Aerosol generation device comprising an orientation sensor

Abstract

An aerosol generation device for generating an aerosol or a vapor, comprising: an orientation sensor for sensing the orientation of the aerosol generation device; and a controller configured to detect a first set of one or more states of the aerosol generation device, the first set preferably defining a sequence of states, the first set including at least one state detected at least partially based on the sensed orientation, determine a first operation of the aerosol generation device to be performed at least partially based on the first set of states, control the aerosol generation device according to the first operation, store in a memory the first set of states and the first operation in association with each other, the association being for controlling a subsequent operation of the aerosol generation device when a second set of subsequently detected states of the aerosol generation device matches the first set of states. Also provided are a controller, a method for controlling an aerosol generation device, and a computer program.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Exemplary aspects herein relate to aerosol generation from consumables, and in particular, to an aerosol generating device, a controller for an aerosol generating device, a method for controlling an aerosol generating device, and a computer program.

Background Art

[0002] Devices used to heat or warm an aerosol-generable substance to generate an aerosol are known and are portable and hand-held. For example, known types of aerosol generating devices such as atomizers, vaporizers, electronic cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigalikes, etc. have been used to heat an aerosol-generable substance as a device with reduced risk or risk modification from conventional tobacco products.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] Since aerosol generating devices are intended for human use, their ease of use is an important aspect of these devices. The inventors have recognized that although users are likely to have or form habits when using aerosol generating devices, conventional aerosol generating devices may not be configurable to suit the user's habits or the user may need to manually configure the device, which can be cumbersome for the user.

[0004] At the same time, aerosol generating devices are greatly affected by the environment or situation in which they operate, but these devices generally have few means to reduce these effects, resulting in an inconsistent user experience.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need to improve the ease of use of the device and, in particular, to facilitate how an aerosol generating device can operate according to a user's preference in a wider range of situations.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] The inventors of the present invention have recognized that user habits can be used to control how a device should operate in future use without the user having to indicate their preferences, thus improving the usability of the user of the aerosol generating device, and that the environmental impact can be addressed by obtaining the level of "situation recognition" and using this recognition to control the operation of the device.

[0007] It is understood that information related to observable or potential variables indicating the state or situation of the aerosol generating device can be obtained to adapt the operation of the aerosol generating device and recognize repeating patterns in the use of the aerosol generating device.

[0008] In particular, since the orientation of the device can affect the generation of the aerosol and / or other functionality of the device, the orientation of the device is a factor that can be used to recognize repeating patterns in the use of the aerosol generating device while providing useful information about the situation in which the device is operating. This provides more homogeneous performance of the device.

[0009] According to a first exemplary aspect disclosed herein, an aerosol generation device for generating an aerosol or vapor is provided, the aerosol generation device comprising an orientation sensor for sensing the orientation of the aerosol generation device and a controller. The controller detects a first set of one or more states of the aerosol generation device, the first set preferably defining a sequence of states, the first set including at least one state detected at least partially based on the sensed orientation, determines a first operation of the aerosol generation device to be performed based at least partially on the first set of states, controls the aerosol generation device according to the first operation, stores in a memory the first set of states and the first operation in association with each other, and the association is for controlling a subsequent operation of the aerosol generation device when a second set of subsequently detected states of the aerosol generation device matches the first set of states.

[0010] According to another exemplary aspect disclosed herein, a controller for an aerosol generation device is provided, the aerosol generation device being for generating an aerosol or vapor and comprising an orientation sensor for sensing the orientation of the aerosol generation device. The controller detects a first set of one or more states of the aerosol generation device, the first set preferably defining a sequence of states, the first set including at least one state detected at least partially based on the sensed orientation, determines a first operation of the aerosol generation device to be performed based at least partially on the first set of states, controls the aerosol generation device according to the first operation, stores in a memory the first set of states and the first operation in association with each other, and the association is for controlling a subsequent operation of the aerosol generation device when a second set of subsequently detected states of the aerosol generation device matches the first set of states.

[0011] According to another exemplary aspect disclosed herein, a method for controlling an aerosol-generating device is provided, the aerosol-generating device being for generating an aerosol or a vapor and comprising an orientation sensor for sensing the orientation of the aerosol-generating device. The method comprises detecting a first set of one or more states of the aerosol-generating device, the first set preferably defining a sequence of states and the first set including at least one state detected at least partially based on the sensed orientation; determining a first operation of the aerosol-generating device to be performed at least partially based on the first set of states; controlling the aerosol-generating device in accordance with the first operation; and storing in a memory the first set of states and the first operation in association with each other, the association being for controlling a subsequent operation of the aerosol-generating device when a second set of subsequently detected states of the aerosol-generating device matches the first set of states.

[0012] According to another exemplary aspect disclosed herein, a computer program is provided that includes instructions for causing one or more processors to perform the method summarized above when executed by the one or more processors.

[0013] According to another exemplary aspect disclosed herein, an aerosol generation device for generating an aerosol or vapor is provided. The aerosol generation device includes an orientation sensor for sensing the orientation of the aerosol generation device, a memory for storing a machine learning model having, as an input, a set of states of the aerosol generation device and, as an output, at least one operation of the aerosol generation device to be performed, and a controller. The controller detects a set of states of the aerosol generation device, the detected set of states preferably defining a sequence of states, the detected set of states including at least one state detected at least partially based on the sensed orientation, determines an operation of the aerosol generation device to be performed based at least partially on the detected set of states, controls the operation of the aerosol generation device according to the determined operation, and causes the machine learning model to learn an association between the detected set of states and the determined operation.

[0014] The above-summarized aspect relates particularly to sensing the orientation of the aerosol generation device, although another observable variable or another latent variable indicative of the state or situation of the aerosol generation device may be obtained instead of or in addition to, to adapt the operation of the aerosol generation device.

[0015] Accordingly, according to another exemplary aspect disclosed herein, an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol or a vapor is provided, the aerosol generating device comprising a sensor for sensing an observable associated with the aerosol generating device and a controller. The controller detects a first set of one or more states of the aerosol generating device, the first set preferably defining a sequence of states, the first set including at least one state detected at least in part based on the sensed observable, determines a first operation of the aerosol generating device to be performed based at least in part on the first set of states, controls the aerosol generating device according to the first operation, stores in a memory the first set of states and the first operation in association with each other, the association being for controlling a subsequent operation of the aerosol generating device when a second set of states of the aerosol generating device subsequently detected matches the first set of states.

[0016] According to another exemplary aspect disclosed herein, a controller for an aerosol generating device is provided, the aerosol generating device being for generating an aerosol or a vapor and comprising a sensor for sensing an observable associated with the aerosol generating device. The controller detects a first set of one or more states of the aerosol generating device, the first set preferably defining a sequence of states, the first set including at least one state detected at least in part based on the sensed observable, determines a first operation of the aerosol generating device to be performed based at least in part on the first set of states, controls the aerosol generating device according to the first operation, stores in a memory the first set of states and the first operation in association with each other, the association being for controlling a subsequent operation of the aerosol generating device when a second set of states of the aerosol generating device subsequently detected matches the first set of states.

[0017] According to another exemplary aspect disclosed herein, a method for controlling an aerosol-generating device is provided, the aerosol-generating device being for generating an aerosol or a vapor and comprising a sensor for sensing observable things related to the aerosol-generating device. The method comprises detecting a first set of one or more states of the aerosol-generating device, the first set preferably defining a sequence of states and the first set including at least one state detected at least partially based on the sensed observable things; determining a first operation of the aerosol-generating device to be performed at least partially based on the first set of states; controlling the aerosol-generating device in accordance with the first operation; and storing in a memory the first set of states and the first operation in association with each other, the association being for controlling a subsequent operation of the aerosol-generating device when a second set of subsequently detected states of the aerosol-generating device matches the first set of states.

[0018] According to another exemplary aspect disclosed herein, a computer program is provided that includes instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the method summarized above.

[0019] According to another exemplary aspect disclosed herein, an aerosol generation device for generating an aerosol or vapor is provided. The aerosol generation device includes a sensor for sensing observable things related to the aerosol generation device, a memory for storing a machine learning model having, as an input, a set of states of the aerosol generation device and, as an output, at least one operation of the aerosol generation device to be performed, and a controller. The controller detects a set of states of the aerosol generation device, the detected set of states preferably defines a sequence of states, the detected set of states includes at least one state detected at least partially based on the sensed observable things, determines an operation of the aerosol generation device to be performed based at least partially on the detected set of states, controls the operation of the aerosol generation device according to the determined operation, and causes the machine learning model to learn an association between the detected set of states and the determined operation.

[0020] Here, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. These embodiments are presented to better understand the inventive concept, but should not be regarded as limiting the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] Exemplary embodiments will be described below, but it will become apparent that various modifications can be made to these exemplary embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the following description and the accompanying drawings are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0023] In the following description and the accompanying drawings, numerous details are set forth in order to understand various exemplary embodiments. However, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments can be practiced without these details.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the electrical components of an aerosol generation device 10 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0025] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generation device 10 includes a controller 100, an orientation sensor 110, a heating configuration 120, and a memory 130.

[0026] As will be described in more detail below, the controller 100 is configured to control the operation of the aerosol generation device and to store data in the memory 130 for controlling the subsequent operation of the aerosol generation device. In some cases, the controller 100 may include one or more processors (e.g., single / multi-core CPUs, one or more microprocessors, etc.), one or more working memories (e.g., random access memory, RAM, flash memory, etc.), and one or more non-volatile instruction stores (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), flash memory, etc.) storing computer-readable instructions, such that the processor executes the computer-readable instructions in the instruction store to control the operation of the aerosol generation device and store a date in the memory. In other examples, the controller 100 may be implemented as a hardware component including a circuit such as an integrated circuit (IC), and transmits data to other elements of the aerosol generation device by storing data in a memory accessible via a communication channel (e.g., dedicated signal line or bus) or to other elements.

[0027] The orientation sensor 110 is configured to sense the orientation of the aerosol generation device 10. The orientation sensor can be any sensor capable of obtaining the orientation of the aerosol generation device.

[0028] An explanation of the orientation of the aerosol generation device 10 is provided with reference to FIG. 2 showing a schematic view of the aerosol generation device 10.

[0029] FIG. 2 shows an example of the aerosol generation device 10 oriented in a three-dimensional space. It will be understood that the orientation of the aerosol generation device 10 can be defined as a rotation of the aerosol generation device from a reference frame defined by three orthogonal axes x, y, and z in a three-dimensional space.

[0030] For simplicity, in the example shown in FIG. 2, the aerosol-generating device 10 has a shape such that a particular side is defined as the top, i.e., the side is designed to face substantially upward when the user generates an aerosol using the aerosol-generating device while standing (or sitting). In the example shown in FIG. 2, the aerosol-generating device 10 comprises a body 12 and a mouthpiece 14, from which the user inhales the generated aerosol. Thus, the user will tend to hold the device such that the side labeled "top" is oriented towards the top of the user's head when inhaling the aerosol from the aerosol-generating device. However, this configuration is provided purely for simplicity for the purposes of the following description, and it will be understood that the present invention is not limited to this configuration of the aerosol-generating device 10.

[0031] Accordingly, the orientation sensor 110 is configured to sense the orientation of the aerosol-generating device 10 and provide an indication of the sensed orientation to the controller 100. The orientation sensor 110 can be any type of sensor that senses the orientation of itself (and thus the aerosol-generating device 10), such as an accelerometer (e.g., a MEMs accelerometer), a gyroscope (e.g., a MEMS gyroscope), etc., and can provide an indication of the sensed orientation to the controller 100, for example, by outputting a signal.

[0032] Referring back to FIG. 1, the heating configuration 120 is configured to heat a substance to generate an aerosol or vapor, for example, using power supplied from a power source (not shown). The present invention is not limited to a particular type of substance, and any known type of substance suitable for generating an aerosol or vapor may be used, such as a fluid (liquid, gel), a substrate (chopped, pelletized, powdered, granulated, strip or sheet solid, paste-like substance, or a combination thereof), etc. The substance may include, for example, tobacco in a dry or cured form, and in some cases, may be accompanied by additional components for flavoring or creating a smoother, younger, or otherwise more enjoyable experience. In some cases, the heating configuration 120 may include a heater for converting electrical power into thermal energy to heat the substance. Since the present invention is not limited to this aspect, it will be understood that the heater can be any type of heater suitable for heating the substance and generating an aerosol or vapor, such as a conduction-based or convection-based heater (e.g., a coil, a combination of a coil and a wick). The heating configuration 120 may include additional elements such as a temperature sensor, a power converter (e.g., a booster circuit) for converting the power received from the power source into power suitable for heating the substance.

[0033] The memory 130 is configured to store data for controlling the operation of the aerosol generation device 10. The memory 130 can be any form of non-volatile instruction store (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), flash memory, etc.). Although shown as a separate component from the controller 100, the controller 100 typically includes a memory for storing computer-readable instructions to be executed by a processor, and the memory of the controller can function as the memory 130.

[0034] The controller 100 is configured to detect the state of the aerosol generating device 10. As used herein, the state of the aerosol generating device indicates a state or situation in which the aerosol generating device 10 is, and the state is defined by one or more parameters related to the aerosol generating device, such as the orientation of the aerosol generating device, the temperature of the components of the aerosol generating device or the environment around the device, the remaining amount of the aerosol - generable substance, the charge state of the power source, etc. In other words, the controller 100 detects the state of the aerosol generating device by obtaining the value of each of the parameters that define the state.

[0035] In some cases, a particular value of a parameter, or a particular range of values of a parameter, may define a state. In these cases, the controller may detect the state if the obtained value corresponds to the particular value or falls within the particular range of values. The parameters that define the state of the aerosol generating device 10 may be controllable parameters by the controller 100 and / or by another controller of the aerosol generating device 10, or may simply be observable parameters (e.g., determined based on information sensed or collected by the controller 100 or other components of the aerosol generating device 10).

[0036] The controller 100 detects a set of one or more states of the aerosol generating device. The set of states includes a state defined (at least in part) based on the orientation of the aerosol generating device 10.

[0037] Preferably, the set of states may define a respective sequence of states (i.e., the controller 100 detects the set of states if the states are individually detected in the defined order).

[0038] As a non - limiting example, Table 1 below shows a plurality of sets of states of the aerosol generating device, which will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A - 3D.

[0039]

Table 1

[0040] Set 1 defines the sequences of states 1-1 and 1-2, which represent typical use of the aerosol generation device 10 while the user is standing or sitting.

[0041] The controller detects state 1-1 when the top of the device is facing up (i.e., the top of the main body 12 of the aerosol generation device 10 defines a substantially horizontal plane that is substantially below the plane, as shown on the left side of FIG. 3A), and aerosol generation is initiated.

[0042] The controller 100 can detect the start of aerosol generation based on the user's action on the aerosol generation device. For example, the controller 100 can detect that the user has pressed a button or switch that triggers aerosol generation, or the controller 100 can detect a pressure change in the heating chamber of the device indicating that the user has started inhalation from the mouthpiece. This can be determined based on the flow pressure measured within the aerosol generation device 10.

[0043] The controller then detects state 1-2 when the aerosol generation device 10 is substantially vertical, the top of the device is facing sideways (i.e., the top defines a substantially vertical plane), the mouthpiece 14 is located above the main body 12 of the aerosol generation device 10, and aerosol generation has ended, as shown on the right side of FIG. 3A.

[0044] Based on the user having stopped an action on the aerosol generation device, the controller 100 may detect the end of aerosol generation. For example, the controller 100 may detect that the user has stopped pressing a button or switch, or the controller 100 may detect a second pressure change within the heating chamber of the device indicating that the user has stopped inhaling from the mouthpiece.

[0045] In other words, as shown in Figure 3A, set 1 of states involves the start of aerosol generation while the top of the aerosol generation device is facing upwards, and the controller detects a transition of the aerosol generation device 100 involving rotation substantially within the axial plane along with the end of aerosol generation.

[0046] Set 2 defines a sequence of states 2-1 and 2-2, which shows typical use of the aerosol generation device 10 while the user is lying down or looking upwards.

[0047] As understood from the above description of set 1, the controller 100 may detect state 2-1 by detecting that the aerosol generation device 10 is substantially vertical, the top of the device is facing sideways (i.e., the top defines a substantially vertical plane), the mouthpiece 14 is located below the body 12 of the aerosol generation device 10, and aerosol generation has been started, as shown on the left side of Figure 3B.

[0048] The controller then detects state 2-2 when the top of the aerosol generation device 10 is facing upwards (i.e., the top of the aerosol generation device 10 defines a substantially horizontal plane with the body 12 of the device located below that plane, as shown on the right side of Figure 3B), and aerosol generation is terminated.

[0049] It should be understood that the performance of the components of the aerosol generation device 10 (heating components, battery, etc.), or the operation of the aerosol generation device (heating of the aerosol - generable substance, vaporization of particles, power supply to the heating components, or supply of aerosol to the mouthpiece, etc.) may depend on the orientation of the aerosol generation device 10. In particular, when the components can move relative to each other, for example, when the aerosol - generable substance moves relative to the heating component, or the battery moves relative to its connection to the electronic circuit of the aerosol generation device, the performance of the aerosol generation device 10 may vary, which may lead to a degradation of the user experience. For example, in the case of a device configured to generate an aerosol or vapor using a liquid and a wick in a container, the position of the liquid in the container, the method of supplying the liquid to the wick, the way the wick operates, etc. will strongly depend on the orientation of the device.

[0050] Accordingly, by determining the orientation of the aerosol generation device 10, the controller 100 obtains a situation awareness of the aerosol generation device 10, which is used to improve the control of the aerosol generation device 10 as described below.

[0051] In addition, the releasable elements may increase the likelihood of being accidentally released in a particular orientation, which may lead to unexpected or undesirable operations. For example, a particular orientation may involve a greater risk that a consumable containing the aerosol - generable substance is decoupled from a receptacle on the aerosol generation device, or that the electrical connection between the power supply and the controller 100 becomes unstable. Therefore, knowing the orientation of the aerosol generation device can improve the safe operation of the device.

[0052] Here, with reference to FIG. 3C, sets 3 and 4 will be described.

[0053] Set 3 includes one state (state 3 - 1) and is a set indicating that the use of the aerosol generation device 10 has stopped.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 3C, the controller 100 detects state 3-1 when the top of the device is facing down (i.e., the upper part of the main body 12 of the aerosol generating device 10 defines a substantially horizontal plane that is substantially above the plane).

[0055] The aerosol generating device 10 may be configured to shift to an operating mode (e.g., standby mode or sleep mode) that reduces the power being consumed when the user turns the top down and moves away from the aerosol generating device. Thus, by detecting state 3-1, the controller 100 may determine that the aerosol generating device 10 can shift to a reduced power mode.

[0056] Set 4 is a set that includes three states that do not define a sequence. In other words, set 4 can be detected by detecting the three states in any given order.

[0057] State 4-1 corresponds to state 3-1 and its description is omitted.

[0058] The controller 100 may detect state 4-2 when the charge state of a power source (e.g., a battery) is low, whether the controller 100 is built into or coupled to the aerosol generating device 10. For example, the controller 100 may detect state 4-2 when the charge level of the battery of the aerosol generating device 10 is less than 20%.

[0059] The controller 100 may also be configured to start a timer (e.g., a "sleep timer") when aerosol generation is stopped, and may be configured to detect state 4.3 when aerosol generation is not restarted and the timer expires.

[0060] By detecting either set 3 or 4, the controller 100 may reduce the power consumption of the aerosol generating device 10, thus reducing the need to recharge the power source and, as a result, improving the user experience.

[0061] By using the alternative of Set 3, there is a high possibility that the reduction of power consumption will be improved. However, since the aerosol generation device switches from the reduced power consumption mode, it will be understood that each time the aerosol generation device 10 is picked up again, the user may experience a delay.

[0062] On the other hand, since Set 4 is detected only when the battery level is low and no aerosol is generated for a given time, the user will not experience a delay if aerosol generation resumes before the timer expires or while the battery level is sufficiently high.

[0063] Referring back to FIG. 1, the controller 100 is configured to determine the operation of the aerosol generation device 10 to be performed, based at least in part on the detected set of states.

[0064] As used herein, the term "operation" refers to controlling the parameters of the aerosol generation device 10 that affect the generation of aerosol (e.g., starting power supply to heat the aerosol-generable substance, starting a timer to turn off the power supply, interrupting heating), parameters (e.g., temperature according to the supplied power, voltage or current of the power supplied to the heating configuration 120), or setting or adjusting another function of the aerosol generation device such as providing information to the user via audio, visual, and / or tactile feedback. Thus, the use of the term "operation" can be considered "at least one" when multiple parameters are changed or when a sequence of operations (e.g., turning off the heater and then turning off the display) is to be performed. The operation can be an operation desired by the user (e.g., generation of aerosol, change in the rate at which aerosol is being generated, turning off of the aerosol generation device), or an operation automatically determined by the controller 100.

[0065] The controller 100 is configured to control the aerosol generation device 10 according to the determined operation. The controller 100 may directly control the state of a switching element that enables power supply to an element of the aerosol generation device 10, for example, the heating configuration 120, or the controller 100 may be communicably coupled to another controller of the aerosol generation device 10 that controls the elements of the aerosol generation device. For example, a controller (e.g., a microcontroller, MCU) may be provided within the aerosol generation device to control a heating configuration 120 separate from the controller 100. In some cases, the controller 100 may include a signal generator for generating one or more signals for controlling the elements of the aerosol generation device 10.

[0066] The controller 100 is configured to store in the memory 130 a first set of detected states and at least one operation determined based thereon, in association with each other. By this association, the controller 100 can control subsequent operations of the aerosol generation device 10 when subsequently detecting a subsequent set of states of the aerosol generation device that matches the first set of states.

[0067] Specifically, the controller 100 may control the memory 130 to store the data defining the set of detected states and the data defining the determined operations in association with each other. Alternatively, the controller 100 may transmit to the memory the data defining the set of detected states and the determined operations, along with an indication that these should be stored in association with each other.

[0068] In some cases, the memory 130 may already store either or both of the data defining the set of detected states or the data defining the determined operations. In that case, the controller 100 may store in the memory 130 the association between the set of detected states and the determined operations, and also the data if there is any data not yet stored in the memory.

[0069] Memory 130 may store data in a single table of a database or in separate tables connected to each other. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that since the present invention is not limited to this aspect, different ways of storing data and its associations may be implemented. Memory 130 enables the controller 100 or other entity that reads the data to identify whether a set of subsequently detected states matches a set of states defined by the data and to determine the associated actions to be performed if there is a match, and may store the data in any form.

[0070] Memory 130 is not limited to a "one-to-one" association between a set of states and an action. In some cases, it may store a "one-to-many" association where data defining a set of states is associated with data defining two or more actions, or data defining an action is associated with data defining two or more sets of states. This is beneficial in terms of memory usage because the data defining the association is generally smaller than the data defining the set of states or the action.

[0071] Accordingly, when the controller 100 subsequently detects a set of states, it may determine whether memory 130 stores data defining a matching set of states in association with data defining an action. If so, the controller 100 may determine the associated action to be the action to be performed and control the operation of the aerosol generation device 10 accordingly.

[0072] The controller 100 can determine whether a detected set of states matches a stored set of states by comparing the detected values of the parameters that define each detected state with the corresponding values of the parameters defined by the data stored in the memory 130. In some cases, the controller 130 can determine a match only if all the detected values of the parameters that define the state match (i.e., exactly match). In other embodiments, variations in some of the parameter values, such as the orientation of the device (e.g., a difference of less than 10 degrees), battery level, remaining amount of aerosol-generable substance, etc., can be tolerated, and the allowable variation for each value is stored in the memory 130 in association with the data that defines the set of states. Alternatively, the controller 100 can be configured to determine the stored set of states that has the highest correspondence (e.g., the highest number of matching states) to the detected set of states as the set of matching states (and accordingly, control the aerosol-generating device 10 according to the operations stored with the set of matching states).

[0073] Preferably, the controller 100 can determine the operation of the aerosol-generating device to be performed based on the association stored in the memory 130 between the detected set of states and the operation to be performed.

[0074] As described above, since the memory 130 either has the set of states been detected previously or it is a predetermined set of states, it may already store the data that defines the detected set of states in association with the data that defines the operation. Accordingly, the controller 100 can control the operation of the aerosol-generating device 10 based on the data stored in the memory 130.

[0075] Preferably, the controller 100 can determine the operation of the aerosol-generating device 10 to be performed based on the difference between the value of the parameter indicated by the detected set of states and a predetermined value of the parameter.

[0076] In some cases, the controller 100 can determine the value of a parameter of the aerosol generation device indicated by a set of detected states of the aerosol generation device 10 (for example, by directly detecting a value or because a sequence of states indicates the value of a parameter). The controller 100 can determine that the detected value of the parameter is different from a predetermined value of the parameter. As a result, the controller 100 can determine the operation of the aerosol generation device to be performed based on the difference between the detected value and the predetermined value of the parameter. The operation to be performed can be used to reduce the determined difference or to adapt an ongoing operation based on that difference.

[0077] For example, the aerosol generation device can include a thermal sensor for sensing the thermal characteristics of the aerosol generation device. The controller 100 can detect from the sensed thermal characteristics that the temperature in the aerosol chamber of the aerosol generation device is higher than a predetermined threshold value and the amount of aerosol in the chamber is lower than a predetermined threshold value, indicating that the aerosol-generating substance is not in sufficient contact with the heating configuration 120. Accordingly, the controller 100 can reduce the power supply to the heating configuration to avoid an increase in the temperature of the aerosol chamber.

[0078] As another example, the heating configuration 120 can include two or more heaters arranged at a distance from each other for heating in contact with the aerosol-generating substance. During use, the controller 100 can determine that the temperature of the first of the heaters (or the power consumed by the first of the heaters) is higher than that of another heater. The controller 100 can determine whether the first heater is defective or whether the aerosol-generating substance is no longer in contact with or is not in sufficient contact with it. As a result, the controller 100 can determine, as the operation to be performed, to reduce or stop the power supplied to the first heater.

[0079] In any of these examples, the controller 100 determines, based on the orientation of the aerosol-generating device 10 detected by the orientation sensor 110, that the detected orientation risks causing malfunction (for example, when the aerosol-generable substance is not in sufficient contact with the heating configuration 120), interrupts the power supply to the heating configuration, and may notify the user that the aerosol-generable substance should be refilled or that a consumable or container containing the aerosol-generable substance should be replaced.

[0080] In some cases, the controller 100 may be configured to interrupt the operation of the aerosol-generating device 10 when the sensed orientation is substantially along a predetermined orientation.

[0081] Accordingly, the controller 100 ensures that the aerosol-generating device 10 operates without deviating from a predetermined value or range of values of certain parameters, improves the consistency of the operation of the aerosol-generating device, and as a result, may provide a more consistent user experience.

[0082] In some cases, the controller 100 may detect the state of a set of states, at least in part, based on a user action (for example, an operation of the device or an input provided to the device) indicating a first operation. For example, as described in relation to state 1-1 above, a user pressing a button or switch indicates an operation of generating an aerosol.

[0083] Accordingly, by storing the detected set of states in association with the indicated operation, the controller 100 is enabled to predict the operation that is likely to be indicated by the user when the set of states is detected again, and to adapt the operation accordingly before the user indicates the operation, thereby improving the responsiveness of the device.

[0084] Preferably, the memory is configured to store a predetermined set of at least one state of the aerosol generating device. Each predetermined set includes one or more respective states of the aerosol generating device. Preferably, each predetermined set also defines a respective sequence of states. As used herein, a predetermined set of states is a set stored in the memory prior to being detected by the controller 100 (e.g., prior to use of the device). The predetermined set may correspond to patterns that are likely to be detected during use of the device, as shown in Table 1 above.

[0085] Preferably, the memory is configured to store at least one predetermined operation of the aerosol generating device to be performed. Each predetermined operation is associated with a set of states stored in the memory, which is either a set of states detected by the controller 100 during use of the aerosol generating device 10, or a predetermined set of states. The predetermined operation may also be associated with two or more sets of states, as described above. Thus, during use of the aerosol generating device 10, the memory 130 only needs to store the association between the predetermined set of states and the predetermined operation, so that the operation of the aerosol generating device 10 can be adapted without causing a large increase in the amount of data stored in the memory 130, which is particularly useful for devices with limited memory space. However, the predetermined set of states is not limited to being associated with a predetermined operation and may be associated with an operation determined during use of the aerosol generating device 10. Similarly, the predetermined operation may be associated with a set of states determined during use of the aerosol generating device 10.

[0086] Preferably, the memory 130 is configured to store at least one association between a predetermined set of each state and each predetermined operation. When determining the operation of the aerosol generation device 10 to be executed, the controller 100 determines a predetermined set of states that matches the detected set of states, and is configured to control the aerosol generation device to operate according to the predetermined operation associated with the predetermined set of states. Alternatively, the predetermined set of states may be associated with the operation instructed by the user during the use of the aerosol generation device 10. Thereby, since the controller 100 already knows the set to be detected, the detection of the set of states becomes easy. Similarly, the predetermined operation may be associated with the detected set of states during the use of the aerosol generation device.

[0087] Accordingly, when the user starts using the aerosol generation device 10, the controller 100 can automatically determine how to control the aerosol generation device 10.

[0088] In the operation of the aerosol generation device 10, some parameters that can be controlled by the controller 100 have a causal relationship with the parameters that define the detected state of the aerosol generation device 10. The controller 100 may hold information indicating the causal relationship between the parameters controlled by the parameters and the parameters detected by the controller 100 in either the memory 130 or elsewhere. Preferably, the controller 100 is configured to determine a set of stored states (a previously detected and stored set, or a predetermined set) in the memory 130 that matches the set of detected states, and to determine the difference between the detected state and the corresponding stored state. As described above, the controller may consider the set of stored states having the highest correspondence to the set of detected states as the set of matching states. When determining the match between the set of stored states and the set of detected states, the controller may determine the difference between the detected state and the stored state. Specifically, the controller 100 may determine the difference between the value of the parameter defining the state stored in the memory and the value of the detected parameter.

[0089] The controller 100 may determine a change in the controlled parameters of the aerosol generation device 10 so as to reduce the difference in the subsequent operation of the aerosol generation device 10. The controller 100 may use, for example, information regarding the causal relationship between the controlled parameters and the detected parameters to determine this change.

[0090] Next, the controller 100 may store in the memory data defining the change in the control parameters in association with a subset of the set of stored states. The stored subset includes the state detected before the state where the difference was determined.

[0091] Accordingly, the controller 100 may reduce the difference in the parameter values in the subsequent operation of the aerosol generation device 10, and thus improve the consistency of the operation of the aerosol generation device 10.

[0092] For example, assume that the memory 130 stores data defining the following sequence of state A. · State A-1: Orientation "the top is facing up" · State A-2: Orientation "the mouthpiece is facing down / the top is facing sideways" + aerosol generation start · State A-3: The temperature of the aerosol substance is 210°C to 220°C

[0093] The memory 130 stores data defining the following operations for heating the aerosol substance to a temperature of 230°C to generate an aerosol, in association with the sequence of state A. · When state A-3 is detected, for 5 seconds after the detection, increment the power supply by X mW (X is an arbitrary number)

[0094] In this example, the controller 100 detects states A-1 and A-2. However, the controller 100 detects that the temperature of the aerosol substance is 215°C. Therefore, the controller 100 determines that there is a 5°C difference between the stored value and the detected value. As a result, with an increment of X mW for 5 seconds, the temperature of the aerosol substance is likely to become significantly higher than 230°C, which may deteriorate the quality of the aerosol substance or the generated aerosol.

[0095] Next, the controller 100 determines, for example, based on the information regarding the stored causal relationship, that the power supply has a positive causal relationship with the temperature of the aerosol substance. As a result, the controller 100 should reduce the difference between the detected temperature and the stored temperature of the aerosol substance by reducing the power supply (changing the operation) before detecting state A-3.

[0096] Therefore, the controller 100 causes the memory 130 to store data defining a change in the operation (reducing the power supply by Y mW), in association with a subset of sequence A, that is, the data defining states A-1 and A-2.

[0097] Therefore, in subsequent operations of the aerosol generating device 10, when states A-1 and A-2 are detected, the power supply is reduced, and the temperature of the aerosol substance is more likely to be close to or closer to the stored value range, so the aerosol generating device 10 will operate in a state closer to the predetermined conditions.

[0098] Preferably, the controller 100 is configured to detect movement of the aerosol generating device based on the sensed orientation. The movement of the aerosol generating device 10 can be a change or orientation (e.g., rotation of the device about one or more axes), a translation (e.g., displacement) of the aerosol generating device from one position to another position, or both. In these cases, the set of states includes at least one state based on the detected movement.

[0099] Taking the exemplary set 1 shown in Table 1 above as an example, state 1-2 can define the position of the aerosol generating device relative to the position of the aerosol generating device in state 1-1 (e.g., a translation in the upward direction indicating that the user brings the aerosol generating device closer to their face). Therefore, the controller 100 can detect a transition from state 1-1 to state 1-2 when a change in position (which can be detected based on the acceleration of the device sensed by the orientation sensor) is detected.

[0100] Preferably, the controller 100 is configured to detect a user action on the aerosol generating device. As used herein, a user action can be the user orienting the device in a particular direction (top up, bottom down, vertical, etc.), the user operating a button or switch of the device, the user inhaling the aerosol, the user removing or replacing an element of the aerosol generating device (e.g., a battery, a consumable, or a container containing an aerosol-generable substance), etc. The action does not necessarily have to be based on the orientation (or change in orientation) of the device. In these cases, the controller 100 is configured to detect at least one state based on the detected action. Optionally, the action of use can be the result of a gesture of the user holding the device, i.e., an operation of the aerosol generating device, and can indicate any movement or handling of the device that can be determined based on the orientation of the device.

[0101] Preferably, the aerosol generating device 10 comprises a power source, and the controller 100 is configured to control the power supply from the power source to the heating assembly 120.

[0102] Preferably, the aerosol generating device 10 comprises a thermal sensor for sensing the thermal characteristics of the aerosol generating device and / or the aerosol-generable substance. In these cases, the set of states detected by the controller 100 includes at least one state based on the thermal value output from the thermal sensor.

[0103] Preferably, the controller 100 is configured to determine an acceptable range of thermal values based on the sensed orientation. In these cases, the controller 100 can be configured to interrupt the heating of the aerosol-generable substance and / or the generation of the aerosol if it is determined that the thermal value does not fall within the acceptable range. Alternatively, the controller 100 can be configured to reduce the power supply to the heating assembly 120.

[0104] For example, the heat value may indicate the temperature of the aerosol - generable substance. A first allowable range of the heat value may be defined for when the aerosol - generating device is oriented such that the mouthpiece for aerosol generation extends horizontally or upwardly, and a second, different allowable range of the heat value may be defined for when the mouthpiece extends downwardly (see, for example, orientation 6 in FIG. 4). In the second case, the heat value of the second allowable range may be set lower, for example, to increase the safety of the user located below the device or to allow the heating configuration 120 to contact more aerosol - generable substance, etc.

[0105] Preferably, the aerosol - generating device comprises a sensor for sensing at least one of atmospheric pressure and the altitude of the aerosol - generating device. In those cases, the controller 100 may be configured to detect at least one state based (partially) on the sensed atmospheric pressure or altitude.

[0106] Accordingly, since the temperature at which a substance vaporizes or sublimates depends on the pressure in the substance's environment, the controller 100 may adapt the heating of the aerosol - generable substance to reach the correct temperature. Preferably, the aerosol - generating device comprises a power source (e.g., a replaceable and / or rechargeable battery). In those cases, the controller 100 is configured to detect the state of the power source, and at least one state of the aerosol - generating device is detected based on the state of the power source.

[0107] For example, the state of the power source may be the charge state or level described above, or the stage in the power source's life cycle, the characteristics of the power output by the power source (e.g., voltage and / or current), etc. Accordingly, the controller 100 may be able to accurately estimate how the power supplied by the power source will heat the aerosol substance.

[0108] Preferably, the controller 100 may be configured to control the aerosol-generating device 10 according to the determined operation by interrupting the operation of the aerosol-generating device 10. Thus, if the set of detected states (in particular the orientation) indicates that one of the aerosol-generating device or its components is at risk of malfunctioning and that the use of the device or the state of the aerosol-generating substance poses a safety risk, the operation may be interrupted to reduce, minimize or avoid the risk. In these cases, the controller 100 may notify the user that the operation has been interrupted, for example via visual, audible and / or tactile feedback.

[0109] Preferably, the orientation sensor 110 comprises at least one of an accelerometer and / or a gyroscope and senses the orientation based on data obtained from one or both of the accelerometer and the gyroscope. However, it will be understood that the present invention is not limited to this aspect and that any other sensor indicating the orientation of the aerosol-generating device may be used instead of or in addition to the accelerometer and / or the gyroscope.

[0110] Preferably, the orientation sensor may be configured to indicate one of six orientations of the aerosol generating device 10. As shown in FIG. 4, these orientations may be defined as follows. 1) The top of the device is facing up (the top of the device defines a substantially horizontal plane that is substantially below the plane defined by the top), 2) The top of the device is facing down (the top of the device defines a substantially horizontal plane that is substantially above the plane defined by the top), 3) The top of the device is facing sideways (the top defines a substantially vertical plane), and the mouthpiece is facing another side (the mouthpiece is along a substantially horizontal axis), 4) The top of the device is facing the side opposite to orientation 3 (the top defines a substantially vertical plane), and the mouthpiece is facing another side (the mouthpiece is along a substantially horizontal axis), 5) The top is facing sideways and the mouthpiece is facing up, 6) The top is facing sideways and the mouthpiece is facing down. In these cases, the controller 100 may obtain from the orientation sensor an indication of which of the six orientations corresponds to the sensed orientation.

[0111] In some cases, the controller 100 may detect a transition from one orientation to another based on a rotation of about 90 degrees or about 180 degrees. For example, detecting a clockwise rotation in the yz plane of about 90 degrees indicates a transition from orientation 1 to orientation 3, while the corresponding counterclockwise rotation indicates a transition from orientation 1 to orientation 4.

[0112] In the example described above, the controller 100 stores in the memory a set of states and a set of operations to be performed in association with each other. Alternatively, the memory 130 may store, as input, a set of states of the aerosol generating device and, as output, a machine learning model having at least one operation of the aerosol generating device to be performed.

[0113] For example, the controller 100 may detect the following sequence of state B of the aerosol generating device. State B-1: Orientation "upper part facing upward" (e.g., Orientation 1 shown in FIG. 4) State B-2: Aerosol generation State B-3: Orientation "upper part facing upward" State B-4: Aerosol generation State B-5: Orientation "upper part facing upward" State B-6: Orientation "mouthpiece facing downward, upper part facing sideways" (e.g., Orientation 6 shown in FIG. 4) State B-7: Aerosol generation State B-8: Orientation "mouthpiece facing downward, upper part facing sideways" (e.g., Orientation 6 shown in FIG. 4)

[0114] The sequence of this state indicates that the device is being used while the user is lying on their side (or looking up). Therefore, after State B-8, if the controller 100 determines that the user is no longer using the device and the device transitions to the sleep mode, the sequence of State B can be used to indicate the usage session of the device, and the device can transition to a reduced power consumption mode once State B-8 is detected. As a result, the controller associates the sequence of State B with the operation of switching the aerosol generating device 10 to the reduced power consumption mode and causes the machine learning model in the memory 130 to learn this association.

[0115] Since the machine learning model of the present invention is not limited to a specific type of machine learning model, any known type of machine learning model, including neural networks, support vector machines, linear regression, etc., may be included.

[0116] Controller 100 can detect a set of states and determine related operations independently of the machine learning model. For example, this can be determined based on the difference between the value of the parameter indicated by the detected set of states and a predetermined value of the parameter, or based on the user's action or input provided to the device. In these cases, controller 100 can cause the machine learning model in memory 130 to learn (or reinforce) the association between the detected set of states and the determined operations.

[0117] As a non-limiting example, in one embodiment, controller 100 can have a system clock of 64 MHz or higher, at least 96 kB of volatile memory (e.g., RAM), at least 512 kB of non-volatile memory (e.g., ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory) for storing the executed program, and a data bus having a speed of at least 400 kHz. In one embodiment, at least 10 kB of the non-volatile memory and 10 kB of the volatile memory can be allocated for the feature extraction library for the machine learning model and the management of the feature library.

[0118] In addition, controller 100 can be provided with a training data set including pairs of a set of states and related operations before use, and cause the machine learning model to be trained using the training data set (e.g., using supervised training).

[0119] The training data set can be collected, for example, by collecting information over time regarding the states of an aerosol generation device used by a plurality of users. After data collection, a set of states can be obtained from the collected data, and each set of states can be associated with an operation, thereby creating training pairs. Details regarding the generation of the learning data set will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the above and are omitted.

[0120] Preferably, the machine learning model trained using the training data set can continue to learn the association between the set of states determined by the controller 100 and the operations. Since each user is likely to form their own habits, this enables the machine learning model to adapt to the user's habits.

[0121] The machine learning model can be trained using any known training process (using the training data set and / or using the set of states and associated operations determined by the controller 100 during use), as the present invention is not limited in this regard.

[0122] It will be understood from the above description that a particular exemplary embodiment performs a method for controlling an aerosol generation device, the aerosol generation device being for generating an aerosol or a vapor and comprising an orientation sensor for sensing the orientation of the aerosol generation device.

[0123] Referring to FIG. 5, at step 502, the aerosol generation device detects a first set of one or more states of the aerosol generation device, the first set preferably defining a sequence of states and the first set including at least one state detected at least partially based on the sensed orientation.

[0124] At step 804, the aerosol generation device determines a first operation of the aerosol generation device to be performed, at least partially based on the first set of states.

[0125] At step 806, the aerosol generation device operates in accordance with the first operation.

[0126] In step 808, the aerosol generation device stores in the memory a first set of states and a first operation in association with each other, and the association is for controlling a subsequent operation of the aerosol generation device when a second set of subsequently detected states of the aerosol generation device matches the first set of states.

[0127] Modifications and Variations Many modifications and variations can be made to the above exemplary embodiments.

[0128] In the example described above, the aerosol generation device includes a power source (e.g., a battery). However, it is not limited thereto because the power source may alternatively be external to the aerosol generation device.

[0129] In the example described above, the aerosol generation device includes a temperature or heat sensor from which the controller 100 obtains the temperature of a component of the aerosol generation device 10 or the aerosol-generatable substance. Alternatively, the aerosol generation device may have a sensor that measures the current and / or voltage supplied to the heating configuration 120, or the output from the power source. In yet other cases, the controller 100 may be configured to obtain only data from the orientation sensor 110 and detect the state of the device based on the sensed orientation.

[0130] In the example described above, the aerosol generation device 10 includes an orientation sensor 110 from which the controller 100 obtains the sensed orientation of the aerosol generation device. Alternatively, the aerosol generation device 10 may include a sensor configured to sense another observable associated with the aerosol generation device 10, and the set of states detected by the controller 100 includes at least one state detected at least partially based on the sensed observable.

[0131] As a non-limiting example, an observable may be one that indicates the movement of the aerosol-generating device 10 from one position to another (and can also be obtained by a sensor comprising an accelerometer and / or a gyroscope). For example, the controller 100 may detect that the aerosol-generating device 10 moves upward after a period of no movement indicating that the aerosol-generating device 10 has been picked up by the user, and the controller 100 may determine that the aerosol-generating device 10 should be shifted out of a reduced power mode. Similarly, the controller 100 may detect a series of reciprocating upward and downward movements of the aerosol-generating device 10 as indicating a usage session of the aerosol-generating device 10 and may determine the end of typical usage based on the previously detected sequence of movements.

[0132] In other examples, an observable may be one that indicates the atmospheric pressure around the aerosol-generating device 10, the state of the power supply, the flow pressure, or any other observable as described above.

[0133] In addition, the controller 100 is not limited to controlling the aerosol-generating device 10 based on directly observable things, and instead may determine the value of a latent variable from the perceived observables to control the aerosol-generating device 10.

[0134] Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize that modifications other than those described above may also be made.

[0135] In particular, it will be understood that the above exemplary embodiments may be combined.

[0136] In the foregoing description, exemplary aspects have been described with reference to several exemplary embodiments. Accordingly, this specification should be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting. Similarly, the figures shown in the drawings, which emphasize the features and advantages of the exemplary embodiments, are presented for purposes of illustration only. The architecture of the exemplary embodiments is sufficiently flexible and configurable to be utilized in ways other than those shown in the accompanying figures.

[0137] The software embodiments presented herein, in one exemplary embodiment, may be provided as a computer program, or software, included in or stored on a product, such as a machine-accessible medium or machine-readable medium, instruction store, or computer-readable storage device, having one or more programs with instructions or a series of instructions, each of which can be non-transitory. Programs or instructions on a non-transitory machine-accessible medium, machine-readable medium, instruction store, or computer-readable storage device can be used to program a computer system or other electronic device. The techniques described herein are not limited to any software configuration. These techniques can find applicability in any computing or processing environment. As used herein, the terms "computer-readable," "machine-accessible medium," "machine-readable medium," "instruction store," and "computer-readable storage device" refer to any medium capable of storing, encoding, or transmitting instructions or a series of instructions for execution by a machine, computer, or computer processor, including any medium that can cause a machine / computer / computer processor to execute any one of the methods described herein. Further, in the art, it is common to refer to software in terms of performing actions or causing results in some form (e.g., program, procedure, process, application, module, unit, logic, etc.). Such expressions are merely a convenient way of indicating that the processor performs actions and produces results through the execution of software by a processing system.

[0138] In addition, some embodiments may be implemented by providing an application - specific integrated circuit, a field - programmable gate array, or by interconnecting a suitable network of conventional component circuits.

[0139] Some embodiments include a computer program product. The computer program product can be one or more storage media, instruction stores, or storage devices that store instructions for controlling a computer or computer processor to perform any of the procedures of the exemplary embodiments described herein, or for causing a computer or computer processor to perform them. The storage medium / instruction store / storage device can include, for example, but not limited to, optical disks, ROM, RAM, EPROM, EEPROM, DRAM, VRAM, flash memory, flash cards, magnetic cards, optical cards, nanosystems, molecular memory integrated circuits, RAID, remote data storage / archive / vault, and / or any other type of device suitable for storing instructions and / or data.

[0140] Stored in any one of one or more computer - readable media, instruction stores, or storage devices, some implementations include software for both controlling the hardware of the aerosol - generating device and enabling the aerosol - generating device or microprocessor to operate in accordance with the exemplary embodiments described herein. Such software can include, for example, but not limited to, device drivers, operating systems, and user applications. Ultimately, such a computer - readable media or storage device further includes software for implementing the exemplary aspects of the present invention as described above.

[0141] The programming and / or software of the aerosol generation device includes software modules for performing the procedures described herein. In some exemplary embodiments herein, the module includes software, but in other exemplary embodiments herein, the module includes hardware or a combination of hardware and software.

[0142] In the foregoing, various exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described, but it should be understood that these are presented by way of example and not of limitation. It should be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that various modifications can be made in terms of shape and details. Accordingly, the present invention should not be limited by any of the above exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

[0143] Furthermore, the purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent Office and the general public, especially scientists, engineers, and those skilled in the art who are not proficient in patent or legal terms, to quickly determine the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of this application at a glance. The abstract is not intended to limit the scope of the exemplary embodiments presented herein. It should also be understood that the procedures recited in the claims need not be performed in the order presented.

[0144] This specification includes details of many specific embodiments, which should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention or what can be claimed, but rather as explaining features specific to the particular embodiments described herein. Specific features described in connection with separate embodiments herein may be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in connection with a single embodiment may also be implemented separately in multiple embodiments or provided in any suitable partial combination. Further, features are described above as acting in a particular combination and may even be initially claimed as such, but one or more features from the claimed combination may, in some cases, be excluded from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a partial combination or variation of a partial combination.

[0145] In certain situations, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Further, the separation of various components in the above-described embodiments should not be understood to be necessary in all embodiments.

[0146] Above, several exemplary embodiments and implementations have been described, but it is clear that the above is illustrative, presented as an example, and not limiting. In particular, many of the examples presented herein include specific combinations of device or software elements, but these elements may be combined in other ways to achieve the same purpose. Actions, elements, and features discussed only in relation to one embodiment are not intended to exclude similar roles in other embodiments or implementations.

[0147] The devices described herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from their features. Accordingly, the scope of the devices described herein is indicated by the appended claims rather than the above description, and modifications within the meaning and scope of equivalence of the claims are included therein.

Description of the Reference Numerals

[0148] 10 Aerosol generation device 12 Body of the aerosol generation device 14 Mouthpiece 100 Controller 110 Orientation sensor 120 Heating configuration 130 Memory

Claims

1. 1. An aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol or vapor, comprising: an orientation sensor for sensing the orientation of the aerosol generating device; a controller, Detecting a first set of one or more conditions of the aerosol generation device, the first set including at least one condition detected based at least in part on the sensed orientation; determining a first operation of the aerosol generating device to be performed based at least in part on the first set of conditions; controlling the aerosol generating device according to the first operation; storing in a memory the first set of conditions and the first operation in association with each other, the association being for controlling a subsequent operation of the aerosol generating device when a second set of subsequently detected conditions of the aerosol generating device matches the first set of conditions; A controller; An aerosol generating device comprising:

2. The controller: an association between the first set of states and the first action stored in the memory; a difference between the value of the parameter indicated by the first set of conditions and a predetermined value of the parameter; or the first set of states detected at least in part based on a user action indicative of the first behavior; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the first operation is determined based on:

3. the memory is configured to store a predetermined set of at least one state of the aerosol generating device, each predetermined set including one or more respective states of the aerosol generating device and including at least one predetermined operation of the aerosol generating device to be performed, each predetermined operation being associated with a set of states stored in the memory; The controller: determining that a predetermined set of conditions matches the first set of conditions; controlling the aerosol generating device to operate according to the predetermined action associated with the predetermined set of conditions; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, configured as follows:

4. The controller: determining that a third set of conditions stored in the memory matches the first set of conditions; determining a difference between a state in the first set of states and a corresponding state in the third set of states; determining a change in operation of the aerosol generating device necessary to reduce the difference in subsequent operation of the aerosol generating device; storing in said memory data defining said change of behavior in association with data defining a subset of said third set of states; It is configured as follows:

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. An aerosol generating device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the controller is configured to cause the memory to store an association between the first set of states and the first operation if the memory already stores the first set of states and / or if the memory already stores the first operation.

6. the controller is configured to detect movement of the aerosol generation device based on the sensed orientation; 3. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the first set of states includes at least one state based on the detected movement.

7. the controller is configured to detect a user action on the aerosol generating device; the first set of states includes at least one state based on the detected action; 3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2.

8. a heating arrangement for heating the aerosol-formable material; a power source; and the controller is configured to control, as one of the at least one operation, a supply of power from the power source to the heating arrangement; 3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2.

9. a thermal sensor for sensing a thermal characteristic of the aerosol generating device and / or the aerosol-generating substance; the first set of states includes at least one state based on a thermal value output from the thermal sensor; 3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2.

10. 10. The aerosol generating device of claim 9, wherein the controller is configured to determine an acceptable range for the heat value based on the sensed orientation, and to reduce or discontinue heating of the aerosol-generatable substance and / or aerosol generation as part of the first operation if the heat value does not fall within the acceptable range.

11. a second sensor for sensing at least one of atmospheric pressure and the altitude of the aerosol generating device; the set of detected conditions includes at least one condition of the aerosol generating device based on detected atmospheric pressure or altitude; 3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2.

12. Further comprising a power source; the controller is configured to detect a state of the power source; the first set of states includes at least one state determined based on a detected state of the power source; 3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2.

13. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first action comprises interrupting the operation of the aerosol generating device.

14. 3. The aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the orientation sensor comprises at least one of an accelerometer and a gyroscope.

15. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the orientation sensor is configured to sense the orientation of the aerosol generating device in three-dimensional space.

16. 1. A controller for an aerosol generation device, the aerosol generation device being for generating an aerosol or vapor, the controller comprising: an orientation sensor for sensing an orientation of the aerosol generation device; Detecting a first set of one or more conditions of the aerosol generation device, the first set including at least one condition detected based at least in part on the sensed orientation; determining a first operation of the aerosol generating device to be performed based at least in part on the first set of conditions; controlling the aerosol generating device according to the first operation; storing in a memory the first set of conditions and the first operation in association with each other, the association being for controlling a subsequent operation of the aerosol generating device when a second set of subsequently detected conditions of the aerosol generating device matches the first set of conditions; controller.

17. 1. A method for controlling an aerosol generation device, the aerosol generation device being for generating an aerosol or vapor and comprising an orientation sensor for sensing an orientation of the aerosol generation device, the method comprising: detecting a first set of one or more conditions of the aerosol generation device, the first set including at least one condition detected based at least in part on the sensed orientation; determining a first operation of the aerosol generating device to be performed based at least in part on the first set of conditions; controlling the aerosol generating device according to the first operation; storing in a memory the first set of conditions and the first operation in association with each other, the association being for controlling a subsequent operation of the aerosol generating device when a second set of subsequently detected conditions of the aerosol generating device matches the first set of conditions; A method comprising:

18. 20. A computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the method of claim 17.

19. 1. An aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol or vapor, comprising: an orientation sensor for sensing the orientation of the aerosol generating device; a memory for storing a machine learning model having, as input, a set of states of the aerosol generating device and, as output, at least one operation of the aerosol generating device to be performed; a controller, detecting a set of states of the aerosol generation device, the set of detected states including at least one state detected at least in part based on the sensed orientation; determining an operation of the aerosol generating device to be performed based at least in part on the set of detected conditions; controlling the operation of the aerosol generating device according to the determined operation; allowing the machine learning model to learn associations between the set of detected states and the determined actions; A controller; An aerosol generating device comprising:

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