Session Control System

Abstract

The session control system of the device includes at least one processor and a memory coupled to the at least one processor, the memory configured to store instructions, the at least one processor configured to execute instructions to cause the session control system to detect when a session starts, start a session timer, increment a puff variable when the airflow sensor detects that a puff has occurred, monitor the session timer against a time threshold, monitor the puff variable against a puff threshold, and terminate the session in response to the session threshold being met. The session timer is configured to measure the length of the session, and the puff variable corresponds to a total number of puffs.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to heated nanotube (HNB) aerosol generating devices and capsules configured to generate aerosols without substantial thermal decomposition of the aerosol-forming substrate. [Background technology]

[0002] Some electronic devices are configured to heat plant material to a temperature sufficient to release components of the plant material, while maintaining the temperature below the plant material's combustion point to avoid substantial thermal decomposition. Such devices may be referred to as aerosol-generating devices (e.g., heated aerosol-generating devices), and the heated plant material may be tobacco and / or cannabis. In some cases, the plant material may be directly introduced into the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device. In other embodiments, the plant material may be pre-packaged in individual containers to facilitate insertion and removal from the aerosol-generating device. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Novel and useful systems, devices, and methods for aerosol generating device session control systems are set forth in the accompanying claims. Exemplary embodiments are also provided to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the claimed subject matter.

[0004] For example, in some exemplary embodiments, a session control system for a device is described. The session control system can include at least one processor and a memory coupled to the at least one processor. The memory can be configured to store instructions. The at least one processor can be configured to execute instructions to cause the session control system to detect when a session is started, start a session timer, increment a puff variable when an airflow sensor detects that a puff has been taken, monitor the session timer against a time threshold, monitor the puff variable against a puff threshold, and terminate the session in response to the session threshold being met. The session timer can be configured to measure the length of the session, and the puff variable can correspond to a total number of puffs taken.

[0005] In some exemplary embodiments, the session threshold may be met when the puff variable is equal to the puff threshold. In some exemplary embodiments, the puff threshold may be 20 puffs.

[0006] In some exemplary embodiments, a session threshold may be met when the length of the session is equal to a time threshold, which may be 7 minutes.

[0007] In some exemplary embodiments, a session can begin when a control button is actuated and the device begins pre-heating.

[0008] In some exemplary embodiments, the session timer may start when the device is preheated.

[0009] In some exemplary embodiments, the at least one processor can be configured to execute instructions to cause the session control system to display a session progress indicator on a consumer interface of the device. The session progress indicator can correspond to a session length remaining to satisfy a session threshold. In some exemplary embodiments, the session length remaining to satisfy the session threshold is the lower of a percentage of the time remaining until the session timer equals the time threshold and a percentage of the number of puffs remaining until the puff variable equals the puff threshold.

[0010] In some exemplary embodiments, the at least one processor can be configured to execute instructions that cause the session control system to display a session completion indicator when the session threshold is met.

[0011] In some exemplary embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to execute instructions to cause the session control system to activate a haptic actuator when the session threshold is met with 20% of the session remaining to meet the session threshold.

[0012] In some exemplary embodiments, the at least one processor can be configured to execute instructions that cause the session control system to start a periodic timer concurrently with the session timer. The periodic timer can be configured to measure a metric report time. In some exemplary embodiments, the metric report time can be 10 seconds. In some exemplary embodiments, the at least one processor can be configured to execute instructions that cause the session control system to generate a metric report when the periodic timer elapses. The metric report can include a percentage of time remaining until the session timer equals a time threshold and a percentage of the number of puffs remaining until the puff variable equals a puff threshold.

[0013] In some exemplary embodiments, detecting that a puff has occurred can include detecting airflow through the device with an airflow sensor, measuring the length of time of airflow through the device, determining whether the length of time of airflow through the device is greater than a puff length threshold, and incrementing a puff variable if the length of time of airflow through the device is greater than the puff length threshold. In some exemplary embodiments, the puff length threshold can be 350 milliseconds. In some exemplary embodiments, detecting that a puff has occurred can further include starting a hysteresis timer if the length of time of airflow through the device is greater than the puff length threshold, restarting the hysteresis timer if the airflow sensor detects additional airflow through the device before the hysteresis timer expires, and incrementing the puff variable if the hysteresis timer expires. In some exemplary embodiments, the hysteresis timer can be 2 seconds.

[0014] In some exemplary embodiments, monitoring the session timer against the time threshold and the puff variable against the puff threshold can include setting a first flag to indicate that either the percentage remaining in the time threshold or the percentage remaining in the puff threshold is equal to 20%, and setting a second flag to indicate that either the percentage remaining in the time threshold or the percentage remaining in the puff threshold is equal to 0%. In some exemplary embodiments, monitoring the session timer against the time threshold and the puff variable against the puff threshold can further include activating a haptic actuator of the device when the first flag is set and activating a second haptic actuator when the second flag is set.

[0015] In some exemplary embodiments, the at least one processor can be configured to execute instructions that cause the session control system to calculate an amount of energy used by the device and monitor the amount of energy used by the device against an energy threshold. In some exemplary embodiments, the session threshold can be met when the amount of energy used by the device equals the energy threshold.

[0016] In some exemplary embodiments, the at least one processor can be configured to execute instructions to cause the session control system to track the amount of time that airflow from a taken puff has been flowing through the device and to monitor the amount of time that airflow from a taken puff has been flowing through the device against a puff duration threshold. In some exemplary embodiments, the session threshold can be met when the amount of time that airflow from a puff has been flowing through the device equals the puff duration threshold.

[0017] Also described herein is a multi-session control system for a device. The multi-session control system can include at least one processor and a memory coupled to the at least one processor. The memory can be configured to store instructions. The at least one processor can be configured to execute the instructions to cause the multi-session control system to detect when a session starts, start a device timer, increment a puff variable when the airflow sensor detects that a puff has been taken, monitor the device timer against a time threshold, monitor the puff variable against a puff threshold, and power off the device in response to the device threshold being met. The device timer can be configured to measure a total time of device use, and the puff variable can correspond to a total number of puffs taken.

[0018] In some demonstrative embodiments, the at least one processor can be configured to execute instructions to cause the multi-session control system to detect when a session has ended, pause a device timer when the session has ended, detect when a new session has started, and restart the device timer when the device has preheated after the new session has started.

[0019] Also described herein are non-transitory computer-readable media containing instructions that, when executed by a processing circuit of a device, cause the device to perform functions described herein. The functions may include detecting that a session has started, starting a session timer, incrementing a puff variable when an airflow sensor detects that a puff has occurred, monitoring the session timer against a time threshold and the puff variable against a puff threshold, and terminating the session in response to the session threshold being met. The session timer may be configured to measure the length of the session, and the puff variable may correspond to a total number of puffs taken.

[0020] Also described herein is a session control system for a device. The session control system may include processor means and memory means. The memory means may be coupled to the processor means and configured to store instructions. The processor means may be configured to execute instructions to cause the session control system to detect when a session is started, start a session timer, increment a puff variable when the airflow sensor detects that a puff has been taken, monitor the session timer against a time threshold, monitor the puff variable against a puff threshold, and terminate the session in response to the session threshold being met. The session timer may be configured to measure the length of the session, and the puff variable may correspond to a total number of puffs taken.

[0021] Also described herein is a method of operating a session control system of a device. The method can include detecting when a session starts, starting a session timer, incrementing a puff variable when an airflow sensor detects that a puff has been taken, monitoring the session timer against a time threshold and monitoring the puff variable against a puff threshold, and terminating the session in response to the session threshold being met. The session timer can be configured to measure the length of the session, and the puff variable can correspond to a total number of puffs taken.

[0022] Also described herein are non-transitory computer-readable media containing instructions that, when executed by a processing circuit of a device, cause the device to perform functions described herein, including detecting that a session has started, starting a device timer, incrementing a puff variable when an airflow sensor detects that a puff has occurred, monitoring the device timer against a time threshold, monitoring the puff variable against a puff threshold, and powering off the device in response to the device threshold being met. The device timer can be configured to measure the total time the device has been used, and the puff variable can correspond to the total number of puffs taken.

[0023] Also described herein is a multi-session control system for a device. The multi-session control system may include processor means and memory means. The memory means may be coupled to the processor means and configured to store instructions. The processor means may be configured to execute instructions that cause the multi-session control system to detect when a session is initiated, start a device timer, increment a puff variable when the airflow sensor detects that a puff has been taken, monitor the device timer against a time threshold, monitor the puff variable against a puff threshold, and power off the device in response to the device threshold being met. The device timer may be configured to measure a total time of device use, and the puff variable may correspond to a total number of puffs taken.

[0024] Also described herein is a method of operating a multi-session control system for a device. The method can include detecting when a session begins, starting a device timer, incrementing a puff variable when an airflow sensor detects that a puff has occurred, monitoring the device timer against a time threshold, monitoring the puff variable against a puff threshold, and powering off the device in response to the device threshold being met. The device timer can be configured to measure a total time of device use, and the puff variable can correspond to a total number of puffs taken.

[0025] The objects, advantages, and preferred modes of manufacture and use of the claimed subject matter may best be understood by referring to the accompanying drawings in conjunction with the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] Various features and advantages of the non-limiting embodiments herein may become more apparent from a consideration of the detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. The accompanying drawings are not to be considered as drawn to scale unless explicitly stated. Various dimensions of the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a top right front perspective view of a device in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0028] [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 is a top right front perspective view of the device with the lid open and the device containing the capsule.

[0029] [Figure 2B] FIG. 1 is a bottom perspective view of the device.

[0030] [Figure 2C] FIG. 1 is a bottom view of the device.

[0031] [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a device session control system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[0032] [Figure 4A] 10A-10C are different embodiments of icons that may be presented on a communication screen of a device. [Figure 4B] 10A-10C are different embodiments of icons that may be presented on a communication screen of a device.

[0033] [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a method for operating a session control system of a device.

[0034] [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of another method of operating a session control system of a device.

[0035] [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a method for incrementing a puff variable in a session control system.

[0036] [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a method for activating a haptic actuator of a session control system.

[0037] [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a method for terminating a session of a device.

[0038] [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a multi-session control system for devices in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[0039] [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a method of operating the multi-session control system of the present device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0040] Although several detailed exemplary embodiments are disclosed herein, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative for purposes of describing the exemplary embodiments, however, the exemplary embodiments may be embodied in many alternative forms and should not be construed as being limited to only the exemplary embodiments set forth herein.

[0041] Accordingly, while exemplary embodiments are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, exemplary embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the exemplary embodiments to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the exemplary embodiments are intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the exemplary embodiments. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description of the figures.

[0042] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," "coupled to," "attached to," "adjacent to," or "covering" another element or layer, it should be understood that it can be directly connected to, coupled to, attached to, adjacent to, or covering the other element or layer, and that intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0043] Terms such as "first," "second," and "third" may be used herein to describe various elements, regions, layers, and / or sections; however, it should be understood that these elements, regions, layers, and / or sections are not limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Thus, a first element, region, layer, or section described below could be referred to as a second element, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0044] For ease of description, spatially relative terms (e.g., "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," etc.) may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another, as illustrated in the figures. It should be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device during use and operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if a device in the figures were turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. Additionally, a device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees, oriented in other directions, etc.), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein would be interpreted accordingly.

[0045] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing various exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "includes," "including," "comprises," and / or "comprising" specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, and / or elements, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or groups thereof.

[0046] As used herein, when the words "about" and "substantially" are used in connection with numerical values, unless expressly defined otherwise, it is intended that the associated numerical values ​​include a tolerance of ±10% around the stated numerical value. Additionally, when the terms "generally" or "substantially" are used in connection with geometric shapes, precision of the geometric shape is not required, but a margin of shape is intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, whether a numerical value or shape is modified as "about," "generally," or "substantially," it will be understood that these numerical values ​​and shapes should be interpreted as including manufacturing or operating tolerances (e.g., ±10%) around the stated numerical value or shape.

[0047] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the exemplary embodiments belong. Furthermore, terms, including those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the relevant art, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined as such in this specification.

[0048] As used herein, "coupled" includes both removably and permanently coupled. For example, if an elastic layer and a support layer are removably coupled to one another, the elastic layer and the support layer can be separated when sufficient force is applied.

[0049] The hardware may be implemented using processing or control circuitry, including, but not limited to, one or more processors, one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more microcontrollers, one or more arithmetic logic units (ALUs), one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), one or more microcomputers, one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more systems on a chip (SoCs), one or more programmable logic units (PLUs), one or more microprocessors, one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or any other device that may respond to and / or execute instructions in a defined manner.

[0050] 1 and 2A-2C are diagrams of a device 100 according to some exemplary embodiments. In some embodiments, the device 100 may be an aerosol generating device. Referring to FIG. 1, a top perspective view of the device 100 is shown. In some embodiments, the body of the device 100 may have a generally rectangular or pebble shape. The body of the device 100 may include a housing 102 and a lid mechanism or lid 104. The housing 102 may have a first end 106 and a second end 108 opposite the first end 106. The lid may have a first end 110 and a second end 112 opposite the first end 110. The first end 110 of the lid 104 may be fixedly coupled to the second end 108 of the housing 102 at a first point 114 and removably coupled to the second end 108 of the housing 102 at a second point 116. The first point 114 of the housing 102 may be on a first side 118 of the device 100. The second point 116 of the housing 102 may be on a second side 120 of the device 100.

[0051] In some exemplary embodiments, device 100 may further include a mouthpiece 122. In at least some exemplary embodiments, mouthpiece 122 may include a first end 124 and a second end 126 opposite first end 124. Second end 126 of mouthpiece 122 may be coupled to second end 112 of lid 104. In some embodiments, second end 126 of mouthpiece 122 may be removably coupled to second end 112 of lid 104. In at least one exemplary embodiment, mouthpiece 122 may taper between first end 124 and second end 126. For example, the diameter or average length / width dimension of first end 124 may be smaller than the diameter or average length / width dimension of second end 126. Toward first end 124, the taper may have a slight inward curvature 128 configured to receive the lips of an adult consumer and improve comfort and usability. In some embodiments, first end 124 may have an oval or elliptical shape and include one or more outlets 130. For example, first end 124 may include four outlets 130 so that four or more different areas or quadrants of an adult consumer's mouth can be engaged during use of device 100. In other embodiments, mouthpiece 122 may have fewer than four outlets 130 or more than four outlets 130.

[0052] In some exemplary embodiments, the housing 102 may include a consumer interface panel 132 disposed on the second side 120 of the device 100. For example, the consumer interface panel 132 may be an oval-shaped panel that runs along the second side 120 of the device 100. The consumer interface panel 132 may include an unlatch button 134, as well as a communication screen 136 and / or control buttons 138. For example, in at least some exemplary embodiments, the consumer interface panel 132 may include a communication screen 136 disposed between the unlatch button 134 and the control buttons 138. As shown, the unlatch button 134 may be disposed toward the second end 108 of the device 100, and the control buttons 138 may be disposed toward the first end 106 of the device 100. The unlatch button 134 and the control buttons 138 may be adult consumer interaction buttons. The unlatch button 134 and the control button 138 may, by way of example and not limitation, have a substantially circular shape with a central indentation or depression configured to direct pressure applied by an adult consumer. The control button 138 may power the device 100 on and off. While only two buttons are shown, it should be understood that more or fewer buttons may be provided depending on the available functionality and the desired adult consumer interface.

[0053] The communication screen 136 may be a consumer interface such as a human-machine interface (HMI) display. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the communication screen 136 may be an integrated thin film transistor ("TFT") screen. In other exemplary embodiments, the communication screen 136 is an organic light-emitting diode ("OLED") or light-emitting diode ("LED") screen. The communication screen 136 is configured for adult consumer engagement and may have a generally rectangular shape.

[0054] In some embodiments, the exterior of the housing 102 and / or lid 104 may be formed from a metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, etc.); an aesthetic, food-contact-rated plastic (e.g., polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) material, liquid crystal polymer (LCP), copolyester plastic, or any other suitable polymer and / or plastic); or any combination thereof. The mouthpiece 122 may similarly be formed from a metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, etc.); an aesthetic, food-contact-rated plastic (e.g., polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) material, liquid crystal polymer (LCP), copolyester plastic, or any other suitable polymer and / or plastic); and / or a plant-based material (e.g., wood, bamboo, etc.). One or more interior surfaces of the housing 102 and / or lid 104 may be formed from or coated with a high-temperature plastic (e.g., polyetheretherketone (PEEK), liquid crystal polymer (LCP), etc.).

[0055] FIG. 2A is another top perspective view of device 100 with lid 104 in an open configuration. The lid 104 is fixedly coupled to housing 102 at first point 114 by hinge 202 or other similar connector, which allows lid 104 to move (e.g., swing and rotate) from an open position to a closed position. In some embodiments, hinge 202 may be a torsion spring. In at least some exemplary embodiments, housing 102 may include a recess 204 at first point 114. Recess 204 may be configured to receive a portion of lid 104 to allow easy and smooth movement of lid 104 from the open position to the closed position (and vice versa). Recess 204 may have structure corresponding to a corresponding portion of lid 104. For example, as shown, recess 204 may include a substantially curved portion 206 having a generally concave shape that corresponds to the curvature of lid 104, which has a generally convex shape.

[0056] The lid 104 may be releasably coupleable to the housing 102 at the second point 116 by a latch 208 or other similar connector, which secures or secures the lid 104 in a closed position and is easily removable to allow the lid 104 to move from the closed position to the open position. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the latch 208 may be coupled to an unlatching mechanism disposed within the housing. The unlatching mechanism may be configured to move the latch 208 from a first or closed position to a second or open position.

[0057] 2A, when the lid 104 is in the open position, a capsule receiving cavity 210 in the housing 102 is exposed. A capsule connector 212 may define the capsule receiving cavity 210 in the housing 102. In some embodiments, the capsule connector 212 may be attached or otherwise secured to a printed circuit board (PCB) within the housing 102.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 2A , a capsule 214 may be received by the capsule receiving cavity 210. The capsule may house a consumable item for the device 100. Although not shown herein, in some embodiments, a gasket may be disposed around the capsule 214 to help secure the capsule 214 in place within the housing 102. The capsule 214 may include a housing 216 configured to contain an aerosol-forming substrate and a heater. In some embodiments, the housing 216 may be in the form of a cover, such as a shell or box sleeve. In some embodiments, the capsule 214 may include a first end cap 217 and a second end cap. The second end cap may oppose the first end cap 217 so that the capsule 214 is positioned within the housing 102 when received by the capsule receiving cavity 210.

[0059] As discussed herein, an aerosol-forming substrate is a material or combination of materials that can produce an aerosol. Aerosol refers to a substance generated or produced by the disclosed and claimed devices, and equivalents thereof. The material can include a compound (e.g., nicotine, cannabinoids), and when the material is heated, an aerosol containing the compound is generated. Heating can be below combustion temperatures to generate the aerosol without substantial thermal decomposition of the aerosol-forming substrate or substantial generation of combustion by-products (if any). Thus, in exemplary embodiments, no thermal decomposition occurs during heating and the resulting generation of the aerosol. In other examples, there may be thermal decomposition or combustion by-products, but these may be relatively minor and / or merely incidental.

[0060] The aerosol-forming substrate may be a fibrous material. For example, the fibrous material may be a plant material. The fibrous material is configured to release a compound when heated. The compound may be a component naturally occurring in the fibrous material. For example, the fibrous material may be a plant material such as tobacco, and the released compound may be nicotine. The term "tobacco" includes any tobacco plant material, including tobacco leaf, tobacco plugs, reconstituted tobacco, compressed tobacco, formed tobacco, or powder tobacco, and combinations thereof from one or more species of tobacco plants, such as Nicotiana rustica and Nicotiana tabacum.

[0061] In some exemplary embodiments, the tobacco material may include material from any member of the Nicotiana genus. Furthermore, the tobacco raw material may include a blend of two or more different tobacco varieties. Examples of suitable types of tobacco raw material that may be used include, but are not limited to, flue-cured tobacco, burley tobacco, dark tobacco, Maryland tobacco, Oriental tobacco, rare tobacco, specialty tobacco, blends thereof, and the like. The tobacco material may be provided in any suitable form, including, but not limited to, tobacco lamina, processed tobacco materials such as expanded tobacco or puffed tobacco, processed tobacco stems such as cut rolling stems or cut puffed stems, reconstituted tobacco materials, blends thereof, and the like. In some exemplary embodiments, the tobacco material is in the form of a substantially dried mass of tobacco. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the tobacco material may be mixed and / or combined with at least one of propylene glycol, glycerin, subcombinations thereof, or combinations thereof.

[0062] The compound may also be a naturally occurring component of a medicinal plant with medically recognized therapeutic effects. For example, the medicinal plant may be the cannabis plant, and the compound may be a cannabinoid. Cannabinoids interact with receptors in the body, resulting in a variety of effects. As a result, cannabinoids have been used for a variety of medicinal purposes, including the treatment of pain, nausea, epilepsy, and psychiatric disorders. The fibrous material may contain leaf and / or flower material from one or more cannabis species, such as Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, or Cannabis ruderalis. In one embodiment, the fibrous material is a mixture of 60-80% (e.g., 70%) Cannabis sativa and 20-40% (e.g., 30%) Cannabis indica.

[0063] Examples of cannabinoids include tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabichromene (CBC), and cannabigerol (CBG). Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) is a precursor of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) is a precursor of cannabidiol (CBD). Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) can be converted to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), respectively, by heating. In an exemplary embodiment, heat from a heater can cause decarboxylation to convert tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) in the capsule to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and / or cannabidiol acid (CBDA) in the capsule to cannabidiol (CBD).

[0064] When both tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are present in the capsule, decarboxylation and the resulting conversion result in a decrease in tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and an increase in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). At least 50% (e.g., at least 87%) of tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) may be converted to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) during heating of the capsule. Similarly, when both cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and cannabidiol (CBD) are present in the capsule, decarboxylation and the resulting conversion result in a decrease in cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and an increase in cannabidiol (CBD). At least 50% (e.g., at least 87%) of cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) may be converted to cannabidiol (CBD) during heating of the capsule.

[0065] Furthermore, the compound may be, or may additionally include, a non-naturally occurring additive that is subsequently introduced into the fibrous material. In one example, the fibrous material may include at least one of cotton, polyethylene, polyester, rayon, combinations thereof, and the like (e.g., in the form of gauze). In another example, the fibrous material may be a cellulosic material (e.g., a non-tobacco and / or non-cannabis material). In either example, the introduced compound may include nicotine, a cannabinoid, and / or a flavoring. The flavoring may be naturally occurring, such as a plant extract (e.g., tobacco extract, cannabis extract), and / or artificially occurring. In yet another example, if the fibrous material includes tobacco and / or cannabis, the compound may be, or may additionally include, one or more flavorings (e.g., menthol, mint, vanilla). Thus, the compound within the aerosol-forming substrate may include naturally occurring components and / or non-naturally occurring additives. In this regard, it should be understood that the existing levels of naturally occurring components in the aerosol-forming substrate may be increased by supplementation. For example, the amount of nicotine in tobacco may be increased by supplementing it with an extract containing nicotine, similarly, the existing levels of one or more cannabinoids in a quantity of cannabis may be increased by supplementing it with an extract containing such cannabinoids.

[0066] First end cap 217 can include a first opening 218. In some embodiments, first opening 218 can be a series of openings disposed through first end cap 217. Similarly, second end cap can include a second opening, which in some embodiments can be a series of openings. In some embodiments, first end cap 217 and / or second end cap can be transparent to function as a window configured to allow viewing of the contents / components (e.g., aerosol-forming substrate and / or heater) within capsule 214.

[0067] The capsule receiving cavity 210 may have a base that is internal to the housing 102. In some embodiments, the base may include at least one contact point that may be configured to couple with one or more contact points on the capsule 214 when the capsule 214 is received by the capsule receiving cavity 210. When the capsule 214 is inserted into the capsule receiving cavity 210, the weight of the capsule 214 itself may not be sufficient to compress the at least one contact point on the base of the capsule receiving cavity 210. As a result, the capsule 214 may simply rest on the exposed pin of the at least one contact without compressing (or significantly compressing) the electrical contact of the at least one contact. Additionally, the weight of the lid 104 itself may not compress the electrical contact of the at least one contact to a significant extent when pivoted to the closed position, and instead may simply rest on the capsule 214 in an intermediate, partially open / closed position. In such an example, the intentional action (e.g., downward force) to close the lid 104 causes the surface 220 of the lid 104 to press down on the capsule 214 to provide the desired seal and also compress the capsule 214, thus fully engaging the electrical contacts of the at least one contact.

[0068] Additionally, full closure of the lid 104 may result in engagement with the latch 208, which may maintain the closed position and the desired mechanical / electrical engagement with the capsule 214 until released (e.g., via the unlatch button 134). The force required to close the lid 104 may help improve device and thermal efficiency and battery life by ensuring and / or improving the air / aerosol seal, providing a stronger electrical connection, and reducing or eliminating initial power consumption and / or parasitic heating of the capsule 214.

[0069] The lid 104 may include an internal cavity 222 that may be adapted to receive the housing 102 when the lid is in the closed position. In some embodiments, the internal cavity 222 of the lid 104 may include an abutment or engagement member or surface 220 configured to engage the capsule 214 when the lid 104 is rotated to the closed position. The surface 220 of the lid 104 may include a recess that may correspond to the size and shape of the capsule and / or a resilient material to strengthen the interface with the capsule to provide a desired seal. In some embodiments, the lid 104 may further include an opening 224 that may be adapted to receive the second end 126 of the mouthpiece 122. The mouthpiece 122 may include at least one extension 226 that may be received by the opening 224 of the lid 104 to secure the mouthpiece 122 to the lid 104. In some embodiments, the lid 104 may further include a protrusion that may be configured to mate with a recess 228 of the housing 102. The protrusion may fit within the recess 228 when the lid 104 is coupled to the housing 102 in the closed position.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 2B , a bottom perspective view of device 100 is shown. In some embodiments, housing 102 may define a port or charging connector 250. The charging connector may be defined or disposed at first end 106 of housing 102. Charging connector 250 may be configured to receive electrical current from an external power source (e.g., via a USB / mini-USB cable) and charge an internal power source of device 100. In some embodiments, a protective grille 252 is disposed around charging connector 250. Protective grille 252 may be configured to help reduce or prevent the intrusion of debris and / or the inadvertent blockage of incoming airflow. For example, protective grille 252 may define multiple holes 254 along its length or course. As shown, protective grille 252 may have an annular configuration surrounding charging connector 250. In this regard, holes 254 may also be disposed (e.g., in series) around charging connector 250. Each hole 254 may have, without limitation, an oval or circular shape. In at least one exemplary embodiment, protective grill 252 may include an approved food contact material. For example, protective grill 252 may include plastic, metal (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum), or any combination thereof. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the surface of protective grill 252 may be coated with, for example, a thin layer of plastic and / or anodized.

[0071] The holes 254 in the protective grille 252 may function as inlets for air to be drawn into the device 100. During operation of the device 100, ambient air entering through the holes 254 in the protective grille 252 around the charging connector 250 converges to form a combined flow that travels to the capsule 214. For example, the holes 254 may be in fluid communication with the capsule receiving cavity 210. In at least one exemplary embodiment, air may be drawn from the holes 254 through the capsule receiving cavity 210. For example, air may be drawn through the capsule 214 received by the capsule receiving cavity 210 and out of the mouthpiece 122.

[0072] 2C, a bottom view of device 100 is shown. In some embodiments, charging connector 250 may be an assembly defining a cavity 256 with a protrusion 258 within cavity 256. In at least one exemplary embodiment, protrusion 258 does not extend beyond the edge of cavity 256. In addition, charging connector 250 may also be configured to transmit data to and / or receive data (e.g., via a USB / mini-USB cable) from another aerosol generating device (e.g., a heated-type (HNB) aerosol generating device) and / or other electronic devices (e.g., a phone, tablet, computer, etc.). In at least one embodiment, device 100 may alternatively or additionally be configured to wirelessly communicate (e.g., via Bluetooth) with such other aerosol generating devices and / or electronic devices.

[0073] It should be understood that device 100 and capsule 214 may include additional components (e.g., heaters and internal air flow paths) as described in Attorney Docket No. 24000NV-000847-US entitled "HEAT-NOT-BURN (HNB) AEROSOL-GENERATING DEVICES AND CAPSULES," filed on the same day herewith and assigned application serial number XX / XXX,XXX, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 3 , a block diagram of a session control system 300 of device 100 is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. Session control system 300 may be configured to monitor the progress of a session of device 100. Session control system 300 may be configured to terminate a session when a session threshold is met. In some embodiments, session control system 300 may monitor two or more criteria to determine the progress of a session and when a session threshold is met. A first criterion may be the number of puffs since the start of the session. A second criterion may be the elapsed time of the session. A third criterion may be the energy consumed by device 100 during the session. A fourth criterion may be the amount of time air flows through device 100 for a puff, such as a puff taken by a consumer. The session threshold may be met when the number of puffs taken since the start of the session equals the puff threshold, when the elapsed time of the session equals the time threshold, when the amount of energy used by device 100 to power the heater equals the energy threshold, or when the amount of time air has been flowing through the device since a puff was taken equals the puff duration threshold. In some embodiments, any of the above criteria may be monitored alone or in combination to determine when the session threshold has been met.

[0075] Once the session is deemed complete, the session control system 300 may terminate the session for the device 100. In some embodiments, the session control system 300 may terminate the session for the device 100 by powering off the heater of the device 100. In some embodiments, the session control system 300 may further be configured to communicate the progress of the session for the device 100 to the consumer via the communication screen 136 or another output means of the device 100.

[0076] Session control system 300 may include processor 302, memory 304, control button 138, airflow sensor 306, energy meter 307, tactile actuator 308, heater 309 coupled to heating engine control 310, and power source 311. In some embodiments, memory 304 may include puff variable 312, first flag 322, and second flag 324, and processor 302 may include timer 314. In other embodiments, puff variable 312, first flag 322, and / or second flag 324 may be stored in processor 302, such as in local storage of processor 302, and timer 314 may be executed using instructions stored in memory 304. The processor 302 may be in communication with the memory 304 , the control button 138 , the airflow sensor 306 , the energy meter 307 , the tactile actuator 308 , the heater 309 , the heating engine control 310 , the power source 311 , the puff variable 312 , the timer 314 , the first flag 322 , and the second flag 324 .

[0077] The processor 302 may be hardware including logic circuits, a hardware / software combination that may be configured to execute software, or a combination thereof. For example, the processor 302 may include, but is not limited to, a central processing device (CPU), an arithmetic logic device (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a system on a chip (SoC), a programmable logic unit, a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other similar devices. The processor 302 may be configured as a special-purpose machine (e.g., a processing device) for executing software or instructions stored in the memory 304. The software may be embodied as program code including instructions for performing and / or controlling any or all of the operations described herein as being performed by the processor 302.

[0078] In other exemplary embodiments, other processing or control circuits may be used.

[0079] While memory 304 is illustrated as being external to processor 302, in some exemplary embodiments, memory 304 may be integrated into processor 302. Memory 304 may refer to any of the terms "storage medium," "computer-readable storage medium," or "non-transitory computer-readable storage medium," and may also refer to one or more devices for storing data, including read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), magnetic RAM, core memory, magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory devices, and / or other tangible machine-readable media for storing information. The term "computer-readable medium" may include, but is not limited to, portable or fixed storage devices, optical storage devices, and various other media capable of storing, storing, or transporting instructions and / or data.

[0080] The puff variable 312 may be a counter that may be set to zero when a session of the device 100 begins. The puff variable 312 may be incremented by one each time a puff is detected. A puff may be detected when a consumer places their mouth over the mouthpiece 122 of the device 100 and then applies negative pressure through the mouthpiece 122 of the device 100. In some embodiments, the puff variable 312 may be compared to a puff threshold to determine the progress of a session of the device 100. The session threshold may be met when the puff variable 312 equals the puff threshold. In some embodiments, the puff threshold may be 20 puffs taken by the consumer, so the session threshold may be met when the puff variable 312 equals 20. As described in more detail below, in some embodiments, the airflow sensor 306 may be configured to detect puffs such that the puff variable is incremented each time the consumer takes a puff.

[0081] The timers 314 may include one or more timers configured to measure one or more times / periods associated with the device 100 and / or the session control system 300. The timers 314 may include a session timer 316 that may be configured to measure a session time. The session time may be the length of a session of the device 100. The session threshold may be met when the session time equals the time threshold. In some embodiments, the time threshold may be seven minutes, and the session threshold may be met when the session time equals seven minutes.

[0082] The timer 314 may include a periodic timer 318 that may be configured to measure a metric report time. In some embodiments, the metric report time may be shorter than the session time. Once the metric report time has elapsed, information related to the progress of the session may be calculated and output to at least the communication screen 136. In some embodiments, the periodic timer 318 may be run simultaneously with the session timer 316. Additionally, the periodic timer 318 may be refreshed once it has elapsed, such that information related to the progress of the session may be calculated and output to at least the communication screen 136 periodically during the session. In some embodiments, the metric report time may be 10 seconds, such that every 10 seconds the periodic timer 318 is reset and information related to the progress of the session is calculated and output to at least the communication screen 136. However, example embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0083] The timer 314 may include a hysteresis timer 320 that may be configured to measure a hysteresis time, which may be the minimum length of time between puffs of the device 100 such that each puff is measured as an individual puff by the airflow sensor 306 and the puff variable 312. Hysteresis times are described in more detail below.

[0084] In some embodiments, the session control system 300 may further include at least one flag that may be set to indicate the status of a session of the device 100. The at least one flag may include a first flag 322 and a second flag 324. The first flag 322 may be set when any of the session metrics equals a first threshold. For example, the first flag 322 may be set when the percentage of puffs remaining until the puff variable 312 equals the puff threshold equals the first threshold, when the percentage of time remaining until the session time equals the time threshold equals the first threshold, when the percentage of the amount of energy remaining for the amount of energy used by the device 100 to power the heater 309 to reach the energy threshold equals the first threshold, or when the percentage of time until the time of airflow through the device 100 equals the puff time threshold equals the first threshold. In some embodiments, the first threshold may be 20%.

[0085] The second flag 324 may be set when any of the session metrics equals a second threshold. For example, the second flag 324 may be set when the percentage of puffs remaining until the puff variable 312 equals the puff threshold equals the second threshold, when the percentage of time remaining until the session time equals the time threshold equals the second threshold, when the percentage of the amount of energy remaining until the amount of energy used by the device 100 to power the heater 309 reaches the energy threshold equals the second threshold, or when the percentage of time remaining until the airflow through the device 100 equals the puff time threshold equals the second threshold. In some embodiments, the second threshold is 0%.

[0086] The control button 138 may be configured to generate a signal indicating that the consumer has switched the device 100 to an "on" state or an "off" state. When the device 100 is switched to the "on" state, the device 100 may begin preheating. In some embodiments, a session begins when the control button 138 is pressed. Although a session begins when the control button 138 is pressed, the session timer 316 may not run until the device 100 is preheated. Once the device 100 is preheated, the session timer 316 may run.

[0087] The airflow sensor 306 may be configured to detect and / or measure characteristics of airflow through the device 100. For example, the airflow sensor 306 may be configured to detect when air is flowing through the device 100. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the airflow sensor 306 may be a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) flow or pressure sensor, or another type of sensor configured to measure airflow, such as a hot wire anemometer. In other embodiments, the airflow sensor 306 may be other known sensors. The airflow sensor 306 may operate as a puff sensor by detecting aspiration at flow rates above approximately 1 mL / s and subsequently terminating aspiration when the flow rate drops to approximately 0 mL / s. In an exemplary embodiment, the airflow sensor 306 may be a MEMS flow sensor-based differential pressure sensor that converts differential pressure (in Pascals) to an instantaneous flow rate reading (in mL / s) using a curve-fitting calibration function or lookup table (of flow rate values ​​for each differential pressure reading). In another exemplary embodiment, the flow sensor may be a capacitance-based pressure drop sensor.

[0088] In some embodiments, the airflow sensor 306 may be communicatively coupled to the processor 302 such that the processor 302 is configured to measure the length of time that airflow is flowing through the device 100. While the airflow sensor 306 may be referred to as detecting a puff, it should be understood that detecting that a puff has occurred may be the processor 302 detecting a signal received from the airflow sensor 306. In some embodiments, a puff may be detected when negative pressure is detected through the mouthpiece 122 of the device 100. In some embodiments, the airflow sensor 306 may be communicatively coupled to a puff variable 312 of the processor 302 such that the puff variable 312 is incremented each time the airflow sensor 306 detects that a puff has occurred. In some embodiments, the processor 302 may be configured to compare the length of time that airflow is flowing through the device 100 to a puff length threshold. If the length of time that airflow is flowing through the device 100 is less than the puff length threshold, the puff variable 312 may not be incremented. If the length of time that airflow is flowing through the device 100 is greater than or equal to the puff length threshold, the puff variable 312 may be incremented by the processor 302 .

[0089] Determining whether the length of time that airflow is flowing through device 100 is greater than or less than the puff length threshold also accommodates consumers who routinely generate short periods of airflow through device 100. Puffs less than the puff length threshold do not increment puff variable 312, so these short puffs do not shorten the session. In some embodiments, the puff length threshold may be 350 milliseconds. Thus, if a puff is less than 350 milliseconds long, the processor does not increment puff variable 312.

[0090] The airflow sensor 306 may further be communicatively coupled to a hysteresis timer 320 of the processor 302. As described above, the hysteresis timer 320 may be configured to measure a hysteresis time. The hysteresis timer 320 may activate at the end of a puff that exceeds the puff length threshold and before the puff variable 312 is incremented. If the end of an additional puff is detected before the hysteresis timer expires, the hysteresis timer 320 may restart. Once the hysteresis timer 320 expires, the puff variable 312 may be incremented, and the hysteresis timer 320 may be reset to activate when the end of the next puff is detected. In some embodiments, the hysteresis time may be two seconds. The hysteresis timer 320 may be configured to prevent overcounting puffs, particularly for consumers with a "double puff" profile, who may routinely take a short puff followed by a long puff. The hysteresis timer 320 may prevent both puffs from being counted by the puff variable 312 to prevent over-counting of puffs.

[0091] In some embodiments, the airflow sensor 306 may additionally be configured to store or track the amount of time that airflow has been flowing through the device 100 since a puff taken by the consumer. The amount of time that airflow has been flowing through the device 100 since a puff taken by the consumer may be monitored against a puff duration threshold. The amount of time that airflow has been flowing through the device 100 may be the total amount of time that airflow has been flowing during a session, which may include double puffs or puffs below the puff length threshold, as described above. In some embodiments, a session threshold may be met such that a session of the device 100 ends when the amount of time that airflow has been flowing through the device 100 reaches the puff duration threshold.

[0092] The energy meter 307 may be configured to measure the amount of energy used by the device 100 during a session to power the heater 309. In some embodiments, the energy meter 307 may further be configured to compare the amount of energy used by the device 100 to power the heater 309 to an energy threshold. In some embodiments, the session threshold may be met when the amount of energy used by the device 100 to power the heater 309 during a session equals the energy threshold.

[0093] The communication screen 136 may be configured to display information related to the device 100. The communication screen 136 may be configured to display one or more icons to convey information related to the device 100. For example, the communication screen 136 may be configured to display a session progress indicator, which may indicate the length of the session remaining to meet the session threshold. The length of the session remaining to meet the session threshold may be the minimum of the percentage of puffs remaining until the puff variable 312 equals the puff threshold and the percentage of time remaining until the session time equals the time threshold. The communication screen 136 may also be configured to display a session completion indicator, which may indicate that the session threshold has been met and the session has ended.

[0094] The haptic actuator 308 may be a haptic motor that may be disposed within the housing 102 of the device 100. The haptic actuator 308 may be configured to vibrate the device when the haptic actuator 308 is activated. The haptic actuator 308 may be configured to be activated by the processor 302 at a predetermined percentage of the remaining length of the session. In some embodiments, the haptic actuator 308 may be configured to activate when a first flag 322 of the session control system 300 is set. For example, the haptic actuator 308 may be configured to activate at a first threshold, such as 20% of the session remaining, to meet a session threshold. In some embodiments, 20% of the session may remain when 20% of the puff threshold remains, when 20% of the time threshold remains, when 20% of the energy threshold remains, or when 20% of the puff time threshold remains. The haptic actuator 308 may further be configured to activate when a second flag 324 of the session control system 300 is set. For example, the haptic actuator 308 may be configured to activate when a second threshold is met, such as when a session threshold is met indicating a session is complete. The session threshold may be met when the number of puffs measured by the puff variable 312 equals a puff threshold, when the session time equals a time threshold, when the energy measured by the energy meter 307 equals an energy threshold, or when the amount of time air has been flowing through the device 100 equals a puff time threshold. In some embodiments, the haptic actuator 308 may be configured to vibrate the device 100 in a vibration pattern when activated.

[0095] The heating engine control 310 may be communicatively coupled to the heater 309 of the device 100. In some embodiments, the heating engine control 310 and the heater 309 may form a feedback loop with an energy meter 307. The energy meter 307 receives measurements of both the current and voltage of the device 100 to measure the amount of energy used by the device 100 to power the heater 309. The output from the heater 309 may be a first input to the energy meter 307, and the output from the processor 302 may be a second input to the energy meter 307. In some embodiments, the heating engine control 310 and heater 309 may include, or be coupled to, one or more of a heating voltage measurement circuit, a heating current measurement circuit, and / or a compensation measurement circuit, substantially as described in the disclosure of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 151,409, filed January 18, 2021, entitled "HEAT-NOT-BURN (HNB) AEROSOL-GENERATING DEVICES INCLUDING INTRA-DRAW HEATER CONTROL, AND METHODS OF CONTROLLING A HEATER," which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0096] The processor 302 may be configured to communicate with the heating engine control 310 to turn on the heater 309 when the control button 138 detects that the device 100 has been powered on. The processor 302 in conjunction with the heating engine control 310 may further be configured to turn off the heater 309 of the device 100 when a session threshold is met and a session of the device 100 is completed.

[0097] Power supply 311 may be an internal power source for powering device 100 and capsule 214. The power supply from power supply 311 may be controlled by processor 302 via a power control circuit (not shown). The power control circuit may include one or more switches or transistors for regulating the power output from power supply 311. Power supply 311 may be a lithium ion battery or a variant thereof (e.g., a lithium ion polymer battery).

[0098] 4A-4B , different exemplary embodiments of a display screen having a graphical user interface with icons are shown. In some embodiments, the display screen may be the communications screen 136 of the device 100. The icons displayed on the display screen or communications screen 136 may be generally referred to as system icons. In some embodiments, the icons in FIGS. 4A and 4B may be displayed on the communications screen 136 in various colors, shades, or sizes. For example, the shaded portions of FIGS. 4A and 4B may be displayed in orange, teal, red, or other suitable colors. The dashed lines shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B indicate display screens or portions thereof. Additionally or alternatively, each icon in FIGS. 4A and 4B may be modified or adapted to have a different symbol or shape, but each icon may represent a unique message related to the device 100 and / or the session control system 300.

[0099] FIG. 4A illustrates a display screen with a graphical user interface having an icon, such as a session progress icon or session progress indicator 402. The session progress indicator 402 may be displayed on the communications screen 136 while a session of the device 100 is in progress. The session progress indicator 402 may be an oval shape, which may be a capsule icon that may contain multiple bars 404. In some embodiments, each bar of the multiple bars 404 may represent a predetermined percentage of depletion of a consumable. For example, in some embodiments, there may be 10 bars, each bar representing 10% depletion of a consumable. The session progress indicator 402 may be updated periodically while a session of the device 100 is in progress. For example, the session progress indicator 402 may be updated when the periodic timer 318 elapses. In some embodiments, a session threshold may be met when a consumable is depleted. Thus, the number of bars of the multiple bars 404 displayed on the communications screen 136 may convey the time remaining in the session until the session threshold is reached.

[0100] 4B illustrates a display screen having a graphical user interface with an icon, such as a capsule completion icon or capsule completion indicator 406. When a session of device 100 is completed, capsule completion indicator 406 may be displayed on communication screen 136. A session may be completed when a session threshold is met, which may be when the capsule is completely emptied. In some embodiments, capsule completion indicator 406 may be an oval, which may be a capsule icon that may include an "X" in the center of the icon. In some embodiments, capsule completion indicator 406 may be red.

[0101] 5, a block diagram of a method 500 of operating the session control system 300 of the device 100 is shown. The processor 302 may begin the method 500 when the control button 138 is pressed and the device 100 is powered on. The method 500 then proceeds to step 502, where the processor 302 may detect that a session has been initiated. In some embodiments, the session may begin when the consumer presses the control button 138 to initiate a session. In other embodiments, the session may begin when the heating engine control 310 and / or the processor 302 determine that the heater 309 of the device 100 is preheated.

[0102] If the processor 302 of the session control system 300 detects that a session has started in step 502, the method 500 proceeds to step 504, where a session timer 316 is started by the processor 302. The session timer 316 may be configured to measure the length of time of the session, which may be the session time. Once the session timer 316 is started, the processor 302 of the session control system 300 may be configured to monitor the session time against a time threshold.

[0103] After the session timer 316 is started in step 504, the method 500 may proceed to step 506, where if a puff is detected by the airflow sensor 306, the puff variable 312 is incremented by the processor 302 and / or memory 304. Whether or not a puff is detected, the session timer 316 remains active as long as the session is in progress. If a puff is detected by the airflow sensor 306 and / or processor 302, the puff variable 312 may be incremented by the processor 302 and / or memory 304.

[0104] If a puff is detected, the puff variable 312 may be incremented and then the method 500 may proceed to a conditional step 508. In the conditional step 508, the processor 302 may determine whether the session time as measured by the session timer 316 is equal to the time threshold or whether the puff variable 312 is equal to the puff threshold.

[0105] When the session time measured by the session timer 316 is not equal to the time threshold and the puff variable 312 is not equal to the puff threshold, the method 500 may take the "No" path back to step 506 and continue incrementing the puff variable 312 as puffs are detected by the airflow sensor 306. Additionally, the session timer may continue running until the session ends.

[0106] The session threshold is met when the session time measured by the session timer 316 equals the time threshold or the puff variable 312 equals the puff threshold. Once the session threshold is met, the session ends and the method 500 may proceed down the "Yes" path to end. To end the session, the processor 302 may instruct the heating engine control 310 to turn off the heater 309 of the device 100, and the session timer 316 and the puff variable 312 may be reset so that they can be activated when a new session begins.

[0107] Referring to Figure 6, a block diagram of a method 600 of operating the session control system 300 of the device 100 is shown. The method 600 may be more detailed than the method 500 shown in Figure 5. The method 600 may begin when the device 100 is powered on by pressing the control button 138.

[0108] Once the device is turned on, the method 600 proceeds to step 602, where all timers, flags, and variables are cleared or set to default values ​​by the processor 302. In some embodiments, this may include resetting the puff variable 312, the first flag 322, the second flag 324, and each of the session timer 316, the period timer 318, and the hysteresis timer 320.

[0109] Once each variable, flag, and timer is reset or cleared, method 600 proceeds to step 604, where processor 302 of session control system 300 reads the session criteria limits. In some embodiments, session control system 300 may read the session criteria limits from memory 304. In some embodiments, the session criteria limits may be values ​​for at least one of a puff threshold, a time threshold, an energy threshold, and a puff length threshold. In some embodiments, the session criteria limits may further include a metric reporting time, a hysteresis time, and a puff length threshold.

[0110] If the session control system 300 reads the session criteria limits, the method 600 proceeds to a conditional step 606 where the processor 302 of the session control system 300 determines whether a session has been initiated. In some embodiments, the session may be initiated automatically when the device 100 is powered on. In other embodiments, the session may be initiated when the control button 138 is pressed by the consumer. In other embodiments, the session may be initiated after each of the session criteria limits has been processed by the session control system 300. The method 600 may proceed from the conditional step 606 after the session control system 300 determines that a session has been initiated.

[0111] If the session control system 300 determines that a session has started, the method 600 may proceed to step 608. At step 608, the session timer 316 is started by the processor. The session timer 316 may be configured to measure the session time. In some embodiments, the session timer 316 may be started only when the heating engine control 310 determines that the heater 309 of the device 100 has preheated. The device 100 may be preheated when the processor 302 determines that preheating has occurred based on at least one of a time threshold the device 100 has been preheating, an energy threshold reached by the device 100, and / or a temperature threshold reached by the device 100. This may ensure that the session time does not include the time the device 100 is preheating, since a consumer may not be able to use consumables while the device 100 is preheating.

[0112] After the session timer 316 is started, the method 600 may proceed to step 610, where a periodic timer 318 is started by the processor 302. In some embodiments, the periodic timer 318 may be started simultaneously with the session timer 316. The periodic timer 318 may be configured to measure a metric reporting time.

[0113] Once the periodic timer 318 is started, the method 600 may proceed to step 612. In step 612, if a puff is detected, the puff variable 312 is incremented by the processor 302 and / or memory 304. In some embodiments, the airflow sensor 306 may detect puffs passing through the device 100 and may be communicatively coupled to the puff variable 312. Additional details for incrementing the puff variable 312 are described below with reference to FIG. 7.

[0114] If a puff is detected, the puff variable 312 is incremented and then the method 600 may proceed to a conditional step 614. In the conditional step 614, the processor 302 may determine whether the metric reporting time has elapsed. If the metric reporting time as measured by the periodic timer 318 has not elapsed, the method 600 may follow the "no" path back to the conditional step 614. If the metric reporting time of the periodic timer 318 has elapsed, the method 600 may proceed to a "yes" path to step 616.

[0115] At step 616, session metrics are calculated by the processor 302. In some embodiments, the session metrics may be the percentage of puffs remaining until the puff variable 312 equals the puff threshold and the percentage of time remaining until the session time equals the time threshold. Additionally or alternatively, the session metrics may include the percentage of energy remaining until the amount of energy used by the device 100 to power the heater 309 equals the energy threshold and the percentage of time remaining until the total time of airflow through the device 100 equals the puff time threshold.

[0116] Once the session metrics are calculated in step 616, the method 600 may proceed to step 618, where the session metrics are output by the session control system 300. In some embodiments, the processor 302 may be configured to output the session metrics by displaying an icon or indication on the communication screen 136 and / or by activating the haptic actuator 308 of the device 100. Additional information regarding outputting session metrics is provided below with reference to FIG. 8.

[0117] After the session metrics are output in step 618, the method 600 may proceed to conditional step 620. In conditional step 620, the processor 302 of the session control system 300 may determine if any of the session metrics are equal to zero. More specifically, the session control system 300 may determine if the percentage of puffs remaining until the puff variable 312 equals the puff threshold equals zero, the percentage of time remaining until the session time reaches a time threshold equals zero, the percentage of energy remaining until the amount of energy used by the device 100 to power the heater 309 equals an energy threshold equals zero, or the percentage of time remaining until the total time of airflow through the device 100 equals a puff time threshold equals zero.

[0118] If none of the session metrics are equal to zero, the method 600 may proceed along the "No" path to step 610. In step 610, the periodic timer 318 is restarted by the processor 302 and the method 600 continues as described above.

[0119] If any of the session metrics are equal to zero, the method 600 may proceed along the "Yes" path to step 616 where the heater 309 is turned off. The heater 309 may be turned off by the heat engine control 310 after the heat engine control 310 receives a signal from the processor 302 indicating that the heater 309 should be turned off. Once the heater 309 is turned off, the session ends and the processor 302 may exit the method 600.

[0120] 7, a block diagram of a method 700 for incrementing puff variable 312 if a puff is detected in step 612 of method 600 is shown. Processor 302 may begin method 700 when airflow sensor 306 detects the start of a puff in step 702. More specifically, processor 302 may begin method 700 when airflow sensor 306 determines that the consumer has begun to apply negative pressure through mouthpiece 122 of device 100 and detects the start of a puff. Once the end of a puff is detected, method 700 may proceed to step 704.

[0121] In step 704, processor 302 may determine that the puff has ended. Processor 302 may determine that the puff has ended when airflow sensor 306 determines that the consumer has stopped applying negative pressure through mouthpiece 122 of device 100. If processor 302 determines that the puff has ended, method 700 may proceed to conditional step 706.

[0122] In conditional step 706, session control system 300 may determine whether the length of the puff that ended in step 704 is greater than the puff length threshold. In some embodiments, processor 302 may determine whether the length of the puff is greater than the puff length threshold. If the length of the puff is not greater than the puff length threshold, method 700 may follow the "No" path back to the beginning of method 700. Processor 302 may wait to execute method 700 until airflow sensor 306 detects the start of another puff. If the length of the puff is greater than the puff length threshold, method 700 may proceed to step 708 via the "Yes" path.

[0123] In step 708, the processor 302 may start the hysteresis timer 320. The hysteresis timer 320 may measure a hysteresis time. In some embodiments, the hysteresis time may be 2 seconds. After the hysteresis timer 320 is started in step 708, the method may proceed to conditional step 710.

[0124] At conditional step 710, processor 302 may determine whether the hysteresis time has elapsed. If the hysteresis time has not elapsed, method 700 may proceed down the "no" path and proceed to conditional step 712. At conditional step 712, processor 302 may determine whether the end of an additional puff has been detected. If the end of an additional puff has not been detected, method 700 may proceed down the "no" path back to conditional step 710, where processor 302 may determine whether hysteresis timer 320 has elapsed. If processor 302 detects the end of an additional puff at conditional step 712, method 700 may proceed down the "yes" path to step 708, where hysteresis timer 320 is started by processor 302. In some embodiments, if method 700 proceeds from conditional step 712 to step 708, hysteresis timer 320 may be restarted.

[0125] If the hysteresis timer 320 has expired at conditional step 710, the method 700 may proceed to step 714. At step 714, the puff variable 312 is incremented by the processor 302. After the puff variable 312 is incremented, the processor 302 may terminate the method 700 and may proceed to conditional step 614 of the method 600. In some embodiments, the method 700 may be performed each time the airflow sensor 306 detects a puff by detecting airflow through the device 100.

[0126] 8, a block diagram of a method 800 for outputting session metrics of step 618 of method 600 is shown. Method 800 may begin at step 618 of method 600. In some embodiments, outputting the session metrics may include displaying an icon or indication on communication screen 136 of device 100 and / or activating haptic actuator 308 of device 100. Method 800 may proceed to step 802 to determine what device 100 should output to convey the session metrics. In step 802, session control system 300 determines a minimum value for the session metrics. This may be the minimum of the percentage of puffs remaining until the puff variable 312 equals the puff threshold, the percentage of time remaining until the session time equals the time threshold, the percentage of energy remaining until the amount of energy used by the device 100 to power the heater 309 equals the energy threshold, and the percentage of time remaining until the total time of airflow through the device 100 equals the puff time threshold. The minimum values ​​of the session metrics may be the progress of the session.

[0127] After the session progress is determined in step 802, the method 800 may proceed to step 804, where the processor 302 displays the session progress on the communication screen 136. In some embodiments, the session progress may be output by displaying a message or icon on the communication screen 136. For example, a session progress indicator 402 or a capsule completion indicator 406 may be displayed by the processor 302 on the communication screen 136.

[0128] After the session progress is output in step 804, the method 800 may proceed to conditional step 806 where the session control system 300 determines whether the first flag 322 is set. The memory 304 and / or the processor 302 may set the first flag 322 if the session progress was below the first threshold in the previous iteration of the periodic timer 318. If the first flag 322 is set, the session progress may be below the first threshold and the haptic actuator 308 may have previously vibrated the device 100 to indicate session progress to the consumer. If the first flag 322 is set, the method 800 may proceed down the "yes" path and proceed to conditional step 808.

[0129] In conditional step 808, session control system 300 determines whether second flag 324 is set. Second flag 324 may be set by memory 304 and / or processor 302 if the session progress was below a second threshold in the previous iteration of periodic timer 318. If second flag 324 is set, session progress may be below the second threshold and haptic actuator 308 may have previously vibrated device 100 to indicate session progress to the consumer. If second flag 324 is set, method 800 may proceed down a "yes" path and processor 302 may end method 800.

[0130] If the first flag 322 is not set at conditional step 806, the method 800 may proceed via the "no" path to conditional step 810. At conditional step 810, the session control system 300 may determine whether the session progress is less than a first threshold. In some embodiments, the session progress may be less than the first threshold if any of the session metrics are less than the first threshold. If the session progress is not less than the first threshold, the method 800 may proceed via the "no" path and the processor 302 may end the method 800.

[0131] If the session progress is less than the first threshold, the method 800 may proceed via the "Yes" path to step 812. At step 812, the memory 304 and / or the processor 302 of the session control system 300 may set the first flag 322 and may play a haptic alert. In some embodiments, playing the haptic alert may include the processor 302 activating the haptic actuator 308 of the device 100. After the first flag 322 is set and the haptic alert is played at step 812, the processor 302 may terminate the method 800.

[0132] Referring again to conditional step 808, if the second flag 324 is not set, the method 800 may proceed along the "no" path to conditional step 814. At conditional step 814, the session control system 300 may determine whether the session progress is less than a second threshold. In some embodiments, the session progress may be less than the second threshold if any of the session metrics are less than the second threshold. If the session progress is not less than the second threshold, the method 800 may proceed along the "no" path and the processor 302 may end the method 800.

[0133] If the session progress is less than the second threshold, the method 800 may proceed via the "Yes" path to step 816. In step 816, the processor 302 and / or memory 304 of the session control system 300 may set the second flag 324 and may play a haptic alert. In some embodiments, the haptic alert played when the second flag 324 is set may be different from the haptic alert played when the first flag 322 is set. As described above, playing the haptic alert may include activating the haptic actuator 308 of the device 100. After the second flag 324 is set and the haptic alert is played in step 816, the processor 302 may terminate the method 800.

[0134] When processor 302 terminates method 800 via any of the paths described above, outputting session metrics step 618 of method 600 may be completed, and method 600 may proceed to conditional step 620, as described above with reference to FIG. 6.

[0135] 9, a block diagram of a method 900 for terminating a session is shown. In some embodiments, method 900 may represent a method for terminating a session when any of the session metrics are not equal to zero. This may occur if device 100 is adjusted in a way that immediately terminates the session. For example, when lid 104 is opened, processor 302 may terminate an ongoing session of device 100. Additionally, processor 302 may prevent haptic actuator 308 from playing a haptic alert twice if any of the session metrics are equal to zero at the same time.

[0136] The processor 302 may initiate the method 900 when an end of session message is received by the session control system 300. When the end of session message is received by the session control system 300, the heater 309 of the device 100 may be turned off by the heating engine control 310. As described above, an end of session message may be received when none of the session metrics are equal to zero, but the session is ended by another action, such as opening the lid 104 of the device 100. After the method 900 begins, proceeding to step 902, the processor 302 may display a capsule complete indicator 406 on the communication screen 136. The capsule complete indicator 406 may be used to communicate to the consumer that the session is ended.

[0137] If the capsule complete indicator 406 is displayed at step 902, the method 900 may proceed to a conditional step 904. At the conditional step 904, the processor 302 and / or memory 304 may determine whether the second flag 324 is set. If the second flag 324 is not set, the method 900 may proceed along the "no" path to step 906, where the processor 302 plays a haptic alert by activating the haptic actuator 308 of the device 100. If the second flag 324 is set, the method 900 may proceed along the "yes" path, and the processor 302 may end the method 900.

[0138] The processor 302 may ensure that the haptic actuator 308 does not play the haptic alert more than a desired number of times. For example, if the haptic actuator 308 was already activated to play a haptic alert when the second flag 324 was previously set, the processor 302 may ensure that the haptic actuator 308 does not activate again.

[0139] Referring to FIG. 10 , a block diagram of a multi-session control system 1000 of the device 100 is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. The multi-session control system 1000 may be configured to monitor the progress of the device 100 across multiple sessions. The multi-session control system 1000 may be configured to power off the device when a device threshold is met. In some embodiments, the multi-session control system 1000 may monitor one or more criteria to determine the progress of the device 100 and determine when a device threshold is met. A first criterion may be the number of puffs taken. A second criterion may be elapsed time, which may be device time. A third criterion may be energy consumed by the device 100. A fourth criterion may be the amount of time air flows through the device 100 from a puff taken by the consumer. A fifth criterion may be the number of sessions of the device 100. A device threshold may be met when the number of puffs taken equals a puff threshold, when the device time equals a time threshold, when the amount of energy used by the device 100 to power the heater 309 equals an energy threshold, when the amount of time air flows through the device from a puff taken by the consumer equals a puff time threshold, or when the number of sessions of the device 100 equals a session threshold. In some embodiments, any of the above criteria may be monitored alone or in combination to determine when a device threshold has been met.

[0140] Once the progress of device 100 is deemed complete, multi-session control system 1000 may power down device 100. In some embodiments, multi-session control system 1000 may further be configured to communicate the progress of device 100 to the consumer via communication screen 136 or another output means of device 100.

[0141] The multi-session control system 1000 may include a processor 302, a memory 304, control buttons 138, an airflow sensor 306, an energy meter 307, a tactile actuator 308, and a heating engine control 310 as described above with reference to FIG. 3. In some embodiments, the processor 302 may include a timer 314, and the memory 304 may include a puff variable 312, a first flag 322, a second flag 324, and a session variable 1002. The timer 314 may include one or more timers configured to measure one or more times associated with the device 100 and / or the multi-session control system 1000. The timer 314 may include a session timer 316, a period timer 318, a hysteresis timer 320, and a device timer 1004. The processor 302 may be in communication with the memory 304 , the control button 138 , the airflow sensor 306 , the energy meter 307 , the tactile actuator 308 , the heat engine control 310 , the puff variable 312 , the timer 314 , the first flag 322 , the second flag 324 , and the session variable 1002 .

[0142] The processor 302, memory 304, control button 138, airflow sensor 306, energy meter 307, tactile actuator 308, heat engine control 310, puff variable 312, first flag 322, second flag 324, session timer 316, period timer 318, and hysteresis timer 320 are described above with reference to FIG. 3 and function as described above.

[0143] The session variable 1002 may be a counter that may be set to zero when the device is powered on. The memory 304 may increment the session variable 1002 by one each time a new session is started. In some embodiments, the multi-session control system 1000 may determine when a session starts and ends, as described above with reference to FIG.

[0144] The timers 314 may include a device timer 1004 that may be configured to measure device time. The device time may be the total amount of time that a session is active while the device 100 is powered on. The device threshold may be met when the device time equals the time threshold.

[0145] 11, there is shown a block diagram of a method 1100 of operating the multi-session control system 1000 of the device 100. The processor 302 may initiate the method 1100 when the device 100 is powered on by pressing the control button 138.

[0146] Once the device is turned on, the method 1100 proceeds to step 1102, where the memory 304 and / or processor 302 clears or sets all timers, flags, and variables to default settings. In some embodiments, this may include resetting the puff variable 312, the session variable 1002, the first flag 322, the second flag 324, and each of the session timer 316, the period timer 318, the hysteresis timer 320, and the device timer 1004.

[0147] Once each variable, flag, and timer is reset or cleared, method 1100 may proceed to step 1104, where multi-session control system 1000 reads the reference limits. In some embodiments, processor 302 may read the reference limits from memory 304. In some embodiments, the reference limits may be values ​​for at least one of a puff threshold, a time threshold, an energy threshold, a puff length threshold, and a session threshold. In some embodiments, the session reference limits may further include a metric reporting time, a hysteresis time, and a puff length threshold.

[0148] Once the multi-session control system 1000 reads the reference limits, the method 1100 may proceed to conditional step 1106, where the processor 302 of the multi-session control system 1000 determines whether a session has started. In some embodiments, the processor 302 may be configured to start the session when the device 100 is powered on. In other embodiments, the processor 302 may start the session when the control button 138 is pressed by the consumer. In other embodiments, the session may start after each of the reference limits has been processed by the multi-session control system 1000. The method 1100 may proceed from conditional step 1106 after the multi-session control system 1000 determines that the session has started.

[0149] If the multi-session control system 1000 determines that a session has started, the method 1100 may proceed to step 1108. In step 1108, the device timer 1004 is started by the processor 302. The device timer 1004 may be configured to measure device time. In some embodiments, the device timer 1004 may be started only when the heating engine control 310 determines that the heater 309 of the device 100 has preheated. This may ensure that the device time does not include the preheating time of the device 100, as the consumer may not be able to use the consumable while the device 100 is preheating.

[0150] After the device timer 1004 is started, the method 1100 may proceed to step 1110, where the periodic timer 318 is started by the processor 302. In some embodiments, the periodic timer 318 may be started simultaneously with the device timer 1004. The periodic timer 318 may be configured to measure a metric report time.

[0151] Once the periodic timer 318 is started, the method 1100 may proceed to step 1112. In step 1112, the puff variable 312 is incremented by the memory 304 and / or the processor 302 if a puff is detected. In some embodiments, the airflow sensor 306 may be capable of detecting puffs passing through the device 100 and may be communicatively coupled to the puff variable 312 via the processor 302. Additional details for incrementing the puff variable 312 are described above with reference to FIG.

[0152] If a puff is detected, the puff variable 312 may be incremented by the memory 304 and / or processor 302 before the method 1100 proceeds to a conditional step 1114. At the conditional step 1114, the method 1100 may determine whether the metric reporting time has elapsed. If the metric reporting time as measured by the periodic timer 318 has not elapsed, the method 1100 may proceed along the "no" path back to the conditional step 1114. If the metric reporting time of the periodic timer 318 has elapsed, the method 1100 may proceed along the "yes" path to step 1116.

[0153] In step 1116, device metrics are calculated by the processor 302. In some embodiments, the device metrics may be the percentage of puffs remaining until the puff variable 312 equals the puff threshold and the percentage of time remaining until the device time equals the time threshold. Additionally or alternatively, the device metrics may include the percentage of energy remaining when the amount of energy used by the device 100 to power the heater 309 equals the energy threshold, the percentage of time remaining until the total time of airflow through the device 100 equals the puff time threshold, and / or the percentage of the session remaining until the session variable 1002 equals the session threshold.

[0154] Once the device metrics are calculated by the processor 302 at step 1116, the method 1100 may proceed to step 1118, where the device metrics are output by the multi-session control system 1000. In some embodiments, the processor 302 may be configured to communicate with the communication screen 136 and / or the haptic actuator 308 to output the device metrics as an icon or display on the communication screen 136 and / or as a vibration pattern of the haptic actuator 308 of the device 100. In some embodiments, the session progress indicator 402 and / or capsule completion indicator 406 may be displayed based on the device progress, similar to the session progress output, as described above with respect to FIGS.

[0155] After the device metrics are output by the processor 302 in step 1118, the method 1100 may proceed to a conditional step 1120. In conditional step 1120, the processor 302 of the multi-session control system 1000 determines whether any of the device metrics are equal to zero. More specifically, the multi-session control system 1000 may determine whether the percentage of puffs remaining until the puff variable 312 equals the puff threshold is equal to zero, the percentage of time remaining until the device time equals the time threshold is equal to zero, the percentage of energy remaining until the amount of energy used by the device 100 to power the heater 309 equals the energy threshold is equal to zero, the percentage of time remaining until the total time of airflow through the device 100 equals the puff time threshold is equal to zero, or the percentage of sessions remaining until the session variable 1002 equals the session threshold is equal to zero.

[0156] If none of the device metrics are equal to zero, method 600 may proceed along the "no" path to conditional step 1122. At conditional step 1122, processor 302 of multi-session control system 1000 may determine whether the session has ended. As described above, multi-session control system 1000 may determine whether the session has ended according to the steps of method 600. If the session has not ended, method 1100 may proceed along the "no" path to step 1110 where processor 302 restarts the metric timer. If the session has ended, method 1100 may proceed along the "yes" path to step 1124. At step 1124, device timer 1004 may be paused by processor 302.

[0157] After the device timer 1004 is paused in step 1124, the method 1100 may proceed to conditional step 1126. In conditional step 1126, the processor 302 may determine whether a new session has started. If a new session has not started, the method 1100 may proceed along the "no" path back to conditional step 1126. If the processor 302 determines that a new session has started, the method 1100 may proceed along the "yes" path to step 1108 where the processor 302 restarts the device timer 1004. The device timer 1004 is not reset, but rather restarted after being paused in step 1124. In some embodiments, the device timer 1004 may not be restarted until the heater 309 of the device 100 is fully preheated.

[0158] Referring again to conditional step 1120, if any of the device metrics are equal to zero, the method 1100 may proceed via the "Yes" path to step 1128 where the heater 309 is turned off. The heater 309 may be turned off by the heating engine control 310. Once the heater 309 is turned off, the device is powered down by the processor 302 and the method 1100 ends.

[0159] The systems, devices, and methods described herein can provide significant advantages. The session control system 300 and the multi-session control system 1000 may provide a way to communicate session and device status to consumers. For example, the session control system 300 may provide an indication to the consumer as to when an ongoing session may end, and the multi-session control system 1000 may provide an indication to the consumer as to when the device 100 will be powered down, potentially after several sessions have been used. Both the session control system 300 and the multi-session control system 1000 may monitor several criteria of the device 100 to accurately inform the consumer of the session and / or device 100 status. Additionally, the session control system 300 and the multi-session control system 1000 may be configured to power down the heater 309 of the device 100 when a specified threshold is met. This may provide a more consistent experience for consumers, as the length of a session may be informed by the usage of the device 100.

[0160] The appended claims define novel and inventive aspects of the subject matter described above, but the claims may also encompass additional subject matter not specifically described in detail. For example, certain features, elements, or aspects may be omitted from the claims if they are not necessary to distinguish the novel and inventive features from those already known to those skilled in the art. Also, features, elements, and aspects described in the context of certain embodiments may be omitted, combined, or replaced with alternative features serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. A session control system for a device, comprising: The session control system comprises at least one processor; and a memory coupled to the at least one processor that stores instructions; wherein the at least one processor executes the instructions to cause the session control system to: Detect when a session starts, starting a session timer configured to measure a length of the session; When the mass airflow sensor detects that a puff has been taken, it increments the puff variable according to the total number of puffs taken; monitoring the session timer against a time threshold and monitoring the puff variable against a puff threshold; A session control system configured to terminate a session in response to a session threshold being met.

2. 2. The session control system according to claim 1, The session control system, wherein the session threshold is met when the puff variable is equal to the puff threshold.

3. 3. The session control system according to claim 2, The puff threshold is 20 puffs.

4. 2. The session control system according to claim 1, The session threshold is met when the length of the session equals the time threshold.

5. 5. The session control system according to claim 4, A session control system wherein the time threshold is 7 minutes.

6. 2. The session control system according to claim 1, The session control system wherein the session begins when a control button is activated and the device begins preheating.

7. 2. The session control system according to claim 1, The session control system, wherein the session timer is started when the device is preheated.

8. 2. The session control system according to claim 1, the at least one processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the session control system to display a session progress indicator on a consumer interface of the device; The session progress indicator corresponds to the length of the session remaining to meet the session threshold.

9. 9. The session control system according to claim 8, the length of the session remaining to meet the session threshold is the percentage of time remaining until the session timer equals the time threshold; and and a percentage of the number of puffs remaining until said puff variable equals said puff threshold, whichever is lower.

10. 2. The session control system according to claim 1, The at least one processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the session control system to display a session completion indicator when the session threshold is met.

11. 2. The session control system according to claim 1, the at least one processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the session control system to activate a haptic actuator with 20% of the session remaining to meet the session threshold and when the session threshold is met.

12. 2. The session control system according to claim 1, the at least one processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the session control system to start a periodic timer concurrently with the session timer; The session control system, wherein the periodic timer is configured to measure a metric report time.

13. 13. The session control system according to claim 12, A session control system, wherein the metric reporting time is 10 seconds.

14. 13. The session control system according to claim 12, the at least one processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the session control system to generate a metric report when the periodic timer elapses; The metric report includes: the percentage of time remaining until the session timer equals the time threshold; and a percentage of the number of puffs remaining until the puff variable equals the puff threshold.

15. 2. The session control system according to claim 1, Detecting that a puff has taken place detecting airflow through the device with the airflow sensor; measuring the length of time of said airflow through said device; determining whether the length of time of the airflow through the device is greater than a puff length threshold; and incrementing the puff variable if the length of time of the airflow through the device is greater than the puff length threshold.

16. 16. The session control system according to claim 15, A session control system wherein the puff length threshold is 350 milliseconds.

17. 16. The session control system according to claim 15, Detecting that a puff has occurred starting a hysteresis timer if the length of time of the airflow through the device is greater than the puff length threshold; restarting the hysteresis timer if the airflow sensor detects additional airflow through the device before the hysteresis timer expires; and If the hysteresis timer expires, incrementing the puff variable.

18. 18. The session control system of claim 17, A session control system wherein the hysteresis timer is 2 seconds.

19. 2. The session control system according to claim 1, monitoring the session timer against the time threshold and monitoring the puff variable against the puff threshold; setting a first flag indicating that either the remaining percentage of the time threshold and the remaining percentage of the puff threshold are equal to 20%; and setting a second flag indicating that either the remaining percentage of the time threshold or the remaining percentage of the puff threshold is equal to 0%.

20. 20. The session control system of claim 19, monitoring the session timer against the time threshold and monitoring the puff variable against the puff threshold; activating a haptic actuator of the device when the first flag is set; and activating the haptic actuator when the second flag is set.

21. 2. The session control system according to claim 1, The at least one processor executes the instructions to provide the session control system with: Calculating the amount of energy used by the device for heating; and monitoring the amount of energy used by the device for heating against an energy threshold.

22. 22. The session control system of claim 21, The session control system, wherein the session threshold is met when the amount of energy used by the device equals the energy threshold.

23. 2. The session control system according to claim 1, The at least one processor executes the instructions to provide the session control system with: Tracking the amount of time that airflow has been flowing through the device since a puff was taken; and monitoring the amount of time that airflow has been flowing through the device since a puff was taken against a puff time threshold.

24. 24. The session control system of claim 23, The session control system, wherein the session threshold is met when the amount of time that airflow has been flowing through the device since a puff was taken is equal to the puff duration threshold.

25. 1. A multi-session control system for a device, comprising: The multi-session control system includes at least one processor; and a memory coupled to the at least one processor that stores instructions. wherein the at least one processor executes the instructions to provide the multi-session control system with: Detect when a session has started, starting a device timer configured to measure a total time of use of the device; When the mass airflow sensor detects that a puff has been taken, it increments a puff variable according to the total number of puffs taken; monitoring the device timer against a time threshold and monitoring the puff variable against a puff threshold; A multi-session control system configured to, in response to a device threshold being met, cause the device to be powered down.

26. 26. The multi-session control system of claim 25, The at least one processor in the multi-session control system: detecting that the session has ended; pausing the device timer when the session ends; Detecting that a new session has started; restarting the device timer when the device is pre-heated after the new session starts.

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