Aerosol Delivery Device

Abstract

An aerosol delivery device is provided, comprising a housing having an elongated longitudinal portion, a communication element disposed on the device, and a detector disposed on the device for detecting one or more user interactions with the communication element. The communication element is configured to provide an indication to a user regarding a usage characteristic of the aerosol delivery device. User interaction with the detector is reflected in the indication to the user.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol delivery device, an aerosol generating system, a method for delivering an aerosol for inhalation by a user, and an aerosol delivery means. [Background technology]

[0002] Aerosol generating systems are known. A typical system uses a user-activated heater to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material via an aerosol delivery device, which then delivers the aerosol for inhalation by the user. The device may be activated by the user upon pressing a button or simply by the act of inhaling. Modern systems may use consumable elements that contain the aerosol-generating material. There are a wide variety of aspects that a user may want to track over the life of the device. Being able to easily understand and track these allows the user to adapt their usage to the state of the device, thus improving the life of the device and the user's experience with the device.

[0003] Modern electronic aerosol generating systems and aerosol delivery devices have been introduced as replacements for older or more traditional systems (e.g., systems that rely on the combustion of materials to deliver the aerosol), and users of older systems have been known to experience decreased confidence when trying modern systems.

[0004] The present invention aims to solve some of the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Aspects of the present invention are defined in the accompanying claims.

[0006] According to some embodiments described herein, an aerosol delivery device is provided, the device comprising: a housing having an elongated longitudinal portion; a communication element disposed on the device; and a detector disposed on the device to detect one or more user interactions with the communication element. The communication element is configured to provide an indication to a user regarding a usage characteristic of the aerosol delivery device, and user interaction with the detector is reflected in the indication to the user.

[0007] Such a system can provide indications to the user regarding relevant operational concerns. The system may use indications that are visual and / or auditory and / or tactile, etc. While indications are useful for providing users with up-to-date information regarding changing usage characteristics of the device or of elements within the device, reflecting user interactions in those indications is beneficial for improving interactivity with, control of, and confidence in the device for new users.

[0008] The user may be able to control one or more functions of the device through interaction with the display. In this way, a greater degree of control is provided to the user without the need for switches, on / off buttons, etc., which may be difficult for users with reduced mobility to use. Furthermore, the display may be configured to be familiar to users of older or more traditional systems. In one example, the display may appear to depict a cigarette burning through during use to indicate to the user the usage characteristics of the remaining session time resulting from the available consumables remaining in the device. Advantageously, this replicates existing habits or rituals that end users have become accustomed to when using older or more traditional combustion products. This increases the familiarity of the newer device for older users, thus increasing their trust in the device and also increasing the likelihood that the user will continue to use the newer, more environmentally friendly device.

[0009] A combination of multiple display types can be very user-friendly for handheld devices and has been found to integrate well into such devices. Visual displays can be advantageous in noisy environments (such as factories or music arenas) where auditory signals may be drowned out by background noise. Auditory displays can be advantageous in instances where the user is not within sight but hearing distance of the device, or in instances where the user is visually impaired or in low-light conditions. Both of these can be advantageous in cold weather, where the user may be wearing gloves and therefore may not respond to tactile displays. Tactile displays can be advantageous when the user cannot easily receive visual or auditory signals.

[0010] In one example, the communication element is configured to provide at least one visual display, which may or may not be interactive, related to at least one of the following usage characteristics: power status, charging status, aerosol generating material consumable status, heater activation status, boost status, session status, operating time, hardware status, and firmware status.

[0011] Each of these are relevant device characteristics that may inform the user on how best to approach the continued use of the device. Particularly with modern devices, the status of the device's firmware is very important. By informing the user whether the firmware is up to date, in the process of being updated, or outdated, the user can approach the use of and updating of their device accordingly. The more complex such devices are, the more important and relevant it is for the device to function as intended by the manufacturer. Therefore, for optimal performance, the user may be notified when firmware updates are necessary and arrange for such updates accordingly.

[0012] In one example, a user may interact with an indication from the device. The indication may allow the user to interact with the indication to immediately request a firmware update when available. For example, an auditory indication may indicate "firmware out of date," and the user may respond with a recognizable action phrase such as "update firmware." The device then attempts to update the firmware at the next appropriate time (e.g., when a connection to the server is available, such as over WiFi). The device may prompt the user to connect to WiFi (or the like) to allow the firmware update.

[0013] In one example, the power status includes at least one of: working, not working, able to start, and not able to start; the charging status includes at least one of: charging, not charging, able to start, and not able to start; the aerosol generating material consumable status includes at least one of: life of the consumable, sessions remaining in the consumable, and sessions provided by the consumable; the hardware status includes at least one of: working and not working; and the firmware status includes at least one of: latest, out of date, and being updated.

[0014] Each of these is highly relevant to a user of such an aerosol delivery device. The user may be informed of normal, everyday concerns, such as power supply level (i.e., how charged is the battery, etc.), as well as rarer, more urgent concerns, such as whether the power supply has any faults and needs repair or replacement (i.e., no charging is a condition that prevents the device from charging even when desired and thus indicates an error state for the device). With this information, the user is fully informed by the communication elements about the status of the device from the mechanical, electrical, computer (firmware), and overall functionality levels. Thus, the user is much better prepared for any actions that may be required (such as recharging the power supply, replacing parts, removing and replenishing consumables or aerosol-generating materials, connecting to a network and updating firmware, etc.).

[0015] In one example, the communication element is configured to provide a first interactive display in response to a first user interaction and a second interactive display in response to a second user interaction. Thus, a user may request information via a specific call command. In one example, running a finger along the edge of the communication element causes the communication element to provide information regarding the device's current battery charge level. In one example, in response to tapping the communication element, the communication element provides a display indicating the type of consumables within the device. The user may then interact with the display to, for example, power down the device to conserve battery or change the heating mode to a boost function (e.g., when the user deems the battery level high).

[0016] In this manner, the communication element may be configured to provide the user with device control, which may include at least one of the device's activation status and the device's functionality state.

[0017] The activation status of the device may be, for example, on or off. The functional state may be the condition of aerosol generation, such as high aerosol volume, low aerosol volume, long puff, short puff, aerosol or heater temperature, etc.

[0018] The communication elements may be disposed on at least one of the elongated longitudinal portion of the housing, on the distal end of the housing, and within a continuous display around the periphery of the housing.

[0019] The communication element may be elongated. This may further enhance the familiarity of the device for users of older or more traditional systems. In particular, whether combined with an elongated element or not, the communication element may indicate the burn progress of the consumable. The remaining usage time of the consumable within the device may be displayed on the communication element. As this decreases, a visual indication of the burn progress may be displayed. This enhances the familiarity of the newer aerosol delivery device system for users of older combustion-based systems. Therefore, providing this information may increase the confidence of these users. Users of older or more traditional systems may not be accustomed to checking e-liquid levels (for example), and therefore this system may be beneficial for such users. Users may be able to interact with the burn progress visual indication by tapping on it to cause the increasing ash to fall. This also enhances the familiarity of the newer device for users of older devices. Advantageously, this replicates existing habits or rituals that end users have become accustomed to when using older or more traditional combustion-based products.

[0020] Similarly, the interactive auditory indication may be crackling and / or popping and / or sizzling sounds. This may be, for example, a pre-recorded audio segment used to replicate the sounds produced during the combustion of a typical combustion device, such as a cigarette or cigar. The exact sounds provided by the combustion device may depend on the structure, condition, and context of the aerosol-generating material within the combustion device. For example, a first cigarette of a first material may provide a different auditory soundscape than a second cigarette of a second material. The communication element may be capable of providing different audio signals according to a user selection or based on the detection of an aerosol-generating material within the device. This may further enhance familiarity for users of older devices, thereby increasing confidence in using new devices and reducing the likelihood that such users will return to their older devices.

[0021] Similarly, a visual interactive display may be based on detecting the type of aerosol-generating material in the device. The visual display may be one of a burning ember, a vapor release, and a burn-through of the aerosol-generating material consumable. The color of the ember or the length of time of the burn-through may vary depending on the aerosol-generating material used in the device. The communication element may be a human-machine interface, a touch screen, or the like.

[0022] In this way, displays are used to clearly present vast amounts of data to the user for processing accordingly. This can improve the user's confidence in the device and extend its lifespan by allowing the user to proactively address any necessary repairs. For example, when notified that a heater is not functioning, the user may be able to interact with the display informing them by repairing it or scheduling a repair appointment with the manufacturer's representative. This, for example, provides the benefit of streamlining the end user's interaction with repair and / or replacement services, allowing inoperable, damaged, and / or malfunctioning parts of the product to be repaired in a timely and efficient manner. This improves the user experience of the device and also increases the device's lifespan and the safety of its general use.

[0023] In one example, the detector is configured to detect a first predetermined user interaction and a further predetermined user interaction, and the communication element is configured to provide a corresponding first interactive display in response to the first predetermined user interaction and to provide a modified first interactive display in response to the further predetermined user interaction. In such an example, a double tap may cause a plume of smoke to appear that has a color and amount associated with the aerosol-generating material and the user's inhalation. Further actions (such as swiping) may cause the plume to be moved by the user.

[0024] Such movements can be used to affect functionality. For example, a user can swipe the smoke plume up to increase the amount of vapor delivered per inhalation, or down to decrease the amount of vapor delivered per inhalation. This may be represented to the user by a smaller or larger smoke plume on the communication element. This may also be indicated by an audible and / or tactile indication.

[0025] The device control provided to the user via the communication element may be at least one of the device's activation status and the device's functional state, which may relate, for example, to on / off / lock / sleep commands (activation status) and high smoke, low smoke, long puffs, short puffs, and / or temperature of the aerosol delivered (functional state).

[0026] The detector may be of any type suitable for detecting user interaction with the device, such as a pressure sensor, a light gate, a capacitor, an airflow sensor, etc. Each of these allows the device to recognize that a user is interacting with the communication element so that an indication (visual, auditory, or tactile) from the communication element can be modified to represent the interaction from the user.

[0027] According to some embodiments described herein, an aerosol generation system is provided that provides an indication to a user. The system includes an aerosol delivery device, the device including a housing having an elongated longitudinal portion, a communication element disposed on the device, and a detector disposed on the device for detecting user interaction with the elongated longitudinal portion. The communication element is configured to provide an indication to a user regarding a usage characteristic of the aerosol delivery device, and user interaction with the detector is reflected in the indication to the user.

[0028] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided a method of providing an indication to a user, the method including providing an aerosol delivery device having a housing with an elongated longitudinal portion, a communication element disposed on the device, and a detector disposed on the device, providing an indication to a user via the communication element regarding a usage characteristic of the aerosol delivery device, and reflecting user interaction with the detector via the communication element on the indication.

[0029] The methods described herein may be methods for delivering an aerosol from an aerosol delivery device to a user.

[0030] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol delivery means comprising a housing having an elongated longitudinal portion, communication means disposed on the aerosol delivery means, and detection means disposed on the aerosol delivery means for detecting one or more user interactions with the communication means, wherein the communication means is configured to provide an indication to a user regarding a usage characteristic of the aerosol delivery means, and user interaction with the detection means is reflected in the indication to the user. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] The teachings of the present invention will now be illustrated, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0032] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an example aerosol delivery device. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of an example aerosol delivery system. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram according to an example.

[0033] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and have been described in detail. However, the drawings and detailed description of the specific embodiments are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] Various aspects and features of particular examples and embodiments are discussed / described herein. Some aspects and features of particular examples and embodiments may be implemented by conventional techniques and will not be discussed / described in detail for the sake of brevity. Thus, it will be understood that aspects and features of the apparatus and methods discussed herein that are not described in detail may be implemented in accordance with conventional techniques in the art.

[0035] The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery systems, which may also be referred to as aerosol delivery systems, e.g., e-cigarettes. While the terms "e-cigarette" or "electronic cigarette" may be used in the following description, it will be understood that these terms can be used interchangeably with aerosol delivery systems / devices and electronic aerosol delivery systems / devices. Additionally, as is common in the art, the terms "aerosol" and "vapor" and related terms (e.g., "vaporize," "volatilize," "aerosolize," etc.) can generally be used interchangeably.

[0036] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an example of an aerosol delivery device 100 according to the present invention. The aerosol delivery device 100 includes an aerosol delivery device housing 110. The aerosol delivery device housing 110 has a distal end and a proximal end. The housing has an elongated longitudinal portion 112. The housing 110 is generally cylindrical in shape, with the longitudinal portion being longer than the transverse portion, although this is not required to achieve the benefits of the present invention. The housing 110 may have a cross-sectional shape other than circular, for example, any cross-sectional shape while maintaining the elongated longitudinal portion. The device 100 includes a communication element 120 disposed on (and / or within) the device 100. The communication element 120 may be disposed on or within the device 100. The communication element 120 may be disposed near or toward the distal or proximal end portions. The communication element 120 is configured to provide an interactive display to a user regarding the usage characteristics of the aerosol delivery device 100. The device 100 has a detector 130 disposed on the device 100. The detector 130 is configured to detect one or more user interactions with the communication elements 120. In the device 100, the user interactions with the detector 130 are reflected in a display to the user.

[0037] Communication element 120 may be configured to provide an indication to a user regarding the usage characteristics of aerosol delivery device 100. This indication may be visual, audible, and / or tactile. This indication may be interactive, allowing a user to interact with an interaction from communication element 120 via detector 130. This communication element 120 may be referred to as an interactive communication element 120 that provides an interactive indication to a user regarding the usage characteristics of aerosol delivery device 100.

[0038] 1 , the detector 130 may also be connected (wirelessly or by wire) to the control circuitry 150. The control circuitry 150 may control when indications are provided to the user, and may also control how interactions with those indications are interpreted, used, and communicated back to the user (if applicable). Thus, the control circuitry 150 may receive user commands via the detector 130 and execute those commands on the communication element 120 accordingly. For example, if a user interacts with an indication from the communication element 120 and requests that the device 100 be powered off (the exact interaction is not important), the detector 130 detects the interaction and sends a corresponding signal to the control circuitry 150, which receives the signal and controls the deactivation of the device 100 accordingly, for example, by signaling a power source.

[0039] In one example, device 100 is activated and communication element 120 provides an auditory indication of a gentle crackle to indicate that device 100 is activated. A user may interact vocally and say "stop activation," and detector 130 detects the request and provides a signal to control circuitry 150. Control circuitry 150 recognizes the command as a predetermined command and provides a signal to the power source to deactivate device 100.

[0040] This configuration increases connectivity and interactivity between the display presented to the user and the user's interaction with that display. This increases the ease of use of the device, especially for users with reduced mobility. This configuration also increases trust among users who are familiar with older devices but not newer devices. Newer devices are often more robust and environmentally friendly than older devices, so there is an advantage to encouraging users to use newer devices. This can therefore increase user engagement, which is also beneficial from an environmental perspective. This configuration nicely partners the user with factory-made cigarettes, which may not be environmentally friendly.

[0041] For example, device 100 disclosed herein may be configured to indicate to a user via a visual signal that a heater (e.g., a heating element) in device 100 is not functioning properly. To accomplish this, device 100 may include a thermal detector that evaluates the performance of the heating element and an electrical detector that detects the power supply to the heating element. If the electrical or thermal detector detects a change in performance, control circuitry 150 receives the signal from them and compares it to known normal operating levels to evaluate whether device 100 is functioning as expected. If the signal from the detector indicates a problem, control circuitry 150 sends a signal to communication element 120, which provides an indication (audible, visual, or tactile) to the user that repair or some form of user intervention may be required.

[0042] Communicating element 120 may be located on at least one of an elongated longitudinal portion of housing 110, a distal end of housing 110, and in a continuous display around the periphery of housing 110. This can be highly advantageous in increasing familiarity of device 100 to users of older combustion devices. The visual portion of communicating element 120 may light up in a manner reminiscent of a lit cigarette (if located distally) and / or in a manner indicating the progression of a cigarette along the length of device 100 (if located on an elongated longitudinal portion of housing 110). Using a continuous display, for example, one wrapped around housing 110, increases visibility to users with reduced vision, makes the display less likely to be overlooked by a user, and allows the display to realistically replicate an end user's existing habits or rituals.

[0043] This configuration may be able to provide information to users in an unobtrusive yet highly informative manner. Communications from communication element 120 may create a greater sense of familiarity for users more accustomed to older combustion-based systems, increasing their confidence in using the newer systems.

[0044] The communication element 120 may be capable of providing a visual indication reminiscent of a cigarette burning as the aerosol-generating material in the device 100 is consumed. A portion of the communication element 120 may be disposed along a length of the elongated longitudinal portion 112 of the device 100. This may help provide an indication of the depletion of the aerosol-generating material (from the distal end to the proximal end) as seen in typical disposable, combustible products. Encouraging users of such older or more traditional systems to use newer, reusable systems may also reduce the overall number of discarded devices, thus providing environmental benefits. The visual portion of the communication element 120 may be a touchscreen, etc. The visual portion of the communication element 120 may be a human-machine interface.

[0045] Providing a display at the distal portion of the housing 110 is a user-friendly location for providing information to the user because this portion is highly visible to the user. Therefore, using a visual display at the distal portion of the device 100 has a synergistic effect in that it easily provides data to the user while also increasing user confidence in older or more traditional systems because the display mimics the effect associated with combustion-type products. Visual displays are particularly useful in noisy environments where an auditory display may not be detectable. An interactive tactile display may also be advantageous in such environments.

[0046] The auditory portion of the communication element 120 may provide an auditory indication to the user regarding the usage characteristics of the device 100. Auditory indications are particularly useful in low-light conditions or for users with visual impairments (for whom the visual communication element 120 may be less useful) or reduced mobility (i.e., users who have greater difficulty physically interacting with the device). Auditory indications may also be useful in situations such as cold weather where the user may be wearing additional layers over their hands, which may weaken other indications, such as tactile indications. Interactive auditory indications allow the user to begin using the device 100 in their pocket (before bringing it to their mouth), such as in cold weather. Thus, auditory indications are extremely useful and synergistic with visual indications, as these two indications are complementary and compensate for each other's shortcomings. Emergency indications may be performed auditorily, as auditory indications may be the most reliable form of indication. The user may not be in the same room as the device 100 and therefore may not notice the visual indication, but may receive the auditory indication. Thus, an auditory indication is very useful for indications that may occur during periods of non-use (e.g., the end of the life of an electrical component, urgent repairs needed, or other similar emergencies). The auditory indication may be a speaker emitting an indication that the heater is nearing the end of its life. The user may interact with the device physically or via voice, for example, by speaking an action phrase such as "arrange repairs." Control circuitry 150 may then interact with a server to arrange for a repair opportunity for the user.

[0047] An auditory indication from the communication element 120 may provide an indication of usage characteristics, such as that the device 100 is in use. Such an auditory indication may be in the form of a crackling sound effect or other style. The sound effect may be an artificially generated (e.g., pre-recorded) sound file that may be provided by a speaker or the like as part of the auditory portion of the communication element 120. The sound file may be a crackling sound, as this sound is typically produced when aerosol-generating materials are heated to provide an aerosol. Other sounds include the popping and sizzling of materials being heated. The selected sounds may replicate sounds produced during use of older products, such as combustion-based products. This may increase new users' familiarity with newer, safer devices, which in turn may increase the likelihood that users will continue to use such newer devices.

[0048] This can be coupled with visual displays that replicate visual information generated during use of older products (e.g., combustion-based products). The visual displays can be burning embers, flickering embers, etc. Each of these enhances the user's familiarity with the new device by replicating the end user's existing habits or rituals. By using audio and visual interactive displays, device 100 can create a realistic impression of using an older product, further enhancing the replication or effect achieved.

[0049] In general, communication element 120 may provide displays for various items or aspects of data. Communication element 120 may be configured to provide a visual indication related to at least one of the following usage characteristics: power status, charging status, aerosol generation material consumable status, heater activation status, boost status, session status, runtime, hardware status, and firmware status. Similarly, interactive communication element 120 may be configured to provide an audio indication related to at least one of the following usage characteristics: power status, charging status, aerosol generation material consumable status, heater activation status, boost status, session status, runtime, hardware status, and firmware status.

[0050] Tactile indication may be used in addition to or instead of any of the above.

[0051] In certain examples, an auditory indication may be used for power-on (which may be relevant in situations where the device accidentally begins powering on when the user is not in the device's hand, thereby improving safety), and a visual indication may be used to indicate operating conditions, such as heater temperature or consumable status and life. A tactile indication may be used for in-use data, such as that boost mode (which increases aerosol delivery for a predetermined period of time) is in use. In combination, the communication element 120 can be a highly effective and reliable system for communicating issues to the user. An auditory indication may also be used for alarm status (e.g., emergency situations), which, as noted above, can be advantageous when such a status occurs when the user is away from the device (e.g., in another room) and the user does not receive a visual communication but does receive an auditory indication. The volume of the auditory indication may be adjusted based on the severity of the indication, for example a very loud indication for an alarm status (e.g. low power, heater needs repair, etc.) and a quieter indication for a normal in-use indication, for example a crackling, popping, or sizzling sound file when in use.

[0052] Problems, issues, or similar usage characteristics communicated to the user may include battery status (what charge level the battery has, how much life is left in the battery), charging status (whether the device is charging successfully), consumable status (how many uses are left in the consumables in use with the device, whether the consumables are expired or recalled), heater activation status (whether the heater is on or off), boost status (whether the boost state is on or off), session status (whether the session is at the beginning, middle, or end), operating time (how much active time is left in the battery, or how long the device has been active for the user to track and control their usage).

[0053] Similarly, the display may relate to at least one of power status (what state the battery is in, operational, inoperable, faulty, etc.), charging status (high efficiency charging, low efficiency charging, intermittent charging due to error, not charging due to error), heater status (operable as expected, operational but unexpected, inoperable but expected, inoperable but unexpected), heater status (on or off), boost status (on or off), control circuit status (functioning as expected or not), hardware status (operable, inoperable, damaged or faulty, etc.), and firmware status (up to date, out of date, updating, etc.).

[0054] These primarily indicate to the user whether the device is working as expected, i.e., functioning, or not as expected, i.e., broken or damaged. Errors can be indicated to the user via part status as to whether parts need to be replaced or repaired. The power source can be a battery, a capacitor, or other suitable power source.

[0055] Device status may include: active (i.e., currently functioning to dispense aerosol, i.e., "on"), inactive (i.e., not currently functioning to dispense aerosol, i.e., "off"), activatable (i.e., the device is functioning so that it can dispense aerosol when requested), and inactivatable (i.e., the device is not functioning so that it cannot dispense aerosol when requested). Inactivatable may indicate a locked device state or a faulty device state (a state in which the user can request activation but is unable to be activated due to a fault or error that requires user attention).

[0056] In one example, the communication element 120 may be an interactive screen. This screen may be capable of providing a display, and a user may interact with this display by interacting with the screen. For example, the screen may show the progress of a combustion product during use, and the user may be able to brush off the burned end of the combustion product shown on the screen by flicking the screen. The screen detects the user's interaction and replicates it in the image shown on the screen. By replicating existing habits or rituals that end users may have become accustomed to when using older or more traditional combustion products, users of older combustion systems may feel more familiar with the newer, reusable system. The screen may show smoke or steam being dispensed, and the user may be able to interact by using their finger to push or pull the smoke on the interactive screen. These interactions are also functional in that use and control of the device 100 may occur through interaction with the interactive communication element 120. In one example, a user may blow on smoke shown on the communication element 120, causing the smoke to dissipate. Again, these interactions advantageously replicate existing habits or rituals that end users have become accustomed to when using older or more traditional combustion products. This configuration can appear very familiar in feel and interaction to users of older devices. Such a configuration is also easier to use for users who have severe motor impairments or immobility in one hand, eliminating the need to manually interact with the device and instead using the user's breath.

[0057] Each of these interactions by the user may additionally or alternatively affect the function of device 100, such that this configuration not only enhances familiarity but also user ease of use. Blowing lightly on the distal end may be likened to fanning a flame, thereby increasing the aerosol delivery from device 100, while blowing harder on the middle portion may be likened to extinguishing a flame, thereby changing device 100 to a deactivated state.

[0058] In one example, detector 130 is a pressure sensor (or the like for detecting a user's physical interaction with the screen) and is part of communication element 120. When a user presses the screen, the pressure sensor detects this and provides a signal to control circuitry 150. Control circuitry 150 identifies the user interaction and provides a corresponding signal to communication element 120 to modify, change, or alter the display being presented. Detector 130 may be any detector or sensor suitable for recognizing a user interaction with device 100.

[0059] Thus, the indication provided by communication element 120 may be of burning aerosol-generating material. The indication may be of an audible crackling sound or a visual of fire or embers. The visual indication may be of burning paper or cigarette material rather than just aerosol-generating material. The user may be informed of the total hours of use of device 100 per day, which may allow the user to control the use of device 100.

[0060] In one example, while using device 100, a user may insert an aerosol-generating material into device 100. Control circuitry 150 may recognize the aerosol-generating material. Audio and visual indications may then be based on the recognition of the aerosol-generating material. In this way, a more authentic experience of older devices can be replicated by device 100, again increasing familiarity with the device for new users. Thus, in one example, a first aerosol-generating material (e.g., tobacco) has a first visual indication and a first audio indication, while a second aerosol-generating material (e.g., menthol) has a second visual indication and a second audio indication. For complete clarity, communication element 120 may comprise a speaker or other audio signal emitter, etc.

[0061] Audible indicators of burning aerosol-generating material may include crackling, sizzling, popping, or the sound of air rushing towards or away from the aerosol-generating material. Visual indicators of burning aerosol-generating material may include burning embers, the release of vapors, the burning of the aerosol-generating material consumable, etc.

[0062] The sound files may depend on the aerosol-generating material to enhance familiarity. These sound files may differ from one another because heating different aerosol-generating materials sounds different due to differences in moisture content, different structural fibers, different densities, different oil contents, etc. Therefore, it is preferable to have an accurate replica of the sounds that various aerosol-generating materials make during use. Furthermore, device 100 may allow a user to select the sounds that are provided by device 100 during use. This allows a user to personalize device 100 to provide auditory cues related to the use of, for example, a cigarette, cigar, or pipe.

[0063] The communication element 120 may be a human-machine interface or the like for allowing a user to interact with data presentations on a device, which may present various data to the user in a user-friendly manner.

[0064] Any combination of visual and / or auditory and / or tactile indications may be used to convey information about device 100 as may be useful to the user. One form of indication (e.g., auditory) may be reserved for emergency indications to the user. This way, the user always associates one form of indication with something that requires immediate action. This improves user interaction with the alert features disclosed herein, so the user is less likely to ignore the indication. This may occur if the indication (e.g., visual) is used regularly and a slightly different form of that indication (e.g., a particular color) indicates a serious or critical problem.

[0065] The system may perceive usage characteristics through a combination of control circuitry, which, together with detectors, if appropriate, communicate various aspects to be communicated to the user. The detector(s) may be any of a timer, gyroscope, magnetometer, capacitor located in the housing, thermal sensor, accelerometer, electrical sensor, altimeter, photogate, voltmeter, and pressure sensor. Each of these may help provide an assessment of the appropriate aspect to be communicated to the user (e.g., whether the heater is operating as expected or the power source is charging as expected). Detector 130 may be part of control circuitry 150 and / or communication element 120.

[0066] In one use case, a user may double-tap interactive screen 120 to display a smoke plume associated with the aerosol-generating material within device 100 during use. The user may then swipe the plume with one finger to move the smoke and alter the initial image. Alternatively, the user may be able to swipe with two fingers to wipe away the smoke (as represented on the screen). Similarly, a two-finger swipe may both wipe away the smoke and alter the device's functionality, such as by switching the device from an active mode to an inactive mode.

[0067] In this manner, the interactive communication element 120 may be configured to provide a corresponding first interactive display in response to a first predetermined user interaction, and to provide a modified first interactive display in response to a further predetermined user interaction. This modified first display is not a second display, but rather a similar appearance with differences resulting from the user's interaction. It may be a similar display from the interactive communication element, but with slight differences (modifications).

[0068] Communication elements 120 may be positioned on at least one of an elongated vertical portion of the housing, on a distal end of the housing, and in a continuous display around the periphery of the housing. Communication elements 120 may be positioned around the periphery of the housing in a wraparound screen manner such that communication elements 120 are visible on all sides of device 100. In this manner, a user is more likely to view the display and therefore receive information visually displayed for them.

[0069] A user with limited mobility may be able to control all functionality of device 100 while pressing and holding the same area on device 100, i.e., the area with communication element 120. This is more convenient for such users than devices with numerous buttons that require separate interactions to alter the functionality of device 100.

[0070] Different interactions may be recognized by the control circuitry as requiring different indications or different functions from device 100. The user may be informed of this by instructions associated with device 100. In this manner, a first interaction may provide the user with a first indication (e.g., the user presses a point on the device to be informed of the current battery power), while a second interaction may provide a second indication (e.g., the user slides a finger along a vertical portion of the device to be informed of the aerosol-generating material remaining in the device).

[0071] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an aerosol generation system 200. The aerosol generation system 200 is similar to the aerosol delivery device 100 of FIG. 1. In the example of FIG. 2, a control circuit 250 is external to the aerosol delivery device 210 of the aerosol generation system 200 of FIG. 2. A detector for detecting user interaction may also be external and configured as part of the control circuit 250, or internal and configured as part of the device 210 and as part of the communication element 220. The communication element 220 is located within the aerosol delivery device 210. The system 200 may be a device 210 having the control circuit 250 and an aerosol-generating material (not shown) located within the device 210.

[0072] System 200 of Figure 2 operates in a manner corresponding to device 100 of Figure 1. A user interacts with device 210, or control circuitry and detector pair 250. Control circuitry 250 wirelessly interacts with device 210 to create, modify, or change a display on communication element 220. System 200 thus provides a similar familiarity to older devices, such as device 100 of Figure 1. System 200 also allows for reuse of control circuitry portion 250, thus providing a more environmentally friendly configuration.

[0073] Circuitry 250 may interact remotely with aerosol delivery device 210 via any communication method. Such a configuration reduces the cost of aerosol delivery device 210 by providing circuitry 250 separately from device 210. Thus, aerosol generation system 200 may have an extended lifespan compared to aerosol delivery device 100 of FIG. 1 . In use, an aerosol-generating material may be inserted into device 210 prior to use, and control circuitry 250 may receive a signal related to the aerosol-generating material to identify the aerosol-generating material prior to use. This may originate from a detector based on device 210.

[0074] 3 illustrates a method 300 of using an aerosol delivery device. Method 300 is illustrated as a flowchart. In method 300, the device may start in a default state (302), which may be fully charged and fully operational, such as in the case of a brand new device. Alternatively, the default operational state may be the operational state of a previously used device, such as in the case of a user device that has been used at least once. The battery may or may not be fully charged, and the lifespan of components within the device may have been at least partially reduced by use.

[0075] When the user is attempting to use the device, is using the device, or is not using the device, the device detects usage characteristics of the device. This may be using one or more detectors to assess the various usage characteristics described above, as described above. The device detects usage characteristics using a detector (which may include multiple individual sensors / detectors). The detector may detect usage characteristics by any standard mechanism (e.g., a voltmeter for assessing battery condition) (304).

[0076] The detectors responsively transmit signals to the control circuitry (306). The control circuitry may receive periodic signals from one or more detectors regarding usage characteristics and provide an interactive display to the user only when deemed appropriate. As an example, a user may not need to be constantly informed that the battery is working efficiently. Rather, a preferred approach may be for the user to be informed when the battery is beginning to work less efficiently, i.e., when user input and / or effort is required. However, the consumable life and remaining sessions may be continuously (or semi-continuously, i.e., at regular short intervals) informed to the user so that the user has an up-to-date understanding of the usage remaining in the device.

[0077] When such an indication is deemed appropriate for communication to the user, the control circuitry may provide an interactive indication to the user via the communication element (308), which may be in accordance with the description above. This indication may be either a visual, auditory, and / or tactile indication that the user can interact with to cause a functional change in the device. This configuration also increases user confidence and device familiarity for users of older devices.

[0078] This method provides the user with a user-friendly display process that does not overload the user with information, yet keeps the user regularly informed of relevant matters at any point during the life of the device. This method strikes a balance between overloading the user and providing the user with little or no warning in advance of relevant usage events (e.g., depletion of battery power, depletion of aerosol-generating material, or failure of a component within the device). By clearly displaying various situations to the user, the user remains well-informed and prepared while using the device. This method also increases user familiarity for users of older or more traditional combustion-based products or systems.

[0079] The detector for detecting the usage characteristics as described above may be a series of detectors. The detector may be a single device or an array of multiple devices. The detectors disclosed herein may include a series of devices operating simultaneously or together to provide an accurate and informed assessment of various usage characteristics within the device at any given moment. These are used to ensure that a correct and valid indication is provided to the user. The detectors may be located on or within the device, or within other external elements, such as the control circuit 250 in the example of FIG. 2.

[0080] A communication element herein may be a touchscreen that can provide a high level of functionality and information to a user without requiring dexterity from the user. This improves the user experience for users with reduced motor skills. A high degree of control is given to the user to change functionality without requiring numerous or difficult movements. A communication element may also be a human-machine interface that both relays information (in the form of an auditory, visual, or tactile display) and receives information (requests from the user).

[0081] The aerosol delivery device may include a heating device or the like for delivering an aerosol from a consumable, which may include an aerosol-generating material or the like. A control circuit may control the heating device (or the like) according to a usage request from a user. The activation and lifespan of various components are detected by a detector within the device and provided to the control circuit, which links with one or more communication elements on the device for notification to the user.

[0082] The devices and systems herein are described as comprising several components that enable several advantages. These components may be disclosed as being included in the device or as being within the system. These components may be distributed and therefore not necessarily included in the device. The functionality of the device may be provided by multiple components communicatively connected to each other, and such communication may be wireless, which allows for such distribution. In that regard, it is reasonably foreseeable that multiple distributed components will operate in the manner of the devices and systems disclosed herein. Components of the device or system may be included in additional devices, such as a smartphone, a computer, or a remote server.

[0083] The methods and devices disclosed herein allow users to be properly informed about conditions within the device, which improves the user experience of the device, the longevity of the device, and the safety of general use of the device.

[0084] The devices and systems disclosed herein may be used with consumables containing aerosol-forming materials, such as solid or liquid consumables, cartridges, and the like.

[0085] In certain examples, the devices disclosed herein may operate with replaceable flavor pods (sometimes referred to as consumables) within the device. The flavors may be either tobacco and glycolic, and may include extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, peppermint, aniseed, cinnamon, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Drambuie, bourbon, Scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, konjac, etc.). The compositions may contain other additives such as citric acid, citric acid, citric acid, citric acid derivatives (e.g., citric acid, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, pimento, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha), flavor enhancers, bitter taste receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulants, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath fresheners. They may be imitation, synthetic, or natural ingredients, or blends thereof.

[0086] The aerosol delivery device disclosed herein, when combined with an aerosol-generating medium, may be referred to as an aerosol delivery system or an aerosol-generating system.

[0087] Thus, an aerosol delivery device has been described that includes a housing having an elongated longitudinal portion, a communication element disposed on the device, and a detector disposed on the device for detecting one or more user interactions with the communication element, wherein the communication element is configured to provide an indication to a user regarding usage characteristics of the aerosol delivery device, and wherein user interaction with the detector is reflected in the indication to the user.

[0088] The aerosol delivery system may be used in tobacco industry products, for example, non-combustion aerosol delivery systems.

[0089] In one embodiment, a tobacco industry product comprises one or more components of a non-combustion aerosol delivery system, such as a heater and an aerosolizable substrate.

[0090] In one embodiment, the aerosol delivery system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device.

[0091] In one embodiment, an electronic cigarette comprises a heater, a power source capable of powering the heater, an aerosolizable substrate such as a liquid or gel, a housing, and optionally a mouthpiece.

[0092] In one embodiment, the aerosolizable substrate is contained within or on a substrate container, hi one embodiment, the substrate container is combined with or includes a heater.

[0093] In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product is a heating product that releases one or more compounds by heating, without combustion, a substrate material. The substrate material is an aerosolizable material, which may be, for example, a tobacco product or other non-tobacco product, which may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the heating device product is a tobacco heating product.

[0094] In one embodiment, the heating product is an electronic device.

[0095] In one embodiment, the tobacco heating product comprises a heater, a power source capable of powering the heater, and an aerosolizable substrate, such as a solid or gel material.

[0096] In one embodiment, the heated product is a non-electronic item.

[0097] In one embodiment, the heating product comprises an aerosolizable substrate, such as a solid or gel material, and a heat source capable of providing thermal energy to the aerosolizable substrate without electronic means, for example, by burning a combustible material (e.g., charcoal).

[0098] In one embodiment, the heating product also includes a filter capable of filtering the aerosol generated by heating the aerosolizable substrate.

[0099] In some embodiments, the aerosolizable substrate material may include an aerosol agent or aerosol-forming agent or humectant, such as glycerol, propylene glycol, triacetin, or diethylene glycol.

[0100] In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product is a hybrid system that generates an aerosol by heating, without combustion, a combination of substrate materials. These substrate materials may include, for example, solids, liquids, or gels, which may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel substrate and a solid substrate. The solid substrate may be, for example, a tobacco product or other non-tobacco product, which may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel substrate and tobacco.

[0101] To address various problems and advance the art, this disclosure as a whole illustrates various embodiments in which the claimed invention may be practiced, providing an improved electronic aerosol delivery system. The advantages and features of the present disclosure are merely a representative sample of embodiments and are not exhaustive or exclusive. These embodiments are presented solely to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects of the present disclosure should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure as defined by the claims or equivalents thereof; other embodiments may be utilized, and changes may be made without departing from the scope and / or spirit of the present disclosure. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, portions, steps, means, etc. This disclosure also encompasses other inventions not currently claimed but that may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. 1. An aerosol delivery device comprising: a housing having an elongated longitudinal portion; a communication element disposed in the aerosol delivery device; a detector positioned in the aerosol delivery device to detect one or more user interactions with the communication element; Equipped with the communication element is configured to provide an indication to a user regarding usage characteristics of the aerosol delivery device; An aerosol delivery device wherein user interaction with the detector is reflected in the display to the user.

2. 2. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the communication element is configured to provide an indication related to at least one of the following usage characteristics: power status, charging status, aerosol generation material consumable status, heater activation status, boost status, session status, operating time, hardware status, and firmware status.

3. the power state includes at least one of: active, inactive, enabled, and disabled; the charging status includes at least one of charging, not charging, chargeable, and not chargeable; the aerosol-generating material consumable status includes at least one of a lifespan of the consumable, sessions remaining in the consumable, and sessions provided by the consumable; the hardware status includes at least one of operational and inoperable; The aerosol delivery device of claim 2 , wherein the firmware status includes at least one of: latest, outdated, and updating.

4. the detector is configured to detect a first user interaction and a second user interaction; The communication element: providing a first interactive display in response to the first user interaction; Responsive to a second user interaction, providing a second interactive display The aerosol delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, configured as follows:

5. the detector is configured to detect a first predetermined user interaction and a further predetermined user interaction; The communication element: providing a corresponding first interactive display in response to a first predetermined user interaction; and providing a modified first interactive display in response to a further predetermined user interaction. The aerosol delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, configured so as to

6. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1 , wherein the communication element is further configured to provide device control to a user.

7. Device control the activation status of the aerosol delivery device; and The functional status of the aerosol delivery device The aerosol delivery device of claim 6 , comprising at least one of:

8. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the detector is at least one of a pressure sensor and an airflow sensor.

9. The communication element: on the elongated longitudinal portion of the housing; on a distal end of the housing, and In a continuous display around the periphery of the housing The aerosol delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the aerosol delivery device is disposed in at least one of the following positions:

10. 1. An aerosol generation system for providing an indication to a user, the aerosol delivery device comprising: a housing having an elongated longitudinal portion; a communication element disposed in the aerosol delivery device; a detector positioned on the aerosol delivery device to detect user interaction with the elongated longitudinal portion; Equipped with the communication element is configured to provide an indication to a user regarding usage characteristics of the aerosol delivery device; An aerosol generation system in which user interaction with the detector is reflected in a display to the user.

11. The aerosol generation system of claim 10, wherein the communication element is configured to provide an indication related to at least one of the following usage characteristics: power status, charging status, aerosol generation material consumable status, heater activation status, boost status, session status, operating time, hardware status, and firmware status.

12. the power state includes at least one of: active, inactive, enabled, and disabled; the charging status includes at least one of charging, not charging, chargeable, and not chargeable; the aerosol-generating material consumable status includes at least one of a lifespan of the consumable, sessions remaining in the consumable, and sessions provided by the consumable; the hardware status includes at least one of operational and inoperable; The aerosol generating system of claim 11 , wherein the firmware status includes at least one of: latest, outdated, and updating.

13. the detector is configured to detect a first user interaction and a second user interaction; The communication element: providing a first interactive display in response to the first user interaction; Responsive to a second user interaction, providing a second interactive display The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 10 to 12, configured as follows:

14. the detector is configured to detect a first predetermined user interaction and a further predetermined user interaction; The communication element: providing a corresponding first interactive display in response to a first predetermined user interaction; and providing a modified first interactive display in response to a further predetermined user interaction. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 10 to 13, configured as follows:

15. The communication element is further configured to provide device control to a user, the device control comprising: the activation status of the aerosol delivery device; and the functional status of the aerosol delivery device 15. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 10 to 14, comprising at least one of:

16. 16. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein the detector is at least one of a pressure sensor and an airflow sensor.

17. The communication element: on the elongated longitudinal portion of the housing; on a distal end of the housing, and In a continuous display around the periphery of the housing The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein the aerosol generation system is arranged in at least one of the following:

18. 1. A method of providing a display to a user, comprising: providing an aerosol delivery device, the aerosol delivery device having a housing with an elongated longitudinal portion, a communication element disposed on the aerosol delivery device, and a detector disposed on the aerosol delivery device; providing an indication to a user via the communication element regarding usage characteristics of the aerosol delivery device; causing the display to reflect user interaction with the detector by the communication element; A method for providing

19. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the communication element provides an indication related to at least one of the following usage characteristics: power status, charging status, aerosol generating material consumable status, heater activation status, boost status, session status, operating time, hardware status, and firmware status.

20. the power state includes at least one of: active, inactive, enabled, and disabled; the charging status includes at least one of charging, not charging, chargeable, and not chargeable; the aerosol-generating material consumable status includes at least one of a lifespan of the consumable, sessions remaining in the consumable, and sessions provided by the consumable; the hardware status includes at least one of operational and inoperable; 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the firmware status comprises at least one of: latest, outdated, and updating.

21. the detector detects a first user interaction and a second user interaction; the communication element provides a first interactive display in response to a first user interaction; The method of any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the communication element provides a second interactive display in response to a second user interaction.

22. the detector detects a first predetermined user interaction and a further predetermined user interaction; the communication element responding to a first predetermined user interaction to provide a corresponding first interactive display; A method according to any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the communication element provides a modified first interactive display in response to a further predetermined user interaction.

23. The communication element provides device control to a user, the device control comprising: the activation status of the aerosol delivery device; and the functional status of the aerosol delivery device The method according to any one of claims 18 to 22, comprising at least one of:

24. The method of any one of claims 18 to 23, wherein the detector is at least one of a pressure sensor and an airflow sensor.

25. an aerosol delivery means, a housing having an elongated longitudinal portion; a communication means disposed on the aerosol supply means; detection means arranged on the aerosol delivery means to detect one or more user interactions with the communication means; Equipped with the communication means is configured to provide an indication to a user regarding the use characteristics of the aerosol delivery means; An aerosol delivery means, wherein user interaction with said detection means is reflected in said display to said user.

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