Aerosol supply system

Abstract

This provides a method for tracking the inventory of aerosolizable materials for non-flammable aerosol supply systems. [Solution] A method for tracking the inventory of aerosolizable materials for a non-flammable aerosol supply system includes the steps of: receiving an input indicating a change in the user's inventory of aerosolizable materials; and updating a stored indication of the inventory of aerosolizable materials based on the input indicating the change.

Description

Technical Field

[0001]

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of aerosol supply systems. More particularly, but not exclusively, this disclosure relates to managing the supply (inventory) of aerosolizable materials for non-combustible aerosol supply systems.

Background Art

[0002]

[0002] A "non-combustible" aerosol supply system is an aerosol supply system in which the aerosol-forming material that makes up the aerosol supply system (or a component thereof) does not burn or ignite in order to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0003]

[0003] The non-combustible aerosol supply system may be an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or an electronic nicotine delivery system (END:electronic nicotine delivery), but it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-forming material is not a requirement.

[0004]

[0004] The non-combustible aerosol supply system may be an aerosol-forming material heating system, also known as a non-combustion heating system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0005]

[0005] The non-combustible aerosol supply system may be a hybrid system that uses a combination of aerosol-forming materials to generate an aerosol, and one or more of the materials may be heated. Each of the aerosol-forming materials may be in the form of, for example, a solid, a liquid, or a gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. The hybrid system may include a liquid or gel aerosol-forming material and a solid aerosol-forming material. The solid aerosol-forming material may include, for example, tobacco or non-tobacco products.

[0006]

[0006] Typically, a non-flammable aerosol supply system may include a non-flammable aerosol supply device and consumables for use with the non-flammable aerosol supply device.

[0007]

[0007] A non-flammable aerosol supply system, for example, a non-flammable aerosol supply device, may include a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, an electrical power source or a heat source. The heat source includes a carbon substrate that can provide energy to supply power in the form of heat to an aerosolizable material or heat transfer material adjacent to the heat source.

[0008]

[0008] The non-flammable aerosol supply system may include a region for receiving consumables, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating region, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0009]

[0009] Consumables for use in a non-flammable aerosol supply device may include aerosol generating material, aerosol generating material storage area, aerosol generating material transfer component, aerosol generator, aerosol generating area, housing, wrapper, filter, mouthpiece, and / or aerosol modifier.

[0010]

[0010] Known approaches are described in International Publication No. 2014199233, International Publication No. 2015128665, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017027229, International Publication No. 2015138589, International Publication No. 2019060305, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20140246035, International Publication No. 2014058678, International Publication No. 2012027350, European Patent Application Publication No. 3210481, International Publication No. 2020229045, U.S. Patent No. 9877505, and U.S. Patent No. 9888725. [Overview of the project]

[0011]

[0011] In a first aspect, a method is provided for tracking an inventory of aerosolizable materials for a non-flammable aerosol supply system, comprising the steps of: receiving an input indicating a change in a user's inventory of aerosolizable materials; and updating a stored indication of the inventory of aerosolizable materials based on the input indicating the change.

[0012]

[0012] In a second aspect, a user device is provided, comprising a processor configured to receive input indicating a change in the user's inventory of aerosolizable materials, and to update a stored instruction for the inventory of aerosolizable materials based on the input indicating the change.

[0013]

[0013] In a third aspect, a computer-readable medium containing instructions is provided, the instructions causing the computing device, when executed by a processing circuit of the computing device, to receive an input indicating a change in the user's inventory of aerosolizable materials, and to update a stored instruction for the inventory of aerosolizable materials based on the input indicating the change.

[0014]

[0014] Next, embodiments and examples of the approach of the present invention will be described as merely examples with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a non-flammable aerosol supply system. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a user device. [Figure 3] This flowchart shows how to track the inventory of aerosolizable materials for non-flammable aerosol supply systems. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows how to address situations where the inventory of aerosolizable materials falls below a threshold. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows how to track the inventory of aerosolizable materials, which updates the memory elements on the pod. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows a method for managing the supply of aerosolizable materials for a non-flammable aerosol supply system. [Figure 7] This is a diagram illustrating a method for tracking the use of aerosolizable materials in a non-flammable aerosol supply system. [Figure 8A] This figure shows an exemplary inventory of aerosolizable materials. [Figure 8B] This figure shows an exemplary inventory of aerosolizable materials. [Figure 8C] This figure shows an exemplary inventory of aerosolizable materials. [Figure 8D] This figure shows an exemplary inventory of aerosolizable materials. [Figure 8E] This figure shows an exemplary inventory of aerosolizable materials. [Figure 9A] This is a schematic diagram showing the user interface used to manage the supply of aerosolizable materials for a non-flammable aerosol supply system. [Figure 9B] This is a schematic diagram showing the user interface used to manage the supply of aerosolizable materials for a non-flammable aerosol supply system. [Figure 9C] This is a schematic diagram showing the user interface used to manage the supply of aerosolizable materials for a non-flammable aerosol supply system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016]

[0024] The approach described herein is capable of various modifications and alternative forms, but specific embodiments are shown in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, the drawings and their detailed description are not intended to limit the scope to the specific forms disclosed, but rather, the scope is intended to include all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives within the spirit and scope defined by the appended claims.

[0017]

[0025] A non-combustible aerosol supply system is used with a consumable aerosol generating material, referred to herein as an aerosolizable material. This can be provided to the non-combustible aerosol supply system in many ways, but typically, the non-combustible aerosol supply system can be used with a pod containing the aerosolizable material, and the pod itself may be disposable or refillable.

[0018]

[0026] However, the aerosolizable material is provided to the non-combustible aerosol supply system and is consumed through the use of this system. Since the aerosolizable material is consumed in this way, the user's supply of aerosolizable material may deplete over time, and when this supply is exhausted, the user may not be able to use the non-combustible aerosol supply system until the supply is replenished.

[0019]

[0027] To reduce the likelihood of depleting the aerosolizable material, the techniques described herein enable the user to manage the supply of aerosolizable material by tracking the inventory of the aerosolizable material in various ways, determining whether the user's supply of aerosolizable material is sufficient for use, and / or recording and monitoring how the user is using the non-combustible aerosol supply system.

[0020]

[0028] In this way, users are provided with greater control over the supply of aerosolizable materials, thereby reducing the likelihood of the supply being depleted. The technology described herein also provides convenient mechanisms for users to order additional aerosolizable materials or take other proactive measures to prevent the depletion of aerosolizable materials.

[0021]

[0029] It will be understood that the approach of the present invention involves the transmission of data to and from a non-flammable aerosol supply system, and the processing of data stored and / or received by the non-flammable aerosol supply system. Furthermore, this approach requires that the user device be able to communicate with the non-flammable aerosol supply system. Such a user device may also be able to communicate with other services or systems. Therefore, to illustrate a suitable device for providing such functionality, an exemplary non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 and an exemplary user device 40 are shown with respect to Figures 1 and 2, respectively.

[0022]

[0030] An example of a non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 is schematically shown in Figure 1. As shown, the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 is a device that includes elements related to aerosol generation, such as an aerosol medium container or cartridge 12 (in the case of an END device, the aerosol medium container or cartridge 12 contains nicotine or a nicotine-bearing formulation), an aerosol generation chamber 14, and an outlet 16 from which the generated aerosol can be discharged. A battery 18 may be provided to power a heat-generating element (e.g., a heater 20) in (or functionally adjacent to) the aerosol generation chamber 14. The battery 18 may also power a processor / controller 22, which can serve the purposes of device use, such as activating the device for aerosol generation in response to a start trigger, as well as for communication and function control purposes. The processor / controller 22 may have access to a memory 24, which may be used to store operational instructions for the processor / controller 22. Memory 24 may also be used to store data describing the operating conditions and / or states of the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 and / or one or more of its components. Memory 24 may be located inside the processor / controller 22 or provided as an additional separate physical element.

[0023]

[0031] To perform the transmission and reception of data and / or messaging, the processor / controller 22 is provided with a transmitter / receiver element 26. The transmitter / receiver element 26 enables the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 to communicate with connected devices using connectivity technologies such as personal area network protocols. Examples of personal area network protocols include Bluetooth®, Bluetooth Low Energy® (BLE), Zigbee®, Wireless USB, and Near Field Communication (NFC). Examples of personal area network protocols also include protocols that utilize optical communication, such as infrared data association (IrDA) and data over sound. Other wireless technologies, such as Wi-Fi® technology, may be used if the non-flammable aerosol supply system has the appropriate capabilities. In other examples, the transmitter / receiver element 26 may be configured to provide a wired communication channel between the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 and the physical port of the connected device. Such wired communication channels may utilize physical connection technologies such as USB®, serial ports, FireWire®, or other point-to-point wired connections. The remainder of this description uses BLE as an example and employs BLE technology terminology, but it will be understood that these may be replaced with corresponding or equivalent functions of other personal area network technologies. Therefore, in this example, the transmitter / receiver element 26 is a BLE interface element that includes or is connected to a wireless antenna for wireless communication. In other examples, such as those shown above, this may be an interface element for alternative wireless technologies and / or a wired connection interface.

[0024]

[0032] Any communication established with a connected device may be non-permanent or temporary, meaning that the channel may be established for the duration necessary for the channel to perform a particular function, but may be disconnected when not needed. For this reason, such a connected device is referred to herein as a user device, meaning that the device is likely to be utilized and / or controlled by the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 and the user of the connected device. An example of such a user device (which may also be called a remote device in the sense that the device is separate from the non-flammable aerosol supply system, or an intermediate device in the sense that the device is between the non-flammable aerosol supply system and the unlocking / age verification service) is described below with reference to Figure 2.

[0025]

[0033] Returning to the description of Figure 1, the processor / controller 22 may, in one example, be an STM32 microcontroller based on an ARM® Cortex®-M processor, provided by STMicroelectronics. In other examples, alternative microcontrollers or processors may be used, which may be based on ARM® and Atom® architectures or other low-power processor technologies. Alternatively or additionally, the transmitter / receiver element 26 may, in one example, include an nRF BLE chip to work with the processor / controller to provide BLE connectivity to a non-flammable aerosol supply system. In other examples, other communication interface chips or modules may be introduced to provide connectivity services.

[0026]

[0034] As shown in the figure, the processor / controller 22 may be connected, for example, to an aerosol medium container or cartridge 12, an aerosol generation chamber 14, and a battery 18. This connection may be to an interface connection or output from some of the components, and / or to a sensor located in or within some of the components. These connections allow the processor to access the properties of each component. For example, the battery connection may be used to control the activation of a non-flammable aerosol supply system for aerosol generation.

[0027]

[0035] Further functions of the processor / controller 22 and / or memory 24 will be described by referring to the following example of this approach.

[0028]

[0036] An example of a user device 40 is schematically shown in Figure 2. The user device may be a mobile phone (cell phone) or tablet or other device belonging to the user (and / or owner) of the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10. As shown in the figure, the user device 40 includes a receiver-transmitter element 42 for communicating with the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10. Thus, the receiver-transmitter element 42 is configured to use the same connections and protocols, etc., as the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 with which it interacts in any given implementation. Thus, in this example, the receiver-transmitter element 42 is a BLE interface element that includes or is connected to a wireless antenna for wireless communication. In other examples as shown above, this may be an interface element for alternative wireless technologies and / or a wired connection interface.

[0029]

[0037] The receiver-transmitter element 42 is connected to a processor or controller 44 that can receive and process data or messaging received from the non-flammable aerosol supply system. The processor or controller 44 can access memory 46 that can be used to store program information and / or data. The user device 40 may also include a further data transmission interface 48. This interface may provide one or more interface functions to wired connections, such as wired local area networks, and / or wireless connections, such as wireless local area networks and / or cellular data services. This interface may be used, for example, to send and receive messaging to and from various other devices, computer systems, and / or computer services, where required in any particular implementation. In addition to, or instead of, this interface may be used for communications related to other functions of the user device 40 that are not related to the operation of the non-flammable aerosol supply system or interaction with it.

[0030]

[0038] The user device 40 also includes a user interface element which includes an output device 50 (which may include one or more of a display, audio output, and haptic output) and an input device 52 (which may include one or more of a button, key, touch sensor display element, or mouse / trackpad).

[0031]

[0039] The user device 40 may be pre-programmed or configured to provide functionality according to the approach described below. Alternatively or additionally, the user device may store software (for example, in memory 46) such as an app that causes the processor or controller 44 to have those functions when the software is executed. Thus, the user device may be a multipurpose device having the functions described when the app is executed.

[0032]

[0040] Software for programming a user device with the techniques described herein may be embodied or coded on a computer-readable medium, such as a computer-readable storage medium containing instructions. Instructions embodied or coded on a computer-readable medium may cause a programmable processor or other processor to execute the Method, for example, when the instructions are executed. Computer-readable media may include non-temporary computer-readable storage media and temporary communication media, such as carrier signal and transmission media. Computer-readable storage media may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, hard disk, CD-ROM, floppy disk, cassette, magnetic media, optical media, or other computer-readable storage media. The term "computer-readable storage medium" refers to a physical storage medium. Temporary communication media may occur between components of a single computing system (for example, on an internal link or bus between memory and a processor) or between separate computing systems (for example, via a network or other inter-computing device connection), and may include transmission signals, carrier waves, etc.

[0033]

[0041] Such software may be loaded directly onto the user device 40 from a computer-readable medium, or it may be loaded onto the user device by connecting the user device to another computing device (e.g., a desktop computer, a laptop computer, etc.) and using software on the other computing device to control the loading of the software onto the user device.

[0034]

[0042] The above describes a non-flammable aerosol supply system and user device that can interact with each other to provide users with many additional functions for the non-flammable aerosol supply system. Examples of such functions are described below.

[0035]

[0043] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing a method for tracking the inventory of aerosolizable materials for a non-flammable aerosol supply system.

[0036]

[0044] The user's aerosolizable material inventory refers to the amount of aerosolizable material available to the user. In some cases, this may be the total amount of aerosolizable material owned by the user, which may be divided into several pods of aerosolizable material. In this case, the inventory may specify the level of aerosolizable material in each pod, or it may specify the total amount of aerosolizable material across the entire set of pods without any indication of which pod the material is in. In some examples, the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 operates with refillable pods, and the inventory represents the amount of refillable liquid. In yet another example, the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 includes a reservoir for storing aerosolizable material, and therefore the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 may operate without using any pods at all. In such an example, the inventory may represent the total amount of fluid (aerosolizable material) that the user has in the reservoir, and the fluid (aerosolizable material) that is stored separately to refill the reservoir. The inventory of aerosolizable materials is described in more detail below, referring to Figures 8A to 8E.

[0037]

[0045] As shown in Figure 3, in step S31, an input is received indicating a change in the user's inventory of aerosolizable materials. This input can take many forms and may differ depending on the cause of the change in the user's inventory.

[0038]

[0046] In some examples, the input is user input indicating a change in the user's inventory, entered, for example, on the user device 40. For example, the user may enter the number of pods of aerosolizable material purchased on the user device 40. This would then correspond to an increase in the user's aerosolizable material inventory. User input may also indicate a decrease in the aerosolizable material inventory. For example, the user may specify that the currently indicated aerosolizable material inventory is too high and should be revised downwards, for example, if the user has dropped / lost a pod or used a pod in another device. By supporting user input in this way, the user device 40 can maintain an accurate inventory that reflects the user's actual inventory, which may not be possible if only automated means for detecting inventory changes are used. That is, while automated techniques for detecting changes in the user's aerosolizable material supply can often provide seamless inventory tracking, there are some events that can lead to inventory changes that cannot always be adequately detected even with such automated techniques. Therefore, by supporting user input to indicate inventory changes, the user can maintain an accurate indication of the amount of aerosolizable material available.

[0039]

[0047] Alternatively or additionally, the input indicating the change in the user's inventory received in step S31 may be received from the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 itself. Since the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 causes consumption of the aerosolizable material, the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 may track its consumption and indicate the change to the user device. For example, the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 may identify the amount of aerosolizable material consumed based on user use and communicate this to the user device 40 as an input indicating the change. In some examples, the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 calculates the change in the aerosolizable material inventory itself by calculating the amount of aerosolizable material consumed based on the length / number of puffs in the non-flammable aerosol supply system and identifying the change in the level of aerosolizable material in the pod. Such identified change in the level of aerosolizable material in the pod may be applied to a known detected or estimated previous level of aerosolizable material in the pod to calculate the remaining level.

[0040]

[0048] Similarly, the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 may provide the user device 40 with details regarding the use of the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10, from which the user device 40 itself can identify changes in its inventory. For example, the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 may identify the length of one or more puffs in the user device, the number of puffs, and / or the heater power level when the puffs are performed. Based on this data, the user device 40 may calculate changes in the user's inventory. Again, the identified changes in the remaining level of aerosolizable material may be applied to known, detected, or estimated previous levels to calculate the remaining level.

[0041]

[0049] By utilizing the input from the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 in this way, the user device 10 may be able to automatically track changes in the supply of aerosolizable material when the user uses the device, without the user having to manually intervene to specify the amount of material used.

[0042]

[0050] In some examples, the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 can operate in an “auto-draw” operating mode, in which the auto-draw function is additionally used to notify the user of an input indicating a change in their inventory in step S31. In this auto-draw mode, the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 is configured to detect one or more puffs on the device and, based on the puff(s), control the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 to produce aerosol to be consumed by the user. A puff(s) may be detected by using a pressure sensor in the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 to compare the pressure in the mouthpiece of the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 with the ambient pressure. When a user puffs in the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10, the pressure in the mouthpiece decreases, which can be detected as a pressure difference between the ambient pressure and the pressure in the mouthpiece. One or more puffs may also be detected by a flow sensor that detects the airflow through the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 caused by the user's puffs.

[0043]

[0051] In automatic suction mode, the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 controls itself to generate aerosols in response to the detection of a puff(s). This control may include providing a way for the user to signal the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 when they wish to use the device by starting aerosol generation when a puff is detected. However, in some examples, the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 further controls parameters regarding how the aerosolizable material is aerosolized based on the characteristics of the puff. For example, if a deeper puff is made (which may be detected by a larger difference between the mouthpiece pressure and the ambient pressure), the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 may operate the heater 20 at a higher power level and / or continue generating the aerosolizable material for a longer time. In this way, the user can intuitively control the operation of the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 by changing the way they puff with the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10.

[0044]

[0052] Characteristics of one or more puffs by the user (e.g., puff length, flow rate during puff, and / or pressure difference) may be used as input indicating a change in the user's inventory. That is, the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 may provide this information to the user device 40, which may then determine the amount of aerosolizable material consumed during its use by the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10. The non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 may also optionally or additionally provide details about how the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 was controlled in response to the puffs (e.g., the heater power level used or the time the heater 20 was operating), which is used by the user device 40 to determine the amount of aerosolizable material consumed. In yet another example, the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 calculates the amount of aerosolizable material consumed during operation in response to the user's puff(s), and this amount is communicated to the user device as input indicating a change in the aerosolizable material inventory in step S31.

[0045]

[0053] Another possible form of input that can be received in step S31 is an indication that a pod for use in the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 has been replaced (e.g., removed or inserted). Based on this information, the user device 40 may infer that all of the aerosolizable material in the pod has been consumed. Alternatively, in an example where the inventory shows the amounts of different types of aerosolizable material separately, an indication that a pod has been replaced may be useful in indicating that different types of material have been consumed.

[0046]

[0054] It will be understood that the user device 40 may be able to modify the inventory indication in several different ways in response to two or more of the various types of inputs described herein. This will enable the user device 40 to respond better to changes in the inventory of aerosolizable materials that occur for various reasons and to improve the accuracy of the stored inventory indication.

[0047]

[0055] When the user device 40 receives input indicating a change in the user's inventory, it updates the stored inventory indication of aerosolizable material based on that input. The inventory indication may be stored in the user device 40 itself, in a remote server accessible to the user device 40, and / or in the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 itself. Regardless of the form of the indication, the received inventory change is reflected in the update of the stored indication. For example, if the input includes user input indicating that a pod has been lost / dropped, the user device 40 is configured to lower the inventory indication by one pod (or an equivalent amount of aerosolizable material). On the other hand, if the input comes from the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 and reflects the aerosolizable material consumed while the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 was in use, the user device 10 is configured to modify the stored inventory indication to reflect that a portion of the pod has been used, since the change in aerosolizable material may be less than that of an entire pod.

[0048]

[0056] By receiving input indicating changes in the user's inventory and updating the inventory of aerosolizable materials in this manner, the user device can maintain an up-to-date indication of the amount of aerosolizable material available to the user.

[0049]

[0057] The user device 40 may also be able to handle situations where the user has two or more non-flammable aerosol supply systems. In this case, the method may further include receiving second usage information from the second non-flammable aerosol supply system indicating the amount of aerosolizable material used, and updating the stored indication of the aerosolizable material inventory. This makes it possible to accurately track the inventory when the user owns two or more non-flammable aerosol supply systems and the use of any of those systems may cause changes in the inventory. In this case, the inventory may include the total inventory of both / all of the non-flammable aerosol supply systems, for example, if the aerosolizable materials are compatible and can be used in both systems. However, if the non-flammable aerosol supply systems are not compatible with the same type of aerosolizable material, the user device 40 may also support an inventory containing two or more different types of aerosolizable materials.

[0050]

[0058] Returning to Figure 3, another way the inventory of aerosolizable materials may change is by a user purchasing additional aerosolizable materials. As shown in step S35, the user device 40 may detect such a purchase of aerosolizable materials. This may occur because the purchase was made with the same or related software on the device (for example, the user ordered additional pods through an app on the user device), or because the software automatically detected an automatic purchase of additional aerosolizable materials when supplies were running low. In some examples, the purchase of aerosolizable materials is detected based on the user's account linked to the user device 40. Thus, a user's purchase of aerosolizable materials can be linked to an account registered with the user device 40, even if the purchase was made on a different device. In further examples, the purchase of aerosolizable materials is detected based on the receipt of a purchase confirmation in the user's email application (or other messaging application).

[0051]

[0059] In response to the detection of the purchase of additional aerosolizable material, in step S37 the amount of aerosolizable material purchased is identified, and in step S39 the stored inventory instructions are updated based on the amount of aerosolizable material purchased. For example, a user may order a set of 10 replacement pods of aerosolizable material through an app on the user device 40 that detects purchases. Based on the identification that 10 replacement pods have been ordered, the user device 40 updates the inventory to include an additional 10 pods. This provides a convenient way for the user to manage their inventory without having to manually indicate additional aerosolizable material.

[0052]

[0060] While inventory indications can be used in many ways, in the example shown in Figure 3, the calculated indication of the aerosolizable material inventory is displayed to the user using the output device 50 of the user device 40 in step S41. Thus, the user is provided with an accurate indication of the amount of aerosolizable material available.

[0053]

[0061] The inventory indication for aerosolizable material may be presented to the user as a percentage of a full pod. In such a case, a 50% inventory would indicate to the user that half a pod's worth of aerosolizable material remains, and a 200% inventory would indicate that two pods (or an amount equivalent to two pods) of aerosolizable material remain.

[0054]

[0062] Additionally or alternatively, the inventory of aerosolizable materials can be indicated by displaying icons, symbols, or colors corresponding to the amount of inventory. For example, inventory levels can be categorized by different colors; for instance, red indicates fewer than two pods remaining in the inventory, orange indicates two to four pods, and green indicates that the user has aerosolizable material equivalent to four or more pods. The inventory may also be indicated by displaying to the user an appropriate color, icon, or symbol corresponding to the remaining amount of aerosolizable material. The mapping between inventory levels and colors, icons, or symbols may be predetermined and set by the manufacturer or by default, for example, or may be set by the user based on user preference and / or the inventory level the user wishes to maintain. In some examples, for example, the mapping between colors, icons, or symbols may be set based on the observed consumption rate of aerosolizable material, such that each color, icon, or symbol represents the amount of aerosolizable material expected to be consumed within a given time.

[0055]

[0063] The above describes an approach to tracking the quantity of aerosolizable material for non-flammable aerosol supply systems remaining in a user's inventory.

[0056]

[0064] In addition to, or instead of, displaying the user's inventory instructions, this method may also include checking whether the inventory is sufficient for the user's needs. As shown in Figure 4, this is done by comparing the inventory to a threshold.

[0057]

[0065] In step S39 of Figure 4 (corresponding to step S39 of Figure 3), the stored inventory of aerosolizable materials is updated (this may correspond to, for example, either or both of steps S33 and S39). The updated inventory is then compared to a threshold. The threshold may be predetermined and set as a default by, for example, the manufacturer, or it may be set by the user based on the inventory level the user wishes to maintain. In some examples, the threshold is calculated based on the observed consumption rate of aerosolizable materials by the user, such that the threshold level corresponds to the amount used over a predetermined period. For example, the threshold level may be set to correspond to the daily usage of the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10.

[0058]

[0066] If, in step S42, it is detected that the inventory of aerosolizable material has fallen below a threshold level, the user device 40 is configured to take preemptive action in step S43. By applying a threshold in this way and taking preemptive action rather than waiting for a response after the user has run out of aerosolizable material, this approach prevents the user from ceasing to use the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 by reducing the likelihood of the user running out of aerosolizable material. Instead, by predicting when the supply will run out, additional aerosolizable material can be purchased, or the rate of use of aerosolizable material can be slowed to avoid running out of aerosolizable material.

[0059]

[0067] The preemptive measures can take many forms, which will be described in more detail in relation to step S61 in Figure 7, but in some examples the preemptive measures include one of the following: notifying the user, prompting the user to order additional aerosolizable material, ordering additional aerosolizable material on behalf of the user, and switching the non-flammable aerosol supply system to an aerosolizable material saving mode.

[0060]

[0068] The techniques described herein may be carried out using many forms of non-combustible aerosol supply systems that can operate within a range of different mechanisms for providing aerosolizable materials. As discussed above, pods of aerosolizable materials may be inserted into a non-combustible aerosol supply system to provide the system with aerosolizable materials. In some cases, since the non-combustible aerosol supply system cannot distinguish between pods, an inventory is maintained that shows the total level of aerosolizable materials across multiple possible pods, rather than identifying the level of aerosolizable material in a particular pod.

[0061]

[0069] However, in some examples, the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 can operate with a pod that includes a memory element that stores data describing the supply level of aerosolizable material relating to the pod. The memory element may include, for example, flash memory capable of storing information that can be read by the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 and may be modifiable while the pod is inserted into the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10.

[0062]

[0070] The above describes an approach that can automatically trigger and / or take action based on detected changes in the user's inventory of aerosolizable materials for non-flammable aerosol supply systems, particularly when a certain degree of depletion of that inventory is detected.

[0063]

[0071] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for tracking an inventory of aerosolizable material, where a memory element on a pod is updated. As shown in Figure 5, in step S45, the insertion of the pod into the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 is detected. This may be due, for example, to the circuit being completed by electrical contact of the pod and detected by the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10, to the electrical resistance of the pod being detected, to the pod pressing a contact switch when inserted, or to the detection that RFID / NFC communication is possible with the pod. In response to the detection of pod insertion, the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 reads an initial supply from the pod's memory element corresponding to the amount of aerosolizable material initially stored in the pod. This read may be based on a physical electrical connection between the non-flammable aerosol supply system and the pod, and / or on a wireless (e.g., RFID or NFC) connection between the non-flammable aerosol supply system and the pod. For new pods, the initial supply is set when the pod is first filled and may indicate that the pod is full, and may also indicate the pod's volume and / or contents (e.g., type / flavor of aerosolizable material). For pods already in use, the initial supply is written on the pod and may reflect changes in the pod's level after a period of use as a result of that use.

[0064]

[0072] Upon inserting the pod, the user can begin using the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10, thereby generating an aerosol using the aerosolizable material from the pod. Consequently, the level of aerosolizable material in the pod decreases. In step S47, an input is received indicating a change in the supply of aerosolizable material. This change in supply may be measured by the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 itself by monitoring the amount of aerosolizable material drawn from the pod or calculated based on the usage characteristics of the device. For example, the amount of aerosolizable material may be calculated (by the non-flammable aerosol supply system or user device) based on the number of puffs performed by the user, the heater power level of the non-flammable aerosol supply system, the length of the puffs performed by the user, and any other relevant factors affecting the consumption of aerosolizable material.

[0065]

[0073] Based on this change in the supply of aerosolizable material, the stored indication of the retained inventory can be updated in step S48 (corresponding to step S39 in Figures 3 and 4). Additionally or alternatively, in step S49, the updated level of aerosolizable material in the pod can be written back to the pod's memory element. By updating the pod's memory element with the new level of aerosolizable material in this way, the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 can maintain an accurate indication of the level of aerosolizable material in the pod on the memory element. This can be particularly useful for managing the user's inventory of aerosolizable material when the pod is used across multiple devices.

[0066]

[0074] In step S51, as shown in Figure 5, the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 detects the removal of the pod. This may be achieved, for example, by breaking the circuit completed by the pod, a change in resistance, or by a contact switch.

[0067]

[0075] If a pod is used that can store the current level of aerosolizable material, an additional safety feature may be provided to detect whether a non-refillable pod has been refilled. This feature utilizes both the details of the pod's current level of aerosolizable material and a unique identifier that allows the pod to be individually identified from all other pods in the user's inventory. Inventory tracking can record the inventory quantity unique to that particular pod identifier (i.e., the last read or written current level of the pod's aerosolizable material), so that, on a future occasion, if the amount of remaining aerosolizable material exceeds the previously read or written current level of the pod's aerosolizable material, refilling may be detected. If refilling of a non-refillable pod is detected, for safety reasons, the user may be warned, or the non-flammable aerosol supply system may prevent the use of the pod.

[0068]

[0076] The above describes an approach in which the initial amount of aerosolizable material can be determined by reading a pod that internally stores a value representing the remaining amount of aerosolizable material, and then (after the remaining amount of aerosolizable material in the pod decreases due to the use of the non-flammable aerosol supply system into which the pod is inserted) an updated amount of aerosolizable material is written to the pod. Thus, pod-level inventory tracking can be performed, and the inventory of individual pods can be tracked either as representing the total inventory under consideration or as part of a broader inventory tracking based on multiple pods in the inventory.

[0069]

[0077] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for managing a supply of aerosolizable material for a non-flammable aerosol supply system. As used herein, a supply may be the user's inventory of aerosolizable material (e.g., the amount of aerosolizable material stored across multiple pods, the number of aerosolizable material pods, or the amount of aerosolizable material available for use in refillable pods). In some cases, a supply of aerosolizable material may also relate to other quantities of aerosolizable material, such as the level of aerosolizable material remaining in a particular pod, or the amount of aerosolizable material currently available to the user (e.g., the amount the user is carrying, and the inventory may also include aerosolizable material the user possesses elsewhere).

[0070]

[0078] In step S51 of Figure 6, characteristics relating to the use of the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 are received. These characteristics may also be received from the user themselves through user input specifying the characteristics. For example, the user may input on the user device changes in the supply of aerosolizable material, which may represent one or more pods that the user has dropped or lost, corrections to the stored instructions for the user's supply of aerosolizable material, or the amount of aerosolizable material consumed during a session of use.

[0071]

[0079] Features related to usage can also be provided by the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10. This can be convenient as it eliminates the need for the user to track their usage. For example, the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 may detect one or more puffs in the non-flammable aerosol supply system and collect usage features of one or more puffs, such as the length of the puff, the number of puffs performed, and / or the heater power level of the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10. The non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 can then provide these features to a user device 40 for use in predicting how much time remains until the supply of aerosolizable material is depleted.

[0072]

[0080] In some examples, the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 can operate in the automatic suction mode described above, and features relating to the use of the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 include details of the detected puffs, the amount of aerosolizable material consumed when operating in accordance with those puffs, or operating parameters of the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 set based on those puffs.

[0073]

[0081] Upon receiving the features, in step S53, the length of time remaining until the supply of aerosolizable material is depleted is calculated. The calculation performed depends on the received features, but may include, for example, determining the average consumption rate of the aerosolizable material over a recent period and predicting this consumption rate into the future to determine the length of time remaining. Other factors, such as the heater power level, may be taken into consideration in this calculation. Since the heater power level may be related to the rate at which the aerosolizable material is consumed, a more accurate prediction of the length of time remaining can be obtained by further considering the current heater power setting.

[0074]

[0082] In some cases, the prediction of remaining time also takes into account the user's usage patterns of the non-flammable aerosol supply system based on the user's past usage. This means that the prediction can be tailored to the user and account for individual differences in how the device is used.

[0075]

[0083] In some cases, this may include detecting and utilizing the user's average puff duration, the average number of puffs the user performs during a session, the user's typical heater power level selection, and / or the number of sessions performed over a given period. By utilizing typical values ​​of these quantities for the user, a more accurate prediction of the remaining time until the supply of aerosolizable material is depleted can be obtained.

[0076]

[0084] This method may also take into account user usage patterns by creating user usage profiles over a day or a week. For example, usage characteristics may show that a user tends to use the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 in small amounts in the morning but in large amounts in the afternoon. By incorporating this information into the forecast, the forecast can take into account the typical fluctuations in user consumption throughout the day.

[0077]

[0085] As described above, usage characteristics are used in step S53 to calculate the predicted remaining time. This calculation further depends on the initial supply of aerosolizable material, along with usage characteristics used to determine the expected time until the supply is depleted. The initial supply can be obtained from several sources, but in some examples, the initial supply is entered by the user, read from a memory element on the pod, or obtained from a stored instruction for the supply.

[0078]

[0086] In some cases, a supply is considered depleted when the aerosolizable material runs out; that is, supply depletion corresponds to the use of all the material. However, in some cases, the aerosolizable material may be considered depleted at a different level, for example, when the level of aerosolizable material reaches a threshold level.

[0079]

[0087] The predicted remaining time may be displayed to the user at this point or used to notify them of other calculation results. However, in the example of Figure 6, it is identified in step S55 that additional aerosolizable material has been ordered. This identification may be based on instructions from the user, an order placed within the app on the user device, detection that the account associated with the user was used to order additional aerosolizable material, or in response to an automatic order of aerosolizable material by the user device 40.

[0080]

[0088] Next, in step S57, the timing of when additional aerosolizable material will be available to the user is determined, for example, by identifying the estimated delivery date of the order.

[0081]

[0089] Subsequently, in step S59, the predicted remaining time is compared to a threshold time length. The threshold level may be set using the additional aerosolizable material ordered and the time at which this material will become available. For example, if the remaining time due to the current supply of aerosolizable material is long enough before additional aerosolizable material arrives, the supply of aerosolizable material may be determined to be sufficient.

[0082]

[0090] In some cases, no further aerosolizable material may be ordered (resulting in the omission of optional steps S55 and S57), and it will be understood that this additional factor is not used when comparing the predicted remaining time to the threshold. Instead, a threshold time may be set below which a preemptive measure is triggered in step S61. If the length of the predicted remaining time is below the threshold time length (for example, if the supply of aerosolizable material is not sufficient to last for a day / week), this preemptive measure may be triggered to reduce the likelihood of running out of aerosolizable material or to warn the user.

[0083]

[0091] Preemptive measures can take many possible forms, depending on the recognition of the severity of the remaining time falling below a threshold, the capabilities of the user device and non-flammable aerosol supply system, and user preferences.

[0084]

[0092] For example, the preemptive measure may include notifying the user of the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 that the predicted remaining time is below a threshold. The user can then take appropriate measures, such as reducing consumption or obtaining additional aerosolizable material. Notifying the user may include issuing a notification via the output device 50 of the user device. Similarly, the preemptive measure may include displaying the predicted remaining time to the user (for example, on the output device 50 of the user device 40).

[0085]

[0093] In some examples, to extend the remaining time before the supply of aerosolizable material is depleted, a preemptive measure involves switching the non-combustible aerosol supply system 10 to an aerosolizable material saving mode, in which the aerosolizable material is consumed at a slower rate than in one or more other modes of the system. Thus, this approach extends the remaining time before the supply of aerosolizable material is depleted and, in some cases, provides enough time to obtain additional aerosolizable material. Examples of operating properties of the non-combustible aerosol supply system that can be modified to achieve the aerosolizable material saving mode include heater power settings and puff duration limits, thereby reducing the rate of aerosolizable material depletion while the aerosolizable material saving mode is active.

[0086]

[0094] Other possible preemptive measures include ordering additional aerosolizable material. This may be done automatically when the remaining time falls below a threshold, or the user may be prompted to order additional aerosolizable material. This prompt may be issued to the user in combination with notifying them that the remaining time falls below a threshold, as shown in Figure 9B and described in more detail with reference to Figure 9B.

[0087]

[0095] It will be understood that two or more of these preemptive measures may be taken (for example, notifying the user and ordering additional aerosolizable material). Taking these preemptive measures may reduce the likelihood that the user will run out of aerosolizable material and be unable to use the device, and will allow the user to control and monitor the supply of aerosolizable material.

[0088]

[0096] The above describes an approach that tracks the remaining time until aerosolizable material in a user's inventory (or, in practice, a single pod) is depleted, and allows for one or more appropriate actions to be taken when such depletion reaches a threshold. This allows for near real-time updates of the remaining inventory, enabling, for example, user notifications and / or other appropriate actions to be taken without delay, thus preventing, for example, the inventory from being completely depleted before the next inventory replenishment event.

[0089]

[0097] Figure 7 shows a method for tracking the use of aerosolizable material for a non-flammable aerosol supply system. As shown in Figure 7, in step S71, the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 detects a puff, or a session containing one or more puffs, in the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10. This may serve as a trigger for the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 to collect usage characteristics in step S73, indicating how the user is using the device. Usage characteristics may include the duration of the puff made in the non-flammable aerosol supply system, the number of puffs made during a session of use before the user stopped using the device for an extended period, the amount of aerosolizable material consumed when using the non-flammable aerosol supply system, the time the non-flammable aerosol supply system was used, and / or identifiers of the type / property of pods present in the non-flammable aerosol supply system. In addition to, or instead of, the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 may be capable of operating in the automatic suction mode described above. In this case, the usage characteristics may include details of the detected puffs, the amount of aerosolizable material consumed when operating in accordance with those puffs, or the operating parameters of the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 set based on those puffs.

[0090]

[0098] After collecting information on these features, the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 transmits the usage features to the user device 40 (for example, by Bluetooth® or another suitable connection protocol). The non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 may also provide the user device 40 with the usage features when the features are recorded, thereby providing the user device 40 with up-to-date information on the use of the non-flammable aerosol supply system. However, in some examples, the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 reduces the power consumption associated with maintaining communication between the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 and the user device 40 by collecting a set of usage features (for example, corresponding to a session or a specific period of use) and providing the collected usage features together to the user device 40.

[0091]

[0099] Upon receiving usage characteristics in step S79, the user device is configured to calculate a usage summary based at least in part on the usage characteristics. The usage summary may be provided to the user to give the user insight into how to use the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10, or it may be used, for example, to determine the consumption rate of the aerosolizable material.

[0092]

[0100] The usage summary can take various forms and may differ depending on the usage characteristics provided. However, in one example, the usage characteristics may indicate the time when the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 was used, from which the user device 40 can determine a usage summary that shows the user's typical usage profile throughout the day. This may be helpful in understanding when and how the user tends to use the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10. For example, if the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 is capable of operating with different types of pods and the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 can identify the type of pod, the usage summary may show the type of pod the user typically uses at a particular time of day (e.g., mint-flavored pods in the morning, mango-flavored pods in the afternoon).

[0093]

[0101] Similarly, if the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 is capable of operating at multiple heater power levels, the usage summary may show which heater power levels the user is using at different times of the day. In another example, the usage summary may identify how the typical number of puffs performed by the user during a session of use varies at different times of the day. In this way, the user can track whether they are using the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 more at one time than at another.

[0094]

[0102] Other useful metrics for tracking the use of the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 may include how the duration of puffs performed by the user varies depending on the heater power level of the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10. If the usage characteristics identify the duration of one or more puffs in the non-flammable aerosol supply system and the heater power level, the usage summary may show the average duration of puffs for each of several heater power levels as a typical usage profile.

[0095]

[0103] Therefore, from a certain perspective, a usage summary can be considered to represent a typical usage profile. Such a profile may take into account a wide range of possible data regarding the use of the non-flammable aerosol supply system. If the approach relates to a user's multiple non-flammable aerosol supply systems, the usage profile may be applicable to just one or a subset of the user's non-flammable aerosol supply systems, or to all of the user's non-flammable aerosol supply systems.

[0096]

[0104] Based on the usage summary, the user device 40 may calculate in step S83 the expected amount of aerosolizable material to be used in the next period. Performing this calculation based on the usage summary determined for the usage characteristics improves the accuracy of the calculation because it is possible to derive a adjusted estimate of the expected amount of aerosolizable material, taking into account how the user is using the non-flammable aerosol supply system.

[0097]

[0105] In the same manner as described above, as shown in step S85 of Figure 7, the predicted inventory of aerosolizable material after the next period can be calculated using the calculated result of the predicted amount of aerosolizable material to be consumed. This may be displayed to the user to inform them of how the inventory of aerosolizable material is expected to change. However, as shown in Figure 7, in step S87, the predicted inventory is compared to a threshold, and if the predicted inventory level is below the threshold, preemptive measures are taken in step S89.

[0098]

[0106] As discussed above, preemptive measures can take various forms, such as notifying users, urging users to order additional aerosolizable materials, ordering additional aerosolizable materials on behalf of users, or switching the non-flammable aerosol supply system to an aerosolizable material saving mode.

[0099]

[0107] The above describes approaches that can monitor the use of one or more non-flammable aerosol supply systems to provide either or both a detailed summary of use and a more accurate tracking of the consumption of aerosolizable materials (e.g., pods, other consumables, and / or refill stock) of the non-flammable aerosol supply system.

[0100]

[0108] Figures 8A–8E show exemplary inventories of aerosolizable materials and corresponding indications of inventories that can be held according to the techniques described herein.

[0101]

[0109] As shown in Figure 8A, the user's inventory includes three pods 62, 64, and 66 of aerosolizable material that are indistinguishable from each other. That is, the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 cannot individually identify the three pods. In this case, one pod 62 is 50% full, and the other two pods 64 and 66 are full. Since the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 cannot individually distinguish the pods, it maintains an inventory (or supply of aerosolizable material) indication that shows the total amount of aerosolizable material across all pods available to the user. Thus, in this case, the inventory contains the equivalent of 2.5 pods of aerosolizable material. Here, the pod capacity is used as the unit indicating the quantity of aerosolizable material, but it will be understood that the inventory could also be expressed in other ways (e.g., milliliters).

[0102]

[0110] Figure 8B shows another example of a user inventory with two types of pods. In this example, the pod types represent different flavors of aerosolizable material, namely mint and mango. As shown in Figure 8B, the inventory includes three mint pods 68, 70, and 72, one of which is 50% full and the others full, and two mango pods 74 and 76, one of which is 70% full and the others full. The non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 can distinguish these different pod types and therefore assign separate supply levels to each pod type. Thus, as shown in the figure, the inventory shows that there are 2.5 pods of mint aerosolizable material and 1.7 pods of mango aerosolizable material. As can be understood, other specific types of pods may be detected in this configuration. An example of a pod type that may be identifiable is a configuration in which each pod has a detectable pod type feature that can be read by the non-flammable aerosol supply system when the pod is inserted into the non-flammable aerosol supply system. For example, this may be done by information provided by the completion of a circuit by electrical contact of the pod and / or by the ability of RFID / NFC communication with the pod, which is detected by the non-flammable aerosol supply system.

[0103]

[0111] As shown in Figure 8C, each pod is individually identifiable by the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 and can therefore hold individual indications of the amount of aerosolizable material in each pod. In this example, pod 1 78 is 80% full, pod 2 80 is full, and pod 3 82 is 30% full. By holding individual indications of the supply in each pod in this way, users may be able to understand the inventory at a more detailed level, more completely, or more accurately. An example of how each pod may be individually identifiable is a configuration in which each pod has unique pod features that can be read by the non-flammable aerosol supply system when the pod is inserted into the non-flammable aerosol supply system. For example, this may be done by information provided by a specific electrical response provided by electrical contact when connected to the non-flammable aerosol supply system and / or by the ability of RFID / NFC communication with the pod.

[0104]

[0112] Figure 8D shows an example in which a refillable pod of aerosolizable material is used. In this case, the refillable pod 84 stores aerosolizable material that can be topped up from a refillable material reservoir 86. In this case, the inventory may track the amount of aerosolizable material in the refillable pod 84 and the reservoir 86. As shown in Figure 8D, this corresponds to a total of five refills of the refillable pod.

[0105]

[0113] If refillable pods are used, the techniques described herein may be used to track the lifespan of the pods. Since refillable pods may have an associated maximum number of refill cycles before the pod needs to be replaced, the number of refills of the pod can be estimated by tracking the amount of aerosolizable material consumed from the pod. Therefore, if the number of refills exceeds the allowable number of refill cycles, the user may be warned, or the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 may prevent the use of the pod for safety reasons.

[0106]

[0114] Figure 8E shows an example where two or more inventories are maintained. In this example, three separate inventory indicators are maintained: one representing the user's total supply of aerosolizable materials, one representing the supply of aerosolizable materials carried by the user while traveling, and one representing the supply of aerosolizable materials that the user has at home (or stored elsewhere, e.g., in a car or workplace). As shown in the figure, a separate inventory indicator is maintained for each of these three inventories. To maintain inventories in this manner, the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 and / or user device 40 may, in response to an input indicating the quantity (or change in quantity) of aerosolizable materials, identify which inventory the input relates to and then update the relevant inventory. Maintaining two or more inventories in this manner provides greater flexibility, as it allows tracking of two or more supplies of aerosolizable materials when the user cannot access all inventories simultaneously (for example, when some supplies are with the user while traveling and some are left at home). To the extent that it is understood, one or both of the “traveling” and “home” inventories may be managed according to the approach shown in Figure 8A, Figure 8B, Figure 8C, or Figure 8D, depending on the degree to which the pods are individually identifiable.

[0107]

[0115] Figures 9A to 9C are schematic diagrams showing the user interface used to manage the supply of aerosolizable materials for a non-flammable aerosol supply system.

[0108]

[0116] Figure 9A shows a user interface 100 that includes a supply / inventory indicator 102 for displaying the amount of available supply / inventory to the user. For example, the indicator 102 may show the user that a given number of pods remain, or that the pods currently in use are at a given percentage of fullness.

[0109]

[0117] The user interface 100 also includes elements 104, 106 into which the user can input a supply or change in the supply of aerosolizable material, and this user input is used to update the stored instructions for the supply. The user interface 100 further includes an element 108 that shows the estimated remaining time until the supply of aerosolizable material is depleted, and a heater power level element 110 that displays the current heater power level and allows the user to select the heater power level for the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10.

[0110]

[0118] Figure 9B shows a user interface 120 with a notification 122 to the user that the aerosolizable material is running low. This may be displayed as a preemptive measure in response to a determination that, for example, the inventory of aerosolizable material is below a threshold, or that the estimated remaining time until the aerosolizable material is depleted is below a threshold. As shown in Figure 9B, the notification may inform the user of the inventory / supply status and prompt the user to order additional aerosolizable material using the order button 124, or to switch the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 to aerosolizable material saving mode using button 126.

[0111]

[0119] Figure 9C shows a user interface 130 including an exemplary usage summary. In this example, the usage summary shows the average duration of puffs performed by the user for each of several heater power levels (low, medium, and high) while the non-flammable aerosol supply system 10 was operating at that level.

[0112]

[0120] The above describes several user interface approaches that represent ways in which a user can interact with their user device to discover, configure, and receive notifications regarding the use of their non-flammable aerosol supply system(s).

[0113]

[0121] As described above, the techniques described herein may be embodied or coded in a computer-readable medium, such as a computer-readable storage medium containing instructions. Instructions embodied or coded in a computer-readable medium may cause a programmable processor or other processor to execute the Method, for example, when the instructions are executed. Computer-readable media may include non-temporary computer-readable storage media and temporary communication media, such as carrier signals and transmission media. Computer-readable storage media may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, hard disk, CD-ROM, floppy disk, cassette, magnetic media, optical media, or other computer-readable storage media. The term "computer-readable storage medium" refers to a physical storage medium. Temporary communication media may occur between components of a single computing system (for example, on an internal link or bus between memory and processors) or between separate computing systems (for example, via a network or other inter-computing device connection), and may include transmission signals, carrier waves, etc.

[0114]

[0122] In this application, the phrase "configured to..." is used to mean that the elements of the device have a configuration that enables them to perform a defined operation. In this context, "configuration" means the arrangement or form of hardware or software interconnections. For example, the device may have dedicated hardware to provide the defined operation, or a processor or other processing device may be programmed to perform that function. "Configured to..." does not imply that the elements of the device need to be modified in any way to provide the defined operation.

[0115]

[0123] The various embodiments described herein are presented solely to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative examples of the embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limitations to the scope of the invention as defined by the claims, or to equivalents thereof, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be used and modified without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably include, consist of, or essentially consist of, appropriate combinations of disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. Furthermore, this disclosure may also include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

[0116] Clause Article 1. A method for managing the supply of aerosolizable materials for a non-flammable aerosol supply system, The step of receiving one or more characteristics relating to the use of a non-flammable aerosol supply system, A step of predicting the remaining time until the supply of aerosolizable material is depleted, based on one or more characteristics of its use and the initial supply of the aerosolizable material, Steps to take proactive measures before the supply of aerosolizable materials is depleted, Methods that include...

[0117] Article 2. Preemptive measures include notifying users of non-flammable aerosol supply systems. The method described in Article 1.

[0118] Article 3. Preemptive measures include switching the non-flammable aerosol supply system to an aerosolizable material saving mode. The method described in Article 1 or 2.

[0119] Article 4. Preemptive measures include encouraging users to order additional aerosolizable materials. The method described in any one of clauses 1 to 3.

[0120] Article 5. The preemptive measures include ordering additional aerosolizable materials on behalf of the user. The method described in any one of the clauses 1 to 4.

[0121] Article 6. The preemptive measures include displaying the predicted length of time remaining. The method described in any one of clauses 1 to 5.

[0122] Article 7. The supply of aerosolizable materials is The amount of aerosolizable material stored across multiple pods, The amount of aerosolizable material stored in a specific pod, The number of pods of aerosolizable material, and The amount of aerosolizable material available for use in refillable pods, The method described in any one of the provisions 1 to 6, which is at least one of the following.

[0123] Article 8. Step to determine whether the remaining time is below a threshold. It further includes, The step of taking preemptive measures is taken when it is determined that the remaining time is below a threshold. The method described in any one of the clauses 1 to 7.

[0124] Article 9. The non-flammable aerosol supply system can operate with multiple heater power settings. One or more features relating to usage include the current heater power setting, The method described in any one of clauses 1 to 8.

[0125] Article 10. One or more characteristics relating to use include the user's usage patterns of the non-flammable aerosol supply system, based on the user's past use of the non-flammable aerosol supply system. The method described in any one of clauses 1 to 9.

[0126] Article 11. One or more features relating to use are, User average puff duration, The user's typical heater power level selection, and Typical number of puffs performed by the user during a session using a non-flammable aerosol supply system. The method described in clause 10, which includes at least one of the following.

[0127] Article 12. One or more features relating to use include puff information relating to one or more puffs performed by the user in a non-flammable aerosol supply system, The method described in any one of the clauses 1 to 11.

[0128] Article 13. Puff information, Puff length, The number of times the user performed the puff, and The heater power level of the non-flammable aerosol supply system when one or more puffs are performed. The method described in Clause 12, which includes at least one of the following.

[0129] Article 14. The initial supply is determined based on the stored instructions in the user's inventory of aerosolizable materials. The method described in any one of clauses 1 to 13.

[0130] Article 15. Step 1: Receive user input indicating the initial supply of aerosolizable materials. The method described in any one of the clauses 1 to 14, further including the method described in any one of the clauses 1 to 14.

[0131] Article 16. Step to detect the initial supply of aerosolizable material from the memory element of the pod. The method described in any one of the clauses 1 to 13, further including the method described in any one of the clauses 1 to 13.

[0132] Article 17. One or more features relating to use include changes in the supply of aerosolizable materials as indicated by the user. The method described in any one of clauses 1 to 16.

[0133] Article 18. A step of identifying that further aerosolizable materials have been ordered, A step to identify when further aerosolizable materials will be available to users, It further includes, The step of determining whether the remaining time is below a threshold is based on additional aerosolizable material and when the additional aerosolizable material will become available. The method described in any one of the clauses 1 to 17.

[0134] Article 19. A receiver / transmitter element for receiving one or more features relating to the use of a non-flammable aerosol supply system, Processor and Equipped with, the processor, Based on one or more characteristics of use and the initial supply of the aerosolizable material, predict the remaining time until the supply of the aerosolizable material is depleted. Taking preemptive measures before the supply of aerosolizable materials is depleted, A user device configured to perform the following actions.

[0135] Article 20. Preemptive measures include notifying users of non-flammable aerosol supply systems. User devices as described in Clause 19.

[0136] Article 21. Preemptive measures include switching the non-flammable aerosol supply system to an aerosolizable material saving mode. User devices as described in Clause 19 or 20.

[0137] Article 22. Preemptive measures include encouraging users to order additional aerosolizable materials. A user device as described in any one of clauses 19 to 21.

[0138] Article 23. The preemptive measures include ordering additional aerosolizable materials on behalf of the user. A user device as described in any one of clauses 19 to 22.

[0139] Article 24. The preemptive measures include displaying the predicted length of time remaining. A user device as described in any one of clauses 19 to 23.

[0140] Article 25. The supply of aerosolizable materials is The amount of aerosolizable material stored across multiple pods, The amount of aerosolizable material stored in a specific pod, The number of pods of aerosolizable material, and The amount of aerosolizable material available for use in refillable pods, A user device described in any one of the clauses 19 to 24, which is at least one of the following.

[0141] Article 26. The processor, Determine whether the remaining time is below a threshold. Further configured to perform, Taking preemptive measures is done when it is determined that the remaining time is below a threshold. A user device as described in any one of clauses 19 to 25.

[0142] Article 27. The non-flammable aerosol supply system can operate with multiple heater power settings. One or more features relating to usage include the current heater power setting, A user device as described in any one of clauses 19 to 26.

[0143] Article 28. One or more characteristics relating to use include the user's usage patterns of the non-flammable aerosol supply system, based on the user's past use of the non-flammable aerosol supply system. A user device as described in any one of clauses 19 to 27.

[0144] Article 29. One or more features relating to use are, User average puff duration, The user's typical heater power level selection, and Typical number of puffs performed by the user during a session using a non-flammable aerosol supply system. A user device as described in Clause 28, including at least one of the following.

[0145] Article 30. One or more features relating to use include puff information relating to one or more puffs performed by the user in a non-flammable aerosol supply system, A user device as described in any one of clauses 19 to 29.

[0146] Article 31. Puff information, Puff length, The number of times the user performed the puff, and The heater power level of the non-flammable aerosol supply system when one or more puffs are performed. A user device as described in Clause 30, including at least one of the following:

[0147] Article 32. The initial supply is determined based on the stored instructions in the user's inventory of aerosolizable materials. A user device as described in any one of clauses 19 to 31.

[0148] Article 33. The processor, Receiving user input indicating the initial supply of aerosolizable materials. A user device as described in any one of clauses 19-32, further configured to perform the following actions.

[0149] Article 34. The receiver / transmitter elements are Receiving an initial supply of aerosolizable material detected from the pod's memory element. A user device as described in any one of clauses 19-31, further configured to perform the following actions.

[0150] Article 35. One or more features relating to use include changes in the supply of aerosolizable materials as indicated by the user. A user device as described in any one of clauses 19 to 34.

[0151] Article 36. The processor, Identifying that further aerosolizable materials have been ordered, Identifying when further aerosolizable materials will be available to users, Further configured to perform, Determining whether the remaining time is below a threshold is based on the availability of further aerosolizable materials and when those materials will become available. A user device as described in any one of clauses 19 to 35.

[0152] Article 37. A computer-readable medium containing instructions, wherein when the instructions are executed by the processing circuit of a computing device, the computing device... To receive one or more features relating to the use of a non-flammable aerosol supply system, Based on one or more characteristics of use and the initial supply of the aerosolizable material, predict the remaining time until the supply of the aerosolizable material is depleted. Taking preemptive measures before the supply of aerosolizable materials is depleted, A computer-readable medium that enables execution.

[0153] Article 38. Preemptive measures include notifying users of non-flammable aerosol supply systems. Computer-readable media as specified in Article 37.

[0154] Article 39. Preemptive measures include switching the non-flammable aerosol supply system to an aerosolizable material saving mode. Computer-readable media as specified in Clause 37 or 38.

[0155] Article 40. Preemptive measures include encouraging users to order additional aerosolizable materials. A computer-readable medium as specified in any one of clauses 37 to 39.

[0156] Article 41. The preemptive measures include ordering additional aerosolizable materials on behalf of the user. A computer-readable medium as specified in any one of clauses 37 to 40.

[0157] Article 42. The preemptive measures include displaying the predicted length of time remaining. A computer-readable medium as specified in any one of clauses 37 to 41.

[0158] Article 43. The supply of aerosolizable materials is The amount of aerosolizable material stored across multiple pods, The amount of aerosolizable material stored in a specific pod, The number of pods of aerosolizable material, and The amount of aerosolizable material available for use in refillable pods, A computer-readable medium as described in any one of the paragraphs 37 to 42, which is at least one of the following.

[0159] Article 44. The instruction is sent to the processing circuit. Determine whether the remaining time is below a threshold. Let's execute it further, Taking preemptive measures is done when it is determined that the remaining time is below a threshold. A computer-readable medium as specified in any one of clauses 37 to 43.

[0160] Article 45. The non-flammable aerosol supply system can operate with multiple heater power settings. One or more features relating to usage include the current heater power setting, A computer-readable medium as specified in any one of clauses 37 to 44.

[0161] Article 46. One or more characteristics relating to use include the user's usage patterns of the non-flammable aerosol supply system, based on the user's past use of the non-flammable aerosol supply system. A computer-readable medium as specified in any one of clauses 37 to 45.

[0162] Article 47. One or more features relating to use are, User average puff duration, The user's typical heater power level selection, and Typical number of puffs performed by the user during a session using a non-flammable aerosol supply system. Computer-readable media as described in Clause 46, including at least one of the following.

[0163] Article 48. One or more features relating to use include puff information relating to one or more puffs performed by the user in a non-flammable aerosol supply system, A computer-readable medium as specified in any one of clauses 37 to 47.

[0164] Article 49. Puff information, Puff length, The number of times the user performed the puff, and The heater power level of the non-flammable aerosol supply system when one or more puffs are performed. Computer-readable media as described in Clause 48, including at least one of the following:

[0165] Article 50. The initial supply is determined based on the stored instructions in the user's inventory of aerosolizable materials. A computer-readable medium as specified in any one of clauses 37 to 49.

[0166] Article 51. Instructions are sent to the computing device. Receiving user input indicating the initial supply of aerosolizable materials. A computer-readable medium as described in any one of clauses 37-50, which further enables the execution of the above.

[0167] Article 52. Instructions are sent to the computing device. Detecting the initial supply of aerosolizable material from the memory elements of the pod. A computer-readable medium as described in any one of clauses 37 to 49, which further enables the execution of the above.

[0168] Article 53. One or more features relating to use include changes in the supply of aerosolizable materials as indicated by the user. A computer-readable medium as specified in any one of clauses 37 to 52.

[0169] Article 54. Instructions are sent to the computing device. Identifying that further aerosolizable materials have been ordered, Identifying when further aerosolizable materials will be available to users, Let's execute it further,

[0170] Article 55. Determining whether the remaining time is below a threshold is based on the availability of further aerosolizable materials and when those materials will become available. A computer-readable medium as specified in any one of clauses 37 to 53.

[0171] Article 56. A step of receiving usage characteristics from a non-flammable aerosol supply system, A step of calculating a usage summary based at least partially on usage characteristics, Methods that include...

[0172] Article 57. The usage characteristics relate to a single puff by the user in a non-flammable aerosol supply system. The method described in Article 56.

[0173] Article 58. The usage characteristics relate to multiple puffs by the user in a non-flammable aerosol supply system. The method described in Article 56.

[0174] Article 59. The usage characteristics are, Puff duration of puffs in non-flammable aerosol supply systems, The number of puffs performed during the session of use. The amount of aerosolizable material consumed when using the non-flammable aerosol supply system, and At the time the non-flammable aerosol supply system was used, The method described in any one of the paragraphs 56 to 58, including at least one of the following:

[0175] Article 60. The usage characteristics identify when the non-flammable aerosol supply system was used. The method described in any one of clauses 56-59, wherein the step of calculating the usage summary includes calculating a typical usage profile of the user over a day.

[0176] Article 61. The usage characteristics further identify the type of pod used in non-flammable aerosol supply systems. Calculating a typical usage profile involves identifying which type of pod a user typically uses during one or more periods of a day. The method described in Article 60.

[0177] Article 62. The usage characteristics further specify the heater power level of the non-flammable aerosol supply system. Calculating a typical usage profile involves identifying which of the multiple heater power levels supported by the non-flammable aerosol supply system the user typically uses during one or more periods of a day. The method described in Article 60 or 61.

[0178] Article 63. The usage characteristics further specify the number of puffs performed during a session of using the non-flammable aerosol supply system. Calculating a typical usage profile involves identifying the typical number of puffs taken by the user during a usage session for one or more periods within a day. The method described in any one of clauses 60 to 62.

[0179] Article 64. The usage characteristics identify the duration of one or more puffs performed by the user in the non-flammable aerosol supply system and the heater power level of the non-flammable aerosol supply system. The step of calculating the usage summary includes determining the average duration of puffs in the non-flammable aerosol supply system for each of the multiple heater power levels supported by the non-flammable aerosol supply system. The method described in any one of clauses 56 to 63.

[0180] Article 65. Usage characteristics are received via Bluetooth. The method described in any one of clauses 56 to 64.

[0181] Article 66. Steps to display a usage summary to the user, The method described in any one of the clauses 56 to 65, further including the method described in any one of the clauses 56 to 65.

[0182] Article 67. Based on the usage characteristics, the step of calculating the amount of aerosolizable material consumed by the non-flammable aerosol supply system during the usage period relevant to those usage characteristics. The method described in any one of the clauses 56 to 66, further including the method described in any one of the clauses 56 to 66.

[0183] Article 68. Based on the usage summary, calculate the expected amount of aerosolizable material to be used in the next period. The method described in any one of the clauses 56 to 67, further including the method described in any one of the clauses 56 to 67.

[0184] Article 69. The steps include: calculating the predicted inventory of aerosolizable materials after the next period based on the expected amount of aerosolizable material to be used and the stored instructions for the user's aerosolizable material inventory; A step to take preemptive action if the predicted inventory of aerosolizable materials after the next period falls below a threshold, The method described in Article 68, further including the method described in Article 68.

[0185] Article 70. The preemptive measure was Notifying the user, Encouraging users to order additional aerosolizable materials, Ordering additional aerosolizable materials on behalf of the user, Switching the non-flammable aerosol supply system to an aerosolizable material saving mode, The method described in Article 69, which includes at least one of the following.

[0186] Article 71. A non-flammable aerosol supply system, A control unit configured to collect usage characteristics of a non-flammable aerosol supply system, A communication element for transmitting usage characteristics to the user device, A non-flammable aerosol supply system equipped with [the specified feature].

[0187] Article 72. The control unit is configured to detect puffs in the non-flammable aerosol supply system and to collect usage characteristics in response to puff detection. A non-flammable aerosol supply system as described in Clause 71.

[0188] Article 73. The communication element is a Bluetooth communication element for transmitting usage characteristics to the user device via Bluetooth. A non-flammable aerosol supply system as described in Clause 71 or 72.

[0189] Article 74. A receiver element for receiving usage characteristics from a non-flammable aerosol supply system, A processor for calculating a usage summary based at least partially on usage characteristics, A user device equipped with the following features.

[0190] Article 75. The usage characteristics relate to a single puff by the user in a non-flammable aerosol supply system. User devices as defined in Clause 74.

[0191] Article 76. The usage characteristics relate to multiple puffs by the user in a non-flammable aerosol supply system. User devices as defined in Clause 74.

[0192] Article 77. The usage characteristics are, Puff duration of puffs in non-flammable aerosol supply systems, The number of puffs performed during the session of use. The amount of aerosolizable material consumed when using the non-flammable aerosol supply system, and At the time the non-flammable aerosol supply system was used, A user device as described in any one of the clauses 74 to 76, including at least one of the following:

[0193] Article 78. The usage characteristics identify when the non-flammable aerosol supply system was used. The step of calculating usage summary includes calculating a typical user usage profile over a day. A user device as specified in any one of clauses 74 to 77.

[0194] Article 79. The usage characteristics further identify the type of pod used in non-flammable aerosol supply systems. To calculate a typical usage profile, the processor is configured to perform the task of identifying which type of pod a user typically uses during one or more periods of a day. User devices as defined in Article 78.

[0195] Article 80. The usage characteristics further specify the heater power level of the non-flammable aerosol supply system. To calculate a typical usage profile, the processor is configured to determine, for one or more periods of a day, which of the multiple heater power levels supported by the non-flammable aerosol supply system the user typically uses during that period. User devices as defined in Clause 78 or 79.

[0196] Article 81. The usage characteristics further specify the number of puffs performed during a session of using the non-flammable aerosol supply system. To calculate a typical usage profile, the processor is configured to determine the typical number of puffs taken by the user during a usage session for one or more periods within a day. A user device as described in any one of clauses 78 to 80.

[0197] Article 82. The usage characteristics identify the duration of one or more puffs performed by the user in the non-flammable aerosol supply system and the heater power level of the non-flammable aerosol supply system. To calculate the usage summary, the processor is configured to perform, for each of a plurality of heater power levels supported by a non-flammable aerosol supply system, determining the average duration of performance in the non-flammable aerosol supply system. The user device according to any one of clauses 78 to 81.

[0198] Clause 83. The usage characteristics are received via Bluetooth. The user device according to any one of clauses 74 to 82.

[0199] Clause 84. Displaying the usage summary to the user The user device according to any one of clauses 74 to 83, further configured to perform.

[0200] Clause 85. The processor Based on the usage characteristics, calculating the amount of aerosolizable material consumed by the non-flammable aerosol supply system during the usage period to which the usage characteristics relate The user device according to any one of clauses 74 to 84, further configured to perform.

[0201] Clause 86. The processor Based on the usage summary, calculating the expected amount of aerosolizable material to be used during the next period The user device according to any one of clauses 74 to 85, further configured to perform.

[0202] Clause 87. The processor Based on the expected amount of aerosolizable material to be used and the stored indication of the user's inventory of aerosolizable material, calculating the predicted inventory of aerosolizable material after the next period, and If the predicted inventory of aerosolizable materials after the next period falls below the threshold, preemptive measures will be taken. A user device as described in Clause 86, further configured to perform the following actions.

[0203] Article 88. The preemptive measure was Notifying the user, Encouraging users to order additional aerosolizable materials, Ordering additional aerosolizable materials on behalf of the user, Switching the non-flammable aerosol supply system to an aerosolizable material saving mode, A user device as described in Clause 87, including at least one of the following:

[0204] Article 89. A computer-readable medium containing instructions, wherein when the instructions are executed by the processing circuit of a computing device, the computing device... Receiving usage characteristics from a non-flammable aerosol supply system, Calculate the usage summary based at least partially on the usage characteristics, A computer-readable medium that enables execution.

[0205] Article 90. The usage characteristics relate to a single puff by the user in a non-flammable aerosol supply system. Computer-readable media as specified in Article 89.

[0206] Article 91. The usage characteristics relate to multiple puffs by the user in a non-flammable aerosol supply system. Computer-readable media as specified in Article 89.

[0207] Article 92. The usage characteristics are, Puff duration of puffs in non-flammable aerosol supply systems, The number of puffs performed during a session of use, the amount of aerosolizable material consumed when using a non-flammable aerosol supply system, and the time when the non-flammable aerosol supply system was used, A computer-readable medium according to any one of clauses 89 to 91, including at least one of the above.

[0208] Clause 93. The usage characteristics identify when the non-flammable aerosol supply system was used, Calculating the usage summary includes calculating a typical usage profile of the user over a day, A computer-readable medium according to any one of clauses 89 to 92.

[0209] Clause 94. The usage characteristics further identify the type of pod used in the non-flammable aerosol supply system, Calculating the typical usage profile includes identifying, for one or more periods of the day, which type of pod the user typically uses during that period, A computer-readable medium according to clause 93.

[0210] Clause 95. The usage characteristics further identify the heater power level of the non-flammable aerosol supply system, Calculating the typical usage profile includes identifying, for one or more periods of the day, which of the multiple heater power levels supported by the non-flammable aerosol supply system the user typically uses during that period, A computer-readable medium according to clause 93 or 94.

[0211] Clause 96. The usage characteristics further identify the number of puffs performed during a session of use of the non-flammable aerosol supply system, Calculating a typical usage profile involves identifying the typical number of puffs taken by the user during a usage session for one or more periods within a day. A computer-readable medium as specified in any one of clauses 93 to 95.

[0212] Article 97. The usage characteristics identify the duration of one or more puffs performed by the user in the non-flammable aerosol supply system and the heater power level of the non-flammable aerosol supply system. Calculating the usage summary involves determining the average duration of puffs in the non-flammable aerosol supply system for each of the multiple heater power levels supported by the non-flammable aerosol supply system. A computer-readable medium as specified in any one of clauses 89 to 96.

[0213] Article 98. Usage characteristics are received via Bluetooth. A computer-readable medium as specified in any one of clauses 89 to 97.

[0214] Article 99. Instructions are sent to the computing device. Display a usage summary to the user. A computer-readable medium as described in any one of clauses 89-98, which further enables the execution of the above.

[0215] Article 100. Instructions are sent to the computing device. Based on usage characteristics, calculate the amount of aerosolizable material consumed by the non-flammable aerosol supply system during the usage period relevant to those usage characteristics. A computer-readable medium as described in any one of clauses 89-99, which further enables the execution of the above.

[0216] Article 101. Instructions are sent to the computing device. Based on the usage summary, calculate the expected amount of aerosolizable material to be used in the next period. A computer-readable medium as described in any one of clauses 89-100, which further enables the execution of the above.

[0217] Article 102. Instructions are sent to the computing device. Based on the expected amount of aerosolizable material to be used and the stored instructions for the user's aerosolizable material inventory, the system calculates the predicted inventory of aerosolizable material for the next period. If the predicted inventory of aerosolizable materials after the next period falls below the threshold, preemptive measures will be taken. A computer-readable medium as described in Clause 101, which further enables the execution of the above.

[0218] Article 103. The preemptive measure was Notifying the user, Encouraging users to order additional aerosolizable materials, Ordering additional aerosolizable materials on behalf of the user, Switching the non-flammable aerosol supply system to an aerosolizable material saving mode, A computer-readable medium as described in Clause 102, including at least one of the following:

[0219] Article 104. A computer-readable medium containing instructions, wherein when the instructions are executed by a processing circuit of a non-flammable aerosol supply system, the non-flammable aerosol supply system... To collect information on the usage characteristics of non-flammable aerosol supply systems, To communicate usage characteristics to the user device, A computer-readable medium that enables execution.

[0220] Article 105. The order is for a non-flammable aerosol supply system, To detect puffs in a non-flammable aerosol supply system and collect usage characteristics based on the detection of puffs. A computer-readable medium as described in Clause 104, which further enables the execution of the above.

[0221] Article 106. The order is for a non-flammable aerosol supply system, To transmit usage characteristics to the user device via Bluetooth. A computer-readable medium as described in Clause 104 or 105, which further enables the execution of the above.

Claims

[Claim 1] A method for tracking the inventory of aerosolizable materials as substantially described in the text and shown in the drawings.

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