Assembly including a portable charging device and an aerosol generating device, and a method for controlling the same.

Abstract

The assembly is described below. The assembly includes a portable charging device (100) and an aerosol generating device (2) that is physically connected to the portable charging device (100). The aerosol generating device (2) includes a motion sensor for detecting the movement of the aerosol generating device. The portable charging device (100) includes a controller configured to control the operation of the portable charging device (100) based on the movement of the aerosol generating device (2) detected by the motion sensor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to an assembly including a portable charging device and an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol for a user to inhale. The aerosol generating device can include an energy storage device (e.g., a battery) that can be charged by the portable charging device or an external power source.

[0002] The present disclosure is particularly applicable to a portable (handheld) aerosol generating device.

Background Art

[0003] In recent years, devices that heat rather than burn aerosol generating materials to generate an aerosol for inhalation have become popular among consumers. Commonly available risk reduction or risk modification devices are base-heated aerosol generating devices, or so-called heat-not-burn devices. This type of device generates an aerosol or vapor by heating an aerosol generating material to a temperature typically in the range of 150°C to 300°C. This temperature range is extremely low compared to a normal cigarette. By heating the aerosol generating material to a temperature within this range without burning or combusting the aerosol generating material, a vapor is generated, and this vapor typically cools and condenses to form an aerosol for the user of the device to inhale.

[0004] Such devices can provide heat to aerosol-generating materials using one of several different methods. All methods for heating aerosol-generating materials require some kind of power source or energy storage device, such as a battery. The device's battery can often be charged by a portable charging device (or "pocket charger"), which may contain its own rechargeable power source or energy storage device. The power source or energy storage device of the portable charging device may be charged by an external power source, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) charger. The portable charging device can be used to house, transport, and charge the aerosol-generating device when the user is out and about. More specifically, the aerosol-generating device can be housed in a portable charging device by inserting it into an opening or recess in the housing or body of the portable charging device. When inserted in this way, the aerosol-generating device is usually physically connected to the portable charging device, thereby forming a physically integrated assembly that the aerosol-generating device and the portable charging device can be carried by the user, for example, on their person or in a bag. The aerosol-generating device can also be electrically connected to the portable charging device so that the energy storage device can be charged using the portable charging device as needed. This may allow users to use aerosol generating devices for extended periods.

[0005] Portable charging devices may include push buttons or other user-operable input devices that allow the user to control the operation of the portable charging device, for example, to start, stop, or monitor the charging process, or to check the battery level. Therefore, such known portable charging devices may have limited options for providing user input. User input may be limited to, for example, a push button on the portable charging device being pressed for a short time, a moderate time, or a long time. [Overview of the project] [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, an assembly is provided comprising a portable charging device and an aerosol generating device physically connected to the portable charging device, wherein the aerosol generating device includes a motion sensor for detecting the movement of the aerosol generating device, and the assembly includes a first controller configured to control the operation of the portable charging device based on the movement of the aerosol generating device detected by the motion sensor.

[0007] The aerosol generating device can be received or housed, for example, within an opening or recess of a portable charging device. In particular, when the aerosol generating device and the portable charging device are physically connected, it is preferable that they form a physically integrated assembly so that when the user moves the portable charging device, the aerosol generating device received or housed within the portable charging device also moves in a corresponding manner. In other words, when the portable charging device is moved, the aerosol generating device or assembly as a whole moves in a corresponding manner.

[0008] The motion sensor may include, for example, an accelerometer, which is configured to detect the movement of the aerosol generating device. Such movements may include not only tilting, lifting, shaking, or tapping the aerosol generating device, but also, for example, more complex movements or gestures. As mentioned above, such movements may result from a user tilting, lifting, or shaking a portable charging device to which the aerosol generating device is physically connected. Tapping the portable charging device once or multiple times can also be detected by the motion sensor of the aerosol generating device, provided that such tapping motion is transmitted to the aerosol generating device. In other words, such tapping motion can be detected by the motion sensor of the aerosol generating device even if the user does not actually physically touch the aerosol generating device, but instead taps the housing of the portable charging device, provided that such tapping motion is sufficiently transmitted to the aerosol generating device being detected.

[0009] Detecting the movement of an aerosol generating device and using this detected movement to control the operation of a portable charging device would be understood to expand the range of possible user inputs that can be used to control the portable charging device when the aerosol generating device is physically connected. This would eliminate the need to adapt or modify the portable charging device by, for example, providing an additional push button or other user-operable input device so that it can accept additional user inputs. This would allow the portable charging device to maintain a simplified structure. Additional user inputs may be most useful when the portable charging device is being used to charge the aerosol generating device. This is also true when the aerosol generating device is physically and electrically connected to the portable charging device so that the detected movement of the aerosol generating device can be used as a user input to control the operation of the portable charging device.

[0010] The aerosol generating device may further include a second controller electrically connected to a motion sensor. For example, the first and second controllers may each include one or more microprocessor units (MPUs) or microcontroller units (MCUs). The second controller may be electrically connected to the first controller when the aerosol generating device is physically connected to a portable charging device. More specifically, the electrical connection between the aerosol generating device and the portable charging device can be used to charge the power supply or energy storage device of the aerosol generating device and can also be used to provide data communication between the first and second controllers. More specifically, the electrical connection may be provided by one or more terminals of the portable charging device and one or more corresponding terminals of the aerosol generating device. The terminals are adapted to be electrically connected when the aerosol generating device is properly accepted into the portable charging device. The terminals can be used to provide one or more links between the electrical circuits of the portable charging device and the electrical circuits of the aerosol generating device. For example, the links may include a data communication link and a charging link. Furthermore, there may also be a detection link used to detect whether an electrical connection is made between the portable charging device and the aerosol generating device, and a ground link providing a common ground connection to the components of the electrical circuit. The second controller can be configured to transmit motion data to the first controller, i.e., to transmit data indicating motion detected by the motion sensor. In this way, the motion detected by the motion sensor of the aerosol generating device can be conveniently transmitted to the first controller of the portable charging device, where it can be used to control the operation of the portable charging device.

[0011] The second controller can be further configured to convert motion data from the motion sensor, thereby reducing the size of the transmitted motion data. For example, the motion data received by the second controller from the motion sensor can be simplified or processed by the second controller. The second controller can be further configured to transmit the converted data (i.e., the simplified or processed motion data) to the first controller. This reduces the size of the motion data that needs to be transmitted from the aerosol generating device to the portable charging device, for example, through a data communication link.

[0012] The second controller may also be further configured to determine whether motion data from the motion sensor meets predefined criteria, and then convert the motion data into simplified motion data that indicates whether the motion data meets predefined criteria. Each of the predefined criteria can correspond to different user inputs, for example, different movements of an aerosol generator that could be used to control a portable charging device in different ways. For example, the second controller may be configured to determine whether motion data from the motion sensor indicates that the aerosol generator has been shaken, and then send simplified motion data indicating that the aerosol generator has been shaken to the first controller. The first controller can then use the simplified motion data to control the operation of the portable charging device. This reduces the amount of motion data that needs to be sent from the aerosol generator to the portable charging device, and reduces the processing that needs to be performed by the first controller of the portable charging device. The second controller may already be adapted to process motion data. In other words, while the aerosol generating device is in use, motion sensors are also used to detect user input in order to control the operation of the aerosol generating device, such as starting heating, stopping heating, or increasing heating. In this case, it may be more appropriate to use simplified motion data, as it eliminates the need to adapt the first controller to process the motion data.

[0013] The converted motion data can be transmitted from the second controller to the first controller via a single wire (or through a single data communication link). The portable charging device may include a single data communication terminal electrically connected to the first controller, and the aerosol generating device may include a single data communication terminal electrically connected to the second controller. When the aerosol generating device is physically connected to the portable charging device, the respective data communication terminals are electrically connected, providing a single data communication link between the first and second controllers.

[0014] The second controller can be further configured to disable the motion sensor when the aerosol generating device enters sleep (or "standby") mode. The second controller can also be further configured to detect the electrical connection between the portable charging device and the aerosol generating device, and to enable the motion sensor when the electrical connection is detected. This extends battery life by disabling the motion sensor when motion data is not needed and enabling the motion sensor when the aerosol generating device is electrically connected to the portable charging device, i.e., when motion data from the motion sensor may be used to control the operation of the portable charging device.

[0015] A second controller can be further configured to control the operation of the aerosol generator based on the movement of the aerosol generator detected by a motion sensor. The detected movement can be used to control the aerosol generator when it is physically connected to a portable charging device, or when it is not physically connected to a portable charging device, for example, when it is being used to generate aerosols.

[0016] When the aerosol generating device is received or housed within the portable charging device, the first controller may be further configured to control the operation of the portable charging device based on the movement of the aerosol generating device detected by a motion sensor, excluding tapping (for example, when the detected movement is lifting, tilting, or shaking, but not tapping), and the second controller may be further configured to control the operation of the aerosol generating device based on the user tapping the aerosol generating device detected by a motion sensor. This may allow the aerosol generating device and the portable charging device to be controlled separately based on different movements detected by the motion sensor.

[0017] A portable charging device may further include a user interface system that includes several predefined user inputs and at least one predefined required operating function of the portable charging device. At least one of the predefined user inputs may be based on the movement of an aerosol generating device detected by a motion sensor, i.e., it may use received motion data. The term “user input” means any input that may be provided by the user of the portable charging device, for example, to operate or control the portable charging device. Each user input may correspond to a specific action performed by the user. For example, if a user presses a push button on the portable charging device for a certain period of time, this may correspond to a specific user input in the user interface system. A non-exhaustive list of possible user inputs may include pressing a button on a portable charging device for a short, moderate, or long time (e.g., “short press,” “medium press,” or “long press”), interacting with any other type of user input device, or lifting, tilting, shaking, or tapping (e.g., “move the device,” “shake the device,” “tap once,” “tap twice,” etc.) as detected by motion sensors when an aerosol generating device is physically connected to the portable charging device.

[0018] Multiple user inputs are defined as part of the user interface system and can be selectively enabled or disabled by the user. One or more predefined user inputs can be stored, for example, in memory.

[0019] The term “essential operating function” means any operating function that is essential for the operation of the portable charging device, such as starting, stopping, or monitoring the power supply for the aerosol generating device or the charging of the energy storage device (e.g., “monitoring the charging process”).

[0020] One or more essential operational functions are predefined as part of the user interface system. These predefined essential operational functions can, for example, be stored in memory.

[0021] The user interface system is selectively configurable by the user, allowing the user to disable and enable at least one of the user inputs and assign one or more of the enabled user inputs to each of the essential operating functions of the portable charging device. That is, as a result, the user interface system is configured to control the portable charging device to perform a specific operating function in response to any of the assigned user inputs. The user interface system can notify the user if at least one user input is not assigned to an essential operating function. The operation of the portable charging device may be suspended until at least one user input is assigned to each of the essential operating functions, or the user interface system may perform such assignments to ensure that the portable charging device is properly controlled.

[0022] The user interface system may further include at least one predefined non-essential operational function of the portable charging device. The user interface system may be further selectively configurable by the user to disable and enable at least one of the non-essential operational functions and to assign one or more of the enabled user inputs to each enabled non-essential operational function of the portable charging device. This allows the user to configure the user interface system to perform certain essential and non-essential operational functions of the portable charging device using preferred user inputs, thereby enabling the user to control the portable charging device more flexibly. The term “non-essential operational function” means any operational function that is not essential for the operation of the portable charging device, such as checking the battery level of the portable charging device and / or aerosol generating device (i.e., “check battery level”) or restarting the portable charging device (i.e., “restart device”). Such non-essential operational functions may be helpful for the user to interact with the portable charging device or control its operation.

[0023] One or more non-essential operational functions are predefined as part of the user interface system. These predefined non-essential operational functions can, for example, be stored in memory. The user interface system may include, for example, a user interface that initiates certain essential or non-essential operational functions of a portable charging device, which are responsive to enabled user input, when the user interface outputs a control signal.

[0024] One or more enabled user inputs can be selectively assigned by the user to each enabled operating function of the aerosol generating device using a software application, such as a mobile application (i.e., a “mobile app”). A portable electronic device, such as a smartphone or tablet running the software application, can communicate with the portable charging device using any suitable communication protocol (e.g., Bluetooth®) or over a wireless network. By using the data exchanged between the electronic device and the portable charging device to update the user interface system, changes made by the user using the software application can also be made to the user interface system running on the portable charging device. The portable charging device may include any suitable communication devices for providing wireless communication with the electronic device, such as transceivers and digital controllers. The data exchanged between the electronic device and the portable charging device can be used to update the user interface system. The electronic device may also be connected to the portable charging device, for example, using a USB cable.

[0025] The user interface system may notify the user if none of the enabled user inputs are assigned to one or more enabled operational functions. Any enabled user inputs that are not assigned can be disabled by the user interface system. The user may be notified if at least one user input is not assigned to an enabled non-essential operational function. Any enabled non-essential operational function that does not have at least one user input assigned can be disabled by the user interface system.

[0026] The user interface system can be further selectively configured by the user to assign any of the enabled user inputs to two or more compatible enabled operating functions. In this case, it will be readily understood that the term "enabled operating function" includes any enabled non-essential operating function and an essential operating function that cannot be disabled. For example, in some cases, one of the input functions can be assigned to control a plurality of enabled operating functions. However, the user interface system can be further configured to prevent any of the enabled user inputs from being assigned by the user to two or more incompatible enabled operating functions. A combination of incompatible enabled operating functions can be stored in the memory, for example.

[0027] The portable charging device can further include an output device, for example, one or more LEDs driven by an LED driver. The first controller can be configured to control the operation of the output device based on the movement of the aerosol generating device detected by the motion sensor.

[0028] The aerosol generating device can be a holder for receiving an aerosol generating article (or consumable), and can be configured to generate an aerosol for the user to inhale by optionally heating the aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating article can be inserted into the aerosol generating space or the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating article can contain an aerosol generating material.

[0029] The aerosol generating device is typically a handheld portable device.

[0030] An aerosol generating device can be configured to heat an aerosol generating material or substrate without burning the aerosol generating material, thereby volatilizing at least one component of the aerosol generating material, thereby generating heated vapor, which cools and condenses to form an aerosol for the user of the aerosol generating device to inhale during a vaping (smoking) session. Alternatively, an aerosol generating device can generate an aerosol in another way, for example, by atomizing a liquid aerosol-forming substrate using an ultrasonic transducer.

[0031] Generally speaking, vapor is a substance that is in the gaseous phase at temperatures below its critical temperature, and can be condensed into a liquid by increasing the pressure without lowering the temperature, whereas an aerosol is a suspension of fine solid particles or droplets in air or another gas. However, it should be noted that the terms “aerosol” and “vapor” may be used interchangeably herein, particularly in reference to the form of an inhalable medium generated for the user to inhale.

[0032] An aerosol generating device may include a heating chamber for receiving at least a portion of an aerosol generating material and a heater configured to heat the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol. The heater may be a low-power thin-film heater, a printed heater, and so on. An induction heater may include an induction coil and a susceptor, which may be configured to heat the aerosol generating material. A guide heater may be preferred. For example, the induction coil may be positioned adjacent to the aerosol generating space or heating chamber of the aerosol generating device, designed to receive the aerosol generating material, in which case the aerosol generating material is optionally part of an aerosol generating article or consumable that is received by the aerosol generating device when in use. When the aerosol generating material is heated using the induction heater, the induction coil generates an alternating electromagnetic field. The susceptor may be positioned in association with the aerosol generating material, for example, adjacent to the aerosol generating material or embedded in the aerosol generating material, and may be part of an aerosol generating article or aerosol generating device. The susceptor is coupled to an electromagnetic field, generating heat through eddy currents and / or magnetic hysteresis, which is then transferred from the susceptor to the aerosol generating material. To generate the alternating electromagnetic field necessary for induction heating, the aerosol generating device may further include an inverter electrically connected to the induction coil.

[0033] Aerosol-generating materials can include any type of solid or semi-solid material. Exemplary types of aerosol-generating solids include powders, granules, pellets, fragments, strands, particles, gels, strips, loose leaves, cut fillers, porous materials, foamed materials, or sheets. Aerosol-generating materials can include plant-derived materials, and in particular, tobacco. Aerosol-generating materials can advantageously include, for example, tobacco and reconstituted tobacco containing any one or more of the following inorganic fillers: cellulose fibers, tobacco stem fibers, and calcium carbonate (CaCO3).

[0034] Consequently, aerosol generating devices may be referred to as "heated tobacco devices," "heated non-combustion tobacco devices," or "tobacco product vaporization devices," and may be interpreted as devices suitable for achieving these effects. The features disclosed herein are equally applicable to devices designed to vaporize any aerosol generating material, including liquid materials or substrates.

[0035] As briefly described above, the aerosol generating material can form part of an aerosol generating article that is received within an aerosol generating device, for example, by inserting the aerosol generating article into the aerosol generating space or heating chamber of the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating article may include a filter segment at its base end, for example, containing cellulose acetate fibers. The filter segment can constitute a mouthpiece filter and can be coaxially aligned with the aerosol generating material. Some designs may also include one or more vapor collection areas, cooling areas, and other structures. For example, the aerosol generating article may include at least one tubular segment upstream of the filter segment. The tubular segment can act as a vapor cooling area. The vapor cooling area may be advantageous in that the heated vapor generated by heating the aerosol generating material can cool and condense to form an aerosol with properties suitable for inhalation by the user, for example, through the filter segment.

[0036] Aerosol-generating materials may contain aerosol-forming agents. Examples of aerosol-forming agents include polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin or propylene glycol and mixtures thereof. Typically, aerosol-generating materials can contain an aerosol-forming agent content between about 5% and about 50% on a dry weight basis. In some embodiments, aerosol-generating materials can contain an aerosol-forming agent content between about 10% and about 20% on a dry weight basis, and possibly about 15% on a dry weight basis.

[0037] When heated, aerosol-generating materials may release volatile compounds. These volatile compounds may include nicotine or flavoring compounds such as tobacco flavorings.

[0038] The aerosol generating material can be a liquid material or substrate, and the device may include an atomizing device that atomizes the liquid material or substrate, including without heating. The liquid material or substrate may also be heated.

[0039] A second aspect of this disclosure provides a software application for selectively configuring a user interface system for a portable charging device as described above. The software application may be a mobile application (i.e., a “mobile app”) specifically developed for use on a small portable electronic device such as a smartphone or tablet. User inputs, operational functions, etc., and the relationships between them are graphically represented on the portable electronic device. For example, they may be represented as buttons with lines between them to indicate assigned relationships. User inputs and operational functions of the user interface system can be disabled or enabled, associated or assigned, by touching the corresponding graphical representation, or by other direct manipulation of the graphical representation, for example, using the touchscreen of the electronic device.

[0040] A third aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for controlling an assembly comprising a portable charging device and an aerosol generating device physically connected to the portable charging device, the method comprising controlling the operation of the portable charging device based on detected movement of the aerosol generating device.

[0041] Further details regarding the portable charging device and the aerosol generating device can be described above. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0042] [Figure 1]This is a schematic diagram of an example of an aerosol generation system, including an aerosol generation device and an aerosol generation article. [Figure 2] This is a schematic representation of an example of a portable charging device. [Figure 3] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an assembly in which the aerosol generating device is physically connected to the portable charging device shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4] This is a schematic representation of an example of the electrical circuit for an aerosol charging device and an electrical circuit for a portable charging device. [Figure 5] Figures 2 and 3 schematically illustrate an example of a selectively configurable user interface system for the portable charging device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0043] Herein, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described, merely as examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] Referring first to Figure 1, an example of an aerosol generation system 1 including an aerosol generating device 2 (or "holder") and an aerosol generating article 4 is schematically shown.

[0045] The aerosol generating article 4 can generally be cylindrical and may contain an aerosol generating material 6. At its base end, the aerosol generating article 4 includes a mouthpiece 8 having an outlet 10 through which the user can inhale the aerosol generated by heating the aerosol generating material 6.

[0046] The aerosol generating device 2 includes a first electrical circuit 12 and a first energy storage device 14 such as a battery (e.g., a lithium-ion secondary battery).

[0047] The aerosol generating device 2 may optionally include one or more heaters or other aerosol generators. The aerosol generating device 2 shown in Figure 1 includes an induction heater having an induction coil 16 positioned adjacent to the aerosol generating space or heating chamber 18 for heating the aerosol generating material 6 when the aerosol generating article 4 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 2. The aerosol generating article 4 or the aerosol generating device 2 may include one or more susceptors (not shown) that are coupled to an electromagnetic field and generate heat by eddy currents and / or magnetic hysteresis, which is then transferred from the susceptors to the aerosol generating material 6. It will be readily apparent that other aerosol generators may be used, including those configured to generate aerosols without heating, for example, by atomizing a liquid aerosol-forming substrate using an ultrasonic transducer. A resistance heater may be used in addition to, or instead of, the induction heater.

[0048] The aerosol generating device 2 includes an accelerometer 20, a first push button 22, one or more first LEDs 24 electrically connected to a first LED driver 26, and a tactile actuator 28 (e.g., an eccentric rotating mass vibration motor) electrically connected to a motor driver 30. At least one of the accelerometer 20, the first push button 22, the first LEDs 24, the first LED driver 26, the tactile actuator 28, and the motor driver 30 may form part of the first electrical circuit 12. If the first electrical circuit 12 is configured to directly control the first LEDs 24 and / or the tactile actuator 28, the first LED driver 26 and / or the motor driver 30 may be omitted.

[0049] Aerosol generating device 2 has four electrical terminals, namely, - The first data communication terminal 32A, - The first charging terminal 32B, - The first detection terminal 32C, - The first ground terminal 32D, It also includes.

[0050] Referring to Figure 2, an example of a portable charging device 100 (or "pocket charger") is schematically shown.

[0051] The portable charging device 100 includes a recess 102 shaped and sized to accommodate or receive the aerosol generating device 2. Thus, the user can utilize the portable charging device 100 to conveniently house and transport the aerosol generating device 2 when it is not being used for vaping. The portable charging device 100 may also be used to charge the first energy storage device 14 of the aerosol generating device 2. The portable charging device 100 includes a second electrical circuit 104 and a second energy storage device 106, such as a battery (e.g., a lithium-ion secondary battery). The portable charging device 100 also includes a second push button 108 electrically connected to a push button controller 110 and one or more second LEDs 112 electrically connected to a second LED driver 114. At least one of the second push button 108, the push button controller 110, the second LED 112, and the second LED driver 114 may form part of the second electrical circuit 104. The second LED driver 114 may be omitted if the second electrical circuit 104 is configured to directly control the second LED 24.

[0052] The portable charging device 100 has four electrical terminals, namely, - The second data communication terminal 116A, - The second charging terminal 116B, - The second detection terminal 116C, - The second ground terminal 116D, It also includes.

[0053] When the aerosol generating device 2 is received or housed in the recess 102 of the portable charging device 100, the electrical terminals 32A, 32B, ..., 32D are electrically connected to the electrical terminals 116A, 116B, ..., 116D, respectively, to form a physically integrated assembly as shown in Figure 3, providing an electrical connection between the aerosol generating device 2 and the portable charging device 100. This electrical connection between the first electrical circuit 12 and the second electrical circuit 104 is shown in more detail in Figure 4.

[0054] The electrical circuit 12 of the aerosol generating device 2 is - The first charging circuit 34, - The first low-dropout (LDO) regulator 36, - The first microcontroller unit (MCU) 38, Includes.

[0055] The first charging circuit 34, the first LDO regulator 36, and the first MCU 38 can be implemented as an integrated circuit.

[0056] The second electrical circuit 104 of the portable charging unit 100 is - The second charging circuit 118, - The second LDO regulator 120, -DC / DC converter 122, - Switching circuit 124, - The second MCU 126, Includes.

[0057] The second charging circuit 118, the second LDO regulator 120, the DC / DC converter 122, the switching circuit 124, and the second MCU 126 can be implemented as an integrated circuit.

[0058] The second charging circuit 118 is - An input terminal (labeled "VBUS") that can be electrically connected to an external power source such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) charger (not shown), - The second energy storage device 106 of the portable charging device 100, namely a battery terminal (labeled "VBAT") electrically connected to the positive terminal of a lithium-ion secondary battery, -A voltage output terminal (marked with the code "PMID"), - System terminal (marked with the symbol "SYS"), - A switching node terminal (labeled "SW") electrically connected to the system terminal by an inductor, -A serial data terminal (designated "SDA") and a serial clock terminal (designated "SCL") are electrically connected to the corresponding terminals of the second MCU126, - The second MCU 126 includes an enable terminal (labeled "EN") which is electrically connected to the first input / output terminal (labeled "I / O") of the second MCU 126, thereby enabling the second MCU 126 to enable charging of the second energy storage device 106 (or the first energy storage device 14 - see details below) from an external power source. More specifically, the second MCU 126 transmits an enable signal from the first input / output terminal to the enable terminal when the energy storage device is being charged.

[0059] The second charging circuit 118 can be used to charge the second energy storage device 106 from an external power source and to supply an output voltage to the system terminal. The second charging circuit 118 can also be used to charge the first energy storage device 14 from an external power source by supplying an output voltage to the first charging circuit 34 through the switching circuit 124, and the first charging terminal 32B and the second charging terminal 116B, from the voltage output terminal when activated.

[0060] The second LDO regulator 120 is, - An input terminal (labeled "IN") electrically connected to the system terminal of the second charging circuit 118, - An output terminal (marked "OUT") that provides a stabilized voltage supply, - An enable terminal (labeled "EN") electrically connected to the system terminal of the second charging circuit 118, Includes.

[0061] In this embodiment, the enable terminal of the second LDO regulator 120 operates according to positive logic, and the input terminal and enable terminal of the second LDO regulator are electrically connected in parallel to the system terminal of the second charging circuit 118. This means that the second LDO regulator 120 continuously outputs a stabilized voltage from its output terminal unless the system voltage is unavailable. The enable terminal of the second charging circuit 118, the DC / DC converter 122, and the switching circuit 124 can use either positive or negative logic.

[0062] The DC / DC converter 122 typically operates as a boost (i.e., step-up) converter, converting a DC input voltage into a suitable boosted DC output voltage. The DC / DC converter 122, - A voltage input terminal (labeled "VIN") electrically connected to the positive terminal of the second energy storage device 106, - A switching node terminal (labeled "SW") electrically connected to the voltage input terminal by an inductor, -A voltage output terminal (labeled "VOUT") electrically connected to the second charging terminal 116B, - A feedback terminal (labeled "FB") electrically connected to the voltage output terminal, -Includes an enable terminal (labeled "EN") which is electrically connected to a second input / output terminal (labeled "I / O") of the second MCU 126, thereby enabling and disabling the operation of the DC / DC converter 122. More specifically, the second MCU 126 transmits an enable signal or a disable signal from the second input / output terminal to the enable terminal depending on whether or not to operate the DC / DC converter 122.

[0063] The switching circuit 124 is, - An input terminal (labeled "IN") electrically connected to the voltage output terminal of the second charging circuit 118, - An output terminal (labeled "OUT") electrically connected in parallel with the voltage output terminal of the DC / DC converter 112 to the second charging terminal 116B, - The second MCU 126 includes an enable terminal (labeled "EN") which is electrically connected to a third input / output terminal (labeled "I / O") of the second MCU 126, thereby enabling the second MCU 126 to control the switching operation of the switching circuit 124. More specifically, the MCU 126 transmits an enable signal or a disable signal from the third input / output terminal to the enable terminal to switch the switching circuit 124 on and off.

[0064] When the switching circuit 124 is activated by the second MCU 126, the voltage output terminal of the second charging circuit 118 is electrically connected to the second charging terminal 116B, allowing power from an external power source (not shown), such as a USB charger, to be supplied to the first charging circuit 34. Thus, the first energy storage device 14 can be charged by the second energy storage device 106 or an external power source. In the first case, the first energy storage device 14 is charged by the second energy storage device 16 by activating the DC / DC converter 122 and supplying a boosted DC output voltage to the activated first charging circuit 34. In the second case, the first energy storage device 14 is charged by an external power source electrically connected to the input terminal of the second charging circuit 118 by activating the second charging circuit 118, the switching circuit 124, and the second charging circuit 34. Thus, the switching circuit 124 functions as a power distribution switching circuit.

[0065] The second MCU 126 includes a power supply terminal (labeled "VDD") electrically connected to the output terminal of the second LDO regulator 120, and receives a regulated voltage supply. As described above, the second MCU 126 includes a serial data terminal (labeled "SDA") and a serial clock terminal (labeled "SCL") electrically connected to the corresponding terminals of the second charging circuit 118 and the second LED driver 114. The second MCU 126, -The first input / output terminal, the second input / output terminal, and the third input / output terminal (labeled "I / O") are connected to the enable terminals of the second charging circuit 118, the DC / DC converter 122, and the switching circuit 124, respectively. -A fourth input / output terminal (labeled "I / O") is electrically connected to the output terminal of the second LDO regulator 120 by a pair of resistors connected in series, and a second push button 108 is electrically connected to the junction between the pair of resistors. -The fifth input / output terminal and the sixth input / output terminal, which are electrically connected to the second data communication terminal 116A (labeled "I / O") by a pair of semiconductor switches T1 and T2, as described in more detail below, - A seventh input / output terminal (labeled "I / O") electrically connected to the detection terminal 116C by a Zener diode and to the output terminal of the second LDO regulator 120 by a resistor, more specifically, a seventh input / output terminal electrically connected to the junction between the resistor and the Zener diode, - Also includes an eighth input / output terminal (designated "RF1") electrically connected to antenna 128.

[0066] The fifth input / output terminal of the second MCU 126 is electrically connected to the base terminal of the first semiconductor switch T1 (for example, the first transistor). The collector terminal of the first semiconductor switch T1 is electrically connected to the output terminal of the second LDO regulator 120. The emitter terminal of the first semiconductor switch T1 is electrically connected to the second data communication terminal 116A.

[0067] The sixth input / output terminal is electrically connected to the collector of the second semiconductor switch T2 (for example, the second transistor). The emitter terminal of the second semiconductor switch T2 is electrically connected to the ground connection. The base terminal of the second semiconductor switch T2 is electrically connected to the same ground connection by the first resistor and to the second data communication terminal 116A of the portable charging device 100 by the second resistor. More specifically, the second data communication terminal 116A is electrically connected to the junction between the second resistor and the emitter terminal of the first semiconductor switch T1.

[0068] The push-button controller 110 is - The first push button input terminal (labeled "PB1") is electrically connected to the second push button 108, -A second push-button input terminal electrically connected to ground (labeled "PB2"), - Includes a reset terminal (labeled "RST") electrically connected to the system terminal of the second charging circuit 118 to receive the system voltage.

[0069] The second LED driver 114 is, -The power supply terminal (labeled "VDD") electrically connected to the output terminal of the second LDO regulator 120, -A serial data terminal (designated "SDA") and a serial clock terminal (designated "SCL") are electrically connected to the corresponding terminals of the second MCU126, -Includes positive voltage output terminals and negative voltage output terminals electrically connected to one or more second LEDs 112 (labeled "OUT+" and "OUT-").

[0070] The first charging circuit 34 is - An input terminal (labeled "IN") electrically connected to the first charging terminal 32B, - The first energy storage device 14, that is, a battery terminal (labeled "BAT") electrically connected to the positive terminal of a lithium-ion secondary battery, - An enable terminal (labeled "EN") is electrically connected to a first input / output terminal (labeled "I / O") of the first MCU 38, thereby enabling the first MCU 38 to enable charging of the first energy storage device 14 from the second energy storage device 106 of the portable charging device 100, or from an external power source through the switching circuit 124. More specifically, the first MCU 38 transmits an enable signal from the first input / output terminal when the first energy storage device 14 is being charged.

[0071] The first input / output terminal of the first MCU 38 and the enable terminal of the first charging circuit 34 are also electrically connected to ground by a resistor. More specifically, the first input / output terminal of the first MCU 38 is electrically connected to the junction between the enable terminal of the first charging circuit 34 and the resistor.

[0072] The induction heater 40 is electrically connected to the first energy storage device 14. Alternatively, different aerosol generators may be used, including an aerosol generator configured to generate aerosols without heating, for example, by using an ultrasonic transducer to atomize a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0073] The first LDO regulator 36 is - An input terminal (labeled "IN") electrically connected to the positive terminal of the first energy storage device 14, - An output terminal (marked "OUT") that provides a stabilized voltage supply, - Includes an enable terminal (labeled "EN") electrically connected to the first energy storage device 14.

[0074] In this embodiment, the enable terminal of the first LDO regulator 36 operates according to positive logic, and the input terminal and enable terminal of the first LDO regulator 36 are electrically connected in parallel to the first energy storage device 14. This means that the first LDO regulator 36 continuously outputs a stabilized voltage from its output terminal unless the input voltage from the first energy storage device 14 is unavailable.

[0075] The accelerometer 20 is, -A power supply terminal (labeled "VDD") that is electrically connected to the output terminal of the first LDO regulator 36 and receives a stabilized voltage supply, -The first inertia interrupt terminal (labeled "INT1"), - A second inertia interrupt terminal (labeled "INT2"), - Includes a serial data terminal (designated "SDA") and a serial clock terminal (designated "SCL") electrically connected to the corresponding terminal of the first MCU38.

[0076] The first push button 22 is electrically connected to a power ground connection (labeled "PGND") and to the output terminal of the first LDO regulator 36 by a resistor. The power ground connection is electrically connected to the first ground terminal 32D. The negative terminal of the first energy storage device 14 is also electrically connected to the power ground connection.

[0077] The first LED driver 26 is -A power terminal (labeled "VDD") electrically connected to the first energy storage device 14, -A serial data terminal (designated "SDA") and a serial clock terminal (designated "SCL") are electrically connected to the corresponding terminals of the first MCU38, -Includes positive voltage output terminals and negative voltage output terminals electrically connected to one or more first LEDs 24 (labeled "OUT+" and "OUT-").

[0078] The motor driver 30 is -A power terminal (labeled "VDD") electrically connected to the first energy storage device 14, -A serial data terminal (designated "SDA") and a serial clock terminal (designated "SCL") are electrically connected to the corresponding terminals of the first MCU38, - Includes positive voltage output terminals and negative voltage output terminals (labeled "OUT+" and "OUT-") electrically connected to the tactile actuator 28.

[0079] The first MCU 38 includes a power supply terminal (labeled "VDD") electrically connected to the output terminal of the first LDO regulator 36, and receives a regulated voltage supply. As described above, the MCU 38 includes a serial data terminal (labeled "SDA") and a serial clock terminal (labeled "SCL") electrically connected to the corresponding terminals of the accelerometer 20, the first LED driver 26, and the motor driver 30.

[0080] The first MCU episode 38 is - The enable terminal of the first charging circuit 34 and the first input / output terminal (labeled "I / O") electrically connected to a ground connection labeled "GND" by a resistor, - The second input / output terminal and the third input / output terminal (labeled "I / O") are electrically connected to the inertial interrupt terminal of the accelerometer 20, - A fourth input / output terminal (labeled "I / O") is electrically connected to the junction between the push button 22 and the resistor that electrically connects the push button 22 to the output terminal of the first LDO regulator 36, -As will be explained in more detail below, the fifth input / output terminal and the sixth input / output terminal are electrically connected to the first data communication terminal 32A (labeled "I / O"), - Also includes power terminals (marked "VSS") electrically connected to a ground connection marked "GND".

[0081] The fifth input / output terminal of the first MCU38 is electrically connected to the collector terminal of the third semiconductor switch T3 (e.g., the third transistor). The emitter of the third semiconductor switch T3 is electrically connected to a ground connection labeled "GND". The base terminal of the third semiconductor switch T3 is electrically connected to the first data communication terminal 32A by a first resistor and to the same ground connection by a second resistor. The sixth input / output terminal is electrically connected to the first data communication terminal 32A by a resistor and a Zener diode. The base terminal of the third semiconductor switch T3 is electrically connected to the junction between the Zener diode and the first data communication terminal 32A, i.e., on the terminal side of the Zener diode.

[0082] The first detection terminal 32C is electrically connected to the first data communication terminal 32A by a Zener diode.

[0083] When the aerosol generating device 2 is properly housed or received in the recess 102 of the portable charging device 100, - The first communication terminal 32A and the second communication terminal 116A are electrically connected to provide a single data communication link between the first MCU 38 and the second MCU 126. -The first charging terminal 32B and the second charging terminal 116B are electrically connected to provide a charging link that allows the first energy storage device 14 to be charged by the second energy storage device 106 through the DC / DC converter 122 or by an external power supply through the second charging circuit 118 and the switching circuit 124. The voltage output terminal of the DC / DC converter 122 and the output terminal of the switching circuit 124 are electrically connected in parallel to the second charging terminal 116B, and the first charging terminal 32B is electrically connected to the input terminal of the first charging circuit 34. - The first detection terminal 32C and the second detection terminal 116C are electrically connected to provide a detection link, thereby enabling the first MCU 38 and the second MCU 126 to detect the electrical connection between the aerosol generating device 2 and the portable charging device 100. - The first ground terminal 32D and the second ground terminal 116D are electrically connected to form a common power ground connection, designated "PGND". The negative terminal of the second energy storage device 106 is electrically connected to the common power ground connection.

[0084] Data can be transmitted from the fifth input / output terminal of the second MCU 126 to the fifth input / output terminal of the first MCU 38 through the first data communication terminal 32A and the second data communication terminal 116A, that is, through a single data communication link. The first semiconductor switch T1 and the third semiconductor switch T3 are involved in such data transmission.

[0085] More specifically, the first semiconductor switch T1 remains open when the fifth input / output terminal of the second MCU 126 does not output a high-level signal. When the first semiconductor switch T1 is open, the emitter terminal of the first semiconductor switch T1 and the second data communication terminal 116A are electrically isolated from the output terminal of the second LDO regulator 120. As a result, the emitter terminal of the first semiconductor switch T1 and the second data communication terminal 116A are at substantially the same potential as the ground connected by the first and second resistors. In other words, a low-level signal is supplied to the second data communication terminal 116A. The low-level signal is also supplied to the base terminal of the third semiconductor switch T3 through the first data communication terminal 32A and the second data communication terminal 116A. Consequently, the low-level signal is finally supplied to the fifth input / output terminal of the first MCU 38.

[0086] When the fifth input / output terminal of the second MCU 126 outputs a high-level signal, the first semiconductor switch T1 is kept closed. When the first semiconductor switch T1 is closed, the emitter terminal of the first semiconductor switch T1 and the second data communication terminal 116A are electrically connected to the output terminal of the second LDO regulator 120. As a result, the emitter terminal of the first semiconductor switch T1 and the second data communication terminal 116A have substantially the same potential as the output terminal of the second LDO regulator 120. In other words, a high-level signal is supplied to the second data communication terminal 116A. The high-level signal is also supplied to the base terminal of the third semiconductor switch T3 through the first data communication terminal 32A and the second data communication terminal 116A. As a result, the high-level signal is ultimately supplied to the fifth input / output terminal of the first MCU 38.

[0087] In this way, the second MCU 126 can transmit serial data to the first MCU 38 by supplying a high-level or low-level signal to the first semiconductor switch T1.

[0088] Data can be transmitted from the sixth input / output terminal of the first MCU 38 to the sixth input / output terminal of the second MCU 126 through the first data communication terminal 32A and the second data communication terminal 116A. The second semiconductor switch T2 is involved in this data transmission.

[0089] More specifically, if the sixth input / output terminal of the first MCU38 does not output a high-level signal, the base terminal of the second semiconductor switch T2 is at substantially the same potential as grounded by the first resistor. As a result, a low-level signal is supplied to the sixth input / output terminal of the second MCU126.

[0090] When the sixth input / output terminal of the first MCU 38 outputs a high-level signal, the high-level signal is supplied to the base terminal of the second semiconductor switch T2 through the first data communication terminal 32A and the second data communication terminal 116A. As a result, the high-level signal is supplied to the sixth input / output terminal of the second MCU 126.

[0091] In this way, the first MCU38 can transmit serial data to the second MCU126.

[0092] The second MCU 126 of the portable charging device 100 controls the operation of the portable charging device 100 based on the movement of the aerosol generating device 2 detected by the accelerometer 20. Such movements may include, for example, tilting, lifting, shaking, or tapping the aerosol generating device 2. It will be understood that the user may move or tap the assembly, which includes the physically and electrically connected aerosol generating article 2 and the portable charging device 100.

[0093] The first MCU 38 of the aerosol generating device 2 converts motion data received from the accelerometer 20, i.e., from the inertia interrupt terminal of the accelerometer 20, thereby reducing the amount of motion data transmitted to the second MCU 126. For example, motion data provided by the accelerometer 20 to the second and third input / output terminals of the first MCU 38 can be simplified or processed by the first MCU. The first MCU 38 then transmits the converted motion data (i.e., simplified or processed motion data) to the second MCU 126 through the data communication links provided by the first data communication terminal 32A and the second data communication terminal 116A. This reduces the amount of motion data that needs to be transmitted from the aerosol generating device 2 to the portable charging device 100. The second MCU 126 is configured to determine whether the converted motion data meets predefined criteria, for example, whether it indicates that the assembly was moved in a specific way, such as lifting, tilting, shaking, or tapping. If predefined criteria are met, the second MCU 126 can perform a specific operational function. For example, the second MCU 126 can determine whether motion data from the first MCU 126 indicates that the assembly has been shaken, and then be configured to perform a specific operational function, such as notifying the user of the charge level of the second energy storage device 106. Alternatively, the first MCU 38 of the aerosol generating device 2 can determine whether motion data from the accelerometer 20 meets predefined criteria, and then be configured to convert the motion data into simplified motion data that indicates whether the motion data meets predefined criteria. For example, the first MCU 38 can determine whether motion data received from the accelerometer 20 indicates that the assembly has been shaken, and then be configured to send simplified motion data (e.g., a high-level signal) indicating that the assembly has been shaken to the second MCU 126. In this example, the low-level signal supplied to the second MCU 126 indicates that the assembly has not been shaken.This reduces the amount of motion data that needs to be transmitted to the portable charging device 100 via the data communication link, and also reduces the processing required by the second MCU 126.

[0094] The second MCU 126 can control the portable charging device 100 according to a user interface system that can be selectively configured by the user. The user interface system is responsive to specific user inputs and allows the portable charging device 100 to control or initiate specific operating functions, including both essential and optional operating functions. The user interface system may include hardware and software components. The software components of the user interface system may be implemented on the second MCU 126.

[0095] For the purposes of the following explanation, in this example, the user interface system is capable of responding to the following predefined user inputs ("predefined user inputs"), each user input representing a specific action performed by the user when the aerosol generating device 2 is physically connected to the portable charging device 100: - Press the second push button 108 briefly (i.e., "short press") - Press the second push button 108 for a moderate amount of time (i.e., "medium press"), - Press and hold the second push button 108 for an extended period of time (i.e., "long press") - Lifting the assembly ("moving the device"), and - Shaking the assembly ("shaking the device") It is assumed that the following will be supported. User inputs "move device" and "shake device" will be understood to be usable only when the aerosol generating device 2 is physically and electrically connected to the portable charging device 100. Therefore, the user interface system can be selectively configured by the user for different operating modes, such as when the aerosol generating device 2 is connected and when it is not.

[0096] In this example, it is also assumed that the user interface system may initiate or trigger the following predefined required and non-required operational functions: - Check the charge level of the second energy storage device 106 of the portable charging device 100 (i.e., "check battery level") - Monitoring the charging process (i.e., "monitoring the charging process"), and - Restart the portable charging device 100 (i.e., "restart the device").

[0097] The push-button controller 110 is used to restart the portable charging device 100. When a low-level signal is supplied for an extended period to both the input terminals of the first and second push buttons, the push-button controller 110 outputs a low-level signal from its reset terminal. This low-level signal is supplied to the enable terminal of the second LDO regulator 120. In response to the low-level signal from the push-button controller 110, the second LDO regulator 120 stops providing a stabilized voltage supply from its output terminal. This interrupts the power supply to the power terminal of the second MCU 126, and thus shuts down the second MCU 126.

[0098] The push-button controller 110 is configured to output a low-level signal from its reset terminal for a predetermined period of time. In other words, after the predetermined period of time has elapsed, the potential of the enable terminal of the second LDO regulator 120 is restored to a high level by the output voltage from the system terminal of the second charging circuit 118. The second MCU 126 is restarted when the stabilized voltage supply is resumed, that is, when the power supply terminal of the MCU 126 begins to receive a stabilized voltage supply from the second LDO regulator 120.

[0099] Therefore, the low-level signal supplied from the reset terminal of the push-button controller 110 functions as a reset signal or a restart signal.

[0100] Since the second pushbutton input terminal of the pushbutton controller 110 is electrically connected to ground, when the user inputs a "long press," that is, when the user presses the second pushbutton 108 for an extended period of time, the pushbutton controller 110 outputs a reset signal. The second pushbutton 108 may also be used by the user to input "short presses" and "medium presses." That is, the second MCU 126 can detect when the user presses the second pushbutton 108 for a short or moderate period of time.

[0101] The accelerometer 20 of the aerosol generating device 2 is used to detect user inputs of "moving the device" and "shaking the device." In particular, the second MCU 126 can receive motion data through the data communication links provided by the first data communication terminal 32A and the second data communication terminal 116A, and can be used to determine whether the user has lifted or shaken the assembly in a manner corresponding to a predefined user input.

[0102] An example of a user interface system is shown in Figure 5, where user input and operation functions are graphically represented. In particular, the user can selectively configure the user interface system using a software application, such as a mobile application (i.e., a "mobile app"), that runs on the smartphone 200. The smartphone 200 communicates wirelessly with the portable charging device 100 so that changes made using the software application are updated in the user interface system running on the smartphone. The smartphone 200 can communicate with the portable charging device 100 using an antenna 128 with any suitable communication protocol (e.g., Bluetooth) or over a wireless network.

[0103] In Figure 5, each user input is graphically represented by input buttons IB1, IB2, ..., and IB5. Input buttons IB1, IB2, ..., and IB5 are displayed to the user on the touchscreen 202 of the smartphone 200.

[0104] Each function is graphically represented by function buttons FB1, FB2, and FB3. Function buttons FB1, FB2, and FB3 are displayed to the user on the touchscreen 202 of the smartphone 200 and are positioned in a single row immediately below the row of input buttons IB1, IB2, ..., and IB5.

[0105] The user interface system can be selectively configured by the user using the touchscreen 202 of the smartphone 200. More specifically, the user interface system can be selectively configured by the user by touching or tapping any of the buttons, or by other direct operations of graphic representations such as touch, hold, and drag or swipe.

[0106] Using the smartphone 200, a user can disable one or more predefined user inputs by long-pressing the appropriate input button. The user can also disable one or more predefined non-essential operational functions by long-pressing the appropriate function button. Disabled user input buttons or operational function buttons can be grayed out on the touchscreen 202 to indicate that this particular user input or operational function is disabled. Essential operational functions may not be disabled by long-pressing the corresponding function button. Long-pressing a grayed-out button will re-enable the corresponding user input or operational function.

[0107] A user can assign one or more of the enabled user inputs to each of the enabled operational functions. Relationships or assignments between specific user inputs and specific operational functions can be created, for example, by briefly touching the appropriate input button and then briefly touching the appropriate function button, or vice versa, or by touching somewhere on the touchscreen 202, generally between the appropriate input button and the appropriate function button. If a user input or non-essential operational function is disabled, existing relationships with such user inputs or operational functions can be deleted or, by the user interface system, reassigned to a default relationship, for example. If an enabled user input is not assigned to a particular operational function, the user may be asked to either provide an assignment or disable the user input. Similarly, if a user input is not assigned to an enabled non-essential operational function, the user may be asked to either provide an assignment or disable the non-essential operational function. If user input is not assigned to an essential operating function, the user may be required to provide an assignment to ensure the aerosol generating device operates correctly, or the user interface system may provide a default relationship with one or more of the enabled user inputs.

[0108] Referring to Figure 5, the user inputs "move device," "shake device," and "short press" are assigned to the operation function "check battery level," so that when the user briefly presses the second push button 108, lifts the assembly, or shakes it, the portable charging device 100 is controlled to notify the user of the remaining charge level of the second energy storage device 106. This can also be done, for example, by the second MCU 126 controlling the second LED driver 114. The user input "intermediate press" is assigned to the operation function "monitor charging process," and the user input "long press" is assigned to the operation function "restart device." The relationship or assignment between user inputs and operation functions is graphically represented by straight lines connecting each button, and in more detail, -The straight line connecting input buttons IB1, IB2, and IB3 to function button FB1, -The straight line connecting input button IB4 to function button FB2, -The straight line connecting input button IB5 to function button FB3, It is graphically represented by [this method].

[0109] Existing relationships can be deleted by briefly touching the appropriate input button, then briefly touching the appropriate function button, or vice versa, or by touching the line connecting each button. For example, the relationship between the user input "Move device" and the function "Check battery level" can be deleted by touching the line connecting buttons IB1 and FB1, and the user input "Move device" can then be assigned to a different function. Alternatively, existing relationships can be reassigned by the user, for example, by touching the appropriate line, holding it down, and dragging it.

[0110] While exemplary embodiments have been described in the preceding paragraphs, it should be understood that various modifications may be made to these embodiments without departing from the scope of the attached claims. Therefore, the scope and breadth of the claims should not be limited to the exemplary embodiments described above.

[0111] Unless otherwise stated herein or unless clearly inconsistent with the context, any combination of the above features in all possible variations is encompassed by this disclosure.

[0112] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, throughout this specification and the claims, words such as “comprise” and “comprising” should be interpreted comprehensively, that is, “including, but not limited to,” rather than in an exclusive or exhaustive sense.

Claims

1. An assembly comprising a portable charging device (100) and an aerosol generating device (2) physically connected to the portable charging device (100), wherein the aerosol generating device (2) includes a motion sensor (20) for detecting the movement of the aerosol generating device (2), and the portable charging device (100) includes a first controller (126) configured to control the operation of the portable charging device (100) based on the movement of the aerosol generating device (2) detected by the motion sensor (20), The aerosol generating device (2) further includes a second controller (38) electrically connected to the motion sensor (20), When the aerosol generating device (2) enters sleep mode, the motion sensor (20) is disabled. To detect the electrical connection between the portable charging device (100) and the aerosol generating device (2), and An assembly configured to activate the motion sensor (20) when the electrical connection between the portable charging device (100) and the aerosol generating device (2) is detected.

2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the motion sensor is an accelerometer (20).

3. The assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the aerosol generating device (2) is physically connected to the portable charging device (100), the second controller (38) is electrically connected to the first controller (126), and the second controller (38) is configured to transmit motion data to the first controller (126).

4. The second controller (38) To reduce the size of the motion data, and to convert the motion data, The assembly according to claim 3, further configured to transmit the converted motion data to the first controller (126).

5. The second controller (38) The motion data is used to determine whether it meets predefined criteria, and The assembly according to claim 4, further configured to convert the motion data into simplified motion data that indicates whether the motion data meets the predefined criteria.

6. The assembly according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the converted motion data is transmitted from the second controller (38) to the first controller (126) by a single wire.

7. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second controller (38) is further configured to control the operation of the aerosol generating device (2) based on the movement of the aerosol generating device (2) detected by the motion sensor (20).

8. The assembly according to claim 7, The aerosol generating device (2) is housed in the portable charging device (100). The first controller (126) is further configured to control the operation of the portable charging device (100) based on the movement of the aerosol generating device (2), excluding tapping, as detected by the motion sensor (20). The second controller (38) is further configured to control the operation of the aerosol generating device (2) based on the user tapping the aerosol generating device (2) as detected by the motion sensor (20).

9. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the portable charging device (100) further comprises a selectively configurable user interface system including a plurality of predefined user inputs and at least one predefined essential operating function of the portable charging device (100), wherein at least one of the predefined user inputs is based on the movement of the aerosol generating device (2) detected by the motion sensor (20).

10. The aforementioned user interface system To disable and enable at least one of the user inputs, The assembly according to claim 9, wherein one or more of the activated user inputs can be selectively configured by the user to be assigned to each essential operating function of the portable charging device (100).

11. The user interface system further includes at least one predefined non-essential operating function of the portable charging device (100), and the user interface system, To disable and enable at least one of the aforementioned non-essential operational functions, The assembly according to claim 9 or 10, wherein one or more of the activated user inputs can be further selectively configured by the user to be assigned to each of the activated non-essential operating functions of the portable charging device (100).

12. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the portable charging device (100) further includes output devices (112, 114), and the first controller (126) is configured to control the operation of the output devices (112, 114) based on the movement of the aerosol generating device (2) detected by the motion sensor (20).

13. A software application for selectively configuring the user interface system of the assembly according to any one of claims 9 to 11.

14. An assembly comprising a portable charging device (100) and an aerosol generating device (2) physically connected to the portable charging device (100), wherein the aerosol generating device (2) includes a motion sensor (20) for detecting the movement of the aerosol generating device (2), and the portable charging device (100) includes a first controller (126) configured to control the operation of the portable charging device (100) based on the movement of the aerosol generating device (2) detected by the motion sensor (20), The aerosol generating device (2) further includes a second controller (38) electrically connected to the motion sensor (20), which is configured to control the operation of the aerosol generating device (2) based on the movement of the aerosol generating device (2) detected by the motion sensor (20). Along with, The aerosol generating device (2) is housed in the portable charging device (100). The first controller (126) is further configured to control the operation of the portable charging device (100) based on the movement of the aerosol generating device (2), excluding tapping, as detected by the motion sensor (20). The second controller (38) is further configured to control the operation of the aerosol generating device (2) based on the user tapping the aerosol generating device (2) as detected by the motion sensor (20).

15. A method for controlling an assembly comprising a portable charging device (100) and an aerosol generating device (2) physically connected to the portable charging device (100), the aerosol generating device (2) including a motion sensor (20), Based on the movement of the aerosol generating device (2) detected by the motion sensor (20), the operation of the portable charging device (100) is controlled. When the aerosol generating device (2) enters sleep mode, the motion sensor (20) is disabled, To detect the electrical connection between the portable charging device (100) and the aerosol generating device (2), When the electrical connection between the portable charging device (100) and the aerosol generating device (2) is detected, the motion sensor (20) is activated. A method that includes this.

16. A method for controlling an assembly comprising a portable charging device (100) and an aerosol generating device (2) physically connected to and housed in the portable charging device (100), the aerosol generating device (2) including a motion sensor (20), Based on the movement of the aerosol generating device (2), excluding tapping, as detected by the motion sensor (20), the operation of the portable charging device (100) is controlled. The operation of the aerosol generating device (2) is controlled based on the user tapping the aerosol generating device (2) as detected by the motion sensor (20), A method that includes this.

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