Example 16 or Example 17, wherein the acoustic analysis system is provided within one of a smartphone, a personal computer, a smart device, or the cloud.

[0057] Example 19: A system described in any one of Examples 16 to 18, wherein the acoustic analysis system is configured to evaluate the aspect by comparing the detected acoustic signal to one or more reference signals.

[0058] Example 20: A system described in any one of Examples 1 to 19, wherein the aspect includes a user aspect and the information regarding the aspect enables evaluating a user of the aerosol generating device.

[0059] Example 21: The system described in Example 20, wherein the one or more reference signals include a bioacoustic profile of a registered user of the aerosol generating device, and the acoustic analysis system is configured to perform user identification from among the registered users.

[0060] Example 22: The system described in Example 21, wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to adjust the process for heating the consumable based on the user's user profile in response to identifying the user.

[0061] Example 23: A system described in Example 21 or Example 22, wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to lock the aerosol generating device in response to failure to identify the user.

[0062] Example 24: The system of Example 23, wherein the aerosol generating device is locked for a predetermined period of time.

[0063] Example 25: The system described in any one of Examples 20 to 24, wherein evaluating the user includes estimating the user's age.

[0064] Example 26: The system described in Example 25, wherein the one or more reference signals include a reference signal capable of indicating the age of the user.

[0065] Example 27: The system of Example 26, wherein the one or more reference signals include a typical reference signal for adults.

[0066] Example 28: The system described in Example 27, wherein the general reference signal for adults is based on a statistical population average.

[0067] Example 29: The system of Example 28, wherein the statistical population average relates to a regional population.

[0068] Example 30: A system described in any one of Examples 27 to 29, wherein the general reference signal for an adult is based on modulation of the acoustic signal due to at least one of soft tissue properties, bone properties, and joint tension of an adult human body.

[0069] Example 31: A system described in any one of Examples 1 to 30, further comprising a user interface for guiding a user to correctly use the acoustic analysis system, the user interface including at least one of tactile feedback and visual feedback.

[0070] Example 32: A system described in any one of Examples 1 to 31, wherein the embodiment includes a consumable embodiment and the information regarding the embodiment enables evaluating a consumable inserted into the aerosol generating device.

[0071] Example 33: The system of Example 32, wherein the one or more reference signals include an authentic consumable reference signal.

[0072] Example 34: The system of Example 33, wherein the acoustic analysis system is configured to verify the consumable by comparing the acoustic signature of the consumable with a reference signal of an authentic consumable.

[0073] Example 35: A system described in any one of Examples 32 to 34, wherein the acoustic analysis system is further configured to estimate the remaining amount of the consumable.

[0074] Example 36: A system described in any one of Examples 32 to 35, wherein the consumable is one of a tobacco product and an e-liquid.

[0075] Example 37: A system described in any one of Examples 1 to 36, wherein the predetermined position of the acoustic sensor is selected such that the shortest path from at least one of the predetermined positions of the one or more acoustic actuators to the acoustic sensor passes through the e-liquid chamber of the aerosol generating device.

[0076] Example 38: A system described in any one of Examples 1 to 36, wherein the acoustic analysis system is configured to compare the modulated acoustic signal to a reference signal by analyzing reflections of the acoustic signal after the acoustic signal passes through the consumable.

[0077] Example 39: A method for capturing information regarding an aspect associated with an aerosol generating device, the aspect including at least one of a user aspect and a consumable aspect, the method comprising: generating an acoustic signal in response to a user activating a button on the aerosol generating device, the acoustic signal being at least partially modulated according to an embodiment; Detecting a modulated acoustic signal by an acoustic sensor associated with the aerosol generating device, thereby capturing information regarding the aspect.

[0078] Example 40: The method of example 39, further comprising comparing the detected acoustic signal to one or more reference signals to evaluate the aspect.

[0079] Example 41: The method described in Example 39 or Example 40, wherein the embodiment includes a user embodiment and the method further comprises performing the steps of generating an acoustic signal and detecting the modulated acoustic signal several times to record a bioacoustic profile of the user to be used as a reference signal for authenticating the user.

[0080] Example 42: A method described in any one of Examples 39 to 41, further comprising guiding a user to correctly place a finger on the aerosol generating device, wherein guiding the user comprises at least one of providing tactile feedback and providing visual feedback.

[0081] Example 43: The method of any one of Examples 39 to 42, wherein the aerosol generating device is powered on in response to a user activating a button.

[0082] Example 44: The method of any one of Examples 39 to 43, wherein the heating process of the aerosol generating device is initiated in response to a user activating a button.

[0083] Example 45: A method described in any one of Examples 39 to 44, wherein detecting the modulated acoustic signal is performed by a smart watch.

[0084] Example 46: A method according to any one of Examples 39 to 45, wherein the acoustic signal includes a first acoustic signal and a second acoustic signal, and generating the acoustic signal includes generating the first acoustic signal when a button is pressed and the second acoustic signal when the button is released.

[0085] Example 47: A method as described in any one of Examples 39 to 46, wherein user activation of the button includes the user pressing the button and the user releasing the button, the method being initiated in response to the button pressing and an acoustic signal being generated in response to the button release.

[0086] Example 48: The method of any one of Examples 39 to 47, wherein generating an acoustic signal includes activating a vibration speaker.

[0087] Example 49: The method of example 48, wherein activating the vibration speaker includes generating an acoustic signal having a range of frequencies.

[0088] Example 50: The method described in Example 49, wherein the range of frequencies is selected based on considering the quality of bioacoustic transmission at frequencies within the selected range.

[0089] Example 51: A method described in any one of Examples 48 to 50, further comprising calibrating the acoustic signal generated by the vibration speaker by employing a known signal strength generated by a user pressing a button and a signal generated by the vibration speaker at a particular frequency.

[0090] Example 51: The method described in any one of Examples 39 to 50, wherein the embodiment includes a user embodiment and the information regarding the embodiment allows for evaluating a user of the aerosol generating device.

[0091] Example 52: The method described in Example 51, wherein the one or more reference signals include a bioacoustic profile of a registered user of the aerosol generating device.

[0092] Example 53: The method described in example 51 or example 52, wherein the evaluation includes performing identification of the user from among registered users.

[0093] Example 54: The method described in Example 53, further comprising, in response to identifying the user, adjusting heating of consumables of the aerosol generating device based on a user profile of the user.

[0094] Example 55: The method described in Example 53 or Example 54, further comprising performing a mitigation step comprising locking the aerosol generating device in response to failing to identify the user.

[0095] Example 56: The method of Example 55, wherein the aerosol generating device is locked for a predetermined period of time.

[0096] Example 57: The method described in Example 55 or Example 56, wherein the mitigation step further includes notifying a registered user via a third party device of an attempt at unauthorized use of the aerosol generating device and requiring approval from the third party device to unlock the aerosol generating device.

[0097] Example 58: The method of any one of Examples 51 to 57, wherein evaluating includes estimating the age of the user.

[0098] Example 59: The method described in Example 58, wherein the one or more reference signals include a reference signal capable of indicating the user's age.

[0099] Example 60: The method of example 59, wherein the reference signal comprises a typical reference signal for adults.

[0100] Example 61: The method of Example 60, wherein the general reference signal for adults is based on a statistical population average.

[0101] Example 62: The method of Example 61, wherein the population average relates to a local population.

[0102] Example 63: A method according to any one of Examples 60 to 62, wherein the general reference signal for an adult is based on modulation of an acoustic signal due to at least one of soft tissue properties, bone properties, and joint tension of an adult human body.

[0103] Example 64: The method described in any one of Examples 39 to 63, wherein the embodiment includes a consumable embodiment of the aerosol generating device, and the information regarding the embodiment enables evaluating a consumable inserted into the aerosol generating device.

[0104] Example 65: The method of example 64, wherein evaluating comprises determining a remaining amount of the consumable.

[0105] Example 66: The method described in Example 65, further comprising, in response to determining that the amount of the consumable is low, generating a user interface to query the user as to whether to order a new supply of the consumable.

[0106] Example 67: Use of an acoustic sensor to evaluate an aspect associated with an aerosol generation device by providing an acoustic sensor such that, when detected by the acoustic sensor, an acoustic signal generated by a component associated with the aerosol generation device is modulated in a manner that facilitates evaluation of an aspect associated with the aerosol generation device, the aspect including at least one of a user aspect and a consumable aspect. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0107] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A illustrates an aerosol generating device to which the present invention can be applied. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B illustrates an aerosol generating device to which the present invention can be applied. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A illustrates a cross-section of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1A. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B illustrates a cross-section of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1B. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 illustrates components of a system for capturing one embodiment associated with an aerosol generating device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 illustrates a process flow diagram within the components of the system of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 illustrates a flow diagram of a method for capturing one embodiment of an aerosol generating device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0108] 1A and 1B show an outline view of an aerosol generating device 100 with associated user or consumable aspects, the information of which is captured by a system, such as system 30 described below. The aerosol generating device 100 has a casing 102 and a button 104 located on the casing 102. The aerosol generating device 100 includes a mouthpiece 106 for providing the aerosol to a user and a back end 108 that typically has a connector for recharging the battery of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0109] Figure 1B illustrates a side view of the aerosol generating device 100. In Figure 1B, a bioacoustic signal input area 110 is shown, where input of a modulated acoustic signal from a user's finger should advantageously be provided to capture information about the user's posture.

[0110] Pressing the button 104 may generate an acoustic signal from the mechanical movement of the button 104. Additionally or alternatively, the button 104 may activate one or more vibrators that generate the acoustic signal in addition to powering on the aerosol generating device 100. In an embodiment, the button 104 is a power button for the aerosol generating device. Alternatively or additionally, the button 104 may be a button for initiating a heating process of the aerosol generating device.

[0111] A user typically holds the aerosol generating device 100 with two fingers such that any one finger can activate the button 104. The generated acoustic signal may be transmitted to the user's finger that presses the button 104. The acoustic signal may then travel past the user's finger and hand to another finger located near the bioacoustic signal input area 110, which receives the acoustic signal modulated by the unique material properties and unique anatomical structure of the user's hand.

[0112] The bioacoustic signal input area 110 may be located in a position ergonomically preferred by most users, for example to hold the aerosol generating device 100 with one finger, such as the thumb, while pressing the button 104 with another finger.

[0113] 2A and 2B illustrate a cross section through the aerosol generating device 100. The lower portion of the body of the aerosol generating device 100 is occupied by a battery 202. The upper portion of the inner body of the aerosol generating device 100 has a heating blade 204 configured to heat a consumable to generate an aerosol. As shown in FIG. 2B, the control electronics 206 are located near the rear of the body of the aerosol generating device 100. Additionally, an acoustic sensor 208 is located near the bioacoustic signal input area 110. The aerosol generating device 100 may further include a vibration speaker 210 configured to be activated when a user presses the button 104 to generate an acoustic signal.

[0114] Additionally, the acoustic signal generated by pressing the button may include a first acoustic signal generated upon pressing the button and a second acoustic signal generated upon releasing the button. In another embodiment, pressing the button 104 activates a signal capture system contained within the control electronics 206 and releasing the button generates an acoustic signal.

[0115] The button 104 , vibration speaker 210 , and acoustic sensor 208 are positioned such that an acoustic signal generated by the button 104 or vibration speaker 210 is modulated according to a user behavior or according to a consumable behavior before being detected by the acoustic sensor 208 .

[0116] 1A-2B, the bioacoustic signal input area 110 and acoustic sensor 208 may be located on the back side of the aerosol generating device 100, while the button 104 is located on the front side. In an embodiment, the bioacoustic signal input area 110 and acoustic sensor 208 may be located opposite the button 104 around the periphery of the aerosol generating device 100, such that when a user conveniently holds the aerosol generating device, a user's digits, e.g., one of the user's finger and the user's thumb, contact the aerosol generating device at these locations.

[0117] The position opposite the position of the button 104 may correspond to between 140 degrees and 220 degrees measured along the circumference of the aerosol generation device 100.

[0118] In other embodiments, the acoustic sensor 208 is located in a smartwatch associated with the aerosol generating device 100. In these embodiments, the acoustic signal generated in response to pressing the button 104 is transmitted through the finger or thumb the user uses to press the button, past the hand to the wrist carrying the smartwatch, and is thus modulated by the anatomy of the user's hand.

[0119] In an embodiment for capturing information about the consumable aspect, the positions of the button 104, the vibration speaker 210, the acoustic sensor 208 may be selected such that the reservoir of the device for the consumable acts as a variable modulator for the acoustic signal. The information about the consumable aspect may enable verification of the brand authenticity of the consumable or may provide a time-varying signal that improves long-term authentication. In a further embodiment, the information about the consumable aspect may enable an estimation of the remaining amount of the consumable. To capture information about the consumable aspect, the vibration speaker 210 and the acoustic sensor 208 may be such that the path from the vibration speaker 210 to the acoustic sensor 208 traverses the reservoir that holds the consumable.

[0120] In an embodiment, the acoustic signal is generated by the vibration speaker 210 as a series of acoustic signals having a range of frequencies. The range of frequencies may be selected based on bioacoustic transmission quality considerations. Furthermore, using a range of frequencies allows for improved modulation patterns since tissue responses to acoustic signals vary differentially between tissues. The casing 102 may have perforations around the acoustic signal input area 110 to improve signal transmission to the acoustic sensor 208.

[0121] According to one embodiment, the user aspect relates to a user currently holding the aerosol generating device, and the captured information may enable authenticating the current user. In response to identifying the current user from among registered users, the aerosol generating device 100 may be configured to adjust the process for heating the consumable based on the user's stored user profile. In response to failing to identify the user from among registered users, the aerosol generating device may be configured to be locked, such as locked for a predetermined time. In an embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be further configured to send a notification to the registered user via a third party device of an attempted unauthorized use of the aerosol generating device. Unlocking the aerosol generating device may require authorization from a third party device, such as a smartphone, personal computer, or smart device.

[0122] FIG. 3 illustrates components of a system 30 for capturing information about an aspect associated with an aerosol generating device. The system 30 may be fully integrated into the aerosol generating device 100. Alternatively, at least some components of the system may be implemented on another device connected to the aerosol generating device 100 via a data connection. The system 30 includes a signal capture system 32 that includes an acoustic actuator 322 and an acoustic sensor 326. The acoustic actuator 322 is configured to generate an acoustic signal. As described above with reference to FIGS. 1A-2B, the acoustic actuator 322 may include at least one of a power button, a heating button, or a vibration speaker of the aerosol generating device.

[0123] According to an embodiment, the acoustic actuator 322 may comprise a vibration speaker having an effective frequency range of 80 Hertz to 18 kilohertz. In an embodiment, the selected frequency may be 0.5 kilohertz to 10 kilohertz. The acoustic sensor 322 may be a contact microphone, for example a BU27135 accelerometer with a sensitivity of -45 dB ± 4.5 dB.

[0124] The system 32 may be activated when a user presses a button on the aerosol generating device with a finger or thumb which generates an acoustic signal. The acoustic signal is transmitted through the aerosol generating device and, in embodiments, the human body, and is at least partially modulated according to an embodiment. The system includes an acoustic sensor 326 for detecting the modulated acoustic signal.

[0125] Components of the signal acquisition system 32 may be included in the aerosol generating device. Alternatively, the acoustic sensor 326 may be located remotely from the acoustic actuator 322, for example in a smartwatch carried by the user.

[0126] In one embodiment, the system 30 also includes an acoustic analysis system 34. The acoustic analysis system 34 includes a user interface 342, an acoustic analysis algorithm 344, and a reference database 346.

[0127] The acoustic analysis algorithm 344 is configured to obtain a modulated acoustic signal from the acoustic sensor 326 and compare the modulated acoustic signal to a reference signal from a reference database 346 to evaluate user or consumable aspects. The modulation of the acoustic signal is coded with harmonics of the signal that may be analyzed by the acoustic analysis algorithm. The acoustic analysis algorithm 344 may utilize appropriate filtering techniques to remove environmental or other noise from the detected acoustic signal.

[0128] According to one embodiment, the user aspect relates to a user currently holding the aerosol generating device. Thus, the reference database 346 may store acoustic profiles of registered users of the aerosol generating device. In response to identifying the current user from among the registered users, the user profile, defining user settings for, for example, heating of consumables, may be transferred to the aerosol generating device.

[0129] The acoustic analysis algorithm 344 may be implemented locally on the aerosol generating device, or remotely, such as on a third party device or a cloud server.

[0130] According to another embodiment of the invention, the reference database 346 may include a general profile of adults. The general profile of adults may be based on a regional population average. The relevant general reference signal of adults is influenced by the characteristics of human soft tissues, bone characteristics, and joint tensions, which vary with age. As is known, the evaluation of the hand bones allows to estimate the development stage in adolescence, since the ossification process increases the density and material hardening of bones in adolescence, which leads to the modulation of the acoustic signal different with age. Furthermore, the fusion of the pituitary gland and metaphyseal bones affects the acoustic signal transmission. Thus, for young people, the acoustic signature shows a greater attenuation in the higher frequency range due to the weaker bone hardness and fusion, which provides a feature for estimating the age of the user holding the aerosol generating device.

[0131] Thus, the acoustic analysis algorithm 344 may compare characteristics of the modulated acoustic signal to characteristics of a general profile of adults to generate an estimated age of the user, which may be used as an additional measure to protect against fraudulent use.

[0132] The acoustic analysis system 34 may be implemented at the same location where the acoustic analysis system 34 is run, such as locally on the aerosol generating device. Alternatively, the acoustic analysis system 34 may be implemented at a remote location, such as a smartphone, laptop computer, or smart device, such as a smart watch.

[0133] The acoustic analysis system 34 may further comprise a user interface 342 configured to guide the user to use the acoustic analysis system 30 correctly. The user interface 342 may be configured to provide tactile feedback to the user. For example, a vibration motor may configure the aerosol generator to generate vibrations when the user does not place his / her finger correctly to enable evaluation of the aspect. Thus, if the acoustic analysis algorithm 344 determines that an evaluation is not possible from the captured acoustic signal, the user interface may be instructed to provide feedback accordingly. The feedback may also include visual feedback, for example by a light emitting diode indicator.

[0134] Additionally, the user interface 342 may communicate to the user when an error in authentication occurs and when the user's bioacoustic signature has been accepted or rejected. In an embodiment, the user interface 342 may be configured to allow the user to attempt authentication a predetermined number of times. After each of the predetermined number of failed authentication attempts, mitigation steps may be taken to prevent fraud, as described above.

[0135] The system 30 may be configured to evaluate a consumable inserted into the aerosol generation device 100. The acoustic actuator of the acoustic activator 322 may be positioned such that a path from the acoustic actuator to the acoustic sensor 110 traverses the consumable, for example through an e-liquid chamber of the aerosol generation device 100, a heated tobacco product, or other consumable. After the acoustic signal is transmitted through the consumable, modulations picked up by the acoustic signal during transmission through the consumable may allow the consumable to be characterized.

[0136] The reference database 346 may include reference signals of authentic consumables provided by the consumable manufacturer. In an alternative embodiment, the predetermined locations of the acoustic activator 322 and acoustic sensor 326 may be such that a reflection of a modulated acoustic signal is captured to evaluate the consumable. The acoustic signal is generated in response to a user pressing a button on the aerosol generating device, as described above. In addition to authenticating the consumable, based on an analysis of the received acoustic signal, the acoustic analysis algorithm 344 may also estimate the remaining amount of the consumable. The analysis of the remaining amount of the consumable may be based on comparing the captured acoustic signal to a reference signal of no remaining amount of the consumable. Alternatively, a consistent time variation of the signal obtained from analyzing the captured acoustic signal with each subsequent use may be used to estimate the remaining amount of the consumable.

[0137] The user interface 342 may communicate to the user an approval or rejection of the acoustic signature of the consumable. Additionally or alternatively, the user interface 342 may also communicate to the user that the remaining consumable is low. If the acoustic analysis algorithm 344 estimates that the remaining consumable is low, the user interface 342 may inform the user that the consumable is low and may query the user whether they would like to order more consumable. With the user's prior approval, an order for refills of the consumable may be placed automatically.

[0138] 4 illustrates the signal and data flow within the system 30. As shown, an acoustic actuator 322, in response to a user pressing a button, generates an acoustic signal 323 that is transmitted to one finger, the finger above it, and another finger below it 324 to generate a modulated acoustic signal 325 that includes a user-specific modulation. The modulated acoustic signal 325 is captured by an acoustic sensor 326. Captured signal data 327 of the acoustic signal is transferred from the acoustic sensor 324 to an acoustic analysis algorithm 344, potentially performed at a location remote from the signal capture process system 32. The acoustic analysis algorithm 344 retrieves a reference signal 347 from a reference database 346 and provides an authentication decision 349 to the aerosol generating device 100.

[0139] FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart of a method 500 for capturing information about an aspect associated with an aerosol generating device. The method 500 includes generating one or more acoustic signals in response to a user activating a button on the aerosol generating device. The signal passes through the user's hand and, alternatively or additionally, through a reservoir holding a consumable. The method 500 further includes step 504 of capturing a signal modulated by an acoustic sensor associated with the aerosol generating device to capture information about the aspect. As described above, the method 500 may include step 506 of processing the captured acoustic signal with an acoustic analysis algorithm, including comparing the detected acoustic signal to a reference, to evaluate the user aspect. Additionally or alternatively, the detected acoustic signal may be compared to a reference consumable signal to evaluate the consumable aspect. If evaluating the user aspect includes authenticating the user, the method 500 may include repeating steps 502-506 a predetermined number of times, for example, before locking the device from use upon failure to authenticate the user.

[0140] Method 500 may include guiding the user to correctly place a finger on the aerosol generating device by optical or visual feedback. Step 502 may include generating an acoustic signal upon pressing a button and a second acoustic signal upon release of the button, or generating an acoustic signal by activating a vibration speaker to generate an acoustic signal at a particular frequency, or generating a sequence of acoustic signals having a range of frequencies (or generating an acoustic signal upon pressing a button and a second acoustic signal upon release of the button, and generating an acoustic signal by activating a vibration speaker).

[0141] The method 500 includes evaluating user or consumable aspects, which may include authenticating the user, estimating the age of the user, or verifying the authenticity of a consumable inserted into the aerosol generating device, as described above.

[0142] Advantageously, the present invention also allows for steps 502 and 504 to be performed to capture a reference signal for a user. Thus, when using the aerosol generating device for the first time, the user interface 242 may prompt the user to repeatedly perform steps 502 and 504 to record a bioacoustic profile for the user that is later used as a reference signal for the user to authenticate the user.

[0143] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and the like, should be understood in all cases as modified by the term "about." Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein. Thus, in this context, the number A is understood as A±10%. Within this context, the number A may be considered to include a numerical value that is within the general standard error for the measurement of the property that the number A modifies. The number A may deviate by the percentages recited above, in some cases as used in the appended claims, provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel property(ies) of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein.

Claims

1. A system for capturing information related to an aspect associated with an aerosol generating device (100), the aspect including at least one of a user aspect and a consumable aspect, the system comprising: a signal capture system (32), one or more acoustic actuators (322) configured to generate an acoustic signal, the one or more acoustic actuators (322) comprising a button (104), and an acoustic sensor (326), wherein the one or more acoustic actuators (322) and the acoustic sensor (326) are located at a predetermined position relative to the aerosol generating device (100), such that an acoustic signal generated by pressing the button (104) is at least partially modulated according to the aspect before being detected by the acoustic sensor (326), thereby capturing the information regarding the aspect, the system comprising the signal capture system.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined position corresponds to a contact point of the user's finger on the aerosol generating device (100) when the user is holding the aerosol generating device.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the acoustic signal generated by the button (104) includes a first acoustic signal generated when the button (104) is pressed and a second acoustic signal generated when the button (104) is released.

4. The system according to claim 2, wherein the aerosol generating device (100) is configured such that pressing the button (104) activates the signal capture system and releasing the button (104) generates the acoustic signal.

5. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a smartwatch, the smartwatch comprising the acoustic sensor (326).

6. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the one or more acoustic actuators (322) comprise a vibration speaker (210), and the acoustic signal includes a series of acoustic signals generated by the vibration speaker (210).

7. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the casing of the aerosol generating device (100) has a perforation at the predetermined position of the acoustic sensor (208, 326).

8. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an acoustic analysis system (34) configured to evaluate the pattern based on the detected acoustic signal, the acoustic analysis system (34) being configured to evaluate the pattern by comparing the detected acoustic signal with one or more reference signals.

9. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pattern includes the user pattern, the information regarding the user pattern enables evaluation of the user of the aerosol generator, the one or more reference signals include the biometric acoustic profiles of registered users of the aerosol generator, and the acoustic analysis system is configured to perform identification of the user from among the registered users.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the aerosol generator (100) is configured to adjust a process for heating a consumable based on the user profile of the user in response to identifying the user.

11. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pattern includes the consumable pattern, and the information regarding the pattern enables evaluation of the consumable inserted into the aerosol generator (100).

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein the one or more reference signals include a reference signal for a genuine consumable, and the acoustic analysis system (34) is configured to verify the consumable by comparing the acoustic signature of the consumable with the reference signal for the genuine consumable.

13. A method for capturing information regarding a pattern associated with an aerosol generator, the pattern including at least one of a user pattern and a consumable pattern, the method comprising: generating (502) an acoustic signal in response to a user activating a button on the aerosol generator, the acoustic signal being at least partially modulated according to the pattern; and detecting (504) the modulated acoustic signal by an acoustic sensor associated with the aerosol generator, thereby capturing the information regarding the pattern.

14. wherein the aspect includes the user aspect, and the method further comprises performing a step (502) of generating the acoustic signal and a step (504) of detecting the modulated acoustic signal several times to record the user's bioacoustic profile, and the method further comprises later comparing the detected acoustic signal with the recorded bioacoustic profile (506). The method according to claim 13. **Claim 15** Use of an acoustic sensor for evaluating an aspect associated with an aerosol generator, by providing an acoustic sensor such that an acoustic signal generated by pressing a button on the aerosol generator when detected by the acoustic sensor is modulated in a manner that facilitates evaluation of the aspect associated with the aerosol generator, wherein the aspect includes at least one of a user aspect and a consumable aspect.

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