Method, computer program, and aerosol generator for the first aerosol generator to exchange data with the second aerosol generator

Abstract

A method of a first aerosol generator for exchanging data with a second aerosol generator includes activating a wireless communication interface of the first aerosol generator while the first aerosol generator is in a predetermined state, where the predetermined state is a state related to aerosol generation, the step of activating; determining, by a detection unit different from the wireless communication interface of the first aerosol generator, that at least one trigger event has been detected; and performing data exchange with the second aerosol generator via the wireless communication interface as a response to detecting at least one trigger event while the first aerosol generator is in the predetermined state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the field of aerosol generating devices. In particular, the present invention is directed to a method, a computer program, and an aerosol generating device for a first aerosol generating device to exchange data with a second aerosol generating device.

Background Art

[0002] Aerosol generating devices, also referred to as inhalation devices, such as electronic cigarettes, vaping devices, and aerosol inhalers, are known.

[0003] Such aerosol generating devices conventionally include an atomizer, a power source, and a tobacco stick, a liquid filling capsule, or similar means disposed therein for the purpose of generating an aerosol (i.e., vapor) that can be inhaled by a user. Such means may be referred to as aerosol generating articles and may contain a certain amount of aerosol generating material.

[0004] The generated aerosol may contain nicotine in a form such that, for example, a user of an inhalation device can simulate smoking by inhaling the generated aerosol.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] Aerosol generating devices are generally handheld devices. Generally, a handheld aerosol generating device has to be relatively small and relatively lightweight in order to be handheld. As a result, in many cases, aerosol generating devices have limited memory space and / or power supply, and / or may have a simple or minimal user interface.

[0006] Therefore, there is generally a need to improve aerosol generating devices while maintaining, for example, being small and lightweight (e.g., in terms of efficiency and / or functionality).

[0007] In recent years, there has been an interest in introducing new functionality to aerosol generating devices. For example, manufacturers of aerosol generating devices and the like may seek to enable data exchange between devices of different users, and this data exchange may be carried out, for example, to stimulate interaction and gamification among users of aerosol generating devices (especially devices for heated tobacco sticks (heated tobacco products)), or to enable data exchange between different devices of a single user. This can lead to an improvement in the functionality of aerosol generating devices.

[0008] The inventors of the present case recognize that in order to enable such new functionality, it is necessary to solve some underlying technical problems. As a non-limiting example, some functionality may require facilitating wireless communication between devices and restricting, for example, data exchange to occur only with specific devices and / or at specific timings, and / or restricting the exchange to only specific data.

[0009] Furthermore, it would be necessary to implement such wireless communication so that it can be easily controlled by the user of the aerosol generating device even if the user interface of the device is simple or minimal, and so that it helps to ensure the security of the user's data.

[0010] Therefore, there is a need to enable secure and convenient data exchange between aerosol generating devices in order to facilitate such new functionality.

[0011] The present invention is intended to address one or more of the above technical problems.

[0012] Specifically, in view of the above limitations, the inventors of the present case have devised a method for a first aerosol generator to exchange data with a second aerosol generator according to the first exemplary aspect herein. The method includes activating the wireless communication interface of the first aerosol generator while the first aerosol generator is in a predetermined state, where the predetermined state is related to aerosol generation, and the step of activating is included. The method further includes determining, by a detection unit different from the wireless communication interface of the first aerosol generator, that at least one trigger event has been detected. The method further includes performing data exchange with the second aerosol generator via the wireless communication interface as a response to detecting at least one trigger event while the first aerosol generator is in a predetermined state.

[0013] The inventors of the present case have further devised a computer program that, when executed by a control unit of an aerosol generator, causes the control unit to perform the method according to the first exemplary aspect herein according to the second exemplary aspect herein.

[0014] The inventors of the present case have further devised an aerosol generator including a wireless communication interface, a detection unit, a memory unit, and a control unit according to the third exemplary aspect herein. The control unit is configured to control the aerosol generator to perform the method according to the first exemplary aspect herein.

[0015] According to the aspects disclosed herein, two conditions must be met for data exchange to occur. Specifically, the first aerosol generating device must be in a predetermined state associated with aerosol generation. Further, at least one trigger event must be detected by the detection unit while the first aerosol generating device is in the above-mentioned predetermined state. Data exchange occurs only when both of these conditions are met. Therefore, the aspects of the present invention enable secure and convenient data exchange between aerosol generating devices that can be easily controlled by the aerosol generating device and the user.

[0016] For example, the aspects of the present invention can help avoid situations where the user inadvertently controls the aerosol generating device to perform data exchange, or where the aerosol generating device has its wireless communication interface activated by an unwanted transmission signal received from another device. This is because data exchange occurs only when both of the above-mentioned conditions are met. And this can help ensure the security of the user's data.

[0017] Furthermore, the aspects of the present invention can also help limit those situations, thus the length of time the wireless communication interface is activated, and / or the length of time the aerosol generating device performs data exchange. And this can help extend the battery life of the aerosol generating device.

[0018] Furthermore, by relying on the predetermined state associated with the aerosol generation and detection unit of the aerosol generating device, these advantages can be achieved in a manner that is particularly adapted to the general usage and components of the aerosol generating device. This can help prevent an increase in the weight or size of the device by suppressing the need for additional components or the introduction of a more complex user interface.

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail as non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings below. Similar reference numerals appearing in some different ones of those drawings may be considered to indicate the same elements or functionally equivalent elements unless otherwise specified.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020]

Fig. 1A

Fig. 1B

Fig. 2

Fig. 3

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] When a technical feature in the drawings, the detailed description, or any claim is assigned a reference numeral, the reference numeral is assigned only for the purpose of making the drawings, the detailed description, and the claims easier to understand. Therefore, whether there is a reference numeral or not, the scope of the elements of any claim is not limited thereby.

[0023] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment in this specification.

[0024] The aerosol generating device 100 is a handheld device configured to generate an aerosol (i.e., vapor) that can be inhaled by a user of the aerosol generating device 100. The aerosol generating device 100 includes a power supply unit 110, an aerosol generating unit 120, and a mouthpiece 130.

[0025] The power supply unit 110 may include a power source 111, a terminal 112, and an input means 113 as in this exemplary embodiment. As an example, the input means 113 may include a button as in this exemplary embodiment.

[0026] The power source 111 may be a rechargeable power source as in this exemplary embodiment. The power source 111 may be a lithium-ion secondary battery as in this exemplary embodiment. Alternatively, the power source 111 may be, for example, a rechargeable secondary battery and / or an electric double layer capacitor (EDLC).

[0027] The terminal 112 may include a power terminal used when charging the power source 111 as in this exemplary embodiment. That is, the terminal 112 may be electrically connectable to an external device (e.g., an aerosol generating device case or a commercial power source) as in this exemplary embodiment and may be configured to receive power to charge the power source 111. As an example, the terminal 112 may include one or more of a USB terminal, a micro USB terminal, a wireless charging terminal, etc. Note that a combination of a wired terminal (e.g., a USB terminal or a micro USB terminal) and a wireless terminal (e.g., a wireless charging terminal) may also be adopted as the terminal 112.

[0028] Optionally, the terminal 112 may include a data terminal that enables transmission of data to and reception of data from an external device connected to the aerosol generating device 100 via the terminal 112 as in this exemplary embodiment.

[0029] The aerosol generating unit 120 may include, as in this exemplary embodiment, an aerosol generating article 122 containing a certain amount of aerosol generating material, and a load 121 for atomizing the aerosol generating material within the aerosol generating article 122. Electric power is supplied to the load 121 by the power supply unit 110.

[0030] By way of example, the aerosol generating article 122 may include a reservoir or capsule for storing the aerosol generating material in liquid form. Alternatively, the aerosol generating material may include, depending on the type of aerosol generating device, a tobacco stick (also referred to as a "heatable tobacco stick", "heated tobacco stick", etc.), a gel composition in a capsule or pod, or similar means.

[0031] The load 121 atomizes the aerosol generating material (e.g., by heating), thereby generating an aerosol that passes through the mouthpiece 130 in response to the user's inhalation action. In one example, the load 121 is represented by the electrical load of a heating element, i.e., the energy consumed by the heating element. The heating element may be resistive, inductive, etc.

[0032] The aerosol generating device 100 may be a so-called "e-vaper" device, as in this exemplary embodiment. Alternatively, the aerosol generating device may be a so-called "T-vaper" device, which is generally also referred to as a non-combustion heating device or a heated tobacco device.

[0033] The mouthpiece 130 may include a flavor source 131, as shown in FIG. 1A. The flavor source 131 may include, for example, particles of shredded raw tobacco or another plant (e.g., mint or herb), and / or a flavor such as menthol, so that the flavor is added to the aerosol as the aerosol passes through the flavor source 131. Further, the mouthpiece 130 may include any suitable inhalation port or the like (not shown) necessary for the user to inhale the generated aerosol.

[0034] The power supply unit 110, the aerosol generating unit 120, and the mouthpiece 130 may be detachable such that the individual units can be easily replaced. Additionally or alternatively, the aerosol generating article 122 and / or the aerosol generating material stored therein, and the flavor source 131 may each be removable from the respective unit and may be replaceable.

[0035] The aerosol generating unit 120 and the mouthpiece 130 of the aerosol generating device 100 of FIG. 1A are shown as separate units, but these two units may alternatively be provided as a single unit, and the flavor source 131 may optionally be provided together with the aerosol generating material within the aerosol generating article 121. Alternatively, the mouthpiece 130 may be omitted.

[0036] FIG. 1B is a block diagram showing the components of the aerosol generating device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment herein.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 1B, the aerosol generating device 100 includes a control unit 101, a wireless communication interface 102, a detection unit 103, and a memory unit 104. Additionally, the aerosol generating device 100 may optionally include an output unit 105 and / or an input unit 106 as in this exemplary embodiment.

[0038] The control unit 101 may include one or more processing units (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) (such as a microprocessor), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a microprocessing unit (MPU), a properly programmed field programmable gate array (FPGA), or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)).

[0039] The control unit 101 may be configured to control the operation of the aerosol generating device 100 as in this exemplary embodiment. The control unit 101 may have separate modules or sections for each function implemented as in this exemplary embodiment.

[0040] As an example, the control unit 101 may control the power supply to the aerosol generation unit 120 and the charging of the power supply 111. Additionally or alternatively, the control unit 101 may control the power supply to the components 102-106, output a control signal to one or more of the components 102-106, receive and process a signal from one or more of the components 102-106, and control the operation of the aerosol generator 100 based on the received signal. Alternatively, the control unit 101 may not control the charging of the power supply 111. In this alternative embodiment, the charging of the power supply 111 may be controlled by an external device.

[0041] The wireless communication interface 102 may be configured to transmit and receive information by any suitable wireless communication means known to those skilled in the art. For example, the wireless communication interface 102 may transmit or receive information via a direct communication link provided by any suitable wireless connection (e.g., Bluetooth (trademark), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), NFC, or NR connection), or an indirect communication link (which may be provided by a network including a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), and / or the Internet). Further, the wireless communication interface 102 may have the processing and communication functionality necessary to operate in accordance with one or more conventional telecommunication standards (including, but not limited to, GSM, PCS, 3GPP, LTE, LTE-A, UMTS, 3G, 4G, 5G).

[0042] The detection unit 103 may include a sensor unit of the aerosol generator 100 as in this exemplary embodiment. As an example, the sensor unit may include an accelerometer or other motion sensor. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor unit may include one or more inhalation sensors used to detect the inhalation action of the user of the aerosol generator 100, and / or one or more voltage sensors and current sensors used to detect the charging and discharging of the power supply 111 and / or the connection to another device by the terminal 112.

[0043] Additionally or alternatively, the detection unit 103 may include an input unit of the aerosol generator 100. That is, the input unit may include any means that enables the aerosol generator 100 to receive an input from a user of the aerosol generator 100. In such an exemplary embodiment, the detection unit 103 may be implemented as part of the input unit 106 or may be provided separately from the input unit 106.

[0044] As a non-limiting example, the power supply unit 110 may include a button 113 as shown in FIG. 1A. Alternatively, the aerosol generator 100 may include any suitable input unit such as one or more additional buttons, one or more switches, a touch pad or a touch screen, or such input means.

[0045] More generally, the detection unit 103 may not be a wireless communication interface as in this exemplary embodiment. That is, the detection unit 103 may have functions that are not wireless communication as in this exemplary embodiment and is functionally a component separate from the wireless communication interface 102.

[0046] The memory unit 104 may include both volatile and non-volatile memory resources as in this exemplary embodiment. As an example, the memory unit 104 may include a working memory (e.g., random access memory). Additionally, the memory unit 104 may include an instruction store (e.g., ROM in the form of electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) or flash memory) that stores a computer program including a set of computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the control unit 101, cause the control unit 101 to execute various functions as described herein.

[0047] The output unit 105 may include any means known in the art suitable for outputting information to the user, as in this exemplary embodiment. By way of example, the output unit may include one or more units including a display unit (e.g., an LCD screen or a touch screen), a speaker unit (e.g., one or more loudspeakers (e.g., one or more of a moving coil loudspeaker, a buzzer, a horn, and a sounder)), an illumination unit (e.g., one or more LEDs), and a haptic feedback unit (e.g., an eccentric rotating mass, ERM, a vibration motor and / or a linear resonant actuator, LRA, a vibration motor).

[0048] The input unit 106 may include any of the means described above with respect to the detection unit 103 that enables the aerosol generator 100 to receive input from a user of the aerosol generator 100, as in this exemplary embodiment.

[0049] In FIG. 1B, the wireless communication interface 102, the detection unit 103, the memory unit 104, the output unit 105, and the input unit 106 are shown as being separate from the control unit 101. Alternatively, one or more of these components may be integrated with the control unit 101.

[0050] Additionally, the components 101-106 shown in FIG. 1B may be provided in any of the units 110, 120, and 130 of the aerosol generator 100 of FIG. 1A. By way of example, the components 101-106 shown in FIG. 1B may be provided in the power supply unit 110 of the aerosol generator 100. Although not shown in FIG. 1B, each of the components 101-106 of the aerosol generator 100 may receive power from the power source 111.

[0051] As a further example, in some exemplary embodiments, the aerosol generating device 100 further includes an aerosol generating device case. In such exemplary embodiments, the wireless communication interface 102 may be mounted on the aerosol generating device case. As will be described in detail later, mounting the wireless communication interface 102 on the side of the aerosol generating device case may be advantageous from a hygiene perspective. Mounting the wireless communication interface 102 on the side of the aerosol generating device 100 may be preferable from the perspective of ease of use.

[0052] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a process that enables the aerosol generating device 100 of FIG. 1A to exchange data with another aerosol generating device (not shown) according to an exemplary aspect herein.

[0053] In process step S1 of FIG. 2, the control unit 101 activates the wireless communication interface 102 of the first aerosol generating device 100 while the first aerosol generating device 100 is in a predetermined state. The predetermined state is related to aerosol generation.

[0054] As an example, the predetermined state may be the operating state of the aerosol generating device. That is, the predetermined state may be a state defined based on the operation of the aerosol generating device 100 to generate aerosol, or a state defined based on the aerosol generation session (also called a vaping session) of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0055] FIG. 3 is a graph showing various phases of aerosol generation by the aerosol generating device 100. As shown in FIG. 3, the aerosol generation session 300 includes two phases, namely, a preheating phase 301 and an aerosol generation phase 302.

[0056] As an example, during the preheating phase 301, the control unit 101 controls the power supply from the power source 111 to the load 121 to heat the load 121 to a temperature suitable for aerosol generation. In FIG. 3, the preheating phase 301 starts at time t1 and ends at time t2. For example, the duration of the preheating phase 301 may depend on the configuration of the aerosol generator 100.

[0057] During the aerosol generation phase, the control unit 101 may control the aerosol generation unit 120 to generate, for example, an aerosol for the user to inhale. In FIG. 3, the aerosol generation phase 303 starts at time t2 and ends at time t3. For example, the duration of the aerosol generation phase 302 may depend on the configuration of the aerosol generator 100 and / or safety requirements such as the maximum allowable inhalation time of the user.

[0058] The predetermined state may include a state in which the first aerosol generator is generating an aerosol, as in this exemplary embodiment.

[0059] In the example of FIG. 3, the aerosol generator 100 may be determined to be in a state in which the first aerosol generator is generating an aerosol over a period T1 corresponding to the aerosol generation phase 302.

[0060] In an exemplary embodiment in which the state in which the first aerosol generator is generating an aerosol is included in the predetermined state, the control unit 101 determines that the first aerosol generator is (i). supplying power to the heating element of the first aerosol generator, (ii). detecting a user input that causes the start of aerosol generation by the first aerosol generator, and / or (iii). detecting an action by the user that causes the start of aerosol generation by the first aerosol generator over a predetermined period defined based on at least one of the above, and may be configured to determine that the first aerosol generator is in a state of generating an aerosol.

[0061] In the case of example (i), the aerosol generator 100 may be provided with suitable sensors, clocks, and / or other means that enable the control unit 101 to use, for example, the length of time during which power is supplied to the load 121, the resulting temperature rise of the load 121, etc. in order to identify the state in which the first aerosol generator is generating an aerosol, i.e., the aerosol generation phase 302 shown in FIG. 3.

[0062] In the case of example (ii), as shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 101 will receive a user input that causes the start of aerosol generation by the first aerosol generator at time t1. The control unit 101 may, for example, identify the state in which the first aerosol generator is generating an aerosol based on the known time length of the preheating phase 301, the length of time during which power is supplied to the load 121, the resulting temperature rise of the load 121, etc., and time t1.

[0063] As an example, the user input that causes the start of aerosol generation by the first aerosol generator may include, for example, operating a button 113 as shown in FIG. 1A. Alternatively, the aerosol generator 100 may include any suitable input unit, for example, one or more additional buttons, one or more switches, a touch pad or touch screen, or a suitable combination of such input means, and the user input may include an input by any such input means.

[0064] In the case of example (iii), as shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 101 will detect an action by the user that causes the start of aerosol generation by the first aerosol generator at time t1. The control unit 101 may, for example, identify the state in which the first aerosol generator is generating an aerosol based on the known time length of the preheating phase 301, the length of time during which power is supplied to the load 121, the resulting temperature rise of the load 121, etc., and time t1.

[0065] As an example, the action by the user that causes the start of aerosol generation by the first aerosol generator may include the inhalation sensor detecting inhalation. Alternatively, the action by the user that causes the start of aerosol generation by the first aerosol generator may include, for example, detection of the removal of the cover of the mouthpiece 130 or another element that constitutes the inhalation port of the aerosol generator 100. The aerosol generator 100 may be provided with any suitable sensor for performing such detection.

[0066] Additionally or alternatively, the predetermined state may include a state including a predetermined duration after the first aerosol generator has terminated aerosol generation.

[0067] As an example, the predetermined state may include only a predetermined duration. For example, in the example of FIG. 3, the aerosol generator 100 may be determined to be in the predetermined state over the period T2. The user will be able to concentrate on inhaling the aerosol during the aerosol generation phase 303.

[0068] Alternatively, the predetermined state may be defined to include one or more additional durations. For example, in the example of FIG. 3, the aerosol generator 100 may be determined to be in the predetermined state over both the period T1 corresponding to the aerosol generation phase and the period T2 corresponding to the predetermined duration.

[0069] The predetermined duration may be shorter than the duration of generating the aerosol, as in this exemplary embodiment.

[0070] As a further alternative, the predetermined state may include a state in which the first aerosol generator is ready for aerosol generation.

[0071] For example, when the external power supply is disconnected, the first aerosol generator 100 may determine that it is ready to generate aerosol. In this example, it is preferable that the external power supply is configured to be portable and capable of accommodating or holding the aerosol generator 100. Additionally or alternatively, when an aerosol precursor (e.g., the aerosol generating article 122 shown in FIG. 1A) is inserted into the first aerosol generator, the first aerosol generator 100 may determine that it is ready to generate aerosol.

[0072] In the example of FIG. 3, the first aerosol generator 100 may enter a state where it is ready to generate aerosol at time t0. Time t0 may represent, for example, the time when the external power supply is disconnected or the time when the aerosol precursor is inserted into the first aerosol generator. And the predetermined state may be defined to include at least period T4 and optionally at least one of periods T3, T1, and T2.

[0073] As a further example, the predetermined state may include a state where the first aerosol generator 100 is activated by an input unit of the first aerosol generator 100.

[0074] As an example, the first aerosol generator 100 may be activated by an input unit in response to a user operating the button 113 shown in FIG. 1A, or may be activated by any other suitable input unit (e.g., one or more additional buttons, one or more switches, a touch pad or a touch screen, etc.).

[0075] In the example of FIG. 3, such an operation would be performed at time t1. Then, the aerosol generator 100 may be determined to be in the above-described predetermined state for a predetermined period after such an operation, during which the user I / O interface (e.g., touch screen) of the aerosol generator 100 is activated / woken up, etc.

[0076] Referring back to FIG. 2, the wireless communication interface 102 may be activated only as a response to the first aerosol generator 100 being in or entering the above-described predetermined state, i.e., only when the first aerosol generator 100 is in the above-described predetermined state. Correspondingly, the control unit 101 may control the wireless communication interface 102 so that the wireless communication interface 102 is not activated before entering the above-described predetermined state and / or when the aerosol generator 100 is determined to no longer be in the above-described predetermined state. That is, the power supply to the power supply terminal of the wireless communication interface 102 may be performed as a response to the first aerosol generator 100 being in or entering the above-described predetermined state. Alternatively, the transition of the wireless communication interface 102 from the power-saving mode or the sleep mode to the active mode may be performed as a response to the first aerosol generator 100 being in or entering the above-described predetermined state. This may in turn lead to energy savings in the power supply 111.

[0077] As an example, activating the wireless communication interface 102 may cause the wireless communication interface 102 to listen for other devices. More specifically, the wireless communication interface 102 may listen for other devices that are transmitting within the wireless communication range of the first aerosol generator 102. As an example, when the wireless communication interface 102 is a BLE communication interface, the wireless communication interface 102 may listen for other devices in the advertising state.

[0078] In process step S2 of FIG. 2, the control unit 101 determines that at least one trigger event has been detected by a detection unit 103 different from the wireless communication interface 102 of the first aerosol generator 100.

[0079] The trigger event may not be an event of the wireless communication interface 102 (for example, reception or transmission by the wireless communication interface 102), as in this exemplary embodiment. The trigger event may be independent of the operation of the wireless communication interface 102, as in this exemplary embodiment.

[0080] As an example, the detection unit 103 may include a sensor unit of the first aerosol generator 100, as in this exemplary embodiment, and at least one trigger event may include detection of a predetermined movement by the sensor unit.

[0081] More specifically, the detection unit 103 may include an accelerometer, a gyroscope, or any other suitable motion sensor. The detection unit 103 may be configured to detect that the user moves the aerosol generator 100 in a specific manner (i.e., a predetermined movement).

[0082] The detected predetermined movement may be, for example, hitting the aerosol generator 100 against another aerosol generator (such as the movement of "toasting" with a drink), shaking the aerosol generator 100, or any other suitable movement that is an unusual use of the aerosol generator 100 sufficient to reliably indicate the user's intention.

[0083] In an exemplary embodiment in which the aerosol generator 100 further includes an aerosol generator case, by mounting the wireless communication interface 102 and / or the detection unit 103 on the aerosol generator case, it is possible to prevent direct contact between aerosol generators of different users during a predetermined movement, thereby improving the hygiene aspect.

[0084] Alternatively, by directly mounting the wireless communication interface 102 and / or the detection unit on the aerosol generator 100, usability can be improved.

[0085] The sensor unit and / or the predetermined movement may be independent of the first aerosol generator entering the above-described predetermined state, as in this exemplary embodiment.

[0086] Alternatively, the detection unit 103 may include an input unit (e.g., any of the input means described above) of the first aerosol generator 100. In such an exemplary embodiment, at least one trigger event may include additional input by the user of the aerosol generator 100 to the input unit, and further any input required by the user for the start of aerosol generation.

[0087] In process step S3 of FIG. 2, in response to detecting at least one trigger event while the first aerosol generator 100 is in the above-described predetermined state, the control unit 101 controls the aerosol generator 100 to perform data exchange with a second aerosol generator via the wireless communication interface 102.

[0088] That is, the aerosol generator 100 may exchange data with a second aerosol generator within the wireless communication range of the first aerosol generator 100.

[0089] For example, data exchange may be possible only when a trigger is detected while both the first and second aerosol generators are in a predetermined state, i.e., only when both the first and second aerosol generators are controlled to perform data exchange. As an example, the second aerosol generator may also be configured as described above with respect to the aerosol generator 100.

[0090] As a further example, data exchange may be possible only if the same trigger event is detected by both the first and second aerosol generators and / or if both the first and second aerosol generators are in the same predetermined state. For example, if data exchange is enabled in both the first and second aerosol generators, information regarding the predetermined state and / or trigger event may be exchanged as part of a handshake procedure, and data exchange may be possible only if they are compatible.

[0091] Optionally, the aerosol generator 100 may be further configured to perform data exchange only when the detected signal strength of the signal received from the second aerosol generator exceeds a threshold value (e.g., exceeds X dB). As an example, the threshold value may be set such that data exchange occurs only while the detected signal strength is strong enough to enable reliable transmission. This can be advantageous when the range of the wireless communication interface 102 is limited.

[0092] The use of such a threshold value can be advantageous in that it requires the first and second aerosol generators to be in close proximity, i.e., within each other's communication range, in order to perform data exchange. And the requirement that the first and second aerosol generators must be in close proximity in order to exchange data can help prevent unintended data exchange (e.g., due to malicious communication from other devices with a larger communication range or unsolicited advertisements).

[0093] As an example, performing data exchange with the second aerosol generator may include, as in this exemplary embodiment, transmitting the identifier of the first aerosol generator 100 to the second aerosol generator and / or receiving the identifier of the second aerosol generator from the second aerosol generator and storing the identifier of the second aerosol generator in the memory unit 104 of the first aerosol generator 100. Depending on the wireless communication technology used, such steps may be performed as part of a handshake procedure to initiate communication.

[0094] Performing data exchange with the second aerosol generator may further include, as in this exemplary embodiment, transmitting a request for contact information of the user of the second aerosol generator to a server or other central entity, the request including the identifier of the second aerosol generator.

[0095] As a further example, such a server or central entity may store information on registered users of aerosol generators, including the identifier of each user. In such an exemplary embodiment, further data exchange may be restricted until a response indicating that user information corresponding to the identifier of the second aerosol generator is registered, or a response approving further data exchange in another form, is received from the server or central entity.

[0096] Additionally or alternatively, performing data exchange with the second aerosol generator may further include, as in this exemplary embodiment, restricting the data exchange such that the data exchange is performed only when the first aerosol generator is in a state of generating an aerosol, and / or restricting the data exchange such that data exchange is performed with the second aerosol generator only when the first aerosol generator is in a state of generating an aerosol. Restricting the data exchange may include the control unit 101 controlling the wireless communication interface 102 such that data exchange is not performed when the above conditions are not met.

[0097] Additionally or alternatively, performing data exchange with a second aerosol generator may include, for example, · transmitting data related to the device settings of the first aerosol generator 100 to the second aerosol generator, and · receiving data related to the device settings of the second aerosol generator 100 from the second aerosol generator and may include at least one of the above.

[0098] Data related to device settings may include, for example, · data representing one or more heating profiles · data representing LED intensity · data representing the user's password · data representing the user's biometric information · data representing the user's identifier · data representing the respective values of one or more configuration parameters and may include at least one of the above.

[0099] In an exemplary embodiment where the process of FIG. 2 includes receiving data related to the device settings of the second aerosol generator, the process of FIG. 2 may include an additional optional process step of configuring the first aerosol generator 100 based on the received data related to the device settings.

[0100] Additionally or alternatively, in an exemplary embodiment where the process of FIG. 2 includes transmitting data related to the device settings of the first aerosol generator 200, such data may be used by the second aerosol generator when configuring its device settings.

[0101] By exchanging data related to the device settings, the first aerosol generator 100 or the second aerosol generator can be enabled to automatically update the configuration of its device settings, thereby eliminating the need for the user to manually input to the aerosol generator to configure the device settings. This can be particularly advantageous when either the first or second aerosol generator is the user's new device and the user wants to copy the configuration of their preferred device settings from their old device to their new device.

[0102] Additionally, by enabling the automatic configuration or updating of the device settings in this way, it is possible to reduce or eliminate the need to provide means for manual configuration, which helps to keep the user interface simple and not complex.

[0103] More generally, the process of FIG. 2 may optionally include an additional process step of outputting a notification that the data exchange has been successfully performed to the user of the aerosol generator 100 via the output unit 105 of the aerosol generator 100.

[0104] The process of FIG. 2 requires two conditions to be met for the data exchange to occur. Specifically, the first aerosol generator 100 must be in a predetermined state related to aerosol generation. Further, at least one trigger event must be detected by the detection unit 103 while the first aerosol generator 100 is in the predetermined state. Only when both of these conditions are met is the data exchange performed.

[0105] Accordingly, aspects of the present invention enable secure and convenient data exchange between aerosol generators that can be easily controlled by the aerosol generator 100 and the user.

[0106] Accordingly, aspects of the present invention may provide the technical means necessary to facilitate new functionality in an aerosol generating device (e.g., exchange of data between devices of a plurality of different users to stimulate interaction and gamification among users).

[0107] As an example, the aspects described herein may provide a technical implementation that forms the basis for a first new functionality, where a user of the aerosol generating device 100 is rewarded or otherwise incentivized for connecting to as many other users of their respective aerosol generating devices as possible, or for connecting to a specific number (e.g., 20) of other users of aerosol generating devices.

[0108] With respect to the first new functionality, aspects of the present invention enable the facilitation of data exchange with other users' aerosol generating devices, including receiving identifiers of other users, storing the identifiers of other users in the memory unit 104 and / or transmitting them to a server or other central entity for storage in association with other registered information of the user of the aerosol generating device 100, and controlling the aerosol generating device 100 to output a display from the output means 105 to the user indicating that a sufficient number of connections have been made.

[0109] As a further example, the aspects described herein may provide a technical implementation that forms the basis for a second new functionality, where a user of the aerosol generating device 100 can exchange contact details with a user of another aerosol generating device in a simple and convenient manner. The contact details may be in the form of, for example, an email address, a phone number, or an identifier for a social media account.

[0110] Regarding the second new functionality, aspects of the present invention enable data exchange with aerosol generators of other users, which includes receiving identifiers of other users, transmitting the identifier of the user of aerosol generator 100, storing the identifiers of other users in memory unit 104, and transmitting the identifiers of other users to a server or other central entity as part of a request for contact information of users of other aerosol generators.

[0111] Such new functionality may require each user of the aerosol generator to register their respective information via a website, application, or other platform, which may be done, for example, by creating an account linked to a unique identifier of the user or the user's aerosol generator.

[0112] As an example, the user may register their respective contact details and preferred means of communication as part of the information on the platform, and information representing the contact details of other users may be received in the form of messages sent via their respective preferred means of communication.

[0113] As a further example, rewards or incentives may be given to users of the aerosol generator via such platforms, which may be done by the user accessing their respective user accounts and receiving their respective rewards / incentives via an e-commerce website or email, and additionally or alternatively, the respective rewards / incentives may be collected at a store having suitable means to interface with the aerosol generator to verify the number of connections made.

[0114] Aspects of the present invention also provide a technical implementation that enables the manufacturer to easily and flexibly adapt data exchange to better conform to such new functionality by allowing the data exchange controlled by aerosol generator 100 to be restricted to only specific devices and / or only at specific times.

[0115] For example, with respect to either the first and second new functionalities, data exchange may be restricted to only being possible during a vaping session. This, in the example of the first new functionality, can help accelerate the interaction between users by preventing the user from easily reaching a predetermined number of new connections at any time without actually using the aerosol generator to generate an aerosol. On the other hand, since a vaping session generally only lasts for a few seconds or minutes, the interaction facilitated by the first new functionality is improved.

[0116] As a further example, with respect to either the first and second new functionalities, data exchange may be made possible over a set period before and / or after the vaping session. As described above, a vaping session generally has a relatively short duration. Thus, this alternative can allow for an improvement in flexibility. However, these additional periods should not be of a long duration, for example, less than one minute.

[0117] Although detailed embodiments have been described, they are provided only to offer a better understanding of the invention as defined by the independent claims and should not be regarded as limiting.

Claims

1. A method of a first aerosol generator for exchanging data with a second aerosol generator, comprising: activating a wireless communication interface of the first aerosol generator while the first aerosol generator is in a predetermined state, wherein the predetermined state is a state related to aerosol generation; determining that at least one trigger event has been detected by a detection unit of the first aerosol generator different from the wireless communication interface; performing data exchange with the second aerosol generator via the wireless communication interface as a response to detecting the at least one trigger event while the first aerosol generator is in the predetermined state. A method comprising the above steps.

2. The predetermined state includes one of the following: a state in which the first aerosol generator is generating an aerosol; a state including a predetermined duration after the first aerosol generator has finished generating an aerosol; a state in which the first aerosol generator is ready for aerosol generation; and a state in which the first aerosol generator is activated by an input unit of the first aerosol generator. The method according to claim 1, including one of the above states.

3. The predetermined state includes the state including the predetermined duration after the first aerosol generator has finished generating an aerosol, wherein the predetermined duration is shorter than the duration of generating an aerosol. The method according to claim 2.

4. The predetermined state includes the state in which the first aerosol generator is ready for aerosol generation, wherein the first aerosol generator is ready for aerosol generation when an external power supply is disconnected. The method according to claim 2.

5. The predetermined state includes the state in which the first aerosol generator is ready for aerosol generation, wherein the first aerosol generator is ready for aerosol generation when an aerosol precursor is inserted into the first aerosol generator. The method according to claim 2.

6. The detection unit includes a sensor unit of the first aerosol generator, and the at least one trigger event includes detection of a predetermined movement by the sensor unit. The method according to claim 1.

7. The sensor unit and / or the predetermined movement is independent of the first aerosol generator entering the predetermined state, The method according to claim 6.

8. The predetermined state includes the state in which the first aerosol generator is generating an aerosol, The method further comprises, when the first aerosol generator Supply of power to the heating element of the first aerosol generator, Detection of a user input that causes the start of aerosol generation by the first aerosol generator, and / or Detection of an action by the user that causes the start of aerosol generation by the first aerosol generator Determining that the first aerosol generator is in the state of generating an aerosol over a predetermined period defined based on at least one of them. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. Restricting the data exchange such that the data exchange is performed only when the first aerosol generator is in the state of generating an aerosol, and / or, Restricting the data exchange such that the data exchange is performed only with the second aerosol generator in the state where the first aerosol generator is generating an aerosol The method according to claim 8, further comprising.

10. The step of performing data exchange with the second aerosol generator comprises Receiving an identifier of the second aerosol generator from the second aerosol generator and storing the identifier of the second aerosol generator in a memory unit of the first aerosol generator, Transmitting data related to the device settings of the first aerosol generator to the second aerosol generator, and Receiving data related to the device settings of the second aerosol generator from the second aerosol generator The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, including at least one of them.

11. The data related to the device settings includes Data representing one or more heating profiles, Data representing LED intensity, Data representing a user's password, Data representing the user's biometric information, Data representing the user's identifier, and Data representing the value of each of one or more configuration parameters The method according to claim 10, comprising at least one of the above.

12. A computer program comprising a set of instructions that, when executed by a control unit of an aerosol generator, cause the control unit to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. An aerosol generator, comprising a wireless communication interface, a detection unit, a memory unit, and a control unit configured to control the aerosol generator to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11. An aerosol generator comprising the above.

14. The wireless communication interface includes at least one of a Bluetooth module and a near field communication (NFC) module, and / or the detection unit preferably includes at least one of a sensor unit preferably including an accelerometer and an input unit preferably including a button. The aerosol generator according to claim 13.

15. The aerosol generator further includes an aerosol generator case, and the wireless communication interface is mounted on the aerosol generator case. The aerosol generator according to claim 13 or claim 14.

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