Battery monitoring for aerosol-generating devices

Abstract

An aerosol generating device is provided that includes a battery, a controller, and a battery monitor. The controller is configured to control the flow of power from the battery to a heater of the device to perform an nth aerosolization session (300), which includes maintaining the heater at an aerosolization temperature for a predetermined time to heat the tobacco rod, and to obtain aerosolization session characteristics of the nth session measured using the battery monitor (302). The controller is configured to access a relationship of energy usage per session as a function of the number of sessions performed and update the relationship based on the obtained characteristics of the nth session (304). The controller is configured to determine (306) the number of sessions that can be powered after the nth session based on the updated relationship and control the device to output the number of sessions that can be powered after the nth session (308).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to aerosol generating devices, and more particularly to battery monitoring of aerosol generating devices. [Background technology]

[0002] Aerosol generating devices (eg, e-cigarettes and other aerosol inhalers or vaporizer devices) are becoming increasingly popular consumer products.

[0003] Heating devices for vaporization or aerosolization are known in the art. Such devices typically include a heating chamber and a heater. In operation, an operator inserts the product to be aerosolized or vaporized into the heating chamber. The product is then heated by an electronic heater to vaporize the product's ingredients for inhalation by the operator. In some instances, the product is a tobacco product similar to a traditional cigarette. Such devices are sometimes referred to as "heat-not-burn" devices, in that the product is heated to the point of aerosolization without being burned.

[0004] Challenges faced by known aerosol generating devices include providing efficient battery monitoring and improving operability. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In a first aspect, there is provided an aerosol generation device comprising a battery, a controller, and a battery monitor, the aerosol generation device being configured to aerosolize a tobacco rod, the controller comprising: controlling the flow of power from the battery to the heater of the aerosol generating device to maintain the heater at an aerosolization temperature for a predetermined time to perform an nth aerosolization session, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 1, including heating the tobacco rod received in the aerosol generating device without burning the tobacco rod; obtaining aerosolization session characteristics for the nth aerosolization session measured using the battery monitor; accessing a relationship of energy usage per aerosolization session as a function of the number of aerosolization sessions performed, and updating the relationship based on the obtained aerosolization session characteristics of the nth aerosolization session, wherein the relationship is stored in storage accessible by the controller; determining a number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered after the nth aerosolization session based on the updated relationship of energy usage per aerosolization session as a function of the number of aerosolization sessions performed and the energy level of the battery; Controlling the aerosol generating device to output the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered after the nth session. An aerosol generating device configured to:

[0006] An aerosol generating device may be configured to indicate the battery charge state in a manner similar to a smartphone. However, this information may be counterintuitive and confusing to a user in considering the number of aerosolization sessions that can be performed. The number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered with a given charge state may not be apparent to the user. In traditional smoking, a smoker can look inside a cigarette pack to determine the number of cigarettes available for smoking. In the case of an aerosol generating device that indicates the battery charge state, it is not apparent to the operator how many aerosolization sessions can be performed. Each aerosolization session may include multiple expected user inhalation events. In other words, a user inhalation event may be considered a single inhalation or puff from the aerosol generating device, and within a single aerosolization session, the user may be expected to take multiple puffs / inhalations from the device. Maintaining the heater at the aerosolization temperature for a predetermined time ensures that aerosol is generated from the tobacco rod throughout the entire aerosolization session, so that multiple inhalation events / puffs can occur, as opposed to simply directing power from the battery to the heater for a single puff. The predetermined time may include at least 60 seconds. Alternatively, the predetermined time may be longer or shorter, such as at least 30 seconds, 120 seconds, 180 seconds, or 240 seconds. Importantly, an aerosolization session for a tobacco rod may correspond to a single conventional cigarette, where a conventional cigarette is lit and heated for an extended period of time, allowing a user to take multiple puffs from the heated cigarette during a single aerosolization session.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need to provide a technical solution that can be used to indicate the number of remaining aerosolization sessions that can be powered by the battery of an aerosol generating device. A first aspect addresses this problem by providing a process for determining the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered by the battery and outputting this information. Furthermore, the process takes into account real-time changes to the battery and the aerosol generating device so that an accurate determination of the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered is achieved.

[0008] Preferably, the battery monitor includes a voltage measurement module configured to measure the voltage of the battery for the aerosolization session, and the acquired aerosolization session characteristics for the nth aerosolization session include the battery voltage for the nth aerosolization session measured by the voltage measurement module.

[0009] In this way, the battery voltage can be used to determine the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered after the nth aerosolization session.

[0010] Preferably, the battery monitor includes a current measurement module configured to measure the current output by the battery during the aerosolization session, and the acquired aerosolization session characteristics for the nth aerosolization session include the current output by the battery in the nth aerosolization session measured by the current measurement module.

[0011] In this way, the current output of the battery can be used to determine the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered after the nth aerosolization session.

[0012] Preferably, the battery monitor includes an ambient temperature measurement module configured to measure an ambient temperature near the aerosol generating device during the aerosolization session, and the aerosolization session characteristics of the nth aerosolization session include the ambient temperature measured during the nth aerosolization session by the ambient temperature measurement module.

[0013] In this way, the temperature near the aerosol generating device can be used to determine the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered after the nth aerosolization session. Because extremes of heat and cold can affect battery performance, factoring temperature into the calculation improves the accuracy of determining the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered after the nth aerosolization session.

[0014] Preferably, the controller is configured to update the relationship by applying a weighting factor to the measured ambient temperature.

[0015] In this way, the updated relationship more effectively takes into account the measured ambient temperature. The stored relationship of energy usage per aerosolization session may further include an average temperature value or range, which may represent an average temperature value or range when the device was operating. The controller may be configured to compare the measured ambient temperature to the average temperature value / range to determine a weighting factor to be applied to the measured ambient temperature.

[0016] The relationship of energy usage per aerosolization session as a function of the number of aerosolization sessions performed may be determined over a specific temperature range that more accurately reflects the user's or device's typical usage conditions; for example, the temperature range may be room temperature ±5 degrees Celsius. Thus, if a new measured ambient temperature is within the specific temperature range, a higher weighting factor (or weighting) may be applied to the measured ambient temperature in the aerosolization session characteristics to update the relationship. Conversely, if the new measured ambient temperature is outside the specific temperature range, or if there is a significant difference between the measured ambient temperature and the average temperature value / range, a lower weighting factor (or weighting) may be applied to the measured ambient temperature to update the relationship. Advantageously, this allows the update of the relationship and the determination of remaining aerosolization sessions to more effectively correspond to typical usage of the device.

[0017] Preferably, the nth aerosolization session is the last completed aerosolization session.

[0018] In this manner, the determination of the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered can be updated depending on the last completed aerosolization session, ensuring that the operator is continually presented with the most useful information regarding the device's battery level.

[0019] Preferably, the relationship of energy usage per aerosolization session as a function of the number of aerosolization sessions performed includes a predetermined value of energy usage per aerosolization session for a series of consecutively performed aerosolization sessions.

[0020] In this way, predetermined and pre-stored data regarding energy usage per aerosolization session as a function of the number of aerosolization sessions performed can be used to initially determine the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered.

[0021] Preferably, the controller is configured to update the relationship of energy usage per session as a function of the number of aerosolization sessions performed by updating an energy usage value for the nth aerosolization session determined from the aerosolization session characteristics and applying a fitting algorithm to the relationship of energy usage per session as a function of the number of aerosolization sessions performed that includes the updated energy usage value for the nth aerosolization session.

[0022] Preferably, the controller is configured to determine the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered after the nth session by calculating the number of future sessions after the nth session that can be powered based on the updated relationship of energy usage per session as a function of the number of aerosolization sessions performed for future aerosolization sessions after the nth session and the energy level of the battery.

[0023] In this manner, real-time measurements of aerosolization session characteristics are factored into the determination of the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered, so that the determined number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered accurately reflects the current operating conditions of the aerosol generating device.

[0024] Preferably, the fitting algorithm comprises a recursive least squares fitting algorithm.

[0025] In this way, the energy usage per aerosolization session data as a function of the number of aerosolization sessions performed can be effectively fit to determine the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered.

[0026] Preferably, the fitting algorithm includes a smoothing function configured to apply a higher weighting to energy usage values ​​determined at room temperature conditions than to energy values ​​determined at non-room temperature conditions.

[0027] In this way, the smoothing function helps to avoid variations or "jumps" in the determination of the number of sessions that may be performed that may be counter-intuitive to the operator, such as over-fitting the predicted number of sessions that may be powered due to changing conditions.

[0028] Preferably, the controller is configured to determine an energy offset value between a fitted relationship of energy usage per session as a function of the number of aerosolization sessions performed, including an updated energy usage value for the nth aerosolization session, and fitted data representing expected energy usage per session as a function of the number of aerosolization sessions before any aerosolization session is performed; The aerosol generating device is controlled to output a notification when the energy offset value exceeds a predetermined energy offset value, the notification including an instruction to clean a heating chamber of the aerosol generating device.

[0029] In this manner, the process provides a determination that the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device should be cleaned, and this internal state information is output to the user so that the user knows to clean the heating chamber to increase the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered in the future.

[0030] Preferably, the controller is configured to control the aerosol generating device to output, using a display associated with the aerosol generating device, the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered on after the nth session.

[0031] In this way, the determined number of aerosol sessions is presented to the operator in an efficient and user-friendly manner.

[0032] Preferably, the determined number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered after the nth session based on the updated relationship of energy usage per aerosolization session as a function of the number of aerosolization sessions performed and the energy level of the battery is the first number of aerosolization sessions; The controller Measure the battery energy level after the nth aerosolization session using a battery monitor; determining a second number of aerosolization sessions, the second number of aerosolization sessions being determined by using the aerosolization session current profile and the modeled battery parameters to determine the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered by the battery at the measured energy level of the battery after the nth aerosolization session; Comparing the first number of aerosolization sessions to the second number of aerosolization sessions It is configured as follows: controlling the aerosol generating device to output the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered after the nth session; if the first number of aerosolization sessions is different from the second number of aerosolization sessions, outputting the smaller of the first number of aerosolization sessions and the second number of aerosolization sessions; if the first number of aerosolization sessions is the same as the second number of aerosolization sessions, outputting either the first number of aerosolization sessions or the second number of aerosolization sessions. Includes.

[0033] In this way, a second determination of the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered is performed. If the first determination and the second determination determine that different numbers of aerosolization sessions can be powered, the smaller of the two is output. Overestimating the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered can lead to frustration for the operator of the aerosol generating device if the operator is unable to perform the number of aerosolization sessions that the battery predicted it can power. By determining the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered by two processes and outputting the smaller of the two predictions, the risk of overestimating the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered is reduced. Thus, operator frustration is avoided.

[0034] Preferably, the controller is further configured to update the modeled battery parameters after the nth aerosolization session based on the obtained aerosolization session characteristics of the nth aerosolization session measured using the battery monitor.

[0035] In this way, real-time changes to the battery are taken into account, and as a result, an accurate determination of the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered is achieved by a second determination of the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered.

[0036] Preferably, the aerosolization session includes heating the aerosol-generating consumable to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating consumable.

[0037] Preferably, the aerosol-generating consumable is a tobacco rod, and the aerosolization session involves heating the tobacco rod without burning the tobacco rod.

[0038] In a second aspect, there is provided a method of operating an aerosol generating device comprising a battery, a controller, and a battery monitor, the aerosol generating device being configured to aerosolize a tobacco rod, the method comprising: controlling, with the controller, the flow of power from the battery to the heater of the aerosol generating device to perform an n-th aerosolization session (n is an integer greater than or equal to 1), which includes maintaining the heater at an aerosolization temperature for a predetermined time and heating the tobacco rod received in the aerosol generating device without burning the tobacco rod; obtaining, with the controller, aerosolization session characteristics for the nth aerosolization session measured using the battery monitor; accessing, with the controller, a relationship of energy usage per aerosolization session as a function of the number of aerosolization sessions performed and updating the relationship based on the obtained aerosolization session characteristics of the nth aerosolization session, wherein the relationship is stored in storage accessible by the controller; determining, by the controller, the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered after the nth aerosolization session based on the updated relationship of energy usage per aerosolization session as a function of the number of aerosolization sessions performed and the energy level of the battery; controlling the aerosol generating device by the controller to output the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered after the nth session; A method is provided, comprising:

[0039] Preferably, the method of the second aspect includes the preferred features of the first aspect.

[0040] In a third aspect, a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions executable by one or more processors of an aerosol generating device configured to aerosolize a tobacco rod, the aerosol generating device comprising a battery, a controller, and a battery monitor, the instructions causing the one or more processors to: using the controller to control the flow of power from the battery to the heater of the aerosol generating device to perform an n-th aerosolization session (n is an integer greater than or equal to 1), which includes maintaining the heater at an aerosolization temperature for a predetermined time and heating the tobacco rod received in the aerosol generating device without burning the tobacco rod; acquiring, with the controller, aerosolization session characteristics for the nth aerosolization session measured using the battery monitor; accessing, with the controller, a relationship of energy usage per aerosolization session as a function of the number of aerosolization sessions performed and updating the relationship based on the obtained aerosolization session characteristics of the nth aerosolization session, wherein the relationship is stored in storage accessible by the controller; determining, by the controller, the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered after the nth aerosolization session based on the updated relationship of energy usage per aerosolization session as a function of the number of aerosolization sessions performed and the energy level of the battery; controlling the aerosol generating device with the controller to output the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered after the nth session; A non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided for causing execution of steps including:

[0041] Preferably, the non-transitory computer readable medium of the third aspect includes the preferred features of the first aspect.

[0042] In a fourth aspect, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising a battery, a controller, and a battery monitor, wherein the controller: controlling the flow of power from the battery to a heater of the aerosol generating device to perform an n-th aerosolization session (n is an integer greater than or equal to 1); Measure the battery energy level after the nth aerosolization session using a battery monitor; Using the aerosolization session current profile and the modeled parameters of the battery, determine the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered by the battery having the measured energy level of the battery after the nth aerosolization session; Controlling the aerosol generating device to output the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered after the nth session An aerosol generating device configured to:

[0043] An aerosol generating device may be configured to indicate the battery's state of charge in a manner similar to a smartphone. However, this information may be counterintuitive and confusing to a user in considering the number of aerosolization sessions that can be performed. The number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered at a given state of charge may not be apparent to the user. In traditional smoking, a smoker can look inside a cigarette packet to determine the number of cigarettes available for smoking. For an aerosol generating device that indicates the battery's state of charge, it is not apparent to the operator how many aerosolization sessions can be performed. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a technical solution that can be used to indicate the number of remaining aerosolization sessions that can be powered by the battery of the aerosol generating device. The fourth aspect addresses this issue by providing a process for determining the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered by the battery and outputting this information. Furthermore, this process uses modeled parameters of the battery to achieve an accurate determination of the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered.

[0044] Preferably, the controller is configured to obtain aerosolization session characteristics of the nth aerosolization session measured using the battery monitor, and update the modeled parameters of the battery based on the obtained aerosolization session characteristics of the nth aerosolization session.

[0045] In this way, the modeled parameters of the battery can be updated to reflect aerosolization session characteristics rather than just having predetermined values, thereby improving the determination of the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered.

[0046] Preferably, the battery monitor includes a voltage measurement module configured to measure the voltage of the battery during the aerosolization session, and the acquired aerosolization session characteristics for the nth aerosolization session include the battery voltage for the nth aerosolization session measured by the voltage measurement module.

[0047] In this way, the battery voltage can be used to determine the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered after the nth aerosolization session.

[0048] Preferably, the battery monitor includes a current measurement module configured to measure the current output by the battery during the aerosolization session, and the acquired aerosolization session characteristics for the nth aerosolization session include the current output by the battery in the nth aerosolization session measured by the current measurement module.

[0049] In this way, the current output of the battery can be used to determine the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered after the nth aerosolization session.

[0050] Preferably, the battery monitor includes an ambient temperature measurement module configured to measure an ambient temperature near the aerosol generating device during the aerosolization session, and the aerosolization session characteristics of the nth aerosolization session include the ambient temperature measured during the nth aerosolization session by the ambient temperature measurement module.

[0051] In this way, the temperature near the aerosol generating device can be used to determine the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered after the nth aerosolization session. Because extremes of heat and cold can affect battery performance, factoring temperature into the calculation improves the accuracy of determining the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered after the nth aerosolization session.

[0052] Preferably, the nth aerosolization session is the last completed aerosolization session.

[0053] In this manner, the determination of the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered can be updated depending on the last completed aerosolization session, ensuring that the operator is continually presented with the most useful information regarding the device's battery level.

[0054] Preferably, the controller is configured to control the aerosol generating device to output, using a display associated with the aerosol generating device, the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered on after the nth session.

[0055] In this way, the determined number of aerosol sessions is presented to the operator in an efficient and user-friendly manner.

[0056] Preferably, the controller is configured to determine a state of charge of the battery using the battery monitor and to select an aerosolization session current profile from storage accessible by the controller, the selected aerosolization session current profile corresponding to the determined state of charge of the battery.

[0057] In this way, the determined number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered reflects the state of charge of the battery. The current output of the battery can change as the state of charge changes, so factoring this into the determination of the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered improves the accuracy of the determination of the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered as the charge level of the battery changes, compared to using a fixed value.

[0058] Preferably, the controller is configured to monitor the current applied by the battery during the nth aerosolization session and update the aerosolization session current profile stored in the storage based on one or more values ​​of the monitored current and the determined state of charge of the battery.

[0059] In this way, the current profile can be updated to reflect the operating conditions of the aerosol generating device, for example to account for contamination of the heating chamber, thereby improving the accuracy of the determination of the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered.

[0060] Preferably, the controller is configured to determine predicted energy usage for a future aerosolization session based on current values ​​as a function of time in the aerosolization session current profile and battery impedance values ​​based on a battery impedance model using modeled parameters of the battery.

[0061] Preferably, the controller is configured to determine the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered by a battery having the battery's measured energy level after the nth aerosolization session by determining the maximum number of aerosolization sessions that can be fully powered at the predicted energy usage of future aerosolization sessions at the battery's measured energy level.

[0062] In this way, efficient calculation of the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered is achieved.

[0063] Preferably, the aerosolization session includes heating the aerosol-generating consumable to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating consumable.

[0064] Preferably, the aerosol-generating consumable is a tobacco rod, and the aerosolization session involves heating the tobacco rod without burning the tobacco rod.

[0065] In a fifth aspect, there is provided a method of operating an aerosol generating device comprising a battery, a controller, and a battery monitor, the method comprising: controlling, using the controller, a flow of power from the battery to a heater of the aerosol generating device to perform an n-th aerosolization session (n is an integer greater than or equal to 1); measuring, with the controller, the energy level of the battery after the nth aerosolization session using a battery monitor; using the controller to determine, using the aerosolization session current profile and the modeled parameters of the battery, the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered by the battery having the measured energy level of the battery after the nth aerosolization session; controlling the aerosol generating device with the controller to output the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered after the nth session; A method is provided, comprising:

[0066] Preferably, the method of the fifth aspect includes the preferred features of the fourth aspect.

[0067] In a sixth aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions executable by one or more processors of an aerosol generating device comprising a battery, a controller, and a battery monitor, the instructions causing the one or more processors to: controlling, using the controller, a flow of power from the battery to a heater of the aerosol generating device to perform an n-th aerosolization session (n is an integer greater than or equal to 1); measuring, with the controller, the energy level of the battery after the nth aerosolization session using a battery monitor; using the controller to determine, using the aerosolization session current profile and the modeled parameters of the battery, the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered by the battery having the measured energy level of the battery after the nth aerosolization session; controlling the aerosol generating device with the controller to output the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered after the nth session; A non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided for causing execution of steps including:

[0068] Preferably, the non-transitory computer readable medium of the sixth aspect includes the preferred features of the fourth aspect.

[0069] In a seventh aspect, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising a battery, a controller, and a battery monitor, wherein the controller: Use a battery monitor to measure the battery energy level, calculating a number a of aerosolization sessions that can be powered based on the measured energy level of the battery and the expected energy usage per session of a first aerosolization session heating profile, a being an integer greater than or equal to 0, the heating profile including one or more heating steps, each of the one or more heating steps corresponding to heating a heater of the aerosol generating device to a predetermined target heater temperature value for a predetermined time; receiving a command to enter an eco mode in which a+b aerosolization sessions may be performed, b being an integer greater than or equal to 1, wherein an aerosolization session in the eco mode uses less energy than an aerosolization session not in the eco mode; In response to the command to enter the eco mode, incrementally change the aerosolization session heating profile and recalculate the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered based on the measured energy level of the battery and the expected energy usage per session for each of the incrementally changed aerosolization session heating profile until a second aerosolization session heating profile is determined that will result in a+b aerosolization sessions being performed; Controlling the aerosol generating device to perform an aerosolization session using a second aerosolization session heating profile that allows a+b aerosolization sessions to be performed. An aerosol generating device configured to:

[0070] In this manner, the heating profile of future aerosolization sessions may be adjusted so that additional sessions can be performed, thereby improving the user experience by providing the option to perform more aerosolization sessions when the battery charge level is low.

[0071] Preferably, the method further comprises: stepping the aerosolization session heating profile and recalculating the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered until a second aerosolization session heating profile is determined that will allow a+b aerosolization sessions to be performed based on the measured energy level of the battery and the expected energy usage per session for each of the step-changed aerosolization session heating profiles; modifying the aerosolization session heating profile with a step change to the modified aerosolization session heating profile; determining an expected energy usage for an aerosolization session using the modified aerosolization session heating profile; and determining the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered based on the expected energy usage of the aerosolization sessions using the modified aerosolization session heating profile; Including, the loop continues until a modified aerosolization session heating profile is determined, and the number of aerosolization sessions that may be powered based on the expected energy usage of the aerosolization sessions using the modified aerosolization session heating profile is a+b; The controller is configured to designate the modified aerosolization session heating profile as a second aerosolization session heating profile, under which a+b aerosolization sessions may be performed.

[0072] In this way, by applying incremental changes in a loop, the aerosolization session heating profile is adjusted as needed, providing a balance between reducing energy usage in the aerosolization session and increasing the number of aerosolization sessions, thus improving the user experience.

[0073] Preferably, determining the expected energy usage of an aerosolization session with the modified aerosolization session heating profile comprises: determining an integrated aerosolization session heating profile value for the modified aerosolization session heating profile by integrating the target heater temperature value as a function of time in the modified aerosolization session heating profile; determining an expected energy usage for an aerosolization session performed using the modified aerosolization session heating profile based on a predetermined relationship between the integrated aerosolization session heating profile value and the expected energy usage for the aerosolization session; Includes.

[0074] In this way, expected energy usage can be determined in an efficient manner.

[0075] Preferably, determining the expected energy usage of an aerosolization session with the modified aerosolization session heating profile comprises: normalizing the determined integrated aerosolization session heating profile value to determine a normalized integrated aerosolization session heating profile value; determining an expected energy usage for an aerosolization session performed using the modified aerosolization session heating profile based on a predetermined relationship between the normalized integrated aerosolization session heating profile value and the expected energy usage for the aerosolization session; Further includes:

[0076] In this way, expected energy usage can be determined in an efficient manner.

[0077] Preferably, gradually changing the aerosolization session heating profile includes gradually reducing the target heater temperature in the aerosolization session heating profile and / or gradually adjusting the length of time of the aerosolization session heating profile.

[0078] In this way, the energy usage per aerosolization session is reduced so that more aerosolization sessions can be performed.

[0079] Preferably, the one or more heating steps are multiple heating steps.

[0080] Preferably, each incremental change to the aerosolization heating profile comprises a predetermined change to one or more of the plurality of heating steps.

[0081] In this way, only a portion of the aerosolization session heating profile needs to be changed, rather than the entire heating profile, which can reduce the impact on the user experience when using Eco mode.

[0082] Preferably, each predetermined modification to one or more of the plurality of heating steps comprises a predetermined reduction in a target heater temperature of one or more of the heating steps or a predetermined adjustment to a time of one or more of the heating steps.

[0083] In this way, by reducing the target heater temperature of one or more heating steps or adjusting the duration of one or more of the heating steps, the amount of energy used per aerosolization session is reduced, and as a result, more aerosolization sessions can be performed.

[0084] Preferably, the stepwise change has a predetermined preferred order; Altering the aerosolization session heating profile includes applying stepwise changes in a preferred order until a second aerosolization session heating profile is determined in which a+b aerosolization sessions may be performed.

[0085] In this way, by performing incremental changes in a preferred order, changes that have the least impact on the user experience can be applied with higher priority, thereby reducing the negative impact on the overall user experience when using Eco mode.

[0086] Preferably, the first aerosolization session heating profile is that of the normal operating mode of the aerosol generating device.

[0087] Preferably, the normal operation mode is an operation mode in which the eco mode is not applied.

[0088] Preferably, an aerosolization session performed using the second aerosolization session heating profile uses less battery energy than the first aerosolization session heating profile.

[0089] Preferably, b=1 or 2.

[0090] In this way, the user may configure the aerosol generating device to power one or two additional aerosolization sessions compared to the normal operating mode.

[0091] Preferably, the controller is configured to control the aerosol generating device to output an indication that the eco mode has been initiated.

[0092] In this way, the user is provided with information about the operating status of the aerosol generating device, so that the user knows that eco mode has been initiated.

[0093] Preferably, the aerosolization session includes heating the aerosol-generating consumable to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating consumable.

[0094] Preferably, the aerosol-generating consumable is a tobacco rod, and the aerosolization session involves heating the tobacco rod without burning the tobacco rod.

[0095] In an eighth aspect, there is provided a method of operating an aerosol generating device comprising a battery, a controller, and a battery monitor, the method comprising: measuring, with the controller, an energy level of the battery using a battery monitor; calculating, with the controller, a number a of aerosolization sessions that can be powered based on the measured energy level of the battery and an expected energy usage per session of a first aerosolization session heating profile, where a is an integer greater than or equal to 0, and the heating profile includes one or more heating steps, each of the one or more heating steps corresponding to heating a heater of the aerosol generating device to a predetermined target heater temperature value for a predetermined time; receiving, at the controller, a command to enter an eco mode in which a+b aerosolization sessions can be performed, b being an integer greater than or equal to 1, and wherein an aerosolization session in the eco mode uses less battery energy than an aerosolization session not in the eco mode; using the controller, in response to a command to enter eco mode, incrementally change the aerosolization session heating profile and recalculate the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered based on the measured energy level of the battery and the expected energy usage per session for each of the incrementally changed aerosolization session heating profile until a second aerosolization session heating profile is determined that will result in a+b aerosolization sessions; controlling, with the controller, the aerosol generating device to perform an aerosolization session using a second aerosolization session heating profile, wherein a+b aerosolization sessions can be performed; A method is provided, comprising:

[0096] Preferably, the method of the eighth aspect includes the preferred features of the seventh aspect.

[0097] In a ninth aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions executable by one or more processors of an aerosol generating device comprising a battery, a controller, and a battery monitor, the instructions causing the one or more processors to: measuring, with the controller, the energy level of the battery using a battery monitor; calculating, with the controller, a number a of aerosolization sessions that can be powered based on the measured energy level of the battery and the expected energy usage per session of a first aerosolization session heating profile, where a is an integer greater than or equal to 0, and the heating profile includes one or more heating steps, each of the one or more heating steps corresponding to heating a heater of the aerosol generating device to a predetermined target heater temperature value for a predetermined time; receiving, at the controller, a command to enter an eco mode in which a+b aerosolization sessions may be performed, where b is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and an aerosolization session in the eco mode uses less battery energy than an aerosolization session not in the eco mode; using the controller, in response to the command to enter the eco mode, incrementally changing the aerosolization session heating profile and recalculating the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered based on the measured energy level of the battery and the expected energy usage per session for each of the incrementally changed aerosolization session heating profile until a second aerosolization session heating profile is determined that will result in a+b aerosolization sessions being performed; controlling, with the controller, the aerosol generating device to perform an aerosolization session using a second aerosolization session heating profile, which may result in a+b aerosolization sessions being performed; A non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided for causing execution of steps including:

[0098] Preferably, the non-transitory computer readable medium of the ninth aspect includes the preferred features of the seventh aspect.

[0099] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0100] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an exemplary aerosol generating device. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram showing the progression between preheat and heating modes during an aerosolization session. [Figure 3] 10 is an operational flowchart of steps performed in a process for determining the number of remaining aerosolization sessions that a battery can power. [Figure 4A] 1 is a plot of a given energy usage per aerosolization session as a function of the number of aerosolization sessions. [Figure 4B] 4A is a plot of a given energy usage per aerosolization session as a function of the number of aerosolization sessions with a fitting line drawn to the plot. [Figure 4C] 4B is the plot of FIG. 4A minus an additional plot of measured energy usage per aerosolization session as a function of the number of aerosolization sessions. [Figure 4D] FIG. 4C is a plot of measured energy usage per aerosolization session as a function of the number of aerosolization sessions with a fitting line. [Figures 5A-5E] 10 shows an exemplary symbol used to indicate the number of aerosolization sessions a battery can power. [Figure 6] 10 is an operational flowchart of steps performed in a process for determining the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered by a battery. [Figure 7] 1 is an exemplary equivalent circuit model of an impedance model of a battery used in an aerosol generating device. [Figure 8] 1 is a plot of an exemplary simplified current profile, with current as a function of time. [Figure 9] 7 is an operational flowchart of the steps performed in a process for determining the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered, combining the processes of FIGS. 3 and 6. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is an operational flowchart of the steps performed in the process of modifying the heating profile to increase the number of aerosolization sessions that the battery can power in eco mode. [Figure 11] 1 is a plot of the aerosolization session heating profile. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart of a processing loop for stepping through an aerosolization session heating profile and calculating the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered. [Figure 13] 1 is a plot of energy expenditure per aerosolization session as a function of the normalized integral of the aerosolization session heating profile. [Figures 14A-14C] The figures show exemplary instructions that are displayed when the aerosol generating device is in a normal operating mode, instructions that are displayed when the aerosol generating device is in a first eco mode, and instructions that are displayed when the aerosol generating device is in a second eco mode, respectively. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0101] 1 shows a block diagram of the components of an aerosol generating device 100 or vapor generating device, also known as an e-cigarette. For purposes of this specification, the terms "vapor" and "aerosol" should be understood to be synonymous.

[0102] The aerosol generating device 100 has a body portion 112 that houses a controller 102 and at least one battery 104. Although only one battery 104 will be referred to below, those skilled in the art will understand that a power system may include one or more batteries as needed, and that references to "a battery" may encompass "at least one battery."

[0103] The aerosol generating device 100 further comprises a battery monitoring module 103, sometimes referred to as a battery fuel gauge. The battery monitoring module 103 is controlled by the controller 102 and can monitor battery characteristics such as battery voltage, current, and temperature. The battery monitoring module 103 will be discussed in more detail below.

[0104] In one example, the heater 108 is housed within the body portion 112. In such an example, as shown in FIG. 1 , the heater 108 is disposed in a heated cavity 110 or chamber in the body portion 112. The cavity 110 is accessed by an opening 110A in the body portion 112. The cavity 110 is positioned to receive an associated aerosol-generating consumable 114. The aerosol-generating consumable may include an aerosol-generating material, such as a tobacco rod containing tobacco. The tobacco rod may be similar to a traditional cigarette. The cavity 110 has a cross-section approximately equal to the cross-section of the aerosol-generating consumable 114 and a depth such that when the associated aerosol-generating consumable 114 is inserted into the cavity 110, the first end 114A of the aerosol-generating consumable 114 reaches the bottom 110B of the cavity 110 (i.e., the end 110B of the cavity 110 distal from the cavity opening 110A), and the second end 114B of the aerosol-generating consumable 114 distal from the first end 114A extends outward from the cavity 110. In this manner, a consumer can inhale the aerosol-generating consumable 114 when it is inserted into the aerosol generating device 100. In the example of FIG. 1 , the heater 108 is positioned within the cavity 110 such that the heater 108 engages the aerosol-generating consumable 114 when it is inserted into the cavity 110. In the example of FIG. 1 , the heater 108 is disposed within the cavity as a tube such that when the first end 114A of the aerosol-generating consumable is inserted into the cavity, the heater 108 substantially or completely surrounds the portion of the aerosol-generating consumable 114 that is within the cavity 110. The heater 108 may be a wire, such as a coiled wire heater, or a ceramic heater, or any other suitable type of heater. The heater 108 may comprise multiple heating elements that can be sequentially and independently activated (i.e., powered) arranged in series along the axial length of the cavity. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the heater may be disposed within the cavity as an elongated, penetrating member (e.g., a member in the form of a needle, rod, or blade). In such an embodiment, the heater may be configured to penetrate the aerosol-generating consumable and engage the aerosol-generating material when the aerosol-generating consumable is inserted into the cavity. In another alternative embodiment (not shown), the heater may be in the form of an induction heater.In such an embodiment, a heat generating element is provided within the consumable, and the heat generating element is inductively coupled to an induction heater in the cavity when the consumable is inserted into the cavity, and the induction heater then heats the heating element by induction.

[0105] The heater 108 is configured to heat the aerosol-generating consumable 114 to a predetermined temperature to generate an aerosol during an aerosolization session. An aerosolization session can be considered as the time when the device is operated to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating consumable 114. In examples where the aerosol-generating consumable 114 is a tobacco rod, the aerosol-generating consumable 114 includes tobacco, and the heater 108 is configured to heat the tobacco to generate an aerosol without burning the tobacco. That is, the heater 108 heats the tobacco to a predetermined temperature below the combustion point of the tobacco such that a tobacco-based aerosol is generated.

[0106] Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the aerosol-generating consumable 114 need not necessarily include tobacco, and that any other substance suitable for aerosolization (or vaporization), particularly heating the substance without burning it, can be used in place of tobacco.

[0107] The controller 102 is configured to control the flow of power to the battery 104 based on the operating mode of the aerosolization session. The operating modes may include a preheating mode and a heating mode.

[0108] The progression from preheat mode to heating mode can be understood from Figure 2. In preheat mode 202, the heater 108 associated with the aerosol generating device 100 is heated to an aerosolization temperature to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating consumable 114. The preheat phase can be considered the time during which the preheat mode is performed.

[0109] The pre-heat mode is selected by the controller 102 when an aerosolization session is initiated by a user of the aerosol generating device 100. In one example, this pre-heat mode may be triggered by the controller determining that the consumer has pressed / depressed a heating button on the device 100. In one example, an indicator, such as a light-emitting diode, integrated into the device may be configured to indicate that pre-heating is complete and the consumer can inhale the generated aerosol.

[0110] Once the preheat phase is complete, the controller exits preheat mode 202 and begins heating mode 204. In heating mode 204, controller 102 controls the flow of power from battery 104 to maintain heater 108 at an aerosolization temperature so that an aerosol is generated for inhalation by the consumer. The heating phase can be considered the time during which heating mode is running.

[0111] During an aerosolization session, a heating profile is applied. The heating profile includes one or more temperature steps to which the heater is heated, along with the respective times at which these temperature steps are applied. If the aerosol generating device is operable in a preheating mode and a heating mode, the heating profile may include times at which the heater is heated to different temperatures in the preheating and heating phases of the aerosolization session, in that a heating step of the heating profile may belong to either the preheating phase or the heating phase. This may include heating the heater to the aerosolization temperature (e.g., 210-250°C, or more preferably 220-240°C, or more preferably 230°C or about 230°C) for 10 seconds in the preheating phase, followed by maintaining the heater at the aerosolization temperature for 240 seconds in the heating phase. In this example, the heating profile is 250 seconds long and includes a 10-second temperature ramp-up followed by 240 seconds of constant temperature. In other examples, the heating profile may include different numbers of temperature steps at different temperatures over different times.

[0112] An aerosol generating device may be configured to indicate to an operator an estimate of the remaining battery capacity. Indicating the battery charge state in a manner similar to that of a smartphone may be counter-intuitive and confusing to a user when considering the number of aerosolization sessions that can be performed. The number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered with a given charge state may also not be clear to the user. In traditional smoking, a consumer can look inside a cigarette packet to determine the number of cigarettes available for smoking. In the case of an aerosol generating device that indicates the battery charge state, it is not clear to the operator how many aerosolization sessions can be performed. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a technical solution that can be used to indicate the number of remaining aerosolization sessions that can be powered by the battery of the aerosol generating device.

[0113] As such, Figures 3 and 6 present a process for determining and indicating the number of remaining aerosolization sessions that the battery can power.

[0114] Referring first to Figure 3, a flowchart of steps performed in a process for determining the number of remaining aerosolization sessions that a battery can power is presented. The process of Figure 3 may be performed by the aerosol generating device described with reference to Figures 1 and 2, or any other suitable type of aerosol generating device.

[0115] The battery may power multiple aerosolization sessions. For example, a fully charged battery may be able to power approximately 25 aerosolization sessions before needing to be recharged. However, the amount of energy used in an aerosolization session may change as the battery's state of charge decreases. That is, each aerosolization session may use a different amount of energy. Several other factors, such as the health of the battery, the external temperature, whether the heating chamber is dirty, and the aging of the battery, may also affect the amount of energy used in an aerosolization session.

[0116] 3, the relationship of energy usage per session as a function of the number of aerosolization sessions performed (n) can be used in predicting the number of aerosolization sessions that the battery can power. Such a predictive relationship of energy usage per session as a function of the number of aerosolization sessions performed (n) is stored in storage accessible by the controller.

[0117] This predictive relationship is a prediction of the energy usage for each aerosolization session after the battery is charged. That is, values ​​representing the expected energy usage for each aerosolization session after the battery is fully charged can be stored, from n=1 (i.e., the first aerosolization session after the battery is charged) to n=x (where x is the maximum number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered by the battery when fully charged). That is, this relationship of energy usage per aerosolization session as a function of the number of aerosolization sessions performed can include predetermined values ​​of energy usage per aerosolization session for a series of aerosolization sessions performed consecutively.

[0118] The predictive relationship can be determined, for example, during a factory calibration phase, by measuring the energy usage of each aerosolization session from n=1 to n=x under ideal circumstances (e.g., when the battery is new, fully charged, and undamaged, the device is operating at room temperature, and the heating chamber is clean).

[0119] FIG. 4A shows an exemplary plot of data points 406 representing a predetermined energy usage 402 per aerosolization session as a function of aerosolization session number 404. In this example, data for aerosolization sessions n=1 through n=25 is plotted. The number of sessions that can be powered can be determined by measuring the energy stored in the battery and then sequentially subtracting corresponding energy values, such as n=1, n=2, n=3, etc., until a threshold battery energy value is reached. In one example, the threshold value can be 0 J. In this case, the number of sessions that can be powered can be determined as the number of subtractions made to reach the threshold. For example, if the subtraction of an energy value that corresponds to n=23 when subtracted from the battery energy value drops below the threshold, it can be determined that 22 sessions can be powered by the battery because energy values ​​n=1 through n=22 have all been subtracted from the battery's energy level before the threshold is crossed.

[0120] The data points 406 in the plot of Figure 4A can be fitted with a fitting line. Figure 4B shows such a fitting line 408 drawn on the plot of Figure 4A.

[0121] Instead of using data points for energy values ​​for aerosolization sessions n=1 through n=x, the fitted energy values ​​for aerosolization sessions n=1 through n=x can instead be used when determining the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered.

[0122] Data points 406 of energy usage per aerosolization session 402 as a function of aerosolization session number 404 may be stored in a lookup table in storage accessible by the controller. Similarly, values ​​of a fitting line 408 of energy usage per aerosolization session 402 as a function of aerosolization session number 404 may also be stored in storage accessible by the controller. Alternatively, an equation for the fitting line 408 may be stored in the controller, and predicted energy values ​​for an aerosolization session may be calculated using the equation for the fitting line 408.

[0123] The fitting line 408 can be divided into a constant portion 408-1 and a linear slope portion 408-2. When the battery has a higher state of charge (i.e., a higher energy level), the energy usage per session is approximately constant. This is shown by the constant portion 408-1 of the fitting line 408, which corresponds to the first through ninth aerosolization sessions after the battery is charged. When the battery has a lower state of charge (i.e., a lower energy level), the energy usage per session increases. This is shown by the linear slope portion of the fitting line, which corresponds to the tenth through 25th aerosolization sessions.

[0124] As mentioned above, energy usage per aerosolization session may change over time. For example, this may be caused by non-ideal conditions such as battery aging, high or low external temperatures, and dirty heating chambers, among others. To account for this, after each aerosolization session, the predictive relationship may be updated using the measured characteristics for the last completed aerosolization session.

[0125] In step 300, the controller controls the flow of power from the battery to the heater of the aerosol generating device to perform the nth aerosolization session, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0126] In one example, the nth aerosolization session is performed using a first heating profile, which can include predetermined times during which the heater is heated to different temperatures during pre-heat and heating phases of the aerosolization session.

[0127] In step 302, the controller obtains aerosolization session characteristics for the nth aerosolization session measured using the battery monitor. The nth aerosolization session can be considered the last completed aerosolization session.

[0128] The controller may use the battery monitor to measure aerosolization session characteristics associated with the nth aerosolization session, or the battery monitor may measure aerosolization session characteristics for the nth aerosolization session and transmit these aerosolization session characteristics to the controller.

[0129] The battery monitor may include one or more of a voltage measurement module, a current measurement module, and / or an ambient temperature measurement module, among other modules that may be used to measure battery parameters involved in determining energy usage and state of charge.

[0130] The voltage measurement module may be configured to measure a voltage of the battery during the aerosolization session, and the obtained aerosolization session characteristics for the nth aerosolization session may include a measured battery voltage for the nth aerosolization session measured by the voltage measurement module. In some examples, the voltage measurement module may be a voltmeter or a voltage measurement subcircuit.

[0131] The current measurement module may be configured to measure a current output by the battery in the aerosolization session, and the obtained aerosolization session characteristics for the nth aerosolization session may include the current output by the battery in the nth aerosolization session measured by the current measurement module. In some examples, the current measurement module may be an ammeter or a current measurement subcircuit.

[0132] The ambient temperature measurement module may be configured to measure an ambient temperature near the aerosol generating device during the aerosolization session, and the aerosolization session characteristics for the nth aerosolization session may include the ambient temperature measured by the ambient temperature measurement module during the nth aerosolization session. In some examples, the ambient temperature measurement module may be a thermometer or a temperature-sensing subcircuit. Because extreme high and low temperatures can affect battery performance, factoring temperature into the calculation improves the accuracy of determining the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered after the nth aerosolization session.

[0133] The battery monitor can use a combination of the measured battery voltage of the aerosolization session, the measured current of the aerosolization session, and the measured ambient temperature to determine the state of charge, state of health, and internal resistance of the battery. Using this information, the energy level of the battery (e.g., in joules) can be determined. For example, the state of charge, state of health, and internal resistance as a function of state of charge and temperature can be used to determine the energy content of the battery for given conditions. The measured actual energy consumption as a function of state of charge or energy content can be used to determine the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered.

[0134] The measured battery voltage can be provided in several ways to determine the battery's state of charge, state of health, and internal resistance.

[0135] For example, when determining the state of charge, an algorithm executed by the controller may perform an Ah count (also known as a Coulomb count) that is frequently recalibrated using the open circuit voltage. In such a case, a voltage measurement before an aerosolization session (measured at a small current, but not during the aerosolization session) may be used together with the Ah count during the aerosolization session to provide a state of charge value.

[0136] In another example, the controller can execute a "dynamic observer" algorithm in which the state of charge is determined as a function of measured current, voltage, and temperature. This can be understood as a look-up table that looks up the voltage during an aerosolization session at a given current and temperature to estimate the state of charge. In such an example, the battery voltage is measured during the aerosolization session.

[0137] In one example, the battery's state of health can be determined by having the controller execute an algorithm that examines the open-circuit voltage at two different state-of-charge values ​​corresponding to the amount of charge lost after the battery is fully charged. For example, consider a 2 Ah cell aging to 1 Ah. In such an example, the open-circuit voltage may be measured as 4.15 V, and after discharging 0.5 Ah, this voltage is 3.7 V. After discharging this amount, the 2 Ah battery would instead have 3.9 V (a 25% SoC difference relative to the nominal capacity of 2 Ah). However, because 3.7 V is measured, it can be determined that 50% has been discharged, not 25%. Therefore, the state of health is recalibrated from 2 Ah (if specified in Ah, but could also be % or Joules) to 1 Ah. In this method, the voltage is measured before the aerosolization session. Such an algorithm may be available on commercially available fuel gauge chips.

[0138] In another example, the state of health may be based on resistance measurements by determining how much resistance increases for a particular temperature and state of charge. Such an approach may use dynamic voltage measurements to determine the internal resistance of the battery.

[0139] In one example, the internal resistance can be based on voltage measurements both before and during the aerosolization session. In some examples, the voltage after the aerosolization session can also be used to determine the internal resistance. This approach can be useful for monitoring degradation closely related to capacity loss, with effects associated with longer time constants such as diffusion. Meanwhile, "faster" internal resistance measurements are useful for monitoring the degradation of the battery's power delivery capability.

[0140] The measured current of the aerosolization session can be measured continuously during the aerosolization session to extract the exact amount of energy consumed, as well as other battery-related parameters mentioned above.

[0141] The energy usage for the nth aerosolization session can then be determined as the change in battery energy over the nth aerosolization session. In one example, this can be calculated as the difference between the energy level at the end of the (n-1)th aerosolization session and the energy level at the end of the nth aerosolization session. In another example, the change in battery energy over the nth aerosolization session can be calculated by determining the difference between the battery energy level at the start of the nth aerosolization session (either before the nth aerosolization session or at the beginning of the nth aerosolization session) and the battery energy level at the end of the nth aerosolization session.

[0142] In step 304, the controller accesses the energy usage per aerosolization session relationship and updates the relationship based on the obtained aerosolization session characteristics for the nth aerosolization session.

[0143] The controller may be configured to update the relationship of energy usage per session as a function of the number of aerosolization sessions performed by applying a fitting algorithm to the relationship of energy usage per session as a function of the number of aerosolization sessions performed to update the relationship of energy usage per session as a function of the number of aerosolization sessions performed for future aerosolization sessions after the nth session.

[0144] That is, the energy usage value of the data point corresponding to the nth aerosolization session is updated from a previous value (e.g., a predetermined energy usage value for the nth session) to a value determined using the obtained aerosolization session characteristics for the nth aerosolization session. The controller then re-fits the plot of energy usage per aerosolization session 402 as a function of aerosolization session number 404 with this updated energy usage value for the nth aerosolization session. In other words, after the nth session, the data point corresponding to the nth session is replaced with the measured energy usage in the nth session, and the fitting line is recalculated to reflect this change.

[0145] For example, if the last completed aerosolization session was the fifth session since the battery was recharged (i.e., n=5), the aerosolization session characteristics for the fifth aerosolization session are used to determine the actual energy usage in the fifth aerosolization session, and the energy usage value for n=5 is updated to reflect this. The fitting line is then recalculated using the updated values ​​of energy usage per session from n=1 through n=5 (n=1 through n=4 have already been updated after aerosolization sessions from n=1 through n=4) and the predetermined values ​​of energy usage per session from n=6 through n=x (where x is the maximum number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered by the battery when fully charged).

[0146] 4B, the fitting line may have a constant portion 408-1 where the battery has a higher state of charge and a linearly increasing portion 408-2 where the battery has a lower state of charge due to increased energy usage per session as the battery's state of charge decreases. In some examples, when the battery's state of charge is above a preset threshold (e.g., 70%), the controller may be configured to fit only a constant portion of the data points (i.e., only data points from sessions that occur before the state of charge falls below the preset threshold). This may improve computational efficiency.

[0147] 4C shows a modified version of the exemplary plot of data points 406 representing the predetermined energy usage per aerosolization session 402 as a function of the number of aerosolization sessions 404 shown in FIG. 4A. In FIG. 4C, the plot is modified to include a second set of data points 416. The second set of data points 416 represents the measured energy usage per aerosolization session 402 as a function of the number of aerosolization sessions 404 for all 25 sessions. That is, each of the data points has been updated from the predetermined value (i.e., data points 406) to reflect the measured energy usage per session for each of n=1 through n=25. The measured energy usage per session for each of n=1 through n=25 in data points 416 reflects the “real-world” energy usage measured in aerosolization sessions performed by an operator.

[0148] As can be seen in Figure 4D, the energy usage in a "real world" situation is higher than the expected energy usage in an ideal situation. This can be due to several factors, such as aging of the battery, contamination of the heating chamber increasing the heating resistance, or extreme external temperatures stressing the battery, among others.

[0149] Figure 4D shows a modified version of Figure 4B. Figure 4D includes an exemplary plot of data points 406 representing a predetermined energy usage per aerosolization session 402 as a function of aerosolization session number 404, and a fitting line 408 for the data points 406. Figure 4D also includes an exemplary plot of data points 416 representing the measured energy usage per aerosolization session 402 as a function of aerosolization session number 404 for all 25 sessions in a "real world" situation, and a fitting line 418 for these updated data points 416.

[0150] In an example, the fitting process may be based on a recursive least squares method. In particular, the fitting process may be based on a recursive online trend fitting method based on a recursive least squares filter with a forgetting factor (although other online methods may be used as well).

[0151] In an example, the fitting process may include the application of a smoothing function. The smoothing function may give higher weighting to conditions where the battery of the aerosol generating device behaves more linearly, for example, at room temperature rather than at very low temperatures where the battery may behave in a more unpredictable manner. Thus, the application of the smoothing factor may be based on the measured temperature near the aerosol generating device using a temperature measurement module. This helps to avoid changes or "jumps" in the determination of the number of sessions that may be performed, which may be counterintuitive to the operator, such as overfitting the predicted number of sessions that may be powered due to changing conditions.

[0152] 4A-4D, the plotting and fitting of the data is performed as energy usage per session as a function of the number of sessions. In some examples, this can be further refined so that the plotting and fitting of the data is performed as energy usage per session as a function of the number of sessions and the measured temperature. In other examples, the plotting of the data can be based on the battery state of charge rather than the number of aerosolization sessions.

[0153] In step 306, the controller determines the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered after the nth session based on the updated relationship and the battery energy level.

[0154] The battery energy level can be determined by the controller at the end of the nth aerosolization session using the battery monitor.

[0155] The controller may be configured to determine the number of aerosolization sessions that may be powered after the nth session by calculating the number of future sessions that may be powered after the nth session based on the updated relationship of energy usage per session as a function of the number of aerosolization sessions performed for future aerosolization sessions after the nth session and the energy level of the battery.

[0156] That is, the updated or recalculated fitting line with the data points corresponding to the nth session replaced by the measured energy usage in the nth session can then be used to determine the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered after the nth session, which can be determined by sequentially subtracting the energy values ​​of the updated fitting line corresponding to the n+1, n+2, n+3, etc. aerosolization sessions using the measured energy stored in the battery, up to a threshold battery energy value.

[0157] In the above example, where the last completed aerosolization session was the fifth session after the battery was recharged (i.e., n=5), the subtraction of per-session energy values ​​from the measured battery energy level begins with the expected energy usage value for n=6 (i.e., n+1, where n=5) on the fitting line, and continues by subtracting per-session energy usage values ​​for n=7, n=8, and so on, until the threshold energy level is crossed. If the subtraction of the energy value corresponding to n=20, when subtracted from the battery energy value, falls below the threshold, it is determined that the aerosol generating device can power 14 more aerosolization sessions (i.e., the sixth through nineteenth aerosolization sessions) because all energy values ​​for n=6 through n=19 have been subtracted from the battery energy level before the threshold is crossed.

[0158] This process is repeated after each aerosolization session, ending after the nth session, by updating the energy usage for the (n+1)th session and refitting the energy usage per session as a function of session number, then updating the energy usage for the (n+2)th session and refitting the energy usage per session as a function of session number, then updating the energy usage for the (n+3)th session and refitting the energy usage per session as a function of session number, and so on.

[0159] In this way, the controller can continuously update the fitting of energy usage per session and change the predicted number of aerosolization sessions that can be performed, taking into account, for example, how the aerosol generating device is performing due to battery aging, high or low external temperatures, and fouling of the heating chamber, among other factors.

[0160] In step 308, the controller controls the aerosol generating device to output the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered on after the nth session.

[0161] In some examples, the aerosol generating device may include a display screen, and the output of the number of aerosolization sessions that may be powered after the nth session may be displayed on such screen. In other examples, the aerosol generating device may include one or more indicator lights (e.g., LEDs), and the output of the number of aerosolization sessions that may be powered after the nth session may be displayed by illuminating such indicator lights in different manners (e.g., the number of lights lit, the color of the lights, the blinking pattern, etc.). In other examples, the aerosol generating device may include an audio output device, such as a speaker, and the output of the number of aerosolization sessions that may be powered after the nth session may be audibly output from the speaker. In other examples, the aerosol generating device may be paired with an external device, such as a smartphone, via a wireless connection, e.g., Bluetooth, or a wired connection via a physical interface. In such examples, outputting the number of aerosolization sessions that may be powered after the nth session may include transmitting data corresponding to the number of sessions that may be performed to the external device, in which case the external device may be used to indicate the number of sessions that may be performed.

[0162] 5A-5E show exemplary symbols that may be used on the display of or associated with an aerosol generating device to indicate the number of aerosolization sessions that the battery can power.

[0163] 5A shows an exemplary notation for determining that a battery can power 23 aerosolization sessions. In some examples, this may relate to a new battery (i.e., a battery whose aging has not affected its capacity) that is substantially fully charged and that, when fully charged, can power the maximum number of aerosolization sessions (in such case, x=23).

[0164] 5B shows an exemplary notation for determining that a battery can power 21 aerosolization sessions. In some examples, this may relate to a battery that is healthy but is no longer fully charged because it has been used for two aerosolization sessions (in the example where x=23). In other examples, this may relate to a battery that is substantially fully charged but has a heating chamber that needs to be cleaned. That is, contamination of the heating chamber reduces the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered.

[0165] Different symbols in Figures 5'-5'E may be displayed in different colors. These colors may be associated with the health of the battery and the operating conditions of the aerosol-generating device.

[0166] For example, if the battery is new (i.e., unaged) and fully charged, or new and partially discharged, or new and fully charged but the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device needs to be cleaned, the symbol may be presented in a first color (e.g., green), which may correspond to Figure 5A for a new battery and to Figure 5B for a new and partially discharged battery, or a new and fully charged battery but the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device needs to be cleaned.

[0167] If the battery is partially discharged, the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device needs to be cleaned, or the battery is aging, the symbol may be presented in a different second color (e.g., tan), which may correspond to Figure 5C with n=19.

[0168] If the battery is significantly aged, or significantly aged and the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device needs to be cleaned, the symbol may be presented in a different third color (e.g., red). In some examples, this third color may also be used to indicate to the operator that the battery should be replaced with a new battery. This may correspond to Figure 5D for a significantly aged battery with n=15, or to Figure 5E for a significantly aged battery combined with a heating chamber of an aerosol generating device that needs to be cleaned with n=12.

[0169] From steps 302 through 308, the controller may update the determination of the number of sessions that can be powered by the battery after each aerosolization session and output this to the operator. After each aerosolization session, the controller updates the energy usage data per session for the number of sessions just completed and, as each aerosolization session is performed, uses the data from each aerosolization session to readjust the data to predict the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered. Thus, the operator is provided with a dynamic determination of the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered, taking into account factors such as battery aging, high or low external temperatures, and heating chamber contamination, among others.

[0170] 4D , it can be seen that there is an offset 420 between the constant portion 408-1 of the fit line 408 of the data points 406 representing the predetermined energy usage 402 per aerosolization session as a function of the number of aerosolization sessions 404 and the constant portion of the fit line 418 of the data points 416 representing the measured energy usage 402 per aerosolization session as a function of the number of aerosolization sessions 404. The controller can monitor the offset 420 as the fit line is continuously updated as the number of sessions performed increases from n=1 to n=x and the energy usage values ​​for n=1 through n=x are updated to the measured energy usage values ​​of the respective aerosolization sessions.

[0171] This offset 420 may be due to contamination of the heating chamber. If the heating chamber becomes more contaminated, more power is needed to heat the aerosol-generating consumable. As a result, more energy is used per session. The controller may be configured to monitor the offset 420 between the fitting line 408 of the predetermined energy usage per aerosolization session 406 and the fitting line 418 of the measured energy usage per aerosolization session 416 each time the fitting line is updated (i.e., after each aerosolization session). If the offset 420 exceeds a predetermined offset threshold, the controller may control the aerosol-generating device to output an indication that the heating chamber needs to be cleaned.

[0172] In some examples, if the aerosol generating device includes a display screen, the heated chamber cleaning notification may be presented on the display screen. If the aerosol generating device includes one or more indicator lights (such as LEDs), the heated chamber cleaning notification may be output using the indicator lights. If the aerosol generating device includes an audio output device such as a speaker, the heated chamber cleaning notification may be output audibly from the speaker. If the aerosol generating device can be paired with an external device such as a smartphone, for example, by wireless connection such as Bluetooth or wired connection via a physical interface, the heated chamber cleaning notification may be transmitted as data to the external device, which can then be used to instruct an operator that the heated chamber needs to be cleaned.

[0173] When the battery is recharged from an external source (i.e., when the battery enters a new charging cycle), for subsequent aerosolization sessions after recharging (i.e., aerosolization sessions in the new charging cycle), the controller updates the energy usage values ​​from the energy usage values ​​of the previous charging cycle, starting with the first aerosolization session (n=1). That is, the controller may update the energy usage values ​​of each subsequent aerosolization session n=1 through n=x, respectively, from the value measured in the previous charging cycle to the respective value measured in the aerosolization sessions n=1 through n=x in the new charging cycle. In this way, the monitored energy usage values ​​and the determined number of sessions that can be powered continue to reflect changes to the system (e.g., battery aging and heating chamber contamination) over subsequent charging cycles of the battery.

[0174] In some examples, when a new battery is installed, the energy usage values ​​for aerosolization sessions n=1 through n=x may be reset to predetermined values ​​by the controller. In this way, previous measurements of the old battery do not affect the determination of the number of sessions that can be powered by the new battery.

[0175] In some examples, the algorithms executed by the controller have the ability to adapt already determined values ​​to a new battery rather than being "reset." Such adaptation may be slower than a simpler reset, but can continue to account for contamination of the heating chamber, for example. Also, if the new battery is not recognized (i.e., it is not one the device knows about), the controller can use predetermined values ​​and adapt them according to the battery's determined performance.

[0176] Figure 6 presents a second process for determining the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered by a battery. The process of Figure 6 can be implemented by the aerosol generating device described with reference to Figures 1 and 2, or any other suitable type of aerosol generating device.

[0177] In step 600, the controller controls the flow of power from the battery to the heater of the aerosol generating device to perform an nth aerosolization session, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0178] In one example, the nth aerosolization session is performed using a first heating profile, which can include predetermined times during which the heater is heated to different temperatures during pre-heat and heating phases of the aerosolization session.

[0179] In step 602, the controller measures the battery energy level after the nth aerosolization session using the battery monitor.

[0180] In a manner similar to that described with reference to FIG. 3 (step 302), the controller may obtain aerosolization session characteristics of the nth aerosolization session measured using the battery monitor. The nth aerosolization session may be considered the last completed aerosolization session. The controller may use the battery monitor to measure the aerosolization session characteristics associated with the nth aerosolization session, or the battery monitor may measure the aerosolization session characteristics of the nth aerosolization session and transmit these aerosolization session characteristics to the controller.

[0181] 3, the battery monitor may include one or more of a voltage measurement module, a current measurement module, and / or an ambient temperature measurement module, among other modules that may be used to measure battery parameters involved in determining energy usage and state of charge. Specific details of the voltage measurement module, current measurement module, and ambient temperature measurement module will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0182] The battery monitor can use a combination of the measured battery voltage of the aerosolization session, the measured current of the aerosolization session, and the measured ambient temperature to determine the state of charge, state of health, and internal resistance of the battery. As previously described herein, this information can be used to determine the energy level of the battery (e.g., in joules).

[0183] In step 604, the controller uses the aerosolization session current profile and the modeled parameters of the battery to determine the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered by the battery having the battery's measured energy level after the nth aerosolization session.

[0184] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary equivalent circuit model of the impedance model of a battery used in an aerosol generating device. The modeled battery parameters are the resistance values ​​of the components in the equivalent circuit model (e.g., R in the example of FIG. 7). s , R p1 , R p2 ) and the capacitor value (e.g., C in the example of FIG. 7 p1 , C p2 ) can be.

[0185] In some examples, the controller may update the modeled battery parameters after the nth aerosolization session based on the obtained aerosolization session characteristics of the nth aerosolization session measured using the battery monitor. For example, the modeled battery parameters may be updated based on the internal resistance of the battery measured using the battery monitor. The modeled battery parameters may also be updated using a self-adapting characteristic map. The fitting of the model may be based on the measured voltage response of the battery such that the model is fitted such that the modeled voltage response to a given current and temperature input is the same as the measured voltage response to the input current and temperature.

[0186] The aerosolization session current profile may be a simplified current profile. The current profile may be data representing the applied current from the battery as a function of time during the aerosolization session. The “actual” current profile (i.e., the current profile measured during the aerosolization session) may be highly dynamic in that the current varies over time. The simplified current profile may use one or more current values ​​as a function of time as a simplified representation of the “actual” current profile. FIG. 8 shows an exemplary simplified current profile plot using current 804 as a function of time 802. In this example, the simplified current profile uses two constant current values ​​806-1 and 806-2. In other examples, the simplified current profile may use any suitable number of current values ​​(e.g., 1, 5, or 10). Those skilled in the art will readily understand that any number of constant current values ​​may be used in the simplified current profile, provided that the simplification applies in that there are fewer current values ​​than in the “actual” current profile, where the current values ​​change frequently and dynamically.

[0187] The current profile increases as the battery ages. Because the voltage drop increases (internal resistance increases), more current is required to deliver the same power / energy. Therefore, the simplified current profile can be adapted as the battery ages.

[0188] In one implementation, one simplified current profile may be stored in storage accessible by the controller, which may access and use this simplified current profile to determine the number of aerosolization sessions that may be performed based on the determined energy level of the battery.

[0189] As the battery's state of charge decreases, the current profile applied by the battery for the aerosolization session may change. Therefore, in more advanced implementations, multiple simplified current profiles may be stored in storage accessible by the controller. These simplified current profiles may be stored in a lookup table as a function of the battery's state of charge. That is, simplified current profiles as a function of the battery's state of charge may be stored in storage accessible by the controller. The controller may determine the battery's state of charge using the aerosolization session characteristics and then select the simplified current profile corresponding to the determined state of charge.

[0190] In some examples, the current profile can be derived from the amount of energy required for the aerosolization session, which can be equal to the current profile multiplied by an estimated or expected voltage response.

[0191] The predicted energy usage of future aerosolization sessions can be determined based on the current values ​​as a function of time in the simplified current profile and the impedance values ​​of the battery impedance model based on the modeled battery parameters.

[0192] In one example, the predicted energy usage of a future aerosolization session can be calculated by multiplying the current profile by the expected battery voltage response when the current profile is applied to an impedance model of the battery.

[0193] In another example, the predicted energy usage of a future aerosolization session can be calculated as the product of the square of the current value as a function of time from the simplified current profile and the impedance value of a battery impedance model based on the modeled battery parameters. That is, E Session =ΣI(t) 2 Rt In the formula, E Session where t is the energy used in a single aerosolization session, and R is the impedance based on the modeled parameters of the battery. I(t) is the current value applied over a given time in the simplified current profile, and t is the time the current is applied. Thus, the energy used in an aerosolization session can be calculated as the sum of the square of the current value as a function of time multiplied by the impedance and the time the current value is applied for all current values ​​applied in the simplified current profile.

[0194] The controller can determine the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered by a battery having the battery's measured energy level after the nth aerosolization session by determining the maximum number of aerosolization sessions that can be fully powered at the predicted energy usage of future aerosolization sessions at the battery's measured energy level.

[0195] This can be obtained by dividing the battery's measured energy level by the predicted energy usage of future aerosolization sessions, and the result of this division can then be rounded down to the nearest integer to correspond to the number of future aerosolization sessions that can be fully powered (i.e., ignoring sessions that can only be partially powered).

[0196] Although the above describes using a simplified current profile, the method may also be performed using the "real" current profile, i.e., the current profile of the nth aerosolization session.

[0197] In step 606, the controller controls the aerosol generating device to output the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered on after the nth session.

[0198] Outputting the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered on after the nth session can be performed in the manner described with reference to step 308 of FIG. 3, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0199] In a further refinement to determining the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered after the nth session, the controller can be configured to perform a combination of both the process of FIG. 3 and the process of FIG. 6n.

[0200] This is explained in more detail below with reference to FIG.

[0201] In step 900, the controller may control the flow of power from the battery to the heater of the aerosol generating device to perform the nth aerosolization session, which corresponds to steps 300 and 600 in the processes of Figures 3 and 9, respectively.

[0202] In step 902, the controller may obtain measured aerosolization session characteristics for the nth aerosolization session measured using the battery monitor, which corresponds to step 302 of the process in Figure 3 and measuring the battery energy level after the nth aerosolization session using the battery monitor in step 602 of Figure 6.

[0203] In step 904, the controller may access a relationship of energy usage per aerosolization session as a function of the number of aerosolization sessions performed and update the relationship based on the obtained aerosolization session characteristics for the nth aerosolization session, which corresponds to step 304 of the process of FIG.

[0204] In step 906, the controller may determine a first number of aerosolization sessions that may be powered after the nth session based on the updated relationship of energy usage per aerosolization session as a function of the number of aerosolization sessions performed and the battery energy level. This corresponds to step 306 in Figure 3, and the first number of aerosolization sessions may correspond to the number of aerosolization sessions determined in step 306 in Figure 3.

[0205] In step 908, the controller may use the aerosolization session current profile and the modeled parameters of the battery to determine a second number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered by the battery having the battery's measured energy level after the nth aerosolization session, which corresponds to step 604 of Figure 6, and the second number of aerosolization sessions may correspond to the number of aerosolization sessions determined in step 604 of Figure 6.

[0206] In step 910, the controller may control the aerosol generating device to output the number of aerosolization sessions that may be powered on after the nth session.

[0207] If the first number of aerosolization sessions is different from the second number of aerosolization sessions, the step of controlling the aerosol generating device to output the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered on after the nth session in step 910 includes outputting the smaller of the first number of aerosolization sessions and the second number of aerosolization sessions.

[0208] If the first number of aerosolization sessions is the same as the second number of aerosolization sessions, the step of controlling the aerosol generating device to output the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered on after the nth session in step 910 includes outputting either the first number of aerosolization sessions or the second number of aerosolization sessions (as they are the same number).

[0209] That is, the controller determines whether the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered after the nth session determined by the process of Figure 3 differs from the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered after the nth session determined by the process of Figure 6. If there is a difference, the controller controls the aerosol generating device to output the smaller of the two determined numbers of aerosolization sessions that can be powered. If there is no difference, the controller may be configured to control the aerosol generating device to output either of the two determined numbers of aerosolization sessions that can be powered, since they are the same.

[0210] In this way, if the two processes determine different numbers of aerosolization sessions that can be powered, the smaller of the two is output. Overestimating the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered can lead to frustration for the operator of the aerosol generating device if they are unable to perform the number of aerosolization sessions that the battery predicted it can power. By combining the two processes (described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 6) to determine the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered (as in FIG. 9) and outputting the smaller of the two predictions, the risk of overestimating the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered is reduced. Thus, operator frustration is avoided.

[0211] In some cases, an operator may wish to perform more aerosolization sessions than the battery has determined it can power. To address this issue, the controller can adapt or modify the heating profile used in the aerosolization sessions to increase the number of aerosolization sessions the battery can power. This process is presented in FIG. 10.

[0212] The process of Figure 10 may be used in combination with one of the processes of Figures 3, 6, or 9 in which the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered is determined, or in combination with any other process in which the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered is determined. The process of Figure 10 may be performed by the aerosol generating device described with reference to Figures 1 and 2, or any other suitable type of aerosol generating device.

[0213] In step 1000, the controller measures the energy level of the battery using the battery monitor.

[0214] In step 1002, the controller calculates the number of aerosolization sessions a that can be powered based on the measured energy level of the battery and the expected energy usage per session in the first aerosolization session heating profile, where the value of a is an integer greater than or equal to 0.

[0215] As discussed, a heating profile includes one or more heating steps, each corresponding to heating the heater of the aerosol-generating device to a predetermined target heater temperature value for a predetermined time. FIG. 11 shows an exemplary aerosolization session heating profile. The heating profile is presented as a plot of target heater temperature 1102 as a function of time 1104 in an aerosolization session. In this case, the aerosolization session heating profile has four heating steps, labeled 1106-1, 1106-2, 1106-3, and 1106-4. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that an aerosolization session heating profile can have one or any suitable number of steps. These heating steps correspond to different target temperatures to which the heater is heated for a predetermined time in an aerosolization session. During an aerosolization session, the heater is gradually heated through these target temperatures to aerosolize the aerosol-generating material. In some examples, different heating steps are set to different target temperatures. However, some steps may be set to the same target temperature. Similarly, different heating steps may be timed for different amounts or periods of time in an aerosolization session, however, some steps may be timed for the same amount or period of time in an aerosolization session.

[0216] The first aerosolization session heating profile may be that of the normal operating mode of the aerosol generating device.

[0217] The number a of aerosolization sessions that can be powered when the first aerosolization session heating profile is applied can be determined using the methods of Figures 3, 6, and 9. Alternatively, any other suitable method can be used to determine the number of aerosolization sessions that the battery can power. For example, the controller can measure the battery energy level using a battery monitor and divide the measured battery energy level by a predetermined, fixed, expected energy usage per session associated with the first aerosolization session heating profile. This value can then be rounded down to the nearest number of cycles that can be fully powered.

[0218] In step 1004, the controller receives a command to enter an eco mode in which a+b aerosolization sessions can be performed, where b is an integer greater than or equal to 1. An aerosolization session in eco mode uses less battery energy than an aerosolization session not in eco mode. That is, an aerosolization session in eco mode can be considered an aerosolization session that uses battery energy more economically than an aerosolization session in non-eco mode or normal operating mode. This allows for more aerosolization sessions to be performed than in normal operating mode.

[0219] In step 1006, in response to the command to enter eco mode, the controller incrementally changes the aerosolization session heating profile and recalculates the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered based on the measured energy level of the battery and the expected energy usage per session for each of the incrementally changed aerosolization session heating profile, until a second aerosolization session heating profile is determined that will allow a+b aerosolization sessions to be performed.

[0220] An aerosolization session performed using the second aerosolization session heating profile uses less battery energy than the first aerosolization session heating profile, i.e., the first aerosolization session heating profile is used in a normal operating mode, while the second aerosolization session heating profile is used in an eco mode (or low power mode) that uses less energy so that more aerosolization sessions can be performed for a given energy level of the battery.

[0221] In some examples, b may have a value of one (b=1). In such examples, when eco mode is initiated, the controller determines a change to the aerosolization session heating profile necessary to enable the battery to power one more aerosolization session than the battery could have powered using the first aerosolization session heating profile. Additionally or alternatively, b may have a value of two (b=2). In this case, when eco mode is initiated, the controller determines a change to the aerosolization session heating profile necessary to enable the battery to power two more aerosolization sessions than the battery could have powered using the first aerosolization session heating profile.

[0222] In some examples, the aerosol generating device may be switchable between a normal operating mode in which a aerosolization session may be powered and multiple eco modes in which a+b aerosolization sessions may be powered. For example, the aerosol generating device may be configured to operate in different eco modes in which different numbers of additional aerosolization sessions may be powered. In such an example, there may be a first eco mode (b=1) in which one additional aerosolization session may be powered, and a second eco mode (b=2) in which two additional aerosolization sessions may be powered. In this example, the normal operating mode uses more energy per aerosolization session than both the first eco mode and the second eco mode. The first eco mode uses more energy per aerosolization session than the second eco mode, but less energy than the aerosolization session of the normal operating mode. The second eco mode uses less energy per aerosolization session than both the first eco mode and the normal operating mode.

[0223] However, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the same method can be applied to modify the aerosolization session heating profile to power three or more additional aerosolization sessions in eco mode.

[0224] The aerosol generating device may have means for switching between normal and eco mode of operation. In one example, this may be a button that, when pressed, triggers eco mode.

[0225] To determine the second aerosolization session heating profile, the controller may incrementally change the aerosolization session heating profile by incrementally decreasing the target heater temperature of the aerosolization session heating profile. Alternatively or additionally, the controller may incrementally change the aerosolization session heating profile by incrementally shortening or adjusting the length of time of the aerosolization session heating profile.

[0226] These incremental changes to the aerosolization heating profile can include predetermined changes to one or more of the heating steps, which can be stored in storage accessible by the controller.

[0227] More specifically, each predetermined change to one or more of the plurality of heating steps may include a predetermined decrease in the target heater temperature of one or more of the heating steps or a predetermined adjustment to the time of one or more of the heating steps.

[0228] As described with respect to Figure 11, an aerosolization session heating profile can have multiple heating steps. Modifications to an aerosolization session heating profile can include modifying a heating step by lowering the target temperature of the heating step or adjusting the length of time that the heating step is applied.

[0229] In some examples, the modification may include adjusting the target temperature of a heating step or the length of time that the heating step is applied. In other examples, the modification may include adjusting both the target temperature of a heating step and the length of time that the heating step is applied. In yet other examples, the modification may include adjusting the target temperatures of two or more heating steps and / or the length of time that two or more heating steps are applied.

[0230] When changing the aerosolization session heating profile, in a first change, the controller may change the first heating step by reducing the target heater temperature and / or adjusting the length of time the step is applied, and then in a second change after the first change, the controller may change the second heating step (which may be the same or different from the first heating step) by reducing the target heater temperature and / or adjusting the length of time the step is applied.

[0231] Adjusting the time that one or more heating steps are applied can include shortening the length of time that a heating step is applied. In some examples, the controller can adjust the time that one heating step is applied to shorten the overall time of the aerosolization session, thereby reducing the energy required for the aerosolization session.

[0232] In another example of a predetermined adjustment to the duration of one or more of the heating steps, the controller may shorten the length of time that each heating step is applied. For example, this may be effected by shortening each heating step by a predetermined number of seconds or a predetermined percentage. Again, this shortens the overall duration of the aerosolization session, thereby reducing the energy required for the aerosolization session.

[0233] Adjusting the time for which one or more heating steps are applied can also include increasing the length of time for which one or more heating steps are applied. Increasing the length of time for which a heating step is applied in the preheating stage can allow for a more gradual preheating that uses less energy than a faster (i.e., shorter in terms of time) preheating stage. This, in turn, reduces the energy required for the aerosolization session.

[0234] The incremental changes may have a predetermined preferred order in which they are applied. That is, modifying the aerosolization session heating profile may include applying the incremental changes in a preferred order until a second aerosolization session heating profile is determined for which a+b aerosolization sessions may be performed. This preferred order may be stored in storage accessible by the controller.

[0235] In one example of this prioritization or preferred order for changes to the aerosolization session heating profile, the controller may apply changes in the following order until it is determined that a+b sessions can be performed: 1. Reduce the second heating step by 20°C, then 2. Decrease the third heating step by 30°C, then 3. Decrease the first heating step by 10°C, then 4. Reduce the overall session duration by 20 seconds.

[0236] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that this preferred order is only one example, and that in other examples, the heating steps and overall session duration may be varied in different orders and by different amounts.

[0237] For each incremental change to the aerosolization session heating profile, the controller determines the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered based on the measured battery energy level. In one example, this can be obtained by dividing the measured battery energy level by the expected energy usage of an aerosolization session using the changed aerosolization session heating profile. This value can then be rounded down to the nearest number of aerosolization sessions that can be fully powered.

[0238] In this manner, applying the changes incrementally minimizes the impact on the overall aerosolization session compared to, for example, applying a much larger constant reduction / adjustment to the heating profile to ensure a significant reduction in energy usage. Applying the changes incrementally allows for fine tuning of the changes, such that the heating profile only needs to be adjusted by an amount necessary to be able to power a+b aerosolization sessions. Beneficially, this allows for a balance between providing a+b aerosolization sessions and not unnecessarily detrimentally impacting the quality of the aerosolization sessions when achieving a+b aerosolization sessions.

[0239] Gradually changing the aerosolization session heating profile and recalculating the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered can involve executing a loop. Figure 12 shows a flow chart of such a loop.

[0240] In the loop, the controller may first change the aerosolization session heating profile to a modified aerosolization session heating profile by incremental changes in step 1200. Next, the controller may determine an expected energy usage of an aerosolization session using the modified aerosolization session heating profile in step 1202. Next, in step 1204, the controller may determine a number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered based on the expected energy usage of an aerosolization session using the modified aerosolization session heating profile. In step 1206, the controller may determine whether the number of aerosolization sessions that can be performed is a+b aerosolization sessions. If a+b aerosolization sessions can be performed, the process proceeds to step 1208, where the controller may then designate the modified aerosolization session heating profile, with which a+b aerosolization sessions can be performed, as the second aerosolization session heating profile. If a+b sessions cannot be performed (i.e., only a sessions can be performed), the loop is repeated by returning to step 1200. The loop is repeated until a modified aerosolization session heating profile is determined in which the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered is a+b based on the expected energy usage of an aerosolization session using the modified aerosolization session heating profile.

[0241] Determining the expected energy usage of an aerosolization session using the modified aerosolization session heating profile may include determining an integrated aerosolization session heating profile value for the modified aerosolization session heating profile by integrating the target heater temperature values ​​as a function of time in the modified aerosolization session heating profile. The controller may then determine the expected energy usage of an aerosolization session performed using the modified aerosolization session heating profile based on a predetermined relationship between the integrated aerosolization session heating profile value and the expected energy usage in the aerosolization session. This predetermined relationship may be stored in storage accessible by the controller.

[0242] The integrated aerosolization session heating profile value can be calculated by the controller and is conceptually understood as the area 1108 under the heating profile temperature line, such as that in the plot of target heater temperature 1102 as a function of time 1104 of the heating profile in FIG. 11.

[0243] In a further refinement, determining the expected energy usage of an aerosolization session using the modified aerosolization session heating profile may include normalizing the determined integrated aerosolization session heating profile value to determine a normalized integrated aerosolization session heating profile value. The expected energy usage of an aerosolization session performed using the modified aerosolization session heating profile may then be determined based on a predetermined relationship between the normalized integrated aerosolization session heating profile value and the expected energy usage in the aerosolization session. This predetermined relationship may be stored in storage accessible by the controller.

[0244] The integrated aerosolization session heating profile value can be normalized to a predetermined value, such as a maximum integrated aerosolization session heating profile value. The maximum integrated aerosolization session heating profile value is the integrated aerosolization session heating profile value of an aerosolization session heating profile that uses the maximum amount of power or energy when used in an aerosolization session. That is, the normalized integrated aerosolization session heating profile value has a maximum value of 1, which is for the maximum power aerosolization session heating profile.

[0245] The normalized integrated aerosolization session heating profile value may be determined by dividing the integrated aerosolization session heating profile value of the stepped aerosolization session heating profile by the maximum integrated aerosolization session heating profile value.

[0246] As the aerosolization session heating profile is incrementally changed, the target heater temperature is reduced and / or the length of time is gradually adjusted for the heating step, causing the normalized integrated aerosolization session heating profile value to decrease from a maximum value of 1. This is because these incremental changes gradually decrease the expected energy usage in an aerosolization session using the altered heating profile.

[0247] Figure 13 shows a plot of energy consumption per aerosolization session 1304 as a function of the normalized integral of the aerosolization session heating profile 1302. As can be seen from Figure 13, there is a linear relationship 1306 between the energy consumption per aerosolization session 1304 and the normalized integral of the aerosolization session heating profile 1302.

[0248] This linear relationship can be used by the controller to determine the expected energy usage in an aerosolization session for each incrementally modified aerosolization session heating profile.

[0249] For example, a lookup table may be stored in storage accessible by the controller, where expected energy usage values ​​may be stored along with the normalized integral values ​​of each of the aerosolization session heating profiles. In this manner, the controller may determine the normalized integral value of the stepped aerosolization session heating profile and then use the stepped aerosolization session heating profile to look up the expected energy usage of the aerosolization session.

[0250] In an alternative to the lookup table approach, the controller may calculate the expected energy usage for an aerosolization session using a predetermined relationship between the normalized integral of the aerosolization session heating profile and the expected energy usage for an aerosolization session using the aerosolization session heating profile. In one example, this predetermined relationship may be the equation for the linear fitting line in FIG. 13. That is, the expected energy usage may be calculated as the slope of the fitting line multiplied by the normalized integral of the aerosolization session heating profile plus a constant.

[0251] In summary, in step 1006 of FIG. 10 , the controller may apply incremental (i.e., stepped) changes to the aerosolization session heating profile by adjusting the heating steps of the heating profile. The controller may then calculate the integral of the modified aerosolization session heating profile and normalize the integral. The controller may then use a lookup or a predetermined relationship to determine expected energy usage in an aerosolization session using the modified aerosolization session heating profile and use this modified aerosolization session heating profile to determine the number of aerosolization sessions that may be performed based on the measured battery level. If the number of aerosolization sessions that may be performed is not a+b (i.e., the number is a), subsequent changes may be made to the aerosolization session heating profile until it is determined that a+b aerosolization sessions may be performed. If the number of aerosolization sessions that may be performed is a+b, the modified aerosolization session heating profile is used as the second aerosolization profile for Eco mode.

[0252] In an alternative, rather than normalizing the integral value of the aerosolization session heating profile, a look-up table of predetermined values ​​of expected energy usage for different modified aerosolization session heating profiles can be used.

[0253] In step 1008, the controller controls the aerosol generating device to perform an aerosolization session using a second aerosolization session heating profile that may perform a+b aerosolization sessions.

[0254] In this way, by changing the aerosolization session heating profile, a+b sessions can be performed for a given energy level of the battery, rather than just a sessions.

[0255] The controller may be further configured to control the aerosol generating device to output an indication that the aerosol generating device has entered eco mode.

[0256] In some examples, the aerosol generating device may include a display screen, and outputting an indication that the aerosol generating device has entered eco mode may include displaying the indication on such screen.

[0257] FIG. 14A shows an exemplary instruction that may be output on the display screen when the aerosol generating device is operating in normal mode (i.e., not operating in eco mode). In this example, a=5, so "5" is displayed. FIG. 14B shows an exemplary instruction that may be output on the display screen when the aerosol generating device is operating in a first eco mode with b=1. In this example, a=5 and b=1, so "5+1" is displayed. That is, the instruction indicates the number of sessions (a) that may be powered on in normal operating mode and the additional number of sessions (b) that may be powered on due to the eco mode being triggered. Similarly, FIG. 14C shows an exemplary instruction that may be output on the display screen when the aerosol generating device is operating in a second eco mode with b=2. In this example, a=5 and b=2, so "5+2" is displayed. While the example uses values ​​of a=5 and b=1 or b=2, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that other suitable numbers representing the number of available aerosolization sessions may be displayed instead.

[0258] In other examples, the aerosol generating device may be paired with an external device, such as a smartphone, by a wireless connection, such as Bluetooth, or a wired connection via a physical interface. In such examples, outputting an indication that the aerosol generating device has entered the eco mode may include transmitting data corresponding to the eco mode being triggered to the external device, in which case the external device may be used to indicate that the aerosol generating device has entered the eco mode in a manner similar to that shown in Figures 14A-14C.

[0259] In some examples, the controller can be configured so that the eco mode can be triggered only if the battery of the aerosol generating device can power a number of aerosolization sessions equal to or less than a threshold number of sessions. In one example, the threshold can be five sessions. In this way, an operator cannot enter the eco mode unnecessarily, thereby preventing the operator from unnecessarily reducing the quality of the aerosolization sessions.

[0260] While the above examples of processes described with reference to Figures 3, 6, 9, and 10 have been described in the context of an aerosol-generating device configured to aerosolize an aerosol-generating consumable, such as a tobacco-containing tobacco rod, the present teachings may be equally applied to "e-vapor" type aerosol-generating devices in which a liquid-based aerosol-generating material is vaporized or aerosolized, for example, using a wicking material and a heater. In such examples, an aerosolization session may be considered a single "puff." The present teachings may also be applied to aerosol-generating devices configured to generate a single puff by heating tobacco.

[0261] In the above examples, the processing steps described herein performed by the controller may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium or storage associated with the controller. Computer-readable media may include non-volatile media and volatile media. Volatile media may include semiconductor memory and dynamic memory, among others. Non-volatile media may include optical disks and magnetic disks, among others.

[0262] As will be readily understood by those skilled in the art, the preceding embodiments in the above description are not limiting, and the features of each embodiment may be incorporated into other embodiments as needed.

Claims

1. 1. An aerosol generating device comprising a battery, a controller, and a battery monitor, the aerosol generating device configured to aerosolize a tobacco rod, the controller comprising: controlling the flow of power from the battery to the heater of the aerosol generating device to maintain the heater at an aerosolization temperature for a predetermined time to perform an n-th aerosolization session, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 1, including heating a tobacco rod received in the aerosol generating device without burning the tobacco rod; obtaining aerosolization session characteristics for the nth aerosolization session measured using the battery monitor; accessing a relationship of energy usage per aerosolization session as a function of the number of aerosolization sessions performed, and updating the relationship based on the obtained aerosolization session characteristics of the nth aerosolization session, wherein the relationship is stored in storage accessible by the controller; determining a number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered after the nth aerosolization session based on the updated relationship of energy usage per aerosolization session as a function of number of aerosolization sessions performed and an energy level of the battery; controlling the aerosol generating device to output the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered after the nth session. The aerosol generating device is configured as follows.

2. The battery monitor a voltage measurement module configured to measure a voltage of the battery for an aerosolization session, wherein the obtained aerosolization session characteristics for the nth aerosolization session include a battery voltage for the nth aerosolization session measured by the voltage measurement module; and / or a current measurement module configured to measure a current output by the battery during an aerosolization session, wherein the acquired aerosolization session characteristics for the nth aerosolization session include a current output by the battery in the nth aerosolization session measured by the current measurement module. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , comprising:

3. 3. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the battery monitor comprises an ambient temperature measurement module configured to measure the ambient temperature near the aerosol generating device during an aerosolization session, and the aerosolization session characteristics of the nth aerosolization session include the ambient temperature measured by the ambient temperature measurement module during the nth aerosolization session.

4. 4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the nth aerosolization session is the last completed aerosolization session.

5. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the relationship of energy usage per aerosolization session as a function of the number of aerosolization sessions performed includes predetermined values ​​of energy usage per aerosolization session in a series of aerosolization sessions performed consecutively.

6. 6. The aerosol generating device of claim 5, wherein the controller is configured to update the relationship of energy usage per session as a function of the number of aerosolization sessions performed by updating an energy usage value for the nth aerosolization session determined from the aerosolization session characteristics and applying a fitting algorithm to the relationship of energy usage per session as a function of the number of aerosolization sessions performed that includes the updated energy usage value for the nth aerosolization session.

7. The aerosol generating device of claim 6, wherein the controller is configured to determine the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered after the nth session by calculating the number of future sessions that can be powered after the nth session based on the updated relationship of energy usage per session as a function of the number of aerosolization sessions performed for future aerosolization sessions after the nth session and the energy level of the battery.

8. 8. The aerosol generating device of claim 6 or 7, wherein the fitting algorithm comprises a recursive least squares fitting algorithm.

9. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the fitting algorithm includes a smoothing function configured to apply a higher weighting to energy usage values ​​determined at room temperature conditions than to energy values ​​determined at non-room temperature conditions.

10. the controller is configured to determine an energy offset value between the fitted relationship of energy usage per session as a function of the number of aerosolization sessions performed, including the updated energy usage value for the nth aerosolization session, and fitted data representing expected energy usage per session as a function of the number of aerosolization sessions performed before any aerosolization session is performed; An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the aerosol generating device is controlled to output a notification when the energy offset value exceeds a predetermined energy offset value, the notification including an instruction to clean the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device.

11. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the controller is configured to control the aerosol generating device to output, using a display associated with the aerosol generating device, the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered on after the nth session.

12. the determined number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered after the nth session based on the updated relationship of energy usage per aerosolization session as a function of number of aerosolization sessions performed and the energy level of the battery is a first number of aerosolization sessions; The controller: using the battery monitor to measure the energy level of the battery after the nth aerosolization session; determining a second number of aerosolization sessions, the second number of aerosolization sessions being determined by using a current profile of the aerosolization sessions and modeled battery parameters to determine a number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered by the battery at the measured energy level of the battery after the nth aerosolization session; Comparing the first number of aerosolization sessions to the second number of aerosolization sessions. It is configured as follows: controlling the aerosol generating device to output the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered after the nth session; if the first number of aerosolization sessions is different from the second number of aerosolization sessions, outputting the smaller of the first number of aerosolization sessions and the second number of aerosolization sessions; if the first number of aerosolization sessions is the same as the second number of aerosolization sessions, outputting either the first number of aerosolization sessions or the second number of aerosolization sessions.

12. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, comprising:

13. The aerosol generating device of claim 12, wherein the controller is further configured to update the modeled battery parameters after the nth aerosolization session based on the acquired aerosolization session characteristics of the nth aerosolization session measured using the battery monitor.

14. 1. A method of operating an aerosol generating device comprising a battery, a controller, and a battery monitor, the aerosol generating device being configured to aerosolize a tobacco rod, the method comprising: controlling, with the controller, a flow of power from the battery to the heater of the aerosol generating device to maintain the heater at an aerosolization temperature for a predetermined time to perform an n-th aerosolization session, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 1, including heating the tobacco rod received in the aerosol generating device without burning the tobacco rod; obtaining, with the controller, aerosolization session characteristics of the nth aerosolization session measured using the battery monitor; and accessing, with the controller, a relationship of energy usage per aerosolization session as a function of the number of aerosolization sessions performed and updating the relationship based on the obtained aerosolization session characteristics of the nth aerosolization session, wherein the relationship is stored in storage accessible by the controller; determining, by the controller, the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered after the nth aerosolization session based on the updated relationship of energy usage per aerosolization session as a function of the number of aerosolization sessions performed and the energy level of the battery; controlling the aerosol generating device by the controller to output the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered after the nth session; A method comprising:

15. 1. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions executable by one or more processors of an aerosol-generating device configured to aerosolize a tobacco rod, the aerosol-generating device comprising a battery, a controller, and a battery monitor, the instructions causing the one or more processors to: using the controller to control the flow of power from the battery to the heater of the aerosol generating device to perform an n-th aerosolization session, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 1, including maintaining the heater at an aerosolization temperature for a predetermined time and heating a tobacco rod received in the aerosol generating device without burning the tobacco rod; acquiring, with the controller, aerosolization session characteristics of the nth aerosolization session measured using the battery monitor; accessing, with a controller, a relationship of energy usage per aerosolization session as a function of the number of aerosolization sessions performed and updating the relationship based on the obtained aerosolization session characteristics of the nth aerosolization session, wherein the relationship is stored in storage accessible by the controller; determining, by the controller, the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered after the nth aerosolization session based on the updated relationship of energy usage per aerosolization session as a function of the number of aerosolization sessions performed and the energy level of the battery; controlling the aerosol generating device with the controller to output the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered after the nth session; A non-transitory computer-readable medium for causing execution of steps including:

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