Fault diagnostic tool for electrically operated smoking devices

Abstract

Preventing defects and malfunctions in electrically operated smoking devices. [Solution] An apparatus for providing maintenance service for an electrically operated smoking device, the apparatus comprising: an input (12) including an electrical connector configured to engage electrical contacts of an electrically operated smoking device (30); and a controller (22) connected to the input, wherein the controller is configured to automatically perform an electrical inspection of the electrically operated smoking device (30) when the electrically operated smoking device (30) is connected to the input (12), and based on the results of the electrical inspection, to provide an inspection report, perform a software update or software reset of the electrically operated smoking device (30), or both provide an inspection report and perform a software update or software reset of the electrically operated smoking device (30). The apparatus is advantageously located in a store or public place.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and system for providing fault diagnostic information to a user of an electrically operated smoking device. [Background technology]

[0002] Electrically operated smoking devices are now widely available, with several different types of electrically operated devices being available, including devices that electrically heat, but do not combust, a tobacco product to generate an aerosol for inhalation by the user, and devices that heat a liquid composition, typically including aerosol formers such as glycerin and flavor compounds, to generate an aerosol for inhalation by the user.

[0003] Electrically operated smoking devices are generally used several times a day and, like any electronic and software controlled product, will occasionally malfunction or fail. Furthermore, some components of electrically operated smoking devices must withstand significant changes in temperature, which can lead to material degradation. There is also the issue of deposition of smoke constituents on the device components, and the accumulation of these deposits can result in failure or loss of performance of the device.

[0004] Typically, when an electrically operated smoking device malfunctions or stops working properly, the device must be returned to the manufacturer by mail or courier and awaits a repaired or replacement product. It may take several days or weeks for the user to receive the repaired or new product. Most users are not happy with waiting such a long time, and the alternative is to purchase a replacement product, possibly from a different manufacturer, if they are dissatisfied with the original device.

[0005] Sometimes the user may not even realize that the device is defective and may alternatively consider the device to be a poor product.

[0006] It would be desirable to provide a system and apparatus which would enable a user to quickly and easily determine the nature of any malfunction and to receive any replacement parts for any required software repairs without the user having to utilize the postal service. It would also be desirable to be able to determine the cause of a malfunction in an electrically operated smoking device so that a more robust device can be designed and manufactured.

[0007] It is also desirable to provide a system for selling products for electrically operated smoking systems that is highly convenient and easy to use for customers, but at the same time ensures that only authorized customers can purchase the products. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In a first aspect, there is provided an apparatus for providing maintenance service for an electrically operated smoking device, the apparatus comprising: an input including an electrical connector configured to engage electrical contacts of the electrically operated smoking device; and a controller connected to the input, wherein the controller is configured to automatically perform an electrical check of the electrically operated smoking device when the electrically operated smoking device is connected to the input; and configured to provide a check report, perform a software update or a software reset of the electrically operated smoking device based on results of the electrical check, or both provide a check report and perform a software update or a software reset of the electrically operated smoking device.

[0009] The device is advantageously located in a store or public area so that it can be conveniently accessed by a user to determine whether the electrical components of the smoking system are working properly and to determine whether the software on the system is out of date or defective so that the software can be quickly corrected.

[0010] The device may have multiple inputs for different devices to interface with the appliance. Alternatively, the inputs may be configured to allow connection of different types of electrically operated smoking devices for interfacing with the appliance.

[0011] The apparatus advantageously includes a dispensing mechanism for dispensing replacement parts for the electrically operated smoking apparatus or replacement electrically operated smoking apparatuses. If an electrical inspection determines that the apparatus is faulty, the user can purchase a replacement apparatus, or, if the inspection report identifies a particular component in need of replacement, such as a battery, the user may purchase the replacement part from the apparatus.

[0012] The instrument may include a device receptacle for receiving devices to be returned to a manufacturer or retailer. The instrument may be configured to detect the returned device and subsequently dispense a replacement device. If the electrical test determines that the device is faulty, the user may place the device in a receptacle for receiving faulty devices, and the instrument may detect the faulty device and then dispense a replacement device using a dispensing mechanism. This is useful when the electrical test determines that the devices are faulty, but at least one of the defects is a hardware fault. The user is immediately provided with a properly working device, and the retailer is provided with the faulty device, which can be repaired or inspected to provide information on how the product's manufacture and design can be improved.

[0013] The controller, when connected to the electrically operated smoking device, may be configured to download usage data from the electrically operated smoking device. The usage data, along with inspection reports, may provide insight into which user actions are associated with smoking device malfunctions. Over time, manufacturers may collect a wealth of statistics about device usage and device malfunctions. This information may be used in research and development to help provide more robust hardware and software and improve instructions for users.

[0014] The appliance may include a network interface configured to connect the appliance to a communications network. The appliance may be configured to transmit inspection reports and usage data to a central server via the communications network. The appliance may be configured to receive software updates for the electrically operated smoking device via the communications network. The appliance may be configured to transmit information regarding the device and any replacement parts stored within the appliance to the central server to enable the central server to determine inventory levels within the appliance.

[0015] The inspection report may be displayed on a display screen of the appliance. Alternatively or additionally, the inspection report may be transmitted directly to a user device connected to the appliance or through a communication network. The user device may be, for example, a mobile phone. The appliance may connect to the user device through a short-range communication protocol such as Bluetooth or through a network such as the Internet.

[0016] The appliance may include a user interface. The controller may be configured to automatically perform an electrical check of the electrically operated smoking device only after a user provides authentication information to the appliance. The authentication information may include a password, biometric information, coded information on a membership or payment card, or a code or information associated with the user device. The appliance may receive the user authentication information by scanning an image, receiving a short-range communication protocol radio signal, receiving data entered through a vending machine user interface, reading a chip card, or performing a biometric measurement.

[0017] The appliance may be configured to charge batteries within electrically operated smoking devices through the electrical connector. Rapid charging of, for example, lithium-ion batteries is possible in this way. This is a simple service to offer to users, which may be particularly useful for travelers.

[0018] The appliance may be a vending machine, in particular a vending machine for products for electrically operated smoking systems.

[0019] In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for providing maintenance services for electrically operated smoking devices, comprising a plurality of appliances for providing maintenance services for electrically operated smoking devices according to the first aspect of the present invention and a central server, wherein each appliance is connected to the central server via a communications network and wherein each appliance is configured to transmit data received from the electrically operated smoking devices to the central server.

[0020] The system will allow information on smoking device defects, as well as device usage information, to be collected, processed centrally and passed on to a research and development environment to help design and manufacture more robust devices.

[0021] Having service appliances connected via a network has a number of further advantages. Each user may be required to be registered with a central server, and authentication information specific to each user may be generated or provided by the user during the registration process. Thus, each appliance may be configured to require user-specific authentication prior to use. By only allowing registered users to use the machine, illicit use of electronically operated smoking devices may be made more difficult. This arrangement also allows payments for use of the appliance to be made against the registered user's account.

[0022] The authentication information may include a password, biometric information, information coded on a membership or payment card, or a code or information associated with a user device. The system may receive the user authentication information by scanning an image, receiving a short-range communication protocol radio signal, receiving data entered through a vending machine's user interface, reading a chip card, or performing a biometric measurement.

[0023] Each device may also be a vending machine from which a user can purchase electrically operated smoking devices and products for electrically operated smoking devices, such as replacement liquid cartridges and tobacco sticks. A user may purchase products directly from the device without using the electrical inspection function.

[0024] The central server may provide a web interface that allows users to locate accessible instruments. A dedicated web page or app may be provided for this purpose. The web page or app may display the locations of accessible instruments on a map.

[0025] The central server may provide software updates for electronically operated smoking devices to each device, ensuring that the latest software is immediately available.

[0026] It should be apparent that the central server is not limited to a single device, but may comprise multiple servers distributed throughout a network, as well as other processing and data storage devices.

[0027] In a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of providing maintenance services to a user of an electrically operated smoking device using publicly accessible automated inspection equipment, comprising: determining a connection of the electrically operated smoking device to an inspection tool; performing an automatic electrical check of an electrically operated smoking system; automatically extracting usage data from an electronically operated smoking device; automatically generating an electrical inspection report based on the electrical inspection; automatically providing the inspection report to the user along with recommended actions; and automatically transmitting or storing the electrical inspection report along with the utilization data in a data store.

[0028] In a fourth aspect, there is provided a vending system for products for an electrically operated smoking system, comprising: a vending machine containing a product for an electrically operated smoking system; a central server connected to the vending machines via a data network, the central server being connected to the Internet; wherein the central server is configured to transmit ordering option information associated with the vending machine to a remote user device connected to the central server via the Internet to receive an order from the remote user device, the order including products available at the vending machine and user identification information; The central server may also store or retrieve registered user information, including user authentication information associated with the user identification information; The vending machine is also configured to receive user authentication information from a user at the vending machine and deliver the product to the user at the vending machine if the received user authentication information matches user authentication information stored or retrieved by the central server and associated with the order.

[0029] Vending systems allow users with internet connected devices to order products for later collection, but require the user to provide authentication information at the vending machine so that an authentication check can be performed to verify that the user is authorized to purchase the product. This is particularly important for products for electronically operated smoking systems, which generally have legal age restrictions.

[0030] The product may be, for example, a replacement liquid cartridge, a replacement battery, an entire smoking system, a replacement tobacco stick for a heated tobacco system, a replacement heater element, or a replacement mouthpiece.

[0031] The system advantageously includes a plurality of vending machines, each connected to a central server via a data network. The ordering option information may identify one or more of the vending machines. For example, the user may then be informed which vending machines have the desired product in stock, as well as information regarding the locations of those vending machines. The ordering option information may include the location of the vending machines on a map.

[0032] The user may then select the most convenient machine. The central server may be configured to receive an order from a remote user that includes an identification of one of the vending machines.

[0033] The central server may be configured to receive locations from the remote user device prior to presenting the ordering option information, such that the ordering option information may include locations of vending machines near a location from the remote user device. The ordering option information may include a list of multiple possible vending machine locations (e.g., five vending machines) ordered from shortest to longest distance from the user.

[0034] The central server may be configured to receive a location from the remote user device prior to presenting the ordering option information. If the location from the remote user device is within a first distance of one of the vending machines, the ordering option information may include only products available from the vending machine. For example, if the user determines that they are within 20 meters of a vending machine, the user has already identified the vending machine and is likely to immediately purchase products from that machine. Including ordering option information for only that machine simplifies the immediate purchasing process for the user.

[0035] The vending machine may be configured to receive authentication information from a remote user device, from a user identification card, by data entry through a user interface at the vending machine, or by biometric measurements of the user. Any suitable method of providing the authentication information may be used. The user authentication information should match the user authentication information provided by the user during the registration process when the user account was first established. During the registration process, the user's identity, particularly their age, may be verified.

[0036] During the registration process, a user account may be set up, including payment details for the user.

[0037] The system may be configured such that authentication information received from a user at a vending machine is transmitted to a central server where it is compared to authentication information stored or retrieved by the central server, and if the received user authentication information matches the user authentication information stored or retrieved by the central server, the central server may send an authentication approval signal back to the vending machine.

[0038] Alternatively, the system may be configured such that authentication information stored or retrieved by the central server is transmitted to the vending machine and compared at the vending machine with authentication information received from the user at the vending machine.

[0039] The vending machine may be configured to receive products for an electrically operated smoking system from a user along with authentication or identification information associated with the user. This may be useful to allow the user to return the product if defective. This may also allow for the rental of products and returning them to the same or a different vending machine. This may be attractive to travelers.

[0040] Advantageously, the data network connecting the vending machines to the central server is the Internet, although the data network connecting the vending machines to the central server may also be a private network.

[0041] The user device may be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a notebook computer, a PDA or any other suitable network device.

[0042] In a fifth aspect, there is provided a method for supplying a product for an electrically operated smoking system, comprising: delivering ordering option information associated with the vending machine from a central server to a remote user device via a network connection; receiving an order from a remote user device, the order including a representation of products available from the vending machine and user identification information; retrieving registered user information, the user authentication information being associated with the user identification information; receiving user authentication information from the user and, if the received user authentication information matches the retrieved user authentication information and is associated with the order, instructing the vending machine to deliver the product to the user at the vending machine.

[0043] In this manner, authentication of the user is performed away from the vending machine, advantageously at a central server.

[0044] In a sixth aspect, there is provided a method for supplying a product for an electrically operated smoking system, comprising: delivering ordering option information associated with the vending machine from a central server to a remote user device via a network connection; receiving an order from a remote user device, the order including a representation of products available from the vending machine and user identification information; retrieving registered user information from a data store based on the user identification information, the registered user information including associated user authentication information associated with the user identification information; transmitting the order from the remote device along with associated authentication information to the vending machine; receiving user authentication information from the user at the vending machine, and delivering the product to the user at the vending machine if the user authentication information received from the user matches the user authentication information retrieved from the data store.

[0045] In this sixth aspect, authentication of the user is performed at the vending machine.

[0046] In both the fifth and sixth aspects, the ordering option information may be associated with multiple vending machines and ordering from the remote device may include selection of a particular vending machine.

[0047] In both the fifth or sixth aspect, receiving user authentication information may include scanning an image, receiving a short-range communication protocol radio signal, receiving data entered through a user interface of the vending machine, reading a chip card or performing a biometric measurement.

[0048] In both the fifth and sixth aspects, the method may further include receiving a location from the remote user device prior to providing the ordering option information. The ordering option information may include a location of the vending machine proximate to the location from the remote user device.

[0049] In both the fifth and sixth aspects, the method may further include receiving a location from the remote user device prior to providing the ordering option information, and if the location from the remote user device is within a first distance of one of the vending machines, the ordering option information may include only products available from the vending machine.

[0050] In both the fifth and sixth aspects, the method may further include receiving a product for the electronically activated smoking system from a user at the vending machine along with authentication or identification information associated with the user. The method may further include identifying the product and transmitting an indication of the product along with the authentication or identification information to the central server.

[0051] In a seventh aspect, there is provided a vending machine for products for an electrically operated smoking system, comprising: Several products for electrically operated smoking systems; a dispensing mechanism for dispensing one or more of the plurality of products; a controller connected to the distribution mechanism; A network interface connected to the controller; a local interface connected to the controller; The controller is configured to receive authentication information from a user via the local interface, receive order information along with associated authentication information via the network interface, and activate a dispensing mechanism to dispense a product associated with the order information if the authentication information received from the user via the local interface matches the authentication information received via the network interface.

[0052] In an eighth aspect, there is provided a vending machine for a product for an electrically operated smoking system, comprising: Several products for electrically operated smoking systems; a dispensing mechanism for dispensing one or more of the plurality of products; a controller connected to the distribution mechanism; A network interface connected to the controller; a local interface connected to the controller; The controller is configured to receive authentication information from a user via the local interface, transmit the authentication information from the local user to a remote server via the network interface, receive order information associated with the authentication information from the remote server via the network interface, and activate a distribution mechanism to distribute a product associated with the order information.

[0053] In both the seventh and eighth aspects, the local interface may comprise two different interface mechanisms: The controller may be configured to receive user identification information from the user via a different interface mechanism than the user authentication information.

[0054] In both the seventh and eighth aspects, the local interface may comprise an image scanner, a short-range communication protocol wireless receiver, a touch screen or keypad, a biometric scanner or a chip card reader.

[0055] In both the seventh and eighth aspects, the vending machine may further comprise a product return entrance. The controller may be configured to identify a product inserted into the product return entrance and to transmit a representation of the product inserted into the product return entrance along with associated user identification or authentication information to a remote server.

[0056] In a ninth aspect, there is provided a method for supplying a product for an electrically operated smoking system, comprising: receiving a vending machine order from a remote server, the order including a smoking device or accessory available for the vending machine and user authentication information; receiving user authentication information from the user at the vending machine, and delivering the product to the user at the vending machine if the user authentication information received from the user matches the user authentication information retrieved from the remote server.

[0057] In a tenth aspect, there is provided a method for supplying a product for an electrically operated smoking system, comprising: receiving user authentication information from a user at the vending machine; transmitting user authentication information to a remote server; receiving order information associated with the authentication information from the remote server and delivering the product associated with the order information from the vending machine.

[0058] Features described in relation to one aspect of the invention may be equally applied to other aspects of the invention.

[0059] Embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0060] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a device according to the invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the functional components of the device of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of the device according to the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a vending system according to the present invention. [Figure 6a] FIG. 6a illustrates a vending machine that may be used in the system of FIG. [Figure 6b] FIG. 6b is a schematic diagram of the control elements of the vending machine of FIG. 6a. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a user device showing ordering option information. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a user device showing location information of a vending machine. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating a first vending process. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating a second vending process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0061] 1 illustrates a device according to one embodiment of the present invention. The device comprises a housing 10, a user interface 20, a device input port 12 and a product output tray 14. The user interface 20 comprises a display screen 16 and input buttons 18. An electrically operated smoking device 30 is shown connected to the device input port 12.

[0062] The apparatus of Figure 1 is both a vending machine for products for electrically operated smoking systems and a testing and service machine for electrically operated smoking systems or devices. A user can connect an electrically operated smoking device to the apparatus in order to electrically test the device and to have software run on the electrically operated smoking device to be tested, updated or reset. The apparatus also provides for rapid charging of the battery in the electrically operated smoking device 30.

[0063] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the functional elements of the instrument shown in Figure 1. The instrument has a controller 22 connected to a battery charging module 26 and an electrical check module 24. The battery charging module 26 is connected to power contacts in the input port 12. The electrical check module 24 is connected to data contacts in the input port. The controller 22 is connected to a user interface 20 and a product dispensing mechanism 28. The product dispensing mechanism 28 provides product to the product output tray 14 in response to commands from the controller 22. The controller is also connected to the network interface 11. The instrument may also have a product return input 27 through which a user can return a defective or rented device.

[0064] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention incorporating a number of appliances of the type described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Vending and service machines 110, 120 and 130 are connected to a central server 200 via the Internet 100. Although three vending and service machines are illustrated in Figure 3, the system may include any number of vending and service machines.

[0065] Similarly, the user devices 300, 310, 320 are connected to a central server 200 via the Internet 100. The central server 200 is connected to a registration database 210, which stores user registration and authentication data, an inventory database 220, which stores vending machine location and inventory data, and a service database 230, which stores machine fault data and associated machine usage data. The central server 200 is also connected to a software update center 240, which provides software updates for the electrically operated smoking devices 30 configured to interface with vending and service machines.

[0066] The user devices 300, 310, 320 may include any network-enabled device, but are typically mobile phones, tablet computers, notebook computers, and desktop computers. In this embodiment, each user device requires a display screen to display machine location information to the user. The user devices may connect to the Internet 100 by any means, such as a wireless or cable connection.

[0067] The vending and service machines 110, 120, 130 are configured to communicate with the central server 200 to exchange inventory and order information, exchange user information associated with registered users who place orders on the system, cause software updates to be provided to the vending and service machines from a software update center 240, and provide equipment fault information and associated usage data from equipment serviced by the vending and service machines to a service database 230.

[0068] Generally speaking, the system is configured to allow a user to connect their electrically operated smoking device to a vending and service machine to service the device. The vending and service machine provides the user with the option to update or reset the software on the device, if necessary. Following a user authentication process, the vending and service machine performs an electrical and software check of the connected device and generates a check report. During the electrical check, the vending and service machine uploads usage data stored within the electrically operated smoking device. The check report is delivered to the user by either displaying the report on a screen 16 of the vending and service machine or by sending the report to a device, such as a mobile phone, associated with the user. The check report may indicate that one or more parts of the device need to be replaced, and may indicate that the device software needs to be updated or reset. The vending and service machine may also give the user the option to purchase the parts that need to be replaced or to purchase a software update, or may provide these items free of charge. Alternatively, the vending and service machines may allow the user to place the defective unit in the product output tray 14, or in a separate product input tray 27. The vending and service machines then detect the defective unit and dispense a replacement unit to the user. The product input tray 27 may also be used to receive units rented by the user.

[0069] The system also allows users to locate vending and service machines through a web-based interface, and to pre-order products from vending and service machines for later collection. User devices 300, 310, 320 can locate nearby vending and service machines by requesting location information from the central server 200. The inventory database 220 stores the locations of the vending and service machines. The locations of the vending and service machines may be displayed on a map on the display screen of the user device. A dedicated app or website may be provided for this purpose.

[0070] A user may send an order for products for an electronically operated smoking system from their networked device 300, 310, 320 to the central server 200. The central server then sends to the user device details of the vending machine where the order can be collected. When the user collects the order at the vending machine, the user must provide authentication information to the machine and if the authentication information matches authentication information held in the database 210, the ordered product or software update is provided to the user. In this way, the user can obtain the ordered product in a convenient manner. The user may order replacement consumable items, for example liquid cartridges, for collection from a service machine or vending machine. When collecting the order, the user may choose to have the device electrically serviced. This allows the collection of usage and malfunction data in a convenient manner for both the user and the manufacturer.

[0071] Before a user can use the system illustrated in FIG. 3, the user must register with the system and set up a user account. Part of the registration process includes providing proof of identity, and in particular proof of age. The registration process also associates authentication information with information identifying the user and the user's electronically operated smoking device or devices. The authentication information may be provided by the user in the form of a password, biometric information, or voice signature. Alternatively, the authentication information may be provided to the user by the central server 200 in the form of, for example, a membership card 340 (shown in FIG. 3) bearing a machine-readable authentication code, or a payment or credit card.

[0072] The registration process may include providing payment details to allow for quicker subsequent purchase of products. The registration process may also be performed for a specific user device such that the user may be identified by a code, serial number, or address associated with that device.

[0073] FIG. 4 illustrates in further detail the method of operation of an instrument of the type described in relation to FIGS.

[0074] In a first step 400, the appliance detects the connection of an electrically operated smoking device 30 to the input port 12. The appliance may have multiple input ports to allow for the connection of different types of devices. Alternatively, the input port may have a connector configured to engage several different types of electrically operated smoking devices.

[0075] In a second step 405, before any checks of the device are performed, the user is asked to provide authentication information. This request may be in the form of a written request on the display screen 16 of the device. The authentication information may be provided to the machine by the user inserting a membership card 340 or a payment card into a card slot (not shown) of the device. Alternatively, the device may be equipped with a fingerprint or retina scanning system and the user may provide the authentication information by scanning a fingerprint or retina. Alternatively, the user may enter a password, signature, a series of gestures or a voice signature into the device through the user interface 20.

[0076] At step 410, an authentication check is performed based on the authentication information provided by the user and information from the user device connected to the appliance. As explained, during the registration process, the user's account is associated with both information identifying the user's smoking device and authentication information. When the device is connected to an input of the appliance, information identifying the device is uploaded to the appliance. This information is sent to the central server 200 along with a request for associated authentication information stored in the registration database 210. The central server 200 extracts the requested authentication information and sends it to the appliance. The appliance then compares the authentication information entered by the user with the authentication information received from the central server. If they match, the user is authenticated and the process moves to steps 415 and 420.

[0077] At step 415, the appliance performs an electrical check of the device connected to the input port. This electrical check may include a software check. Concurrent with the electrical check, the appliance may perform a rapid charge of the battery in the electrically operated smoking device. This is illustrated in step 420. During or following the electrical check at step 415, usage data stored in the device is uploaded to the appliance. The usage data may include details of the usage pattern of the device since the last electrical check.

[0078] At step 430, the instrument generates an inspection report detailing the electrical and software systems inspected and indicating a diagnosis of any malfunctions or abnormal findings. At step 435, the report is displayed to the user on the instrument's screen 16 in a user-friendly format. Alternatively, or in addition, the report may be sent to the user device 300, 310, 320 for display on the user device. The report may include recommended actions such as "perform software update", "reset device" or "replace device". Concurrently, at step 440, the inspection report is uploaded to the central server 200 along with the usage data for storage in the service database 230.

[0079] Once the report has been generated and displayed to the user, the user may disconnect the electrically operated smoking device 30 from the input port 12. A message may be displayed on the screen 16 indicating that the device may be disconnected. The appliance detects that the device has been disconnected at step 445 and stops the battery charging process.

[0080] However, the user may select one of the recommended actions on the vending and service machine. For example, if the recommended action is to update the device's software or to reset the user software, the user may leave the electrically operated smoking device 30 connected to the device and use a user interface on the device to perform the software update or reset. For example, at step 450, the user may order a software update using the user interface 20. The device may then perform an automatic software update at step 455 before the user disconnects the electrically operated smoking device from the input port.

[0081] The recommended action may be to order a replacement part, such as a replacement battery. The instrument may have an inventory of replacement batteries so that a user may order a replacement battery from the instrument in step 450. The replacement battery is then dispensed into the product output tray 14 in step 455.

[0082] The recommended action may be to replace the entire device since the defective components cannot be easily replaced by the customer. In that case, the user may order a replacement device from the tool. As part of obtaining the replacement device, the user may need to place the defective device in the product return tray 27. In step 460, the tool detects the returned device and in step 465, the replacement device is distributed by the distribution mechanism 28 to the product output tray 14. In exchange for returning the defective device, the user may be provided with a replacement device at a reduced cost or free of charge.

[0083] To obtain replacement parts, replacement equipment or software updates, the user may be required to make a payment. Payment may be made at the appliance using cash or a payment card, or using a user account set up during the registration process.

[0084] At step 470 the process ends.

[0085] In the process of servicing the equipment and obtaining usage data and selling replacement products and parts, the appliance and central server 200 receive data on the location and consumption habits of registered users. This information is not stored or passed on to third parties without the user's explicit consent. Usage data and inspection reports are generated anonymously, cannot be traced back to a specific registered user, and are intended to be used solely for technical research and development purposes.

[0086] The benefit to the end user of the described system is that defective equipment can be quickly and conveniently serviced, and either corrected or a replacement equipment can be quickly provided to the user so that the time the user is without a properly functioning equipment is minimized.

[0087] A benefit to manufacturers and retailers of the described system is that it allows the system to collect a large amount of statistical data about device usage and the occurrence of malfunctions. By correlating usage data with specific malfunctions, manufacturers can identify areas of weakness within the device and potential areas of device misuse. This can be used to develop more robust hardware and software and improve user instructions.

[0088] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a vending system according to another aspect of the present invention. Vending machines 510, 520 and 530 are connected to a central server 500 via the Internet 100. Although three vending machines are shown in Figure 5, the system may include any number of vending machines. Similarly, user devices 300, 310, 320 are connected to the central server 500 via the Internet 100. The central server is connected to a registration database 210, which stores user registration and authentication data, and an inventory database 220, which stores vending machine location and inventory data.

[0089] The user devices may include any network-enabled device, but are typically smart phones, tablet computers, notebook computers, and desktop computers. In this embodiment, each user device requires a screen to display ordering option information to the user. The user devices may connect to the Internet by any means, such as a wireless or cable connection.

[0090] Vending machines 510, 520, 530 are configured to communicate with a central server 500 to exchange inventory and order information, and to exchange user information associated with registered users who place orders on the system.

[0091] At the broadest level, a user device can send an order for products for an electronically operated smoking system to the central server 500. The central server then sends details of the vending machine where the order can be collected to the user device. When the user collects the order at the vending machine, the user must provide authentication information to the machine and if the authentication information matches authentication information held in the database 210, the vending machine will provide the ordered product to the user. In this way, users can obtain products in a convenient manner, but it is ensured, as far as possible, that only authorised users can purchase products.

[0092] Figure 6a illustrates a vending machine 600 which may be used in the system illustrated in Figure 5. The control elements of the vending machine 600 are illustrated diagrammatically in Figure 6b. The vending machine comprises a controller 622, a user interface 620, a product dispensing mechanism 628 and a network interface 611.

[0093] The user interface includes a screen 616, input buttons 618 that allow the user to select options presented on the screen 616, and a card slot 615 configured to receive a user membership, payment or identity card. The product dispensing mechanism 628 includes an output tray 614 from which products are dispensed, and may optionally include an input tray 627 for receiving products that the user wishes to return.

[0094] In this example, the products held within the vending machine include replacement liquid cartridges, new smoking devices, replacement tobacco sticks for heated tobacco systems, replacement heater elements and replacement mouthpieces.

[0095] Before a user can use the system depicted in FIG. 5, the user must register with the system and set up a user account. Part of the registration process includes providing proof of identity, and in particular proof of age. During the registration process, authentication information is also associated with the user. The authentication information may be provided by the user in the form of a password, biometric information, or a voice signature. Alternatively, the authentication information may be provided to the user by the central server 500 in the form of, for example, a membership card 340 carrying a machine-readable authentication code, or a payment card or credit card (as shown in FIG. 5).

[0096] The registration process may include providing payment details to allow for quicker subsequent purchase of products. The registration process may also be performed for a specific user device such that the user may be identified by a code, serial number, or address associated with that device.

[0097] A first method of operation of the system of Figure 5 will now be described in more detail with reference to Figure 9. In Figure 9, there is illustrated, in sequence, the steps taken by a user, the steps taken by the central server 500, and the steps taken by a selected vending machine.

[0098] In a first step 900, a user opens an app or web page on a device associated with the vending system. When the app is opened, the user identification and location of the user device are automatically transmitted over the network to the central server 500. This is illustrated in step 905.

[0099] In response, at step 910, the central server transmits to the user device an indication of available products and an indication of vending machines near the user device where those products are available. This information is drawn from the inventory database 220. Figure 7 illustrates a map displayed on the user device 300, including icons indicating the locations of the vending machines.

[0100] In step 915, the user selects the product they wish to purchase and the vending machine from which they wish to collect the product. The user can select the product(s) they wish to purchase from the screen of the user device. This type of interface is familiar from online shopping apps and websites. FIG. 8 illustrates a user's order as displayed on the user device 300, similar to a traditional online shopping shopping basket. The order includes the selection of a particular vending machine. The user can select a particular vending machine on the map as the machine from which they wish to collect the order, as shown in FIG. 7. The order is then sent to and received by the central server 500.

[0101] At step 920, the central server processes the order and sends a request for price and payment information for the order to the user device. At step 925, the user provides or confirms payment information to the central server. At step 930, the central server 500 sends a confirmation or receipt of the order to the user device.

[0102] In step 935, the central server transmits the order information, including the user identification information, to the selected vending machine. The vending machine then reserves the ordered product for a period of time (e.g., 24 hours). If the product is not collected from the vending machine within 24 hours, the order is canceled and the product in the vending machine is made available for purchase again.

[0103] At step 940, the user enters their user identification or order number at the selected vending machine. In this example, this is done by inserting a membership card into slot 615, but may be done in other ways, for example, by using a keypad, a touch screen, or by scanning a receipt at the vending machine. The vending machine then prompts the user for authentication information at step 405. The user provides the authentication information to the machine at step 942. This may be done automatically, since the authentication information is stored on the membership card along with the user identification information. Alternatively, the vending machine may be equipped with a fingerprint or retina scanning system and the user may provide the authentication information by scanning their fingerprint or retina. Alternatively, the user may enter a password, signature, a series of gestures, or a voice signature into the vending machine.

[0104] At step 945, the vending machine sends the user authentication information along with the user identification information to the central server 500. At step 950, the central server compares the authentication information from the vending machine to the authentication information associated with the user identification information in the registration database 210. If the authentication information from the vending machine matches the authentication information stored in the registration database, the user is authenticated. If there is no match, authentication of the user fails. At step 955, the central server sends the results of the authentication process to the vending machine. If the user is successfully authenticated, at step 960, the machine dispenses the ordered product to the user. If the user is not authenticated, the user is notified on screen 616 and given an opportunity to provide authentication information again.

[0105] After the product has been dispensed to the user, at step 960 the vending machine sends an inventory update message to the central server so that the inventory database 220 can be updated to reflect the inventory levels within the vending machine at step 965.

[0106] A second method of operation of the system illustrated in FIG. 5 is also possible. This is illustrated in FIG. 10. In the second method of operation, most of the steps are identical to those illustrated and described in FIG. 9 and are indicated with the same reference numbers. For the sake of brevity, these identical steps will not be described again. However, in the method illustrated in FIG. 10, a step is performed in the vending machine of comparing the authentication information provided in the vending machine with the authentication information stored in the registration database 210. This means that step 935 of the method in FIG. 9 is replaced by step 970. In step 970, not only the order information and the user identification information are transmitted to the vending machine, but also the associated user authentication information. Then, instead of requiring steps 945, 950 and 955 (where the authentication information is transmitted from the vending machine to the central server, the authentication check is performed in the central server, and the result of the authentication check is transmitted back to the vending machine), an authentication check is performed in the vending machine as indicated by step 975.

[0107] In the process of selling products in this way, the central server 500 receives data on the location and consumption habits of registered users. This information is not stored or passed on to third parties without the user's explicit consent. Generally, it is only retained for a short period after the completion of each order in case the dispensed product is the subject of a customer complaint, and is then deleted.

[0108] Of course, the described embodiments are illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications can be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the general scope of the invention.

Claims

1. 1. A vending machine for products for an electrically operated smoking system, comprising: Several products for electrically operated smoking systems; a dispensing mechanism for dispensing one or more of the plurality of products; a controller connected to the distribution mechanism; a network interface connected to the controller; a local interface connected to the controller; Equipped with the controller is configured to receive authentication information from a user via the local interface, receive order information along with associated authentication information and registered user identification information via the network interface, and, if the authentication information received from the user via the local interface matches the authentication information received via the network interface, activate a dispensing mechanism to dispense a product associated with the order information, wherein the registered user identification information includes a user age. Vending machine.

2. 1. A vending machine for products for an electrically operated smoking system, comprising: Several products for electrically operated smoking systems; a dispensing mechanism for dispensing one or more of the plurality of products; a controller connected to the distribution mechanism; a network interface connected to the controller; a local interface connected to the controller; Equipped with the controller is configured to receive authentication information from a user via the local interface, transmit the authentication information from the user to a remote server via the network interface, receive order information associated with the authentication information from the remote server via the network interface, and activate a dispensing mechanism to dispense products associated with the order information, the network interface being configured to transmit information about products for the electrically operated smoking system stored within the vending machine to the remote server to enable the remote server to determine inventory levels within the vending machine. Vending machine.

3. 3. The vending machine of claim 1 or 2, wherein the local interface comprises two different interface mechanisms.

4. 4. The vending machine of claim 3, wherein the controller is configured to receive user identification information from the user via an interface mechanism of the local interface that is different from the user's authentication information received from the user via the local interface.

5. The vending machine of claim 2 , wherein the controller is configured to receive registered user identification information via the network interface, the registered user identification information including a user age.

6. The vending machine of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the local interface comprises an image scanner, a short-range communication protocol wireless receiver, a touch screen or keypad, a biometric scanner or a chip card reader.

7. 3. The vending machine of claim 2, further comprising a product return entrance.

8. 8. The vending machine of claim 7, wherein the controller is configured to identify a product inserted into the product return entrance and transmit a representation of the product inserted into the product return entrance along with associated user identification or authentication information to a remote server.

9. The vending machine of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the plurality of products include at least one of a replacement liquid cartridge, a replacement battery, a replacement tobacco stick for a heated tobacco system, a replacement heater element, or a replacement mouthpiece.

10. 10. The vending machine of claim 1, wherein the network interface is configured to transmit information about products for the electrically operated smoking system stored within the vending machine to a remote server to enable the remote server to determine inventory levels within the vending machine.

11. A vending machine as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the authentication information comprises a password, biometric information, coded information on a membership or payment card, or a code or information associated with a user device.

12. 11. The vending machine of claim 2, 5, 7, 8 or 10, wherein the data network connecting the vending machine to the remote server is the Internet.

13. 13. The vending machine of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the local interface includes a screen, input buttons that enable a user to select options presented on the screen, and a card slot configured to receive a user membership card, payment card or identity card.

14. A vending machine as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the dispensing mechanism includes an output tray into which product is dispensed.

15. To provide maintenance services for electrically operated smoking devices, an input including an electrical connector configured to engage electrical contacts on an electrically operated smoking device; A vending machine as described in any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the controller is connected to the input and configured to automatically perform an electrical inspection of the electrically operated smoking device when the electrically operated smoking device is connected to the input, and configured to provide an inspection report based on the results of the electrical inspection, or perform a software update or a software reset of the electrically operated smoking device, or both provide an inspection report and perform a software update or a software reset of the electrically operated smoking device.

Images